“Oh dear, don't!” cried Polly in dismay, trying her best to stop her, “oh, Phronsie, do stop!” she implored, pointing into the next room whence the sound of happy voices issued, “they'll all hear you!”
But Phronsie in her grief didn't care, but wailed on steadily.
“Who is it anyway?” cried Joel, tired of admiring his precious shoes, and getting up to hear them squeak, “that great big man, you know, Polly, that came in with you?”
“Why, I thought I told you,” said Polly, at her wit's end over Phronsie. “It's Percy and Van's father, Joey!”
“Whockey!” cried Joel, completely stunned, “really and truly, Polly Pepper?”
“Really and truly,” cried Polly, bundling Phronsie up in her arms to lay the little wet cheek against hers.
“Then I'm going to peek,” cried Joel, squeaking across the floor to carry his threat into execution.
“Oh, you mustn't, Joe!” cried Polly, frightened lest he should. “Come right back, or I'll tell mamsie!”
“They're all comin' in, anyway,” cried little Davie, delightedly, and scuttling over to Polly's side.
“And here are the little friends I've heard so much about!” cried Mr. Whitney coming in amongst them. “Oh, you needn't introduce me to Polly—she brought me home!”