She tripled lightly upstairs, and across the ward to Miss Lucy's side. She slipped the ring into her hand.
The nurse stared her amazement.
"The monkey went in at your window, and took it!" beamed Polly. "The man's just brought it back! He never knew it till he counted his money! OH, he told it so funny!"
"Well!" ejaculated the nurse. Then the echoed Polly's own words, "I'm so glad!"
The children were pressing near, eager to know what was exciting Miss Lucy and Polly.
"Let's see if it fits your finger, Elsie!" taking the hand of the astonished child. "Perfectly! It is a birthday present from Dr. Dudley and me. We were going to give it to you directly after tea; but when I looked for it, it was gone. Polly will tell you the rest."
And Polly did, imitating the organ grinder's words and gestures, till her listeners were shaking with laughter.
Elsie was too overpowered with joy to want to go to bed at all.
"When the lights are out I can't see my ring!" she cried in sudden dismay.
"But you can feel it," returned Polly.