Chapter XV

A Bid For Polly

Early on Monday morning Polly received an urgent request from Mrs. Jocelyn that she begin her delayed visit that very hour.  So, as school was to open on Wednesday, it was decided that the little girl should accept the renewed invitation, and that Dr. Dudley should fetch her home on the succeeding afternoon.

“By that time,” observed David, “we shall be all moved, and we can go to school together in the morning.”

“But, oh, dear!” groaned Leonora, “that Aunt Jane will get you again, sure!  Oh, Dr. Dudley, don’t let her go alone, please don’t!”

Polly laughed happily.  It was hard for Leonora to realize that Mrs. Bean had no more power over her beloved friend.

But Dr. Dudley did not laugh.  Leonora had been of the band of anxious ones on that night of suspense, and he could understand how she still feared to have Polly venture for without a protector.

“You need not worry,” he assured her.  “I shall not let Polly out of my sight until she is safely inside Mrs. Jocelyn’s house.”

“I could go alone just as well,” smiled the little girl.  “There is n’t any danger.”

“It is too long a walk,” returned the Doctor, “and don’t you dare to come back, young lady, until you come with me!” He shook his finger at her threateningly.

She giggled, while David remarked, with a mischievous twinkle:—­

“That would be a good way to keep her there—­you need n’t go after her!”

“Do you want me to stay away, David Collins?” demanded Polly.

“No, I don’t,” he admitted laughing.

“Oh, don’t talk about her staying away!” pleaded Leonora.  “We did, just in fun, last time, and then she was lost!”

“Oh, you funny, blessed Leonora!” cried Polly, putting her arms around her friend’s neck, “I’m not going to get lost, or stay away, either—­only one night.  I guess you can stand it for just one night.”

Dr. Dudley saw his charge inside Mrs. Jocelyn’s door, according to his promise; but the little lady told him that he need not come after her, for she would bring her back on the following day.

Mrs. Jocelyn’s home was in a delightful quarter of the city, opposite a park of many acres.  The house was dignified mansion, full of stately old furniture, and if it had not been for its owner’s cheery hospitality it would have been rather awe-inspiring to a little girl like Polly.  But Polly, having been several times a guest in the big house, now felt quite at home, and ran up and down the polished oaken stairs and through the grand, dimly lighted hallways as merrily as if she had always been used to such imposing surroundings.

“It is too bad Dorothy could n’t stay over till this week,” Mrs. Jocelyn said; “but never mind!  She’ll come again before long, and then you’ll see her.  We’ll have such pleasant times to-day and to-morrow, that she won’t be missed.  This afternoon are going shopping, and you are to buy presents for everybody you like.”