everybody in the village called her so by courtesy. Her cottage was
over across the lane, and just a bit around the corner; and Polly
flew along and up to the door, fully knowing that now she would
be helped out of her difliculty. She didn't stop to knock, as the old
lady was so deaf she knew she wouldn't hear her, but opened the
door and walked in. Grandma was sweeping up the floor, already
as neat as a pin; when she saw Polly coming, she stopped, and
leaned on her broom.

"How's your ma?" she asked, when Polly had said "good morning,"
and then hesitated.

"Oh, mammy's pretty well," shouted Polly into the old lady's ear;
"and to-morrow's her birthday!"

"To-morrow'll be a bad day!" said grandma. "Oh, don't never say
that. You mustn't borrow trouble, child."

"I didn't," said Polly; "I mean--it's her birthday, grandma!" this last
so loud that grandma's cap-border vibrated perceptibly.

"The land's sakes 'tis!" cried Mrs. Bascom, delightedly; "you don't
say so!"

"Yes," said Polly, skipping around the old lady, and giving her a
small hug; "and we're going to give her a surprise."

"What is the matter with her eyes?" asked grandma, sharply,
turning around and facing her; "she's been a-sewin' too stiddy,
hain't she?"