Holbrook argus., 1912-02-13
CHESTNUT
 LODGE
By A. Maria Crawford

that 1 came a day before your other guests, Aunt Phoebe. It gives me an opportunity to have comfortable talk with you
 Bob Gaines Is coming this after headache doesn't get better, l will be compelled to leave you two to en- tertain each other"
 Bob Gaines of all people! be- lieve 1 will catch your headache, mosned Polly Isn't 1t too bad that we dislike each other when you love us both and want to pair Us off like cooing doves?"
 There is one thing that puzzles me, Polly. You have never seen Bob he has never caught a glimpse of you, yet you claim that hate boils In your hearts. It isn't reasonable mere prejudice, Somebody carried tales, yet neither of you will give the culprit away"
 Polly glanced up at her Aunt Phoebe with mischief lurking in her blue eyes. What will you give me to make this young person change his opinion of me? Chestnut lodge?'
 That's not fair, Polly. have willed you everything l have except this house and grounds, l promised it to Bob when he was thirty and can't go back on my promise. The fact of the matter is that l have had it attended to legally, Bob Cets the place next year"
 This house is the only thing in the world that actually want. Look at these high ceilings. this wainscoat- 1 Ing, the beautiful old mahogany and rosewood furniture, the rugs-all to go to a man that I despise! Why do you love him so, Aunt Phoebe? He isn't related in any way and I am your own sisters child"
 Aunt Phoebe sat looking pensively In the fire where the big logs were blazing. Her face, crowned with its soft white hair, appeared singularly youthful and there was reminiscent tenderness in her eyes.
 Polly" she said, T am going to tell you why love Bob Gaines and why expect to give to him this house next year. He will be thirty then. His father courted me in this very room. I loved him, but I was fool ish young thing and hirted with everybody. You remind me of what I was in those days. He said that If l loved him I must give up all my other admirers. We quarreled about 1t and-and he married Bob's mother #
 "Qh, Aunt Phoebe dear, I didn't dream of anything like that. How often ]. .gsist have hurt you! How true you hayesBeen through all these long, lonely years-true just to g memory. :. fhaE2s,j, said Polly softly her arms, Ftightz about the straight aristocratic cid figure,s this is what I call love! Eyetythipg1 in this room Is suddenly ragrantswith romance
 Miss Phoebe smiled at the eager young face so near her own;
 Be kind to Bob zwhen he comes It is almost dark now, and goot nights sleep is what I need. My headache Is really severe" .:
 Polly changed her Aaae|i.hs dress for filmy little gown that looked al if 1t had been made WEmoonlight The, diamonds on her breast gleamet like stars in a summer sky. Why did she feel so antagonistic to Bol Gaines? She sat musing In the grea chair that Miss Phoebe always oc cupied when sh was downstairs. was all because of a chance remarl of the mans, made soon after the an nouncement that Polly Moore would inherit all her Aunt Phoebe's estate that Is, everything except Chestnu Lodge. the beautiful stone hous. built on 8 farm. Edith Tyson hac told Polly what Bob Gaines was re puted to have said at his club.
 "I suppose people will say that ought to hunt up Polly Moore ant marry her to get the rest of Mist Phoebe's wealth, but no spoiled fir for me"
 Well" Polly had answered wher Edith had repeated the remark. "th. next time you see that young mar please say that I would rather be al old maid than to marry an Idle. red headed Irishmsn. Aunt Phoebe tolC me his hair was red"
 The message had been promptl, delivered, and Polly and Bob hat thereafter avoided each other.
 When James switched on the lightr in the hall Polly saw a good looking stranger standing there. a suitcas, beside him. His hair, she noticed with a start of surprise. was not red but brown.
 When he had made himself pre- sentable and entered the drawinf room, Polly extended her hand cor dially.
 Al last we meet, Mir. Gaines. am Polly Moore, ss you probabl, know"
 One of the maids tells me ths your aunt Is indisposed. am ver, sorry. but at the same time a little glad for It gives me a nice lonI evening with you"