"Not a bit now. I was hurt, but Dr. Dudley cured me. I'm on the
staff--that's why I stay," Polly explained soberly.

"Oh! You're that little girl, are you?"

She nodded.

"I heard something about it at the time. Well, Lone Star and I
will be glad to take you for a drive some other day, when you have
n't any punishment on hand." He drew up the horse at the hospital
entrance.

"Oh! Is that his name?" exclaimed Polly. "What a loveluscious
one! Would he mind if I stroked his nose?" she asked, as the
Colonel lifted her down.

"He would like it very much." And they went round to the horse's
head together.

"Now I must go in," Polly sighed, giving the affectionate animal
a last, loving pat. "I thank you ever and ever so much, Colonel
Gresham, and I should be happy to go to ride with you again some
day. I hope I have n't hindered you. Good-bye."

She skipped up the long walk to the house, the Colonel watching
her until she disappeared at a side door.

Polly could not resist peeping into the Doctor's office before
going upstairs. The room was empty, and she went slowly on,