Middletown transcript., 1922-04-29
Storm Country Polly
by Grace Miller White
byIiu Browns s.
Copyright BY Little, Brown s. Co.

father. Day by day she had racket
her brains for ways to amuse him, bu
as soon as the novelty Of the play hat
worn off, the old-time cry would be
gin:
"Want to play horse VIII my Daddy
Hopkins! Wee Jerry wants Daddy
Hopkins"
She was looking at him one morn
ing after one Of his spells Of weeping
and wistfully considering If there
might be way to hurry him off tc
Auburn for day. when Evelyn Rob
ertson suddenly appeared in the
shanty door.
For long time Evelyn's conscience
had made her uncomfortable. Even
though her days were exceedingly
busy, the remembrance Of the squatter
girls pale, pleading face. tormented
her. and she was fearful POllyop
might not keep the promise she had
made, and Marcus Mackenzie would
be lost forever.
So astounded was Polly Hopkins to
see the girl that she neglected to ask
her in. Overlooking this, Miss Rob-
ertson stepped into the room in EN-
barrassment.
"Pollyop," she began, catching her
breath, II just had to speak to you.
I'm going to be married to Mr.. McKen-
zie, and came to talk to you about 1t
and-and to bring the baby some
candy"
Her expression grave with surprise,
Polly scrutinized her coldly.
"Jerry'd rather have his Daddy
Hopkins than candy" she retorted,
frowning.'
Miss Robertson drew back a little,
shaking her head.
II couldn't manage that, I'm afraid"
she said soberly, "but-"
Pollyop shifted uneasily.
"Mebbe you could get Old Marc to
say l could take Jerry to Auburn,
then?' she ventured. "Jerry'll die If
he don't see his daddy. He's gettin'
thinner an thinner every day. He's
been yelling like mad all mornin'."
Evelyn pondered on this an instant.
"Yes, could do that, I'm sure" she
answered, smiling broadly. "Td love
to do it, too"
The forlorn droop at the corners
of Polly's mouth disappeared.
"Mebbe, If l could get something to
wear" she hesitated.
1t had never occurred to Miss Rob-
ertson how Pollyop managed for cloth
Ing. She had so much herself she was
blind to another's need; but, as she
had come to demand favor, then per-
haps she had better offer as much as
she could.
Polly" she CALCULATED, you've been
awfully good to me, and you can have
any one of my dresses you want, and
keep it too. And I'll persuade Mr..
Mackenzie to get you a permit to 90
to Auburn"
Polly felt her heart grow big. Then,
after all, she could take Wee Jerry to
his daddy.
II s'spose-I s'spose," she hesitated,
trembling, "you couldn't tell your cous-
in" Her throat caught In sob but
she cleared it, and went on, "just tell
I'm Oscar wasn't my MANI"
Evelyn Robertson had often lived
over the horror Of the minutes when
the shameful secret Of her marriage
to Oscar Bennett was so nearly dis
closed to Robert Percival. More than
once had she congratulated herself
upon the cleverness with which she
had avoided that danger. To be sure
her escape had been at the expense
of Polly's reputation. She regretted
the necessity but reasoned that a good
name could not be much of a loss to
a squatter.
"Of course l couldn't do that" she
returned sharply. "Why-why should
you want"
The squatter girls gaze lifted to
the speakers face, and tears welled
over the fringed lids. Then EVELYN
read the truth; and her eyes glinted
and narrowed.
"Merclful Heavens, you're In love
with my cousin?" she exclaimed. SIS
that what you mean?"
The brown head fell forward. and
fiame-hot face was hidden in the
chestnut curls.
"And he loves you, too" cried Ev-
elyn, in disdain. "What a fool I was
not to discover that before! How per.
fectly awful! That's what has been
the matter with him for months"
She snatched Pollyop's arm and
shook her.
ITS absolutely mad Of you to think
Of my cousin In that way" she con.
tinued, her voice hoarse with fear
Promise me again you'll never tell
him about Oscar?
Pollyop shook her head.
1--WE never told nothin'; I've said
wouldn't" she replied thickly, almost
sulieniy.
Then Evelyn smiled. The dlmples
played hide ana go seek at the cor
neds Of her lovely mouth. The steelv-
blue CLINT faded from her eyes. leay-
ing them the color of heavenly tints.
She was certain her secret was as safe
In the breast Of Polly Hopkins as If
was in the heart of the dead Oscar.
You shall see your father" she
said, dropping her hand, "and you can
have any dress have to wear. Come |!
nj