"I wish I had a chair to offer you," he said, looking about him, as if expecting one to pop into sight. "I suppose I'm indebted to David and Leonora for this visit."
"No, Colonel Gresham, I came to see you especially this time. I was going to ask them what they thought of a little plan I have; but they are not necessary—and you are!"
"Ah! a plan? I wait on your pleasure!" The Colonel bowed with mock gravity.
"Thank you!" chuckled Polly. "Perhaps you won't when you know about it. But I want to see Lone Star first—oh, he's just as beautiful as he ever was!" She patted the neck of the handsome creature and stroked his nose.
The horse whinnied at the attention and eyed her with seeming delight.
"I believe he remembers me, and I haven't spoken to him for—oh, how long is it?"
"My memory cannot extend so far." Colonel Gresham was evidently in a whimsical humor this afternoon.
Lone Star was made happy with more caresses and a full measure of oats, and then the Colonel and Polly walked slowly up to the house.
"When Polly unfolded her plan in regard to the Home ladies Colonel
Gresham's face lighted with interest.
"You can have two of my cars," he said, "on one condition—no, two—that I may drive the big one and that you will sit on the front seat beside me."