Joel's good-by floated back as he raced down the stairs and overtook the group waiting for him out on the big stone steps.
"Who's keeping us waiting now, I wonder?" said Ben, as he came up panting.
"Well, I guess I'm going to bid my Mamsie good-by, too," said Joel, importantly. "Come on, Dave, let's race to the big gate!"
II
BEN'S PLAN
When Phronsie saw the two boys racing away, she wanted to run too, and started to patter off after them.
"No, no, Phronsie," said Polly, calling her back. "She'll get all tired out to begin with," she said to Ben, "then what should we do?"
"Oh, I want to race to the big gate with Joel and David," said Phronsie, coming back slowly. "Can't I, Polly? Do let me," she begged.
"No," said Polly, decidedly, "you'll get all tired out, Phronsie."