Middletown transcript., 1920-07-17
DIGNIF|ED PAULINE
BY r. BARKER.

that name so. I'd be Miss Pauline /
/ was rich" A becoming pout endet
her words.
swell, I myself, am 1eary. hav,
given several lessons in music today
You have too high notions for a poo
girl. and are too dignified to be Away!
agreeable. You should be satisfied
with your lot"
|. Don't preach" said Pauline, as sh(
pursed her lips, habit Of hers wher
she was displeased. I'm not hungry
The girl did not move and after a loni
silence she cried out: "HOw still anG
lonely the house is with ma and pa
away. What shall we do this LONELY
evening? I'll tell you what I'd like tc
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 dining-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 it. Just then
they were interrupted by ring at 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 to stay to tea.
The meal passed off pleasantly. Ray
Burlington assured the ladies 1T 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 him?"
queried Esther, the next day.
"Well," with indifference, IT think
he is particularly good looking and has
charming personality. Why! did you
notice how he stared at me when in
trOduced. I thought he was about to
say, we have met before"
p mo, Polly, but I saw the blush on
your face"
The days had mellowed by. The eve
nfngs 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 a 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 vas about to visit
neighbor she met Ray outside the
door.
"Going out?' he asked, pleasantly.
"Yes," 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 a loud cry: "Hello, Polly! hal
ha! hap The girl stood speeches..
Then she stepped inside and almost
fell over a large cage in which was q
beautiful green parrot.
"A present from Ray to his moth
err explained Mrs. Grant; 1--WE thought
it 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 match for Mr..
Burlington; his cigar had gone 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 1
thing" she unused. She stepped out,
but all was still. Was it a pane Of
Jealousy that touched her heart? What
could he and Esther find to talk aboutf
She was willing to acknowledge her
mistake if he would but listen.
Burlington flung his cigar away as
he arose. He reached out his hand as
he neared the girl. II came to say
good-by, Miss Pauline. I 60 home in
few days."
$50 soon?" she whispered>D
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 T know
now that they will always haunt me-"
ooh, don't CO." 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. twill
you always keep green spot in men,
DRY for me? You ask me not to go.
Why"
Because ~" Her dreamy blue
eyes were moist, but her light, wavy
hair almost hid them.
IF remain a week longer, will you
30 back to New York with me as my |
wife2" asked Burlington.
Pauline was happy. She looked uD>
into his face, whispering: Eyes! And |
ron NAV Cnll me Polly. now"