Arizona republican., 1911-06-18
P0LLY00LY AND THE LUMP
BY Edgar Jepson.
Copyright, 1909. by the Pearson Pub
fishing Company.

When Ronald arrived at one o'clock
next day. he found her ready 10 go out,
the Lump already in the safe-keeping
of an acquaintance. Ronald smiled at
her with a great contentment, for she
was looking her most angelic: and on
their way down the stairs, he put his
arm round her clumsily and kissed
her
Pollyooly flushed a little. but re-
turned his kiss frankly; then she said.
It's funny. But | don't often get
kissed except by the Lump"
Il don't care about kissing myself
much. In fact, hate having women
soldering over me. But. somehow,
you're different" said Ronald, thought
fully.
Il like it. rather" said Pollyooly.
Aunt Hannah used TO kiss me. Of
course; but she's dead. And the Es-
meralda used TO kiss me when | was
dancing with her; but she's gone TO
Paris and Berlin"
The Esmeraldal You danced with
the Esmeralda?" cried Ronald.
Yes; at the Varolium; and | got a
pound a week for six weeks. It's
saved-in the Post Office Savings
Bank" said Pollyooly. with natural
pride.
You were that kid! The fairy in
'Titania's Awakening Why. I've
heard no end about you, Half-a-dozen
of the fellows talked about nothing
else for days after the mid-term holt
day Lascelles minor went TO see you
four times. and Garruthers minor
three; and they wrote TO you
Yes; did get lot Of letters and
boxes of chocolates, said PollyOOly.
Ronald laughed joyfully, and said in
a tone OF great triumph. BY JOve.
wonder what they'll say when they
hear that ! know you and we've been
going about together" He kissed her
again in the fullness of his heart.
Fancy your not telling me that soon
er, Most girls would have told NE
first thing
We were talking about you and the
Court ali yesterday" said POllyOOlS
simply But when | grow up. I'm
going to be a dancer like the Esmer-
aida myself I'm working ct 1t, and
the Esmeralda is paying for my train
ing"
At the bottom Of the stairs they
came TO a standstill: Ronald could
not discuss this important matter.
moving.
SO you've really been on the stage.
he said. knitting his brow in thought
full frown. Il tell you what: ever
since YOU were al the Court I've been
thinking that you're the kind Of girl
| should like 10 marry. In fact, you re
The only girl | ever felt that about
But when found you were John Ruff
fms housekeeper, l was a good deal
put Off"
It's a position of dignity; he said
So" Pollyooly interrupted in a very
firm tone.
yes but fellows don't marry house
keepers. But il you're going on the
stage-dancing, too-that makes ii all
right. Lots of fellows marry girls on
the stage-in the choruses of musical
comedy"
They can't dance for nuts" inter
rupted Pollyooly. mindful Of the Es
meralda's structures on that deserving
but incompetent class.
Il dare say not; but they're on the
stage. so fellows can marry them
And can marry you, if you're going
on the stage. Don't you see?" said
Ronald eagerly.
Yes" said Pollyooly, gravely.
You're sure you don't mind?' said
| Ronald. little anxiOusly.
No: | should like it," said Polly
| ooly. with her angel smile.
Then we might as well be regularly
engaged
"All right" said Pollyooly.
But. of course, we won't get mar
ried till you've been on the stage for a
bit-iust to make 1t quite right he
said. with thoughtful caution.
But I've been on the stage" said
| PollyOoly.
why, of course, what am thinking
about?" cried Ronald. But still
think you'd better go on it again for
a bit before we get married. Ii
mightnt count properly, your being SO
young"
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