Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1920-04-01
DIGNIFIED PAULINE
BY n. BAR II Err.


Esther Ayre had supper all ready
when her sister Pauline returned from
work The girl sank into a chair and
sighed.
What troubles you. Pollyr was
asked.
Everything was the peevish an
swer. "Tm sick and tired Of figures.
Ii is Polly do this and Polly do that
from morning till night. and ! hate
that name so. Id be Miss Pauline II
] was rich A becoming pout ended
her words.
well. ! myself, am weary. j have
given several lessons In music today.
You have too high notions for poor
girl, and are TOO dignified 10 be always
agreeable You should hc satisfied
with your lot"
Don't preach said Pauline as she
pursed her lips habit of hers when
she was dspleased. I'm 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 10 see II in it's place. Sup
pose we set the dining room table and
gel out mas best dishes.
Esther acted on her suggestion. The
table was soon spread and The girls
stepped back To admire IL. Just then
they We're interrupted by q ring ~ the
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 10 stay to tea.
The meal passed off pleasantly. Ray
Burlington assured the ladies lit was
an unexpected pleasure" and he was
charmed 10 meet Miss Esther and
Miss Pauline of whom my aunt had SO
often spoken in letters
what do YOU think Of him.
queried Esther. the next day.
We'll" with Indifference. II think
he is particularly good looking and has
charming personality. Why did YOU
notice how he stared at me when in
troduced. thought he Was about 10
say. We have met before.
NO. Polly, but | saw the blush on
your face"
The DAYS had inelowed by. The eve
nings had been enjoyed with music
and visits To the lheater. Alone, Pau
line and Ray had walks when dusk
had crept in under the trees.
Each day. ON her way 10 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
peatcd The familiarity on such short
/ acquaintance displeased the girl Her
/ sudden GOODNESS To Burlington when he
called was pcrpieXing 10 her sister.
! one evening ~ She was about 10 visit
neighhor 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 siar and ran
4 down the steps.
Later she was asked 10y her aunt to
deliver message 10 Mrs. Grant: AT
/ first she objected. She still was
peeved. but kept her secret from her
sister for fear Of rehuke-hut she re
Tented When She reached the place
she heard voices and loud laughter In
the hall She rang the hell and out
came loud cry: Hello. Polly ha
In la 80 The girl stood speechless.
Then she stepped inside and almost
fell over a large cage in which was a
beautiful green parrot
"A presen' from Ray to his moth
er" explained Mrs Grant; I'VE thought
Il was the expreSsman."
Pauline did not finish her office work
til late that day When she reached
hor home. rs She passed in. the faint
odor of fragrant cigar still fingered
She felt Inundated She met Esther
in the kitchen getting match for Mr.
Burlington: his cigar had gone out
When Pauline grew calm She ap.
pcarcd I'm the doorway. Her sister en-
tered ihc house 10 attend 10 the dishes
The visitor sat among the shadows
on thc porch 81 wish he'd say some
thing" she muSed. She stepped out
bur an was still Was il a pang oi
jealousy that touched her heart? What
could he and Esther find 10 talk about
She was willing TO acknowledge her
mistake IL he would but listen.
Burlington flung his cigar away as
he arose. He reached out his hand rs
he neared the girl. 81 came 10 say
good-by Miss Pauline ] go home IN
few days"
$50 soon?" she whispered.
He took her hands in his and looked
into her face Miss Ayre. am pleased
that ! met you. A pair OF blue eyes
have been before me for years. | nm
glad | met the owner of them. ! know
now that they will always haunt me.
ooh. don't 60" she pleaded. -
want 10 tell you something. To ok
plain"
There j. Just one thing for YOU Il
explain" and he drew her closer "Wil
YOU always keep green spot in mem
DRY for me? You ask me not Ia 20
Why
"Because II" Her dreamy blue