"Now I must go in," Polly sighed, giving the affectionate animal a last, loving pat. "I thank you ever and ever so much, Colonel Gresham, and I should be happy to go to ride with you again some day. I hope I have n't hindered you. Good-bye."
She skipped up the long walk to the house, the Colonel watching her until she disappeared at a side door.
Polly could not resist peeping into the Doctor's office before going upstairs. The room was empty, and she went slowly on, thinking of David.
Miss Price was standing near the door of the convalescent ward. She turned as Polly entered.
"Where have you been staying?" she asked. "Dr Dudley came long ago."
"Yes, I know; but I was with Colonel Gresham, and I could n't get here till he did."
"Colonel Gresham! Pray, how came you with him?" Miss Price was plainly astonished.
"Why, he took me to catch the Doctor. And Lone Star got there! Oh, did n't he go! Is n't it a love—luscious name?" Polly's eyes shone.
"Child!" sighed the nurse, "what have I told you about using that word?"
"I forgot," Polly answered meekly.