For a moment she could only sob out her joy.
"Where have you been, Polly, child? We were all so worried—"
"I knew you would be! I knew it! But Aunt Jane made me come! She held me tight and I could n't get away! Mr. Bean was going to tell you last night; but she would n't let him—she sent him to bed! And I tried to telephone to you just now, and I had n't any five cents—oh, dear!"
"Poor little girl!" and the Doctor's voice was very tender.
His eyes passed beyond the curly head to the curb, where a knot of men and boys regarded them curiously.
"Where is the telephone, Polly?" he asked.
"Up there, in the little grocery store." Her hand showed the direction.
He swung her gently into the auto, stepped in beside her, and steered slowly towards the conspicuous sign.
"I'll be back in a minute," he told her and disappeared between the shelves of fruit and vegetables.
Polly's eyes followed him lovingly. Presently he was beside her again.