“My father was just coming along,” said Harry, “and he saw Rob rush out into the street, and grab Dollie just in time to save her, and he says Rob stood an awful chance of being run over.

“Rob declares it wasn’t much to do.  He says he didn’t have time to think, and be scared.

“Father took his hand, and just told him that that was the brave part of it.  He told Rob that a coward would have thought only of himself.

“I tell you, he’s a hero, as much as those we read of.

“Mrs. Burton says that she can not say enough to tell how she feels, when she thinks that little Dollie is alive, and unhurt, and all because of Rob!”

“There he is now,” cried Leslie.

“Oh, everyone run along.  I want to speak to him just a minute myself,” said Polly, and, as usual, they obeyed.

Very shyly Rob approached.  He felt that he was receiving too much praise from everyone, and yet—­a word of approval from Princess Polly, ah, that would be worth much!

“Rob,” she said, when the others had walked along, “Rob, don’t ever say again that you’d like to be brave.  You are brave!”

“She wasn’t a nymph, and I wasn’t a prince,” said the boy, blushing.

“You’re as brave as any prince in any fairy tale I ever read,” said Polly, and Rob wondered who would care for greater reward than that.

CHAPTER III

POLLY VISITS ROSE

At last the day came when Polly was to make the little trip that would begin at the station in her own town, and end at a place, some miles distant, where, when the train stopped, she would see Rose waiting for her.

She thought it would seem finer to go quite alone, but Mrs. Sherwood would not permit that.

“The maid must ride with you, and remain beside you until Rose and her aunt meet you.  Then, she can return on the next train,” she had said, and Polly knew it was useless to object.

And when, at last, the excitement of saying “good-bye” was over, and the train had already left the little town far behind, Polly settled back in her seat, and fell to dreaming.

The thought of little Dollie, frightened, but unhurt, of Rob who had so bravely saved her, of Lena’s pride in Rob, flitted through her mind.  It would be a pleasant bit of news to tell Rose.

Then she began to think of Great-Aunt Rose, and to wonder how she looked.

“Rose has told me in her letter that she’s a handsome old lady, but that isn’t like seeing her.  How ever shall I know her?  Oh, of course, I will.  She’ll be with Rose.”

The maid, who had taken the seat behind Polly, reached forward, and touched her shoulder.

“You’re not getting drowsy, are you, Miss Polly?” she asked, “we’re almost there.”

A gay little laugh answered her question.

“How could I go to sleep on the way to see Rose?” she asked, “and how near are we now?”