“Yes, it is getting late,” said Jessie, “and I mustn’t be out after dark.”
“I hope you are bundled up warm,” said Miss Betty, “for it is getting so cold.”
“I’ll run all the way,” said Jessie, “and that will keep me warm.” She made her adieux and started off, her thoughts full of Miss Eloise and her secret.
CHAPTER XII
What Was Found Out
CHAPTER XII
What Was Found Out
That winter had really come was made apparent the next morning when a light fall of snow covered the ground. Jessie looked out of her window and saw that Playmate Polly wore a white hood and that a scarf of snow hung down on one side of her. “I think it looks rather well,” said Jessie to herself. “I wonder if mother will let me go where I can see closer. I have never been to Polly’s in winter time. I wish it were Saturday.”
She was so excited over the new snow that she could scarcely wait till breakfast was over to go down the hill toward the brook. Mrs. Loomis consented to her making a short call upon Playmate Polly. “For I do so want to see her white hood,” said Jessie, “and I will wear my rubbers so I shall not get my feet wet. If Adele comes tell her I will be back in five minutes, or may I stay ten minutes, mother?”
“Not longer,” her mother told her.
She set off over the untrodden snow that lay between the house and the fence, but beyond this she discovered that some one had been before her, for there were footprints in the snow, queer little footprints that went on for a short distance and then stopped beginning again further on.
“Eb has been down to see Polly,” said Jessie to herself. She ran on leaving her own footprints by the side of Eb’s and when she was within a little distance of the row of willows, she saw that Eb was sitting on Polly’s head, and was, as Adele said, whispering in her ear. Jessie stood still for a moment to watch him, and while she was looking suddenly he disappeared. Jessie was astonished. “Where in the world has he gone?” she exclaimed. “I saw him and then I didn’t see him. I must go right there and ask Polly about it.” She went on toward the tree and presently discovered that which had the appearance of a hood when she saw it from her window had now changed into a wreath upon Polly’s head. “I think that is very funny,” said Jessie.