Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1920-04-30
DIGNIFIED PAULINE
BY II. BARKER.


when her sister Pauline returned from
work. The girl sank into chair and
sighed.
"What troubles you, Pollyr was
asked.
Everything" was the peevish an.
swer. I'm sick and tired of figures.
II is Polly do this and Polly do that
from morning till night, and I hate
that name so. I'd be Miss Pauline II
was rich" A becoming pout ended
her words.
swell, myself, am weary. have
given several lessons in music today.
You have too high notions for a poor
girl, and are too dlgnifled to be always
agreeable. You should be satisfied
with your lot"
Don't preach" said Pauline, as she
pursed her lips, habit Of hers when
she was dlspleased. I'm not hungry"
The girl did not move and after long
silence she cried out: "How still and
lonely the house is with ma and pa
away. What shall we do this lonely
EVENING" I'll tell you what I'd like to
do. You remember the pretty table
cover l embroidered this summer2 I'm
just dying to see It in its place. Sup
pose we set the dlning-room table and
get out mas best dishes.
Esther acted on her suggestion. The
table was soon spread and the girls
stepped back to admire 1t. Just then
thnxf int And hxvn al, ~ khn
door. Pauline quickly answered and
the callers were shown into the living
room.
They were Mrs. Grant, an old friend
Of the family, and her guest from New
York, nephew. An urgent invitation
gained their consent to stay to tea.
The meal passed off pleasantly. Ray
Burlington assured the ladies' ut was
an unexpected pleasure" and he was
charmed to meet Miss Esther and
Miss Pauline, Of whom my aunt had so
often spoken In letters"
what do you think of hlmT
querled Esther, the next day.
"Well," with indifference, II think
he is particularly good looking and has
a charming personality. Why did you
notice how he stared at me when In
trOduced. thought he was about to
say, we have met before"
mo, Polly, but l saw the blush on
your face"
The days had mellowed by. The eve
nIngs had been enjoyed with music
and visits TO the theater. Alone, Pau
line and Ray had walks when dusk
had crept In under the trees.
Each day, on her way to the Office,
Pauline passed the home Of the
Grants.
One morning she was surprised on
hearing soft voice from behind
closed blinds saying: Hello, Polly"
And on other days the salute was re-
peated. The familiarity on such short
acquaintance displeased the girl. Her
sudden GOODNESS to Burlington when he
called was perplexing to her sister
One evening as she was about to visit
a neighbor she met Ray outside the
door.
"Going outT he asked, pleasantly.
Eyes" was the quick answer, "but
my sister Is at home walk IN"
Pauline left the door ajar and ran
down the steps.
Later she was asked by her aunt to
deliver message to Mrs. Grant; at
first she objected. She still was
peeved, but kept her secret from her
sister for fear of rebuke-but she re-
Tented. When she reached the place
she heard voices and loud laughter in
the hall. She rang the bell and out
came loud cry: "Hello, Polly ha
ha hap The girl stood speechIess.
Then she stepped inside and almost
fell over large cage in which was a
beautiful green parrot.
"a present from Ray to his moth
err" explained Mrs. Grant; 1--WE thought
1t was the expressman."
Pauline did not finish her office work
till late that day. When she reached
her home, as she passed In, the faint
odor Of fragrant cigar still fingered
She felt Inundated. She met Esther
In the kitchen getting a match for Mr..
IDuhlhbloHI MS ClBhi Hiu kOht Out
while they were talking, she said.
When Pauline grew calm she ap-
peared In the doorway. Her sister en-
tered the house to attend to the dishes.
The visitor sat among the shadows
on The porch. II wish he'd say some
thing" she unused. She stepped out,
but all was still. Was II q pang Of
jealousy that touched her hearth What
could he and Esther find to talk about2
She was willing to acknowledge her
mistake II he would but listen.
Burlington flung his cigar away as
he neared the girl. II came to say
good-by, Miss Pauline. go home In
q few days"
$50 soon" she whispered.
He took her hands In his and looked
into her face. miss Ayre, am pleased
that I met you. A pair Of blue eyes
have been before me for years. I am
glad met the owner Of them. know
now that they will always haunt me-"
"Oh, don't 60" she pleaded. II
want to tell you something. To ex-
plain"
"There is just one thing for you to
explain" and he drew her closer. "WIll
you always keep green spot In mem.
DRY for mef You ask me not to 60
WhyT
"Because IL" Her dreamy blue
eyes were moist, but her light. wavy
hnlr almost hid them.
"If remain week longer. will you
go back TO New York with me as my
wlfef" asked Burlington.
Pauline was happy. She looked up
into his face, Whispering: "Yesi And
you may call me Polly, now"