The Lamar register., 1920-03-24
DlGNiFIED PAULINE
BY II. BARKER.

| when her sister Pauline returned from
work. The girl sank into II chair and
| sighed.
"What troubles you, Pollyf" was
asked.
Everything" WAS the peevIsh an
swer. I'm sick and tired Of figures.
1t IS Polly do This and Polly do that
from morning till night and / hate
that name so. I'd be Miss Pauline If
| ! was rich" A becoming pout ended
her words.
We'll, ! myself. am weary. / have
given several lessons in music today.
You have too high notions for poor
girl. and are too dlgnified to he always
agreeable. You should be satisfied
with your lot"
Don't preach" said Pauline, as she
purScd her lips. habit Of hers when
she was diSpleased "Tm not hungry"
The girl did not move and after a 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 | embroidered this summer? I'm
just dying to see it In its place. Sup
pose we set the dlning-room table and
get out mas hest dishes
Esther acted on her suggestion. The
table was soon spread and the girls
stepped back 10 admire il. Just then
they We're interrupted by Il ring at the
door. Pauline quickly answered and
the callers We're 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 on pleasantly. Ray
Burlington assured the ladies "it wa.
an unexpected pleasure" and he was
Charmed 10 meet Miss Esther and
Miss Paullne, Of whom my aunt had 50
often spoken In letters"
what do You think of him"
querled Esther, the next day.
well" with Indifference, 81 think
he is particularly good looking and has
q charming personality. Why did you
notice how he stared at me when IN
, troduced. thought lie was about to
say. We have met before"
NO, Polly. but | saw the blush or
your face"
The days had mellowed by. The eve
nlnes had been enjoyed with music
and visits TO the theater. Alone, Pau
line ana Ray had walks when dusk
had crspt 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
l closed blinds saying: Hello. Polly"
And on other days the salute was re-
/ peatcd. The familiarity on such short
acquaintance displeased the girl Her
sudden coolness TO Darlington when he
called was perpleXing to her sister.
| one evening as she was about to visit
I II neighhor She met Ray outside the
door.
Going outf" lac asked, pleasantly.
Yes" was the quick answer. but
my sister Is at home; walk in"
Pauline left the door njar and ran
down the steps.
Later she was asked by her aunt to
| deliver a message to Mrs. Grant; Mt
Q UE~I sue hNlttltu- Nllf sun was
/ peeyed. but kept her secret from her
/ sister for fear of rebuke-but she re-
/ Tented. When she reached the place
I She heard voices and loud laughter in
/ the hall She rang the bell and out
/ came a loud cry: Hello, Polly ha
7 Ia, hn 80 The girl stood speechlesS.
/ Then she stepped inside and almost
1 fell over a large cage In which was Il
beautiful green parrot.
- present from Ray 10 his moth
/ er" explained Mrs. Grant; eve thought
| II was the evprcsSunn."
Pauline dld not finish her office work
I I'M late that day. When she reached
her home Ms she passed in, the faint
( odor nf fragrant cigar still fingered.
She felt humilatcd. She met Esther
Z in the kitchen getting a match for Mr..
Eufington; his cigar had gone out
while they We're talking. she said.
u'nrn Pauline grew calm she ap-
posraI iu the doorway. Her sister en-
t-rri th,. huu g 10 attend 10 the dishes.
. The vlsltor SAT among The shadows
ou the porch. Il wish he'd -siy some
thine" she muscd. She stepped out.
luf an wa. ~fU Wn~ Il q pnue IT
IeHIursy thut tnucl r' her heart? What
c"s'd l0 nn1 Esther ind to tnlk nhnu
Slp 'ypA willing IA uchuuulr1sc her