"I think we had better accept."
Harry, evidently surprised, gave one or two short puffs at his pipe. I was myself astonished. I had made sure that Polly would of all the three be the most indignant and determined to reject the offer; for she had been most bitter in her invectives at the Misses Harmer, and money had at present no particular value in her eyes. However, I made no remark expressive of my surprise, but only said,—
"Let us have your reasons, Polly."
"Yes," Harry repeated, "let us have your reasons."
Polly was again silent a little, and sat thoughtfully twining her long taper fingers one over the other; then without looking up she asked,—
"Is it understood and agreed between us that two votes carry the day?"
"Certainly," I said, knowing that my vote would be on Harry's side.
"Quite so," Harry agreed, "if you two girls make up your minds that it is best to accept this offer, I, as I said before, shall offer no objection."
"Well then, Harry, I say—accept, and I will tell you why;" and now, although Polly had not changed her attitude, she spoke clearly and firmly, and her eyes were fixed on the fire with a steady resolute look. "But you must both agree not to interrupt me till I have done."
"I promise," Harry said, looking rather puzzled at Polly's very unusual demeanour.