And just then Grandpapa, who had been talking to Mrs. Corcoran, was saying, “Well, well, it's time to be going, young people.” And Joel put the cat down, that immediately ran between his legs, tripping him up as he turned, thereby making everybody laugh; and so the exit was made merrily.
“Wasn't that fun!” cried Alexia, dancing off down the broken pavement. “Oh, I forgot, I'm going to walk home with Polly,” and she flew back.
“You take yourself away,” cried old Mr. King, with a laugh. “I'm to have Polly to myself on this expedition.”
“Well, at any rate, Clem, you haven't Polly,” announced Alexia as before, running up to her.
“Neither have you,” retorted Clem, in the same way.
“So we will walk together,” said Alexia, coolly possessing herself of Clem's arm. “Those two boys can walk with each other; they're just dying to.”
“How do you know I want to walk with you?” asked Clem abruptly.
“Oh, but do, you sweet thing you! Come on!” and Alexia dragged her off at a smart pace.
“Grandpapa,” cried Polly, hopping up and down by his side, too happy to keep still, while she clung to his hand just as Phronsie would have done, “you are going to have the piano put into the house the very first thing after it is cleaned and ready—the very first thing?” She peered around into his face anxiously.
“The very first thing,” declared the old gentleman. “Take my word for it, Polly Pepper, there sha'n't another article get in before it.”