When Mrs. Bean learned their errand, she turned, then white, and seemed greatly excited.  At first she was inclined to resent their coming as an intrusion, declaring, “There ain’t much belongin’ to the kid anyhow.”  But, as earlier in the day, she quailed before Mr. Brewster’s firm, quiet speech, and sullenly led the way to the various articles called for.  Finally nothing remained unchecked on the list except the two trunks.

“I h’ain’t got no trunks,” the woman bristled.  “You’ve seen my rooms an’ all there is in ’em!  Them trunks prob’ly was sold along with other things.”

“Why, Aunt Jane,” put in Polly, “they were here just before I was hurt.  I remember, because—­”

“Huh!” she cackled.  “I was n’t here then, an’ I guess they wa’n’t!”

“I mean where we lived then,” corrected Polly.

“Wal, they ain’t here nor there now,” she insisted.

“Can’t we go up attic?” questioned Polly.  “You said, the other day, there was an attic to—­”

“I hain’t got nothin’ up there,” Mrs. Bean broke in, with flaming face.

“Will you allow us to look through it, please?” The lawyer’s voice was low, but tense.

“There ain’t no call for you to go paradin’ up there,” she snapped.  “Pretty how d’ y’ do, if you can’t take my word for it!”

“It is an easy matter to be mistaken,” Mr. Brewster smiled.  “Have you a key to the apartment?  Or is it open?”

Mrs. Bean took time for reply, narrowing her eyes, as if in deep thought.  She was quick to see the loophole of escape which the lawyer had shown her.  Still she hesitated.

“Wal,” she muttered finally, “it’s barely possible I was thinkin’ o’ some other trunks; but I don’t b’lieve I was.  I do’ know; I’m driven to death.  I sh’d think I’d forgit my own name, slavin’ ’s I have to!  ’T won’t do no hurt, I s’pose, for you to go up an’ see.”

The trunks were found, as Mr. Brewster had been sure they would be.  He opened both, and he and Polly hastily looked over their contents.  Besides bundles of old letters, photographs, and numerous little mementoes, there was much of value,—­fine table and bed linen, and silk dress, some exquisite laces, and a little box of odd pieces of jewelry.

“Oh!” Polly burst out, “I forgot grandma’s watch!  And mama’s coral pin and her topaz ring!”

“They’re downstairs,” volunteered Mrs. Bean.  “I forgot them, too!”

After the trunks were locked, and the keys in Mr. Brewster’s pocket, he and the Doctor carried them into the hallway.  While they were busy, there was a clatter of feet on the lower stairs, and Mrs. Bean slipped hurriedly away.

“I guess the children have come,” said Polly.

But when the three reached the apartment below, no young folds were visible, and the lawyer silently concluded to defer his attempt with Gregory until another time.

Another later Polly’s goods were brought to the hospital, and Leonora and several other children, who were able to be downstairs, were given the unbounded delight of seeing them unloaded.