Dr. Dudley heard all about the drive, but nothing of Aunt Jane.  Polly had decided to take the Colonel’s advice—­if she could, and she recollected with relief that Aunt Jane was always more ready to threaten than to perform.

A few days afterwards Dr. Dudley early for Polly.

“Anyway it is n’t Aunt Jane at this time,” she assured herself, as she ran downstairs.

“Mrs. Jocelyn wants to see you right away,” the Doctor told her.

“She does?” wondered Polly.  “Do you know for what?”

“I don’t know anything,” he smiled; “but I guess a good deal.”

“Oh!  What do you guess it is?” she entreated.

He shook his head laughingly.  “I should hate to have you discover that I was n’t a good guesser,” he said.  “Run along, and find out for sure!”

Polly was astonished to see how greatly the little lady had changed.  Her cheeks reflected the delicate pink of the robe she was wearing, and her eyes were glad.  Her voice was full of eagerness.

“Here comes the little sunbeam!” she smiled.  “Did I interrupt any tasks or play?” She drew Polly within the circle of her arm.  “I could n’t wait another moment to thank you for reading me that story of the little price.  It brought back my own little Lloyd, who was always planting those seeds of love wherever he went.  But since he left me I have been like that forgetful queen mother, too wrapped up in myself to think of others.  Now I am going to begin to grow those ‘wonderful white flowers.’” Her eyes shone through tears.

Polly did not know what to say; she only looked her sympathy and appreciation.

“Tell me about David,” the little lady went on.  “Is he well enough to come downstairs?”

“Yes, he’s all ready,” was the reply; “but he’s go to wait for somebody to go.  Elsie was to leave to-day to to-morrow; but she needs a little more treatment, Dr. Dudley says.  So I don’t know when David can come.”

“I know!” responded Mrs. Jocelyn confidently.  “He is coming down to the convalescent ward—­let me see, I think it may be this afternoon, but to-morrow morning sure!”

“Wh-y! how can he?” gasped Polly.  “There are three ahead of him, and there are n’t any more beds!”

“There will be before long,” chuckled the little lady gaily.  “I have been having a bit of a talk with Dr. Dudley, and he tells me that there is plenty of room in your ward for six or more cots—­ and Polly May is going to buy them!  That is, she can if she chooses.”

Polly’s face was one big interrogation point.  “Why!  I don’t—­” she began, but was interrupted by a kiss right on her lips.

“Oh, you dear, precious little innocent!” cried Mrs. Jocelyn.  “Read that, and see if it will tell you anything!” She took a strip of paper from the table, and put it into Polly’s hand.

Across the top, in large letters, was the name of a back.  The rest was partly printed and partly written.  Polly read wonderingly:—­