"But she ought to know it just as soon as it's talked of," said Jasper, fidgeting at a case of little vials on the table. "Oh! beg pardon again. I'm afraid I've smashed that chap," as one rolled off to the floor. "I'm no end sorry," picking up the bits ruefully.
"I have several like it," said the doctor kindly, and settling another powder in its little paper.
"There were a lot of girls with Polly when I looked in upon her on my way out. But we'll catch a chance to tell her soon, my boy."
"Oh! I suppose so. A lot of giggling creatures. How Polly can stand their chatter, I don't see," cried Jasper impatiently.
"They've been shut off from Polly for some time, you know," said Dr.
Fisher quietly. "We must remember that."
"Polly doesn't like some of them a bit better than I do," said Jasper explosively, "only she puts up with their nonsense."
"It's rather a difficult matter to pick and choose girls who are in the same classes," said the doctor, "and Polly sees that."
"Don't I know it?" exclaimed Jasper, in an astonished tone. "Dear me, Dr. Fisher, I've watched Polly for years now. And she's always done so." He stopped whirling the articles on the office table, and bestowed a half-offended look on the little physician.
"Softly, softly, Jasper," said Dr. Fisher composedly. "Of course you've used your eyes. Now don't spoil things by saying anything, but let Polly 'go her own gait,' I beg of you." Then he turned to his powders once more.
"She will, anyway," declared Jasper. "Whatever she makes up her mind to do, Polly does that very thing."