"But, oh, dear!" groaned Leonora, "that Aunt Jane will get you again, sure! Oh, Dr. Dudley, don't let her go alone, please don't!"
Polly laughed happily. It was hard for Leonora to realize that Mrs. Bean had no more power over her beloved friend.
But Dr. Dudley did not laugh. Leonora had been of the band of anxious ones on that night of suspense, and he could understand how she still feared to have Polly venture for without a protector.
"You need not worry," he assured her. "I shall not let Polly out of my sight until she is safely inside Mrs. Jocelyn's house."
"I could go alone just as well," smiled the little girl. "There is n't any danger."
"It is too long a walk," returned the Doctor, "and don't you dare to come back, young lady, until you come with me!" He shook his finger at her threateningly.
She giggled, while David remarked, with a mischievous twinkle:—
"That would be a good way to keep her there—you need n't go after her!"
"Do you want me to stay away, David Collins?" demanded Polly.
"No, I don't," he admitted laughing.