And the beautiful day was over.
CHAPTER XXIII
THE UNINVITED GUEST
“THEY’RE coming!” announced Joel, with a wry face. “O dear me!”
“How fine!” exclaimed Polly brightly. It was quite elegant to be waiting for company, but it began to be a bit tiresome. Now they had really come! “Hurry and open the door, Joe.”
Joel deserted the window and the green door being opened, in walked Peletiah.
“Where’s Ezekiel?” cried Joel, looking past him.
“Oh, Joel,” exclaimed Polly, in great distress, for she dearly loved fine manners, “you must shake hands.” Then she put out her hand, and said, “I’m glad you’ve come, Peletiah.”
Joel stuck out his little brown hand, then drew it back. “He won’t do it,” he said, as Peletiah, having to think about it first, wasn’t ready.
“Never mind,” said Polly; “isn’t Ezekiel coming?”
“My mother said he would come in half an hour,” said Peletiah, “and I’m going to stay until five o’clock.”