The Pulaskian., 1920-02-06
DlGNiFIED PAULINE
By H. BARKER.

sighed anu asked. ' was
 Everything" was the peeyisb an. sWer. Pm sick and tired of fieures II IS Polly do this and Polly do that rom morning till night, and I hate that name so. I'd be Miss Pauline, if | was rich" A becoming pout ended her words.
 Well, l myself, am weary. I have given several lessons in music today You have too high notions for a poor girl, and are too dignifed 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 displeased. '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 I embroidered this summer? I'm just dying to see it in it's 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 ''it 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, "I 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.'"
 'No, Polly, but I 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 q 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 coolness to Burlington when he called was perplexing to her sister. One evening as she was 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 a 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! hal" The girl stood speeches.. Then she stepped inside and almost fell over a large cage in which was a beautiful green parrot.
 "A present from Ray to his moth err explained Mrs. Grant; i've thought 1t was the congressman"
 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 humiliated. She met Esther In the kitchen getting a match for MT. 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. "I wish he'd say some thing" she unused. She stepped out, but all was still. Was it a pang 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. "I came to say good-by. Miss Pauline. go home Tn a few days"
 "So soon?" she whispered.
 He took her hands in his and looked into her face. Miss Ayre, l am pleased that I met you. A pair of blue eyes have been before me for years l am