"It is the best way," observed the Colonel, "to let disagreeable things slip off our shoulders at once. If we should carry them all, we should have a sorry load."
"I guess I'll do that way," smiled Polly; "but Aunt Jane don't slip easy!"
"Shake her off," laughed the Colonel, "and she'll go!"
It was a happy moment up in the ward when Polly opened her box of candy. Such chocolates, such candied cherries and strawberries, with tiny tongs to lift them with, the children had never seen. They chose one apiece all round, which Miss Lucy said was enough for that day, and Polly carried the box down to the Doctor's office, that he might taste her sweets. It never occurred to her that she was entitled to more than the others.
Dr. Dudley heard all about the drive, but nothing of Aunt Jane. Polly had decided to take the Colonel's advice—if she could, and she recollected with relief that Aunt Jane was always more ready to threaten than to perform.
A few days afterwards Dr. Dudley early for Polly.
"Anyway it is n't Aunt Jane at this time," she assured herself, as she ran downstairs.
"Mrs. Jocelyn wants to see you right away," the Doctor told her.
"She does?" wondered Polly. "Do you know for what?"
"I don't know anything," he smiled; "but I guess a good deal."