Nora, just behind them, reached forward and touched Rose’s shoulder.

“Run right in,” she said, “the gentleman’s waiting to see you.”

For the moment she forgot Polly, and hastening across the great hall, lest Uncle John might guess that she did not wish to meet him, little Rose Atherton entered the long, cool parlor, and found herself face to face with a tall, handsome man, who rose to greet her.  His waving hair was touched with gray, his brown eyes were merry.

“So this is little Rose,” he said, “will you come and let me look at you?  Why, who made the dainty wreath for you?”

He offered not one, but both his hands to her, and with a happy cry, she laid her little hands in his.

“Will you come for a few days and make me a visit?” he asked.  “You will have a pleasant time, and we shall get acquainted.  I think I can make you like me, little Rose.”

“Oh, I do, I do like you now!” she cried, and her little heart was filled with delight.

Here was a cheery, handsome young uncle, in place of the unattractive old uncle that she had supposed awaited her.

“Don’t remove your wreath,” he said, as she raised her hands toward the flowers, “because it is really very becoming.  Were you playing alone when I arrived?”

“Oh, no,” said Rose, “I was so glad when I saw you, because—­” she hesitated.

“Because?” he said, his eyes twinkling.

“Because you aren’t old.  I thought my Uncle John must be ’most ninety,” she said softly, so that Aunt Lois might not hear.

“And Polly, Princess Polly, was with me.  She’s my little guest.  May I bring her now?  She’s so beautiful you’ll just love to look at her.”

“Oh, then, bring Miss Polly at once,” he said.

Rose ran to the hall.

“Oh, come, come!” she said, in a whisper so loud that it reached Uncle John’s ear and caused him to laugh softly.

“Come!” she repeated.  “He’s as handsome as a prince,” and clasping Polly’s hand, she returned to the parlor.

He greeted Polly as cordially as he had Rose, and Polly at once decided that Rose’s Uncle John was the handsomest man, next to her dear papa, that she had ever seen.

“I have been asking Lois to loan Rose to me for a few days, and she has consented.  Rose seems to think it might be enjoyable.  I would not think, however, of taking her from you while you are her guest, Miss Polly, but if you will come with her, I shall be doubly happy.  I have a lovely place at the shore.  Will you come?”

“Oh, I’d love to,” said Polly, “there’s nothing finer than the shore.”

“May we?” Rose asked, running to Aunt Lois.

“Why, certainly.  I think the change will be pleasant for you.  Nora must pack whatever you will need in your suit cases.  Uncle John never did like to wait for anything, and he wishes to take you back with him.”