Thin it was Polly’s part to reassure her with laughing words, until the delight would come back to crowd out all fears.

One large room in the house on Edgewood Avenue had been reserved for the wedding presents, and, although Miss Lucy had jestingly remarked that a little hall chamber was more than would be needed, the apartment was packed with love tokens long in advance of the day.  Both the nurse and the physician had won many friends in their years of hospital service, and now all seemed anxious to show honor to these two who had helped to add length and comfort to their lives.

One morning, just before starting for Mrs. Jocelyn’s, Dr. Dudley read this note to Polly:—­

   My Dear Doctor,—­

     I have been wondering, ever since I heard
   Your good news, how Polly was going to ride,
   Inasmuch as two fill your runabout.  I have
   Too much consideration for the lady who will
   Sit by your side to wish her always to bear
   The burden of Polly’s weight; so I have ordered
   for you a car that will seat five without
   crowding.  There is a place ready for it in my
   carriage house.  That won’t be far for you to
   come, and it will be handier for me whenever
   Lone Star goes lame.

Your sincere friend,

GRESHAM.

  Lucky for me I happened to think of this,

For it would get on my nerves to see Polly
Hanging on behind every time you and Mrs.
Dudley went to ride. 

                                                      D. G.

“What a funny man!”:  laughed Polly.  “You’d think Lone Star went lame about once a week!  But is n’t that a lovelicious present—­ a big auto!—­my!”

“It is too much.”  Dr. Dudley shook his head gravely.

“Why, he loves to do it for you,” argued Polly.  “Besides, it is not just for you,” she chuckled; “it is so he won’t have to see me sitting is Miss Lucy’s lap or ‘hanging on behind’!  Would n’t that look funny?”

The Doctor laughed, and put the note in his pocket.

At Mrs. Jocelyn’s, Miss Lucy met them at the entrance.

“I’m so glad you’ve come,” she cried.  “I was wishing you would, to see what Colonel Gresham has sent me.”

“Why—­” began Polly, and then stopped, blushing at having almost told about the new motor car.  That was not hers to speak of first.

Dr. Dudley sent a swift glance of appreciation in her direction, and followed Miss Lucy’s leading.

“That came for you, Polly, at the same time,” she said, handing the girl a small square package.  “A man just brought them.”

“For me?” Polly’s eyes opened wide.  “I’m not going to be married!”

They laughed, while the young lady displayed her gift, a necklace of pearls.

“Oh, is n’t that lovely!” exclaimed Polly.

“How sweet you will look I nit!  Do put it on!”