[Illustration: "I'M GOING HOME." DECLARED CHARLOTTE.]
"Because they are not," said Charlotte bitterly, "at least, they can't love me, if they do try to make me happy."
"Stuff and nonsense!" exclaimed Ben.
"And Polly"—then Charlotte pulled herself up.
"Well, what about Polly?" demanded Ben.
"Oh, nothing." Charlotte twisted uneasily, and shut her lips tightly together.
"If you think my sister Polly doesn't love you and want to make you happy, there's no use in my talking to you," said Ben, in a displeased way.
"I didn't say so," cried Charlotte quickly. "Oh, don't go. You are the only one who can help me," as he made a movement toward the door. "I never told anybody else, and they don't guess."
"And it's a pity that they should now," said Ben. "I tell you,
Charlotte, if you never say anything like this again, I'll believe that
you're the girl I thought you, with plenty of sense, and all that.
There, give us your hand. Hurry up, now; here comes Phronsie."
Charlotte slowly laid her hand in Ben's big palm, as Phronsie opened the oaken door, and peered out into the darkness.