The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1910-02-19
By Pony's Aid
BY ELEANOR b. PORTER
Copyright. by Short Stories Co, Ltd.)

His blood was coursing madly
through his veins and he was tinglins
to his finger-tips when Polly opened
the gate before a pretty white cot
tage; but he contrived to walk with
proper sedateness behind his small
guide, who was fairly quivering with
the delightful Importance of the oc-
casfon. He was pacing nervously up
and down the parlor, however, when
Polly disappeared in quest of Aunt
Madge.
Scott Fairfield started quickly for
ward as the door opened. but his Inn
FASHIONED "Madge" died on his lips,
and his outstretched hand dropped to
his side. Polly was leading small,
dark-hafred, bright-eyed woman up to
him and saying:
This is my Aunt Madge. Mr.. Fair
field"
Every vestige of self-possession left
the master of the village school, and
ne stumbled and Numbered in hope
less confusion, while his face went
from white to red. and red to white.
i-er-oh-there is some mistake
ERIN delighted. I'm sure" then
to Polly with wrathful recklessness-
Why. child. you said she was tall
and he stopped short with sud-
den realization of the vivid color that
was staining scarlet the face of the
pretty little woman at his side.
Apparently my niece has been ia,
voring you with my personal descrip-
tion-and the reality disappoints
you," she began frigidly. but with the
suggestion of twinkle in her eyes
there was something wonderfully
iudicrous in the picture of confusion
before her.
The poor man opened his mouth to
speak. but Polly came to his rescue.
Papa said you wouldn't recognize
IT. said she. gleefully.
Recognize what?" questioned Aunt
Madge, turning to Polly in surprise.
Your biography. of course. and
you said it was praising 'em way to
the skies when it wasn't true, tool"
Aunt Madge colored and bit her lip.
and the ghost of smile fiickered for
an instant across the distressed face
OF the man; then he gathered all his
scattered wits and made a mighty eff.
fort.
Il sincerely beg your pardon. The
FAULT was all my own l was led, by
what this little maid said in her biog-
raphy, to think that in her Aunt
Madge had discovered a long-lost
friend. | only hope you will kindly
excuse my awkward stupidity when
Tou realize how great must have been
ny surprise as saw. not my friend,
but an entire stranger enter tho
'oom." Then he turned to Polly with
faint smile. but deep pain far
Town In his eyes. II fear, my dear.
hat my meaning was not quite clear
o you about the biography. I did not |
intend that you should imagine 1t |
H."
i didn't" asserted Polly, stoutly.
I was telling all the time about a
'eautiful lady that love very dear
=. and it's all true. every bit of q
Vord. It's Miss Weston, over at
,ousin Mabers. just wrote about
er for Aunt Madge's biography
hats ALL" added Polly with a sob in
er voice.
she means Madge Weston who is
fsiting my brothers family across
be street: the young lady has sud-
emily become Polly's idol" explained
unit Madge hastily. marveling at the
reat light which transformed the face
the man before her. as the name
assed her lips.
Five minutes later he had mingled
asty adieus and apologies and had
lrned quick steps toward the house
cross the way.
Aunt Madge, with sympathetic lit
e thrill for that other woman's com.
lg Joy, saw through the window the
DOR OF the opposite house open and
lose on Fairfield's stalwart form:
len Polly was surprised with a spas.
lodic hug and fervent kiss from her
sually undemonstrative auntfe.