For one instant Polly’s eyes lighted; then, as suddenly, they were dulled by a shadow. In that brief time she had seen the face of John Eustis change from dismay to smiling courtesy.
“He doesn’t want me,” was the girl’s humiliating thought, and she spoke out quickly, halting the seemingly eager words upon the man’s lips.
“Oh, no, I can’t go this morning! It is impossible!”
“Do come! I wish you would,” John made response.
“How am I to get home?” Polly smiled.
“Oh, how stupid of me!” scowled Kate. Then she brightened. “Why can’t you ride up with the grocer?”
“He must be far on his route by this time. No, there isn’t any way for me to get back—unless I walk,” she laughed.
John looked troubled. What was it? Polly could not tell.
“I wonder if—” he began.
“Teeters and tongs!” broke in Benedicta from the kitchen; “you go right along, Miss Polly! I’ll drive down after yer soon ’s I get my work done.”