Emma C. Dowd

“ 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. ”

“ 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." ”

“ 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! ”

“ 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!" ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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! ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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? ”

“ 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!" ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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!" ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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." ”

“ 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." ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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!" ”

“ 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!" ”

“ 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!" ”

“ 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." ”

“ 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! ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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! ”

“ 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?" ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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?" ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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?" ”

“ 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." ”