Jasper laughed, and swung his boy up to his broad shoulder.
“I thought you’d like them, Polly,” he said with great satisfaction, looking at her.
“Like them!” repeated Polly in a glow. Then she sprang to her feet, tossed the whole pile into the easy-chair, and ran up to her husband, putting her hand within his arm. “But where is the bag, Jasper?” she asked suddenly.
“Oh, what richness!” sighed Polly.
“Well, the fact of it is, Polly,” said Jasper slowly, “I left the bag at the office. Just for this night,” he added, as he saw her face.
“Why, Jasper?” asked Polly quickly, the color dropping out of her cheek.
“Well, the truth is, I was afraid,” began Jasper.
“Oh! go on, and dance me up and down, Daddy,” screamed Elyot, beating his heels with all his might.
Polly laid her hand on the small feet. “No, no, dear; Mamsie’s going to talk now. Why, Jasper?” she asked again. This time she stood quite still, and looked at him.