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!”