"Wonder how long they'll be gone," put in Elsie.
"I don't know—oh, say, let's clean up the dressing-room, and dust everywhere, so Miss Lucy won't have it to do when she gets back!" And Poly, assured of followers, skipped away for the dust-cloths.
Of course Polly did most of the little tasks; that was to be expected, since she had no lame back or twisted leg or crutches in the way. But everybody that was on his feet had some share in the general service, and was therefore free to appropriate a part of the praise with which Miss Lucy showered them.
Yes, she had had a charming ride, she told them, and they felt it must be so, since they had never seen her in a gayer mood.
"Run up to my room if you can slip away," she whispered to Polly. "I shall be there changing my gown."
After Miss Lucy had gone, the attention of the rest was attracted by a horseback party on the street, and Polly darted away as she had been bidden.
"Dear child!" said Miss Lucy, taking the little face in both her hands. "You have given me a great pleasure."
"It was n't I," laughed Polly. "It was Dr. Dudley. Are n't you glad now that you went?"
"Yes," she smiled. "Because if I had n't, Elsie might not have had this birthday present. Come, see what Doctor and I bought for her."
She opened a small package, disclosing a tiny box. In the box was a little gold signet ring with and Old English "E" engraved upon it.