“What an astonishing gain you have made, little girl!” he said.
“Haven’t I!” she beamed. “And my cheeks are red!—have you noticed?”
He nodded happily.
“You and I are under great obligations to Miss Dudley and her wise father.”
Dolly wagged her head in no uncertain way, and then laid her cheek against his.
“Miss Dudley is the nicest one in all the world,” she said impressively, “except you and Aunt Sophie.”
The talk was growing too personal for Polly’s comfort, so with a casual, “The others are waiting to meet you,” she crossed over to Dr. Abbe and the rest.
The introductions being done with, the party proceeded back to the house, Sardis Merrifield carrying his sister and wheeling Grissel.
On the home veranda Dolly chattered happily.
“You haven’t said yet why you didn’t come yesterday,” she reminded him playfully.