Putting her guest into the best chair, Polly sat down and beamed at him with such hospitable satisfaction, that Tom went up several pegs in his own estimation.
“You don't come very often, so we are rather over-powered when you do honor us,” she said, demurely.
“Well, you, know we fellows are so busy, we have n't much time to enjoy ourselves,” answered Tom.
“Ahem!” said Will, loudly.
“Take a troche,” said Tom.
Then they both burst out laughing, and Polly, fully understanding the joke, joined them, saying, “Here are some peanuts, Tom; do enjoy yourself while you can.”
“Now I call that a delicate compliment!” And Tom, who had not lost his early relish for this sort of refreshment, though he seldom indulged his passion nowadays, because peanuts are considered vulgar, fell to cracking and munching with great satisfaction.
“Do you remember the first visit I made at your house, how you gave me peanuts, coming from the depot, and frightened me out of my wits, pretending the coachman was tipsy?” asked Polly.
“Of course I do, and how we coasted one day,” answered Tom, laughing.
“Yes, and the velocipede; you've got the scar of that yet, I see.”