"What fun!"
"We'll be down in a minute."
The minute was a short one; for the girls snatched their hats in passing through the hall, and quickly surrounded the carriage, in a gay, laughing group. Alan came sauntering down the stairs after them, and stood leaning in the doorway, watching them settle themselves preparatory to starting. Something in the lad's position struck Mrs. Adams, and she beckoned to him.
"Come too, Alan; that is, if you can stand it with so many girls."
"May I? Is there room?"
He ran out to the carriage, then stopped, hesitating, as he saw
Polly touch her mother's arm, and shake her head silently.
"I don't believe I'll go," he said, drawing back.
"Why not?" asked Mrs. Adams, in surprise.
"I don't think Polly wants me to," answered the boy frankly. "I don't want to be in the way." And he turned back to the house.
"'Tisn't that, mamma," said Polly, blushing at being caught. "I'd like to have Alan go, well enough, only I was afraid it would be too much for Job to take so many of us."