"Oh, no! I haven't seen her lately."
Polly waited patiently.
"I came back for my handkerchief," she explained. "I thought I must have dropped it—oh, there it is!"
"Was I dreadfully cross to you? I didn't mean to be, dear child!"
"You weren't a bit!" insisted Polly. "I ought to know better than to torment you about—that man. But I like him so well, I can't understand why you don't. I wish you did!"
The sobs started again, and Miss Sterling got up quickly.
"I don't see what makes me act—like this!" she exclaimed fiercely.
Polly was not obtuse. She began to think hard. Still, Miss Nita had said—Miss Nita would not lie! It was beyond her understanding.
Miss Sterling wiped her eyes.
"You know we're to go on a hike to-morrow," said Polly tentatively.