hard work getting up the stage properties, and the many rehearsals,
everything was at last pronounced ready, the drawing-room and music-room
locked, the keys given to Mrs. Whitney who promised faithfully to see
that no one peeped in who should not, and Polly hurried into her hat and
jacket, to go to the station with Jasper to meet the boys.

Thomas drove furiously, as they were a bit late, and they arrived only a
minute before the train puffed in.

"Here they are!" cried Polly, and "Here they are!" cried Jasper,
together, in great excitement, on the platform.

"Halloo, Polly!" cried Joel, prancing out of the car first, and "How
d'ye do, Polly?" as they all hurried after. "Halloo, Jasper!"

"Oh, Polly! it's good to see you!" This from Davie, not ashamed to set a
kiss on her red lips.

Van and Percy looked as if they wanted to, but contented themselves with
wringing her hand nearly off, while Joel declared he would look after
the luggage.

"No, I will," cried Van, dropping Polly's hand.

"You forget," said Percy quietly, "I hold the checks, I'll attend to it
myself." He unclosed his brown traveling glove, and Van, at sight of
them, turned back.

"Go along, do, then," he cried; "I don't want to, I'm sure; I'd much
rather stay with Polly. How d'ye do, Thomas?" he called carelessly to