“Polly, did you know? What can we do?” It was impossible for him to conceal his vexation. And Polly lost sight of her own discomfiture, in the attempt to comfort him.
“And father—it will just make him as miserable as can be,” said Jasper gloomily. “And he was so happy over the beautiful time we were going to have this evening.” He was so vexed he could do nothing but prance up and down the hall.
“Well, we must make him forget that she is here,” said Polly, swallowing her own distress at the change of all the conditions.
“How can we, Polly?” Jasper stopped for a minute and stared at her.
“I mean,” said Polly, feeling that it was a very hopeless case after all, “that we mustn't show that we mind it, her coming back, and must act as if we forgot it; and then that will keep him happy perhaps.”
“If you only will, Polly,” cried Jasper, seizing both of her hands, “it will be the best piece of work you ever did.”
“Oh, I can't do it alone,” exclaimed Polly, in consternation. “Never in all this world, Jasper, unless you help too.”
“Then we'll both try our very best,” said Jasper. “I'm sure I ought to; 'twould be mean enough to expect you to go at such a task alone.”
“Oh, you couldn't be mean, Jasper,” declared Polly, in horror at the very thought.
“Well, I should be if I left you to tackle this by yourself,” said Jasper, with a grim little laugh. “So Polly, there's my hand on it. I'll help you.”