“Just being sweet as a little flower,” replied Polly, smiling down into the wistful face. “And that is exactly what you are,” she added truthfully.
A look of pleased surprise came into the blue eyes.
“Do you really mean it, Miss Dudley?”
“Really and truly!”
“Then, please let me kiss you.”
Polly bent her head, and Dolly put up her arms and drew her still closer.
“I’m glad you said that now,” she whispered softly, “’cause I want Sardis to know you think it. You are so dear!”
Polly was strangely touched, and quick tears sprang to her eyes. She found herself wondering if Sardis Merrifield had heard the whispered words. As if it mattered whether he had or not!
After the children were asleep and Benedicta had said good-night, the others sat on the moonlit veranda, and merry talk had its way until late. Finally when the five stood together before separating for the night, the visitor said:—
“I want you all to know how grateful I am for your kindness to my sister. It is not only that her gain in health is far more than I thought it ever could be—you have put so much brightness into her life! It is something which I cannot frame in words, but I think you will understand.”