They were on their way shortly after one o’clock, in Mrs. Jocelyn’s stately coach, drawn by the handsome iron-grays that were Polly’s admiration.  It would be hard to say which enjoyed the shopping most, Polly in her innocent delight of giving, or the old little lady who was fast growing young in her now-found life.  With a carriage full of bundles, they drove up to the photographer’s precisely at the hour appointed, and Polly, radiant from her joyful experience, made a picture that charmed the artist as well as his patron.

The next morning’s musicale was quite the feast that Polly had anticipated, and Mrs. Jocelyn’s was a twofold enjoyment.  The little girl had feared that her white dress was too wrinkled for grand a party; so her hostess’s maid had smoothed it into its original perfection, and, to make good the hair ribbon that had been lost, Mrs. Jocelyn had bought an even prettier one—­the palest blue sprinkled with forget-me-nots, and sash too match.

After luncheon came the delightful task of giving the presents pretty holiday touches with fancy tissue papers and gay ribbons.

“We’re having the best part of it, are n’t we?” chuckled Polly, tilting her head to one side as she tied a pink baby ribbon around Leonora’s dainty box.

The little lady did not instantly answer; then, dropping her work, she caught the surprised child in her arms with almost a sob.

“O Polly, Polly!” she cried passionately, “I must have you!  I must!  I must!  You have taught me how to live, and you belong to me!  O Polly!  Will you come?” She held her off, gazing pleadingly into her face.

“What—­do you mean?” faltered the little girl.

“My darling!  Did I frighten you?  I mean I want you for my own dear daughter!  I have n’t said anything before, because I feared the woman you have supposed was your aunt would not give you up.  But now that you are free I feel that I must have you?  I meant to speak to Dr. Dudley first; but I could n’t wait, dearest!  Don’t you want to come and live with me?  I know it’s a gloomy old house, but I will make it all over into the sunshiniest home you ever saw.  You shall have everything you wish!  I will buy you the very prettiest pair of Shetland ponies I can find, and the loveliest little carriage!  You can take your friends driving every day!”

“That would be beautiful,” responded Polly, with a faint smile.

“And you shall have the nicest doll house you ever heard of, and a whole set of furniture for your biggest doll!  I’ll fit you up two of the prettiest rooms in the house, and furnish them in white and blue!  You shall have a new piano and take lessons of the very best master, and next summer we will go abroad and see all the wonders of Europe!  Oh, there’s no end to the happy things we’ll do, if you will come and be my little girl!  You will; won’t you, Polly?”

“Why, I—­don’t know!” gasped the child.  “You take my breath away!” She looked actually distressed.