gentleman, but in a guarded tone. "Well, what of it, Polly?"

"Grandpapa," said Polly, "she says her mother is going to take her back
to Paris tomorrow morning."

"How very fine!" exclaimed Mr. King, approvingly; "that is the best
thing I have heard yet. Always bring me such good news, Polly, and I
will lay down my newspapers willingly any time." And he gave a pleased
little laugh.

"But, Grandpapa--" and Polly's face drooped, and there was such a sad
little note in her voice, that the laugh dropped out of his. "Fanny
wanted above all things to hear the Wagner operas--just think of losing
those!" Polly clasped her hands, and every bit of colour flew from her
cheek.

"Well, what can I do about it?" asked the old gentleman, in a great
state of perturbation. "Speak out, child, and tell me what you want."

"Only if I can be pleasant to Fanny," said Polly, a wave of colour
rushing over her face. "I mean if I may go with her? Can I, Grandpapa,
this very evening, just as if--" she hesitated.

"As if what, Polly?"

"As if we all liked them," finished Polly, feeling as if the words must
be said.

There was an awful pause in which Polly had all she could do to keep
from rushing from the room. Then Grandpapa said, "If you can stand it,