She glanced up in sudden wonder and hope.
"Our home would n't be home without you. You are going with us, to be our own little daughter! We have it all planned; it has only awaited your sanction."
Polly lay very still, big teardrops trickling down her cheeks.
"You want to go, Thistledown?" the Doctor asked softly.
"Oh," she breathed, "I don't—dare—speak, for fear—it is n't real! It is so beautiful!" She stroked his big hand with her slender little fingers.
"It is very real," he smiled. "You need n't be afraid. We cannot give you the splendid things that you would have with Mrs. Jocelyn; but I can promise you all the love that any little girl could wish for. We want to make your life so happy that you will lose sight of troublesome times that have gone before."
"I could n't help being happy with you and Miss Lucy." And Polly suddenly sprang up, flinging her arms around the Doctor's neck, and resting her cheek against his with almost a sob. "Oh, I wish mamma knew!" she whispered. "Do you s'pose she does?"
"We will surely hope so," he answered. "It seems to me that Haven is nearer than some people believe."
"It would make her so happy," Polly went on. "I do wish you could have known mamma. She was such a dear!"
"I am glad to have so close a friendship with her little daughter," smiled the Doctor.