“I know,” Polly answered gravely; “but what is the matter with mine? Besides, I shouldn’t drive fast or run any risks.”
“I should worry about you every minute. Foolish, you and your father would say; but I should all the same.”
“Don’t!—for I dreadfully want one. If you could have seen how Little Duke enjoyed it to-day!” And she repeated his remarks.
Within a week Polly had her license and she and Evan were spinning over the country roads in the new car, Polly chuckling over her number, which she declared was the very best in the whole list. She was an apt pupil, and absolutely without fear. Mrs. Dudley soon decided to take some of the children and occupy the back seat, rather than wait at home wondering if anything had happened, and her first ride with Polly at the wheel seemed to rid her of all apprehension. She argued no more against the new machine.
The car was in use whenever its owner could take out any of her small patients or leave them. None needed skilled care throughout the day, and several of her friends were ready to act as substitute for an hour or two at almost any time. Patricia or Lilith or Hilda would frequently be found in charge of Paradise Ward, while Polly and her mother were downtown on a shopping excursion or on some visit across the city.
She had run down alone one afternoon to make some small purchases, when, on coming out of a shop, she found herself facing John Eustis.
“I’m glad to know you are still in the flesh,” he began. “I never get sight of you nowadays.”
“Is it as much as a week since I saw you at Vesta Jordan’s?” smiled Polly.
He laughed his answer. And then, “Going home? May I walk up with you?”
“You may ride up with me. I drove down, that being the quickest way.”