Polly fetched it gladly.
“There is fifty dollars, a little present from Patty and me, and I hope you will have as much pleasure in spending it as we have in giving.”
Polly thanked her, and then added:—
“I wouldn’t take it, as I told Patricia before I came, only that I want the money for a very special purpose.”
Mrs. Illingworth’s eyes narrowed, as was their habit in surprise, and she started to speak; but Polly was going innocently on, and the lady glanced keenly at her daughter, who was standing transfixed in the door of her room.
“I was wishing I could earn some,” Polly was saying, “when Patty offered this if I would come for a month; so it happened just right. I thank you ever so much, and for my lovely visit beside.”
It is doubtful if either the mother or daughter heard much of Polly’s grateful little speech. Patricia’s face burned with shame at her forgetfulness, and she wondered what her mother would say as soon as Polly was out of hearing.
As for Polly she went blithely on her way, never dreaming that by fortunate chance Mrs. Illingworth’s gift came to cover up a bit of negligence.
Fair Harbor was not reached until evening. To Polly’s surprise, her father was not at the station. Her letter, she reasoned, could not have been received. But the road was well-known and the hour was not late, so she took the way to Lady Gay Cottage with a light heart.