Esther smiled wanly when she saw it, and began to cry.
“I want to tell you a secret,” said Polly. “You’ll promise not to repeat it to anybody?” Then said Polly, “I am glad you forgot! I would a great deal rather have the note now than when it was given you.”
Esther looked at her doubtingly. “Glad?” she queried.
“Yes, really and truly glad,” laughed Polly. “Now go and play and forget all about it.”
“And I needn’t feel sorry?” questioned the little girl.
“No, you are to be glad, too.”
Esther smiled and flung her arms about Polly’s neck, whispering, “You are the nicest lady that ever was!”
Alone with the note, Polly did not open it at once. She sat still with her own thoughts. Finally she unfolded the paper, and read:—
Dear Polly: I must see you alone, and somebody is always tagging you round. Please arrange your work so as to meet me up in the grove this evening. I shall be there directly after tea.
Sincerely
David
Polly looked away to the far distant hills—wondering about David. What did he come for? What had he to say to her? Would it have been better if she had let him talk with her, as he wished—as Nita had suggested? No, she could not! She knew well enough what it would have led to. She shook her head, and a shiver ran over her—anything but that! Yes, she had done right.