The Monte Vista journal., 1912-10-12
II POLLY'S DESCENT
'e Was 0Id-Fashloned, But
Knew cupid's Way.
BY izoLA FORESTER.

80 A0hAA0i Va AOSt0Aos
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 l were engaged. too. 10 some
body would send me one like that.
Ill never be II ! stay here all my
life playing maid to Geraldine. and
r,,-fthand girl to Aunt Margaret.
wish. II l ever did have one all my
very own. 1t would say ON It. To Betty
from Jack"
The last was in q whisper. Be-
hind her came Aunt Margaret down.
stairs, eyeglasses At the proper an.
gle. serene and well poised a. 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 IT,"
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"
Sesy eSOOu Bull lOE u ulOm0uIp lOOA'
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 1t, 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 fiippant, Jack. The shock
II quite bad enough. l have a letter
from your fathers sister Polly. A
most impossible sort Of an old per
son. Jack. l have not seen her in
over fifteen years. not since your
father made his fortune out of Pot.
tors Pure Pellets. She lived on q
farm somewhere mp in Connecticut.
Yorr father was born there, but he
got away from the environment a.
soon - he could fairly toddle."
Jack laughed. and took the letter
Tho writing was q bit quavering and
uncertain. but he made it out. It was
. simple. heartful letter. full Of sin
cerity. and . reaching out after ones
own people.
.'D~ar aaster Mazda" II r.aA ..Y h.v.
been thinking Of you and the children
Tor some time, ana I do want 10 SO
sssins e ycH weren't Give. to visiuns.
s : =: ss:s::.i s: s: Il: .ss 81.
my heart Strings begin to twensie after
some Of my own nssh and blood a.
Hoping this inds you all In good
70 - In your mid.s shortiy. i me rsnsin. on'
"Poiis Ann Potter"
Geraldine came In dressed for her
morning walk through the park She
was Q tall. pretty girl. rather pallid.
but sweet faced. and veil bred.
who's Betty helping out Of the
cab. motherf" she asked. 1T looks
Ike Noah's great-grandmother."
Jack, am going to faint" q.
claimed Mrs. Potter.
Buck up. mumsie. and be decent"
warned Jack, ~ he opened the door,
and faced Betty. loaded with two
large covered baskets. and an ancient
black leather travelling bag. Bstty's
face was radiant.
Here's Aunt Polly!" she an.
nounced.
Behind her stood the oldest figure.
A. Geraldine said afterwards. she did
not think there were any people like
Aunt Polly left in the world. Tall
and spare. head well up, with q wide.
genial smile that took in all creation
In its approval. she had happy gray
eyes and crinky gray hair parted In
the middle and drawn down over her
ears.
We'll. how are you. folks!" she
exclaimed. her voice trembling with
tears. Bless my heart and soul, it's
so good to see you all. How your
chicks have grown. sister. Been
afeedin them the pellets REGULAR"
Betty, take your aunt's parcels up
to the gray chamber. How do You
do. Polly. You are very welcome. :"
Mrs. Potter closed her eyes as a mar.
tyr should. and pressed 4 bird peck
on the wrinkled cheek nearest her.
Betty. child. you let them sstchels
and things OF mine Alone" ordered
Aunt Polly. vigorously. II never let
folks walt on me. Well. Maggie. how
be ye. anyhow You look sort of
pindlin'. You'll have to speak I'M
| Iouder 'causa nv hoo r,n~,. ao.....