The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1913-12-26

he did not come. Somebody murmured
of great fire down on the east side.
and Polly guessed at once that her
doctor was down there.
The thought did not bring any
warmth of feeling just then.s She felt
angry with him and jealous OF his
poor people. who always stood be-
| tween them.
! Polly's bright spirits tagged. She
was. looking lovely in her simple white
satin gown, with the string of pink
pearls about her throat and one OF
Franks pink roses tucked In her dark
hair.
| Other suitors might whisper how
| charming she appeared: other girls
might regard her with envy; even her
parents might tell her that never had
she looked so nice. Polly yearned foI
the quick light of appreciation in DIR.
Franks eyes.
When the guests had all departed
and Polly had kissed her father and
mother and assured them that she had
had the loveliest time Of her life she
was left alone in the great drawing
room.
On every side gold framed mirrors
| repeated the reflection Of her charm
| ing person until she appeared to be the
center Of Il bevy Of lovely girls gown
ed in white satin and wearing pink
pearls.
"But he didn't come" whispered
Polly to herself with quivering lips
"He didn't care enough. He would
rather go to his poor people. I don't
believe he cares for pink pearls or any
other kind of jewels. He seems to
like just people. l suppose he would
like me just as well If ] wore pink
glass beads"
1t was Il very thoughtful Polly that
lay awake with wide eyes the next
morning. She wondered what was the
need OF these poor people that they
had such a hold upon Frank Mills.
They were confessedly poor. but her
father could help them. He gave thou
sands to help the poor. Just then there
came half forgotten words to Polly's
recolection
81 was sick and In prison, and ye
comforted me not"
Polly sat up in bed.
1T is the personal touch that helps
almost as much as the money. If we
don't visit them how can we know
their needs? DR.. Frank knows their
sufferings. and it is breaking his heart
because he cannot help them. He
does the best he cam But what am l
doing?"
With this question Polly Newton
hoped out Of bed and dressed in a
whirl OF enthusiasm.
After breakfast she found her father
alone in his study.
Father. dear. l just love the pink
pearls. and | know 1 chose them for
my birthday, but do you care IL 1 sell
them and do something else with the
money!"
Mr.. Newton looked at her blushing
downcast face, on which was it's first
troubled expression. and his indulgent
heart took fire at once.
what is 1t. Polly, girl? Keep your
pearls and let me write check for
whatever you want" He dipped pen
In the ink.
Polly's fingers covered his. "No,
father: it's something | want to dc
with the pink pearls. 1 want to sacri.
fee them for something. You done
care?"
mot in the least darling. l only
want you to be happy"
IL am so grateful, father, dear" and
Polly kissed him soberly and went
away.
That afternoon found her at DR..
Mills shabby Office. He came radiant.
ly to meet her. looking tired about the
eyes and drawn about the mouth. but
glad-glad to see her.
Polly sat down in a worn old chair
and looked contentedly around ut the
book lined walls and the desk Uttered
with papers. index files. boxes and bot
| ties.
1T smells awfuly druggy." She
wrinkled her pretty nose at him; then.
as IL suddenly recollecting her errand.
| Polly drew out leather case and laid
1t on the cluttered desk.
PLEASE give those to your poor peo-
ple," she said gravely.
Miss Newton-PoIly-- can't. 1t is
sweet OF you. but they are yours and
Polly's hand went out in an appeal
| ing gesture.
"Ah. please. please. DR.. Frank. |
never knew before. and I've been think
ing lot about it. Won't you show
me how to feel just as you do toward
| them? l am missing something out of
life. something more than pearls"
A glad light came into the doctors
eyes. His first impulse was to give
the jewels back to her. for he knew
their great value, and he knew that
they gave Polly happiness. and he
loved her. His second impulse was to
drop the case into the inner pocket OF
| his coat.
II cannot thank you for this gener-
GUS gift. Polly" he said gravely. "but
will 1t make you happy to know that
the pearls will help to build a vaca-
ton home for little children and their
| r.