“Then I’ll go home,” Ilga decided, and went slowly up the stairs.
Polly followed sadly, but presently returned, having given over to her mother the care of the Senator’s daughter.
Leonora ran to meet her. “What is the matter?” she whispered.
“I know!” spoke up Cornelius. “She don’t like the crowd. I had to hear what she said about me. Say, Polly, I’ll get out, if that’ll make her stay.”
“You shan’t!” Polly’s eyes flashed. Then they brimmed with tears. “I want you, Cornelius—I want you all! I wouldn’t have you go for anything! Come, let’s play—what shall we play? You choose, Cornelius!”
The game was moving pleasantly along when the Barron coach stopped at the door. For a few minutes the interest of the players flagged; then, having seen Ilga whirled out of sight, a festive spirit fell upon all, and the play went on more merrily than before.
Game followed game, and mirth was high, when Elsie Meyer, out for a forfeit, suddenly cried:—
“Oh, me! oh, my! the fairies have come!”
This was enough to halt the others, and the glimpse of a white-and-gold automobile drew the little crowd to the front windows.
Wonder and delight were on the children’s faces, as they watched the motorists alight. The dapper man and the slight little woman were given small attention, for in the car were two of the tiniest, dearest midgets that anybody had ever seen. As soon as it was known that they were actually coming into the house, the excitement was great.