I'm afraid unkind, but I didn't stop to think, and just kept on running
until I found Sprite waiting for me at the gate."

"And she clasped my hand," said Sprite, continuing the story, "and she
never told me a word of all this, but, instead, she said: 'Come quick!
Oh, come quick!' and together we raced along until we met you, Polly.

"Wasn't it funny? Rose knew why we were running, but I didn't. I ran
because she told me to, and I had to, to keep up with her!"

Princess Polly looked thoughtful. "You don't really believe she could
make you live with her again, do you?" she asked.

"Oh, Rose, you haven't but just begun to live at Avondale!"

"Uncle John said she'd not easily get me away from him," Rose said,
"and it may be that I needn't have been so frightened, but I feel
better out here, and I'll stay out until I know that she must have
gone home. Come! We won't let it spoil our fun. We'll have a fine long
walk, and when I get back, Great Aunt Rose will have surely gone."

One part of the road over which they walked was bordered on either
side by white birches. Yet a bit farther willows took the place of
birches, and there they left the road to cross the meadows, coming out
into the bright sunlight.

The three little playmates had walked rapidly, and now began to slacken
their pace, and when they reached a clump of trees, they sat down to
enjoy the cool shade, and to talk for a while.