And Polly did, imitating the organ grinder’s words and gestures, till her listeners were shaking with laughter.

Elsie was too overpowered with joy to want to go to bed at all.

“When the lights are out I can’t see my ring!” she cried in sudden dismay.

“But you can feel it,” returned Polly.

“Oh!  May I keep it on my finger all night long?” she asked incredulously.

“Certainly, dear,” the nurse replied.

That was enough.  Without another word she allowed herself to be undressed.

The ward had been dark and quiet for at least two minutes when a voice piped out, “Miss Lucy!  Oh, Miss Lucy!”

“What is it, Elsie?” came the quick answer.

“I just happened to think—­you and Dr. Dudley and Polly and the organ man and the monkey and everybody have been living such a splendid story for my birthday!  I did n’t thank you half enough!”

“You have done just right, dear.  All the thanks we wanted were in your happy face.  Now pleasant dreams!”

With a glad good-night, Elsie settled back contentedly on her pillow, the ring finger pressed against her cheek.  And, at last, the hush of sleep brooded over the convalescent ward.

Chapter VII

The Little Sad Lady

David grew strong steadily, but not so fast that Polly was allowed to see him as soon as they both wished.  When, at last, she went up for a brief ten minutes, she was brimful of pleasure.

“I want to know about the day you ran after Dr. Dudley for me,” began David, almost at once; “the time I was so sick.  The Doctor said you had a race, and enjoyed it.  I don’t see how you could enjoy running your legs off for me; but it was awfully good of you.”

“Why,” cried Polly, “it was n’t I that ran—­at least, not much; it was Lone Star.”

“Lone Star?” gasped David.  “Polly!  Do tell me quick!”

“I am telling you,” she laughed.  “Lone Star, Colonel Gresham’s beautiful horse, did the running—­the trotting, I mean—­why, David!  What’s the matter?”

The boy’s eyes had grown big with excitement, and his cheeks were bright.

“Go on!” he breathed.

“That’s about all.  I saw I was n’t going to make the Doctor hear, and Colonel Gresham was right out there, and I told him how —­sick you were, and asked him to catch the Doctor.  I never thought of his taking me; but before I knew it I was in the buggy, and we were flying down the street like mad!  Oh, I do wish you could have seen Lone Star go!”

“Did he know it was I?” whispered David excitedly.

“Lone Star—­know?” and Polly’s forehead puckered.  “Oh,” she brightened, “you mean the Colonel!  Why, yes, of course, he did!  That is, I told him—­no, I did n’t tell him much, though, till we were coming home.  But what difference does it make?”

“Lots!” murmured David disappointedly.  “I hoped he knew—­oh, I hoped he knew!  Polly!”—­and the doll-blue eyes grew mournful —­“He’s my Uncle David!”