"Don't!" cried Jasper, with a hand on her arm.
"Let her alone," said Dr. Fisher quickly.
"Oh, Polly!" Phronsie raised herself convulsively on the bed. "You did come—you did!" winding her little arms around Polly's neck. "Has the mouse gone?"
"Yes, yes," said Polly as convulsively; "he's all gone, Phronsie, and I have you fast; just see. And I'll never let you go again."
"Never?" cried Phronsie, straining to get up further into Polly's arms.
"No dear; I'll hold you close just as long as you need me."
"And he won't come again?"
"He can't Phronsie; because, you see, I have you now."
"And the door will open, and I'll have Mamsie and dear Grandpapa?"
"Yes, yes, my precious one," began Mr. King, getting out of the large arm-chair into which they had persuaded him.