Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1921-01-21
PAT
BY AGNES q. eRooAN.
"a. 1870, Western Newspaper Union.

cord between Delaney Vane and his
sister Sue. In all else they were in
perfect unity. Sue despised dogs
with an experience born Of long suf-
fering from DeLancy's many boyhood
pets, and Delaney himself dlsliked
girls as much as his sister loved them.
Long ago he had adopted, In de-
Tense, manner Of dlgnlfled aloofness,
which, with his precise courtesy, was
supposed to impress the frivolous
minded with awe. And the adopted
manner In time became habit. Sue,
herself, in all her happy plump COM
placence was unable to break down
the wall Of frigidity between when her
brother chose to erect 1t. Yet the
clever man had many admirers, and
Professor vanes presence as lecturer
or guest was eagerly sought. He felt
the loneliness Of his bachelorhood for
the first time when Miss Sue insisted
upon leaving him to the care Of the
housekeeper while she enjoyed long
desired visit in the nearby city.
Delaney was so lonely that his mind
reverted to past canine pets and their
comforting companionship, and when
Saunders at the club mentioned some
Irish setter pups which he had located
and intended buying, Delaney daring
ly made an offer for one of the dogs,
hoping to have 1t installed and trained
to the avoidance Of certain cushions
and chairs before Sue returned. Her
kind heart, he knew, would not de-
mand the animals dismissal. Saun-
ders promised his friend that the dog
would be forwarded, So, upon n
humid summer morning, the professor
exchanged his strictly correct attire
for old outing toys and proceeded to
cut the grass. Delaney was handed
telegram as he moved the back
lawn. It's wording was brief:
meet Pat at trolley station IL rs
a. m. this (Tuesday) morning. See
you later s."
1t was now ten o'clock. The dog
would soon arrive. Delaney consld-
cred the best means of conveying the
animal from the distant suburban sta
tiOn to his home. The only practical
solution seemed the light cart which
Tom, the gardener, kept for home
trucking. He had not long to wait for
the incoming train and Immediately
sought the baggage room. No dog was
there; that was evident. At the last
moment Saunders must have met with
some difficulty In sending on his
charge. Perhaps he would wire again.
The professor decided to go home and
see. As lie buried along, hands thrust
into the pockets of his solled khaki
trousers, pretty woman standing be-
fore him, obstructed his way
"Wait minute" she ordered.
"Were you sent her to meet me? / am
Miss Powers"
Delaney confusedly declared that
he had not been sent Confusion was
foreign to the professor His assured
manner appeared to have departed
with the assurance Of proper attire.
The young woman rumlnated, and the
Illuminating brought certain deep and
charming glints to her already charm
ing eyes
well" she remarked casually. at
really doesn't matter; you may drive
me out to Park Heights. When we are
near the residence section I will get
down and walk the rest Of the way"
She was searching, as she spoke, In
n sllk-lined purse and, holding out to
Delaney Vane a dollar bill, climbed
TO place on the seat Of the cart. As
he hesitated the gllntlng blue eyes
grew troubled.
"Ohl Perhaps" said Miss Powers,
"you do not happen to be going my
way. just thought II you we're"
"You would not care to ride in
wagon" Delaney suggested tentative
ly. Strangely enough he was hoping
that she would.
Bother about the wagon" laughed
the girl. 81 wanted to find something
different In the country"
SO the professor took his seat beside
her.
~ came, you see" she explained,
"for visit. Miss Vane is the dearest
SOUL and invited me to come back with
her. But at the last moment she was
persuaded to remain over for an en-
tertainment, and sent me on ahead.
She wired her brother, the professor,
TO meet me, but"
Miss Powers smiled. From what
have heard, meeting young women Is
not his forte" she said.
Delaney drew up the horse In the
middle Of the road and bent to stare
into the girls face.
"what," he asked, "is your full
name. II may known
The blue eyes regarded him wonder
ingly.
Patricia Powers" the girl replied.
Professor Vane smiled. His friends
would have been surprised at the boy
ishness Of that smile.
"Sne's letters have been full of q GER
tain Patricia, ] recollcct," he unused.
"'Pet' think she called her. 1t must
have been her telegram that received
this morning, after ALL"
He actually chuckled.
"And l came down to meet Pat
with the trucking wagon"
But | don't understand" said the
girl.
"Of course you don't" this new JOY
Gus Delaney told her "You will,
though, before we reach home. I'm
going to drive you way round the
park"
Professor Vane no longer dlsllkes
young women. In fact, where Miss