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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:36:24 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:36:24 -0700 |
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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/11259-0.txt b/11259-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e0882dc --- /dev/null +++ b/11259-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,10284 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11259 *** + +POLLY AND THE PRINCESS + +BY + +EMMA C. DOWD + +AUTHOR OF + +POLLY OF THE HOSPITAL STAFF. +POLLY OF LADY GAY COTTAGE. +DOODLES, ETC. + +ILLUSTRATED + + + +1917 + + + + +CONTENTS + + I. WAFFLES AND DEWLAPS + II. IN MISS MAJOR'S ROOM + III. POLLY ADDRESSES THE BOARD + IV. A JUNE HOLIDAY + V. MISS LILY AND DOODLES + VI. "BETTER THAN THE POORHOUSE" + VII. ROSES--AND THORNS + VIII. WAITING TO BE THANKED + IX. BLANCHE PUDDICOMBE + X. "GOOD-BYE, PUDDING" + XI. "SO MYSTERIOUS!" + XII. MRS. DICK ESCAPES + XIII. ALONG A BROOK-SIDE ROAD + XIV. POLLY PLANS + XV. "LOTS O' JOY" + XVI. THE HIKING CLUB + XVII. GRANDAUNT SUSIE AND MISS SNIFFEN + XVIII. VICTOR VON DALIN + XIX. A MOONSHINE PARTY + XX. THE PARTY ITSELF + XXI. TWO OF THEM + XXII. DANCING HIKERS + XXIII. "HILLTOP DAYS" + XXIV. "HOPE DEFERRED" + XXV. ALICE TWINING, MARTYR + XXVI. MR. PARCELL'S LESSON + XXVII. "I LOVE YOU, DAVID!" +XXVIII. A VISIT WITH MRS. TENNEY + XXIX. DISAPPOINTMENT + XXX. DOODLES SINGS + XXXI. SHUT OUT + XXXII. THE TALE IS TOLD +XXXIII. THE PRINCESS AND THE DRAGON + XXXIV. A MIDNIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT + XXXV. A NEW WIRE + XXXVI. POLLY DUDLEY TO CHRISTOPHER MORROW +XXXVII. HOLLY AND MISTLETOE + + + + +POLLY AND THE PRINCESS + +CHAPTER I + +WAFFLES AND DEWLAPS + +The June Holiday Home was one of those sumptuous stations where +indigent gentlewomen assemble to await the coming of the last train. + +Breakfast was always served precisely at seven o'clock, and certain +dishes appeared as regularly as the days. This was waffle morning +on the Home calendar; outside it was known as Thursday. + +The eyes of the "new lady" wandered beyond the dining-room and +followed a young girl, all in pink. + +"Who is that coming up the walk?" + +Fourteen faces turned toward the wide front window. + +Miss Castlevaine was quickest. Her answer did not halt the syrup +on its way to her plate. + +"That's Polly Dudley." + +"Oh! Dr. Dudley's daughter?" + +"Yes. She's come over to see Miss Sterling. They're very +intimate." + +"Miss Sterling?" mused Miss Mullaly, with a sweeping glance round +the table. "I don't believe I've seen her." + +"Yes, you have. She was down to tea last night. She had on a +light blue waist, and sat over at the end." + +"Oh, I remember now! She's little and sweet-looking. Somebody +told me she had nervous prostration. Too bad! She is so young and +pretty!" + +A tiny sneer fluttered from face to face, skipping one here and +there in its course. It ended in Miss Castlevaine's "Huh!" + +"I think Miss Sterling is real pretty!" Miss Crilly, from the +opposite side, beamed on the "new lady." + +"She has faded dreadfully," asserted Mrs. Crump. "They used to +call her handsome years ago, though she never was my style o' +beauty. But now--" She shook her head with hard emphasis. + +"She has been through a good deal," observed Mrs. Grace mildly. + +"No more'n I have!" was the retort. "If she'd stop thinking about +herself and eat like other folks, she'd be better." + +"Nervous prostration patients have to be careful about their diet, +don't they?" ventured Miss Mullaly. + +"She hasn't got it!" snapped Mrs. Crump. + +"She thinks she has." Miss Castlevaine's thick lips curved in a +smile of scorn. + +"If she can't digest things, it won't do her much good to eat +them," interposed Miss Major positively. "Nobody could digest +these waffles--they're slack this morning." + +Miss Castlevaine gave her plate a little push. "I wish I needn't +ever see another waffle," she fretted. + +"Oh!" exclaimed the "new lady," "I don't understand how anybody can +get tired of waffles!" + +"Nor I!" laughed Miss Mullaly's right-hand neighbor. "I shall have +to tell you about the time I went to Cousin Dorothy's wedding +luncheon. + +"I never had eaten waffles but once; that was at my aunt's. She +had gone to housekeeping directly after the wedding ceremony, and +was spoken of in the family as 'the bride.' I had been her first +guest, and, as she had treated me to waffles, I thought waffles and +brides always went together. So when I was included in the +invitation to Dorothy's wedding luncheon, my first thought was of +waffles. I said something about it to my brother, and Ralph was +just tease enough to lead me on. He told me that the table would +be piled with waffles, great stacks of them at every plate! Like a +little dunce I believed it all and went to that party anticipating +a blissful supply of waffles. In vain I looked up and down the +elegant table! I ate and ate, but never a waffle appeared! +Finally, when I could stand it no longer, I piped out, 'Cousin +Dorothy, please can I have my waffles now?' Of course, my mother +was dreadfully mortified, for some of the guests were strangers, +and very great people; but Dorothy took it as a mighty good joke, +and even after I was married she used to laugh about my 'w'awful' +disappointment. I've not gotten over my appetite for waffles +either! I believe I could eat and relish them three times a day." + +"You couldn't! Just wait till you've had 'em fifty-two times a +year, five years running--as I have!" Mrs. Crump's lips made a +straight line. + +"Mrs. Crump has kept tabs on her waffles," giggled Miss Crilly. +"How many does this morning make--five hundred and--?" + +"Sh!" nudged Mrs. Bonnyman at Miss Crilly's elbow. + +Two youngish women entered the room. They were the superintendent +and the matron. + +Upstairs, meanwhile, Miss Juanita Sterling; in bed, and Polly +Dudley, seated on the outside, were having a familiar talk. + +"I shouldn't think you'd want to die till God gave you something to +die of," Polly was saying wistfully. "I think He must want you to +live, or He would give you something to die of. Perhaps He has +some beautiful work for you to do and is waiting for you to get +well and do it." + +"Polly, I cannot work! And there is no lack of things for me to die +of!" Impatience crept into the sweet voice. "Being in prison is +bad enough even with good health; but to be sick, wretched--the +worst kind of sickness, because nobody understands!--and to grow +old, too, grow old fast--oh, I wish God would let me die!" The +little woman gave a sudden whirl and hid her face in the pillow. + +"Don't, Miss Nita!" Polly's voice was distressed. She stroked the +smooth, soft hair. "Don't cry! You're not old! You're not old a +bit! And you're going to be well--father says so!" + +"That won't take away the dewlap--oh!" cried Miss Sterling +fiercely, "I don't want a dewlap!" + +"Dewlap?" scowled Polly. "What's a dewlap?" + +"Polly! You know!" came from down among the feathers. + +"I don't!" Polly protested. "Is it some kind of--cancer?" + +"Cancer! Polly!" Miss Sterling laughed out. + +"Well, I don't know what it is." Polly laughed in sympathy. + +"Look here!" The little lady raised herself on her elbow and +lifted her chin. "See that!" + +Polly peered at the fair, pink skin. + +"What? I don't see anything." + +"Why, that! It's getting wabbly." Her slim forefinger pushed the +flesh back and forth. + +"Oh!" Polly's face brightened. "I remember! That's what +Grandaunt Susie called it! She said she used to have an awful +one--it hung 'way down. And she cured it! You'd never dream she +had one ever!" + +"Oh, yes, you can do away with such things if you have money--if +you can go to a beauty-doctor!" The tone was bitter. + +"No, she didn't!" hastened the eager voice. "She did it herself!" + +"Of course, if you have expensive creams and all the +paraphernalia--" + +"But she didn't--she said so! She just used olive oil!" + +"How old was she?" Miss Sterling inquired with a now-I-'ve-got-you +air. + +"She was seventy when she had the dewlap; now she's seventy-three +or four." + +"Polly Dudley! I don't believe it!" + +"Why, Miss Nita, I'm telling you the solemn truth!" + +"Yes, yes, child! I didn't mean you! But this Aunt Susie--" + +"Oh, she's just as honest! Why, she's mother's grandaunt, and +she's lovely! She was sick and couldn't do anything, and her hair +was thin and her cheeks hung down and she was all wrinkles and she +had the dewlap--she said she looked dreadful. Now you ought to see +her! She's perfectly well, and her hair is as thick, and it's +smooth and solid all under her chin, and her face is 'most as round +as mine!" + +"How did she work the miracle?" Miss Sterling's eyes twinkled. + +"Why, I guess by massage and exercises. She didn't take anything. +She did lots of stunts; she had piles of them for her legs and arms +and neck and face and feet and all over. She made up mighty funny +faces. You lie over this way, and I'll show you one. + +"First you must smile--just as hard as you can." Polly laughed to +see the prompt grin. "Now I'll put my hands so, and you must do +exactly as I tell you." Polly's little palms were pressed against +the other's cheeks, and she began a rotary motion. + +"Open your mouth--wide, and then shut it again--oh, keep on +smiling! And keep your mouth going all the time, while I do the +massaging." + +"Goodness!" Miss Sterling broke into a laugh. "I should think that +was a stunt! It ought to do something." She turned on the pillow +in another paroxysm of mirth. + +"But you made me stop too soon," objected Polly. "You ought to +open and shut your mouth twenty-five times. 'Most everything Aunt +Susie did twenty-five or fifty or a hundred times." + +"I don't wonder she got well! She'd have to if she didn't die. I +should laugh before I got through twenty-five times, I'm sure. +What's it for, anyhow?" + +"To make the cheeks plump up and not sag--oh, yours look so pink!" +Polly danced over to the dresser and back. + +The handglass showed a face of surprise. The thin, white cheeks +had taken on a soft rose tint and--yes, an extra fullness! + +"Queer!" Miss Sterling ejaculated. "I wouldn't have believed it!" + +"Oh, let's try it again! Then you get up and go to walk with +me--won't you?" + +"I can't, Polly! Wish I could! But I don't feel as if I could +even stand up. I suppose I shall have to go down to dinner. I +don't dare not." + +"Haven't you had any breakfast?" + +"No. Folks that can't get up don't need to eat." She laughed +sadly. "It's well I'm not hungry." + +"But you ought--" + +"Tap! tap!" + +The matron opened the door while Polly was on the way. + +"Mr. Randolph is at the other end of the building and will be here +presently to see about the new wing." + +Mrs. Nobbs was gone. + +"Nelson Randolph!" cried Miss Sterling. "Hand me my blue kimono, +Polly, quick! It's right there in the closet, by the door!" + +She swung her feet to the floor and caught up her stockings. + +"You going to get up?" + +"Of course! Hurry! I believe he's coming--no, he isn't! Oh, I +can get this on all right! You fix the bed! Never mind the +wrinkles--plump up the pillows! Yes, hang my clothes anywhere you +can find room. There! Does my hair look all right?" + +"Lovely! That kimono is very becoming." + +"Little flatterer!" + +By the time Nelson Randolph, president of the June Holiday Home, +appeared in the doorway, what he saw was a well-appointed bedroom, +a little blue-clad lady demurely reading a small volume, and Polly +hovering near. With a perfunctory good-morning to Miss Sterling, +and a genial handshake for Dr. Dudley's daughter, he passed with +Mrs. Nobbs to the southwest corner of the apartment. He took a +glance around the ceiling, a look from the window, and some +measurements with a foot-rule; then he walked briskly across the +room, nodded politely, and departed. + +"What a lovable man he is!" commented Polly, as the retreating +footsteps told of their safe distance. + +"Is he?" + +"Don't you know him?" Polly queried. + +"Not very well. Probably he doesn't remember me at all. He used +to come to the house occasionally to see father. That was before +he was married. I was only seventeen or eighteen." + +"I like to look at him, he is so handsome." Polly's head wagged +admiringly. "I guess he'd remember you all right, only he doesn't +know you're here. He hasn't been president very long, just since +Mr. Macy died. What are they going to build now?" + +"I don't know. First I've heard of it. They have more money than +they know what to do with, so they've decided to put up an L and +spoil my view," laughed Miss Sterling. + +"I could tell them lots of things better than an L--some new +dresses for Mrs. Crump and Mrs. Albright and Miss Crilly. They've +been here longest and look the worst. That brown one of Mrs. +Crump's is just full of darns." + +"Same as mine will be when I've been here as long," added Miss +Sterling. + +"Strange, when they have so much money, they don't give the ladies +nice things to wear," mused Polly. "Perhaps that is what makes +Mrs. Crump so cross-grained. Mrs. Albright isn't. She's sweet, I +think." + +"She is a dear," Miss Sterling agreed. "But she's had enough +trouble to crush most women. I wonder sometimes if anything could +make her blue." + +"Miss Crilly's cheerful," observed Polly. "I like her pretty well." + +"She is kind-hearted. If only she weren't all gush and giggle! +She raves over everything, cathedral or apron trimming--it's all +the same to her." + +Polly laughed. "She's rather pretty, I think." + +"Too fat." + +"No, you can't call her fat; only her bones don't show. I wish +Miss Castlevaine could thin up and show her bones just a little, +and I do feel sorry for her because she can't curl her hair. She'd +look a thousand per cent better with some little fluffs." + +"Why don't you be sorry for me?" + +"Oh, you don't need curly hair as the rest do!" answered Polly +comfortably. + +"Need it! I'm a scarecrow with my hair straight!" + +Polly took the smooth head between her two palms. "You'll never be +a scarecrow if you live to be a hundred and fifty!" she declared. +"But the dear homely ones--it is hard on them. What do you suppose +is the reason Miss Sniffen won't let them curl their hair just a +mite?" + +"Walls are said to have ears," replied Miss Sterling, with a little +scornful twist to her pretty mouth. "It wouldn't be safe for me to +express my opinion." + +Polly smiled. "It's a shame! And it isn't fair when she has curly +hair that doesn't need any putting up. I just wish hers would +straighten out--straight as Miss Castlevaine's!" + +"You seem to have taken a sudden liking to Miss Castlevaine." + +"Oh, no! Only I feel sorry for her, she is so fat and fretty, and +her hair won't fluff a mite. It must be dreadful to think as much +scorn as she does." + +"And talk it out," added Miss Sterling. "I wish she wouldn't, for +she is really better than she sounds." + +"Oh, if she'd try some of Aunt Susie's exercises, perhaps they'd +make her face thin!" + +"I thought they were to make it plump." + +"So they are--and thin, too, in the right places. They'd cure her +double chin." + +"Anyway, she hasn't any dewlap yet. When it comes it will be an +awful one. I can't imagine her in that exercise you tried on me." + +"Are you going to do it every day?" + +"I would if I had any faith in it." Miss Sterling sighed--with a +wrinkled forehead. + +"Oh, you mustn't pucker in wrinkles if I'm going to rub them out!" +Polly smoothed the offending lines. "Now I'll run over home and +get yon that book Aunt Susie gave to mother. It tells all about +everything, and it will make you have faith. It did mother." + +"She doesn't need it." + +"No; but Aunt Susie said she'd better begin pretty soon, for it was +easier to cure wrinkles before they came." + +"Yes, I guess it is," Miss Sterling laughed, "and dewlaps too!" + + + + +CHAPTER II + +IN MISS MAJOR'S ROOM + +When Russell Holiday and his wife named their only child June, they +planned to make her life one long summer holiday. For eighteen +years success went hand in hand with their desire; then an +unfortunate marriage plunged the joyous girl into bleak November. +She grew to hate her happy name. But with the passing of the man +she called husband much of the bitterness vanished, and she began +to plan for others. + +"I want this Home to be as beautiful as money can make it and as +full of joy as a June holiday," she told her approving lawyer. +"There must be no age limit. It shall welcome as freely the woman +of forty as her mother or her grandmother. I will gather in the +needy of any sect or race,--the oppressed, the disabled, the +sorrowful, and the lonely,--and as much as can be give to them the +freedom and happiness of a delightful home." + +In just one week from the day the ground was broken for the big +building, a drunken chauffeur drove the donor and her lawyer to +their death, and the institution was continued in a totally +different way from that intended by the two who could make no +protest. + +To be sure, it stood at last, in gray granite magnificence, on the +crest of Edgewood Hill, a palace without and within; but to those +for whom it was built had never come, through the years of its +being, a single June holiday. + +It was this that some of the residents were discussing, as they +crocheted, knitted, or embroidered in Miss Major's room on a dull +May morning. + +"Too bad June Holiday couldn't have lived just a little longer!" +Mrs. Bonnyman sighed. + +"What would she say if she knew how her wishes were ignored!" Miss +Castlevaine shook her head. + +"Regular prison house!" snapped Mrs. Crump. + +"Well, I'm glad to be here if I do have to obey rules," confessed a +meek little woman with grayish, sandy hair. "It's a lovely place, +and there has to be rules where there's so many." + +"There don't have to be hair-crimping rules, Mrs. Prindle--huh!" + +As the curly-headed maker of the hated law walked across the lawn. +Miss Castlevaine sent her an annihilating glance. + +"Is that Miss Sniffen?" queried Miss Mullaly, adjusting her +eyeglasses. + +Miss Castlevaine nodded. + +The others watched the tall, straight figure, on its way to the +vegetable garden. + +"She has the expression of a basilisk I saw the picture of the +other day." spoke up Mrs. Dick. + +"What kind of an expression was that?" inquired Mrs. Winslow Teed. +"I saw a stuffed basilisk in a London museum when I was abroad, but +I can't seem to recollect its expression." + +"Look at _her_!" laughed Mrs. Dick. "She has it to perfection." + +Miss Crilly's giggle preceded her words. + +"She's like a beanpole with its good clothes on, ain't she? But, +then, I think Miss Sniffen is real nice sometimes," she amended. + +"So are basilisks and beanpoles--in their proper places," retorted +Miss Major; "but they don't belong in the June Holiday Home." + +"Are her rules so awful?" inquired Miss Mullaly anxiously. + +"I don't like them very," answered the little Swedish widow. + +"Mis' Adlerfeld puts it politely." laughed Miss Crilly. "I'll tell +you what they are, they are like the little girl in the rhyme--with +a difference,-- + + 'When they're bad, they're very, very bad, + And when they're good, they're horrid!'" + +"I heard you couldn't have any company except one afternoon a +week," resumed Miss Mullaly, after the laughing had ceased,--"not +anybody at all." + +"Sure!" returned Miss Crilly. "Wednesday afternoon, from three to +five, is the only time you can entertain your best feller." + +"Why, Polly Dudley was here Thursday morning!" + +"Now you've got me!" admitted Miss Crilly. "She's a privileged +character. She runs over any blessed minute she wants to." + +"And she brings her friends with her," added Miss +Castlevaine,--"David Collins and his greataunt's daughter,--Leonora +Jocelyn,--Patricia Illingworth, and Chris Morrow, and that girl +they call Lilith, besides the Stickney boys up in Foxford--huh!" + +"She must be pretty bold, when it's against the rule," observed +Miss Mullaly. + +"No," dissented Mrs. Albright, "it isn't boldness. Polly runs in +as naturally as a kitten. The rest don't come so very often. I +shouldn't say they'd let 'em; but they do." + +"There's never any favoritism in the June Holiday Home--never!" +Mrs. Crump's brown poplin bristled with sarcasm. + +"Maybe it's on Miss Sterling's account," interposed Mrs. Albright. +"She thinks so much of Polly, perhaps they hope it'll help to bring +her out of this sooner." + +"Don't you believe it!" Miss Castlevaine's head nodded out the +words with emphasis. "Dr. Dudley's a good one to curry favor with." + +"Is Miss Sterling a relative of his?" asked Miss Mullaly. + +"No. Haven't you heard how they got acquainted? Quite a pretty +little story." Mrs. Albright settled herself comfortably in the +rocker and adjusted the cushion at her back. + +The others, who were familiar with the facts, moved closer together +and nearer the window, both to facilitate their needles and their +tongues. + +"It was the day after Miss Sterling came, along in September," the +story-teller began, "and she was up in her room feeling pretty +lonesome--you know how it is." + +Miss Mullaly nodded--with a sudden droop of her lips. + +"She stood there looking out of the window toward the back of the +new hospital,--it was building then,--and she saw a little girl +climbing an apple tree. She watched her go higher and higher, +after a big, bright red apple that was away up on a top branch. +Miss Sterling says she went so fast that she fairly held her +breath, expecting to see her slip; but she didn't, she's so +sure-footed, and it would have been all right if she hadn't +ventured on a rotten branch. When she stepped out on that and +reached up one hand to pick the apple, the branch broke, and down +she went and lay in a little heap under the tree. + +"Well, Miss Sterling said she felt as if she must fly right out of +that window and go pick her up. But it didn't take her many +minutes to run down the stairs and out the front door--she didn't +stop to ask permission--and over across lots to Polly. She was in +a dead faint, but in a minute she came to, and Miss Sterling ran up +to the house and got Dr. Dudley and his wife, and they carried her +in, and Miss Sterling went too. The Doctor couldn't find that +Polly was hurt at all, only bruised a little--you see, the branches +had broken her fall, and she was all around again in a few days. +Miss Sterling was pretty well upset by it, so that the Doctor came +home with her, and she had to go to bed, same as Polly did! It +made quite a stir here. + +"Ever since then Polly has run in and out, any time of day, just as +I hear she does at the hospital. She's that kind of a girl, never +makes any trouble, and so nothing is said." + +"I guess I shall break lots of the rules before I know what they +are." + +"You'll learn 'em soon enough, don't you worry! There's a long +list; but you'll get used to 'em after a while--we have to. +There's nothing like getting used to things. It's a great help." + + + + +CHAPTER III + +POLLY ADDRESSES THE BOARD + +"It is a shame, Miss Nita!" Polly was saying. "To think of +it--that you can't curl your hair even to go to a wedding! I +wonder if father or mother could do anything." + +"Oh, no!" cried Miss Sterling, in sudden terror. "Don't, I beg of +you, let them say a word to Miss Sniffen! She'd turn me right out!" + +"I should wish she would, if I were you." + +"Where could I go? I'd have to sit on the sidewalk!" + +Polly laughed. + +"No, Miss Nita," catching one of the slim white hands and pressing +it against her cheek, "you come right over to our house when Miss +Sniffen turns you outdoors, and we'll take care of you!" + +"It isn't anything to laugh at," sobbed the little woman. + +"I know, I'm wicked to laugh; but I had a picture of you sitting on +the curb in your nightgown, and I couldn't help it!" + +Then Miss Sterling laughed too. + +Shortly she fell to crying again. "I did want to look nice at +Cousin Jennie's wedding, as nice as I could, and I do think it is +downright mean!" She hammered out the last words with desperate +force. + +Polly stood by her side, distressed into silence. + +"You don't know that she'll let you go anyway, do you?" she asked +presently. + +"Yes, she said I could, and then I asked her if I might curl my +hair. She snapped out a disagreeable 'no,' and I turned and came +upstairs." + +Polly was doing some hard thinking. + +"Queer, Jennie should marry at her age," Miss Sterling resumed +after a brief pause, wiping her eyes dry. "She is forty-one, only +two years younger than I." + +"Are you forty-three? Nobody'd ever guess it." Polly gazed at her +critically. "I wonder if I couldn't curl your hair at the last +minute, and smuggle you downstairs, all wrapped up, so Miss Sniffen +wouldn't know. You could wet it out the next morning." + +Miss Sterling shook her head with a wee smile. "I would if I +dared, but I don't. If Miss Sniffen weren't there to see, Mrs. +Nobbs would be, and nothing escapes her eyes. No, 't would be too +much risk." + +"Maybe it would," Polly admitted, and then paused to listen. "It's +three o'clock and I must go. I halfway promised David and Leonora +I'd come down there this afternoon. I guess they're a little bit +jealous of you. It's handy to run over here, and they're so far +away. I should think you'd get tired of me, I come so much." + +"Tired of you!" echoed Miss Sterling. "You are the only bit of +cheerfulness I have to look forward to. Last night I couldn't +sleep; I was just upset after seeing Miss Sniffen, and my head felt +wretched. But I kept saying to myself, 'Polly will be here in the +morning!' and that helped me through the night. You don't +know--you never will know!--what a comfort you are!" She pulled +Polly down and gave her a little squeeze. + +"And then I didn't come this morning after all!" cried Polly in +sudden contrition. "That was mean! But I had some things to do +for mother, and Chris wanted me to help him with his stamps, and so +I didn't get to it. I'm sorry." + +"Dear child! I don't expect you to spend all your time with an old +gray-haired woman who hasn't the mite of a claim on you." + +"Gray-haired!" chuckled Polly. "You can't find one gray hair. I +dare you to try!" She shook a threatening finger. + +"Don't have to try. I know just where there are two--right in +there." She bent her head. + +"Oh, they're only a little pale!" laughed Polly. "They aren't +really gray. But I must go, Miss Nita. Good-bye." + +"If you come across the Board anywhere downstairs, you may give it +my compliments." + +"Does the Board meet this afternoon?" whispered Polly. "It +wouldn't be compliments I'd give them!" She waved her hand, and +the door shut. + +Yes, the Board was in session, the Board of Managers of the June +Holiday Home. A little hum of voices came to Polly's ears from a +room at the left. "I wish--" She stopped midway between the +staircase and the front entrance, her forehead wrinkled in thought. + +A maid came from the rear of the house, duster in hand. + +"Oh, Mabel!" Polly began in a low tone, "would you mind taking a +message to the Board for me?" + +The girl, with a shade of surprise on her face, said, "Certainly, +Miss Polly, I'll take it in. Who shall I give it to?" + +"Mrs. Beers--she's president. Tell her, please, that I have +something very important to say to the Board, and ask her if I can +come in now, or pretty soon--whenever it won't interfere with their +business." + +The maid knocked and disappeared. In a moment she returned. + +"She says you can come now." + +There was very evident curiosity mingled with the smiles of +greeting. + +"I happened to think," Polly began at once, "that maybe you could +do something to help out matters. I've been up to see Miss +Sterling, and she is feeling pretty bad because she can't curl her +hair to go to her cousin's wedding, and I didn't know but you would +fix things so she can." + +"'Fix things'?" scowled the lady at the head of the table. "You +mean, put on an electric attachment?" + +"Oh, no!" Polly came near disgracing herself by a laugh. "But +it's against the rule, you know, to curl your hair, and Miss +Sterling asked if she couldn't, just for the evening, and Miss +Sniffen said no." + +The ladies gazed at one another, plain surprise on their faces. +Then they looked questioningly at their presiding officer. + +"The Board never interferes with the superintendent's rules--" +began Mrs. Beers. + +"Unless it is something we especially don't like," put in the +member with a conscience. + +The president sent a severe glance down the table. + +"I thought, maybe, just for this once, you'd fix it so she +could--she would wet it all out before breakfast." Polly was very +much in earnest. + +"There's altogether too much complaint among the inmates," spoke up +a fat woman on Mrs. Beers's left. "They should be made to realize +how fortunate they are to have such a beautiful Home to live in, +instead of finding fault with every little thing and sending people +to try to wheedle us into giving them something different from what +they have." + +"Oh, Mrs. Puddicombe!" burst out Polly, "Miss Sterling didn't send +me at all! She doesn't know a thing about it! I never thought of +coming in until I passed the door--then it occurred to me that +maybe you would like to help her out. It's pretty hard to have to +go to a wedding with your hair all flat, just as they do it at a +hospital--I don't believe you'd like it yourself, Mrs. Puddicombe." + +Several smiles were visible. A titter escaped the youngest member. + +Mrs. Puddicombe's broad face reddened under her amazing labyrinth +of screwlike curls. + +"These charity people," she resumed irrelevantly, "never know when +they're well off. Why, this Home is the very gate of heaven! Just +look at that new rug in the library--it cost three hundred dollars! +But who appreciates it?" + +"Well, I should rather walk over a thirty-cent rug than every time +I turned round have to have a rule to turn by!" Polly tossed out +the words impetuously. + +"You're a saucy girl!" returned Mrs. Puddicombe. "You'd better go +home and tell your father to teach you good manners." The +president rapped for order. + +"I beg your pardon, if I was saucy," Polly hastened to say. "I +didn't mean to be. I was only thinking--" + +"That will do," interrupted Mrs. Beers. "There has been too much +time given to a very trivial matter." + +Polly walked away from the June Holiday Home in the company of +uneasy thoughts. She feared she had made matters worse for her +dear Miss Nita. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +A JUNE HOLIDAY + +The wedding night brought no recall of the negative answer which +Miss Sniffen had given to Juanita Sterling, although the little +woman hoped until the last moment for some sign of relenting. + +But Polly was on hand to braid the thick, soft hair into a becoming +coronet, and to assert that she knew the bride wouldn't look half +so pretty. + +Several days after, Polly danced in, her face full of the morning. + +"You feel pretty well, don't you?" she began in her most coaxing +way. + +"A little better than usual," Miss Sterling laughed. "What do you +want me to do?" + +"You know David and Leonora and I went down to Fern Brook last +week," Polly began deliberately, seating herself in the rocker +which Miss Sterling did not like, "and ever since then I've been +wishing it would come a lovely day for you and me to have a little +picnic all by ourselves. Or we might ask one or two others, if you +like. Will you, Miss Nita? You'll break my heart if you say no--I +see it coming! Just say, 'I should be de-e-lighted to go!'" + +"Oh, I'd love to, but--" + +"No, there isn't a 'but' or an 'if' or anything! We're going! Who +else do you want?" + +"You crazy child! I'm afraid it will use me up. I don't dare risk +it. We'll have to take the trolley--and the walk across lots--oh, +I can't, Polly!" + +"Yes, you're going! I've made up my mind! The trolley ride won't +hurt you; you'll have nothing to do but to sit still, and the walk +isn't long." + +"Remember, I haven't been off the grounds, except for the wedding, +in months." + +"I don't forget, and it's awful. You felt better the day after the +wedding." + +"Ye-s, but--" + +"We're going! It's decided!" Polly jumped up. "Say quick who +we'll invite, and then I'll run down and beg permission to go on a +picnic--unless you'd rather." + +"Mercy--no! I guess that's one reason why I haven't been away; I +haven't had life enough to want to unwind red tape." + +"I shall love it," laughed Polly. "Shall we ask Mrs. Albright? +She's nice." + +"Yes, and how would you like Mrs. Adlerfeld? I think she's pretty +lonely." + +"First-rate! She is sweet, and she talks the dearest way. Hurry +up now, and get ready! I'll be back in no time with the passports." + +"Why, I don't know," Miss Sniffen hesitated, "How far is it, do you +say?" + +"We take the trolley out to Grafton Street," Polly explained +slowly, "and then we go 'cross lots just a little way to the +dearest grove and a lovely little brook that tumbles over the +stones--oh, it's beautiful! Can't you go with us, Miss Sniffen?" +cried Polly in a burst of generosity, shivering the next minute for +fear her invitation would be accepted! + +"No, thank you," actually smiled the superintendent; "my business +doesn't include picnics, and I doubt whether it would be wise for +Miss Sterling to go so far away from the Home. It might cause +trouble--and unnecessary expense; the others may go if they wish." + +"Oh, Miss Sniffen, please let Miss Sterling go! That's one reason +why I want it, because I think it will do her good," wheedled +Polly, adding tactfully, "Father says it often makes the nerves +better to get the muscles tired." + +"Yes, I think that myself. Of course, it would do her no real +harm, if you could manage to keep her from getting wrought up and +having one of her tantrums." + +"Oh, I promise you I'll bring her home as good as new!" declared +Polly recklessly. And with profuse thanks she darted softly away. + +The four walked sedately down the long stairs in repressed glee, +the three ladies waiting on the piazza while Polly registered their +names, destination, time of starting, and expected return, in the +daybook on the secretary's desk. + +"Red tape all wound up!" she finally announced in a whisper, and +the quartette proceeded to the corner below, to be in readiness for +the car. + +Juanita Sterling appeared to have lost her weak nerves somewhere on +the way, as the four left the road behind them and made a path +through the clover into the distance. + +"I want to sit right down and enjoy it!" she exclaimed, dropping +among the blossoms. "Hear that bird! It's a bobolink--it is! Oh, +me! Oh, my! I haven't heard a bobolink for--I'm not going to +bother to think how long. It is glorious!" + +"This isn't anything compared to the woods and the brook," asserted +Polly. + +She put down her lunch-basket and snipped off some clover heads. + +"Those are full of honey, Miss Nita,--taste! They aren't buggy a +mite." + +Like bees they sipped and sipped, and laughed and said foolish +things like children at a merry-making. + +Suddenly Miss Sterling sprang to her feet. + +"The day is going," she cried, "and we must get there quick! Come!" + +The "just a little way" of Polly's lengthened on and on until the +three who were not accustomed to country fields looked in dismay +toward the long line of trees which seemed so very far off. + +"Are you fearfully tired?" Polly would reiterate, and "Not a bit!" +Miss Sterling would lie with complacency, while Mrs. Albright grew +wondrously jolly in her effort to keep everybody from realizing the +truth. + +When, finally, they stepped into the dim, cool wood, melodious with +the gurgle and splash of hurrying water and the lilting of unseen +birds, nobody remembered the hot, weary way she had come. + +Miss Sterling, stretched upon a bed of vines and moss, announced +that she was in "heaven." + +Little Mrs. Adlerfeld looked across in answering sympathy. + +"It makes me so glad and happy, it hurts," she said, her hand upon +her breast. + +"I knew you'd love it!" exulted Polly, dropping lightly between the +two and laying a hand upon each. "Let's come out here every week!" + +Nobody objected. Mrs. Albright wagged an approving smile, Mrs. +Adlerfeld continued her dreamy gaze into the brook, the invalid was +too drowsy to speak. + +"Go to sleep, all of you!" Polly commanded gayly. "I'll have a +red-and-green luncheon for you when you wake up!" + +She bounded off along the slippery pine-needled path and +disappeared behind a curtain of foliage. + +Miss Sterling awoke with a start--where was she? Then the events +of the morning flashed into view, and she smiled contentedly. + +Mrs. Adlerfeld, leaning back against a stone, was peacefully +nodding, and a gentle snore from the other of the trio told that +Polly's order had been obeyed. + +Where was Polly? Miss Sterling looked around, but she was not in +sight. Even with the springing of a sudden fear she caught the +sound of distant talking--a man's voice! She rose to her feet and +stood irresolute, listening. Then she smiled. That was Polly's +laugh' In a moment two figures rounded a clump of young pines. +Juanita Sterling caught her breath--the man walking beside Polly +was Mr. Randolph! + +The president of the June Holiday Home found a welcoming hand as he +strode up the piney path. + +"Weren't you surprised. Miss Nita?" cried Polly. "He's going to +have us arrested for trespassing on his land!"--with a roguish +glance toward the owner. + +"Then we shall have to invite him to luncheon, shan't we?" Miss +Sterling's blue eyes held pleasant twinkles. "It is too pleasant +to-day to go to jail!" + +The gentleman chuckled. + +"Oh! will you stay?" begged Polly. + +"You'd better!" urged Miss Sterling. "There are Banbury turnovers +and chicken sandwiches!" + +"It is hard to refuse--" he began. "Oh, I knew you couldn't say no +when Miss Nita asked you!" sang Polly delightedly. "Nobody can! +Except Miss Sniffen!" she added conscientiously. + +"Miss Sniffen" appeared to pass unnoticed. Polly suddenly +remembered her handful of wintergreen sprigs and berries, and the +sleepers awoke to join the merriment and the little pungent feast. + +"I came up," Mr. Randolph explained, "to look over some trees that +a man wants, and I rather think I ought to go directly back; but," +he went on with a whimsical laugh, "I guess business won't know it +if I steal this June holiday. It is a good while since I had one." +His face grew instantly grave. + +"You have to catch June holidays quick," smiled Mrs. Adlerfeld +wistfully. "They don't stay!" + +"No, they don't stay," Mr. Randolph agreed gravely. "But," he +brightened, "you of June Holiday Home have them all the year +round." He looked from one face to another. + +Mrs. Albright smiled a wordless response, the swift color flushed +Miss Sterling's face, while fun played about Polly's mouth. + +"You have a pretty good time there, don't you?" he persisted. + +His eyes were bent on Miss Sterling; yet Mrs. Albright kindly +interposed with the safe assertion, "It is a beautiful place." + +"Yes, it is beautiful," he replied, scanning the cheery, wrinkled +face. "Any town should consider it a great privilege to have such +an institution within its borders. Mrs. Milworth--or June Holiday, +as she preferred to be called--was a wonderful woman. I am glad to +be in a position to help in the carrying-out of her plans." + +Miss Sterling smiled a little queerly. Polly opened her lips, then +shut them tight, and finally announced quite irrelevantly that she +was hungry. + +One of Mrs. Dudley's prettiest tablecloths was spread on a little +piney level close to the brook, and Polly set out the paper plates +and cups and the boxes of food. + +"Which do you like best, Mr. Randolph, coffee or chocolate?" Polly +queried anxiously. + +"I will answer as a little boy of my acquaintance did,--'Whichever +you have the most of.'" + +"Well, you see, we have only one, and I do hope you don't like +coffee best." + +"I don't!" he declared. "I always drink chocolate when I can get +it." + +"I'm glad I brought it, then!" cried Polly. "You cut the cake, +please, Miss Nita. I'm afraid I couldn't do it straight." + +The little feast was ready at last, appetites were found to be of +the keenest sort, and everything went merrily. + +"I have never had the pleasure of a meal at the Home,"--Mr. +Randolph was eating a Banbury turnover with plain enjoyment. "I +suppose you ladies are treated to this sort of thing every day." + +"We have a pretty good cook," answered Miss Sterling discreetly; +"but these pies are of Mrs. Dudley's make. Polly brought the +lunch." + +"Oh!" The man's eyebrows raised themselves a little. "Then I +should say, Mrs. Dudley is an excellent Banbury pie-ist." + +"I shall have to tell her that," laughed Polly. "It will please +her very much." + +"Nothing delights a woman more than to have her cooking praised," +laughed Mrs. Albright. + +"I learned that years ago." Mr. Randolph smiled reminiscently. +"When I was first married, I think I must have been a rather +notional man to cook for. My wife seldom did much in the kitchen, +but one day she made a salad. As it did not exactly appeal to my +appetite, after one taste I remarked that I was not very hungry. +To my dismay she burst into tears. It was her favorite salad, and +she had made it with unusual care, never dreaming that I would not +like it as well as she did. Ever afterwards I ate the whole bill +of fare straight through." + +"It sometimes takes courage to do that," smiled Mrs. Albright. "I +hope you had a good cook. How much people think of eating! I +don't blame 'em either. Nobody enjoys anything better than--for +instance, a lunch like this." + +"Robert Louis Stevenson did," spoke up Mrs. Adlerfeld. "I read in +my day-to-day book this morning--I can't quite 'remember--yes, this +is it: 'After a good woman, and a good book, and tobacco, there is +nothing so agreeable on earth as a river.' I did not think then I +should be eating my dinner right on the bank of a little river!" +She gazed down lovingly on the water swirling and, foaming among +the stones. + +"Stevenson ought to know," said Mr. Randolph with a pleased smile. +"So he is one of your favorites as well as mine!" + +"Yes, I like him very." Her little sunny face beamed with +pleasure. "His book is more educating as many things said by a +teacher." + +"He is a good teacher." + +"I wish he had not put in tobacco," scowled Mrs. Adlerfeld. "There +are a many things better as tobacco." + +"You have not tried it," he returned. "Stevenson knew because he +had tried it." + +The little woman shook her head decidedly. "I have been suffered a +many times by tobacco." Then a smile broke mischievously. "You +may smoke after dinner, Mr. Randolph." + +The man laughed. "I was not pleading for myself," he protested. +"This is sufficiently soothing--" His hand made a comprehensive +sweep. "Tobacco would be superfluous." + +Miss Sterling had risen and gone over to the lunch-box, where she +was trying to open a second thermos bottle. + +"Let me do that for you!" He sprang to help her. + +She stepped back heedlessly, her foot slipped, and with a sharp cry +she fell on the smooth slope. + +Polly and Mr. Randolph reached her together. + +"Are you hurt?" Polly's voice was distressed. + +"Any damage done?" The man's tone was cheery, yet concerned. + +She laughed bravely. + +"Oh, no!" taking the proffered hands and trying to rise. Then she +sank back, catching her breath hard. + +"It's just my ankle--but it isn't hurt!" she declared fiercely. +"Let me try it again." + +She stood on her feet. "I guess I'm all here," she laughed; yet +even with the words her face grew white. + +Mr. Randolph caught her, and she drooped limply against him. + +He laid her down gently, and at once she opened her eyes. + +Mrs. Albright was rubbing her hands. "You will be all right in a +minute," she said cheerily. + +"I am all right now," Miss Sterling maintained. "How stupid of me +to faint! I won't have a sprained ankle--so there!" + +The rest laughed, though a little uncertainly. + +Polly, like a true doctor's daughter, was examining the injury. + +"It doesn't swell, so it can't be sprained," she decided positively. + +Miss Sterling sat up and supplemented Polly's inspection. "Merely +a strain. I'll be able to walk in a little while." + +"You'd better not tax it," Mr. Randolph advised. "I am glad my car +is so near. I drove in as far as the road was good." + +"Oh!" Miss Sterling's voice was grateful. "I was wondering how I +could ever walk over to the trolley." + +"You would not have had to do that in any case, but my car is ready +whenever you care to return." + +"The ride will be a lovely ending to the day," Miss Sterling +assured him, "and, if it won't hinder you, suppose we don't go any +sooner on my account." + +Four o'clock found the picnickers leaving the wood, the injured one +assisted on either side by Polly and Nelson Randolph. + +The way was not long, but time after time it took all the pluck of +which Juanita Sterling was mistress not to stop in the path and cry +out that she could not go a step farther. + +Her escorts were solicitous. + +"Lean on me more, Miss Nita," Polly would urge. "I'm awfully +strong. Favor your foot all you can." + +"Hadn't I better carry you the rest of the way?" asked Mr. Randolph +when she could no longer hide her pain. + +Her thanks were gracefully given, but she refused to proceed except +upon her own feet. + +"It is nothing," she insisted. "I shall be all right in a moment." + +Never did hospitable inn look more inviting to a weary traveler +than did the waiting car to Juanita Sterling. + +"You sit in front," advised Polly, "it will be much easier for you." + +"Certainly!" the man exclaimed, throwing open the other door. + +But before Polly could stay her she had stepped to the +running-board--and was on the back seat! + +"You are naughty!" Polly pouted. + +Miss Sterling laughed softly. + +The man said nothing, only helped Mrs. Adlerfeld to a place beside +him. + +The cooling, sunlit air was delightful. It was long since Miss +Sterling had been in an automobile, and the car rode as easy as a +rocking-chair. She drew deep breaths, and half forgot that her +ankle was still throbbing from its recent effort. + +"Feel equal to a little longer ride?" suddenly inquired the driver, +throwing the query toward Miss Sterling. + +"Equal to anything!" was the happy reply. + +"Oh, that will be nice!" cried Polly, squeezing her friend's arm, +and beaming on her right-hand neighbor. + +"Am I going too fast for you?" was the next question. + +"Not a bit!"--"It is lovely!"--"The faster the better!" came in +merry succession from the back seat. + +They spun along the smooth road with greater speed, and the +freshness of the country was brought to them in one steady sweep. + +"This is glorious!" breathed Miss Sterling. + +"I never rode in one of these cars before," confessed Mrs. +Adlerfeld blithely. + +"Indeed!" a pleasant light flashed in the driver's eyes. "And how +do you like it?" + +"Oh, I like it very!" The wrinkled face was radiant. "It makes me +so glad and happy!" + +"We will have another ride some day," was the unexpected response, +which made the little Swedish woman fairly gasp in delight. + +The gayety of the party came to a sudden end when Mr. Randolph +drove into the Home grounds. + +"Please, not a word to anybody about my fall," said Miss Sterling +in a low voice, as she was helped from the car. + +"Is that wise?" It was asked in a surprised tone. + +"Extremely wise," was the smiling response. "I might wish to go +picnicking again, you know." Her twinkling eyes met his puzzled +face. + +"As you will," he promised gravely. + +There was time for no more. The others were waiting. + +Polly kept beside Miss Sterling who walked without a limp and gave +no sign of the torture she was undergoing. + +"Go right upstairs!" whispered Polly. "I'll report for all of you +when I come down." + +"You needn't go up, the rail will be sufficient." + +But Polly would not relinquish her charge until she saw her safe in +her room. + +"How came you to be riding with the president of the Home?" Miss +Sniffen looked down sternly on Polly. + +"Oh! did you see us come? Wasn't it lucky--nice that Mr. Randolph +had his car? And wasn't he good to bring us?" + +"Was the meeting by arrangement?" questioned Miss Sniffen severely. + +"Oh, no! I was so surprised! We all were! He happened to go over +there to see about some trees, and so stayed to luncheon. We had a +lovely time! Wasn't it queer it happened to be his land?" + +Miss Sniffen's thin lips drew themselves into a sarcastic line. + +"'Happened!' There seems to have been a number of _happenings_." + +"I know it," Polly agreed demurely, looking at her watch to make +sure of the time. "We came in about five minutes ago, Miss +Sniffen. It was twenty minutes of six just before we got here." + +"What time did you leave the picnic grounds?" + +"I think it was four o'clock." + +"Did you come directly back?" Miss Sniffen's hard eyes fastened on +Polly's face. + +"Oh, no! We had a beautiful ride! We went way out on the Flaxton +road, along by the river. Don't you think Mr. Randolph is a very +lovable man?" + +"I think it was entirely out of place for you to spend the day in +the woods with an unmarried man. I shall look into it." + +Polly's brown eyes grew big and wondering. "Why, Miss Sniffen, I +don't see what harm there was! We had the loveliest time!" + +The superintendent did not reply. She turned deliberately and +walked down the great hall. + +Polly watched her a moment, the wondering look still in her eyes. +Then she sped swiftly toward home. She hoped Miss Sniffen would +not find out about Miss Nita's ankle. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +MISS LILY AND DOODLES + +The long line of choir boys issued decorously from the side door of +St. Bartholomew's. The running, pushing, scuffling, and laughter +were reserved for the next street. Sly nudges and subdued chuckles +were all that the most reckless indulged in under the shadows of +the church. + +At the foot of the steps stood a slender, whitehaired woman with +stooping shoulders. She scanned each face as it emerged from the +dim passageway, and her own grew a bit anxious as the boys passed. +Then it suddenly brightened with recognition. Doodles had appeared. + +The woman stepped forward to meet him. "Excuse me," she hesitated, +"but are you the one who sang that solo, 'Take heart, ye weary'?" + +The boy smiled his modest answer. + +"Oh, I want to thank you for it! I've been waiting till you came, +and I was so afraid I'd missed you after all, for I probably shan't +have another chance. I wanted you to know how much good it has +done me." + +"Has it?" Doodles looked his pleasure. + +"Oh, it was beautiful!" she said tremulously. "I never heard +anything like it! I always enjoy your singing, and am so +disappointed when you don't sing alone; but seems to me this piece +was sweetest of all!" + +"I guess you'll like the one for next Sunday," Doodles told +her,--"'And God shall wipe away all tears.'" + +"Oh!" It was mingled longing and regret. "That must be beautiful! +I wish I could hear it--seems as if I must!" Her voice broke a +little. "But I'm afraid I can't. I shan't be here next Sunday." + +"That's too bad! I'm sorry!" + +"It can't be helped. I am glad I could come to-day and hear +you--it does me more good than sermons!" Tears made the blue eyes +shine. + +"Perhaps I shall sing it some other time when you are here," +Doodles suggested hopefully. + +The woman shook her head. Her reply was soft and broken. "I +shan't ever be here again." + +"Oh!" Doodles was instantly sympathetic. Then a gleam lighted his +sorrowing face. "I'll tell you what," he began hurriedly, "I'll +come to your house and sing for you this afternoon--that is, if +you'd like me to," he added. + +Such joy flooded the tearful eyes! "Oh, you dear boy! if you would! +I don't know how to thank you!" + +"That's all right! I'd love to do it. Shall I come early, right +after dinner, or--" + +"Oh, come early! It is so good of you!" The tears threatened to +overflow their bounds. + +Doodles glanced down the street. "What is your address, please? I +have to take the next car." + +"Why, yes! I forgot! I live at 304 North Charles Street." + +"Thank you." He lifted his cap with a bright smile. "I'll be +there!" he promised and was off. + +The woman watched him as he hailed the passing car. He saw her +from a window and waved his hand. She returned the salute, and +then walked slowly away. + +"I hope he won't forget the number," she said to herself, "he +didn't take it down. And I never thought to give him my name!" + +Doodles easily found the place the woman had designated. The house +was small and dingy, and two grimy babies were playing on the +doorstep. + +"Miss Lily's upstairs, in back," answered the girl to whom the +inquiry had been referred. "I guess it's her you want. Ther' +ain't nobody else, 'cept Miss Goby, an' she's a big un." + +The top of the dim flight was nearly reached when a door opened and +threw a stream of light on the stairway. The boy saw his new +friend waiting for him. + +"Walk right in!" she said cordially. "It's awfully good of you to +come!" + +The room was in noticeable contrast with the rest of the house. +Here everything was neat and homelike, although there was little +attempt at ornament. Doodles was soon seated in a cushioned rocker +and listening to the little old lady's grateful talk. + +"When you spoke of that new song, 'God shall wipe away all tears,' +it did seem as if I just couldn't miss hearing you sing it! But I +never dreamed that you could do such a thing as to come and sing it +to me here. I wish I had a better place for you to sing in, but +I've had to take up with 'most anything these days." + +The lad hastened to assure her that he was accustomed to sing in a +small room, and that it made no difference to him where he was. + +"Then you don't mind not having an organ or piano or anything?" +The tone was anxious. + +"Not a bit," he smiled. "I never used to have accompaniment--I can +sing anywhere." + +After the first note Miss Lily sat motionless, bending forward a +little, her hands clasped in her lap, her eyes on the singer. +Whether she saw him was doubtful, for her tears fell fast as +Doodles sang the comforting words. + +"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;...and there +shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying,...neither shall +there be any more pain:...for the former things are passed away." + +With silence the listener suddenly dropped her face in her hands +and began to sob. + +In a moment Doodles was singing again, and soon she grew calmer. +When he stopped she was ready to talk. + +"I don't see what makes me cry so!" she broke out, with a great +effort fighting back the tears. "I'm all upset anyway. It is so +lovely having you sing--right here! You don't know! I'm afraid I +shan't ever want you to stop." She laughed quiveringly. + +"More now?" he asked. + +"If you aren't tired," she hesitated. + +"Never!" + +He sang again. + +In the doorways upstairs and down people were listening. The +little house on North Charles Street had never heard such music +within its walls. As the song ceased, applause came,--uncertainly +at first, then louder and steady. + +The two in the back room looked at each other and smiled. + +"I guess they like it as well as I do," Miss Lily said. + +In response Doodles sang "Only an armor-bearer," still one of his +favorites, and at its close the approval of those outside was +prompt and long. + +Many other songs followed; apparently the audience grew. + +"They'll tire you out," the little lady fretted. + +The boy shook his head decidedly, beginning for the second time, +"And God shall wipe away all tears." + +"Oh, it is like heaven itself!" Miss Lily breathed. Then she +sighed softly. "What if I had missed it!" + +"I think I shall have to go now," at last Doodles said; "but I will +come and sing for you again any time, if you like,--any time when +you are here." He rose and picked up his cap. + +"Oh, my dear boy, I'm not ever coming back! I'm"--she began to +sob, and Doodles could scarcely make out the words--"I'm going--to +the--poorhouse!" She broke down, and her slight shoulders shook +pitifully. + +The boy stood as if stunned. Then he stepped near. "Don't cry!" +he said softly, "don't cry!" + +"Oh--I can't help it!" she mourned. "I've kept up--I thought maybe +I shouldn't have to go; but my eyes have given out, and I can't +earn anything only by sewing--and I can't sew now! To think of me +in the poorhouse!" + +"I'll come and sing for you there!" cried the boy impulsively. + +"Oh! you wouldn't--would you?" She clutched at the only straw of +hope. + +"Of course, I will! I'd be glad to!" + +"You're awfully good!" She wiped her eyes. + +"I didn't mean to entertain you with tears," she smiled. "Seems as +if I might stop, but I can't." Her eyes were wet again. + +A sudden light illumined the lad's face. He opened his lips, then +shut them. + +"How soon do you expect to go?" he asked. + +"Some time the last of the week, the man thought." She swallowed +hard. "He said he'd give me time to pick up my things--he was real +good." + +"I'll see you again before the last of the week," promised Doodles, +putting out his hand. + +She clasped it in both of hers. + +"You are just a dear--that's what you are!" she said tremulously. +"And you don't know how I thank you! I can't tell you what it has +been to me!" + +As the singer passed down the stairs curious eyes peered out at +him; but he did not know it. His heart was full of Miss Lily's +grief, although overspreading it was the beautiful thought that had +come to him so suddenly a moment ago. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +"BETTER THAN THE POORHOUSE" + +Polly was on the veranda when Doodles came. + +"Why, Doodles Stickney! I was just thinking of you! How did you +know I wanted to see you this morning?" + +"I didn't," he laughed; "but I wanted to see you'" + +"I'm so glad--oh, I forgot! I'm due at the dentist's at ten +o'clock! Maybe I can get off." + +"No, no! I couldn't stay till that time anyway. I came down on +business--" + +"Dear me!" laughed Polly, "how grand we are this morning!" + +"I don't know whether it is 'grand' or not--it depends a good deal +on the president of June Holiday Home. I'll tell you all about +it," dropping into a chair beside Polly. + +He related the incidents of the day before, of Miss Lily's meeting +him at the church door, of his singing to her in the afternoon, and +finally of her distress at going to the poorhouse. + +"And I happened to think if she could only come to the June Holiday +Home--" + +"Lovely!" cried Polly. "I don't see why she can't!" + +"Nor I, but somebody may. I thought I'd see you first and maybe +you'd give me a little note of introduction--you know Mr. Randolph +so well, and I never spoke to him." + +"Certainly I will! I'll go right and do it now! Chris will want +to see you--I'll send him out." + +The note that Doodles carried away with him was in Polly's best +style. + + _Dear Mr. Randolph_:-- + This is to introduce my friend Doodles Stickney, + or to be perfectly proper, Julius Stickney. He will tell + you about Miss Lily, and I do hope you will make a + place for her at the Home. I have never seen her, but + I know she is nice, or Doodles wouldn't like her or + take so much trouble to get her in. I feel awfully sorry + for her. It must be dreadful to have your eyes give out + so you have to go to the poorhouse. + + Miss Sniffen made a terrible fuss because you stayed + at the picnic with us--or because we stayed with + you. Anyway, she scolded Miss Nita like everything. + I'm afraid we can't ever have a picnic again. She began + on me when I went to report our arrival--she + happened to be at the desk. You know you have to + report as soon as you get in, and I said I'd do it for the + crowd. Miss Nita couldn't because her ankle ached + so. It turned black and blue--just awful! She wouldn't + say a word to anybody, and father sent some liniment + by me. The first smelt so strong Miss Nita + didn't dare use it for fear they'd suspect, so father + sent her another kind. He said it wasn't quite so good + as the smelly sort, but her ankle is a whole lot better. + Don't you think she is brave? I don't know what Miss + Sniffen would say if she knew about that. We've all + kept whist. + + This is a pretty long letter, but I knew you'd want + to hear about Miss Nita's ankle. You will let Miss + Lily in, won't you? + Yours with hope, + POLLY MAY DUDLEY. + + Thank you ever so much for that beautiful ride! I + shall never forget it. + +Doodles walked into the great office of the Fair Harbor Paper +Company and asked to see Mr. Randolph. + +"We hired a boy last week. We don't want any more." The clerk was +turning away. + +"Oh, I'm not applying for a place!" cried Doodles, his voice full +of laughter. "I wish to see the president on business." + +The young man scowled, irritated by his blunder, and surveyed the +boy with a disagreeable sneer. + +"Well, he's too busy to attend to kids. What do you want anyhow?" + +Doodles hesitated. He did not wish to tell his errand to this +pompous young person. + +"Please say to Mr. Randolph that I would like to see him on +important business about the June Holiday Home." + +"Who sent you?" + +"No one; but I have a letter of introduction." + +"Oh, you have! Hand it out!" + +Doodles made no move toward his pocket. + +"I wish to give it to Mr. Randolph himself," he said gently. + +"Well, you can't see him. He's busy now." + +"I will wait," replied the boy, and took a chair. + +The clerk went behind the railing and sat down at a desk. + +Doodles looked out on the street and watched the passers. +Occasionally his eyes would wander back to the office and over the +array of men and women bent to their work, then they would return +to the wide doorway. He felt that he had small chance to speak +with Mr. Randolph until he should go to luncheon, and that, he +argued to himself, would not be a very good time to present his +business. He wished that the unpleasant young clerk would go +first--he would like to try some other. + +Men and women came and went, some of them disappearing in the rear, +where, undoubtedly, was the man he sought. If only he dared +follow! Finally the offensive youth came out through the gate and +over to where he sat. + +"Here, you kid," he began in an insolent tone, "you've hung round +here long enough! Now beat it!" + +Into the soft brown eyes of Doodles shot an angry light. + +The other saw it and smiled sneeringly. He did not count on the +lad's strength. + +In a moment the indignation had passed. There was none of it in +the quiet voice. "Good-day, sir!" + +Doodles was gone. + +A plan had instantly formed in his mind. He would get himself a +lunch, and then wait outside the office until Mr. Randolph +appeared. That was the only way. It never occurred to him to give +the matter up. + +One restaurant was passed; it did not look inviting. The next was +better, but flies were crawling over the bottles and jars in the +window. He went on. + +"It will cost more, I suppose," he muttered regretfully to himself, +as he entered a neat cafe where the door was opened to him by a boy +in livery. + +"Bread and milk," he ordered of the trim maid, and he smiled to +himself contentedly at the daintiness with which it was served. + +The milk was cool and sweet, and Doodles was hungry. The whistles +and clocks announced that it was noon, and soon afterward people +began to stream in. Women with shopping-bags and bundles, men with +newspapers, hatless working-girls; but everywhere were courtesy and +low voices. Doodles was glad of his choice. + +He sat eating slowly, wishing he knew at what time he would be most +likely to meet Mr. Randolph, when he stared at a man coming toward +him--it was the president of the Paper Company! The boy drew in a +delighted breath--what great good luck! + +Mr. Randolph sat down at a little table not far away. He looked +tired, the lad thought, and he decided to wait until the close of +the meal, if he could manage to make his own small supply of milk +last long enough. + +"Nothing more, thank you," Doodles told the maid who came to ask. +"This milk is very nice," he added, which brought out an answering +smile. + +At last the president had reached his fruit. + +The boy's last crumb had vanished long ago, and he thought he might +venture across to the other table. + +"May I speak with you a moment, sir?" he asked softly, taking the +letter from his pocket. + +"Certainly." The man bowed with his accustomed courtesy. + +"Polly Dudley gave me this for you." + +At mention of the name a pleasant light over-spread the grave face. + +The lad watched him as he read. The light deepened, then the brows +drew together in a scowl. Doodles wondered what Polly had written. + +"This lady is a friend of yours, I take it." + +The keen gray eyes looked straight at the boy. + +"Yes, sir," Doodles smiled, "though a very new one. I never saw +her till yesterday." + +The eyes bent upon him widened a little. + +The lad told his story as simply as possible, touching lightly upon +his own part in it. "And so," he ended artlessly, his appealing +brown eyes looking straight into the steady gray ones, "I thought, +even if there were rules and patches and things she didn't like, it +would be better than the poorhouse." + +A little amused smile replaced the hint of surprise on the man's +face. + +"Where do you sing?" he asked abruptly. + +"At St. Bartholomew's Church, Foxford." + +"Did you come down expressly to see me about this?" + +"Yes, sir," answered Doodles. + +"How did you know I was here?" + +"I didn't." A smile overspread the small face. "I waited at your +office until"--he hesitated an instant--"I thought I would find you +after I had had a lunch." + +"Get hungry?" + +"Oh, no, sir!" + +Mr. Randolph eyed him questioningly. + +"The young man thought I'd waited long enough," was the gentle +explanation. + +"So he told you to go!" + +"I guess he got tired of seeing me there," smiled Doodles. + +"Did you wait long?" + +"'Most two hours." + +"Tall, light-haired fellow, was it?" + +The boy assented. + +The president mused a moment and then resumed:-- + +"In any case your friend will have to make an application. I think +I will let her take a blank. Have her fill it out, and you can +send it down to me. I will attend to the rest." + +Doodles rose from his chair, feeling that it was time to go, yet he +could not forbear one question. + +"Do you think she can come to the Home?" His tone betrayed his +solicitude. + +"I will do the best I can for her, Master Stickney." Mr. Randolph +had also risen, and he smiled down into the upturned face. "It +will have to be referred to the Committee on Applications, but I +will see that it is put through as quickly as possible." + +Doodles decided to see Miss Lily before going home, so it was still +early afternoon when he entered the little house on North Charles +Street. + +"Why, you dear boy!" The little lady had him in her arms. "How +good of you to come! I was thinking this morning, what if I +shouldn't ever hear you sing again--and now here you are!" + +"I told you I'd come," laughed Doodles. + +"Yes," smiled Miss Lily; "but people forget. I guess you aren't +the forgetting kind." + +"I didn't come to-day to sing," the boy began slowly. Now that the +moment was at hand he felt suddenly shy at disclosing his errand. +"I happened to think yesterday of the June Holiday Home down in +Fair Harbor, and I wondered if you wouldn't rather go there and +live than to go--anywhere else." + +For an instant Miss Lily stared. "That beautiful place up on +Edgewood Hill?--me?--go there?" Her mobile face showed a strange +mingling of astonishment, fear, and joy. + +"Certainly! Shouldn't you like to?" + +"'Like to'! All the rest of my life?--Oh, I can't believe it!" + +"I don't know that you can get in," Doodles hastened to explain; +"but I went to Fair Harbor this morning to see Mr. Randolph--he's +the president of the Home. He doesn't know yet for certain, but he +has sent you a blank to make out, and then it's got to go to a +committee. He said he'd do the best he could for you,--he is a +very nice man!" + +"And you have taken all this trouble for me?" Miss Lily's hands +went up to her face. The tears trickled down and fell on her dress. + +"It wasn't any trouble," asserted Doodles. "I thought maybe there +was no chance, and so I wouldn't tell you till I found out." The +lad took the paper from his pocket. + +Miss Lily wiped her eyes. "I can't see to write," she said +tremulously; "that is, not well, and the doctor said I mustn't +try." She looked mournfully at the boy. + +"I'll do it for you," he proposed cheerily. "Then if there's +anything to sign you can do it with your eyes shut. I love to +write with my eyes shut and see how near I come to it!" + +"I never tried," she admitted, "but perhaps I could." + +"It says first, 'Your name in full.'" Doodles looked up inquiringly. + +"Faith Lily." repeated its owner mechanically. Then she started +across the room. "I'll get you a pen and ink," she said. + +Doodles wrote with careful hand. "That's a pretty name," he +commented. + +"I always liked it," she smiled. "But I'm afraid my faith has been +going back on me lately. I did have a good deal. I thought the +Lord wouldn't let me go to the poorhouse, then it seemed as if He +was going to. Only a little while ago I thought He must have +forgotten me--and now this!" Her dim eyes grew big with wonder and +thankfulness. "Even if I can't go, I shall be glad you tried to +get me in; it will tell me I have one friend." + +"The next is, 'Time and place of birth.'" + +"I was born August 3, 1847, in Cloverfield, Massachusetts." + +"'Name of father,'" read Doodles. + +"Jonathan Seymour Lily." + +There were many questions, and the boy was a slow writer. It took +no little time to place all the answers. But the end of the list +was finally reached without blot or smudge. Doodles surveyed his +work with gratification. + +"I guess I haven't made any mistake," he said, reading it over. +"Now if you can just put your name there, it will be done." + +Her hand trembled and the letters were wavering, but when Doodles +declared it was "splendidly written," she smiled her relief. + +Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday went by, and Doodles heard nothing +from Mr. Randolph. He began to be afraid that the committee had +decided against his friend, and although his mother told him that +such procedures always take considerable time, he grew more nervous +with every mail-coming. When Saturday morning brought him no word, +he decided to go over to Miss Lily's. + +"I don't know that she could read the letter if she had one," he +said in dismay. "Why didn't I think of that before!" + +His first glimpse of the little woman corroborated his worst fears. +Her eyes were swollen with weeping, and her face was haggard and +despairing. + +"Can't you go?" he ejaculated. + +"I haven't heard a word!" she answered mournfully. "I didn't know +but you had." + +"No, I haven't. That's why I came over." + +She shut the door and made him sit down. + +"I guess I'll have to go to the poorhouse after all," she began in +a hushed voice, as if fearful of being overheard. + +"Oh, I wouldn't give up! Mr. Randolph said it would take time." + +"But I can't wait! The woman thought I was going, and she's rented +my room, and she won't let me stay another night! I haven't quite +enough money to pay up, and she says she shall keep my trunk and +furniture--oh, to think I have come to this!" + +The little woman's distress was agonizing to Doodles. + +"Now, don't you worry!" he pleaded. "You are coming straight home +with me to stay at our house over Sunday, and next week we shall +probably hear." + +"No, no!--your mother--your mother won't want me!" she sobbed. "I +can't go to make her all that trouble!" + +"'T won't be a bit of trouble!" he insisted. "She will like to +have you come! We all will! We'd better go right away, too. Is +your trunk packed?" + +"Pretty much; there are a few little things to put in." She found +herself yielding to the stronger will of the boy. Going to the +closet, she brought out some articles of clothing which she began +to fold. + +"Is all the furniture yours?" Doodles asked, looking around on the +meager array. + +She shook her head. "Only the rocking-chair and the couch and that +little chair you're in and the oil heater and the pictures--" She +ran her troubled eyes over the things enumerated, as if fearing to +forget some of her few remaining possessions. "Oh, yes! there's my +bookshelf! I mustn't leave that." + +"Suppose I make a list of them," suggested Doodles. "I think maybe +we'd better have them taken over to our house--Blue can come this +afternoon and see about it. Blue's my brother, you know." + +"But Mrs. Gugerty won't let me have them!" + +"She will if you pay up." + +"Yes, but I can't! I gave her the last cent I had!" Her voice +quivered. + +Doodles took out his purse and counted over his change. + +"No, you're not going to pay it!" she cried. "I shan't let you!" + +"I'm afraid I haven't enough," smiled the lad ruefully--"only +sixty-seven cents." + +"I owe a dollar and a quarter," she admitted. + +"Blue can pay it when he comes for the things," returned the boy, +dismissing with a careless "That's nothing!" the little woman's +protest. + +Miss Lily looked around for the last time with a cheerful smile. + +"Somehow I can't feel as bad to go home with you as I know I ought +to," she said, "only I hate to have you and your folks do so much +for me--and I such a stranger, too!" + +"No, you're a friend," Doodles corrected. + +"Yes, I am--forever and ever!" She laughed tremulously. "I don't +see why you're so good to me." + +"You'll like my mother!" Doodles responded with some irrelevance. +"She's the best mother in the whole world!" + +"I know I shall love her if she's any like her boy!" She gave him +a caressing pat. + +True to the word of Doodles, Miss Lily was welcomed to the little +bungalow with such heartfelt hospitality that her sad, starving +soul was filled with joy, and when Blue returned with her small +stock of goods and put Mrs. Gugerty's receipt into her hand, her +eyes overflowed with happy tears. With cheery Mrs. Stickney and +merry Doodles and Blue for companions, she had little time to worry +over the possible outcome of her application to the June Holiday +Home, and Sunday was passed in an utterly different way from that +she had imagined a week before. + +It was not until the next Wednesday that any news came from Mr. +Randolph. Then the letter-carrier brought a long, thin envelope +addressed to "Miss Faith Lily," and the recipient turned so white +when Doodles handed it to her that he feared she was going to faint. + +"Shall I open it?" he asked. + +She bowed her head. Words were far away. + +He drew out the paper and gave it one hurried glance. Then he +swung it over his head with a glad whoop. + +"You're going! You're going! You're going!" he shouted. + +"Doodles!" remonstrated his mother, for Miss Lily was weeping. + +In a moment, however, tears had given way to joy, and Doodles must +read to her every word of Mr. Randolph's friendly note as well as +the wonderful document that was to admit her to the palatial June +Holiday Home. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +ROSES--AND THORNS + +Polly was in Miss Sterling's room when the box was brought up. + +"Flowers!" she squealed as soon as the door had shut upon the +matron's stout figure. + +"Bosh!" retorted Miss Sterling. "More likely Cousin Sibyl has sent +me some of her children's stockings to darn. She does that +occasionally. I suppose she thinks--" + +"0-o-h!" breathed Polly, for the speaker had disclosed a mass of +pink--exquisite roses with long stems and big, cool green leaves. + +"Now what do you think?" Polly exulted. + +Miss Sterling stood regarding the roses, her face all pink and +white, the color fluttering here and there like a shy bird. + +"It's a mistake!" she said at last. "They can't be for me." + +"Of course they're for you!" Polly pointed to the address on the +cover. "Isn't there any card?" searching gently among the flowers. +"I guess Mr. Randolph forgot to put in his card!" Polly's eyes +twinkled mischievously. + +"Polly Dudley, don't be silly'" The tone was almost impatient. + +"It would be lovely for him to send them anyway!" defended Polly. +"And I almost know he did!" she insisted. + +"You don't know any such thing!" Miss Sterling was taking the roses +out. She brought them to her face and drew in their fragrance. +Then she held them at arm's length, gazing at them admiringly. + +"Aren't they beautiful!" she said softly. "I wish I knew whom to +thank." + +"It looks like a man's handwriting," observed Polly. + +"It might be Mrs. Lake," mused Miss Sterling, quite ignoring +Polly's remark. "Mrs. Lake has always been nice to me. Only she +would never omit her card. No, it must be somebody else." + +Polly tried the roses on the small table, on the desk, on the +dresser--where their reflection added to their magnificence. +Finally they were left on the broad window-sill, while the two +discussed possible givers. It was Miss Sterling, however, who +suggested names. Polly clung to her first thought. + +"I told him you had had an awful time with your ankle, and how Miss +Sniffen scolded you,"--Polly lowered her voice,--"and I suppose he +felt sorry--" + +"How Miss Sniffen scolded me? Not about his being there?" The +tone was dismayed. "Why, yes! What harm was there?" "Polly! +Polly! You didn't say--what did you say?" + +"I can't remember exactly," was the plaintive answer. "I don't see +why you care, anyway. I think I said it was because he stayed with +us and took us to ride." + +"Well, it can't be helped," laughed Miss Sterling, "but--how could +you, Polly?" + +"I should think you'd be glad to have him know how Miss Sniffen +acts." + +"Sh! Somebody's coming!" + +"I must go," Polly whispered. + +She let in Mrs. Albright and Miss Crilly. + +"Oh, what dandy roses!" Miss Crilly dashed over to the window. +"Your best feller must sure 'a' sent 'em! Ain't they sweet? But +why don't you have 'em over on that little table? They'd show off +fine there! May I?" She carried them across the room. + +"Polly tried them in various places," responded Miss Sterling. + +"Well, 't don't make a whole lot o' difference where you put such +roses! My, but they're immense!" She stood off, the better to +admire them. "Wouldn't I rave if they belonged to yours truly! +How can you folks take them so coolly?" + +Juanita Sterling laughed. "I had my time when they first came!" + +"You say it all, so we don't need to," laughed Mrs. Albright. +"They are beauties, that's a fact!" + +Miss Crilly sat down, her eyes still on the flowers. "I don't see +a card anywhere," she nodded. "Ain't that proof positive?" winking +toward Mrs. Albright. + +"There was none," smiled Miss Sterling. + +"You don't mean you don't know who sent 'em?" Miss Crilly queried. + +"Just that. Either the sender forgot to put in her card or she +didn't wish me to know." + +"I bet 't isn't a 'her'!" giggled Miss Crilly. "Don't you, Mis' +Albright?" + +That lady twinkled her answer. "I shouldn't wonder." + +A soft knock sent Miss Sterling to the door, and Miss Castlevaine +came in. + +Miss Crilly showed off the roses with all the pride of a possessor. + +"I guess I saw them down in the lower hall," smiled Miss +Castlevaine knowingly. "There was a long box on the desk." + +"You did? And ain't it funny?" Miss Crilly ran on,--"she don't +know who sent 'em!" + +"Perhaps Miss Sniffen could tell you." + +Miss Sterling looked up quickly. + +"What do you mean?" asked Miss Crilly. + +Miss Castlevaine moved her chair nearer, listened intently, and +then began in a low voice: "I was coming up with a pitcher of hot +water, and you know there's a little place where you can see down +on the desk. Well, Miss S. was there fussing over a box, and I +said to myself, 'I guess somebody's got some flowers.' Then I saw +her lift the cover and slip out something white. I didn't see it +distinctly, for just as she took hold of it she looked up, and I +dodged out of sight. When I peeked down again she was dropping +something into a little drawer, and I came on as still as I could. +I thought then that whoever had those flowers wouldn't find out who +sent 'em!" + +"It isn't right!" Mrs. Albright's comfortable face took on stern, +troubled lines. + +"I'd go to the florist and find out," declared Miss Crilly. + +"There's no name on the box." Miss Sterling drew a deep breath, and +indignation flushed her pale cheeks. + +"I did suppose we could have what belonged to us, even here! +Things grow worse every day. Boiled tripe for dinner--ugh!" Miss +Castlevaine's face wrinkled with repugnance. + +"And only potatoes to go with it," sighed Mrs. Albright. "It's too +bad we can't have green vegetables and fruit--now, in the season." + +"I heard something yesterday," resumed Miss Castlevaine, "that I +guess you won't like--I don't know what we're coming to! Miss +Major got it in a roundabout way through one of the managers, and +it may not be true; but they say they're going to cut out our +Wednesday pudding and our Sunday pie!" Her little blue eyes glared +at her listeners. + +Juanita Sterling dropped back in her chair. "What next!" she +ejaculated. + +"They'll be keeping us on mackerel and corned beef yet!" snapped +Miss Castlevaine. "As if we didn't pay enough when we came here to +insure us first-class board for the rest of our lives' I gave them +three thousand dollars--I was a fool to do it!--and I have been +here only two years! If they keep that woman much longer--!" The +flashing eyes and set lips finished the sentence. + +"Well, ain't that great!" cried Miss Crilly. "I didn't bring any +such pile as you did, Miss Castlevaine, but that isn't to the +point! They've got more money 'n they know what to do with! What +they saving their old barrelful for, anyway? Not a scrap o' +dessert from one week's end to another--goodness gracious me!" + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +WAITING TO BE THANKED + +Juanita Stirling sat alone with her roses, trying to think it all +out. The other ladies were down in the parlor, where Mrs. Nobbs +was reading aloud; but to-night Egyptian archaeology had no charm +for the possessor of the pink roses. How could she wander through +prehistoric scenes while somebody was waiting to be thanked! +Somebody--but who? The roses knew! Yet they would not tell! +Little quivers of light fluttered in and out of their alluring +hearts, almost as if they said, "We are telling! We are telling! +Only you will not understand!" The woman gazed wistfully at +them--and sighed. The secret of the roses held her through the +long, still hours of the evening. What possible reason could the +superintendent have had for withholding the name, unless--! She +shook her head and sternly chided her cheeks for rivaling the +roses. If only Polly hadn't--but was it Polly? Had not that name +appeared before Polly spoke? She clinched her teeth in scorn for +herself. "'There's no fool like an old fool,'" she muttered +contemptuously. No doubt it was Georgiana Lake. To-morrow she +would write Mrs. Lake a note of thanks. There would be no risk in +that. Yes, she would do it! She would be a fool no longer! And +if the roses chuckled over her decision she never knew it. + +The note went by the morning's mail. Its answer came in two days. + + _My dear Nita_ + You are a witch fit for the hanging! How did you + know--how could you guess!--I was going to send + you some of our Pink Ramblers? Only they are not + quite blossomed out enough yet. When they are you + shall have more than you can hold in your two small + hands! But to thank me for them ahead of time! It + is just like you! You always were a witch! Why don't + you come to see me? I should have been up last visiting + day only that the house was full of workmen, and + Isabel had engagements, and somebody must stay--I + was the somebody!--A visitor! Too bad! Love-- + GEORGIANA. + +Before the pink roses had lost a petal another box was brought to +Miss Sterling's door. Her fingers quivered with hope as she untied +the ribbon. The address was in the same firm, open hand. A +shimmer of gold met her first glance, but the scrap of white she +had longed for was missing. Without doubt the pilferer had +thwarted her again. She put the yellow beauties into water with +half-hearted pleasure. Why couldn't Miss Sniffen let her have her +own! She pounded the air with her little impotent fists. She did +not go down to tea. Unhappiness and worry are not appetizers. + +The next morning it was whispered from room to room that the second +card had been filched from Miss Sterling's box of roses. Miss +Castlevaine loved so well the transmitting of newsy tidbits, that +they were not apt to remain long in one quarter. + +"I'd do something about it!" she declared to Miss Major. "It has +come to a pretty pass if our belongings have to be tampered with +before we even are allowed to see them! I think somebody ought to +tell the president." + +The incident, however, passed with talk, nobody being willing to +risk her residence in behalf of Juanita Sterling. + +When Polly Dudley heard of it she waxed wrathful. + +"I never liked Miss Sniffen," she declared, "and now I just hate +her!" + +"Polly!" remonstrated Miss Sterling. + +"I don't care, I do! I wish mother was on the Board, then I 'd try +to make her say something! What business has Miss Sniffen to open +your boxes, anyhow? I almost know they came from Mr. Randolph, and +that's why she's mad about it!" + +"Polly, I hope you won't say that to anybody else. You've no more +reason to think he sent them than you have to think King George +sent them." + +Polly chuckled. + +"You haven't--intimated such a thing, have you?--to anybody else, I +mean?" The question held an anxious tone. + +"Why, no, I guess not," was the slow answer, "except mother. I +think I said to mother that probably he was the one." + +Miss Sterling shook her head with a tiny scowl. "Your mother must +think me an intensely silly woman," she sighed. + +"Oh, I didn't say you thought so!" Polly hastened to explain. "I +only said I did." + +"Please don't even suggest it again," she laughed. "I wish the +mystery could be cleared up." + +The sender's name was discovered earlier than they had thought +possible. + +Two days afterwards, Polly rushed in, her face alight, her eyes +shining. "Oh, Miss Nita!" she began, and then stopped, suddenly +realizing that Mrs. Winslow Teed and Miss Crilly were in the room. + +"I didn't know--I thought maybe--you'd go with me to call on Miss +Lily--Doodles said--Doodles is in a hurry for me to go," she ended +lamely. + +Juanita Sterling, amused at the sudden transition, had caught a +flash of triumph in Polly's eye and wondered with a fluttering +heart what she had come to announce. + +"Why can't we go, too?" cried Miss Crilly. + +"Miss Lily looks like a refined, cultured person," remarked Mrs. +Winslow Teed. + +"Oh, Doodles says she is lovely!" Polly had recovered her +equilibrium. + +The latest comer at the June Holiday Home received her visitors +with shy courtesy. Miss Crilly and Polly soon relieved her of any +embarrassment she may have felt, and talk went on blithely. + +Several smiling glances thrown across the room by Polly put Miss +Sterling's mind in confusion. They might signify much or nothing, +yet she found herself missing what was being said around her in +wild conjecture as to their meaning. She wanted to carry Polly +upstairs with her. Finally she rose to go, and Polly said +good-bye, too, in accordance with Miss Sterling's hope. + +They went along the corridor together. Polly squeezing her +companion's arm with little chuckles of delight. + +"You can't guess what I've got to tell you!" she broke out, as soon +as they were at a safe distance from Miss Lily's room. + +"Sh!" cautioned the other. Talk above a whisper was forbidden in +the halls. + +"Oh, I'm always forgetting!" breathed Polly. + +Once inside the third-floor room the little woman was seized by a +pair of eager arms and whirled round and round. + +"He did send them! He did! He did! Now what do you think!" + +Miss Sterling went suddenly limp and dropped into a chair. + +"You don't know--for certain?" she cried. "I do! Mr. Randolph +sent you those roses--both boxes!" + +The woman felt the flame in her face and turned quickly on pretense +of searching for something in her sewing-basket. She was so long +about it that Polly began to complain. + +"You don't care very much, seems to me! I thought you'd be just as +glad as I am!" + +"Why, I am glad to find out who sent them, dear, as glad as can be! +But I may as well be sewing on these buttons while you are talking. +Now, tell me how you found out--I'm dying to know!" she laughed. + +"Well, it's so funny!" Polly resumed. "You see, our Sunday-School +is going to send a boy in India to college, and last Sunday we had +to tell how we'd earned what we brought. A boy in Chris's class, +Herbert Ogden, said Mr. Randolph paid him fifteen cents apiece for +carrying two boxes of roses to the June Holiday Home. So after +Sunday-School Chris went along with him and asked him if he +remembered who the boxes were for. He said, 'Oh, yes, because it +was such a queer name! They were both directed to Miss Ju-an-i-ta +Sterling!' Chris said it was all he could do to keep his face +straight. And the boy went on to say he remembered the last name +because it made him think of sterling silver! Wasn't that the +greatest?" + +The exclamations and laughter satisfied even Polly. + +"You'll thank him right away, shan't you?" she queried. + +"I suppose I ought." sighed the possessor of the roses. + +"Don't you want to?" Polly's tone showed her surprise. + +"Such notes are hard to write," was the discreet answer. She bent +closer over her work than there was any need. Her cheeks were +pinking up again. + +"I do believe you're growing near-sighted!" declared Polly +irrelevantly. + +"No, I guess not," she replied calmly. "This button bothered +me--it's all right now," as Polly scrutinized the waist. + +"I shouldn't think you'd hate to write to Mr. Randolph. I think +he's lovely!" + +"I presume he is," Miss Sterling said quietly. "I'm not well +acquainted with him, you know." + +"I'll write it for you," proposed Polly, "if you'd like me to." + +The little woman bending over the blouse caught her breath--to +think of missing the writing of that thank-you to Nelson Randolph! + +"Oh, no, dear! I won't shirk my duty. It wouldn't look quite the +thing for you to do it." + +"Perhaps it wouldn't," Polly agreed, "though I'd just as lief." + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +BLANCHE PUDDICOMBE + +"You're a great deal better, aren't you, Miss Nita?" Polly was +saying. + +Miss Sterling gave a smiling nod across the bed. She and Polly +were putting on the covers. + +"I think you've been growing stronger since the picnic. Maybe it +was the outdoors. Father says there's nothing like it for nerves. +I wish we could have another, now your ankle is all well; but it is +too late for to-day. Why can't we go to walk, you and Mrs. +Adlerfeld and Mrs. Albright and I? I know a lovely road out +Brookside Avenue way." + +"Well," agreed Miss Sterling, "if it isn't too far. I feel equal +to a good deal this morning." + +"Oh, that's jolly! We needn't go any farther than we choose, you +know. I'll bring a lunch, so it will seem like a little +picnic--things taste so much better out of doors. Isn't it lovely +that you are stronger! Did you tell Mr. Randolph that you're +better?" + +"Why, no, dear, of course not! It was just a note of thanks." + +"What if it was! You could have said that! He'll want to know!" + +"I think he'll be able to survive the omission." Miss Sterling +patted the pillow into shape and smiled over it. + +"Oh, I saw him yesterday!" Polly broke out. "I forgot to tell you!" + +The other waited, an expectant smile fluttering about her pretty +lips. + +"Blanche Puddicombe was riding with him. He had his roadster. I +don't see what he takes her around so much for. She isn't a bit +pretty." + +"Probably she is agreeable." Miss Sterling laid down the blanket +she had folded and crossed the room. + +"I don't see how she can be with such a mother," Polly went on. +"She fusses herself up a good deal the same way. She hasn't a mite +of taste. I saw her downtown shopping the other day with a sport +skirt, very wide scarlet stripes, and a dress hat trimmed with a +single pink rose--the most delicate pink--and a light blue feather! +Oh, yes, and a crepe-de-chine waist of pale green!" + +An amused chuckle sounded from the window, where Miss Sterling was +straightening the curtains. + +"You ought to have seen her! Her hair is black as--my shoe, and +she wears it waved right down over her ears--you wouldn't know she +had any ears! Queer, Mr. Randolph should want her riding round +with him so much! You'd think he would have more sense, wouldn't +you?" + +"She has money--and youth!" was the emphasized reply, in a cold, +hard tone. "Money and youth make everything harmonize--even sport +skirts and dress hats!" + +"She doesn't begin to look as young as you do. She looks more than +thirty, and you don't!" + +"Polly Dudley!" + +"Father says so, anyway!" + +"I thank your father for the nattering compliment; but I think he +must be needing glasses." + +"No, he doesn't need glasses!" retorted Polly. "His eyes are +first-rate. Dear me! Is it eleven o'clock? I must go home! +Let's start early--by two, can you?" + +"Oh, I don't believe I'll go this afternoon!" The voice sounded +weary. + +"Why, Miss Nita! you said you would!" + +"I know, but I wasn't tired then. I guess I'll have to put it off a +day or two." + +"You haven't done anything to tire you! You'll never get well if +you don't go more!" cried Polly plaintively. "And we won't go a +step farther than you like. We needn't ask anybody else, if you'd +rather not--we can go all by ourselves." Polly waited anxiously. + +Miss Sterling shook her head with a little sigh. "You go with the +others to-day. I don't feel as if I could." + +Polly finally went off, her face downcast. Coaxings had availed +nothing. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +"GOOD-BYE, PUDDING" + +Juanita Sterling scowled a perfunctory thank-you to Mrs. Nobbs, who +handed her a long box. She had come to hate those long boxes. + +"I wish he'd keep his old flowers in his greenhouse!" she muttered +disdainfully after the door was well shut. She gazed on the box +with a sigh. Nevertheless, she untied it with hurrying fingers. + +Great ruby roses sent their pent-up fragrance straight to her +nostrils, and she drew it in with a breath of delight. Then she +flung the box on the bed and finished putting her dresser in order, +a task with which she had been occupied. + +Little jerky bits of scorn were now and then directed toward the +flowers, as if they were responsible for their intrusion. When +their innocence suddenly suggested itself, she smiled. + +"Poor things, they can't help it! How should I feel if I were +carried where I was not wanted and then should be blamed for being +there!" + +Contritely she took the roses from their box and put them in her +prettiest vase, quite as if she would make amends. She sat down by +them and looked the matter in the face. + +"I can't have these where they will remind me all day long of being +a silly old woman!" She considered the blossoms with a dismal +face. "What shall I do with them? I'd put them in a bundle under +the bed, only I'd feel so sorry for them--no, I can't do that! I +suppose I could give them away--oh, there's Mrs. Crump! The very +thing! Maybe they'll help her to forget her pain. I'll take them +in now!" She caught up the vase and bore it triumphantly along the +hall. + +Mrs. Crump was on the couch. + +"All for me? Why, Miss Sterling! How good you are! You can't +have kept many for yourself." + +"I don't want any," laughed the donor. "I'll be glad enough if you +can enjoy them." + +Miss Crilly and Miss Major came in. + +"Mis' Crump! if you're not tryin' to beat Miss Sterling! Seems +like a hospital 'stead of a Home, so many roses round!--You don't +say she's given you all hers? My, ain't you the limit o' +generosity. Miss Sterling! You look lots better. Mis' Crump! +Maybe it's the reflection o' the roses! Lovely color, ain't it! +He must be a goner, sure! How many times a week d' they come? +'Nother card swooped, I s'pose? It beats me!" + +Miss Major opened the door for Miss Castlevaine. + +"I couldn't help hearing what you said about another card--who's +lost one now?" + +She shook her head while Miss Crilly explained. "We shall have to +lock up our jewelry pretty soon--huh! How do you feel this +morning, Mrs. Crump? Had the doctor?" + +The invalid winced and caught her breath, as a sudden twinge shot +through her arm. "I don't know as I'm any worse," she said. "I +haven't slept a wink since two o'clock! No, the doctor didn't stop +here! I thought maybe he would, he was in Mrs. Post's room, right +next door; but Mrs. Nobbs said yesterday it wasn't necessary--it's +'only pain,' you know!" + +"Only pain!" laughed Miss Crilly. "Isn't that enough? Then, when +I'm sick it'll be with something besides pain--I'll remember that! +And I'll have the doctor when I need him--don't you forget it!" + +"What's the matter with Mrs. Post?" queried Miss Castlevaine. + +"Something about her knee--she told me the doctor was going to +bandage it up. It was Mrs. Post, you know!" Mrs. Crump emphasized +the sentence with lowered voice and lifted eyebrows. + +Miss Castlevaine nodded. "No favorites in the June Holiday Home! +How did you like the dinner yesterday noon?" She smiled knowingly. + +"It's good-bye, pudding, forevermore!" laughed Miss Crilly. +"Didn't it seem queer not to have a bit of dessert?" + +"Same as other days," returned Miss Major. "I suppose the Sunday +pie will go next." + +"So I heard!" Miss Castlevaine's lips thinned themselves together. +"But that isn't the worst thing! Do you know about Mrs. Dick?" + +"No--what?" Miss Crilly stopped smelling of the roses. + +"Why, Tuesday she met an old schoolmate on the street who inquired +if she had been ill. Mrs. Dick said no. 'Why didn't you come to +the wedding, then?' the lady asked. 'Wedding?' exclaimed Mrs. +Dick; 'what wedding?' 'Why, Anita's!' (Anita is her daughter.) 'I +didn't know she was going to be married, and it isn't likely I +should have gone without an invitation,' she laughed. 'I invited +you,' the lady said. 'It was a very informal affair, no cards, and +not many guests; but I telephoned to the Home, for you to come over +and spend the day. I wanted you to see Anita's pretty clothes and +her beautiful presents. They said they'd give you the message +right off.' 'First I've heard of it!' said Mrs. Dick, and I tell +you she was mad! Isn't that awful? If anything happens to us, I +don't know as our friends will hear of it till after the +funeral--huh!" + +"Is she going to make a fuss about it?" asked Miss Major. + +"Of course not! She'd probably be turned out if she did." + +"What are we coming to!" For a minute Miss Crilly actually looked +doleful. "I'm going to tell all my folks that if they want me to +know anything in a hurry they'd better telegraph or send me a +special delivery letter--that'll fix 'em. My! To think of bein' +invited to a weddin' and not knowin' it!" + +"When I first came here," resumed Miss Castlevaine, "my cousin was +dreadfully upset because they wouldn't call me to the telephone to +talk with her. Finally she said so much they gave in, and I went +down. I supposed it was the regular thing until she told me about +it afterwards. She had to ask me two or three questions about +something, and get my answers to know what to do." + +"There should be a telephone in every room, as there is in a +hotel," asserted Miss Major. + +"Oh, my!" ejaculated Miss Crilly. "When you get it, send me word! +Probably I shan't be here by that time, but I guess I shall be +hoverin' somewhere round, and I'll know when your 'phone's in!" + +"To have one in each room would be a great deal of expense," said +Mrs. Crump. + +"What of it!" retorted Miss Major. "Haven't they money enough? +They're always building additions--now the one that's going to +spoil Miss Sterling's room and Miss Twining's down below. They'd a +good deal better spend it on telephones." + +"They've got a new rug down in the hall," announced Miss +Castlevaine. "'Most anybody could have new rugs if they stole the +money to buy them with!" + +"What do you mean?" was Miss Crilly's quick query. + +"You'd better not say anything about it; but I heard that Miss +Twining wrote a poem for a Sunday-School paper and got eight +dollars for it--" + +"My!" put in Miss Crilly. + +"And," went on Miss Castlevaine, "she bought a new shirt waist. +When she wore it Mrs. Nobbs asked her where she got it. Like a +simpleton, she told the whole story, so pleased to have earned the +money, and never dreaming but that it was her own! What did they +do but make her give up the seven dollars she had left! They did +let her keep the waist--she needed it badly enough." Miss +Castlevaine shook her head, while comments flew fast. + +"I'm sorry for Miss Twining," sympathized Miss Crilly. "She's the +kind that won't sputter it all out, as I should; she'll cry herself +sick over it!" + +"If we cried for all the hard things we have here," said Mrs. +Crump, "we shouldn't have any eyes left!" + +"I wonder if the directors know how things are going," observed +Miss Major. + +"I bet they ain't on to it!" Miss Crilly wagged her head decisively. + +"But who'd dare tell 'em?" queried Mrs. Crump. + +"Excuse me!" giggled Miss Crilly. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +"SO MYSTERIOUS" + +"Are you busy?" asked Miss Leatherland at the threshold of Miss +Sterling's room. + +"No, indeed! I was wondering whether I'd go out on the veranda or +sit here and mull. I'm glad you've come. Take this chair--it's +the easiest." + +"Then I'll leave it for you." She started toward another. + +"No, I don't like it!" Her hostess laughingly pushed her back. +"I'm too short for that one. I'm always wishing I were as tall as +you." + +Miss Leatherland blushed at the little compliment and smiled over +it. + +"I don't know but I'm meddling in what is none of my business," she +began shyly. "At first I thought I wouldn't say anything; then I +decided I would do as I'd wish to be done by. I certainly should +want to know anything of this kind--though perhaps you know +already." + +"What is it? Nothing dreadful, I hope." + +"Oh, no! Only it shows--unless she has told you--how things are +going downstairs." + +She hesitated, as if not knowing just how to say what she had come +to tell. + +"You were home about four o'clock yesterday, weren't you?" + +"Yes." + +"I met all of you down in the hall, you remember, and I thought it +was along there. Have you heard anything about a telephone message +that came for you while you were away?" + +"No--was there one?" + +Miss Leatherland bowed her head and drew her chair nearer. + +"This afternoon I went up to call on Mrs. Macgregor, and yesterday, +it seems, she had business with Mr. Potter, of the Fair Harbor +Paper Company, and was in his office waiting for him to come in. +It was about three o'clock, she said. Mr. Potter's office is next +to the president's, and the door was just ajar. Mrs. Macgregor has +very sharp ears, and she happened to be sitting close to the door, +so couldn't help hearing. She says Mr. Randolph called up the +Home--she knew the number, she uses it so much--and asked for Miss +Sterling. I suppose they told him you were out, for he said he was +sorry and inquired if they knew when you were coming home. +Evidently whoever was at the 'phone didn't tell, for he said if you +should come in by half-past four to ask you to call him up. +Probably she offered to deliver his message, for he said no, he'd +like to talk with you, and then he rang off. Mrs. Macgregor asked +if Mr. Randolph was a relative of yours, and I said I thought not." + +Miss Sterling shook her head. + +"I don't see why Miss Sniffen or Mrs. Nobbs, or whoever 't was +didn't do as Mr. Randolph asked them to--I don't see why! It's +getting so we can't tell anything!" Miss Leatherland looked +distressed. + +"Things are growing queer," was the quiet response. "I don't know +what Mr. Randolph could have wanted, but I surely have a right to +be informed about it." + +"If you should ask Miss Sniffen, please don't say anything about +me, she might think I'd interfered. I only thought you ought to +know it." + +"I'm mighty glad you told me," Miss Sterling smiled across into the +perturbed face, "and I shall certainly not speak of the matter to +Miss Sniffen or any of them." + +"I guess you are wise not to," agreed Miss Leatherland. "Anybody +that would do things she has done, you don't know what she'd do!" + +Polly heard of the little episode with mingled dismay and delight. + +"Oh, I wonder if he wanted you to go to ride!" she burst out. +"Only you won't ever know! Dear me, I wish we had waited till the +next day for our walk! Isn't it too bad you weren't home?" + +"We had a nice time!" laughed Miss Sterling. + +"Didn't we! But it's a shame for you to miss a ride with that +lovable man!" + +"Polly, why will you? He didn't say anything about a ride! +Probably it was simply some little business matter." + +"But what?" + +"I haven't the least idea." + +"'T was a ride! I know it just as I knew he sent the roses! I was +right about the roses!" + +"Rides and roses aren't the same!" + +"No, rides are better--more good-timey. Dear, dear! I'd been +wishing he would ask you--and now!" Polly sighed. "Anyway, he +wanted to talk with you about something!" she chuckled. "But it's +so mysterious!" + +She said good-bye and then came back. + +"I happened to think," she whispered, "why can't you come over to +our house and telephone to him? He'll never know where you are." + +Miss Sterling shook her head. "It wouldn't do! They'd ask me what +I was going for--and I couldn't tell!" + +"Do they always ask that?" scowled Polly. + +"Always!" + +"Then let me telephone!" + +"No, no! We'd better leave it to work itself out. I am not +supposed to know anything about it." She laughed uncertainly. + +"It's a shame! Oh, everything about him always gets mixed up with +trouble! I wish it didn't!" + +Juanita Sterling made the same wish as she sat alone in the hour +before bedtime. What could Nelson Randolph have wanted of her? +And why did Miss Sniffen and her subordinates strive so strenuously +to keep her from communicating with him or knowing of any attention +that he paid her? She wrestled with the hard question until the +bell for "lights out." Then she noiselessly undressed in the dark. + +Sleep was long in coming, yet her nerves did not assert themselves +unpleasantly, as usual. In fact, she had forgotten her nerves, in +the strange, vague gladness that was half pain which flooded her +being. She would berate herself for being "an old fool," though +conscious at the same time of little, warming heart-thrills that +exulted over her reason. As Polly had said, the president of the +June Holiday Home had wished to talk with her about +_something_--that of itself was as surprising as it was mysterious. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +MRS. DICK ESCAPES + +Juanita Sterling was making her bed when the soft tap came. + +"What shall I do?" Miss Crilly whispered tragically, slipping +inside and shutting the door without a sound. Her eyes were big +and frightened. "I've kept out of Mis' Nobbs's reach thus far, but +I s'pose I can't very long! They are lookin' everywhere for Mis' +Dick--you know she wasn't down to breakfast, and I'd no idea she'd +come--all the while the rest o' you were lookin' for her. At +half-past five this mornin' _I see her go away with the milkman!_ +I happened to be at my window. I couldn't sleep, 't was so hot, +and I sat down there to get a breath o' air. He come along and +sent in the boy with the milk, same as he gen'ally does--I see him +lots of times. But wasn't I astonished when Mis' Dick come +marchin' out, all dressed up in her Sunday togs, and got in and +rode off with him! She had her big suitcase--it must ha' been all +cut an' dried beforehand! What do you s'pose it means? I'm scart +to death! I do' want to squeal on Mis' Dick--I always liked Mis' +Dick! An' if they ask me, I can't lie it out! Oh, what would you +do?" Miss Crilly came near being distressed. + +"Why," answered Miss Sterling, "I think I should keep still unless +I were asked. In that case I should tell all I knew." + +"Oh, dear, I hate to squeal!" + +"Maybe you won't have to. I hope not!" + +"What do you s'pose she went off with Mr. Tenney for?" + +Miss Sterling shook her head. + +"He's a widower! You don't s'pose--?" Miss Crilly giggled. + +The other shrugged her shoulders. + +"Well, anyway, there'll be a row till she's found! Gracious! I +was so upset I couldn't eat much breakfast! I told Mis' Albright +finally--I couldn't keep it a minute longer. Then I came up here. +You don't s'pose she's gone luny, do you? She was so upset about +goin' to that weddin'!" + +"No, it isn't that!" decided Miss Sterling. "Mrs. Dick is not the +kind to go crazy." + +"Somebody's comin'!" Miss Crilly darted to the closet and shut +herself in. + +Mrs. Albright and Mrs. Adlerfield appeared. + +"I thought Miss Crilly was here." Mrs. Albright looked about in +surprise. + +Miss Sterling nodded significantly toward the closet. + +Mrs. Albright opened the door, and laughed, + +"Come into daylight, you silly! Nobody's going to eat you up! +They've found out!" + +"They have? How?" + +"One of the maids saw Mrs. Dick go by the window, and she ran to +see where she was going; but she didn't dare tell at first. +Finally, she did, and they're going to send out to Mr. Tenney's." + +"My! I'm glad I ain't in Mis' Dick's shoes!" Miss Crilly emerged +from the folds of Miss Sterling's petticoats. She brushed back her +disordered hair and drew a long, laughing sigh. "Isn't it lovely +they've found out! I b'lieve I'd have been luny myself in a little +while if they hadn't!" + +"Nonsense!" pooh-poohed Mrs. Albright. "You couldn't stay luny +more'n half a twinkle! You'd have to come out of it to laugh!" + +"Sure, I would!" Miss Crilly agreed. "My! How do folks live that +don't laugh!" + +"You are in no danger of dying from that disease," returned Mrs. +Albright. + +"No, I guess I ain't. My mother used to say that she believed if I +had to live with the Devil himself, I'd keep on laughing." + +The quartette settled down to calm, now that the danger was over, +but the talk still ran on Mrs. Dick. + +"She's been married twice before, hasn't she?" asked Miss Crilly. + +"Before what?" chuckled Mrs. Albright. + +"O-h! Did I? That's one on me, sure! Well, maybe it is +'before'--who knows! What else could she be goin' off at half-past +five with the milkman for? Might not be a bad thing either--guess +he's all right. 'Most anything 'd be better 'n bein' under Miss +Sniffen and her crowd!" + +"Where did Mrs. Dick live before she came here? Did you know her?" +Mrs. Albright inquired. + +"I knew of her." Miss Crilly answered. "She kep' boarders over +Kelly Avenue way. She used to teach school years ago. Her first +husband died and all her children, then she took boarders and +married one of 'em.--this Mr. Dick. He didn't live long--only long +enough to run through what she'd saved up. He drank. She's worked +hard all her life, I guess. I like Mis' Dick! She's good company." + +"I like her very," agreed Mrs. Adlerfeld. "She has been nice to me +a many times. If she goes to marry, I think it will no harm +anybody, and I wish her the best things in the world." + +The little Swedish woman voiced the larger number of Mrs. Dick's +associates in the Home. Slighting remarks were heard from Miss +Castlevaine and a few others, but in almost any case they were to +be expected. + +On the second day of Mrs. Dick's absence Miss Crilly appeared in +Mrs. Bonnyman's room, where some half-dozen of the ladies were +chatting. + +"She is married!" she announced in a stage whisper,--"married to +the milkman--oh! oh! oh!" Miss Crilly sat down in the midst of +eager questioning. + +"They say she wrote a note to Miss Sniffen yesterday, but I didn't +get my news from her--no, sir-ee! It came pretty straight, +though,--I guess it's so all right." + +"What'd you say, Mis' Albright? Yes, she was married day before +yesterday--went to the minister's! She told somebody she just +couldn't stand it here another minute." + +"I wonder if she's ever seen him much," said Miss Major. + +"My, yes! She's known him for years--used to be her milkman when +she kept house! He isn't any stranger! Oh, don't I wish I could +see her!" + +"Maybe she will come over and call on us," observed Mrs. Prindle. + +"If she dares," spoke up Mrs. Bonnyman. + +"Well, I'm glad for her!" declared Miss Crilly. "Wouldn't it feel +good to be cut loose from rules! Dear me! We're so tied up it +seems, sometimes's if I must scream!" + +"I don't think people outside know how things go here," put in Miss +Mullaly. "Why, everybody congratulated me on getting in! I +thought I was going to have the time of my life!" She laughed +deprecatingly. + +"It is the time of our lives--the worst time!" snapped Miss Major. + +"Well folks can get along some way," said Miss Sterling; "but +Heaven save the sick ones!" + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +ALONG A BROOKSIDE ROAD + +"Oh, here you are!" cried Polly from the doorway, just beyond Mrs. +Bonnyman. + +"Been looking for me?" Miss Sterling smiled, + +"Everywhere!" Polly dropped beside her friend. "No, Mrs. +Bonnyman, don't get a chair for me! I like this! Besides, I'm not +going to stay. It's too lovely outside to be cooped up in the +house. Why can't we all go to walk?" + +"Oh, that's the ticket!" Miss Crilly jumped up. "I'll have to +change my togs first--will you wait for me?" + +Polly nodded and smiled, as Miss Crilly skipped off. + +"Will you all go?" + +Miss Sterling rose. + +"You will, Miss Nita?" Polly clung to her hand. + +"Yes, but not with this dress on." + +"I bid many thanks to you," said Mrs. Adlerfeld quaintly; "I shall +like to go very." Having made sure of the others, Polly ran off to +make her invitation general, stopping at various doors on her way +downstairs. + +"Shall we go two by two, like a boarding-school?" giggled Miss +Crilly, as the little party left the Home grounds. + +"Let's go any old way!" Then, glancing beyond Miss Crilly, Polly +gave a glad cry,--"David and Leonora!" and flew to meet the two who +were just at the hospital entrance. + +"Will you come to walk with us?" she invited, "Or I'll stay if +you'd rather." + +They declared that they would much prefer the walk, and Polly was +soon making the introductions where they were needed. Many of the +ladies were well acquainted with Polly's friends. + +David at once appropriated his old-time chum, and Leonora skipped +over to Miss Sterling. + +"Ther' 's so many of us we ought to march abreast, clear across the +street, as they do in processions!" Miss Crilly was in high +spirits.. + +The road Polly had chosen led through an avenue of old elms and +thence out into the wide country. Past the city milepost, not far +distant from the Home, a little brook purled along, overswept by +willows. + +"Isn't this beautiful!" cried Miss Major. "And here are +raspberries--oh!" + +The party broke ranks and scattered among the bushes, eager for the +fruit that was just in its prime. + +"Do you suppose they belong to anybody?" queried Mrs. Prindle, a +bit anxiously. + +"If they do they don't love 'em a whole lot," Miss Crilly returned. +"See those! They are so ripe they almost fall to pieces lookin' at +'em! But they're sweet as sugar!" She plumped them into her mouth. + +Soon they strolled forward by two's and three's, but long before +the young folks and a few others had begun to be tired, several +were lagging behind. Miss Twining among them. + +"Are you coming back this way, Polly?" she called. + +"Why, I thought we wouldn't. What's the matter?" + +"Used up," she smiled. + +"Oh, I'm so sorry! I've gone too far, haven't I? You sit down +somewhere and rest, and I'll stay with you. The others can go on, +if they like." + +"Guess I'll wait, too." Miss Sterling dropped wearily to the grass. + +Mrs. Adlerfeld, Miss Lily, Mrs. Albright, and Miss Castlevaine +lined themselves beside her. + +"I don't know what possessed me to come on such a long walk!" +fretted Miss Castlevaine. + +"Why, I never thought that anybody could be tired!" said Polly +contritely. "Why didn't you speak sooner?" + +"Oh, we'll be all right by the time you get back!" laughed Mrs. +Albright. "Now run along, every one of you! Shoo! Shoo!" She +waved her skirts toward them. + +It took a good deal of urging, however, to induce Polly to leave +Miss Sterling. Finally she ran off with David, calling back that +she wouldn't be gone long. + +The afternoon slipped away, and the air grew cooler. The exhausted +ones gathered strength and now and then rambled about a little, +wondering why the others did not return. They watched longingly +the point of road where the party had disappeared, even Miss Lily +peered vainly into the empty distance. + +Miss Castlevaine looked at her watch for the twentieth time. "It +is a quarter past five!" she frowned. "Where can they be!" + +"We may as well sit down while we wait," laughed Mrs. Albright. +"Wandering round in a circle won't bring them any quicker." She +lowered herself plumply beside Miss Sterling. + +"Now don't you go to worrying!" she said. "They haven't been eaten +up by bears or carried off by hawks. Probably they are having so +good a time they have forgotten to come back." + +The sun dropped lower and lower. The wayside shadows thickened. A +robin on the top-most branch of a locust sang a solo. + +"There they are!" cried Miss Castlevaine. + +The others looked eagerly down the road. + +The thud of hoofs came out of the hush. + +"Oh, it's only a team!" was the disappointed contradiction. "I saw +the dust and thought they were coming." + +The buggy whirled up, the driver lifted his hat with a smiling +bow--and was gone. + +"Mr. Randolph and Miss Puddicombe!" commented Miss Castlevaine. +"Who was he bowing to? Not me!" + +"I have met him," responded Mrs. Albright. + +"Oh! Maybe it was you, then. But he was looking at Miss Sterling!" + +"She knows him, too, and so does Mrs. Adlerfeld." + +"Oh!" repeated Miss Castlevaine. "I see him riding with that Miss +Puddicombe a good deal lately. Guess she's trying to catch him." + +"They are coming now for certain!" exclaimed Mrs. Albright. + +Away in the distance the returning party could be discerned. Soon +there was a waving of eager hands. The forward ones started on a +race. + +"It's Miss Crilly and the children!" Mrs. Albright laughed. "Isn't +she game!" + +Polly and David were ahead. + +"Are you tired out waiting?" called Polly. + +"Have you been to Buckline?" twinkled Mrs. Albright. + +"Almost!" answered David. + +"We've had such a time!" laughed Polly. + +"Time!" burst in Miss Crilly. "We'd been goners, sure, if we +hadn't jumped like fleas! My! You oughter seen Miss Mullaly--if +she didn't go hand-springin' over that wall!" + +"But what was it?" cried Mrs. Albright. + +"A cow!"--"An ugly old cow!"--"She went bellowin' like Sancho Panza +set loose!" + +"Did she chase you? What did you do?" + +"She was coming for us, and we jumped over the wall! We were on +our way home," explained Polly. + +"And David wanted to go and drive her off, so we could get by," put +in Leonora; "but I held on to him!" + +"I could have done it as well as that man," insisted David, looking +somewhat disgusted at the lack of faith in his ability. + +"He 'most got away from us!" laughed Miss Crilly. "We all had to +grab him!" + +"Did the cow's owner come?" Miss Castlevaine queried. + +"We don't know who it was," answered Polly. "We were hiding behind +some bushes the other side of the wall." + +"Such a combobbery as that cow cut up! My! I thought she'd knock +the man into slivers!" said Miss Crilly. + +"But she didn't!" observed David. + +"No," said Polly, "he drove her off finally." + +"And we beat it!" giggled Miss Crilly. + +"We thought you would wonder what had become of us," smiled Leonora. + +"We did," agreed Mrs. Albright, "and somebody else will be +wondering that same thing, if we don't march home about as fast as +we can!" + +Polly's cool and charming sweetness was all that saved the party +from Miss Sniffen's very apparent displeasure, the tardy ones +agreed. Supper had been served at least five minutes before they +filed into the dining-room; but their astonishing appetites, which +gave a relish even to soggy corncake and watery tea, almost +counterbalanced any fears for their future walks with Polly. + +Juanita Sterling sat down wearily in her own room. "I wish I had +stayed at home!" she sighed. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +POLLY PLANS + +"Father," Polly began thoughtfully, "I've been thinking--you +remember I told you about our walk the other day and how tired Miss +Nita and some of the other ladies were before I even thought of +such a thing--" Polly stopped questioningly. + +"I remember," smiled Dr. Dudley. + +"So don't you think it would be nice--until they grow stronger, you +know--for them to ride instead of walk?" + +"Very nice, indeed. Do you want me to take them?" + +"I wish you could," laughed Polly, "but I know you don't have time. +I happened to think, though, why couldn't we have the car some +morning, while you are busy in the hospital? Evan could drive for +us." + +"A very good plan," the Doctor nodded musingly. "You wish to go +with them, I take it." + +"Yes, I think I'd better. I know, one more could go if I didn't; +but I guess they'd be more lively with me along than if they went +with just Evan." + +"If I were going I should certainly want you, too," twinkled the +doctor. + +"Oh, dear! We don't have as many good rides together as we used +to, do we?" Polly bent down from the arm of Dr. Dudley's chair +where she was sitting and cuddled her cheek against his. + +"No," he replied, "we'll have to borrow an hour some day and run +away." + +"Wouldn't that be fun! Oh, let's!" + +"I think we'll do it, then I can get re-acquainted with you." + +Polly chuckled. "As if you didn't know me clear through, from +head-top to toe-tip!" + +"I feel quite like a stranger lately. I come in here and ask, +'Where's Polly?' and your mother says, 'She is over at the Home,' +or, 'She's gone to walk with Miss Sterling.' When I see Miss +Sterling I shall tell her what I think of it." + +"You might tell me," suggested Polly demurely, "and then I can +repeat it to Miss Nita." + +"I prefer to say my say to her," the Doctor replied with no hint of +a smile. "You might not say it strong enough." + +A wee chuckle escaped Polly. "What are you going to tell her?" she +coaxed. + +"That she can't have my girl so much without paying for her." + +"Oh," laughed Polly. "Miss Nita doesn't have any money." + +"It would be of no use in this case. Do you suppose you can be +paid for in money?" + +"Oh, you dearest, funniest man! I wish you could see Miss Nita +more--you wouldn't wonder I like to go there. She is so lovable." + +"I do not doubt it. How is she now--better?" + +"Ever so much better! She doesn't say anything lately about +wanting to die. I wish she had nice things to eat--I don't see how +she stands sour bread and so much corned beef and mackerel and +sausages." + +Doctor Dudley shook his head musingly. "It is too bad--a +magnificent building, and wretched household management." + +"I wonder why they keep Miss Sniffen," Polly said. + +"Probably she is agreeable to the trustees, and nobody calls their +attention to anything wrong." + +"Yes, I've seen her--when some of the officers came. She is as +smiley as a goose! I hate her smile; it looks as if she didn't +mean it." + +"She is evidently not the woman for the place. I am sorry." The +Doctor glanced at his watch and rose abruptly. + +"Got to go?" + +"I ought to have gone earlier." + +"Oh, dear! I wish other folks didn't need you all the time!" +mourned Polly. + +He stepped back and kissed her. "That is the penalty of more +money," he smiled. + +"More fame, you mean!" she retorted and heard a little chuckle as +he passed out the door. + +Polly did not plan long without acting, and within an hour she was +on her long walk to Colonel Gresham's, to talk over her scheme with +Leonora and David. + +She found Mrs. Gresham just starting to meet a train. + +"I'm so sorry I can't stay," she told Polly, "and Leonora and David +are not at home! But the Colonel is out in the stable. He will be +delighted to see you. I'll call him." She turned to a bell button. + +"Oh, no, please!" interrupted Polly. "I'd rather go there. I +haven't seen Lone Star for an age!" + +"You'll find them chatting together, as usual," laughed the little +lady, and Polly skipped off as soon as Mrs. Gresham had driven away. + +"Good afternoon, Miss Dudley." The Colonel extended his hand. + +"Seems to me you're pretty formal," smiled Polly. + +Colonel Gresham laughed, a gentle, mellow laugh, quite in harmony +with the happy-lined face and the graying hair. + +"I wish I had a chair to offer you," he said, looking about him, as +if expecting one to pop into sight. "I suppose I'm indebted to +David and Leonora for this visit." + +"No, Colonel Gresham, I came to see you especially this time. I +was going to ask them what they thought of a little plan I have; +but they are not necessary--and you are!" + +"Ah! a plan? I wait on your pleasure!" The Colonel bowed with +mock gravity. + +"Thank you!" chuckled Polly. "Perhaps you won't when you know +about it. But I want to see Lone Star first--oh, he's just as +beautiful as he ever was!" She patted the neck of the handsome +creature and stroked his nose. + +The horse whinnied at the attention and eyed her with seeming +delight. + +"I believe he remembers me, and I haven't spoken to him for--oh, +how long is it?" + +"My memory cannot extend so far." Colonel Gresham was evidently in +a whimsical humor this afternoon. + +Lone Star was made happy with more caresses and a full measure of +oats, and then the Colonel and Polly walked slowly up to the house. + +"When Polly unfolded her plan in regard to the Home ladies Colonel +Gresham's face lighted with interest. + +"You can have two of my cars," he said, "on one condition--no, +two--that I may drive the big one and that you will sit on the +front seat beside me." + +"Oh, it won't be a bit hard for me to say yes to that!" Polly +smiled. "I should like it! Let me see, five and four are nine, +and four makes thirteen--why, they can all go--or all that are well +enough! Won't that be lovely!" + +"'Lovelicious,' I think!" The Colonel looked demurely down at Polly. + +"How much I used to say that!" Polly laughed. "Well, I truly think +this will be--three cars! Won't they be surprised! But we must +squeeze in Leonora and David somewhere! Probably the ladies +wouldn't all care to go, anyway. You are so good to let them have +the cars--I never thought of two--or that you could go with us! I +can't thank you half enough!" + +Before Polly went home a ride was arranged for the next morning, +and her heart skipped joyfully all the long way, thinking how happy +Miss Nita and the rest would be. + +Directly after luncheon she ran over to the Home. + +"You look glad about something," Miss Sterling told her. + +"You will be when you know," chuckled Polly. "What do you +think!--you're going to ride with Colonel Gresham to-morrow +morning!" + +"With Colonel Gresham! He hasn't invited me!" Miss Sterling's +knitting dropped into her lap. + +"I have--or I'm going to! Oh, it will be lovely!" Polly's brown +eyes shone. "Colonel Gresham is going to let us have his two +biggest cars, and he will drive the seven-passenger one. Then +father says we may have ours with Evan to drive, and we're going to +take as many of the ladies as we can and have a beautiful ride! +What do you think of that?" + +"It's overwhelming! Catch me if I drop!" The gray-blue eyes were +dancing. + +Polly squeezed her ecstatically. "I want you in the car with me, +and now let's see how many can go and which ones to ask." + +It was a pleasant task, though really a little puzzling, for there +were sixteen ladies of the Home, and only ten or eleven were to be +counted among the weaklings. Nobody must be offended and nobody +must feel hurt. So with David and Leonora, it was a hard matter, +after all, to decide on the invitation list. Miss Sterling, +however, was a wonderful assistant. Polly was sure she could never +have disposed things so happily if it had not been for her wise +Miss Nita. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +"LOTS O' JOY" + +The morning was as clear and balmy as a festival day should be, and +the cars were at the door of the June Holiday Home at three minutes +before nine o'clock. + +"Let's go early," Juanita Sterling had said, "while the day is +fresh from the hand of God." And in accordance with her wish Polly +had appointed the hour. + +Most of the ladies were in Sunday attire, their wardrobes holding +few changes between "everyday" and "best." + +Juanita Sterling handled her small stock of apparel so that, plain +as it was, it had an air of distinction. Little deft touches here +and there added character and daintiness to any garment that she +wore. Some of the less fortunate realized this as they rode out of +the Home gate that July morning, and one or two were actually +envious of the little woman who sat in Colonel Gresham's beautiful +car and responded so merrily to the Colonel's sallies. + +"I guess Miss Sterling has ways of getting her nest feathered that +some other folks don't know anything about," whispered Miss +Castlevaine to Miss Major. + +"No such thing!" was the prompt retort. "She knows how to put her +feathers on, that's all." + +"Knowing how don't change colors as I've ever heard--huh! Look at +that white dress! They don't give me white dresses!" + +"Probably she had it when she came. She hasn't been here a year +yet, you know," replied Miss Major. + +"They won't make over mine," complained the other. + +"Oh!" broke in Mrs. Albright, "look over there! Isn't that +magnificent?" + +Fields and slopes of varying green, wooded hills, and mountains in +the blue distance--these made the picture that had called forth the +exclamation. + +"Magnificent!" echoed Miss Major. + +Miss Castlevaine looked, but said nothing. The darkness of envy +and discontent still dimmed her eyes. + +Juanita Sterling, in the car ahead, was yielding herself to the +bountiful joy of the moment and had forgotten disagreeable things. +Polly and Colonel Gresham kept up a steady run of pleasantries, +much of which came easily to her quick ears, and she found herself +smiling with them even while her eyes were feasting on the +ever-changing landscape. + +"Doesn't Mrs. Dick live somewhere out this way?" inquired Miss +Mullaly. + +Miss Sterling did not know and in turn asked the Colonel. + +"Tenney, the milk dealer? His farm is over there to the left a +mile or two. Would you like to call on the bride?" + +"Yes, I should! Wouldn't you, Polly?" + +"First-rate! Let's!" was the eager answer. + +So at the next cross-road the car was turned that way. + +"I'm awfully glad you thought of it!" Polly turned to say. + +"I didn't think of going there," Miss Mullaly admitted, "but I'd +love to. Won't she be surprised!" + +Surprised, indeed, was the former Mrs. Dick. She was on her way +from garden to kitchen when the procession of cars came into view, +and, her overflowing basket in hand, she halted on the side lawn +until the party should pass by. A bunch of automobiles did not +appear every day on the Tenney Farm road. Instead of going past, +however, the big car ahead steered straight for her, and she +recognized her friends! Down went her basket, and she skipped over +the grass with the agility of a girl of fifteen. + +"How do you do--Miss Sterling and Polly--and all of you! Well, I +am astonished!--And if there aren't Miss Twining and Mrs. +Bonnyman--why, are you all here?" + +"Pretty nearly," answered Polly, who had jumped from the car and +was clasping the speaker's hand. + +Mrs. Tenney was soon surrounded by her Home associates and was so +overwhelmed by the suddenness of the call that she almost forgot to +invite them into the house. + +"Oh, we can't stay!" declared Mrs. Albright. "We are just out for +a ride, and those of us in the rear cars were about as surprised as +you were. We'd no idea that Colonel Gresham was headed for your +place--we didn't know you lived here till we saw you!" + +"Dear people!" broke in Miss Sterling, "where are our manners? +I'll confess, I forgot! Mrs. Tenney," with twinkling eyes she +extended her hand, "I wish you every possible joy for all the days +and years to come!" + +Amid much laughter more good wishes followed, until somebody +remembered that the morning was slipping away, and they were far +from home. + +"Well, say, why can't you all come out here sometime and spend the +day? 'T won't make a mite of difference when. We always have +enough to eat, and I am generally right here. I'd love dearly to +have you. Pile 'em all in, if you can! Sit in each other's +laps--any way to get 'em here! They're going to keep up the rides, +aren't they?" + +An instant's silence was broken by Polly. "Yes, we are!" she +promised. "Colonel Gresham and father are going to let us have the +cars until we're able to walk ten miles on a stretch!" + +This sally was greeted by a shout, and the party climbed into the +cars and were off, good-byes mingling with the noise of the motors. + +"Anybody getting tired?" asked Colonel Gresham, as they swept into +the village of Clare. + +None would admit fatigue, and on whirled the cars, leaving the +handful of houses behind. Presently they entered the broad street +of an old town, where houses with gambrel roofs and quaint porches +neighbored in quiet dignity with towered mansions and verandaed +bungalows. Colonel Gresham drew up his car at a little shop, and +he and David disappeared through the doorway. They soon came back +With their hands full of ice-cream cones, which they distributed +and returned for more. + +"Isn't this cream lovely!" beamed Leonora to the back seat of the +third car. + +"Delicious!" responded Mrs. Albright. + +"As good as I ever tasted!" declared Miss Major. + +Miss Castlevaine nibbled hers for a moment longer before she spoke. + +"My cousin goes automobiling a great deal," she said, "and she +makes her own cream--solid cream it is, too!--and she has something +that she puts it in so that she can slice it off as she wants it. +It keeps ice cold for an indefinite time." + +"I have heard of such contrivances," said Mrs. Albright politely. + +"No cream could be better than this," asserted Miss Major +confidently. + +Miss Castlevaine drew her lips into a smirk. + +"Trust the Colonel for buying the best of everything!" went on Miss +Major. "What a man he is! I wish he were one of the directors of +the June Holiday Home." + +Miss Castlevaine's face stiffened into an expression of +superiority, as if she could divulge things detrimental to the +Colonel if she wished. But nobody appeared to regard her, and the +cars jogged on, + +Mrs. Adlerfeld, meanwhile, wore a look of saintly rapture. + +Polly turned to say, "Isn't the air nice this morning?" + +"Here it is beautiful!" smiled the little Swedish woman. "I have +lots o' joy!" + +Colonel Gresham threw her an admiring glance. "Glad you like it," +he said. + +"Oh, I like it very!" she responded. "I hope it didn't tired you +to drive him." + +"Not a bit!" he laughed. + +"It looks more play as work," she smiled. + +He nodded brightly back to her, and then turned to Polly. His tone +was too low to carry to the seat behind. + +"Why didn't you tell me what a charming little woman we had with +us?" + +"Isn't she sweet!" beamed Polly. "Didn't you ever meet her before?" + +"Never! I'm going to invite her to ride with me--all alone, just +to hear her talk!" + +Polly chuckled. "I wish you would," she told him. + +"She'd go, wouldn't she?" + +"Of course! Why not?" + +"I'll warrant that sour-looking elephant in the back car wouldn't!" +laughed the Colonel. "She's that kind!" + +"Oh! I guess you mean Miss Castlevaine. She's the biggest one +there is. But she is very nice--sometimes." + +"The times are few and far between, aren't they?" he twinkled. + +Polly laughed, but said apologetically, "She's been pleasant to me." + +"She ought to be; but over at the Tenneys' she looked as if she'd +like to be somewhere else. She seemed to keep on the edge of +things." + +"She doesn't always come in with the rest--feels a little above +some of them. She is very proud of her Russian ancestry. Her +mother or grandmother was a duchess." + +"I thought she was proud of something," observed the Colonel, "and +it couldn't be her good looks." + +"I think you are pretty hard on her," protested Polly. + +"Am I?" he smiled. "Is she a particular friend of yours? You'll +have to excuse me." + +"Oh, she isn't an especial friend, but I feel sorry for her because +she has to wear such old clothes--and she loves pretty things." + +"Why doesn't she get pretty things, then, while she is about it?" + +"She can't!" cried Polly. "She has to take what Miss Sniffen gives +her." + +"Oh, I see! Well, I reckon I'd look sour if I were dependent on +that Miss Sniffen for clothes." + +Polly chuckled. "I can't imagine it!" + +"It would come pretty hard!" Colonel Gresham shook his head +musingly. "It is a shame that those women are not better treated! +I'll take them to ride as often as I can--you tell them so, Polly!" + +"I will!" Polly beamed her delight. "It's lovely of you! It will +do them no end of good. They stay cooped up in the house too much. +You see, there's so much red tape about going out even for a little +walk, that sometimes they'd rather stay at home." + +"I'm going to talk to Randolph about it when I get a chance. He is +too sensible a man to let this sort of thing go on." + +"Oh, but you mustn't make him think there has been the leastest +mite of complaint! If anybody finds a word of fault, she'll get +turned out! They're afraid of their lives!" + +"This little woman back here doesn't look afraid." + +"No, she's different." Polly cast a look at her. + +Mrs. Adlerfeld caught it and smiled back, a bright, happy smile, as +if, indeed, she had "lots o' joy." + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +THE HIKING CLUB + +"OH, Miss Nita! What do you think?" Polly burst into the room full +of excitement. "Chris has gone!" + +"Gone? Where?" + +"To Australia!" + +"Not alone?" + +"Oh, no! His father is with him. We never knew he was coming--till +there he was! For a minute Chris hardly knew him! Isn't that +queer? But he didn't look like himself. His hair is cut close to +his head! What do you suppose he did it for? It isn't becoming! +But, oh, you ought to have seen Chris! He jumped right into his +father's arms and cried and cried and cried! Mr. Morrow cried, +too, almost as hard as Chris! We had a pretty exciting time!" + +"When was it?" put in Miss Sterling. + +"This noon. Mother did finally persuade him to stay to dinner--he +wasn't going to! I don't see why he was in such a hurry to get +away! Oh, I shall miss that boy awfully! He is always just +so--never cross or pouty, or anything. Sometimes he has been +pretty blue--I suppose thinking of his father and wondering why he +didn't come. It has been almost two years! It won't seem a bit +natural without Chris. I shall have to come over here and bother +you more than ever." Polly sighed a bit sorrowfully and dropped on +a hassock at Miss Sterling's feet. + +"You know you couldn't come too often, my dear." + +"I feel sometimes as if I were a nuisance," laughed Polly. "I +guess Miss Sniffen thinks so. She looks at me so queer when she +meets me in the hall." + +"It is only her way. She can't have anything against you." + +Polly shook her head doubtfully; then she smiled. "I did kind of +pacify her the other night when we were late from our walk, didn't +I? I was afraid I couldn't, but I wasn't going to let her know it!" + +"It was funny the way she came round," Miss Sterling agreed. + +"That makes me think," Polly broke out, "when are we going to have +another walk?" + +"I--don't--know," sighed the other. "Walking is such an effort! I +get so tired I can't sleep." + +"That's too bad!" mourned Polly. "But don't you think it's because +you stay in the house so much? If you went oftener maybe you'd get +used to it and it wouldn't tire you." + +"Perhaps. I don't know." + +"We were planning, only yesterday, Chris and I, to start a walking +club--and now he's gone! But I suppose the rest of us can have +it," Polly went on. "We thought we'd ask David and Leonora and +Patricia,--she and her mother are just home from the shore,--and +Doodles and Blue and all of you folks here." + +"All the ladies?" + +Polly nodded. + +"They're not all equal to it. You forget how old some of them are." + +"Anyway, they aren't too old to be asked!" laughed Polly. + +"No, and it is a good idea. Sometimes a club will have a stronger +pull on anybody than just an incidental invitation." + +"That's what we thought--dear, dear, it's too bad Chris had to go!" + +"I'm sorry, but I imagine he is happy enough to be with his father." + +"Yes! He looked like another boy after his father came. Well, +we'll have to do without him." + +"How can Doodles and Blue be in? They live eighteen or twenty +miles away." + +"Oh, they can come down by trolley, or we can go up there," replied +Polly easily. + +Miss Sterling laughed. "You forget that we haven't any money for +trolley fares." + +"I never thought! They'll have to come here, then. Anyway, +they've got to belong! Doodles is the sweetest boy! I used to +wonder if he would change any when he was able to run and play--I +didn't know but he'd get to be--coarser, you know; but he is just +the same. Blue is nice, only he is more like other boys--Doodles +isn't!" + +"Miss Lily has been telling me of how he Went to sing to her. She +just idolizes him." + +"I know she does. The other day when I was up to see her she +couldn't talk of anybody else. There isn't much doubt but that she +will join the club if she can see Doodles oftener." + +"She seems to be fairly strong; her trouble is only with her eyes." + +"I guess it will do her eyes good to go outdoors more. I wanted to +call it the 'Hiking Club'; but Chris was afraid the name would +frighten some of them--they'd think a 'hike' meant more than just a +walk." + +"Mrs. Post is quite lame yet, and Mrs. Grace is having rheumatism. +They couldn't go at present. Miss Twining's heart bothers her. +She said she shouldn't dare attempt so long a walk again." + +"As the one the other day? That wasn't long for a well person." + +"But most of us are not well--if we were we shouldn't be here." + +"I'll ask them all, anyway!" Polly insisted. "Can't we have our +first meeting here in your room, Miss Nita?" + +"Certainly. When is it to be?" + +"I think to-day would be a good time--about two o'clock. It isn't +very pleasant out, raw and chilly. I'll go round and invite them +now. Will you come, too?" + +"No, I'll sit here and read. You run along and get your hikers, +and then come back and tell me about it." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +GRANDAUNT SUSIE AND MISS SNIFFEN + +Polly aroused more enthusiasm among the ladies than Miss Sterling +had thought possible. Almost everybody, even Mrs. Grace, with her +rheumatic knee, was eager to join the new club. + +It was agreed that those who were able should take a tramp together +twice a week and should walk on the veranda, ten times its length, +at least once a day. + +Polly was unanimously elected president, Miss Major for +corresponding secretary, and David Collins for treasurer. + +"The club will be bankrupt from the start," laughed Miss Crilly. +"What do we need a treasurer for?" + +"Oh, they always have one!" insisted Polly. "Maybe the money'll +come." + +"Sure! Somebody might donate a million dollars to us--and what +should we do without anybody to take care of it!" Miss Crilly +chuckled happily. + +The work of organization being disposed of, Mrs. Bonnyman asked +what was to be done next. + +Polly didn't know. + +"Oh, we must adjourn!" declared Miss Major. "That is the principal +event of most business meetings." + +Accordingly, with much giggling from a few of the members, the new +club voted to adjourn until the next Monday. + +"Oh, dear! it's raining hard!" cried Polly. "I thought maybe we +could go for a little walk, just to mark the day." + +"Can't we do something here--have some game or other?" suggested +Miss Crilly. + +"I say!" burst out David, "I forgot! Mother told me to be at home +by half-past three, and it's almost that now. Will you come, +Leonora, or wait for the shower to be over?" + +Leonora preferred a walk in the rain to one alone, so they hurried +into their raincoats and were off. + +"Our company's dwindling," observed Miss Crilly, as the door shut +upon Mrs. Post and Mrs. Crump, "but I don't want to go home +yet--need I, Miss Sterling?" "Certainly not! I want you all to +stay. Polly, you are queen of ceremonies--what shall we do next?" + +"We might try some of Grandaunt Susie's exercises," twinkled Polly. + +"Just the thing!" + +"Who's Grandaunt Susie, pray?" Miss Crilly was frankly curious. + +"Mother's grandaunt," explained Polly. "She was miserable, and +these exercises made her strong enough to do almost anything. She +is seventy-three,--or was when she was here, a year ago,--and +father himself says she doesn't look a minute over thirty-five!" + +"Oh, my! Let's try'em! I want to look 'not a minute over +thirty-five'!" Miss Crilly waved her hands excitedly. + +"How do you begin--this way?" Miss Mullaly sprang to her feet, +threw out her chest, and worked her arms up and down. + +"Oh, no!" cried Polly. "That is not it at all! You take them +lying down!" + +"Mercy!" cried Miss Lily. + +"I'd like that!" declared Mrs. Albright. + +"Good and easy!" Miss Crilly nodded. + +"Yes, they are every one to be practiced in bed, before you get up +in the morning," resumed Polly. + +"What if you don't wake early enough?" asked Mrs. Prindle with a +shrug. + +"Then you're late for breakfast or lose your chance of going back +to thirty-five!" laughed Miss Crilly. + +"How can you thrash your arms round in bed?" Miss Mullaly queried. + +"You don't have to. It isn't like gymnastics." + +"Well, do tell us, Polly! I'm just crazy to begin!" Miss Crilly +laughingly shook Polly's shoulders. + +"There are so many of them," Polly drew a long, laughing breath, "I +hardly know which to take first. There is one for the legs--that +would help in walking. But you'll have to lie down first." + +Miss Crilly and Miss Major hurried to the floor, Miss Mullaly +following. + +"Oh, lie on the bed!" cried Miss Sterling. + +"This is all right." asserted Miss Crilly. "Go on, Polly!" + +"You want to turn just a mite on your right side. Now make your +right leg firm, and put your left toes against the top of your +right foot,--yes, that's it!--and tense the muscles of your left +leg--hard! Now relax! Tense again! Relax! You mustn't do it too +long at first, but that's the way--tense and relax, ten times on +this side and ten on the other." + +"Whew! takes some strength! Why don't you try it, girls? It's +fun! Miss Sterling will let you have her bed--we'll make it over +afterwards. Try it. Mis' Albright, and you, Miss Leatherland, +it'll do you good!" + +"Yes, go ahead, as Miss Crilly says," urged Miss Sterling. "I've +practiced that, and I think it has made me stronger." + +Polly's class was increased to five, but the others could not be +induced to make any attempt. + +"There's another that's pretty good," went on Polly. "It's for +both sides, alternate, but you can learn it on your right. Bend up +your left knee, and take your left ankle in your left hand--now +pull hard, leg and hand both! That's right. Pull and then relax. +Here's another; bend your knee--the upper one, and take it in both +hands and pull hard! Relax, and then pull again." + +"I wish there was an exercise to make thin folks fatter," observed +Miss Mullaly. + +"I know some that'll make your cheeks plump and round," said Polly. + +Little squeals of doubt greeted the announcement. + +"I don't believe they'd make my face round," laughed Miss +Leatherland. + +"Yes, they would! Wouldn't they, Miss Nita?" + +"I can't swear to it, as Polly does; but this I do know--it plumps +and pinks them for a little while. Polly says her aunt told her +that after enough practice the plumpness would stay." + +"Oh, what is it?" queried Miss Mullaly eagerly. + +"I'll try it on Miss Leatherland if she'll let me," offered Polly. +"It will be more of a test on her, because she is thinnest." + +"Certainly you may, but I can't quite believe it will do what you +say it will." + +"Just you wait'" chuckled Polly. "First you must smile, a big, big +smile! Not quite hard enough!--Yes, that's better! Now, while I +press my hands against your cheeks and massage them this way, you +must open and shut your mouth--no, wider than that!--a little +wider--just as wide as you can! Keep on smiling all the time! + +"There! now I'll let you look in the glass--see how your cheeks +have plumped out! Oh, but you lock pretty!" + +"Doesn't she!" Miss Crilly jumped up, the better to see. "Look! +everybody! My, how pretty!" + +"'Pretty!'" scorned Miss Leatherland. Yet the pink rose higher. + +"Polly! is this the right way?" Miss Mullaly was doing her best, +but not well enough to satisfy the instructor. + +"The middle of your hand must come up high on your cheek," +explained Polly. "Yes, that's it! And twenty-five times you must +open and shut your mouth." + +"Polly," broke in Miss Sterling, "when you can, I wish you'd tell +Mrs. Prindle how to make her hair grow." + +"Yes," added Mrs. Prindle, "she says you know a way of massaging +the scalp, and my hair is so thin!" + +"You'll have to take it down, I guess--so you can get at it all +over," said Polly. + +"Do you know it will really help it?" + +"Grandaunt Susie said her hair was so thin you could see through +it, and when she was at our house it was as thick as--as thick as +mine." + +"Oh, I'm going to try that--my hair's all coming out!" Miss Lily +drew her pins from the thin coil. + +Mrs. Grace and Mrs. Adlerfeld made their heads ready for +manipulation. + +"You just put your hands this way, right up under your +hair,"--Polly spread out her fingers,--"and clutch at the scalp +hard, as if you were going to pull it off. Go all over the head, +again and again for five minutes--two or three times a day. Aunt +Susie says it will make the hair grow like fun." + +"Oh, Miss Polly, will you be so kind as to show me just how it +goes, please?" Miss Twining was shaking down her scanty locks. + +"It's very easy," Polly smiled. She liked the shy, gentle Miss +Twining. "This is all there is to it," working her hands under the +soft blond hair. "The only trouble is, it tires the hands out +pretty quick." + +"Oh, yours must be tired! I should not have asked you!" + +"No, no! Mine are all right. I was thinking only of yours. Now, +try it yourself. Yes, that's the way! You have it!" + +"Polly!" Miss Crilly was on the floor, hugging her knee. + +"I'm here!" laughed Polly. + +"Do you know anything that will scare away a double chin?" + +"Yes, I do!" + +"Oh, jolly! What is it?" + +"I'd like to hear about that!" spoke up Miss Castlevaine. + +Polly thought a moment. + +"You'll have to lie down--flat on your back--no, you go over on the +bed, Miss Castlevaine, and I'll tell you how to do it." + +"Don't get up, Mis' Albright!" cried Miss Crilly. "I can learn how +here just as well!" She lay back, her eyes on Polly. + +"I'll put this pillow right under your shoulders--so. Now throw +your head--" + +A sharp rap halted the sentence. Mrs. Albright sat up. The door +was flung open before Polly reached it. + +"Ladies! what does this mean?" Miss Sniffen stood there, resolute +and merciless. + +Nobody answered. + +Miss Twining and Miss Lily began hurriedly to gather up their +disheveled hair. Miss Castlevaine arose haughtily. Polly's tongue +was quickest to recover itself. + +"I was only teaching the ladies some exercises to make them strong. +We are not doing any harm, Miss Sniffen." + +"I infer that it makes them stronger to pull their hair down." The +tone was smoothly sarcastic. + +"Oh, that!" returned Polly, with a tiny smile; "I've been telling +them how to massage the scalp, so as to make their hair grow." + +"Very necessary, indeed! And I suppose their hair grows faster if +they stretch themselves out upon the bed and the floor! I'm +ashamed of you!" + +"Oh, Miss Sniffen!" protested Polly, "you have to lie down to take +these exercises! The book says so!" + +"Book!" snapped the angry voice; "I'll book you all for what you +won't like if I ever catch you in such unladylike postures again! +You must be in your second childhood! Now march to your rooms, +every one of you!" She waved her hand peremptorily toward the +doorway, and the culprits filed meekly past her--all but Miss +Castlevaine. She walked with stately step and head held high, as +became the great-granddaughter of a duchess. + +"I think you would better go home now, you have worked mischief +enough for one day!" She addressed Polly in a slightly mollified +tone. + +"Why, Miss Sniffen, I can't see what harm there is in trying to get +well and strong. I should think you'd like the ladies to be +better. Father and mother think these exercises are fine! +Mother's Grandaunt Susie told us about them. They made her as good +as new!" + +"We won't discuss the matter," replied the superintendent in a hard +voice. "You need not remain to talk it over with Miss Sterling." + +"I'm going--right now!" Polly caught up her coat. + +"Good-bye, Miss Nita!" She swept past Miss Sniffen with a curt bow. + +The door tight shut, Juanita Sterling fisted the air in the +direction of the departing superintendent. Then she drooped her +head and sobbed. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +VICTOR VON DALIN + +For several days the weather was showery, not very pleasant for +walking, and Polly stayed away from the June Holiday Home. + +"What will Miss Nita think!" she mourned. "Miss Sniffen has +probably forgotten by this time that she sent me home. Wouldn't it +do for me to go over for just a little while this fore-noon, while +the officers are all busy?" + +"I think you had better wait until Saturday," her mother decided. + +So Polly sighed and ran off to write a little note to her beloved +friend. It was warm in her own room, and she carried paper and +pencil out to her favorite seat on the veranda. + +She was there when a man came up the front steps, a white-haired +man. He walked with a firm, quick step, and when he saw her he +came over to where she sat. He took off his hat with a courteous +bow. + +"May I ask," he said in a low, pleasant voice, "if you know a lady +in the June Holiday Home named Adlerfeld, Mrs. Elise Adlerfeld?" + +"Oh, yes, sir! I know her very well; that is, I know Mrs. +Adlerfeld. I am not sure that her name is Elise." + +"Her husband's name was Hans Adlerfeld." + +"I don't know anything about him," Polly replied; "but there's only +one Mrs. Adlerfeld there. She is a dear! I love her!" + +The man's face flushed with pleasure. "Then you may, perhaps, help +me. I have sought her these two years, and only now have I found +her! I went to the door, and the lady told me I could not see her +till next Wednesday! I cannot stay. I must go back to New York, +and I must see her before I go. I begged the door-keeper to allow +me to speak with my friend for only a short moment; but she would +not. She said it was not visitor's day. Then I thought perhaps a +neighbor might help me. So I come to you. I ask you, is there any +way I can get inside to her, or she can get out to me? I beg of +you, my dear young lady, will you help me? I must see her to-day! +I cannot stay even till to-morrow!" + +"That is just like Miss Sniffen" declared Polly. "She is the +superintendent. She will never let anybody in except on Wednesday +afternoon. It is a shame' I don't know--" She hesitated. +"Perhaps mother will let me go over and tell her. Please take this +chair, sir. Mother will see you about it; she will know better +than I what to do." + +"Tell her, if you please, that it is Victor von Dalin, an old +friend of Mrs. Adlerfeld's, in Sweden, who desires to see her." + +"Oh! are you really from Sweden?" beamed Polly. "How delighted she +will be!" + +"I have not been in Sweden these two years; but I knew her well +when we lived there, a long time ago." + +Polly ran off, full of excitement. How pleased the dear little +woman would be! To think Miss Sniffen should refuse him entrance! +She explained the matter to her mother. + +"I will go right down," said Mrs. Dudley. "We must find some way +to bring them together without arousing suspicion." + +It was finally decided that Polly should go over to the Home and up +to Miss Sterling's room, as usual, leaving Miss Sterling to see +Mrs. Adlerfeld and to give her Mrs. Dudley's invitation to spend +the rest of the day at her house. + +Happily, Miss Sniffen was not in sight as Polly made her quick way +to the third floor. + +"You dear child! Then you're not sick! I was afraid you were." + +Miss Sterling held her at arm's length, to make sure of her health. + +"Sick? Not a bit!" laughed Polly. "Mother thought I'd better not +come until Miss Sniffen had had a chance to forget she sent me +home--that's all! I wasn't coming till to-morrow, but something +happened--the loveliest thing!" + +"What?" + +"Come, sit down, and I'll tell you!" + +"I can't imagine what it is!" + +"No, you can't! You couldn't guess if you had a year to do it in! +The nicest man has come from New York to see Mrs. Adlerfeld, and +they wouldn't let him in here! Wasn't that mean! So he came over +to our house, to ask if we knew her and could help him out. He +used to know Mrs. Adlerfeld in Sweden, and he's bound to see her! +Oh, he's so lovable! His hair is as white! But he doesn't look +old. Can't you come over pretty soon and see him? Though I don't +know as you'd better. That might give it away--to have two come! +Mother wants you to tell Mrs. Adlerfeld that she would like to have +her spend the day with us. Make her come just as quick as she can. +You can tell her that it is Mr. Victor von Dalin that is +there--isn't that a sweet name? Oh, I do hope she will come! +He'll have a fit if she doesn't! Wasn't Miss Sniffen horrible the +other day? When we were having such a good time! I must go--no, I +guess I'll wait till you've been up and found out. Then I can tell +him." + +Polly waited and waited, wondering, after five minutes, why Miss +Sterling did not come back. + +"Dear me!" she thought anxiously, "I hope Mrs. Adlerfeld hasn't +fainted or anything!" + +The time dragged slowly away. Ten o'clock went by. Polly wandered +restlessly around the room. She took up a book, but could not +read. Once she started to go down the hall to find out; then she +concluded she had better not. She looked out of the window, but +could think of nothing but the worrying fact of Miss Nita's +prolonged absence. + +At last she heard her light step in the corridor. She sprang to +the door. + +"What in the world--" + +Miss Sterling motioned for silence, and they hurried to the further +side of the room. + +"I knew you'd be frantic," she began; "but I couldn't help it. +Just before I reached Mrs. Adlerfeld's room I heard Mrs. Nobbs's +voice in there, so I stopped at Mrs. Albright's. I knew it would +be all right to tell her, they are so intimate. She is pleased as +we are. But it did seem as if Mrs. Nobbs never would go! Oh, the +dear woman is so excited that I don't know whether she will get +dressed straight or not! Mrs. Albright is helping her. His coming +has upset her completely. But it is a happy up-setting! You can +see that! I am so glad!" + +"Will she come right over?" + +"If they'll let her. I presume they will." + +"If they don't, I'll make a fuss!" threatened Polly. "I'll go +after Mr. Randolph." + +Miss Sterling laughed. "You won't have to do that." + +"You haven't ever found out what he wanted to talk with you about +over the wire, have you?" Polly asked. + +"No, and I never shall." Miss Sterling's lips took a sorrowful +droop. + +"You will, too! I'll ask him myself some day!" + +"No, no, you mustn't!" + +"You'll see!" Polly laughed and said a soft "Good-bye!" + +Miss Sterling motioned her back. + +"Be sure to come over to-morrow morning and tell me all about it!" +she whispered. + +Polly returned earlier. She appeared at four o'clock. + +"I couldn't wait another minute!" she said. "The two dears are +sitting out on the veranda, up in the corner where the vines hide +them from the street, and their heads are close together and they +are talking earnestly in that queer lingo that nobody else +understands! Oh, they are having the loveliest time! They were at +our house to luncheon, both of them, and they're going to stay to +dinner! He will take the 7.30 train for New York. We've all +enjoyed it so much! Father and he just took to each other. You +ought to have heard them talk! I believe he knows every book that +ever was written! We had such fun! Father and mother never saw +Mrs. Adlerfeld very much, and they think she is just charming. +They used to go to school together in Sweden. His wife died three +years ago, and he has a son and daughter, both married. The +daughter lives in Stockholm and the son in Newark. Mr. Von Dalin +is librarian in one of the big libraries--oh, I wish you could see +him! Dear me, I must run back, for they may want something!" + +Without doubt Polly was extraordinarily excited. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +"A MOONSHINE PARTY" + +"Next Tuesday is Miss Lily's birthday!" Polly made the +announcement in lowered tones. + +"How old is she?" asked Miss Sterling. + +"I don't know. Doodles told me when he was down the last time. +You know he wrote out her application, and I suppose he had to give +the date. He said wouldn't it be nice if we could celebrate it." + +"But how? Celebrations and June Holiday Home are not on speaking +terms." + +"Well, Doodles proposed that we all come up to his house, and his +mother would make a birthday cake. But we shouldn't let them do it +all. Mother would furnish the salad and some of the other things. +Then, I don't doubt Patricia would help, and Leonora and David." + +"I wish I could." Miss Sterling shook her head sadly. + +"Now, Miss Nita, don't you feel that way! If you do, I'll give it +all up!" + +"But I may be sorry, mayn't I, that I can't help anything along?" + +"No; because you do help along. It isn't just money and cake and +such things." + +"I like cake!" She smiled whimsically. + +"Oh, why don't I bring you some! We had a lovely raspberry layer +cake when Mr. Von Dalin was here, and I never thought to bring over +a mite! Mother says I am growing careless, and I'm afraid she's +right!" + +"Dear child! I don't want you to bring me cake! I said that only +in fun." + +"You shall have some, all the same! Isn't the table here any +better?" + +Miss Sterling wrinkled her face into an answer. "The last cook is +the worst we've had yet." + +"Too bad! Colonel Gresham said he was going to see Mr. Randolph +about things; but I dare say he has forgotten it." + +"I hope he won't think I've been complaining to you." Miss +Sterling looked alarmed. + +"No, I cautioned him. Probably he will never think of it again." + +"I rather hope he won't. My fear of the Powers is amounting almost +to terror." + +"Oh, Miss Nita, don't be afraid! That will make you go back! You +mustn't have a bit of fear!" + +Miss Sterling laughed softly. "Well," she yielded--"let's talk +about the birthday celebration." + +"You haven't stopped being afraid." Polly scanned the other with +keen eyes. "But never mind, we'll go ahead with the plans. I love +to plan! Don't you?" + +"I like it too well; but I've seen so many of my projects burst +into nothing all in a minute that I've been trying lately to +content myself with everyday happenings." + +"I'm sorry you've had so much trouble, Miss Nita," said Polly +plaintively. + +The little woman smiled. "I ought not to have said that. I'm +better, you know! How are we to get up to Foxford?" + +"Oh, in automobiles! Didn't I tell you? Colonel Gresham will let +us have two, and Mrs. Illingworth one, and father ours. I don't +know how many will go from here, but there'll be David and Leonora +and Patricia and me, besides the Colonel and the chauffeurs. You +don't think but that Miss Sniffen will let them all go, do you?" +Polly added anxiously. + +"Perhaps." Miss Sterling mused over it. "I can't tell; I've lost +the map of Miss Sniffen's mind." + +"Did you ever have it?" laughed Polly. + +"I think once I had a facsimile of it." + +Polly chuckled. Then she shook her head doubtfully. "I wish Miss +Sniffen--wasn't Miss Sniffen," she mused vaguely. Suddenly she +brightened. "Why can't we tell Mr. Randolph about it and ask him +to ask Miss Sniffen?" She waited eagerly for the answer. It was +not quick to come. + +Miss Sterling bent her head in thought, while the color fluttered +on her cheeks. + +"I'm afraid it wouldn't be best," she said finally with a deep +breath. "He might--" + +"Oh, bother!" Polly broke in; "I was so sure that was a brilliant +thought of mine! And now you turn it down just like any common +idea!" + +"My dear child, it isn't that the idea is not brilliant, but it +seems to me it would be--would be--just a little out of place!" + +"It wouldn't be--a single bit!" insisted Polly. "Isn't he the +president of the Home?" + +"Yes; but he isn't in this, and wouldn't it look as if we were +ignoring Miss Sniffen?" + +"Maybe it would," assented Polly submissively. "I hadn't thought +of that." + +"You have said nothing to Miss Lily about it?" + +"Oh, no!" Polly replied. "We've only talked it over at home and +with the Greshams." + +"I suppose I'll have to parley with the Powers," smiled Miss +Sterling ruefully. + +"I don't want to!" Polly frowned. She thought a moment, tapping +her teeth with her thumb. "Oh, I know!" she burst out joyously. +"You can't object to this! Colonel Gresham's the one to do +it--because he's going, too. He'll drive his big car. I thought +it wouldn't do to have father, for she'd think I got him to do it. +But Colonel Gresham would win anybody if he tried." + +Miss Sterling nodded approvingly. + +"Aren't you glad I thought of it?" + +"It looks the best thing." + +"It is! Guess I'll go and ask the folks now! Will you come?" + +"No, thank you! Run on alone--you'll do it best without any +assistance." + +Polly laughed happily. She was too excited to insist on even Miss +Nita's company. + +It was a good hour before she returned, having been rapturously +welcomed upstairs and down and kept as long as possible. + +"Everybody is delighted with the idea!" Polly dropped to the +hassock at Miss Sterling's knee. "They're all going--if they +can!--except Mrs. Post and Mrs. Prindle. Mrs. Post has had a +pull-back and she can't walk at all, and Mrs. Prindle's cold is +worse. I think the rest will just fill the cars." + +She counted up, and found seats and occupants to agree. + +"I'm wondering whether to have Mrs. Adlerfeld or Miss Lily sit with +Colonel Gresham--which would you?" Polly was all alight with her +planning. + +"The Colonel would enjoy Mrs. Adlerfeld best. Miss Lily would be +too shy to say anything." + +"So she would! I only thought of her because she's the birthday +girl. Oh! You can't imagine how surprised she was--I thought +she'd better know it right away, and not try to be secret about it." + +Miss Sterling smiled assent. + +"She looked as if she were going to cry," Polly went on; "but then +I said something funny, and she laughed. I could see she was +wonderfully pleased that Doodles should propose it. I'm glad he +did, for I guess she doesn't have very much to make her happy. + +"Oh, I forgot! What do you think Mrs. Adlerfeld calls it? I +happened to say we thought it was so nice it came when the moon was +full, and she said, 'Thank you, I shall be so glad and happy to go! +I am very fond about moonshine nights!' Isn't that just lovely? +I'm going to call it a 'moonshine' party! It is ever so much +prettier than 'moonlight.' Won't Colonel Gresham be pleased to +have Mrs. Adlerfeld sit with him!" + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +THE PARTY ITSELF + +The weedy roadside was a witching tangle of shadows, and the air +was drowsy with spicy, wind-blown scents, as four motor cars swept +on their merry way to Foxford. + +Juanita Sterling, in the last of the procession, watched the gay +little imps dance across the windshield and thought glad thoughts. +It was going to be a worth-while evening she felt sure, and it was +good that her left-hand neighbors, Miss Major and Mrs. Winslow +Teed, had each other to entertain, and she was free to anticipate +and ponder and to feast her heart on the visions of the night. + +The sometimes insisting opinions of Miss Major and the familiar +"When I was abroad" of Mrs. Winslow Teed seldom obtruded on her +dreams. Once, however, she came to her surroundings with a start. + +"No," Miss Major was asserting, "Nelson Randolph is not the man for +the place. He takes some things for granted and lets other things +drift. If we had a good, live president, our superintendent would +get her walking ticket instanter." + +"A little strange he doesn't marry again. His wife has been gone +for some years, hasn't she?" + +"Five last June. They say he is devoted to her memory. I don't +take much stock in such devotedness--so far as men are concerned. +When he finds some pink and white doll that is sufficiently +captivating he will go through with another wedding ceremony." + +"That makes me think of a Danish couple I met in Florence," began +Mrs. Winslow Teed; "she couldn't have been over nineteen or twenty, +and he was eighty at least. She--" + +Miss Sterling was again absorbed in her own thoughts and never +heard what became of the poorly-mated travelers. + +Doodles and Blue ran down from the veranda as the cars speeded up +the slope to the little bungalow, and they were quickly in the +midst of a joyous circle. + +Polly and David, alighting from the third car, ran back to help +Miss Sterling and the others. + +"Oh, Miss Nita! Wasn't the ride lovely?" Polly squeezed her +friend's arm. "Say, did you know, at the very last minute Miss +Sniffen sent over word that Mrs. Bonnyman couldn't go? She had the +toothache, and so mother came in her place! Oh, I did wish you +were in our car! I wanted to say, 'Isn't that beautiful?' and +'Just look at this!'" + +"You could talk to David," laughed Miss Sterling. + +"Oh, yes, I did some! But Mrs. Crump was jabbering to him most of +the time. Haven't you ever been out here before? Why, I thought +you had!--How d' y' do, Doodles!" + +The three went up the steps hand in hand. + +"Isn't that the loveliest, biggest moon you ever saw?" exclaimed +Polly. + +While they lingered to look at it a car flashed up the road and +turned in at the entrance. + +"Somebody going to the Flemings'," remarked Doodles carelessly. + +"No, it's coming here!" returned Polly. The lights blazed toward +them. + +They waited, and a man stepped out. + +"Mr. Randolph!" breathed Polly, as he emerged from the shadows. + +"I feel somewhat like an intruder," said the president, as he +grasped the hand of Doodles. "When Colonel Gresham invited me I +told him my coming was impossible. Then things cleared up a +little--and here I am!" + +A visible stir succeeded Nelson Randolph's entrance. Mrs. Stickney +and Colonel Gresham welcomed him most cordially, and Polly, as +president of the Hiking Club, greeted him with a characteristic +little speech. + +Presently the unexpected guest was moving easily among the others, +passing from group to group with hearty handshakes and happy words, +at last coming face to face with Juanita Sterling. + +She had watched him nearing her corner, the while politely +attending to Miss Leatherland's intermittent chit-cnat and vainly +trying to banish from her mind the recent assertions of Miss Major. +With his first word, however, they fled, and she found herself +talking to the president unabashed and unafraid. + +"I am glad to have the opportunity of telling you how much I +thought of those beautiful roses," she said; "I never saw handsomer +ones." + +"It is good to know you enjoyed them. I hoped to have the pleasure +of taking you out to Adalina Park in the height of the rose +season." Was there an inquiry in the eyes that bent to hers? + +She felt the flush sweep up her cheeks. "I should have been +delighted to go," she replied. Hurriedly she tried to think of +something to add to the brief sentence, but her mind was confused, +and the seconds slipped by. + +"I was sorry it happened so," he went on; "but we will try it +again. Adalina Park is in its full glory now, and there are pretty +drives outside of the parks." He smiled whimsically. + +Then came the question that put her in doubt whether she should +tell him the truth or not--"When should I be most likely to find +you disengaged?" + +"Almost any time," she answered, having decided that she would +leave him to discover why she had not responded to his invitation. +"Work is never pressing at the Home." + +"Isn't it?" A puzzled look flickered in his eyes--or was it only +her fancy? + +A little flutter about the piano told that somebody was to play or +sing. David took the seat and began a prelude. Then he sang in a +clear, fresh voice:-- + + "Red as the wine of forgotten ages, + Yellow as gold of the sunbeams spun, + Pink as the gowns of Aurora's pages, + White as the robe of a sinless one, + Sweeter than Araby's winds that blow-- + Roses, roses, I love ye so!" + +"Who is that boy?" Nelson Randolph asked. "Some relation of +Colonel Gresham's, isn't he?" + +"His grandnephew, David Collins." + +"He has a fine voice." + +"Excellent. Polly Dudley has a sweet voice, too. I hope she will +sing before the evening is over. And Doodles is wonderful! Have +you ever heard him?" + +"No. He told me he was in the choir at St. Bartholomew's." + +"There he comes! Oh, Polly is to play for him!" + +A very sympathetic accompanist was Polly. Juanita Sterling +listened in surprise and wonder. How could such a child do so well! + + "Young Davie was the brawest lad + In a' the Lairnie Glen, + An' Jennie was the bonniest lass + That e'er stole hearts o' men; + But Davie was a cotter's lad, + A lad o' low degree, + An' Jennie, bonnie, sonsie lass, + A highborn lass was she." + +Applause burst upon the hush that hung on the last note. It was +insistent--it would not be denied. Doodles must sing again. + +"He is a marvel!" Nelson Randolph spoke it softly, as the young +singer returned to the piano. + +He gave the second verse of the song, which before he had omitted, +and then sang the dainty little love song,-- + + "Dusk, and the shadows falling + O'er land and sea; + Somewhere a voice is calling, + Calling for me!" + +Yet even that did not satisfy his audience. So he returned once +more and gave in an irresistibly rollicking way a song in Yankee +dialect, the refrain to which,-- + + "Oh, my boy Jonathan is jest as good as gold! + An' he always fills the wood-box 'ithout bein' told!"-- + +tagging as it did the various topics of the old farmer's discourse +upon his son, never failed to bring laughter from his hearers. + +At the end the applause was long and urgent; but Doodles had run +away, and would not come back. + +Polly slipped up to Miss Sterling. + +"Will you play for us now?--please, Miss Nita!" seeing a refusal in +the eyes that met her own. + +"I am not in practice. I should hate to break down before all +these people," she smiled. + +"There isn't one mite of danger!" Polly asserted confidently. "Do +come, Miss Nita! Mr. Randolph, I wish you'd coax her to come! She +can play magnificently!" + +"Polly!" + +"She can!" Polly addressed the president. + +"I don't doubt it," Nelson Randolph declared, "and I should be +delighted to hear her." + +"You wouldn't be delighted at all," Miss Sterling laughed. "You +would want to stop me long before I had finished one page. My +fingers would be lost in no time." + +He dissented with courtliness, and Polly wheedled until Doodles and +Blue came to add their urging to hers; but in the end they had to +let Miss Sterling have her way, which was to remain outside of the +entertaining circle. + +So Polly sang, "Such a li'l' fellow," and "Daisytown Gossip." Then +Mrs. Winslow Teed was beguiled into singing the old song of "The +Beggar Girl," and if her voice were a bit uncertain, on the whole +it was sweet and received well-earned applause. + +Games interspersed the music, and it was discovered that the +president of June Holiday Home, as well as the eldest of the Home +residents, was quite as clever in guesses as the young folks. + +Either by chance or intention,--Juanita Sterling could not decide +which,--Nelson Randolph appeared to have established himself for +the evening at her side. Others came and went, but the president +stayed. + +"I wonder when we shall hear Caruso," she said. "He is on the +programme; I think they must be waiting until the moon is high." + +"Caruso?" he repeated with a puzzled look. "Not--" + +"No, not the great Caruso," she smiled; "the little Caruso." + +"But what has the moon to do with his singing? I am in the dark." + +She laughed out. "I don't wonder! I supposed you knew about +Caruso. He is a wonderful mocking-bird that belongs to Doodles. +He can--but wait! You will hear him soon, if I'm not mistaken." + +Blue was at the window, gazing skyward. He raised the curtain +high, and the moonlight streamed in. A large cage was placed on a +table in the direct beams. Suddenly the lights were out. + +A mellow fluting broke the hush,--and Caruso was in song! + +Few of the guests had ever heard his like. He was a score of +performers in one. The notes of a dozen birds issued in quick +succession from that one little throat, clear, sweet, delicious. +Then, without warning, came the unmistakable squeal of a pig, the +squawking of hens, the yelp of a puppy, which in a moment merged +into a little carol, and then--Caruso was singing "Annie Laurie"! + +The concert reached a sudden end, and the audience came to itself +in such applause as none of the other performers had won. + +"Are there any more astonishments in store for me?" asked Nelson +Randolph, as the clapping dwindled to a few tardy hands. "When the +Colonel invited me to come up this evening I did not anticipate a +concert of this nature. He said they were to have 'a little music,' +but you know what that generally means." + +"I know," nodded Miss Sterling smilingly. "I wonder, after such an +admission, that you were willing to risk it." + +"Oh, I didn't come for the music!" he returned. "Nevertheless, it +is worth going more than twenty miles to hear. Polly and Doodles +and David would make a good concert by themselves--and now the +mocldng-bird! I never heard anything equal to his performance! He +is a wonder!" + +"He can whistle 'Auld Lang Syne,' too, I think he does it quite as +well as 'Annie Laurie.'" + +The applause had started again, and the lights, which had been +turned on, went out. The audience quieted at once. + +Soft and sweet came the tones of a violin. + +"Doodles," breathed Miss Sterling. + +Nelson Randolph bent his head to hear, and nodded in answer. + +Softly the player slipped into "Old Folks at Home," and the tune +went on slowly, lingeringly, as if waiting for something that did +not come. Again it was played, this time with the voice of Doodles +accompanying. + +Meanwhile Polly was tiptoeing noiselessly from group to group and +from guest to guest, with the soft-breathed word, "No applause, +please!" + +Over and over sounded the sweet, haunting melody, until not a few +of those unfamiliar with the methods of the patient teacher and his +singular little pupil, wondered, with Miss Crilly, "what in the +world was up." + +Then, just as almost everybody's nerves were growing tense, Caruso +took up the air and carried it on bewitchingly to its close. + +"How can he do it!"--"Wasn't that perfectly beautiful!"--"Did you +teach it to him, Doodles?"--"My! but he's a jimdandy, and no +mistake!" These and a score of others were tossed about as the +lights went up. + +"I must have a nearer view of that singer," declared Nelson +Randolph. "I'm sure he can't look like an ordinary mocker; he must +show the marks of genius in his feathers!" + +Miss Sterling laughed. "He is certainly surprising. Doodles told +me he was trying to teach him a new song, but I was not prepared +for anything like this." + +"Who could be!--Come!" he invited. "Let's go over and see him!" + +Juanita Sterling unavoidably brushed Miss Crilly on the way across, +and smiled pleasantly, to which that middle-aged merrymaker +responded with a whispered, "Ain't you swell, a-goin' with the +president all the evening!" + +Miss Sterling flung back a laughing shake of the head, and passed +on. + +Nelson Randolph scanned the slim gray bird in silence. Then he +turned to his companion. + +"It doesn't seem possible that this little fellow could do all +that!" + +Doodles smiled across the cage. He was giving Caruso the tidbit +which he had well earned. + +"How long does it take you to teach him a song?" + +"I've only taught him one, Mr. Randolph. He was several months +learning that. He knew 'Annie Laurie' when he came, and Mr. +Gillespie taught him 'Auld Lang Syne.'" + +"The bird had finished his little feast and stood nonchalantly +preening his feathers. + +"Caruso!" + +The mocker lifted his head and gave a short whistle. Then he went +on with his interrupted toilet. + +Nelson Randolph laughed softly. + +"Caruso!" began Doodles again. "Caruso!" + +The bird looked up and whistled as before. + +Doodles bent closer. "Can't you sing 'Auld Lang Syne' for Mr. +Randolph? He has never heard it, you know." + +The mocker stretched a wing and let go a mellow strain. + +Softly Doodles began to sing,-- + + "Should auld acquaintance be forgot, + And never brought to mind? + Should auld acquaintance be forgot, + And days of auld lang syne?" + +The bird had stood listening, and now caught tip the air with +vigor, carrying it on with a surety that was as astonishing as it +was delightful. + +Nelson Randolph shook his head in admiration. "Marvelous!" he +cried; "marvelous!" He put his hand in his pocket--"I wish you +liked pennies!" he laughed. + +"His pennies are meal worms," said Doodles with a grimace. "I'll +get him one." + +"Ugh! How can he?" laughed Miss Crilly, as the bird disposed of the +dainty. + +His reward seemed to incite him to further song, for straightway he +launched into a gay little medley that set his hearers laughing and +admiring at once. + +"The birthday supper is ready!" announced Blue informally from the +door of the dining-room. + +Doodles ran quickly to Miss Lily's side and they took place at the +head of the little procession. + +Colonel Gresham and Mrs. Adlerfeld came next. + +"Oh, I'm so glad!" thought Juanita Sterling, catching a sight of +the little Swedish woman's happy face. + +The company speedily divided itself into two's, and Miss Sterling, +with a bit of a heart flutter, found herself walking beside the +president of June Holiday Home. Just ahead were Patricia and +David. Where was Polly? She and David were always +together--everywhere. But now she and Leonora were side by side. +Strange!--but wonderings were lost in the pleasant calls of the +occasion. + +In the smallish dining-room a long table gave seats to everybody, +and no one was crowded. + +Nothing elaborate had been attempted, all was simple and homelike. +Except for the curious decoration above the seat of honor, and the +birthday cake with its pink and white frosting, there was little to +distinguish it from an every-day repast. + +Talk and appetite went merrily hand in hand, and the "birthday +girl," as Polly and Doodles insisted on calling her, grew actually +gay. + +"When she had cut the cake, and everybody's plate was empty, +Doodles asked her to pull a pink ribbon hanging from the +umbrella-like contrivance over her head. + +"With a half-frightened face and fingers that trembled, she plucked +at the dainty string. Nothing happened. + +"Pull harder!" urged Doodles. + +She made another attempt--and gave a little cry, for tumbling about +her came birthday gifts in wild array. + +Into her lap plumped an embroidered pin-cushion, on one shoulder +drooped a muslin and lace apron, over her head was draped a white +silk waist, while all around, on floor and table, were other +articles, besides packages of various sizes tied with pink and +white ribbons. In the laughter and confusion, presents too bulky +or too frail to be risked in a fall were placed near her,--a long +box of pink roses, a tall vase of cut-glass, a big, big box of +candy, a pretty bon-bon dish, a small fern, and a little begonia +with lovely pink blossoms. + +To be thus suddenly surprised, and at the same time to be made the +attractive point of so many eyes, was more than Faith Lily's +composure could bear. Her lip quivered like a little child's, her +blue eyes filled with tears and over-flowed--she began softly to +sob. + +Doodles looked distressed. Then he did the best thing possible. + +He took up the pincushion. "Mrs. Dudley made you this," he said, +"and this is from Leonora,"--he held the apron for her to see. +"Isn't it pretty? Turn round a bit and I'll tie it on!" + +The crying ceased, and the tension had passed. Miss Lily smiled +down on the apron with happy eyes. + +"Here is a handkerchief that Polly embroidered for you," Doodles +went on, "and this box of chocolates is from Mr. Randolph. Colonel +Gresham gave you the roses--just smell them!" He lifted the box to +her face. + +"Oh!" breathed Miss Lily in delight. + +"The china dish is David's present, and these cards are from Mrs. +Albright and Mrs. Bonnyman and Miss Crilly. This beautiful +waist--that's from Patricia, and the box of handkerchiefs from her +mother, and the booklet from Miss Castlevaine, and the photograph +from Miss Major. Oh! the vase is from the 'Hiking Club,'--and I +don't know about the packages." + +Miss Lily beamed on her riches, upon Doodles, upon the whole +tableful. + +"Why," she exclaimed softly, "I don't see how you came to do it! I +never thought of having a single present! Oh, it's beautiful of +you!" Her voice trembled. "I can't thank you half enough, but I +shall love you, every one, as long as I live!" + +Doodles was picking up the small parcels scattered on the floor. + +"Will you have these now?" he nodded. + +"Oh, yes!" she said, eagerly as a child. + +Everybody seemed interested in the unwrapping. They were simple +gifts, but Miss Lily fingered them lovingly, even to the plainest +little card. + +The telephone called Blue into the next room. He returned almost +at once. + +"Mr. Randolph," he said, "some one wishes to talk with you." + +They were rising from the table as the president came back. + +"I am sorry to say good-bye so early," he told them; "but a New +York man is waiting to see me on important business and has to +return home on the 11.45 train. So I must get down to him as soon +as possible." + +He came over to Juanita Sterling with a little rueful smile. + +"I hoped to have the pleasure of taking you home, but--" He shook +his head. "We'll make up for it in a day or two," he finished +blithely. + +Her eyes met his. Something she saw there sent a warm flush to her +cheeks, and she looked away. + +"You will hear from me soon." He held out his hand. "Thank you +for giving me so much enjoyment this evening--good-night." + +That was all. Simple courtesy, Juanita Sterling told herself two +hours later; but now--her heart was filled with a quivering joy +that was almost pain. + +On the homeward ride she found herself seated next to Miss Major, +with Miss Castlevaine just beyond. + +"We seem to be shifted round," Miss Castlevaine observed. "I came +up in the second car, Dr. Dudley's; but Mrs. Winslow Teed has my +seat--I was in front with the chauffeur. So I took the first +vacant place I saw." + +"She rode up with us." + +"Then it is all right. I see David Collins has got Patricia +Illingworth in tow--he came with Polly. I wonder if they've had a +quarrel." + +"I never knew them to quarrel," said Juanita Sterling. + +"Oh, don't they? Well, it looks like it now. He took Patricia out +to supper, too." + +"So he did," responded Miss Major. "I didn't think of it in that +light. We've had a nice evening, anyway. It seems good to get out +of the rut." + +"Yes," answered Miss Castlevaine grudgingly; "but they'll have to +keep this up, now they've begun, or there'll be more fusses than a +few!" + +"What do you mean?" + +"Why, everybody'll have to have a birthday party, or the rest'll be +jealous." + +"Oh, yes, I see! But they couldn't do it for all." + +"Then there'll be trouble! And I don't know as I should blame them +any. Why should one of the family have all the good times and +loads of presents, and nobody else have anything--huh!" + +"It hasn't established a precedent by any means," asserted Miss +Major. + +"Indeed, it has! And they ought to have thought of that before +they began." + +"I doubt if any such thing ever occurred to Polly and Doodles," +interposed Miss Sterling. "They were thinking only of giving Miss +Lily a pleasant birthday. I am glad she had so many presents." + +"Well, Mr. Randolph meant she should have enough candy for once, +didn't he? A five-pound box certainly! If she eats it all +herself, it'll make her sick! I don't suppose she ever had so much +at one time before, and she won't use any judgment about it. It +would have been in a good deal better taste to have given her a +simple pound box." + +"Oh, no!" laughed Miss Major. "I'd rather have a five-pound box any +time! And so would you!" + +"I suppose he's used to that size," retorted Miss Castlevaine. "He +probably gives 'em to his girl by the cartload--huh!" + +"Who is she?" queried Miss Major. + +"Why, that Puddicombe girl! He is engaged to Blanche +Puddicombe--didn't you know it?" + +"No, I hadn't heard." + +"Well, he is! They say the wedding isn't coming off till next +spring. I guess he's bound to have all he can get out of his +freedom till then--he won't have much after he's tied to that +silly-pate!" + +"She looks it all right! Her mother isn't any too smart." + +"No, and the Puddicombe side is worse. We used to think that Si +Puddicombe knew less than nothing! And Le Grand Puddicombe--" + +Juanita Sterling edged a little closer into the seat corner. She +had no interest in Le Grand Puddicombe. She stared into the night. +A raw wind struck her face. Thick clouds had suddenly shut out the +moon, and a chill over-spread the earth. All was dark, dark, +except for the flashing lines ahead. The steady pur-r-r-r-r-ing of +the car was in the air. Miss Castlevaine's monotonous voice ran on +and on; but, the little woman at the end of the seat realized +nothing except the insistent words knelling through her +brain,--"Engaged to Blanche Puddicombe! Engaged to Blanche +Puddicombe!" + +It was not until she was in her room, with the door safely locked, +that she commanded herself sufficiently to answer the clanging +voice. + +"I don't believe it! I don't believe it!" she burst out. "It's a +lie!--a miserable, sneaking lie!" + +"Engaged to Blanche Puddicombe! Engaged to Blanche Puddicombe!" was +the mocking retort. + +She dropped on her knees by the bedside and covered her face with +her hands. + +"Oh, God," she whispered, "forgive me for being a fool!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +TWO OF THEM + +Polly came early the next morning to talk over things. + +"You got all tired out, didn't you?" she exclaimed, meeting the +wearied eyes. + +"Oh, no!" denied Miss Sterling. "I didn't sleep quite as well as +usual, but I'm all right." + +"I'm glad it is only that. You look almost sick," Polly scanned +the pale face a little doubtfully. "I'm worried about David--he +acted so queer last night." + +"What's the trouble? They were talking of it coming home." + +"About David?--or me?" + +"Miss Castlevaine spoke of David's being with Patricia, and was +wondering if you had quarreled--that's all." + +"No, there hasn't been a word!" cried Polly disgustedly. "But I +suppose he is jealous of Doodles--such a silly! He's a lovely boy, +if he weren't always getting jealous of everybody. He wants me to +stay right with him every minute and not speak to anybody else!" + +"That is foolish." + +"I know it, but that's David Collins!" + +"I wonder--" she stopped. + +"What?" asked Polly. + +"I was only thinking about Colonel Gresham. Perhaps it was jealousy +that caused the estrangement between him and Mrs. Jocelyn." + +"Maybe--I never heard what it was." + +"Possibly it is in the blood, and David can't help it." + +"He needn't be a goose just because his grand uncle was! It isn't +as if we were grown up!" + +Miss Sterling gave a little laugh. + +"I don't care, it isn't!" insisted Polly. "If I were eighteen and +engaged to him, of course, I shouldn't expect to go around with +other boys--'t wouldn't be right: but now--!" Polly's face finished +it. + +Juanita Sterling looked gravely at nothing. + +"And such a boy as Doodles!" Polly went on. "To start with, he is +younger than I am, and that ought to be enough to give David some +sense! Mother says she didn't see me do anything out of the +way--did you. Miss Sterling?" + +"Why--why,--what was it you asked, Polly? I was thinking so hard, +I lost that last!" + +Polly looked keenly at her friend's flushed face. + +"I believe you do think I did something! What is it? Tell me +right out! I shan't mind!" + +"No, no, Polly! Forgive me, it wasn't anything about you and +David--I happened to let another thought in just for a minute--that +was all. No, I don't think you did anything that a sensible boy +would mind in the least. Even if you were grown up and engaged to +David, you did nothing that should have caused him any annoyance." + +"Oh! that's more than mother gave me credit for!--Do you really +know what you're saying anyway?" laughed Polly. + +"Perfectly, Miss Dudley! And I declare to you this moment that you +are a model of propriety!" + +"O-o-h! Don't I look awfully puffed up? Now you'll think me +silly! But I've talked long enough about David and me. I'm dying +to tell you how glad, glad, glad I was last evening every time I +looked your way! I almost forgot the birthday girl for thinking of +you! Wasn't Mr. Randolph lovely? And didn't you have a dandy +time? Why, he kept as close to you as if you 'd been engaged to +him! He--" + +"Oh, Polly, don't talk that silly stuff! I won't hear it!" Miss +Sterling got up hurriedly and went to her work-table, apparently +hunting for something in her spool basket. + +"Why, Miss Nita!" Polly's tone was grieved. + +"Well, forgive me," came from over the array of threads and silks, +"but I do hate to hear you say such things!" + +"I was only telling the truth," said Polly plaintively. "I thought +you were having a lovely time--you looked as if you were! Doodles +spoke of it." + +"Yes, I dare say I looked and acted like an old fool!" + +"Miss Nita! You couldn't! You looked too sweet for anything, and I +guess he thought so--" + +"Polly! what did I tell you?" She came back with a half-mended +stocking. + +"Aren't you ever going to let me speak of Mr. Randolph again? He +acted as if he were dead in love with y--" + +A hand was clapped over her mouth. + +"I won't hear it! I won't! I won't!" Miss Sterling laughed a +little uncertainly. + +Polly drew a long breath of disappointment. "I never knew you to +act like this before," she mused. + +"How sweetly Doodles sang!" said Miss Sterling. + +"Yes," agreed Polly dispiritedly. + +"And you are a charming accompanist." + +"Oh! now, who's silly?" + +"Nobody." Miss Sterling drew her hand from her stocking. + +"It doesn't seem to me that I play well at all--I long to do so +much better." + +"It is a rare gift to be a good accompanist, and you surely possess +it." + +"Thank you--you're not saying that to counterbalance what you said +about--?" + +"No, I'm not! When I say a thing I mean it." + +"Perhaps some other folks do. Oh, Miss Nita! I couldn't help +hearing what Mr. Randolph said when he bade you good-bye--I was so +near!" + +"What if you did! There was nothing secret about it." The voice +was hard and unnatural. Miss Sterling felt the flame in her cheeks. + +"Well, I was almost sure that it meant he was going to take you to +ride, weren't you?" + +"Of course he won't ask me!" She crossed over to the work-table +for another stocking. + +"I think he will," said Polly decidedly. "You'll go if he does, +shan't you?" + +"No, not an inch!" + +"Oh, why? I'd go in a minute if he'd ask _me_!" + +"Isn't there something we can talk about besides that detestable +man! How did Colonel Gresham enjoy Mrs. Adlerfeld?" + +"I don't know. I haven't seen him. I guess I'd better go. Mother +may want me." Polly walked slowly toward the door. + +"I hope I shall be in a more agreeable mood when you come next +time," smiled Miss Sterling. + +"I hope so," replied Polly soberly. + +The door had shut, the light footfalls were growing faint, when +Juanita Sterling began to sob. Her lips twitched as she tried to +suppress the tears. It was no use, they would have their way, and +she finally hid her face in her hands and let them go. + +"Why, Miss Nita! Dear Miss Nita!" Polly had her arms around her +friend's neck, crooning love words. + +"I--I--didn't hear you knock!" apologized Miss Sterling. + +"Never mind, you darling! I only gave one little tap--and then +I--came in. You don't care, do you? If you do, I'll go right +away. But I'm sorry you feel so bad! You're not sick, are you?" + +"N-no,--oh, no!" + +"Well, don't tell me, unless you'd rather. Sometimes I feel better +to tell mother when things trouble me." + +Getting no answer, she went on. + +"Should you like to have mother come over?" + +"Mercy--no! Don't tell anybody, Polly,--will you?--what a fool I +am!" + +"Of course, I won't tell--ever! But you're not a fool! Nobody can +help crying when things go wrong. Miss Sniffen hasn't been saying +anything, has she?" + +"Oh, no! I haven't seen her lately." + +Polly waited patiently. + +"I came back for my handkerchief," she explained. "I thought I +must have dropped it--oh, there it is!" + +"Was I dreadfully cross to you? I didn't mean to be, dear child!" + +"You weren't a bit!" insisted Polly. "I ought to know better than +to torment you about--that man. But I like him so well, I can't +understand why you don't. I wish you did!" + +The sobs started again, and Miss Sterling got up quickly. + +"I don't see what makes me act--like this!" she exclaimed fiercely. + +Polly was not obtuse. She began to think hard. Still, Miss Nita +had said--Miss Nita would not lie! It was beyond her understanding. + +Miss Sterling wiped her eyes. + +"You know we're to go on a hike to-morrow," said Polly tentatively. + +"Ye-s," feebly. Then, "I'm not going." + +"Oh! why?" + +"Don't want to! Should if it wasn't for that!" + +"Good reason," commented Polly, and she waited for a retort, but +none came. "I'm afraid David will fuss," she said finally. + +"I don't blame him one mite!" Miss Sterling broke out. + +"Wh-why, you said--I hadn't done a thing!" Polly was plainly +astonished. + +"You haven't! But I don't blame David all the same." Miss +Sterling smiled a queer little equivocal smile. + +"Well, you two are the hardest mortals to understand!" sighed +Polly. "I give it up!" She skipped toward the door. "Be ready at +two, to-morrow. Miss Nita!" she called back. "If you're good, I'll +let you walk with David." + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +DANCING HIKERS + +Juanita Sterling was in the little procession that started from the +June Holiday Home at two o'clock. So was David Collins. They were +nearly the whole line apart, and Polly skipped up and down between +them. + +"I'm so glad you were able to come!" she told Miss Sterling, +squeezing her arm. "I haven't had a chance to speak to David yet; +but I must." She sighed. "Oh, dear, I hate fusses! He's with +Leonora. Say, did you see Doodles? He had to go to the music +store and have something done to his violin--he said it wouldn't +take more than three minutes. He's going to catch up with us +farther along; he can take a short cut across from Columbia Street. +Think of him and Blue coming clear down from Foxford just to go to +walk with us!" + +"It looks as if they wanted to come." + +Polly laughed. + +"I suppose I mustn't speak to either of them, or David will be +furious! I guess I'll go on and do as I like! There's Miss Crilly +beckoning--I promised her I'd walk a little way with her. Good-bye +for now!" + +Miss Sterling saw Doodles come up a cross street, violin in hand, +and run ahead to join Polly. She chuckled softly. + +"Where are we bound for to-day?" queried Miss Mullaly in her ear. + +"I don't know. Polly hasn't told me the route." + +A motor-car whizzed by. + +"Wasn't that Mr. Randolph?" + +"I think so," answered Miss Sterling. Her tone was indifferent. + +"I've seen that lady with him two or three times. Do you know who +it is?" + +"Miss Puddicombe, I believe, daughter of one of the Board." + +"Oh!" + +The eyes of the other involuntarily followed the car. + +"She dresses in all colors of the rainbow," laughed Miss Mullaly. +"It's queer, how little taste some people--But maybe she is a +friend of yours!" + +"No, I never spoke to her. I have heard of her astonishing +combinations, though." + +Polly came running back. + +"Isn't it lovely that Doodles has his violin! He says when we get +tired and come to a nice place to rest, he will play to us. Aren't +you tired? I want somebody to be, so we can have the music. He +has learned some new pieces." + +"I think there is a pretty grove not far ahead. Don't you remember +it?--There's a great rock at one side, and a little clump of young +birches near by." + +"Oh, yes, next to a sheep pasture! That will be just the place! +I'll tell Doodles!" + +But before the wood was reached, the party came upon a car by the +side of the road. Juanita Sterling had recognized it and longed to +run away. + +"Why, it's Mr. Randolph!" discovered Miss Mullaly. + +"Yes, he has tire trouble, I see." + +The president of the Home was already talking with those ahead. + +Polly came back. + +"Mr. Randolph and Miss Puddicombe," she whispered. "He is +introducing her to the ladies." + +Miss Sterling nodded and shrank away. + +"I don't want to meet her," she objected. "I wonder if they'd +notice if we should cut across this lot." + +"Oh, don't! I'm afraid they would." + +The other looked longingly toward the way of escape while she +walked on with Polly. + +Juanita Sterling and Blanche Puddicombe stood face to face, a +smiling "How do you do, Miss Puddicombe!" on one side, a gushing +"I'm charmed to meet you!" on the other, with a gingerly hand-shake +between. + +Nelson Randolph was too busy with his tire for much talking, and, +as early as decency would allow, Miss Sterling by degrees slipped +into the background, + +"Let's go on," she whispered, taking Miss Leatherland's arm. + +The others straggled after, by twos and threes. + +"Why didn't you stay longer?" questioned Polly, overtaking her +friend. + +"There was nothing to stay for," she laughed. + +"Miss Puddicombe said she would like to get acquainted with you." +Polly's tone had the inflection of disappointment. + +"Very kind of her," was the quiet comment. + +Polly glanced whimsically at Miss Sterling's face. "I guess that +is the grove you were speaking of," was what she said. + +Many of the ladies were glad to stop, and scattered stones and +mossy logs made pleasant resting places. + +Doodles played delightfully and finally slipped into a waltz. + +"Oh, my feet just won't stay still!" cried Miss Crilly. "Come on, +Polly!" And the two went dancing through the wood. + +"It's better over there in the pasture," said Polly, as they came +to a sudden halt against a big pine. + +"Let's try it!" Miss Crilly pulled her forward, and over they ran, +hand in hand. + +"Doodles! Doodles!" they called. + +The boy and the violin were quickly there, and Patricia and the +young folks ran after. + +"Oh, this is lovely! Better come and try it!"--"The very dandiest +place!" cried the dancers as they stopped for breath. + +Miss Major, Miss Mullaly, and others came laughing into the open. + +Doodles played with zest, everybody was in merry mood, and the +dance went gayly on. + +Polly suddenly ran into the grove for her beloved Miss Nita. + +"You must! You must!" she declared, as Miss Sterling doubtfully +shook her head. "You don't know how much nicer it is to dance +outdoors! Come!" + +She hesitated, but the music was inspiring, and impulsively tossing +all else aside she skipped on with Polly. + +Along the road jogged a buggy, and the driver stared at the unusual +sight. Then he stopped his horse. + +"What's up?" he called out. "Is it a boardin'-school or a lunatic +asylum?" + +Polly and Miss Sterling came whirling toward him. "Neither, sir!" +answered Polly promptly. "We are dancing hikers!" + +"Wh-at?" the man gasped. + +But the laughing couple waltzed on. + +Blue had gallantly claimed Juanita Sterling for her second dance, +and as they waltzed down to the street they saw the motorists whom +they had left beside the road driving toward them. The car +stopped, and Mr. Randolph and Miss Puddicombe stepped out. + +"It was too tempting!" he exclaimed. "We couldn't go by. Is it a +free-for-everybody dance?" + +"Of course it is!" answered Blue. "We are very glad to have you +stop and try it with us." + +The Home President turned to his companion. "Will you come?" he +said. + +She looked down with a scowl. "Why, Nelson, I can't dance on such +rough ground!" + +"Oh, come on!" he urged. "What the others can do, we can!" + +"It isn't bad--really!" smiled Miss Sterling. "The sheep have +nibbled it pretty smooth." + +The couples whirled off, but soon afterwards Nelson Randolph was +seen standing alone over by the wood. + +"Guess she's the kind that goes with waxed floors and a whole +orchestra," laughed Blue. + +When the fiddling came to a pause Juanita Sterling found herself +not far from the man whom she was endeavoring to shun. + +"Let's go down to those birches!" she proposed carelessly. But she +was too late, for Nelson Randolph was already coming her way. + +"Too tired for another turn?" he asked. + +"Oh, no, I'm not tired!"--yet her face did not reflect his smile. +She wished he would go away and leave her alone. Why must she +continually be meeting him! Still she could not easily refuse when +he urged his request, and she yielded a somewhat grave consent. + +Miss Crilly and David Collins gayly led the quadrille that +followed, and even Miss Castlevaine's habitual sneer was lost in +the enjoyment of the moment. But Juanita Sterling, lover of all +outdoors, devotee of music and the dance, with the best partner on +the ground, went through the steps, her graceful feet and her +aching heart pitifully at variance. + +They walked together over to the edge of the wood. + +"I have business in Riverview to-morrow morning--would you like to +go? The ride over the mountain is very pretty now, and my errand +won't take more than five minutes." + +She could feel the warm blood creep up her face. Her answer +hesitated. "I am sorry," came at last, "but I'm afraid I +cannot--to-morrow." + +He gave a little rueful laugh. "I always choose the wrong time," +he said. + +"I am very sorry," she repeated truthfully. + +"Nelson!" called Miss Puddicombe, as they drew near. "It is +horribly impolite; but I think I'll have to hurry you a little. I +want to see Grace about those tickets for the Charity Fair, and it +is getting late." + +"I am at your disposal," he replied gallantly. And shortly they +were gone. + +Polly walked home with Miss Sterling. David was devoting himself +to Patricia. Polly's gay mood had passed and left her quiet and +pensive. Only commonplaces were spoken--Miss Castlevaine was just +ahead, and her ears were sharp. Miss Sterling knew that as soon as +the seclusion of the third-floor corner room was reached Polly's +heart would overflow in confidences. + +"Will you come in?" For Polly had stopped at the entrance. + +"Yes." A step forward. "N-no, I guess I won't--yes, I will, too!" + +Miss Castlevaine looked round with a short laugh. "What's the +matter, Polly? Lost your beau?" + +"No, he's lost me!" was the quick retort. + +"Oh, is that it?" + +"Yes, Miss Castlevaine, that is precisely it!" A warning flush was +on Polly's cheeks. "Thank you, Miss Nita, I'll go up for a little +while," she said. + +With a shrug and a little "Huh!" the descendant of the duchess +passed on. + +The door clicked shut, and Polly dropped into a rocker, tossing +aside her hat and coat. + +"What shall I do with David?" she sighed. "He barely nodded to me +to-day!" + +"I presume I should cruelly let him alone." + +"Then 'twould be good-bye, David! He'd never, never, never take +the first step! And I like David!" Polly caught her breath. + +"Poor little girl! I'm sorry!" Miss Sterling knelt beside her and +threw an arm about her. + +Polly began to sob. "I thought--he'd be decent this afternoon! I +haven't--done a single thing!" + +"No, you haven't!" agreed Miss Sterling. "And for that reason when +he has thought it over long enough I believe he will see how +foolish he has been." + +"But he won't give in!" declared Polly, wiping her eyes. "Well, I +can't go to him and say, 'Please forgive me!' when I haven't done +anything! I guess I'll let him gloom it out! There, that's +settled! Now let's talk about you!" She stroked Miss Sterling's +hair, and smiled. + +"You just ought to have seen you two dancing together!" she broke +out in a lively tone. + +"Pity there couldn't have been a long mirror set up somewhere!" +replied Miss Sterling. + +"Well, you did look lovely!" Polly went on, ignoring the retort. + +"Do you mean each of us separately or only when we were in +company?" asked the other gravely. + +"Oh, now, don't you make fun of me! I know what I'm talking about! +Doodles said you were the best dancers he ever saw!" + +"And he has seen so many!" murmured Miss Sterling. + +Polly tossed her head in disapproval, but continued, "I was so in +hopes he would have time to ask you to go to ride--and then she had +to hurry him up! It sounded exactly as if she were jealous!" + +"He invited me," said Miss Sterling quietly. + +"Oh, he did?" The voice was joyful. "When are you going?" + +"Never!" + +Polly stared at her friend in dismay. "Miss--Nita! You don't +mean--?" + +"Yes, I declined the privilege!" + +The brown eyes blazed. "I think you're--" + +"Polly, wait! I do not wish to ride with Mr. Randolph--he is +engaged to Miss Puddicombe!" + +Polly's eyes grew big. "I don't believe it!--How do you know?" + +"I was told so." + +"Do you really think it is true?" demanded Polly. + +"There is nothing else to think." + +"She calls him Nelson," mused Polly--"I thought she was pretty +bold! But he is too smart to be such a fool!" + +"Love sometimes makes fools of the best of us." + +Polly watched the red flame up in the thoughtful face beside her, +and in that moment Polly grew wise. + +"He doesn't love that Puddicombe ninny and he never will! You +should have heard her talk when he was dancing with you. I was +over there. Such airs! You'd think she held a mortgage on the +world!" + +A soft tap on the door was followed by the entrance of Miss +Castlevaine. + +"Have you heard?" she whispered tragically. + +"No." Miss Sterling grew grave. + +Polly bent forward in her eagerness. + +"You see, I went down to get a pitcher of hot water, and I heard +Miss Sniffen's voice in the dining-room and so went in that way. +Mrs. Nobbs was up on the step-ladder in front of the placard, so I +didn't see it at first, but when I did it muddled me so I just +stood there and stared. Miss Sniffen turned round and said, 'What +do you want?' sharp as could be, just as if I had no business +there. She felt guilty all right! You could see that! Well, if +you'll believe me, I couldn't think what I had gone for! And she +said it again! Then I happened to see my pitcher, and that brought +me to my senses, and I told her, 'Some hot water.' 'Why don't you +go get it, then?' she yelled out, as if I were deaf! And I +went--huh!" + +"But what was it they were doing?" urged Polly. + +"Didn't I tell you? They were putting up a notice in big letters, +'No talking, please.'" + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +"HILLTOP DAYS" + +When Polly chanced to find her Miss Nita out she usually dropped +into some other room for a little chat. On one such afternoon Miss +Twining welcomed her most gladly. + +"I get lonesome sitting here by myself day after day," the little +woman confessed. "Sometimes I am actually envious of Miss Sterling +when I happen to see you go in there." + +"Then I'll come oftener," Polly declared. "I'd love to! I'm +always afraid the ladies will get sick of the sight of me, I'm +round here so much." + +"Mercy! I don't believe anybody ever thought of such a thing. I'd +be so happy to have you come to see me every day, I'd feel like +standing on my head!" + +Polly laughed. "I shall surely come! I should like to learn how +to stand on my head--I never could seem to get the trick of it." + +"I didn't say I'd do it!" twinkled Miss Twining; "but I declare, I +believe I would try, if that would get you in here!" + +"Never you fear!" cried Polly. "You'll see me so much, now I know +you want me, you won't get time for anything!" + +"I'll risk it." Miss Twining nodded with emphasis. + +"I've wondered sometimes," Polly went on, "what I would do if I had +to stay alone as much as some folks do--the ladies here, for +instance. Of course you can visit each other." + +"Yes, except in the hours when it is forbidden." + +"Strange, they won't let you go to see each other in the evening." + +"I think it is because the ladies used to stay upstairs visiting +instead of going down to hear Mrs. Nobbs read. Not all of them are +educated up to science and history and such things." + +"I should think they would have some good books in the library, +story books. Such a dry-looking lot I never saw!" + +Miss Twining smiled. "They say that one night when Mrs. Nobbs was +reading 'History of the Middle Ages,' she went into the parlor to +find only two listeners, and right after that the rule was made +forbidding them to go to each other's rooms." + +Polly shook her head laughingly. "That was pretty hard on Mrs. +Nobbs, wasn't it? Is she a good reader?" + +Miss Twining gave a little shrug. "I don't go down usually," she +answered. + +"Too bad! I don't wonder you are lonely. But you can read, can't +you?" + +"Not much by this light. It is too high." + +Polly regarded it with dissatisfaction. + +"Yes, it is. I wish you had one on the table. They ought to give +you good lights." + +Miss Twining pinched up her pretty lips with a thumb and +forefinger, but said nothing. + +"I was so indignant to think they took that money from you that you +earned for writing a poem, I haven't got over it yet!" + +"It did seem too bad," Miss Twining sighed. + +"It was the meanest thing!" frowned Polly. + +"For a long time I had not been in the spirit of writing, but that +day I just had to write those verses, and when the paper accepted +them it seemed to give me strength and courage and pleasure all at +once. I was so happy that morning, thinking I could earn enough to +buy me little things I want and perhaps some new books besides." + +"I've felt like crying about it ever since," said Polly sadly. +"You have written a good deal, haven't you?" + +"Oh, yes! When I was at home with father and mother I wrote nearly +every day. I had a book published," she added a little shyly. + +"You did! That must be lovely--to publish a book!" Polly beamed +brightly on the little woman in the rocker. + +"Yes, it was pleasant--part of it! It didn't sell so well as I +hoped it would. The publishers said I couldn't expect it, as I +hadn't much reputation, and it takes reputation to make poetry +sell. They said it was good verse, and the editors had been so +hospitable to me I counted on the public--" She shook her head with +a sad little smile. "I even counted on my friends--that was the +hardest part of the whole business!" + +"Surely your friends would buy it!" cried Polly. + +"I don't know whether they did or not--I didn't mean that. I mean, +giving away my books--that was the heart-breaking part!" + +"I don't understand. Miss Twining." + +"Before it was published--years before," went on the little woman +reminiscently, "I used to think that if I ever did have books to +give to my friends, how beautiful it would be! I thought it all +out from beginning to end--the end as I saw it! I wrote +inscriptions by the dozen long before the book was even planned. +It looked to me the most exquisite pleasure to give to my friends +the work of my own brain, and I pictured their joy of receiving!" +She gave a short laugh. + +"But, Miss Twining, you don't mean--you can't mean--that they +didn't like it!" + +"Oh, a few did! But I never heard from many that had read +it--that's the trouble! Almost everybody thanked me before reading +the book at all. When they wrote again they probably didn't think +of it. One man even forgot that I had given him a copy! The funny +part was that at the time he had praised the verses. Then +afterwards he told me that he had never seen my book, but should so +like to read it. I was dumfounded! I believe I laughed. In a +moment the truth dawned upon him, and he fairly fell over himself +with apologies! I made light of his blunder, but of course it +hurt." + +"How could he! He must have been a queer man!" + +"Oh, no! he was very nice, only he didn't care enough about me or +the verses to remember. I have never seen him since. But what +grieved me most of all," Miss Twining went on, "was to send books +to friends--or those I called so--and never receive even a +thank-you in return." + +"Oh, nobody could--!" + +"Yes, more than once that happened--more than twice!" + +"It doesn't seem possible!" Polly's face expressed her sympathy. + +"I don't think I required too much," Miss Twining went on. "I +didn't want people to pour out a punch bowl of flattery. But just +a word of appreciation--of my thought of them, even if they didn't +care for my verses. Oh, it is heart-breaking business, this giving +away books!" + +"I should have thought it was about the most delightful thing," +mused Polly soberly. + +"It may be with some writers. Perhaps my experience is +exceptional--I hope so. It took away nearly all the pleasure of +having a book. Of course a few friends said just the right thing +in the right way and said it so simply that I believe they meant +what they said. I never felt that my work was anything wonderful. +I did my best always, and I was happy when any one saw in it +something to like and took the trouble to tell me so--that was all." + +"I should think that was little enough for any author to expect," +said Polly. "I always supposed authors had a jolly good time, with +everybody praising their work. I never saw anything of yours--I +guess I should like it. I love poetry!" + +"You do?" Miss Twining started to get up, then sat down again. "I +wonder if you would care for my verses?" she hesitated. "You could +have a copy as well as not." Her soft eyes rested on Polly's face. + +"Oh, I should love them--I know I should!" Polly declared. + +Miss Twining went over to her closet and stooped to a trunk at the +end. + +"There!" she said, putting in Polly's hand a small, cloth-bound +volume neatly lettered, "Hilltop Days." + +The girl opened it at random. Her eye caught a title, and she read +the poem through. + +"That is beautiful!" she cried impulsively. + +"Which one is it?" asked the childlike author. + +"'A Winter Brook.'" + +"Oh, yes! I like that myself." + +"What lovely meter you write!" praised Polly. "The lines just sing +themselves along." + +"Do they? The publishers told me the meter was good. I guess my +ear wouldn't let me have it any other way." + +"Do you play or sing?" queried Polly. + +"I used to--before we lost our money. Since then I haven't had any +piano." + +"That must have been hard to give up!" Tears sprang to Polly's eyes. + +"Yes, it was hard, but giving up a piano isn't the worst thing in +the world." + +"No," was the absent response. Polly was turning the leaves of the +book, and she stopped as a line caught her fancy. Her smile came +quickly as she read. + +"Miss Twining!" she exclaimed, "I am so astonished to think you can +write such lovely, lovely poems! Why, the June Holiday Home ought +to be proud of you!" + +"Oh, Polly!" The little woman blushed happily. + +"Well, only real poets can write like this! If people knew about +them I'm sure the book would sell. The poems that Mr. Parcell ends +off his sermons with aren't half as good as these!" + +Miss Twining smiled. "I wonder what made you think of him. Do you +know--I never told this to a soul before--I have wished and wished +that he would come across one of mine some day and like it so well +that he would put it into a sermon! Oh, how I have wished that! I +have even prayed about it! Seems to me it would be the best of +anything I could hope to have on earth, to sit there in church and +hear him repeat something of mine!--There! I'm foolish to tell you +that! You'll think me a vain old woman!" + +"No, I shall not!" cried Polly. "I should like it 'most as well as +you would! It would be a beautiful happening. And probably he +would if he knew them. Did you ever give him a book?" + +"Oh, no, indeed! I shouldn't dare!" + +"Why not? He is very nice to talk with." + +"Yes, I know. He calls on me every year or two. I like him." + +"I do, and I want him to read your poems. Do you mind if I take +this home to show to father and mother? They love poetry.--And +then I'll mid a way for Mr. Parcell to see it!" + +"Why, my dear, it is yours!" + +"Oh, did you mean that?" Polly drew a long breath of delight. "I +shall love it forever--and you, too!" Impulsively she put her arms +round Miss Twining's neck and kissed her on both cheeks. + +"If I thought Mr. Parcell wouldn't think it queer,"--hesitated Miss +Twining,--"I have several copies, and I'd like to give him one; but +I don't know--" + +"Of course he wouldn't think it queer!" asserted Polly. "He'd be +delighted! He couldn't help it--such poetry as this is! I'll +leave it at his house if you care to have me." + +"Oh, would you? That is dear of you! I Was wondering how I'd get +it to him. I'll do it right up now." + +Miss Twining came back with the book, a little troubled scowl on +her forehead. + +"Oughtn't I to write an inscription in it? I don't know what to +say." + +"It would be nice," Polly nodded. "Of course you'll say it all +right." + +In a moment the poet was at her table, the book open before her. +She dipped her pen in the ink, then halted it, undecided. + +"I wonder if this would be enough,--'To Rev. Norman S. Parcell, +from his parishioner, Alice Ely Twining'?" + +"That sounds all right to me," answered Polly deliberately. + +"I can't say 'loving parishioner'--to a man," laughed Miss Twining +a bit nervously. + +"It isn't necessary," chuckled Polly. + +"If he came to see me oftener I'd love him more," said the little +woman wistfully. + +"He'll come often enough now--you just wait! He hasn't anybody in +his church that can write such poetry as this." She patted the +little book caressingly. + +"I hope he'll like it,--but I don't know," the author doubted. + +"He will," smiled Polly. + +In a moment the package was ready. + +"It is so good of you to do it!" Miss Twining looked very happy. + +"I love to do such errands as this," laughed Polly. "I'll be in +to-morrow to tell you about it." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +"HOPE DEFERRED" + +"I didn't see the minister," Polly reported to Miss Twining. "He +and his wife were both away. So I left the book with the maid and +said that you sent it to Mr. Parcell--that was right, wasn't it?" + +"Certainly, and I thank you ever so much. I do hope he won't think +me presumptuous," she added. + +"Why, how could he--such a beautiful book as yours?" + +"I don't know. He might. I lay awake last night thinking about +it." + +"You shouldn't have stayed awake a minute," laughed Polly. "I +wouldn't wonder if you'd hear from him this afternoon. Then you'll +stop worrying." + +Miss Twining laughed a little, too. "I'm glad I sent it anyway," +she said. "It has given me something to think of and something to +hope for. The days are pretty monotonous here--oh, it is so nice +to have you come running in! You don't know how much good you do +me!" + +"Do I? I guess it's because I'm such a chatterbox! There! I +haven't told you what father and mother said about your book! +Father took it and read and read and read. Finally he looked up +and asked, 'Did you say a lady at the Home wrote these?' Then he +brought his head down, as he does when he is pleased, and +exclaimed, 'They ought to be proud of her!'--just what I said, you +know!" + +"I am so glad he likes them!" Miss Twining's delicate face grew +pink with pleasure. + +"Oh, he does! He kept reading--it seemed as if he couldn't lay it +down--till somebody called him. And when he got up he said, 'This +is poetry--I should like to see the woman who can write like that. +She must be worth knowing.'" + +"Oh, Polly!" Miss Twining's eyes overflowed with happy tears. +"That is the best compliment I ever had in my life--and from such a +man as your father!" + +"Mother fairly raves over the poems," went on Polly. "She says she +is coming over here next visiting day to get acquainted with you." + +"I hope she will come," smiled the little woman. "I have always +wished I could know her, she looks so sweet as she sits there +beside you in church." + +"She is sweet!" nodded Polly. "Nobody knows how sweet till they've +lived with her." + +Every day now Miss Twining had a visit from Polly, and every day +she had to tell her that she had not heard from Mr. Parcell. + +"He is only waiting till he has read the book through," Polly +assured the disappointed author. "Or maybe he is coming to tell +you how much he thinks of it--you'd like that better, shouldn't +you?" + +"I don't mind which way, if only he doesn't scorn it and says +something," was the half-smiling reply. + +But as the days and weeks passed, and brought no word from the +recipient of "Hilltop Days," Polly hardly knew how to comfort the +sorrowful giver. She began to wish that she had not urged Miss +Twining to send the book to Mr. Parcell. She even suggested making +some errand to the house and asking, quite casually, of course, how +they liked Miss Twining's book, but the little woman so promptly +declared Polly should do nothing of the sort that the plan was +given up at once. + +At the cordial invitation of Dr. Dudley and his wife, Miss Sterling +and Miss Twining spent a delightful afternoon and evening at the +Doctor's home. + +"I feel as if I had been in heaven!" Miss Twining told Polly the +next day. "It carried me back to my girlhood, when I was so happy +with my mother and father and my sisters and brother. My sisters +were always stronger than I, and Walter was a regular athlete; but +they went early, and I lived on." She sighed smilingly into +Polly's sympathetic face. "It is queer the way things go. They +were so needed! So was I," she added, "as long as mother and +father lived; but now I don't amount to anything!" + +"Oh, you do!" cried Polly. "You write beautiful poetry, and you +don't know how much good your poems are doing people." + +"I can't write any more--yes, I can!" she amended. "Miss Sniffen +didn't tell me not to write. I needn't let them pay me any +money--I might order it sent to the missionaries! Why,"--as the +thought flashed upon her,--"I could have them send the money +anywhere, couldn't I? To anybody I knew of that needed it! Oh, I +will! I'll begin this very day! Polly Dudley, you've made life +worth living for me!" + +"I haven't done anything!" laughed Polly. "That is your thought, +and it is a lovely, unselfish one!" + +"It would never have come to me but for what you said! How can I +ever thank you!" + +"Nothing to thank me for!" insisted Polly. "But if you will have +it so, I'll say you may thank me by letting me read your poems." + +"Oh, I'd love to! And then you can tell me whether they are right +or not!" + +"As if I'd know!" chuckled Polly. "But I'll run away now and let +you go to writing--I do know enough for that!" She took Miss +Twining's face between her soft palms and gave her four kisses, on +cheeks and temples. "Those are for good luck, like a four-leaf +clover," she said gayly. "Good-bye, dear!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +ALICE TWINING, MARTYR + +Early the next morning Polly ran over to the Home. She was eager +to hear how Miss Twining's new plan had worked. As she neared her +friend's door, however, a murmur of voices came from within, and +she kept on to the third floor, making her way straight to the +corner room. + +Juanita Sterling met her with a troubled little smile. + +"What is it?" she asked quickly, looking beyond to Mrs. Albright +and Miss Crilly. Their excited faces emphasized the other's +doubtful greeting. + +"Nothing," spoke up Mrs. Albright,--"only Miss Twining has had a +time with Miss Sniffen." + +"What about?" + +"Money," answered Miss Sterling wearily. "It is lucky for the rest +of us that we don't have any." + +"That same money?" persisted Polly. + +"No, dear." Mrs. Albright drew up a chair beside her--"Come sit +down, and I'll tell you about it. I've been telling them, and we +have got a little wrought up over it, that's all." + +"I should think anybody'd get wrought up!" put in Miss Crilly. "I +guess it will be the death of poor Miss Twining!" + +"No, no, it won't! See how you're scaring Polly!" + +The girl glanced beseechingly from one to another. + +"What is it? You're keeping something back!" + +Mrs. Albright patted the chair invitingly. "Come here! I'm going +to tell you every word I know." + +"She was so happy yesterday!" mourned Polly. + +"She will be again, dear." + +"Looks like it!" sniffed Miss Crilly. "I believe in saying the +truth right out!" + +"Katharine Crilly, you just mind your own business!" laughed Mrs. +Albright. + +"To begin at the beginning,"--she turned toward Polly,--"I was +knocking at Miss Twining's door yesterday afternoon when she came +up the stairs. So I went in with her and stayed a little while. +She was in fine spirits. She had been to see an old friend of +hers, a member of the Board, and this lady had given her the same +amount of money that Miss Sniffen had--" + +"Stolen!" burst out Miss Crilly. + +"I'm telling this story!" announced Mrs. Albright placidly. "But +Miss Twining said," she resumed, "that she had promised not to +divulge the name of the lady to any one. So I don't know who it +is. On her way home she had bought a book that she had wanted for +a long time. I told her she'd have to look out or she would get +caught reading it; but she said they always knocked before coming +in, and she should have time to put it on the under shelf of her +table--where the cover partly hides it. I said, 'Well, you look +out now!' and she laughed and promised she would. + +"In the evening, as I was sitting alone, I heard talking, and I +went to my door to listen. I thought I knew the voice, and when I +opened the door a crack I was sure whose room it came from. 'Oh, +I'm afraid she's caught her again!' I said to myself, and I waited +till I heard somebody go softly away and down the stairs. Then I +stole over to Miss Twining. + +"It was just as I had feared! She was reading all so nice, when +without a mite of warning in sailed Miss Sniffen! Of course she +asked her where she got the book, and she said it was given to her. +But she wouldn't tell the woman's name. Miss Sniffen couldn't get +it out of her! She talked and threatened; but Miss Twining +wouldn't give in. Finally she vowed she'd have it out of her if +she had to flog it out! I could see that Miss Twining was all +wrought up and as nervous as could be--as who wouldn't have been!" + +"Oh!" gasped Polly. "It's just awful! Did she whip her?" + +Mrs. Albright shook her head and went on. + +"Miss Twining said that Amelia Sniffen used to go round in society +with her youngest brother, Walter, and that she was dead in love +with him. Walter fairly hated her, and never paid her the least +attention when he could get out of it; but she would put herself in +his way, as some girls will, until he was married and even +afterwards. And when Alice Twining came here and found that Miss +Sniffen had been appointed superintendent she was almost a mind to +back out; but she hadn't any other place to go, so she stayed, and +she said Miss Sniffen had seemed to take delight in being mean to +her ever since. Well, it's a tight box that Amelia Sniffen has got +herself into this time!" Mrs. Albright sighed. + +"Please go on!" whispered Polly. + +"Yes, dear. I got Miss Twining to bed, and she quieted down a +little. Finally I left her and crept back to my room. I don't +know what time it was,--but after eleven,--I woke dreaming that I +heard my name called. I jumped up and ran and opened the door. +Everything was still. But I waited, and pretty soon I heard a voice +in the room opposite. I rushed across the hall--the door was +locked! 'Miss Twining! Miss Twining!' I called, two or three +times. At first nobody answered; then Miss Sniffen came over to +the door and said, 'Shut up and go to bed!' I asked her to let me +in, but she wouldn't. I said things that I shouldn't have dared to +say if I'd been cooler; but I'm glad I did! After a while I went +back to my room, and I took out my key and hid it. I was afraid +she'd lock me in. She did mean to, but for once she got fooled. I +lay still as a mouse, hearing her fumble round my door. Finally +she went downstairs. When I was sure she'd gone for good I took my +key and stole across the hall. Sure enough, it unlocked the door, +just as I hoped it would. Oh, that poor child was so glad to see +me! Miss Sniffen had come up prepared to give her a whipping! She +had brought a little riding-whip with her! But the very sight of +it so upset Miss Twining, in her nervous state, that she had a bad +turn with her heart,--you know her heart always bothers her,--and +once she gave a little cry. Of course, Miss Sniffen didn't want +any rumpus, and she just clapped her hand hard over Miss Twining's +mouth. She says she doesn't know whether it took her breath away +suddenly, or what; but she fainted! When she came to, Miss Sniffen +was rubbing her--I guess she was pretty well frightened! There +wasn't anything more said about whipping! After she made up her +mind that Miss Twining wasn't likely to die right off, she and the +riding-whip left." + +"Oh, dear, what will become of us!" cried Miss Crilly. "We are not +safe a minute!" + +"You shall be!" Polly burst out excitedly. "I'm going to tell Mr. +Randolph everything about it!" + +"Polly! Polly!" Miss Sterling laid a quieting hand on her shoulder. + +The girl threw it off. Then she caught it to her lips and kissed +it passionately. "I can't bear it! I can't bear it!" she cried. +"To think of you all in such danger! You don't know what she'll +do!" + +"I don't think we need have any fear until she gets over her scare +about this," said Mrs. Albright reassuringly. "She seems to me +pretty well cowed down. Her eyes looked actually frightened when I +caught her off guard. You see, she's in a fix! She knows Miss +Twining needs a doctor; but, of course, he would ask first thing +what brought this on, and she couldn't make the patient lie it out." + +"I guess lying wouldn't trouble her any," put in Miss Crilly. + +"Dear Miss Twining!" murmured Polly plaintively. + +"She is a sweet little woman," Miss Crilly sighed. + +"How is she this morning?" asked Polly. + +"I hardly know what to tell you," hesitated Mrs. Albright. "I +think if Miss Sniffen would keep away she'd be better. Still, when +she got up and tried to dress, she fainted again. Now Miss Sniffen +has told her to stay abed, and she has put a notice on her door +that she is too ill to receive visitors." + +"Then can't you go in?" queried Polly anxiously. + +"I do," chuckled Mrs. Albright. "They'd have to do more contriving +than they've done yet to shut me out!" + +"Oh, I'm so glad!" cried Polly. "But she ought to have a doctor! +I suppose if she did it would be that Dr. Gunnip--He's no good! +Father says he's little more than a quack and he isn't safe. I +wish father could see her; but he can't unless he is called. It is +too bad! I believe I'll go straight to Mr. Randolph!" + +"I don't dare have you," returned Mrs. Albright. "He would, of +course, favor the Home, and if Miss Sniffen should hear of it--" + +"Before I say anything I shall make him promise not to tell." + +"I'm awfully afraid to let you do it--oh, Polly, don't!" Miss +Crilly was close to tears. + +"Had you rather die?" she demanded. "You may be sick yourself and +want a doctor! How are you going to get him?" + +"If I'm sick I bet I'll make such a fuss they'll send for a +doctor--and a good one too!" cried Miss Crilly hysterically. + +Polly had risen, and Miss Sterling drew her within the circle of +her arm. "When the time comes we'll decide what is best to do," +said she. + +"I should think the time had come now!" the girl fumed. "Poor Miss +Twining! It's just an outrage!" + +"Oh, I forgot!" Mrs. Albright bent toward Polly, with lowered +voice. "She gave me something for you, dear." + +"Me?" Polly calmed at once. + +"Yes. When I was with her in the night I think she feared that her +heart might give out, and she said, 'If anything should happen, I +wish you would give Polly those papers in my portfolio--or you may +give her the whole portfolio. She will understand.'" + +"Oh, I know! Yesterday morning she was planning to write some +poems, and those must be the 'papers.' But perhaps she won't want +me to have them now." + +"She spoke of it again to-day," nodded Mrs. Albright. "She said +she should somehow feel easier for you to keep them." + +"I hope Miss Sniffen won't rummage round and get hold of them +first," returned Polly anxiously. + +"I guess she won't find 'em in a hurry!" chuckled Mrs. Albright. +"They're in my room!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI + +MR. PARCELL'S LESSON + +Polly carried the portfolio home with her, and later, alone in her +room, read the poems it contained. Tears blurred her eyes as she +read and read again the verses dated the day before. Such a +lilting, joyous song it was! And now--! + +"Oh, but she will get well and write again!" Polly said softly. +Then she sighed, thinking of the bright plans that had so suddenly +ceased. + +Her thoughts went farther back, to the days of watching and waiting +for the message that had never come, to the sleepless nights of +grieving-- + +"Oh!" she burst out impetuously, "he's got to know it! Somebody +must tell him how he has made her suffer! Miss Nita would do it +beautifully; but I don't suppose I could hire her to! Maybe father +will." + +When this suggestion was made to him, however, Dr. Dudley shook his +head promptly, and his impulsive daughter began at once to form +other plans. "Mother wouldn't," she told herself. "No use asking +her. Dear! dear! if there were only somebody besides me! Perhaps +I can coax Miss Nita--" + +A telephone call broke in upon her musings, and the disturbing +thoughts were exchanged for a ride and a luncheon with Patricia +Illingworth. On her way home in the afternoon, the matter came up +again. + +"I may as well go now and have it over with," she decided suddenly, +and she turned into a street which led to the home of the Reverend +Norman Parcell. + +Yes, he was in and alone, the maid said, and Polly was shown +directly to the study. + +"How do you do, Miss Polly!" The minister grasped her hand +cordially. "This is a pleasant surprise." He drew forward an easy +chair and saw her comfortably seated. + +"Have you heard that Miss Twining is ill?" Polly began. + +"Miss Twining?" he repeated interrogatively. "M-m--no, I had not +heard. Is she an especial friend of yours, some one I ought to +know?" He smiled apologetically. "I find it difficult always to +place people on the instant." + +His apology might not have been attended by a smile if Polly's +indignant thought had been vocal. When she spoke, her voice was +tense. + +"Yes, Mr. Parcell, she is a very dear friend." Her lip quivered, +and she shook herself mentally; she was not going to break down at +this juncture. She went quickly on, ahead of the phrase of sympathy +on its way to the minister's lips. "She lives at the June Holiday +Home." + +"Oh, yes! I remember! Her illness is not serious, I hope." + +"I am afraid so," returned Polly, passing quickly toward what she +had come to talk about. "I don't suppose you know what a beautiful +woman she is." She looked straight into his eyes, and waited. + +"No," he answered slowly, a suggestion of doubt in his tone, "I +presume not. I have seen her only occasionally." + +"She told me that you called upon her every year or two." Polly +hesitated. "You can judge something by her poems. You received +the book of poems she sent you?" + +"Oh, yes!" he brightened. "I have the book." + +"How do you like it, Mr. Parcell? Don't you think the poems +wonderful?" Polly was sitting very straight in the cushioned +chair, her brown eyes fixed keenly on the minister's face. + +"Why,"--he moved a little uneasily--"I really--don't know--" He +threw back his head with a little smile. "To be frank, Miss Polly, +I haven't read them." + +Something flashed into the young face opposite that startled the +man. + +"Do you mean, Mr. Parcell," Polly said slowly, "that you have not +read the book at all?" Her emphasis made her thought clear, and +his cheeks reddened. + +"I shall have to own up to my neglect," he replied. "You know I am +a very busy man, Miss Polly." + +"You needn't bother with the 'Miss,'" she answered; "nobody does. +Then, that is why you haven't said 'thank you'--you don't feel +'thank you'!" + +"Oh, my dear Polly! I am very grateful to Miss Twining, I assure +you, and I realize that I should have sent her a note of thanks; +but--in fact, I don't recollect just how it was--I presume I was +waiting until I had read the book, and--I may as well confess +it!--I was somewhat afraid to read it." + +"Afraid?" Polly looked puzzled. + +"Such things are apt to be dreary reading," he smiled. "I am +rather a crank as regards poetry." + +The flash came again into Polly's face. "Oh!" she cried, fine scorn +in her voice, "you thought the poems weren't good!" + +He found himself nodding mechanically. + +"Where is the book?" she demanded, glancing about the room. + +"I--really don't know where I did leave it--" He scanned his cases +with a troubled frown. + +Tears sprang to the girl's eyes. She seemed to see Alice Twining's +gentle, appealing face, as it had looked when she said, "I hope he +doesn't think I am presumptuous in sending it." She dashed away +the drops, and went on glancing along the rows of books. The +minister had risen, but Polly darted ahead of him and pounced upon +a small volume. + +"Here it is!" She touched it caressingly, as if to make up for +recent neglect. + +"Your eyes are quicker than mine," said Mr. Parcell, taking it from +her hand. + +"Read it!" she said, and went back to her chair, + +The minister obeyed meekly. Polly's eyes did not leave him. + +He had opened the book at random, and with deepened color and a +disturbed countenance had done as he was bidden. Surprise, +pleasure, astonishment, delight,--all these the watcher saw in the +face above the pages. + +Five minutes went by, ten, twenty; still the Reverend Norman +Parcell read on! Polly, mouse-quiet, divided her softening gaze +between the clergyman and the clock. The pointers had crept almost +to four when the telephone called. The reader answered. Then he +walked slowly back from the instrument and picked up the book. + +"Miss Twining must be a remarkable woman," he began, "to write such +poetry as this--for it is poetry!" + +"She is remarkable," replied Polly quietly. "She is finer even +than her poems." + +The minister nodded acquiescently. "This 'Peter the Great,'" he +went on, running over the leaves, "is a marvelous thing!" + +"Isn't it! If you could have told her that"--Polly's tone was +gentle--"it would have spared her a lot of suffering." + +"Has she so poor an opinion of her work? + +"Oh, not that exactly; but"--she smiled sadly--"you have never said +'thank you', you know!" + +The lines on his face deepened. "I have been unpardonably rude, +and have done Miss Twining an injustice besides--I am sorry, very +sorry!" + +"She had had pretty hard experiences in giving away her books, but +I persuaded her to send one to you, for I knew you liked poetry and +I thought you would appreciate it. I was sorry afterwards that I +did. It only brought her more disappointment. She cried and cried +because she did not hear from you. I'm afraid I ought not to tell +you this--she wouldn't let me if she knew. But I thought if you +could just write her a little note--she isn't allowed to see +anybody--it might do her good and help her to get well." + +"I certainly will, my dear! I shall be glad to do so!" + +"You see," Polly went on, "she fears that perhaps you scorn her +book and consider her presuming to send it to you--and that is what +hurts. She has lain awake nights and grieved so over it, I could +have cried for her!" Polly was near crying now. + +"The worst of such mistakes," the man said sorrowfully, "is that we +cannot go back and blot out the tears and the suffering and make +things as they might have been. If we only could!" + +"A note from you will make her very happy," Polly smiled. + +"She shall have it at once," the minister promised; adding, "I am +glad she is in so beautiful a Home." + +Polly shook her head promptly. "No, Mr. Parcell, it is not a +beautiful Home, it is a prison--a horrible prison!" + +"Why, my dear! I do not understand--" + +"I don't want you to understand!" Polly cried hurriedly. "I ought +not to have said that! Only it came out! You will know, Mr. +Parcell, before long--people shall know! I won't have--oh, I +mustn't say any more! Don't tell a word of this, Mr. Parcell. +Promise me you won't!" + +"My dear child,"--the man gazed at her as if he doubted her +sanity,--"tell me what the trouble is! Perhaps I shall be able to +help matters." + +"Oh, no, you can't! It must work out! I am going to see Mr. +Randolph as soon as--I can. But please promise me not to say a +word about it to anybody!" + +"I shall certainly repeat nothing that you have told me. Indeed, +there is little I could say; I do not understand it at all. I +supposed the June Holiday Home was a model in every respect." + +Polly shook her head sadly. + +"I am there every day, Mr. Parcell, and I know! The ladies are +lovely--most of them. They can't say a word, or they'd be turned +out, and I've kept still too long! But I mustn't tell you any +more." Polly drew a long breath. "I must go now, Mr. Parcell. I +am so glad you like Miss Twining's poems! And you'll forgive me, +won't you, for all I have said?" + +"There is nothing to forgive, my dear." + +"I don't know, maybe I've said too much; but I knew you must have +lots of presents, and I kept thinking of those people that perhaps +you wouldn't thank, and I felt somebody must tell you, and there +wasn't anybody else to do it. Then, as I said, I hoped you would +like Miss Twining's poems well enough to tell her so. And I just +had to come!" + +"Polly, I am glad you came!" An unmistakable break in the +minister's voice turned Polly's eyes away. "I have been +inexcusably thoughtless, not only this time but many a time before. +I am grateful that I still have the opportunity to give my thanks +to Miss Twining." + +"And you can say 'thank you' to the next one!" cried Polly eagerly. + +"Yes, I shall always remember--you may be sure of that. I shall +not forget my lesson!" + +They had reached the door, and Polly shook hands with him and said +good-bye. + +She went straight to Miss Sterling. + +"Well, it's done!" she said soberly, taking her favorite seat. + +"What is done?" + +"My talk with Mr. Parcell" + +"Did _you_ go?" + +"Yes, I had to. Father wouldn't." + +"What did you say? How did he take it? Tell me!" + +"Oh, he took it all right! I guess he didn't really like it at +first. I was pretty hard on him, I suppose. But he needed it! I +didn't go there to give him sugar-plums!" + +"Polly!" + +"Well, I didn't! It had got to be said, and I thought I might as +well say it plain at the start!" + +"Oh, Polly! Polly!" Miss Sterling chuckled softly. + +"Why, Miss Nita, you're laughing!" Polly's tone was reproachful. +"There isn't anything to laugh at. I almost cried, and so did he!" + +"Dear, forgive me! But I couldn't help seeing the funny side." + +"There isn't any funny side!" + +"Go on! I won't offend again." + +"There is not much to tell. Oh, I do wish Miss Twining could have +heard him praise her poems--after he had read them! Do you know, +Miss Nita, he hadn't even looked in the book! He thought it was +trash--not worth his while! Think of it--those lovely poems! But +I found the book for him--He didn't even remember where he'd put +it!--and I told him to read it, and he did!" + +"Polly! you mean you asked him!" + +"I guess I told him all right--I was mad just about then. And he +read steady, by the clock, 'most twenty-five minutes! I don't know +as he'd have stopped by now if the telephone hadn't rung." + +"And he liked them?" + +"Oh, he thinks they're beautiful! He was awfully sorry he hadn't +thanked her--I know he was! But he is going to write her a note, +and I told him he could say 'thank you' to the next one, and he +said he should." + +Juanita Sterling disgraced herself the second time. She dropped +back in her chair with a stifled laugh. + +"Miss Nita!" began Polly plaintively. + +"I know, dear! But to think of your saying such things to that +dignified man!" She chuckled again. + +"Don't, Miss Nita! It hurts. His dignity is all on the outside, I +guess. Anyway, it went off before I left." + +"Oh, Polly!" + +"I don't see a thing to laugh at. It was as solemn as--as a sermon." + +"I rather think it was a sermon--to him!" + +"Perhaps. Anyway, I'm glad I went." + +"I wonder that your father and mother allowed you to go." + +Polly smiled, a tiny, flushed smile. "They don't know it." + +"Why, Polly Dudley!" + +"Well, it had to be done, and there was nobody but me to do it. I +didn't dare say anything beforehand, for fear they wouldn't let me. +Now I'm going home, to tell them all about it." + +Miss Sterling smiled. "You'll do, Polly! When I have a hard +errand on hand, I'll commit it to you." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +"I LOVE YOU, DAVID!" + +Polly happened to answer the doorbell when David rang. + +"Hallo, David!" she said brightly. + +His face was troubled. + +"Is your father at home?" + +"Why, yes,--that is, he is in the hospital somewhere. Who is sick?" + +"Aunt Juliet, and she won't have anybody but Dr. Dudley. We've +been trying to get him by telephone, and finally they thought I'd +better come up. Otto brought me, and he'll take the Doctor back." + +"Oh, the hospital telephones are out of commission, so they're +using ours about all the time. Sit down, and I'll find him." + +From ward to ward went Polly, following the Doctor. She caught him +at last on the upper floor, and he drove off with Colonel Gresham's +man. + +"Stay a while, can't you, David?" invited Polly. "You'll have to +walk home anyway, and there's no need of your hurrying." + +"They may want me," he hesitated, fingering his cap. + +"No, they won't! There are plenty to take care of Mrs. Gresham. I +haven't seen you in an age." + +David's face reddened. "I've--been pretty busy," he faltered in +excuse. + +Polly ignored his embarrassment. "I am sorry for Mrs. Gresham. +She's not very sick, is she?" + +"I'm afraid she is. She was in terrible pain when I left home." + +"I guess father'll fix her up all right," said Polly comfortably. + +David smiled. Polly's faith in her father was a standing joke +among her friends. + +"Oh, you may laugh!" she cried. "It doesn't disturb me a mite. He +pulled you out of a tight place once." + +"Yes, he did," agreed the boy. "I presume I have about as much +faith in him as you have." + +They talked for a while in commonplaces. David seemed interested +in nothing. He grew restless and once or twice said something +about going home. Still he stayed. Finally he got up. Then +suddenly he sat down and with a visible effort said huskily, "I +suppose you think I'm a brute!" + +"Oh, no, David!" returned Polly quietly; "but I think you're a +little bit foolish." + +His cheeks flushed angrily. "Oh, foolish, is it! Pray, what have +I done?" + +"M--m, not so very much, except to ignore me, when we've always +been such good friends." + +"It's your own fault!" David's temper was getting the mastery. +"Going round with another boy and not paying me any attention at +all!" + +"Don't let's quarrel, David! I suppose you mean Doodles, and it +does seem so silly for you to be jealous of that little boy!" + +"You played all his accompaniments, and you didn't play for me," +said David in an aggrieved tone. + +"He asked me, and you didn't. You know he hasn't had a piano very +long and can't play as you can. But I would have gladly played for +you if I had known you wanted me." + +The boy said nothing, and Polly resumed. + +"You act as if I belonged to you and mustn't look at another boy." + +"You do belong to me!" he declared. + +"Since when?" laughed Polly. + +"Since the first day I saw you," replied David doggedly. + +"Oh!" she smiled. "I never knew it! But I don't make a fuss +because you call on Patricia or go round with Leonora." + +"Of course you don't! You wouldn't mind if I went with forty +girls! You don't care a rap for me." His face was gloomy. + +"Oh, David! what do you want me to do?--hang round you all the time +and say, 'David, I love you! David, it's true! David, I'll love you +all my life through'?" + +"Go on!" he said fiercely, "make all the fun you like! It is fun +to you, but with me it's life or death!" + +"David!" + +"You know I never cared for any other girl! You know you are my +world! And yet you deliberately make fun of me!" + +Polly's dimples vanished. "No, David, I am not making fun of you, +but only of your foolishness--" + +"Oh, yes, I suppose it's foolish for me to love you as I do when +you don't care a straw--" + +"Wait! wait!" she interrupted. "I don't mean that at all, and you +know it! But for a great, tall fellow like you to be so +unreasonably jealous of a little ten-year-old does seem absurd. I +love Doodles, of course; everybody does. But, David, you ought to +know that's all there is to it." + +"He says he's going to marry you!" + +Polly laughed outright. "I never heard anything about it before, +so I guess I wouldn't let it worry me, David." She chuckled. +"Whatever made him say that! He's a funny little chap!" + +"Will you marry me?" David asked abruptly. + +Polly's dimples came and went. "Do you mean right off?" she +queried soberly. "I rather want to go to school a little longer." + +"There you are again!" he grumbled. "You can't take anything in +earnest! I may as well go home!" + +"But, David, the idea of asking me such a question! And I only +thirteen! Can't you see how silly it is?" + +"No, I can't! It's the only way to make sure of you! Some other +fellow will get ahead of me!" + +"No other fellow has yet, David." Polly's voice was sweet and +serious. + +"Do you mean that," he asked, "honestly?" + +"Of course. You know I have always liked you better than any other +boy!" + +"You like me, but you love Doodles," he mused. + +Polly laughed softly. "Oh, dear!" she sighed, "will nothing +satisfy you? Well, then,"--she was blushing almost to tears,--"I +love you, David! I--I think it's mean for you to make me say +it!--I--love you better than any other boy I ever saw!" She flung +the last words at him with a show of vexation that David could not +withstand. + +He grinned. + +"And now--you laugh at me!" She sprang up and started past him; +but he caught her in his arms. + +"Polly! Polly! Dear Polly!" he said tenderly. "Forgive me! I am +a pig! But to tell me I was mean and that you loved me--all in the +same breath! Now say I'm contemptible--or anything! I'll agree to +it!" + +"Well, you ought to--you are!" she half sobbed, half laughed. Her +face was hidden on his shoulder. + +Suddenly she threw up her head and started back. "Let me go!" she +whispered. "It is ridiculous to stand here like this." She pulled +away from him and retreated to her chair. + +"I don't see why we can't be engaged," said David. "Promise that +you'll marry me, Polly!" + +"Oh!" she cried, "I thirteen, and you just fifteen! What a pair of +ninnies we should be! David, if you want to keep me, you must let +me go free! I shall be sixteen when I'm through high school, and +there'll be four years of college. Then--perhaps--! Time enough +for that sort of thing after we're twenty!" + +David looked at her with smiling eyes, yet he said, "I'm afraid I +shan't feel very sure of you." + +"You're a funny David!" laughed Polly. "I say, let's forget all +this, and just be a boy and girl having a good time!" + +"Forget that we love each other, Polly?" + +"No, no! but take that for granted, and let it drop!" + +"I guess you'll have to teach me how," David laughed. + +"All right! Come sing me that song I saw you buying at the music +store the other day!" + +When David left the house, he stopped on the threshold to finish +what he was saying. Then, suddenly, he caught Polly's hands, +pressed a kiss squarely on her lips, and sped away. + +"David Collins!" she cried. + +But David was already down the steps. He looked back with a +radiant bow. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +A VISIT WITH MRS. TENNEY + +The letter-carrier came early, and Polly ran over to the Home in +hopes to be first at the pile of mail on the hall table. She +wanted to carry Mr. Parcell's note upstairs herself. + +There it was, right on top, "Miss Alice Ely Twining"! Polly caught +up the envelope with a glad breath. Then she went hastily through +the rest and found a letter for Miss Sterling and one for Miss +Crilly. + +Mrs. Albright was in the corner room. + +"I will deliver these now," she said, "before it is time for Miss +Sniffen." + +"I'm afraid she'll catch you in there some day," Polly told her +with a troubled little nod. "What if she should!" + +Mrs. Albright laughed softly. "When I hear anybody coming I slip +into the closet--I have done that several times already! I do hope +this letter will do Miss Twining good. It looks like a man's +handwriting." + +Juanita Sterling looked doubtfully at the address on her own +envelope, then she ran a paper-cutter under the flap. + +"An invitation from Mrs. Dick for us all to spend to-day with her!" +she announced disinterestedly. + +"Oh, let's go!" cried Polly. + +"Shall we walk or fly?" The tone was not encouraging. + +"Ride," answered Polly promptly. + +"Perhaps you can't get the cars." + +"Perhaps I can!" was the retort. "You don't want to go--that's +what!" + +"I am not hankering for it," smiled Miss Sterling dubiously. + +"It will do you good," Polly decided. "The more you get out of +this atmosphere, the better. I'll run home and do some +telephoning! Will you ask the others, Miss Nita? Or wait! We +don't know yet how many can go." + +Polly was off in a whirl, and for the next half-hour bells rang, +wires snapped and buzzed, feet flew, and tongues were busy. Then +Polly returned to say that they could have three cars which would +seat fourteen besides the drivers. + +Miss Crilly was there and heard the news with delight. + +"I'll run round and ask 'em! Shall I?" + +"Yes, please," answered Polly. "Take as many of the ladies as +would like to go. We children can stay at home if there isn't room. + +"Count me out, for one," said Miss Sterling quickly. + +"No, count her in!" ordered Polly. + +Miss Crilly laughed. "Sure!" she agreed. "I'll find out who wants +to go. You wait, Polly. 'T won't take long." + +She was as quick as her promise, but her face was doleful. + +"Every blessed one is crazy to go, except Mrs. Crump and Mrs. Post +and Miss Leatherland. What can we do!" + +Polly counted up. "That makes twelve of you, so Patricia and +Leonora can go. David and I will stay home." + +"You'll do no such thing!" Miss Sterling's tone was firm. "I'll +send Polly in my stead." + +"Polly won't go!" she laughed. "You're the one that received the +invitation, and the idea of your staying behind! David is coming +up, anyway, and we're to play duets if we can't go; so we'll be all +right." + +Miss Sterling gave Polly a quick glance of surprise, and Polly +threw back a smile, just as Mrs. Albright appeared. + +"What time are we going?" she asked. "I have my dress to mend." + +"Our car won't be at liberty this forenoon," answered Polly. +"Father needs it. But we can start right after luncheon. Will one +o'clock do?" + +The hour was agreed upon, and Mrs. Albright turned to the door. +Then she came back. + +"I almost forgot my message for you, Polly! The prospect of a ride +makes me good for nothing. That note for Miss Twining was from her +minister, Mr. Parcell. It seems, awhile ago, she sent him a book +of her own poems, and this was to acknowledge it and beg pardon for +his tardiness. It is a beautiful note! She let me read it. He +praises her poetry sky-high--he doesn't say too much, you know, but +just enough. And you ought to see her--she is so pleased! She +wanted me to tell you that she had it. When she first read it she +cried, and I didn't know but it would upset her; but I guess it +hasn't. He says he is coming to call on her as soon as she is able +to receive visitors. She can't imagine who told him she was sick; +but it isn't strange he heard of it--such news flies." + +Polly's face was red with guilty blushes; but Mrs. Albright took no +heed. She and Miss Crilly hurried away. + +"I hope she won't ever find out my part in it," sighed Polly. "But +I can't help being glad I went, even if father did scold!" + +"I was afraid he would." + +"Yes," nodded Polly, with a little regretful scowl. + +"But tell me about David!" broke out Miss Sterling eagerly. "Is it +made up?" + +Polly laughed happily. "No more quarrels forever! Mrs. Gresham +was sick, and David came up for father; so I asked him to stay--and +we had it out! What do you think that boy wanted? To be +engaged--now!" + +"Mercy! And you only thirteen!" + +"I talked him out of it in a hurry, and I guess he sees it as I do. +He's the dearest boy--and the foolishest!" + +"Yes, David is a dear boy, the most agreeable of his age I ever +knew! He is so thoughtful and winsome." + +"That would please David mightily. I shall have to tell him. He +hasn't much self-esteem--it will do him good. I wonder why he +likes me better than other girls," mused Polly. "There's +Patricia--ever so much prettier than I am, and Leonora--right in +the house--sweet as can be and delighted with his least attention. +But no, he likes me best--I--don't--see--why!" She slowly nodded +out the words. + +Juanita Sterling laughed softly. "Love goes where it is sent, you +know. As for me, I don't wonder at all!" + +"Oh, well, you are partial!" said Polly with a little blush. "But +I can't understand it with him." + +"For the same reason that you prefer him to the other boys. I'm +glad you have made up." + +"I am! I hate fusses! Dear me! I must go back and telephone." + +She ran over again shortly before the appointed time. + +"David and I are going, after all!" she cried. "At the last minute +Mrs. Illingworth had to change her plans for the afternoon, so we +can have her other car. Isn't that fine! Will you sit with us? I +told David what you said, and he is ready to eat you up!" + +The former Mrs. Dick welcomed her friends with cordial hands and +tongue. + +"I had almost despaired of you," she told Miss Sterling and Polly, +as she walked with them into the house. "And I'm glad so many +could come. I didn't know how it would be. Awfully sad about Miss +Twining, isn't it? I always liked Miss Twining." + +"Isn't she lovable?" put in Polly. + +"Yes, very.--Take seats, all of you. We were just speaking of Miss +Twining--I'm so sorry for her! But if she is losing her mind, +perhaps it will be providential for her to go soon." + +"'Losing her mind'!" exclaimed Miss Crilly. "Who made up that +whopper?" + +"Why, isn't she? One of the Board told me--Mrs. Brintnall. I met +her in town the other day. I think it came straight from Miss +Sniffen. She said she was a great care, now that she has heart +disease, and that she is liable to drop away any time. Mrs. +Brintnall spoke of her mind's failing as if everybody knew it--that +a good many days she would seem as bright as ever, and then again +she didn't know much of anything and would be so obstinate and ugly +that she'd have to be punished just like a child! Isn't that +awful! But you think it isn't true!" + +"Think! I know it isn't true! not a single word of it!" Polly was +too excited to heed Miss Sterling's warning pinch. + +"I never saw anything out of the way in her," attested Miss +Mullaly. "She has always appeared to me like a very cultured +woman." + +"She is a perfect lady," asserted Mrs. Winslow Teed. + +"Yes, she is!" agreed Miss Castlevaine. "I guess Miss Sniffen's +the one that's losing her mind--huh!" + +"Is she as bad as ever?" queried Mrs. Tenney anxiously. + +"Worse!" declared Miss Major. + +"We don't have pie or pudding now--ever!" put in Miss Crilly +eagerly. "And we can't talk at table, only just to ask for things!" + +"Oh, my!" cried Mrs. Tenney. "What does possess her!" + +"Seven devils, I guess!" laughed Miss Crilly. + +"Better put it seven hundred and seven!" flashed Polly. + +They laughed, and the talk went on. Miss Sterling watched the +hostess. She seemed years older than bright, cheery Mrs. Dick of +the Home. Sometimes she let the talk pass her by, or she only +flung in a bitter little speech. In the course of the afternoon, +when the guests had wandered away from the dreary "front room" to +the barn, the hennery, the garden, the orchard, Mrs. Tenney +contrived to gather together her special cronies, Mrs. Albright, +Miss Crilly, Miss Sterling, and Polly. + +"Come inside! I want to talk with you," she told them. + +"Say," she began, in lowered voice, "do you s'pose there's any +chance in Miss Sniffen's taking me back?" + +Astonishment was plain on the faces before her. + +"Oh, I s'pose you think that's queer!" She laughed nervously. "But +I just can't live here any longer! I was the biggest fool to marry +that man! I thought I was going to have a good home and plenty to +eat and to wear. We do have enough to eat--and good enough, but, +my! he hasn't bought me anything except one gingham apron since I +came, and he growled over that! He's the limit for stinginess! +When I was at the Home I used to say I'd rather live in an old +kitchen if 't was mine, and now I've got the old kitchen I'd +exchange back again in a jiffy! Do you s'pose she'd take me!" + +"Do you mean to--" hesitated Mrs. Albright. + +"Yes, I mean to run away from the old man! I know you're shocked; +but you haven't lived with Serono Tenney! He'll freeze me out next +winter, sure as fate! I'll have to shut up the house, except the +kitchen, and stay there, where I can't see even a team pass, with +hardly a neighbor in sight. It drives me wild! To think I was +such a fool! If he were a poor man, I could stand it; but he's got +money enough." + +"Why don't you make it fly, then?" broke in Miss Crilly. "Bet you +I would!" + +"No, you wouldn't! He had to go with me to pick out the apron, and +he fretted like sixty because I would buy one made of decent cloth! +I was all in just over that!" + +"We s'posed he was a nice, pleasant man--it's too bad!" Miss +Crilly was the only one who found words for reply. + +"I don't have anything to read," went on the disappointed woman. +"He doesn't want to know anything. He does take a daily newspaper, +but that's all. There was a Bible in the house when I came, and +two or three schoolbooks--pretty place to live in!" + +"Get a divorce!" advised Miss Crilly. + +"I could easy! He'd never fight it--hasn't got life enough. But +where could I go?" + +"I'm afraid you couldn't do anything with Miss Sniffen," said Mrs. +Albright sadly. + +"What do you say, Polly?" smiled Mrs. Tenney. "You look as if you +had your advice all ready." + +"No," answered Polly sorrowfully. "Only you've promised, and it +doesn't seem as if you ought to break your promise--just because +you don't like it here as well as you thought you would. It isn't +that I'm not sorry, Mrs. Dick--I mean, Mrs. Tenney--" Polly hurried +to explain. "I'm so sorry I could cry! But it doesn't seem +right--to me--perhaps it would be, perhaps I don't know." Polly +lifted appealing eyes to the woman's flushed face. + +"I guess you see things clearer than I do, child! We'll put it to +vote. Mrs. Albright, what do you think?" + +"I hardly know, and, anyway, I can't decide it for you. I suppose +I should incline to Polly's opinion." + +"Miss Sterling? You hold the controlling vote, so be careful!" +Mrs. Tenney laughed uncertainly. + +"It is a hard question, Mrs. Dick. I can hardly imagine a worse +hell than having to live with such a man as you picture him, and +yet--" + +"I know! It's three against two! Good-bye, June Holiday Home, +with your steam heat and Miss Sniffen! We must adjourn--there's +Mrs. Grace and Mrs. Winslow Teed!" + +For the ride home Polly sat between Miss Crilly and David in Dr. +Dudley's car. + +"Isn't that a great bluff of Miss Sniffen's?" Miss Crilly's tone +was too confidential even for Polly's quick ears. The repeated +question carried as far as David--Polly knew from his sudden change +of expression. But Miss Crilly talked on. "Seemed as if I must +tell! I never was so stirred up in my life! It's the last thing I +should thought of!" + +Polly gave her a cautionary smile. + +"O-o-h!" Miss Crilly cast a frightened glance in David's direction. + +"A motor-car isn't the best place for talking secrets," he laughed. +"But I won't peep!" + +"I haven't let any cat out!" retorted Miss Crilly. + +She and David tossed merry sallies back and forth; but Polly was +uncomfortable. David would think she did not trust him. She +wished Miss Crilly had not referred to the matter. + +"Come on down to dinner!" invited David, after they had said +good-bye to Miss Sterling and Miss Crilly. + +"Oh, I'd love to!" beamed Polly. "I'll run in and ask mother." + +He hailed his uncle's chauffeur, and bade him wait. + +In a moment she was back and they stepped into Colonel Gresham's +car. + +"I am going to share my secret with you," David smiled, glancing +doubtfully at the man ahead. + +"Otto," he said tentatively, without raising his voice above the +tone he had used for Polly. The man did not stir. "Otto," a +little louder. No answer. + +He nodded complacently. "I wanted to make sure of him," he smiled. +"Now I'll go on." + +"The other isn't my secret, David, or I'd tell you!" Polly hastened +to explain. + +"That's all right!" laughed David. "Perhaps this chimes in with +yours, and perhaps it doesn't. Last night I went up to Billy +Marble's, and when I was along by Ford Street I noticed a man and a +woman a little distance ahead. I was walking pretty fast, and as I +came up behind them and was wondering which way I'd go by,--you +know the sidewalk is narrow there,--a light struck across the +woman's face, and I saw it was Mrs. Nobbs. I didn't know the man. +Has she relatives here?" + +"A brother, I think, a bachelor brother." + +"Tall, is he?" + +"Yes." + +"This man was. Probably it was he. I had on my sneaks--that's why +they didn't hear me. I was pretty near, when I caught something +that excited my curiosity. I heard the words distinctly,--'I +wouldn't be in her shoes for all the money she has made out of June +Holiday Home!'--'And that's no small sum, I'll warrant!' the man +replied.--'Small!' she exclaimed; 'she's robbing them every day of +her life! But she's in a terrible fix now, and I guess she knows +it! I can't be thankful enough that for once she didn't make a +cat's-paw of me! I said, 'When there's any flogging to be done, +you will do it!' She was mad, and I half expected her to discharge +me on the spot, but I know too much for her to dare to go too far. +I've done piles of dirty work for Amelia Sniffen!'--'Better cut it +out,' said the man.--'Can't, as long as I stay,' she replied. +'That's what I'm there for! But I've got so nervous since this +happened, I don't know what to do! I start every time I see one of +the Board come into the house. What if they should find out! You +don't suppose they could hold me for--anything, do you? I'd give a +farm to know how much Mrs. Albright has heard, but I'm afraid to +quiz her. She's the one that rooms across the hall and tried to +get in when they were having the time--she's got more grit than the +others. I don't think Miss Twining would dare tell, and I don't +see how she could--she is locked in all the time, ostensibly to +keep her from visitors! I thought if Mrs. Albright did find out +she'd go right to the Board; but there hasn't been a word yet. +That woman needs a doctor if ever anybody did. Lucky for us that +she didn't die when--'And that's all I heard. They stopped before +they came to the Home entrance, and I was afraid of being caught, +so I cut across the avenue into the shadows. I was amazed!" He +drew a long breath. "But I fancy it isn't much news to you." + +"Some of it is," Polly replied. "I never thought of Miss Sniffen's +being dishonest with money. I don't see how she can--" + +"Easy enough in a place like that. But this other is pretty bad +business. If Miss Twining should happen to die without any doctor, +and the authorities should find out that Miss Sniffen beat--" + +"No, she didn't!" interrupted Polly. "I suppose she meant to, but +Miss Twining fainted and that put a stop to it. I'd tell you +everything, David, only Miss Nita and Mrs. Albright and Miss Crilly +and I agreed not to say a word to anybody." + +"Never mind! I can guess enough. Something should be done about +it, Polly. If Miss Twining needs a doctor, she ought to have one +immediately." + +"I know it!" Her voice was troubled. "I wanted to tell Mr. +Randolph; but they won't let me, for fear he'll take the Home's +part, or something, and get them into trouble. I don't know what +to do!" + +The car stopped at the Gresham door, and Polly forgot disagreeable +things in the pleasure of Mrs. Collins's cordial welcome. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX + +DISAPPOINTMENT + +Miss Twining was worse. Dr. Gunnip had been called late in the +afternoon. It was now nearly six o'clock, and the third-floor +corner room was discussing the situation. + +"I guess you'd better see Mr. Randolph to-morrow," Mrs. Albright +was saying. + +"Why not make it this evening?" returned Polly. "She may not live +till morning!" Tears were in her voice. + +"No, the Doctor didn't think she'd give out right away; he said she +might last a good while." + +"Little he knows about it!" scorned Polly. + +"Well, he said it right up and down!" put in Miss Crilly. + +"It is too bad!" Polly drew a long, sighing breath. "I don't +believe she'd have had any heart trouble at all, if Miss Sniffen +hadn't made this fuss!" + +"The excitement has no doubt aggravated it," commented Mrs. +Albright. + +"Is that all Dr. Gunnip said, that she had heart disease?" queried +Polly. + +"He didn't stay long enough to say anything!" sputtered Miss +Crilly. "He walked in and walked out--I wish I'd timed him!" + +"You'd have had to look in a hurry," remarked Mrs. Albright quietly. + +"Guess he's like a doctor my mother used to tell about," observed +Miss Crilly. "You had to catch hold of his coat-tails if you +wanted to ask him a question. And he never would have +consultation, no matter how sick anybody was. He said, one could +play on a fiddle better than two." + +A quick little smile ran round the group; but nobody laughed. The +present question was too serious. + +"Miss Twining didn't tell me much," resumed Mrs. Albright. "The +Doctor had just gone, and I was in a fidget for fear Miss Sniffen +would come back. But I could see that he had upset her completely. +I don't think, from what she did say, that he gave her any +particulars. He said she had got to be extremely careful. She +feels as if it was about over with her." + +"I wish father could see her," fretted Polly. "He wouldn't +frighten her so, even if he did have to tell her that her heart was +in bad shape! I hate Dr. Gunnip worse than ever! Did he leave her +any medicine?" + +"Oh, yes! I saw two little piles of tablets on the table." + +"Likely as not they'll make her worse!" Polly got up. "I'm going +to see Mr. Randolph to-night!" she announced determinedly. + +"No, no!" objected Mrs. Albright. "Wait until morning! It would +only excite her more to have another doctor now. She'd think she +was in a worse condition than she is." + +"I'd wait if I were you," agreed Miss Sterling. "I think it will +be better all round." + +"Well," yielded Polly reluctantly, and sat down again. + +"What you going to tell him, anyway?" questioned Miss Crilly a bit +anxiously. + +"Why--everything!" Polly's hands flew apart with expressive +gesture. + +"I'm afraid he won't want to interfere." + +"He isn't a fool!" retorted Polly. "And when I've told him all I'm +going to tell him, if he doesn't interfere--if he isn't aching to +interfere--he will be one!" + +Miss Crilly giggled. "You're the greatest!" she said admiringly. + +The next morning Polly awoke with the vague consciousness that +something of importance was at hand. Then she remembered. To-day +she was to see Mr. Randolph! + +During breakfast the matter was discussed. + +"You seem suddenly to have become a woman of affairs," playfully +remarked Dr. Dudley. + +"There isn't anybody else to do things," said Polly plaintively. +"Miss Crilly wouldn't amount to anything if she went. She'd get +scared first thing and make a regular fizzle of it. Mrs. Albright +has pluck enough in some ways; but she couldn't be hired to see Mr. +Randolph. Of course, Miss Nita'd do it all right; but she just +won't! And somebody must!" + +"It is full time," the Doctor agreed; "but it looks a big load for +your shoulders." + +"Oh, I don't mind this!" Polly said brightly. "It was hard, going +to Mr. Parcell's; but this is--different, you know." + +"Decidedly different." + +Polly glanced up from under her eyelashes. She knew what he +thought of her visit to the minister's, and now she sighed a little +in remembrance of his fatherly comments. + +"Of course, Mr. Randolph will be surprised--shocked, I guess; but +he isn't to blame, and he's a lovely man to talk to. I think I'm +going to enjoy it." + +Mrs. Dudley caught the twinkle in her husband's eyes, and laughed. + +"What have I said out of the way now?" Polly laid down her fork. + +"Nothing," her father answered gravely. + +"I don't see why mother was laughing, then." She glanced from one +to the other. + +They sipped their coffee in silence, but the girl detected a +lingering bit of a smile on her mother's lips. + +As soon as she had put her room in trim for the day, Polly ran over +to the Home for a final talk with Miss Sterling before making her +appointment with Mr. Randolph. + +She found both Mrs. Albright and Miss Crilly in the corner room. A +little excitement was in the air. + +"Have you heard?" asked Miss Crilly. + +Polly's eyes went frightened. + +"No--what?" she said weakly. + +"Don't be scared, child! It is nothing!" Mrs. Albright put an arm +around her. "It is only that Mr. Randolph is sick." + +"O-o-h!" mourned Polly. + +"It's in the morning paper," added Miss Crilly. "It says, +'seriously ill.'" + +"Yet he may not be," interposed Miss Sterling. "The papers seldom +get it right." + +"It is too bad!" Polly sat down. "Our paper was late," she +explained, "and father didn't have time to read it,--he was called +off from breakfast,--and I was thinking so much about going that I +forgot the paper. Is that all it says?" + +"Yes. It doesn't tell what the matter is." + +"Now we shall have to wait!" said Polly dismally. "How is Miss +Twining?" + +"A little brighter, I think," answered Mrs. Albright. + +"Dear me! I hope Mr. Randolph won't die!" Miss Crilly's face was +despairing. "There isn't another one we'd dare tell!" + +"No," agreed Polly, "he's the only man we can trust. We can't do a +single thing till he gets well." + + + + +CHAPTER XXX + +DOODLES SINGS + +Doodles had heard of Nelson Randolph's illness, yet he was +unprepared for the additional tidings that came to him when he was +on a downtown errand. + +"Oh, he suffers something terrible!" exclaimed the boy who brought +the news. "Carl Harris told me about it. He's down there in the +paper office, and they say if he don't get better pretty soon he's +got to die! The Doctor can't stop the pain." + +Doodles walked away thinking hard. "Guess I'll go," he told +himself. "He liked my singing the other night up here, and perhaps +it would make him forget. Anyhow, I can go!" + +An hour later Doodles stood at the door of the Randolph home. + +"He's sick. He can't see anybody," said the maid who answered his +ring. + +"Is he able to talk?" queried the lad. + +The girl nodded. + +"Then will you please ask him if he would like to have Doodles +Stickney sing to him." + +"'T won't do no good," she replied indifferently. "The nurse won't +let anybody see him." + +A man came slowly up the steps, and the boy turned to recognize a +well-known physician. + +"Oh, Dr. Temple!" he began eagerly, "do you think Mr. Randolph +would like to have me sing for him?" + +The physician looked the lad over gravely. He was so long about +it, Doodles wondered if his boots were dusty and the Doctor were +disapproving them. Then came the answer. + +"Probably not." + +"But he did like to hear me sing the other night when he was at our +house. He said so. And when I heard how he is suffering, I +thought perhaps I could make him forget it." His appealing brown +eyes looked straight into those keen blue ones that the physician's +admirers thought saw everything. + +Dr. Temple considered a moment. "Come in!" he said. + +Doodles followed where he led, which was into the first room beyond +the entrance. + +"Sing!" was the order. + +Doodles, not in the least abashed, stood where he was, in the +middle of the reception room, and began. + +Soft, soft as the crooning of a mother bird, came the first notes. + +"Peace...peace...peace I leave with you." Gently the music rose, +the lad's voice beautifully modulated to suit the time and place. +"My peace...my peace I give unto you:...not as the world +giveth...not as the world giveth...give I unto you. Let not your +heart be troubled...let not your heart be troubled...let not your +heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." + +The physician sat still for a moment, as if reluctant to break the +spell. Then he got up quickly. "Come!" he bade. + +Doodles followed, up the velvet-covered stairs, with never the +sound of a footstep, and to the end of a wide corridor. + +"Wait here, please!" Dr. Temple motioned him to a chair by the +window, and after knocking at a door disappeared behind it. + +Presently he returned. "You may sing what you sang downstairs." +He went back, leaving the door ajar. + +Again Doodles sang. At the end he waited, wondering if he were to +keep on. + +A white-clad young woman came out of the room, smiling to him under +her pretty white cap. + +"Mr. Randolph would like to have you sing some more," she said. + +"The Lord is my Shepherd," "Come unto Me," "I will lift up mine +eyes," "The Lord bless thee and keep thee,"--these and others +Doodles sang, while not a sound came from the room beyond. + +Then the young woman appeared again. + +"Mr. Randolph says he wishes you would sing 'Old Folks at Home,'" +she told him. + +At the close of the song the nurse came to the door and beckoned +him in. + +The president of the Paper Company put out a feeble hand. + +"Thank you, Doodles!" he smiled. "I suppose you came all the way +from Foxford just to sing for me!" + +"Oh, that isn't anything!" said the boy lightly. "I am glad to do +it, Mr. Randolph. I do hope you will get better!" + +"I am better now! You have done me good, Doodles!" + +"I'm so glad! May I come again?" eagerly. + +"I should be mighty glad if you could! I will send my car for you +any day." + +"Thank you!" The lad's face was radiant. "To-morrow?" He glanced +at Dr. Temple. + +The Doctor gave him a smiling nod. + +"This same time?" + +"Better than the afternoon," assented the physician. + +Doodles was downstairs when the nurse came out to speak to him. + +"Mr. Randolph says to wait and he will have his man take you home." + +So Doodles rode to Foxford in Mr. Randolph's sumptuous roadster, to +the astonishment of Blue whom he met not far from home. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI + +SHUT OUT + +Miss Sterling was not in her room. Polly had knocked and knocked. +Finally she turned away and went slowly downstairs. + +"Is Miss Nita out?" she asked of Miss Sniffen in the lower hall. + +"I don't know," was the answer. She did not offer to look at the +day-book on the desk. + +Miss Lily came by, on her way upstairs, and said good-morning as +she passed. + +Polly had reached the door, when a little cry arrested her. She +turned to see Miss Lily half kneeling on the stairs, clutching the +rail. + +"Oh! are you hurt?" Polly ran up to her. + +"Not much, I guess," was the tremulous answer. "I can't see, and +the stairs are so wide! I fall every day or so!" + +Polly helped her up. "I'd go close to the balustrade, if I were +you." + +"Oh, no! I mustn't!" Miss Lily whispered, glancing down into the +hall. + +"She's gone," said Polly softly. "Come right up here! Afraid of +scratching? 'T won't do any harm--with your soft slippers." + +"She won't let me!" breathed the frightened woman. + +"Oh, I guess she won't mind!" returned Polly easily. "That's what +rails are made for--to cling to." + +"What's the matter now!" broke in a cutting voice. + +"Why, Miss Lily fell, and I'm trying to make her come up close to +the rail, so she can get a good, firm hold; but she's afraid of +scratching the stairs." + +"Of course it will scratch--to go tramping over that polished wood! +She's to step on the carpet, as I told her! You're always +interfering, Polly Dudley!" + +"Miss Sniffen, I didn't mean to interfere; but Miss Lily can't see +as well as you can, and--" + +"She can see well enough! Her eyesight is good. There is no need +of her falling." + +"But she can't get hold of the rail away off in the middle!" + +"Certainly she can reach it! Don't stand there talking nonsense!" + +Miss Lily turned and hastened up the long flight. Polly watched +her for a moment and then walked slowly down the stairs. + +The superintendent waited at the foot, her face flushed and stern. + +"You have made trouble enough round here," she said bitingly. "Now +I think we'll stop it!" + +"Why, Miss Sniffen, what have I done?" + +"You're putting foolish notions into the heads of these old +women--petting and pampering them in the way you do! To organize a +walking-club for them, when they've got one foot in the grave--it's +absurd!" + +"Oh, they're not old--all of them!" broke in Polly. "Miss Nita +isn't old!--or Miss Crilly!--or--" + +"You need not enumerate! I know how old they are, and I know how +old they say they are! To think of your coaxing them into such +disgraceful escapades as you have! Those gray-haired women dancing +out in a pasture lot! Oh, you needn't look so surprised! I know +what you're up to, if I do stay home here! You were saucy on that +occasion, and bold, too! Calling to passing automobilists to come +and dance with you! It was scandalous!" + +"Why, Miss Sniffen,"--Polly's tone was gently explanatory,--"you +can't have heard it straight! We didn't do a single thing out of +the way! And I didn't call anybody! Mr. Randolph and Miss +Puddicombe drove along, and Mr. Randolph said it looked too +tempting, and wanted to know if they couldn't come and dance. That +was all!" + +The superintendent primmed her lips. "We won't discuss it any +further. All I wish to say is that hereafter you may confine your +calls to Wednesday afternoon, when we receive visitors." + +Polly stood for an instant, dumb with surprise and dismay; then she +took a step forward. + +"Good-bye, Miss Sniffen!" she said in a low, tense voice, and +passed swiftly out into the sunshine. + +She walked along, regardless of anything besides her own tumultuous +thoughts, until, as she was turning in at her home entrance, she +heard the old familiar call, "Pollee, Pollee, Pollee-e-e!" + +David was only a few yards ahead, and she waited. + +"What is it?" he asked as he came up. + +The ghost of a smile flickered on Polly's face. + +"I've just been shut out of the Home!" she said with almost a sob. + +An angry light leaped in the boy's eyes; but he spoke no word, only +clinched his teeth. + +They went up the walk together, Polly talking fast. Mrs. Dudley +met them in the hall, and the story was begun again. + +"That woman!" cried the boy; "I'd like to go over and knock her +down!" + +"David!" chuckled Polly, with an admiring glance at his broad +shoulders and athletic frame. + +"It is terrible to think of those dear people being in her power!" + +"Something must be done." Mrs. Dudley looked troubled. + +"If only Mr. Randolph hadn't been sick!" said Polly plaintively. +"But Doodles says he is better!" Her face brightened. "Oh, David! +did you know Doodles has been singing to him?" + +"No. I suppose that cured him." There was a little warning tone +in the rich voice. + +"It has helped," Polly replied gently. "It makes him forget the +pain. Mr. Randolph sends after him every day and has his man take +him home again--isn't that nice?" + +"M--hm," nodded David. + +"Doodles was here this noon," Polly went on. "Something was the +matter with the car, and so he ran over while Murray was fixing it. +The Doctor says Mr. Randolph may go to ride to-morrow if it is +pleasant." + +"When shall you see him?" asked David. + +"Soon as ever I can--to think of Miss Nita's being shut up there, +and my not being able to get to her!" + +"It wouldn't do any good to telephone," mused David, "or to write a +note." + +"I'm afraid!" Polly shook her head. "If she'd grab those cards from +Mr. Randolph's boxes of roses, she'd take a letter. What do you +suppose she did it for?" + +"Didn't want her to know who sent them." + +"But why?" + +"Oh, probably she's in love with him," replied David carelessly. + +"Miss Sniffen?" Polly's voice was flooded with astonishment. + +"Anything very surprising about that?" laughed David. + +"Why, the idea! He couldn't!" + +"No, he couldn't, but she could." + +"I have thought of that," assented Mrs. Dudley. "I cannot account +for her actions in any other way." + +"It's so funny!" giggled Polly. "And she probably knows he is +engaged to Blanche Puddicombe!" + +"That is what stumps me!" exclaimed David. "Such a girl!" + +"They say she has a fortune in her own name," put in Mrs. Dudley. + +"Fortune!" scorned the boy. "I wouldn't marry her if she would give +me a hundred million!" + +Mrs. Dudley laughed. + +"She'd be better than Miss Sniffen," said Polly. + +"But to think of coming home to such a wife as she'll make!" cried +David. + +"And sitting down to dinner with her!" went on Polly. + +David shook his head. "A man might stand it for one day, but for a +lifetime--good-bye!" + +"It doesn't seem as if he would marry just for money," sighed Polly. + +"That's what most men think of first. Isn't it, Mrs. Dudley?" + +"Some of them," she agreed. "I can't believe they are in the +majority." + +"She'll make the very crotchetiest wife!" asserted Polly. "He'll +have to keep her in a glass case! See how she went on up in the +pasture! The sun was too hot and the wind was too cool, her stone +seat was too hard, and the ground was too rough to dance on! +Everything was too something! She wasn't contented till she got +her 'Nelson' out of reach of Miss Nita. I guess men have to run +more risk than girls do." + +"Uncle David wouldn't agree with you," smiled David. "Aunt Juliet +tells a story about him--long before he was married. A girl--I +think it was a trained nurse, anyhow somebody he knew pretty +well--asked him what he thought of her marrying. He waited a +moment, and then said, in his deliberate way, 'Well, I don't know +more than three or four decent men anyway, and you wouldn't be +likely forget any of them!' She had to tell of that, and Aunt +Juliet heard it. Uncle David looks solemn at first, when she +begins it--then he chuckles." + +"That sounds just like Colonel Gresham," laughed Mrs. Dudley. + +"He's such a nice man!" praised Polly with emphasis. "And so is +Mr. Randolph, just as lovable!--I wouldn't mind marrying him +myself." + +"You wouldn't!" flashed David. + +"No," maintained Polly; "but I shan't have a chance," she chuckled. + +Her mother heard the Doctor calling and went to him. + +"You ought to go in there and hear those children 'talking about +marriage," she whispered; "it is better than a circus!" + +The Doctor looked through to where they sat, and smiled. + +Meantime the talk in the living-room had taken a personal turn. + +"I suppose you'd marry any of the fellows." David was grumbling. + +"I should prefer to choose," laughed Polly. "Oh, David! it is +funny to hear you go off!" + +She dimpled over it. + +"'Funny'!" he scorned. "That Wilmerding dude will be walking down +to school with you, same as last year! Carrying your books, too!" +David frowned. "And you'll let him!" + +"He might as well be of use. It's lots easier than to carry them +myself." + +"Wish your father'd send you down in the car." + +"He thinks it better for me to walk," she smiled. + +"You'll talk and laugh," David fretted on, "till he'll think you're +dead in love with him! You jolly with all the boys more than you +do with me!" + +Polly's face sobered. "David," she said, "in some things you are +wonderfully wise; but you don't seem to know very much about girls. +I am not always the happiest when I'm laughing. You talk as if +you'd like to keep me in prison, same as Miss Sniffen keeps those +poor dears over there. I know better, but it sounds that way." + +"Forgive me! I'm getting piggish again!" + +"No, but I wish you weren't quite so suspicious. I'll have to make +a bargain with you,--how will this do? If anybody steals my heart +away, I'll notify you at once." + +David stood up straight. "I must go," he said. "It is later than +I thought. No, Polly, you needn't promise me anything! I can +trust you. Only--" He smiled, looking down at her. "Good-bye!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXXII + +THE TALE IS TOLD + +Nelson Randolph gained steadily,--so Polly heard through +Doodles,--and she planned to see him soon. Then, one morning, the +boy appeared with a sorrowful face. Even before he spoke Polly +guessed that something was wrong. + +"I can't go to see Mr. Randolph any more," announced the little lad +mournfully. + +"Why not? What's the matter?" + +"That Miss Puddicombe!" The boy's face told more than his words. +"She said Mr. Randolph was worse, and for me not to come again till +he got well." + +"0-o-h!" cried Polly. "What has she got to do about it! She'd +better wait till she's married before she begins to dictate!" + +Doodles shook his head sorrowfully. "I don't see how my singing +could hurt him. She talked as if it was all my fault!" + +"Nonsense!" scorned Polly. "More likely it is she herself! Don't +worry, Doodles! He will get well pretty soon, and then things will +be all right again; but--oh, dear, I wish he would hurry up!" + +The next evening David brought the dismaying word that the +president of the Paper Company had gone to Atlantic City for +several weeks. + +Polly was distressed over the situation until her mother suggested +the happy thought that no doubt he would recover more rapidly than +at home. Then Polly smiled again and was ready to enjoy David's +new flute solo. + +In her weeks of waiting Polly came to a new appreciation of David. +Her closest girl friends were out of town, her mother unusually +busy with some church work, her intercourse with Juanita Sterling +limited to a few perfunctory calls; and except for David's cheery +visits she would have been lonely indeed. Not a day but the boy +appeared, often with flute or banjo, and he made himself so +delightfully entertaining that Polly would forget the June Holiday +Home and its troubles. + +Lurking in the background, however, ready to leap forward as soon +as she should be alone, was the torturing fact that Miss Sniffen +still kept cruel wardship over her prisoners, and she counted over +and over, joyfully marking them off one by one on her calendar, the +days before Mr. Randolph would be at home again. + +Still, it was not a very long waiting time, after all, and one +bright morning Polly entered the private office of the president of +the Paper Company. + +Now that she was actually there, face to face with the "lovable +man" in whom she found so much to admire, she hardly knew how to +begin. But, suddenly realizing that the president's time was +precious, she dashed into the matter at once. + +"It is about the Home, Mr. Randolph, that I have been wanting to +see you for so long. I was coming right after Miss Twining got +sick, and then you were ill yourself. Before you were well enough +to see visitors you went away, and there hasn't been a single +chance until now. Oh, Mr. Randolph, do you know how affairs are +going on over there? Haven't you ever guessed?" + +"Why--what do you mean, Polly? Nothing wrong, is there?" + +"Everything!" Polly's hands dropped with emphasis into her lap. +"None of the ladies have dared say a word, because if they find any +fault they are liable to be turned out. So they have borne it all +as well as they could. I wanted to come to you a good while ago, +but they wouldn't hear to it. Finally things got to such a pass +that we four, Miss Nita, Mrs. Albright, Miss Crilly, and I, said +that something must be done. We thought you were the best one to +tell, for you have always been such a friend--we could trust you'" + +"You can, Polly!" He smiled across to her. "You need not be +afraid of my divulging the source of my information." + +"Oh, I don't care if folks do know my part in it, but the others +would rather you wouldn't give their names--unless it is necessary. +Miss Sniffen turned me out weeks ago!" + +"Turned you out? For what?" + +"Oh, because I told Miss Lily to cling to the balustrade so she +wouldn't fall! That is, it started there. She said I'd got the +ladies into all sorts of scrapes. She scolded me for lots of +things--one was that dance in the pasture. She said it was +scandalous. I don't care so much what she does to me, only my not +seeing Miss Nita. But the ladies are actually afraid of their +lives! When Miss Twining was abused so, those that knew wondered +whose turn would come next. Why, Mr. Randolph, Miss Sniffen almost +killed Miss Twining!--Oh, of course, she didn't mean to!" For the +man had started up with an exclamation of horror. "I think she was +thoroughly frightened when Miss Twining fainted." + +"But what did she do?" + +"Why, she went up to Miss Twining's room, late one night, and +carried a riding-whip,--she had threatened that afternoon to 'flog' +her--and it upset Miss Twining and brought on a fainting turn. Now +Miss Sniffen keeps her locked in all the time! I don't know what +she would do if it weren't for Mrs. Albright! She rooms right +across the hall, and her key fits the lock; so she goes in every +little while. There's a card on her door, saying she's too ill to +see visitors." + +"That is the feeble-minded one, isn't it?" + +"No!" flashed Polly. "She's not feeble-minded any more than you +are! That's just a bluff! Miss Sniffen got scared and made up all +that rubbish! Miss Twining is beautiful. I love her--oh, I love +her dearly! She writes the nicest poetry! Father says it is real +poetry, too." + +"Why did Miss Sniffen wish to whip her?" + +"Just because she wouldn't tell who gave her some money. She +couldn't--she had promised not to! And it was her own money! But +I must begin at the beginning, or you can't understand." + +Polly drew a long breath, and recounted the details of the sad +story. + +"The next morning I happened to go over to see Miss Nita," she +concluded, "and Mrs. Albright told me this. Miss Crilly was there, +too. Miss Crilly rooms right next to Miss Twining and heard a good +deal; but she didn't dare to stir." + +Nelson Randolph gazed at Polly with troubled eyes, and rested his +arm upon his desk. + +"David Collins overheard something one night," she went on. "He +was going up Edgewood Avenue when he came upon Mrs. Nobbs and a +man,--probably her brother,--and what Mrs. Nobbs was saying made +him keep along behind them, instead of passing as he was intending +to do." + +As the talk was repeated, the listener's face grew stern, and when +Polly came to the end of her story he fingered the little silver +elephant upon his desk before he spoke. + +"You say that the board is not what it should be?" + +"It is poor, dreadfully poor, Mr. Randolph. Lately they've had +stale meat and sour bread--and hardly any fruit or green vegetables +all summer long!" + +"Yet her accounts stand for expensive roasts, lamb chops, early +fruits when they are highest in price--the best of everything!" + +"They never get on the table," asserted Polly. "Miss Nita and the +others have spoken again and again of their wretched living. And +the cooking is awful!" + +"I am told that she pays her cook fifty dollars a month." + +"I don't know what she pays," Polly replied, "but they seldom have +good cooking. She is changing help all the time." + +"We have trusted her implicitly," the president mused. "Her father +was a man of undoubted honor." + +"I don't see that it would be much worse to steal from the Home +than to take Miss Twining's money or Miss Nita's cards or--" + +"Cards? From Miss Sterling?" broke in Nelson Randolph quickly. + +"Didn't you put your cards in those boxes of roses you sent her?" +asked Polly. + +"Certainly." + +"She never saw any! Miss Castlevaine was going upstairs and +happened to see that first box of roses on the hall desk. Miss +Sniffen was fingering a card. When Miss Nita received the box +there was no card there. That was why she was so long in saying +'thank you,'--she didn't know where they came from. We finally +found out through the boy who brought them." + +Nelson Randolph frowned. "A pretty state of affairs!" he muttered. + +"And she never got one of your telephone messages!" Polly went on. + +"What!" the man exclaimed. + +"She didn't!" Polly reiterated. + +"But Miss Sterling gave me no hint of such a thing!" + +"No." Polly returned sadly. "I guess she didn't dare." + +"Surely she was not afraid of me!" + +"I don't know," replied Polly dissatisfiedly and with emphasis. +"It really seems sometimes as if she were." + +"There must have been some tremendous lying," he mused. "They gave +me messages purporting to come from Miss Sterling. Why should she +be singled out in this way?" He looked across at Polly, as if he +expected her to answer the question. + +The red in her cheeks grew redder. She remembered the reason David +had given. + +"I think it is no uncommon thing for the ladies not to get their +telephone messages," she replied evasively. "That was one reason +why Mrs. Dick ran away with the milkman. She was so upset at not +receiving an invitation to a wedding that had been sent her by +telephone." + +"It is high time that something was done!" The president lifted his +little elephant and brought it down hard. "We have been +inexcusably blind!" + +"I wish Miss Twining could have some good doctor," ventured Polly. + +"She shall!" he promised. "Be patient for a few days, and I will +hurry up things as fast as practicable. You say she is a little +better?" + +"Mrs. Albright thinks so. She is over her scare a little. Dr. +Gunnip frightened her half to death! He won't let her try to get +up. Don't you hate Dr. Gunnip?" + +Mr. Randolph smiled. "I don't know him personally," he replied. +"I never thought I should want him for a physician." He shook his +head musingly. + +"I will lay the matter before the trustees and managers at once," +he said, as Polly rose to go. "I need not ask you," he went on, +"to be whist about this, since I have proof that you can keep a +secret under trying conditions. I thank you more than you will +ever know." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII + +THE PRINCESS AND THE DRAGON + +Juanita Sterling moved restlessly about her room, doing this and +that which had no need of being done. It was a mild day for late +September, and she thought of a walk. No, it was nearly time for +the afternoon mail, she would wait. If she could only get a note +from Polly--or from David! One of Polly's notes had never reached +the third-floor comer room! Since that, notes had been conceded to +be dangerous. How she missed Polly's visits! She wondered now if +Polly's interview with Mr. Randolph were really over. That report +could not be entrusted to paper. She wished that her windows were +on the front. She might go into Mrs. Albright's room--no, she had +better remain at home, somebody might come. She took a book and +sat down in the easiest chair; but her thoughts were not on the +printed page. She slammed it back in its place with a mutter of +scorn--scorn for herself. + +"Shall I ever stop thinking--of him!" + +Meantime, downstairs, the front doorbell had rung. Miss Sniffen +answered it. She usually answered the bell nowadays. + +Nelson Randolph stood waiting. + +"Good afternoon!" he smiled. "I want to run up to those corner +rooms and see how the light is, now that the windows are shut up. +I think we may have to put in other windows on the side." + +"Oh, no, Mr. Randolph, the light is very good, indeed! I don't +think more windows will be necessary." + +"Well, maybe not, then; but I'll just take a look at it, seeing I'm +here." + +She moved back slowly. "I think Miss Sterling is out; but you can +see the first-floor room." + +They went in together, but as the man turned to speak he found that +he was alone. With a smile he cast a leisurely eye around, and +then strode along the hall to the upper staircase. + +The superintendent was coming down. + +"No use your going up," she said in an unnecessarily low tone. +"One of the ladies says she is out, so we shan't be able to get in." + +"Oh, that won't matter!" he replied carelessly. "I'm a good deal +of burglar; I always carry a skeleton key in my pocket--it will +unlock almost anything. You ought to have one." + +"We have never needed it," she responded coldly, quickly preceding +him. + +She tapped softly on the door. + +"Oh, you're in, after all!" she exclaimed in a voice of sweet +surprise. "They said you had gone out." + +"I have been here since dinner.--How do you do, Mr. Randolph! Are +you quite well again?" + +"Shouldn't know I had ever been sick--except for the doctor's +bill!" he replied. "Now, how about this light, Miss Sterling? Do +you find the addition in the way?" + +"Why, of course, it isn't quite so pleasant," she admitted; "but I +don't mind it very much." + +"I think it would make things a little better to put a window in, +say about here." + +"Oh, that would be lovely!" she cried. + +"I will suggest it, at any rate. I never like to spoil one room +for the sake of another." He ran his eyes over the wall. "We +might make it one broad window, here and in the room below, to +match the one on the first floor--it wouldn't be a bad plan. We'll +see." He turned to go, then halted and looked at his watch. + +"I'm afraid you stay in too much. Miss Sterling," he said +carelessly. "Suppose you put on your things and come for a ride. +It is very mild out." + +"Oh, thank you!" The red rushed to her cheeks. "I'll be ready in a +minute." + +Left alone, Juanita Sterling hastily brought out hat and coat. Her +heart was pounding with excitement and--yes, joy! She chided +herself in no uncertain words. + +"Little fool!" she muttered. "He wishes to ask questions about the +Home, questions that I am better able to answer than Polly--that is +all! He is engaged to Blanche Puddicombe--remember that, and don't +be a--dear, dear, where are those gray gloves! Oh!" as the needed +articles were brought to sight. + +She ran downstairs and directly out of the big door, meeting no one. + +As the car rolled up the avenue she felt a delicious sense of +freedom. She remarked upon the changing foliage and the unusual +warmth of the day, the man at her side making only brief assents. + +"That Dragon," he finally broke out, "didn't mean to let the +Princess be seen to-day!" + +Miss Sterling met his whimsical look with puzzled eyes. Then, as +the meaning dawned, "Oh!" she cried, a little blushing laugh +keeping the word company. + +"Do you always lock your door when you go away?" + +"Never," she answered,--"then or at any time; we are not allowed to +lock our rooms." + +"She told me you were out, and that your door would be locked; but +I said I had a skeleton key in my pocket, and went on." + +"You quite outwitted her," she laughed. "I don't understand why +she should lie about it." + +"I have been there several times and inquired for you," he resumed; +"and was always told that you were not in." + +A flush of surprise pinked her face. "I never heard anything of +it," she said regretfully. + +"So Polly Dudley told me. I saw her this morning." + +"Oh, did you!" she cried eagerly. + +"She was in my office for an hour or two. We have been blind as +moles, the whole gang of us!" he added in a disgusted tone. "We +have trusted that woman with everything--to your sorrow and ours! +I hope the officers will see it as I do, but--I don't know. Miss +Sterling,"--he turned to her with a brighter tone in his +voice,--"do you remember when I used to come to your house to +consult your father--and you would entertain me while I was waiting +for him?" + +"Oh, yes!" she answered, "I remember perfectly; but I didn't +suppose you recollected--it is so long ago." + +"I don't forget easily. You were a school-girl then, weren't you?" + +"I was just through the high school." + +"It was the winter before I was married," he said reminiscently. +"It seems a lifetime since then. Yet it is only some twenty or +more years ago. Your father was a very wise man, and I was pretty +green in those days. I remember I wanted to sue somebody that had +cheated me in a small way, and your father advised me strongly +against it. I chafed a good deal at his decision; but I have +thought of it a good many times since, how much better things +turned out for me than if I had had my own way. Too bad he had to +go so young! We need such men. I wish we had a few like him on +the Home Board." He turned toward his companion with a rueful +smile. "I am rather glad that happened down at the Home to-day. +It has given me a little personal experience with the Dragon that +may be convenient to have." He smiled again at her, that kindly, +whimsical little smile that so well became him. + +She smiled, too, and then, when he had turned back, she frowned. +She wished he wouldn't smile that way--to her. He should keep such +smiles for his fiancee. + +"By the way," she began, "how is Miss Puddicombe? I haven't seen +her lately." + +"She is very well, much better than she was during the summer. She +is in New York at present, visiting her aunt for a fortnight." + +Ah, that was why he was able to take her to ride! She wondered if +she ought to offer her congratulations, but finally decided to keep +silent. S he was not supposed to know of his engagement. + +The road wound up through a maze of yellow. Tall trees on either +side sifted their gold down upon the travelers. Juanita Sterling +caught a leaf in her hand and held it. + +"How beautiful it is!" she said, and drew a deep breath. + +The man turned to look at her trophy. "Oh, no! I mean the way," +she explained. "It is strange, but it makes me think of heaven." + +"The streets of gold?" he smiled. + +"M--no," she replied doubtfully. "I can't quite tell myself; but I +think it is the peace and the glory of it--the spirit of the place." + +His eyes were on her face, and the car bumped over a stone. + +"There! That's because I was looking at you!" he laughed. "A +motorman shouldn't gaze at a princess." + +She gave a little gurgling laugh; then she grew grave again. + +"What do you say," he asked abruptly, "to keeping on over the +mountain to Bryston and have dinner?" + +Her heart gave a joyful leap, yet she answered quietly, "I am +afraid--I'd better not." + +"Oh, yes," he urged, "let's keep on! I am selfish, I know; but I'd +rather eat dinner with you than to eat it at home alone, and I'm +sure that Squirrel Inn will give you a more appetizing meal than +the Dragon will furnish." + +"I dare say," she responded. "What a bewitching name for an inn! +Is it as captivating as it sounds?" + +"More," he smiled. "It is the inn that has made Belgian hare +famous." + +She laughed softly, and he speeded the car. + +"I took Mrs. Puddicombe up there one day, and she has raved about +it ever since. The house itself is very old, with little windows +and a gambrel roof, and a well-sweep in the rear. They say, half +of the garret is given over to the squirrels." + +"What a delightful place! I shall love it, I know!" Inwardly, +however, she amended, "Maybe I shan't!" thinking of Mrs. Puddicombe. + +But once seated at the quaint little table, in the old high-backed +chair, eating what tasted better than the best chicken that ever +went into an oven, Juanita Sterling forgot Mrs. Puddicombe and her +daughter Blanche, and smiled upon everything. + +"I am having more dinners to-day than my share," she observed over +the pumpkin pie and cheese. "We have ours at twelve, you know." + +"What did you have?" + +"Codfish balls and pickles and stale bread and butter." + +"No dessert?" + +"No," she laughed; "that was cut out months ago." + +He shook his head gravely. "I didn't suppose it was as bad as that." + +"This makes up," she said gayly. + +It was a leisurely meal; and when it had come to an end the memory +of it was not the least of its delights. + +The air had cooled decidedly, and meeting the stiff breeze Juanita +Sterling shivered. She turned up her coat collar about her neck. + +"Are you cold?" he questioned. + +"Not much. I shall get used to it in a minute. It was pretty warm +in there." + +He stopped the car and jumped out. "There are some light-weight +robes somewhere," he said. + +"Don't bother!" she protested. "I rarely take cold." + +But he continued his search. + +"There!" he said, putting it around her shoulders, "isn't that +better?" + +"Delightful! Thank you!" It was cozily warm and comfortable. + +She drew a deep, happy breath. The car skimmed along as if on +wings. She could meet the wind with pleasure now. The stars +twinkled down their glad greeting. Probably she would never see +the like of this again. But to-night it was hers! It should not +be spoiled by Blanche Puddicombe! She let her enjoyment have its +way and talked and laughed freely. + +"How can you keep so cheerful in the Dragon's prison?" Nelson +Randolph asked at length. "I should think all of you would have +been dead from gloom before this time." + +"Polly Dudley has done a great deal toward keeping us up, and we +have several very bright ladies there. Mrs. Albright and Miss +Crilly would make a dungeon sunshiny." + +"Happy companionship is everything," he assented. "That is what I +am denied. My home is about the most desolate place on earth!" + +"It looks delightful from the outside." + +"Oh, the house is well enough! But what is the good of a house +with nobody to speak to! I stay at the club evening after evening, +because I dread to go back to that lonely place I call home." He +spoke drearily. After a moment he went on. "I started out this +afternoon with a good deal of hope; but you have thrown most of it +to the winds!" + +"I? Why, Mr. Randolph!" She gazed at him in surprise. + +"Impolite," he nodded, with an apologetic smile. "But, Miss +Sterling, you know that I love you! You must have known it all +summer! And you try to be friendly--that's all! You didn't want +to go to Bryston, and I was selfish enough to keep on! I suppose +it is too much to expect, that you will care for an old fellow like +me; but--oh, Miss Sterling! can't you?" + +For a moment memory was swept away in the flood of astonishment and +joy that overwhelmed her. Then, like a menace, the haughty girl of +the sheep pasture loomed before her. + +"Oh! no! no!" she gasped. "Why do you say such things to +me?--_you_--engaged to Blanche Puddicombe!" + +"O-h!"--It held a note of exultation. "Has that absurd story +reached you? Miss Sterling, there is not an atom of truth in it!" +The words tumbled from his lips. "Mrs. Puddicombe's grandmother +and my grandfather were sister and brother. The families have +always been friendly. Last summer Blanche was in such wretched +health that her mother wanted me to take her to ride as often as I +could. So whenever I went off on business I would carry Blanche +along. That is all there is to it!" + +They were moving slowly now. A great car came honking up behind, +roared past, and became a red star in the distance. Another +flashed out ahead, glared down upon them, and whizzed by. Nelson +Randolph spoke again. + +"Have you no hope for me?" + +"Oh, yes!" It barely rose through the purring of the car. + +His right hand left the wheel and closed over the two little +gray-gloved ones folded so quietly. + +"You shall never regret it!" he promised. "I will try to make you +forget this year of misery." + +The talk ran on. As they passed through th6 outskirts of Fair +Harbor, he said:-- + +"I expect to go to New York to-morrow morning on the 6.30 train. +If I can get through my business in time I shall come back in the +evening; but I am afraid it will be too late for a ride. That will +have to wait until Thursday. I don't know how I am going to +communicate with you. I cannot bear to leave you without any means +of letting me know if you are in trouble." + +"I don't think there will be any trouble," she said contentedly. + +"There might be. How would it do for me to tell the Dragon that +you belong to me and that you are to be free to go and come as you +please or to use the telephone whenever you like?" + +"Oh, don't!" A note of fear was in her voice. + +"You had better lock your door at night, then. There is a key?" + +"Yes, but it is subject to rules." + +"Ignore rules and lock the door! Dragons are not to be trusted. +And remember, if there should be any trouble whatever, call me at +once,--in some way,--and I will drop everything and come." + +"Thank you! You are so good!" + +He laughed softly. "Good to myself!" + +They sped along Edgewood Avenue, and the car stopped in the shadow +of a great maple. Miss Sterling threw off her borrowed wrap. + +He stepped to the ground and put out his arms. What could she do +but walk into them! + +"I will go in with you," he said, as he set her gently down. + +Her face was still aflame with his kisses when they entered the big +door together. + +Miss Sniffen met them in the hall. + +"You are late," she said with a half smile. "Have you had an +accident?" + +"Oh, no!" Nelson Randolph answered. "We went up to Bryston to +dinner, that is all. Miss Sterling thought she had better return +home early, but I coaxed her to keep on and find out how Belgian +hare tasted." He laughed lightly and said good-night. + +Miss Sterling's foot was on the stair when the superintendent +arrested her. + +"You are too late for chapel," she said severely. + +"I was afraid I would be," was the reply. + +"This must not occur again. Do you know that Mr. Randolph is to +marry Miss Puddicombe?" + +"I heard so," she smiled. + +"The wedding-day is set!" + +"So I was told." + +"Did he tell you?" + +"Oh, no! I heard it a good while ago." + +Miss Sniffen looked a little disappointed and turned down the hall. + +Juanita Sterling closed the door of her room, struck a light, and +threw her hat and coat across a chair. + +On a small table a twin frame held photographs of a man and a woman. + +She took it in both hands. + +"Father, mother,--dears! do you know that your 'little girl' is +happy?--happier than she has been since you went away?" + +The last words broke in a sob; but the eyes that looked up into +hers were smiling. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIV + +A MIDNIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT + +JUANITA STERLING was forced to hear much bantering in regard to her +prolonged ride with the Home president; but she received it with +the utmost good humor. Not even to Mrs. Albright did she hint of +the happiness that had come to her. It would be known soon enough; +to-day the joy was hers and hers alone. + +"What would Blanche Puddicombe have said to see you go gallivant'n' +off to Bryston with her lover!" cried Miss Crilly. "I wish she +could have, I just wish she could have! 'T would have been a +picnic, sure! Are you goin' again, Miss Sterling?" + +Juanita Sterling laughed, her cheeks coloring prettily. "He didn't +ask me to go to-day." + +"Too bad!" cried the tease. "But she blushes, so I guess she'll go +when he does ask her." + +"Perhaps she's trying to cut out Miss Puddicombe," suggested Miss +Major. + +"She hasn't told us a thing he said to her," winked Miss Mullaly. +"They had time for lots of love scenes all those long miles'" + +"An auto isn't the best place in the world for love-makin'," +giggled Miss Crilly. + +"Now you stop bothering her!" cried Mrs. Albright. "We'd every one +of us give our eye-teeth for such a ride with the president, and +you know it!" + +"My! I guess we would!" Miss Crilly performed a pirouette. "I'd +run my feet off to get into the car!" + +"Well, what did you talk about?" queried Miss Mullaly coaxingly. + +"Yes, we want to hear," urged Miss Crilly; "so when we go with him +we shall know what to say." + +"No danger of your not knowing what to say!" laughed Miss Major. + +"Some of the time we talked about Belgian hare," answered Miss +Sterling demurely. + +"Belgian hare!" grinned Miss Crilly. "I bet you didn't talk five +or six hours about Belgian hare!" + +Juanita Sterling chuckled gayly. "He asked what I had for dinner +yesterday, and I told him'" + +"Honest?" gasped Miss Mullaly. + +"Yes," nodded the other. + +"What did he say?" + +"I don't remember just what; but he was surprised." + +"I guess he was! I hope it will set him to thinking." + +"Well, if I stay here fooling away all the forenoon, I shan't get a +credit mark for having my bed made early!" And Miss Crilly tripped +off. + +The rest soon scattered, and Miss Sterling was left alone to dream +over her joy and to wonder what her friends would say when the +truth came out. + +In the afternoon she called at Dr. Dudley's, and was disappointed +not to find Polly. The day was cold, with a raw wind, very unlike +the day before; so after a short walk she returned home. + +Mrs. Albright met her in the upper hall. + +"Miss Crilly is sick," she said anxiously. "She is in terrible +pain, and nothing relieves her. She wants Dr. Dudley; but Miss +Sniffen says it is not necessary. I don't know what to do!" + +"Sh!" Miss Sterling held her answer to listen. "I thought I heard +a footstep," she whispered. "Is Miss Sniffen downstairs?" + +"She went down. I don't care if she does hear me! I'm getting +desperate." + +"She ought to have a doctor," Miss Sterling said, with wrinkled +forehead. "I wonder if I can be of any use--I'll come right up." + +The combined resources of the two were of no avail. Miss Crilly +grew worse, + +"I shall die--I know I shall!--just as poor Miss Twining is going +to!" wailed the sufferer. + +"No, you won't!" returned Mrs. Albright. "You haven't any heart +trouble." + +"I've got something!" insisted Miss Crilly, writhing with pain. + +Miss Sniffen appeared at the door with a bowl of steaming water and +a bundle of cloths. "I'm going to put these on," she announced +briskly. + +"I tried hot water first thing," said Mrs. Albright. "It didn't do +any good." + +The superintendent gave no response. She was busy administering +the remedy. + +"Don't make such a fuss!" she reprimanded. "Pain never killed +anybody yet." + +"You'd better go back to your room, Miss Sterling," she turned to +say. "No need of your staying here." + +There did not seem to be, and the request was obeyed without reply. + +Later Mrs. Albright came upstairs to say that Miss Crilly was a +little easier. "I think she's going to get on now," she concluded. + +"I hope so," was the reply; "but call me if she should grow worse." + +"Yes, I will,--though you couldn't do any good," she amended. + +"I could get a doctor for her." + +"I don't see how!" Mrs. Albright gazed questioningly into the +steady gray eyes. This was a new Miss Sterling. "You can't do +anything with Miss Sniffen." + +"There are other people in the world besides Miss Sniffen. If she +needs a doctor she shall have one. So let me know if the pain +comes on again." + +Miss Sterling had been abed an hour or more when she was awakened +by a gentle rap. + +Mrs. Albright softly opened the door. + +"She's worse than ever; but Miss Sniffen won't hear to calling the +doctor. She says if she isn't any better in the morning she will +send for him; but Miss Crilly insists that she can't live till +morning in such agony. Miss Sniffen thinks she is scared to death, +and of course fear doesn't help matters. But she does need a +doctor--I know that!" + +Miss Sterling began to dress. "Where is Miss Sniffen now?" + +"She went downstairs." + +"I will keep watch till she gets still, then I'll go down." + +"What can you do?" + +"I'm going for Dr. Dudley." + +"Suppose she sees you?" + +"I know how to run!" + +"She might catch you!" + +"She shan't!" + +"I'm afraid to let you try it." She lingered irresolute. + +"You needn't. I'll let myself! Go back to Miss Crilly, and tell +her to keep up courage a little longer and I'll have Dr. Dudley +here as soon as I can." + +She put on her softest slippers and crept carefully down the +stairs. All was dark. Not a sound came to her keen ears. She +crossed the hall and reached the heavy front door. Cautiously she +passed her hand from lock to lock--something squeaked! She +frowned, and hastily slid the last bolt--A light flared behind her! + +"What are you doing?--Miss Sterling!" Miss Sniffen came quickly +towards her. + +"I am going for the doctor!" She was out the door. + +Miss Sniffen was almost as quick. "Come back!" she cried. "Come +back this minute!" + +Juanita Sterling was on the long flight of granite steps, so was +Miss Sniffen. The lithe little figure ran swiftly along the walk +to the street; the pursuer was close behind. The feet ahead seemed +heavy and slow; the steps that followed came nearer, nearer! Miss +Sterling could almost feel the big hand upon her shoulder! Her +heart beat suffocatingly, her ears thundered defeat, she must drop +or die! Then she thought of Nelson Randolph and grew strong! She +bounded forward--she was nearly there! No, she was only passing +the corner! On, on, on! She reached the gate, bumped against it, +sped along the walk, stumbled up the steps, and pushed the bell +button--not until then did she venture a backward glance. + +A tall figure was walking slowly, very slowly up the street! + +"Out--of--breath!" she said softly, with a chuckle that was half a +sob. + +A light flashed inside, and Mrs. Dudley opened the door. + +"Why, Miss Sterling!" + +"Is--Doctor--home?" she puffed. + +"No, he isn't. He's out of town. Come in! Somebody sick?" + +Mrs. Dudley put her into an easy-chair, felt her pulse, smiled in +happy assurance, and waited for the story. + +Before it was finished, Polly peeped in. + +"I thought it was your voice! What _is_ the matter, Miss Nita?" +She drew up a chair and sat down, folding her crimson robe about +her. + +Part of the tale was hurriedly retold. + +"Doctor may come on the 11.55 train; if not, he can't get here +before one o'clock." + +"And Dr. Vera is watching with Dorothy!" cried Polly. + +"So I told her," said Mrs. Dudley. "Dorothy is a very sick child; +he cannot leave her. I would go over if I thought I could do any +good." + +"I'm afraid Miss Sniffen wouldn't let us in." returned Miss +Sterling. "I think I'd better call up Mr. Randolph. He said to do +it if--there was any trouble." Her face rivaled in color Polly's +robe. + +The young girl's eyes widened. + +"When did he--" she began; but her mother interrupted. + +"Yes, by all means, telephone!" + +Miss Sterling darted into the next room, while Polly sprang to turn +on the light. + +"Hallo! Is it Mr. Randolph?" came to Polly's ears. "Juanita +Sterling is talking. I am at Dr. Dudley's. Miss Crilly is very +sick, and I came over for the Doctor; but he is out of town. Can +you come up? Yes. Yes. Good-bye!--He says he will be here in +less than ten minutes." She returned to the chair she had left, and +Polly cuddled down beside her, while Mrs. Dudley went to put her +dress in better order. + +"I'll stay till he comes," said Polly comfortably. "Then I can run +and leave you to let him in--you won't mind, will you? Do tell me +more about that race, Miss Nita. Oh, don't I wish I had seen it!" + +She laughed over the superintendent's probable discomfiture, and +lamented Miss Crilly's illness. + +"It is too bad father isn't at home," she said musingly; "but, oh. +Miss Nita! what made you think of calling up Mr. Randolph? When +did he tell you any such thing?" + +"I went to ride with him yesterday," was the quiet answer. + +"You did! Wasn't that lovely! Where did you go?" + +"Over to Bryston. We took dinner at Squirrel Inn." + +"Oh, my!" chuckled Polly. "What will Blanche Puddicombe say?" + +"I don't care what she says. Polly, he is not engaged lo her." + +"He isn't? Oh, I am so glad, I don't know what to do! I didn't +want him to be engaged one bit!" + +"I didn't say he wasn't engaged," returned the other demurely. "I +only said he was not engaged to Miss Puddicombe." + +Polly's face fell. "Oh, dear!" she cried in a vexed tone, "I never +thought of his being engaged to anybody else! Who is it?--I don't +know that I care, but I may as well know!" Polly looked cross. + +Miss Sterling laughed softly. "What a little fire-box you are!" +she said. + +"Oh, yes, laugh!" pouted Polly. "Of course, you don't care, +because you don't like him as I do; but I think it is mean for him +to be engaged--just when I was so glad he wasn't! You haven't told +me who it is yet--anybody I know?" + +"Yes." + +"Somebody here in town, then?" + +"Yes, right here." + +"I don't see who it can be. I never saw him riding with anybody +but Blanche Puddicombe. Why don't you tell me?" cried Polly +impatiently. + +"I said she was right here." The little woman in gray sat very +still. Her eyes were following the pattern of the rug. Her cheeks +grew red and redder. + +"Why, I don't see--" began Polly. Then she started forward. "Oh, +Miss Nita! you don't mean--" + +Juanita Sterling met the bright eyes, and nodded smilingly. + +"Oh, Miss Nita! Miss Nita!"--Polly squeezed her friend's arm in +ecstasy--"I can't believe it! It's too lovely for anything! I +want to hop right over the moon! How did he say it, Miss Nita? Do +tell me how he said it! I've always wanted to know how they said +it, and mother won't tell me, and father won't, and unless you do I +never shall know!" + +"You--with a lover like David!" laughed the other. + +"Oh, well, David's only a boy! Please--there's his car! It's +turning round!" She started and her eyes fell upon the clock. +"Just after midnight! I didn't notice its striking. Good-morning, +Miss Nita! How funny it will seem to say Mrs. Randolph!" + +"Polly!" the other expostulated. + +Polly laughed and flung her arms round Miss Sterling's neck. +"Remember! I'm not going to let you off! You must tell me how he +said it!" + +"Charmingly, Polly, charmingly!" + +"No, that won't do!--There's the bell!" And the crimson-robed +little figure fled. + +Juanita Sterling had wondered what she would say when they met the +next time. How different this was from her dream! + +Nelson Randolph took her hand in a warm clasp. "I am glad you let +me come," he said. + +Briefly she explained the situation. + +"Better call Dr. Temple." + +"I thought of him, but I didn't like to take any more +responsibility." + +"Where is the telephone?" + +She led the way and made a light. + +"Yes, it's Randolph," she heard him say. "I am at Dr. Dudley's. +He is out of town. A woman at the Home is very sick. Can you come +up? Yes, I will wait here and go over with you." + +He settled himself in a big rocker, and regarded her smilingly. + +"So the Princess had a race with the Dragon! That is more than I +anticipated. Was she frightened?" + +Miss Sterling blushed. "Not much--a little," she admitted. +"Once--for a long minute--I was afraid the 'Dragon' was going to +catch me!" + +"But she didn't! I am proud of you!" He grasped the hand that +rested on the arm of her chair. + +She pulled away and ran across the room. "I'm going to sit here!" +she announced, smiling to him. To hold her hand that way--when at +any moment Mrs. Dudley might appear! + +He surveyed her with amusement. "Was that an unforgivable sin?" he +twinkled. + +"M--no," demurely. "The Doctor may come." + +"He won't come in at the window," he laughed. "Don't you think you +are a little unkind, when I have been so far away all day and +haven't had a glimpse of you since last night?" + +"You can see me just as well over here. There have been other days +when you have not seen me." A mischievous light gleamed in her +eyes. + +"It wasn't my fault," he smiled. "I tried pretty hard to see you!" + +She went back, blushing like a school-girl. + +"Thank you! I'll be good! I can't realize that you are coming to +make my lonely home such a place of delight!" + +She could not look up to meet the eyes that she knew were dwelling +upon her. + +"I want to take you over there to-morrow," he went on. "There are +a few changes I propose making, and you may like to suggest some on +your own account. You can have it any way you please." + +She glanced up now, her cheeks still aflame, her face flooded with +joy. + +"I shall like to go," she said; "but I think I'll leave the changes +to you. The outside looks beautiful to me just as it is. The wide +lawn on the south side, with the background of evergreens, is +magnificent!" + +"I am glad you like that. I never tire of it. So you don't want +me to trim the trees up--as some folks advise?" + +"O-h!" she gasped. "The effect would be ruined!" + +He smiled. "I might have done it to please you, but I think I'd +have argued a little first." + +"I should have argued more than a little if you had suggested it," +she laughed. + +"I am going to build out a big veranda from the dining-room, put in +windows for the winter, and then give them over to screens through +the summer." + +He paused to listen. "Dr. Temple, I presume," as a car whizzed up +and stopped. He went to the door, while Miss Sterling threw on her +coat. + +Mrs. Dudley joined them, and the four proceeded to the Home. + +The superintendent opened the door to them, smiling a little when +she saw Nelson Randolph. + +"There is probably no real need of routing people from their beds +at this hour," she said; "but, of course, we wish to do all we can +when any one is suffering. The patient will be glad to see you," +she added, addressing the Doctor. + +The physician was swift in his diagnosis. "It is a case that calls +for quick work," he told Mrs. Dudley. "There must be an operation +at once. You think your husband will be here on the 1.03 express?" + +"I feel sure of it." + +"Then we will wait for him." + +"She can be taken over to the hospital now;--we need not wait for +that." + +Mrs. Dudley returned home to make the needful preparations, and +Juanita Sterling went to encourage Miss Crilly for the coming +ordeal. + +The patient was tearful, but brave. + +"Probably I never shall come back," she said; "but you are awful +good to try to save me, Miss Sterling! I'd like to live long +enough to show you how much I appreciate it." + +"Nonsense, that wasn't anything! And of course you're coming back! +Dr. Temple says you have every chance in your favor if it's done +right away. He thinks you are in splendid condition. Now don't +you worry a single minute!" + +"I'll try not to! I wish I were as brave as you. I'd never have +dared to go--with her chasin' me! My! I wish I could have seen +you two leggin' it!" + +Miss Sterling laughed. "That is what Polly wished. But as for my +being brave, Miss Crilly, I'm afraid I'm not. I am going to tell +you my big secret--I have told only Polly yet; but maybe it will +give you something to think of,--I expect to marry Mr. Randolph!" + +"O-h, Miss Sterling! Oh, my! Isn't that perfectly beautiful! +Well, you have given me something to think of! Why, I 'most forgot +already what's comin'! And I'm going to keep thinking of it hard, +so's I won't worry! The idea of your marryin' the president! I +do' know's I wonder you weren't scared o' Miss Sniffen! And to +think how I jollied you only this morning--about him! Why, I never +thought of such a thing!" + +"Of course not! But it didn't trouble me." + +"It didn't--really?" + +"No, I quite enjoyed it!" + +"You're awful good to say so! But what about Miss Puddicombe? I +thought he was--" + +"No, he wasn't. It was a mistake. They're cousins, distant +cousins, that's all." + +"Well, well, isn't that funny! And I'm so glad for you that I +don't know what to do!--O-h! my! that was a pretty big pain! But I +can bear it better now--will you kiss me once, just once, Miss +Sterling?" + +She bent and kissed her, and smiled cheerily. + +"What's that! I guess they're after me! Oh, if I don't come back--" + +"But you are coming back!" + +"Maybe--but if I shouldn't, remember I'll always love you for what +you've done for me!" + +The patient was wrapped up quickly by one of the hospital nurses, +and two orderlies bore her away. She was still smiling. + +Juanita Sterling stood watching her out of sight, when a light step +close behind made her start. + +"Did I frighten you?" smiled Mrs. Albright. "It's about Miss +Twining--Has Dr. Temple gone?" + +"He was in the hall talking with Mr. Randolph. I'll see." + +She ran down a few steps, and then back again. + +"They're there still. Is she worse?" + +"I don't know. She heard the commotion and after they'd gone +called me in. She got nervous, lying there and imagining +everything. I wish the Doctor could see her. Should you dare ask?" + +"Yes--" She was on the stairs. + +Nelson Randolph saw her coming and put out his hand. But he +dropped hers suddenly, as his fingers touched it. + +The sparkles of amusement were still in her eyes when she told her +errand. + +Dr. Temple looked at his watch. + +"Time enough?" inquired the president. + +"Plenty." + +Mr. Randolph approached the superintendent who was busying herself +at her desk. + +In a moment he returned. "Mrs. Nobbs will go up with you," he said. + +Juanita Sterling did not wait; she hastened upstairs to insure Mrs. +Albright's safe exit from the corner room. + +The door was left partly open as Mrs. Nobbs and the physician +entered, and the two in the opposite apartment moved out of range. + +The low voices of doctor and patient did not carry beyond the +corridor; but at a step Miss Sterling bent forward. + +Dr. Temple was taking an instrument from his bag. + +"Stethoscope," she whispered. + +For several minutes no sound came from the sick-room. The +listeners breathed anxiously. + +"Good as anybody's!" The tone was emphatic. + +Miss Sterling caught Mrs. Albright's hand in a rapturous squeeze. + +"Do you mean--no heart disease?" Miss Twining's soft voice was +shrilled with incredulous joy. + +They could not catch the reply; but they smiled to each other in +delight. + +Shortly Mrs. Nobbs and the Doctor went downstairs, leaving the door +free. + +The others hurried across. + +Miss Twining was tearfully excited. "Oh! did you hear? He says +my heart is all right, and in the morning I can go down to +breakfast! He'll insure my living to be a hundred years old--as if +I ever would!" She laughed quiveringly. "Those pink tablets I'm +to take after meals, and the brown ones if I should feel bad--I +never shall again! I believe it is two hours apart--you see! He +says it is just a little nervous breakdown--There isn't any anodyne +in them! Oh, I'm so glad you called him!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXXV + +A NEW WIRE + +Early the next morning Juanita Sterling was awakened by a heavy +thud. Where was it? It came again. She sprang out of bed, threw a +robe around her, and ran over to the window. + +Some distance below appeared a grinning face. A man was coming up +a ladder. + +"Don't be scared, ma'am! I'm only going to put on the loop. Isn't +this the room where the 'phone's to be?" + +"Why--I don't know," she hesitated. + +"It's to go in Miss Sterling's room." + +"Who ordered it?" + +"Nelson Randolph of the Paper Company." + +"Oh, yes!" she cried, "that's all right." + +"Where will you have it? On this side?" + +"I--guess so--" She looked around. "Yes, here'll be a good place." + +"All right, ma'am! Another man 'll be up to do the wiring. I'm +only putt'n' on the loop. Orders were to rush it through--that's +why I'm so early." He grinned. "Hope I haven't disturbed you, +ma'am." + +She assured him that she was not in the least disturbed. She drew +down the shades and turned back to the room. It was not yet six +o'clock. + +A telephone of her very own! Delightful possibilities loomed +before her through all her dressing. No more dreading of stormy +days when she would be shut in the house; no more fears to torture +her in the wakeful hours of the night. Help and protection would +be hers at call!--And she could talk with Polly! She wanted to +dance for very joy. And only two days ago her heart was aching! +She felt as if it would never ache again. + +At breakfast she heard many surmises regarding the strange noises +about the building, before the workmen on the L were there. She +decided to keep silent unless she were asked. It would be known +early enough. + +The electrician had come and gone, leaving on a table by the window +the little instrument which seemed to its happy possessor to be +almost alive. She stood looking at it and wondering how soon it +would be in working order, when Mrs. Albright came in. + +At once she saw the telephone, and stared in astonishment. + +Miss Sterling laughed. "No more midnight troubles!" + +"I am so surprised I don't know what to say." The visitor sat down. + +"It isn't usable yet," Miss Sterling told her. "The man said he +had to do some wiring in the cellar, make connections, and so on." + +"Won't it be lovely for you!" cried Mrs. Albright. + +"For all of us," amended the other. "I want the ladies to feel +that it belongs to them as well as to me, and to come and use it +whenever they wish." + +"That is good of you! I'm sure it is needed badly enough. Isn't it +nice that Miss Crilly is doing so well?" + +"Yes, I'm glad as can be! I felt she would come out all right, but +it is better to know it." + +"She owes her life to you. I never should have dared to brave Miss +Sniffen's anger, as you did." + +"I guess I shouldn't have dared, if I hadn't known there was +somebody ready to stand by me in case of need." + +"That must have helped. Miss Sterling, I couldn't keep from +hearing what you told Miss Crilly last night." + +"I supposed you would; in fact, I meant you should hear." + +"Well, I am so glad! You don't know how glad! Only I can't bear +the thought of losing you." + +"Don't begin to worry yet! I shall not go at present." + +"Well, I wish you all possible joy, and I feel sure you'll have +it--with such a good man. My married life was short,--only one +year,--but it was packed full of happiness. I have had the memory +of that all these years." + +"Was it sudden?" + +"Like that!" She snapped her fingers. "We were in New York--on a +pleasure trip!" She smiled sadly. "A runaway horse struck him +down--he was gone in an instant!" + +Tears sprang to the eyes of the listener. + +"Now I ought not to have told you!" Mrs. Albright said regretfully. + +"Yes, you ought! I am glad you did! I knew you had had sorrow; +but I didn't know just what it was." + +"Death isn't the worst thing that can happen," she smiled. "I try +to think only of the happiness I've had, instead of the rest. And, +my dear, I cannot wish you any greater joy than I had as long as +Jack was with me." + +"It must be good to have that to remember. Sometimes--" + +"Ting! ting! Ting! ting!" + +"Why!--I wonder--" Miss Sterling ran over to the telephone. + +"Hallo!" she called. + +"Good-morning, Juanita!" + +"Oh, Mr. Randolph! Good-morning!" + +"My name is Nelson." + +She laughed softly. "Good-morning--Nelson!" + +"Thank you! It is pleasant to hear you say it." + +"I didn't know the wire was usable yet." + +"I told them to call me up as soon as it was in working order." + +"It was such a surprise! I can't tell you what a joy it is to me!" + +"I couldn't think of a better way out of the difficulty." + +"It is the best of anything." + +"I shall feel safer about you. Are you alone?" + +"Yes, I am now. Mrs. Albright was here when you called; but I see +she has slipped away." + +"It is delightful to be able to talk with you at any time. You +cannot realize what you are to me!" + +She smiled into the mouth-piece. "You think, then, that a woman is +incapable of the same feeling?" + +"Oh, no, not incapable, but--I thought--that, perhaps--" + +"You think I don't feel quite as you do--is that it?" + +"Yes. I don't see how it is possible!" + +"I am glad you think it is my heart that's at fault, instead of my +brain." + +"No, no, not at fault! I can't explain here. I'll wait till I see +you." + +"Oh, let's finish it up right now! This is a private wire, isn't +it?" + +"Certainly." + +"We'll go ahead, then. What makes you think I don't feel as I +ought?" + +"I didn't say just that! You're all right, anyway!" + +"Thank you! But why do you think I don't feel as you feel?" + +"Well, in the first place, there is no reason why you should." + +"Isn't there? And in the second place?" + +"Why, you--you--weren't anxious to go to ride with me!" + +"How do you know? Miss Sniffen got the invitations, not I!" + +"I gave you one, face to face!" + +"0-h, up in the pasture!" + +"Yes. You offered no reason for your refusal." + +"I couldn't! I supposed that you were engaged to Miss Puddicombe." + +"And you were afraid she wouldn't like it?" + +"You are not a good guesser. I think I didn't consider her very +much," with a little laugh. + +"Then you thought I ought not to ask you?" + +"Don't ever enter a guessing contest--you wouldn't win!" + +"I suppose not," meekly. "Can't you help me out?" + +The red in her cheeks crept up to her hair, she frowned a little. +"I--I could not give you the real reason, Mr. Randolph, and I +didn't want to lie!" She ran ahead hurriedly. "I was trying to +forget, and--" + +"Wait a minute! A train is going through the cut, and I didn't +hear that last....Now go on, please." + +"I don't want to! It was bad enough to say it once!" + +"You need not repeat, then. Though I should like to hear." + +"I said--I--had been trying--" + +"Just a minute! Somebody is knocking." + +She sighed. She had a mind to run away--she hated the telephone! + +"Hallo!" + +No answer. + +"Princess, are you there?" + +"Yes," faintly. + +"Sorry I had to keep you waiting. Now I am all ears!" + +"I wish you weren't!" + +"Never mind, then! Let it go till I see you this afternoon." + +"Mercy! no!--I said--I--oh, I'm not going to tell you! You can +guess it out for yourself." + +"Perhaps I can't." + +"Never mind! You won't miss much. Good-bye!" + +"Wait a minute! Juanita!" + +"Yes." + +"I'll be there about three, but I'd better call you up before I +start. I'm sorry you won't tell me." + +"It doesn't need to be told. Anybody could guess!" + +"I can't see any clue." + +She laughed. "I'm the clue! Good-bye." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVI + +POLLY DUDLEY TO CHRISTOPHER MORROW + + _Saturday Morning,_ +Dear Chris,-- + +I have such an avalanche of news, I don't know where to begin. +First, I must thank you for your dear letter and the wild flowers. +They are lovely. We were immensely interested in hearing about +your school, it is all so different from ours. What do you think +father said, Chris Morrow! He put the sheets carefully back in the +envelope, and as he laid it on the table he exclaimed, "That boy is +a born letter-writer!" It ought to make you very proud, but I know +it won't. He never said that over a letter of mine! But I am not +jealous. I do wish you were here. I wish it every day. But I'm +glad you are so happy with your father, and that he has such a +splendid position. Now for my news! + +I ought to be dusting my room this very minute! My desk is so +dusty--it blew in last evening, I guess, when the window was open, +the dust, I mean--and it stares me in the face and makes me feel +guilty. I can't do as Mrs. Albright does when her room is dusty +and she doesn't feel like dusting. I went to see her one day, and +she was sitting by the window, smiling as usual. She said, "Don't +look around, dear, for I presume the dust is thick on everything. +I was too tired to dust after my walk, so I took off my glasses and +have been having a really beautiful time in spite of the dust." + + _Later._ + +There! I feel better. Everything is bright as new! Now I shan't +be in terror if the doorbell rings. + +I wonder what I'd better take first. I wrote you all about Miss +Crilly and what a time Miss Nita had getting a doctor. Miss Crilly +is back at the Home now, perfectly well, and you can't see her ten +minutes before she will get in something about Miss Nita's saving +her life. She did, too! Father says that if she had waited till +morning it would have been too late. Poor Miss Sniffen! I'm glad +she didn't have any more to answer for! Mr. Randolph put a private +wire up to Miss Sterling's room, and she felt fixed all right. It +was funny! If he'd waited till the next week he wouldn't have +needed to do it, though it was very nice for her as long as she was +there. Well, a week after the telephone was in, Mabel ran up to +Miss Major's room before she was up, frightened half to death. She +said, "Oh, Miss Major!"--woke her out of a sound sleep--"Miss +Sniffen has gone! And Mrs. Nobbs has gone! And Bridget has gone!" +Bridget was the cook. "How do you know?" Miss Major asked. +"'Cause they ain't anywhere!" Mabel cried. "We've looked all over, +Nellie and me! In Miss Sniffen's room and Mrs. Nobbs's room and +Bridget's room! They ain't anywhere at all!" Of course, that +roused the house, and everybody was running round half-dressed, and +they hunted everywhere, and they couldn't find a trace of the +three. Their trunks had disappeared and every vestige of their +belongings! The servants didn't know what to do, and they stood +around helpless, till Miss Major and Mrs. Albright went into the +kitchen and began to get breakfast. Miss Nita telephoned to Mr. +Randolph, and he came up and appointed Miss Major to have charge of +things till they could get new officers. In the middle of the +forenoon who should appear but Mrs. Dick!--Mrs. Tenney, I should +say. Her husband had died a month or so before, and she had tried +to get back into the Home, but Miss Sniffen wouldn't have her, and +she hadn't dared to apply to anybody else. As soon as she came in +and found out they'd gone, she took off her things and went right +into the kitchen to help. She started to make some bread; but the +flour was sour and wormy, and she wouldn't use it. So Mr. Randolph +sent up some new, and told her to order anything she needed. You +can imagine they had a good dinner! It was a first-class meal, +they all said, the best they had had in years. Miss Nita called me +up early, and I ran over before school. They were having a regular +jubilation,--as happy as a flock of kids! + +Now they've got a superintendent that is worthwhile! She is just +lovely! The matron is nice, too, so motherly. And what do you +think! They have a trained nurse--all the time--and they are going +to fix up an infirmary on the top floor, so those that are sick can +be quiet without the well ones having to be whist. Dr. Temple has +been appointed House Physician--oh, I tell you, things are mightily +changed at the Home! + +I think I wrote you about Miss Twining and her "resurrection." +That night when Dr. Temple contradicted so emphatically what Dr. +Gunnip had told her she says she felt as if she had been dead and +buried all those dreadful weeks and had come back to life. Miss +Crilly insists that if it hadn't been for Miss Twining's +"martyrdom" we never should have had "spunk" enough to go to Mr. +Randolph with our awful story. I guess she is right. That stirred +us up to do something. Miss Twining is pretty well now. She +writes nearly every day, and as she can sell as much as she likes +she earns a good deal. She told me once how she had always longed +to hear one of her poems read in church. Well, last Sunday Mr. +Parcell finished up his sermon with her "Peter the Great." It is +beautiful--I'll copy it for you some day. He repeated it +splendidly. I couldn't resist glancing over at Miss Twining--you +ought to have seen her! She looked just like a saint--or an angel! + +Have I told you how father all but scolded me for talking to the +minister in that way? He didn't like it a little bit! I shan't +dare to tell ministers what I think after this! But I do believe +it did Mr. Parcell good. He has been lovely to me ever since. He +isn't half so cold and top-lofty as he used to be. + +I'm getting down pretty near the weddings, I guess. We've had two! +They're celebrating birthdays now at the Home, and Mrs. Adlerfeld's +happened to be the first one. Miss Churchill had a lovely birthday +cake for her, and chrysanthemums. The table looked beautiful. But +little Mrs. Adlerfeld gave them a surprise. Of course, Miss +Churchill and the matron knew all about it, and Mrs. Albright and +Miss Nita and I; but the majority did not dream of such a thing. +At eight o'clock Mrs. Adlerfeld, who had slipped away to put on her +traveling dress, walked in on the arm of Mr. Von Dalin, and there +was a minister, and they were married! Colonel Gresham gave her +away, and we had such a nice time! She is living in New York. Oh, +she was so sweet! I wish you could have seen her. In speaking of +Mr. Von Dalin she said, "He is always a glad man. I could not +marry a man who was not glad." Isn't that dear? It was hard to +lose her. I am thankful Miss Nita didn't have to go away--I don't +know what I should have done! + +Now comes her wedding! It was so pretty, everybody said. I was in +it, so I couldn't tell so well. The chapel and all the rooms were +beautifully decorated with flowers, and the bride wore a simple +tailored suit of dark blue, hat and boots to match. They looked +splendid together, he is so tall and handsome and she is so slender +and pretty. You don't know how much prettier she is since she has +curled her hair! I always thought she would be. Almost all the +ladies went right to curling their hair as soon as Miss Sniffen had +skipped out, and it is a great improvement. Father gave away the +bride, and David was Mr. Randolph's best man. I was the maid of +honor. I felt as if I had been married myself. David said he +didn't, but he wished he had been. Doesn't that sound just like +him? He is the queerest boy! Do you know, he comes away up here +almost every morning, so as to walk down to school with me and cut +out Todd Wilmerding! He knows I don't care a rap for Todd, but he +hates to see him carrying my books! + +Miss Nita says I must call her simply "Nita" now, but it is hard to +change. Mr. Randolph sometimes calls her "Princess," and she +always smiles and blushes--I wonder why! "Princess" just fits her, +doesn't it? He declares he shall feel slighted if I don't call him +"Nelson"! As if I would--that dignified man! Nita insists that he +isn't dignified one bit, but I don't agree with her. Anyway, I +shan't leave off the "Mr." to-day! They were only gone a week. I +go over there nearly every day. The house has been altered a good +deal. A beautiful, big veranda, or addition, has been built off +the dining-room, sides all glass, and heated so that it can be used +in the coldest weather. I ate dinner there last week. Nita has +two servants, so she doesn't have to work hard. There is a new +music room, too, out of the hall, with a magnificent new piano in +it! Miss Nita enjoys that. Oh, I forgot to tell you that they are +going to have a piano at the Home! Mrs. Winslow Teed is delighted. +And they have new china for the table. Miss Churchill couldn't +stand that old heavy stuff, and the good had all been broken. You +wouldn't know the place. The ladies can go and come as they +please, making a note of where they are going, or not, just as they +choose. There are hardly any rules, and visitors are allowed every +afternoon between two o'clock and six. I guess Mr. Randolph means +to make up to them for all they have suffered through Miss Sniffen. +One thing I am glad of! The ladies have some new dresses! And +Mrs. Crump and Miss Castlevaine have new winter coats. They were +the worst dressed of anybody, as they had been there longest. And +I am almost gladdest of this,--each lady has five dollars a month +for spending money! They are expected to buy their own shoes and +stockings and gloves and neckwear and hats; but they'll have plenty +left for themselves. + +Mrs. Albright's birthday comes next week, and we are planning a big +time. But the cream of the birthdays comes next summer, when we +expect to celebrate June Holiday's birthday. It will be a grand +outdoor affair. Some of the ladies have chosen their parts +already. Everybody is to represent something in a June day, and +the children--trustees' and managers' children, you know--are going +to be butterflies and bumblebees. They want me to be Morning--in +light pink. Miss Crilly is going to be South Wind--won't she be +breezy? She hasn't quite decided about her costume, but it is to +be of some gauzy stuff. I think Miss Lily will be Blue Sky and +White Clouds. She will be sweet in blue and white. Then there are +going to be lots of flowers and birds and all sorts of characters. +I wish you could be here! Can't you come across? What do you +think Blue says he is going to be? A hop-toad! Isn't that like +him! If he does he'll carry it out so he'll keep everybody +laughing. There is Patricia coming! I must say good-bye in a +hurry. Loads of love from us all. + + Polly May Dudley. + +P.S. Patricia has just gone. She brought some news. Doodles is +going to be soprano soloist in the boy choir at Trinity Church! +Isn't that worth while! Of course, it is Mr. Randolph's doing. He +is one of the head men there, and what he says, goes. He thinks +Doodles's singing is about right. So Nita will hear him every +Sunday. Mother says you'll have to stay home from school the day +you read this, for there won't be time for anything else. More +love from + + Polly. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVII + +HOLLY AND MISTLETOE + +June Holiday Home awoke early on the 24th of December, for +everybody--which means fifteen of the residents--was going to spend +the day with Mrs. Randolph. "From directly after breakfast until +midnight," the invitation ran, and the president's car was to be at +the Home by eight o'clock. + +Such a profusion of curls and crimps, of new dresses and waists and +fichus, added to new shoes and hats and coats, would have shocked +the former superintendent of the Home; but Miss Churchill and Miss +Ely even offered their services in the putting on of frills and +furbelows, to the astonishment of those not yet grown familiar with +kindness. + +Mrs. Post, being unable to walk, had at first considered herself as +entirely out of the fun; but Mrs. Randolph won the enduring love of +that eldest member of the Home circle by saying that she should +send an extra man with the chauffeur, so that Mrs. Post might have +no fears regarding her trip from Edgewood Avenue to Courtney Street. + +The Randolph home looked a bower of Christmas greenery and blossoms +when the guests entered it that chill morning. + +"My! isn't it beautiful!" cried Miss Crilly, sniffing the pungent, +woodsy odors. "Smells like you were right there!" She grasped her +hostess by the shoulders. "Now, solemn true! Aren't you the +happiest mortal on earth?" + +Mrs. Randolph smiled, blushing a little, too. + +"I don't know how happy other people may be," she answered; "I only +hope that they are as happy as I am." + +"There! I knew it!" Miss Crilly exulted, as if she had just +disclosed a secret. + +The others laughed, the thin ice of conventionality was swept away, +and at once all were merry. + +"I think the new ladies wished they were coming when they heard us +talking about it," said Miss Mullaly. + +"They said they were invited to spend the day with relatives," +returned the hostess. + +"Yes, but they won't have half so good a time as we shall." Miss +Crilly wagged her head expectantly. "They'll just sit around stiff +and poky--most of them look as if they would. Isn't Polly coming, +Mis' Randolph?" + +"This evening." + +"Won't that be lovely! She always makes things fly!" + +During the forenoon the house was inspected from the quaint little +rooms under the eaves to the cold-storage apartment below ground. +Miss Crilly insisting that she wanted to see the head and the foot +of it; and no new mistress of her own home would have been human +not to be pleased with the praise that came from all lips, even +including Miss Castlevaine's and Mrs. Crump's. In fact, these two +fault-finders appeared to have been won over from their most +unpleasant habits by the changes at the Home, which went to prove +that Colonel Gresham was not wholly wrong. + +"The clouds are chiming in with the rest of the world," called Miss +Mullaly from the sunshine-room, just as the sun was setting. "Come +here, every one of you, and see this sky!" + +Informality was the watchword of the day, the guests having early +been given the freedom of the house, and Miss Mullaly had strayed +away from the others into the windowed room. + +"My sakes!" exclaimed Miss Crilly. "Isn't that a real Christmas +celebration!" + +After the first outburst, the little party watched the gorgeous +display almost in silence. + +"It is too grand for words," breathed Miss Major. + +Mrs. Randolph caught sight of Miss Twining's face, and it turned +her from the distant glory. She told Mrs. Albright afterwards that +she looked as if it were given her to see what was not visible to +the others--a glimpse of heaven itself. + +Mrs. Bonnyman broke the spell. + +"Let's go back before it fades," she suggested. And the majority +followed her into the firelit living-room. + +"You missed the lovely purple tints," Miss Mullaly told them, as +the remaining quartette filed back to join the rest. + +"We'd rather have the picture of that magnificent sky of mottled +crimson," declared Mrs. Grace. + +"Nothing could be finer than that," observed Mrs. Tenney. + +"Look out!" broke in a rich voice. "I shan't let you say there's +anything finer than this!" + +"Not even a sunset?" laughed Miss Crilly, as Nelson Randolph +appeared in the doorway, + +"A sunset is all right in its proper place," he smiled; "but when I +want to ornament a chandelier I prefer this." He held up a large +spray of mistletoe. "What do you think?" he challenged Miss Crilly. + +"I guess you've got me this time!" she laughed. + +"And I may get you again, my girl, before the evening is out!" He +shook a warning finger in her direction. + +"Dear me!" she cried, "I'm glad I came! To be called a 'girl'! I, +an old maid of--I won't tell how many 'summers'! Thank you, Mr. +Randolph!" + +"If all old maids were as young as you there wouldn't be any," he +responded gallantly. + +She laughed her blushing protest, while he went for a stepladder. + +The mistletoe, in its place of honor among the evergreens, brought +forth many expressions of admiration. + +The host surveyed it with satisfaction. + +"I think that's a pretty nice piece of mistletoe," he said slowly. +"It ought to be, I paid a good price for it. But I expect to get +my reward before midnight," he twinkled to the smiling company. + +"Don't be too sure, Mr. Randolph!" cautioned Miss Crilly. + +"I am an expert at this business," he announced gravely, "and all I +have to say is, Look out!" + +The ladies were still laughing when they sat down to dinner. +Luncheon had been in the sunshine-room, but dinner was served in +the dining-room, a big, beautiful apartment all in oak, with a fire +crackling at one end. The favors were knots of mistletoe and +holly, and a roasted goose held the place of honor upon the table. +All were in gayest holiday humor, from the mirthful host to quiet +Miss Leatherland, who came far enough out of her shy self to show +her friends that she possessed a goodly amount of fun and only +needed the opportune moment to display it. + +As the guests sauntered back to the living-room, they made a wide +detour, rather than risk crossing the space beneath the brilliant +chandelier with its innocent adornment. The host, after carefully +depositing the cripple in the easiest chair, smiled over to Miss +Crilly. + +"Too bad to cause you so many unnecessary steps!" he said. + +"My feet are not tired," she smiled back at him. + +"Then let's have a waltz!" he cried, coming up with outstretched +hands. + +"Too soon after dinner," she laughed. + +"No, it's a good time!" he twinkled gravely. + +She hesitated, considering him with doubt on her face. + +"Don't you trust him!" called Mrs. Randolph. "He is longing to +waltz you under the mistletoe!" + +He strode across to his wife. + +"How dare you blacken my reputation in the face of all these +ladies!" he cried sternly. + +She laughed up at him with fearless, roguish eyes. + +"Have I suggested anything that was not in your mind to do?" + +A burst of laughter assailed him, while he walked off +muttering,--quite audibly,--"These women! these women!" + +The jingling of sleighbells set the keener-eared of the guests to +listening. + +"Polly wouldn't come in a sleigh, would she?" queried one. + +"They're stopping here!" announced Miss Castlevaine from a front +window. "But it isn't Polly," she added, "it's--goodness!--it's +Santa Claus!" + +"Santa Claus!" echoed the roomful. And regardless of mistletoe, +there was a rush across to the windows, while Nelson Randolph went +to welcome his guests. + +In they came, the strange little party of six, and were presented +to the company as Santa Claus and Madam Santa Claus and four of the +little Santa Clauses. + +"Who can they be?" whispered Miss Mullaly to her neighbor. + +"More'n I know," returned Mrs. Crump. "I guess Polly's one of 'em, +but which!" + +Santa Claus was the same rotund, pudgy old fellow--with the long +white beard and the laughing face--that children love, and on his +broad back was the proverbial pack of presents. His wife, in fur +from head to foot, wore a frilled fur cap, and, safely hidden +behind her spectacled, rosy-cheeked mask, looked the veritable +mother of all the little Santa Clauses attributed to her. The +children stood silently by in their picturesque costumes, looking +round the room, as children will, while their father and mother +conversed with the host and hostess. + +Finally they were all seated, and Madam Santa Claus began in quite +a motherly way to talk about her children. + +"It's Polly Dudley," whispered Mrs. Tenney to Mrs. Prindle. "I +know her voice. And I'm pretty sure that little one is Doodles. +Don't they look funny?" + +They were all clad in red and white. The girls wore scarlet frocks +reaching almost to the floor, with short white fur coats, and caps +to match. The boys had long red trousers, and coats like those of +their sisters. As they looked around on the company they bore a +strong resemblance to their parents, with their rosy cheeks and +laughing lips. + +"I had to leave most of the children at home," the mother was +saying. "Lambkin is too young to come out such a cold night, so +Eagle stayed to take care of her; and at the very last minute +Monkey broke his arm, and of course Brother couldn't come without +his twin. It only served Monkey right, he's so careless--though +I'm not quite sure that it is Monkey! I never can tell those boys +apart." Mother Santa Claus wagged her head cheerfully. "Then, +Mousey and Deer have sore throats, and I thought the rest had +better stay and keep the sick ones company. They'll have a good +Christmas Eve all together, even if they are sick." + +"Please, can I take off my coat?" asked one of the girls, coming to +her mother's side. + +"Not yet, Starling. Sit down and be quiet!" + +"Your children have unusual names," twinkled the host gravely. + +"That's what people say," the mother returned. "But we simply name +them according to their characteristics. This one," nodding to the +girl who had just gone back to her seat, "we call Starling, because +she talks so much, and her sister there is Dove, because she is so +gentle. Squirrel is the nimblest of them all and he is never still +a minute. See him wiggling round now! This little one," reaching +out a hand to the smallest of the four, "is Lark. because he sings +so sweetly.--Can't you sing your new carol, dear?" + +So the youngest of the Santa Clauses stood up obediently and sung a +beautiful Christmas song about the Baby Christ. The applause was +long and insistent. + +"He'll sing again for you pretty soon," promised Mother Santa +Claus. "I think father is ready to distribute the presents now. +Come, children, run along and help him, and mind you all step +lively!" + +The rosy-cheeked Saint took up a big parcel, and read off, in a +clear voice, "Miss Katharine Crilly." + +Starling was nearest, and took the package; but Miss Crilly, a +little upset at being the owner of the first name called, jumped up +and hurried across the room for her present, unheedful of mistletoe +and the eyes that were watching her. Just inside the enchanted +circle, the sudden hush of the room gave her its warning. She +caught the eager glances directed beyond her, and turning her head +uttered a startled cry. Almost at the same instant an arm shot +toward her, missing its aim by scarce an inch. With one bound she +cleared the invisible line of danger, and, scudding straight past +Starling and her inviting parcel, stopped only at the detaining +hand of her laughing hostess. + +"Mercy sakes!" she cried, and her face rivaled in color the Santa +Claus reds, as she met the laughing eyes of her host. + +She came back with her parcel, much flurried and still scarlet of +face, while squeals of laughter and gay sallies rang about her. + +After that there was more heed, and the distribution of presents +went on without further hindrance. + +The big bag was empty at last, and Santa Claus exclaimed with a +sigh: "Oh, but it's hot! I say, let's get off some of this +toggery!" He slipped himself out of his fur coat, pulled off his +cap and his mask--and there was David Collins, smiling blithely to +the company! + +The others were quick in following his example, and Madam Santa +Claus stood revealed as laughing Polly, with Patricia, Leonora, +Blue, and Doodles clustered round her. + +Then there was plenty to say, many thanks to be given, and much +chatter and laughter. In the midst of it all, Nelson Randolph made +himself heard:-- + +"Ye men-folk, listen! I am glad to share my rewards with you, so +go ahead, David and Blue and Doodles, and obtain as much tribute as +possible under the mistletoe!" + +"How can you share what you haven't got and never had and don't +know as you ever will have?" laughed Miss Crilly. + +He turned toward the saucy speaker and shook his finger sternly. + +"Jilting me, and then taunting me of my failure! Katharine Crilly, +perhaps before midnight the slipper will be on the other foot!" + +This brought a hubbub of applause and merriment, and the ladies +backed away from the charmed circle and giggled and talked gayly +among themselves. + +But Christmas presents are bewitching things, and it was not long +before mistletoe was all forgotten in the beauties of fine +needlework, the mysteries of new stitches, and the attractions of +dainty knickknacks. David and Blue and Doodles succeeded in making +momentary captives of Mrs. Tenney, Mrs. Winslow Teed. and Miss +Lily, while Polly and Patricia were several times arrested on their +heedless ways across the room. + +Nelson Randolph seemed to have eyes only for Miss Crilly, although +once Polly almost walked into his hands. A short but exciting race +she led him before dodging behind Miss Mullaly's chair and asking +breathlessly if the mistletoe was all over the room. + +He halted and looked round on the laughing company. + +"My word of honor! I forgot!--Lady Polly, I humbly beg your +gracious pardon!" He bowed low. + +"Granted, Sir Rogue!" she replied, dropping a curtsy. + +Full of the spirit of mischief, Patricia slipped away to the piano. +And so the waltzing began. + +Of course, everybody knew what to expect from their "men-folk" +partners unless they were exceedingly wary, and only an occasional +couple whirled into the enchanted circle. + +Ice cream and cakes were succeeded by music and the singing of +carols, until somebody suggested that it was time to go home. + +The host took out his watch. + +"I shall not open the door for anybody yet," he declared. "Only +ten o'clock! Master Lark will give us another song!" + +But before the command had been obeyed, the telephone rang lustily. + +"Oh, is it!" Mrs. Randolph heard her husband say. "Thank you all, +and a Merry Christmas to every one of you!" + +When he returned he nodded smilingly to her, and then Doodles gave +a funny little sleepy song that none of the others had heard,--"The +Land of I-dunno-where." + +Afterwards came more carols, until Blue and Doodles had to hurry +away lest they miss the last car to Foxford. + +The all-day guests began to put on their wraps, word was sent to +bring up the car, and all was bustle and happy words and Merry +Christmases in abundance. Each guest carried a pretty basket +filled with gifts from the host and hostess, and it was nearly +eleven before the last load was off, with the sleighful of young +folks to keep it company. + +Nelson Randolph and his wife went silently back to the deserted +living-room. + +"Seems kind of lonely, doesn't it?" she said. + +"Not a bit!" he replied, leading her under the mistletoe and +claiming his reward. + +"They did have a good time," she said happily. + +"The best, I'll warrant, that they've had for a decade." He looked +down at his wife searchingly. + +"What is it?" she smiled. + +"You didn't care, did you?" + +"For what?" + +He tossed his head toward the branch above them. + +"No, indeed!" she replied. "Why should I?" + +"I didn't think you would," he said slowly; "but some women would +have had a fit!" + +"I wasn't built that way," she laughed. "I think I enjoyed it more +than any of the rest of you!" + +"My dearest wife!" he said gravely, while his lips found their +favorite spot where a curl strayed over her forehead,--"My dearest +wife!" + +She heard with almost a start. Did he realize his words, or was it +simply an impulsive phrase? A story had been told her once--but, +no, that did not belong to Christmas Eve! + +"It was all a happening," he went on. "I spied the mistletoe when +I was coming home, and it set me to wondering if it wouldn't help +out; so I brought it along. I wanted those dear women to have a +real Christmas merry-making, not a sham affair. Take such folks, +they'll generally sit around and talk, and laugh a little, and +think they are celebrating something. I wanted them to have a +young Christmas. And I didn't catch anybody after all," he ended, +a plaintive note in his voice. + +"You didn't try to catch anybody, did you?" she smiled. + +"What ever put such a thing into your head?" he demanded fiercely. + +She laughed. "I have seen you a few times before to-night." + +He frowned--then broke into a chuckle. + +"Bless you!" he said fervently. + +"Nelson Randolph!" she suddenly cried out, trying to break away +from him, "The windows! I forgot!" + +"What's the matter with them?" he twinkled. "They're all shut." + +"But the shades! They're up!--Nelson!" + +"What if they are?" he returned comfortably. + +"Somebody may look in!" + +He smilingly held her tight. "If any wanderer is abroad in this +cold, he ought to be rewarded with a picture of domestic bliss." + +"But if Mrs. Betts should be coming home late!--" + +"She'd probably be disappointed that it was only I, instead of some +other woman's husband." + +"Nelson, do let me go!...I think we might find easier seats," she +laughed, as she came back to him. + +He turned her toward the little mantel clock. It was two minutes +of twelve. + +"Almost Christmas morning!" she said softly. "I wonder if they'll +call us up to-night." + +"Hardly. We should have heard before. Everything was complete at +ten o'clock." + +"How surprised they were!" she mused smilingly. "I'm so glad you +did it for them." + +"I am glad you did it!" he amended. + +She started to reply, but he lifted a detaining finger. The city +hall clock was striking the hour. + +"My princess,"--his lips touched her own,--"I wish you the +joyfulest Christmas--" + +"Ting! ting! Ting! ti-i-ng!" broke in imperiously. + +"Go," he urged, loosing his clasp. + +"Oh, Mis' Randolph! is that you?" came in Miss Crilly's clear +voice. "We all wish you a merry, merry Christmas, and we thank you +more than we can ever tell if we live to be a hundred years old! +They piled into my room to wait till Christmas morning, for they +would have me do the talking, though I can't do it half so well as +some of the rest of 'em! Oh, you don't know how surprised we were! +We stood talking in my door. Mis' Albright and Miss Mullaly and +Miss Major and I, and I said, 'Come in and sit down!' So I struck +a light, and happened to glance this way! Well, I gave one scream, +and looked round to make sure where I was; and Miss Mullaly she +squealed out, 'How came that here?' Then I spun across the room +lively! And when I picked up your card with its dear little piece +of mistletoe--well, you could have knocked me down easy! We heard +little shouts and laughs all up and down, and Miss Major said, 'I +wonder--' and ran right off to her room quick. Then the others +caught on, and they went! I had to follow, of course, to see! And +when we found there was a 'phone in every room--we just didn't know +what to do! Why, if I wake up in the night I shall want to run +over here to feel of it, just to make sure it is true! To think of +your doing it for us!" + +"I didn't! It is Mr. Randolph you ought to be thanking, not me! +He--" + +There was a dash across the room and the receiver was caught from +her hand. + +"No, no! I had nothing to do with it! I only filled my wife's +order--that's all!" + +"Nelson Randolph!" she expostulated. "Let me have the telephone!" + +But he shook his head. "Thank you, Miss Crilly, on her behalf! +I'm mighty glad you like them. What's that? Oh, well, if she did, +I should be there beside her, thanking Him for giving me so good a +wife!" + +"What are you talking about? I want to know!" + +With a smile he relinquished the instrument. + +"I heard you say that! I told him that Miss Mullaly said you ought +to get down on your knees every day of your life and thank the Lord +for giving you such a good husband." + +"You can tell Miss Mullaly that is just what I do!" + +"My! I will. Isn't this fun, to be talking with you this +way!--and at midnight, too! Oh, why didn't I think of it when he +was there! Well, you thank him for us all! You ought to have +heard us gabble when we found those five-dollar gold pieces in our +baskets! It was lovely of him to do it! And those shoes you gave +me--did you crochet them yourself?" + +"Certainly." + +"All those stitches for me! They're beautiful! I've always wished +I had some of that kind. And--just think!--I shouldn't be here +to-night if it hadn't been for you! Oh, I couldn't thank you +enough if I should live to be a thousand years old! You'll be sure +and come to our tree, won't you?" + +"We will look in on you some time during the evening. We can run +away from the Dudleys' for a little while." + +"Well, I am so full of happiness I believe one drop more would make +my eyes spill over! I never thought I should chime in with Mis' +Puddicombe, but to-night I do! June Holiday Home _is_ the gate of +heaven--and all because of you and Polly!" + +THE END + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Polly and the Princess, by Emma C. Dowd + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11259 *** diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..32ba590 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #11259 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/11259) diff --git a/old/11259.txt b/old/11259.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..920403c --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11259.txt @@ -0,0 +1,10702 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Polly and the Princess, by Emma C. Dowd + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Polly and the Princess + +Author: Emma C. Dowd + +Release Date: February 24, 2004 [EBook #11259] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK POLLY AND THE PRINCESS *** + + + + +Produced by Al Haines + + + + +POLLY AND THE PRINCESS + +BY + +EMMA C. DOWD + +AUTHOR OF + +POLLY OF THE HOSPITAL STAFF. +POLLY OF LADY GAY COTTAGE. +DOODLES, ETC. + +ILLUSTRATED + + + +1917 + + + + +CONTENTS + + I. WAFFLES AND DEWLAPS + II. IN MISS MAJOR'S ROOM + III. POLLY ADDRESSES THE BOARD + IV. A JUNE HOLIDAY + V. MISS LILY AND DOODLES + VI. "BETTER THAN THE POORHOUSE" + VII. ROSES--AND THORNS + VIII. WAITING TO BE THANKED + IX. BLANCHE PUDDICOMBE + X. "GOOD-BYE, PUDDING" + XI. "SO MYSTERIOUS!" + XII. MRS. DICK ESCAPES + XIII. ALONG A BROOK-SIDE ROAD + XIV. POLLY PLANS + XV. "LOTS O' JOY" + XVI. THE HIKING CLUB + XVII. GRANDAUNT SUSIE AND MISS SNIFFEN + XVIII. VICTOR VON DALIN + XIX. A MOONSHINE PARTY + XX. THE PARTY ITSELF + XXI. TWO OF THEM + XXII. DANCING HIKERS + XXIII. "HILLTOP DAYS" + XXIV. "HOPE DEFERRED" + XXV. ALICE TWINING, MARTYR + XXVI. MR. PARCELL'S LESSON + XXVII. "I LOVE YOU, DAVID!" +XXVIII. A VISIT WITH MRS. TENNEY + XXIX. DISAPPOINTMENT + XXX. DOODLES SINGS + XXXI. SHUT OUT + XXXII. THE TALE IS TOLD +XXXIII. THE PRINCESS AND THE DRAGON + XXXIV. A MIDNIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT + XXXV. A NEW WIRE + XXXVI. POLLY DUDLEY TO CHRISTOPHER MORROW +XXXVII. HOLLY AND MISTLETOE + + + + +POLLY AND THE PRINCESS + +CHAPTER I + +WAFFLES AND DEWLAPS + +The June Holiday Home was one of those sumptuous stations where +indigent gentlewomen assemble to await the coming of the last train. + +Breakfast was always served precisely at seven o'clock, and certain +dishes appeared as regularly as the days. This was waffle morning +on the Home calendar; outside it was known as Thursday. + +The eyes of the "new lady" wandered beyond the dining-room and +followed a young girl, all in pink. + +"Who is that coming up the walk?" + +Fourteen faces turned toward the wide front window. + +Miss Castlevaine was quickest. Her answer did not halt the syrup +on its way to her plate. + +"That's Polly Dudley." + +"Oh! Dr. Dudley's daughter?" + +"Yes. She's come over to see Miss Sterling. They're very +intimate." + +"Miss Sterling?" mused Miss Mullaly, with a sweeping glance round +the table. "I don't believe I've seen her." + +"Yes, you have. She was down to tea last night. She had on a +light blue waist, and sat over at the end." + +"Oh, I remember now! She's little and sweet-looking. Somebody +told me she had nervous prostration. Too bad! She is so young and +pretty!" + +A tiny sneer fluttered from face to face, skipping one here and +there in its course. It ended in Miss Castlevaine's "Huh!" + +"I think Miss Sterling is real pretty!" Miss Crilly, from the +opposite side, beamed on the "new lady." + +"She has faded dreadfully," asserted Mrs. Crump. "They used to +call her handsome years ago, though she never was my style o' +beauty. But now--" She shook her head with hard emphasis. + +"She has been through a good deal," observed Mrs. Grace mildly. + +"No more'n I have!" was the retort. "If she'd stop thinking about +herself and eat like other folks, she'd be better." + +"Nervous prostration patients have to be careful about their diet, +don't they?" ventured Miss Mullaly. + +"She hasn't got it!" snapped Mrs. Crump. + +"She thinks she has." Miss Castlevaine's thick lips curved in a +smile of scorn. + +"If she can't digest things, it won't do her much good to eat +them," interposed Miss Major positively. "Nobody could digest +these waffles--they're slack this morning." + +Miss Castlevaine gave her plate a little push. "I wish I needn't +ever see another waffle," she fretted. + +"Oh!" exclaimed the "new lady," "I don't understand how anybody can +get tired of waffles!" + +"Nor I!" laughed Miss Mullaly's right-hand neighbor. "I shall have +to tell you about the time I went to Cousin Dorothy's wedding +luncheon. + +"I never had eaten waffles but once; that was at my aunt's. She +had gone to housekeeping directly after the wedding ceremony, and +was spoken of in the family as 'the bride.' I had been her first +guest, and, as she had treated me to waffles, I thought waffles and +brides always went together. So when I was included in the +invitation to Dorothy's wedding luncheon, my first thought was of +waffles. I said something about it to my brother, and Ralph was +just tease enough to lead me on. He told me that the table would +be piled with waffles, great stacks of them at every plate! Like a +little dunce I believed it all and went to that party anticipating +a blissful supply of waffles. In vain I looked up and down the +elegant table! I ate and ate, but never a waffle appeared! +Finally, when I could stand it no longer, I piped out, 'Cousin +Dorothy, please can I have my waffles now?' Of course, my mother +was dreadfully mortified, for some of the guests were strangers, +and very great people; but Dorothy took it as a mighty good joke, +and even after I was married she used to laugh about my 'w'awful' +disappointment. I've not gotten over my appetite for waffles +either! I believe I could eat and relish them three times a day." + +"You couldn't! Just wait till you've had 'em fifty-two times a +year, five years running--as I have!" Mrs. Crump's lips made a +straight line. + +"Mrs. Crump has kept tabs on her waffles," giggled Miss Crilly. +"How many does this morning make--five hundred and--?" + +"Sh!" nudged Mrs. Bonnyman at Miss Crilly's elbow. + +Two youngish women entered the room. They were the superintendent +and the matron. + +Upstairs, meanwhile, Miss Juanita Sterling; in bed, and Polly +Dudley, seated on the outside, were having a familiar talk. + +"I shouldn't think you'd want to die till God gave you something to +die of," Polly was saying wistfully. "I think He must want you to +live, or He would give you something to die of. Perhaps He has +some beautiful work for you to do and is waiting for you to get +well and do it." + +"Polly, I cannot work! And there is no lack of things for me to die +of!" Impatience crept into the sweet voice. "Being in prison is +bad enough even with good health; but to be sick, wretched--the +worst kind of sickness, because nobody understands!--and to grow +old, too, grow old fast--oh, I wish God would let me die!" The +little woman gave a sudden whirl and hid her face in the pillow. + +"Don't, Miss Nita!" Polly's voice was distressed. She stroked the +smooth, soft hair. "Don't cry! You're not old! You're not old a +bit! And you're going to be well--father says so!" + +"That won't take away the dewlap--oh!" cried Miss Sterling +fiercely, "I don't want a dewlap!" + +"Dewlap?" scowled Polly. "What's a dewlap?" + +"Polly! You know!" came from down among the feathers. + +"I don't!" Polly protested. "Is it some kind of--cancer?" + +"Cancer! Polly!" Miss Sterling laughed out. + +"Well, I don't know what it is." Polly laughed in sympathy. + +"Look here!" The little lady raised herself on her elbow and +lifted her chin. "See that!" + +Polly peered at the fair, pink skin. + +"What? I don't see anything." + +"Why, that! It's getting wabbly." Her slim forefinger pushed the +flesh back and forth. + +"Oh!" Polly's face brightened. "I remember! That's what +Grandaunt Susie called it! She said she used to have an awful +one--it hung 'way down. And she cured it! You'd never dream she +had one ever!" + +"Oh, yes, you can do away with such things if you have money--if +you can go to a beauty-doctor!" The tone was bitter. + +"No, she didn't!" hastened the eager voice. "She did it herself!" + +"Of course, if you have expensive creams and all the +paraphernalia--" + +"But she didn't--she said so! She just used olive oil!" + +"How old was she?" Miss Sterling inquired with a now-I-'ve-got-you +air. + +"She was seventy when she had the dewlap; now she's seventy-three +or four." + +"Polly Dudley! I don't believe it!" + +"Why, Miss Nita, I'm telling you the solemn truth!" + +"Yes, yes, child! I didn't mean you! But this Aunt Susie--" + +"Oh, she's just as honest! Why, she's mother's grandaunt, and +she's lovely! She was sick and couldn't do anything, and her hair +was thin and her cheeks hung down and she was all wrinkles and she +had the dewlap--she said she looked dreadful. Now you ought to see +her! She's perfectly well, and her hair is as thick, and it's +smooth and solid all under her chin, and her face is 'most as round +as mine!" + +"How did she work the miracle?" Miss Sterling's eyes twinkled. + +"Why, I guess by massage and exercises. She didn't take anything. +She did lots of stunts; she had piles of them for her legs and arms +and neck and face and feet and all over. She made up mighty funny +faces. You lie over this way, and I'll show you one. + +"First you must smile--just as hard as you can." Polly laughed to +see the prompt grin. "Now I'll put my hands so, and you must do +exactly as I tell you." Polly's little palms were pressed against +the other's cheeks, and she began a rotary motion. + +"Open your mouth--wide, and then shut it again--oh, keep on +smiling! And keep your mouth going all the time, while I do the +massaging." + +"Goodness!" Miss Sterling broke into a laugh. "I should think that +was a stunt! It ought to do something." She turned on the pillow +in another paroxysm of mirth. + +"But you made me stop too soon," objected Polly. "You ought to +open and shut your mouth twenty-five times. 'Most everything Aunt +Susie did twenty-five or fifty or a hundred times." + +"I don't wonder she got well! She'd have to if she didn't die. I +should laugh before I got through twenty-five times, I'm sure. +What's it for, anyhow?" + +"To make the cheeks plump up and not sag--oh, yours look so pink!" +Polly danced over to the dresser and back. + +The handglass showed a face of surprise. The thin, white cheeks +had taken on a soft rose tint and--yes, an extra fullness! + +"Queer!" Miss Sterling ejaculated. "I wouldn't have believed it!" + +"Oh, let's try it again! Then you get up and go to walk with +me--won't you?" + +"I can't, Polly! Wish I could! But I don't feel as if I could +even stand up. I suppose I shall have to go down to dinner. I +don't dare not." + +"Haven't you had any breakfast?" + +"No. Folks that can't get up don't need to eat." She laughed +sadly. "It's well I'm not hungry." + +"But you ought--" + +"Tap! tap!" + +The matron opened the door while Polly was on the way. + +"Mr. Randolph is at the other end of the building and will be here +presently to see about the new wing." + +Mrs. Nobbs was gone. + +"Nelson Randolph!" cried Miss Sterling. "Hand me my blue kimono, +Polly, quick! It's right there in the closet, by the door!" + +She swung her feet to the floor and caught up her stockings. + +"You going to get up?" + +"Of course! Hurry! I believe he's coming--no, he isn't! Oh, I +can get this on all right! You fix the bed! Never mind the +wrinkles--plump up the pillows! Yes, hang my clothes anywhere you +can find room. There! Does my hair look all right?" + +"Lovely! That kimono is very becoming." + +"Little flatterer!" + +By the time Nelson Randolph, president of the June Holiday Home, +appeared in the doorway, what he saw was a well-appointed bedroom, +a little blue-clad lady demurely reading a small volume, and Polly +hovering near. With a perfunctory good-morning to Miss Sterling, +and a genial handshake for Dr. Dudley's daughter, he passed with +Mrs. Nobbs to the southwest corner of the apartment. He took a +glance around the ceiling, a look from the window, and some +measurements with a foot-rule; then he walked briskly across the +room, nodded politely, and departed. + +"What a lovable man he is!" commented Polly, as the retreating +footsteps told of their safe distance. + +"Is he?" + +"Don't you know him?" Polly queried. + +"Not very well. Probably he doesn't remember me at all. He used +to come to the house occasionally to see father. That was before +he was married. I was only seventeen or eighteen." + +"I like to look at him, he is so handsome." Polly's head wagged +admiringly. "I guess he'd remember you all right, only he doesn't +know you're here. He hasn't been president very long, just since +Mr. Macy died. What are they going to build now?" + +"I don't know. First I've heard of it. They have more money than +they know what to do with, so they've decided to put up an L and +spoil my view," laughed Miss Sterling. + +"I could tell them lots of things better than an L--some new +dresses for Mrs. Crump and Mrs. Albright and Miss Crilly. They've +been here longest and look the worst. That brown one of Mrs. +Crump's is just full of darns." + +"Same as mine will be when I've been here as long," added Miss +Sterling. + +"Strange, when they have so much money, they don't give the ladies +nice things to wear," mused Polly. "Perhaps that is what makes +Mrs. Crump so cross-grained. Mrs. Albright isn't. She's sweet, I +think." + +"She is a dear," Miss Sterling agreed. "But she's had enough +trouble to crush most women. I wonder sometimes if anything could +make her blue." + +"Miss Crilly's cheerful," observed Polly. "I like her pretty well." + +"She is kind-hearted. If only she weren't all gush and giggle! +She raves over everything, cathedral or apron trimming--it's all +the same to her." + +Polly laughed. "She's rather pretty, I think." + +"Too fat." + +"No, you can't call her fat; only her bones don't show. I wish +Miss Castlevaine could thin up and show her bones just a little, +and I do feel sorry for her because she can't curl her hair. She'd +look a thousand per cent better with some little fluffs." + +"Why don't you be sorry for me?" + +"Oh, you don't need curly hair as the rest do!" answered Polly +comfortably. + +"Need it! I'm a scarecrow with my hair straight!" + +Polly took the smooth head between her two palms. "You'll never be +a scarecrow if you live to be a hundred and fifty!" she declared. +"But the dear homely ones--it is hard on them. What do you suppose +is the reason Miss Sniffen won't let them curl their hair just a +mite?" + +"Walls are said to have ears," replied Miss Sterling, with a little +scornful twist to her pretty mouth. "It wouldn't be safe for me to +express my opinion." + +Polly smiled. "It's a shame! And it isn't fair when she has curly +hair that doesn't need any putting up. I just wish hers would +straighten out--straight as Miss Castlevaine's!" + +"You seem to have taken a sudden liking to Miss Castlevaine." + +"Oh, no! Only I feel sorry for her, she is so fat and fretty, and +her hair won't fluff a mite. It must be dreadful to think as much +scorn as she does." + +"And talk it out," added Miss Sterling. "I wish she wouldn't, for +she is really better than she sounds." + +"Oh, if she'd try some of Aunt Susie's exercises, perhaps they'd +make her face thin!" + +"I thought they were to make it plump." + +"So they are--and thin, too, in the right places. They'd cure her +double chin." + +"Anyway, she hasn't any dewlap yet. When it comes it will be an +awful one. I can't imagine her in that exercise you tried on me." + +"Are you going to do it every day?" + +"I would if I had any faith in it." Miss Sterling sighed--with a +wrinkled forehead. + +"Oh, you mustn't pucker in wrinkles if I'm going to rub them out!" +Polly smoothed the offending lines. "Now I'll run over home and +get yon that book Aunt Susie gave to mother. It tells all about +everything, and it will make you have faith. It did mother." + +"She doesn't need it." + +"No; but Aunt Susie said she'd better begin pretty soon, for it was +easier to cure wrinkles before they came." + +"Yes, I guess it is," Miss Sterling laughed, "and dewlaps too!" + + + + +CHAPTER II + +IN MISS MAJOR'S ROOM + +When Russell Holiday and his wife named their only child June, they +planned to make her life one long summer holiday. For eighteen +years success went hand in hand with their desire; then an +unfortunate marriage plunged the joyous girl into bleak November. +She grew to hate her happy name. But with the passing of the man +she called husband much of the bitterness vanished, and she began +to plan for others. + +"I want this Home to be as beautiful as money can make it and as +full of joy as a June holiday," she told her approving lawyer. +"There must be no age limit. It shall welcome as freely the woman +of forty as her mother or her grandmother. I will gather in the +needy of any sect or race,--the oppressed, the disabled, the +sorrowful, and the lonely,--and as much as can be give to them the +freedom and happiness of a delightful home." + +In just one week from the day the ground was broken for the big +building, a drunken chauffeur drove the donor and her lawyer to +their death, and the institution was continued in a totally +different way from that intended by the two who could make no +protest. + +To be sure, it stood at last, in gray granite magnificence, on the +crest of Edgewood Hill, a palace without and within; but to those +for whom it was built had never come, through the years of its +being, a single June holiday. + +It was this that some of the residents were discussing, as they +crocheted, knitted, or embroidered in Miss Major's room on a dull +May morning. + +"Too bad June Holiday couldn't have lived just a little longer!" +Mrs. Bonnyman sighed. + +"What would she say if she knew how her wishes were ignored!" Miss +Castlevaine shook her head. + +"Regular prison house!" snapped Mrs. Crump. + +"Well, I'm glad to be here if I do have to obey rules," confessed a +meek little woman with grayish, sandy hair. "It's a lovely place, +and there has to be rules where there's so many." + +"There don't have to be hair-crimping rules, Mrs. Prindle--huh!" + +As the curly-headed maker of the hated law walked across the lawn. +Miss Castlevaine sent her an annihilating glance. + +"Is that Miss Sniffen?" queried Miss Mullaly, adjusting her +eyeglasses. + +Miss Castlevaine nodded. + +The others watched the tall, straight figure, on its way to the +vegetable garden. + +"She has the expression of a basilisk I saw the picture of the +other day." spoke up Mrs. Dick. + +"What kind of an expression was that?" inquired Mrs. Winslow Teed. +"I saw a stuffed basilisk in a London museum when I was abroad, but +I can't seem to recollect its expression." + +"Look at _her_!" laughed Mrs. Dick. "She has it to perfection." + +Miss Crilly's giggle preceded her words. + +"She's like a beanpole with its good clothes on, ain't she? But, +then, I think Miss Sniffen is real nice sometimes," she amended. + +"So are basilisks and beanpoles--in their proper places," retorted +Miss Major; "but they don't belong in the June Holiday Home." + +"Are her rules so awful?" inquired Miss Mullaly anxiously. + +"I don't like them very," answered the little Swedish widow. + +"Mis' Adlerfeld puts it politely." laughed Miss Crilly. "I'll tell +you what they are, they are like the little girl in the rhyme--with +a difference,-- + + 'When they're bad, they're very, very bad, + And when they're good, they're horrid!'" + +"I heard you couldn't have any company except one afternoon a +week," resumed Miss Mullaly, after the laughing had ceased,--"not +anybody at all." + +"Sure!" returned Miss Crilly. "Wednesday afternoon, from three to +five, is the only time you can entertain your best feller." + +"Why, Polly Dudley was here Thursday morning!" + +"Now you've got me!" admitted Miss Crilly. "She's a privileged +character. She runs over any blessed minute she wants to." + +"And she brings her friends with her," added Miss +Castlevaine,--"David Collins and his greataunt's daughter,--Leonora +Jocelyn,--Patricia Illingworth, and Chris Morrow, and that girl +they call Lilith, besides the Stickney boys up in Foxford--huh!" + +"She must be pretty bold, when it's against the rule," observed +Miss Mullaly. + +"No," dissented Mrs. Albright, "it isn't boldness. Polly runs in +as naturally as a kitten. The rest don't come so very often. I +shouldn't say they'd let 'em; but they do." + +"There's never any favoritism in the June Holiday Home--never!" +Mrs. Crump's brown poplin bristled with sarcasm. + +"Maybe it's on Miss Sterling's account," interposed Mrs. Albright. +"She thinks so much of Polly, perhaps they hope it'll help to bring +her out of this sooner." + +"Don't you believe it!" Miss Castlevaine's head nodded out the +words with emphasis. "Dr. Dudley's a good one to curry favor with." + +"Is Miss Sterling a relative of his?" asked Miss Mullaly. + +"No. Haven't you heard how they got acquainted? Quite a pretty +little story." Mrs. Albright settled herself comfortably in the +rocker and adjusted the cushion at her back. + +The others, who were familiar with the facts, moved closer together +and nearer the window, both to facilitate their needles and their +tongues. + +"It was the day after Miss Sterling came, along in September," the +story-teller began, "and she was up in her room feeling pretty +lonesome--you know how it is." + +Miss Mullaly nodded--with a sudden droop of her lips. + +"She stood there looking out of the window toward the back of the +new hospital,--it was building then,--and she saw a little girl +climbing an apple tree. She watched her go higher and higher, +after a big, bright red apple that was away up on a top branch. +Miss Sterling says she went so fast that she fairly held her +breath, expecting to see her slip; but she didn't, she's so +sure-footed, and it would have been all right if she hadn't +ventured on a rotten branch. When she stepped out on that and +reached up one hand to pick the apple, the branch broke, and down +she went and lay in a little heap under the tree. + +"Well, Miss Sterling said she felt as if she must fly right out of +that window and go pick her up. But it didn't take her many +minutes to run down the stairs and out the front door--she didn't +stop to ask permission--and over across lots to Polly. She was in +a dead faint, but in a minute she came to, and Miss Sterling ran up +to the house and got Dr. Dudley and his wife, and they carried her +in, and Miss Sterling went too. The Doctor couldn't find that +Polly was hurt at all, only bruised a little--you see, the branches +had broken her fall, and she was all around again in a few days. +Miss Sterling was pretty well upset by it, so that the Doctor came +home with her, and she had to go to bed, same as Polly did! It +made quite a stir here. + +"Ever since then Polly has run in and out, any time of day, just as +I hear she does at the hospital. She's that kind of a girl, never +makes any trouble, and so nothing is said." + +"I guess I shall break lots of the rules before I know what they +are." + +"You'll learn 'em soon enough, don't you worry! There's a long +list; but you'll get used to 'em after a while--we have to. +There's nothing like getting used to things. It's a great help." + + + + +CHAPTER III + +POLLY ADDRESSES THE BOARD + +"It is a shame, Miss Nita!" Polly was saying. "To think of +it--that you can't curl your hair even to go to a wedding! I +wonder if father or mother could do anything." + +"Oh, no!" cried Miss Sterling, in sudden terror. "Don't, I beg of +you, let them say a word to Miss Sniffen! She'd turn me right out!" + +"I should wish she would, if I were you." + +"Where could I go? I'd have to sit on the sidewalk!" + +Polly laughed. + +"No, Miss Nita," catching one of the slim white hands and pressing +it against her cheek, "you come right over to our house when Miss +Sniffen turns you outdoors, and we'll take care of you!" + +"It isn't anything to laugh at," sobbed the little woman. + +"I know, I'm wicked to laugh; but I had a picture of you sitting on +the curb in your nightgown, and I couldn't help it!" + +Then Miss Sterling laughed too. + +Shortly she fell to crying again. "I did want to look nice at +Cousin Jennie's wedding, as nice as I could, and I do think it is +downright mean!" She hammered out the last words with desperate +force. + +Polly stood by her side, distressed into silence. + +"You don't know that she'll let you go anyway, do you?" she asked +presently. + +"Yes, she said I could, and then I asked her if I might curl my +hair. She snapped out a disagreeable 'no,' and I turned and came +upstairs." + +Polly was doing some hard thinking. + +"Queer, Jennie should marry at her age," Miss Sterling resumed +after a brief pause, wiping her eyes dry. "She is forty-one, only +two years younger than I." + +"Are you forty-three? Nobody'd ever guess it." Polly gazed at her +critically. "I wonder if I couldn't curl your hair at the last +minute, and smuggle you downstairs, all wrapped up, so Miss Sniffen +wouldn't know. You could wet it out the next morning." + +Miss Sterling shook her head with a wee smile. "I would if I +dared, but I don't. If Miss Sniffen weren't there to see, Mrs. +Nobbs would be, and nothing escapes her eyes. No, 't would be too +much risk." + +"Maybe it would," Polly admitted, and then paused to listen. "It's +three o'clock and I must go. I halfway promised David and Leonora +I'd come down there this afternoon. I guess they're a little bit +jealous of you. It's handy to run over here, and they're so far +away. I should think you'd get tired of me, I come so much." + +"Tired of you!" echoed Miss Sterling. "You are the only bit of +cheerfulness I have to look forward to. Last night I couldn't +sleep; I was just upset after seeing Miss Sniffen, and my head felt +wretched. But I kept saying to myself, 'Polly will be here in the +morning!' and that helped me through the night. You don't +know--you never will know!--what a comfort you are!" She pulled +Polly down and gave her a little squeeze. + +"And then I didn't come this morning after all!" cried Polly in +sudden contrition. "That was mean! But I had some things to do +for mother, and Chris wanted me to help him with his stamps, and so +I didn't get to it. I'm sorry." + +"Dear child! I don't expect you to spend all your time with an old +gray-haired woman who hasn't the mite of a claim on you." + +"Gray-haired!" chuckled Polly. "You can't find one gray hair. I +dare you to try!" She shook a threatening finger. + +"Don't have to try. I know just where there are two--right in +there." She bent her head. + +"Oh, they're only a little pale!" laughed Polly. "They aren't +really gray. But I must go, Miss Nita. Good-bye." + +"If you come across the Board anywhere downstairs, you may give it +my compliments." + +"Does the Board meet this afternoon?" whispered Polly. "It +wouldn't be compliments I'd give them!" She waved her hand, and +the door shut. + +Yes, the Board was in session, the Board of Managers of the June +Holiday Home. A little hum of voices came to Polly's ears from a +room at the left. "I wish--" She stopped midway between the +staircase and the front entrance, her forehead wrinkled in thought. + +A maid came from the rear of the house, duster in hand. + +"Oh, Mabel!" Polly began in a low tone, "would you mind taking a +message to the Board for me?" + +The girl, with a shade of surprise on her face, said, "Certainly, +Miss Polly, I'll take it in. Who shall I give it to?" + +"Mrs. Beers--she's president. Tell her, please, that I have +something very important to say to the Board, and ask her if I can +come in now, or pretty soon--whenever it won't interfere with their +business." + +The maid knocked and disappeared. In a moment she returned. + +"She says you can come now." + +There was very evident curiosity mingled with the smiles of +greeting. + +"I happened to think," Polly began at once, "that maybe you could +do something to help out matters. I've been up to see Miss +Sterling, and she is feeling pretty bad because she can't curl her +hair to go to her cousin's wedding, and I didn't know but you would +fix things so she can." + +"'Fix things'?" scowled the lady at the head of the table. "You +mean, put on an electric attachment?" + +"Oh, no!" Polly came near disgracing herself by a laugh. "But +it's against the rule, you know, to curl your hair, and Miss +Sterling asked if she couldn't, just for the evening, and Miss +Sniffen said no." + +The ladies gazed at one another, plain surprise on their faces. +Then they looked questioningly at their presiding officer. + +"The Board never interferes with the superintendent's rules--" +began Mrs. Beers. + +"Unless it is something we especially don't like," put in the +member with a conscience. + +The president sent a severe glance down the table. + +"I thought, maybe, just for this once, you'd fix it so she +could--she would wet it all out before breakfast." Polly was very +much in earnest. + +"There's altogether too much complaint among the inmates," spoke up +a fat woman on Mrs. Beers's left. "They should be made to realize +how fortunate they are to have such a beautiful Home to live in, +instead of finding fault with every little thing and sending people +to try to wheedle us into giving them something different from what +they have." + +"Oh, Mrs. Puddicombe!" burst out Polly, "Miss Sterling didn't send +me at all! She doesn't know a thing about it! I never thought of +coming in until I passed the door--then it occurred to me that +maybe you would like to help her out. It's pretty hard to have to +go to a wedding with your hair all flat, just as they do it at a +hospital--I don't believe you'd like it yourself, Mrs. Puddicombe." + +Several smiles were visible. A titter escaped the youngest member. + +Mrs. Puddicombe's broad face reddened under her amazing labyrinth +of screwlike curls. + +"These charity people," she resumed irrelevantly, "never know when +they're well off. Why, this Home is the very gate of heaven! Just +look at that new rug in the library--it cost three hundred dollars! +But who appreciates it?" + +"Well, I should rather walk over a thirty-cent rug than every time +I turned round have to have a rule to turn by!" Polly tossed out +the words impetuously. + +"You're a saucy girl!" returned Mrs. Puddicombe. "You'd better go +home and tell your father to teach you good manners." The +president rapped for order. + +"I beg your pardon, if I was saucy," Polly hastened to say. "I +didn't mean to be. I was only thinking--" + +"That will do," interrupted Mrs. Beers. "There has been too much +time given to a very trivial matter." + +Polly walked away from the June Holiday Home in the company of +uneasy thoughts. She feared she had made matters worse for her +dear Miss Nita. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +A JUNE HOLIDAY + +The wedding night brought no recall of the negative answer which +Miss Sniffen had given to Juanita Sterling, although the little +woman hoped until the last moment for some sign of relenting. + +But Polly was on hand to braid the thick, soft hair into a becoming +coronet, and to assert that she knew the bride wouldn't look half +so pretty. + +Several days after, Polly danced in, her face full of the morning. + +"You feel pretty well, don't you?" she began in her most coaxing +way. + +"A little better than usual," Miss Sterling laughed. "What do you +want me to do?" + +"You know David and Leonora and I went down to Fern Brook last +week," Polly began deliberately, seating herself in the rocker +which Miss Sterling did not like, "and ever since then I've been +wishing it would come a lovely day for you and me to have a little +picnic all by ourselves. Or we might ask one or two others, if you +like. Will you, Miss Nita? You'll break my heart if you say no--I +see it coming! Just say, 'I should be de-e-lighted to go!'" + +"Oh, I'd love to, but--" + +"No, there isn't a 'but' or an 'if' or anything! We're going! Who +else do you want?" + +"You crazy child! I'm afraid it will use me up. I don't dare risk +it. We'll have to take the trolley--and the walk across lots--oh, +I can't, Polly!" + +"Yes, you're going! I've made up my mind! The trolley ride won't +hurt you; you'll have nothing to do but to sit still, and the walk +isn't long." + +"Remember, I haven't been off the grounds, except for the wedding, +in months." + +"I don't forget, and it's awful. You felt better the day after the +wedding." + +"Ye-s, but--" + +"We're going! It's decided!" Polly jumped up. "Say quick who +we'll invite, and then I'll run down and beg permission to go on a +picnic--unless you'd rather." + +"Mercy--no! I guess that's one reason why I haven't been away; I +haven't had life enough to want to unwind red tape." + +"I shall love it," laughed Polly. "Shall we ask Mrs. Albright? +She's nice." + +"Yes, and how would you like Mrs. Adlerfeld? I think she's pretty +lonely." + +"First-rate! She is sweet, and she talks the dearest way. Hurry +up now, and get ready! I'll be back in no time with the passports." + +"Why, I don't know," Miss Sniffen hesitated, "How far is it, do you +say?" + +"We take the trolley out to Grafton Street," Polly explained +slowly, "and then we go 'cross lots just a little way to the +dearest grove and a lovely little brook that tumbles over the +stones--oh, it's beautiful! Can't you go with us, Miss Sniffen?" +cried Polly in a burst of generosity, shivering the next minute for +fear her invitation would be accepted! + +"No, thank you," actually smiled the superintendent; "my business +doesn't include picnics, and I doubt whether it would be wise for +Miss Sterling to go so far away from the Home. It might cause +trouble--and unnecessary expense; the others may go if they wish." + +"Oh, Miss Sniffen, please let Miss Sterling go! That's one reason +why I want it, because I think it will do her good," wheedled +Polly, adding tactfully, "Father says it often makes the nerves +better to get the muscles tired." + +"Yes, I think that myself. Of course, it would do her no real +harm, if you could manage to keep her from getting wrought up and +having one of her tantrums." + +"Oh, I promise you I'll bring her home as good as new!" declared +Polly recklessly. And with profuse thanks she darted softly away. + +The four walked sedately down the long stairs in repressed glee, +the three ladies waiting on the piazza while Polly registered their +names, destination, time of starting, and expected return, in the +daybook on the secretary's desk. + +"Red tape all wound up!" she finally announced in a whisper, and +the quartette proceeded to the corner below, to be in readiness for +the car. + +Juanita Sterling appeared to have lost her weak nerves somewhere on +the way, as the four left the road behind them and made a path +through the clover into the distance. + +"I want to sit right down and enjoy it!" she exclaimed, dropping +among the blossoms. "Hear that bird! It's a bobolink--it is! Oh, +me! Oh, my! I haven't heard a bobolink for--I'm not going to +bother to think how long. It is glorious!" + +"This isn't anything compared to the woods and the brook," asserted +Polly. + +She put down her lunch-basket and snipped off some clover heads. + +"Those are full of honey, Miss Nita,--taste! They aren't buggy a +mite." + +Like bees they sipped and sipped, and laughed and said foolish +things like children at a merry-making. + +Suddenly Miss Sterling sprang to her feet. + +"The day is going," she cried, "and we must get there quick! Come!" + +The "just a little way" of Polly's lengthened on and on until the +three who were not accustomed to country fields looked in dismay +toward the long line of trees which seemed so very far off. + +"Are you fearfully tired?" Polly would reiterate, and "Not a bit!" +Miss Sterling would lie with complacency, while Mrs. Albright grew +wondrously jolly in her effort to keep everybody from realizing the +truth. + +When, finally, they stepped into the dim, cool wood, melodious with +the gurgle and splash of hurrying water and the lilting of unseen +birds, nobody remembered the hot, weary way she had come. + +Miss Sterling, stretched upon a bed of vines and moss, announced +that she was in "heaven." + +Little Mrs. Adlerfeld looked across in answering sympathy. + +"It makes me so glad and happy, it hurts," she said, her hand upon +her breast. + +"I knew you'd love it!" exulted Polly, dropping lightly between the +two and laying a hand upon each. "Let's come out here every week!" + +Nobody objected. Mrs. Albright wagged an approving smile, Mrs. +Adlerfeld continued her dreamy gaze into the brook, the invalid was +too drowsy to speak. + +"Go to sleep, all of you!" Polly commanded gayly. "I'll have a +red-and-green luncheon for you when you wake up!" + +She bounded off along the slippery pine-needled path and +disappeared behind a curtain of foliage. + +Miss Sterling awoke with a start--where was she? Then the events +of the morning flashed into view, and she smiled contentedly. + +Mrs. Adlerfeld, leaning back against a stone, was peacefully +nodding, and a gentle snore from the other of the trio told that +Polly's order had been obeyed. + +Where was Polly? Miss Sterling looked around, but she was not in +sight. Even with the springing of a sudden fear she caught the +sound of distant talking--a man's voice! She rose to her feet and +stood irresolute, listening. Then she smiled. That was Polly's +laugh' In a moment two figures rounded a clump of young pines. +Juanita Sterling caught her breath--the man walking beside Polly +was Mr. Randolph! + +The president of the June Holiday Home found a welcoming hand as he +strode up the piney path. + +"Weren't you surprised. Miss Nita?" cried Polly. "He's going to +have us arrested for trespassing on his land!"--with a roguish +glance toward the owner. + +"Then we shall have to invite him to luncheon, shan't we?" Miss +Sterling's blue eyes held pleasant twinkles. "It is too pleasant +to-day to go to jail!" + +The gentleman chuckled. + +"Oh! will you stay?" begged Polly. + +"You'd better!" urged Miss Sterling. "There are Banbury turnovers +and chicken sandwiches!" + +"It is hard to refuse--" he began. "Oh, I knew you couldn't say no +when Miss Nita asked you!" sang Polly delightedly. "Nobody can! +Except Miss Sniffen!" she added conscientiously. + +"Miss Sniffen" appeared to pass unnoticed. Polly suddenly +remembered her handful of wintergreen sprigs and berries, and the +sleepers awoke to join the merriment and the little pungent feast. + +"I came up," Mr. Randolph explained, "to look over some trees that +a man wants, and I rather think I ought to go directly back; but," +he went on with a whimsical laugh, "I guess business won't know it +if I steal this June holiday. It is a good while since I had one." +His face grew instantly grave. + +"You have to catch June holidays quick," smiled Mrs. Adlerfeld +wistfully. "They don't stay!" + +"No, they don't stay," Mr. Randolph agreed gravely. "But," he +brightened, "you of June Holiday Home have them all the year +round." He looked from one face to another. + +Mrs. Albright smiled a wordless response, the swift color flushed +Miss Sterling's face, while fun played about Polly's mouth. + +"You have a pretty good time there, don't you?" he persisted. + +His eyes were bent on Miss Sterling; yet Mrs. Albright kindly +interposed with the safe assertion, "It is a beautiful place." + +"Yes, it is beautiful," he replied, scanning the cheery, wrinkled +face. "Any town should consider it a great privilege to have such +an institution within its borders. Mrs. Milworth--or June Holiday, +as she preferred to be called--was a wonderful woman. I am glad to +be in a position to help in the carrying-out of her plans." + +Miss Sterling smiled a little queerly. Polly opened her lips, then +shut them tight, and finally announced quite irrelevantly that she +was hungry. + +One of Mrs. Dudley's prettiest tablecloths was spread on a little +piney level close to the brook, and Polly set out the paper plates +and cups and the boxes of food. + +"Which do you like best, Mr. Randolph, coffee or chocolate?" Polly +queried anxiously. + +"I will answer as a little boy of my acquaintance did,--'Whichever +you have the most of.'" + +"Well, you see, we have only one, and I do hope you don't like +coffee best." + +"I don't!" he declared. "I always drink chocolate when I can get +it." + +"I'm glad I brought it, then!" cried Polly. "You cut the cake, +please, Miss Nita. I'm afraid I couldn't do it straight." + +The little feast was ready at last, appetites were found to be of +the keenest sort, and everything went merrily. + +"I have never had the pleasure of a meal at the Home,"--Mr. +Randolph was eating a Banbury turnover with plain enjoyment. "I +suppose you ladies are treated to this sort of thing every day." + +"We have a pretty good cook," answered Miss Sterling discreetly; +"but these pies are of Mrs. Dudley's make. Polly brought the +lunch." + +"Oh!" The man's eyebrows raised themselves a little. "Then I +should say, Mrs. Dudley is an excellent Banbury pie-ist." + +"I shall have to tell her that," laughed Polly. "It will please +her very much." + +"Nothing delights a woman more than to have her cooking praised," +laughed Mrs. Albright. + +"I learned that years ago." Mr. Randolph smiled reminiscently. +"When I was first married, I think I must have been a rather +notional man to cook for. My wife seldom did much in the kitchen, +but one day she made a salad. As it did not exactly appeal to my +appetite, after one taste I remarked that I was not very hungry. +To my dismay she burst into tears. It was her favorite salad, and +she had made it with unusual care, never dreaming that I would not +like it as well as she did. Ever afterwards I ate the whole bill +of fare straight through." + +"It sometimes takes courage to do that," smiled Mrs. Albright. "I +hope you had a good cook. How much people think of eating! I +don't blame 'em either. Nobody enjoys anything better than--for +instance, a lunch like this." + +"Robert Louis Stevenson did," spoke up Mrs. Adlerfeld. "I read in +my day-to-day book this morning--I can't quite 'remember--yes, this +is it: 'After a good woman, and a good book, and tobacco, there is +nothing so agreeable on earth as a river.' I did not think then I +should be eating my dinner right on the bank of a little river!" +She gazed down lovingly on the water swirling and, foaming among +the stones. + +"Stevenson ought to know," said Mr. Randolph with a pleased smile. +"So he is one of your favorites as well as mine!" + +"Yes, I like him very." Her little sunny face beamed with +pleasure. "His book is more educating as many things said by a +teacher." + +"He is a good teacher." + +"I wish he had not put in tobacco," scowled Mrs. Adlerfeld. "There +are a many things better as tobacco." + +"You have not tried it," he returned. "Stevenson knew because he +had tried it." + +The little woman shook her head decidedly. "I have been suffered a +many times by tobacco." Then a smile broke mischievously. "You +may smoke after dinner, Mr. Randolph." + +The man laughed. "I was not pleading for myself," he protested. +"This is sufficiently soothing--" His hand made a comprehensive +sweep. "Tobacco would be superfluous." + +Miss Sterling had risen and gone over to the lunch-box, where she +was trying to open a second thermos bottle. + +"Let me do that for you!" He sprang to help her. + +She stepped back heedlessly, her foot slipped, and with a sharp cry +she fell on the smooth slope. + +Polly and Mr. Randolph reached her together. + +"Are you hurt?" Polly's voice was distressed. + +"Any damage done?" The man's tone was cheery, yet concerned. + +She laughed bravely. + +"Oh, no!" taking the proffered hands and trying to rise. Then she +sank back, catching her breath hard. + +"It's just my ankle--but it isn't hurt!" she declared fiercely. +"Let me try it again." + +She stood on her feet. "I guess I'm all here," she laughed; yet +even with the words her face grew white. + +Mr. Randolph caught her, and she drooped limply against him. + +He laid her down gently, and at once she opened her eyes. + +Mrs. Albright was rubbing her hands. "You will be all right in a +minute," she said cheerily. + +"I am all right now," Miss Sterling maintained. "How stupid of me +to faint! I won't have a sprained ankle--so there!" + +The rest laughed, though a little uncertainly. + +Polly, like a true doctor's daughter, was examining the injury. + +"It doesn't swell, so it can't be sprained," she decided positively. + +Miss Sterling sat up and supplemented Polly's inspection. "Merely +a strain. I'll be able to walk in a little while." + +"You'd better not tax it," Mr. Randolph advised. "I am glad my car +is so near. I drove in as far as the road was good." + +"Oh!" Miss Sterling's voice was grateful. "I was wondering how I +could ever walk over to the trolley." + +"You would not have had to do that in any case, but my car is ready +whenever you care to return." + +"The ride will be a lovely ending to the day," Miss Sterling +assured him, "and, if it won't hinder you, suppose we don't go any +sooner on my account." + +Four o'clock found the picnickers leaving the wood, the injured one +assisted on either side by Polly and Nelson Randolph. + +The way was not long, but time after time it took all the pluck of +which Juanita Sterling was mistress not to stop in the path and cry +out that she could not go a step farther. + +Her escorts were solicitous. + +"Lean on me more, Miss Nita," Polly would urge. "I'm awfully +strong. Favor your foot all you can." + +"Hadn't I better carry you the rest of the way?" asked Mr. Randolph +when she could no longer hide her pain. + +Her thanks were gracefully given, but she refused to proceed except +upon her own feet. + +"It is nothing," she insisted. "I shall be all right in a moment." + +Never did hospitable inn look more inviting to a weary traveler +than did the waiting car to Juanita Sterling. + +"You sit in front," advised Polly, "it will be much easier for you." + +"Certainly!" the man exclaimed, throwing open the other door. + +But before Polly could stay her she had stepped to the +running-board--and was on the back seat! + +"You are naughty!" Polly pouted. + +Miss Sterling laughed softly. + +The man said nothing, only helped Mrs. Adlerfeld to a place beside +him. + +The cooling, sunlit air was delightful. It was long since Miss +Sterling had been in an automobile, and the car rode as easy as a +rocking-chair. She drew deep breaths, and half forgot that her +ankle was still throbbing from its recent effort. + +"Feel equal to a little longer ride?" suddenly inquired the driver, +throwing the query toward Miss Sterling. + +"Equal to anything!" was the happy reply. + +"Oh, that will be nice!" cried Polly, squeezing her friend's arm, +and beaming on her right-hand neighbor. + +"Am I going too fast for you?" was the next question. + +"Not a bit!"--"It is lovely!"--"The faster the better!" came in +merry succession from the back seat. + +They spun along the smooth road with greater speed, and the +freshness of the country was brought to them in one steady sweep. + +"This is glorious!" breathed Miss Sterling. + +"I never rode in one of these cars before," confessed Mrs. +Adlerfeld blithely. + +"Indeed!" a pleasant light flashed in the driver's eyes. "And how +do you like it?" + +"Oh, I like it very!" The wrinkled face was radiant. "It makes me +so glad and happy!" + +"We will have another ride some day," was the unexpected response, +which made the little Swedish woman fairly gasp in delight. + +The gayety of the party came to a sudden end when Mr. Randolph +drove into the Home grounds. + +"Please, not a word to anybody about my fall," said Miss Sterling +in a low voice, as she was helped from the car. + +"Is that wise?" It was asked in a surprised tone. + +"Extremely wise," was the smiling response. "I might wish to go +picnicking again, you know." Her twinkling eyes met his puzzled +face. + +"As you will," he promised gravely. + +There was time for no more. The others were waiting. + +Polly kept beside Miss Sterling who walked without a limp and gave +no sign of the torture she was undergoing. + +"Go right upstairs!" whispered Polly. "I'll report for all of you +when I come down." + +"You needn't go up, the rail will be sufficient." + +But Polly would not relinquish her charge until she saw her safe in +her room. + +"How came you to be riding with the president of the Home?" Miss +Sniffen looked down sternly on Polly. + +"Oh! did you see us come? Wasn't it lucky--nice that Mr. Randolph +had his car? And wasn't he good to bring us?" + +"Was the meeting by arrangement?" questioned Miss Sniffen severely. + +"Oh, no! I was so surprised! We all were! He happened to go over +there to see about some trees, and so stayed to luncheon. We had a +lovely time! Wasn't it queer it happened to be his land?" + +Miss Sniffen's thin lips drew themselves into a sarcastic line. + +"'Happened!' There seems to have been a number of _happenings_." + +"I know it," Polly agreed demurely, looking at her watch to make +sure of the time. "We came in about five minutes ago, Miss +Sniffen. It was twenty minutes of six just before we got here." + +"What time did you leave the picnic grounds?" + +"I think it was four o'clock." + +"Did you come directly back?" Miss Sniffen's hard eyes fastened on +Polly's face. + +"Oh, no! We had a beautiful ride! We went way out on the Flaxton +road, along by the river. Don't you think Mr. Randolph is a very +lovable man?" + +"I think it was entirely out of place for you to spend the day in +the woods with an unmarried man. I shall look into it." + +Polly's brown eyes grew big and wondering. "Why, Miss Sniffen, I +don't see what harm there was! We had the loveliest time!" + +The superintendent did not reply. She turned deliberately and +walked down the great hall. + +Polly watched her a moment, the wondering look still in her eyes. +Then she sped swiftly toward home. She hoped Miss Sniffen would +not find out about Miss Nita's ankle. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +MISS LILY AND DOODLES + +The long line of choir boys issued decorously from the side door of +St. Bartholomew's. The running, pushing, scuffling, and laughter +were reserved for the next street. Sly nudges and subdued chuckles +were all that the most reckless indulged in under the shadows of +the church. + +At the foot of the steps stood a slender, whitehaired woman with +stooping shoulders. She scanned each face as it emerged from the +dim passageway, and her own grew a bit anxious as the boys passed. +Then it suddenly brightened with recognition. Doodles had appeared. + +The woman stepped forward to meet him. "Excuse me," she hesitated, +"but are you the one who sang that solo, 'Take heart, ye weary'?" + +The boy smiled his modest answer. + +"Oh, I want to thank you for it! I've been waiting till you came, +and I was so afraid I'd missed you after all, for I probably shan't +have another chance. I wanted you to know how much good it has +done me." + +"Has it?" Doodles looked his pleasure. + +"Oh, it was beautiful!" she said tremulously. "I never heard +anything like it! I always enjoy your singing, and am so +disappointed when you don't sing alone; but seems to me this piece +was sweetest of all!" + +"I guess you'll like the one for next Sunday," Doodles told +her,--"'And God shall wipe away all tears.'" + +"Oh!" It was mingled longing and regret. "That must be beautiful! +I wish I could hear it--seems as if I must!" Her voice broke a +little. "But I'm afraid I can't. I shan't be here next Sunday." + +"That's too bad! I'm sorry!" + +"It can't be helped. I am glad I could come to-day and hear +you--it does me more good than sermons!" Tears made the blue eyes +shine. + +"Perhaps I shall sing it some other time when you are here," +Doodles suggested hopefully. + +The woman shook her head. Her reply was soft and broken. "I +shan't ever be here again." + +"Oh!" Doodles was instantly sympathetic. Then a gleam lighted his +sorrowing face. "I'll tell you what," he began hurriedly, "I'll +come to your house and sing for you this afternoon--that is, if +you'd like me to," he added. + +Such joy flooded the tearful eyes! "Oh, you dear boy! if you would! +I don't know how to thank you!" + +"That's all right! I'd love to do it. Shall I come early, right +after dinner, or--" + +"Oh, come early! It is so good of you!" The tears threatened to +overflow their bounds. + +Doodles glanced down the street. "What is your address, please? I +have to take the next car." + +"Why, yes! I forgot! I live at 304 North Charles Street." + +"Thank you." He lifted his cap with a bright smile. "I'll be +there!" he promised and was off. + +The woman watched him as he hailed the passing car. He saw her +from a window and waved his hand. She returned the salute, and +then walked slowly away. + +"I hope he won't forget the number," she said to herself, "he +didn't take it down. And I never thought to give him my name!" + +Doodles easily found the place the woman had designated. The house +was small and dingy, and two grimy babies were playing on the +doorstep. + +"Miss Lily's upstairs, in back," answered the girl to whom the +inquiry had been referred. "I guess it's her you want. Ther' +ain't nobody else, 'cept Miss Goby, an' she's a big un." + +The top of the dim flight was nearly reached when a door opened and +threw a stream of light on the stairway. The boy saw his new +friend waiting for him. + +"Walk right in!" she said cordially. "It's awfully good of you to +come!" + +The room was in noticeable contrast with the rest of the house. +Here everything was neat and homelike, although there was little +attempt at ornament. Doodles was soon seated in a cushioned rocker +and listening to the little old lady's grateful talk. + +"When you spoke of that new song, 'God shall wipe away all tears,' +it did seem as if I just couldn't miss hearing you sing it! But I +never dreamed that you could do such a thing as to come and sing it +to me here. I wish I had a better place for you to sing in, but +I've had to take up with 'most anything these days." + +The lad hastened to assure her that he was accustomed to sing in a +small room, and that it made no difference to him where he was. + +"Then you don't mind not having an organ or piano or anything?" +The tone was anxious. + +"Not a bit," he smiled. "I never used to have accompaniment--I can +sing anywhere." + +After the first note Miss Lily sat motionless, bending forward a +little, her hands clasped in her lap, her eyes on the singer. +Whether she saw him was doubtful, for her tears fell fast as +Doodles sang the comforting words. + +"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;...and there +shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying,...neither shall +there be any more pain:...for the former things are passed away." + +With silence the listener suddenly dropped her face in her hands +and began to sob. + +In a moment Doodles was singing again, and soon she grew calmer. +When he stopped she was ready to talk. + +"I don't see what makes me cry so!" she broke out, with a great +effort fighting back the tears. "I'm all upset anyway. It is so +lovely having you sing--right here! You don't know! I'm afraid I +shan't ever want you to stop." She laughed quiveringly. + +"More now?" he asked. + +"If you aren't tired," she hesitated. + +"Never!" + +He sang again. + +In the doorways upstairs and down people were listening. The +little house on North Charles Street had never heard such music +within its walls. As the song ceased, applause came,--uncertainly +at first, then louder and steady. + +The two in the back room looked at each other and smiled. + +"I guess they like it as well as I do," Miss Lily said. + +In response Doodles sang "Only an armor-bearer," still one of his +favorites, and at its close the approval of those outside was +prompt and long. + +Many other songs followed; apparently the audience grew. + +"They'll tire you out," the little lady fretted. + +The boy shook his head decidedly, beginning for the second time, +"And God shall wipe away all tears." + +"Oh, it is like heaven itself!" Miss Lily breathed. Then she +sighed softly. "What if I had missed it!" + +"I think I shall have to go now," at last Doodles said; "but I will +come and sing for you again any time, if you like,--any time when +you are here." He rose and picked up his cap. + +"Oh, my dear boy, I'm not ever coming back! I'm"--she began to +sob, and Doodles could scarcely make out the words--"I'm going--to +the--poorhouse!" She broke down, and her slight shoulders shook +pitifully. + +The boy stood as if stunned. Then he stepped near. "Don't cry!" +he said softly, "don't cry!" + +"Oh--I can't help it!" she mourned. "I've kept up--I thought maybe +I shouldn't have to go; but my eyes have given out, and I can't +earn anything only by sewing--and I can't sew now! To think of me +in the poorhouse!" + +"I'll come and sing for you there!" cried the boy impulsively. + +"Oh! you wouldn't--would you?" She clutched at the only straw of +hope. + +"Of course, I will! I'd be glad to!" + +"You're awfully good!" She wiped her eyes. + +"I didn't mean to entertain you with tears," she smiled. "Seems as +if I might stop, but I can't." Her eyes were wet again. + +A sudden light illumined the lad's face. He opened his lips, then +shut them. + +"How soon do you expect to go?" he asked. + +"Some time the last of the week, the man thought." She swallowed +hard. "He said he'd give me time to pick up my things--he was real +good." + +"I'll see you again before the last of the week," promised Doodles, +putting out his hand. + +She clasped it in both of hers. + +"You are just a dear--that's what you are!" she said tremulously. +"And you don't know how I thank you! I can't tell you what it has +been to me!" + +As the singer passed down the stairs curious eyes peered out at +him; but he did not know it. His heart was full of Miss Lily's +grief, although overspreading it was the beautiful thought that had +come to him so suddenly a moment ago. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +"BETTER THAN THE POORHOUSE" + +Polly was on the veranda when Doodles came. + +"Why, Doodles Stickney! I was just thinking of you! How did you +know I wanted to see you this morning?" + +"I didn't," he laughed; "but I wanted to see you'" + +"I'm so glad--oh, I forgot! I'm due at the dentist's at ten +o'clock! Maybe I can get off." + +"No, no! I couldn't stay till that time anyway. I came down on +business--" + +"Dear me!" laughed Polly, "how grand we are this morning!" + +"I don't know whether it is 'grand' or not--it depends a good deal +on the president of June Holiday Home. I'll tell you all about +it," dropping into a chair beside Polly. + +He related the incidents of the day before, of Miss Lily's meeting +him at the church door, of his singing to her in the afternoon, and +finally of her distress at going to the poorhouse. + +"And I happened to think if she could only come to the June Holiday +Home--" + +"Lovely!" cried Polly. "I don't see why she can't!" + +"Nor I, but somebody may. I thought I'd see you first and maybe +you'd give me a little note of introduction--you know Mr. Randolph +so well, and I never spoke to him." + +"Certainly I will! I'll go right and do it now! Chris will want +to see you--I'll send him out." + +The note that Doodles carried away with him was in Polly's best +style. + + _Dear Mr. Randolph_:-- + This is to introduce my friend Doodles Stickney, + or to be perfectly proper, Julius Stickney. He will tell + you about Miss Lily, and I do hope you will make a + place for her at the Home. I have never seen her, but + I know she is nice, or Doodles wouldn't like her or + take so much trouble to get her in. I feel awfully sorry + for her. It must be dreadful to have your eyes give out + so you have to go to the poorhouse. + + Miss Sniffen made a terrible fuss because you stayed + at the picnic with us--or because we stayed with + you. Anyway, she scolded Miss Nita like everything. + I'm afraid we can't ever have a picnic again. She began + on me when I went to report our arrival--she + happened to be at the desk. You know you have to + report as soon as you get in, and I said I'd do it for the + crowd. Miss Nita couldn't because her ankle ached + so. It turned black and blue--just awful! She wouldn't + say a word to anybody, and father sent some liniment + by me. The first smelt so strong Miss Nita + didn't dare use it for fear they'd suspect, so father + sent her another kind. He said it wasn't quite so good + as the smelly sort, but her ankle is a whole lot better. + Don't you think she is brave? I don't know what Miss + Sniffen would say if she knew about that. We've all + kept whist. + + This is a pretty long letter, but I knew you'd want + to hear about Miss Nita's ankle. You will let Miss + Lily in, won't you? + Yours with hope, + POLLY MAY DUDLEY. + + Thank you ever so much for that beautiful ride! I + shall never forget it. + +Doodles walked into the great office of the Fair Harbor Paper +Company and asked to see Mr. Randolph. + +"We hired a boy last week. We don't want any more." The clerk was +turning away. + +"Oh, I'm not applying for a place!" cried Doodles, his voice full +of laughter. "I wish to see the president on business." + +The young man scowled, irritated by his blunder, and surveyed the +boy with a disagreeable sneer. + +"Well, he's too busy to attend to kids. What do you want anyhow?" + +Doodles hesitated. He did not wish to tell his errand to this +pompous young person. + +"Please say to Mr. Randolph that I would like to see him on +important business about the June Holiday Home." + +"Who sent you?" + +"No one; but I have a letter of introduction." + +"Oh, you have! Hand it out!" + +Doodles made no move toward his pocket. + +"I wish to give it to Mr. Randolph himself," he said gently. + +"Well, you can't see him. He's busy now." + +"I will wait," replied the boy, and took a chair. + +The clerk went behind the railing and sat down at a desk. + +Doodles looked out on the street and watched the passers. +Occasionally his eyes would wander back to the office and over the +array of men and women bent to their work, then they would return +to the wide doorway. He felt that he had small chance to speak +with Mr. Randolph until he should go to luncheon, and that, he +argued to himself, would not be a very good time to present his +business. He wished that the unpleasant young clerk would go +first--he would like to try some other. + +Men and women came and went, some of them disappearing in the rear, +where, undoubtedly, was the man he sought. If only he dared +follow! Finally the offensive youth came out through the gate and +over to where he sat. + +"Here, you kid," he began in an insolent tone, "you've hung round +here long enough! Now beat it!" + +Into the soft brown eyes of Doodles shot an angry light. + +The other saw it and smiled sneeringly. He did not count on the +lad's strength. + +In a moment the indignation had passed. There was none of it in +the quiet voice. "Good-day, sir!" + +Doodles was gone. + +A plan had instantly formed in his mind. He would get himself a +lunch, and then wait outside the office until Mr. Randolph +appeared. That was the only way. It never occurred to him to give +the matter up. + +One restaurant was passed; it did not look inviting. The next was +better, but flies were crawling over the bottles and jars in the +window. He went on. + +"It will cost more, I suppose," he muttered regretfully to himself, +as he entered a neat cafe where the door was opened to him by a boy +in livery. + +"Bread and milk," he ordered of the trim maid, and he smiled to +himself contentedly at the daintiness with which it was served. + +The milk was cool and sweet, and Doodles was hungry. The whistles +and clocks announced that it was noon, and soon afterward people +began to stream in. Women with shopping-bags and bundles, men with +newspapers, hatless working-girls; but everywhere were courtesy and +low voices. Doodles was glad of his choice. + +He sat eating slowly, wishing he knew at what time he would be most +likely to meet Mr. Randolph, when he stared at a man coming toward +him--it was the president of the Paper Company! The boy drew in a +delighted breath--what great good luck! + +Mr. Randolph sat down at a little table not far away. He looked +tired, the lad thought, and he decided to wait until the close of +the meal, if he could manage to make his own small supply of milk +last long enough. + +"Nothing more, thank you," Doodles told the maid who came to ask. +"This milk is very nice," he added, which brought out an answering +smile. + +At last the president had reached his fruit. + +The boy's last crumb had vanished long ago, and he thought he might +venture across to the other table. + +"May I speak with you a moment, sir?" he asked softly, taking the +letter from his pocket. + +"Certainly." The man bowed with his accustomed courtesy. + +"Polly Dudley gave me this for you." + +At mention of the name a pleasant light over-spread the grave face. + +The lad watched him as he read. The light deepened, then the brows +drew together in a scowl. Doodles wondered what Polly had written. + +"This lady is a friend of yours, I take it." + +The keen gray eyes looked straight at the boy. + +"Yes, sir," Doodles smiled, "though a very new one. I never saw +her till yesterday." + +The eyes bent upon him widened a little. + +The lad told his story as simply as possible, touching lightly upon +his own part in it. "And so," he ended artlessly, his appealing +brown eyes looking straight into the steady gray ones, "I thought, +even if there were rules and patches and things she didn't like, it +would be better than the poorhouse." + +A little amused smile replaced the hint of surprise on the man's +face. + +"Where do you sing?" he asked abruptly. + +"At St. Bartholomew's Church, Foxford." + +"Did you come down expressly to see me about this?" + +"Yes, sir," answered Doodles. + +"How did you know I was here?" + +"I didn't." A smile overspread the small face. "I waited at your +office until"--he hesitated an instant--"I thought I would find you +after I had had a lunch." + +"Get hungry?" + +"Oh, no, sir!" + +Mr. Randolph eyed him questioningly. + +"The young man thought I'd waited long enough," was the gentle +explanation. + +"So he told you to go!" + +"I guess he got tired of seeing me there," smiled Doodles. + +"Did you wait long?" + +"'Most two hours." + +"Tall, light-haired fellow, was it?" + +The boy assented. + +The president mused a moment and then resumed:-- + +"In any case your friend will have to make an application. I think +I will let her take a blank. Have her fill it out, and you can +send it down to me. I will attend to the rest." + +Doodles rose from his chair, feeling that it was time to go, yet he +could not forbear one question. + +"Do you think she can come to the Home?" His tone betrayed his +solicitude. + +"I will do the best I can for her, Master Stickney." Mr. Randolph +had also risen, and he smiled down into the upturned face. "It +will have to be referred to the Committee on Applications, but I +will see that it is put through as quickly as possible." + +Doodles decided to see Miss Lily before going home, so it was still +early afternoon when he entered the little house on North Charles +Street. + +"Why, you dear boy!" The little lady had him in her arms. "How +good of you to come! I was thinking this morning, what if I +shouldn't ever hear you sing again--and now here you are!" + +"I told you I'd come," laughed Doodles. + +"Yes," smiled Miss Lily; "but people forget. I guess you aren't +the forgetting kind." + +"I didn't come to-day to sing," the boy began slowly. Now that the +moment was at hand he felt suddenly shy at disclosing his errand. +"I happened to think yesterday of the June Holiday Home down in +Fair Harbor, and I wondered if you wouldn't rather go there and +live than to go--anywhere else." + +For an instant Miss Lily stared. "That beautiful place up on +Edgewood Hill?--me?--go there?" Her mobile face showed a strange +mingling of astonishment, fear, and joy. + +"Certainly! Shouldn't you like to?" + +"'Like to'! All the rest of my life?--Oh, I can't believe it!" + +"I don't know that you can get in," Doodles hastened to explain; +"but I went to Fair Harbor this morning to see Mr. Randolph--he's +the president of the Home. He doesn't know yet for certain, but he +has sent you a blank to make out, and then it's got to go to a +committee. He said he'd do the best he could for you,--he is a +very nice man!" + +"And you have taken all this trouble for me?" Miss Lily's hands +went up to her face. The tears trickled down and fell on her dress. + +"It wasn't any trouble," asserted Doodles. "I thought maybe there +was no chance, and so I wouldn't tell you till I found out." The +lad took the paper from his pocket. + +Miss Lily wiped her eyes. "I can't see to write," she said +tremulously; "that is, not well, and the doctor said I mustn't +try." She looked mournfully at the boy. + +"I'll do it for you," he proposed cheerily. "Then if there's +anything to sign you can do it with your eyes shut. I love to +write with my eyes shut and see how near I come to it!" + +"I never tried," she admitted, "but perhaps I could." + +"It says first, 'Your name in full.'" Doodles looked up inquiringly. + +"Faith Lily." repeated its owner mechanically. Then she started +across the room. "I'll get you a pen and ink," she said. + +Doodles wrote with careful hand. "That's a pretty name," he +commented. + +"I always liked it," she smiled. "But I'm afraid my faith has been +going back on me lately. I did have a good deal. I thought the +Lord wouldn't let me go to the poorhouse, then it seemed as if He +was going to. Only a little while ago I thought He must have +forgotten me--and now this!" Her dim eyes grew big with wonder and +thankfulness. "Even if I can't go, I shall be glad you tried to +get me in; it will tell me I have one friend." + +"The next is, 'Time and place of birth.'" + +"I was born August 3, 1847, in Cloverfield, Massachusetts." + +"'Name of father,'" read Doodles. + +"Jonathan Seymour Lily." + +There were many questions, and the boy was a slow writer. It took +no little time to place all the answers. But the end of the list +was finally reached without blot or smudge. Doodles surveyed his +work with gratification. + +"I guess I haven't made any mistake," he said, reading it over. +"Now if you can just put your name there, it will be done." + +Her hand trembled and the letters were wavering, but when Doodles +declared it was "splendidly written," she smiled her relief. + +Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday went by, and Doodles heard nothing +from Mr. Randolph. He began to be afraid that the committee had +decided against his friend, and although his mother told him that +such procedures always take considerable time, he grew more nervous +with every mail-coming. When Saturday morning brought him no word, +he decided to go over to Miss Lily's. + +"I don't know that she could read the letter if she had one," he +said in dismay. "Why didn't I think of that before!" + +His first glimpse of the little woman corroborated his worst fears. +Her eyes were swollen with weeping, and her face was haggard and +despairing. + +"Can't you go?" he ejaculated. + +"I haven't heard a word!" she answered mournfully. "I didn't know +but you had." + +"No, I haven't. That's why I came over." + +She shut the door and made him sit down. + +"I guess I'll have to go to the poorhouse after all," she began in +a hushed voice, as if fearful of being overheard. + +"Oh, I wouldn't give up! Mr. Randolph said it would take time." + +"But I can't wait! The woman thought I was going, and she's rented +my room, and she won't let me stay another night! I haven't quite +enough money to pay up, and she says she shall keep my trunk and +furniture--oh, to think I have come to this!" + +The little woman's distress was agonizing to Doodles. + +"Now, don't you worry!" he pleaded. "You are coming straight home +with me to stay at our house over Sunday, and next week we shall +probably hear." + +"No, no!--your mother--your mother won't want me!" she sobbed. "I +can't go to make her all that trouble!" + +"'T won't be a bit of trouble!" he insisted. "She will like to +have you come! We all will! We'd better go right away, too. Is +your trunk packed?" + +"Pretty much; there are a few little things to put in." She found +herself yielding to the stronger will of the boy. Going to the +closet, she brought out some articles of clothing which she began +to fold. + +"Is all the furniture yours?" Doodles asked, looking around on the +meager array. + +She shook her head. "Only the rocking-chair and the couch and that +little chair you're in and the oil heater and the pictures--" She +ran her troubled eyes over the things enumerated, as if fearing to +forget some of her few remaining possessions. "Oh, yes! there's my +bookshelf! I mustn't leave that." + +"Suppose I make a list of them," suggested Doodles. "I think maybe +we'd better have them taken over to our house--Blue can come this +afternoon and see about it. Blue's my brother, you know." + +"But Mrs. Gugerty won't let me have them!" + +"She will if you pay up." + +"Yes, but I can't! I gave her the last cent I had!" Her voice +quivered. + +Doodles took out his purse and counted over his change. + +"No, you're not going to pay it!" she cried. "I shan't let you!" + +"I'm afraid I haven't enough," smiled the lad ruefully--"only +sixty-seven cents." + +"I owe a dollar and a quarter," she admitted. + +"Blue can pay it when he comes for the things," returned the boy, +dismissing with a careless "That's nothing!" the little woman's +protest. + +Miss Lily looked around for the last time with a cheerful smile. + +"Somehow I can't feel as bad to go home with you as I know I ought +to," she said, "only I hate to have you and your folks do so much +for me--and I such a stranger, too!" + +"No, you're a friend," Doodles corrected. + +"Yes, I am--forever and ever!" She laughed tremulously. "I don't +see why you're so good to me." + +"You'll like my mother!" Doodles responded with some irrelevance. +"She's the best mother in the whole world!" + +"I know I shall love her if she's any like her boy!" She gave him +a caressing pat. + +True to the word of Doodles, Miss Lily was welcomed to the little +bungalow with such heartfelt hospitality that her sad, starving +soul was filled with joy, and when Blue returned with her small +stock of goods and put Mrs. Gugerty's receipt into her hand, her +eyes overflowed with happy tears. With cheery Mrs. Stickney and +merry Doodles and Blue for companions, she had little time to worry +over the possible outcome of her application to the June Holiday +Home, and Sunday was passed in an utterly different way from that +she had imagined a week before. + +It was not until the next Wednesday that any news came from Mr. +Randolph. Then the letter-carrier brought a long, thin envelope +addressed to "Miss Faith Lily," and the recipient turned so white +when Doodles handed it to her that he feared she was going to faint. + +"Shall I open it?" he asked. + +She bowed her head. Words were far away. + +He drew out the paper and gave it one hurried glance. Then he +swung it over his head with a glad whoop. + +"You're going! You're going! You're going!" he shouted. + +"Doodles!" remonstrated his mother, for Miss Lily was weeping. + +In a moment, however, tears had given way to joy, and Doodles must +read to her every word of Mr. Randolph's friendly note as well as +the wonderful document that was to admit her to the palatial June +Holiday Home. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +ROSES--AND THORNS + +Polly was in Miss Sterling's room when the box was brought up. + +"Flowers!" she squealed as soon as the door had shut upon the +matron's stout figure. + +"Bosh!" retorted Miss Sterling. "More likely Cousin Sibyl has sent +me some of her children's stockings to darn. She does that +occasionally. I suppose she thinks--" + +"0-o-h!" breathed Polly, for the speaker had disclosed a mass of +pink--exquisite roses with long stems and big, cool green leaves. + +"Now what do you think?" Polly exulted. + +Miss Sterling stood regarding the roses, her face all pink and +white, the color fluttering here and there like a shy bird. + +"It's a mistake!" she said at last. "They can't be for me." + +"Of course they're for you!" Polly pointed to the address on the +cover. "Isn't there any card?" searching gently among the flowers. +"I guess Mr. Randolph forgot to put in his card!" Polly's eyes +twinkled mischievously. + +"Polly Dudley, don't be silly'" The tone was almost impatient. + +"It would be lovely for him to send them anyway!" defended Polly. +"And I almost know he did!" she insisted. + +"You don't know any such thing!" Miss Sterling was taking the roses +out. She brought them to her face and drew in their fragrance. +Then she held them at arm's length, gazing at them admiringly. + +"Aren't they beautiful!" she said softly. "I wish I knew whom to +thank." + +"It looks like a man's handwriting," observed Polly. + +"It might be Mrs. Lake," mused Miss Sterling, quite ignoring +Polly's remark. "Mrs. Lake has always been nice to me. Only she +would never omit her card. No, it must be somebody else." + +Polly tried the roses on the small table, on the desk, on the +dresser--where their reflection added to their magnificence. +Finally they were left on the broad window-sill, while the two +discussed possible givers. It was Miss Sterling, however, who +suggested names. Polly clung to her first thought. + +"I told him you had had an awful time with your ankle, and how Miss +Sniffen scolded you,"--Polly lowered her voice,--"and I suppose he +felt sorry--" + +"How Miss Sniffen scolded me? Not about his being there?" The +tone was dismayed. "Why, yes! What harm was there?" "Polly! +Polly! You didn't say--what did you say?" + +"I can't remember exactly," was the plaintive answer. "I don't see +why you care, anyway. I think I said it was because he stayed with +us and took us to ride." + +"Well, it can't be helped," laughed Miss Sterling, "but--how could +you, Polly?" + +"I should think you'd be glad to have him know how Miss Sniffen +acts." + +"Sh! Somebody's coming!" + +"I must go," Polly whispered. + +She let in Mrs. Albright and Miss Crilly. + +"Oh, what dandy roses!" Miss Crilly dashed over to the window. +"Your best feller must sure 'a' sent 'em! Ain't they sweet? But +why don't you have 'em over on that little table? They'd show off +fine there! May I?" She carried them across the room. + +"Polly tried them in various places," responded Miss Sterling. + +"Well, 't don't make a whole lot o' difference where you put such +roses! My, but they're immense!" She stood off, the better to +admire them. "Wouldn't I rave if they belonged to yours truly! +How can you folks take them so coolly?" + +Juanita Sterling laughed. "I had my time when they first came!" + +"You say it all, so we don't need to," laughed Mrs. Albright. +"They are beauties, that's a fact!" + +Miss Crilly sat down, her eyes still on the flowers. "I don't see +a card anywhere," she nodded. "Ain't that proof positive?" winking +toward Mrs. Albright. + +"There was none," smiled Miss Sterling. + +"You don't mean you don't know who sent 'em?" Miss Crilly queried. + +"Just that. Either the sender forgot to put in her card or she +didn't wish me to know." + +"I bet 't isn't a 'her'!" giggled Miss Crilly. "Don't you, Mis' +Albright?" + +That lady twinkled her answer. "I shouldn't wonder." + +A soft knock sent Miss Sterling to the door, and Miss Castlevaine +came in. + +Miss Crilly showed off the roses with all the pride of a possessor. + +"I guess I saw them down in the lower hall," smiled Miss +Castlevaine knowingly. "There was a long box on the desk." + +"You did? And ain't it funny?" Miss Crilly ran on,--"she don't +know who sent 'em!" + +"Perhaps Miss Sniffen could tell you." + +Miss Sterling looked up quickly. + +"What do you mean?" asked Miss Crilly. + +Miss Castlevaine moved her chair nearer, listened intently, and +then began in a low voice: "I was coming up with a pitcher of hot +water, and you know there's a little place where you can see down +on the desk. Well, Miss S. was there fussing over a box, and I +said to myself, 'I guess somebody's got some flowers.' Then I saw +her lift the cover and slip out something white. I didn't see it +distinctly, for just as she took hold of it she looked up, and I +dodged out of sight. When I peeked down again she was dropping +something into a little drawer, and I came on as still as I could. +I thought then that whoever had those flowers wouldn't find out who +sent 'em!" + +"It isn't right!" Mrs. Albright's comfortable face took on stern, +troubled lines. + +"I'd go to the florist and find out," declared Miss Crilly. + +"There's no name on the box." Miss Sterling drew a deep breath, and +indignation flushed her pale cheeks. + +"I did suppose we could have what belonged to us, even here! +Things grow worse every day. Boiled tripe for dinner--ugh!" Miss +Castlevaine's face wrinkled with repugnance. + +"And only potatoes to go with it," sighed Mrs. Albright. "It's too +bad we can't have green vegetables and fruit--now, in the season." + +"I heard something yesterday," resumed Miss Castlevaine, "that I +guess you won't like--I don't know what we're coming to! Miss +Major got it in a roundabout way through one of the managers, and +it may not be true; but they say they're going to cut out our +Wednesday pudding and our Sunday pie!" Her little blue eyes glared +at her listeners. + +Juanita Sterling dropped back in her chair. "What next!" she +ejaculated. + +"They'll be keeping us on mackerel and corned beef yet!" snapped +Miss Castlevaine. "As if we didn't pay enough when we came here to +insure us first-class board for the rest of our lives' I gave them +three thousand dollars--I was a fool to do it!--and I have been +here only two years! If they keep that woman much longer--!" The +flashing eyes and set lips finished the sentence. + +"Well, ain't that great!" cried Miss Crilly. "I didn't bring any +such pile as you did, Miss Castlevaine, but that isn't to the +point! They've got more money 'n they know what to do with! What +they saving their old barrelful for, anyway? Not a scrap o' +dessert from one week's end to another--goodness gracious me!" + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +WAITING TO BE THANKED + +Juanita Stirling sat alone with her roses, trying to think it all +out. The other ladies were down in the parlor, where Mrs. Nobbs +was reading aloud; but to-night Egyptian archaeology had no charm +for the possessor of the pink roses. How could she wander through +prehistoric scenes while somebody was waiting to be thanked! +Somebody--but who? The roses knew! Yet they would not tell! +Little quivers of light fluttered in and out of their alluring +hearts, almost as if they said, "We are telling! We are telling! +Only you will not understand!" The woman gazed wistfully at +them--and sighed. The secret of the roses held her through the +long, still hours of the evening. What possible reason could the +superintendent have had for withholding the name, unless--! She +shook her head and sternly chided her cheeks for rivaling the +roses. If only Polly hadn't--but was it Polly? Had not that name +appeared before Polly spoke? She clinched her teeth in scorn for +herself. "'There's no fool like an old fool,'" she muttered +contemptuously. No doubt it was Georgiana Lake. To-morrow she +would write Mrs. Lake a note of thanks. There would be no risk in +that. Yes, she would do it! She would be a fool no longer! And +if the roses chuckled over her decision she never knew it. + +The note went by the morning's mail. Its answer came in two days. + + _My dear Nita_ + You are a witch fit for the hanging! How did you + know--how could you guess!--I was going to send + you some of our Pink Ramblers? Only they are not + quite blossomed out enough yet. When they are you + shall have more than you can hold in your two small + hands! But to thank me for them ahead of time! It + is just like you! You always were a witch! Why don't + you come to see me? I should have been up last visiting + day only that the house was full of workmen, and + Isabel had engagements, and somebody must stay--I + was the somebody!--A visitor! Too bad! Love-- + GEORGIANA. + +Before the pink roses had lost a petal another box was brought to +Miss Sterling's door. Her fingers quivered with hope as she untied +the ribbon. The address was in the same firm, open hand. A +shimmer of gold met her first glance, but the scrap of white she +had longed for was missing. Without doubt the pilferer had +thwarted her again. She put the yellow beauties into water with +half-hearted pleasure. Why couldn't Miss Sniffen let her have her +own! She pounded the air with her little impotent fists. She did +not go down to tea. Unhappiness and worry are not appetizers. + +The next morning it was whispered from room to room that the second +card had been filched from Miss Sterling's box of roses. Miss +Castlevaine loved so well the transmitting of newsy tidbits, that +they were not apt to remain long in one quarter. + +"I'd do something about it!" she declared to Miss Major. "It has +come to a pretty pass if our belongings have to be tampered with +before we even are allowed to see them! I think somebody ought to +tell the president." + +The incident, however, passed with talk, nobody being willing to +risk her residence in behalf of Juanita Sterling. + +When Polly Dudley heard of it she waxed wrathful. + +"I never liked Miss Sniffen," she declared, "and now I just hate +her!" + +"Polly!" remonstrated Miss Sterling. + +"I don't care, I do! I wish mother was on the Board, then I 'd try +to make her say something! What business has Miss Sniffen to open +your boxes, anyhow? I almost know they came from Mr. Randolph, and +that's why she's mad about it!" + +"Polly, I hope you won't say that to anybody else. You've no more +reason to think he sent them than you have to think King George +sent them." + +Polly chuckled. + +"You haven't--intimated such a thing, have you?--to anybody else, I +mean?" The question held an anxious tone. + +"Why, no, I guess not," was the slow answer, "except mother. I +think I said to mother that probably he was the one." + +Miss Sterling shook her head with a tiny scowl. "Your mother must +think me an intensely silly woman," she sighed. + +"Oh, I didn't say you thought so!" Polly hastened to explain. "I +only said I did." + +"Please don't even suggest it again," she laughed. "I wish the +mystery could be cleared up." + +The sender's name was discovered earlier than they had thought +possible. + +Two days afterwards, Polly rushed in, her face alight, her eyes +shining. "Oh, Miss Nita!" she began, and then stopped, suddenly +realizing that Mrs. Winslow Teed and Miss Crilly were in the room. + +"I didn't know--I thought maybe--you'd go with me to call on Miss +Lily--Doodles said--Doodles is in a hurry for me to go," she ended +lamely. + +Juanita Sterling, amused at the sudden transition, had caught a +flash of triumph in Polly's eye and wondered with a fluttering +heart what she had come to announce. + +"Why can't we go, too?" cried Miss Crilly. + +"Miss Lily looks like a refined, cultured person," remarked Mrs. +Winslow Teed. + +"Oh, Doodles says she is lovely!" Polly had recovered her +equilibrium. + +The latest comer at the June Holiday Home received her visitors +with shy courtesy. Miss Crilly and Polly soon relieved her of any +embarrassment she may have felt, and talk went on blithely. + +Several smiling glances thrown across the room by Polly put Miss +Sterling's mind in confusion. They might signify much or nothing, +yet she found herself missing what was being said around her in +wild conjecture as to their meaning. She wanted to carry Polly +upstairs with her. Finally she rose to go, and Polly said +good-bye, too, in accordance with Miss Sterling's hope. + +They went along the corridor together. Polly squeezing her +companion's arm with little chuckles of delight. + +"You can't guess what I've got to tell you!" she broke out, as soon +as they were at a safe distance from Miss Lily's room. + +"Sh!" cautioned the other. Talk above a whisper was forbidden in +the halls. + +"Oh, I'm always forgetting!" breathed Polly. + +Once inside the third-floor room the little woman was seized by a +pair of eager arms and whirled round and round. + +"He did send them! He did! He did! Now what do you think!" + +Miss Sterling went suddenly limp and dropped into a chair. + +"You don't know--for certain?" she cried. "I do! Mr. Randolph +sent you those roses--both boxes!" + +The woman felt the flame in her face and turned quickly on pretense +of searching for something in her sewing-basket. She was so long +about it that Polly began to complain. + +"You don't care very much, seems to me! I thought you'd be just as +glad as I am!" + +"Why, I am glad to find out who sent them, dear, as glad as can be! +But I may as well be sewing on these buttons while you are talking. +Now, tell me how you found out--I'm dying to know!" she laughed. + +"Well, it's so funny!" Polly resumed. "You see, our Sunday-School +is going to send a boy in India to college, and last Sunday we had +to tell how we'd earned what we brought. A boy in Chris's class, +Herbert Ogden, said Mr. Randolph paid him fifteen cents apiece for +carrying two boxes of roses to the June Holiday Home. So after +Sunday-School Chris went along with him and asked him if he +remembered who the boxes were for. He said, 'Oh, yes, because it +was such a queer name! They were both directed to Miss Ju-an-i-ta +Sterling!' Chris said it was all he could do to keep his face +straight. And the boy went on to say he remembered the last name +because it made him think of sterling silver! Wasn't that the +greatest?" + +The exclamations and laughter satisfied even Polly. + +"You'll thank him right away, shan't you?" she queried. + +"I suppose I ought." sighed the possessor of the roses. + +"Don't you want to?" Polly's tone showed her surprise. + +"Such notes are hard to write," was the discreet answer. She bent +closer over her work than there was any need. Her cheeks were +pinking up again. + +"I do believe you're growing near-sighted!" declared Polly +irrelevantly. + +"No, I guess not," she replied calmly. "This button bothered +me--it's all right now," as Polly scrutinized the waist. + +"I shouldn't think you'd hate to write to Mr. Randolph. I think +he's lovely!" + +"I presume he is," Miss Sterling said quietly. "I'm not well +acquainted with him, you know." + +"I'll write it for you," proposed Polly, "if you'd like me to." + +The little woman bending over the blouse caught her breath--to +think of missing the writing of that thank-you to Nelson Randolph! + +"Oh, no, dear! I won't shirk my duty. It wouldn't look quite the +thing for you to do it." + +"Perhaps it wouldn't," Polly agreed, "though I'd just as lief." + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +BLANCHE PUDDICOMBE + +"You're a great deal better, aren't you, Miss Nita?" Polly was +saying. + +Miss Sterling gave a smiling nod across the bed. She and Polly +were putting on the covers. + +"I think you've been growing stronger since the picnic. Maybe it +was the outdoors. Father says there's nothing like it for nerves. +I wish we could have another, now your ankle is all well; but it is +too late for to-day. Why can't we go to walk, you and Mrs. +Adlerfeld and Mrs. Albright and I? I know a lovely road out +Brookside Avenue way." + +"Well," agreed Miss Sterling, "if it isn't too far. I feel equal +to a good deal this morning." + +"Oh, that's jolly! We needn't go any farther than we choose, you +know. I'll bring a lunch, so it will seem like a little +picnic--things taste so much better out of doors. Isn't it lovely +that you are stronger! Did you tell Mr. Randolph that you're +better?" + +"Why, no, dear, of course not! It was just a note of thanks." + +"What if it was! You could have said that! He'll want to know!" + +"I think he'll be able to survive the omission." Miss Sterling +patted the pillow into shape and smiled over it. + +"Oh, I saw him yesterday!" Polly broke out. "I forgot to tell you!" + +The other waited, an expectant smile fluttering about her pretty +lips. + +"Blanche Puddicombe was riding with him. He had his roadster. I +don't see what he takes her around so much for. She isn't a bit +pretty." + +"Probably she is agreeable." Miss Sterling laid down the blanket +she had folded and crossed the room. + +"I don't see how she can be with such a mother," Polly went on. +"She fusses herself up a good deal the same way. She hasn't a mite +of taste. I saw her downtown shopping the other day with a sport +skirt, very wide scarlet stripes, and a dress hat trimmed with a +single pink rose--the most delicate pink--and a light blue feather! +Oh, yes, and a crepe-de-chine waist of pale green!" + +An amused chuckle sounded from the window, where Miss Sterling was +straightening the curtains. + +"You ought to have seen her! Her hair is black as--my shoe, and +she wears it waved right down over her ears--you wouldn't know she +had any ears! Queer, Mr. Randolph should want her riding round +with him so much! You'd think he would have more sense, wouldn't +you?" + +"She has money--and youth!" was the emphasized reply, in a cold, +hard tone. "Money and youth make everything harmonize--even sport +skirts and dress hats!" + +"She doesn't begin to look as young as you do. She looks more than +thirty, and you don't!" + +"Polly Dudley!" + +"Father says so, anyway!" + +"I thank your father for the nattering compliment; but I think he +must be needing glasses." + +"No, he doesn't need glasses!" retorted Polly. "His eyes are +first-rate. Dear me! Is it eleven o'clock? I must go home! +Let's start early--by two, can you?" + +"Oh, I don't believe I'll go this afternoon!" The voice sounded +weary. + +"Why, Miss Nita! you said you would!" + +"I know, but I wasn't tired then. I guess I'll have to put it off a +day or two." + +"You haven't done anything to tire you! You'll never get well if +you don't go more!" cried Polly plaintively. "And we won't go a +step farther than you like. We needn't ask anybody else, if you'd +rather not--we can go all by ourselves." Polly waited anxiously. + +Miss Sterling shook her head with a little sigh. "You go with the +others to-day. I don't feel as if I could." + +Polly finally went off, her face downcast. Coaxings had availed +nothing. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +"GOOD-BYE, PUDDING" + +Juanita Sterling scowled a perfunctory thank-you to Mrs. Nobbs, who +handed her a long box. She had come to hate those long boxes. + +"I wish he'd keep his old flowers in his greenhouse!" she muttered +disdainfully after the door was well shut. She gazed on the box +with a sigh. Nevertheless, she untied it with hurrying fingers. + +Great ruby roses sent their pent-up fragrance straight to her +nostrils, and she drew it in with a breath of delight. Then she +flung the box on the bed and finished putting her dresser in order, +a task with which she had been occupied. + +Little jerky bits of scorn were now and then directed toward the +flowers, as if they were responsible for their intrusion. When +their innocence suddenly suggested itself, she smiled. + +"Poor things, they can't help it! How should I feel if I were +carried where I was not wanted and then should be blamed for being +there!" + +Contritely she took the roses from their box and put them in her +prettiest vase, quite as if she would make amends. She sat down by +them and looked the matter in the face. + +"I can't have these where they will remind me all day long of being +a silly old woman!" She considered the blossoms with a dismal +face. "What shall I do with them? I'd put them in a bundle under +the bed, only I'd feel so sorry for them--no, I can't do that! I +suppose I could give them away--oh, there's Mrs. Crump! The very +thing! Maybe they'll help her to forget her pain. I'll take them +in now!" She caught up the vase and bore it triumphantly along the +hall. + +Mrs. Crump was on the couch. + +"All for me? Why, Miss Sterling! How good you are! You can't +have kept many for yourself." + +"I don't want any," laughed the donor. "I'll be glad enough if you +can enjoy them." + +Miss Crilly and Miss Major came in. + +"Mis' Crump! if you're not tryin' to beat Miss Sterling! Seems +like a hospital 'stead of a Home, so many roses round!--You don't +say she's given you all hers? My, ain't you the limit o' +generosity. Miss Sterling! You look lots better. Mis' Crump! +Maybe it's the reflection o' the roses! Lovely color, ain't it! +He must be a goner, sure! How many times a week d' they come? +'Nother card swooped, I s'pose? It beats me!" + +Miss Major opened the door for Miss Castlevaine. + +"I couldn't help hearing what you said about another card--who's +lost one now?" + +She shook her head while Miss Crilly explained. "We shall have to +lock up our jewelry pretty soon--huh! How do you feel this +morning, Mrs. Crump? Had the doctor?" + +The invalid winced and caught her breath, as a sudden twinge shot +through her arm. "I don't know as I'm any worse," she said. "I +haven't slept a wink since two o'clock! No, the doctor didn't stop +here! I thought maybe he would, he was in Mrs. Post's room, right +next door; but Mrs. Nobbs said yesterday it wasn't necessary--it's +'only pain,' you know!" + +"Only pain!" laughed Miss Crilly. "Isn't that enough? Then, when +I'm sick it'll be with something besides pain--I'll remember that! +And I'll have the doctor when I need him--don't you forget it!" + +"What's the matter with Mrs. Post?" queried Miss Castlevaine. + +"Something about her knee--she told me the doctor was going to +bandage it up. It was Mrs. Post, you know!" Mrs. Crump emphasized +the sentence with lowered voice and lifted eyebrows. + +Miss Castlevaine nodded. "No favorites in the June Holiday Home! +How did you like the dinner yesterday noon?" She smiled knowingly. + +"It's good-bye, pudding, forevermore!" laughed Miss Crilly. +"Didn't it seem queer not to have a bit of dessert?" + +"Same as other days," returned Miss Major. "I suppose the Sunday +pie will go next." + +"So I heard!" Miss Castlevaine's lips thinned themselves together. +"But that isn't the worst thing! Do you know about Mrs. Dick?" + +"No--what?" Miss Crilly stopped smelling of the roses. + +"Why, Tuesday she met an old schoolmate on the street who inquired +if she had been ill. Mrs. Dick said no. 'Why didn't you come to +the wedding, then?' the lady asked. 'Wedding?' exclaimed Mrs. +Dick; 'what wedding?' 'Why, Anita's!' (Anita is her daughter.) 'I +didn't know she was going to be married, and it isn't likely I +should have gone without an invitation,' she laughed. 'I invited +you,' the lady said. 'It was a very informal affair, no cards, and +not many guests; but I telephoned to the Home, for you to come over +and spend the day. I wanted you to see Anita's pretty clothes and +her beautiful presents. They said they'd give you the message +right off.' 'First I've heard of it!' said Mrs. Dick, and I tell +you she was mad! Isn't that awful? If anything happens to us, I +don't know as our friends will hear of it till after the +funeral--huh!" + +"Is she going to make a fuss about it?" asked Miss Major. + +"Of course not! She'd probably be turned out if she did." + +"What are we coming to!" For a minute Miss Crilly actually looked +doleful. "I'm going to tell all my folks that if they want me to +know anything in a hurry they'd better telegraph or send me a +special delivery letter--that'll fix 'em. My! To think of bein' +invited to a weddin' and not knowin' it!" + +"When I first came here," resumed Miss Castlevaine, "my cousin was +dreadfully upset because they wouldn't call me to the telephone to +talk with her. Finally she said so much they gave in, and I went +down. I supposed it was the regular thing until she told me about +it afterwards. She had to ask me two or three questions about +something, and get my answers to know what to do." + +"There should be a telephone in every room, as there is in a +hotel," asserted Miss Major. + +"Oh, my!" ejaculated Miss Crilly. "When you get it, send me word! +Probably I shan't be here by that time, but I guess I shall be +hoverin' somewhere round, and I'll know when your 'phone's in!" + +"To have one in each room would be a great deal of expense," said +Mrs. Crump. + +"What of it!" retorted Miss Major. "Haven't they money enough? +They're always building additions--now the one that's going to +spoil Miss Sterling's room and Miss Twining's down below. They'd a +good deal better spend it on telephones." + +"They've got a new rug down in the hall," announced Miss +Castlevaine. "'Most anybody could have new rugs if they stole the +money to buy them with!" + +"What do you mean?" was Miss Crilly's quick query. + +"You'd better not say anything about it; but I heard that Miss +Twining wrote a poem for a Sunday-School paper and got eight +dollars for it--" + +"My!" put in Miss Crilly. + +"And," went on Miss Castlevaine, "she bought a new shirt waist. +When she wore it Mrs. Nobbs asked her where she got it. Like a +simpleton, she told the whole story, so pleased to have earned the +money, and never dreaming but that it was her own! What did they +do but make her give up the seven dollars she had left! They did +let her keep the waist--she needed it badly enough." Miss +Castlevaine shook her head, while comments flew fast. + +"I'm sorry for Miss Twining," sympathized Miss Crilly. "She's the +kind that won't sputter it all out, as I should; she'll cry herself +sick over it!" + +"If we cried for all the hard things we have here," said Mrs. +Crump, "we shouldn't have any eyes left!" + +"I wonder if the directors know how things are going," observed +Miss Major. + +"I bet they ain't on to it!" Miss Crilly wagged her head decisively. + +"But who'd dare tell 'em?" queried Mrs. Crump. + +"Excuse me!" giggled Miss Crilly. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +"SO MYSTERIOUS" + +"Are you busy?" asked Miss Leatherland at the threshold of Miss +Sterling's room. + +"No, indeed! I was wondering whether I'd go out on the veranda or +sit here and mull. I'm glad you've come. Take this chair--it's +the easiest." + +"Then I'll leave it for you." She started toward another. + +"No, I don't like it!" Her hostess laughingly pushed her back. +"I'm too short for that one. I'm always wishing I were as tall as +you." + +Miss Leatherland blushed at the little compliment and smiled over +it. + +"I don't know but I'm meddling in what is none of my business," she +began shyly. "At first I thought I wouldn't say anything; then I +decided I would do as I'd wish to be done by. I certainly should +want to know anything of this kind--though perhaps you know +already." + +"What is it? Nothing dreadful, I hope." + +"Oh, no! Only it shows--unless she has told you--how things are +going downstairs." + +She hesitated, as if not knowing just how to say what she had come +to tell. + +"You were home about four o'clock yesterday, weren't you?" + +"Yes." + +"I met all of you down in the hall, you remember, and I thought it +was along there. Have you heard anything about a telephone message +that came for you while you were away?" + +"No--was there one?" + +Miss Leatherland bowed her head and drew her chair nearer. + +"This afternoon I went up to call on Mrs. Macgregor, and yesterday, +it seems, she had business with Mr. Potter, of the Fair Harbor +Paper Company, and was in his office waiting for him to come in. +It was about three o'clock, she said. Mr. Potter's office is next +to the president's, and the door was just ajar. Mrs. Macgregor has +very sharp ears, and she happened to be sitting close to the door, +so couldn't help hearing. She says Mr. Randolph called up the +Home--she knew the number, she uses it so much--and asked for Miss +Sterling. I suppose they told him you were out, for he said he was +sorry and inquired if they knew when you were coming home. +Evidently whoever was at the 'phone didn't tell, for he said if you +should come in by half-past four to ask you to call him up. +Probably she offered to deliver his message, for he said no, he'd +like to talk with you, and then he rang off. Mrs. Macgregor asked +if Mr. Randolph was a relative of yours, and I said I thought not." + +Miss Sterling shook her head. + +"I don't see why Miss Sniffen or Mrs. Nobbs, or whoever 't was +didn't do as Mr. Randolph asked them to--I don't see why! It's +getting so we can't tell anything!" Miss Leatherland looked +distressed. + +"Things are growing queer," was the quiet response. "I don't know +what Mr. Randolph could have wanted, but I surely have a right to +be informed about it." + +"If you should ask Miss Sniffen, please don't say anything about +me, she might think I'd interfered. I only thought you ought to +know it." + +"I'm mighty glad you told me," Miss Sterling smiled across into the +perturbed face, "and I shall certainly not speak of the matter to +Miss Sniffen or any of them." + +"I guess you are wise not to," agreed Miss Leatherland. "Anybody +that would do things she has done, you don't know what she'd do!" + +Polly heard of the little episode with mingled dismay and delight. + +"Oh, I wonder if he wanted you to go to ride!" she burst out. +"Only you won't ever know! Dear me, I wish we had waited till the +next day for our walk! Isn't it too bad you weren't home?" + +"We had a nice time!" laughed Miss Sterling. + +"Didn't we! But it's a shame for you to miss a ride with that +lovable man!" + +"Polly, why will you? He didn't say anything about a ride! +Probably it was simply some little business matter." + +"But what?" + +"I haven't the least idea." + +"'T was a ride! I know it just as I knew he sent the roses! I was +right about the roses!" + +"Rides and roses aren't the same!" + +"No, rides are better--more good-timey. Dear, dear! I'd been +wishing he would ask you--and now!" Polly sighed. "Anyway, he +wanted to talk with you about something!" she chuckled. "But it's +so mysterious!" + +She said good-bye and then came back. + +"I happened to think," she whispered, "why can't you come over to +our house and telephone to him? He'll never know where you are." + +Miss Sterling shook her head. "It wouldn't do! They'd ask me what +I was going for--and I couldn't tell!" + +"Do they always ask that?" scowled Polly. + +"Always!" + +"Then let me telephone!" + +"No, no! We'd better leave it to work itself out. I am not +supposed to know anything about it." She laughed uncertainly. + +"It's a shame! Oh, everything about him always gets mixed up with +trouble! I wish it didn't!" + +Juanita Sterling made the same wish as she sat alone in the hour +before bedtime. What could Nelson Randolph have wanted of her? +And why did Miss Sniffen and her subordinates strive so strenuously +to keep her from communicating with him or knowing of any attention +that he paid her? She wrestled with the hard question until the +bell for "lights out." Then she noiselessly undressed in the dark. + +Sleep was long in coming, yet her nerves did not assert themselves +unpleasantly, as usual. In fact, she had forgotten her nerves, in +the strange, vague gladness that was half pain which flooded her +being. She would berate herself for being "an old fool," though +conscious at the same time of little, warming heart-thrills that +exulted over her reason. As Polly had said, the president of the +June Holiday Home had wished to talk with her about +_something_--that of itself was as surprising as it was mysterious. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +MRS. DICK ESCAPES + +Juanita Sterling was making her bed when the soft tap came. + +"What shall I do?" Miss Crilly whispered tragically, slipping +inside and shutting the door without a sound. Her eyes were big +and frightened. "I've kept out of Mis' Nobbs's reach thus far, but +I s'pose I can't very long! They are lookin' everywhere for Mis' +Dick--you know she wasn't down to breakfast, and I'd no idea she'd +come--all the while the rest o' you were lookin' for her. At +half-past five this mornin' _I see her go away with the milkman!_ +I happened to be at my window. I couldn't sleep, 't was so hot, +and I sat down there to get a breath o' air. He come along and +sent in the boy with the milk, same as he gen'ally does--I see him +lots of times. But wasn't I astonished when Mis' Dick come +marchin' out, all dressed up in her Sunday togs, and got in and +rode off with him! She had her big suitcase--it must ha' been all +cut an' dried beforehand! What do you s'pose it means? I'm scart +to death! I do' want to squeal on Mis' Dick--I always liked Mis' +Dick! An' if they ask me, I can't lie it out! Oh, what would you +do?" Miss Crilly came near being distressed. + +"Why," answered Miss Sterling, "I think I should keep still unless +I were asked. In that case I should tell all I knew." + +"Oh, dear, I hate to squeal!" + +"Maybe you won't have to. I hope not!" + +"What do you s'pose she went off with Mr. Tenney for?" + +Miss Sterling shook her head. + +"He's a widower! You don't s'pose--?" Miss Crilly giggled. + +The other shrugged her shoulders. + +"Well, anyway, there'll be a row till she's found! Gracious! I +was so upset I couldn't eat much breakfast! I told Mis' Albright +finally--I couldn't keep it a minute longer. Then I came up here. +You don't s'pose she's gone luny, do you? She was so upset about +goin' to that weddin'!" + +"No, it isn't that!" decided Miss Sterling. "Mrs. Dick is not the +kind to go crazy." + +"Somebody's comin'!" Miss Crilly darted to the closet and shut +herself in. + +Mrs. Albright and Mrs. Adlerfield appeared. + +"I thought Miss Crilly was here." Mrs. Albright looked about in +surprise. + +Miss Sterling nodded significantly toward the closet. + +Mrs. Albright opened the door, and laughed, + +"Come into daylight, you silly! Nobody's going to eat you up! +They've found out!" + +"They have? How?" + +"One of the maids saw Mrs. Dick go by the window, and she ran to +see where she was going; but she didn't dare tell at first. +Finally, she did, and they're going to send out to Mr. Tenney's." + +"My! I'm glad I ain't in Mis' Dick's shoes!" Miss Crilly emerged +from the folds of Miss Sterling's petticoats. She brushed back her +disordered hair and drew a long, laughing sigh. "Isn't it lovely +they've found out! I b'lieve I'd have been luny myself in a little +while if they hadn't!" + +"Nonsense!" pooh-poohed Mrs. Albright. "You couldn't stay luny +more'n half a twinkle! You'd have to come out of it to laugh!" + +"Sure, I would!" Miss Crilly agreed. "My! How do folks live that +don't laugh!" + +"You are in no danger of dying from that disease," returned Mrs. +Albright. + +"No, I guess I ain't. My mother used to say that she believed if I +had to live with the Devil himself, I'd keep on laughing." + +The quartette settled down to calm, now that the danger was over, +but the talk still ran on Mrs. Dick. + +"She's been married twice before, hasn't she?" asked Miss Crilly. + +"Before what?" chuckled Mrs. Albright. + +"O-h! Did I? That's one on me, sure! Well, maybe it is +'before'--who knows! What else could she be goin' off at half-past +five with the milkman for? Might not be a bad thing either--guess +he's all right. 'Most anything 'd be better 'n bein' under Miss +Sniffen and her crowd!" + +"Where did Mrs. Dick live before she came here? Did you know her?" +Mrs. Albright inquired. + +"I knew of her." Miss Crilly answered. "She kep' boarders over +Kelly Avenue way. She used to teach school years ago. Her first +husband died and all her children, then she took boarders and +married one of 'em.--this Mr. Dick. He didn't live long--only long +enough to run through what she'd saved up. He drank. She's worked +hard all her life, I guess. I like Mis' Dick! She's good company." + +"I like her very," agreed Mrs. Adlerfeld. "She has been nice to me +a many times. If she goes to marry, I think it will no harm +anybody, and I wish her the best things in the world." + +The little Swedish woman voiced the larger number of Mrs. Dick's +associates in the Home. Slighting remarks were heard from Miss +Castlevaine and a few others, but in almost any case they were to +be expected. + +On the second day of Mrs. Dick's absence Miss Crilly appeared in +Mrs. Bonnyman's room, where some half-dozen of the ladies were +chatting. + +"She is married!" she announced in a stage whisper,--"married to +the milkman--oh! oh! oh!" Miss Crilly sat down in the midst of +eager questioning. + +"They say she wrote a note to Miss Sniffen yesterday, but I didn't +get my news from her--no, sir-ee! It came pretty straight, +though,--I guess it's so all right." + +"What'd you say, Mis' Albright? Yes, she was married day before +yesterday--went to the minister's! She told somebody she just +couldn't stand it here another minute." + +"I wonder if she's ever seen him much," said Miss Major. + +"My, yes! She's known him for years--used to be her milkman when +she kept house! He isn't any stranger! Oh, don't I wish I could +see her!" + +"Maybe she will come over and call on us," observed Mrs. Prindle. + +"If she dares," spoke up Mrs. Bonnyman. + +"Well, I'm glad for her!" declared Miss Crilly. "Wouldn't it feel +good to be cut loose from rules! Dear me! We're so tied up it +seems, sometimes's if I must scream!" + +"I don't think people outside know how things go here," put in Miss +Mullaly. "Why, everybody congratulated me on getting in! I +thought I was going to have the time of my life!" She laughed +deprecatingly. + +"It is the time of our lives--the worst time!" snapped Miss Major. + +"Well folks can get along some way," said Miss Sterling; "but +Heaven save the sick ones!" + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +ALONG A BROOKSIDE ROAD + +"Oh, here you are!" cried Polly from the doorway, just beyond Mrs. +Bonnyman. + +"Been looking for me?" Miss Sterling smiled, + +"Everywhere!" Polly dropped beside her friend. "No, Mrs. +Bonnyman, don't get a chair for me! I like this! Besides, I'm not +going to stay. It's too lovely outside to be cooped up in the +house. Why can't we all go to walk?" + +"Oh, that's the ticket!" Miss Crilly jumped up. "I'll have to +change my togs first--will you wait for me?" + +Polly nodded and smiled, as Miss Crilly skipped off. + +"Will you all go?" + +Miss Sterling rose. + +"You will, Miss Nita?" Polly clung to her hand. + +"Yes, but not with this dress on." + +"I bid many thanks to you," said Mrs. Adlerfeld quaintly; "I shall +like to go very." Having made sure of the others, Polly ran off to +make her invitation general, stopping at various doors on her way +downstairs. + +"Shall we go two by two, like a boarding-school?" giggled Miss +Crilly, as the little party left the Home grounds. + +"Let's go any old way!" Then, glancing beyond Miss Crilly, Polly +gave a glad cry,--"David and Leonora!" and flew to meet the two who +were just at the hospital entrance. + +"Will you come to walk with us?" she invited, "Or I'll stay if +you'd rather." + +They declared that they would much prefer the walk, and Polly was +soon making the introductions where they were needed. Many of the +ladies were well acquainted with Polly's friends. + +David at once appropriated his old-time chum, and Leonora skipped +over to Miss Sterling. + +"Ther' 's so many of us we ought to march abreast, clear across the +street, as they do in processions!" Miss Crilly was in high +spirits.. + +The road Polly had chosen led through an avenue of old elms and +thence out into the wide country. Past the city milepost, not far +distant from the Home, a little brook purled along, overswept by +willows. + +"Isn't this beautiful!" cried Miss Major. "And here are +raspberries--oh!" + +The party broke ranks and scattered among the bushes, eager for the +fruit that was just in its prime. + +"Do you suppose they belong to anybody?" queried Mrs. Prindle, a +bit anxiously. + +"If they do they don't love 'em a whole lot," Miss Crilly returned. +"See those! They are so ripe they almost fall to pieces lookin' at +'em! But they're sweet as sugar!" She plumped them into her mouth. + +Soon they strolled forward by two's and three's, but long before +the young folks and a few others had begun to be tired, several +were lagging behind. Miss Twining among them. + +"Are you coming back this way, Polly?" she called. + +"Why, I thought we wouldn't. What's the matter?" + +"Used up," she smiled. + +"Oh, I'm so sorry! I've gone too far, haven't I? You sit down +somewhere and rest, and I'll stay with you. The others can go on, +if they like." + +"Guess I'll wait, too." Miss Sterling dropped wearily to the grass. + +Mrs. Adlerfeld, Miss Lily, Mrs. Albright, and Miss Castlevaine +lined themselves beside her. + +"I don't know what possessed me to come on such a long walk!" +fretted Miss Castlevaine. + +"Why, I never thought that anybody could be tired!" said Polly +contritely. "Why didn't you speak sooner?" + +"Oh, we'll be all right by the time you get back!" laughed Mrs. +Albright. "Now run along, every one of you! Shoo! Shoo!" She +waved her skirts toward them. + +It took a good deal of urging, however, to induce Polly to leave +Miss Sterling. Finally she ran off with David, calling back that +she wouldn't be gone long. + +The afternoon slipped away, and the air grew cooler. The exhausted +ones gathered strength and now and then rambled about a little, +wondering why the others did not return. They watched longingly +the point of road where the party had disappeared, even Miss Lily +peered vainly into the empty distance. + +Miss Castlevaine looked at her watch for the twentieth time. "It +is a quarter past five!" she frowned. "Where can they be!" + +"We may as well sit down while we wait," laughed Mrs. Albright. +"Wandering round in a circle won't bring them any quicker." She +lowered herself plumply beside Miss Sterling. + +"Now don't you go to worrying!" she said. "They haven't been eaten +up by bears or carried off by hawks. Probably they are having so +good a time they have forgotten to come back." + +The sun dropped lower and lower. The wayside shadows thickened. A +robin on the top-most branch of a locust sang a solo. + +"There they are!" cried Miss Castlevaine. + +The others looked eagerly down the road. + +The thud of hoofs came out of the hush. + +"Oh, it's only a team!" was the disappointed contradiction. "I saw +the dust and thought they were coming." + +The buggy whirled up, the driver lifted his hat with a smiling +bow--and was gone. + +"Mr. Randolph and Miss Puddicombe!" commented Miss Castlevaine. +"Who was he bowing to? Not me!" + +"I have met him," responded Mrs. Albright. + +"Oh! Maybe it was you, then. But he was looking at Miss Sterling!" + +"She knows him, too, and so does Mrs. Adlerfeld." + +"Oh!" repeated Miss Castlevaine. "I see him riding with that Miss +Puddicombe a good deal lately. Guess she's trying to catch him." + +"They are coming now for certain!" exclaimed Mrs. Albright. + +Away in the distance the returning party could be discerned. Soon +there was a waving of eager hands. The forward ones started on a +race. + +"It's Miss Crilly and the children!" Mrs. Albright laughed. "Isn't +she game!" + +Polly and David were ahead. + +"Are you tired out waiting?" called Polly. + +"Have you been to Buckline?" twinkled Mrs. Albright. + +"Almost!" answered David. + +"We've had such a time!" laughed Polly. + +"Time!" burst in Miss Crilly. "We'd been goners, sure, if we +hadn't jumped like fleas! My! You oughter seen Miss Mullaly--if +she didn't go hand-springin' over that wall!" + +"But what was it?" cried Mrs. Albright. + +"A cow!"--"An ugly old cow!"--"She went bellowin' like Sancho Panza +set loose!" + +"Did she chase you? What did you do?" + +"She was coming for us, and we jumped over the wall! We were on +our way home," explained Polly. + +"And David wanted to go and drive her off, so we could get by," put +in Leonora; "but I held on to him!" + +"I could have done it as well as that man," insisted David, looking +somewhat disgusted at the lack of faith in his ability. + +"He 'most got away from us!" laughed Miss Crilly. "We all had to +grab him!" + +"Did the cow's owner come?" Miss Castlevaine queried. + +"We don't know who it was," answered Polly. "We were hiding behind +some bushes the other side of the wall." + +"Such a combobbery as that cow cut up! My! I thought she'd knock +the man into slivers!" said Miss Crilly. + +"But she didn't!" observed David. + +"No," said Polly, "he drove her off finally." + +"And we beat it!" giggled Miss Crilly. + +"We thought you would wonder what had become of us," smiled Leonora. + +"We did," agreed Mrs. Albright, "and somebody else will be +wondering that same thing, if we don't march home about as fast as +we can!" + +Polly's cool and charming sweetness was all that saved the party +from Miss Sniffen's very apparent displeasure, the tardy ones +agreed. Supper had been served at least five minutes before they +filed into the dining-room; but their astonishing appetites, which +gave a relish even to soggy corncake and watery tea, almost +counterbalanced any fears for their future walks with Polly. + +Juanita Sterling sat down wearily in her own room. "I wish I had +stayed at home!" she sighed. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +POLLY PLANS + +"Father," Polly began thoughtfully, "I've been thinking--you +remember I told you about our walk the other day and how tired Miss +Nita and some of the other ladies were before I even thought of +such a thing--" Polly stopped questioningly. + +"I remember," smiled Dr. Dudley. + +"So don't you think it would be nice--until they grow stronger, you +know--for them to ride instead of walk?" + +"Very nice, indeed. Do you want me to take them?" + +"I wish you could," laughed Polly, "but I know you don't have time. +I happened to think, though, why couldn't we have the car some +morning, while you are busy in the hospital? Evan could drive for +us." + +"A very good plan," the Doctor nodded musingly. "You wish to go +with them, I take it." + +"Yes, I think I'd better. I know, one more could go if I didn't; +but I guess they'd be more lively with me along than if they went +with just Evan." + +"If I were going I should certainly want you, too," twinkled the +doctor. + +"Oh, dear! We don't have as many good rides together as we used +to, do we?" Polly bent down from the arm of Dr. Dudley's chair +where she was sitting and cuddled her cheek against his. + +"No," he replied, "we'll have to borrow an hour some day and run +away." + +"Wouldn't that be fun! Oh, let's!" + +"I think we'll do it, then I can get re-acquainted with you." + +Polly chuckled. "As if you didn't know me clear through, from +head-top to toe-tip!" + +"I feel quite like a stranger lately. I come in here and ask, +'Where's Polly?' and your mother says, 'She is over at the Home,' +or, 'She's gone to walk with Miss Sterling.' When I see Miss +Sterling I shall tell her what I think of it." + +"You might tell me," suggested Polly demurely, "and then I can +repeat it to Miss Nita." + +"I prefer to say my say to her," the Doctor replied with no hint of +a smile. "You might not say it strong enough." + +A wee chuckle escaped Polly. "What are you going to tell her?" she +coaxed. + +"That she can't have my girl so much without paying for her." + +"Oh," laughed Polly. "Miss Nita doesn't have any money." + +"It would be of no use in this case. Do you suppose you can be +paid for in money?" + +"Oh, you dearest, funniest man! I wish you could see Miss Nita +more--you wouldn't wonder I like to go there. She is so lovable." + +"I do not doubt it. How is she now--better?" + +"Ever so much better! She doesn't say anything lately about +wanting to die. I wish she had nice things to eat--I don't see how +she stands sour bread and so much corned beef and mackerel and +sausages." + +Doctor Dudley shook his head musingly. "It is too bad--a +magnificent building, and wretched household management." + +"I wonder why they keep Miss Sniffen," Polly said. + +"Probably she is agreeable to the trustees, and nobody calls their +attention to anything wrong." + +"Yes, I've seen her--when some of the officers came. She is as +smiley as a goose! I hate her smile; it looks as if she didn't +mean it." + +"She is evidently not the woman for the place. I am sorry." The +Doctor glanced at his watch and rose abruptly. + +"Got to go?" + +"I ought to have gone earlier." + +"Oh, dear! I wish other folks didn't need you all the time!" +mourned Polly. + +He stepped back and kissed her. "That is the penalty of more +money," he smiled. + +"More fame, you mean!" she retorted and heard a little chuckle as +he passed out the door. + +Polly did not plan long without acting, and within an hour she was +on her long walk to Colonel Gresham's, to talk over her scheme with +Leonora and David. + +She found Mrs. Gresham just starting to meet a train. + +"I'm so sorry I can't stay," she told Polly, "and Leonora and David +are not at home! But the Colonel is out in the stable. He will be +delighted to see you. I'll call him." She turned to a bell button. + +"Oh, no, please!" interrupted Polly. "I'd rather go there. I +haven't seen Lone Star for an age!" + +"You'll find them chatting together, as usual," laughed the little +lady, and Polly skipped off as soon as Mrs. Gresham had driven away. + +"Good afternoon, Miss Dudley." The Colonel extended his hand. + +"Seems to me you're pretty formal," smiled Polly. + +Colonel Gresham laughed, a gentle, mellow laugh, quite in harmony +with the happy-lined face and the graying hair. + +"I wish I had a chair to offer you," he said, looking about him, as +if expecting one to pop into sight. "I suppose I'm indebted to +David and Leonora for this visit." + +"No, Colonel Gresham, I came to see you especially this time. I +was going to ask them what they thought of a little plan I have; +but they are not necessary--and you are!" + +"Ah! a plan? I wait on your pleasure!" The Colonel bowed with +mock gravity. + +"Thank you!" chuckled Polly. "Perhaps you won't when you know +about it. But I want to see Lone Star first--oh, he's just as +beautiful as he ever was!" She patted the neck of the handsome +creature and stroked his nose. + +The horse whinnied at the attention and eyed her with seeming +delight. + +"I believe he remembers me, and I haven't spoken to him for--oh, +how long is it?" + +"My memory cannot extend so far." Colonel Gresham was evidently in +a whimsical humor this afternoon. + +Lone Star was made happy with more caresses and a full measure of +oats, and then the Colonel and Polly walked slowly up to the house. + +"When Polly unfolded her plan in regard to the Home ladies Colonel +Gresham's face lighted with interest. + +"You can have two of my cars," he said, "on one condition--no, +two--that I may drive the big one and that you will sit on the +front seat beside me." + +"Oh, it won't be a bit hard for me to say yes to that!" Polly +smiled. "I should like it! Let me see, five and four are nine, +and four makes thirteen--why, they can all go--or all that are well +enough! Won't that be lovely!" + +"'Lovelicious,' I think!" The Colonel looked demurely down at Polly. + +"How much I used to say that!" Polly laughed. "Well, I truly think +this will be--three cars! Won't they be surprised! But we must +squeeze in Leonora and David somewhere! Probably the ladies +wouldn't all care to go, anyway. You are so good to let them have +the cars--I never thought of two--or that you could go with us! I +can't thank you half enough!" + +Before Polly went home a ride was arranged for the next morning, +and her heart skipped joyfully all the long way, thinking how happy +Miss Nita and the rest would be. + +Directly after luncheon she ran over to the Home. + +"You look glad about something," Miss Sterling told her. + +"You will be when you know," chuckled Polly. "What do you +think!--you're going to ride with Colonel Gresham to-morrow +morning!" + +"With Colonel Gresham! He hasn't invited me!" Miss Sterling's +knitting dropped into her lap. + +"I have--or I'm going to! Oh, it will be lovely!" Polly's brown +eyes shone. "Colonel Gresham is going to let us have his two +biggest cars, and he will drive the seven-passenger one. Then +father says we may have ours with Evan to drive, and we're going to +take as many of the ladies as we can and have a beautiful ride! +What do you think of that?" + +"It's overwhelming! Catch me if I drop!" The gray-blue eyes were +dancing. + +Polly squeezed her ecstatically. "I want you in the car with me, +and now let's see how many can go and which ones to ask." + +It was a pleasant task, though really a little puzzling, for there +were sixteen ladies of the Home, and only ten or eleven were to be +counted among the weaklings. Nobody must be offended and nobody +must feel hurt. So with David and Leonora, it was a hard matter, +after all, to decide on the invitation list. Miss Sterling, +however, was a wonderful assistant. Polly was sure she could never +have disposed things so happily if it had not been for her wise +Miss Nita. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +"LOTS O' JOY" + +The morning was as clear and balmy as a festival day should be, and +the cars were at the door of the June Holiday Home at three minutes +before nine o'clock. + +"Let's go early," Juanita Sterling had said, "while the day is +fresh from the hand of God." And in accordance with her wish Polly +had appointed the hour. + +Most of the ladies were in Sunday attire, their wardrobes holding +few changes between "everyday" and "best." + +Juanita Sterling handled her small stock of apparel so that, plain +as it was, it had an air of distinction. Little deft touches here +and there added character and daintiness to any garment that she +wore. Some of the less fortunate realized this as they rode out of +the Home gate that July morning, and one or two were actually +envious of the little woman who sat in Colonel Gresham's beautiful +car and responded so merrily to the Colonel's sallies. + +"I guess Miss Sterling has ways of getting her nest feathered that +some other folks don't know anything about," whispered Miss +Castlevaine to Miss Major. + +"No such thing!" was the prompt retort. "She knows how to put her +feathers on, that's all." + +"Knowing how don't change colors as I've ever heard--huh! Look at +that white dress! They don't give me white dresses!" + +"Probably she had it when she came. She hasn't been here a year +yet, you know," replied Miss Major. + +"They won't make over mine," complained the other. + +"Oh!" broke in Mrs. Albright, "look over there! Isn't that +magnificent?" + +Fields and slopes of varying green, wooded hills, and mountains in +the blue distance--these made the picture that had called forth the +exclamation. + +"Magnificent!" echoed Miss Major. + +Miss Castlevaine looked, but said nothing. The darkness of envy +and discontent still dimmed her eyes. + +Juanita Sterling, in the car ahead, was yielding herself to the +bountiful joy of the moment and had forgotten disagreeable things. +Polly and Colonel Gresham kept up a steady run of pleasantries, +much of which came easily to her quick ears, and she found herself +smiling with them even while her eyes were feasting on the +ever-changing landscape. + +"Doesn't Mrs. Dick live somewhere out this way?" inquired Miss +Mullaly. + +Miss Sterling did not know and in turn asked the Colonel. + +"Tenney, the milk dealer? His farm is over there to the left a +mile or two. Would you like to call on the bride?" + +"Yes, I should! Wouldn't you, Polly?" + +"First-rate! Let's!" was the eager answer. + +So at the next cross-road the car was turned that way. + +"I'm awfully glad you thought of it!" Polly turned to say. + +"I didn't think of going there," Miss Mullaly admitted, "but I'd +love to. Won't she be surprised!" + +Surprised, indeed, was the former Mrs. Dick. She was on her way +from garden to kitchen when the procession of cars came into view, +and, her overflowing basket in hand, she halted on the side lawn +until the party should pass by. A bunch of automobiles did not +appear every day on the Tenney Farm road. Instead of going past, +however, the big car ahead steered straight for her, and she +recognized her friends! Down went her basket, and she skipped over +the grass with the agility of a girl of fifteen. + +"How do you do--Miss Sterling and Polly--and all of you! Well, I +am astonished!--And if there aren't Miss Twining and Mrs. +Bonnyman--why, are you all here?" + +"Pretty nearly," answered Polly, who had jumped from the car and +was clasping the speaker's hand. + +Mrs. Tenney was soon surrounded by her Home associates and was so +overwhelmed by the suddenness of the call that she almost forgot to +invite them into the house. + +"Oh, we can't stay!" declared Mrs. Albright. "We are just out for +a ride, and those of us in the rear cars were about as surprised as +you were. We'd no idea that Colonel Gresham was headed for your +place--we didn't know you lived here till we saw you!" + +"Dear people!" broke in Miss Sterling, "where are our manners? +I'll confess, I forgot! Mrs. Tenney," with twinkling eyes she +extended her hand, "I wish you every possible joy for all the days +and years to come!" + +Amid much laughter more good wishes followed, until somebody +remembered that the morning was slipping away, and they were far +from home. + +"Well, say, why can't you all come out here sometime and spend the +day? 'T won't make a mite of difference when. We always have +enough to eat, and I am generally right here. I'd love dearly to +have you. Pile 'em all in, if you can! Sit in each other's +laps--any way to get 'em here! They're going to keep up the rides, +aren't they?" + +An instant's silence was broken by Polly. "Yes, we are!" she +promised. "Colonel Gresham and father are going to let us have the +cars until we're able to walk ten miles on a stretch!" + +This sally was greeted by a shout, and the party climbed into the +cars and were off, good-byes mingling with the noise of the motors. + +"Anybody getting tired?" asked Colonel Gresham, as they swept into +the village of Clare. + +None would admit fatigue, and on whirled the cars, leaving the +handful of houses behind. Presently they entered the broad street +of an old town, where houses with gambrel roofs and quaint porches +neighbored in quiet dignity with towered mansions and verandaed +bungalows. Colonel Gresham drew up his car at a little shop, and +he and David disappeared through the doorway. They soon came back +With their hands full of ice-cream cones, which they distributed +and returned for more. + +"Isn't this cream lovely!" beamed Leonora to the back seat of the +third car. + +"Delicious!" responded Mrs. Albright. + +"As good as I ever tasted!" declared Miss Major. + +Miss Castlevaine nibbled hers for a moment longer before she spoke. + +"My cousin goes automobiling a great deal," she said, "and she +makes her own cream--solid cream it is, too!--and she has something +that she puts it in so that she can slice it off as she wants it. +It keeps ice cold for an indefinite time." + +"I have heard of such contrivances," said Mrs. Albright politely. + +"No cream could be better than this," asserted Miss Major +confidently. + +Miss Castlevaine drew her lips into a smirk. + +"Trust the Colonel for buying the best of everything!" went on Miss +Major. "What a man he is! I wish he were one of the directors of +the June Holiday Home." + +Miss Castlevaine's face stiffened into an expression of +superiority, as if she could divulge things detrimental to the +Colonel if she wished. But nobody appeared to regard her, and the +cars jogged on, + +Mrs. Adlerfeld, meanwhile, wore a look of saintly rapture. + +Polly turned to say, "Isn't the air nice this morning?" + +"Here it is beautiful!" smiled the little Swedish woman. "I have +lots o' joy!" + +Colonel Gresham threw her an admiring glance. "Glad you like it," +he said. + +"Oh, I like it very!" she responded. "I hope it didn't tired you +to drive him." + +"Not a bit!" he laughed. + +"It looks more play as work," she smiled. + +He nodded brightly back to her, and then turned to Polly. His tone +was too low to carry to the seat behind. + +"Why didn't you tell me what a charming little woman we had with +us?" + +"Isn't she sweet!" beamed Polly. "Didn't you ever meet her before?" + +"Never! I'm going to invite her to ride with me--all alone, just +to hear her talk!" + +Polly chuckled. "I wish you would," she told him. + +"She'd go, wouldn't she?" + +"Of course! Why not?" + +"I'll warrant that sour-looking elephant in the back car wouldn't!" +laughed the Colonel. "She's that kind!" + +"Oh! I guess you mean Miss Castlevaine. She's the biggest one +there is. But she is very nice--sometimes." + +"The times are few and far between, aren't they?" he twinkled. + +Polly laughed, but said apologetically, "She's been pleasant to me." + +"She ought to be; but over at the Tenneys' she looked as if she'd +like to be somewhere else. She seemed to keep on the edge of +things." + +"She doesn't always come in with the rest--feels a little above +some of them. She is very proud of her Russian ancestry. Her +mother or grandmother was a duchess." + +"I thought she was proud of something," observed the Colonel, "and +it couldn't be her good looks." + +"I think you are pretty hard on her," protested Polly. + +"Am I?" he smiled. "Is she a particular friend of yours? You'll +have to excuse me." + +"Oh, she isn't an especial friend, but I feel sorry for her because +she has to wear such old clothes--and she loves pretty things." + +"Why doesn't she get pretty things, then, while she is about it?" + +"She can't!" cried Polly. "She has to take what Miss Sniffen gives +her." + +"Oh, I see! Well, I reckon I'd look sour if I were dependent on +that Miss Sniffen for clothes." + +Polly chuckled. "I can't imagine it!" + +"It would come pretty hard!" Colonel Gresham shook his head +musingly. "It is a shame that those women are not better treated! +I'll take them to ride as often as I can--you tell them so, Polly!" + +"I will!" Polly beamed her delight. "It's lovely of you! It will +do them no end of good. They stay cooped up in the house too much. +You see, there's so much red tape about going out even for a little +walk, that sometimes they'd rather stay at home." + +"I'm going to talk to Randolph about it when I get a chance. He is +too sensible a man to let this sort of thing go on." + +"Oh, but you mustn't make him think there has been the leastest +mite of complaint! If anybody finds a word of fault, she'll get +turned out! They're afraid of their lives!" + +"This little woman back here doesn't look afraid." + +"No, she's different." Polly cast a look at her. + +Mrs. Adlerfeld caught it and smiled back, a bright, happy smile, as +if, indeed, she had "lots o' joy." + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +THE HIKING CLUB + +"OH, Miss Nita! What do you think?" Polly burst into the room full +of excitement. "Chris has gone!" + +"Gone? Where?" + +"To Australia!" + +"Not alone?" + +"Oh, no! His father is with him. We never knew he was coming--till +there he was! For a minute Chris hardly knew him! Isn't that +queer? But he didn't look like himself. His hair is cut close to +his head! What do you suppose he did it for? It isn't becoming! +But, oh, you ought to have seen Chris! He jumped right into his +father's arms and cried and cried and cried! Mr. Morrow cried, +too, almost as hard as Chris! We had a pretty exciting time!" + +"When was it?" put in Miss Sterling. + +"This noon. Mother did finally persuade him to stay to dinner--he +wasn't going to! I don't see why he was in such a hurry to get +away! Oh, I shall miss that boy awfully! He is always just +so--never cross or pouty, or anything. Sometimes he has been +pretty blue--I suppose thinking of his father and wondering why he +didn't come. It has been almost two years! It won't seem a bit +natural without Chris. I shall have to come over here and bother +you more than ever." Polly sighed a bit sorrowfully and dropped on +a hassock at Miss Sterling's feet. + +"You know you couldn't come too often, my dear." + +"I feel sometimes as if I were a nuisance," laughed Polly. "I +guess Miss Sniffen thinks so. She looks at me so queer when she +meets me in the hall." + +"It is only her way. She can't have anything against you." + +Polly shook her head doubtfully; then she smiled. "I did kind of +pacify her the other night when we were late from our walk, didn't +I? I was afraid I couldn't, but I wasn't going to let her know it!" + +"It was funny the way she came round," Miss Sterling agreed. + +"That makes me think," Polly broke out, "when are we going to have +another walk?" + +"I--don't--know," sighed the other. "Walking is such an effort! I +get so tired I can't sleep." + +"That's too bad!" mourned Polly. "But don't you think it's because +you stay in the house so much? If you went oftener maybe you'd get +used to it and it wouldn't tire you." + +"Perhaps. I don't know." + +"We were planning, only yesterday, Chris and I, to start a walking +club--and now he's gone! But I suppose the rest of us can have +it," Polly went on. "We thought we'd ask David and Leonora and +Patricia,--she and her mother are just home from the shore,--and +Doodles and Blue and all of you folks here." + +"All the ladies?" + +Polly nodded. + +"They're not all equal to it. You forget how old some of them are." + +"Anyway, they aren't too old to be asked!" laughed Polly. + +"No, and it is a good idea. Sometimes a club will have a stronger +pull on anybody than just an incidental invitation." + +"That's what we thought--dear, dear, it's too bad Chris had to go!" + +"I'm sorry, but I imagine he is happy enough to be with his father." + +"Yes! He looked like another boy after his father came. Well, +we'll have to do without him." + +"How can Doodles and Blue be in? They live eighteen or twenty +miles away." + +"Oh, they can come down by trolley, or we can go up there," replied +Polly easily. + +Miss Sterling laughed. "You forget that we haven't any money for +trolley fares." + +"I never thought! They'll have to come here, then. Anyway, +they've got to belong! Doodles is the sweetest boy! I used to +wonder if he would change any when he was able to run and play--I +didn't know but he'd get to be--coarser, you know; but he is just +the same. Blue is nice, only he is more like other boys--Doodles +isn't!" + +"Miss Lily has been telling me of how he Went to sing to her. She +just idolizes him." + +"I know she does. The other day when I was up to see her she +couldn't talk of anybody else. There isn't much doubt but that she +will join the club if she can see Doodles oftener." + +"She seems to be fairly strong; her trouble is only with her eyes." + +"I guess it will do her eyes good to go outdoors more. I wanted to +call it the 'Hiking Club'; but Chris was afraid the name would +frighten some of them--they'd think a 'hike' meant more than just a +walk." + +"Mrs. Post is quite lame yet, and Mrs. Grace is having rheumatism. +They couldn't go at present. Miss Twining's heart bothers her. +She said she shouldn't dare attempt so long a walk again." + +"As the one the other day? That wasn't long for a well person." + +"But most of us are not well--if we were we shouldn't be here." + +"I'll ask them all, anyway!" Polly insisted. "Can't we have our +first meeting here in your room, Miss Nita?" + +"Certainly. When is it to be?" + +"I think to-day would be a good time--about two o'clock. It isn't +very pleasant out, raw and chilly. I'll go round and invite them +now. Will you come, too?" + +"No, I'll sit here and read. You run along and get your hikers, +and then come back and tell me about it." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +GRANDAUNT SUSIE AND MISS SNIFFEN + +Polly aroused more enthusiasm among the ladies than Miss Sterling +had thought possible. Almost everybody, even Mrs. Grace, with her +rheumatic knee, was eager to join the new club. + +It was agreed that those who were able should take a tramp together +twice a week and should walk on the veranda, ten times its length, +at least once a day. + +Polly was unanimously elected president, Miss Major for +corresponding secretary, and David Collins for treasurer. + +"The club will be bankrupt from the start," laughed Miss Crilly. +"What do we need a treasurer for?" + +"Oh, they always have one!" insisted Polly. "Maybe the money'll +come." + +"Sure! Somebody might donate a million dollars to us--and what +should we do without anybody to take care of it!" Miss Crilly +chuckled happily. + +The work of organization being disposed of, Mrs. Bonnyman asked +what was to be done next. + +Polly didn't know. + +"Oh, we must adjourn!" declared Miss Major. "That is the principal +event of most business meetings." + +Accordingly, with much giggling from a few of the members, the new +club voted to adjourn until the next Monday. + +"Oh, dear! it's raining hard!" cried Polly. "I thought maybe we +could go for a little walk, just to mark the day." + +"Can't we do something here--have some game or other?" suggested +Miss Crilly. + +"I say!" burst out David, "I forgot! Mother told me to be at home +by half-past three, and it's almost that now. Will you come, +Leonora, or wait for the shower to be over?" + +Leonora preferred a walk in the rain to one alone, so they hurried +into their raincoats and were off. + +"Our company's dwindling," observed Miss Crilly, as the door shut +upon Mrs. Post and Mrs. Crump, "but I don't want to go home +yet--need I, Miss Sterling?" "Certainly not! I want you all to +stay. Polly, you are queen of ceremonies--what shall we do next?" + +"We might try some of Grandaunt Susie's exercises," twinkled Polly. + +"Just the thing!" + +"Who's Grandaunt Susie, pray?" Miss Crilly was frankly curious. + +"Mother's grandaunt," explained Polly. "She was miserable, and +these exercises made her strong enough to do almost anything. She +is seventy-three,--or was when she was here, a year ago,--and +father himself says she doesn't look a minute over thirty-five!" + +"Oh, my! Let's try'em! I want to look 'not a minute over +thirty-five'!" Miss Crilly waved her hands excitedly. + +"How do you begin--this way?" Miss Mullaly sprang to her feet, +threw out her chest, and worked her arms up and down. + +"Oh, no!" cried Polly. "That is not it at all! You take them +lying down!" + +"Mercy!" cried Miss Lily. + +"I'd like that!" declared Mrs. Albright. + +"Good and easy!" Miss Crilly nodded. + +"Yes, they are every one to be practiced in bed, before you get up +in the morning," resumed Polly. + +"What if you don't wake early enough?" asked Mrs. Prindle with a +shrug. + +"Then you're late for breakfast or lose your chance of going back +to thirty-five!" laughed Miss Crilly. + +"How can you thrash your arms round in bed?" Miss Mullaly queried. + +"You don't have to. It isn't like gymnastics." + +"Well, do tell us, Polly! I'm just crazy to begin!" Miss Crilly +laughingly shook Polly's shoulders. + +"There are so many of them," Polly drew a long, laughing breath, "I +hardly know which to take first. There is one for the legs--that +would help in walking. But you'll have to lie down first." + +Miss Crilly and Miss Major hurried to the floor, Miss Mullaly +following. + +"Oh, lie on the bed!" cried Miss Sterling. + +"This is all right." asserted Miss Crilly. "Go on, Polly!" + +"You want to turn just a mite on your right side. Now make your +right leg firm, and put your left toes against the top of your +right foot,--yes, that's it!--and tense the muscles of your left +leg--hard! Now relax! Tense again! Relax! You mustn't do it too +long at first, but that's the way--tense and relax, ten times on +this side and ten on the other." + +"Whew! takes some strength! Why don't you try it, girls? It's +fun! Miss Sterling will let you have her bed--we'll make it over +afterwards. Try it. Mis' Albright, and you, Miss Leatherland, +it'll do you good!" + +"Yes, go ahead, as Miss Crilly says," urged Miss Sterling. "I've +practiced that, and I think it has made me stronger." + +Polly's class was increased to five, but the others could not be +induced to make any attempt. + +"There's another that's pretty good," went on Polly. "It's for +both sides, alternate, but you can learn it on your right. Bend up +your left knee, and take your left ankle in your left hand--now +pull hard, leg and hand both! That's right. Pull and then relax. +Here's another; bend your knee--the upper one, and take it in both +hands and pull hard! Relax, and then pull again." + +"I wish there was an exercise to make thin folks fatter," observed +Miss Mullaly. + +"I know some that'll make your cheeks plump and round," said Polly. + +Little squeals of doubt greeted the announcement. + +"I don't believe they'd make my face round," laughed Miss +Leatherland. + +"Yes, they would! Wouldn't they, Miss Nita?" + +"I can't swear to it, as Polly does; but this I do know--it plumps +and pinks them for a little while. Polly says her aunt told her +that after enough practice the plumpness would stay." + +"Oh, what is it?" queried Miss Mullaly eagerly. + +"I'll try it on Miss Leatherland if she'll let me," offered Polly. +"It will be more of a test on her, because she is thinnest." + +"Certainly you may, but I can't quite believe it will do what you +say it will." + +"Just you wait'" chuckled Polly. "First you must smile, a big, big +smile! Not quite hard enough!--Yes, that's better! Now, while I +press my hands against your cheeks and massage them this way, you +must open and shut your mouth--no, wider than that!--a little +wider--just as wide as you can! Keep on smiling all the time! + +"There! now I'll let you look in the glass--see how your cheeks +have plumped out! Oh, but you lock pretty!" + +"Doesn't she!" Miss Crilly jumped up, the better to see. "Look! +everybody! My, how pretty!" + +"'Pretty!'" scorned Miss Leatherland. Yet the pink rose higher. + +"Polly! is this the right way?" Miss Mullaly was doing her best, +but not well enough to satisfy the instructor. + +"The middle of your hand must come up high on your cheek," +explained Polly. "Yes, that's it! And twenty-five times you must +open and shut your mouth." + +"Polly," broke in Miss Sterling, "when you can, I wish you'd tell +Mrs. Prindle how to make her hair grow." + +"Yes," added Mrs. Prindle, "she says you know a way of massaging +the scalp, and my hair is so thin!" + +"You'll have to take it down, I guess--so you can get at it all +over," said Polly. + +"Do you know it will really help it?" + +"Grandaunt Susie said her hair was so thin you could see through +it, and when she was at our house it was as thick as--as thick as +mine." + +"Oh, I'm going to try that--my hair's all coming out!" Miss Lily +drew her pins from the thin coil. + +Mrs. Grace and Mrs. Adlerfeld made their heads ready for +manipulation. + +"You just put your hands this way, right up under your +hair,"--Polly spread out her fingers,--"and clutch at the scalp +hard, as if you were going to pull it off. Go all over the head, +again and again for five minutes--two or three times a day. Aunt +Susie says it will make the hair grow like fun." + +"Oh, Miss Polly, will you be so kind as to show me just how it +goes, please?" Miss Twining was shaking down her scanty locks. + +"It's very easy," Polly smiled. She liked the shy, gentle Miss +Twining. "This is all there is to it," working her hands under the +soft blond hair. "The only trouble is, it tires the hands out +pretty quick." + +"Oh, yours must be tired! I should not have asked you!" + +"No, no! Mine are all right. I was thinking only of yours. Now, +try it yourself. Yes, that's the way! You have it!" + +"Polly!" Miss Crilly was on the floor, hugging her knee. + +"I'm here!" laughed Polly. + +"Do you know anything that will scare away a double chin?" + +"Yes, I do!" + +"Oh, jolly! What is it?" + +"I'd like to hear about that!" spoke up Miss Castlevaine. + +Polly thought a moment. + +"You'll have to lie down--flat on your back--no, you go over on the +bed, Miss Castlevaine, and I'll tell you how to do it." + +"Don't get up, Mis' Albright!" cried Miss Crilly. "I can learn how +here just as well!" She lay back, her eyes on Polly. + +"I'll put this pillow right under your shoulders--so. Now throw +your head--" + +A sharp rap halted the sentence. Mrs. Albright sat up. The door +was flung open before Polly reached it. + +"Ladies! what does this mean?" Miss Sniffen stood there, resolute +and merciless. + +Nobody answered. + +Miss Twining and Miss Lily began hurriedly to gather up their +disheveled hair. Miss Castlevaine arose haughtily. Polly's tongue +was quickest to recover itself. + +"I was only teaching the ladies some exercises to make them strong. +We are not doing any harm, Miss Sniffen." + +"I infer that it makes them stronger to pull their hair down." The +tone was smoothly sarcastic. + +"Oh, that!" returned Polly, with a tiny smile; "I've been telling +them how to massage the scalp, so as to make their hair grow." + +"Very necessary, indeed! And I suppose their hair grows faster if +they stretch themselves out upon the bed and the floor! I'm +ashamed of you!" + +"Oh, Miss Sniffen!" protested Polly, "you have to lie down to take +these exercises! The book says so!" + +"Book!" snapped the angry voice; "I'll book you all for what you +won't like if I ever catch you in such unladylike postures again! +You must be in your second childhood! Now march to your rooms, +every one of you!" She waved her hand peremptorily toward the +doorway, and the culprits filed meekly past her--all but Miss +Castlevaine. She walked with stately step and head held high, as +became the great-granddaughter of a duchess. + +"I think you would better go home now, you have worked mischief +enough for one day!" She addressed Polly in a slightly mollified +tone. + +"Why, Miss Sniffen, I can't see what harm there is in trying to get +well and strong. I should think you'd like the ladies to be +better. Father and mother think these exercises are fine! +Mother's Grandaunt Susie told us about them. They made her as good +as new!" + +"We won't discuss the matter," replied the superintendent in a hard +voice. "You need not remain to talk it over with Miss Sterling." + +"I'm going--right now!" Polly caught up her coat. + +"Good-bye, Miss Nita!" She swept past Miss Sniffen with a curt bow. + +The door tight shut, Juanita Sterling fisted the air in the +direction of the departing superintendent. Then she drooped her +head and sobbed. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +VICTOR VON DALIN + +For several days the weather was showery, not very pleasant for +walking, and Polly stayed away from the June Holiday Home. + +"What will Miss Nita think!" she mourned. "Miss Sniffen has +probably forgotten by this time that she sent me home. Wouldn't it +do for me to go over for just a little while this fore-noon, while +the officers are all busy?" + +"I think you had better wait until Saturday," her mother decided. + +So Polly sighed and ran off to write a little note to her beloved +friend. It was warm in her own room, and she carried paper and +pencil out to her favorite seat on the veranda. + +She was there when a man came up the front steps, a white-haired +man. He walked with a firm, quick step, and when he saw her he +came over to where she sat. He took off his hat with a courteous +bow. + +"May I ask," he said in a low, pleasant voice, "if you know a lady +in the June Holiday Home named Adlerfeld, Mrs. Elise Adlerfeld?" + +"Oh, yes, sir! I know her very well; that is, I know Mrs. +Adlerfeld. I am not sure that her name is Elise." + +"Her husband's name was Hans Adlerfeld." + +"I don't know anything about him," Polly replied; "but there's only +one Mrs. Adlerfeld there. She is a dear! I love her!" + +The man's face flushed with pleasure. "Then you may, perhaps, help +me. I have sought her these two years, and only now have I found +her! I went to the door, and the lady told me I could not see her +till next Wednesday! I cannot stay. I must go back to New York, +and I must see her before I go. I begged the door-keeper to allow +me to speak with my friend for only a short moment; but she would +not. She said it was not visitor's day. Then I thought perhaps a +neighbor might help me. So I come to you. I ask you, is there any +way I can get inside to her, or she can get out to me? I beg of +you, my dear young lady, will you help me? I must see her to-day! +I cannot stay even till to-morrow!" + +"That is just like Miss Sniffen" declared Polly. "She is the +superintendent. She will never let anybody in except on Wednesday +afternoon. It is a shame' I don't know--" She hesitated. +"Perhaps mother will let me go over and tell her. Please take this +chair, sir. Mother will see you about it; she will know better +than I what to do." + +"Tell her, if you please, that it is Victor von Dalin, an old +friend of Mrs. Adlerfeld's, in Sweden, who desires to see her." + +"Oh! are you really from Sweden?" beamed Polly. "How delighted she +will be!" + +"I have not been in Sweden these two years; but I knew her well +when we lived there, a long time ago." + +Polly ran off, full of excitement. How pleased the dear little +woman would be! To think Miss Sniffen should refuse him entrance! +She explained the matter to her mother. + +"I will go right down," said Mrs. Dudley. "We must find some way +to bring them together without arousing suspicion." + +It was finally decided that Polly should go over to the Home and up +to Miss Sterling's room, as usual, leaving Miss Sterling to see +Mrs. Adlerfeld and to give her Mrs. Dudley's invitation to spend +the rest of the day at her house. + +Happily, Miss Sniffen was not in sight as Polly made her quick way +to the third floor. + +"You dear child! Then you're not sick! I was afraid you were." + +Miss Sterling held her at arm's length, to make sure of her health. + +"Sick? Not a bit!" laughed Polly. "Mother thought I'd better not +come until Miss Sniffen had had a chance to forget she sent me +home--that's all! I wasn't coming till to-morrow, but something +happened--the loveliest thing!" + +"What?" + +"Come, sit down, and I'll tell you!" + +"I can't imagine what it is!" + +"No, you can't! You couldn't guess if you had a year to do it in! +The nicest man has come from New York to see Mrs. Adlerfeld, and +they wouldn't let him in here! Wasn't that mean! So he came over +to our house, to ask if we knew her and could help him out. He +used to know Mrs. Adlerfeld in Sweden, and he's bound to see her! +Oh, he's so lovable! His hair is as white! But he doesn't look +old. Can't you come over pretty soon and see him? Though I don't +know as you'd better. That might give it away--to have two come! +Mother wants you to tell Mrs. Adlerfeld that she would like to have +her spend the day with us. Make her come just as quick as she can. +You can tell her that it is Mr. Victor von Dalin that is +there--isn't that a sweet name? Oh, I do hope she will come! +He'll have a fit if she doesn't! Wasn't Miss Sniffen horrible the +other day? When we were having such a good time! I must go--no, I +guess I'll wait till you've been up and found out. Then I can tell +him." + +Polly waited and waited, wondering, after five minutes, why Miss +Sterling did not come back. + +"Dear me!" she thought anxiously, "I hope Mrs. Adlerfeld hasn't +fainted or anything!" + +The time dragged slowly away. Ten o'clock went by. Polly wandered +restlessly around the room. She took up a book, but could not +read. Once she started to go down the hall to find out; then she +concluded she had better not. She looked out of the window, but +could think of nothing but the worrying fact of Miss Nita's +prolonged absence. + +At last she heard her light step in the corridor. She sprang to +the door. + +"What in the world--" + +Miss Sterling motioned for silence, and they hurried to the further +side of the room. + +"I knew you'd be frantic," she began; "but I couldn't help it. +Just before I reached Mrs. Adlerfeld's room I heard Mrs. Nobbs's +voice in there, so I stopped at Mrs. Albright's. I knew it would +be all right to tell her, they are so intimate. She is pleased as +we are. But it did seem as if Mrs. Nobbs never would go! Oh, the +dear woman is so excited that I don't know whether she will get +dressed straight or not! Mrs. Albright is helping her. His coming +has upset her completely. But it is a happy up-setting! You can +see that! I am so glad!" + +"Will she come right over?" + +"If they'll let her. I presume they will." + +"If they don't, I'll make a fuss!" threatened Polly. "I'll go +after Mr. Randolph." + +Miss Sterling laughed. "You won't have to do that." + +"You haven't ever found out what he wanted to talk with you about +over the wire, have you?" Polly asked. + +"No, and I never shall." Miss Sterling's lips took a sorrowful +droop. + +"You will, too! I'll ask him myself some day!" + +"No, no, you mustn't!" + +"You'll see!" Polly laughed and said a soft "Good-bye!" + +Miss Sterling motioned her back. + +"Be sure to come over to-morrow morning and tell me all about it!" +she whispered. + +Polly returned earlier. She appeared at four o'clock. + +"I couldn't wait another minute!" she said. "The two dears are +sitting out on the veranda, up in the corner where the vines hide +them from the street, and their heads are close together and they +are talking earnestly in that queer lingo that nobody else +understands! Oh, they are having the loveliest time! They were at +our house to luncheon, both of them, and they're going to stay to +dinner! He will take the 7.30 train for New York. We've all +enjoyed it so much! Father and he just took to each other. You +ought to have heard them talk! I believe he knows every book that +ever was written! We had such fun! Father and mother never saw +Mrs. Adlerfeld very much, and they think she is just charming. +They used to go to school together in Sweden. His wife died three +years ago, and he has a son and daughter, both married. The +daughter lives in Stockholm and the son in Newark. Mr. Von Dalin +is librarian in one of the big libraries--oh, I wish you could see +him! Dear me, I must run back, for they may want something!" + +Without doubt Polly was extraordinarily excited. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +"A MOONSHINE PARTY" + +"Next Tuesday is Miss Lily's birthday!" Polly made the +announcement in lowered tones. + +"How old is she?" asked Miss Sterling. + +"I don't know. Doodles told me when he was down the last time. +You know he wrote out her application, and I suppose he had to give +the date. He said wouldn't it be nice if we could celebrate it." + +"But how? Celebrations and June Holiday Home are not on speaking +terms." + +"Well, Doodles proposed that we all come up to his house, and his +mother would make a birthday cake. But we shouldn't let them do it +all. Mother would furnish the salad and some of the other things. +Then, I don't doubt Patricia would help, and Leonora and David." + +"I wish I could." Miss Sterling shook her head sadly. + +"Now, Miss Nita, don't you feel that way! If you do, I'll give it +all up!" + +"But I may be sorry, mayn't I, that I can't help anything along?" + +"No; because you do help along. It isn't just money and cake and +such things." + +"I like cake!" She smiled whimsically. + +"Oh, why don't I bring you some! We had a lovely raspberry layer +cake when Mr. Von Dalin was here, and I never thought to bring over +a mite! Mother says I am growing careless, and I'm afraid she's +right!" + +"Dear child! I don't want you to bring me cake! I said that only +in fun." + +"You shall have some, all the same! Isn't the table here any +better?" + +Miss Sterling wrinkled her face into an answer. "The last cook is +the worst we've had yet." + +"Too bad! Colonel Gresham said he was going to see Mr. Randolph +about things; but I dare say he has forgotten it." + +"I hope he won't think I've been complaining to you." Miss +Sterling looked alarmed. + +"No, I cautioned him. Probably he will never think of it again." + +"I rather hope he won't. My fear of the Powers is amounting almost +to terror." + +"Oh, Miss Nita, don't be afraid! That will make you go back! You +mustn't have a bit of fear!" + +Miss Sterling laughed softly. "Well," she yielded--"let's talk +about the birthday celebration." + +"You haven't stopped being afraid." Polly scanned the other with +keen eyes. "But never mind, we'll go ahead with the plans. I love +to plan! Don't you?" + +"I like it too well; but I've seen so many of my projects burst +into nothing all in a minute that I've been trying lately to +content myself with everyday happenings." + +"I'm sorry you've had so much trouble, Miss Nita," said Polly +plaintively. + +The little woman smiled. "I ought not to have said that. I'm +better, you know! How are we to get up to Foxford?" + +"Oh, in automobiles! Didn't I tell you? Colonel Gresham will let +us have two, and Mrs. Illingworth one, and father ours. I don't +know how many will go from here, but there'll be David and Leonora +and Patricia and me, besides the Colonel and the chauffeurs. You +don't think but that Miss Sniffen will let them all go, do you?" +Polly added anxiously. + +"Perhaps." Miss Sterling mused over it. "I can't tell; I've lost +the map of Miss Sniffen's mind." + +"Did you ever have it?" laughed Polly. + +"I think once I had a facsimile of it." + +Polly chuckled. Then she shook her head doubtfully. "I wish Miss +Sniffen--wasn't Miss Sniffen," she mused vaguely. Suddenly she +brightened. "Why can't we tell Mr. Randolph about it and ask him +to ask Miss Sniffen?" She waited eagerly for the answer. It was +not quick to come. + +Miss Sterling bent her head in thought, while the color fluttered +on her cheeks. + +"I'm afraid it wouldn't be best," she said finally with a deep +breath. "He might--" + +"Oh, bother!" Polly broke in; "I was so sure that was a brilliant +thought of mine! And now you turn it down just like any common +idea!" + +"My dear child, it isn't that the idea is not brilliant, but it +seems to me it would be--would be--just a little out of place!" + +"It wouldn't be--a single bit!" insisted Polly. "Isn't he the +president of the Home?" + +"Yes; but he isn't in this, and wouldn't it look as if we were +ignoring Miss Sniffen?" + +"Maybe it would," assented Polly submissively. "I hadn't thought +of that." + +"You have said nothing to Miss Lily about it?" + +"Oh, no!" Polly replied. "We've only talked it over at home and +with the Greshams." + +"I suppose I'll have to parley with the Powers," smiled Miss +Sterling ruefully. + +"I don't want to!" Polly frowned. She thought a moment, tapping +her teeth with her thumb. "Oh, I know!" she burst out joyously. +"You can't object to this! Colonel Gresham's the one to do +it--because he's going, too. He'll drive his big car. I thought +it wouldn't do to have father, for she'd think I got him to do it. +But Colonel Gresham would win anybody if he tried." + +Miss Sterling nodded approvingly. + +"Aren't you glad I thought of it?" + +"It looks the best thing." + +"It is! Guess I'll go and ask the folks now! Will you come?" + +"No, thank you! Run on alone--you'll do it best without any +assistance." + +Polly laughed happily. She was too excited to insist on even Miss +Nita's company. + +It was a good hour before she returned, having been rapturously +welcomed upstairs and down and kept as long as possible. + +"Everybody is delighted with the idea!" Polly dropped to the +hassock at Miss Sterling's knee. "They're all going--if they +can!--except Mrs. Post and Mrs. Prindle. Mrs. Post has had a +pull-back and she can't walk at all, and Mrs. Prindle's cold is +worse. I think the rest will just fill the cars." + +She counted up, and found seats and occupants to agree. + +"I'm wondering whether to have Mrs. Adlerfeld or Miss Lily sit with +Colonel Gresham--which would you?" Polly was all alight with her +planning. + +"The Colonel would enjoy Mrs. Adlerfeld best. Miss Lily would be +too shy to say anything." + +"So she would! I only thought of her because she's the birthday +girl. Oh! You can't imagine how surprised she was--I thought +she'd better know it right away, and not try to be secret about it." + +Miss Sterling smiled assent. + +"She looked as if she were going to cry," Polly went on; "but then +I said something funny, and she laughed. I could see she was +wonderfully pleased that Doodles should propose it. I'm glad he +did, for I guess she doesn't have very much to make her happy. + +"Oh, I forgot! What do you think Mrs. Adlerfeld calls it? I +happened to say we thought it was so nice it came when the moon was +full, and she said, 'Thank you, I shall be so glad and happy to go! +I am very fond about moonshine nights!' Isn't that just lovely? +I'm going to call it a 'moonshine' party! It is ever so much +prettier than 'moonlight.' Won't Colonel Gresham be pleased to +have Mrs. Adlerfeld sit with him!" + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +THE PARTY ITSELF + +The weedy roadside was a witching tangle of shadows, and the air +was drowsy with spicy, wind-blown scents, as four motor cars swept +on their merry way to Foxford. + +Juanita Sterling, in the last of the procession, watched the gay +little imps dance across the windshield and thought glad thoughts. +It was going to be a worth-while evening she felt sure, and it was +good that her left-hand neighbors, Miss Major and Mrs. Winslow +Teed, had each other to entertain, and she was free to anticipate +and ponder and to feast her heart on the visions of the night. + +The sometimes insisting opinions of Miss Major and the familiar +"When I was abroad" of Mrs. Winslow Teed seldom obtruded on her +dreams. Once, however, she came to her surroundings with a start. + +"No," Miss Major was asserting, "Nelson Randolph is not the man for +the place. He takes some things for granted and lets other things +drift. If we had a good, live president, our superintendent would +get her walking ticket instanter." + +"A little strange he doesn't marry again. His wife has been gone +for some years, hasn't she?" + +"Five last June. They say he is devoted to her memory. I don't +take much stock in such devotedness--so far as men are concerned. +When he finds some pink and white doll that is sufficiently +captivating he will go through with another wedding ceremony." + +"That makes me think of a Danish couple I met in Florence," began +Mrs. Winslow Teed; "she couldn't have been over nineteen or twenty, +and he was eighty at least. She--" + +Miss Sterling was again absorbed in her own thoughts and never +heard what became of the poorly-mated travelers. + +Doodles and Blue ran down from the veranda as the cars speeded up +the slope to the little bungalow, and they were quickly in the +midst of a joyous circle. + +Polly and David, alighting from the third car, ran back to help +Miss Sterling and the others. + +"Oh, Miss Nita! Wasn't the ride lovely?" Polly squeezed her +friend's arm. "Say, did you know, at the very last minute Miss +Sniffen sent over word that Mrs. Bonnyman couldn't go? She had the +toothache, and so mother came in her place! Oh, I did wish you +were in our car! I wanted to say, 'Isn't that beautiful?' and +'Just look at this!'" + +"You could talk to David," laughed Miss Sterling. + +"Oh, yes, I did some! But Mrs. Crump was jabbering to him most of +the time. Haven't you ever been out here before? Why, I thought +you had!--How d' y' do, Doodles!" + +The three went up the steps hand in hand. + +"Isn't that the loveliest, biggest moon you ever saw?" exclaimed +Polly. + +While they lingered to look at it a car flashed up the road and +turned in at the entrance. + +"Somebody going to the Flemings'," remarked Doodles carelessly. + +"No, it's coming here!" returned Polly. The lights blazed toward +them. + +They waited, and a man stepped out. + +"Mr. Randolph!" breathed Polly, as he emerged from the shadows. + +"I feel somewhat like an intruder," said the president, as he +grasped the hand of Doodles. "When Colonel Gresham invited me I +told him my coming was impossible. Then things cleared up a +little--and here I am!" + +A visible stir succeeded Nelson Randolph's entrance. Mrs. Stickney +and Colonel Gresham welcomed him most cordially, and Polly, as +president of the Hiking Club, greeted him with a characteristic +little speech. + +Presently the unexpected guest was moving easily among the others, +passing from group to group with hearty handshakes and happy words, +at last coming face to face with Juanita Sterling. + +She had watched him nearing her corner, the while politely +attending to Miss Leatherland's intermittent chit-cnat and vainly +trying to banish from her mind the recent assertions of Miss Major. +With his first word, however, they fled, and she found herself +talking to the president unabashed and unafraid. + +"I am glad to have the opportunity of telling you how much I +thought of those beautiful roses," she said; "I never saw handsomer +ones." + +"It is good to know you enjoyed them. I hoped to have the pleasure +of taking you out to Adalina Park in the height of the rose +season." Was there an inquiry in the eyes that bent to hers? + +She felt the flush sweep up her cheeks. "I should have been +delighted to go," she replied. Hurriedly she tried to think of +something to add to the brief sentence, but her mind was confused, +and the seconds slipped by. + +"I was sorry it happened so," he went on; "but we will try it +again. Adalina Park is in its full glory now, and there are pretty +drives outside of the parks." He smiled whimsically. + +Then came the question that put her in doubt whether she should +tell him the truth or not--"When should I be most likely to find +you disengaged?" + +"Almost any time," she answered, having decided that she would +leave him to discover why she had not responded to his invitation. +"Work is never pressing at the Home." + +"Isn't it?" A puzzled look flickered in his eyes--or was it only +her fancy? + +A little flutter about the piano told that somebody was to play or +sing. David took the seat and began a prelude. Then he sang in a +clear, fresh voice:-- + + "Red as the wine of forgotten ages, + Yellow as gold of the sunbeams spun, + Pink as the gowns of Aurora's pages, + White as the robe of a sinless one, + Sweeter than Araby's winds that blow-- + Roses, roses, I love ye so!" + +"Who is that boy?" Nelson Randolph asked. "Some relation of +Colonel Gresham's, isn't he?" + +"His grandnephew, David Collins." + +"He has a fine voice." + +"Excellent. Polly Dudley has a sweet voice, too. I hope she will +sing before the evening is over. And Doodles is wonderful! Have +you ever heard him?" + +"No. He told me he was in the choir at St. Bartholomew's." + +"There he comes! Oh, Polly is to play for him!" + +A very sympathetic accompanist was Polly. Juanita Sterling +listened in surprise and wonder. How could such a child do so well! + + "Young Davie was the brawest lad + In a' the Lairnie Glen, + An' Jennie was the bonniest lass + That e'er stole hearts o' men; + But Davie was a cotter's lad, + A lad o' low degree, + An' Jennie, bonnie, sonsie lass, + A highborn lass was she." + +Applause burst upon the hush that hung on the last note. It was +insistent--it would not be denied. Doodles must sing again. + +"He is a marvel!" Nelson Randolph spoke it softly, as the young +singer returned to the piano. + +He gave the second verse of the song, which before he had omitted, +and then sang the dainty little love song,-- + + "Dusk, and the shadows falling + O'er land and sea; + Somewhere a voice is calling, + Calling for me!" + +Yet even that did not satisfy his audience. So he returned once +more and gave in an irresistibly rollicking way a song in Yankee +dialect, the refrain to which,-- + + "Oh, my boy Jonathan is jest as good as gold! + An' he always fills the wood-box 'ithout bein' told!"-- + +tagging as it did the various topics of the old farmer's discourse +upon his son, never failed to bring laughter from his hearers. + +At the end the applause was long and urgent; but Doodles had run +away, and would not come back. + +Polly slipped up to Miss Sterling. + +"Will you play for us now?--please, Miss Nita!" seeing a refusal in +the eyes that met her own. + +"I am not in practice. I should hate to break down before all +these people," she smiled. + +"There isn't one mite of danger!" Polly asserted confidently. "Do +come, Miss Nita! Mr. Randolph, I wish you'd coax her to come! She +can play magnificently!" + +"Polly!" + +"She can!" Polly addressed the president. + +"I don't doubt it," Nelson Randolph declared, "and I should be +delighted to hear her." + +"You wouldn't be delighted at all," Miss Sterling laughed. "You +would want to stop me long before I had finished one page. My +fingers would be lost in no time." + +He dissented with courtliness, and Polly wheedled until Doodles and +Blue came to add their urging to hers; but in the end they had to +let Miss Sterling have her way, which was to remain outside of the +entertaining circle. + +So Polly sang, "Such a li'l' fellow," and "Daisytown Gossip." Then +Mrs. Winslow Teed was beguiled into singing the old song of "The +Beggar Girl," and if her voice were a bit uncertain, on the whole +it was sweet and received well-earned applause. + +Games interspersed the music, and it was discovered that the +president of June Holiday Home, as well as the eldest of the Home +residents, was quite as clever in guesses as the young folks. + +Either by chance or intention,--Juanita Sterling could not decide +which,--Nelson Randolph appeared to have established himself for +the evening at her side. Others came and went, but the president +stayed. + +"I wonder when we shall hear Caruso," she said. "He is on the +programme; I think they must be waiting until the moon is high." + +"Caruso?" he repeated with a puzzled look. "Not--" + +"No, not the great Caruso," she smiled; "the little Caruso." + +"But what has the moon to do with his singing? I am in the dark." + +She laughed out. "I don't wonder! I supposed you knew about +Caruso. He is a wonderful mocking-bird that belongs to Doodles. +He can--but wait! You will hear him soon, if I'm not mistaken." + +Blue was at the window, gazing skyward. He raised the curtain +high, and the moonlight streamed in. A large cage was placed on a +table in the direct beams. Suddenly the lights were out. + +A mellow fluting broke the hush,--and Caruso was in song! + +Few of the guests had ever heard his like. He was a score of +performers in one. The notes of a dozen birds issued in quick +succession from that one little throat, clear, sweet, delicious. +Then, without warning, came the unmistakable squeal of a pig, the +squawking of hens, the yelp of a puppy, which in a moment merged +into a little carol, and then--Caruso was singing "Annie Laurie"! + +The concert reached a sudden end, and the audience came to itself +in such applause as none of the other performers had won. + +"Are there any more astonishments in store for me?" asked Nelson +Randolph, as the clapping dwindled to a few tardy hands. "When the +Colonel invited me to come up this evening I did not anticipate a +concert of this nature. He said they were to have 'a little music,' +but you know what that generally means." + +"I know," nodded Miss Sterling smilingly. "I wonder, after such an +admission, that you were willing to risk it." + +"Oh, I didn't come for the music!" he returned. "Nevertheless, it +is worth going more than twenty miles to hear. Polly and Doodles +and David would make a good concert by themselves--and now the +mocldng-bird! I never heard anything equal to his performance! He +is a wonder!" + +"He can whistle 'Auld Lang Syne,' too, I think he does it quite as +well as 'Annie Laurie.'" + +The applause had started again, and the lights, which had been +turned on, went out. The audience quieted at once. + +Soft and sweet came the tones of a violin. + +"Doodles," breathed Miss Sterling. + +Nelson Randolph bent his head to hear, and nodded in answer. + +Softly the player slipped into "Old Folks at Home," and the tune +went on slowly, lingeringly, as if waiting for something that did +not come. Again it was played, this time with the voice of Doodles +accompanying. + +Meanwhile Polly was tiptoeing noiselessly from group to group and +from guest to guest, with the soft-breathed word, "No applause, +please!" + +Over and over sounded the sweet, haunting melody, until not a few +of those unfamiliar with the methods of the patient teacher and his +singular little pupil, wondered, with Miss Crilly, "what in the +world was up." + +Then, just as almost everybody's nerves were growing tense, Caruso +took up the air and carried it on bewitchingly to its close. + +"How can he do it!"--"Wasn't that perfectly beautiful!"--"Did you +teach it to him, Doodles?"--"My! but he's a jimdandy, and no +mistake!" These and a score of others were tossed about as the +lights went up. + +"I must have a nearer view of that singer," declared Nelson +Randolph. "I'm sure he can't look like an ordinary mocker; he must +show the marks of genius in his feathers!" + +Miss Sterling laughed. "He is certainly surprising. Doodles told +me he was trying to teach him a new song, but I was not prepared +for anything like this." + +"Who could be!--Come!" he invited. "Let's go over and see him!" + +Juanita Sterling unavoidably brushed Miss Crilly on the way across, +and smiled pleasantly, to which that middle-aged merrymaker +responded with a whispered, "Ain't you swell, a-goin' with the +president all the evening!" + +Miss Sterling flung back a laughing shake of the head, and passed +on. + +Nelson Randolph scanned the slim gray bird in silence. Then he +turned to his companion. + +"It doesn't seem possible that this little fellow could do all +that!" + +Doodles smiled across the cage. He was giving Caruso the tidbit +which he had well earned. + +"How long does it take you to teach him a song?" + +"I've only taught him one, Mr. Randolph. He was several months +learning that. He knew 'Annie Laurie' when he came, and Mr. +Gillespie taught him 'Auld Lang Syne.'" + +"The bird had finished his little feast and stood nonchalantly +preening his feathers. + +"Caruso!" + +The mocker lifted his head and gave a short whistle. Then he went +on with his interrupted toilet. + +Nelson Randolph laughed softly. + +"Caruso!" began Doodles again. "Caruso!" + +The bird looked up and whistled as before. + +Doodles bent closer. "Can't you sing 'Auld Lang Syne' for Mr. +Randolph? He has never heard it, you know." + +The mocker stretched a wing and let go a mellow strain. + +Softly Doodles began to sing,-- + + "Should auld acquaintance be forgot, + And never brought to mind? + Should auld acquaintance be forgot, + And days of auld lang syne?" + +The bird had stood listening, and now caught tip the air with +vigor, carrying it on with a surety that was as astonishing as it +was delightful. + +Nelson Randolph shook his head in admiration. "Marvelous!" he +cried; "marvelous!" He put his hand in his pocket--"I wish you +liked pennies!" he laughed. + +"His pennies are meal worms," said Doodles with a grimace. "I'll +get him one." + +"Ugh! How can he?" laughed Miss Crilly, as the bird disposed of the +dainty. + +His reward seemed to incite him to further song, for straightway he +launched into a gay little medley that set his hearers laughing and +admiring at once. + +"The birthday supper is ready!" announced Blue informally from the +door of the dining-room. + +Doodles ran quickly to Miss Lily's side and they took place at the +head of the little procession. + +Colonel Gresham and Mrs. Adlerfeld came next. + +"Oh, I'm so glad!" thought Juanita Sterling, catching a sight of +the little Swedish woman's happy face. + +The company speedily divided itself into two's, and Miss Sterling, +with a bit of a heart flutter, found herself walking beside the +president of June Holiday Home. Just ahead were Patricia and +David. Where was Polly? She and David were always +together--everywhere. But now she and Leonora were side by side. +Strange!--but wonderings were lost in the pleasant calls of the +occasion. + +In the smallish dining-room a long table gave seats to everybody, +and no one was crowded. + +Nothing elaborate had been attempted, all was simple and homelike. +Except for the curious decoration above the seat of honor, and the +birthday cake with its pink and white frosting, there was little to +distinguish it from an every-day repast. + +Talk and appetite went merrily hand in hand, and the "birthday +girl," as Polly and Doodles insisted on calling her, grew actually +gay. + +"When she had cut the cake, and everybody's plate was empty, +Doodles asked her to pull a pink ribbon hanging from the +umbrella-like contrivance over her head. + +"With a half-frightened face and fingers that trembled, she plucked +at the dainty string. Nothing happened. + +"Pull harder!" urged Doodles. + +She made another attempt--and gave a little cry, for tumbling about +her came birthday gifts in wild array. + +Into her lap plumped an embroidered pin-cushion, on one shoulder +drooped a muslin and lace apron, over her head was draped a white +silk waist, while all around, on floor and table, were other +articles, besides packages of various sizes tied with pink and +white ribbons. In the laughter and confusion, presents too bulky +or too frail to be risked in a fall were placed near her,--a long +box of pink roses, a tall vase of cut-glass, a big, big box of +candy, a pretty bon-bon dish, a small fern, and a little begonia +with lovely pink blossoms. + +To be thus suddenly surprised, and at the same time to be made the +attractive point of so many eyes, was more than Faith Lily's +composure could bear. Her lip quivered like a little child's, her +blue eyes filled with tears and over-flowed--she began softly to +sob. + +Doodles looked distressed. Then he did the best thing possible. + +He took up the pincushion. "Mrs. Dudley made you this," he said, +"and this is from Leonora,"--he held the apron for her to see. +"Isn't it pretty? Turn round a bit and I'll tie it on!" + +The crying ceased, and the tension had passed. Miss Lily smiled +down on the apron with happy eyes. + +"Here is a handkerchief that Polly embroidered for you," Doodles +went on, "and this box of chocolates is from Mr. Randolph. Colonel +Gresham gave you the roses--just smell them!" He lifted the box to +her face. + +"Oh!" breathed Miss Lily in delight. + +"The china dish is David's present, and these cards are from Mrs. +Albright and Mrs. Bonnyman and Miss Crilly. This beautiful +waist--that's from Patricia, and the box of handkerchiefs from her +mother, and the booklet from Miss Castlevaine, and the photograph +from Miss Major. Oh! the vase is from the 'Hiking Club,'--and I +don't know about the packages." + +Miss Lily beamed on her riches, upon Doodles, upon the whole +tableful. + +"Why," she exclaimed softly, "I don't see how you came to do it! I +never thought of having a single present! Oh, it's beautiful of +you!" Her voice trembled. "I can't thank you half enough, but I +shall love you, every one, as long as I live!" + +Doodles was picking up the small parcels scattered on the floor. + +"Will you have these now?" he nodded. + +"Oh, yes!" she said, eagerly as a child. + +Everybody seemed interested in the unwrapping. They were simple +gifts, but Miss Lily fingered them lovingly, even to the plainest +little card. + +The telephone called Blue into the next room. He returned almost +at once. + +"Mr. Randolph," he said, "some one wishes to talk with you." + +They were rising from the table as the president came back. + +"I am sorry to say good-bye so early," he told them; "but a New +York man is waiting to see me on important business and has to +return home on the 11.45 train. So I must get down to him as soon +as possible." + +He came over to Juanita Sterling with a little rueful smile. + +"I hoped to have the pleasure of taking you home, but--" He shook +his head. "We'll make up for it in a day or two," he finished +blithely. + +Her eyes met his. Something she saw there sent a warm flush to her +cheeks, and she looked away. + +"You will hear from me soon." He held out his hand. "Thank you +for giving me so much enjoyment this evening--good-night." + +That was all. Simple courtesy, Juanita Sterling told herself two +hours later; but now--her heart was filled with a quivering joy +that was almost pain. + +On the homeward ride she found herself seated next to Miss Major, +with Miss Castlevaine just beyond. + +"We seem to be shifted round," Miss Castlevaine observed. "I came +up in the second car, Dr. Dudley's; but Mrs. Winslow Teed has my +seat--I was in front with the chauffeur. So I took the first +vacant place I saw." + +"She rode up with us." + +"Then it is all right. I see David Collins has got Patricia +Illingworth in tow--he came with Polly. I wonder if they've had a +quarrel." + +"I never knew them to quarrel," said Juanita Sterling. + +"Oh, don't they? Well, it looks like it now. He took Patricia out +to supper, too." + +"So he did," responded Miss Major. "I didn't think of it in that +light. We've had a nice evening, anyway. It seems good to get out +of the rut." + +"Yes," answered Miss Castlevaine grudgingly; "but they'll have to +keep this up, now they've begun, or there'll be more fusses than a +few!" + +"What do you mean?" + +"Why, everybody'll have to have a birthday party, or the rest'll be +jealous." + +"Oh, yes, I see! But they couldn't do it for all." + +"Then there'll be trouble! And I don't know as I should blame them +any. Why should one of the family have all the good times and +loads of presents, and nobody else have anything--huh!" + +"It hasn't established a precedent by any means," asserted Miss +Major. + +"Indeed, it has! And they ought to have thought of that before +they began." + +"I doubt if any such thing ever occurred to Polly and Doodles," +interposed Miss Sterling. "They were thinking only of giving Miss +Lily a pleasant birthday. I am glad she had so many presents." + +"Well, Mr. Randolph meant she should have enough candy for once, +didn't he? A five-pound box certainly! If she eats it all +herself, it'll make her sick! I don't suppose she ever had so much +at one time before, and she won't use any judgment about it. It +would have been in a good deal better taste to have given her a +simple pound box." + +"Oh, no!" laughed Miss Major. "I'd rather have a five-pound box any +time! And so would you!" + +"I suppose he's used to that size," retorted Miss Castlevaine. "He +probably gives 'em to his girl by the cartload--huh!" + +"Who is she?" queried Miss Major. + +"Why, that Puddicombe girl! He is engaged to Blanche +Puddicombe--didn't you know it?" + +"No, I hadn't heard." + +"Well, he is! They say the wedding isn't coming off till next +spring. I guess he's bound to have all he can get out of his +freedom till then--he won't have much after he's tied to that +silly-pate!" + +"She looks it all right! Her mother isn't any too smart." + +"No, and the Puddicombe side is worse. We used to think that Si +Puddicombe knew less than nothing! And Le Grand Puddicombe--" + +Juanita Sterling edged a little closer into the seat corner. She +had no interest in Le Grand Puddicombe. She stared into the night. +A raw wind struck her face. Thick clouds had suddenly shut out the +moon, and a chill over-spread the earth. All was dark, dark, +except for the flashing lines ahead. The steady pur-r-r-r-r-ing of +the car was in the air. Miss Castlevaine's monotonous voice ran on +and on; but, the little woman at the end of the seat realized +nothing except the insistent words knelling through her +brain,--"Engaged to Blanche Puddicombe! Engaged to Blanche +Puddicombe!" + +It was not until she was in her room, with the door safely locked, +that she commanded herself sufficiently to answer the clanging +voice. + +"I don't believe it! I don't believe it!" she burst out. "It's a +lie!--a miserable, sneaking lie!" + +"Engaged to Blanche Puddicombe! Engaged to Blanche Puddicombe!" was +the mocking retort. + +She dropped on her knees by the bedside and covered her face with +her hands. + +"Oh, God," she whispered, "forgive me for being a fool!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +TWO OF THEM + +Polly came early the next morning to talk over things. + +"You got all tired out, didn't you?" she exclaimed, meeting the +wearied eyes. + +"Oh, no!" denied Miss Sterling. "I didn't sleep quite as well as +usual, but I'm all right." + +"I'm glad it is only that. You look almost sick," Polly scanned +the pale face a little doubtfully. "I'm worried about David--he +acted so queer last night." + +"What's the trouble? They were talking of it coming home." + +"About David?--or me?" + +"Miss Castlevaine spoke of David's being with Patricia, and was +wondering if you had quarreled--that's all." + +"No, there hasn't been a word!" cried Polly disgustedly. "But I +suppose he is jealous of Doodles--such a silly! He's a lovely boy, +if he weren't always getting jealous of everybody. He wants me to +stay right with him every minute and not speak to anybody else!" + +"That is foolish." + +"I know it, but that's David Collins!" + +"I wonder--" she stopped. + +"What?" asked Polly. + +"I was only thinking about Colonel Gresham. Perhaps it was jealousy +that caused the estrangement between him and Mrs. Jocelyn." + +"Maybe--I never heard what it was." + +"Possibly it is in the blood, and David can't help it." + +"He needn't be a goose just because his grand uncle was! It isn't +as if we were grown up!" + +Miss Sterling gave a little laugh. + +"I don't care, it isn't!" insisted Polly. "If I were eighteen and +engaged to him, of course, I shouldn't expect to go around with +other boys--'t wouldn't be right: but now--!" Polly's face finished +it. + +Juanita Sterling looked gravely at nothing. + +"And such a boy as Doodles!" Polly went on. "To start with, he is +younger than I am, and that ought to be enough to give David some +sense! Mother says she didn't see me do anything out of the +way--did you. Miss Sterling?" + +"Why--why,--what was it you asked, Polly? I was thinking so hard, +I lost that last!" + +Polly looked keenly at her friend's flushed face. + +"I believe you do think I did something! What is it? Tell me +right out! I shan't mind!" + +"No, no, Polly! Forgive me, it wasn't anything about you and +David--I happened to let another thought in just for a minute--that +was all. No, I don't think you did anything that a sensible boy +would mind in the least. Even if you were grown up and engaged to +David, you did nothing that should have caused him any annoyance." + +"Oh! that's more than mother gave me credit for!--Do you really +know what you're saying anyway?" laughed Polly. + +"Perfectly, Miss Dudley! And I declare to you this moment that you +are a model of propriety!" + +"O-o-h! Don't I look awfully puffed up? Now you'll think me +silly! But I've talked long enough about David and me. I'm dying +to tell you how glad, glad, glad I was last evening every time I +looked your way! I almost forgot the birthday girl for thinking of +you! Wasn't Mr. Randolph lovely? And didn't you have a dandy +time? Why, he kept as close to you as if you 'd been engaged to +him! He--" + +"Oh, Polly, don't talk that silly stuff! I won't hear it!" Miss +Sterling got up hurriedly and went to her work-table, apparently +hunting for something in her spool basket. + +"Why, Miss Nita!" Polly's tone was grieved. + +"Well, forgive me," came from over the array of threads and silks, +"but I do hate to hear you say such things!" + +"I was only telling the truth," said Polly plaintively. "I thought +you were having a lovely time--you looked as if you were! Doodles +spoke of it." + +"Yes, I dare say I looked and acted like an old fool!" + +"Miss Nita! You couldn't! You looked too sweet for anything, and I +guess he thought so--" + +"Polly! what did I tell you?" She came back with a half-mended +stocking. + +"Aren't you ever going to let me speak of Mr. Randolph again? He +acted as if he were dead in love with y--" + +A hand was clapped over her mouth. + +"I won't hear it! I won't! I won't!" Miss Sterling laughed a +little uncertainly. + +Polly drew a long breath of disappointment. "I never knew you to +act like this before," she mused. + +"How sweetly Doodles sang!" said Miss Sterling. + +"Yes," agreed Polly dispiritedly. + +"And you are a charming accompanist." + +"Oh! now, who's silly?" + +"Nobody." Miss Sterling drew her hand from her stocking. + +"It doesn't seem to me that I play well at all--I long to do so +much better." + +"It is a rare gift to be a good accompanist, and you surely possess +it." + +"Thank you--you're not saying that to counterbalance what you said +about--?" + +"No, I'm not! When I say a thing I mean it." + +"Perhaps some other folks do. Oh, Miss Nita! I couldn't help +hearing what Mr. Randolph said when he bade you good-bye--I was so +near!" + +"What if you did! There was nothing secret about it." The voice +was hard and unnatural. Miss Sterling felt the flame in her cheeks. + +"Well, I was almost sure that it meant he was going to take you to +ride, weren't you?" + +"Of course he won't ask me!" She crossed over to the work-table +for another stocking. + +"I think he will," said Polly decidedly. "You'll go if he does, +shan't you?" + +"No, not an inch!" + +"Oh, why? I'd go in a minute if he'd ask _me_!" + +"Isn't there something we can talk about besides that detestable +man! How did Colonel Gresham enjoy Mrs. Adlerfeld?" + +"I don't know. I haven't seen him. I guess I'd better go. Mother +may want me." Polly walked slowly toward the door. + +"I hope I shall be in a more agreeable mood when you come next +time," smiled Miss Sterling. + +"I hope so," replied Polly soberly. + +The door had shut, the light footfalls were growing faint, when +Juanita Sterling began to sob. Her lips twitched as she tried to +suppress the tears. It was no use, they would have their way, and +she finally hid her face in her hands and let them go. + +"Why, Miss Nita! Dear Miss Nita!" Polly had her arms around her +friend's neck, crooning love words. + +"I--I--didn't hear you knock!" apologized Miss Sterling. + +"Never mind, you darling! I only gave one little tap--and then +I--came in. You don't care, do you? If you do, I'll go right +away. But I'm sorry you feel so bad! You're not sick, are you?" + +"N-no,--oh, no!" + +"Well, don't tell me, unless you'd rather. Sometimes I feel better +to tell mother when things trouble me." + +Getting no answer, she went on. + +"Should you like to have mother come over?" + +"Mercy--no! Don't tell anybody, Polly,--will you?--what a fool I +am!" + +"Of course, I won't tell--ever! But you're not a fool! Nobody can +help crying when things go wrong. Miss Sniffen hasn't been saying +anything, has she?" + +"Oh, no! I haven't seen her lately." + +Polly waited patiently. + +"I came back for my handkerchief," she explained. "I thought I +must have dropped it--oh, there it is!" + +"Was I dreadfully cross to you? I didn't mean to be, dear child!" + +"You weren't a bit!" insisted Polly. "I ought to know better than +to torment you about--that man. But I like him so well, I can't +understand why you don't. I wish you did!" + +The sobs started again, and Miss Sterling got up quickly. + +"I don't see what makes me act--like this!" she exclaimed fiercely. + +Polly was not obtuse. She began to think hard. Still, Miss Nita +had said--Miss Nita would not lie! It was beyond her understanding. + +Miss Sterling wiped her eyes. + +"You know we're to go on a hike to-morrow," said Polly tentatively. + +"Ye-s," feebly. Then, "I'm not going." + +"Oh! why?" + +"Don't want to! Should if it wasn't for that!" + +"Good reason," commented Polly, and she waited for a retort, but +none came. "I'm afraid David will fuss," she said finally. + +"I don't blame him one mite!" Miss Sterling broke out. + +"Wh-why, you said--I hadn't done a thing!" Polly was plainly +astonished. + +"You haven't! But I don't blame David all the same." Miss +Sterling smiled a queer little equivocal smile. + +"Well, you two are the hardest mortals to understand!" sighed +Polly. "I give it up!" She skipped toward the door. "Be ready at +two, to-morrow. Miss Nita!" she called back. "If you're good, I'll +let you walk with David." + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +DANCING HIKERS + +Juanita Sterling was in the little procession that started from the +June Holiday Home at two o'clock. So was David Collins. They were +nearly the whole line apart, and Polly skipped up and down between +them. + +"I'm so glad you were able to come!" she told Miss Sterling, +squeezing her arm. "I haven't had a chance to speak to David yet; +but I must." She sighed. "Oh, dear, I hate fusses! He's with +Leonora. Say, did you see Doodles? He had to go to the music +store and have something done to his violin--he said it wouldn't +take more than three minutes. He's going to catch up with us +farther along; he can take a short cut across from Columbia Street. +Think of him and Blue coming clear down from Foxford just to go to +walk with us!" + +"It looks as if they wanted to come." + +Polly laughed. + +"I suppose I mustn't speak to either of them, or David will be +furious! I guess I'll go on and do as I like! There's Miss Crilly +beckoning--I promised her I'd walk a little way with her. Good-bye +for now!" + +Miss Sterling saw Doodles come up a cross street, violin in hand, +and run ahead to join Polly. She chuckled softly. + +"Where are we bound for to-day?" queried Miss Mullaly in her ear. + +"I don't know. Polly hasn't told me the route." + +A motor-car whizzed by. + +"Wasn't that Mr. Randolph?" + +"I think so," answered Miss Sterling. Her tone was indifferent. + +"I've seen that lady with him two or three times. Do you know who +it is?" + +"Miss Puddicombe, I believe, daughter of one of the Board." + +"Oh!" + +The eyes of the other involuntarily followed the car. + +"She dresses in all colors of the rainbow," laughed Miss Mullaly. +"It's queer, how little taste some people--But maybe she is a +friend of yours!" + +"No, I never spoke to her. I have heard of her astonishing +combinations, though." + +Polly came running back. + +"Isn't it lovely that Doodles has his violin! He says when we get +tired and come to a nice place to rest, he will play to us. Aren't +you tired? I want somebody to be, so we can have the music. He +has learned some new pieces." + +"I think there is a pretty grove not far ahead. Don't you remember +it?--There's a great rock at one side, and a little clump of young +birches near by." + +"Oh, yes, next to a sheep pasture! That will be just the place! +I'll tell Doodles!" + +But before the wood was reached, the party came upon a car by the +side of the road. Juanita Sterling had recognized it and longed to +run away. + +"Why, it's Mr. Randolph!" discovered Miss Mullaly. + +"Yes, he has tire trouble, I see." + +The president of the Home was already talking with those ahead. + +Polly came back. + +"Mr. Randolph and Miss Puddicombe," she whispered. "He is +introducing her to the ladies." + +Miss Sterling nodded and shrank away. + +"I don't want to meet her," she objected. "I wonder if they'd +notice if we should cut across this lot." + +"Oh, don't! I'm afraid they would." + +The other looked longingly toward the way of escape while she +walked on with Polly. + +Juanita Sterling and Blanche Puddicombe stood face to face, a +smiling "How do you do, Miss Puddicombe!" on one side, a gushing +"I'm charmed to meet you!" on the other, with a gingerly hand-shake +between. + +Nelson Randolph was too busy with his tire for much talking, and, +as early as decency would allow, Miss Sterling by degrees slipped +into the background, + +"Let's go on," she whispered, taking Miss Leatherland's arm. + +The others straggled after, by twos and threes. + +"Why didn't you stay longer?" questioned Polly, overtaking her +friend. + +"There was nothing to stay for," she laughed. + +"Miss Puddicombe said she would like to get acquainted with you." +Polly's tone had the inflection of disappointment. + +"Very kind of her," was the quiet comment. + +Polly glanced whimsically at Miss Sterling's face. "I guess that +is the grove you were speaking of," was what she said. + +Many of the ladies were glad to stop, and scattered stones and +mossy logs made pleasant resting places. + +Doodles played delightfully and finally slipped into a waltz. + +"Oh, my feet just won't stay still!" cried Miss Crilly. "Come on, +Polly!" And the two went dancing through the wood. + +"It's better over there in the pasture," said Polly, as they came +to a sudden halt against a big pine. + +"Let's try it!" Miss Crilly pulled her forward, and over they ran, +hand in hand. + +"Doodles! Doodles!" they called. + +The boy and the violin were quickly there, and Patricia and the +young folks ran after. + +"Oh, this is lovely! Better come and try it!"--"The very dandiest +place!" cried the dancers as they stopped for breath. + +Miss Major, Miss Mullaly, and others came laughing into the open. + +Doodles played with zest, everybody was in merry mood, and the +dance went gayly on. + +Polly suddenly ran into the grove for her beloved Miss Nita. + +"You must! You must!" she declared, as Miss Sterling doubtfully +shook her head. "You don't know how much nicer it is to dance +outdoors! Come!" + +She hesitated, but the music was inspiring, and impulsively tossing +all else aside she skipped on with Polly. + +Along the road jogged a buggy, and the driver stared at the unusual +sight. Then he stopped his horse. + +"What's up?" he called out. "Is it a boardin'-school or a lunatic +asylum?" + +Polly and Miss Sterling came whirling toward him. "Neither, sir!" +answered Polly promptly. "We are dancing hikers!" + +"Wh-at?" the man gasped. + +But the laughing couple waltzed on. + +Blue had gallantly claimed Juanita Sterling for her second dance, +and as they waltzed down to the street they saw the motorists whom +they had left beside the road driving toward them. The car +stopped, and Mr. Randolph and Miss Puddicombe stepped out. + +"It was too tempting!" he exclaimed. "We couldn't go by. Is it a +free-for-everybody dance?" + +"Of course it is!" answered Blue. "We are very glad to have you +stop and try it with us." + +The Home President turned to his companion. "Will you come?" he +said. + +She looked down with a scowl. "Why, Nelson, I can't dance on such +rough ground!" + +"Oh, come on!" he urged. "What the others can do, we can!" + +"It isn't bad--really!" smiled Miss Sterling. "The sheep have +nibbled it pretty smooth." + +The couples whirled off, but soon afterwards Nelson Randolph was +seen standing alone over by the wood. + +"Guess she's the kind that goes with waxed floors and a whole +orchestra," laughed Blue. + +When the fiddling came to a pause Juanita Sterling found herself +not far from the man whom she was endeavoring to shun. + +"Let's go down to those birches!" she proposed carelessly. But she +was too late, for Nelson Randolph was already coming her way. + +"Too tired for another turn?" he asked. + +"Oh, no, I'm not tired!"--yet her face did not reflect his smile. +She wished he would go away and leave her alone. Why must she +continually be meeting him! Still she could not easily refuse when +he urged his request, and she yielded a somewhat grave consent. + +Miss Crilly and David Collins gayly led the quadrille that +followed, and even Miss Castlevaine's habitual sneer was lost in +the enjoyment of the moment. But Juanita Sterling, lover of all +outdoors, devotee of music and the dance, with the best partner on +the ground, went through the steps, her graceful feet and her +aching heart pitifully at variance. + +They walked together over to the edge of the wood. + +"I have business in Riverview to-morrow morning--would you like to +go? The ride over the mountain is very pretty now, and my errand +won't take more than five minutes." + +She could feel the warm blood creep up her face. Her answer +hesitated. "I am sorry," came at last, "but I'm afraid I +cannot--to-morrow." + +He gave a little rueful laugh. "I always choose the wrong time," +he said. + +"I am very sorry," she repeated truthfully. + +"Nelson!" called Miss Puddicombe, as they drew near. "It is +horribly impolite; but I think I'll have to hurry you a little. I +want to see Grace about those tickets for the Charity Fair, and it +is getting late." + +"I am at your disposal," he replied gallantly. And shortly they +were gone. + +Polly walked home with Miss Sterling. David was devoting himself +to Patricia. Polly's gay mood had passed and left her quiet and +pensive. Only commonplaces were spoken--Miss Castlevaine was just +ahead, and her ears were sharp. Miss Sterling knew that as soon as +the seclusion of the third-floor corner room was reached Polly's +heart would overflow in confidences. + +"Will you come in?" For Polly had stopped at the entrance. + +"Yes." A step forward. "N-no, I guess I won't--yes, I will, too!" + +Miss Castlevaine looked round with a short laugh. "What's the +matter, Polly? Lost your beau?" + +"No, he's lost me!" was the quick retort. + +"Oh, is that it?" + +"Yes, Miss Castlevaine, that is precisely it!" A warning flush was +on Polly's cheeks. "Thank you, Miss Nita, I'll go up for a little +while," she said. + +With a shrug and a little "Huh!" the descendant of the duchess +passed on. + +The door clicked shut, and Polly dropped into a rocker, tossing +aside her hat and coat. + +"What shall I do with David?" she sighed. "He barely nodded to me +to-day!" + +"I presume I should cruelly let him alone." + +"Then 'twould be good-bye, David! He'd never, never, never take +the first step! And I like David!" Polly caught her breath. + +"Poor little girl! I'm sorry!" Miss Sterling knelt beside her and +threw an arm about her. + +Polly began to sob. "I thought--he'd be decent this afternoon! I +haven't--done a single thing!" + +"No, you haven't!" agreed Miss Sterling. "And for that reason when +he has thought it over long enough I believe he will see how +foolish he has been." + +"But he won't give in!" declared Polly, wiping her eyes. "Well, I +can't go to him and say, 'Please forgive me!' when I haven't done +anything! I guess I'll let him gloom it out! There, that's +settled! Now let's talk about you!" She stroked Miss Sterling's +hair, and smiled. + +"You just ought to have seen you two dancing together!" she broke +out in a lively tone. + +"Pity there couldn't have been a long mirror set up somewhere!" +replied Miss Sterling. + +"Well, you did look lovely!" Polly went on, ignoring the retort. + +"Do you mean each of us separately or only when we were in +company?" asked the other gravely. + +"Oh, now, don't you make fun of me! I know what I'm talking about! +Doodles said you were the best dancers he ever saw!" + +"And he has seen so many!" murmured Miss Sterling. + +Polly tossed her head in disapproval, but continued, "I was so in +hopes he would have time to ask you to go to ride--and then she had +to hurry him up! It sounded exactly as if she were jealous!" + +"He invited me," said Miss Sterling quietly. + +"Oh, he did?" The voice was joyful. "When are you going?" + +"Never!" + +Polly stared at her friend in dismay. "Miss--Nita! You don't +mean--?" + +"Yes, I declined the privilege!" + +The brown eyes blazed. "I think you're--" + +"Polly, wait! I do not wish to ride with Mr. Randolph--he is +engaged to Miss Puddicombe!" + +Polly's eyes grew big. "I don't believe it!--How do you know?" + +"I was told so." + +"Do you really think it is true?" demanded Polly. + +"There is nothing else to think." + +"She calls him Nelson," mused Polly--"I thought she was pretty +bold! But he is too smart to be such a fool!" + +"Love sometimes makes fools of the best of us." + +Polly watched the red flame up in the thoughtful face beside her, +and in that moment Polly grew wise. + +"He doesn't love that Puddicombe ninny and he never will! You +should have heard her talk when he was dancing with you. I was +over there. Such airs! You'd think she held a mortgage on the +world!" + +A soft tap on the door was followed by the entrance of Miss +Castlevaine. + +"Have you heard?" she whispered tragically. + +"No." Miss Sterling grew grave. + +Polly bent forward in her eagerness. + +"You see, I went down to get a pitcher of hot water, and I heard +Miss Sniffen's voice in the dining-room and so went in that way. +Mrs. Nobbs was up on the step-ladder in front of the placard, so I +didn't see it at first, but when I did it muddled me so I just +stood there and stared. Miss Sniffen turned round and said, 'What +do you want?' sharp as could be, just as if I had no business +there. She felt guilty all right! You could see that! Well, if +you'll believe me, I couldn't think what I had gone for! And she +said it again! Then I happened to see my pitcher, and that brought +me to my senses, and I told her, 'Some hot water.' 'Why don't you +go get it, then?' she yelled out, as if I were deaf! And I +went--huh!" + +"But what was it they were doing?" urged Polly. + +"Didn't I tell you? They were putting up a notice in big letters, +'No talking, please.'" + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +"HILLTOP DAYS" + +When Polly chanced to find her Miss Nita out she usually dropped +into some other room for a little chat. On one such afternoon Miss +Twining welcomed her most gladly. + +"I get lonesome sitting here by myself day after day," the little +woman confessed. "Sometimes I am actually envious of Miss Sterling +when I happen to see you go in there." + +"Then I'll come oftener," Polly declared. "I'd love to! I'm +always afraid the ladies will get sick of the sight of me, I'm +round here so much." + +"Mercy! I don't believe anybody ever thought of such a thing. I'd +be so happy to have you come to see me every day, I'd feel like +standing on my head!" + +Polly laughed. "I shall surely come! I should like to learn how +to stand on my head--I never could seem to get the trick of it." + +"I didn't say I'd do it!" twinkled Miss Twining; "but I declare, I +believe I would try, if that would get you in here!" + +"Never you fear!" cried Polly. "You'll see me so much, now I know +you want me, you won't get time for anything!" + +"I'll risk it." Miss Twining nodded with emphasis. + +"I've wondered sometimes," Polly went on, "what I would do if I had +to stay alone as much as some folks do--the ladies here, for +instance. Of course you can visit each other." + +"Yes, except in the hours when it is forbidden." + +"Strange, they won't let you go to see each other in the evening." + +"I think it is because the ladies used to stay upstairs visiting +instead of going down to hear Mrs. Nobbs read. Not all of them are +educated up to science and history and such things." + +"I should think they would have some good books in the library, +story books. Such a dry-looking lot I never saw!" + +Miss Twining smiled. "They say that one night when Mrs. Nobbs was +reading 'History of the Middle Ages,' she went into the parlor to +find only two listeners, and right after that the rule was made +forbidding them to go to each other's rooms." + +Polly shook her head laughingly. "That was pretty hard on Mrs. +Nobbs, wasn't it? Is she a good reader?" + +Miss Twining gave a little shrug. "I don't go down usually," she +answered. + +"Too bad! I don't wonder you are lonely. But you can read, can't +you?" + +"Not much by this light. It is too high." + +Polly regarded it with dissatisfaction. + +"Yes, it is. I wish you had one on the table. They ought to give +you good lights." + +Miss Twining pinched up her pretty lips with a thumb and +forefinger, but said nothing. + +"I was so indignant to think they took that money from you that you +earned for writing a poem, I haven't got over it yet!" + +"It did seem too bad," Miss Twining sighed. + +"It was the meanest thing!" frowned Polly. + +"For a long time I had not been in the spirit of writing, but that +day I just had to write those verses, and when the paper accepted +them it seemed to give me strength and courage and pleasure all at +once. I was so happy that morning, thinking I could earn enough to +buy me little things I want and perhaps some new books besides." + +"I've felt like crying about it ever since," said Polly sadly. +"You have written a good deal, haven't you?" + +"Oh, yes! When I was at home with father and mother I wrote nearly +every day. I had a book published," she added a little shyly. + +"You did! That must be lovely--to publish a book!" Polly beamed +brightly on the little woman in the rocker. + +"Yes, it was pleasant--part of it! It didn't sell so well as I +hoped it would. The publishers said I couldn't expect it, as I +hadn't much reputation, and it takes reputation to make poetry +sell. They said it was good verse, and the editors had been so +hospitable to me I counted on the public--" She shook her head with +a sad little smile. "I even counted on my friends--that was the +hardest part of the whole business!" + +"Surely your friends would buy it!" cried Polly. + +"I don't know whether they did or not--I didn't mean that. I mean, +giving away my books--that was the heart-breaking part!" + +"I don't understand. Miss Twining." + +"Before it was published--years before," went on the little woman +reminiscently, "I used to think that if I ever did have books to +give to my friends, how beautiful it would be! I thought it all +out from beginning to end--the end as I saw it! I wrote +inscriptions by the dozen long before the book was even planned. +It looked to me the most exquisite pleasure to give to my friends +the work of my own brain, and I pictured their joy of receiving!" +She gave a short laugh. + +"But, Miss Twining, you don't mean--you can't mean--that they +didn't like it!" + +"Oh, a few did! But I never heard from many that had read +it--that's the trouble! Almost everybody thanked me before reading +the book at all. When they wrote again they probably didn't think +of it. One man even forgot that I had given him a copy! The funny +part was that at the time he had praised the verses. Then +afterwards he told me that he had never seen my book, but should so +like to read it. I was dumfounded! I believe I laughed. In a +moment the truth dawned upon him, and he fairly fell over himself +with apologies! I made light of his blunder, but of course it +hurt." + +"How could he! He must have been a queer man!" + +"Oh, no! he was very nice, only he didn't care enough about me or +the verses to remember. I have never seen him since. But what +grieved me most of all," Miss Twining went on, "was to send books +to friends--or those I called so--and never receive even a +thank-you in return." + +"Oh, nobody could--!" + +"Yes, more than once that happened--more than twice!" + +"It doesn't seem possible!" Polly's face expressed her sympathy. + +"I don't think I required too much," Miss Twining went on. "I +didn't want people to pour out a punch bowl of flattery. But just +a word of appreciation--of my thought of them, even if they didn't +care for my verses. Oh, it is heart-breaking business, this giving +away books!" + +"I should have thought it was about the most delightful thing," +mused Polly soberly. + +"It may be with some writers. Perhaps my experience is +exceptional--I hope so. It took away nearly all the pleasure of +having a book. Of course a few friends said just the right thing +in the right way and said it so simply that I believe they meant +what they said. I never felt that my work was anything wonderful. +I did my best always, and I was happy when any one saw in it +something to like and took the trouble to tell me so--that was all." + +"I should think that was little enough for any author to expect," +said Polly. "I always supposed authors had a jolly good time, with +everybody praising their work. I never saw anything of yours--I +guess I should like it. I love poetry!" + +"You do?" Miss Twining started to get up, then sat down again. "I +wonder if you would care for my verses?" she hesitated. "You could +have a copy as well as not." Her soft eyes rested on Polly's face. + +"Oh, I should love them--I know I should!" Polly declared. + +Miss Twining went over to her closet and stooped to a trunk at the +end. + +"There!" she said, putting in Polly's hand a small, cloth-bound +volume neatly lettered, "Hilltop Days." + +The girl opened it at random. Her eye caught a title, and she read +the poem through. + +"That is beautiful!" she cried impulsively. + +"Which one is it?" asked the childlike author. + +"'A Winter Brook.'" + +"Oh, yes! I like that myself." + +"What lovely meter you write!" praised Polly. "The lines just sing +themselves along." + +"Do they? The publishers told me the meter was good. I guess my +ear wouldn't let me have it any other way." + +"Do you play or sing?" queried Polly. + +"I used to--before we lost our money. Since then I haven't had any +piano." + +"That must have been hard to give up!" Tears sprang to Polly's eyes. + +"Yes, it was hard, but giving up a piano isn't the worst thing in +the world." + +"No," was the absent response. Polly was turning the leaves of the +book, and she stopped as a line caught her fancy. Her smile came +quickly as she read. + +"Miss Twining!" she exclaimed, "I am so astonished to think you can +write such lovely, lovely poems! Why, the June Holiday Home ought +to be proud of you!" + +"Oh, Polly!" The little woman blushed happily. + +"Well, only real poets can write like this! If people knew about +them I'm sure the book would sell. The poems that Mr. Parcell ends +off his sermons with aren't half as good as these!" + +Miss Twining smiled. "I wonder what made you think of him. Do you +know--I never told this to a soul before--I have wished and wished +that he would come across one of mine some day and like it so well +that he would put it into a sermon! Oh, how I have wished that! I +have even prayed about it! Seems to me it would be the best of +anything I could hope to have on earth, to sit there in church and +hear him repeat something of mine!--There! I'm foolish to tell you +that! You'll think me a vain old woman!" + +"No, I shall not!" cried Polly. "I should like it 'most as well as +you would! It would be a beautiful happening. And probably he +would if he knew them. Did you ever give him a book?" + +"Oh, no, indeed! I shouldn't dare!" + +"Why not? He is very nice to talk with." + +"Yes, I know. He calls on me every year or two. I like him." + +"I do, and I want him to read your poems. Do you mind if I take +this home to show to father and mother? They love poetry.--And +then I'll mid a way for Mr. Parcell to see it!" + +"Why, my dear, it is yours!" + +"Oh, did you mean that?" Polly drew a long breath of delight. "I +shall love it forever--and you, too!" Impulsively she put her arms +round Miss Twining's neck and kissed her on both cheeks. + +"If I thought Mr. Parcell wouldn't think it queer,"--hesitated Miss +Twining,--"I have several copies, and I'd like to give him one; but +I don't know--" + +"Of course he wouldn't think it queer!" asserted Polly. "He'd be +delighted! He couldn't help it--such poetry as this is! I'll +leave it at his house if you care to have me." + +"Oh, would you? That is dear of you! I Was wondering how I'd get +it to him. I'll do it right up now." + +Miss Twining came back with the book, a little troubled scowl on +her forehead. + +"Oughtn't I to write an inscription in it? I don't know what to +say." + +"It would be nice," Polly nodded. "Of course you'll say it all +right." + +In a moment the poet was at her table, the book open before her. +She dipped her pen in the ink, then halted it, undecided. + +"I wonder if this would be enough,--'To Rev. Norman S. Parcell, +from his parishioner, Alice Ely Twining'?" + +"That sounds all right to me," answered Polly deliberately. + +"I can't say 'loving parishioner'--to a man," laughed Miss Twining +a bit nervously. + +"It isn't necessary," chuckled Polly. + +"If he came to see me oftener I'd love him more," said the little +woman wistfully. + +"He'll come often enough now--you just wait! He hasn't anybody in +his church that can write such poetry as this." She patted the +little book caressingly. + +"I hope he'll like it,--but I don't know," the author doubted. + +"He will," smiled Polly. + +In a moment the package was ready. + +"It is so good of you to do it!" Miss Twining looked very happy. + +"I love to do such errands as this," laughed Polly. "I'll be in +to-morrow to tell you about it." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +"HOPE DEFERRED" + +"I didn't see the minister," Polly reported to Miss Twining. "He +and his wife were both away. So I left the book with the maid and +said that you sent it to Mr. Parcell--that was right, wasn't it?" + +"Certainly, and I thank you ever so much. I do hope he won't think +me presumptuous," she added. + +"Why, how could he--such a beautiful book as yours?" + +"I don't know. He might. I lay awake last night thinking about +it." + +"You shouldn't have stayed awake a minute," laughed Polly. "I +wouldn't wonder if you'd hear from him this afternoon. Then you'll +stop worrying." + +Miss Twining laughed a little, too. "I'm glad I sent it anyway," +she said. "It has given me something to think of and something to +hope for. The days are pretty monotonous here--oh, it is so nice +to have you come running in! You don't know how much good you do +me!" + +"Do I? I guess it's because I'm such a chatterbox! There! I +haven't told you what father and mother said about your book! +Father took it and read and read and read. Finally he looked up +and asked, 'Did you say a lady at the Home wrote these?' Then he +brought his head down, as he does when he is pleased, and +exclaimed, 'They ought to be proud of her!'--just what I said, you +know!" + +"I am so glad he likes them!" Miss Twining's delicate face grew +pink with pleasure. + +"Oh, he does! He kept reading--it seemed as if he couldn't lay it +down--till somebody called him. And when he got up he said, 'This +is poetry--I should like to see the woman who can write like that. +She must be worth knowing.'" + +"Oh, Polly!" Miss Twining's eyes overflowed with happy tears. +"That is the best compliment I ever had in my life--and from such a +man as your father!" + +"Mother fairly raves over the poems," went on Polly. "She says she +is coming over here next visiting day to get acquainted with you." + +"I hope she will come," smiled the little woman. "I have always +wished I could know her, she looks so sweet as she sits there +beside you in church." + +"She is sweet!" nodded Polly. "Nobody knows how sweet till they've +lived with her." + +Every day now Miss Twining had a visit from Polly, and every day +she had to tell her that she had not heard from Mr. Parcell. + +"He is only waiting till he has read the book through," Polly +assured the disappointed author. "Or maybe he is coming to tell +you how much he thinks of it--you'd like that better, shouldn't +you?" + +"I don't mind which way, if only he doesn't scorn it and says +something," was the half-smiling reply. + +But as the days and weeks passed, and brought no word from the +recipient of "Hilltop Days," Polly hardly knew how to comfort the +sorrowful giver. She began to wish that she had not urged Miss +Twining to send the book to Mr. Parcell. She even suggested making +some errand to the house and asking, quite casually, of course, how +they liked Miss Twining's book, but the little woman so promptly +declared Polly should do nothing of the sort that the plan was +given up at once. + +At the cordial invitation of Dr. Dudley and his wife, Miss Sterling +and Miss Twining spent a delightful afternoon and evening at the +Doctor's home. + +"I feel as if I had been in heaven!" Miss Twining told Polly the +next day. "It carried me back to my girlhood, when I was so happy +with my mother and father and my sisters and brother. My sisters +were always stronger than I, and Walter was a regular athlete; but +they went early, and I lived on." She sighed smilingly into +Polly's sympathetic face. "It is queer the way things go. They +were so needed! So was I," she added, "as long as mother and +father lived; but now I don't amount to anything!" + +"Oh, you do!" cried Polly. "You write beautiful poetry, and you +don't know how much good your poems are doing people." + +"I can't write any more--yes, I can!" she amended. "Miss Sniffen +didn't tell me not to write. I needn't let them pay me any +money--I might order it sent to the missionaries! Why,"--as the +thought flashed upon her,--"I could have them send the money +anywhere, couldn't I? To anybody I knew of that needed it! Oh, I +will! I'll begin this very day! Polly Dudley, you've made life +worth living for me!" + +"I haven't done anything!" laughed Polly. "That is your thought, +and it is a lovely, unselfish one!" + +"It would never have come to me but for what you said! How can I +ever thank you!" + +"Nothing to thank me for!" insisted Polly. "But if you will have +it so, I'll say you may thank me by letting me read your poems." + +"Oh, I'd love to! And then you can tell me whether they are right +or not!" + +"As if I'd know!" chuckled Polly. "But I'll run away now and let +you go to writing--I do know enough for that!" She took Miss +Twining's face between her soft palms and gave her four kisses, on +cheeks and temples. "Those are for good luck, like a four-leaf +clover," she said gayly. "Good-bye, dear!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +ALICE TWINING, MARTYR + +Early the next morning Polly ran over to the Home. She was eager +to hear how Miss Twining's new plan had worked. As she neared her +friend's door, however, a murmur of voices came from within, and +she kept on to the third floor, making her way straight to the +corner room. + +Juanita Sterling met her with a troubled little smile. + +"What is it?" she asked quickly, looking beyond to Mrs. Albright +and Miss Crilly. Their excited faces emphasized the other's +doubtful greeting. + +"Nothing," spoke up Mrs. Albright,--"only Miss Twining has had a +time with Miss Sniffen." + +"What about?" + +"Money," answered Miss Sterling wearily. "It is lucky for the rest +of us that we don't have any." + +"That same money?" persisted Polly. + +"No, dear." Mrs. Albright drew up a chair beside her--"Come sit +down, and I'll tell you about it. I've been telling them, and we +have got a little wrought up over it, that's all." + +"I should think anybody'd get wrought up!" put in Miss Crilly. "I +guess it will be the death of poor Miss Twining!" + +"No, no, it won't! See how you're scaring Polly!" + +The girl glanced beseechingly from one to another. + +"What is it? You're keeping something back!" + +Mrs. Albright patted the chair invitingly. "Come here! I'm going +to tell you every word I know." + +"She was so happy yesterday!" mourned Polly. + +"She will be again, dear." + +"Looks like it!" sniffed Miss Crilly. "I believe in saying the +truth right out!" + +"Katharine Crilly, you just mind your own business!" laughed Mrs. +Albright. + +"To begin at the beginning,"--she turned toward Polly,--"I was +knocking at Miss Twining's door yesterday afternoon when she came +up the stairs. So I went in with her and stayed a little while. +She was in fine spirits. She had been to see an old friend of +hers, a member of the Board, and this lady had given her the same +amount of money that Miss Sniffen had--" + +"Stolen!" burst out Miss Crilly. + +"I'm telling this story!" announced Mrs. Albright placidly. "But +Miss Twining said," she resumed, "that she had promised not to +divulge the name of the lady to any one. So I don't know who it +is. On her way home she had bought a book that she had wanted for +a long time. I told her she'd have to look out or she would get +caught reading it; but she said they always knocked before coming +in, and she should have time to put it on the under shelf of her +table--where the cover partly hides it. I said, 'Well, you look +out now!' and she laughed and promised she would. + +"In the evening, as I was sitting alone, I heard talking, and I +went to my door to listen. I thought I knew the voice, and when I +opened the door a crack I was sure whose room it came from. 'Oh, +I'm afraid she's caught her again!' I said to myself, and I waited +till I heard somebody go softly away and down the stairs. Then I +stole over to Miss Twining. + +"It was just as I had feared! She was reading all so nice, when +without a mite of warning in sailed Miss Sniffen! Of course she +asked her where she got the book, and she said it was given to her. +But she wouldn't tell the woman's name. Miss Sniffen couldn't get +it out of her! She talked and threatened; but Miss Twining +wouldn't give in. Finally she vowed she'd have it out of her if +she had to flog it out! I could see that Miss Twining was all +wrought up and as nervous as could be--as who wouldn't have been!" + +"Oh!" gasped Polly. "It's just awful! Did she whip her?" + +Mrs. Albright shook her head and went on. + +"Miss Twining said that Amelia Sniffen used to go round in society +with her youngest brother, Walter, and that she was dead in love +with him. Walter fairly hated her, and never paid her the least +attention when he could get out of it; but she would put herself in +his way, as some girls will, until he was married and even +afterwards. And when Alice Twining came here and found that Miss +Sniffen had been appointed superintendent she was almost a mind to +back out; but she hadn't any other place to go, so she stayed, and +she said Miss Sniffen had seemed to take delight in being mean to +her ever since. Well, it's a tight box that Amelia Sniffen has got +herself into this time!" Mrs. Albright sighed. + +"Please go on!" whispered Polly. + +"Yes, dear. I got Miss Twining to bed, and she quieted down a +little. Finally I left her and crept back to my room. I don't +know what time it was,--but after eleven,--I woke dreaming that I +heard my name called. I jumped up and ran and opened the door. +Everything was still. But I waited, and pretty soon I heard a voice +in the room opposite. I rushed across the hall--the door was +locked! 'Miss Twining! Miss Twining!' I called, two or three +times. At first nobody answered; then Miss Sniffen came over to +the door and said, 'Shut up and go to bed!' I asked her to let me +in, but she wouldn't. I said things that I shouldn't have dared to +say if I'd been cooler; but I'm glad I did! After a while I went +back to my room, and I took out my key and hid it. I was afraid +she'd lock me in. She did mean to, but for once she got fooled. I +lay still as a mouse, hearing her fumble round my door. Finally +she went downstairs. When I was sure she'd gone for good I took my +key and stole across the hall. Sure enough, it unlocked the door, +just as I hoped it would. Oh, that poor child was so glad to see +me! Miss Sniffen had come up prepared to give her a whipping! She +had brought a little riding-whip with her! But the very sight of +it so upset Miss Twining, in her nervous state, that she had a bad +turn with her heart,--you know her heart always bothers her,--and +once she gave a little cry. Of course, Miss Sniffen didn't want +any rumpus, and she just clapped her hand hard over Miss Twining's +mouth. She says she doesn't know whether it took her breath away +suddenly, or what; but she fainted! When she came to, Miss Sniffen +was rubbing her--I guess she was pretty well frightened! There +wasn't anything more said about whipping! After she made up her +mind that Miss Twining wasn't likely to die right off, she and the +riding-whip left." + +"Oh, dear, what will become of us!" cried Miss Crilly. "We are not +safe a minute!" + +"You shall be!" Polly burst out excitedly. "I'm going to tell Mr. +Randolph everything about it!" + +"Polly! Polly!" Miss Sterling laid a quieting hand on her shoulder. + +The girl threw it off. Then she caught it to her lips and kissed +it passionately. "I can't bear it! I can't bear it!" she cried. +"To think of you all in such danger! You don't know what she'll +do!" + +"I don't think we need have any fear until she gets over her scare +about this," said Mrs. Albright reassuringly. "She seems to me +pretty well cowed down. Her eyes looked actually frightened when I +caught her off guard. You see, she's in a fix! She knows Miss +Twining needs a doctor; but, of course, he would ask first thing +what brought this on, and she couldn't make the patient lie it out." + +"I guess lying wouldn't trouble her any," put in Miss Crilly. + +"Dear Miss Twining!" murmured Polly plaintively. + +"She is a sweet little woman," Miss Crilly sighed. + +"How is she this morning?" asked Polly. + +"I hardly know what to tell you," hesitated Mrs. Albright. "I +think if Miss Sniffen would keep away she'd be better. Still, when +she got up and tried to dress, she fainted again. Now Miss Sniffen +has told her to stay abed, and she has put a notice on her door +that she is too ill to receive visitors." + +"Then can't you go in?" queried Polly anxiously. + +"I do," chuckled Mrs. Albright. "They'd have to do more contriving +than they've done yet to shut me out!" + +"Oh, I'm so glad!" cried Polly. "But she ought to have a doctor! +I suppose if she did it would be that Dr. Gunnip--He's no good! +Father says he's little more than a quack and he isn't safe. I +wish father could see her; but he can't unless he is called. It is +too bad! I believe I'll go straight to Mr. Randolph!" + +"I don't dare have you," returned Mrs. Albright. "He would, of +course, favor the Home, and if Miss Sniffen should hear of it--" + +"Before I say anything I shall make him promise not to tell." + +"I'm awfully afraid to let you do it--oh, Polly, don't!" Miss +Crilly was close to tears. + +"Had you rather die?" she demanded. "You may be sick yourself and +want a doctor! How are you going to get him?" + +"If I'm sick I bet I'll make such a fuss they'll send for a +doctor--and a good one too!" cried Miss Crilly hysterically. + +Polly had risen, and Miss Sterling drew her within the circle of +her arm. "When the time comes we'll decide what is best to do," +said she. + +"I should think the time had come now!" the girl fumed. "Poor Miss +Twining! It's just an outrage!" + +"Oh, I forgot!" Mrs. Albright bent toward Polly, with lowered +voice. "She gave me something for you, dear." + +"Me?" Polly calmed at once. + +"Yes. When I was with her in the night I think she feared that her +heart might give out, and she said, 'If anything should happen, I +wish you would give Polly those papers in my portfolio--or you may +give her the whole portfolio. She will understand.'" + +"Oh, I know! Yesterday morning she was planning to write some +poems, and those must be the 'papers.' But perhaps she won't want +me to have them now." + +"She spoke of it again to-day," nodded Mrs. Albright. "She said +she should somehow feel easier for you to keep them." + +"I hope Miss Sniffen won't rummage round and get hold of them +first," returned Polly anxiously. + +"I guess she won't find 'em in a hurry!" chuckled Mrs. Albright. +"They're in my room!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI + +MR. PARCELL'S LESSON + +Polly carried the portfolio home with her, and later, alone in her +room, read the poems it contained. Tears blurred her eyes as she +read and read again the verses dated the day before. Such a +lilting, joyous song it was! And now--! + +"Oh, but she will get well and write again!" Polly said softly. +Then she sighed, thinking of the bright plans that had so suddenly +ceased. + +Her thoughts went farther back, to the days of watching and waiting +for the message that had never come, to the sleepless nights of +grieving-- + +"Oh!" she burst out impetuously, "he's got to know it! Somebody +must tell him how he has made her suffer! Miss Nita would do it +beautifully; but I don't suppose I could hire her to! Maybe father +will." + +When this suggestion was made to him, however, Dr. Dudley shook his +head promptly, and his impulsive daughter began at once to form +other plans. "Mother wouldn't," she told herself. "No use asking +her. Dear! dear! if there were only somebody besides me! Perhaps +I can coax Miss Nita--" + +A telephone call broke in upon her musings, and the disturbing +thoughts were exchanged for a ride and a luncheon with Patricia +Illingworth. On her way home in the afternoon, the matter came up +again. + +"I may as well go now and have it over with," she decided suddenly, +and she turned into a street which led to the home of the Reverend +Norman Parcell. + +Yes, he was in and alone, the maid said, and Polly was shown +directly to the study. + +"How do you do, Miss Polly!" The minister grasped her hand +cordially. "This is a pleasant surprise." He drew forward an easy +chair and saw her comfortably seated. + +"Have you heard that Miss Twining is ill?" Polly began. + +"Miss Twining?" he repeated interrogatively. "M-m--no, I had not +heard. Is she an especial friend of yours, some one I ought to +know?" He smiled apologetically. "I find it difficult always to +place people on the instant." + +His apology might not have been attended by a smile if Polly's +indignant thought had been vocal. When she spoke, her voice was +tense. + +"Yes, Mr. Parcell, she is a very dear friend." Her lip quivered, +and she shook herself mentally; she was not going to break down at +this juncture. She went quickly on, ahead of the phrase of sympathy +on its way to the minister's lips. "She lives at the June Holiday +Home." + +"Oh, yes! I remember! Her illness is not serious, I hope." + +"I am afraid so," returned Polly, passing quickly toward what she +had come to talk about. "I don't suppose you know what a beautiful +woman she is." She looked straight into his eyes, and waited. + +"No," he answered slowly, a suggestion of doubt in his tone, "I +presume not. I have seen her only occasionally." + +"She told me that you called upon her every year or two." Polly +hesitated. "You can judge something by her poems. You received +the book of poems she sent you?" + +"Oh, yes!" he brightened. "I have the book." + +"How do you like it, Mr. Parcell? Don't you think the poems +wonderful?" Polly was sitting very straight in the cushioned +chair, her brown eyes fixed keenly on the minister's face. + +"Why,"--he moved a little uneasily--"I really--don't know--" He +threw back his head with a little smile. "To be frank, Miss Polly, +I haven't read them." + +Something flashed into the young face opposite that startled the +man. + +"Do you mean, Mr. Parcell," Polly said slowly, "that you have not +read the book at all?" Her emphasis made her thought clear, and +his cheeks reddened. + +"I shall have to own up to my neglect," he replied. "You know I am +a very busy man, Miss Polly." + +"You needn't bother with the 'Miss,'" she answered; "nobody does. +Then, that is why you haven't said 'thank you'--you don't feel +'thank you'!" + +"Oh, my dear Polly! I am very grateful to Miss Twining, I assure +you, and I realize that I should have sent her a note of thanks; +but--in fact, I don't recollect just how it was--I presume I was +waiting until I had read the book, and--I may as well confess +it!--I was somewhat afraid to read it." + +"Afraid?" Polly looked puzzled. + +"Such things are apt to be dreary reading," he smiled. "I am +rather a crank as regards poetry." + +The flash came again into Polly's face. "Oh!" she cried, fine scorn +in her voice, "you thought the poems weren't good!" + +He found himself nodding mechanically. + +"Where is the book?" she demanded, glancing about the room. + +"I--really don't know where I did leave it--" He scanned his cases +with a troubled frown. + +Tears sprang to the girl's eyes. She seemed to see Alice Twining's +gentle, appealing face, as it had looked when she said, "I hope he +doesn't think I am presumptuous in sending it." She dashed away +the drops, and went on glancing along the rows of books. The +minister had risen, but Polly darted ahead of him and pounced upon +a small volume. + +"Here it is!" She touched it caressingly, as if to make up for +recent neglect. + +"Your eyes are quicker than mine," said Mr. Parcell, taking it from +her hand. + +"Read it!" she said, and went back to her chair, + +The minister obeyed meekly. Polly's eyes did not leave him. + +He had opened the book at random, and with deepened color and a +disturbed countenance had done as he was bidden. Surprise, +pleasure, astonishment, delight,--all these the watcher saw in the +face above the pages. + +Five minutes went by, ten, twenty; still the Reverend Norman +Parcell read on! Polly, mouse-quiet, divided her softening gaze +between the clergyman and the clock. The pointers had crept almost +to four when the telephone called. The reader answered. Then he +walked slowly back from the instrument and picked up the book. + +"Miss Twining must be a remarkable woman," he began, "to write such +poetry as this--for it is poetry!" + +"She is remarkable," replied Polly quietly. "She is finer even +than her poems." + +The minister nodded acquiescently. "This 'Peter the Great,'" he +went on, running over the leaves, "is a marvelous thing!" + +"Isn't it! If you could have told her that"--Polly's tone was +gentle--"it would have spared her a lot of suffering." + +"Has she so poor an opinion of her work? + +"Oh, not that exactly; but"--she smiled sadly--"you have never said +'thank you', you know!" + +The lines on his face deepened. "I have been unpardonably rude, +and have done Miss Twining an injustice besides--I am sorry, very +sorry!" + +"She had had pretty hard experiences in giving away her books, but +I persuaded her to send one to you, for I knew you liked poetry and +I thought you would appreciate it. I was sorry afterwards that I +did. It only brought her more disappointment. She cried and cried +because she did not hear from you. I'm afraid I ought not to tell +you this--she wouldn't let me if she knew. But I thought if you +could just write her a little note--she isn't allowed to see +anybody--it might do her good and help her to get well." + +"I certainly will, my dear! I shall be glad to do so!" + +"You see," Polly went on, "she fears that perhaps you scorn her +book and consider her presuming to send it to you--and that is what +hurts. She has lain awake nights and grieved so over it, I could +have cried for her!" Polly was near crying now. + +"The worst of such mistakes," the man said sorrowfully, "is that we +cannot go back and blot out the tears and the suffering and make +things as they might have been. If we only could!" + +"A note from you will make her very happy," Polly smiled. + +"She shall have it at once," the minister promised; adding, "I am +glad she is in so beautiful a Home." + +Polly shook her head promptly. "No, Mr. Parcell, it is not a +beautiful Home, it is a prison--a horrible prison!" + +"Why, my dear! I do not understand--" + +"I don't want you to understand!" Polly cried hurriedly. "I ought +not to have said that! Only it came out! You will know, Mr. +Parcell, before long--people shall know! I won't have--oh, I +mustn't say any more! Don't tell a word of this, Mr. Parcell. +Promise me you won't!" + +"My dear child,"--the man gazed at her as if he doubted her +sanity,--"tell me what the trouble is! Perhaps I shall be able to +help matters." + +"Oh, no, you can't! It must work out! I am going to see Mr. +Randolph as soon as--I can. But please promise me not to say a +word about it to anybody!" + +"I shall certainly repeat nothing that you have told me. Indeed, +there is little I could say; I do not understand it at all. I +supposed the June Holiday Home was a model in every respect." + +Polly shook her head sadly. + +"I am there every day, Mr. Parcell, and I know! The ladies are +lovely--most of them. They can't say a word, or they'd be turned +out, and I've kept still too long! But I mustn't tell you any +more." Polly drew a long breath. "I must go now, Mr. Parcell. I +am so glad you like Miss Twining's poems! And you'll forgive me, +won't you, for all I have said?" + +"There is nothing to forgive, my dear." + +"I don't know, maybe I've said too much; but I knew you must have +lots of presents, and I kept thinking of those people that perhaps +you wouldn't thank, and I felt somebody must tell you, and there +wasn't anybody else to do it. Then, as I said, I hoped you would +like Miss Twining's poems well enough to tell her so. And I just +had to come!" + +"Polly, I am glad you came!" An unmistakable break in the +minister's voice turned Polly's eyes away. "I have been +inexcusably thoughtless, not only this time but many a time before. +I am grateful that I still have the opportunity to give my thanks +to Miss Twining." + +"And you can say 'thank you' to the next one!" cried Polly eagerly. + +"Yes, I shall always remember--you may be sure of that. I shall +not forget my lesson!" + +They had reached the door, and Polly shook hands with him and said +good-bye. + +She went straight to Miss Sterling. + +"Well, it's done!" she said soberly, taking her favorite seat. + +"What is done?" + +"My talk with Mr. Parcell" + +"Did _you_ go?" + +"Yes, I had to. Father wouldn't." + +"What did you say? How did he take it? Tell me!" + +"Oh, he took it all right! I guess he didn't really like it at +first. I was pretty hard on him, I suppose. But he needed it! I +didn't go there to give him sugar-plums!" + +"Polly!" + +"Well, I didn't! It had got to be said, and I thought I might as +well say it plain at the start!" + +"Oh, Polly! Polly!" Miss Sterling chuckled softly. + +"Why, Miss Nita, you're laughing!" Polly's tone was reproachful. +"There isn't anything to laugh at. I almost cried, and so did he!" + +"Dear, forgive me! But I couldn't help seeing the funny side." + +"There isn't any funny side!" + +"Go on! I won't offend again." + +"There is not much to tell. Oh, I do wish Miss Twining could have +heard him praise her poems--after he had read them! Do you know, +Miss Nita, he hadn't even looked in the book! He thought it was +trash--not worth his while! Think of it--those lovely poems! But +I found the book for him--He didn't even remember where he'd put +it!--and I told him to read it, and he did!" + +"Polly! you mean you asked him!" + +"I guess I told him all right--I was mad just about then. And he +read steady, by the clock, 'most twenty-five minutes! I don't know +as he'd have stopped by now if the telephone hadn't rung." + +"And he liked them?" + +"Oh, he thinks they're beautiful! He was awfully sorry he hadn't +thanked her--I know he was! But he is going to write her a note, +and I told him he could say 'thank you' to the next one, and he +said he should." + +Juanita Sterling disgraced herself the second time. She dropped +back in her chair with a stifled laugh. + +"Miss Nita!" began Polly plaintively. + +"I know, dear! But to think of your saying such things to that +dignified man!" She chuckled again. + +"Don't, Miss Nita! It hurts. His dignity is all on the outside, I +guess. Anyway, it went off before I left." + +"Oh, Polly!" + +"I don't see a thing to laugh at. It was as solemn as--as a sermon." + +"I rather think it was a sermon--to him!" + +"Perhaps. Anyway, I'm glad I went." + +"I wonder that your father and mother allowed you to go." + +Polly smiled, a tiny, flushed smile. "They don't know it." + +"Why, Polly Dudley!" + +"Well, it had to be done, and there was nobody but me to do it. I +didn't dare say anything beforehand, for fear they wouldn't let me. +Now I'm going home, to tell them all about it." + +Miss Sterling smiled. "You'll do, Polly! When I have a hard +errand on hand, I'll commit it to you." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +"I LOVE YOU, DAVID!" + +Polly happened to answer the doorbell when David rang. + +"Hallo, David!" she said brightly. + +His face was troubled. + +"Is your father at home?" + +"Why, yes,--that is, he is in the hospital somewhere. Who is sick?" + +"Aunt Juliet, and she won't have anybody but Dr. Dudley. We've +been trying to get him by telephone, and finally they thought I'd +better come up. Otto brought me, and he'll take the Doctor back." + +"Oh, the hospital telephones are out of commission, so they're +using ours about all the time. Sit down, and I'll find him." + +From ward to ward went Polly, following the Doctor. She caught him +at last on the upper floor, and he drove off with Colonel Gresham's +man. + +"Stay a while, can't you, David?" invited Polly. "You'll have to +walk home anyway, and there's no need of your hurrying." + +"They may want me," he hesitated, fingering his cap. + +"No, they won't! There are plenty to take care of Mrs. Gresham. I +haven't seen you in an age." + +David's face reddened. "I've--been pretty busy," he faltered in +excuse. + +Polly ignored his embarrassment. "I am sorry for Mrs. Gresham. +She's not very sick, is she?" + +"I'm afraid she is. She was in terrible pain when I left home." + +"I guess father'll fix her up all right," said Polly comfortably. + +David smiled. Polly's faith in her father was a standing joke +among her friends. + +"Oh, you may laugh!" she cried. "It doesn't disturb me a mite. He +pulled you out of a tight place once." + +"Yes, he did," agreed the boy. "I presume I have about as much +faith in him as you have." + +They talked for a while in commonplaces. David seemed interested +in nothing. He grew restless and once or twice said something +about going home. Still he stayed. Finally he got up. Then +suddenly he sat down and with a visible effort said huskily, "I +suppose you think I'm a brute!" + +"Oh, no, David!" returned Polly quietly; "but I think you're a +little bit foolish." + +His cheeks flushed angrily. "Oh, foolish, is it! Pray, what have +I done?" + +"M--m, not so very much, except to ignore me, when we've always +been such good friends." + +"It's your own fault!" David's temper was getting the mastery. +"Going round with another boy and not paying me any attention at +all!" + +"Don't let's quarrel, David! I suppose you mean Doodles, and it +does seem so silly for you to be jealous of that little boy!" + +"You played all his accompaniments, and you didn't play for me," +said David in an aggrieved tone. + +"He asked me, and you didn't. You know he hasn't had a piano very +long and can't play as you can. But I would have gladly played for +you if I had known you wanted me." + +The boy said nothing, and Polly resumed. + +"You act as if I belonged to you and mustn't look at another boy." + +"You do belong to me!" he declared. + +"Since when?" laughed Polly. + +"Since the first day I saw you," replied David doggedly. + +"Oh!" she smiled. "I never knew it! But I don't make a fuss +because you call on Patricia or go round with Leonora." + +"Of course you don't! You wouldn't mind if I went with forty +girls! You don't care a rap for me." His face was gloomy. + +"Oh, David! what do you want me to do?--hang round you all the time +and say, 'David, I love you! David, it's true! David, I'll love you +all my life through'?" + +"Go on!" he said fiercely, "make all the fun you like! It is fun +to you, but with me it's life or death!" + +"David!" + +"You know I never cared for any other girl! You know you are my +world! And yet you deliberately make fun of me!" + +Polly's dimples vanished. "No, David, I am not making fun of you, +but only of your foolishness--" + +"Oh, yes, I suppose it's foolish for me to love you as I do when +you don't care a straw--" + +"Wait! wait!" she interrupted. "I don't mean that at all, and you +know it! But for a great, tall fellow like you to be so +unreasonably jealous of a little ten-year-old does seem absurd. I +love Doodles, of course; everybody does. But, David, you ought to +know that's all there is to it." + +"He says he's going to marry you!" + +Polly laughed outright. "I never heard anything about it before, +so I guess I wouldn't let it worry me, David." She chuckled. +"Whatever made him say that! He's a funny little chap!" + +"Will you marry me?" David asked abruptly. + +Polly's dimples came and went. "Do you mean right off?" she +queried soberly. "I rather want to go to school a little longer." + +"There you are again!" he grumbled. "You can't take anything in +earnest! I may as well go home!" + +"But, David, the idea of asking me such a question! And I only +thirteen! Can't you see how silly it is?" + +"No, I can't! It's the only way to make sure of you! Some other +fellow will get ahead of me!" + +"No other fellow has yet, David." Polly's voice was sweet and +serious. + +"Do you mean that," he asked, "honestly?" + +"Of course. You know I have always liked you better than any other +boy!" + +"You like me, but you love Doodles," he mused. + +Polly laughed softly. "Oh, dear!" she sighed, "will nothing +satisfy you? Well, then,"--she was blushing almost to tears,--"I +love you, David! I--I think it's mean for you to make me say +it!--I--love you better than any other boy I ever saw!" She flung +the last words at him with a show of vexation that David could not +withstand. + +He grinned. + +"And now--you laugh at me!" She sprang up and started past him; +but he caught her in his arms. + +"Polly! Polly! Dear Polly!" he said tenderly. "Forgive me! I am +a pig! But to tell me I was mean and that you loved me--all in the +same breath! Now say I'm contemptible--or anything! I'll agree to +it!" + +"Well, you ought to--you are!" she half sobbed, half laughed. Her +face was hidden on his shoulder. + +Suddenly she threw up her head and started back. "Let me go!" she +whispered. "It is ridiculous to stand here like this." She pulled +away from him and retreated to her chair. + +"I don't see why we can't be engaged," said David. "Promise that +you'll marry me, Polly!" + +"Oh!" she cried, "I thirteen, and you just fifteen! What a pair of +ninnies we should be! David, if you want to keep me, you must let +me go free! I shall be sixteen when I'm through high school, and +there'll be four years of college. Then--perhaps--! Time enough +for that sort of thing after we're twenty!" + +David looked at her with smiling eyes, yet he said, "I'm afraid I +shan't feel very sure of you." + +"You're a funny David!" laughed Polly. "I say, let's forget all +this, and just be a boy and girl having a good time!" + +"Forget that we love each other, Polly?" + +"No, no! but take that for granted, and let it drop!" + +"I guess you'll have to teach me how," David laughed. + +"All right! Come sing me that song I saw you buying at the music +store the other day!" + +When David left the house, he stopped on the threshold to finish +what he was saying. Then, suddenly, he caught Polly's hands, +pressed a kiss squarely on her lips, and sped away. + +"David Collins!" she cried. + +But David was already down the steps. He looked back with a +radiant bow. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +A VISIT WITH MRS. TENNEY + +The letter-carrier came early, and Polly ran over to the Home in +hopes to be first at the pile of mail on the hall table. She +wanted to carry Mr. Parcell's note upstairs herself. + +There it was, right on top, "Miss Alice Ely Twining"! Polly caught +up the envelope with a glad breath. Then she went hastily through +the rest and found a letter for Miss Sterling and one for Miss +Crilly. + +Mrs. Albright was in the corner room. + +"I will deliver these now," she said, "before it is time for Miss +Sniffen." + +"I'm afraid she'll catch you in there some day," Polly told her +with a troubled little nod. "What if she should!" + +Mrs. Albright laughed softly. "When I hear anybody coming I slip +into the closet--I have done that several times already! I do hope +this letter will do Miss Twining good. It looks like a man's +handwriting." + +Juanita Sterling looked doubtfully at the address on her own +envelope, then she ran a paper-cutter under the flap. + +"An invitation from Mrs. Dick for us all to spend to-day with her!" +she announced disinterestedly. + +"Oh, let's go!" cried Polly. + +"Shall we walk or fly?" The tone was not encouraging. + +"Ride," answered Polly promptly. + +"Perhaps you can't get the cars." + +"Perhaps I can!" was the retort. "You don't want to go--that's +what!" + +"I am not hankering for it," smiled Miss Sterling dubiously. + +"It will do you good," Polly decided. "The more you get out of +this atmosphere, the better. I'll run home and do some +telephoning! Will you ask the others, Miss Nita? Or wait! We +don't know yet how many can go." + +Polly was off in a whirl, and for the next half-hour bells rang, +wires snapped and buzzed, feet flew, and tongues were busy. Then +Polly returned to say that they could have three cars which would +seat fourteen besides the drivers. + +Miss Crilly was there and heard the news with delight. + +"I'll run round and ask 'em! Shall I?" + +"Yes, please," answered Polly. "Take as many of the ladies as +would like to go. We children can stay at home if there isn't room. + +"Count me out, for one," said Miss Sterling quickly. + +"No, count her in!" ordered Polly. + +Miss Crilly laughed. "Sure!" she agreed. "I'll find out who wants +to go. You wait, Polly. 'T won't take long." + +She was as quick as her promise, but her face was doleful. + +"Every blessed one is crazy to go, except Mrs. Crump and Mrs. Post +and Miss Leatherland. What can we do!" + +Polly counted up. "That makes twelve of you, so Patricia and +Leonora can go. David and I will stay home." + +"You'll do no such thing!" Miss Sterling's tone was firm. "I'll +send Polly in my stead." + +"Polly won't go!" she laughed. "You're the one that received the +invitation, and the idea of your staying behind! David is coming +up, anyway, and we're to play duets if we can't go; so we'll be all +right." + +Miss Sterling gave Polly a quick glance of surprise, and Polly +threw back a smile, just as Mrs. Albright appeared. + +"What time are we going?" she asked. "I have my dress to mend." + +"Our car won't be at liberty this forenoon," answered Polly. +"Father needs it. But we can start right after luncheon. Will one +o'clock do?" + +The hour was agreed upon, and Mrs. Albright turned to the door. +Then she came back. + +"I almost forgot my message for you, Polly! The prospect of a ride +makes me good for nothing. That note for Miss Twining was from her +minister, Mr. Parcell. It seems, awhile ago, she sent him a book +of her own poems, and this was to acknowledge it and beg pardon for +his tardiness. It is a beautiful note! She let me read it. He +praises her poetry sky-high--he doesn't say too much, you know, but +just enough. And you ought to see her--she is so pleased! She +wanted me to tell you that she had it. When she first read it she +cried, and I didn't know but it would upset her; but I guess it +hasn't. He says he is coming to call on her as soon as she is able +to receive visitors. She can't imagine who told him she was sick; +but it isn't strange he heard of it--such news flies." + +Polly's face was red with guilty blushes; but Mrs. Albright took no +heed. She and Miss Crilly hurried away. + +"I hope she won't ever find out my part in it," sighed Polly. "But +I can't help being glad I went, even if father did scold!" + +"I was afraid he would." + +"Yes," nodded Polly, with a little regretful scowl. + +"But tell me about David!" broke out Miss Sterling eagerly. "Is it +made up?" + +Polly laughed happily. "No more quarrels forever! Mrs. Gresham +was sick, and David came up for father; so I asked him to stay--and +we had it out! What do you think that boy wanted? To be +engaged--now!" + +"Mercy! And you only thirteen!" + +"I talked him out of it in a hurry, and I guess he sees it as I do. +He's the dearest boy--and the foolishest!" + +"Yes, David is a dear boy, the most agreeable of his age I ever +knew! He is so thoughtful and winsome." + +"That would please David mightily. I shall have to tell him. He +hasn't much self-esteem--it will do him good. I wonder why he +likes me better than other girls," mused Polly. "There's +Patricia--ever so much prettier than I am, and Leonora--right in +the house--sweet as can be and delighted with his least attention. +But no, he likes me best--I--don't--see--why!" She slowly nodded +out the words. + +Juanita Sterling laughed softly. "Love goes where it is sent, you +know. As for me, I don't wonder at all!" + +"Oh, well, you are partial!" said Polly with a little blush. "But +I can't understand it with him." + +"For the same reason that you prefer him to the other boys. I'm +glad you have made up." + +"I am! I hate fusses! Dear me! I must go back and telephone." + +She ran over again shortly before the appointed time. + +"David and I are going, after all!" she cried. "At the last minute +Mrs. Illingworth had to change her plans for the afternoon, so we +can have her other car. Isn't that fine! Will you sit with us? I +told David what you said, and he is ready to eat you up!" + +The former Mrs. Dick welcomed her friends with cordial hands and +tongue. + +"I had almost despaired of you," she told Miss Sterling and Polly, +as she walked with them into the house. "And I'm glad so many +could come. I didn't know how it would be. Awfully sad about Miss +Twining, isn't it? I always liked Miss Twining." + +"Isn't she lovable?" put in Polly. + +"Yes, very.--Take seats, all of you. We were just speaking of Miss +Twining--I'm so sorry for her! But if she is losing her mind, +perhaps it will be providential for her to go soon." + +"'Losing her mind'!" exclaimed Miss Crilly. "Who made up that +whopper?" + +"Why, isn't she? One of the Board told me--Mrs. Brintnall. I met +her in town the other day. I think it came straight from Miss +Sniffen. She said she was a great care, now that she has heart +disease, and that she is liable to drop away any time. Mrs. +Brintnall spoke of her mind's failing as if everybody knew it--that +a good many days she would seem as bright as ever, and then again +she didn't know much of anything and would be so obstinate and ugly +that she'd have to be punished just like a child! Isn't that +awful! But you think it isn't true!" + +"Think! I know it isn't true! not a single word of it!" Polly was +too excited to heed Miss Sterling's warning pinch. + +"I never saw anything out of the way in her," attested Miss +Mullaly. "She has always appeared to me like a very cultured +woman." + +"She is a perfect lady," asserted Mrs. Winslow Teed. + +"Yes, she is!" agreed Miss Castlevaine. "I guess Miss Sniffen's +the one that's losing her mind--huh!" + +"Is she as bad as ever?" queried Mrs. Tenney anxiously. + +"Worse!" declared Miss Major. + +"We don't have pie or pudding now--ever!" put in Miss Crilly +eagerly. "And we can't talk at table, only just to ask for things!" + +"Oh, my!" cried Mrs. Tenney. "What does possess her!" + +"Seven devils, I guess!" laughed Miss Crilly. + +"Better put it seven hundred and seven!" flashed Polly. + +They laughed, and the talk went on. Miss Sterling watched the +hostess. She seemed years older than bright, cheery Mrs. Dick of +the Home. Sometimes she let the talk pass her by, or she only +flung in a bitter little speech. In the course of the afternoon, +when the guests had wandered away from the dreary "front room" to +the barn, the hennery, the garden, the orchard, Mrs. Tenney +contrived to gather together her special cronies, Mrs. Albright, +Miss Crilly, Miss Sterling, and Polly. + +"Come inside! I want to talk with you," she told them. + +"Say," she began, in lowered voice, "do you s'pose there's any +chance in Miss Sniffen's taking me back?" + +Astonishment was plain on the faces before her. + +"Oh, I s'pose you think that's queer!" She laughed nervously. "But +I just can't live here any longer! I was the biggest fool to marry +that man! I thought I was going to have a good home and plenty to +eat and to wear. We do have enough to eat--and good enough, but, +my! he hasn't bought me anything except one gingham apron since I +came, and he growled over that! He's the limit for stinginess! +When I was at the Home I used to say I'd rather live in an old +kitchen if 't was mine, and now I've got the old kitchen I'd +exchange back again in a jiffy! Do you s'pose she'd take me!" + +"Do you mean to--" hesitated Mrs. Albright. + +"Yes, I mean to run away from the old man! I know you're shocked; +but you haven't lived with Serono Tenney! He'll freeze me out next +winter, sure as fate! I'll have to shut up the house, except the +kitchen, and stay there, where I can't see even a team pass, with +hardly a neighbor in sight. It drives me wild! To think I was +such a fool! If he were a poor man, I could stand it; but he's got +money enough." + +"Why don't you make it fly, then?" broke in Miss Crilly. "Bet you +I would!" + +"No, you wouldn't! He had to go with me to pick out the apron, and +he fretted like sixty because I would buy one made of decent cloth! +I was all in just over that!" + +"We s'posed he was a nice, pleasant man--it's too bad!" Miss +Crilly was the only one who found words for reply. + +"I don't have anything to read," went on the disappointed woman. +"He doesn't want to know anything. He does take a daily newspaper, +but that's all. There was a Bible in the house when I came, and +two or three schoolbooks--pretty place to live in!" + +"Get a divorce!" advised Miss Crilly. + +"I could easy! He'd never fight it--hasn't got life enough. But +where could I go?" + +"I'm afraid you couldn't do anything with Miss Sniffen," said Mrs. +Albright sadly. + +"What do you say, Polly?" smiled Mrs. Tenney. "You look as if you +had your advice all ready." + +"No," answered Polly sorrowfully. "Only you've promised, and it +doesn't seem as if you ought to break your promise--just because +you don't like it here as well as you thought you would. It isn't +that I'm not sorry, Mrs. Dick--I mean, Mrs. Tenney--" Polly hurried +to explain. "I'm so sorry I could cry! But it doesn't seem +right--to me--perhaps it would be, perhaps I don't know." Polly +lifted appealing eyes to the woman's flushed face. + +"I guess you see things clearer than I do, child! We'll put it to +vote. Mrs. Albright, what do you think?" + +"I hardly know, and, anyway, I can't decide it for you. I suppose +I should incline to Polly's opinion." + +"Miss Sterling? You hold the controlling vote, so be careful!" +Mrs. Tenney laughed uncertainly. + +"It is a hard question, Mrs. Dick. I can hardly imagine a worse +hell than having to live with such a man as you picture him, and +yet--" + +"I know! It's three against two! Good-bye, June Holiday Home, +with your steam heat and Miss Sniffen! We must adjourn--there's +Mrs. Grace and Mrs. Winslow Teed!" + +For the ride home Polly sat between Miss Crilly and David in Dr. +Dudley's car. + +"Isn't that a great bluff of Miss Sniffen's?" Miss Crilly's tone +was too confidential even for Polly's quick ears. The repeated +question carried as far as David--Polly knew from his sudden change +of expression. But Miss Crilly talked on. "Seemed as if I must +tell! I never was so stirred up in my life! It's the last thing I +should thought of!" + +Polly gave her a cautionary smile. + +"O-o-h!" Miss Crilly cast a frightened glance in David's direction. + +"A motor-car isn't the best place for talking secrets," he laughed. +"But I won't peep!" + +"I haven't let any cat out!" retorted Miss Crilly. + +She and David tossed merry sallies back and forth; but Polly was +uncomfortable. David would think she did not trust him. She +wished Miss Crilly had not referred to the matter. + +"Come on down to dinner!" invited David, after they had said +good-bye to Miss Sterling and Miss Crilly. + +"Oh, I'd love to!" beamed Polly. "I'll run in and ask mother." + +He hailed his uncle's chauffeur, and bade him wait. + +In a moment she was back and they stepped into Colonel Gresham's +car. + +"I am going to share my secret with you," David smiled, glancing +doubtfully at the man ahead. + +"Otto," he said tentatively, without raising his voice above the +tone he had used for Polly. The man did not stir. "Otto," a +little louder. No answer. + +He nodded complacently. "I wanted to make sure of him," he smiled. +"Now I'll go on." + +"The other isn't my secret, David, or I'd tell you!" Polly hastened +to explain. + +"That's all right!" laughed David. "Perhaps this chimes in with +yours, and perhaps it doesn't. Last night I went up to Billy +Marble's, and when I was along by Ford Street I noticed a man and a +woman a little distance ahead. I was walking pretty fast, and as I +came up behind them and was wondering which way I'd go by,--you +know the sidewalk is narrow there,--a light struck across the +woman's face, and I saw it was Mrs. Nobbs. I didn't know the man. +Has she relatives here?" + +"A brother, I think, a bachelor brother." + +"Tall, is he?" + +"Yes." + +"This man was. Probably it was he. I had on my sneaks--that's why +they didn't hear me. I was pretty near, when I caught something +that excited my curiosity. I heard the words distinctly,--'I +wouldn't be in her shoes for all the money she has made out of June +Holiday Home!'--'And that's no small sum, I'll warrant!' the man +replied.--'Small!' she exclaimed; 'she's robbing them every day of +her life! But she's in a terrible fix now, and I guess she knows +it! I can't be thankful enough that for once she didn't make a +cat's-paw of me! I said, 'When there's any flogging to be done, +you will do it!' She was mad, and I half expected her to discharge +me on the spot, but I know too much for her to dare to go too far. +I've done piles of dirty work for Amelia Sniffen!'--'Better cut it +out,' said the man.--'Can't, as long as I stay,' she replied. +'That's what I'm there for! But I've got so nervous since this +happened, I don't know what to do! I start every time I see one of +the Board come into the house. What if they should find out! You +don't suppose they could hold me for--anything, do you? I'd give a +farm to know how much Mrs. Albright has heard, but I'm afraid to +quiz her. She's the one that rooms across the hall and tried to +get in when they were having the time--she's got more grit than the +others. I don't think Miss Twining would dare tell, and I don't +see how she could--she is locked in all the time, ostensibly to +keep her from visitors! I thought if Mrs. Albright did find out +she'd go right to the Board; but there hasn't been a word yet. +That woman needs a doctor if ever anybody did. Lucky for us that +she didn't die when--'And that's all I heard. They stopped before +they came to the Home entrance, and I was afraid of being caught, +so I cut across the avenue into the shadows. I was amazed!" He +drew a long breath. "But I fancy it isn't much news to you." + +"Some of it is," Polly replied. "I never thought of Miss Sniffen's +being dishonest with money. I don't see how she can--" + +"Easy enough in a place like that. But this other is pretty bad +business. If Miss Twining should happen to die without any doctor, +and the authorities should find out that Miss Sniffen beat--" + +"No, she didn't!" interrupted Polly. "I suppose she meant to, but +Miss Twining fainted and that put a stop to it. I'd tell you +everything, David, only Miss Nita and Mrs. Albright and Miss Crilly +and I agreed not to say a word to anybody." + +"Never mind! I can guess enough. Something should be done about +it, Polly. If Miss Twining needs a doctor, she ought to have one +immediately." + +"I know it!" Her voice was troubled. "I wanted to tell Mr. +Randolph; but they won't let me, for fear he'll take the Home's +part, or something, and get them into trouble. I don't know what +to do!" + +The car stopped at the Gresham door, and Polly forgot disagreeable +things in the pleasure of Mrs. Collins's cordial welcome. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX + +DISAPPOINTMENT + +Miss Twining was worse. Dr. Gunnip had been called late in the +afternoon. It was now nearly six o'clock, and the third-floor +corner room was discussing the situation. + +"I guess you'd better see Mr. Randolph to-morrow," Mrs. Albright +was saying. + +"Why not make it this evening?" returned Polly. "She may not live +till morning!" Tears were in her voice. + +"No, the Doctor didn't think she'd give out right away; he said she +might last a good while." + +"Little he knows about it!" scorned Polly. + +"Well, he said it right up and down!" put in Miss Crilly. + +"It is too bad!" Polly drew a long, sighing breath. "I don't +believe she'd have had any heart trouble at all, if Miss Sniffen +hadn't made this fuss!" + +"The excitement has no doubt aggravated it," commented Mrs. +Albright. + +"Is that all Dr. Gunnip said, that she had heart disease?" queried +Polly. + +"He didn't stay long enough to say anything!" sputtered Miss +Crilly. "He walked in and walked out--I wish I'd timed him!" + +"You'd have had to look in a hurry," remarked Mrs. Albright quietly. + +"Guess he's like a doctor my mother used to tell about," observed +Miss Crilly. "You had to catch hold of his coat-tails if you +wanted to ask him a question. And he never would have +consultation, no matter how sick anybody was. He said, one could +play on a fiddle better than two." + +A quick little smile ran round the group; but nobody laughed. The +present question was too serious. + +"Miss Twining didn't tell me much," resumed Mrs. Albright. "The +Doctor had just gone, and I was in a fidget for fear Miss Sniffen +would come back. But I could see that he had upset her completely. +I don't think, from what she did say, that he gave her any +particulars. He said she had got to be extremely careful. She +feels as if it was about over with her." + +"I wish father could see her," fretted Polly. "He wouldn't +frighten her so, even if he did have to tell her that her heart was +in bad shape! I hate Dr. Gunnip worse than ever! Did he leave her +any medicine?" + +"Oh, yes! I saw two little piles of tablets on the table." + +"Likely as not they'll make her worse!" Polly got up. "I'm going +to see Mr. Randolph to-night!" she announced determinedly. + +"No, no!" objected Mrs. Albright. "Wait until morning! It would +only excite her more to have another doctor now. She'd think she +was in a worse condition than she is." + +"I'd wait if I were you," agreed Miss Sterling. "I think it will +be better all round." + +"Well," yielded Polly reluctantly, and sat down again. + +"What you going to tell him, anyway?" questioned Miss Crilly a bit +anxiously. + +"Why--everything!" Polly's hands flew apart with expressive +gesture. + +"I'm afraid he won't want to interfere." + +"He isn't a fool!" retorted Polly. "And when I've told him all I'm +going to tell him, if he doesn't interfere--if he isn't aching to +interfere--he will be one!" + +Miss Crilly giggled. "You're the greatest!" she said admiringly. + +The next morning Polly awoke with the vague consciousness that +something of importance was at hand. Then she remembered. To-day +she was to see Mr. Randolph! + +During breakfast the matter was discussed. + +"You seem suddenly to have become a woman of affairs," playfully +remarked Dr. Dudley. + +"There isn't anybody else to do things," said Polly plaintively. +"Miss Crilly wouldn't amount to anything if she went. She'd get +scared first thing and make a regular fizzle of it. Mrs. Albright +has pluck enough in some ways; but she couldn't be hired to see Mr. +Randolph. Of course, Miss Nita'd do it all right; but she just +won't! And somebody must!" + +"It is full time," the Doctor agreed; "but it looks a big load for +your shoulders." + +"Oh, I don't mind this!" Polly said brightly. "It was hard, going +to Mr. Parcell's; but this is--different, you know." + +"Decidedly different." + +Polly glanced up from under her eyelashes. She knew what he +thought of her visit to the minister's, and now she sighed a little +in remembrance of his fatherly comments. + +"Of course, Mr. Randolph will be surprised--shocked, I guess; but +he isn't to blame, and he's a lovely man to talk to. I think I'm +going to enjoy it." + +Mrs. Dudley caught the twinkle in her husband's eyes, and laughed. + +"What have I said out of the way now?" Polly laid down her fork. + +"Nothing," her father answered gravely. + +"I don't see why mother was laughing, then." She glanced from one +to the other. + +They sipped their coffee in silence, but the girl detected a +lingering bit of a smile on her mother's lips. + +As soon as she had put her room in trim for the day, Polly ran over +to the Home for a final talk with Miss Sterling before making her +appointment with Mr. Randolph. + +She found both Mrs. Albright and Miss Crilly in the corner room. A +little excitement was in the air. + +"Have you heard?" asked Miss Crilly. + +Polly's eyes went frightened. + +"No--what?" she said weakly. + +"Don't be scared, child! It is nothing!" Mrs. Albright put an arm +around her. "It is only that Mr. Randolph is sick." + +"O-o-h!" mourned Polly. + +"It's in the morning paper," added Miss Crilly. "It says, +'seriously ill.'" + +"Yet he may not be," interposed Miss Sterling. "The papers seldom +get it right." + +"It is too bad!" Polly sat down. "Our paper was late," she +explained, "and father didn't have time to read it,--he was called +off from breakfast,--and I was thinking so much about going that I +forgot the paper. Is that all it says?" + +"Yes. It doesn't tell what the matter is." + +"Now we shall have to wait!" said Polly dismally. "How is Miss +Twining?" + +"A little brighter, I think," answered Mrs. Albright. + +"Dear me! I hope Mr. Randolph won't die!" Miss Crilly's face was +despairing. "There isn't another one we'd dare tell!" + +"No," agreed Polly, "he's the only man we can trust. We can't do a +single thing till he gets well." + + + + +CHAPTER XXX + +DOODLES SINGS + +Doodles had heard of Nelson Randolph's illness, yet he was +unprepared for the additional tidings that came to him when he was +on a downtown errand. + +"Oh, he suffers something terrible!" exclaimed the boy who brought +the news. "Carl Harris told me about it. He's down there in the +paper office, and they say if he don't get better pretty soon he's +got to die! The Doctor can't stop the pain." + +Doodles walked away thinking hard. "Guess I'll go," he told +himself. "He liked my singing the other night up here, and perhaps +it would make him forget. Anyhow, I can go!" + +An hour later Doodles stood at the door of the Randolph home. + +"He's sick. He can't see anybody," said the maid who answered his +ring. + +"Is he able to talk?" queried the lad. + +The girl nodded. + +"Then will you please ask him if he would like to have Doodles +Stickney sing to him." + +"'T won't do no good," she replied indifferently. "The nurse won't +let anybody see him." + +A man came slowly up the steps, and the boy turned to recognize a +well-known physician. + +"Oh, Dr. Temple!" he began eagerly, "do you think Mr. Randolph +would like to have me sing for him?" + +The physician looked the lad over gravely. He was so long about +it, Doodles wondered if his boots were dusty and the Doctor were +disapproving them. Then came the answer. + +"Probably not." + +"But he did like to hear me sing the other night when he was at our +house. He said so. And when I heard how he is suffering, I +thought perhaps I could make him forget it." His appealing brown +eyes looked straight into those keen blue ones that the physician's +admirers thought saw everything. + +Dr. Temple considered a moment. "Come in!" he said. + +Doodles followed where he led, which was into the first room beyond +the entrance. + +"Sing!" was the order. + +Doodles, not in the least abashed, stood where he was, in the +middle of the reception room, and began. + +Soft, soft as the crooning of a mother bird, came the first notes. + +"Peace...peace...peace I leave with you." Gently the music rose, +the lad's voice beautifully modulated to suit the time and place. +"My peace...my peace I give unto you:...not as the world +giveth...not as the world giveth...give I unto you. Let not your +heart be troubled...let not your heart be troubled...let not your +heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." + +The physician sat still for a moment, as if reluctant to break the +spell. Then he got up quickly. "Come!" he bade. + +Doodles followed, up the velvet-covered stairs, with never the +sound of a footstep, and to the end of a wide corridor. + +"Wait here, please!" Dr. Temple motioned him to a chair by the +window, and after knocking at a door disappeared behind it. + +Presently he returned. "You may sing what you sang downstairs." +He went back, leaving the door ajar. + +Again Doodles sang. At the end he waited, wondering if he were to +keep on. + +A white-clad young woman came out of the room, smiling to him under +her pretty white cap. + +"Mr. Randolph would like to have you sing some more," she said. + +"The Lord is my Shepherd," "Come unto Me," "I will lift up mine +eyes," "The Lord bless thee and keep thee,"--these and others +Doodles sang, while not a sound came from the room beyond. + +Then the young woman appeared again. + +"Mr. Randolph says he wishes you would sing 'Old Folks at Home,'" +she told him. + +At the close of the song the nurse came to the door and beckoned +him in. + +The president of the Paper Company put out a feeble hand. + +"Thank you, Doodles!" he smiled. "I suppose you came all the way +from Foxford just to sing for me!" + +"Oh, that isn't anything!" said the boy lightly. "I am glad to do +it, Mr. Randolph. I do hope you will get better!" + +"I am better now! You have done me good, Doodles!" + +"I'm so glad! May I come again?" eagerly. + +"I should be mighty glad if you could! I will send my car for you +any day." + +"Thank you!" The lad's face was radiant. "To-morrow?" He glanced +at Dr. Temple. + +The Doctor gave him a smiling nod. + +"This same time?" + +"Better than the afternoon," assented the physician. + +Doodles was downstairs when the nurse came out to speak to him. + +"Mr. Randolph says to wait and he will have his man take you home." + +So Doodles rode to Foxford in Mr. Randolph's sumptuous roadster, to +the astonishment of Blue whom he met not far from home. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI + +SHUT OUT + +Miss Sterling was not in her room. Polly had knocked and knocked. +Finally she turned away and went slowly downstairs. + +"Is Miss Nita out?" she asked of Miss Sniffen in the lower hall. + +"I don't know," was the answer. She did not offer to look at the +day-book on the desk. + +Miss Lily came by, on her way upstairs, and said good-morning as +she passed. + +Polly had reached the door, when a little cry arrested her. She +turned to see Miss Lily half kneeling on the stairs, clutching the +rail. + +"Oh! are you hurt?" Polly ran up to her. + +"Not much, I guess," was the tremulous answer. "I can't see, and +the stairs are so wide! I fall every day or so!" + +Polly helped her up. "I'd go close to the balustrade, if I were +you." + +"Oh, no! I mustn't!" Miss Lily whispered, glancing down into the +hall. + +"She's gone," said Polly softly. "Come right up here! Afraid of +scratching? 'T won't do any harm--with your soft slippers." + +"She won't let me!" breathed the frightened woman. + +"Oh, I guess she won't mind!" returned Polly easily. "That's what +rails are made for--to cling to." + +"What's the matter now!" broke in a cutting voice. + +"Why, Miss Lily fell, and I'm trying to make her come up close to +the rail, so she can get a good, firm hold; but she's afraid of +scratching the stairs." + +"Of course it will scratch--to go tramping over that polished wood! +She's to step on the carpet, as I told her! You're always +interfering, Polly Dudley!" + +"Miss Sniffen, I didn't mean to interfere; but Miss Lily can't see +as well as you can, and--" + +"She can see well enough! Her eyesight is good. There is no need +of her falling." + +"But she can't get hold of the rail away off in the middle!" + +"Certainly she can reach it! Don't stand there talking nonsense!" + +Miss Lily turned and hastened up the long flight. Polly watched +her for a moment and then walked slowly down the stairs. + +The superintendent waited at the foot, her face flushed and stern. + +"You have made trouble enough round here," she said bitingly. "Now +I think we'll stop it!" + +"Why, Miss Sniffen, what have I done?" + +"You're putting foolish notions into the heads of these old +women--petting and pampering them in the way you do! To organize a +walking-club for them, when they've got one foot in the grave--it's +absurd!" + +"Oh, they're not old--all of them!" broke in Polly. "Miss Nita +isn't old!--or Miss Crilly!--or--" + +"You need not enumerate! I know how old they are, and I know how +old they say they are! To think of your coaxing them into such +disgraceful escapades as you have! Those gray-haired women dancing +out in a pasture lot! Oh, you needn't look so surprised! I know +what you're up to, if I do stay home here! You were saucy on that +occasion, and bold, too! Calling to passing automobilists to come +and dance with you! It was scandalous!" + +"Why, Miss Sniffen,"--Polly's tone was gently explanatory,--"you +can't have heard it straight! We didn't do a single thing out of +the way! And I didn't call anybody! Mr. Randolph and Miss +Puddicombe drove along, and Mr. Randolph said it looked too +tempting, and wanted to know if they couldn't come and dance. That +was all!" + +The superintendent primmed her lips. "We won't discuss it any +further. All I wish to say is that hereafter you may confine your +calls to Wednesday afternoon, when we receive visitors." + +Polly stood for an instant, dumb with surprise and dismay; then she +took a step forward. + +"Good-bye, Miss Sniffen!" she said in a low, tense voice, and +passed swiftly out into the sunshine. + +She walked along, regardless of anything besides her own tumultuous +thoughts, until, as she was turning in at her home entrance, she +heard the old familiar call, "Pollee, Pollee, Pollee-e-e!" + +David was only a few yards ahead, and she waited. + +"What is it?" he asked as he came up. + +The ghost of a smile flickered on Polly's face. + +"I've just been shut out of the Home!" she said with almost a sob. + +An angry light leaped in the boy's eyes; but he spoke no word, only +clinched his teeth. + +They went up the walk together, Polly talking fast. Mrs. Dudley +met them in the hall, and the story was begun again. + +"That woman!" cried the boy; "I'd like to go over and knock her +down!" + +"David!" chuckled Polly, with an admiring glance at his broad +shoulders and athletic frame. + +"It is terrible to think of those dear people being in her power!" + +"Something must be done." Mrs. Dudley looked troubled. + +"If only Mr. Randolph hadn't been sick!" said Polly plaintively. +"But Doodles says he is better!" Her face brightened. "Oh, David! +did you know Doodles has been singing to him?" + +"No. I suppose that cured him." There was a little warning tone +in the rich voice. + +"It has helped," Polly replied gently. "It makes him forget the +pain. Mr. Randolph sends after him every day and has his man take +him home again--isn't that nice?" + +"M--hm," nodded David. + +"Doodles was here this noon," Polly went on. "Something was the +matter with the car, and so he ran over while Murray was fixing it. +The Doctor says Mr. Randolph may go to ride to-morrow if it is +pleasant." + +"When shall you see him?" asked David. + +"Soon as ever I can--to think of Miss Nita's being shut up there, +and my not being able to get to her!" + +"It wouldn't do any good to telephone," mused David, "or to write a +note." + +"I'm afraid!" Polly shook her head. "If she'd grab those cards from +Mr. Randolph's boxes of roses, she'd take a letter. What do you +suppose she did it for?" + +"Didn't want her to know who sent them." + +"But why?" + +"Oh, probably she's in love with him," replied David carelessly. + +"Miss Sniffen?" Polly's voice was flooded with astonishment. + +"Anything very surprising about that?" laughed David. + +"Why, the idea! He couldn't!" + +"No, he couldn't, but she could." + +"I have thought of that," assented Mrs. Dudley. "I cannot account +for her actions in any other way." + +"It's so funny!" giggled Polly. "And she probably knows he is +engaged to Blanche Puddicombe!" + +"That is what stumps me!" exclaimed David. "Such a girl!" + +"They say she has a fortune in her own name," put in Mrs. Dudley. + +"Fortune!" scorned the boy. "I wouldn't marry her if she would give +me a hundred million!" + +Mrs. Dudley laughed. + +"She'd be better than Miss Sniffen," said Polly. + +"But to think of coming home to such a wife as she'll make!" cried +David. + +"And sitting down to dinner with her!" went on Polly. + +David shook his head. "A man might stand it for one day, but for a +lifetime--good-bye!" + +"It doesn't seem as if he would marry just for money," sighed Polly. + +"That's what most men think of first. Isn't it, Mrs. Dudley?" + +"Some of them," she agreed. "I can't believe they are in the +majority." + +"She'll make the very crotchetiest wife!" asserted Polly. "He'll +have to keep her in a glass case! See how she went on up in the +pasture! The sun was too hot and the wind was too cool, her stone +seat was too hard, and the ground was too rough to dance on! +Everything was too something! She wasn't contented till she got +her 'Nelson' out of reach of Miss Nita. I guess men have to run +more risk than girls do." + +"Uncle David wouldn't agree with you," smiled David. "Aunt Juliet +tells a story about him--long before he was married. A girl--I +think it was a trained nurse, anyhow somebody he knew pretty +well--asked him what he thought of her marrying. He waited a +moment, and then said, in his deliberate way, 'Well, I don't know +more than three or four decent men anyway, and you wouldn't be +likely forget any of them!' She had to tell of that, and Aunt +Juliet heard it. Uncle David looks solemn at first, when she +begins it--then he chuckles." + +"That sounds just like Colonel Gresham," laughed Mrs. Dudley. + +"He's such a nice man!" praised Polly with emphasis. "And so is +Mr. Randolph, just as lovable!--I wouldn't mind marrying him +myself." + +"You wouldn't!" flashed David. + +"No," maintained Polly; "but I shan't have a chance," she chuckled. + +Her mother heard the Doctor calling and went to him. + +"You ought to go in there and hear those children 'talking about +marriage," she whispered; "it is better than a circus!" + +The Doctor looked through to where they sat, and smiled. + +Meantime the talk in the living-room had taken a personal turn. + +"I suppose you'd marry any of the fellows." David was grumbling. + +"I should prefer to choose," laughed Polly. "Oh, David! it is +funny to hear you go off!" + +She dimpled over it. + +"'Funny'!" he scorned. "That Wilmerding dude will be walking down +to school with you, same as last year! Carrying your books, too!" +David frowned. "And you'll let him!" + +"He might as well be of use. It's lots easier than to carry them +myself." + +"Wish your father'd send you down in the car." + +"He thinks it better for me to walk," she smiled. + +"You'll talk and laugh," David fretted on, "till he'll think you're +dead in love with him! You jolly with all the boys more than you +do with me!" + +Polly's face sobered. "David," she said, "in some things you are +wonderfully wise; but you don't seem to know very much about girls. +I am not always the happiest when I'm laughing. You talk as if +you'd like to keep me in prison, same as Miss Sniffen keeps those +poor dears over there. I know better, but it sounds that way." + +"Forgive me! I'm getting piggish again!" + +"No, but I wish you weren't quite so suspicious. I'll have to make +a bargain with you,--how will this do? If anybody steals my heart +away, I'll notify you at once." + +David stood up straight. "I must go," he said. "It is later than +I thought. No, Polly, you needn't promise me anything! I can +trust you. Only--" He smiled, looking down at her. "Good-bye!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXXII + +THE TALE IS TOLD + +Nelson Randolph gained steadily,--so Polly heard through +Doodles,--and she planned to see him soon. Then, one morning, the +boy appeared with a sorrowful face. Even before he spoke Polly +guessed that something was wrong. + +"I can't go to see Mr. Randolph any more," announced the little lad +mournfully. + +"Why not? What's the matter?" + +"That Miss Puddicombe!" The boy's face told more than his words. +"She said Mr. Randolph was worse, and for me not to come again till +he got well." + +"0-o-h!" cried Polly. "What has she got to do about it! She'd +better wait till she's married before she begins to dictate!" + +Doodles shook his head sorrowfully. "I don't see how my singing +could hurt him. She talked as if it was all my fault!" + +"Nonsense!" scorned Polly. "More likely it is she herself! Don't +worry, Doodles! He will get well pretty soon, and then things will +be all right again; but--oh, dear, I wish he would hurry up!" + +The next evening David brought the dismaying word that the +president of the Paper Company had gone to Atlantic City for +several weeks. + +Polly was distressed over the situation until her mother suggested +the happy thought that no doubt he would recover more rapidly than +at home. Then Polly smiled again and was ready to enjoy David's +new flute solo. + +In her weeks of waiting Polly came to a new appreciation of David. +Her closest girl friends were out of town, her mother unusually +busy with some church work, her intercourse with Juanita Sterling +limited to a few perfunctory calls; and except for David's cheery +visits she would have been lonely indeed. Not a day but the boy +appeared, often with flute or banjo, and he made himself so +delightfully entertaining that Polly would forget the June Holiday +Home and its troubles. + +Lurking in the background, however, ready to leap forward as soon +as she should be alone, was the torturing fact that Miss Sniffen +still kept cruel wardship over her prisoners, and she counted over +and over, joyfully marking them off one by one on her calendar, the +days before Mr. Randolph would be at home again. + +Still, it was not a very long waiting time, after all, and one +bright morning Polly entered the private office of the president of +the Paper Company. + +Now that she was actually there, face to face with the "lovable +man" in whom she found so much to admire, she hardly knew how to +begin. But, suddenly realizing that the president's time was +precious, she dashed into the matter at once. + +"It is about the Home, Mr. Randolph, that I have been wanting to +see you for so long. I was coming right after Miss Twining got +sick, and then you were ill yourself. Before you were well enough +to see visitors you went away, and there hasn't been a single +chance until now. Oh, Mr. Randolph, do you know how affairs are +going on over there? Haven't you ever guessed?" + +"Why--what do you mean, Polly? Nothing wrong, is there?" + +"Everything!" Polly's hands dropped with emphasis into her lap. +"None of the ladies have dared say a word, because if they find any +fault they are liable to be turned out. So they have borne it all +as well as they could. I wanted to come to you a good while ago, +but they wouldn't hear to it. Finally things got to such a pass +that we four, Miss Nita, Mrs. Albright, Miss Crilly, and I, said +that something must be done. We thought you were the best one to +tell, for you have always been such a friend--we could trust you'" + +"You can, Polly!" He smiled across to her. "You need not be +afraid of my divulging the source of my information." + +"Oh, I don't care if folks do know my part in it, but the others +would rather you wouldn't give their names--unless it is necessary. +Miss Sniffen turned me out weeks ago!" + +"Turned you out? For what?" + +"Oh, because I told Miss Lily to cling to the balustrade so she +wouldn't fall! That is, it started there. She said I'd got the +ladies into all sorts of scrapes. She scolded me for lots of +things--one was that dance in the pasture. She said it was +scandalous. I don't care so much what she does to me, only my not +seeing Miss Nita. But the ladies are actually afraid of their +lives! When Miss Twining was abused so, those that knew wondered +whose turn would come next. Why, Mr. Randolph, Miss Sniffen almost +killed Miss Twining!--Oh, of course, she didn't mean to!" For the +man had started up with an exclamation of horror. "I think she was +thoroughly frightened when Miss Twining fainted." + +"But what did she do?" + +"Why, she went up to Miss Twining's room, late one night, and +carried a riding-whip,--she had threatened that afternoon to 'flog' +her--and it upset Miss Twining and brought on a fainting turn. Now +Miss Sniffen keeps her locked in all the time! I don't know what +she would do if it weren't for Mrs. Albright! She rooms right +across the hall, and her key fits the lock; so she goes in every +little while. There's a card on her door, saying she's too ill to +see visitors." + +"That is the feeble-minded one, isn't it?" + +"No!" flashed Polly. "She's not feeble-minded any more than you +are! That's just a bluff! Miss Sniffen got scared and made up all +that rubbish! Miss Twining is beautiful. I love her--oh, I love +her dearly! She writes the nicest poetry! Father says it is real +poetry, too." + +"Why did Miss Sniffen wish to whip her?" + +"Just because she wouldn't tell who gave her some money. She +couldn't--she had promised not to! And it was her own money! But +I must begin at the beginning, or you can't understand." + +Polly drew a long breath, and recounted the details of the sad +story. + +"The next morning I happened to go over to see Miss Nita," she +concluded, "and Mrs. Albright told me this. Miss Crilly was there, +too. Miss Crilly rooms right next to Miss Twining and heard a good +deal; but she didn't dare to stir." + +Nelson Randolph gazed at Polly with troubled eyes, and rested his +arm upon his desk. + +"David Collins overheard something one night," she went on. "He +was going up Edgewood Avenue when he came upon Mrs. Nobbs and a +man,--probably her brother,--and what Mrs. Nobbs was saying made +him keep along behind them, instead of passing as he was intending +to do." + +As the talk was repeated, the listener's face grew stern, and when +Polly came to the end of her story he fingered the little silver +elephant upon his desk before he spoke. + +"You say that the board is not what it should be?" + +"It is poor, dreadfully poor, Mr. Randolph. Lately they've had +stale meat and sour bread--and hardly any fruit or green vegetables +all summer long!" + +"Yet her accounts stand for expensive roasts, lamb chops, early +fruits when they are highest in price--the best of everything!" + +"They never get on the table," asserted Polly. "Miss Nita and the +others have spoken again and again of their wretched living. And +the cooking is awful!" + +"I am told that she pays her cook fifty dollars a month." + +"I don't know what she pays," Polly replied, "but they seldom have +good cooking. She is changing help all the time." + +"We have trusted her implicitly," the president mused. "Her father +was a man of undoubted honor." + +"I don't see that it would be much worse to steal from the Home +than to take Miss Twining's money or Miss Nita's cards or--" + +"Cards? From Miss Sterling?" broke in Nelson Randolph quickly. + +"Didn't you put your cards in those boxes of roses you sent her?" +asked Polly. + +"Certainly." + +"She never saw any! Miss Castlevaine was going upstairs and +happened to see that first box of roses on the hall desk. Miss +Sniffen was fingering a card. When Miss Nita received the box +there was no card there. That was why she was so long in saying +'thank you,'--she didn't know where they came from. We finally +found out through the boy who brought them." + +Nelson Randolph frowned. "A pretty state of affairs!" he muttered. + +"And she never got one of your telephone messages!" Polly went on. + +"What!" the man exclaimed. + +"She didn't!" Polly reiterated. + +"But Miss Sterling gave me no hint of such a thing!" + +"No." Polly returned sadly. "I guess she didn't dare." + +"Surely she was not afraid of me!" + +"I don't know," replied Polly dissatisfiedly and with emphasis. +"It really seems sometimes as if she were." + +"There must have been some tremendous lying," he mused. "They gave +me messages purporting to come from Miss Sterling. Why should she +be singled out in this way?" He looked across at Polly, as if he +expected her to answer the question. + +The red in her cheeks grew redder. She remembered the reason David +had given. + +"I think it is no uncommon thing for the ladies not to get their +telephone messages," she replied evasively. "That was one reason +why Mrs. Dick ran away with the milkman. She was so upset at not +receiving an invitation to a wedding that had been sent her by +telephone." + +"It is high time that something was done!" The president lifted his +little elephant and brought it down hard. "We have been +inexcusably blind!" + +"I wish Miss Twining could have some good doctor," ventured Polly. + +"She shall!" he promised. "Be patient for a few days, and I will +hurry up things as fast as practicable. You say she is a little +better?" + +"Mrs. Albright thinks so. She is over her scare a little. Dr. +Gunnip frightened her half to death! He won't let her try to get +up. Don't you hate Dr. Gunnip?" + +Mr. Randolph smiled. "I don't know him personally," he replied. +"I never thought I should want him for a physician." He shook his +head musingly. + +"I will lay the matter before the trustees and managers at once," +he said, as Polly rose to go. "I need not ask you," he went on, +"to be whist about this, since I have proof that you can keep a +secret under trying conditions. I thank you more than you will +ever know." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII + +THE PRINCESS AND THE DRAGON + +Juanita Sterling moved restlessly about her room, doing this and +that which had no need of being done. It was a mild day for late +September, and she thought of a walk. No, it was nearly time for +the afternoon mail, she would wait. If she could only get a note +from Polly--or from David! One of Polly's notes had never reached +the third-floor comer room! Since that, notes had been conceded to +be dangerous. How she missed Polly's visits! She wondered now if +Polly's interview with Mr. Randolph were really over. That report +could not be entrusted to paper. She wished that her windows were +on the front. She might go into Mrs. Albright's room--no, she had +better remain at home, somebody might come. She took a book and +sat down in the easiest chair; but her thoughts were not on the +printed page. She slammed it back in its place with a mutter of +scorn--scorn for herself. + +"Shall I ever stop thinking--of him!" + +Meantime, downstairs, the front doorbell had rung. Miss Sniffen +answered it. She usually answered the bell nowadays. + +Nelson Randolph stood waiting. + +"Good afternoon!" he smiled. "I want to run up to those corner +rooms and see how the light is, now that the windows are shut up. +I think we may have to put in other windows on the side." + +"Oh, no, Mr. Randolph, the light is very good, indeed! I don't +think more windows will be necessary." + +"Well, maybe not, then; but I'll just take a look at it, seeing I'm +here." + +She moved back slowly. "I think Miss Sterling is out; but you can +see the first-floor room." + +They went in together, but as the man turned to speak he found that +he was alone. With a smile he cast a leisurely eye around, and +then strode along the hall to the upper staircase. + +The superintendent was coming down. + +"No use your going up," she said in an unnecessarily low tone. +"One of the ladies says she is out, so we shan't be able to get in." + +"Oh, that won't matter!" he replied carelessly. "I'm a good deal +of burglar; I always carry a skeleton key in my pocket--it will +unlock almost anything. You ought to have one." + +"We have never needed it," she responded coldly, quickly preceding +him. + +She tapped softly on the door. + +"Oh, you're in, after all!" she exclaimed in a voice of sweet +surprise. "They said you had gone out." + +"I have been here since dinner.--How do you do, Mr. Randolph! Are +you quite well again?" + +"Shouldn't know I had ever been sick--except for the doctor's +bill!" he replied. "Now, how about this light, Miss Sterling? Do +you find the addition in the way?" + +"Why, of course, it isn't quite so pleasant," she admitted; "but I +don't mind it very much." + +"I think it would make things a little better to put a window in, +say about here." + +"Oh, that would be lovely!" she cried. + +"I will suggest it, at any rate. I never like to spoil one room +for the sake of another." He ran his eyes over the wall. "We +might make it one broad window, here and in the room below, to +match the one on the first floor--it wouldn't be a bad plan. We'll +see." He turned to go, then halted and looked at his watch. + +"I'm afraid you stay in too much. Miss Sterling," he said +carelessly. "Suppose you put on your things and come for a ride. +It is very mild out." + +"Oh, thank you!" The red rushed to her cheeks. "I'll be ready in a +minute." + +Left alone, Juanita Sterling hastily brought out hat and coat. Her +heart was pounding with excitement and--yes, joy! She chided +herself in no uncertain words. + +"Little fool!" she muttered. "He wishes to ask questions about the +Home, questions that I am better able to answer than Polly--that is +all! He is engaged to Blanche Puddicombe--remember that, and don't +be a--dear, dear, where are those gray gloves! Oh!" as the needed +articles were brought to sight. + +She ran downstairs and directly out of the big door, meeting no one. + +As the car rolled up the avenue she felt a delicious sense of +freedom. She remarked upon the changing foliage and the unusual +warmth of the day, the man at her side making only brief assents. + +"That Dragon," he finally broke out, "didn't mean to let the +Princess be seen to-day!" + +Miss Sterling met his whimsical look with puzzled eyes. Then, as +the meaning dawned, "Oh!" she cried, a little blushing laugh +keeping the word company. + +"Do you always lock your door when you go away?" + +"Never," she answered,--"then or at any time; we are not allowed to +lock our rooms." + +"She told me you were out, and that your door would be locked; but +I said I had a skeleton key in my pocket, and went on." + +"You quite outwitted her," she laughed. "I don't understand why +she should lie about it." + +"I have been there several times and inquired for you," he resumed; +"and was always told that you were not in." + +A flush of surprise pinked her face. "I never heard anything of +it," she said regretfully. + +"So Polly Dudley told me. I saw her this morning." + +"Oh, did you!" she cried eagerly. + +"She was in my office for an hour or two. We have been blind as +moles, the whole gang of us!" he added in a disgusted tone. "We +have trusted that woman with everything--to your sorrow and ours! +I hope the officers will see it as I do, but--I don't know. Miss +Sterling,"--he turned to her with a brighter tone in his +voice,--"do you remember when I used to come to your house to +consult your father--and you would entertain me while I was waiting +for him?" + +"Oh, yes!" she answered, "I remember perfectly; but I didn't +suppose you recollected--it is so long ago." + +"I don't forget easily. You were a school-girl then, weren't you?" + +"I was just through the high school." + +"It was the winter before I was married," he said reminiscently. +"It seems a lifetime since then. Yet it is only some twenty or +more years ago. Your father was a very wise man, and I was pretty +green in those days. I remember I wanted to sue somebody that had +cheated me in a small way, and your father advised me strongly +against it. I chafed a good deal at his decision; but I have +thought of it a good many times since, how much better things +turned out for me than if I had had my own way. Too bad he had to +go so young! We need such men. I wish we had a few like him on +the Home Board." He turned toward his companion with a rueful +smile. "I am rather glad that happened down at the Home to-day. +It has given me a little personal experience with the Dragon that +may be convenient to have." He smiled again at her, that kindly, +whimsical little smile that so well became him. + +She smiled, too, and then, when he had turned back, she frowned. +She wished he wouldn't smile that way--to her. He should keep such +smiles for his fiancee. + +"By the way," she began, "how is Miss Puddicombe? I haven't seen +her lately." + +"She is very well, much better than she was during the summer. She +is in New York at present, visiting her aunt for a fortnight." + +Ah, that was why he was able to take her to ride! She wondered if +she ought to offer her congratulations, but finally decided to keep +silent. S he was not supposed to know of his engagement. + +The road wound up through a maze of yellow. Tall trees on either +side sifted their gold down upon the travelers. Juanita Sterling +caught a leaf in her hand and held it. + +"How beautiful it is!" she said, and drew a deep breath. + +The man turned to look at her trophy. "Oh, no! I mean the way," +she explained. "It is strange, but it makes me think of heaven." + +"The streets of gold?" he smiled. + +"M--no," she replied doubtfully. "I can't quite tell myself; but I +think it is the peace and the glory of it--the spirit of the place." + +His eyes were on her face, and the car bumped over a stone. + +"There! That's because I was looking at you!" he laughed. "A +motorman shouldn't gaze at a princess." + +She gave a little gurgling laugh; then she grew grave again. + +"What do you say," he asked abruptly, "to keeping on over the +mountain to Bryston and have dinner?" + +Her heart gave a joyful leap, yet she answered quietly, "I am +afraid--I'd better not." + +"Oh, yes," he urged, "let's keep on! I am selfish, I know; but I'd +rather eat dinner with you than to eat it at home alone, and I'm +sure that Squirrel Inn will give you a more appetizing meal than +the Dragon will furnish." + +"I dare say," she responded. "What a bewitching name for an inn! +Is it as captivating as it sounds?" + +"More," he smiled. "It is the inn that has made Belgian hare +famous." + +She laughed softly, and he speeded the car. + +"I took Mrs. Puddicombe up there one day, and she has raved about +it ever since. The house itself is very old, with little windows +and a gambrel roof, and a well-sweep in the rear. They say, half +of the garret is given over to the squirrels." + +"What a delightful place! I shall love it, I know!" Inwardly, +however, she amended, "Maybe I shan't!" thinking of Mrs. Puddicombe. + +But once seated at the quaint little table, in the old high-backed +chair, eating what tasted better than the best chicken that ever +went into an oven, Juanita Sterling forgot Mrs. Puddicombe and her +daughter Blanche, and smiled upon everything. + +"I am having more dinners to-day than my share," she observed over +the pumpkin pie and cheese. "We have ours at twelve, you know." + +"What did you have?" + +"Codfish balls and pickles and stale bread and butter." + +"No dessert?" + +"No," she laughed; "that was cut out months ago." + +He shook his head gravely. "I didn't suppose it was as bad as that." + +"This makes up," she said gayly. + +It was a leisurely meal; and when it had come to an end the memory +of it was not the least of its delights. + +The air had cooled decidedly, and meeting the stiff breeze Juanita +Sterling shivered. She turned up her coat collar about her neck. + +"Are you cold?" he questioned. + +"Not much. I shall get used to it in a minute. It was pretty warm +in there." + +He stopped the car and jumped out. "There are some light-weight +robes somewhere," he said. + +"Don't bother!" she protested. "I rarely take cold." + +But he continued his search. + +"There!" he said, putting it around her shoulders, "isn't that +better?" + +"Delightful! Thank you!" It was cozily warm and comfortable. + +She drew a deep, happy breath. The car skimmed along as if on +wings. She could meet the wind with pleasure now. The stars +twinkled down their glad greeting. Probably she would never see +the like of this again. But to-night it was hers! It should not +be spoiled by Blanche Puddicombe! She let her enjoyment have its +way and talked and laughed freely. + +"How can you keep so cheerful in the Dragon's prison?" Nelson +Randolph asked at length. "I should think all of you would have +been dead from gloom before this time." + +"Polly Dudley has done a great deal toward keeping us up, and we +have several very bright ladies there. Mrs. Albright and Miss +Crilly would make a dungeon sunshiny." + +"Happy companionship is everything," he assented. "That is what I +am denied. My home is about the most desolate place on earth!" + +"It looks delightful from the outside." + +"Oh, the house is well enough! But what is the good of a house +with nobody to speak to! I stay at the club evening after evening, +because I dread to go back to that lonely place I call home." He +spoke drearily. After a moment he went on. "I started out this +afternoon with a good deal of hope; but you have thrown most of it +to the winds!" + +"I? Why, Mr. Randolph!" She gazed at him in surprise. + +"Impolite," he nodded, with an apologetic smile. "But, Miss +Sterling, you know that I love you! You must have known it all +summer! And you try to be friendly--that's all! You didn't want +to go to Bryston, and I was selfish enough to keep on! I suppose +it is too much to expect, that you will care for an old fellow like +me; but--oh, Miss Sterling! can't you?" + +For a moment memory was swept away in the flood of astonishment and +joy that overwhelmed her. Then, like a menace, the haughty girl of +the sheep pasture loomed before her. + +"Oh! no! no!" she gasped. "Why do you say such things to +me?--_you_--engaged to Blanche Puddicombe!" + +"O-h!"--It held a note of exultation. "Has that absurd story +reached you? Miss Sterling, there is not an atom of truth in it!" +The words tumbled from his lips. "Mrs. Puddicombe's grandmother +and my grandfather were sister and brother. The families have +always been friendly. Last summer Blanche was in such wretched +health that her mother wanted me to take her to ride as often as I +could. So whenever I went off on business I would carry Blanche +along. That is all there is to it!" + +They were moving slowly now. A great car came honking up behind, +roared past, and became a red star in the distance. Another +flashed out ahead, glared down upon them, and whizzed by. Nelson +Randolph spoke again. + +"Have you no hope for me?" + +"Oh, yes!" It barely rose through the purring of the car. + +His right hand left the wheel and closed over the two little +gray-gloved ones folded so quietly. + +"You shall never regret it!" he promised. "I will try to make you +forget this year of misery." + +The talk ran on. As they passed through th6 outskirts of Fair +Harbor, he said:-- + +"I expect to go to New York to-morrow morning on the 6.30 train. +If I can get through my business in time I shall come back in the +evening; but I am afraid it will be too late for a ride. That will +have to wait until Thursday. I don't know how I am going to +communicate with you. I cannot bear to leave you without any means +of letting me know if you are in trouble." + +"I don't think there will be any trouble," she said contentedly. + +"There might be. How would it do for me to tell the Dragon that +you belong to me and that you are to be free to go and come as you +please or to use the telephone whenever you like?" + +"Oh, don't!" A note of fear was in her voice. + +"You had better lock your door at night, then. There is a key?" + +"Yes, but it is subject to rules." + +"Ignore rules and lock the door! Dragons are not to be trusted. +And remember, if there should be any trouble whatever, call me at +once,--in some way,--and I will drop everything and come." + +"Thank you! You are so good!" + +He laughed softly. "Good to myself!" + +They sped along Edgewood Avenue, and the car stopped in the shadow +of a great maple. Miss Sterling threw off her borrowed wrap. + +He stepped to the ground and put out his arms. What could she do +but walk into them! + +"I will go in with you," he said, as he set her gently down. + +Her face was still aflame with his kisses when they entered the big +door together. + +Miss Sniffen met them in the hall. + +"You are late," she said with a half smile. "Have you had an +accident?" + +"Oh, no!" Nelson Randolph answered. "We went up to Bryston to +dinner, that is all. Miss Sterling thought she had better return +home early, but I coaxed her to keep on and find out how Belgian +hare tasted." He laughed lightly and said good-night. + +Miss Sterling's foot was on the stair when the superintendent +arrested her. + +"You are too late for chapel," she said severely. + +"I was afraid I would be," was the reply. + +"This must not occur again. Do you know that Mr. Randolph is to +marry Miss Puddicombe?" + +"I heard so," she smiled. + +"The wedding-day is set!" + +"So I was told." + +"Did he tell you?" + +"Oh, no! I heard it a good while ago." + +Miss Sniffen looked a little disappointed and turned down the hall. + +Juanita Sterling closed the door of her room, struck a light, and +threw her hat and coat across a chair. + +On a small table a twin frame held photographs of a man and a woman. + +She took it in both hands. + +"Father, mother,--dears! do you know that your 'little girl' is +happy?--happier than she has been since you went away?" + +The last words broke in a sob; but the eyes that looked up into +hers were smiling. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIV + +A MIDNIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT + +JUANITA STERLING was forced to hear much bantering in regard to her +prolonged ride with the Home president; but she received it with +the utmost good humor. Not even to Mrs. Albright did she hint of +the happiness that had come to her. It would be known soon enough; +to-day the joy was hers and hers alone. + +"What would Blanche Puddicombe have said to see you go gallivant'n' +off to Bryston with her lover!" cried Miss Crilly. "I wish she +could have, I just wish she could have! 'T would have been a +picnic, sure! Are you goin' again, Miss Sterling?" + +Juanita Sterling laughed, her cheeks coloring prettily. "He didn't +ask me to go to-day." + +"Too bad!" cried the tease. "But she blushes, so I guess she'll go +when he does ask her." + +"Perhaps she's trying to cut out Miss Puddicombe," suggested Miss +Major. + +"She hasn't told us a thing he said to her," winked Miss Mullaly. +"They had time for lots of love scenes all those long miles'" + +"An auto isn't the best place in the world for love-makin'," +giggled Miss Crilly. + +"Now you stop bothering her!" cried Mrs. Albright. "We'd every one +of us give our eye-teeth for such a ride with the president, and +you know it!" + +"My! I guess we would!" Miss Crilly performed a pirouette. "I'd +run my feet off to get into the car!" + +"Well, what did you talk about?" queried Miss Mullaly coaxingly. + +"Yes, we want to hear," urged Miss Crilly; "so when we go with him +we shall know what to say." + +"No danger of your not knowing what to say!" laughed Miss Major. + +"Some of the time we talked about Belgian hare," answered Miss +Sterling demurely. + +"Belgian hare!" grinned Miss Crilly. "I bet you didn't talk five +or six hours about Belgian hare!" + +Juanita Sterling chuckled gayly. "He asked what I had for dinner +yesterday, and I told him'" + +"Honest?" gasped Miss Mullaly. + +"Yes," nodded the other. + +"What did he say?" + +"I don't remember just what; but he was surprised." + +"I guess he was! I hope it will set him to thinking." + +"Well, if I stay here fooling away all the forenoon, I shan't get a +credit mark for having my bed made early!" And Miss Crilly tripped +off. + +The rest soon scattered, and Miss Sterling was left alone to dream +over her joy and to wonder what her friends would say when the +truth came out. + +In the afternoon she called at Dr. Dudley's, and was disappointed +not to find Polly. The day was cold, with a raw wind, very unlike +the day before; so after a short walk she returned home. + +Mrs. Albright met her in the upper hall. + +"Miss Crilly is sick," she said anxiously. "She is in terrible +pain, and nothing relieves her. She wants Dr. Dudley; but Miss +Sniffen says it is not necessary. I don't know what to do!" + +"Sh!" Miss Sterling held her answer to listen. "I thought I heard +a footstep," she whispered. "Is Miss Sniffen downstairs?" + +"She went down. I don't care if she does hear me! I'm getting +desperate." + +"She ought to have a doctor," Miss Sterling said, with wrinkled +forehead. "I wonder if I can be of any use--I'll come right up." + +The combined resources of the two were of no avail. Miss Crilly +grew worse, + +"I shall die--I know I shall!--just as poor Miss Twining is going +to!" wailed the sufferer. + +"No, you won't!" returned Mrs. Albright. "You haven't any heart +trouble." + +"I've got something!" insisted Miss Crilly, writhing with pain. + +Miss Sniffen appeared at the door with a bowl of steaming water and +a bundle of cloths. "I'm going to put these on," she announced +briskly. + +"I tried hot water first thing," said Mrs. Albright. "It didn't do +any good." + +The superintendent gave no response. She was busy administering +the remedy. + +"Don't make such a fuss!" she reprimanded. "Pain never killed +anybody yet." + +"You'd better go back to your room, Miss Sterling," she turned to +say. "No need of your staying here." + +There did not seem to be, and the request was obeyed without reply. + +Later Mrs. Albright came upstairs to say that Miss Crilly was a +little easier. "I think she's going to get on now," she concluded. + +"I hope so," was the reply; "but call me if she should grow worse." + +"Yes, I will,--though you couldn't do any good," she amended. + +"I could get a doctor for her." + +"I don't see how!" Mrs. Albright gazed questioningly into the +steady gray eyes. This was a new Miss Sterling. "You can't do +anything with Miss Sniffen." + +"There are other people in the world besides Miss Sniffen. If she +needs a doctor she shall have one. So let me know if the pain +comes on again." + +Miss Sterling had been abed an hour or more when she was awakened +by a gentle rap. + +Mrs. Albright softly opened the door. + +"She's worse than ever; but Miss Sniffen won't hear to calling the +doctor. She says if she isn't any better in the morning she will +send for him; but Miss Crilly insists that she can't live till +morning in such agony. Miss Sniffen thinks she is scared to death, +and of course fear doesn't help matters. But she does need a +doctor--I know that!" + +Miss Sterling began to dress. "Where is Miss Sniffen now?" + +"She went downstairs." + +"I will keep watch till she gets still, then I'll go down." + +"What can you do?" + +"I'm going for Dr. Dudley." + +"Suppose she sees you?" + +"I know how to run!" + +"She might catch you!" + +"She shan't!" + +"I'm afraid to let you try it." She lingered irresolute. + +"You needn't. I'll let myself! Go back to Miss Crilly, and tell +her to keep up courage a little longer and I'll have Dr. Dudley +here as soon as I can." + +She put on her softest slippers and crept carefully down the +stairs. All was dark. Not a sound came to her keen ears. She +crossed the hall and reached the heavy front door. Cautiously she +passed her hand from lock to lock--something squeaked! She +frowned, and hastily slid the last bolt--A light flared behind her! + +"What are you doing?--Miss Sterling!" Miss Sniffen came quickly +towards her. + +"I am going for the doctor!" She was out the door. + +Miss Sniffen was almost as quick. "Come back!" she cried. "Come +back this minute!" + +Juanita Sterling was on the long flight of granite steps, so was +Miss Sniffen. The lithe little figure ran swiftly along the walk +to the street; the pursuer was close behind. The feet ahead seemed +heavy and slow; the steps that followed came nearer, nearer! Miss +Sterling could almost feel the big hand upon her shoulder! Her +heart beat suffocatingly, her ears thundered defeat, she must drop +or die! Then she thought of Nelson Randolph and grew strong! She +bounded forward--she was nearly there! No, she was only passing +the corner! On, on, on! She reached the gate, bumped against it, +sped along the walk, stumbled up the steps, and pushed the bell +button--not until then did she venture a backward glance. + +A tall figure was walking slowly, very slowly up the street! + +"Out--of--breath!" she said softly, with a chuckle that was half a +sob. + +A light flashed inside, and Mrs. Dudley opened the door. + +"Why, Miss Sterling!" + +"Is--Doctor--home?" she puffed. + +"No, he isn't. He's out of town. Come in! Somebody sick?" + +Mrs. Dudley put her into an easy-chair, felt her pulse, smiled in +happy assurance, and waited for the story. + +Before it was finished, Polly peeped in. + +"I thought it was your voice! What _is_ the matter, Miss Nita?" +She drew up a chair and sat down, folding her crimson robe about +her. + +Part of the tale was hurriedly retold. + +"Doctor may come on the 11.55 train; if not, he can't get here +before one o'clock." + +"And Dr. Vera is watching with Dorothy!" cried Polly. + +"So I told her," said Mrs. Dudley. "Dorothy is a very sick child; +he cannot leave her. I would go over if I thought I could do any +good." + +"I'm afraid Miss Sniffen wouldn't let us in." returned Miss +Sterling. "I think I'd better call up Mr. Randolph. He said to do +it if--there was any trouble." Her face rivaled in color Polly's +robe. + +The young girl's eyes widened. + +"When did he--" she began; but her mother interrupted. + +"Yes, by all means, telephone!" + +Miss Sterling darted into the next room, while Polly sprang to turn +on the light. + +"Hallo! Is it Mr. Randolph?" came to Polly's ears. "Juanita +Sterling is talking. I am at Dr. Dudley's. Miss Crilly is very +sick, and I came over for the Doctor; but he is out of town. Can +you come up? Yes. Yes. Good-bye!--He says he will be here in +less than ten minutes." She returned to the chair she had left, and +Polly cuddled down beside her, while Mrs. Dudley went to put her +dress in better order. + +"I'll stay till he comes," said Polly comfortably. "Then I can run +and leave you to let him in--you won't mind, will you? Do tell me +more about that race, Miss Nita. Oh, don't I wish I had seen it!" + +She laughed over the superintendent's probable discomfiture, and +lamented Miss Crilly's illness. + +"It is too bad father isn't at home," she said musingly; "but, oh. +Miss Nita! what made you think of calling up Mr. Randolph? When +did he tell you any such thing?" + +"I went to ride with him yesterday," was the quiet answer. + +"You did! Wasn't that lovely! Where did you go?" + +"Over to Bryston. We took dinner at Squirrel Inn." + +"Oh, my!" chuckled Polly. "What will Blanche Puddicombe say?" + +"I don't care what she says. Polly, he is not engaged lo her." + +"He isn't? Oh, I am so glad, I don't know what to do! I didn't +want him to be engaged one bit!" + +"I didn't say he wasn't engaged," returned the other demurely. "I +only said he was not engaged to Miss Puddicombe." + +Polly's face fell. "Oh, dear!" she cried in a vexed tone, "I never +thought of his being engaged to anybody else! Who is it?--I don't +know that I care, but I may as well know!" Polly looked cross. + +Miss Sterling laughed softly. "What a little fire-box you are!" +she said. + +"Oh, yes, laugh!" pouted Polly. "Of course, you don't care, +because you don't like him as I do; but I think it is mean for him +to be engaged--just when I was so glad he wasn't! You haven't told +me who it is yet--anybody I know?" + +"Yes." + +"Somebody here in town, then?" + +"Yes, right here." + +"I don't see who it can be. I never saw him riding with anybody +but Blanche Puddicombe. Why don't you tell me?" cried Polly +impatiently. + +"I said she was right here." The little woman in gray sat very +still. Her eyes were following the pattern of the rug. Her cheeks +grew red and redder. + +"Why, I don't see--" began Polly. Then she started forward. "Oh, +Miss Nita! you don't mean--" + +Juanita Sterling met the bright eyes, and nodded smilingly. + +"Oh, Miss Nita! Miss Nita!"--Polly squeezed her friend's arm in +ecstasy--"I can't believe it! It's too lovely for anything! I +want to hop right over the moon! How did he say it, Miss Nita? Do +tell me how he said it! I've always wanted to know how they said +it, and mother won't tell me, and father won't, and unless you do I +never shall know!" + +"You--with a lover like David!" laughed the other. + +"Oh, well, David's only a boy! Please--there's his car! It's +turning round!" She started and her eyes fell upon the clock. +"Just after midnight! I didn't notice its striking. Good-morning, +Miss Nita! How funny it will seem to say Mrs. Randolph!" + +"Polly!" the other expostulated. + +Polly laughed and flung her arms round Miss Sterling's neck. +"Remember! I'm not going to let you off! You must tell me how he +said it!" + +"Charmingly, Polly, charmingly!" + +"No, that won't do!--There's the bell!" And the crimson-robed +little figure fled. + +Juanita Sterling had wondered what she would say when they met the +next time. How different this was from her dream! + +Nelson Randolph took her hand in a warm clasp. "I am glad you let +me come," he said. + +Briefly she explained the situation. + +"Better call Dr. Temple." + +"I thought of him, but I didn't like to take any more +responsibility." + +"Where is the telephone?" + +She led the way and made a light. + +"Yes, it's Randolph," she heard him say. "I am at Dr. Dudley's. +He is out of town. A woman at the Home is very sick. Can you come +up? Yes, I will wait here and go over with you." + +He settled himself in a big rocker, and regarded her smilingly. + +"So the Princess had a race with the Dragon! That is more than I +anticipated. Was she frightened?" + +Miss Sterling blushed. "Not much--a little," she admitted. +"Once--for a long minute--I was afraid the 'Dragon' was going to +catch me!" + +"But she didn't! I am proud of you!" He grasped the hand that +rested on the arm of her chair. + +She pulled away and ran across the room. "I'm going to sit here!" +she announced, smiling to him. To hold her hand that way--when at +any moment Mrs. Dudley might appear! + +He surveyed her with amusement. "Was that an unforgivable sin?" he +twinkled. + +"M--no," demurely. "The Doctor may come." + +"He won't come in at the window," he laughed. "Don't you think you +are a little unkind, when I have been so far away all day and +haven't had a glimpse of you since last night?" + +"You can see me just as well over here. There have been other days +when you have not seen me." A mischievous light gleamed in her +eyes. + +"It wasn't my fault," he smiled. "I tried pretty hard to see you!" + +She went back, blushing like a school-girl. + +"Thank you! I'll be good! I can't realize that you are coming to +make my lonely home such a place of delight!" + +She could not look up to meet the eyes that she knew were dwelling +upon her. + +"I want to take you over there to-morrow," he went on. "There are +a few changes I propose making, and you may like to suggest some on +your own account. You can have it any way you please." + +She glanced up now, her cheeks still aflame, her face flooded with +joy. + +"I shall like to go," she said; "but I think I'll leave the changes +to you. The outside looks beautiful to me just as it is. The wide +lawn on the south side, with the background of evergreens, is +magnificent!" + +"I am glad you like that. I never tire of it. So you don't want +me to trim the trees up--as some folks advise?" + +"O-h!" she gasped. "The effect would be ruined!" + +He smiled. "I might have done it to please you, but I think I'd +have argued a little first." + +"I should have argued more than a little if you had suggested it," +she laughed. + +"I am going to build out a big veranda from the dining-room, put in +windows for the winter, and then give them over to screens through +the summer." + +He paused to listen. "Dr. Temple, I presume," as a car whizzed up +and stopped. He went to the door, while Miss Sterling threw on her +coat. + +Mrs. Dudley joined them, and the four proceeded to the Home. + +The superintendent opened the door to them, smiling a little when +she saw Nelson Randolph. + +"There is probably no real need of routing people from their beds +at this hour," she said; "but, of course, we wish to do all we can +when any one is suffering. The patient will be glad to see you," +she added, addressing the Doctor. + +The physician was swift in his diagnosis. "It is a case that calls +for quick work," he told Mrs. Dudley. "There must be an operation +at once. You think your husband will be here on the 1.03 express?" + +"I feel sure of it." + +"Then we will wait for him." + +"She can be taken over to the hospital now;--we need not wait for +that." + +Mrs. Dudley returned home to make the needful preparations, and +Juanita Sterling went to encourage Miss Crilly for the coming +ordeal. + +The patient was tearful, but brave. + +"Probably I never shall come back," she said; "but you are awful +good to try to save me, Miss Sterling! I'd like to live long +enough to show you how much I appreciate it." + +"Nonsense, that wasn't anything! And of course you're coming back! +Dr. Temple says you have every chance in your favor if it's done +right away. He thinks you are in splendid condition. Now don't +you worry a single minute!" + +"I'll try not to! I wish I were as brave as you. I'd never have +dared to go--with her chasin' me! My! I wish I could have seen +you two leggin' it!" + +Miss Sterling laughed. "That is what Polly wished. But as for my +being brave, Miss Crilly, I'm afraid I'm not. I am going to tell +you my big secret--I have told only Polly yet; but maybe it will +give you something to think of,--I expect to marry Mr. Randolph!" + +"O-h, Miss Sterling! Oh, my! Isn't that perfectly beautiful! +Well, you have given me something to think of! Why, I 'most forgot +already what's comin'! And I'm going to keep thinking of it hard, +so's I won't worry! The idea of your marryin' the president! I +do' know's I wonder you weren't scared o' Miss Sniffen! And to +think how I jollied you only this morning--about him! Why, I never +thought of such a thing!" + +"Of course not! But it didn't trouble me." + +"It didn't--really?" + +"No, I quite enjoyed it!" + +"You're awful good to say so! But what about Miss Puddicombe? I +thought he was--" + +"No, he wasn't. It was a mistake. They're cousins, distant +cousins, that's all." + +"Well, well, isn't that funny! And I'm so glad for you that I +don't know what to do!--O-h! my! that was a pretty big pain! But I +can bear it better now--will you kiss me once, just once, Miss +Sterling?" + +She bent and kissed her, and smiled cheerily. + +"What's that! I guess they're after me! Oh, if I don't come back--" + +"But you are coming back!" + +"Maybe--but if I shouldn't, remember I'll always love you for what +you've done for me!" + +The patient was wrapped up quickly by one of the hospital nurses, +and two orderlies bore her away. She was still smiling. + +Juanita Sterling stood watching her out of sight, when a light step +close behind made her start. + +"Did I frighten you?" smiled Mrs. Albright. "It's about Miss +Twining--Has Dr. Temple gone?" + +"He was in the hall talking with Mr. Randolph. I'll see." + +She ran down a few steps, and then back again. + +"They're there still. Is she worse?" + +"I don't know. She heard the commotion and after they'd gone +called me in. She got nervous, lying there and imagining +everything. I wish the Doctor could see her. Should you dare ask?" + +"Yes--" She was on the stairs. + +Nelson Randolph saw her coming and put out his hand. But he +dropped hers suddenly, as his fingers touched it. + +The sparkles of amusement were still in her eyes when she told her +errand. + +Dr. Temple looked at his watch. + +"Time enough?" inquired the president. + +"Plenty." + +Mr. Randolph approached the superintendent who was busying herself +at her desk. + +In a moment he returned. "Mrs. Nobbs will go up with you," he said. + +Juanita Sterling did not wait; she hastened upstairs to insure Mrs. +Albright's safe exit from the corner room. + +The door was left partly open as Mrs. Nobbs and the physician +entered, and the two in the opposite apartment moved out of range. + +The low voices of doctor and patient did not carry beyond the +corridor; but at a step Miss Sterling bent forward. + +Dr. Temple was taking an instrument from his bag. + +"Stethoscope," she whispered. + +For several minutes no sound came from the sick-room. The +listeners breathed anxiously. + +"Good as anybody's!" The tone was emphatic. + +Miss Sterling caught Mrs. Albright's hand in a rapturous squeeze. + +"Do you mean--no heart disease?" Miss Twining's soft voice was +shrilled with incredulous joy. + +They could not catch the reply; but they smiled to each other in +delight. + +Shortly Mrs. Nobbs and the Doctor went downstairs, leaving the door +free. + +The others hurried across. + +Miss Twining was tearfully excited. "Oh! did you hear? He says +my heart is all right, and in the morning I can go down to +breakfast! He'll insure my living to be a hundred years old--as if +I ever would!" She laughed quiveringly. "Those pink tablets I'm +to take after meals, and the brown ones if I should feel bad--I +never shall again! I believe it is two hours apart--you see! He +says it is just a little nervous breakdown--There isn't any anodyne +in them! Oh, I'm so glad you called him!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXXV + +A NEW WIRE + +Early the next morning Juanita Sterling was awakened by a heavy +thud. Where was it? It came again. She sprang out of bed, threw a +robe around her, and ran over to the window. + +Some distance below appeared a grinning face. A man was coming up +a ladder. + +"Don't be scared, ma'am! I'm only going to put on the loop. Isn't +this the room where the 'phone's to be?" + +"Why--I don't know," she hesitated. + +"It's to go in Miss Sterling's room." + +"Who ordered it?" + +"Nelson Randolph of the Paper Company." + +"Oh, yes!" she cried, "that's all right." + +"Where will you have it? On this side?" + +"I--guess so--" She looked around. "Yes, here'll be a good place." + +"All right, ma'am! Another man 'll be up to do the wiring. I'm +only putt'n' on the loop. Orders were to rush it through--that's +why I'm so early." He grinned. "Hope I haven't disturbed you, +ma'am." + +She assured him that she was not in the least disturbed. She drew +down the shades and turned back to the room. It was not yet six +o'clock. + +A telephone of her very own! Delightful possibilities loomed +before her through all her dressing. No more dreading of stormy +days when she would be shut in the house; no more fears to torture +her in the wakeful hours of the night. Help and protection would +be hers at call!--And she could talk with Polly! She wanted to +dance for very joy. And only two days ago her heart was aching! +She felt as if it would never ache again. + +At breakfast she heard many surmises regarding the strange noises +about the building, before the workmen on the L were there. She +decided to keep silent unless she were asked. It would be known +early enough. + +The electrician had come and gone, leaving on a table by the window +the little instrument which seemed to its happy possessor to be +almost alive. She stood looking at it and wondering how soon it +would be in working order, when Mrs. Albright came in. + +At once she saw the telephone, and stared in astonishment. + +Miss Sterling laughed. "No more midnight troubles!" + +"I am so surprised I don't know what to say." The visitor sat down. + +"It isn't usable yet," Miss Sterling told her. "The man said he +had to do some wiring in the cellar, make connections, and so on." + +"Won't it be lovely for you!" cried Mrs. Albright. + +"For all of us," amended the other. "I want the ladies to feel +that it belongs to them as well as to me, and to come and use it +whenever they wish." + +"That is good of you! I'm sure it is needed badly enough. Isn't it +nice that Miss Crilly is doing so well?" + +"Yes, I'm glad as can be! I felt she would come out all right, but +it is better to know it." + +"She owes her life to you. I never should have dared to brave Miss +Sniffen's anger, as you did." + +"I guess I shouldn't have dared, if I hadn't known there was +somebody ready to stand by me in case of need." + +"That must have helped. Miss Sterling, I couldn't keep from +hearing what you told Miss Crilly last night." + +"I supposed you would; in fact, I meant you should hear." + +"Well, I am so glad! You don't know how glad! Only I can't bear +the thought of losing you." + +"Don't begin to worry yet! I shall not go at present." + +"Well, I wish you all possible joy, and I feel sure you'll have +it--with such a good man. My married life was short,--only one +year,--but it was packed full of happiness. I have had the memory +of that all these years." + +"Was it sudden?" + +"Like that!" She snapped her fingers. "We were in New York--on a +pleasure trip!" She smiled sadly. "A runaway horse struck him +down--he was gone in an instant!" + +Tears sprang to the eyes of the listener. + +"Now I ought not to have told you!" Mrs. Albright said regretfully. + +"Yes, you ought! I am glad you did! I knew you had had sorrow; +but I didn't know just what it was." + +"Death isn't the worst thing that can happen," she smiled. "I try +to think only of the happiness I've had, instead of the rest. And, +my dear, I cannot wish you any greater joy than I had as long as +Jack was with me." + +"It must be good to have that to remember. Sometimes--" + +"Ting! ting! Ting! ting!" + +"Why!--I wonder--" Miss Sterling ran over to the telephone. + +"Hallo!" she called. + +"Good-morning, Juanita!" + +"Oh, Mr. Randolph! Good-morning!" + +"My name is Nelson." + +She laughed softly. "Good-morning--Nelson!" + +"Thank you! It is pleasant to hear you say it." + +"I didn't know the wire was usable yet." + +"I told them to call me up as soon as it was in working order." + +"It was such a surprise! I can't tell you what a joy it is to me!" + +"I couldn't think of a better way out of the difficulty." + +"It is the best of anything." + +"I shall feel safer about you. Are you alone?" + +"Yes, I am now. Mrs. Albright was here when you called; but I see +she has slipped away." + +"It is delightful to be able to talk with you at any time. You +cannot realize what you are to me!" + +She smiled into the mouth-piece. "You think, then, that a woman is +incapable of the same feeling?" + +"Oh, no, not incapable, but--I thought--that, perhaps--" + +"You think I don't feel quite as you do--is that it?" + +"Yes. I don't see how it is possible!" + +"I am glad you think it is my heart that's at fault, instead of my +brain." + +"No, no, not at fault! I can't explain here. I'll wait till I see +you." + +"Oh, let's finish it up right now! This is a private wire, isn't +it?" + +"Certainly." + +"We'll go ahead, then. What makes you think I don't feel as I +ought?" + +"I didn't say just that! You're all right, anyway!" + +"Thank you! But why do you think I don't feel as you feel?" + +"Well, in the first place, there is no reason why you should." + +"Isn't there? And in the second place?" + +"Why, you--you--weren't anxious to go to ride with me!" + +"How do you know? Miss Sniffen got the invitations, not I!" + +"I gave you one, face to face!" + +"0-h, up in the pasture!" + +"Yes. You offered no reason for your refusal." + +"I couldn't! I supposed that you were engaged to Miss Puddicombe." + +"And you were afraid she wouldn't like it?" + +"You are not a good guesser. I think I didn't consider her very +much," with a little laugh. + +"Then you thought I ought not to ask you?" + +"Don't ever enter a guessing contest--you wouldn't win!" + +"I suppose not," meekly. "Can't you help me out?" + +The red in her cheeks crept up to her hair, she frowned a little. +"I--I could not give you the real reason, Mr. Randolph, and I +didn't want to lie!" She ran ahead hurriedly. "I was trying to +forget, and--" + +"Wait a minute! A train is going through the cut, and I didn't +hear that last....Now go on, please." + +"I don't want to! It was bad enough to say it once!" + +"You need not repeat, then. Though I should like to hear." + +"I said--I--had been trying--" + +"Just a minute! Somebody is knocking." + +She sighed. She had a mind to run away--she hated the telephone! + +"Hallo!" + +No answer. + +"Princess, are you there?" + +"Yes," faintly. + +"Sorry I had to keep you waiting. Now I am all ears!" + +"I wish you weren't!" + +"Never mind, then! Let it go till I see you this afternoon." + +"Mercy! no!--I said--I--oh, I'm not going to tell you! You can +guess it out for yourself." + +"Perhaps I can't." + +"Never mind! You won't miss much. Good-bye!" + +"Wait a minute! Juanita!" + +"Yes." + +"I'll be there about three, but I'd better call you up before I +start. I'm sorry you won't tell me." + +"It doesn't need to be told. Anybody could guess!" + +"I can't see any clue." + +She laughed. "I'm the clue! Good-bye." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVI + +POLLY DUDLEY TO CHRISTOPHER MORROW + + _Saturday Morning,_ +Dear Chris,-- + +I have such an avalanche of news, I don't know where to begin. +First, I must thank you for your dear letter and the wild flowers. +They are lovely. We were immensely interested in hearing about +your school, it is all so different from ours. What do you think +father said, Chris Morrow! He put the sheets carefully back in the +envelope, and as he laid it on the table he exclaimed, "That boy is +a born letter-writer!" It ought to make you very proud, but I know +it won't. He never said that over a letter of mine! But I am not +jealous. I do wish you were here. I wish it every day. But I'm +glad you are so happy with your father, and that he has such a +splendid position. Now for my news! + +I ought to be dusting my room this very minute! My desk is so +dusty--it blew in last evening, I guess, when the window was open, +the dust, I mean--and it stares me in the face and makes me feel +guilty. I can't do as Mrs. Albright does when her room is dusty +and she doesn't feel like dusting. I went to see her one day, and +she was sitting by the window, smiling as usual. She said, "Don't +look around, dear, for I presume the dust is thick on everything. +I was too tired to dust after my walk, so I took off my glasses and +have been having a really beautiful time in spite of the dust." + + _Later._ + +There! I feel better. Everything is bright as new! Now I shan't +be in terror if the doorbell rings. + +I wonder what I'd better take first. I wrote you all about Miss +Crilly and what a time Miss Nita had getting a doctor. Miss Crilly +is back at the Home now, perfectly well, and you can't see her ten +minutes before she will get in something about Miss Nita's saving +her life. She did, too! Father says that if she had waited till +morning it would have been too late. Poor Miss Sniffen! I'm glad +she didn't have any more to answer for! Mr. Randolph put a private +wire up to Miss Sterling's room, and she felt fixed all right. It +was funny! If he'd waited till the next week he wouldn't have +needed to do it, though it was very nice for her as long as she was +there. Well, a week after the telephone was in, Mabel ran up to +Miss Major's room before she was up, frightened half to death. She +said, "Oh, Miss Major!"--woke her out of a sound sleep--"Miss +Sniffen has gone! And Mrs. Nobbs has gone! And Bridget has gone!" +Bridget was the cook. "How do you know?" Miss Major asked. +"'Cause they ain't anywhere!" Mabel cried. "We've looked all over, +Nellie and me! In Miss Sniffen's room and Mrs. Nobbs's room and +Bridget's room! They ain't anywhere at all!" Of course, that +roused the house, and everybody was running round half-dressed, and +they hunted everywhere, and they couldn't find a trace of the +three. Their trunks had disappeared and every vestige of their +belongings! The servants didn't know what to do, and they stood +around helpless, till Miss Major and Mrs. Albright went into the +kitchen and began to get breakfast. Miss Nita telephoned to Mr. +Randolph, and he came up and appointed Miss Major to have charge of +things till they could get new officers. In the middle of the +forenoon who should appear but Mrs. Dick!--Mrs. Tenney, I should +say. Her husband had died a month or so before, and she had tried +to get back into the Home, but Miss Sniffen wouldn't have her, and +she hadn't dared to apply to anybody else. As soon as she came in +and found out they'd gone, she took off her things and went right +into the kitchen to help. She started to make some bread; but the +flour was sour and wormy, and she wouldn't use it. So Mr. Randolph +sent up some new, and told her to order anything she needed. You +can imagine they had a good dinner! It was a first-class meal, +they all said, the best they had had in years. Miss Nita called me +up early, and I ran over before school. They were having a regular +jubilation,--as happy as a flock of kids! + +Now they've got a superintendent that is worthwhile! She is just +lovely! The matron is nice, too, so motherly. And what do you +think! They have a trained nurse--all the time--and they are going +to fix up an infirmary on the top floor, so those that are sick can +be quiet without the well ones having to be whist. Dr. Temple has +been appointed House Physician--oh, I tell you, things are mightily +changed at the Home! + +I think I wrote you about Miss Twining and her "resurrection." +That night when Dr. Temple contradicted so emphatically what Dr. +Gunnip had told her she says she felt as if she had been dead and +buried all those dreadful weeks and had come back to life. Miss +Crilly insists that if it hadn't been for Miss Twining's +"martyrdom" we never should have had "spunk" enough to go to Mr. +Randolph with our awful story. I guess she is right. That stirred +us up to do something. Miss Twining is pretty well now. She +writes nearly every day, and as she can sell as much as she likes +she earns a good deal. She told me once how she had always longed +to hear one of her poems read in church. Well, last Sunday Mr. +Parcell finished up his sermon with her "Peter the Great." It is +beautiful--I'll copy it for you some day. He repeated it +splendidly. I couldn't resist glancing over at Miss Twining--you +ought to have seen her! She looked just like a saint--or an angel! + +Have I told you how father all but scolded me for talking to the +minister in that way? He didn't like it a little bit! I shan't +dare to tell ministers what I think after this! But I do believe +it did Mr. Parcell good. He has been lovely to me ever since. He +isn't half so cold and top-lofty as he used to be. + +I'm getting down pretty near the weddings, I guess. We've had two! +They're celebrating birthdays now at the Home, and Mrs. Adlerfeld's +happened to be the first one. Miss Churchill had a lovely birthday +cake for her, and chrysanthemums. The table looked beautiful. But +little Mrs. Adlerfeld gave them a surprise. Of course, Miss +Churchill and the matron knew all about it, and Mrs. Albright and +Miss Nita and I; but the majority did not dream of such a thing. +At eight o'clock Mrs. Adlerfeld, who had slipped away to put on her +traveling dress, walked in on the arm of Mr. Von Dalin, and there +was a minister, and they were married! Colonel Gresham gave her +away, and we had such a nice time! She is living in New York. Oh, +she was so sweet! I wish you could have seen her. In speaking of +Mr. Von Dalin she said, "He is always a glad man. I could not +marry a man who was not glad." Isn't that dear? It was hard to +lose her. I am thankful Miss Nita didn't have to go away--I don't +know what I should have done! + +Now comes her wedding! It was so pretty, everybody said. I was in +it, so I couldn't tell so well. The chapel and all the rooms were +beautifully decorated with flowers, and the bride wore a simple +tailored suit of dark blue, hat and boots to match. They looked +splendid together, he is so tall and handsome and she is so slender +and pretty. You don't know how much prettier she is since she has +curled her hair! I always thought she would be. Almost all the +ladies went right to curling their hair as soon as Miss Sniffen had +skipped out, and it is a great improvement. Father gave away the +bride, and David was Mr. Randolph's best man. I was the maid of +honor. I felt as if I had been married myself. David said he +didn't, but he wished he had been. Doesn't that sound just like +him? He is the queerest boy! Do you know, he comes away up here +almost every morning, so as to walk down to school with me and cut +out Todd Wilmerding! He knows I don't care a rap for Todd, but he +hates to see him carrying my books! + +Miss Nita says I must call her simply "Nita" now, but it is hard to +change. Mr. Randolph sometimes calls her "Princess," and she +always smiles and blushes--I wonder why! "Princess" just fits her, +doesn't it? He declares he shall feel slighted if I don't call him +"Nelson"! As if I would--that dignified man! Nita insists that he +isn't dignified one bit, but I don't agree with her. Anyway, I +shan't leave off the "Mr." to-day! They were only gone a week. I +go over there nearly every day. The house has been altered a good +deal. A beautiful, big veranda, or addition, has been built off +the dining-room, sides all glass, and heated so that it can be used +in the coldest weather. I ate dinner there last week. Nita has +two servants, so she doesn't have to work hard. There is a new +music room, too, out of the hall, with a magnificent new piano in +it! Miss Nita enjoys that. Oh, I forgot to tell you that they are +going to have a piano at the Home! Mrs. Winslow Teed is delighted. +And they have new china for the table. Miss Churchill couldn't +stand that old heavy stuff, and the good had all been broken. You +wouldn't know the place. The ladies can go and come as they +please, making a note of where they are going, or not, just as they +choose. There are hardly any rules, and visitors are allowed every +afternoon between two o'clock and six. I guess Mr. Randolph means +to make up to them for all they have suffered through Miss Sniffen. +One thing I am glad of! The ladies have some new dresses! And +Mrs. Crump and Miss Castlevaine have new winter coats. They were +the worst dressed of anybody, as they had been there longest. And +I am almost gladdest of this,--each lady has five dollars a month +for spending money! They are expected to buy their own shoes and +stockings and gloves and neckwear and hats; but they'll have plenty +left for themselves. + +Mrs. Albright's birthday comes next week, and we are planning a big +time. But the cream of the birthdays comes next summer, when we +expect to celebrate June Holiday's birthday. It will be a grand +outdoor affair. Some of the ladies have chosen their parts +already. Everybody is to represent something in a June day, and +the children--trustees' and managers' children, you know--are going +to be butterflies and bumblebees. They want me to be Morning--in +light pink. Miss Crilly is going to be South Wind--won't she be +breezy? She hasn't quite decided about her costume, but it is to +be of some gauzy stuff. I think Miss Lily will be Blue Sky and +White Clouds. She will be sweet in blue and white. Then there are +going to be lots of flowers and birds and all sorts of characters. +I wish you could be here! Can't you come across? What do you +think Blue says he is going to be? A hop-toad! Isn't that like +him! If he does he'll carry it out so he'll keep everybody +laughing. There is Patricia coming! I must say good-bye in a +hurry. Loads of love from us all. + + Polly May Dudley. + +P.S. Patricia has just gone. She brought some news. Doodles is +going to be soprano soloist in the boy choir at Trinity Church! +Isn't that worth while! Of course, it is Mr. Randolph's doing. He +is one of the head men there, and what he says, goes. He thinks +Doodles's singing is about right. So Nita will hear him every +Sunday. Mother says you'll have to stay home from school the day +you read this, for there won't be time for anything else. More +love from + + Polly. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVII + +HOLLY AND MISTLETOE + +June Holiday Home awoke early on the 24th of December, for +everybody--which means fifteen of the residents--was going to spend +the day with Mrs. Randolph. "From directly after breakfast until +midnight," the invitation ran, and the president's car was to be at +the Home by eight o'clock. + +Such a profusion of curls and crimps, of new dresses and waists and +fichus, added to new shoes and hats and coats, would have shocked +the former superintendent of the Home; but Miss Churchill and Miss +Ely even offered their services in the putting on of frills and +furbelows, to the astonishment of those not yet grown familiar with +kindness. + +Mrs. Post, being unable to walk, had at first considered herself as +entirely out of the fun; but Mrs. Randolph won the enduring love of +that eldest member of the Home circle by saying that she should +send an extra man with the chauffeur, so that Mrs. Post might have +no fears regarding her trip from Edgewood Avenue to Courtney Street. + +The Randolph home looked a bower of Christmas greenery and blossoms +when the guests entered it that chill morning. + +"My! isn't it beautiful!" cried Miss Crilly, sniffing the pungent, +woodsy odors. "Smells like you were right there!" She grasped her +hostess by the shoulders. "Now, solemn true! Aren't you the +happiest mortal on earth?" + +Mrs. Randolph smiled, blushing a little, too. + +"I don't know how happy other people may be," she answered; "I only +hope that they are as happy as I am." + +"There! I knew it!" Miss Crilly exulted, as if she had just +disclosed a secret. + +The others laughed, the thin ice of conventionality was swept away, +and at once all were merry. + +"I think the new ladies wished they were coming when they heard us +talking about it," said Miss Mullaly. + +"They said they were invited to spend the day with relatives," +returned the hostess. + +"Yes, but they won't have half so good a time as we shall." Miss +Crilly wagged her head expectantly. "They'll just sit around stiff +and poky--most of them look as if they would. Isn't Polly coming, +Mis' Randolph?" + +"This evening." + +"Won't that be lovely! She always makes things fly!" + +During the forenoon the house was inspected from the quaint little +rooms under the eaves to the cold-storage apartment below ground. +Miss Crilly insisting that she wanted to see the head and the foot +of it; and no new mistress of her own home would have been human +not to be pleased with the praise that came from all lips, even +including Miss Castlevaine's and Mrs. Crump's. In fact, these two +fault-finders appeared to have been won over from their most +unpleasant habits by the changes at the Home, which went to prove +that Colonel Gresham was not wholly wrong. + +"The clouds are chiming in with the rest of the world," called Miss +Mullaly from the sunshine-room, just as the sun was setting. "Come +here, every one of you, and see this sky!" + +Informality was the watchword of the day, the guests having early +been given the freedom of the house, and Miss Mullaly had strayed +away from the others into the windowed room. + +"My sakes!" exclaimed Miss Crilly. "Isn't that a real Christmas +celebration!" + +After the first outburst, the little party watched the gorgeous +display almost in silence. + +"It is too grand for words," breathed Miss Major. + +Mrs. Randolph caught sight of Miss Twining's face, and it turned +her from the distant glory. She told Mrs. Albright afterwards that +she looked as if it were given her to see what was not visible to +the others--a glimpse of heaven itself. + +Mrs. Bonnyman broke the spell. + +"Let's go back before it fades," she suggested. And the majority +followed her into the firelit living-room. + +"You missed the lovely purple tints," Miss Mullaly told them, as +the remaining quartette filed back to join the rest. + +"We'd rather have the picture of that magnificent sky of mottled +crimson," declared Mrs. Grace. + +"Nothing could be finer than that," observed Mrs. Tenney. + +"Look out!" broke in a rich voice. "I shan't let you say there's +anything finer than this!" + +"Not even a sunset?" laughed Miss Crilly, as Nelson Randolph +appeared in the doorway, + +"A sunset is all right in its proper place," he smiled; "but when I +want to ornament a chandelier I prefer this." He held up a large +spray of mistletoe. "What do you think?" he challenged Miss Crilly. + +"I guess you've got me this time!" she laughed. + +"And I may get you again, my girl, before the evening is out!" He +shook a warning finger in her direction. + +"Dear me!" she cried, "I'm glad I came! To be called a 'girl'! I, +an old maid of--I won't tell how many 'summers'! Thank you, Mr. +Randolph!" + +"If all old maids were as young as you there wouldn't be any," he +responded gallantly. + +She laughed her blushing protest, while he went for a stepladder. + +The mistletoe, in its place of honor among the evergreens, brought +forth many expressions of admiration. + +The host surveyed it with satisfaction. + +"I think that's a pretty nice piece of mistletoe," he said slowly. +"It ought to be, I paid a good price for it. But I expect to get +my reward before midnight," he twinkled to the smiling company. + +"Don't be too sure, Mr. Randolph!" cautioned Miss Crilly. + +"I am an expert at this business," he announced gravely, "and all I +have to say is, Look out!" + +The ladies were still laughing when they sat down to dinner. +Luncheon had been in the sunshine-room, but dinner was served in +the dining-room, a big, beautiful apartment all in oak, with a fire +crackling at one end. The favors were knots of mistletoe and +holly, and a roasted goose held the place of honor upon the table. +All were in gayest holiday humor, from the mirthful host to quiet +Miss Leatherland, who came far enough out of her shy self to show +her friends that she possessed a goodly amount of fun and only +needed the opportune moment to display it. + +As the guests sauntered back to the living-room, they made a wide +detour, rather than risk crossing the space beneath the brilliant +chandelier with its innocent adornment. The host, after carefully +depositing the cripple in the easiest chair, smiled over to Miss +Crilly. + +"Too bad to cause you so many unnecessary steps!" he said. + +"My feet are not tired," she smiled back at him. + +"Then let's have a waltz!" he cried, coming up with outstretched +hands. + +"Too soon after dinner," she laughed. + +"No, it's a good time!" he twinkled gravely. + +She hesitated, considering him with doubt on her face. + +"Don't you trust him!" called Mrs. Randolph. "He is longing to +waltz you under the mistletoe!" + +He strode across to his wife. + +"How dare you blacken my reputation in the face of all these +ladies!" he cried sternly. + +She laughed up at him with fearless, roguish eyes. + +"Have I suggested anything that was not in your mind to do?" + +A burst of laughter assailed him, while he walked off +muttering,--quite audibly,--"These women! these women!" + +The jingling of sleighbells set the keener-eared of the guests to +listening. + +"Polly wouldn't come in a sleigh, would she?" queried one. + +"They're stopping here!" announced Miss Castlevaine from a front +window. "But it isn't Polly," she added, "it's--goodness!--it's +Santa Claus!" + +"Santa Claus!" echoed the roomful. And regardless of mistletoe, +there was a rush across to the windows, while Nelson Randolph went +to welcome his guests. + +In they came, the strange little party of six, and were presented +to the company as Santa Claus and Madam Santa Claus and four of the +little Santa Clauses. + +"Who can they be?" whispered Miss Mullaly to her neighbor. + +"More'n I know," returned Mrs. Crump. "I guess Polly's one of 'em, +but which!" + +Santa Claus was the same rotund, pudgy old fellow--with the long +white beard and the laughing face--that children love, and on his +broad back was the proverbial pack of presents. His wife, in fur +from head to foot, wore a frilled fur cap, and, safely hidden +behind her spectacled, rosy-cheeked mask, looked the veritable +mother of all the little Santa Clauses attributed to her. The +children stood silently by in their picturesque costumes, looking +round the room, as children will, while their father and mother +conversed with the host and hostess. + +Finally they were all seated, and Madam Santa Claus began in quite +a motherly way to talk about her children. + +"It's Polly Dudley," whispered Mrs. Tenney to Mrs. Prindle. "I +know her voice. And I'm pretty sure that little one is Doodles. +Don't they look funny?" + +They were all clad in red and white. The girls wore scarlet frocks +reaching almost to the floor, with short white fur coats, and caps +to match. The boys had long red trousers, and coats like those of +their sisters. As they looked around on the company they bore a +strong resemblance to their parents, with their rosy cheeks and +laughing lips. + +"I had to leave most of the children at home," the mother was +saying. "Lambkin is too young to come out such a cold night, so +Eagle stayed to take care of her; and at the very last minute +Monkey broke his arm, and of course Brother couldn't come without +his twin. It only served Monkey right, he's so careless--though +I'm not quite sure that it is Monkey! I never can tell those boys +apart." Mother Santa Claus wagged her head cheerfully. "Then, +Mousey and Deer have sore throats, and I thought the rest had +better stay and keep the sick ones company. They'll have a good +Christmas Eve all together, even if they are sick." + +"Please, can I take off my coat?" asked one of the girls, coming to +her mother's side. + +"Not yet, Starling. Sit down and be quiet!" + +"Your children have unusual names," twinkled the host gravely. + +"That's what people say," the mother returned. "But we simply name +them according to their characteristics. This one," nodding to the +girl who had just gone back to her seat, "we call Starling, because +she talks so much, and her sister there is Dove, because she is so +gentle. Squirrel is the nimblest of them all and he is never still +a minute. See him wiggling round now! This little one," reaching +out a hand to the smallest of the four, "is Lark. because he sings +so sweetly.--Can't you sing your new carol, dear?" + +So the youngest of the Santa Clauses stood up obediently and sung a +beautiful Christmas song about the Baby Christ. The applause was +long and insistent. + +"He'll sing again for you pretty soon," promised Mother Santa +Claus. "I think father is ready to distribute the presents now. +Come, children, run along and help him, and mind you all step +lively!" + +The rosy-cheeked Saint took up a big parcel, and read off, in a +clear voice, "Miss Katharine Crilly." + +Starling was nearest, and took the package; but Miss Crilly, a +little upset at being the owner of the first name called, jumped up +and hurried across the room for her present, unheedful of mistletoe +and the eyes that were watching her. Just inside the enchanted +circle, the sudden hush of the room gave her its warning. She +caught the eager glances directed beyond her, and turning her head +uttered a startled cry. Almost at the same instant an arm shot +toward her, missing its aim by scarce an inch. With one bound she +cleared the invisible line of danger, and, scudding straight past +Starling and her inviting parcel, stopped only at the detaining +hand of her laughing hostess. + +"Mercy sakes!" she cried, and her face rivaled in color the Santa +Claus reds, as she met the laughing eyes of her host. + +She came back with her parcel, much flurried and still scarlet of +face, while squeals of laughter and gay sallies rang about her. + +After that there was more heed, and the distribution of presents +went on without further hindrance. + +The big bag was empty at last, and Santa Claus exclaimed with a +sigh: "Oh, but it's hot! I say, let's get off some of this +toggery!" He slipped himself out of his fur coat, pulled off his +cap and his mask--and there was David Collins, smiling blithely to +the company! + +The others were quick in following his example, and Madam Santa +Claus stood revealed as laughing Polly, with Patricia, Leonora, +Blue, and Doodles clustered round her. + +Then there was plenty to say, many thanks to be given, and much +chatter and laughter. In the midst of it all, Nelson Randolph made +himself heard:-- + +"Ye men-folk, listen! I am glad to share my rewards with you, so +go ahead, David and Blue and Doodles, and obtain as much tribute as +possible under the mistletoe!" + +"How can you share what you haven't got and never had and don't +know as you ever will have?" laughed Miss Crilly. + +He turned toward the saucy speaker and shook his finger sternly. + +"Jilting me, and then taunting me of my failure! Katharine Crilly, +perhaps before midnight the slipper will be on the other foot!" + +This brought a hubbub of applause and merriment, and the ladies +backed away from the charmed circle and giggled and talked gayly +among themselves. + +But Christmas presents are bewitching things, and it was not long +before mistletoe was all forgotten in the beauties of fine +needlework, the mysteries of new stitches, and the attractions of +dainty knickknacks. David and Blue and Doodles succeeded in making +momentary captives of Mrs. Tenney, Mrs. Winslow Teed. and Miss +Lily, while Polly and Patricia were several times arrested on their +heedless ways across the room. + +Nelson Randolph seemed to have eyes only for Miss Crilly, although +once Polly almost walked into his hands. A short but exciting race +she led him before dodging behind Miss Mullaly's chair and asking +breathlessly if the mistletoe was all over the room. + +He halted and looked round on the laughing company. + +"My word of honor! I forgot!--Lady Polly, I humbly beg your +gracious pardon!" He bowed low. + +"Granted, Sir Rogue!" she replied, dropping a curtsy. + +Full of the spirit of mischief, Patricia slipped away to the piano. +And so the waltzing began. + +Of course, everybody knew what to expect from their "men-folk" +partners unless they were exceedingly wary, and only an occasional +couple whirled into the enchanted circle. + +Ice cream and cakes were succeeded by music and the singing of +carols, until somebody suggested that it was time to go home. + +The host took out his watch. + +"I shall not open the door for anybody yet," he declared. "Only +ten o'clock! Master Lark will give us another song!" + +But before the command had been obeyed, the telephone rang lustily. + +"Oh, is it!" Mrs. Randolph heard her husband say. "Thank you all, +and a Merry Christmas to every one of you!" + +When he returned he nodded smilingly to her, and then Doodles gave +a funny little sleepy song that none of the others had heard,--"The +Land of I-dunno-where." + +Afterwards came more carols, until Blue and Doodles had to hurry +away lest they miss the last car to Foxford. + +The all-day guests began to put on their wraps, word was sent to +bring up the car, and all was bustle and happy words and Merry +Christmases in abundance. Each guest carried a pretty basket +filled with gifts from the host and hostess, and it was nearly +eleven before the last load was off, with the sleighful of young +folks to keep it company. + +Nelson Randolph and his wife went silently back to the deserted +living-room. + +"Seems kind of lonely, doesn't it?" she said. + +"Not a bit!" he replied, leading her under the mistletoe and +claiming his reward. + +"They did have a good time," she said happily. + +"The best, I'll warrant, that they've had for a decade." He looked +down at his wife searchingly. + +"What is it?" she smiled. + +"You didn't care, did you?" + +"For what?" + +He tossed his head toward the branch above them. + +"No, indeed!" she replied. "Why should I?" + +"I didn't think you would," he said slowly; "but some women would +have had a fit!" + +"I wasn't built that way," she laughed. "I think I enjoyed it more +than any of the rest of you!" + +"My dearest wife!" he said gravely, while his lips found their +favorite spot where a curl strayed over her forehead,--"My dearest +wife!" + +She heard with almost a start. Did he realize his words, or was it +simply an impulsive phrase? A story had been told her once--but, +no, that did not belong to Christmas Eve! + +"It was all a happening," he went on. "I spied the mistletoe when +I was coming home, and it set me to wondering if it wouldn't help +out; so I brought it along. I wanted those dear women to have a +real Christmas merry-making, not a sham affair. Take such folks, +they'll generally sit around and talk, and laugh a little, and +think they are celebrating something. I wanted them to have a +young Christmas. And I didn't catch anybody after all," he ended, +a plaintive note in his voice. + +"You didn't try to catch anybody, did you?" she smiled. + +"What ever put such a thing into your head?" he demanded fiercely. + +She laughed. "I have seen you a few times before to-night." + +He frowned--then broke into a chuckle. + +"Bless you!" he said fervently. + +"Nelson Randolph!" she suddenly cried out, trying to break away +from him, "The windows! I forgot!" + +"What's the matter with them?" he twinkled. "They're all shut." + +"But the shades! They're up!--Nelson!" + +"What if they are?" he returned comfortably. + +"Somebody may look in!" + +He smilingly held her tight. "If any wanderer is abroad in this +cold, he ought to be rewarded with a picture of domestic bliss." + +"But if Mrs. Betts should be coming home late!--" + +"She'd probably be disappointed that it was only I, instead of some +other woman's husband." + +"Nelson, do let me go!...I think we might find easier seats," she +laughed, as she came back to him. + +He turned her toward the little mantel clock. It was two minutes +of twelve. + +"Almost Christmas morning!" she said softly. "I wonder if they'll +call us up to-night." + +"Hardly. We should have heard before. Everything was complete at +ten o'clock." + +"How surprised they were!" she mused smilingly. "I'm so glad you +did it for them." + +"I am glad you did it!" he amended. + +She started to reply, but he lifted a detaining finger. The city +hall clock was striking the hour. + +"My princess,"--his lips touched her own,--"I wish you the +joyfulest Christmas--" + +"Ting! ting! Ting! ti-i-ng!" broke in imperiously. + +"Go," he urged, loosing his clasp. + +"Oh, Mis' Randolph! is that you?" came in Miss Crilly's clear +voice. "We all wish you a merry, merry Christmas, and we thank you +more than we can ever tell if we live to be a hundred years old! +They piled into my room to wait till Christmas morning, for they +would have me do the talking, though I can't do it half so well as +some of the rest of 'em! Oh, you don't know how surprised we were! +We stood talking in my door. Mis' Albright and Miss Mullaly and +Miss Major and I, and I said, 'Come in and sit down!' So I struck +a light, and happened to glance this way! Well, I gave one scream, +and looked round to make sure where I was; and Miss Mullaly she +squealed out, 'How came that here?' Then I spun across the room +lively! And when I picked up your card with its dear little piece +of mistletoe--well, you could have knocked me down easy! We heard +little shouts and laughs all up and down, and Miss Major said, 'I +wonder--' and ran right off to her room quick. Then the others +caught on, and they went! I had to follow, of course, to see! And +when we found there was a 'phone in every room--we just didn't know +what to do! Why, if I wake up in the night I shall want to run +over here to feel of it, just to make sure it is true! To think of +your doing it for us!" + +"I didn't! It is Mr. Randolph you ought to be thanking, not me! +He--" + +There was a dash across the room and the receiver was caught from +her hand. + +"No, no! I had nothing to do with it! I only filled my wife's +order--that's all!" + +"Nelson Randolph!" she expostulated. "Let me have the telephone!" + +But he shook his head. "Thank you, Miss Crilly, on her behalf! +I'm mighty glad you like them. What's that? Oh, well, if she did, +I should be there beside her, thanking Him for giving me so good a +wife!" + +"What are you talking about? I want to know!" + +With a smile he relinquished the instrument. + +"I heard you say that! I told him that Miss Mullaly said you ought +to get down on your knees every day of your life and thank the Lord +for giving you such a good husband." + +"You can tell Miss Mullaly that is just what I do!" + +"My! I will. Isn't this fun, to be talking with you this +way!--and at midnight, too! Oh, why didn't I think of it when he +was there! Well, you thank him for us all! You ought to have +heard us gabble when we found those five-dollar gold pieces in our +baskets! It was lovely of him to do it! And those shoes you gave +me--did you crochet them yourself?" + +"Certainly." + +"All those stitches for me! They're beautiful! I've always wished +I had some of that kind. And--just think!--I shouldn't be here +to-night if it hadn't been for you! Oh, I couldn't thank you +enough if I should live to be a thousand years old! You'll be sure +and come to our tree, won't you?" + +"We will look in on you some time during the evening. We can run +away from the Dudleys' for a little while." + +"Well, I am so full of happiness I believe one drop more would make +my eyes spill over! I never thought I should chime in with Mis' +Puddicombe, but to-night I do! June Holiday Home _is_ the gate of +heaven--and all because of you and Polly!" + +THE END + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Polly and the Princess, by Emma C. 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