again, Polly," holding out his hand. "Now would you like oysters?" all
in the same breath.

"And here's mine," cried Van, extending his brown one. "Can't I bring
you some salad?"

"Yes, yes," cried Polly gaily, and she released their hands after a
cordial grasp. "You may bring me everything straight through, boys," as
they rushed off, heads erect, to the crowded supper-table.

"You've had a good time?" asked Mrs. Pepper slowly, with a keen glance
into the flushed face and sparkling eyes, as they turned up the gas in
Polly's bedroom. "Dear me! it is half-past eleven."

"Splendid," said Polly, shaking herself free from the white gown and
beginning to braid her hair for the night. "Percy and Van were perfectly
lovely, and Mr. Alstyne was so good to me. And oh! Mamsie, isn't dear
Mr. King just the dearest dear, to give all this to the boys? We haven't
thanked him half enough."

"He is indeed," said Mrs. Pepper heartily. "Why, where is Phronsie?"
looking around the room.

"She was right back of you," said Polly. "She wanted to take off her
things herself. Did you ever see such a sweet"--she began, but Mrs.
Pepper did not stop to hear, hurrying out to the adjoining room, shared
by the mother and her baby.

"She isn't here," Polly heard her say in bewildered tones. So Polly, her
long hair blown about her face, ran in, brush in hand.