“I am not going to have any pony!” was the resolute announcement.
“Oh, yes, you are!” he wheedled. “And we’ll take him with us when we go to our summer home up the Hudson River. Such a fine time you and the boys will have cantering over the country roads!”
For an instant Polly’s eyes sparkled over the picture. Then she came back.
“Uncle Maurice,” she declared, “there isn’t a bit of use in your trying to make me want to go and live with you! I wouldn’t leave father and mother for a hundred thousand ponies and parties and pink dresses and everything!” She slid from her uncle’s arm, and ran over to the Doctor, where she hid her face on his shoulder, breaking into soft sobs.
Mrs. Dudley drew her gently away and upstairs. She ended her cry on her mother’s breast.
When she was called down to bid her uncle good-bye, no mention was made of the subject which had brought the tears, and she thanked him very sweetly for his invitation to visit them sometime in the near future. Yet she watched him drive away in his handsome motor-car with a feeling of relief, and her wave of farewell was accompanied by a radiant smile.