“Dear Miss Polly,” began both Ben and Polly in a breath. “Let Polly read,” said Joel, who couldn't hear in the confusion.
“Well, go on Polly,” said Ben; “hurry!”
“Dear Miss Polly, I was so sorry I couldn't come on Thursday—”
“Oh, it's Jasper! it's Jasper!” cried all the children in a breath.
“I told you so!” cried Ben and Polly, perfectly delighted to find their friend vindicated fully—“there! Joey Pepper!”
“Well, I don't care,” cried Joe, nothing daunted, “he didn't come, anyway—do go on, Polly.”
“I was so sorry I couldn't come—” began Polly.
“You read that,” said Joel.
“I know it,” said Polly, “but it's just lovely; 'on Thursday; but my father was sick, and I couldn't leave him. If you don't mind I'll come again—I mean I'll come some other day, if it's just as convenient for you, for I do so want the baking, and the nice time. I forgot to say that I had a cold, to,' (here Jasper had evidently had a struggle in his mind whether there should be two o's or one, and he had at last decided it, by crossing out one) but my father is willing I should come when I get well. Give my love to all, and especially remember me respectfully to your mother. Your friend,
“JASPER ELYOT KING.”