"What if you did! There was nothing secret about it." The voice was hard and unnatural. Miss Sterling felt the flame in her cheeks.
"Well, I was almost sure that it meant he was going to take you to ride, weren't you?"
"Of course he won't ask me!" She crossed over to the work-table for another stocking.
"I think he will," said Polly decidedly. "You'll go if he does, shan't you?"
"No, not an inch!"
"Oh, why? I'd go in a minute if he'd ask me!"
"Isn't there something we can talk about besides that detestable man! How did Colonel Gresham enjoy Mrs. Adlerfeld?"
"I don't know. I haven't seen him. I guess I'd better go. Mother may want me." Polly walked slowly toward the door.
"I hope I shall be in a more agreeable mood when you come next time," smiled Miss Sterling.
"I hope so," replied Polly soberly.