The Kenna record. (Kenna, Roosevelt County, N.M.) 190?-1924, 1912-10-04
AUNT POLLY'S DESCENT
She Was 0Id-FaShioned, But
Knew Cupid'S Way.
BY IzcLA FORESTER.

Betty was sweeping the hall when
the bell rang, and the postman hand
ed In a handful of letters.
six for Geraldine" said Betty, sit
ting down on the stairs. "All Valen.
tines. This one feels soft and satiny.
That must be from Mr.. Raleigh.
Wish | we're engaged. too, so some
body would send me one like that.
Ill never be II l stay here all my
life, playing maid to Geraldine, and
right-hand girl to1 Aunt Margaret.
wish, If ever did have one all my
very own, It would say on it, To Betty
from Jack"
The last was in a whisper Be-
hind her came Aunt Margaret down
stairs, eyeglasses at the proper an
gle. serene and well poised as al
ways.
Don't neglect the corners, Betty.
she said,' pleasantly. Has the mail
arrived? oh. yes. For Gertrude!
How popular and loved the child is. "
Certainly" said Betty. vigorously
attacking the\broom once more.
Don't be ungenerous, even in
thought, Betty You had better oil
the staircase too, today"
Betty stood still for a moment, look
Ing after her aunt, but Mrs. Potter
crossed the hall, and went into the
dining room to her late breakfast.
Jack was just finishing his. With
the morning paper propped before
him, he wished his mother a perfume
tory greeting, and went on reading.
Mrs. Potter opened her mail. One let
ter attracted her attention. It was a
curious letter. The envelope was
long and narrow and OF thin, pale
blue paper. with a sort of checkered
effect. She opened it, and glanced
over the first page, and Jack looked
up from his paper at the quick cry
of alarmed surprise.
Who's dead, munster"
Don't be flippant Jack. The shock
is quite bad enough. / have a letter
from your fathers sister Polly. A
most impossible sort of an old per-
son, Jack. have not seen her in
over fifteen years, not since your
Cters Pure Pellets. She lived on
farm somewhere up in Connecticut
Your father was born there, but he
got away from the environment as
soon as he could fairly toddle."
Jack laughed. and took the letter
The writing was a bit quavering and
uncertain, but he made it out. 1t was
a simple, heartful letter, full Of sin
cerity, and reaching out after ones
own people
Dear Sister Maggie" It read, ''I have
been thinking OF you and the children
Tor some time. and / do want to see
seeing as you weren't given to visiting.
thought I'd take time by the fore
IoGk IO;s !, and d,,co come 20 see you. I know you
my heart strings begin to twanEle after
some OF my own flesh and blood as l
Hoping this finds you all in good
to be In your midst Shortly. / Ie remain. MHsuHS
"PoIIy Ann Potter"
Geraldine came in dressed for her
morning walk through the park. She
was tall. pretty girl, rather pallid,
but sweet faced, and well bred.
Who's Betty helping out OF the
cab, mother2" she asked 'It looks
ike Noah's great-grandmother."
Jack, ] am going to faint" ex.
claimed Mrs. Potter
Buck up. mumsie. and be decent"
warned Jack. as he opened the door,
and faced Betty, loaded with two
large covered baskets. and an ancient
black leather travelling bag. Betty's
face was radiant.
Here's Aunt PollyI" she an
nounced
Behind her stood the oldest figure.
AS Geraldine said afterwards. she did
not think there we're any people like
Aunt Polly left in the world. Tall
and spare. head well up, with a wide,
genial smile that took in all creation
in its approval. she had happy gray