Polly met her at the kitchen door with proffers of assistance.
“No, you go ’long to your comp’ny,” returned the housekeeper. “I don’t need any help.”
Polly turned away, but was arrested by a little exclamation from Benedicta who was opening her parcels.
“What’s the matter?”
“Nothin’,” was the short answer.
“Better let me put the things in the pantry while you start dinner,” urged Polly. “I can fill the sugar bowls, too—where is the sugar?” She took up a paper bag, but it held rye flour.
“You just tend to your business,” spoke up Benedicta, “and let mine alone. Thank you, but I don’t wa—need you round.”
Polly went at once. What could be the matter with Benedicta!
The dessert was not what Polly had looked for, only a shortcake made with canned peaches. What the sugar had been especially wanted for was the fresh fruit set aside for the shortcake.
“You don’t get many berries up here, do you?” observed Marietta.