"He's been sick, Elvira," Polly made haste to say. "Now come, child, you can help me."
"I don't want to. I'm goin' to stay here," said Elvira, laying a hand on Jasper's chair.
"Elvira!" Polly got no further, but it really wasn't necessary, for she went without further words.
"Polly, make her come over and help me," called Joel, from his chair.
"No, she is going to stay with me," said Polly, but she gave a sigh.
Pip, who had raised his head at entrance of the visitors, ducked it behind the pile of greens at sight of Elvira. And now he shivered as her thin, high voice piped out, "Where's that other boy?"
"The boys are all here," said Polly, absently, as indeed they were, even little Dick, who was happy with Phronsie in a quiet corner, tying little wreaths for one of her doll houses.
"Oh, I don't mean these boys," said Elvira, waving her thin arms scornfully around the roomful. "They're no good. Where's that other boy that was at supper last night?" she craned her neck to catch the sight she desired.
"She means Pip," said Alexia. Pip, at hearing his name, unguardedly raised his head.
"There he is! There he is!" exclaimed Elvira, joyfully. And, deserting Polly, she rushed over to the pile of greens. "I'm goin' to play with you," she said.