Pretty Polly Perkins

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PRETTY
POLLY PERKINS

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THE ARRIVAL AT ENDMEADOW.

PRETTY
POLLY PERKINS

BY

N

GABRIELLE E. JACKSON

AUTHOR OF " DENISE AND NED TOODLES "

ILLUSTRATED BY

C. M. RELYEA

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NEW YORK

THE CENTURY CO.

1900

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Copyright, 1900, by
THE CENTURY Co.

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THE DEVINNE PRESS.

TO OUR LITTLE DAUGHTER,

ELOISE DENISE,

TRULY THE SUNSHINE OF OUR LIVES,

THIS STORY IS MOST AFFECTIONATELY

INSCRIBED BY HER

MOTHER

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

i POLLY 1

ii POLLY'S TREASURE-HOUSE 8

in THE NEW BOARDERS ARRIVE 14

iv POLLY'S INTRODUCTION 21

v Miss WHEELER'S STORY 31

vi "MERRY MOLLY" AND "MERRY POLLY" . . 39

vn JAMIE 46

viii "A TRIP TO FAIRYLAND" 54

ix THE SLEEPING BEAUTY'S PALACE . . . .63

x MARION'S WISH 71

xi BOB DISTINGUISHES HIMSELF 81

xii JAMIE'S MOSQUITO EXTERMINATOR ... 88
xm LIGHTNING-EXPRESS DRESSMAKING . . . .91
xrv RUTH'S SURPRISE ....... 97

xv "DEAR DADDY'S" ARRIVAL 107

xvi UNCLE BERT 115

xvn POLLY'S "BRIGHT IDEA" 123

xviii IN THE ATTIC . 134

xix THE FOURTH-OF-JULY CELEBRATION . . . 142

xx POLLY PROVES HERSELF THE STAR OF THE

COMPANY 150

xxi UNCLE BERT'S SURPRISE AXD MABEL'S BIRTHDAY 158

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viii CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

xxn MOLLY CONFIDES IN UNCLE BERT AND POLLY . 166
xxin POLLY'S TALENT is DISCOVERED . . . 174

xxrv POLLY'S WISH is GRANTED 183

xxv POLLY RESCUES MABEL 189

xxvi POLLY'S REWARD 197

xxvii "TONY COMES A-CALLING" .... 205
xxvni MRS. TEMPLE'S BIRTHDAY PRESENT . . . 212

xxix AROUND THE FIRE 222

xxx GOOD-BYS 231

xxxi POLLY ENTERS AN ENCHANTED WORLD . . 237
xxxn POLLY MAKES NEW DISCOVERIES .... 243

xxxni POLLY'S DREAM 249

xxxiv POLLY'S SCHEME 256

xxxv UNCLE BERT ASKS FOR A CHRISTMAS PRESENT 264

xxxvi MERRY CHRISTMAS 273

xxxvii UNCLE BERT MAKES A GIFT AND RECEIVES ONE 281
xxxvni THE CURTAIN DROPS , 289

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

THE ARRIVAL AT ENDMEADOW .... Frontispiece

PAGE

" Miss POLLY PERKINS HAS COME TO LUNCH WITH You " 25

MABEL IN HER " CHARIOT " 59

" UNCLE BERT HAS BROUGHT ME A PONY AND TRAP'' 129
THE MORNING OF MRS. TEMPLE'S BIRTHDAY . . 219
THE CHRISTMAS TREE , 267

PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

CHAPTER I

POLLY

; OLLY ! Polly ! come here this minute ! "
cried a high-pitched, nervous voice j and
an anxious-faced woman looked out of
the buttery window of a quaint New
England farm-house.

u Where in the name of the people
has that child gone, I 'd like to know?" continued the
voice. " All those city folks a-comin' at twelve o'clock,
and just about fifty things to be done ! "

" Here I am, ma," answered a soft voice from a clump
of bushes which grew about fifty feet from the buttery
door. " I just ran down to give Bonny those apple-
parings, and to tell her I love her dearly.

" Well, I reckon she knows that already, 'cause you tell
her so at least fifty times a day j and I know she ain't a
mite hungry, for 't ain't half an hour since you just fair
filled her up with bread and milk," said the owner of the
nervous voice, with a queer smile creeping into her face.

" Law sakes ! " the woman continued to herself, " what
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2 PEETTY POLLY PEEKINS

in the world am I going to do with that child ? She ain't
no more like her brothers and sisters than I 'm like that
calf out yonder."

And this was quite true. Mrs. Perkins, a most energetic
woman, had gone through the forty years of her life
without the faintest realization of what she was miss-
ing by failing to discover the softer, more tender side
of existence. Her days were filled with a busy round
of work and duties, not one of which must be neglected.
Her home was spotless from garret to cellar, and the four
children lacked nothing of bodily comforts. Each boy and
each girl was scrupulously neat, from gingham sunbon-
nets and wool caps straight down to home-knit stockings
and socks. A string gone from a sunbonnet or a hole
in a sock would have been a source of mortification too
dreadful to contemplate, and Mrs. Perkins lived in a
feverish state of anxiety lest so great a disgrace should
fall upon her.

To the three older children this state of affairs in the
home was quite a matter of course. Ma had always bus-
tled about, and kept them bustling, too, ever since they
could toddle, and so they continued to bustle, and never,
excepting when blessed sleep came to their rescue, knew
what it meant to be perfectly quiet.

Josiah, the eldest, a lad past sixteen, and commonly
known as " Josh," was a tall fellow, and his father's right-
hand man on the farm. With the combined inheritance
of his father's strength and his mother's energy, he usu-
ally managed to get enough work done in a day to serve
for two boys.

POLLY 3

His sister Ruth, two years his junior, was a veritable
housewife, a second edition of her mother, and perfectly
satisfied if the loaves of bread turned out of the pans
in tempting brown hills, or the currant-jelly "jelled"
properly.

Bob, the third child, was thirteen, and certainly had
managed to concentrate within himself all the fun which
should have been distributed among the entire four in
order that each might have had their proper share. But
the two elder children seemed to have missed their share
in some way, and little Polly, the youngest of all, was
just as sweet as she could be, and did not need the fun to
increase her charms.

Polly was ten years old ; and how Polly ever happened
to belong to the Perkins family seemed a question that
none of the neighbors, and certainly none of the board-
ers who came to the farm from the city each summer,
could answer. She seemed like a little wild rose grow-
ing among cucumber-vines, turnips, tomatoes, and other-
necessary garden plants, and quite as unlike them.

She was a small child, and most daintily proportioned,
with delicately formed features, eyes as big, brown, and
soft as those of the little Alderney calf she loved so dearly,
a complexion like a wild rose, and a mouth as prettily
curved as its petals. The little hands seemed formed for
dainty work only, and the small feet, that danced along so
lightly, seemed imprisoned in the stout, " good-wearin"
shoes which covered them.

Altogether, Polly seemed to have been dropped into
the wrong home, for even though she had all the crea-

4 PEETTY POLLY PEEKINS

ture comforts, there seemed to be a lack somewhere, and
Polly was constantly trying to supply it herself, little
realizing that it must come from other sources.

As she walked up the path to the buttery door, she
made as pretty a picture as one could wish for. The
little sunbonnet had fallen from her head and was hang-
ing by its strings, revealing all the pretty brown hair,
upon which the sunshine was glittering.

The big brown eyes looked a little anxiously at the
window, but the lips beneath still held their soft, sweet
curves. The softest of pink flushes overspread her face,
for Polly and Bonny had been making love to each other,
and Bonny's love-making was rather vigorous.

" 1 'm coming, ma, and I won't be two little minutes
redding up the pantry," she said as she came in. " But
Bonny is so good, and loves me so dearly, that I just
can't leave her alone out there all morning."

" I reckon she 711 keep," said Mrs. Perkins. " And now
I want you to fly around right smart and get the pantry
red up while I go up and air the chambers. Land sake !
if Mrs, Temple and that delicate leetle creeter should
get here before I have their rooms fresh aired, I 7d be
just mortified to death ! " And away she bustled to air
and dust the three bedchambers, which were already as
sweet and fresh as sunshine and soap and water could
make them.

Meanwhile Polly set about her work of putting in
order the pantry, and at once went off into a little world
of her own.

" Now, I 'm going to make believe I 'm a princess, and

POLLY 5

all these shiny pans and spoons are solid, solid silver/' she
said impressively. " This is my store-room, and 1 'm put-
ting away my treasures. How that milk-pan does shine !
I wonder how ma ever gets them so bright. Don't reckon
I could, if I shined till I was an old woman. Oh, dear !
I am afraid I never, never shall make things look as ma
makes them. I wonder why I can't. I do believe it 's
because I don't like to. I don't, and it 's no use to think I
do. And that 's awful wicked. I know 't is, 'cause ma says
so. Well, now I 'm a princess, and never mind the old
pans. They are not pans now ; they 're silver. What is
that word in the fairy-tale book ? Strenchers — yes, that 's
it — silver strenchers." And Polly gave an extra shine
to her trencher as she hung it upon its own particular
hook.

Will your Highness deign to inspect this silver bowl ? "
Ah, a bowl? A fine specimen of workmanship,
indeed ! " And the princess takes into her hand an arti-
cle which a less inspired being would be tempted to
regard as a tin dipper, but which to our princess is a
costly and marvelous bit of the silversmith's art.

" How I wish," she continued, " that I could find the
lost leaves of that fairy-book I found in the attic so long
ago ! It is such a lovely story, and I don't know what
became of the princess after the prince found his way
into the palace. How nice it must be to be a princess,
and have a lovely room, and all sorts of pretty things !
I wonder if ma would let me fix up my room and
make it pretty. Just as soon as I 've done my work —
and I '11 do it extra nice — I '11 ask her." And she flew

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6 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

about like the little fairy she was, and soon had the pan-
try as " spandy " nice as willing hands and artistic tastes
could make such an every-day affair.

After all, it takes an artist even to make pans and
spoons hang straight, and our little maid did not realize
that no one but Polly in all that busy household could
ever give to the pantry just that touch of exquisite neat-
ness and order that was required to make it look as it
did.

Meantime the footsteps flew about overhead as the
chambers were made ready to welcome Mrs. Temple, her
invalid daughter, and the merry companion who shared
with her the unremitting care of the poor little invalid.

In the midst of the bustling a bonny face appeared at
the door, and Polly said :

" Ma, may I come in and put on the frillies ? r

" The what ? " asked the astonished woman.

" The frillies — don't you know? Just the little fix-ups
that I know Mabel would like to see if she is tired and
don't feel good."

" Well, I never ! If you ain't the oddest child I ever
did see ! What more can she want to see, I 'd like to
know, than a nice, clean room and a sweet, fresh bed
to lie down in ? ''

" Why, I think she 'd like some posies, ma, and the
things set sort of handy-like ; don't you ? n said the little
maid. And she placed a table, with the lamp upon it, near
the old sofa, set the rocking-chair in the sunny window,
and then ran out into the garden to gather a bunch of
roses and pansies. Returning to the room, she put her

POLLY 7

posies into a little china vase from the high mantel-shelf,
and, after placing them upon the table by the sofa, stood
still in the middle of the room to decide upon the next
move to be made, for Mrs. Perkins had now gone about
other duties.

"I wonder if ma would let me bring down that old
blue-and-white quilt grandma made. I '11 ask her." And
she flew down to the kitchen, where Mrs. Perkins was al-
ready busy with her preparations for dinner.

" Ma, do you mind if I go up garret and get out some
things to fix up my room pretty, and the blue quilt to
put in Mabel's room?71

" Blue quilt ! Why, 't ain't winter, child ! What do they
want of a great, heavy quilt like that ? "

" No 5 I know they won't want it to keep warm with j
but just to look pretty, ma — please do ! "

"The idea of a quilt bein' pretty! Land sake! who
ever heard such nonsense? But go 'long and get your
quilt, and let me be, for I 'm clear rushed with this din-
ner. * If them dumplin's don't turn out light, I just be-
lieve I '11 give up."

" Oh, they '11 be nice, ma ; they always are," said the
little daughter, who was never known to say anything
depressing, but who went through life dropping bits of
sunshine for all about her.

CHAPTER II

POLLY'S TREASURE-HOUSE

| HE garret was a sort of Aladdin's palace
to Polly, for here were stored all the cast-
off belongings of at least three genera-
tions, and, had the present owners but
been alive to the fact, a very treasure-
house of beautiful possessions, quaint
old mahogany stands, dressing-tables, sofas and chairs,
were pushed off in dark corners, as too old-fashioned and
worn to be of any use in the present day ; chests of cam-
phor-wood and red cedar which contained hangings and
wearing apparel that had belonged to grandmothers of
previous generations : for the " Perkinses," as their neigh-
bors called them, had lived in Endmeadow since Pilgrim
days, and had formerly possessed more of this world's
goods than the present branch boasted.

A New England farm even in its most prosperous
days was not a gold-mine, as gold-mines are now
thought of, but had to be cultivated most carefully.
Still, the forefathers had brought with them to the new
land many beautiful things from the mother-country,

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POLLY'S TREASURE-HOUSE 9

and wealth to surround themselves with whatever the
New World had to offer them. But many years had
passed by, and at the time our story opens only a small
proportion of his forefathers' wealth remained for Mr.
Perkins. True, they lacked no creature comforts, but
long years of yielding had exhausted the soil, never too
fertile, and the country had grown beyond the little
homestead, and the world was so much bigger.

Perhaps Polly inherited the beauty, graces, and artistic
tastes of some of the ancestors whose portraits were tucked
away behind the dusty old beams, and longed to enjoy the
things their more cultivated tastes had delighted in. How-
ever that might be, certain it was that she fairly reveled
in the treasures she discovered there, and the attic was a
never-ending source of delight to her.

Making straight for the old cedar chest, she took from it
the blue-and- white quilt in question, and carried it down-
stairs to spread it upon the old sofa. To so arrange it that
it draped gracefully was simple work for Polly's artistic
little fingers, and the touch of " homeiness " it gave to the
room was truly surprising. She was delighted, and flew
back to the attic to rummage on her own account. And
the chest held wonderful treasures — far more wonderful
than little Polly guessed, quick as she was to appreciate
the beautiful. First she brought to light a curiously
woven white bedspread. Then followed a table-cover of
silk and silver threads, with funny little balls of silk and
silver all around its edge. Then came some heavy damask
curtains. But these, Polly decided, were too big and thick
for her small bedroom, so they were carefully laid back.

10 PRETTY POLLY PEEKINS

" No, I won't take you downstairs," she said, speaking
to the curtains as though they were capable of under-
standing her. " You ought to go into the parlor in winter-
time, and hang at the windows, and there ought to be a big,
bright fire in the fireplace. I wish ma would take away that
ugly old black stove, and put in the andirons that are up
here. They would be so pretty."

Where, oh, where did Polly get her ideas from ? Cer-
tainly not from the practical, busy mother, who would
have regarded the andirons as " messy things that make
a cart-load of dust."

Presently she came upon some quaint old dimity
draperies, and at once had a rapture. "Just the
very things!" she cried, "if ma will only let me put
them up. I won't even ask her, but when I get the
room all pretty, I '11 call her to look at it, and won't
she be surprised ! ' And Polly clapped her hands de-
lightedly.

" Now, that Js all I want out of you, dear old chest, so
good-by till I come again."

On a shelf were a pair of curious brass candlesticks
and two odd-shaped urns made of what Polly called
" dirty iron," and on the floor beneath the shelf stood a
pair of brass andirons, an old poker and tongs, and a pair
of bellows studded with brass nails. Polly pounced
upon them and dragged them forth in triumph.

" Now I must hurry and get my room all fixed up
before Mrs. Temple comes," thought she, as she started
downstairs with her arms full.

For one round hour Polly worked hard, and at the end of
that time the little room was transformed into a cozy nest.

POLLY'S TREASUEE-HOUSE 11

The white spread covered the little bed ; the high mantel-
shelf held the candlesticks and " dirty iron K vases ; the
hideous old paper fireboard had been removed, the brick
fireplace nicely brushed out, and the andirons, which, like
the candlesticks, had been rubbed till you could see your
face in them, stood in the fireplace, with the poker
mounting guard on one side and the tongs on the other,
while across the andirons rested the " belluses," as Polly
called them.

" Now 1 11 run out and find Josh, and he '11 put up the
nails for my curtains, I guess."

Off danced Polly, and soon found Josh out in the
kitchen-garden weeding peas and beans.

" Josh, won't you come with me a minute I But don't
tell anybody what you 're coming for."

" How can I tell anybody when I don't know myself,
you little puddin'-head ? " said Josh, who dearly loved to
tease Polly.

" Well, you '11 know pretty soon j but bring the ham-
mer, and some nails, too."

"I 'd like to know what you 're at, anyhow," said
Josh; but no information was vouchsafed him as he
followed Polly upstairs.

He stopped at the door in amazement, exclaiming:
" Well, I '11 be gol-durned if you don't beat all I ever
heard tell on ! Who put this notion in your head, I 'd
like to know ! "

" Did n't anybody put it there," answered Polly. " It
just came all by itself."

" What yer goin' to do with them bellus things? Blow
out your lamp, nights ? ':

12 PEETTY POLLY PERKINS

"No; I don't want to do anything but just look at
them/7 answered Polly.

" Look at 'em ! They ain't worth lookin' at. You can
find a heap sight better-lookin' things up to Springfield
in the stores."

" Well, I like them," answered Polly, positively, " and
so it does n't matter."

Presently Josh had the nails driven, and the curtains
were put up by running a stout cord through the valance
at the top.

Polly gave a finishing touch by tying them back with
pieces of ribbon from among her few stored-away trea-
sures, and, after putting her simple belongings — consist-
ing of a Bible she had received from her Sunday-school
teacher, a little work-box, and a few pretty shells — upon
her table, she pronounced all finished, and stood with
Josh at the door to admire the effect.

" You 're the queerest kid I ever run up against," was
his characteristic remark. " What in the world do you
want of all that stuff stuck round for, anyhow ? "

" Why, don't you like to look at it, Josh ? I do. It
makes me feel sort of happy all over."

When Josh and Polly reached the foot of the stairs,
they found Mrs. Perkins in the cleanest of starched print
gowns, and Ruth standing beside her in an immaculate
blue-and- white-checked gingham. Her mother had brushed
her hair till it shone like satin, and the great, heavy braids
fell far below her waist.

" Land sakes ! what have you been a-doin' ? " Mrs. Per-
kins exclaimed, at the sight of Polly's tousled hair and

POLLY'S TEEASUEE-HOUSE 13

rumpled-up frock. "You look as if you 'd been a-house-
cleanin'."

"So I have, ma/7 laughed Polly, "and I wish you 'd
come to see my house j it looks just as sweet as can be."

" Well, you don't look as sweet as can be, I can tell you,
and you 'd just better fly upstairs and make yourself fit
to be seen before pa comes back with Mrs. Temple. Dear
sakes alive ! where can he be ? '; she repeated for about the
twentieth time. " Seems to me he takes a dretful long
time to go to the station and back. Ruth, run down to
the gate and see if he ?s in sight."

Sedate Ruth went to the gate, and then came hurrying
back with the glad news that pa's carryall was just turn-
ing in from the cross-roads.

Josh fled precipitately. He was n't "goin' to hang
round where all those citv folks were."

v

Scarcely had his jean overalls vanished through the
back kitchen door when Mr. Perkins drove up to the
front one.

CHAPTER III

THE NEW BOARDERS ARRIVE

UT bustled Mrs. Perkins to welcome the
tired travelers, whose journey from New
York had been a most trying one to the
delicate little invalid, and a source of
considerable anxiety to those who cared
for her so tenderly.
Mrs. Temple, a gentle, refined woman, upon whose
sweet face rested marks of care and sorrow, descended
from the carryall and was warmly greeted by her
hostess.

" My land ! you must be clear tuckered out and just
ready to drop down. There, there ! don't try to help
that dear child. Just let me take her right in my arms
and carry her upstairs. She ain't a mite heavy, I know,
and not much bigger than Polly, either."

"Oh, I fear it will be too much for your strength,"
said Mrs. Temple, "and Miss Wheeler and I can man-
age very nicely, thank you."

Please let Mrs. Perkins carry me if she wants to,

14

II

THE NEW BOARDERS ARRIVE 15

dear; she looks so strong and well that it makes me feel
stronger just to look at her/' said Mabel, stretching her
arms out to Mrs. Perkins.

" That ;s right ! 7 exclaimed the delighted woman.
" You come right along with me, and in two minutes
we '11 have you comfortable as a kitten. Polly 's been
fussing round up in your room, and laud knows what
she 's done, — I don't, — but I guess you 11 like it."

And upstairs she went, carrying Mabel as easily as
though she had been a baby, and followed closely by
Mrs. Temple, Miss Wheeler, and Mr. Perkins, carrying-
bags, wraps, and bundles galore.

Placing the tired child upon the sofa that Polly's dainty
touch had made so attractive, Mrs. Perkins bustled about
and talked as fast as her tongue would let her. Wraps
were laid aside, bags opened, their contents settled, and
in less time than it takes to tell it she had her guests com-
fortably established in their cheery quarters.

" Now, you must be well-nigh starved," she cried, when
she had given the final touch to the rooms. " And I '11 fly
straight downstairs and dish up your dinner. Poor little
lamb! she 's all tuckered out, and needs good, fresh air
and vittles to set her up"; for Mabel's helpless state
seemed to appeal to the good woman as none of her own
strong, healthy children could.

Meanwhile, where was little Polly? Although not
usually shy, she had been suddenly stricken with a sort
of stage-fright at sight of the city people to whom she
was unaccustomed, and had remained in her room during
all the hubbub of their arrival. But now, when the con-

16 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

fusion was over, peace-loving Polly ventured forth and
crept noiselessly downstairs to the dining-room.

From her window she had noted all that had hap-
pened, and had seen Mabel carried into the house, at
which sight the soft brown eyes had filled with sympa-
thetic tears.

" Oh, how sorry I am ! 7: she said to herself. " Ma said
she was not strong, but she did n't say she could n't walk
a bit ! "

And now she had come downstairs, fully determined to
be feet, and hands too, if necessary, to the afflicted Mabel.

While Polly's generous little heart is planning all sorts
of unselfish deeds, let us take a moment to tell something
of the object of her generous thoughts.

Mr. and Mrs. Temple's beautiful home was in New
York City, on one of the prettiest of its West Side streets,
only a short distance from the Seventy-second Street
entrance to Central Park. It lacked nothing that ample
means could provide or love suggest; for little Dan Cupid
seemed to have taken up his residence there, and found it
quite to his liking.

Mabel, their only child, a dainty little creature of
twelve summers, lived in a perfect dream of happi-
ness, for her father and mother apparently had no
thought in which she was not included, and the perfect
sympathy and love which existed among the trio was
very beautiful.

All their pleasures were shared, and not the least of
these was wheeling. Each pleasant morning found them
in the park, and many a passing pedestrian turned to look

THE NEW BOARDERS ARRIVE 17

at the sweet-faced lady, the handsome gentleman, and
the bonny little maid, as they spun gaily by, laughing
and talking together.

But one bright morning the laughter was turned to
tears, for just at the head of the Mall a runaway horse
dashed upon them, and before a breath could be drawn a
world of sorrow had overtaken them.

Mr. and Mrs. Temple escaped unhurt, save for a few
scratches 5 but poor little Mabel lay motionless against
the stonework which formed the entrance to the stairs
leading down to the fountain.

At first, they thought that all was over ; but life had
not left the limp little form, although it might almost
as well have done so. For days and weeks it hung
in the balance, and at last, when they began to believe
that she was to be spared to them, it was only to learn
that she might never be able to walk again.

It is hard to realize what this meant to Mr. and Mrs.
Temple, for Mabel was their all, their treasure beyond
treasures, who must be protected, loved, and cared for,
sheltered from all harm and guarded from all danger.

The famous physician who attended her could give
little promise of her entire recovery, but said that he
hoped a great deal from her strong constitution and
previous perfect health.

" We physicians, you know/7 he said, as he was taking
leave, " never give up hope until we know we must do so,
and in this little one's case, while I must not encourage
you too much, I certainly shall not say that her ultimate
and complete recovery is impossible ; but I fear it will be

18 PEETTY POLLY PERKINS

a long and tedious ordeal for her." And with this they
were obliged to be satisfied.

During the long and trying winter the poor little inva-
lid experienced many a weary hour. But at last spring
came, and the great doctor ordered her away to the coun-
try. After much consultation Endmeadow was chosen,
a quaint little New England hamlet, far enough removed
from cities to be well out of their bustle and progress,
and yet not so far from New York as to render it im-
possible for Mr. Temple to run out for his Sunday visits.

Through friends they learned of Mr. and Mrs. Perkins'
cozy farm, and the many comforts it could give them •
so thither they came, willing to leave all the rest to the
Great Physician.

The sweet June days found them established in their
comfortable quarters, with kind Mrs. Perkins to hover
and fuss about them like one over-solicitous hen with a
promiscuous brood of chickens.

The year had seemed a discouraging one to those who
had watched Mabel so closely ; but dear Mother Nature,
that gentle and efficient nurse, had been busy all these
months, and aided by her sovereign remedies, youth and
a strong constitution, had been working a wonderful
change, too subtle to be noticed by mortal eyes. The
sunny little Mabel was gradually regaining her strength,
but so very, very slowly that they scarcely realized it.

Occasionally the soft, silvery laugh would bubble up to
lips which for so many months had been strangers to
laughter, and just what that sound meant to her father
and mother, no words of mine can express.

THE NEW BOARDERS ARRIVE 19

Mabel seemed made for the happy life which had
always been hers till one fatal second came near end-
ing all happiness forever, and nothing spoiled or
marred her sweet disposition. She was a beautiful child,
but utterly unaware of her beauty, and without a par-
ticle of self -consciousness.

A wise, sensible mother had devoted herself to her little
daughter's physical, mental, and moral development, and
at twelve found in her a companion with whom she
was in perfect sympathy, and who shared with her every
pleasure and joy. It is not often that one finds in
mother and child such a good-comradeship as existed
between Mabel and her mother ; and yet one wonders
why it is not oftener found, and where the blame rests
that it is not.

Perhaps the secret lay in the fact that Mrs. Temple
never for one moment forgot how the world looks " when
life is young," and consequently could enter into Mabel's
pleasures and plans, sharing and enjoying them thor-
oughly. To see one was to see both, and their friends
used laughingly to ask: "Which is the substance and
which is the shadow?" A beautiful mother and a beau-
tiful child cannot fail to excite remark, and Mabel's
beauty was unusual. Her young face, with its fair, soft
skin, was thoughtful beyond her years. The great, dark-
brown eyes, shaded by their long, beautiful lashes, could
sparkle with merry laughter, but at times had a ques-
tioning look as if asking something she but dimly com-
prehended — a trick of shape or expression, perhaps,
but which gave one a glimpse of the beautiful soul

20 PEETTY POLLY PERKINS

within and its perfect trustfulness. Literally, Mabel's
crowning beauty was her hair. It was so rich in its
gold and so like spun silk in its softness, — not yellow
hair, but so rich a gold as to be more bronze in color, —
and fell about her face and shoulders in soft, curling
masses. Her mouth seemed made purposely to press
against your cheek and say " I love you," and truly " I
love you " was the key-note of her life, for her sunny
nature won love from all.

CHAPTER IV
POLLY'S INTRODUCTION

|S my dear little daughter too tired to be
carried down to her chair ? '' asked Mrs.
Temple, awhile later, when the room had
been settled and she and Miss Wheeler
were about to answer the summons to
dinner.

" Yes, darling/' answered Mabel j " if you don't mind,
I '11 just stay on this pretty couch until you have finished
your dinner, and then I can have mine."

" Indeed, you shall have yours at once," broke in Miss
Wheeler, " for I shall bring it to you myself before I
have mine. Do you think we can let our girlie lie here
and starve while we are enjoying that delicious chicken-
stew which my nose tells me Mrs. Perkins has just set
upon the table?" And bright, cheery Miss Wheeler bent
over the couch to give a little love-pat to the soft cheek
resting upon the cushions.

" Dear Miss Wheeler, you are always thinking of me,
and are so good!" answered Mabel. " Sometimes I think
I don't want to grow strong for a long time, because if I

21

22 PRETTY POLLY PEKKINS

do you will have to go away, and then I don't know what
I shall do."

" Do you know/' said mama, quickly, " that just such
dreadful thoughts have been creeping into my head of
late, and so I have decided that we can't possibly let Miss
Wheeler slip away from us for a long, long time, but must
keep her with us even after you are quite well and strong ;
for, you see, she has only been able to know the invalid
Mabel, and we want her to know something of the bright
little girl you soon will be again." And mama's sweet
smile carried as much joy to the little daughter as her
words did.

At the foot of the broad, winding stairs they met Mrs.
Perkins, who led the way to the dining-room, where the
" Perkinses " were assembled in force. Mr. Perkins, a
quiet, undemonstrative man, sat at the foot of the table,
ready to serve the steaming New England chicken-
stew, with its great, flaky white dumplings, that had
caused poor Mrs. Perkins so much unnecessary anxiety,
and which proved Polly's encouraging prophecy to be a
true one. Josh sat on one side, Bob on the other, and,
overcome with shyness, kept their eyes fastened to their
plates, as though fearful that the bountiful supply of
chicken might vanish.

" Here we be, pa," cried Mrs. Perkins, as she hurried
to her seat at the head of the table, " and so hungry I
dare say there won't be a mite of vittles wasted this day.
Mrs. Temple, these be my boys and girls, and you '11
find their pa and ma pretty well favored by 'em — all
but Polly; she ain't n'er one nor t' other; she 's just
Polly."

POLLY'S INTRODUCTION 23

" A little sweet P, and as that is a posy I dearly love,
I 7m very glad my seat is to be next to it/7 said Mrs.
Temple, with a smile that went straight to Polly's hun-
gry little heart ; for it was just such words and smiles
that the little life had lacked.

"I 7rn so sorry Mabel felt too tired to come down-
stairs/7 she continued j " but if you will kindly let* Miss
Wheeler have a tray, she will carry some of this delicious
chicken up to her at once. Miss Wheeler cannot be
quite happy so long as Mabel lacks anything.77

In about two minutes good Mrs. Perkins had all ready j
but just as Miss Wheeler was about to leave the dining-
room, Polly plucked up courage to ask : " Mrs. Temple,
may I take up the tray to Mabel ? 77

" You, dear ! Are n7t you too small to manage that
large tray and such a lot of good things ? 1 7m afraid it
will be almost too heavy.77

" Oh, no, it won7t. I can do it. Please let me — I 7d
love to,7' said Polly, all in one eager breath.

" I 711 have it fixed in two minutes,77 said kind Miss
Wheeler. " You carry the glass of milk, lest it should
spill, and bring your own as well, and you and Mabel
shall dine together. You can make believe you are
lunching with a friend, and have great fun.77 And away
went Miss Wheeler, who was never at a loss to find a
happy solution to a question concerning little people.

"Make believe 77 — how Polly7s heart bounded at the
words ! All her short life she had been living in a land
of make-believe, with herself the sole inhabitant.

How she had longed for a companion not even she had
guessed, till in one little second she found one, and

24 PEETTY POLLY PERKINS

her brown eyes lighted up as though fireflies had dropped
into them.

" Ting-a-ling-ling-ling ! Is Miss Temple at home ? n
asked Miss Wheeler, as she pretended to ring a door-
bell at Mabel's door.

" I think she is/7 answered a happy voice from within •
for Mabel was used to the make-believe pranks, and knew
how to meet them.

" Miss Polly Perkins has come to lunch with you, and
has brought along the luncheon. I hope you won't con-
sider it an unusual thing to do j but knowing you had
just arrived, she feared you might not have gotten your
house settled yet, or your cook might have missed the
train, or the butcher-boy had taken your order to the
wrong house. Oh, dear me ! so many things might hap-
pen, you know, and I do assure you Miss Perkins has a
most superior cook, and she has brought you a very sub-
stantial proof of it."

And chatting gaily in order to put the children at their
ease, Miss Wheeler arranged the contents of the tray
temptingly upon the table beside the couch, placed a
chair for Polly, and announced, with a deep curtsy :

" Ladies, your luncheon is served.'7

Mabel laughed and entered into the spirit of the fun at
once 5 but Polly looked mystified.

" Are we truly to have our dinner together up here,
and make believe we 7re big folks ? 77 she asked, as though
such frivolities upon such a serious occasion were not to
be countenanced. -

" To be sure you are,77/cried Miss Wheeler. " Play you

00

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—

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POLLY'S INTRODUCTION 27

are Persian princesses, or Japanese queens, if you want
to ; and 1 711 be — well, I guess 1 711 be Bridget, if Persian
princesses or Japanese queens have Bridgets." And
laughing merrily, she slipped away to the dining-room
to do ample justice to Mrs. Perkins7 wonderful cooking,
and fill the good woman with pride by praising it to the
skies.

Miss Wheeler could not be in a house five minutes
without putting everybody at their ease, and making
them wonder how they had ever gotten on without her.

Upstairs all progressed most delightfully.

Mabel's tact soon put little Polly at her ease, and in five
minutes they were eating their dinner and chattering as
hard as their tongues could wag.

" Oh, I know I 7m going to be so happy here," said
Mabel, "for, as soon as I am rested, Miss Wheeler will
take me out under the trees and fix me comfortably on
the grass, and then you can bring your pets to see me.
Have you some ? Tell me about them, please."

" Well, first and best of all is Bonny, the little calf. She
is so sweet and soft, and loves me dearly. When she was
only two days old her mother fell into the old well out in
the orchard and broke her leg, and pa had to kill her. I
cried and cried, for I felt so sorry for her baby, and was
afraid it would die, too. But what do you think? Pa felt
so bad because I cried that he said I could have the calf
for my own. I did n't know what to do with it, for it was
too little to eat, and the other cows were just as mean as
could be to it, and bumped and poked it whenever it came
near them. But pretty soon it got so hungry that it just

28 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

could n't stand it a mite longer, and when I set a pail of
warm milk down on the floor in front of it, it just stuck
in its head right up to its eyes. Oh, it was too funny!
It came up all slopped over with the milk, and was sput-
tering like everything. But after that it sucked away,
and soon learned how to drink. One morning, after I had
taken out its milk, I heard it mooing and mooing, and old
Nero was barking and barking, till I thought everything
was crazy. I ran out to the barn, and what do you think
I saw? Old Biddy had taken her chickens out there, and
one had hopped up on the edge of the pail of milk and
tumbled in while Bonny was drinking. That scared
Bonny nearly to pieces, and she mooed, and Nero barked,
and the chicken squeaked, and Biddy squawked, and we
had an awful time. When I tried to get the chicken out,
Biddy thought I was going to kill it, I reckon, for she
flew at me, and near about pecked my eyes out; and then
I screamed. Ma thought thieves had come, I guess, for
she flew out to the barn with the poker, and then scolded
us all for scaring her so."

Mabel's laugh rang out as of old, and Mrs. Temple,
down in the dining-room, smiled in sympathy.

" That 7s just what she needs," said Miss Wheeler, glee-
fully, " and it will work wonders j see if it does not."

" Tell me some more," begged Mabel. And Polly chatted
merrily on, now entirely at her ease, and enjoying Mabel's
sweet friendship as she had never in her life enjoyed any-
thing before.

" Pa says all the live creatures on the farm are my pets.
Old Roaney — that 's the horse that brought you over —

POLLY'S INTRODUCTION 21 .

loves me, and I take a piece of bread to him and Lady
Grey every morning. They are so jealous that they act
just shameful for fear one will get the bread before the
other. So I hold a piece in each hand and give them
both at once. Roaney is cross to almost everybody, but
he loves me and never snaps at me. Lady Grey is so big
and fat that she can't go as fast as Roaney, and if he is
harnessed to the carryall when she is harnessed to the
farm-wagon, she whinnies as long as he 's in sight."

" Do you ever drive yourself ? "' asked Mabel.

" Laud, no ! " exclaimed Polly. " I don't know a thing
about driving. Can you drive ?"

" I used to ride horseback with dear daddy, and drive,
too, before I got hurt, but I don't think I could now.
Somehow, although I only hurt my leg, my back hurts,
too, and I can't sit up straight very long.7'

" I 'm so sorry you got hurt ! r was the sympathetic re-
ply; "but perhaps you will grow all strong again out
here, and we can have such good times together. Well,"
— hopping up when they had eaten all they could, and
talked till they were talked out, — "I must carry this
tray downstairs to ma now, and help do up the dishes.
She does n't like to have things messed up." And away
trotted Polly with the tray from which she had taken
the first meal she had ever eaten in a bedroom, except
at times when she was confined to her bed by illness, and
that, happily, had been something almost unknown to
healthy little Polly.

Placing her tray on the kitchen table, which shone
white as energetic hands could scrub it, she rolled up her

30 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

sleeves and proceeded to " tidy up," like the little house-
wife she was.

Ruth, at another table, was deftly rolling out flaky
pastry and shaping immaculate custard-pies.

" Oh, Ruth/' burst out the delighted Polly, "she >s just-
as nice as she can be, and I 'm not a mite afraid of her ! "

"Why should you be afraid?" asked serene Ruth.
"She is a poor little sick girl, and needs to be taken good
care of ; that 7s all there is about it."

" Oh, well," answered Pollv, " she is so different from

/ / «/ /

us, and has such lots and lots of nice things, that I thought
maybe she would n't like our ways. She is going to ask
Miss Wheeler to take her out under the trees just as soon
as she is rested, and I am going to show her Bonny and
Nero and Biddy, and everything." And Polly skipped
about as gaily as a cricket.

CHAPTER V

MISS WHEELER'S STORY

HEN Mrs. Temple and Miss Wheeler
returned to their rooms they found
Mabel snuggled up like a dormouse,
and fast asleep.

" There!" exclaimed Miss Wheeler,
"that 7s the best medicine, and she will
waken fresh and happy as she can be. Meanwhile, Mrs.
Temple, you lie down and rest, too, so you will be all
ready to entertain when the time comes, and I will un-
pack trunks and make the rooms look homelike."

" But, dear Miss Wheeler," remonstrated Mrs. Temple,
"you, too, are tired from your journey and need rest as
much as I. I cannot let you do quite everything."

" But I 'm going to have my rest, too, when my charges
are tucked safely away," Miss Wheeler answered, and
plumping up the sofa pillows which she had just taken
from the trunk, she placed them most invitingly on the
big sofa in Mrs. Temple's bedroom, and, holding up a
gaily colored afghan, said : " See, your nest is waiting, so
settle yourself comfortably."

31

32 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

" How do you manage to make people do so exactly as
you wish to have them ? " asked Mrs. Temple, smiling and
lying down upon the comfortable old sofa.

Miss Wheeler laughed as she laid the rug carefully
over Mrs. Temple.

" Oh, I don't know. Perhaps, when nature made me
for a nurse, she also gave me a masterful eye, and I Ve
only to look in order to be obeyed.'7

It was now Mrs. Temple's turn to laugh, for the idea
of Miss Wheeler having a masterful eye was quite amus-
ing. Nothing could have been softer or more winning
than her beautiful gray ones. " Some day you must tell
me how you happened to choose a vocation to which you
are so perfectly adapted," said Mrs. Temple. " I often
wonder what special good fortune sent you to us from
among the hundreds to whom we might have applied,
and I have no words warm enough to thank you for all
you have done for Mabel and consequently for me."

" And have I nothing to be grateful for, I 'd like to
know?'1 Miss Wheeler asked. "Do you know how long
I Ve been with vou ? "

V

"Always, I believe," was Mrs. Temple's reply. "It
often seems so to me, and I look with dread upon the
time that will carry you from among us."

" Well, I can assure you it does not seem always to me,"
said Miss Wheeler, with a flash of her big gray eyes
which told of recollections not the pleasantest. " The
time I have been with you — and it will be exactly seven
months on the 24th — has been one of the happiest of
my life, and no matter what the future holds, I shall

MISS WHEELEK'S STOEY 33

always think of it as one of the brightest bits of my exis-
tence."

" I hope the future holds only happiness for you/' re-
plied Mrs. Temple, sympathetically ; " you certainly merit
it."

" Let me think it does, anyway, for the past could have
been improved upon, I assure you."

" Was it so very hard, then ? Don't think I am curious,
dear Miss Wheeler, but there have been times when your
eyes looked sad, and I fancied your life had not been a
happy one."

"And you fancied right," was the emphatic answer.
" At least, not since I was a child have I known what it
meant to be really happy. I do not remember my mother
at all, but father was my all," — and a break came in the
usually cheery voice.

" Come, sit upon this low chair beside me, dear, and
tell me all about it while I rest," said Mrs. Temple, very
gently.

And Miss Wheeler, who usually seemed so strong and
happy, so ready to sustain and help others, seemed glad
to sit beside her kind friend and accept the sympathy it
was usually her lot to bestow.

" There is n't much to tell," she said, as she leaned back
in the little old rocking-chair, " and I 'm afraid it will
sound stupid when told, but I shall be glad to tell you,
for you have seemed far more to me than my little
patient's mother, and no one could be with you without
loving you, I think."

" You are partial," replied Mrs. Temple, with a pleased

34 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

flush creeping over her face ; for we all like to be appre-
ciated.

" No, I 'm not. I only say exactly what is true, and part
of my training has been to observe closely, you know;
so I Ve been ' obsarvin7, ? as old Mary used to say to us " ;
and the laugh came back to Miss Wheeler's eyes. Grow-
ing serious again, she continued : " Do you think I could
live in your house seven months and not be the happier
for it ? Where so much love dwells happiness is not far
away, I can tell you, and to see you, Mr. Temple, and
Mabel together daily has given me a glimpse of what
the word ' home ' means. Had father lived we could
have had a home, too, but I was only twelve when he
died, and that ended everything for me. Father was a
physician, and I suppose that is the reason I am fond
of l mending ' people, too. It was during his attendance
on a sick child that he caught a frightful cold, and pneu-
monia did the rest.

" I was utterly desolate, for we had been more to each
other than father and daughter usually are, and it
seemed to me that I neither could live nor wished to
live without him. But I had to, and then the question
of how and where arose.

" Father's brother came to see me, but he was no more
like father than day is like night. Father was so un-
selfish, so thoughtful for others, and so gentle, but Uncle
Len was as cold as an icicle.

" I went home with him, but it did not take me long to
discover that it was anything but home. He did not under-
stand me, and his wife, my aunt, did not wish to, I think.

MISS WHEELER'S STOEY 35

" They had a big, beautiful house, but it might as well
have been a barn, for all the comfort it afforded them.
I was sent to school, and as long as all went well nothing
was said. It was an excellent school, and I graduated
with honors — but graduated alone, for not a single soul
I knew was at the commencement exercises. I was the
only girl who did not have some friend there to look at
her with an encouraging smile.

" Uncle and aunt offered me a home, but I preferred
to go elsewhere.

" When I announced my intention of entering the
training-school it produced opposition at once.

"'A trained nurse!' my aunt exclaimed in horror.
1 Why not apply for a situation as child's maid at once ?
It would be far less expensive, and save you from overtax-
ing your mental faculties.'

" I told her I saw nothing compromising to my dig-
nity in wishing to become a trained nurse. It was cer-
tainly a noble calling, and if I could go out into the world
and carry comfort and happiness to others, I thought it a
great source of gratification.

" 1 1 dare say it will prove most gratifying, since you
probably inherit your taste for such gruesome spectacles
as you will witness there from your father. But how
you can tolerate the idea of going into those dreadful
hospitals and among all those vulgar people I cannot
comprehend. However, it is no concern of mine. Do
exactly as you choose.'

" 'I probably shall,' I replied with some spirit, — t nor do
I expect to find the hospitals as disgusting or the inmates

36 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

so vulgar as you predict. There are people who boast
refinement of feeling, even though their purses are light,
and many very lovely girls have chosen the profession.'

" l Possibly/ was the reply, in a tone too exasperating to
endure longer.

"Well, I carried out my resolve, and found the work

7 t/ /

all I had hoped. It kept me busy, for it was no child's
play, but it helped me to forget myself and think of others,
and just then that was my salvation.

"I have been nursing for three years now, and have
never been so happy since father left me.

"I wish Aunt Kate could look into this room this
minute. I wonder how she would reconcile her ideas of
* those vulgar people' with my present surroundings?"
And Miss Wheeler could not refrain from an amused
laugh.

" We must remember that she saw it only from her
own standpoint, and try to forgive her unflattering
estimate of us," said Mrs. Temple, as she stroked the
shapely head which rested against the arm of the big
sofa.

" Tell me, dear," she continued, — " and do not think me
impertinently curious for asking the question, — did your
father leave nothing for your support? Were you en-
tirely dependent upon your uncle ? "

"No, not entirely. Father left several thousand dol-
lars, and uncle invested it for me, but the income
was not sufficient to live on, and I would not stay there
and do nothing. Father had a good practice in High-
mont, but he was too generous to save much. Well, I

MISS WHEELER'S STORY 37

have enough, and am strong and healthy, so why need I
worry ? "

" No need, I 7m sure ; but try to forget the unpleasant
things that have happened, and we will see if we can't
bring to you a little of the love for which you are so hun-
gry. There is an earnest of it, and I am sure you will
win much more," said Mrs. Temple, and taking the lovely
face in her hands, she drew it toward her and kissed it
tenderly.

The great gray eyes filled with grateful tears, and clasp-
ing her strong young arms around the kind friend who
had won her confidence and given her the love for which
her soul hungered, she said solemnly : " Do you know that
that is the first * mother ? caress I 've ever known ? And
vou can never, never know how much it means to me ! "

mt

" Indeed, dear, you deserve far more than that one
little caress, for you have been untiring in your care of
Mabel, and have done for her many things your training-
school never taught you. You are more to her than just
the nurse, Miss Wheeler, for she has grown to love you
dearly, as, indeed, we all have, and we will be very loath to
have you leave us. Do you think it would be a great
sacrifice to give up nursing and become governess for a
time? Mabel is gaining, I think, but it will be a long
while before the school duties can be resumed, and what
could be more delightful than a 'ready-made' governess?"

" How do you always think to say just the right thing,
Mrs. Temple? Does some good little fairy let you look
right down into people's hearts so that you can know
what will make them happy ? "

38 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

" That is too deep a question to answer lightly," said
Mrs. Temple, laughing, " so, while I think over a reply,
you go out and get a sniff of this delicious air and make
the acquaintance of the farm-folk.'7

Miss Wheeler rose and, kissing Mrs. Temple upon the
forehead for a good-by, passed out of the room, far
richer than she was upon entering, for she carried with
her two priceless gifts — a light heart and a newly won
love which she was to keep as long as her kind friend
lived.

CHAPTER VI

"MERRY MOLLY'- AND "MERRY POLLY "

UNNING downstairs with her quick,
elastic step, Miss Wheeler found her
way to the kitchen, where Ruth was
just placing her nicely browned pies
upon the shelf to cool, and little Polly
was hanging up her snowy dish-towels.
" Pretty Polly Perkins, will you come and walk with
me?" she sang merrily as she entered, and then, seeing
Ruth, and fearing that her remark to Polly might seem
slighting to Polly's sister, she said, " Oh, what beautiful
pies ! I almost wish it were tea-time this minute ; but that
last big doughnut I ate for dinner still sings * Doughnut,
doughnut, doughnut,' and I must have a run first. Did
you make those, too ? "

" Yes 'm," answered Ruth. " Ma likes me to do the cakes
and pies, she has such a lot of other things to tend to.
1 7m glad you think they are nice."

" Nice ! that does n't begin to express it. They are
simply wonderful. I never saw such artistic pies. Can't

39

40 PEETTY POLLY PERKINS

you put one on the table in the parlor ? It will be as
pretty as a bouquet."

" A pie in the parlor ! " and so saying, Polly went off
into a gale of laughter, while more sedate Ruth said : " Ma
would think we were crazy"; but nevertheless she was
well pleased with the praise bestowed upon her culinary
ability.

" Now, I want you to take me out and introduce me to
all the farm-folk," said Miss Wheeler, gaily, when Polly
had hung her last towel.

" Oh, I 'd love to," cried Polly, eagerly ; and catching
her little sunbonnet from its peg, she skipped toward
the back kitchen door, Miss Wheeler lingering to ask,
" Can't you come, too, Ruth ? " To which Ruth answered,
with a pleased smile at being remembered : " I have got
to go help ma make up the butter rolls. We churned
this morning, and she likes to have her butter nice and
fresh."

" And I can have some of the butter for tea ? Be sure
to tell me which pat you made. Make a little R on it
and save that one for me."

And she ran out to catch Polly, who had walked toward
the barns.

Overtaking her, she took hold of the small hand and
said:

" Now we will be very merry, for you are Mary and I
am Mary, so you are merry Polly and I am merry Molly."

Polly looked puzzled and asked : " Are they both nick-
names for Mary ? "

" They surely are, and I 7m very fond of them, too, so

"MERRY MOLLY' AND "MERRY POLLY' 41

perhaps that is the reason we are fond of each other ; at
least, I 'm fond of you, and you 're going to be fond of
me, are n't you ? ';

"I am already," answered Polly, naively. "I don't see
how I could help being, for you are so nice to me."

u We shall have capital times together, I know ; and
now, take me to your favorite spot."

" Do you really want to go there ? " said Polly, eagerly.
" How did you know I had one ? I never told anybody,
'cause they 'd laugh at me. But down in the woods is the
sweetest place you ever saw, and I make believe it is where
the Sleeping Beauty lives. I do wish I knew all the story.
I found a book up garret ever so long ago, but part of it
was lost, and I could n't tell how the story came out. I
wish I knew," — wistfully, — " for it was lovely; but I '11 tell
you all I know, if you want me to, and maybe we can get
a book some day."

" Yes ; that will be lovely," said Miss Wheeler, her eyes
beginning to twinkle at thought of the surprise she could
give Polly.

Hand in hand, they crossed the meadow, and began to
ascend the gentle slope which brought them to the edge
of the woods.

" Oh, how delicious this is ! " cried Miss Wheeler, as
she drew in long whiffs of the sweet woodsy smells, and
stooped down to gather a handful of anemones that
waved at her feet.

"Is n't it pretty?" said Polly, delighted at last to find
some one who could enjoy it with her. " Now I '11 tell
you the story, for we will soon be at the princess's palace " ;

42 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

and Polly launched off upon the old tale of the Sleeping
Beauty.

While they talked they walked on into the woods, and
presently came to a little babbling brook; following up
its stream, they soon reached a quiet pool where the brook
seemed to have gone to sleep. It was about ten feet
wide, quite deep, and placid as a mirror. Through the
openings in the branches the sky and leaves were reflected
in the still surface, and once in a while a stray sunbeam
glanced across.

Miss Wheeler at once fell to praising it, and Polly's
heart danced with joy.

" 1 7m so glad you like it. Nobody knows it but me,
for they are all too busy to come out here to see where my
princess lives. Her palace is right over there in the
woods."

" Please finish all you know of the story ; I 'm so in-
terested," said Miss Wheeler, as they seated themselves
on an old log ; and Polly, taking up her story where it
had been dropped, continued : " So he crept on and on
through the palace, and all about him everybody was sound
asleep, and at last he came to a beautiful chamber — and
that 's all I know about it," added Polly, despondently.

" He entered on tiptoe, and glanced carefully all about
him, and — "

" Oh, oh, oh ! do you know the rest of the story ? "
broke in Polly, in ecstasy, " and I never guessed you knew
it a bit. Oh, Miss Wheeler, I am so glad ! r And in her
excitement Polly jumped up and threw her arms around
kind Miss Wheeler's neck.

"MERRY MOLLY' AND "MERRY POLLY' 43

Laughing a happy, soft laugh, Miss Wheeler held her
close, and Polly felt that her cup of joy was full when
Miss Wheeler told her how the prince had wakened the
sleeping princess with a kiss.

Polly listened breathlessly, and, when all was finished,
said : " Miss Wheeler, I 7ve wanted to know the rest of
that story so long that I just can't remember when I
began to want to ; and now I 'm so happy that I could n't
hold another mite, if I tried ever so hard ! "

"But that is only one story, and I 7ve dozens tucked
away in my head, and they only need a little magic to
draw them out one by one."

"And who has the magic?" asked Polly.

" You, for one ; Mabel, for another. It is just one
magic word, and begins with A and ends with O."

" I never can guess," said Polly, " so I shall never be
able to get more stories."

" Well, I '11 tell you it has three letters. You know the
first and last, so you Ve only to find one other to fit in,
and there will be — stories, stories — dozens of stories!

" But now we must go home, for I 'm sure Mabel will
be awake by this time, and will want me." And rising
they walked back to the house, Polly's brain busy trying
to fit a letter between A and O, and determined to ask
Mabel, whom she felt quite certain must know just every-
thing, to help her.

MABEL was wide awake and much refreshed from her
forty winks when Polly and Miss Wheeler ran up to her
room, one to tell her of the pretty woodland nook, and

44 PRETTY POLLY PEEKINS

the other to beg her to help fit in the letter which was
to work the charm for the stories.

" But we must first take you out on the lawn and make
you comfortable under one of the big elms/7 said Miss
Wheeler, " and then Polly will bring Bonny and all the
other pets to see you."

u And will you help me guess the letter ? n asked
Polly, eagerly.

u Of course I will ; what are the two you already
know?"

" A and O, and there is only one more."

In a very few minutes Mabel's wheeled chair was
placed under the big tree and she was enjoying the
pretty view and soft air. The lawn sloped gently to a
little river which flowed through the meadows beyond,
and the bright June sunshine sparkled and danced upon
its tiny waves.

Old Nero, feeling that it behooved him to welcome the
new guests, came up to Mabel's chair, and, after regarding
her gravely for a few moments, laid his great soft head in
her lap and looked at her with his big, beautiful eyes.

" Oh, you precious dog ! I know you are trying to tell
me you are glad I came, and I just love you dearly,"
cried the delighted child, as she gathered the big head in
her arms and laid her own smooth face against the silky
tan- and- white one. Nero waved his pluming tail and then
lay quietly down beside her, and from that moment he
was her liegeman, and never allowed her to stir without
him.

Meantime Polly had run off for Bonny, and they made

"MERRY MOLLY' AND "MERRY POLLY' 45

a pretty picture as they came prancing across the lawn,
for Polly's arm was thrown caressingly across Bonny's
neck, and the pretty calf capered and pranced as her little
mistress skipped beside her. Polly led her close up to
Mabel, and Bonny stood perfectly still while her silky ears
were stroked.

Still holding Bonny's rope, Polly squatted down on the
soft grass and asked, " Have you guessed yet ? "

" I 've guessed, but it may not be right. Is the second
letter M, Miss Wheeler?"

Miss Wheeler nodded.

" Then I know, the word is AMO. Is n't that right ? "

" Very close to it, anyway," was the answer.

" What does it mean, anyhow ? " asked Polly.

"Bonny and Nero both know, and yet they can't
speak," said Miss Wheeler.

" Bonny and Nero ! " cried Polly. " Why, how can
they t "

" Go close up to Bonny and see what she will do."

Polly at once hopped up and went up to the calf,
which, feeling sure of being caressed, made up its mind
to meet Polly half-way, and so at once began to rub its
head against her shoulder and try to lick her face.

" Oh, I know, I know. You mean that she and Nero
love me, and that funny word means love. Is n't that it ? ':

" You 've stolen my secret and won the charm ! " And
Miss Wheeler laughed gaily.

CHAPTER VII

JAMIE

SAY, ma," said Bob, bursting into the
pantry, where his mother was busy put-
ting away the dishes, one morning about
a week later, " who do you think is over
to the Collinses' ? "

" How should I know, do you s'pose ? "
asked Mrs. Perkins, briskly piling away saucers.

" Well, it 's their cousin Jamie from down Boston.
Don't you remember him — that feller that came out
here last summer to hunt bugs and worms and such
critters ? Got loads and loads of ?em, and carted 'em all
back to Boston with him. You said you 'd like to be his
mother and have him bring all that truck inter the house.
Well, he 7s there again, and I want to ask him over here
to stay all night. Can I ? "

" Good land ! Ain't there enough folks here now but
you must go ask that moonin? boy, too ? Like as not he '11
find a dozen or two crawlin' critters and take 'em to bed
with him. I never did see such a crazv Dick as he was

v

46

JAMIE 47

over such rubbish. Then, first thing yer know, they 11
take a walk inter Mrs. Temple's room, and scare her near
about to death."

" No ; I '11 tell him he 's got to keep 'em shut up tight.
But can I ask him over ? He won't bother."

" Yes, yes j go along and ask him ; but mind he keeps
his bugs out of my way."

Off started Bob, and was soon tearing down the road to
the " Collinses'," where the much-desired city cousin was
visiting.

He found him examining a butterfly-net and holding
forth upon the beauties of its intended victims.

Tom, the cousin whom he was visiting, was listening
eagerly, for Jamie was really an interesting talker, and his
intense love for natural history made this a fairy world
for him.

Already he had a remarkable and quite a rare collec-
tion, and his efforts to perfect it were untiring. He
was a tall, slender lad, with rather a serious face, which
lighted up wonderfully with one of his rare smiles. From
a tiny child he had loved all living creatures, and pos-
sessed a remarkable power over them, and as he grew
older it became more marked. Seeing how much it all
meant to him, and how great a source of happiness it was,
his wise parents let him follow the bent of his inclinations,
feeling that it might be better to have a successful natu-
ralist in the family than an unsuccessful merchant ; for
both the brothers, who were considerably older than
Jamie, had chosen a mercantile calling, and were already
making names for themselves. That there was little

48 PKETTY POLLY PERKINS

probability of his doing likewise when the proper time
should arrive was a source of disappointment to his
parents, but they did not let him suspect it. Each sum-
mer his visits to his Endmeadow cousins were an endless
source of delight to him, for there he could live in his
bicycle suit and scour the fields and meadows for his
precious " bugs."

Bob arrived breathless, and fired off his invitation in
characteristic style : " Hullo, Jim ! Come on over and
sleep at our house to-night, will you, old bug-hunter?
Ma says, if you '11 keep yer critters shut up, she won't
mind."

" I shall have to catch them first," was the reply. " I
have n't found one new specimen yet ; but up the creek
yesterday I saw a Camberwell Beauty, and I tell you he
was a dandy."

"How do you find out all those names?" asked Tom.
" I don't believe I ever could remember half of 'em."

" Yes, you could, if you liked such things and read about
them. I 've got a jolly lot of books about insects, and
birds, too j I brought a few along for reference, for I
often get stuck. There, that net 's all O. K.; now let 's
go on down and have a hunt."

The three boys started up to the creek which wound
its way in and out through the meadow. It was a beau-
tiful June morning, the air fresh and sweet with clover-
blossoms and wild roses. The little creek danced and
sparkled in the sunshine, and seemed to say, " Come
along, laddies ; I 'm all ready for a frolic."

Jumping into the old boat that was made fast to a

JAMIE 49

stump, they cast loose, and Tom and Bob, each taking an
oar, rowed upstream, with Jamie as pilot.

" Say," asked Bob, eager to have the question settled,
" will you come along over to-night ? I Ve told Mabel
about your bugs, and Polly 's told her about Jim Dandy,
your canary bird, and she wants to hear more. Will you
come ? "

" Yes, I '11 come, thank you. Who 's Mabel ? "

" She 's that lame girl from the city that 's boardin' up
at our house this summer. Only came last week, but we
like her lots. Bring along your bugs and butterflies, if
you get any, and show 'em to her ; she 11 like 7em."

By this time they had reached Jamie's happy hunting-
grounds, and, running the boat against the bank, the boys
jumped out and scrambled up, Jamie carefully carrying
his net.

" Let 's lie down here in the clover," he said. " It 's a
fine place to watch for my beauty. He is a dainty fellow,
and likes to get his breakfast in the clover-blossoms."

Stretching themselves upon the clover, the two lads
watched Jamie as he unrolled his net and settled himself
to await his expected visitor.

" What do you do with them all, when you Ve got 'em ? "
asked Bob, squirming about in the grass j for he was too
fidgety to keep quiet long, and, although glad to be with
Jamie, found sitting rather stupid.

" Why, I put them in my cabinet. Father gave me a
beauty last birthday, and I Ve got a fine collection already.
Lots of people come to see them, and I was offered a lot
for them, but of course I did n't want to sell them."

50 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

" I say," he said, after a few moments, " what 's that
over in the grass yonder? Something is making it move,
and it is n't wind, for there is n't enough of it." And Jamie
rose to his feet and peered eagerly toward a thick clump
of grass which grew about fifty feet off.

" Guess it 's your pet butterfly comin' for its breakfast,"
laughed Tom. "You've only to quirk your finger and
they walk into your net."

" No, it is n't a butterfly, either ; it ?s something a good
deal bigger. I think it 's a bird on a nest. Be still, you
fellows, while I go over and see. Now, mind you don't
shout, or you '11 scare it off." And Jamie crept carefully
toward the clump of grass, whistling softly as he ad-
vanced.

A soft, chirping call answered him, and continuing his
low whistle, he stooped down and parted the tall grass,
disclosing the nest of a tiny ground-sparrow. There sat
my lady bird upon her nest, looking up at him with her
bright little eyes as trustingly as though she were greet-
ing her mate, whom she was expecting to return with the
day's marketing. The little creature did not evince the
least fear, but looked at him as confidingly as though
she greeted an old and trusted friend.

Still whistling softly, Jamie stooped gently over the
nest and stroked the little brown back with his forefinger,
and then quietly withdrew and left the little lady to her
domestic cares.

The other boys watched eagerly from the distance,
consumed with a desire for a closer peep, yet hardly
daring to breathe lest they break the charm.

JAMIE 51

"How do you ever do it, anyway?" exclaimed Tom,
who had watched the whole performance breathlessly,
and was transfixed with amazement.

" Oh, I don't know ; I sort of can't help it. She is so
little and soft and pretty, and seems to understand that I
don't want to hurt her."

" But she let yer put yer finger right on her back, and
did n't look scared a bit. Don't reckon I could have got
within ten feet of her before she 'd have been clear over
the creek," said Bob. " Gee ! won't Mabel be tickled
when I tell her about it."

" I often find nests that way. Last week I found the
nest of a hermit-thrush 'way off in the woods. Did you
ever see one ? "

""I never saw a nest, but there are lots of the birds up
in the woods, and they whistle all the time," answered Tom.

" I saw the nest last Friday, and it had five eggs in it;
they were beauties, too. The bird was sitting on it when
I first saw it, but she hopped off and sat on a limb just
over it, while I took a good look at her house. It was
all made of moss and little twigs woven together, and
sort of cemented around inside with fine mud, and just
as smooth as could be. But the funniest thing of all was
a piece of old lace that she had found somewhere, and
had it all woven in the edge like a frill. I could n't
reach her to stroke her, but she did n't seem a bit
frightened, and when I stepped back a little way she
hopped right down on her nest again."

" Hi ! look yonder," interrupted Bob. " There 's your
butterfly, I bet five cents."

52 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

Both boys started and looked in the direction in which
Bob was pointing.

u It is, Toy George ! " cried Jamie, " and is n't it a dandy !
Come on, fellows, and we '11 soon have him."

All three chased over the meadow helter-skelter, but
how the other boys expected to capture the treasure with-
out the aid of a net they never stopped to consider.
Jamie, the long-legged, was soon in the lead, darting
hither and thither after the coveted prize, which led him
a lively chase.

Just here the ground rose rather abruptly, and formed
a steep bank to the little creek flowing below. Bob,
lost to everything but the butterfly, which was hovering
above the bank with Jamie's net perilously close to it,
came tearing up, and as the net fell over the victim, Bob
tripped over a brier, plunged forward, and rolled, heels
over head, down the bank, souse ! into the shallow water
below.

" Well, you are a chump ! ': blurted out Tom. " Now,
you are in a sweet mess, and have got to go back home
and be hung up to dry."

"Gee Willikens! did n't I go head first that time?"
cried the muddy, dripping Bob. " Reckon ma '11 ask if
I 'm a new sort of fish-bait."

" Come on out, you noodle," said Jamie. " What are
you sitting there in the middle of the creek for ? And let's
get along back, for I want to fix up this fellow before he
stiffens out. You can't do much with them unless you
mount them soon after you catch them " j and he regarded
his long-sought treasure with pride.

JAMIE 53

So they made their way to the boat, and were soon
rowing back to Tom's home, where they parted company
and sent Bob dripping homeward.

" Be sure you come over after dinner," was his parting
admonition.

" Yes ; I '11 be over about'* five o'clock. Tom and I are
to take Aunt Sarah up to Springfield this afternoon, so I
can't get over earlier-"

CHAPTER VIII

"A TRIP TO FAIRYLAND"

WEETHEART mine/7 said Mrs. Temple,
coming out upon the piazza about four
o'clock, where Mabel lay swinging in her
hammock, and Miss Wheeler sat reading
beside her, with little Polly curled up
at her feet, " Josh has just brought me
the afternoon mail, and papa writes that we may expect
him sometime Saturday morning, instead of in the after-
noon. Is n't that delightful ? r> And Mrs. Temple stooped
over the pretty scarlet hammock, with its deep valance, to
kiss the sweet face resting against the gaily colored pillows.
Mabel, in a dainty Scotch plaid gingham, with her
beautiful hair falling over her gay pillows, made a pretty
picture as she turned her bright, happy face to her
mother ; for the week in the clear air had already begun
to tell upon her, and a faint color was creeping into the pale
cheeks.

" Oh, how glad I am ! It only needs dear daddy to
make everything perfect. Are we to go to the station to
meet him ? "

54 •

"A TRIP TO FAIRYLAND" 55

" I hardly think so, dear ; you know the ride tired you
a good deal when we came last week? so it would not be
wise to risk it again. We can watch for him from the
lawn, and ask Josh to bring him as fast as Roaney will
let him."

u When I take Roaney's bread to him Saturday morn-
ing, I shall tell him that he must trot as fast as ever he
can when he brings Mr. Temple," said Polly.

u 1 'm sure he will obey you/' said Mrs. Temple. " He
would be very ungrateful not to, for you never forget
him " ; and Mrs. Temple stooped to stroke the eager, up-
turned face. " But do you know I have a most beautiful
plan in my head ? "

" Oh, what, what ? " cried the children, eagerly, for Mrs.
Temple rarely let a day go by without some delightful
thought.

" May I help in this plan ? " asked Miss Wheeler.

" Help ! " exclaimed Mrs. Temple. " Why, we could n't
possibly get along without your help, dear ! " For since
their confidential talk on the day they arrived Miss
Wheeler had seemed more than ever one of them, and
the formal * Miss Wheeler' had been dropped for the tender
little epithet which seemed to fall so sweetly from Mrs.
Temple's lips. Mrs. Temple had told Mabel Miss Wheeler's
story, and the child's generous, unselfish nature had re-
sponded instantly, the love she already felt for Miss
Wheeler growing doubly strong.

" Only think, darling," she had said, when her mother
finished the rather pathetic little story, "I Ve always
had so much love, and poor Miss Wheeler has had so

56 PRETTY POLLY PEKKINS

little since her father died. Oh, don't let her go away, but
keep her here with us, and I '11 lend her a piece of you."

" We will certainly try to, dear," had been the reply.
" I 've been having a little private talk with Mrs. Perkins,"
continued Mrs. Temple, " and she has given her consent
to my plan.

" Not long ago a little bird came and told that up in
the woods there was a most enchanting spot — indeed, I
believe I should say ' enchanted/ for until lately a sleep-
ing princess dwelt there ; and it is only within the past
few days that the prince managed to discover the charm
which wakened her"; and she glanced slyly at Polly, who
by this time began to get her big eyes open.

" This little bird also told me that the spot was never so
enchanting as in the afternoon at about five o'clock, and
that if I would come there then, and bring with me a dainty
little supper, the enchantment would extend even to
that, and it would taste as it could not possibly taste if
partaken under ordinary conditions. But we have first
to win the consent of the guide to this enchanted spot,
for without that we could never, never find it, however
long we might hunt."

"I 'm the guide, I 'm the guide! " cried Polly, jumping
up. "And am I really to take you and Mabel and Miss
Wheeler there, and are we to truly eat our supper in the
woods ? " And little Polly looked quite wild in her
excitement.

" We truly are, my sweet P, and Bob has confided to
me that a young friend is coming to stay overnight with
him, and they are to add to our party."

"A TEIP TO FAIRYLAND" 57

" How am I to reach this enchanted spot, darling ? ;!
asked Mabel.

" That is another nice part of my plan ; but it is not to
be told just yet. You must have faith to believe in
the enchantments, for they are capable of accomplishing
marvelous things. But now Polly and Miss Wheeler
must go out to the kitchen and help Mrs. Perkins and
Ruth pack our supper-basket, for I can't begin to tell
you of the delicious things I saw out there waiting to go
into it."

Polly vanished, and Miss Wheeler ran after her. Mrs.
Temple sat down by Mabel, who reached out and drew
her mother's hand up to her face.

" Darling," said she, " don't you think Ruth would like
to go with us ? She does not have many nice times, and
yet she is only a year older than I am, though sometimes
she seems about ten years older. They don't seem to
think she is a little girl, but keep her so busy all the
time."

" She is a serious little body," replied Mrs. Temple,
"and I Ve thought of what you have just said. I
asked Mrs. Perkins if she could spare Ruth for a little
while ; but she answered that her father was going up to
Springfield this afternoon, and Ruth wished to go with
him. Our absence will make it easier for her to do so,
as there will be no supper for her to hurry home and
attend to. I overheard her ask her mother to let her buy
that pretty little figured muslin she saw when she drove
into Springfield with me last Tuesday afternoon, and Mrs.
Perkins has consented. The child has good taste, but it

58 PEETTY POLLY PERKINS

is quite undeveloped, so I shall try a little plan to help it
develop properly."

" You are a precious little mother, and I love you
dearly, dearly ! 7' And Mabel snuggled close to the edge of
the hammock in order to be nearer. " You always think
out a whole lovely plan while I 7m hunting for the be-
ginning of one. What are you going to do ? 7;

" I shall ask Ruth to get a dress pattern for me ; I
have already selected a pretty one in the pattern-book.
She will think it is for you, as you are about the same
age. And I shall ask her also to buy several yards of
pretty pink ribbon for me. Fortunately, she brought
home a sample of the muslin the other day, and I 7ve
managed to confiscate it. The little pink buds in it are
exactly the shade of your pink ribbons, so I shall ask her
to match a piece of the ribbon as near as possible. Then,
to-morrow morning we will have a sewing-bee, and it will
be strange if our united efforts cannot produce a dainty
little frock which will gladden the child's heart, and be
a slight return for the many kindnesses she has rendered
you. She is a dear little old woman; just nothing else
will describe her, but I want to help keep some of the
child in her.77

In less time than one would have supposed it possible to
tuck away such a bountiful feast, Polly and Miss Wheeler
returned to announce that all was prepared, and they only
awaited the arrival of the chariot which was to convey them
to the princess's domains.

" Very well,77 said Mrs. Temple, laughing ; "I will blow a
blast upon my fairy bugle and my chariot will appear '7; and

"A TRIP TO FAIRYLAND" 61

she stepped into the hall, to return with the tin dinner-horn,
upon which she blew two long and two short toots.

All broke into shouts of laughter, which increased when
Lady Grey appeared around the corner of the house,
dragging behind her the big stone-boat, with Josh acting
as charioteer.

A small soft mattress was laid upon the boat and covered
with a bright plaid shawl. Two or three sofa pillows added
to its luxury, and there was a chariot fit for a princess.
Lady Grey was evidently delighted with her reception, and
seemed to consider it gotten up for her special honor, for
she neighed loudly, and poked her soft white nose out to
Polly, hoping to receive the coveted bit of bread.

"Dear old Lady, you shall have it when we get to fairy-
land,'7 said Polly, taking Lady's soft muzzle in her hands
and planting a dainty kiss just where it was softest.

" Now, what have you to say of my chariot ? ' asked
Mrs. Temple.

Mabel reached up her arms, and drawing her mother
close down to the hammock, hugged her as hard as she
could hug. " There ! " she exclaimed, " I think just that
of it; and now help me into my chariot just as quick as
ever you can, please.7'

Up came Josh, saying, " Reckon I 'm the heftiest man
round here, and I '11 lift you in quick as a wink " ; and
reaching his strong arms about her, and lifting as gently
and skilfully as Miss Wheeler could have done, he carried
her down to the chariot and placed her tenderly upon its
cushions. Miss Wheeler flew down to settle the pillows
comfortably, and Josh placed the reins in Mabel's hands.

62 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

it'

There you are, ma'am, as fine as a fiddle," said he j
and catching up the basket of good things, he added,
" I'll lead the white Lady, and she '11 lead the little one."

Off they started, Josh guiding Lady carefully along the
smooth grass out to the path which led over the meadows
to the wood beyond. The old stone-boat slid smoothly
along, and Mabel scarcely felt the slightest jar.

Miss Wheeler walked on one side, and Pollv danced

/ «/

along on the other, while Mrs. Temple walked as body-
guard behind and carried extra shawls and a book.

CHAPTER IX

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY'S PALACE

ALF-WAY across the meadow they were
overtaken by Bob and Jamie, who came
tearing after them.

" Hi ' hold on a minute ; we 're coming
too ! " shouted Bob. " Ma told us which
way you 'd gone, and here we are. Mrs.
Temple, this is Jim." Jamie, who never forgot his man-
ners, made his best bow and placed his long, slender fingers
in Mrs. Temple's outstretched hand.

" We are delighted to meet you,'7 she said, in her sweet,
winning wav. " This is Miss Wheeler, and our enthroned

^j u i

princess is my daughter Mabel."

"I 'm so glad you 7ve come, for Bob has told us such a
lot about your birds and butterflies that I long to hear
more," said Mabel, brightly.

The journey was resumed, Polly confidingly slipping
her soft little hand into Jamie's and walking beside him,
for he was a prime favorite of hers. Chatting merrily,
the party soon reached Polly's fairyland, — as they all
agreed the spot should be called, — and, leading Lady

63

64 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

close to the edge of the pool, so that Mabel could easily
look down upon the placid water with the afternoon sun-
beams casting long slanting rays upon it, Josh, after
depositing the precious basket in a place of safety, un-
hooked the traces, flung them across the collar, and gave
a spring which landed him astride Lady's broad back.

With a sounding smack on her fat flanks, he cried,
" Get along, old fat-sides ! " and, with a snort of indigna-
tion at such familiarity, Lady bounced out of the still,
leafy covert, and trotted briskly toward home, with her
harness jingling, and Josh singing :

" Polly, put the kettle on,
And we '11 all take tea."

Polly's wildest fancies had never hinted at the enthusi-
asm which the first sight of her sylvan abode would pro-
duce. Mabel was quick to appreciate the beautiful, and
her mother's training had developed her perception.

" Oh, mania darling, do look ! do look ! r she cried
rapturously. " Did you ever see such a soft, beautiful
green, or anything so perfect as the reflection of those
tiny white clouds in the pool, and all the little dancing
sunbeams that creep through the trees as though they
were coming to picnic with us ? "

" No wonder Polly calls it fairyland, for one might look
for the fairy queen to come among that clump of ferns,"
replied Mrs. Temple.

" I 'm so glad, oh, so glad you like it," said Polly, over-
joyed at sharing her favorite spot with Mabel, to whom
she was already devoted.

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY'S PALACE 65

" Yes, that is where my Sleeping Beauty lives. Can't
you almost see the palace ? "

'k Indeed we can/' said Miss Wheeler, briskly. " But
now let's set our own palace in order j for we are mortals,
you see, and have to think about supper. It may be very
nice to be a Sleeping Beauty, and not have to bother to
eat for a hundred years ; but, for my part, I 'd rather be
Molly Wheeler, and have for supper some of those de-
licious things I helped to pack snugly away in that big
basket that nearly broke Josh's strong arm. Come, my
laddies, fly around and gather some sticks, for we must
have hot water for our tea."

And the boys, who had been busy helping Mrs. Temple
settle Mabel's " throne " comfortably, went off to do Miss
Wheeler's bidding, while she and Polly unpacked the big-
basket.

First came a snowy table-cloth, which they spread upon
the soft, mossy ground, and this was followed by great
slices of delicious home-made brown bread, rolls of golden
butter, cold chicken and ham, flaky rolls, and great pieces
of golden pound-cake. Then came a huge bottle of milk,
a little package of tea, another of sugar, plates, cups and
saucers, spoons, knives and forks, and last of all a small
square box, carefully tied.

" This is something precious, I fancy, but I don't know
what," said Miss Wheeler, looking mystified. " Let 's
all guess before we open it. You guess first, madam
mother."

" Oh, I dare not venture a guess," replied Mrs. Temple,
smiling a guilty smile.

a
u

66 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

" You know already ! you know already ! " cried Mabel.
" Miss Wheeler, you must guess, for you don't know any
more about it than we do."

" Well, I guess it 's a box of cream-drops — pounds of
them. You know, I 've a sweet tooth."

" Oh, it is n't half heavy enough for cream-drops,"
said Mabel. "Now, Polly, it 's your turn."

Polly came up to look closely before committing herself.

"I kinder guess it 's those soft, squashy things your
father sent up last week. I forget what you call 'era."
Marshmallows," laughed Mabel.

Maybe it is. Now the boys must guess"; for they
had just returned from their forage for fuel, and were
listening eagerly.

" What is in it, Jamie ? " asked Miss Wheeler.

" Fish-hooks and lines to fish in Polly's pool," was the
prompt reply, which caused a shout.

" Bet five cents it 's peanuts," said Bob ; for the wish
was father to the thought, these being his favorite
delicacy.

" Now it 's my turn, and J guess it 's strawberries, and
dear daddy sent them for me — and look at mama's
face ! look at her face ! I Ve guessed right — I know I
have " ; for Mrs. Temple was already laughing merrily.

Off came the cover, and there, reposing on their leafy
bed, were great, red, luscious berries.

The children gathered eagerly around Miss Wheeler
as she carefully lifted the berries out by their stems, and
placed them on a big dish which Mrs. Perkins' thought-
fulness had provided.

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY'S PALACE 67

" Has any one here eaten strawberries this year ! " she
asked, when the last one was carefully placed.

<• I have n't/7 said Mabel.

" Nor I/7 " nor I," was the general answer.

" Good ! Then let us each make a wish upon our first
strawberry of the season. Madam mother must be the
first."

" And shall I surely see it realized ? " asked Mrs. Tem-
ple j for the one wish which was ever close to her heart
was to see her little daughter restored to health, and
even through the playful tone there sounded a pathetic
ring to the question.

" Absolutely certain, if you make your wish before
your teeth touch your berry."

" Very well ; I wish," said Mrs. Temple, " that next year
strawberries may be eaten by a strong, robust Mabel, and
I eat to her health with all my heart n ; and the first berry
met its fate.

" Now, Miss Wheeler/7 cried both Polly and Mabel, in a
breath.

" And I wish/7 said Miss Wheeler, dropping for a mo-
ment her laughing tone, " that the gentle fairy who has
cast her spells upon this enchanted spot may extend her
charms to me, that I may long dwell near these Temples
of love and unselfishness.77

" But I fear you look upon these Temples through rosy
spectacles/7 said Mrs. Temple, half-remonstratingly, "and
give to them more beautiful attributes than they really
possess.77

This is fairyland, dear madam mother, and only

u

68 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

those who are absolutely truthful can dwell here. Now,
Polly Perkins, for your wish."

" I wish — let me see, what shall I wish ? " And she
looked as serious as though her entire future rested upon
the wish. " I wish for a lovely house, with loads and
loads of pretty things in it, and pictures, and lots of pets,
and books, and ever so many things that people love to
look at, and no old dishes to wash, or pans to shine, or
chores to do," said Polly, stringing out her wish until it
was nearly a mile long. All laughed, but could not fail
to sympathize with Polly, for they realized that the child
hungered for just such surroundings.

" I believe Polly will get her wish some day," said Mrs.
Temple, "for, judging from a peep I had into a dainty
little room this morning, I fancy she will somehow man-
age to collect the lovely things for herself. Did you
arrange it yourself, deary V:

" Yes ?m. Ma lets me rummage up garret whenever I
like, and I hunt up the things I want and carry them
downstairs. There are loads of pretty things up there,
but ma says they are such old truck. Will you come up to
see them some day ? "

"Indeed I will, with pleasure, for I suspect it is a
delightful place, and there is nothing I love so well as a
grand rummage."

" Now, Bob, tell us your pet wish," said Miss Wheeler.

" I wish you ?d hurry up and eat supper. I 7m clear
hollow, and those berries are better to eat than to wish
with, I reckon," said Bob, who was not imaginative.

" Well, Jamie, you will have to guess quickly to keep

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY'S PALACE 69

Bob from starving, I fear " ; and Miss Wheeler laughed
merrily at Bob's broad hint.

"I wish I could get a Purple Emperor out here in the
woods, and then my collection would be almost perfect —
at least, I 'd have the ones I most want ; so my wish is
soon made."

''Now, princess, for your wish"; and Miss Wheeler
dropped a handful of strawberry-leaves over Mabel's
head.

"My wish is that before October I shall walk all
around, and that Polly and I may come down here to
gather the chestnuts I just know will come tumbling
down from this tree"; and she glanced at the thick,
leafy branches of the big chestnut-tree which sheltered
her.

And then the last of the wishing berries met its fate,
and the feast, which proved a jolly one, began. The sticks
which the boys had gathered were soon snapping merrily,
and Miss Wheeler swung the kettle over them in gipsy
style, and soon had the water boiled and the tea ready
to serve.

Mabel lay luxuriously back upon her cushions, with
Polly snuggled beside her, both feasting from the same
plate; Jamie, stretched flat on his stomach, disposed of
slices of brown bread with startling rapidity ; and Bob,
sitting astride a low hanging limb, tucked away a store
of provisions sufficient to sustain him twelve hours, one
would suppose.

Miss Wheeler made a lively mistress of ceremonies, and
kept them in a gale of laughter with her fun. But at

70 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

last the end was reached, and she was forced to give
over replenishing plates and cups.

"Our wishing to-day," said Mrs. Temple, " reminds me
of an amusing episode of my childhood. It is years since

*

I have thought of it."

" Oh, tell it — do tell it," cried the children, who dearly
loved one of Mrs. Temple's stories.

And she at once began.

CHAPTER X

MARION'S WISH

NE summer sister Marion and I were
visiting Aunt Martha, who lived then
at Rye. She had a pretty little cottage
near the shore, and we youngsters had
no end of fun bathing, sailing, and play-
ing on the sand. Indeed, we about
lived in our bathing-suits, for aunty's cottage was some-
what removed from the others, and a tiny strip of sandy
beach belonged to her own grounds, so no one else ever
came there, and we were as safe as could be.

" Aunt Martha was always thoughtful for us, and loved
us dearly, but did not have mother's way of governing us.
Marion would never have thought of disobeying even a
wish mother might have expressed ; but it was quite dif-
ferent when Aunt Martha bade us not do things, and her
anxiety lest we should get into some scrape made her, I
dare say, over-solicitous, and she used often to warn us
against doing things we had never even thought of.

"Not far from us there lived a family in which there
were enough children to be divided among three ordinary

71

72 PEETTY POLLY PERKINS

families, and still leave each well supplied, and we had
watched them with wonder as they tore by aunty's gate,
or raided her orchard for plums and pears. Indeed, they
were the terrors of the surrounding neighborhood, and
Marion and I had regarded them with a wholesome dread.
Far from wishing to come in contact with them, we had
fled in terror at their approach. What in the world ever
put it into aunty's head to warn us against them, I can-
not imagine. However, she was obliged to go to the city
one morning, and took the early train that she might
have Uncle Will's company. Before she started she gave
us about two-and-twenty warnings. We were not to
go out in the boat alone j we were not to go into the
stalls, lest the horses kick us; we were not to meddle
with the lawn-mower; and we were not to play in the cel-
lar— all things we had never yet done, or thought of
doing. But the crowning admonition was funniest of
all, for we were not to go over to play with the Hoe
children. Had she told us not to go out into the sound
to play with the mermaids, we could not have been more
surprised, for we were about as likely to do one as we
were to do the other.

" ' I do believe Aunt Martha is crazy ! ' exclaimed Mar-
ion, as the carriage drove out the gate. 1 1 wonder if she
thinks we are babies, and that Abby must watch us
every minute.'

" Abby was the old servant, who had lived with Aunt
Martha ever since we could remember. She cordially
detested children, and, I believe, lived in a sort of night-
mare all the time we were there.

MARION'S WISH 73

" ' I guess she thinks children are always trying to
think up some mischief/ I replied. ' Well, never mind ;
we have got all day to ourselves. Abby won't bother us,
and we can have loads of fun. Come on down to the beach/

"We were soon on the sand, playing happily with
our dolls j for we had a numerous family, and their care
occupied much of our time. At twelve o'clock Abby
called us in to our luncheon, and seemed especially amia-
ble, because we had kept out of mischief and out of her
way. When we had finished she made us go upstairs
and dress for the afternoon, which was quite contrary to
our plans, for we wanted to paddle in the water.

" ' No j ye '11 not do it at all this day, thin. Yer aunt ?s
away, and I ^11 not be presnmin' the responsibility/ she
asserted. 'Ye '11 just kape yersel's dacint till the four-
o'clock train fetches her home ag'in, and be af ther playin'
quiet-like on the lawn/ Abby had her own ideas of
proper pronunciation.

"Playing 'quiet-like' was not at all to our tastes,
but we knew it was no use to dispute the question with
autocrat Abby.

" We got ourselves dressed, Marion in a pretty pink
and I in a blue chambray, and were pronounced ' as swate
as two roses ' by the mollified Abby.

" ' I wonder if they have lilue roses in Ireland/ whispered
Marion.

" ' Now, go 'long wid yees, whilst I roon up to me room
and sew a bit.'

"We well knew that Abby's ' sewing ' was spelled ' sleep-
ing/ and that she was safe for an hour or two.

74 PEETTY POLLY PERKINS

" We walked disconsolately out upon the lawn and sat
down under one of the big elms.

" ' The idea of making us dress all up now, when aunty
won't be home for three hours, and we could have paddled
and had no end of fun ! Hateful old thing ! I wish I could
pay her off'; and Marion shook a small brown fist at
Abby's window.

" i Well, what can we do, anyhow, I 'd like to know?7 1
asked. t If we go and get mussed up, Abby will take our
heads off, and then go and tell aunty an awful lot of stuff,
and we '11 get scolded just for her meanness. Do think of
something nice to do j you always can, and I can't think
of a single thing. I just wish we were home. I 'm never
coming here again. '

" t Well, we can't go home,' said Marion, decisively,
1 so let 's try to think up something. I '11 tell you : we '11
each make a wish, and see how soon we '11 get it, I Ve got
a wish-bone I saved from the chicken last night. Come
on.'

" She flew back to the piazza, and soon had her wish-
bone, which she had hung on the hammock-hook to dry.
We each took hold of an end, and Marion said, i Now,
you wish first '

" i I wish Abby was in Jericho/ was my prompt
response.

" t Gruess you '11 wait awhile before you get your wish/
with a scornful toss of the head, '/wish we could go
somewhere or do something perfectly splendid this after-
noon.'

" It seemed as though an evil fairy heard Marion's

MARION'S WISH 75

wish, for, glancing up, we saw standing at the gate a
little shaggy donkey harnessed to a cart in which were
seated a boy and girl about our own ages.

" We looked at them and they looked at us, and finally
one of them said, ' Come on out and have a ride with
us.'

" We tore down to the gate, and, without stopping to
ask who they were or anything regarding them, we scram-
bled into the cart.

Ui What 's her name?' demanded the boy, pointing at
Marion.

" * She is my sister Marion ; my name is Mabel.'

" ' Yes, I know that j I heard her call you so. Well,
come on over to the village, and we '11 get some ice-cream
and candy.'

"Off we started, and Bobbles, the donkey, trotted
along as though no stranger to the road.

" ' Have you had the donkey long ? ' I asked of Madge,
which we soon learned was the girl's name.

" ' No j we were down in the village yesterday, and saw
a ragman driving him, and we liked him so well we
bought him.7

" t You bought him ! Why, how much did he cost, I M
like to know ? J said Marion, who was not in the habit of
weighing her words.

" * Only ten dollars. We had the ragman bring him up
to the house ; and then we went and got the money out of
ma's purse. She was n't home ; but when she came she
could n't help herself, for we had the donkey.'

" l What is your name, anyhow ? ' asked Marion ; for

76 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

we began now to suspect into what company we had
plunged.

" { Frank Roe/ said the boy.

" I looked at Marion and she looked at me, and we both
thought of Aunt Martha's warning. Still, it was ' in for
a penny, in for a pound ' ; and we had our pound before
we finished. But we were determined to have our ' per-
fectly splendid time/ if we could get it.

" We soon came to the ice-cream saloon, where our host
ordered ' four plates of ice-cream of every kind you have/
and after that he bought pounds of the richest kinds of
candies. When it came time to pay for it, he calmty
said, ' 1 7m Frank Roe ; charge it to pa/ and walked out
of the store, we following like sheep.

"We got into the cart, and tried to turn round and
start for home. But Bobbles had other ideas upon the
subject. Pull and tug as he might, Frank could not
make him stir one inch in the direction we wished to go.
So, thinking to get him around the block, he let him start
in the direction he seemed determined to go. We got to
the corner, and then came another tussle. We jerked, and
banged, and coaxed, but it was no use. Then we got
into the cart again and waited.

" One huge ear was turned back and one perked forward,
while he looked at us out of the corners of his wicked eyes.
We had probably sat there like idiots for about ten min-
utes when, without the slightest warning, he jerked up
his head, gave a bray that was enough to waken the dead,
and dashed off down the street as though pursued by a
demon.

MARION'S WISH 77

it

In vain we all tugged at the reins ; we might as well
have pulled on a house, for all the impression we made.
Bump, bump ! and bang, bang ! went the cart over the
road, and we had much ado to keep in it. Around a
corner, down a side street, out of that into a forlorn,
dirty alley swarming with untidy children, pigs, and
ducks, which we sent scattering in every direction ; but
still no signs of stopping. The alley led us into another
street — if possible, more forlorn and dirty than the alley
itself. This seemed to be Bobbles' ' home stretch/ for
here he outdid himself, and bounced along like a wild
thing. The little cart bumped along behind him, and we
children, now thoroughly frightened, splashed with mud,
our hats lost, and our candies sprinkled along the streets
we had passed through, hung on for dear life.

"Frank still tugged at the reins most manfully, and,
in order to get a better brace, stood up in the cart,
planted one foot against the dash-board, and threw all
his weight against the bit, while we held on to him in the
rear. Another sudden bray, a still more violent plunge,
and a stop so sudden that it dumped us all heels over
head on top of him, and Bobbles had reached home — at
least, his late master's home.

" ' Oh, Mabel ! are you killed ? ' screamed Marion, as
she scrambled out from under the donkey's feet.

" I was n't killed exactly, although I fully believed my
hour had come. We all managed to get upon our feet,
and we were spectacles !

"An old colored woman, who proved to be the rag-
man's wife, rushed out to our assistance, crying: 'De

78 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

Lawd bress my soul ! Huccome dese heah chillerns wid
dat no-'count donkey ? 'Pears like yo'-all must be neah
'bout knocked all ter pieces wid dat owdacious fall.'
And she brushed us off and tried to put us in some sort
of order.

" ' Is yo'-all dose chillerns what Thorm done sol' dis heah
donkey to 'istidd'y ? I tell him he ain't oughter done it,
'ca'se he knowed dat donkey bomi* ter come home, shuah j
and it don't make no diff'ence ter him who in de cyart j
dey got ter come along, too. And heah yo'-all is. Tut,
tut ! 'Pears like I oughter knock him good.'

" We were not quite clear as to whom she felt called
upon to l knock,' ' Thorm ' or the donkey j but we were
glad of her sympathy.

" Now arose the question of how to get home, and it
was a poser ; for we were miles away from it, and did not
know our way back.

" But our dusky friend came to our rescue. She could
not budge the donkey j but she soon summoned her son,
' Henry 'Gustus,' and, with him as pilot, we started off on
foot, looking, I dare say, like a lot of draggle-tailed
chickens,

"As we passed through the village a clock struck four,
and Marion and I jumped as though we had been shot.

" Aunt Martha would be home at four ! Scarcely had
the thought formed than we heard the rapid approach of
a carriage, and, instinctively glancing behind, what was
our dismay to behold Uncle Will, Aunt Martha, and a
friend whom they were bringing from town.

" i In the name of creation ! What are you children

MARION'S WISH 79

doing here, and how did you get in such a state ? ' she
demanded.

" i The donkey ran away with us/ said Frank, who was
not easily abashed.

" < The donkey ! What donkey 1'

" ' Why, mine, of course — the one I bought yesterday.'

" ' And who are you, pray ? '

" ' 1 >m Frank Roe.7

" l You and Marion may get into this carriage and
come home with us/ said Aunt Martha, severely j and
home we went in short order, leaving Frank and Madge
to trudge back as best they could.

"I don't think I will tell what befell us ; but we never
forgot how Marion got her wish for ' a perfectly splendid
time/ ; said Mrs. Temple, laughing, and preparing to
return home, for the sun was setting, and her invalid
must be safely housed.

" That was fine ; but I 'm anxious to know what hap-
pened to the donkey," said Jamie, as he helped to gather
up the things.

" We learned a few days later from Frank, whom we
met on the road, that the old darky had brought him
safely back, and that they drove in the opposite direction
afterward. We used often to see them tear by with six
or eight youngsters in the cart."

"But what did your Aunt Martha say to you and
Marion?" asked PoUy.

" She gave us a sound lecture and sent us to bed with-
out any supper."

" Wish I could 'a' been in the donkey cart 'long with

80 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

you. Ki ! was n't it fun ? " For such pranks appealed
to Bob, who was forever getting into scrapes.

" Well, my lads and lasses, we must get home as quickly
as possible, so I '11 play another tune on my bugle."

The toot-toot, toot-toot ! echoed over the hills, and by
the time the boys had helped Miss Wheeler pack away
the dishes, — for nothing else remained to be carried back,
— Josh's shouts were heard, and Lady's clump, clump !
sounded on the soft earth.

Lady arrived with a rush, stopped suddenly in front of
Mabel, and Josh slid right over her head, and landed on
his feet in front of the stone-boat, where he spread out
his hands and made a profound, if rather awkward, bow.

" Come along, Miss Princess, and let me tote you back
home " ; and the big kind-hearted fellow once more hooked
up the traces and prepared to escort his party homeward.
All sang merrily, Miss Wheeler's sweet contralto ringing
out clear and strong.

CHAPTER XI

BOB DISTINGUISHES HIMSELF

N their return they found Mrs. Perkins
and Ruth watching for them and all
ready to give a cheery welcome. Ruth
was quite excited over her trip to Spring-
field, and hastened to display her pur-
chases to Mrs. Temple, feeling sure of
her interest in the smallest trifle. The muslin was ad-
mired, her good taste praised, and the ribbon and pattern
pronounced exactly right.

" Ain't that a pretty dress pattern, ma ? I wish I was
smart enough to make mine like it, but I guess it '11 be
sort of pretty, anyway."

" When do you intend to begin it, dear ? " said Mrs.
Temple.

" I 'm afraid I can't before Friday, 'cause to-morrow
ma has a lot of jelly to do, and I Ve got to help."

" When you are ready to begin, come up to my room,
and perhaps Miss Wheeler and I can offer some sug-
gestions."

81

82 PEETTY POLLY PERKINS

" May I ? Oh, thank you, ma'am n ; and Ruth went off
to her room to put the new muslin carefully away.

" Now, Bob," said Mrs. Perkins, " you go right along
and get in my kindlin' from the woodshed, for I want the
fire started out in the wash-house first thing in the
mornin', and I don't reckon you 're goin' to be out o' bed
any too early. Now, don't bother those clothes I got
laid out there."

" Wait for me here, Jim. I '11 be back in a minute " j
and off started happy-go-lucky Bob.

" I 've been doin' right smart work while you folks was
a-picnicking. Gathered up all pa's heavy coats and things,
and aired 'em all ready to pack away in the camfire chists,"
said Mrs. Perkins. " It 's a sight o' work, for he gets 'em
dretful dusty. But he won't never let me pack 'em away
before June. Says he 's like to want 'em. Pretty soon
I 'm goin' to carry 'em up garret and lay 'em away."

Meanwhile Bob had gathered up his kindling-wood,
piling upon his arm all he could possibly struggle under,
and returned to the wash-house with it, where Mrs.
Perkins had laid the recently aired winter clothing. What
there could be in a pile of coats, vests, and overcoats to
excite mirth it would be hard to tell j but Bob stopped
short in the doorway, and a broad grin overspread his
countenance. Among other things lay his father's huge
ulster, a garment reserved for the fiercest of winter
storms. Carefully depositing his great armful of sticks
upon the wash-house floor, Bob took up the ulster and
proceeded to roll himself in it. Mr. Perkins was a very
tall man, and the ulster an unusually long one ; conse-

BOB DISTINGUISHES HIMSELF 83

quently Bob vanished, head and ears, under its capacious
folds. Buttoning it carefully down the front, so that it
covered him completely, he reached down and once more
gathered up his armful of wood.

" Now I '11 walk out on the porch and give 'em a scare " ;
and off he started, trusting to his familiarity with the
many turns and corners of the house to get safely to his
destination without the aid of his eyes — a grotesque
enough figure, with the armful of wood to make it " look
fat.'7

Alas for Bob's bump of locality ! It played him false
that time. For, turning, as he supposed, to go into the
little hall leading to the dining-room, he plunged head
foremost down the cellar stairs, and landed with a re-
sounding crash in a great tin pan of ripe currants which
his mother had left standing upon the lower step, and
sent them flying in every direction. At the crash all
sprang to their feet and rushed toward the sound, Mrs.
Perkins in the lead.

The lamps had not yet been lighted, and in the gather-
ing twilight it was no easy matter to see down cellar.

Quickly lighting a candle, Mrs. Perkins flew down the
stairs, with Miss Wheeler, Jamie, and the girls close
behind. At the foot they found a conglomeration of
kindling-wood, currants, tin pan, overcoat, and presuma-
bly Bob; but nothing could be seen save a squirming
object hidden underneath the folds of the coat, while a
voice groaned out :

" I thought it was the entry door, and I reckon I 'm
near 'bout killed ! "

84 PEETTY POLLY PERKINS

" What in the name of creation be you a-doin7 down
here in this mess? And jest look at all my fresh-picked
currants that I was goin7 to jell in the mornin7, and yer
pa's overcoat all torn and splashed up. Land-a-massey !
I blieve you 7re clear crazy. Serve you jest right if
you 7d broke every bone you 7ve got.77

It was indeed a miracle that Bob had not " broke every
bone he 7d got/7 and probably the heavy overcoat proved
his salvation. As it was, he was sufficiently bruised to
remember his overcoat promenade for several days to
come.

Miss Wheeler ran back to assure Mrs. Temple, who had
remained with Mabel, that neither the house nor Bob
had been reduced to fragments.

Two hours later all was quiet in the old farm-house,
for they were usually up betimes in the morning, and
kept early hours at night.

Bob carried Jamie off to his own nest, a small room
with slanting ceiling and tiny windows. It was some-
what removed from the rest of the bedchambers, being
built out over the kitchen, and seldom used, except by
Bob during the summer while the house was filled with
boarders.

The furniture consisted of an old-fashioned "four-
poster77 bedstead, high enough to require a step-lad-
der to climb into it, 'a chest of drawers, a wash-stand,
and some chairs.

The floor was painted, and a bit of rag carpet did duty
as a rug. But Bob was not critical, and so long as it
afforded him a roosting-place, it mattered little, for not

BOB DISTINGUISHES HIMSELF 85

many minutes after he entered it at night he was usually
sound asleep, and knew nothing more till he was roused
early in the morning.

To Jamie, fresh from his own beautiful city home, the
contrast must have been marked, but, boy -like, he gave
little heed to it, and both boys were soon stowed away in
the Noah's ark of a bed.

" Hope the skeets won't plague you," said Bob. " Some-
how, they don't get into the other parts of the house,
but they like this room because the ceiling >s low, I
guess."

" Hope they won't, for they are n't the sort of insects
I want to get specimens of," laughed Jamie.

Two minutes later both were sound asleep.

About midnight Jamie was wakened by the ominous
buzz, buzz ! of the mosquitoes, for they seemed to recog-
nize a fresh victim and attacked him viciously.

A few preliminary jerks and tosses, and Jamie was
wide awake and slashing wildly at his tormentors.

" Confound the things ! They Ve nearly chewed me
up ! " he exclaimed ruefully, and he scratched his itching
face and hands. " I don't believe they 7ve even taken one
bite at Bob, or he would never be so sound asleep." And
he regarded the sleeping Bob with envy.

" How the dickens can a fellow sleep with these buzzing
imps after him, 1 7d like to know ! " And Jamie banged
about wrathf ully.

Settling down again, he tried to cover his face with the
sheet, but that proved too stifling for a warm June night,
and poor tormented Jamie had to emerge for a breather.

86 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

The mosquitoes evidently regarded this as a new defiance
and renewed their attack with vigor.

Then he grew desperate, and, giving Bob a shake, said :

" I say, what is a fellow to do with these beastly mos-
quitoes ? r

" Huh ! '• was all the response he received.

" What shall I do to get these confounded mosquitoes
out of the room ? They are just swallowing me in bits ! "

"Get the mosquiter n — nt"; and the sleepy Bob
flopped over and was lost to mosquitoes and everything
else.

" What is he trying to say, anyhow, and what am I to
get, I wonder? It sounded like 'mint.7 What can mos-
quito mint be ? Wonder if it 's something they make out
of mint to rub on your face and hands, as you sprinkle
pennyroyal for flies ? Should n't wonder a bit, for I saw
a bottle of something on that chest of drawers. I '11 give
him another thump and find out. Say, Bob, Bob ! wake
up, will you, and tell me if you mean mosquito mint, and
where it is?" And Jamie thumped vigorously.

" Oh, get out, will you, and let me alone ! Yes, it 's
right over there in the corner; light the candle and get
it ; it '11 keep 'em off " j and Bob was again in the land o'
nod.

Jamie bounced out of bed and began to hunt for the
matches, only to find that the box was empty. " I '11
have the stuff, if I hunt all night, for no fellow can sleep
with those things singing songs to him."

He clawed about in the darkness, until at last his hands
came in contact with a bottle.

BOB DISTINGUISHES HIMSELF 87

" Bet five cents I 've got the stuff ; let 7s have a smell."
Removing the cork, he sniffed at the bottle's contents, but
it seemed to be without odor. Again he felt carefully all
over the top of the chest of drawers, and then on the
wash-stand, but no other bottle could be found.

"Well, here goes, anyhow"; and suiting the action to
the words, he poured out a handful of the fluid, rubbed it
well over his face, and then pouring another, thoroughly
saturated his hands with it.

Feeling that he had done all he could, he scrambled
back to bed, and — whether it was the result of the lotion
or that he was tired from his exertions — fell fast asleep,
and knew nothing more till five o'clock, when he was
aroused by Mrs. Perkins' vigorous bang upon the door
and her voice bidding Bob " get up right off! "

CHAPTER XII

f<Ja

JAMIE'S MOSQUITO EXTERMINATOR

OB rolled out his side of the bed and
began to get into his clothes. Having
gotten as far as his shirt and trousers,
he glanced up and gave voice to a shout
that made more deliberate Jamie jump
about three feet.
" Jerusalem Peter ! what have you been at ? Did you
fall into an ink-pot ? r'

" What are you getting at, anyhow ? " asked mystified
Jamie. "I have n't been getting into anything that I
know of."

" I say you have ! " shouted the excited Bob. " You ?re
ink from your head to your heels ; and just look at your
pillow and your sheet ! Golly whiskers ! Won't ma
howl ! "

Jamie looked in dismay at the besmirched sheets and
the pillow-case, and then at his hands.

" Look at your face, too," commanded Bob.

" How can I look at it, when there is n't a looking-glass,

88

JAMIE'S MOSQUITO EXTERMINATOR 89

I M like to know? It 's all your fault, anyhow, for telling
me to get that confounded old mosquito mint."

" I never ! " said Bob, indignantly.

" Yes, you did, too ! When I asked you in the night
what to do about those hanged old mosquitoes that were
just feasting on me, you said, ' Get the mint/ and I
clawed all over the room to find it ; but the only bottle I
could find was that one up there on the chest, and it ;s
ink I "

Bob rolled over on the bed and simply howled.

"I told you to get the -mosquito-net, and there it is,
folded up and lying on that chair yonder. All you had
to do was throw it over the bedposts, and you 7d 'a7 been
all right " j and Bob went off into another convulsion.

Up came Mrs. Perkins to demand the cause of the
uproar, and at sight of Jamie she nearly fell backward
in a spasm.

" Merciful sakes ! What is the matter with you ? " she
demanded ; and when the tale had been told, she sat down
and laughed till she cried.

"Oh, go get me a looking-glass, do !" cried the victim
of Bob's inarticulate speech, and Bob tore downstairs for
the little looking-glass which always hung by the kitchen
sink.

" There ! Ain't you a daisy ? Ma, you 'd better send
him to the circus for the tattooed gentleman."

" Bob Perkins, you ought to have a good, sound spank-
ing ; for if ever any boy deserved it, you do this minute.

" Come along downstairs with me, Jamie, and let me
try to get you looking less like a Fiji Islander, and

90 PEETTY POLLY PERKINS

more like a Christian child/' she said to the forlorn boy;
for the sight of himself in the mirror almost caused his
collapse.

When the assembled Perkins family caught sight of
him, it evoked a fresh shout. The usually quiet Mr.
Perkins laughed till he could not laugh any more, and
Josh came near having a fit. Polly and Ruth were full
of sympathy, and flew about with water, soap, towels,
and pumice-stone. But soak and scrub as they would,
the stains were too deeply seated to be removed at once,
and when Jamie sat down to breakfast at half -past seven,
he still bore distinct traces of his inky baptism. Mrs.
Temple was truly distressed, for she realized what a mor-
tification it was to the lad, and did all in her power to set
him at his ease.

But it was Miss Wheeler who came to the rescue by
saying :

" Come to my room after breakfast, Jamie. I Ve a
prime remedy for stains among my traps, and I should n't
wonder if even ink would have to yield to it."

An hour later Jamie emerged from Miss Wheeler's
room restored to his original color, for her chemicals had
worked like magic, and later brought joy to Mrs. Perkins
by removing the stains from her bed-linen.

CHAPTER XIII

LIGHTNING-EXPRESS DRESSMAKING

HOETLY after Jamie had been bleached
Josh- came from the post-office with
the morning's mail.

Mabel was comfortably settled on
her cushions and eagerly awaiting her
letter, for hardly a day passed without
bringing her an affectionate message from " dear daddy ."
" Here is your letter, dear one, and I hope it may have
an especially welcome bit of news," said her mother,
handing it to her.

Mabel tore it open and read eagerly.
u Oh, darling, listen, listen ! Dear daddy will be here
to-morrow morning at twelve o'clock, and Uncle Bert is
coming with him."

" How delightful ! Uncle Bert is Mr. Temple's brother,
of whom you have so often heard us speak, Miss
Wheeler," Mrs. Temple explained for Miss Wheeler's
benefit.

" His home is in Colorado, where he has a large ranch,

91

92 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

and consequently his visits to New York are not so fre-
quent as we could wish. He is Mr. Temple's only brother,
and Mabel idolizes him."

" Only think ! he has promised me a pony when I am
fourteen; but that will not be until a year from next
month, for I sha'n't be thirteen till the 9th of July.

t/

I wonder if I shall be strong enough to drive about by
that time ? " said Mabel.

" To be sure you will, my girlie j and Molly Wheeler
must have the second drive, for madam mother comes
first " ; and Miss Wheeler nodded reassuringly.

" Indeed, you shall have many, Molly, and I do wish
the time would hurry and come. Oh, dear ! a year is such
a long time. But, darling, now that we have had our
letter, can't we begin on Ruth's new dress ? I 'm just
wild to do something on it, for I can make the bows, if I
can't do anything else."

" That will be a delightful way of spending our morn-
ing, and we will set about it at once. Only, I fear Ruth
may come upon us suddenly if we work here, and I sug-
gest that we go up to my sitting-room. It is delightfully
cool there."

" Do let 's teU Polly about it," begged Mabel. " She
loves to do things for other people, and will be so
pleased to do this, I know."

" Yes, by all means. Molly dear, will you go hunt
her up after we have settled Mabel in our sewing-room ? "

"To be sure I will. And now, upstairs you go with
me " j and she picked Mabel up as lightly as though she
were an infant, and carried her up the broad old stair-

LIGHTNING-EXPRESS DRESSMAKING 93

case. After settling her comfortably, she ran downstairs
for Polly, who was only too glad to come.

" My sweet, will you help us give Ruth a pleasant sur-
prise ? " asked Mrs. Temple, and then proceeded to tell
Polly the secret. Polly was radiant, and flew into Ruth's
room to get the material. In a short time the paper
pattern was rustling, and Mrs. Temple had the dress
cut out.

"Now give me the skirt-seams to baste, for sewing is
not my forte, and I had better confine my services to the
straight lines " j and Miss Wheeler settled herself to do her
best.

Little Polly worked away with a will, for her mother
had taken great pains to teach her to sew well, and
working for Ruth was a labor of love. So she hemmed
away like a little old woman, and chattered as hard as
she hemmed.

Mrs. Temple soon had the pretty waist under way,
which grew like magic under her skilful fingers, and
Mabel reveled in making the pretty bows which would
adorn the frock when finished.

" Won't Ruth look just sweet in this?" and Polly held
up the dainty bit of ruffle she was hemming. " Some-
how, I would rather see her have pretty things than
have them for myself. I love them too, but Ruth is
so good, and does n't ask for pretty things very often,
so that 's why I like to see her get them. I like to have
my room pretty,- but she does n't care so long as hers is
tidy. I love pretty pictures and such things, and some
day, when I grow up, I 'm going to have loads and loads

94 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

of them. Don't know just how I 'm going to manage it,
but guess I shall, some way. Oh, I do wish you could
see all those lovely old things up garret. When will you
come for the rummage V' And Polly's eyes danced at
the prospect.

" The very first rainy day. There is nothing so de-
lightful as a rummage in an attic on a rainy day."

By dinner-time the simple little dress was nearly com-
pleted, and Mrs. Temple congratulated herself on having
brought to Endmeadow the hand sewing-machine which
had so expedited matters.

"There!" said Miss Wheeler, springing up to shake
the threads from her dress, and holding up the pretty
skirt upon which she had just basted Polly's neatly
hemmed ruffle, " I call that lightning-express dressmak-
ing ; for all there remains to be done to this skirt is to
stitch the band and ruffle on, and that falls to your share,
madam mother.7'

"We have certainly done wonders, and have proven
the old adage to be true that many hands make light
work, particularly when it is a labor of love, as this is. I
I am very proud of my little waist, and when Mabel's
pretty bows are sewed upon the shoulders, and a belt
and big bow with long ends sewed to the skirt-band, we
will have a frock that we may be proud of."

" I '11 put them on right after we have had dinner ; but
be sure to hide the dress away, Molly dear, for I don't
want Ruth to get even a hint of what we have been doing."
And Mabel hastened to tuck the ribbons out of sight in
her pretty work-basket.

LIGHTNING-EXPRESS DRESSMAKING 95

"Mrs. Temple," asked Ruth, in her shy way, while they
were seated at the midday dinner, "may I come up to
your room this afternoon to see about my dress? Ma
says I have done right smart work this morning, and all
our jelly is made, so I sha'n't have a single thing to do
after I 've done up the dinner dishes, and I guess I '11 be
able to get my dress all cut out."

" I shall be delighted to help you, dear, if you will come
about half -past two. Mabel needs my assistance with a
little matter immediately after dinner, but I shall be quite
free then."

" Thank you, ma'am ; I '11 come at the very minute" 5 and
Ruth looked as excited as it was possible for her to.
Polly had much ado to keep from betraying herself, and
the minute dinner was over flew back to the sewing-room.

" Oh, won't it be fun to see her ! We '11 get it all done,
and put it in her room, and then, when she goes there to
get the muslin to bring to your mother's room, she will
find it all made ! '; And Polly spun around in a perfect
ecstasy.

" Quick ! give me the pink sewing-silk, and let me get
these bows finished " ; and Mabel's deft fingers fairly flew.
In hurried Mrs. Temple, and presently Polly was turning
the little crank of the hand-machine with a will, while
Mrs. Temple guided the work.

By two o'clock all was completed and the pretty dress
spread upon Ruth's bed.

" Now let 's hide in my room and listen," said Polly.
" Miss Wheeler, please put Mabel on my bed, and then all
come in, and push the door nearly shut."

96 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

Mabel was soon nestling among Polly's white pillows,
while Mrs. Temple, Miss Wheeler, and Polly mounted
guard as near the door as they dared.

u Hush ! " whispered Polly, whose inquisitive little nose
was poked out into the hall, and was nearly squeezed flat
as Miss Wheeler whisked the door to. " I hear her
down in the entry ; here she comes. Oh, oh, oh ! won't
she go near crazy ! ':

CHAPTER XIV

RUTH'S SURPRISE

UTH ran eagerly up the stairs, crossed the
hall, and turned the knob of her door,
which Polly had been careful to tightly
close. For a moment silence reigned,
and then Ruth outdid herself, for the
next thing the eager listeners heard was :
" Oh, oh, o-h ! Who did it ? Who did it ? Quick, ma,
come and see what has happened! My muslin 's finished !
just done entirely ! Ji And Ruth rushed out into the
hall to fall headlong into the arms of her mother, who,
at her cry, had run out from her own room across the hall.
" Done ? What 's done ? Who 's finished your muslin ?
If Bob has played another of his pranks and hurt your
dress, I '11 have pa thrash him certain as the world ! '

"Bob has n't done anything, ma. I don't mean that
my dress is hurt; only all made, beautifully. Come
quick and see." And Ruth dragged the bewildered woman
into the room.

" Land-a-massey ! Sakes alive ! If that ain't just like

97

98 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

'em, to go and do all that work on the quiet, and then let
you find it. I bet a big apple that blessed child put it
into her ma's head, and then they all turned to and did
it." And Mrs. Perkins fairly beamed.

" And look, ma ; that 's the very same ribbon I bought
for Mrs. Temple yesterday, and never guessed it was for
me. Where are they all, I wonder ! I want to thank 'em
this minute."

At this Polly could keep quiet no longer, and, slam-
ming open the door, rushed out into the hall to execute a
wild dance from one end of it to the other, while she
sang: u Did n't we do it fine? did n't we do it fine?';
And Mabel, in her excitement, sat straight up in bed and
waved a towel triumphantly.

" Put it on quickly," said Miss Wheeler, " and let us ad-
mire our handiwork " ; and she began unbuttoning Ruth's
gingham gown.

In a moment more a transformed Ruth stood before
them 5 for it was surprising what a change the dainty
little dress made in her. She was naturally a very pretty
child, with her beautiful eyes and abundant hair, but no
taste had ever been displayed in her apparel, and she
usually looked like a little brown sparrow.

" Now come into my room a moment and I '11 give the
finishing touches," said Miss Wheeler, and off went the
usually sedate Ruth, ready to launch into any wild ex-
travagance. While Miss Wheeler was working her magic
spells, Mrs. Perkins turned to Mrs. Temple, who stood
beside Mabel in Polly's room, and said :

" This is your doin's and that blessed lamb's, and I

RUTH'S SURPRISE 99

don't know as I 'm ever goiu' to show you both
how dretful obliged I am. That child won't get a mite
of sleep ter-night a-thinkin' on her frills and furbelows.
She ain't never had anything so pretty since the day she
was born."

" We do not need any thanks, Mrs. Perkins, for we are
amply rewarded in Ruth's very apparent delight, and it has
given us a great deal of pleasure to be the cause of it. She
is a dear child, and has taken many steps for our comfort."

"And does n't she look sweet, Mrs. Perkins?" asked
Mabel, who was quite beside herself with joy.

" Sweet, you blessed lamb ! I 've got to look at her
twicet to know that it 's Ruth."

At this moment Ruth reappeared ; and well Mrs. Per-
kins might say she had to get acquainted all over again,
for Miss Wheeler had completely transformed the prim
little body. A pair of Mabel's slippers incased her feet,
and the beautiful hair, released from its braids, was rolled
softly back from her face and tied at the back by a large
pink bow.

" If 't wa'n't for spoiling your bows I would just like to
squeeze you tight," said Polly, for her soul rejoiced in the
pretty things.

" Seeing Ruth all dressed in her new dress makes me
wonder when I shall be able to wear my pretties again,"
said Mabel, rather wistfully.

"If you continue to improve for the next two weeks as
you have during the past, it is not going to be very long
before you '11 be going about in some of the pretty little
gowns that I helped madam mother pack."

2817

100 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

" Why, did you bring them, darling?" asked Mabel, in
surprise.

"Yes, sweetheart; but I Ve the suspicion of an idea
that they are going to be much too short, for, notwith-
standing your enforced repose, I believe you have grown
much taller."

" Where are they, mama ? Do let us look them over ;
it is such fun to rummage and make old things seem
new ! r>

" They are in the big dress-trunk at the end of the
hall. It has not been needed, so Josh put it there for us."

" Mav we look « "

V

" Certainly you may ; Molly dear, lend me your quick
wits, and let us take Mabel to the trunk, if you can devise
a seat for her near it."

Molly glanced about in vain, for nothing seemed
available, when suddenly her eyes began to dance, and
saying, with a laugh, " Just wait a jiffy, and 1 11 be back
with a couch that will rival the stone-boat," off she ran.

In about two minutes she came out of her room, drag-
ging behind her the portable tin bath-tub.

A stout twine had been put through the ring at the
foot, and the tub itself filled with sofa pillows. All set
up a shout at the contrivance, but Molly wagged her
head at them and said, "Just wait till you see my princess
ride in state, and then you won't give such derisive shouts
over my improvised divan go-cart"; and she placed Mabel
in her tub.

" Now, Miss Diogenes, what do you think of that for a
combination?" And taking hold of the string, she dragged

RUTH'S SURPRISE 101

her down the hall, the tub gliding over the matting with-
out a hitch, and brought her up with a nourish in front
of the trunk, where all were waiting to begin the rummage.

Mrs. Temple began to lift out the dainty dresses one
by one and lay them across the foot of Mabel's tub, in
her lap, and all about her, till she was almost hidden : for
prior to her accident she had led a bright, happy life,
and been a general favorite among her young friends, by
whom she was invited to share all pleasures ; conse-
quently she had many pretty things, although none were
extravagant or fussy, for Mrs. Temple believed in young
girls being simply dressed and never wearing anything
which would attract attention. So, while Mabel had had
an abundance of everything, not a garment among those
taken from the trunk would ever have given one the im-
pression that its wearer was overdressed.

To Polly's eyes they were miracles of the dressmaker's
art f she fairly reveled in the pretty dotted muslins with
their Valenciennes edgings, and the soft China silks with
their dainty ribbons.

" Oh? darling ! do you remember when you gave me
this dress?" asked Mabel, fingering lovingly a pretty
white China silk with bluets scattered all over it.

" I have good reason to, dear," was the reply.

" When was it ? Do tell me all about it," begged Polly.

" It was on my twelfth birthday. It will be a year on
the 9th of July. We were up at Lake George, and the
girls at the hotel there found out somehow that I was
going to have a birthday, and what do you think they
did ? They all went together to Mr. Robertson — he was

7

102 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

the proprietor — and asked him to give a dance for me;
not an evening dance, but one on the lawn in the after-
noon — a sort of garden party, don't you know ?

" I did n't know a thing about it, and to make it a big
surprise papa took me for a long drive in the morning,
while they were rigging everything up. We did n't get
home till one o'clock, and then I went straight in to
luncheon. After luncheon mama said she had another
birthday present for me which had come while I was
away, and she gave me this pretty dress and told me I
could put it right on.

" Then she said she wanted me to take a walk in the
grounds with her, and the very first thing I saw when we
went out back of the hotel was a lot of flags and bun-
ting, and tents, and tables, and everything you could
think of, and on a big piece of white bunting was
painted in blue letters, * Joy and many merry days for
Mabel.' Then the girls and boys all rushed out from
where they had been hiding behind the fir-trees, and we
had a gay time. At five o'clock we had supper in a big
tent, and the loveliest cake you ever saw."

" Oh, how splendid ! I never saw a birthday cake,"
cried Pollv.

V

"You did n't!': exclaimed Mabel, in astonishment.
" Well, you will see mine this time, for I always have
one ; and you shall help eat it, too."

Each dress had some pleasant memory folded away
with it, and Mabel could have held Polly enraptured the
whole afternoon ; but Mrs. Temple had another little
plan, so said : " I want to measure these dresses by those

RUTH'S SURPRISE 103

you are now wearing, and that will tell whether my sus-
picion is well founded or not. Molly dear, bring me the
dress lying upon Mabel's bed, please."

Miss Wheeler soon placed the desired dress in Mrs.
Temple's hands, and taking up a pretty white dotted
muslin with pale-yellow bows on the shoulders, and a soft
silken sash to match, she held the skirts together.

" There, Lady Gay, what do you think of that ? " she
cried, when a difference of nearly four inches gave evi-
dence that her guess was not such a wild one, after all.

Miss Wheeler looked delighted, for her professional
insight told her that they could not have a better sign of
improvement, and there could be no permanent paralysis
if nature continued to assert her supremacy.

" Do you know, when I get big enough to earn money
for myself, I 'm going to have a dress exactly like that,
for it 's the prettiest of all ; I do love yellow," said Polly,
handling the soft sash lovingly.

"Oh, put it on now, please do, and let me see how you
will look, for I may not be here then, you know." And
Mabel clapped her hands delightedly j for a few whis-
pered words with her mother, when Polly was absorbed
in examining the pretty things, and a significant look
when she admired the dotted muslin, had settled the fate
of the little dress, and generous-hearted Mabel was made
happy by knowing that her dear Polly would have some-
thing pretty, too.

"'May I, really ? I 'd love to. Oh, what fun ! " And
Polly danced off to her room with the pretty dress, Molly
following close behind to help her get into it.

104 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

" Dear land ! I sha'n't know my own children if you
keep on. Next thing I know, you '11 have Josh dressed
up in one o' yer ma's mornnr* gownds, and Bob prancin;
off to fodder the cows in that there Chiny silk." And
Mrs. Perkins tried hard not to show how pleased she
was.

" It 's funny Polly always liked yellow so much, but
she has," said Ruth, who was once more restored to the
checked gingham and braids. " When she was a little
teeny thing, she used to look at the leaves in the fall and
say, ' Pitty, pitty tuller.' '

" Daffy-down-dilly has come to town ! " sang Molly, as
she and Polly came prancing out of the room, the latter
looking perfectly radiant in Mabel's muslin, which fitted
her to a T.

" I feel just like the princess in the Sleeping Beauty
story," said Polly, as she held out her skirts and danced
down the hall. She little realized what a waking beauty
she was ; for the white and yellow were charming on her,
and exactly what her soft, rich coloring needed to bring
it to perfection.

Polly could not move without being graceful ; so when
she spun down the hall she did it far more gracefully
than many a child who had passed through the hands of
the most finished French dancing-master could have
done. Catching Polly's whim, Miss Wheeler caught up
the sides of her own white-lawn morning dress, and
danced with her as she came down the hall. Up and
down they skipped, Miss Wheeler quick to see the beauty
of Polly's natural grace, and Polly giving full rein to her

RUTH'S SUEPRISE 105

childish impulse to dance, and so express her overflow-
ing joy.

With a grand bow and flourish their dance ended in
front of Mrs. Temple, who, taking Polly's rosy face in her
soft white hands, said :

" It would never do to let you give up anything which
suits you so well as this little frock does, so please make
us happy by keeping it. It is too small for Mabel now,
but fits you like a fairy frock."

" For me to keep for my very own, and wear when Ruth
wears her pretty one 1 r> And Polly looked as though it
could n't be true.

"For you, my blossom, to wear, and think of Mabel
while so doing."

" Dear sakes ! my gracious ! As though I would have
to have one of her dresses to make me remember her !
I just sha'n't forget her, not if I live to be as old as old
Granny Peters, down at the four corners; and I don't
know how I 'm ever going to make her know how happy
I am."

" We know already, Polly Perkins ; so now run and put
away your dress, and then come down on the porch to help
me entertain our princess while madam mother rests " ;
and Miss Wheeler laid the pretty gowns back in the trunk.

Ruth ran down ahead to get Mabel's porch chair settled,
and Polly skipped back to her room.

When left alone with Mrs. Temple, Mrs. Perkins said :
" You ain't been in my house but two weeks, but you 've
given more joy to them children than they ever had be-
fore in all their lives, and what 's more, you 've opened

106 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

my eyes to a sight o' wisdom which I ain't never been
bright enough to see before"; and she shook her head
sagely.

"It gives me great pleasure to bring happiness into
children's lives, Mrs. Perkins. You know, it is their
natural heritage, and we rob them if we fail to give them
every opportunity to enjoy it. After all, the years in
which they can be absolutely free from care are com-
paratively few, and into the happiest lives sorrow will
find its way sooner or later " ; and Mrs. Temple sighed
even as she smiled.

"'Pears to me I ain't never had time to think
whether the children was happy or no. So long as they
had plenty to eat, drink, and wear, they seemed to get along
first-rate — all but Polly, and she 's the odd sheep of the
family, anyhow, and were n't never like none o7 the
others.

" But I Ve learned a lesson, even if I am forty-two year
old, and I ain't goin' to forget it very soon, neither.

" 'T ain't no use for me to tell you how thankful I am,
for my gratefulness has got to be showed, not talked
about ; and I '11 show it, or my name ain't Mary Jane Per-
kins " 5 and she marched off downstairs with determination
in every footfall. She little thought what an opportu-
nity she would have to show her " gratefulness " before
the summer was over.

CHAPTER XV

"DEAR DADDY'S " ARRIVAL.

OW can I ever wait for twelve o'clock
to come?" said Mabel, the following
morning, when Miss Wheeler was
brushing out her beautiful curls and
making her ready for breakfast.

"I '11 give you a delightful ride in
your wheeling-chair, and Polly will come along to help
make things lively. Between us I fancy we can make the
time slip by pretty quickly.

" There, Curly -locks, you are as fine as a fiddle, and, I
hope, as hungry as a hare, for I smell some extra good
smells from l below, below, below.' '

Soon after breakfast they begged Polly, and Mrs. Per-
kins let her go at once, for since her remarks to Mrs.
Temple on the previous afternoon, she had softened
wonderfully toward the children, and seemed to be in
greater sympathy with their childish ways.

They could not quite understand it yet, but both Ruth
and Polly were far brighter and happier, though perhaps
it would have been difficult for them to tell whv.

tt

107

108 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

"Let ?s go down by the creek and pick iris. I know
where loads of it grows, and it is n't hard to get there.
And may I take Bonny and Nero? I often go down
there with Bonny ; she likes to splash in the water ; and
Nero can swim like anything where the creek 's wide
enough," said Polly.

" Yes, do," cried Mabel, delighted at the idea, and Polly
ran off for her pets.

Bonny well deserved her name, for she was as beautiful
as a deer. Her well-shaped little head, with its great soft
eyes, was far more like a deer's head than a cow's, and
her fawn-colored coat was as soft as silk. She seemed
delighted to go, and capered along beside Polly, who led
her by a stout rope, for sometimes Bonny's pranks
needed restraining.

Nero bounded along ahead, for he knew their destina-
tion quite as well as Polly did. It was not a long walk,
but a very lovely one ; for daisies and buttercups nodded
a greeting from either side of the path, and birds sang
merrily on the old stone walls. Bonny tugged and
pulled in her eagerness to get to the creek, and Polly
flew along behind her.

Mabel was as happy as a cricket, for the soft air was
her best tonic, and she thoroughly enjoyed her sniff of it.

Miss Wheeler's light-hearted, merry chatter kept the
girls entertained, and the morning bade fair to slip away
very quickly. At last they came to the bend in the creek
which Polly called Bonny's bath-tub, and the little calf
took possession at once. Nero waded out, lapping at the
water, and waving his big, plumy tail like a flag.

"DEAR DADDY'S" ARRIVAL 109

Presently the wheeled chair was comfortably settled in
a shady nook beneath a great willow-tree whose branches
hung far out over the water, and Miss Wheeler seated
herself beside it, ready to read, talk, or sing, as her small
friends felt a fancy to have her.

Tying Bonny to one of the limbs of the tree, Polly
announced : " Now, see where I like to sit." And clam-
bering up like a lively little squirrel, she was soon en-
sconced in her leafy nook. " What time will Mr. Dear
Daddy get here ? " she asked, so seriously that Mabel
laughed merrily.

" How funny that sounds ! But don't call him any-
thing else, please, for that just suits him. I hope he will
be here about twelve o'clock. By the way, did you give
Roaney the instructions you said you would ? ':

"Yes; I told him to go as fast as his legs could fly,
and he gave a big snort ; so I think that meant yes."
And Polly laughed.

" Where does the iris grow ? " asked Miss Wheeler, a
few moments later.

" Right down yonder. Shall we get some now ? I '11 go
with you." And Polly scrambled down from her leafy nest.

" Will Bonny be all right if you leave her ? n

" Yes, indeedy ; she splashes about there a whole hour
sometimes."

" Very well j come along, then, and we will bring our
princess a royal posy. Did you ever hear the story of
the iris ? ';

" Is there a story about the flower ? " asked Polly.

"Indeed there is, for Iris was a lovely princess, and

110 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

was maid of honor to Queen Juno. She was very beau-
tiful and always dressed exquisitely, for her robe was a
cloud and her jewels were a chain of raindrops. And
Jupiter, the king, gave her the rainbow for her very own,
and when she wished to come to the earth, — for the palace
in which she lived was high up in the clouds, — she walked
upon the rainbow. And he was so afraid that some
harm might come to her that he placed a large army
of soldiers upon the earth to guard her. The soldiers all
wore her favorite color on their helmets, and carried long,
sharp swords — and there they are this minute/7

" Where ? oh, where ? " asked Polly, stopping short to
look all about her, and fully expecting to see a regiment
of mounted men spring out of the ground at her feet.

"Eight here at our feet, hundreds and hundreds of
them ; don't you see them ? "

" What, the iris ? Are they the soldiers ? "

" To be sure they are ; and let 's do battle with them at
once." And Miss Wheeler laughed as she broke off blos-
som after blossom till her arms were full.

" Poor little soldier-men ! " cried Polly. " They can't
fight such big giants as we are, can they? And
what a lot we have got ! Let 's go back and dress up
Mabel's chair, and Mabel and Bonny and Nero, and then
we can parade home in great style."

They ran through the meadow, and were soon beside
the wheeled chair. In a short time Mabel looked as
though she were about to enter a flower fete, for her
chair was covered with iris, and a great iris wreath rested
upon her sunny curls.

"DEAR DADDY'S" ARRIVAL 111

"Now, I '11 get Nero and rig him up; for we 'd better
leave Bonny till the last. Here, Nero ! Nero ! '; called
Polly to the great dog, who was taking a sun-bath among
the daisies. He came bounding to her, and flopping
down on the ground at her feet, let her weave a collar of
iris about his great, shaggy neck. " There, you are just
beautiful ! But don't you dare stir till we say you may,
or you '11 shake every one off." And Polly shook her
finger at him threateningly. " Now for Bonny ; and won't
we just have a picnic ! — for she 711 want to eat every one.
I '11 hold her head, and you dress her up, Miss Wheeler."
And running down to where Bonny's long rope was
tied, Polly undid it, and began to haul in as though she
were trying to land a monstrous fish. Tug, tug, and pull,
pull ; but Bonny did not seem disposed to leave her cool
spot, and held back with all her strength till, suddenly
changing her mind, calf-fashion, she started forward
with a bound, and away went Polly, heels over head.

Bonny evidently thought that a part of the program,
for she dashed up the bank, kicking up her heels and
mooing joyously. Polly scrambled to her feet and made
a dive for the rope, which had been jerked out of her
hands when she fell over, and was just in time to catch
the end of it as Bonny went careering over the meadow,
bent upon a fine frolic.

" Come back here, you good-for-nothing," cried Polly,
tugging for dear life, and making about as much impres-
sion as though she tugged upon a tree. Meanwhile Mabel
was nearly convulsed with laughter, and begged Miss
Wheeler to go to Polly's assistance. Their united efforts

112 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

proved too much for Bonny, and she came back as de-
murely as possible, and began to apologize for her wil-
fulness by poking Polly with her nose and rubbing her
head against her.

"Now, you 've just got to behave yourself and let us
make you pretty. I have n't anything for you to eat, and
if I had I would n't give it to you, 'cause you 're so bad";
and she shook Bonny by her soft, napping ears. While
Polly held her, Miss Wheeler and Mabel dressed her up?
and when they had finished she was truly superb ; for
she had a collar of iris, a belt of iris, and a head-dress of
iris — which latter she seemed to regard with disfavor, for
the leaves kept tickling her ears.

"Now let 's start home just as quickly as we can/' said
Mabel, " or we will never get Bonny and Nero there while
they are so splendid."

" Come along, Nero," called Polly ; but Nero had been
indulging his own fancies while they were absorbed in
Bonny's toilet, and was nowhere to be seen.

"Now where has he gone to, I 'd like to know?" said
his indignant little mistress, and she called again and
again, but no Nero appeared.

"What is making those reeds over there wave so? "
asked Mabel. " And look quick ! that is Nero's tail, I
know."

"Oh, oh, oh! is n't he just horrid? I know what he
has found; it 's a water-rat, and he will be a sight." And
giving Bonny's leader into Miss Wheeler's hands, Polly
flew after the delinquent Nero. He was too much en-
gaged to note Polly's sudden descent, so, pouncing upon

..

DEAR DADDY'S" ARRIVAL 113

him from the rear, she caught hold of his tail and tugged
as hard as she could tug, crying, " Come out of that mud
this minute, you dirty dog ! Ain't you ashamed to run
off when I told you to keep still V' Down went Nero's
tail and up came his head, and in his mouth wriggled his
victim, which he promptly laid at Polly's feet for a peace-
offering.

"Now you 're a pretty sight, ain't you!" demanded
the irate Polly ; but Nero felt that he had " done himself
proud," for he wagged his tail, and looked at the rat in
triumph.

Polly's prophecy proved only too true, for Nero was a
sight. His collar was reduced to one forlorn blossom,
which had become entangled in his shaggy hair and,
covered with black mud, hung dejectedly downward,
while he himself was plastered from his nose to his toes
with it.

Polly gave him up in disgust, and went back to relieve
Miss Wheeler of her charge.

Mabel and Bonny started on their homeward journey
without a flower being disturbed, and reached the house
in triumph ; but Polly had not forgiven Nero, and promptly
dragged him off to his kennel, where he spent a dismal
afternoon and had ample time to repent his misdeeds.
While they stood watching Polly administer justice to
the unhappy Nero, the clatter of hoofs and the sound of
wheels announced the return of Josh, who had driven
to the station to meet Mr. Temple and his brother.

" Oh, Molly, quick, quick ! Let us get around to the
front of the house, for I know it 's dear daddy," screamed

114 t PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

Mabel, as she almost bounded out of her chair in her ex-
citement. Molly pushed for dear life, and the chair fairly
spun along, while Polly rushed ahead to make sure that
it was really the carryall with its longed-for occupants.
It was quite true, for as the chair wheeled around the
corner of the house the carryall was drawn up to the car-
riage-block, and out bounded a gentleman who shouted :
" Where 's my Mab — my bonny Queen Mab ? r'

" Oh, darling daddy, darling daddy, here I am ! " And
Mabel nearly flung herself into a pair of strong arms,
which held her as though they never intended to release
her.

CHAPTER XVI

UNCLE BERT

ELL ! well ! am I to stay stuck here in this
calabash all day, I 'd like to know ? " said
Uncle Bert, as he began to unwind his
long legs and follow his brother. " Sup-
pose you leave a bit of that young lady
for me, for I Ve a third interest in that
small bit of live stock, and I think it 7s my turn now."

Mr. Temple handed his treasure over to his brother, who
promptly walked off with her, while her father turned
to greet Miss Wheeler.

" What magic have you found out here to put so much
color in your cheeks and animation into Mabel? I de-
clare, I 'm perfectly astonished at the child's improvement.
Mrs. Temple wrote me that she was doing wonders, but
I 'd no idea how great the wonders were."

" They are even greater than Mrs. Temple realizes, and
I firmly believe her complete restoration is nearer at hand
than she supposes." And little did Miss Wheeler dream
how soon her words would prove true.

115

116 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

Meanwhile, Uncle Bert had carried Mabel up to the
porch to place her in an easy-chair, and then turned to give
Mrs. Temple, who had just hurried downstairs, a sounding
brotherly kiss.

" There ! that is the essence of all I 've been saving for
you for the past year, and it is an A No. 1, warranted
to last for another year."

"I hope it will not have to, I 'm sure, for I prefer
homeopathic doses," said Mrs. Temple, standing back to
take a good look at the strongly built, sunburnt man
who had about him the breezy look of the prairies.

" Here, give over looking at that young giant, and wel-
come me like a dutiful wife," said her husband, coming
up behind her and throwing his arm about her as he
drew her close to his side.

"What do you think of him, anyway? Is n't he a
genuine cow-boy ? ''•

" I have not changed my opinion since I saw him one
year ago, and then I thought him just about perfection ";
and Mrs. Temple nodded her head complacently.

" Hear ! hear ! who ever heard such open flattery ? Go
'long down there and help take out those suit-cases and
things, so your head need not be turned." And Uncle
Bert, turning suddenly to obey orders, nearly upset
Miss Wheeler, who was just coming up the steps.

" I beg a thousand pardons ! " he exclaimed, as he lifted
his hat apologetically, and Mrs. Temple hastened to say:
" Molly dear, I have long wished to have Mr. Temple meet
you, but I had not planned that he should do it quite so
abruptly. This is our dear friend Miss Wheeler, Herbert,

UNCLE BERT 117

and our Mabel's good angel. I 7m sure you will be kin-
dred spirits, if a keen appreciation of fun in both can
prove a connecting-link."

Miss Wheeler held out her hand in her frank, ingenuous
way and said : " I am very glad to meet you, but I feel
that I know you already, for i Uncle Bert 7 is a household
word here."

"Good! I 'm right glad it is"; and Bert Temple
gave a hearty grasp to the pretty hand he held in his
own.

"Is the coast clear now, and no danger of giving some-
body else an upset?" he asked, as he glanced over his
shoulder before starting down to relieve Josh of some of
his burdens.

" Handle that basket with care, Bert, and land it right
side up," called Mr. Temple, as a big basket was lifted
from the wagon and handed to his brother.

" There you are, then, O. K.," and Herbert stood the
basket upon the top step.

Mr. Temple took it and placed it in Mabel's lap, saying :
" There, chickabiddy, take a peep inside and see how
you like the looks of it."

" Oh, Molly dear, come quick and help me " ; and Miss
Wheeler ran to her assistance, for the big basket nearly
crushed her flat.

" Oh, how delicious ! " they both exclaimed, when the
contents were disclosed — great luscious peaches, grapes
that asked to be eaten before their fat sides should split
open, and plums that made one's mouth water.

" Do take it all into the dining-room, and then every-

118 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

body can enjoy it, Molly, for there is enough here for
twenty bodies."

Off went Molly with her big load, and presently they
heard Mrs. Perkins' voice saying: " Sakes alive! be you
a-goin' to set up a fruit market f There 's enough there
for it, I 'm certain."

" Yes, Mrs. Perkins — a fruit market in which good will
is current coin ; and I fancy there will be no lack of pur-
chases when Mr. and Mrs. Temple conduct the business."

Half an hour later a merry party gathered about the big
table to partake of Mrs. Perkins' delicious fare, for the
good woman was a famous cook, and took infinite delight
in bringing forth the best her larder held for those who
had shown her only the kindest consideration. Mabel
was blissfully happy, for what more could she desire,
now that " dear daddv" and Uncle Bert had cornel

t;

Her father's eyes were rarely off her, and one could
not fail to see that she was the sweetest thing on earth
to him.

" By the way, Mrs. Perkins," said Uncle Bert, " have
you room for another boarder? I 've a friend coming
out this way this evening, and I 'd like to have him camp
here."

" Good gracious ! I 'm afraid I can't make him very
comfortable, for there ain't a hole nor a corner left ; but
I '11 try, if he ain't too pertickeler."

"He ?s not over-particular, and if it 's too tight a
squeeze you may put him out in the barn. He is a ranch-
man, and used to such quarters. Indeed, I don't know
but what he would prefer it, on the whole, for if he felt

UNCLE BEET 119

like having a kick-up he could " j and Uncle Bert smiled a
queer sort of smile.

" I met the gentleman in town just before we came out,
and, if the truth must be told, I fancied he must be a
foreigner, to judge from his complexion," said Mr. Temple.
" Where does he hail from, anyhow, Bert ? ';

"He was born out in Colorado, but his parents came
from Wales n ; and Uncle Bert threw back his head and
laughed heartily.

" What is there so funny about it ? I don't see," said
Mabel, who looked very mystified, but being used to Uncle
Bert's nonsense, felt sure he had some joke back of all his
talk.

" Some people seem to think my friend is peculiar, and
he does look rather queer, I must confess, for he has a
great deal of hair and wears it hanging over his eyes.
Then, too, he is a vegetarian, and they are always queer
chaps."

" What time are we to meet this extraordinary being ?
I am curious to see him," said Mrs. Temple.

" About six o'clock."

"I ;m more curious to know his name," said Miss
Wheeler.

" Tony Lumpkin," answered Herbert, promptly, with
a funny look at Molly.

" I just believe it 's a dog," said Mabel, " and you 've
talked all this nonsense to guy us. Don't you bother
about a room, Mrs. Perkins ; he is always up to some
such prank. Two years ago he bought me an Angora
cat, and what do you suppose he did ? r>

120 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

"Told you a Persian lady was a-coinin' to call, like
enough."

" No, he did n't ; but he asked mama if he might bring
a sister of his college friend to dine with us on a certain
evening. Of course, mama knew that his college chum
had a sister, and that she was perfectly lovely, too, so she
said she would be delighted, and told cook to serve a fine
dinner. At half -past six we were all ready to receive her,
when in walked Uncle Bert with a big basket on his arm.
He set it down in the middle of the floor, and when he
raised the lid out walked the cat.

" l How 's that for a guest ? ' he asked ; and when we all
demanded to know where the young lady was, he said,
' There she is before you. Her brother is up in my cham-
bers at Harvard.' Did you ever hear such a string of
stuff f "

"And what did you name the sister of the college
friend ? n asked Molly, laughing heartily.

" Princess Cam, which is short for Cambridge."

"Like enough it 's a monkey this time," said Mrs.
Perkins, " and if ?fc is there won't be nary tail left on a
chicken on the place."

" No," said little Polly, who had sat silent a long time j
" I don't b'lieve it 's a monkey, or a dog, but I just b'lieve
I do know what it is, but I 'm not going to tell" ; and she
looked very wise.

" Won't you even tell me ? " asked Uncle Bert, for he
had fallen in love at first sight with " pretty Poll," as he
called her.

" Yes, I '11 tell you in a whisper after dinner • but you
must n't tell anybody what I Ve said, will you ? n

UNCLE BERT 121

"Not a soul, upon my honor. Hurry up, you people,
and finish, for 1 7m dying of curiosity."

As soon as they left the table Uncle Bert said to Polly,
"Now come along with me and tell me the big secret";
and taking Polly's hand, he led her out upon the lawn.
Throwing himself down at full length, he squatted Polly
upon his broad chest and said, " Now follow your trail.77

" I know just what it is — I know I do ; for when you
said he could kick up in the barn I guessed in a jiffy.
It 's a pony, is n't it ? "

Uncle Bert sat up so suddenly that Polly would have
been dumped heels over head had he not caught her.

" How did you guess ? Yes; it is ; for I made up my
mind not to wait a whole year, but let Queen Mab have
him now. Poor little soul, she has had enough to fret
her for a year, so now she 7d better have a good time,
if we can manage it for her."

" Oh, won't it be just splendid ! r- cried Polly, as she sat
on the grass beside him.

" Now, look here, pretty Poll, you ;ve got to help me,
for I Ve a grand scheme a-foot, and it will never go
through single-handed."

Polly rolled her big eyes at him and said : "Of course
1 711 help. Is it something about the pony ? r>

" Yes ; I want to do the whole thing up in great shape,
and have it all a grand surprise for my little girl; so
think hard and give me a bright idea."

Polly curled her feet under her like a little Turk, and
resting her chin on her hands and her elbows on her
knees, looked off across the lawn to where the little creek
flowed through the meadows beyond. It was a perfect

122 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

afternoon. The June sunshine flooded field and meadow
and danced happily upon the baby river. The old elms
on the lawn cast great patches of cool shade upon the
grass, and the robins chirped in their huge branches.

" I know, I know ! " cried Polly. " Is he a little pony or
a big one ? "

" About twelve hands high," answered Uncle Bert, with-
out stopping to consider that the reply conveyed about
as much meaning to Polly as though he had spoken in
Greek.

" Twelve hands," replied Polly. " Is that as big as
Bonny, over there ? " pointing to her little pet.

"Stand up a minute," said Uncle Bert, and Polly
bounced up. Resting the outer edge of his hand upon
the ground at her feet, he placed the other above it, and
so, hand over hand, measured her height.

" You ?re just thirteen hands high yourself, and now
you can guess pretty correctly how high Tony Lumpkin

" He will come about to my ear, won't he ? "
" Yes."

" Well, then we can do it, and I 'm in such a hurry to
have it happen that I can't hardly wait."

" And I 'm in a hurry to hear, so tell me quickly."

CHAPTER XVII

POLLY'S "BRIGHT IDEA"

HY, you know, there is a place out yonder
in the woods that they call Polly's fairy-
land, because I showed it to them, and
we go there to sit and tell stories and
wish for things. One time Mrs. Temple
had our supper taken out there, and we
had heaps of fun, and all made wishes and did lots of things.
"Well, let 's go out there for our supper to-night, and
when it is time to come home, instead of having Josh
come for Mabel with Lady and the old stone-boat, let 's
have the new pony come. The path is smooth, and I
guess the carriage can get along all right. Let 's go see
right now " j and she confidingly slipped her hand in the
strong brown one.

" Polly, you 're a brick ! " And off he strode, with Polly
dancing along as guide. Upon inspection, they found
there would be no difficulty in getting the carriage into
Polly's fairyland, for the ground was perfectly smooth,
even after the path ended at the edge of the wood, and the

123

124 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

trees were far enough apart to admit of the little carriage
passing between them.

" Now leave the rest to me/7 said Uncle Bert, as they
came near the house, " for 1 '11 carry your plan through
in great shape — see if I don't; but mind you don't let the
cat out of the bag."

" What cat ? " asked Polly, innocently. " Did you bring
Princess Cam, too ? "

Laughing heartily, Uncle Bert caught her up in his
strong arms and sat her upon his shoulder.

it There," he said, " you 're the most refreshing bit of
simplicity I ever ran across. No, I don't mean Cam; it 's
another sort of cat in my bag."

Striding along, he soon came to the buttery window, and
through it they saw Mrs. Perkins and Ruth. Planting
Polly upon the sill, he rested his elbows beside her and said :

"Anybody here who wants to do me a favor?'7

" Certain as the world," was the prompt reply. " Only
just tell what it is, and it 's done, if Jane Perkins can
do it."

"Polly has been showing me her fairyland down in
the woods, and telling me about the picnic out there.
Can't we have another, and all of us take supper out in
the woods this evening ? Seems to me it must be awfully
jolly, and I '11 help tote the stuff over; I 'm used to camp-
ing and it will seem natural."

" To be sure, you can ; 't won't be a mite of trouble, and
that blessed lamb in yonder will be tickled to death, pretty
near, for she ain't never stopped talkin' about her straw-
berry picnic, as she called it."

POLLY'S "BRIGHT IDEA" 125

" Good ! Let me know when you want me, and 1 11 be on
hand; but don't let the others know about itn; and off he
strode, leaving his accomplice perched on the sill.

" Tears to me them people don't think of anything but
making other folks happy/7 said Mrs. Perkins, as she
bustled about her pantry.

Two hours later a merry party gathered in Polly's
fairyland. The old stone-boat had again been pressed
into service, and Mabel, with her father stretched on the
soft moss at her side, was once more resting upon her
improvised divan. Uncle Bert was a great addition to
the party, and this time Ruth was there too.

" Daddy dear," said Mabel, " do you know I ?m going
to be thirteen years old two weeks from to-day ? And I
want you to spend a whole week here, for that will
be the nicest birthday present you could give me. Will
you ? "

"And what do you suppose I should do for a whole
week ? Will you guarantee to entertain me every
minute ? 7:

"Yes, every solitary minute; for Miss Wheeler says
that I am growing so strong that I '11 soon be able to
drive all about, and Mr. Perkins told me we could have
Lady any time we wanted her. She is such a dear old
horse that there is n't the least bit of danger."

" And where do you propose to take me ? "

" Oh, up to Forest Park and all around. Polly says
Forest Park is beautiful."

Polly, who stood not far away, pricked up her ears when
her name was mentioned, and came over to seat herself by

126 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

Uncle Bert. She looked at him with a queer look and
said, " Does n't it seem an awful long afternoon ? "

" Why, Polly Perkins ! " cried Mabel, " I think the time
is just flying away; I don't see what makes it seem long
to you."

" G-uess it 's because I 'm so hungry, and I '11 go help
get supper, for Ruth and Miss Wheeler are beginning to
unpack the baskets " ; and off she trotted.

"I wonder what makes Polly act so funny this after-
noon," said Mabel. "She acts as though she was ex-
pecting somebody to come. Wonder who it can be."

" This chap coming through the woods now, perhaps,"
said Uncle Bert.

They all turned, and saw Jamie swinging along with
his easy stride, for his long legs were of good service.
Behind him bounded Bob, who was never far away when
Jamie was around.

" Here we are, just in time for the spread," he announced,
" and Jim 's ready to do his share cleanin' plates."

" Suppose you both do your share, and gather the
fire-wood again," said Molly, briskly.

"At your service, ma'am," and Jamie made a salaam.
As he did so a prolonged meow was heard. All started,
and Jamie shouted : " Oh, I forgot all about her ; as I
came across the fields I found this little cat, and stuck her
in here for safe-keeping " ; and he reached into his flan-
nel outing-shirt and pulled out a forlorn little kitten.
" She was all alone, and I guess she had been there all
night. I would n't wonder if somebody had dropped her
there on purpose, for she seems half starved."

POLLY'S ''BRIGHT IDEA" 127

" Oh, poor little kitty ! " said sympathetic Polly, and she
ran to take the starving waif. In a few minutes kitty
was standing up to her knees in a saucer of milk, sucking
and sputtering as hard as she could, for she was too
young to know how to lap yet. When her hunger was
appeased, Polly asked, " May I have her for my own ? r

" Of course you may," answered Jamie. " I thought of
you when I found her."

She proved a decided addition to the party, and capered
and played about as though former trials were entirely
forgotten.

" By Jove ! "' exclaimed Uncle Bert, when supper was
nearly finished, and he had stowed away a good supply,
"I almost forgot Tony. He will be over by the six-
o'clock train, and it 's a quarter of six now. Farewell,
friends, for a while. I '11 be back in about half an hour,
and bring him along too."

"Do you really expect some one?" asked Mrs. Tem-
ple, for former experiences with her brother-in-law had
taught her to take his statements with a grain of salt.

"Certain. Why do you doubt me? Don't I always
tell the truth 1 "

" Yes, you tell the truth, but you have a knack of rig-
ging it up in such fantastic garments that we never quite
know in what guise it will appear."

" Talk to her seriously, Ned ; she is casting insinuations
upon my veracity, and you should not encourage such
unsister-in-lawry conduct," laughed Uncle Bert, as he
swung himself off.

Polly was in a perfect flutter, and had to keep occupied

128 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

lest she should betray herself. By seven o'clock all
was packed for the homeward trip. Mr. Temple took
up the dinner-horn which was to summon Josh and
Lady.

A prolonged blast woke the echoes. Mabel was not
looking toward the wood path which led to their retreat,
and would never have suspected the surprise until it was
fairly upon her, had it not been for Polly, but catching
sight of her, she turned to see what could possibly have
caused the child to clasp her hands and stand as though
struck dumb.

With a cry that caused all to start toward her, she sat
straight up and pointed down the wood path.

" Oh, daddy — darling — Molly — everybody ! look quick,
quick ! Uncle Bert has brought me a pony and trap ! ':
And she nearly bounded out of her couch in her excite-
ment.

And well she might, for when Uncle Bert undertook to
do anything he " did it up in great shape," as he himself
would have expressed it, and what Mabel saw was a
beautiful little Welsh pony, black as a crow, excepting
for one white star under the soft, fluffy bang on his fore-
head, harnessed to a tiny trap, with a tiny groom upon
the back seat in his pretty fawn-colored livery. Dainty
fawn-colored cushions were resting against the back of
the seat to make it comfortable for weak backs, and in
the bottom was a little cushion for the feet.

Uncle Bert sat in the trap and drove the light-
footed beastie straight up to MabePs divan. The little
fellow seemed quite accustomed to being among people,

POLLY'S " BRIGHT IDEA" 131

and promptly put his nose into her outstretched arms as
though he recognized her as his future mistress.

" Oh, mama, look at him, look at him ! " cried the de-
lighted child. " I believe he knows he belongs to me, and
how could I help loving him when he is so little, and
shiny, and sweet ! r' And she held the silky head close and
kissed it again and again.

" Uncle Bert, come here this minute, for I 've got to
hug you almost to death."

" So you like my f urrin friend, little girl ? Well, I hope
he will be a great comfort to you and give you many a
pleasant drive about this lovely country " j and Uncle Bert
stepped out of the pretty trap and came to gather his
little niece into his strong arms and receive from her the
hug that was to nearly annihilate him.

Placing her gently on the seat, he gave the reins
into her hands, saying: "Tony is a sweet-tempered atom
of horse-flesh, and you will be as safe in your carriage as
in your hammock. Little Jesse, up here, will take good
care of him for you, for I raised both of them, and know
just what to expect; for I got Tony's ' mammy ' and l daddy '
from Wales, and Jesse 's from l OP Virginny.' Mind,
Jesse, you are this young lady's right-hand man now,
and I want to hear good reports of you."

" Yas, sah ; sartin suah' sah ; 1 's gwine do my very
bes'. Hit 7s de onlies' way I has to show for suah how
proud I is to hab de charge of missy's turnout " ; and he
grinned from ear to ear.

All gathered round the pretty little rig, and Jamie
was in his element, for he loved horses, and this one

132 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

was as near perfect as careful training and care could
make him.

" Now I Ve a bit of a disclosure to make, and I want
your attention/' said Uncle Bert. " If it had not been
for pretty Poll you would never have had your surprise
in fairyland, for it was all her plan, and I say three cheers
for Polly Perkins ! "

All cheered with a will, and then Mrs. Temple added,
" If that be the case, she must have the first ride ; so hop in,
my little girl, and let Mabel drive you home in triumph."

Polly's cup of joy was filled to the very brim when she
stepped into the trap and took her seat beside Mabel.

Mabel had learned to drive her father's horses, so was
quite a skilled horsewoman, and turning Tony around,
she started out of the woods, with the rest walking like a
triumphal procession behind.

Mrs. Perkins' astonishment was comical to witness, for
a pony was the last thing she expected to see, and she just
stood open-mouthed.

Presently recovering her power of speech, she said :
" Well, I thought I 'd seen a sight o' things in my time,
but I ain't never see the beat o' that. Don't wonder
your uncle wanted a bedroom for him 5 he 7s enough
sight too cute to put out in the barn yonder."

After many caresses from big and little, Tony Lumpkin
was driven out to the barn by his proud little groom, who
said as he departed with his charge :

" Yer better step high, Tony, 'ca?se yer got a mighty fine
young missy. Yer 'd better do yerse'f proud, honey."

Sunday was a day of unqualified delight to Mabel, for

POLLY'S " BRIGHT IDEA". 133

all who loved her best were with her, and all too soon
came Monday morning, which carried " dear daddy " and
Uncle Herbert back to town. But their promise to re-
turn on the following Saturday to spend the Fourth and
remain until after her birthday was food for pleasant
thought all through the week to come.

And such a delightful week as it proved ! For Tony
Lumpkin was a never-ending source of joy to his mistress.
He was a sagacious little creature, and responded very
quickly to her petting. Before the week ended he knew
Mabel's voice and would answer her with a soft little
whinny.

Jesse's heart was lost completely to Mabel, and there
was nothing in the world the little black boy would not
have done for his beloved mistress.

" She ain't des nothin7 but a little white angel, a-settin>
up dar in her hammick and a-lookin' at me so sweet-like,
and a-sayin7, i Maruin7, Jesse ; how is Tony dis marnin7 ?
1 711 be ready fur ma drive soon.' Yer would n7t think
she ware a-talkin7 to a little black nigger, but des a-sayin7
1 marnin7 7 to white folks jes like herse'f ,77

When Tony was not harnessed to the carriage Jamie
usually had him, and many a long ramble he took on
little Tony7s back or with him toddling along beside him.
Bob was fond of him, but not with Jamie's intense love,
and Mabel felt that Tony would come to no harm so long
as he was in Jamie's care. His power over him grew
with each day, and it was surprising how quickly Tony
comprehended what the boy wished him to do.

CHAPTER XVIII

IN THE ATTIC

UESDAY, which dawned rainy and dis-
mal, kept our little people indoors, and
soon after breakfast Polly came up-
stairs to ask if they would go up gar-
ret and see her treasures.

" Just the thing for this rainy morn-
ing," said Mrs. Temple. " Come, Molly dear, Polly has a
treat in store for us, I know."

But how to help Mabel up the steep stairway was the
question, and, as usual, Molly's fertile brain had to devise
a way. Miss Wheeler stood for a few moments with her
chin resting on her forefinger and her forehead puckered
into a perplexed knot. But in a moment more the kink
straightened out, and with a wise shake of her head she
announced, "I have it; wait just a second," and ran
downstairs. In about five minutes she had found Josh,
and was saying to him :

" Will you help us to climb to garrets and glory-holes,
Josh ? »

134

IN THE ATTIC 135

" I 'm your rnan for anything, if you '11 be pilot.
What 7il you have?"

"I want to help Mabel up garret, and the stairs are too
steep for me to carry her, or you either, for that matter,
in the ordinary way, but I Ve a scheme by which we can
manage it, if you '11 be motive power."

'" 'T ain't much I would n't do for that little youngster.
Come on."

He followed Miss Wheeler up to her room, where, tak-
ing a small wicker rocker, she strapped it firmly to his
back with two stout trunk-straps and said :

" There you are, my Swiss mountain-climber, all ready
for your passenger. Now hold on tightly to the rockers
and that will steady it. Here we are, all ready to mount,"
she cried, as she emerged from her room with Josh
following close behind.

" Molly Wheeler, you should turn inventor; you have
missed your vocation by becoming a trained nurse," said
Mrs. Temple.

" Now, my ladybird, let me put you in your chair, and,
to make security doubly sure, I 'm going to strap you fast,
too. It will be a case of t united we stand, divided, we
fall,' and Josh has given me his solemn word that he
won't start the spill, so don't you cut capers."

With his burden well secured, Josh began to mount the
steep stairs, and all followed closely behind.

" This must be a new sort of Pilgrim's Progress,"
laughed Mrs. Temple, " and if the real Pilgrim was ever
put to such expedients he must have had a second Molly
Wheeler along to think them out."

136 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

Polly ran ahead to clear a place for the chair by the
window, where Josh deposited his funny burden.

"You are just the dearest boy I ever knew, and I can't
tell you how much obliged I am to you for being my pack-
horse," cried Mabel.

" Don't need to j did n't I tell you I was your right-hand
man?. — and 't ain't nothin' but fun to do such kind o'
work " ; and Josh swung himself through the opening in
the attic floor, and landed in the hall below without so
much as touching the ladder-like stairway.

Polly was in her element now, and began to display her
treasures to appreciative eyes ; for Mrs. Temple quickly
saw the value of the quaint old mahogany furniture, and
gladdened Polly's heart with her praises.

" What wonderful tales these beautiful things could
tell, if they could speak to us ! I 'm sure this quaint old
dressing-table would say : ( You should have seen the
fair ladies who have sat before me to have their hair
elaborately arranged and powdered.' And this desk
would say : t Ah ! in my day people knew how to write
long, interesting letters, and your absurd type- writer was
unheard of.' '

Meanwhile, Molly was rummaging in the chests, and
presently brought to light a dear old gown of dove-
colored taffeta silk with sprigs of pinks scattered over it.
The waist was little more than a soft surplice, with belt
close under the arms, and delicate old lace falling over the
neck and shoulders ; the great puff sleeves ended in soft
lace frills at the elbows.

Lying beside it were queer little high-heeled slippers to

IN THE ATTIC 137

match, a white-satin fan with pinks painted upon it, and
gloves of the softest white kid.

" Polly Perkins, you have more riches up here than you
can guess ! Was ever anything so fascinating as this
frock ? And I have a grand scheme. We will dress Mabel
up in this quaint old dress and let her go down to dinner " $
and Molly jumped up to lay her treasures in MabePs lap.

" Has Mrs. Perkins never used any of this beautiful old
furniture, Polly ? " asked Mrs. Temple ; for it seemed to
her such a pity that it should stand there unused.

" She does n't like it," answered Polly ; " it 's all so
old-fashioned."

"But that is its chief charm, and I 'd give a great deal
to be the possessor of it."

" Would you, really ? Ma said only this spring that
she 'd just give anything if she could sell all the old truck
up here, for she was clear worn out dusting it when she
house-cleaned."

" Oh, mama, do you think Mrs. Perkins would let us
have it? Would n't it be lovely in your room? — for it
would just match the other things."

" I shall certainly speak to her about it, and we may be
able to make a mutually beneficial arrangement. But
Molly is waiting to transform you into a young lady of
the eighteenth century, so we will not detain her."

To array Mabel in the picturesque old gown, slip upon
her little feet the fairy-like slippers, and twist her hair up
into a quaint knot on top of her head, was fascinating
work for Molly, and when she added as a head-dress a

*/ 7

beautifully carved shell comb which Polly had hunted up,

138 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

she pronounced the toilet complete, and Mabel looked as
though she had stepped out of an old picture.

" Seeing you rig up has put a fine idea into my head/'
said Mrs. Temple.

" Oh, tell it quickly ! " all cried at once.

" It is a little prank for the Fourth, and, I think, can be
carried out very successfully, providing these old chests
can furnish us with as many treasures as I imagine they
can, to judge from this"; and she pointed to Mabel's
costume.

" Are we all to have something to do with it ? " asked
Polly, eagerly.

" All, and Tony Lumpkin and Bonny as well."

" How splendid ! " cried Mabel. " I know it will be
great fun if mama plans it, for there are no more
mamas like my mama " j and Mabel hugged her mother
rapturously.

"Oh, what can it be? Do tell, please." And Polly
bounced up and down in her eagerness.

" Have you ever studied United States history, Polly ? "

" Yes 'm ; but I don't like it very well. All those hard
old names and dates to remember, and we had to say it
all off by heart."

" Did you not have some pretty stories to read in
connection with the history to make it pleasant and
interesting?"

" I don't know what you mean."

«/

" Why, I mean stories about General Washington and
the other famous people who lived at that time. Doesn't
your teacher tell you such stories ? "

IN THE ATTIC 139

" No, ma'am. Are there any stories about them f Oh,
would n't I love to hear them ! '

" Certainly, there are charming stories, and when we
have taken a little longer peep into these delightful old
chests we will go downstairs and read some, for they are
among Mabel's favorites and the books could not be left
behind."

By noontime every hole and corner had been explored,
and Mrs. Temple had taken mental note of the various
treasures, that she might be able to plan the Fourth-of-
July celebration successfully.

" Polly dear, will you go and call Josh for me ? " asked
Molly, when they were ready to descend.

" Of course I will " ; and Polly scrambled downstairs
like a monkey.

In a few moments Josh's curly pate appeared at the
top of the ladder.

He paused to gaze in astonishment at Mabel and say
in his comical way:

" Did n't know you 'd got Grandma Thayer up here."
When did she come ? Howdy ! Glad to see yer, marm."
And he swung himself into the attic.

" Did these things really belong to your grandma, Josh?"
asked Mabel.

" Reckon so ; at any rate, ma says that most all the
truck up here belonged to pa's grandmother, and her
name was Thayer. She used to get herself up in fine
shape, and cut a great dash."

" Oh, Josh, what do you suppose ? " cried Polly. "Mrs.
Temple is going to do something just splendid for the

140 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

Fourth of July, and we 're all going to be in it — you
too.7'

" How d7 you know I am, monkey ? Takes two to make
a bargain."

" Yes, you will, too, if Mrs. Temple wants you to."

"I fancy we can count on him, for all his seeming
reluctance/7 said Mrs. Temple.

" We '11 get Mabel to coax, and then he 11 give in, I
know,77 said Molly, as she settled the straps of the chair
and started him down the stairs with his precious burden.

" Will you do it for me, Josh ? I don7t know what it is
myself, but I 7m sure it is nice if mama plans it, and
that you 711 enjoy it, too. So say yes beforehand.77

" Yes beforehand,77 answered the mischievous Josh.
"Where shall I land you, grandma?73

" Oh, please take me right downstairs and set me by
the table, and then I can surprise your father and mother.77

Mabel was duly established in her seat at the table, and

«/

in a few moments Mrs. Perkins came bustling in with a
great plate of steaming biscuits. She stopped short to
exclaim :

" What in the world ! Well, I never !' And with these
rather vague remarks, she turned sharply about, biscuits
and all, and hurried back to the kitchen.

" Pa, pa, come here this minute j if they ain't rigged
that dear child all up in Grammer Thayer7s taffeta gown,
and I vow and declare it near 7bout took me off my
feet. 'Feared to me I 'd seen a ghost — though, land knows,
I ain't never seen anything more o' Grammer Thayer
than her picture up garret."

IN THE ATTIC 141

Mr. Perkins followed his wife into the dining-room,
where, by this time, all the others had gathered, and Mabel
was the center of attraction.

" And, Mrs. Perkins, may we use some of these things
for a Fourth-of-Julv frolic? Mama has a delightful

•/

plan, and it will be great fun, I know."

" Use every frock and pair of trousers in the house, if

y,m want to. What your ma does ain't goin7 ter be much

out of the way, I reckon."

" Oh, good ! And can we begin right off, darling ? "
" This very afternoon. You and Polly can select the

stories we are to picture, and right after dinner we will

settle the ways and means."

CHAPTER XIX

THE FOURTH-OF-JULY CELEBRATION

HE remainder of the week proved a busy
one, for Mrs. Temple's plan was a series
of tableaux in Polly's fairyland, with the
children to take the various parts. Patri-
otic subjects were chosen, and all were
pressed into service. Molly undertook
to train the boys and manage the scenery, while Mrs.
Temple and the girls chose the subjects to illustrate, and
made the costumes.

A trip into Springfield with Josh and the carryall re-
sulted in a promiscuous supply of green cambric, flags,
and yards of various-colored cheese-cloth, which rapidly
took form and shape under Mrs. Temple's deft fingers ;
for this sort of thing was not new to her, and many a
tableau and charade had she planned prior to Mabel's
illness.

The boys entered into the spirit of the thing with a zest,
and it was surprising how much they accomplished in a
few days.

142

THE FOURTH-OF-JULY CELEBRATION 143

Molly was in her element, and flew about like a will-o'-
the-wisp. By Saturday morning all had been prepared,
and they gathered in fairyland for a final rehearsal. On
the farther side of Polly's pool some small trees had been
cut away, and a clearing of about twenty feet square
made, with cedar-trees so arranged as to form a sort of
stage. At the right side of the stage the boys had con-
structed a stone fort, leaving a doorway in which an old
door from an unused chicken-house had been so placed
that it opened and shut in the most natural manner
imaginable.

"What do you think of our stage settings?'5 asked
Molly, when all had been carefully inspected.

" I think you have done wonders," replied Mrs. Temple,
" and I predict startling results for one week's work."

" How 's that for Fort Ticonderoga ? " asked Jamie, as
he struck an attitude in front of the chicken-coop door.
" Won't we give it to them in great style ? ':

" I wonder if I '11 be scared near 'bout to death ? " said
Polly. " I never did anything like this before, and never
heard about such things, But it 's heaps of fun, and I
just guess they 11 think Mrs. Temple too nice for anything
for planning it all out for us."

"You won't be scared a bit, I know," said Molly, re-
assuringly ; " and if you do as well on Monday as you Ve
done this week, you 11 be the star of the company."

A few hours later Mr. Temple and his brother arrived,
and the first objects which caught their eyes as they
alighted from the train were Mabel and Polly in the
pretty little trap, with Jesse perched up behind. Josh

144 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

waited with the carryall, ready to speed them home-
ward.

"How is my little maid this afternoon?" asked Mr.
Temple, tenderly, as he gathered her in his arms, and
Uncle Bert kissed Polly's rosy cheeks.

" Oh, daddy dear, I feel so much better, and Polly and
I have had such lovely times with Tony Lumpkin. Uncle
Bert, I don't know how I ever managed to get on all these
years without him."

"Now I think of it, I really don't see how you have,
Miss Methuselah, there have been so many of them," said
he, taking her face in both his hands and drawing it close
to his own.

" Well, you need n't tease me, for I never had anything
so lovely in all my life, and you can't think how cunning
he is, or how good."

" Yes, I can, because I trained his young ideas to shoot in
the right direction, and I have reason to believe he will
do me credit. Likewise Jesse. They are a fine pair, as
you '11 find."

Jesse grinned and nodded and seemed mightily
pleased.

"I 've a box up here I want taken over, but it will
never go in the carryall, Josh," said Mr. Temple. " How
shall we manage it ? "

" I '11 get Dave Thompson to fetch it along with him ;
he has his wagon over to the post-office, and will go right
along by our house on his way home."

" Good ! but tell him not to set fire to it on his way, or
he may have a lively time," laughed Mr. Temple.

THE FOURTH-OF-JULY CELEBRATION 145

" What do yon s'pose it is ? " asked Polly, eagerly. " Just
see what a big box. Can yon guess what 's in it?"

" I think it must be fireworks. Papa always has lots
of them, and they are beautiful."

" And will he set them off on the Fourth ? "

" Yes, after dark j but I dare say there are a lot of fire-
crackers for the boys, too."

" How can I ever wait for the Fourth to come ! " And
Polly bounced about in her excitement.

" And what have you been up to all this week, my little
girl ? " asked Mr. Temple, as he sat beside Mabel's easy-
chair on the piazza after supper.

" Why, daddy dear, you can't think how busy we have
been every minute, and what wonderful things we
have done." And Mabel launched off into a detailed
account of the week's preparations for the celebration
on the Fourth. "And," only think, I 'm to have you
with me a whole week ! ' And she snuggled close to
his side.

" And how does little Polly enjoy Tony ? Does she find
him as fascinating as you do ? ';

" Every bit j and she carries him a lump of sugar every
morning and makes him say ' please ' for it."

" How does she manage it ? r

11 Oh, . he says, l Hoo, hoo, hoo/ and that >s horse
language for i please.' ;

On Monday morning Polly was wakened by a crack and
a bang ; for Uncle Bert, who had risen betimes, had given
the boys a liberal supply of the bouncing fire-crackers
which had come out in the big box, and you may be sure

146 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

they were not backward in using them. So a war of
miniature artillery welcomed Polly as she ran out on the
front porch. Bob, Jamie, and Tom, with Uncle Bert as
coinmander-iu-chief, were proving their patriotism by
shooting off what Bob pronounced "bouncing busters";
and the name suited the racket they made.

" Take care you don't blow your own head off with one
of those big fellows," said Uncle Bert to Bob, who was
peering into the very nose of a monster cracker which
seemed disinclined to patriotic demonstration.

" But the old thing won't burn, and I 've got to hump
it up."

U'T is burnin', too," shouted Tom, " and first thing
you know, you '11 get an eye knocked clean out. Get out
of the way, quick ! '; And he yanked Bob back by his
jacket just as the cracker, with a preliminary siss and
sputter, exploded with a crash fit to rouse the dead.

When Mabel appeared a little later, half the boys in
the neighborhood had gathered on the Perkins' front
lawn; and Brother Jonathan had no reason to believe
that he would be slighted by the rising generation of
Endmeadow. Three o'clock was the hour appointed for
the fairyland tableaux, and immediately after dinner all
repaired to that attractive spot.

Invitations had been sent to the children of the neigh-
borhood, and they turned out in force, as well as people of
a larger growth. The boys had arranged seats of planks,
and accommodations for a large number greeted the sur-
prised spectators when they arrived.

Molly flew about directing and advising, while Mrs.

THE FOUKTH-OF-JULY CELEBRATION 147

Temple got the excited actors into their costumes.
Mabel, in her wheeled chair, occupied the seat of honor,
with Uncle Bert on one side and her father on the other.
All about her were the children and friends, waiting in
eager expectation.

A green cambric curtain shut off the stage, and from
behind it came mysterious sounds and whispers that
nearly drove the anxious audience wild with curiosity.

"How the dickens am I to stick on this thing, anyhow?
It will go down with me sure as guns," came, in Josh's
voice, from behind the curtain.

" No, it won't, if you don't squirm," replied Molly's voice.
"And now, are you all ready? The audience is getting
impatient."

" Yes $ fire away — I 'm ready."

" Oh, where ?s your gun, Josh f " cried Polly's excited
voice.

" Great Hob ! I clean forgot it. Hand it up, quick.
There, all right. Let her go."

The curtain was drawn slowly back, and disclosed Josh,
bareheaded and alert, perched on a large pile of stones,
which, in truth, gave signs of being somewhat shaky. In
his left hand he held a gun into which he was vigorously
ramming a charge of powder. His knee-breeches were
bespattered and soiled 5 one buckle was gone from his
shoe ; his shirt of blue wool was open at the throat, and
his powder-horn swung by its straps from his side. De-
termination and defiance in look and attitude.

" The minute-man ! The minute-man ! * cried Mr.
Temple, clapping his hands vigorously, while, to put it

148 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

beyond question, Mrs. Temple's voice was heard repeat-
ing the lines :

" And the farmers gave them ball for ball
From behind each fence and farm-yard wall.''

By this time the amateur actor began to show signs of
weakening, so the curtain was quickly drawn. Rousing
applause and shouts from the children assured Josh that
his first attempt had not proved a failure. A short pause,
and the curtain was again drawn back — this time to dis-
close Ruth, dressed in a blue homespun frock, with white
kerchief about her shoulders, and straw sun-hat upon her
gray-powdered hair, hard at work in her garden-patch.
The determined manner in which the hoe sank into the
earth and cut out the weeds proved that the small
woman who handled it was not to be trifled with. But
hark ! what do we now hear! The sharp discharge of
rifles (nobody would dare hint that it was fire-crackers),
the shrill sound of a fife, and the beat of a drum. Down
drops the hoe, and grasping a gun which has been lying
on the ground beside her, the woman cries excitedl}^
" 7T is war — war, blood, and fire ! ' and stands with her
gun ready.

Presently three redcoats break through the underbrush
at the background and start to run across the garden-
plot ; but the dame is too quick for them, and leveling
her gun upon them, she cries:

" Ye are my prisoners, sirs ! March on ! 7;

In fear and trembling the three redcoats yield, and
the dame marches them triumphantly out of sight. To

THE FOURTH-OF-JULY CELEBRATION 149

see Ruth's determined air, and the crestfallen redcoats,
was too much for the delighted children, and they fairly
howled.

" Who is it ? Who is it ? " cried all. And again Mrs.
Temple's voice replied :

"Thus Mother Batherick's fearless deed was done;
Long will the tale be told in famed historic page,
How in this first great victory by freemen won,
A dame, with furrowed brow and tresses white with age,
Captured the grenadiers at famous Lexington."

" If that is n't Dame Batherick, 1 1m not Bert Temple,"
cried a strong voice ; and from behind the bushes came a
voice singularly like Molly's, crying :

" Good for the guess ! '

" Don't they do it nicely, dear daddy ? And only think j
they have had scarcely a week to rehearse."

" Never saw anything finer. Mansfield had better take
a back seat, for Josh bids fair to eclipse him."

" Just wait until you see the next one, and I guess you
will say it is fine."

CHAPTER XX

POLLY PROVES HERSELF THE STAR OF THE COMPANY

HE next evidently caused its cast con-
siderable trouble, for Bob's voice was
heard to say:

" No, you can't stand in front of me ;
you 've got to get back, for I 'in the one
to surrender, not you."
" I don't want to stand in front of you," replied Polly's
voice, " but I can't see a thing 'way back in here, and I 've
got to help surrender, have n't I ? ';

Presently, however, matters seemed to adjust them-
selves satisfactorily, for a bell rang, and the curtain was
drawn aside. This time nothing was visible but the
fort with its hen-coop door. But in a moment a gallant
band appeared. Marching with fearless tread straight up
to the fort, the intrepid leader gave a thundering knock
upon the door with his sword-hilt, and impatiently waited
a response. Open it flew, and there stood the terrified
commander in his night-shirt, while behind him, in her
night-dress and a huge cap, stood his frightened little

150

POLLY THE STAR OF THE COMPANY 151

wife, clasping her hands and rolling her eyes most
imploringly.

" By whose authority do you — "

But raising his hand, the gallant leader cut him short
with, "In the name of the Great Jehovah and the Con-
tinental Congress do I command you to surrender ! '•

Jamie made a fine Ethan Allen, and fired off his famous
words with truly startling effect, for the commander of
the fort fell backward in a state of collapse, and knocked
his unfortunate little wife flat.

So, amid a tangle of legs and arms, the curtain flew
together, while the spectators gave way to mingled
applause and laughter.

The children were wildly enthusiastic, and clapped till
their hands were nearly blistered, while Uncle Bert
shouted, " Ethan Allen ! Ethan Allen ! We want
him."

And modest Jamie, followed by Tom and some of the
neighbors' boys who had made up the band of intrepid
" Green Mountain Boys," came before the curtain to make
their best bows, while Polly and Bob, still arrayed in
their togas, executed a kind of dance behind them.
When the blushing actors had retired amid a storm of
applause, a voice was heard to remark :

" Well, if them youngsters hain't done fit ter beat ther
band, I 'm not Sam Sawyer."

As no one seemed disposed to dispute his identity, it
was unanimously agreed that the band was beaten.

A longer interval than the youngsters could well en-
dure now caused them to nearly twist their necks out of
10

152 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

joint in order to get a glimpse of what was going on be-
hind the scenes, and presently a prolonged moo caused
a general titter.

" What ever can it be ? '

" I bet you a big apple it 's Bonny."

And when the curtain rose, there stood Bonny, with lit-
tle Polly's arms encircling her neck and her rosy little face
pressed close to the calf's. Bonny seemed to enjoy the
love-making, for she stood perfectly still and apparently
gave close heed to all Polly said.

" Now, Free 'n7 Equal, I 'm going to do an errand for
mother, but don't you moo for me while I'm gone, or like
enough those old British soldiers will hear you and you '11
be carried off."

Free 'n' Equal wagged an ear knowingly, and, with a
kiss upon her soft neck, her little mistress picked up the
basket she had placed upon a stone, and started off.
Scarcely had she disappeared behind the bushes when up
went Free 'n' Equal's head, and she gave voice to a moo-o-o
as long as her tail ; but her disobedience cost her dear,
for no sooner had the sound died away than from a dense
brushwood there emerged three of the reddest of red-
coats, and in less time than it takes to tell it, poor Free 'n'
Equal was being led away a prisoner. Her forlorn moo-
ing brought her young mistress quickly upon the scene,
just in time so see the last pathetic shake of her tail
as her captors led her away.

Then little Polly outdid herself and denounced " those
hateful old British soldiers" in good set terms. It was
really funny to see the little girl's tragic manner, for

POLLY THE STAR OF THE COMPANY 153

Bonny was her dearest pet, and she seemed to consider it
all real. With a stamp of her little foot, she cried : " I 'm
going straight to Lord Cornwallis to tell him all about it ! "
and marched off the stage with an air that boded ill for
the luckless thieves.

" Bravo ! Bravo ! " shouted Uncle Bert, as the curtain
flew together.

A great bustle now took place behind the scenes, and
so much ordering and directing that one would have sup-
posed the entire British army was going into camp. But
the curtain was soon drawn back, and there was the
British general's tent, with Jamie, booted and spurred like
a genuine Cornwallis, seated at a table examining a map,
while his officers stood before him and pointed out some-
thing of vital interest to all, to judge from the serious ex-
pressions on their faces. Just outside walked Bob as a
sentry, while Free 'n' Equal, tethered near by, grazed as
contentedly as though her change of owners did not affect
her in the least. But in a moment her head was raised,
and she made a rush for an excited little maid who ran
up to her and, quickly untying the rope, led her straight
up to the general's tent, utterly regardless of the sentry's
challenge or the formidable weapon he leveled at her.
Holding firmly to her pet's rope, she cried in an excited
voice : " Your soldiers have stolen my calf, and I want
my Bonny back right off!" — utterly forgetting in her
excitement that for the time being Bonny had become
"Free 'n' Equal."

" Say Free 'n? Equal, you little gump," whispered Bob,
but Polly was lost to all but the thought of regaining

154 PRETTY POLLY PEEKINS

possession of her beloved calf, and stood holding on to
her for dear life.

" Your calf "? and named Free 'n' Equal ? " said the
august general, laying his hand patronizingly upon
Polly's head. "Eh! but you are a sturdy little rebel;
so take her back home with you."

Without waiting to have the permission withdrawn,
Cynthia, as we must call Polly, bobbed a curtsy and
started off; but Free 'n' Equal seemed to think such an
exit was altogether too commonplace, and took matters
into her own hands, or rather feet, and for a few minutes
it was difficult to tell just how she stood ; for one instant
she was on her front feet, with the hind ones flying wildly
out into the air and her tail perfectly erect, while the
next she was evidently trying to emulate her illustrious
ancestor who jumped over the moon. Poor Polly was
scandalized, and tried her best to reduce the hilarious
Bonny to a proper sense of her surroundings ; but it was
of no use, for Bonny was determined to have her fling.
Shouts and howls greeted the performance, and a shower
of bouquets was rained on the mortified Polly. But
Bonny felt the ovation to be intended solely for herself,

*/ •/

and gave a finishing touch to the performance by stop-
ping suddenly in the midst of her career to stoop down
and pick up one of the bouquets and eat it.

This time the woods fairly rang with the children's
shouts, and so exciting proved this scene that no one
remembered to draw the curtain.

Order at length being restored, the excited audience
settled themselves for the final patriotic scene. This

POLLY THE STAR OF THE COMPANY 155

time, when the curtain was drawn, a British sentry was
seen pacing to and fro. Then came the tramp, tramp, of
a horse's feet upon the soft ground, and Polly, mounted
upon little Tony, rode through the woods in the back-
ground. Suddenly she stopped, and seeing the sentry,
who evidently had not yet discovered her, she drew from
her pocket a letter, and, after reading it very carefully,
deliberately tore it to bits and ate it ; then, gathering up
her reins, she started briskly forward, and circling about,
presently came upon the sentry, who instantly challenged,
and demanded to know her errand.

" I do but go to yonder village for provisions."

But the sentry evidently doubted, and would not allow
her to pass on until he had searched her pocket, her hood,
and even her shoes, but, of course, without result; and
saluting gravely by way of apology, he assisted the little
maid to her saddle and let her go her way. Although
much pleased with the pony, this scene evidently failed
to appeal to the children as the former one had done.

" That must be Emily Geiger taking the message to
Surnter," said Mr. Temple, "and I guess she got there all
right."

And now Molly appeared, and taking hold of Mabel's
chair prepared to wheel her away.

" Here ! where are you going with our girl ? '; cried
Uncle Bert, as he arose to assist in the move.

"I 'm only going to run away with her for a little
while, and then you may have her again," was the reply,
as they disappeared behind the curtain.

Mrs. Temple came before the curtain to say: "Ladies

156 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

and gentlemen, the next will be our concluding scene,
and while it is not especially adapted to the day, we trust
you may find it attractive, and will accept it for the sake
of the actress."

"Hear! hear!r cried Uncle Bert.

When the curtain rolled back a very pretty little pic-
ture was revealed, for in a lovely bower of cedar boughs
there reclined, on a sumptuous divan made of the red
damask curtains from the attic, a very lovely little Sleep-
ing Princess. Arrayed in the sheeniest of white satin
gowns, with her golden curls falling upon the deep crim-
son cushions, and one bare arm thrown above her head,
while the other hung over the edge of the couch, she lay
awaiting the prince who even now was creeping through
the dense thicket behind her. On came Jamie, dressed in
pale blue silesia, with white silk stockings and blue slip-
pers. A large blue hat with a long white plume rested
upon his dark hair, and a silver sword clanked at his side.
Silver-paper buckles and silver-paper lace completed his
elegant toilet.

Stepping very cautiously, he at last came upon the
bower, and was instantly overwhelmed with admiration.

To resist stealing a kiss from the sleeper's soft cheek
was beyond his strength, so, stooping gently forward, he
touched it very daintily, and instantly the sleeper of one
hundred years opened her big eyes. Of course, Mabel
could not stand to receive the applause and praise show-
ered upon her as the audience crowded about her; but
she was a very happy little girl, nevertheless. Congratu-
lations were freely given, and it was a wonder the entire

POLLY THE STAR OF THE COMPANY 157

company's heads were not quite turned, for all agreed
that the fairyland tableaux had been a great success.

" Now, my lads and lassies," said Uncle Bert, u I fancy
you had all better skip away home for your suppers, or
you '11 not be ready to witness my show to-night ; and I

tell vou, it ;s to be a fine one."

«/

All took the broad hint, and presently Polly's fairyland
was left to the fairies who no doubt guarded it.

CHAPTER XXI

UNCLE BERT'S SURPRISE AND MABEL'S BIRTHDAY

FEW hours later all Endmeadow had
gathered in Mr. Perkins' hay-field and
were seated upon the haycocks which
dotted it. At the farther end a large
framework had been erected early in the
morning, and placed upon it were all
sorts of curiously shaped fireworks.

"What do you think they can be?*' asked Polly of
Mabel, as they sat cuddled beside each other on a big hay-
cock, with a warm rug to protect them from dampness.
" They are all set figures, you know. Uncle Bert told
me when he first came out here that he was going to get
some up, and we had lots of fun planning what they
should be."

" Why, what do you mean ? Can they really make
things of fireworks?'1

" Yes, beautiful ones j but nearly all these are to be
funny, Uncle Bert told me."

Here all remarks were brought to a speedy end, for up

158

UNCLE BEET'S SURPRISE AND MABEL'S BIRTHDAY 159

went a gorgeous rocket, and, amid a volley of " oh's "
and "ah's," sent its shower of many-colored lights and
sparks far out into the beautiful night sky. It was
quickly followed by Roman candles and brilliant pin-
wheels. Then came a pause, and shadowy figures moved
about the wooden framework which was causing the
youngsters so much concern. First a tiny little spark
gave evidence of something unusual, and then there burst
out a shower of lights which soon took the form of
flowers, while beneath hung a golden bell.

" Oh, what can it be ? " " How lovely ! " " How did
he ever do it ? " came from all sides. But no one seemed
able to solve it till Molly cried :

" Those flowers look just like May blossoms, and I really
believe they are ! Of course that is it — May Bell ! That
is all for you, my princess."

" Oh, how pretty it is, too ! " cried the delighted Mabel.
" Let 7s all cry hurrah for Uncle Bert." And the cheer was
given with a will.

Next followed a big flower-pot, and while all were
watching the brilliant spectacle Uncle Bert busied him-
self with the next set piece, which he regarded as his
triumph.

When the last blossom had fallen from the flower-pot,
a spark gave evidence that a new surprise was ready.
First a curious tufted affair like a feather duster ap-
peared; but the rest, quickly igniting, took the form
of a huge poll-parrot, upon which the feather duster
flourished in the form of a monstrous topknot. The
shouts and cries which greeted this marvelous bird as-

160 PKETTY POLLY PERKINS

sured Uncle Bert that his pyrotechnic display was fully
appreciated.

" Hurrah for pretty Poll ! ' shouted the boys, while
Polly herself, nearly wild with delight, jumped up and
down as hard as she could. All too soon the fiery poll
vanished in smoke, but her fame outlived her brief exist-
ence, and she was talked about long after winter snows had
caused the Fourth to be forgotten.

Then came a monstrous pie as a special compliment for
Ruth ; a fiery butterfly for Jamie ; a horseshoe and whip
for Josh j and last of all a remarkable affair which set
them all guessing till Mrs. Perkins' wits helped them out.

Before setting it off Uacle Bert said:

" I am not absolutely certain that this piece will be as
brilliant a success as its predecessors, or that its appro-
priateness will be immediately recognized. The indi-
vidual to whom it is especially dedicated is of so versatile
a nature that it has been difficult to decide which of his
many brilliant deeds should be commemorated ; but this
one seemed such a triumph among many that we hope it
will thus be immortalized."

" What can it be, and who is it for?'7 asked Polly.

" Hush ! don't let him hear it, but it 's for Bob, and I
guess he will shout when he sees it," answered Mabel.

A queer round thing now began to take shape, and it was
a question whether it was intended to represent a wash-tub
or a dish-pan. There it remained, glowing and quivering;
but that seemed to be all there was to it.

" Don't see what that 's goin' to be," said Bob, who felt
certain that this piece was intended especially for him,

UNCLE BERT'S SURPRISE AND MABEL'S BIRTHDAY 161

since all the other children had already been represented in
one way or another. " Looks like ma's dish-pan, and — "

But here he was interrupted by a startling report from
the " dish-pan," and out flew a shower of tiny red balls.
It seemed as though the pan must be like a magician's
hat, for out poured the little red balls, tumbling over
the sides, falling to the ground beneath, and flying in all
directions.

" My land of the livin' ! if that ain't my pan o' currants,
I wish I may give up," cried Mrs. Perkins, clapping her
hands and laughing till she was threatened with a spasm.
" They Ve paid you off this time, Bob, and I reckon you
won't hear the last of it for a year to come.'7

To some of the children who knew nothing of Bob's
escapade with the pan of currants the piece was a mys-
tery, but when they learned of it their appreciation was
as keen as the others, and Bob was teased unmercifully,
the boys calling him " old currant-crusher," and asking
him if he "liked jelly."

By this time it was nearly ten o'clock, and the display
being ended, a tired lot of boys and girls started off
homeward, worn out with their vigorous celebrating.

" Well, my little girl," said Mr. Temple, as he carried
Mabel back to the house, " do you think you have been
sufficiently patriotic to-day?"

" Oh, dear daddy, what a lovely day it has been !
And I 'm not the least bit tired, either."

" Good ! that is a fine bit of news, and will be my best
sleeping-draught to-night, for I feared we might be let-
ting you overdo the matter a little. But now I can rest

162 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

easy. I could not have you ill on your birthday, for you
are to drive me up to Forest Park, if the day proves fine,
and I think it will, for I 've sent a note to the Weather
Bureau requesting a particularly sunny one."

" MAMA, may Polly sleep with me to-night ? ': asked
Mabel, the night before her birthday. " It will be such
fun to have her here to talk to first thing in the morning,
and to help open the parcels."

"Certainly, dear, if you would like to have her; but
what makes you think there will be any parcels ? " And
Mrs. Temple laughed softly.

" You bad little mother, to try to tease me, when you
know there are always lots of them ! " And Mabel shook
her finger at her mother.

So Friday night Polly came walking in in her little
white night-dress, and was soon tucked safely away in
Mabel's big bed, where tongues wagged as long as eyes
could be kept open.

" Many happy returns of the day ! " cried Molly's cheery
voice next morning, and up bobbed Polly's curly little
head, followed by Mabel's, who could not raise herself as
quickly as healthy little Polly.

"Oh, see all those things lying on the table!'1 cried
Polly. " Quick, open them, and see what you 've got."

" Let me fix your pillows and settle you comfortably,
and then you can have a grand time," cried Molly, as she
plumped up the pillows and made all snug. Then, placing
the parcels upon the bed, she sat down beside it, ready to
help untie if time grew too pressing.

UNCLE BERT'S SURPRISE AND MABEL'S BIRTHDAY 163

"Do take the big one first, for I know it 7s something
splendid," cried Polly, as excited as though it were her
own birthday and the gifts for herself.

Off came the string in a jiffy, the paper quickly follow-
ing and disclosing a big pasteboard box. Lifting the lid,
a second box was discovered j opening this, still a smaller
one.

" Oh, what fun ! Hurry and see how many boxes there
are, for I believe it 's all boxes ! 7' And Polly nearly fell
over the edge of the bed in her excitement.

But at last box number five was reached, and it proved
to be the last, for in it reposed a dainty little blue enam-
eled watch, with a pretty M in pearls on the back. A
little card said, ""With much love, from mama,'7 and
Mabel's joy was unbounded.

" Is n't it too sweet for anything ? " she cried, while
Polly and Molly rejoiced with her.

" Now I must open the next. You choose which one,
Polly 7' ; and Polly fished up a small box upon which was
written, " Happy birthday — ' dear daddy.' }

This time their curiosity was soon gratified, for the box
contained a dainty little silver purse with a long silver
chain to hang about the neck. A bright and shiny silver
dollar was in the purse for a lucky piece.

A pretty book from Molly, and many dainty remem-
brances from distant friends, kept them busy until it was
time to get up, and Mabel said :

" There is nothing here from Uncle Bert, and I just
know he has some mischief afoot, for he always does
that way.77

164 PEETTY POLLY PERKINS

By this time voices in the adjoining room told that
some one else had wakened, and in a moment Mrs.
Temple, in her pretty morning wrapper, came in to give
Mabel her birthday kiss with many tender wishes.

As soon as she was dressed her father carried her down
to the dining-room, where the funniest surprise of all
awaited her, for, seated in her chair, with a funny little
cocked hat perched upon his head, on which was printed
his name, " Peter Punch," sat a tiny fox terrier, while
Uncle Bert sat opposite.

As soon as Mabel entered Uncle Bert said, "Make your
manners, Peter," and up rose Peter upon his hind legs
and made a funny little bow.

" Now spell your new missy's name." Peter gave five
short barks. "Now tell me how old she is to-day."
Thirteen yaps were unmistakable. "Now get down and
salaam to her." Down bounced Peter, his hat flying over
one ear as he ran in front of Mabel, and, flopping down
upon the floor, first rolled over one way and then the
other.

By this time all the children were ready to carry him
off bodily, and Uncle Bert had about forty questions to
answer regarding the clever Peter.

" He is another one of my ranch productions, and if he
turns out as well as Tony and Jesse I '11 feel that my
money out there is well invested."

Peter was certainly a lively acquisition, for, find-
ing himself freed, he at once flew about the room like
a sky-rocket, and in about five minutes had investigated
every hole and corner.

UNCLE BEET'S SURPRISE AND MABEL'S BIRTHDAY 165

A few hours later Mabel and Mr. Temple started for
the drive to Forest Park, with Peter scampering beside
them.

At home Molly and Polly prepared a birthday feast,
and helped dress the table with all the pretty things sent
down from Springfield.

Ruth had baked a marvelous cake a few days before,
which Mrs. Temple had sent to Springfield to be iced, and
now, with its thirteen pink candles all ready to be lighted,
it stood in the center of the table, a thing of beauty, though
it probably would soon cease to be a joy; and Euth was
radiantly happy for having built the foundation for this
work of art. Several children from the neighborhood
had been invited, and a little later all went merrily, and
Polly, who occupied the seat of honor beside Mabel, was
the first to be helped to a generous slice of the birthday
cake.

After such an exciting week it was no wonder that all
felt grateful for the peaceful Sabbath which followed.

CHAPTER XXII

MOLLY CONFIDES IN UNCLE BERT AND POLLY

•

NDMEADOW was such a quiet nook
that little of the bustle of the outer
world ever reached it, even during
the busy week-days; and Sunday was
restful and calm indeed. Mabel enjoyed
the peaceful quiet, and was glad to sit
upon the lawn with her father and mother during the
long afternoon, while he read aloud ; and Ruth, whose Sun-
day was her only day of rest, sat quietly beside them.
At her feet rested old Nero, with little Peter, whom he
had evidently taken under his special protection as a
frivolous youth who needed guidance, stretched out flat
beside him, for, having romped till he simply could not
stand any longer, Peter had flopped down beside Nero
and fallen sound asleep.

A little way off, Jamie was lying flat upon his back,
holding Tony's halter-strap j for Tony, Jamie, and Mabel
had formed a strong friendship, and spent many
happy hours together. Tony had been an apt pupil in

166

MOLLY CONFIDES IN UNCLE BERT AND POLLY 167

Jamie's hands, and had already mastered some clever
tricks.

Just now he was cropping the sweet grass, while Jamie
held a sort of one-sided conversation with him.

Miss Wheeler, Polly, and Uncle Bert had gone off for
a long walk in the woods, for they found many interests
in common, and Uncle Bert had endless stories to tell of
the wild ranch life and the beautiful Western scenery.

" How I would love to travel ! " said Molly. " I 've never
been able to do so, and now my profession keeps me well
anchored. But," she added, "I Jm so happily anchored at
present that I Ve no desire to slip my cable, as the sailor
boys say."

" I 'm right glad you find it so," said Uncle Bert, heartily.
" If there is one thing which would irritate me more than
another it would be uncongenial surroundings. I don't
believe I could stand it, but would have to cut and run
somehow. I 'm fond of the free life out West, and have
found lots of warm hearts under rough exteriors."

" I often think we miss much of what is best in such
characters by failing to win their confidence," said Molly.
"Some natures are like chestnut burs, all prickles out-
side, but velvety soft within, and we must overcome the
prickles before we can get at the velvet."

" I think you are about right. But speaking of chest-
nuts, just look overhead. There ought to be no end to
them this year if all those burs fulfil their promise."

"What do you think of the prospect, pretty Poll?" he
called to Polly, who was skipping along ahead, happy as

a butterfly,
n

168 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

" The what ? " asked Polly, who had not understood the
question.

"Do you think Jack Frost is going to shower
chestnuts on us by and by ? '

" Yes, indeed, I do/' answered Polly. " We have loads
of fun gathering 'em every fall, and this is nut year, you
know."

" No, I don't know," said Molly, " and you must tell me
what you mean."

" Why, pa always says that we never have many nuts
the same year there is a lot of apples, and last year we
had loads and loads of apples, and hardly any nuts, so
this year we '11 have the nuts — don't you see ? "

" I hope my little patient will be ready to help gather
them when they fall," said Molly, seriously.

" I hope so, too, with all my heart ; and now that you
have spoken of it, Miss Wheeler, I want to ask you your
opinion of Mabel's condition. I don't like to say much
about it when Ned and her mother are within hearing, for
it is cruelly hard for them anyway, and questioning only
makes it harder."

" She is doing as well as can be hoped," replied Miss
Wheeler, " but the case is a peculiar one. The child has
suffered so long that she dreads the thought of pain,
and shrinks from exerting herself lest it cause a re-
turn of it. But she must exert herself a little, or worse
than pain will follow. I have not spoken to Mrs. Tem-
ple about it, for I dread giving her an added care, and
yet I realize that I should do so, and it is a mistaken
kindness not to."

MOLLY CONFIDES IN UNCLE BERT AND POLLY 169

" Why, what do you mean ? " asked Uncle Bert, with a
face full of the deepest concern, while Polly, who was
now walking beside him, looked up with a startled
expression, although she said nothing.

"I mean just this, Mr. Temple: Before leaving town,
Dr. Carver said to me, t Miss Wheeler, I have done all I
can do, and the rest must be left to nature and my patient.
What the child now needs is fresh air and sunshine, —
plenty of it, — nourishing food, and bright surroundings.
These I know she will find in Endmeadow. But she must
try to use her limbs. I know it will be painful — very ; but
unless she helps nature's work she will be permanently
paralyzed.' There ! can you understand how I feel ? I
know she ought to try to walk, and yet each time I have
persuaded her to try a little, the result has been so painful
that I 've not had the heart to force it, or tell her mother
why I ought to do so, for I love them both as I 've never
loved any one but father, and it nearly breaks my heart
to grieve them " j and Molly's voice quivered and her eyes
filled with sympathetic tears.

" Indeed, I think I can understand your position, and
wish most earnestly that I could help matters. Perhaps
I may be able to, for little Mab will do a great deal for
Uncle Bert."

" Much as I should dread it," continued Molly, " I be-
lieve that some sudden fright which would cause her to
forget herself would be her very best remedy. True, it
might mean a fit of sickness from the shock; but I firmly
believe that it would do more for her in other respects
than anything else could, and certainly would be less

170 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

serious than the calamity which now threatens her, and
of which all are so unconscious."

"Dear little girl!" said Uncle Bert. "We must try our
best to avert so fearful a result of that unlucky bicycle
ride. No wonder her mother has never wanted to see a
wheel since! Thank you so much for confiding in me,
Miss Wheeler, and be sure I shall do all in my power to
make your nursing of our little girl end successfully."

"No need to assure me of that," replied Molly. " I was
sure of your help before speaking, and felt that I must
tell you, for I am sorely troubled to know just the wisest
course to pursue."

" Do you mean, Miss Wheeler, that Mabel may never be
able to walk any more if she does n?t try hard herself ? "
asked Polly, as they were nearing home, and could al-
ready see the happy group upon the lawn.

" Yes, deary; but you will be careful not to let her guess
that we have said anything about it, won't you?"

" 1 11 be careful ; I won't say one single word. But oh,
how I wish that I could make her walk!"

Dear little Polly ! your wish is to be granted sooner
than you expect.

" Too-hoot ! too-hoo ! " called Uncle Bert, and caused
the group upon the lawn to glance up. Polly ran for-
ward to give Mabel the pretty wood flowers she had
gathered for her and tell her of the pleasant walk.
" And here is something for you, too," she said to Jamie.
" It was on an old log, and Mr. Uncle Bert let me catch
him with his hat. Is n't he pretty? I hope he is the
kind you wished for that day down in the woods. Is he?"

MOLLY CONFIDES IN UNCLE BEET AND POLLY 171

And she carefully unfolded her handkerchief, in which a
big butterfly was imprisoned.

" Oh, I say ! " cried Jamie, delightedly. " You are just
a jewel of a girl ! That is my Purple Emperor, as sure
as a gun. Just see, Mabel, is n't he a beauty ? Look at
that purple down upon his wings. Polly Perkins, you ?ve
managed to catch the rarest specimen I Ve got, and I 've
hunted the woods everywhere without being able to catch
one" 5 and Jamie beamed upon Polly, who was radiantly
happy.

Meanwhile Uncle Bert had taken Jamie's place upon
the lawn, and was having a romp with Nero and Peter,
who were bouncing and tumbling all over him.

" Say, Jamie, what are these tricks you 've been teaching
Tony ? Mabel says he is growing very accomplished."

" Oh, he has n't learned much yet, but I can teach him
lots, for he 's as clever as can be."

" Show us what he can do, anyway. He must not hide
his talents."

" I will. Hold on a minute while I put this fellow in a
safe place till I can put him to sleep." And Jamie ran off
to the house to put his treasure under a bowl.

When he returned, he went up to Tony and, taking his
shaggy head in his arms, said to him :

" Are you going to do yourself credit, old fellow ? Don't
you go back on me, now; so shake hands."

Up came Tony's little right hoof, and was placed in
Jamie's outstretched hand.

" Do you love apples ? " Yes, nodded the head. " How
many do you want J? " Stamp went first one foot and then

172 PEETTY POLLY PERKINS

another, till each foot had made its count. " Four ? "
Yes, said the head.

" 1 7d better go get them for him, for I don't like to dis-
appoint him."

" I '11 go," said Polly ; " only don't let him do anything
else till I come back."

"All right, I won't; go ahead." And Polly flew for
the cellar.

When Tony had eaten the four apples he was ready to
continue the performance.

"Now go make a bow to Mabel." And the cunning
little fellow walked up to her and bent down upon his
knees.

" Is n't he a darling ? " said his proud little mistress,
holding his soft head in her arms.

" He is a wise little owl to learn so much so quickly,"
replied her mother.

" Oh, he will learn a lot if I keep on. You 've no idea
how quickly he understands what I want him to do. I
think I '11 get up a circus by and by, and have Bob for
clown, for Tony won't let him ride on his back, and spills
him off every time he tries it."

" Yes ; it 's too funny to see him," said Polly.

" I wish he 'd come along now, so you could see the
performance," said Jamie.

Jamie's wish was hardly made before it was granted ;
for Bob came from the barn, where he had been taking an
afternoon siesta in the hay, and still carried evidences of it
in his hair.

" Come on and try a ride," cried Jamie. And Bob, who

MOLLY CONFIDES IN UNCLE BEET AND POLLY 173

was ever ready for fun, hopped upon Tony's back. Tony
rolled his big eyes at him as though to say, " Now you
think you are going to stay there, don't you?': And
then began a tussle, for Bob tried his best to stick on,
and Tony tried his best not to let him. Up and down
the lawn he pranced, and poor Bob was nearly shaken to
bits j but at last Tony made up his mind that things must
come to a crisis, and dashed off as hard as he could pelt,
then, stopping suddenly, kicked up his hind legs, and away
flew Bob over his head. Then he turned about with a
saucy shake of his head as though to say, " Did n't I do
that nicely ? " *

He should have been gratified by the shouts of laughter
which his performance evoked, at all events, for the
spectacle had certainly been a comical one.

By this time Mrs. Perkins came out to summon them
to tea, and Jamie gave Tony to little Jesse, who had
come upon the scene in time to witness Bob's spill.

CHAPTER XXIII
POLLY'S TALENT is DISCOVERED

| HE house seemed wonderfully quiet after
Uncle Bert and Mr. Temple went back
to New York, and Mabel was quite for-
lorn without them.

One morning, soon after their depar-
ture, Molly said to Polly, " We must try
to get Mabel upon her feet to-day. It will be hard work,
I am afraid, but we will make an attempt."

"Do you think she will try?" asked Polly, eagerly.
"I hope so," answered Molly.

A few hours later Mabel and Polly sat on the porch
waiting for Jesse to bring Tony to them ; for hardly a
morning passed without a drive, and Polly was almost
always Mabel's companion. Sometimes Jamie would
take Jesse's seat, and many a merry hour did they have
together. Up came Jesse, with little Tony in fine trim,
for he pranced and curveted gaily, and seemed ready
for a good time.

"Mabel darling, will you do something to please me

174

it
tt

POLLY'S TALENT IS DISCOVERED 175

very much this morning?" asked Molly, when she came
to help her to the carriage.

Indeed I will, if I can," was the reply.
Then try to walk across the piazza for me," said
Molly, persuasively.

" Oh, Miss Wheeler, it does hurt me so ! " said Mabel,
pathetically.

" Yes, dear, I know it is painful, but I am so anxious
to see my girlie able to walk about once more, and I
know she never can unless she makes an effort herself ;
please try." And placing her arm about Mabel, she helped
her up, sustaining all her weight, while Polly flew to the
other side, saying :

"There, rest your hand on my shoulder, and try, do
try, just as hard as ever you can. Don't mind leaning
on me; I 'm just as strong as can be."

But the poor little limbs were pitifully weak and pain-
ful, and it was the most exquisite torture for the child to
use them again. She struggled along, her feet almost
dragging, and very unlike the active, springy steps which
she had taken one brief year before.

" Why, you are doing beautifully ! ' cried Molly,
encouragingly, her heart aching as she watched the
Struggle.

Slowly they crept along the piazza; but when about
half-way across Mabel's strength deserted her altogether,
and she would have fallen but for Molly's strong arm.

" Oh, Molly, Molly dear, I can't, I truly can't ! " she cried.
" It does hurt me so." And Miss Wheeler, feeling that at
least a little had been gained, said cheerfully : " But you

176 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

have done wonders ; only think, you have actually walked
half-way across the piazza, and what madam mother will
say I don't know ! " And catching her up, she carried her to
the trap and set her comfortably among the cushions.
But Mabel was pale from pain and exertion, and glad to
lean back and rest.

Polly was joyful as a cricket, and said, "Now you will
do just so every day, won't you ? And I '11 help as hard as
ever I can."

" I '11 try to ; but it hurts me dreadfully," said Mabel,
with tears in her eyes, " and I wish I could just have it
all over at once."

" But it will hurt you less each time you try, dear $ it
really will," said Miss Wheeler. "It is the first shock to
the unused muscles and nerves which renders it so pain-
ful. And now good-by. Have a delightful drive — and
take extra good care of her, Jesse."

"Yas 'm, I will, sartin," said Jesse, who had looked
upon the scene with the deepest sympathy, and afterward
said to Josh :

" Just 'peared lak I could n' stan' it anudder minute to
see dat po' chiP a-tryin' and a-tryin' ter get her little
foots along, and her po' laigs a-shakiu' and a-wabblin'
roun' so. I des felt lak I mus' run up and say, ' Here, take
my laigs'; and den I tho't dey was ~blaclt laigs, and de lau'
knows she ain't wantin' to be no sich mixed-up color as
dat."

Off they started, and Miss Wheeler ran upstairs to tell
the news to Mrs. Temple, who was almost overcome by
the glad tidings.

POLLY'S TALENT IS DISCOVERED 177

Meanwhile the little trap spun along over the ground,
with Tony frisking and capering like a kitten, and
Peter scampering beside him.

" Where shall we go to-day, Polly ? " asked Mabel, who
had somewhat recovered from her fatigue.

"We 7ve never been down to the point to see the river.
It 's just as pretty as can be down there, and sometimes
the sturgeons jump right up out of the water, and they
are great big ones, too."

So on they sped, and in about half an hour reached the
beautiful Connecticut River, which at this point flowed
too swiftly to be navigable, and offered little induce-
ment to build along its banks. Consequently the shore
was as wild and deserted as in the days when the Indians
camped upon them. The water rushed along over stones
and sand-bars, gurgling and splashing as it flowed. Just
where the main road ended a little wood road led out to
the point of which Polly had spoken, and driving out
there, the children had a pretty picture spread before
them.

" Let 's pretend we 're pioneers," said Mabel, " and make
believe we have discovered a new country."

" Yes ; and we can give names to the places, just as they
did in the history book. You name the first."

" Well, let 's call this Prospect Point, because the
view is so pretty."

" Yes, that 's pretty. Now, Jesse, you name something."

"Who, me? My Ian' ! I don7 know nothin' 'bout
namin' things, lessen I call de ribber de Piccaninny
Ribber, 'ca'se all dose fishes out yander looks lak de little

178 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

brack piccaninnies a-tumblin' and a-turnin' roun' like
dey use' ter in de ribber down home."

" What 7s a piccaninny ? " asked Polly, innocently.

" Dey 's de little nigger babies w'at runs roun' in dey
skins, and allers gets in de big folks' way."

Jesse's description seemed to be perfectly satisfactory,
and Polly said :

" Now it 's my turn, and I 'm going to name that island
out there. I 'm going to call it Mabel's Island."

So they chattered happily together, these three children
whose paths by some freak of fate had been led together,
when previously they had run so far apart, and a friend-
ship was formed which lasted all their lives ; for, although
only a little black boy, Jesse proved a friend in many
ways, and, as he grew up, rendered faithful service to those
who had made his childhood so happy.

" Whenever I see this place I wish I could make a pic-
ture of it," said Polly. " Sometimes I try to, but it looks
sort of queer. I 'd love to make pictures of things,
would n't you!"

" I don't believe I could, if I tried ever so hard. I never
could draw anything, although I used to try at school."

" They don't show us how to draw in our school. I
wish they did ! " said Polly. ll But two years ago there
was a lady stopping at our house who used to paint just
beautiful pictures, and she used to let me come out here
with her when she sketched. She made a lovely picture
of this place, and lots and lots of others, and sometimes
she would give me a pencil and a piece of paper, and I 'd
try to do just as she did."

POLLY'S TALENT IS DISCOVERED 179

" Coiild you really do anything?" asked Mabel, much
interested.

"Not much; but Miss Lane said I could if I had some
lessons."

" Then why did n't she give you some, I 'd like to know ?
She could just as easy as not, I 'm sure."

" Oh, she was too busy all the time. She was getting
ready for Christmas, and doing all these things for Christ-
mas cards. She was nice, but she did n't like to be bothered,
so I never asked her to show me. Somehow, I could n't
talk to her as I do to Miss Wheeler. But I watched close,
and when we get home I '11 show you what I did all by
myself."

" Yes, do. I 'd love to see them. Mama used to paint
in water-colors, and has some lovely things at home, but
she has n't done a thing since I 've been ill. Maybe she
will show you how to do something."

" I do wish she would. I 'd be so glad to learn, for I
love it dearly."

" Let 7s go right straight home and tell her all about it."
And gathering up the reins, Mabel turned Tony about,
and started briskly toward home. Upon reaching it, they
found Mrs. Temple seated upon the piazza, and even before
she could be helped from the carriage Mabel called out :

" Oh, mama, what do you think"? Polly has something
to show us, and I want you to help her j you will, won't
you?"

" Very gladly, if I 'm able when I 've found out what
it is."

" She has been drawing some pictures, and is going to

180 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

let us look at them, and she wants you to tell her how to
do them properly."

Polly ran up to her room to get her art productions,
and soon returned with a dozen or more sheets of paper
upon which she had drawn flowers, animals, landscapes,
or birds, as the fancy struck her.

" I s'pose they are dreadful-lookin' things, but I do so
love to make them, and I 'd give anything if I could do
as Miss Lane used to."

Mrs. Temple took up the papers bearing evidences of
Polly's artistic ventures, and was surprised at the re-
sult. True, the birds were rather given to extraordinary
flights, and some of the dogs were in danger of being
overbalanced by their extreme brain development, if one
might judge from the size of their heads; but, all things
considered, the little girl had done remarkably well, and
certainly gave evidence of decided talent.

" Did you have any instruction at all from Miss Lane,
Polly 1 " asked Mrs, Temple.

" No ; she never showed me how. I only watched to see
what she did, and then tried to do it when I was alone."

" You certainly have done remarkably well, dear, and I
am surprised at the results."

" I 'in so glad you think so, for I dearly love to do it,
and it comes sort of easy."

" Sit here beside me and try to draw something for me.
Choose that tree over there, and let me see how well you
can do it with a little assistance from me."

Polly sat down, and soon had a gnarled old apple-tree
outlined on her paper.

POLLY'S TALENT IS DISCOVERED 181

Mrs. Temple watched closely, and offering a suggestion
here, putting a telling stroke there, helped Polly overcome
the difficulties that had so long baffled her.

" Yes ; that 's just where I always got stuck. Somehow
my trees always looked like flat boards ; but now I see
how to make them look round." And Polly beamed
upon her benefactress.

"My knowledge upon the subject of art is decidedly
limited, but you are very welcome to any assistance I can
give you. If you will spend a little while with me every
day, I think I can help you quite a bit. Would you like to
try it ? "

" You better believe I would," cried Polly, delightedly.
" I love to make pictures, and I love to read stories, but I
have n't been able to find many stories to read, and no one
knows how to draw, so I just stick fast."

"If any one can get you out of your bog, it will be
madam mother ! " said Miss Wheeler. " So you had better
let her help."

So each day Polly worked away with Mrs. Temple, and
made rapid progress, for the child really possessed re-
markable talent, and only needed a little instruction in
order to develop it. Mrs. Temple was quick to discover
it, and to realize that, though only a child, Polly bade fair
to become an artist in the course of time. And what
good times they had ! for Polly worked very faithfully,
and Mrs. Temple took infinite pains with her little
pupil.

Each day they would go off on a sketching tour, some-
times in the trap with Mabel, and sometimes in the

182 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

wheeled chair, with Molly as charioteer, and a whole
body-guard of dogs and boys.

The chief aim of Polly's ambition was to draw Bonny,
and the attempt was made from all possible points. But
Bonny was a lively subject, and no sooner would Polly
set to work than Bonny would commence her antics, till
Polly nearly gave up in despair.

" But I will sketch her vet. see if I don't, no matter how

t/ /

bad she acts. Some day I '11 take her down to the river,
and then she will keep still, I know. While she is stand-
ing in the water thinking over what she is going to have
for supper, I '11 get her on that paper ! " And Polly
wagged her head wisely.

And so July sped away, and almost before they realized
it, August was upon them. It was an unusually hot and
dry one, and the whole country-side panted in the heat.

CHAPTER XXIV

POLLY'S WISH is GRANTED

OSH," said Mr. Perkins, one morning
about two weeks later, as he was harness-
ing Roaneyfor a trip up to Springfield,
"you ?d better burn off that medder lot
ter-day. There ain't no wind ter speak
of, and it 's time it was cleared off."
'' All right," said Josh ; " I ?11 do it this afternoon, right
after dinner. Ma wants me to fetch up them termaters
for her this mornin'." And Josh began to collect his
baskets, little dreaming how much would happen upon
the quiet farm before the tomatoes with which he
expected to fill them would be canned.

The morning, even at that early hour, was very warm,
and it bade fair to be an oppressively hot day. As the
morning advanced the sun's rays became intolerable, and
the air fairly quivered as it rose from the dry, dusty road.
Not a breath of air stirred the leaves hanging perfectly
motionless, and the very flies seemed to find it too warm
to buzz about.

12

183

184 PEETTY POLLY PERKINS

Shortly before dinner Josh came up to the kitchen door
with half a dozen baskets of great ripe tomatoes in his
cart, and, after carry iog them down cellar, said, "Are
yer goin' to want me this afternoon? 'cause, if yer ain't,
I 'm goin' out to the medder lot," but did not say why
he was going.

"No, I don't want anything ; you can go 'long/' an-
swered his mother ; " but I should n't wonder if we got a
shower out o7 them thunder-heads, so yer better take yer
coat along."

" Can't } it 's too hot. Rather get a ducking " j and Josh
went off whistling.

" I think I have never experienced a more oppressive
day," said Mrs. Temple, at dinner. "It is too warm to do
anything but sit quietly under the trees, and even there it
is almost stifling."

"Yes ; it makes one long for a sea-breeze," replied Molly ;
"so let us do the next best thing, since we can't have that,
and take one from the creek."

" Do you think we would find one there, Molly f "

" We might try, at any rate."

" Let 's go down to the willows, after dinner, and take
Bonny. She '11 like to stand in the water to-day, and
maybe she '11 keep so still I can sketch her," said Polly.

" That would be lovely," cried Mabel. " Will you come
too, mama!"

" I think not, dear. The heat to-day has given me a
headache, so I will lie down soon after dinner and try
to sleep. That may cure it, and put a little animation
into me as well, for I feel strangely dull and depressed.

POLLY'S WISH IS GRANTED 185

If I were given to superstitions I should feel sure that
some calamity were about to overtake me, so it is for-
tunate that I am not."

" Soon as you 've eat yer dinner, you go straight up-
stairs and lie down, and let me give Miss Wheeler some
smashed-up ice for yer ice-bag. It '11 be a sight o' comfort
for ye, see if 't ain't."

" Yes, that will be a wise plan ; and after I have made
you snug and comfortable, I ;11 go with the children,"
said Miss Wheeler.

"Yes; go right along with them, and I '11 look after
Mrs. Temple. You '11 find Josh out there, too, 'cause he
said he was a-goin'. Don't see why he ain't come to his
dinner yet. Polly, you've done, so run out and call him,"
she said, as all arose to leave the table.

During the past three weeks Mabel had been doing her
utmost to walk a little each day ; but it was slow work,
and the poor child was often discouraged. Still, with
Molly's strong arm about her, she managed to take a few
steps every day, and usually tried to walk from the dining-
room to her chair, which stood in the hall. It was not
more than ten feet, but they seemed ten miles to her.

But Molly felt that even that little walk meant a great
deal, and was wonderfully tender and patient with her,
encouraging and praising her efforts, and predicting
great results if she persevered.

After settling her in her wheeled chair, Molly ran up-
stairs to look after Mrs. Temple. " Poor head ! " she said
tenderly, as she smoothed the throbbing forehead and
arranged the pillow comfortably. " Now try to get a little

186 PKETTY POLLY PERKINS

nap, and do not give a thought to anybody or anything,
for I 711 be a regular will-o'-the-wisp, and bob here, there,
and yonder to keep a lookout."

"I will try to follow your advice, but I am singularly
nervous to-day, and am thankful that such a condition
is unusual with me, for it is a most unpleasant one."

" A rest will cure it, I am sure, so good-by and peaceful
slumber"; and Molly went quietly from the room. She
found Mabel and Polly awaiting her, the latter armed and
equipped for victory over the unconscious Bonny. Choos-
ing the shadiest paths, they soon reached the willows, and
Bonny promptly took advantage of her opportunity by
plunging up to her stomach in the cool water, where she
stood flapping her ears and tail to shoo off the flies.

No trace was left of the pretty iris which had dotted the
meadow a few weeks ago, turning it into a blue sea of
blossoms. Only tall brown grass waved in the light wind
which had sprung up since noon, for the hot sun had de-
stroyed the iris and all the soft green grass, and the
meadows were parched and dry.

Placing Mabel's chair under one of the trees, Molly
helped Polly get her sketching materials in order ; for
Bonny was at last subdued, and there was a prospect of
getting a miniature calf upon her paper that did not
flourish three or four tails, to say nothing of innumerable
legs and ears.

Polly dabbed away industriously and made good
progress. Miss Wheeler read aloud, and Mabel worked
upon a piece of fancy work intended for her mother's
birthday gift in September.

POLLY'S WISH IS GRANTED 187

It was a pretty little table-cover worked with many-
colored silks in cross-stitch upon soft gray canvas. She
had designed it herself, and, with Molly's help, procured
the materials from Springfield. It was now nearly com-
pleted, only one corner remaining to be worked. Polly
hoped to finish her sketch of Bonny to give to Mrs. Tem-
ple, and the two girls took great pains to keep the whole
matter a profound secret.

" Oh, I do hope Bonny will keep still just a little while
longer," said Polly. "I am getting along so well now.
Just see, Mabel, is n't that the nicest I 've done yet ? "
And she held up her paper for Mabel's inspection.

" Yes, it 's lovely. I don't see how you can ever do it.
I wish I could, but I could n't draw a barn door to save
me. Mama will be so pleased, I know."

Polly's work progressed, and Mabel's fingers flew nimbly,
till, reaching for her case of silks, she discovered that the
color she needed had been left behind.

" Oh, dear ! is n't that just too bad, for now I can't go
on, and I do so want to finish just this little bit that

remains."

" Which color do you want, dear ? " asked Molly.

" That soft old-rose that we bought the other day. I
thought I had put it in the case with my other silks, but
I guess I must have left it in the bureau drawer."

" I '11 go back and get it for you. It is too bad to stop
now, when it needs so little to finish."

" I hate to have you go back while it is so fearfully hot,
Molly. I 'm dreadfully selfish to let you, I 'm afraid."

" I don't mind it a bit. I 'm a sort of salamander, and

188 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

can stand a good deal of heat. Are you tired of sitting
in your chair? Suppose I help you to that soft, grassy
slope over there, and you can stretch a little."

" Yes, please do ; and Polly can come when she has
finished her sketch."

Mabel was soon nestling among the tall meadow-
grasses which rustled and waved about her, and bidding
her take " forty winks " while she was gone, Molly left
her.

Polly soon became absorbed in her work again, for she
was an earnest little artist and forgot all else while
working.

Molly had hardly been gone ten minutes when Mabel,
yielding to the drowsy influence of her surroundings,
began to nod off to dreamland — sung to sleep by the
hum of insects and the locusts' whirring song.

Bonny continued her ruminating, and her little mistress
worked on uninterrupted. How long she had worked she
did not know, when suddenly she was brought back to
her present surroundings by a stifling odor of smoke.

Springing to her feet, she looked behind her, to discover
great volumes of smoke rolling toward her from the
meadow above, while beyond the smoke fierce tongues of
flame were shooting high above the dry grass.

With a wild cry of " Oh, Mabel, Mabel ! " Polly dropped
her work and flew to the helpless child's side.

Mabel, startled from her sound sleep, looked about be-
wildered, and then, as her terrible situation burst upon
her, she clasped her hands together and sat like a statue.

CHAPTER XXV

POLLY RESCUES MABEL

=~TOICK ! quick ! " cried Polly. " Let me get
you into your chair, and then I can
I wheel it away " ; and she struggled to lift
Mabel into the chair. But even after she
had succeeded in getting her into it, it
was impossible to roll it in the direction
she wished, for the only pathway for it lay right in the
teeth of the great clouds of smoke and wild flames be-
yond. Still Mabel gave no sound and uttered no outcry,
as Polly, with almost superhuman strength, pushed the
chair through the tall grass and as far from the approach-
ing flames as possible. But she gained nothing, for all
she could do was to go farther and farther away from
home, and higher up the bank of the creek.

Almost suffocated by the smoke, she struggled on until
her strength forsook her altogether, and, panting and
gasping, she was forced to stop. Mabel gave one hopeless
look, and then said in a frightened whisper :

" Go, Polly, go quickly, or you will be burned to death."

189

190 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

" What ! go and leave you here to be burned up ? No !
you know I won't." And brave little Polly clasped her
arms around her helpless friend. On came the smoke
and flames till they were almost surrounded.

"Oh, Mabel, Mabel! can't you walk? can't you?" im-
plored Polly, in an agony. "Try to — do try! Lean on
me $ I '11 help you."

" Yes, I think I can," said Mabel, in a strange, hushed
sort of voice. " Come." And resting her hand on Polly's
shoulder, she rose from the chair and staggered toward
the steep path leading down the bank to the creek below
— the very spot where, two months before, Bob had fallen
in his chase for the butterfly.

Polly clasped her arms about her and struggled bravely
to support her weight j but Mabel was much the larger and
heavier of the two, and her crippled condition made her
almost a dead weight,

Still, Polly had no thought of giving up, but shut her
teeth and pushed onward. Mabel's face was ghastly, and
her eyes had the look of a hunted deer.

Just as they reached the edge of the high bank, a gust
of wind drove the flames toward them, catching fire to
Mabel's skirt and singeing her beautiful hair. Quick as
a flash Polly caught the burning skirt and literally tore
it from her, and then bounded over the bank, dragging
Mabel with her. It was neither very steep nor very high j
but it seemed a very precipice to them. They fell upon
the soft earth and pebbles beneath, and, although badly
shaken and scratched, they were not seriously harmed.
Scrambling to her feet, Polly tried to get Mabel upon hers

POLLY RESCUES MABEL 191

again; but it was useless, for the poor child's strength
seemed to have utterly deserted her, and there she lay, in
a helpless heap.

"If we could only get to the other side of the creek we
would be safe. Try once more to walk — oh, do try ! "
begged Polly, giving an agonized glance over her shoulder
at the smoke and flame shooting over the bank down
which they had xallen and seeming to mock at their efforts
to escape.

" I can't get up again, but I '11 try to creep " j and poor
Mabel began to drag herself forward.

Polly helped all she knew how, but could give little
assistance, and it seemed as though both children must
perish. But at last they reached the water and tried to
cross the creek. Had Mabel been on her feet like Polly
it would have been a simple matter, for the water would
not have been above their armpits at the deepest point j
but she was obliged to crawl upon her hands and knees,
and soon found the wrater nearly submerging her.

Again and again the poor child tried to struggle to her
feet, only to be bound down by the weight of her clothes
and her helpless limbs ; and just as they had gotten about
a third of the way across, her arms fell from Polly's waist,
and with a moaning cry of " Oh, mama, mama darling,
come to me ! " she fainted entirely away.

And now Polly was in desperate straits indeed. Be-
hind her the fiercely burning meadows, throwing great
volumes of black smoke and showers of sparks over her
head, which threatened every minute to ignite their thin
cotton dresses ; and before her the water, from which she

192 PKETTY POLLY PERKINS

could neither draw Mabel back nor carry her forward.
Terrified and trembling, she turned her beautiful, tear-
dimmed eyes to the blue skies above her, and cried out
in her distress, " Dear God, help me to save Mabel. Oh,
don't, don't let her drown ! n

No thought for herself, no wavering in her purpose j
only " help me to save Mabel." And as though her un-
selfish prayer was at once answered, high and clear above
the rush aud roar of the flames sounded old Nero's
barking.

" Nero ! Nero ! " screamed Polly. " Oh, come quick !
come quick ! n And the next instant Nero's huge form
bounded down the bank and plunged into the water.

No need to direct the sagacious animal. His noble in-
stinct guided him far better than words could have done,
and catching hold of Mabel's dress just below her shoul-
ders, he carried her safely to the opposite shore, where he
laid her upon the grass and rushed back to Polly's aid $
and none too soon, for the brave little girl's strength was
gone, and when he got her to the bank she just clasped her
arms about his neck and sobbed as though her heart
would break, while he licked her face and hands and
whined most piteously.

But shouts and cries from beyond told that help was
near, as Josh, Molly, and Mrs. Perkins, with blanched,
terror-stricken faces, rushed to the edge of the opposite
bank, from which the flames had now passed, leaving a
charred blackened path behind them. To plunge into the
water and cross to the children was but an instant's work,
and gathering a child in each strong arm, Josh quickly

POLLY RESCUES MABEL 193

carried them to the agonized women, who waited with
outstretched arms to receive them.

"Thank God! oh, thank God!" cried Molly, as she
gathered the still unconscious, dripping child in her arms,
while Mrs. Perkins held Polly close and wept as she had
never wept in all her life, as Polly clasped her arms
about her neck and sobbed convulsively.

"And I never knew they were there — I never knew
they were there," Josh repeated again and again, as they
hurried to the house.

When near it, Molly turned to him and said: "Carry
Mabel, while I run on ahead and break the news to Mrs.
Temple. The shock will unnerve her completely ! n

Josh took her very tenderly from Molly, who flew
toward the house as though she had wings upon her feet.

But alas for her considerate thoughts ! they were not
quick enough to circumvent the mother's instinct, and
upon the steps, white and trembling, she saw Mrs.
Temple*

" Molly, what is it ? Where is Mabel? Tell me quickly !
Something has happened."

" She is safe, but badly frightened," said Molly, striv-
ing to subdue the quiver in her voice. " Josh and Mrs.
Perkins are just behind me " ; and the words were scarcely
uttered before they appeared.

Mrs. Temple reached out her arms, and Josh laid Mabel
in them.

" Oh, my little, little child ! " was all she said, but the
tone was nearlv heartbroken.

V

From that moment until midnight the usually quiet

194 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

farm-house was filled with anxiety and nursing, for both
children were in need of unremitting care.

The news spread like wild-fire, and half the neighbor-
hood hastened to the house to offer assistance and sym-
pathy, and there was no lack of willing hands to help
nurse them. The children were quickly undressed and
placed in bed, with hot-water bags and blankets to warm
them, and while Mrs. Perkins and kind neighbors made
little Polly comfortable and put soothing ointment upon
the poor burnt hands, others assisted Mrs. Temple and
Molly to care for Mabel.

For some time their efforts were unavailing, but at last
she opened her eyes, and recognizing her mother,
murmured :

"Polly saved me, darling," and fell into a restless
slumber.

Meanwhile, Josh had rushed off for the nearest physi-
cian, whose home was two miles away, and Jamie had
mounted Tonv to ride like mad to the railroad station

»/

with telegrams. Tony seemed to realize that he was
expected to make an unusual effort, and stretched away
as fast as his slender little legs would carry him.

Little Jesse was nearly distracted, and could do nothing
but sit on the back door-step and sob out :

" Oh, Massa Lord, Massa Lord, don' let my missy die !
don' let her die, Massa Lord ! " till Molly, hearing him as
she passed through the kitchen, came out to console him.

"Why, Jesse, don't cry so bitterly j Mabel is safe
now."

" Yas ?m ; I knows dat she ain't drownded daid in de

POLLY RESCUES MABEL 195

crick, but she ain't open her purty big eyes ter look at
me, and she ain't know nobody."

" That is because she was so terribly frightened.
When she recovers from the shock she will be much bet-
ter. And, Jesse, listen to me. I feel almost sure that
when Mabel gets out of bed she will be able to walk
again."

" Wh-wh-what yo' say, Miss Molly ? " asked Jesse,
stammering in his excitement. "Yo' say missy gwine
walk on she own laigs ? "

" On her own and nobody's else, Jesse. It may be
some time before she can do so, but I feel certain she will."

" Den bress de Massa Lord dat Massa Josh done sot de
grass afire ! for 't ain't no matter if she scart stiff, if she 's
gwine be like we- all when de scar's done raised." And
he astonished Molly by turning hand-springs down the
path to meet Jamie, who had just ridden in at the gate.

But many, many anxious days had to be endured be-
fore Molly's hope bade fair to be realized, and meanwhile
Mabel tossed in a violent fever.

In a day or two Polly was quite recovered, and would
have been her sunny little self again but for her anxiety
for Mabel.

As soon as steam could bring them, Mr. Temple, Uncle
Bert, and the great New York doctor arrived. Her
father's distress was pitiful to witness, for he knew no-
thing of Molly's hopeful view of the case, and to see his lit-
tle Mabel tossing about and crying out in terror in her
delirium was almost beyond his endurance.

For nine days they battled bravely, and when the tenth

196 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

dawned, Mabel opened her eyes to find her father beside
her.

" Dear, dear daddy ! " was all she said, and, with a soft
sigh, turned her face upon the pillow and fell into a
peaceful slumber.

CHAPTER XXVI

POLLY'S REWARD

EOM that on each day showed a marked
improvement, and all felt that it would
not be long before Mabel would be
restored to health.

Polly was untiring, and trotted back
and forth fifty times a day. Mrs. Per-
kins and Ruth racked their brains to concoct tempting
dishes for the invalid, while Josh and Bob nearly ran
their legs off doing errands.

But the shock made a deeper impression upon Josh
than any one suspected, and it seemed impossible for
him to forget that he had nearly destroyed two lives.

Still, the boy was in no way to blame, for he had known
nothing of the children's presence in the field, and it was
too large for him to see across to where they were sitting.
When Mabel was strong enough to talk, she told them of
Polly's heroism, and no need to tell how Polly was
praised and thanked.

Sitting with her in the hammock one afternoon, Uncle
Bert said :

197

198 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

" Polly, what made you stay with Mabel when you knew
you might be burned to death ? "

" Why, if I had n't stayed, she would have been burned,
sure as could be," was the prompt reply.

" I know that j but it required a good deal of courage
to remain by her."

"I don't think it was courage; I just could n't leave
her, because I loved her," said Polly, simply.

" Yes ; I guess you Ve told it all in one word, Polly,"
said Uncle Bert, seriously. " We can't do much in this
big world if we leave that little word out of our lives."

" But do you think Mabel will be able to walk when
she gets up, Mr. Uncle Bert ? "

" Miss Wheeler and I had a long talk about that last
evening, and she thinks her chances are better than they
have ever been since her accident."

" Oh, would n't it be splendid if she could walk by the
time Mrs. Temple's birthday comes ! n cried Polly.

" How do you know anything about her birthday ?"

" Why, Mabel told me ; and the day of the fire we were
both working on her birthday presents ; and — was n't it
funny? — the paper I was sketching on flew out of my
hands when I jumped up to go to Mabel, and it blew right
up in the willow branches, and next day, when Ruth and
Miss Wheeler went out to look after Mabel's chair, they
found it, and the table-cloth, too. My picture was n't
hurt a bit; but one corner of Mabel's table-cover was
scorched where some sparks must have fallen on it,
'cause the grass where it was lying was n't burned a bit,
but all round it everything was burned just black."

POLLY'S REWARD 199

"I think the good angel who watched over you both
that terrible day must have cared for your treasures as
well."

" Everything else was burned — all my sketch in g-things,
and the chair, too ; only the chair, of course, did n't burn
all up, only got all black and horrid-looking. And we
are going to give our presents to Mrs. Temple, after all."

"What became of poor Bonny that day?" said Uncle
Bert.

" She broke her rope and ran home as hard as she could
go. That was the way Miss Wheeler knew something was
the matter. She was just coining out of the front door
with the silk when she saw Bonny tearing across the
lawn with her broken rope dangling behind her, and moo-
ing as hard as ever she could moo. Then she looked
over toward the meadow and saw all that smoke. Josh
had just come back to get something from the barn, and
when he heard that we were out in the field he was nearlv

•>

scared to death, and they all ran to save us. But if it
had n't been for Nero I don't believe they ever could."

When his name was mentioned, Nero, who had been
lying quietly beside them, got up and put his great shaggy
head in Polly's lap, and looked at her as though trying to
say, " Dear little mistress, you. have always loved me, and
that day I had a chance to show you how dearly I loved
you."

" Dear, dear Nero ! " said Polly, clasping her arms about
the great yellow-and- white head, "how could I ever get on
without such a dear dog?"

" Nero must have a reward for his bravery, and when I

13

200 PEETTY POLLY PERKINS

go back to town I shall have a handsome collar made for
him."

And soon after Uncle Bert returned to town, the collar
was sent to Nero, in Polly's care. It was a beautiful
russet-leather one, heavily studded with silver, and bear-
ing upon a silver plate the following inscription :

The stanch and noble friend of his brave little mistress.

ONE morning, about a week later, Mrs. Temple walked
into Mrs. Perkins' sitting-room, and seating herself upon
a low chair beside the latter, took her hand in her own,
saying :

" Lay aside your darning for a time, you ever-busy
woman, and let me have a little talk with you, for I 've
something of importance to say."

Mrs. Perkins looked up in surprise, and said quickly :

" Mabel ain't worse, is she ? "

"No, indeed; on the contrary, she seems to gain
strength hourly, and I hardly dare let myself hope what
the possibilities may be if she continues as she has begun.
But what I have to say concerns her — indeed, our — happi-
ness ; for they are inseparable. I think no one can better
realize than yourself, Mrs. Perkins, what the past three
weeks have been to me ; for only the mother's heart can
appreciate a mother's anxiety. Again and again have I
relived those terrible moments in which I stood upon
the porch and saw those great clouds of smoke roll over
the meadows, and the horror I felt as you and Josh came
toward me carrying your precious burdens; and but for
little Polly's heroism there would have been no Mabel for

POLLY'S REWARD 201

him to place in my outstretched arms. Dear Mrs. Perkins,
can you understand what that would have meant to me ?
— vou who have four little ones, and I but one."

V

" Three months ago I don't know as I would, but I 've
learned a sight o' wisdom in that space o' time, and just
how sweet and good and precious our children are ain't
the least of it, by no matter o' means. Polly 's allers
seemed such a queer child that I did n't know what she 'd
turn out, and I ain't never suspicioned how much there
was in the child till you and yer folks came along and
opened my eyes. But still, she ain't like none o' us, and
the more I think on 't the less I 'm likely to know what
to do with her. She somehow don't seem to settle into no
sort o' place, and what she 's goin' to turn out beats me."

" And it is to try to determine that very question that
I am now here, Mrs. Perkins ; for Mr. Temple and I have
talked the matter over long and seriously, and now I want
your views as well.

"No words of ours, and no deeds, can ever begin to
cancel our obligation to Polly, or our boundless gratitude
for the child's nearly fatal devotion to our dear one ; so
pray do not think that what I am about to propose to
you can tend in even the smallest degree to set that aside ;
but believe that it is her own sweet personality, the utter
unselfishness and disregard of her own wishes, pleasure,
or happiness which she has shown throughout all her
intercourse with Mabel this summer, and especially during
these last days of anxiety, that have made us love her as
though she were our own, and to wish most earnestly that
we may do for her as we would do for our own little girl."

202 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

" My land ! ain't you a-doin' and been a-doin' for her
ever sence yer set foot across the front door-step, I'd like
ter know * She ain't never had no such good times in all
her life, nor none o' the rest o' 'em, neither. We 've took
boarders for the past eight years, and been pretty lucky
in havin' nice ones, too, I 've thought j but we ain't never
had none that 's come inter our house and made us feel that
we was their own brothers and sisters, and our children
theirs, and that 's jest what you 've done, as certain 's the
world." And Mrs. Perkins laid her labor-worn left hand
upon the soft white one which still rested upon her right,
her eyes growing suspiciously bright as she concluded.

" And yet we have done very little," said Mrs. Temple,
with one of her sweet smiles.

" It may seem little to you, but it don't to us." And a
positive wag of her head emphasized Mrs. Perkins' words.

" I am sure we have given no more than we have re-
ceived, and your tireless devotion to Mabel since this
dreadful fever has more than canceled any fancied
indebtedness.

" But it was of my little sweet P I wished to speak, and
yet I hesitate to put into words my wishes regarding her,
lest I imply a slight, which, believe me, I should be deeply
grieved to do. Mrs. Perkins, the child has really a remark-
able talent which should certainly be cultivated, since it
may prove a source of pleasure and profit as well later on.
End meadow offers no facilities for so doing, nor does it
seem feasible to send her to Springfield to pursue her
studies. On the other hand, New York's opportunities
are almost unlimited, and Polly could there have every

POLLY'S REWARD 203

advantage. I need hardly add that our home should be
hers, and that I would care for her as I care for Mabel.
Can you spare your little sunshine, Mrs. Perkins, and let
her go with us to town for the winter ? '!

" Do yer mean to tell me yer want ter take Polly to the
city with yer, and do all that for the child ? Well, that
beats all I ever heard! " And the good woman regarded
Mrs. Temple with as much astonishment as though the
latter had proposed an afternoon stroll to the Klondike
gold-fields.

" I do not think you can understand how much pleasure
it would give to us all to have Polly with us, and especially
to Mabel. An only child is rather a solitary little mortal,
even under the happiest conditions, and to have a com-
panion like Polly with whom to plan and chatter would
mean endless delight for her. Mabel's lessons will be re-
sumed this winter, under Miss Wheeler's supervision, and
Polly can study with her. Indeed, for the time being
she is to be my little girl, and I shall be very jealous of
any one's else attention, providing you will consent to
lend her to me. Please say yes."

"And do you s'pose I could say any thing else? I ?dbe
the ungratefulest critter that ever trod shoe-leather.
But what her pa '11 say I don't know. He ain't given to
much talk, but he sets a sight o' store by Polly, and I
don't know how the winter '11 seem to him without her.
Howsomever, I '11 talk it over with him, and I don't
generally make much work o' fetchin' him to my views
about the children. But I Ve got just this to say by way
of endin' up : If ever yer 'n need of a friend, if ever yer

204 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

want anything done that one pair o' willin' hands can do
f er yer, there ain't no friend nor no hands in all this wide
world that ?s goin' ter be more ready and willin7 than
those that grew at the end o' Mary Jane Perkins' arms ;
and may the good Lord bless you and yours forever and
ever. Amen."

Mrs. Temple was deeply touched by the earnestness of
this odd speech, for she knew how thoroughly sincere it
was, and rising from her chair, she said :

"Well, we will hope that Mr. Perkins' consent to our
plan may be won, and that we may carry Polly back to
town with us in October.

"I can almost fancy what Mabel's words will be when I
tell her about it, for as yet she knows nothing, as I wished
to obtain your own and Mr. Perkins' sanction before I
mentioned it to her. She will say — "

But what she would say remained untold, for just then
arose a most remarkable sound.

" What in the world ! " exclaimed Mrs. Temple, and
both women flew to the door and, looking into the hall,
beheld a most remarkable sight which explained the
unusual sounds they had heard.

CHAPTER XXVII

"TONY COMES A-CALLING'

ITTLE Tony, led by Jamie, and with
Jesse clinging to his back like a small
brown bur, was scrambling up the
stairs like a Rocky Mountain goat, and
whinnying loudly in response to Mabel's
voice, which he heard calling to him
from above. Josh and Bob brought up a triumphal rear-
guard, with Peter Punch and Nero to act as captain and
orderly.

" My stars and creation ! " cried Mrs. Perkins, " what be
you children up to now ? "

" Why, Mabel has been fretting to see Tony ever since
she got better, and we 've been wondering how we could
fix it so she could. It was a puzzler, I tell you, for she
could n't come down yet, and I did n't see how Tony could
go up, till I asked Uncle Bert, and all he said was, t Go
ahead and try it, and see if he can't'; and here we go," ex-
plained Jamie, continuing his climb, fearing to stop lest
orders should come from the commander-in-chief to come

205

206 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

back, and feeling pretty certain that, once at the top, all
would be plain sailing. At the head of the stairs Polly
danced around like a cricket on a hot shovel, while Ruth
hung breathless over the baluster rail.

Once upon the upper floor, Tony stood stock-still in
amazement, for up to that moment he had been too
occupied with his novel climb to give a thought to his
strange surroundings. But now he seemed to be stage-
struck and stood stock-still j nor would he move till
Mabel's voice encouraged him, and then, with a soft little
" hoo-hoo, hoo-hoo," he clattered across the hall and into
her bedroom, where he was greeted by a joyful " Oh,
Tony ! dear, dear, little Tony ! Ti by his beloved mistress.
At sight of her all his fears vanished, and he went straight
up to the couch upon which she was lying, and nestling
his silky head in the outstretched arms, cuddled as close
as he could, a very happy little beastie.

But he was not to monopolize her attentions, by any
means, it seemed 5 for Nero's great head was scrouged
under his neck and into Mabel's lap, while Peter, not
to be outdone even if he was the smallest member
of that happy family, bounced up beside her, his stump
of a tail wagging like a crazy pendulum, and his whole
body wriggling with excitement, as he licked her face
and hands, and tried to make her understand how happy
he was.

"You crazy little dog! do you want to devour your
missy and crush her as flat as a pancake, too ? r asked
Molly, as she caught him up in her arms, where he very
promptly transferred his affectionate attention to her.

"TONY COMES A-CALLING" 207

"No, thank you !" she cried, holding him at arm's length.
"I have washed my face this morning and need no
second ablutions. There, sit down on that soft cushion
and profit by the contrast"; and she placed him upon
Tony's broad black back, where he lay like a small white
velvet cushion upon a large black satin couch.

" I think that since I Ve been sick you must have spent
all your time shining Tony, Jesse, for I never saw any-
thing so silky as his coat," said Mabel, running her hand
down the soft, warm neck.

Jesse looked very proud as he answered :

" Der ain't been nothin' else f er me ter do, Missy Mabel,
and I were jist a-pinin' ter do somethin'. And Tony he
seemed lak he know I 's a-shinin' him up fer to go a-visit-
in', 'ca'se he ain't nuvver say a word, but jist keep stock-
still, even when I get ter de tickly places, and most times
he mighty pertickler 'bout dem."

It was a lively reception, for all the children talked at
once, and each had some special bit of news to relate.
Jamie must tell how Tony had learned to hunt for his
hidden pocket-handkerchief and bring it to him when
found; Bob had been to Springfield with Uncle Bert,
who had purchased a remarkable knife for him, which
contained more blades and contrivances than any knife
ever seen before. " Why, look at them little bits of scis-
sors, and this jigger to pull slivers out of a feller's fingers,
and the file, and corkscrew, and Gee Willikens ! ain't it
the dandiest knife y' ever did see?"

For about twenty minutes tongues ran like mad, and
then Molly, fearing that the excitement might prove too

208 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

much for her patient, said: "Ladies and gentlemen,
horses and dogs, the queen's levee is at an end, and I
invite you out."

So good-bys were said, and all started for the journey
downstairs, which, considering Tony, was quite an under-
taking. But after a step or two he managed beautifully,
with Jesse to lead, and Uncle Bert and Jamie upon either
side of him to rescue his precious bones in case of a mis-
step, while his feminine admirers hung over the baluster
railing in breathless suspense. Josh, who had been sin-
gularly quiet since that terrible day in the meadow lot,
lingered behind when the others left Mabel's room, and,
as soon as they were out of ear-shot, went over to her
couch, and dropping upon one knee beside it, took her
transparent little hand into his great brown one, and
said, in a voice which quivered from the intensity of his
feelings :

" Little girl, can you forgive Josh for the awful fright
he gave you, and for making you sick ? He did n't mean
to, you know, and he can't begin to make you know how
awful sorry he is."

" Why, dear Josh, I am sure I have nothing to forgive,
but much to thank you for, because you helped save Polly
and me. So don't feel badly, please, because I love you
just as much as ever, and I can't bear to see you so unhappy
for doing something you could n't possibly help."

The clear blue eyes looked at her very steadily, as though
they were drinking in every word she said, and as she
spoke a look of great relief came into them, as though a
world of remorse were lifted from their owner, and when

"TONY COMES A-CALLING" 209

she finished he rose to his feet as though a new Josh had
taken the place of the miserable one who entered the room
half an hour before.

" You 7re a good little soul, if ever there was one, and
you don't know how much your forgiveness means to me,
for ever since that awful day I 've been just about ready
to give up, and did n't care very much what became of
me, for I Ve felt almost like a murderer, and by Jupiter !
I came pretty near being one, too ! % And his cheeks grew
pale under their coat of tan.

" Well, you are not one, and never meant to be, and to
show you that I shall never, never think a single unkind
thought of you, I want you to come close down to my
couch and let me seal the promise as I seal all promises I
make to darling and dear daddy " ; and she raised her pure
little face for the kiss which was more binding, in her eyes,
than seal or signature.

Josh, who was very deeply touched by her sweetness,
returned the caress very gently, and a wonderfully soft
look crept into his manly face.

" I sha'n't never forget that promise as long as I live,
nor the little girl that made it, neither," was all he said j
but the words were true, for years after, when grown to
a strong, noble manhood, and in the midst of the busy
mercantile life which was then his, the scene in the bed-
room of the old homestead often came before his mental
vision, and the little girl who had promised never to
harbor an unkind thought of him was rarely far from his
thoughts, although then grown to a graceful, beautiful
woman of twenty-two.

210 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

THE soft September days slipped quickly away, each
bringing to Mabel renewed strength.

Soon after Tony's visit she was carried downstairs to
take her seat upon the porch, although never again in her
wheeled chair, for she could not look upon it without
horror, since it so vividly recalled to her those terrible
moments in which she had last sat in it.

But, with Molly's help, she had managed, as her strength
returned, to step a few steps about her room, and now
could walk the length of the porch without pain, although
her weakness rendered it very fatiguing. However, each
day seemed to lessen that also, and the old inertia and
paralysis seemed gone forever, although Mrs. Temple
hardly dared let herself believe that so great a blessing
could be hers. Each time Mabel essaved to walk she

f

almost held her breath lest the child should suddenly
give way altogether and fall at her feet. But nothing of
the kind happened, and she was only too happy to admit
that each day really did bring with it stronger hope and
greater encouragement. And she little suspected how
great the improvement was j but Mabel, Molly, and
Polly had been planning a right royal surprise for her
birthday on the 28th, and her present was to be one
beyond all price.

No one realized more fully than Mabel herself just how
rapidly she was gaining, and when she found that she
could get about once more, her ambition to walk alone
became her all-absorbing thought. But Molly had never
allowed her to attempt it, lest a fall should undo all she
had gained. But one day when she and Polly were alone,

"TONY COMES A-CALLING" 211

and indeed Polly was rarely far from her nowadays, she
said to her :

" Polly, I 'm going to walk across the room to that
bureau. I knoiv I can do it — I just feel it all through
me ; and don't you touch me, will you ? "

" Oh, can you ? do you dare ? No ; I won't put even my
little finger on you, but I won't be two inches away from
you."

CHAPTER XXVIII

MRS. TEMPLE'S BIRTHDAY PRESENT

'LOWLY Mabel raised herself to her feet.,
and steadying herself upon the couch
from which she had just risen, began
her journey toward the bureau, Polly
hovering close beside her, with arms
outstretched ready to grasp her at the
first sign of an upset. But there was no need, for each
step grew firmer, and when she reached her goal and
dropped into a chair she was quivering more with excite-
ment and delight than fatigue.

" Did n't I do splendidly ! oh, did n't I do splendidly ! "
And Polly could only hug her for a reply.

When Molly returned to the room a few moments later
she could hardly believe her eyes, and when told of the
wonderful performance, caught up a flag, a remnant of
Uncle Bert's Fourth of July celebration, and waving it
wildly, cried, " Three cheers for Mabel, Polly, and Molly,
instead of the red, white, and blue ; for we three are go-
ing to sign a new declaration of independence, and Mabel's
signature will head it ! "

212

MRS. TEMPLE'S BIRTHDAY PRESENT 213

..

What is going on in here?' asked Mrs. Temple, pop-
ping her head in at the doorway. "Seems to me you are
very merry over something, and I 'd like to share the
fun."

" Oh, you must n't ask questions so near your birthday/'
cried Mabel, quickly, giving a significant glance at Molly
and Polly, which they were bright enough to understand.

" So, sets the wind in that quarter ? " laughed Mrs. Tem-
ple. " I thought there must be some mighty conspiracy at
work when three such wiseacres kept their heads so close
together. But why do you sit in such an uncomfortable
chair, dear, when you have so many comfortable ones ! ':
For Mabel was still seated upon a little old-fashioned rush-
bottom chair with a back like a ramrod, the only one
which happened to be near the bureau to which she had
been determined to walk because it was at the farthest
end of the room.

"Oh, I had important business to transact with the
bureau, and so I had to be transported to this point."
But she did not add by what means she had been trans-
ported, nor did Mrs. Temple suspect.

After talking for a few moments, she decided that her
room, just at that time, was preferable to her company,
and wisely cut her visit short. No sooner had she van-
ished than tongues were let loose, and great plans made
for the 28th.

" I tell you," said Polly, eagerly; " you walk all alone a
little each day, and don't let Mrs. Mama know a thing
about it j don't let her guess you can stir without Miss
Wheeler to help you ; and then, on her birthday, we '11

214 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

give her a grand surprise. Oh, won't it be just splendid
to see how glad she '11 be ? "

" Just the very thing. Polly, you have a brain fit for
a diplomat," said Molly.

" Who was he ? " asked Polly, innocently.

"He was, is, or will be, as it happens, a fellow who
can do a big lot of thinking in about half the time some
other fellow can," laughed Molly.

" Now, I 've an idea, too," said Mabel. " On mama's
birthday let 's get her to sit on the porch if the day is fine,
and if it is n't she can sit in the parlor, because that is
such a long room that my leg-pegs can flourish there to
good advantage. Well, we will have her sit in a chair
at the far end of the parlor, or the porch, just as the
weather clerk takes a notion, and then we will each walk
up to her and make a grand presentation. I '11 be the
very last one to go. By that time I guess I '11 be able to
walk so well that she just won't know what to say, she '11
be so surprised."

Polly clapped her hands joyously, as she always did
when her delight was too much for words.

"I can hardly wait for the day to come," she cried.

But the day, like all days, came at last, and the weather
clerk proved amiable, for it was an ideal one — one of
those " yellow, mellow, ripening days '; that so often
come to us late in September, the air as soft and warm
as in June, and all the country-side bathed in a rich yellow
haze.

Not a breath of air stirred the leaves, now fast turning
yellow and gold, and yet, from time to time, one would

MRS. TEMPLE'S BIRTHDAY PRESENT 215

flutter to the ground and nestle in the warm, dry
grass.

Over on the old vine-covered stone wall " Bob Scarlet "
sang his farewell song before taking flight to the land
where falling leaves are unknown, and seemed to sing
all the more sweetly because he knew that a long time
must elapse before he could again favor his friends.

Molly, Mabel, and Polly were up betimes, and had their
little parcels ready for the grand presentation which
would take place after breakfast. As it happened to be
in the middle of the week, Mr. Temple and Uncle Bert
were not with them, so they could not witness Mabel's tri-
umphal march ; but a magnificent basket of flowers, and
another one of fruit, which stood upon the porch table,
told that they had not forgotten the dear mother.

At Christmas and birthday times Mrs. Temple very
wisely turned exceedingly stupid, and even the most
extraordinary happenings excited no comment on her
part. So when, at breakfast, Mabel asked her if she
would soon be ready to sit out on the porch with her, she
replied :

"I shall be ready the very moment I 've finished
my breakfast. Do you feel like an early morning
airing"?''

" Yes ; it is such a perfect morning that it makes me
feel frisky, and I am anxious to get out of doors."

" Very well, dear ; I 'm at your service, and will read,
talk, play games, or sew, as the fancy dictates."

Not one word had been thus far said in reference to her
birthday ; but when she went out upon the porch there

14

216 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

stood the two beautiful baskets, and her delight was
boundless.

"How beautiful ! how delicious ! And from dear papa
and Uncle Bert. Ah, Molly Wheeler, you are a smuggler,
too, I see, and have helped give me this delightful sur-
prise. I suspect we shall find you a magician next, and
must be prepared for anything. Come, children, and
share my treasures."

Molly ran back as though to fetch Mabel, but in reality
to get her own little offering, since it was agreed she
should lead the presentation committee of three. Coming
out of the door, she walked down the porch in a very
stately manner, and making a grand bow in front of Mrs.
Temple, said in a voice in which affection and merriment
vied with each other :

" Will your gracious Majesty accept this small offering
from one of your most devoted subjects?" And drop-
ping upon one knee, she laid upon Mrs. Temple's lap a
flat pasteboard box.

Mrs. Temple's loving glance, as she began to unwrap
it, was far more valuable to Molly as a reply than the
most gracious speech, and when the package was opened
she found before her a beautiful photograph of Mabel and
Polly seated in the trap, with Jesse perched behind,
looking as important as though the cares of a nation
rested upon his small black shoulders, while little Tony
had his head turned in a most questioning attitude toward
the photographer, who was, of course, not included in
the group. Polly's pool and fairyland formed the setting
for the picture j for Molly and the children had planned

MRS. TEMPLE'S BIRTHDAY PRESENT 217

it all very carefully, and had secured the services of a
skilful artist from Springfield, who was obliging enough
to come to Endmeadow while Mrs. Temple was in town
for a day or two. It was a large and very beautiful
photograph, with a dainty little gilt frame that set it off
most admirably, and no wonder Mrs. Temple cried out in
surprise and delight when she saw it :

" Oh, Molly, Molly dear, how charming ! How did you
manage it so cleverly, and how am I ever to thank you
for the pains you. have taken ? M

"I 'm sure I require no heartier thanks than the very
apparent pleasure I Ve been able to give you, dear madam
mother," answered Molly. "But I fancy some other
bodies are quite as anxious as I am to add to your day's
joys, so I had better make way for them." And she went
back to the hall.

Out tripped Polly, so eager that she could not walk, but
had to prance down the porch, and crying out :

" Oh, open it quick, please do, Mrs. Temple, so Mabel
can give you hers, for it 's just the splendidest one of all."

Mrs. Temple rapidly untied the parcel, and Polly had
no reason to feel that her little picture of Bonny had
won a less warm welcome than Molly's lovely gift.

" And you really got Bonny to stand quietly at last !
As soon as Mabel has made her presentation you shall tell
me just how you managed it, for I 'm sure it must be an
interesting story."

"I will, I will," cried Polly, joyously. "And now it's
Mabel's turn." And she rushed back to the hall.

"What can so excite the child?" said Mrs. Temple

218 PEETTY POLLY PERKINS

to herself, and the next instant she had her answer;
for out of the front door walked Mabel, slowly, to be sure,
but erect and unaided, and bringing with her the three
precious gifts rescued from the burning meadows —
herself, renewed strength, and the little table-cover.

At the sight Mrs. Temple rose from her seat with a half-
suppressed cry, and stretching out her arms, stood pale and
trembling, with mingled joy and fear.

" Don't stir, darling ; oh, don't stir — please don't," cried
Mabel, all in one breath. " I can do it ; it is n't the first
time, and it 's part of my birthday surprise for you."
And in her excitement she almost ran into her mother's
arms, where she was clasped in the tenderest embrace she
had ever known, while the dear lips murmured a prayer
of the most fervent thanksgiving.

Sinking back upon her chair, she drew Mabel on her
lap, and for once they seemed to have changed places ; for
it was the mother who asked a thousand eager questions,
scarcely waiting for the replies, and who was cuddled and
kissed by the little daughter, who felt that no matter
what might come, she could never give her mother a
more precious birthday gift than the one of her own
restored health.

By this time all the family had gathered upon the
porch, and many explanations had to be made. No
need to tell how priceless, in Mrs. Temple's sight, were
the little gifts Polly and Mabel had made, when their
eventful histories had been related ; nor could she make
it true that Mabel was really able to walk unaided, but
had to see it demonstrated again and again ; for Mabel

THE MORNING OF MRS. TEMPLE'S BIRTHDAY.

MRS. TEMPLE'S BIRTHDAY PRESENT 221

had made rapid strides since her journey to the bureau,
and could now walk about very comfortably, although
necessarily slowly, but that was of small account, since
it would surely correct itself.

Mrs. Temple was the happiest woman that Endmeadow
held that day. Soon a letter was speeding upon its way
to " dear daddy " and Uncle Bert, telling them the joyful
news, and making them wish that time and space could
be annihilated, that they might already find it Saturday
and themselves in Endmeadow.

CHAPTER XXIX

AROUND THE FIRE

HE 20th of October was set for the re-
turn to the city home, to which it had
been decided by Mr. and Mrs. Perkins
that Polly was to accompany Mr. Tem-
ple and his family, there to spend the
winter, or possibly even a longer period,
if, as they fancied, her talent proved to be worth the cul-
tivation they proposed to give it ; for both her father and
mother felt that such an opportunity might never again
come into their little girl's life, and both realized into
what a delightful home she was to be transferred. Mrs.
Perkins felt rather miserable at the thought of Polly's
going, but being a very practical, busy woman, it ap-
pealed strongly to her good sense, and she was glad for
the child's sake.

But Mr. Perkins was very unlike his wife, and in his
quiet, undemonstrative nature lay a vast depth of tender-
ness which had centered itself in Polly. Consequently,
to him her prospective departure was a severe trial,

090

AROUND THE FIRE 223

although he never let her or any one else suspect it. But
he knew how sorely he would miss his sunshiny little
girl, who was never far from his sight when he was about
the house, and that the long winter evenings would seem
much longer for her absence. But two weeks more re-
mained in which he could have her, and Polly was often
surprised during that time to find herself suddenly caught
up in his strong arms, given a sort of bear hug, and as
suddenly set down again.

" Why, pa, don't you want me to go to New York
with Mabel? " she asked one morning, when he had caught
her up as she was entering the barn in quest of Speckley,
who would insist upon setting about her domestic affairs
in a suburban home, instead of settling upon a nest in
the hen-house along with the other well-conducted hens ;
" I don't want to go if you don't want to have me." But
rather a wistful tone came into her voice.

" Not want you to go 'long o' those good folks, Polly ?
Why, I 'd be a greater idiot than folks usually give me
credit f er bein' if I did n't. But now that I know you are
right sure to go, I don't half know how I 'm goin' to fetch
out without you."

u But Mrs. Temple asked you to come and see me, and
you will, won't you ? "

" I s'pose so ; but I don't reckon I 'd cut much of a fig-
ger down in her great elegant house. You don't know
nothin' 't all about what yer goin' ter see down yonder,
Polly, and I guess yer big eyes will grow well-nigh as big
as sarcers when yer first get a glimpse.'7

" Yes ; I know it must be lovely, and I think I '11 be just

224 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

as happy as can be j but I '11 never, never forget you and
ma and everybody and everything I love out here. Do
take good care of Bonny and Nero, pa ; they '11 miss me
awful — I know they will.'!

" Yer need n't tell me that, fer they seem sort o' you,
and I could n't let 'em want fer nothin'."

And so the last weeks slipped away, the older people
thinking and planning for the younger people, as they
will think and plan as long as mothers and fathers live
and sons and daughters flourish.

The days grew shorter and the nights more frosty, mak-
ing the family glad to gather about the great open fire
that snapped and crackled in the dining-room ; for Polly,
with Mrs. Temple's persuasion to back her, had at last in-
duced her mother to bring down the old andirons, and
Polly herself had polished them up. So now they stood
in the huge old fireplace, with great logs of wood
snapping and crackling upon them.

"How perfectly delightful this is!" said Mrs. Tem-
ple, as she sat with the others before the cheery glow.
"Polly, I am indebted to you for this; for without
your guidance I should never have found my way into
that fascinating attic, nor been the fortunate possessor
of those beautiful old pieces of furniture which Mrs.
Perkins has been good enough to let me have. I am
afraid I shall not be quite easy until they are safely
landed at home ; for the fact of their being really mine
seems quite too good to be true, and I live in constant
terror that Mrs. Perkins may change her mind at the last
moment'7; and Mrs. Temple laughed a soft little laugh.

AROUND TEE FIRE 225

" My goodness ! you need n't get skart on my account,"
replied Mrs. Perkins. " I 'm only too glad to get shet of
such a lot o' truck that ?s been a-botherin' o' me these eigh-
teen years ; for it was there when I came here a bride, and
ain't never been used a mite sence Grandma Perkins died,
and that 's nigh about thirty year ago ; ain't it, Hiram ? "

"Guess 't is ; at any rate, it was long 'fore I 'd thought
about goin' a-courtin', and I began that twenty-five year
ago, when you and I used to go ter singin'-school down
ter the meetin'-house yonder"; and Hiram laughed one of
his subdued laughs, as though he could tell some inter-
esting tales of those days if he chose to do so.

" Moreover," said Mrs. Perkins, " I 'd be foolish enough
to wish to exchange my side o' the bargain fer yours;
'cause 1 think I got a sight the best of it; and good
carpets and new furniture up in the chambers next
spring will be enough better than a lot o' old truck up
garret that ain't a mite o' use to none o' us"; and Mrs.
Perkins' knitting-needles clicked emphatic approval of
her words.

Just then Josh entered, and coming up behind Mabel's
chair, emptied a great hatful of big brown chestnuts into
her lap.

" Oh, Josh ! where did they come from ?" cried all the
children at once.

"Off the walnut-trees, of course; did n't you all know
that chestnuts grew on walnut-trees ? What a lot o' stupids
you must be ! "

" Go 'long with your nonsense," cried Polly, " and tell
us the truth right off."

226 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

" Well, if yer must know, they came off Mabel's wishing
tree. Do you know which one I mean ? n

11 Do you mean the one I sat under that day last June
when we all made our wishes ? "

u The very same, ma'am ; and if you don't want to lose
all that are on it, you 'd better get down there early to-
morrow morning and put your signature on 'em before
the squirrels put theirs on. This frost will fetch 'em
down in great shape, see if it don't."

"Let 's all go down there to-morrow morning for a
farewell frolic," cried Molly, who was wonderfully light-
hearted and happy nowadays.

" Will you put up a lunch for us, Mrs. Perkins, and
let us have a day of it ? "

"Yes, indeedy. What a blessing 't is that I roasted
them pullets this afternoon, for half your feast is already
cooked."

" I wonder how many of the others got the wish they
made down there that day," said Mabel.

" I got mine, as I little expected to," said Mrs. Temple,
" for never in my wildest flights of hope did I picture so
complete a recovery for you, darling."

" And I 'm going to get mine," said Polly, " for I know
I shall find all the pretty things I wished for when I get
to New York."

" Don't you think I 'm in a fair way to see my air-castle
prove a very substantial one ? " asked Molly, with one of
her sweet, sunny smiles, as she looked at Mrs. Temple.

"I hope so, dear 5 and it will be no fault of mine if you
do not."

AROUND THE F1EE 227

"Bob got his then and there," laughed Mabel; "did n't
you, Bob ? "

" Havin' 's keepings/7 said Bob, who sat watching a row
of apples which were sputtering upon the hearth, and to
which he had added a row of the chestnuts Josh had
brought in.

"Jamie got his, too," said Polly, who never forgot
Jamie, although he had long since gone back to Boston
and his books ; for Jamie was working hard for Harvard,
and was in a fair way to enter with flying colors.

" He would n't have gotten it if it had n't been for you,
clear," replied Mrs. Temple, " so he can thank our good
little house fairy for that blessing, even though she had
to go into the woods to find the answer for it " ; and Mrs.
Temple leaned over to stroke the shiny brown head which
was snuggled on the rug close beside her.

"Will you have the old stone-boat, Princess?" asked
Josh, " or are you so set up over coming into your new
honors that you won't have anything to do with your old
friend 1 "

" No, thank you, Josh; I don't believe I '11 have the old
stone-boat, but I want you just the same; will you come?
Say yes, and I '11 walk all the way, if you '11 lend me

vour arm."

Josh colored with pleasure, for to be chosen as Mabel's
particular escort was a great honor in his sight.

" Could n't nothin' keep me back," was all he said ; but
Mabel knew she had made him very happy.

By this time the apples and nuts were roasted, and
the children settled for their feast, leaving the older

228 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

members to talk over matters of small interest to
young folk.

The following day proved a merry one, for even Mr.
and Mrs. Perkins " shut up shop/' as they expressed it, and
joined the nutting party in fairyland. Ruth, wholly re-
leased from her daily duties, was as merry as any of
them, and hopped about as briskly as a grig.

Mrs. Temple could not but note and comment upon the
Mabel now with them and the one who had last shared
the festivities of fairvland.

•*

" Oh, Molly dear," she said, as they stood together, a
little removed from the happy nut-pickers, " can it be
real, or am I dreaming? If it be a dream, I think the
waking will kill me."

" It is no dream, dear madam mother ; that little girl
with the rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes is indeed our
own dear Mabel. Do you note the improvement each
day brings her? This October air is a perfect elixir
for her, and every breath she draws of it adds to her
strength. How lovely she looks at this moment, stand-
ing beneath that tree, with the sunshine flecking upon her
beautiful hair, and her great eyes looking up at Josh ! "

Mrs. Temple colored with pleasure, for Molly was not
given to flattery, and Mrs. Temple knew that every word
she uttered came from her heart. And, indeed, Mabel
did look very lovely as she stood beneath the great chest-
nut-tree, talking to Josh, who sat taking a rest astride
one of the massive limbs, after having given the tree a
good thrashing with the long, lithe hickory pole he held
in his hands. Her hat had fallen from her head, and her

AROUND THE FIRE 229

beautiful golden-bronze hair, somewhat disordered by
her exercise, fell in glittering, curling masses to her
waist.

A soft flush overspread her cheeks, and her eyes spar-
kled with excitement. Always tastefully although sim-
ply dressed, her brown serge sailor suit, with its great
white collar, formed a perfect contrast for face and hair,
and emphasized their beauty.

" Thank Heaven, she has a beautiful soul as well as a
lovely face/' said her mother, "for without the former the
latter would be worthless."

" She could hardly help having that," said Molly, with
a loving glance at Mabel's mother.

" You are partial as ever, dear," said Mrs. Temple.

" You may call it that if you choose, but I Ve my own
notion about it"; and Molly playfully pinched Mrs. Tem-
ple's cheek, as she ran off to help Polly carry a. basket of
nuts nearly as big as herself.

"You little gipsy! what do you mean by trying to
break your backbone short off ? " she cried.

" Oh, it is n't so very heavy ; and I wanted to pick it
every bit myself, for Mabel to take to New York when
we go. I did n't want any one else to pick a single one
of them." .

" Mabel, Mabel — always Mabel. Do you ever think of
any one else, I wonder, little Lady Bountiful ? "

" Yes, I think of them a lot ; but, don't you know, Mabel
sort of belongs to me now, and I want to do a lot of things
for her, because she has done such heaps and heaps for
me, and is going to do dozens more."

230 PEETTY POLLY PERKINS

" Lots, and heaps, and dozens; that must make — let me
see — tons ; and you 've got all that to make a return for,
have you? Eh, Polly, but your obligations are appal-
ling, so I '11 help you carry this basket, in order to cancel
one at least"; and Molly laid hold of the big basket at
which Polly had been tugging.

By four o'clock all the nuts had been bagged, and the
crop was pronounced a fine one.

It had been a happy day for all, and Mabel showed no
signs of fatigue, for since the one-o'clock lunch she had
sat with Euth beneath the great trees, and they had
busied themselves removing the nuts from the burs to
which some still clung.

CHAPTER XXX

GOOD-BYS

T seemed to Polly as though the last two
weeks at the old farm-house flew upon
the wings of the wind, and when the
morning of the 20th came, she could
hardly believe that her day for departing
had really come.
Mr. Temple and Uncle Bert had arrived two days be-
fore, in order to help collect belongings and escort the
precious charges homeward,

Long before five o'clock Mrs. Perkins was busy prepar-
ing a bountiful luncheon for the travelers, and to judge
by the quantity packed snugly in the boxes, one might
have fancied that they contemplated a trip to New
Orleans instead of New York.

Polly's mite of a trunk stood all ready in the front hall,
and Polly herself, in her pretty new blue serge dress, with
a big white collar like Mabel's, was trotting about, eager
to give the last touches to the dear old home, which
seemed suddenly to have become dearer now that she

231

232 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

was to go away from it. So she straightened a chair
here, drew a shade straight there, and hovered about
the breakfast-table to do the little things which had
always fallen to her share in the homely domestic
duties.

These done, she ran out to the barn to say good-by to
Lady, Roaney, and Bonny. Taking Lady's head in her
arms, she kissed the soft old nose, saying: "Lady, will
you be very lonesome without me ? " " Hoo-hoo, hoo-hoo,"
was Lady's response ; and Polly seemed to grasp her mean-
ing at once, for she replied, " I 'in awful sorry; but Ruth
has promised to bring you and Roaney your bread every
day, and you know she never breaks a promise."

Lady evidently had boundless faith in Ruth's integrity,
for she shook her head as though she entirely agreed with
Polly's statement.

Roaney was unusually gracious, and refrained from
trying to deprive Lady of an ear, a performance to which,
owing to his jealous disposition, he was much prone when
her ladyship received more attention than he considered
her due. Last of all came Bonny's farewell, and poor
little Polly was quite miserable, for Bonny had been her
especial care ever since she was old enough to be any-
body's, and Polly had been right loyal to her charge.

"Bonny," said Polly, very seriously, holding Bonny's
face in both her hands, and looking straight into the
great, soft eyes, " I really don't know how I 'm going to
get along without you down in New York. If a cow
would n't look so very queer in the streets, I believe I 'd
ask Mrs. Temple to let me take you with me; but I 'm

GOOD-BYS 233

afraid it ivould look very, very queer, and I 'm sure you 'd
act just awful if I tried to take you into Central Park,
where Mabel says she goes every morning. Why did n't
you happen to be a dog instead of a calf? Then you
could have gone along with me. But you must be good,
extra good, for pa and Ruth are going to take care of
you, and I 'd be just mortified to death to hear that you
had been behaving badly "5 and Polly looked very appre-
hensive.

"Moo-oo-oo," replied Bonny, and began to poke and
maul Polly in her comical way.

" Now, you ain't paying any attention to what I 'm say-
ing, and you just must, for it 's very important. Don't
you break your rope and go scallahooting all over the
place, and make them chase after you, as you Ve made
me loads and loads of times ; and don't stick your head
'way down in your pail of meal when pa brings your
supper, 'cause he won't wash your face all clean as I
have always done, and you 11 be just a sight with meal
plastered all over it ! Now, remember all I 've said,
and be quiet while I kiss you right up here on your
forehead where it >s so soft " 5 and Polly gave Bonny not
one but many kisses, and then ran back to the house,
where all were assembling for breakfast.

Half an hour later good-bys were being said, and
all were packing themselves in the conveyances which
were to take them to the railroad station — Mrs. Temple,
Miss Wheeler, Mr. Temple, and Uncle Bert in the carryall ;
Polly, Mabel, Jesse, and Peter Punch in the trap, while
Mr. Perkins and Josh drove Ladv. who was harnessed to

«/ /

15

234 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

the great farm-wagon, which was laden with trunks, boxes,
and bags galore.

" Good-by, you dear, good woman," cried Mrs. Perkins,
for once showing the softer side of her nature and clasp-
ing her arms about Mrs. Temple, who, although surprised
at this most unusual demonstration, returned the caress
very warmly.

"Good-by, Mrs. Perkins; and I thank you again and
again for all you have done for me and mine this
summer. Be assured I shall never, never forget it, and
that Polly will have the tenderest care I can give her/'

" No need to tell me that ; she 11 have more cuddlin' than
she ever got in all her born days, and if she ain't clear
spoilt it '11 be a miracle."

" No fear," said Mrs. Temple, laughing, as she took her
seat. " Good-by, Bob," she added, shaking the boy's hand
warmly. "Write to Polly and keep her informed of
Bonny's conduct."

" Good-by, Aunty Perkins," cried Molly, in her hearty
manner. "We will think of you when we unpack that
hamper of goodies, which I beg you will charge Josh to
handle with great care."

A few more hearty hand-clasps, a few more words of
merry farewell, and off they started; the little trap
leading, followed by the carryall, with the great farm-
wagon thumping along behind ; for Lady was determined
not to be outdone, and nearly tugged herself in two in
order to keep up with the others. And thus Pretty Polly
Perkins took her first "little journey in the world."

About half-way to the station they were startled by a

GOOD-BYS 235

shout from Josh, and as all looked back they beheld
a comical sight; for Bonny's memory had proved a short
one, and even before Polly was out of sight she had en-
tirely forgotten her mistress's admonition to be " a good
little cow and not break her rope."

But poor Bonny, who could not bear to see everybody
going away, had watched the departure very anxiously,
and when Polly and Nero, with Tony into the bargain,
started off, she felt as though she had lost her sheet-
anchor, and obedience was cast to the winds.

Bob, on his way to the barn, saw her tugging away at
her rope, and going up to her, said :

" Now you settle down quiet, old lady, for Polly can't
entertain cows down yonder, and you 've got to make up
your mind to stay on the farm.'7

But Bonny's mind was made up not to stay on the
farm if she could contrive to get off it, and no sooner
had Bob vanished within the barn than she took matters
into her own keeping, and giving a mighty bounce and
tug, jerked the iron spike to which her rope was tied
straight out of the ground.

Then all the rest was plain sailing for Bonny, and with
a prolonged and joyous moo-oo-oo, and a most abandoned
kick-up, off she started across the lawn, out of the gate,
and down the road, in mad pursuit of her beloved Polly.
Ah, but that was a gala-day for Bonny, and when Josh
first caught sight of her she was plunging along full tilt,
her head down, her tail in the air, and the rope, from
which the bar had already fallen, playing fantastic
pranks behind her.

236 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

On she came, tearing by the cart and carryall as though
they were of no consequence whatever, and straight
ahead until she overtook the trap, where, with an-
other moo of triumph, she stopped stock-still, as though
to say : " There, did n't I do that splendidly ? »

Out bounced Polly and, catching hold of her collar,
cried :

"Bonny Perkins ! what do you mean by acting so? Is
this the way you are going to behave while I 'm gone ?"

But a fig cared Bonny for her scolding ! She had accom-
plished her purpose, and was quite ready to take the
consequences.

"Ah, Polly," laughed Mrs. Temple, " you see, they can't
get along without you, and I really believe I shall have to
send you back, after all."

But Jesse settled the matter by taking Bonny in tow,
and it was a funny enough procession which made its way
to the little railroad station.

In a few moments the great train came panting up.

A few more hurried good-bys, a last bear-hug from
her father, and Polly was being whirled away toward the
new life — a life so entirely unlike the one she was leav-
ing that her innocent little mind could form no idea of it.
The last sight of Eudmeadow showed her her father driv-
ing Roaney toward home, with Josh following more slowly
with Lady before the wagon, Bonny pacing demurely be-
hind, and poor old Nero, with drooping, dejected plume,
walking last of all.

CHAPTER XXXI

POLLY ENTERS AN ENCHANTED WORLD

S the train drew near the great city
Polly's chatter ceased, and she could do
nothing but look out of the window of the
luxurious parlor-car at the marvelous
sights which were opening before her.
"What is it, pretty Poll?" asked
Uncle Bert, as the train crossed the bridge over the Har-
lem River, and began speeding along through the upper
portion of the city, with its row upon row of houses.

" Is all of this New York," asked the bewildered child,
" all these rows and rows of houses ? And are there
enough people in it to fill them all ? ;'

" All those, and hundreds and hundreds besides," said
Uncle Bert. " It 's a pretty sizable town, Polly, and you
won't see one tenth of it this afternoon."

Polly gave it up ; it was too big a problem for her.
In a few minutes the train rolled smoothly into the
Grand Central Depot, and poor little Polly found herself
in more of a hubbub than she ever dreamed could be ; for

237

238 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

people darted hither and thither, baggagemen slammed
trunks about as though determined to reduce them to
fragments, and cabmen cried out at the top of their lungs :
" Cab ! " " Carriage ! " " This way j step right this way ! "
till the child fancied they were ready to tear each other
to bits, and she clung to Uncle Bert's hand in terror.

But her escort piloted her safely to the carriage which
was awaiting them, saying to the coachman in his hearty
way : " How are you, Thomas ? Glad to see you again."

"Right well, thank you, Mr. Herbert; and it's right
glad I am to see the dear mistress coming back home — and
praised be the powers that the little mistress can walk
again ! " he added, forgetting all decorum in his joy at the
sight of Mabel's improved condition ; for Thomas had been
with the family since before Mabel was born, and was
deeply interested in its joys and sorrows.

Each member had a pleasant greeting for him before
entering the carriage, which was soon being whirled
swiftly up Madison Avenue, Mr. Temple's beautiful bay
horses showing a clean pair of heels to whatever they
passed.

The handsome houses and general bustle held Polly
spellbound, but when the cathedral came in view, her
tongue was loosened, and she nearly convulsed her hearers
by asking :

"Do all the people in New York go to that meeting-
house?"

" All but ten or a dozen," answered Uncle Bert, his eyes
twinkling. " They go to the few hundred other meeting-
houses in this town."

POLLY ENTERS AN ENCHANTED WORLD 239

Polly looked at him quizzically.

" Now you 're just teasing me ; I know you are. But do
they, really ? It 's such a big one that I should n't think
they 7d want any more."

" This is a pretty big place, Polly," said Mrs. Temple,
"and we have no end of wonderful things to show you.
Here is one of them now, for it is the Central Park you Ve
heard so much about from Mabel. Is n't it pretty in its
autumn dress ? "

11 Oh, it makes me think of the woods in Endnieadow,"
cried Polly ; " and I wonder what all the folks up there are
doing now ! "

" You 're not going to grow homesick, are you, dear ? "

" No, indeed, I ain't ; but I can't help thinking of them/'

" I am sure I want you to think of them very, very often,
deary, for I know they are thinking of you."

Meanwhile the carriage sped along the smooth roads
of the park, and crossing to the West Side, turned out at
the Seventy-second Street gate. At sight of the Hotel
Majestic, on that corner, Polly's eyes grew bigger than
ever, for never in her short life had she seen " such a big
house/' as she put it.

" Dear me ! " she said, " I would n't like to clean all the
lamps or make up all the beds in that big house. I don't
believe I 'd get through before night."

Seventy-fourth Street was soon reached, and in a mo-
ment more Polly found herself entering a beautiful house
in which the appointments were more wonderful than she
had ever pictured in any of her fairy dreams.

Following Mabel up the richly carved stairway, she en-

240 PEETTY POLLY PERKINS

tered the room which she was to share with her, and
which communicated with Mrs. Temple's on one side and
Molly's snuggery on the other.

It was a dainty room, all in the softest of old-rose tints,
the walls covered with a delicate old-rose paper, upon
which in certain lights shone a faint silver gleam. Upon
the polished floor lay beautiful Oriental rugs, and on
either side of the pretty brass twin bedsteads, and before
the fireplace, a soft white fur one.

Two dainty bird's-eye maple dressing-tables, exactly
alike, even to the muslin covers and silver toilet articles
which lay upon them, stood near the windows. Two
pretty chiffonniers of the same wood were placed on either
side the closets. A great divan, covered with a rich Bag-
dad cover in several shades of old rose, and piled high
with an almost endless number of sofa pillows, stood be-
tween the fireplace and the window, so that at one's head
one might have a good light to read by, and at the foot
one's toes could be toasted. Two beautiful little desks
were placed where the light from the windows fell
strongest, and each was supplied with the innumerable
fascinating accessories that gladden the girlish heart.

Upon the walls of this pretty room hung exquisite
water-color paintings by Maud Humphrey, Ida Waugh,
and other artists, who bring before us, upon paper, chil-
dren who seem to live and breathe and make us long to
take them from their dainty frames and cuddle them.

On the pretty white mantel-shelf ticked a Dresden-china
clock, which chimed out the hour of four as they entered,
and seemed to welcome them home.

POLLY ENTERS AN ENCHANTED WORLD 241

On the quaint andirons beneath, great logs of hickory
wood snapped and sparkled in the prettily tiled fireplace,
making a cheery glow that was irresistible and drew one
toward it whether one would or no.

Odd little tables, upon which stood pretty lamps or
dainty vases of flowers, stood here and there, with invit-
ing chairs standing close beside them, and a bookcase
filled with delightful works, completed the furnishings of
this charming room.

A door led from it to a bath-room fit for the queen mer-
maid, for floor, walls, and ceiling were of creamy white
tiles bordered writh pink ones to match the hangings in
the room, and not a single item was missing in its
appointments, even to the great pink rug upon the
floor.

To Polly's unsophisticated eyes it was an apartment fit
for the princess of whom she had so often read, and
oftener dreamed, and she stood stock-still, clasping her
hands in rapture. But Polly was rarely still or speech-
less for any length of time, and presently she cried :

"Oh, Mabel, Mabel ! am I truly to live in this beautiful
room with you, and sleep in that lovely bed right beside
you, and use all those pretty, pretty things ? K

"Of course you are. When Mrs. Perkins said you
might come to New York with us, Darling and I planned
it all out, and it was such fun to do it, and think how sur-
prised you ?d be ! I wanted everything to be just exactly
like the things I 'd had before, and we had awful work
matching them, for mine had been given to me at differ-
ent times, and we did n't know where they came from.

242 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

But dear daddy got them as near like mine as he could,
and 1 'm so glad you 're pleased."

" And I can keep my clothes in that chest of drawers,
and write at that desk, and sleep in that sweet bed ? And
oh, I don't know how I 'm ever going to get to sleep, with
so many lovely things to look at ! " And she darted from
one object to another.

Just then the trunks were brought upstairs, and Polly's
little one seemed to look even smaller in its new
surroundings.

Molly came into their room to help them lay aside their
belongings and to ask :

" Well, Polly Perkins, do you think you will find your
new nest a snug one ? "

" I never saw anything so pretty in all my life j but I
know one thing: 1 'm never going to be able to fill all the
drawers in that chest." And Polly looked as though she
were found wanting in a duty which she owed her friends.

Mabel laughed a gay little laugh as she went over to
her dressing-table to brush her hair, and glancing over
her shoulder at Polly, who stood smoothing out her little
cloth gloves in such a perfect imitation of her mother's
methodical way that Molly could not refrain from smiling,
she said :

" I guess you '11 find them magic drawers, Polly."

11 1 think everything 's magic here," replied Polly,
" 'cause no matter which way I look, I find something I
am to use, or else you tell me it belongs to me."

CHAPTER XXXII

POLLY MAKES NEW DISCOVERIES

OW, my dear little people, you must let
me make you tidy for dinner ; so slip off
your frocks and put on fresh ones, to do
honor to madam mother."

" Dinner," said Polly, puzzled. " I
thought we had our dinner on the train."
u That is another one of New York's queer ideas, Polly,
for down here we take our dinner at six o'clock instead of
twelve."

" And don't you have anything to eat all day long? I
should think you 'd get awful hungry."

" Oh, yes, indeed, we have something ; but it 's sort of
turning things around, you see, and we get our supper
where our dinner ought to be " j and Molly laughed merrily
at Polly's perplexed expression.

" Don't let it fret you, sweet P ; by the end of a week you
will be a regular city girl, and will cease to be surprised at
anything."

" I hate to take off my pretty dress," said Polly, as she
prepared to obey Molly. u It is the nicest one I have, and

243

244 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

I feel so sort of like Mabel when I have it on. Ma packed
my last winter's plaid dress in my trunk, and said I could
wear it when I was indoors, but to save this one for
Sunday and when I went out with Mrs. Temple and
Mabel."

« Very well," said Molly j " shake it out well and hang
it in your closet ; we must take good care of our pretties.
The closet at the left of the chiffonnier is yours, and the
other one is Mabel's. There you are to keep your belong-
ings separately, lest I should find you having a terrible
quarrel over one particular hook some morning."

Mabel laughed merrily at the fun, but Polly, even
though she had heard Molly's nonsense all summer, had
not yet learned that about half she said was fun, so she

%/

looked up quickly and said :

" Do you think I 'd ever quarrel with Mabel, Miss
Wheeler ? Well, I just guess not." And then, catching
sight of Molly's face, she added :

" But you 're teasing me again, and I wonder if I '11 ever
learn the difference."

She walked over to the closet to hang up her dress, and
opening the door, stopped short.

" Oh, I 've got the wrong one, have n't I ? This is full
of Mabel's things." And she turned to open the other door.
But this closet held even more than the other, and little
Polly was in a quandary.

" Why, they are both full," she said ; " shall I take them
out of the first one and put them all in this ? "

By this time both Mabel and Molly were laughing
heartily, for Polly never grasped the true state of af-

POLLY MAKES NEW DISCOVERIES 245

fairs, and did not suspect that the pretty little frocks
hanging upon the hooks, or the shoes in the little shoe-bag
hanging upon the door, were her own.

" Polly ! Polly Perkins ! " cried Mabel. '* Don't you see
that the shoes and dresses are not nearly big enough
for me ? They are yours, and Darling had them all made
for you as part of the surprise."

" For me ! " screamed Polly. " All those lovely, lovely
dresses for my very own self ? Oh, it can't be true ! " And
she pointed at the contents of the closet as though she
dared not touch them lest they prove fairy frocks and
vanish.

" My dear little girl/' said Mrs. Temple, who had entered
the room during Polly's rapture, " they are certainly for
you, and I hope they will please you; they are very simple
little frocks, which Mabel and I took pleasure in designing
for you, and be sure you will not enjoy wearing them any
more than we enjoyed planning them for you.'7

" Please let me kiss you," said Polly. " I just can't
thank you in any other way."

Mrs. Temple drew the little girl into her lap, and
holding her tenderly, said:

" Dear little sweetheart, that is a very lovely way in
which to thank me, and I am amply repaid. Now run and
look at your little gowns."

Simple enough they were, but tastefully and well made,
and to Polly they seemed marvels.

There was a soft little bedroom wrapper of blue eider-
down flannel, with pretty ribbons at the throat and belt ;
a crimson serge trimmed with black braid for the school-

246 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

room ; a gay Scotch plaid with, scarlet trimmings for
afternoon and dinner ; and a soft gray cashmere, trimmed
with silver braid and white silk vest and a big collar, for
her " bestest best.'7 A navy-blue cloth jacket, and a navy-
blue felt hat with soft black velvet crown, a big white
satin ribbon bow, and a couple of black quills, completed
the simple little outfit. But Polly felt that even her
fairy princess could not have been so lavishly provided.
While she had her raptures over her pretty things, Mabel
had slyly opened the drawers of the chiffonnier, there to
disclose dainty underclothing, carefully laid away upon
drawer-pads filled with violet sachet to make them sweet
— six of every garment needed, with simple, delicate edg-
ings, and all snowy white. A pair of blue bedroom slip-
pers to match the wrapper lay with them. In the top
drawer lay a box with hair-ribbons to match each dress,
a pair of soft tan kid gloves, and a pair of blue cashmere
ones.

"Oh, me ! I hope I sha'n't grow proud because I 've got
such riches," said Polly, when she had looked at all her
things. "How I wish they knew all about it at home,
and that I could go halves with Ruth ! Would n't she
love to see all these things ! May I sit down and write to
her after we come upstairs, Miss Wheeler ? "

" Not to-night, deary ; you and Mabel will be too tired ;
but to-morrow you may. Now make haste, my girlies,
for dinner will be served in five minutes, I know."

At half -past eight two tired children were tucked snugly
away in their beds.

Mabel in her familiar surroundings soon fell fast asleep,

POLLY MAKES NEW DISCOVERIES 247

but Polly lay wide awake for a long, long time, watching
the firelight flicker upon the pretty ceiling, and thinking
some very serious thoughts of her present surroundings,
her old home, and all the dear ones she had left behind her.

" But I 'd be just as happy there/' she said softly to
herself, " with pa and Ruth and Bonny, for I love them so
dearly. But I do wish they could see all my beautiful
things. Somehow I can't seem to make it all true, and
yet it is. Suppose I should wake up and find it all a
dream, and I could n't see this lovely room any more, or
Mabel in the bed beside me, or that dear little desk, or
— the — fire — li — " But here Polly slipped off into
the real land of dreams, and there met with strange
experiences.

The little Dresden clock upon the mantel had just
chimed out one and the three quarters, when Mabel
wakened with a start. The flames had died out, and onlv

m

the ruddy glow of the coals lighted the room. From Miss
Wheeler's partly closed door a faint ray of light from
her night-lamp fell across Polly's bed, but, to Mabel's
utter dismay, no Polly lay in it.

She started up suddenly and called her name, but re-
ceived no answer, and then, thoroughly frightened, called
out:

" Oh, Molly, Molly ! come quick ; I can't find Polly."
Molly was at her side in an instant and saying quickly :
"Don't be frightened, dear 5 nothing can have hap-
pened to her; we will soon have her back in bed."

Running back to her room, she threw on her dressing-
gown and night slippers, and then, returning to Mabel's

248 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

room, lighted the gas and began the search. But no
Polly was in the room, and Miss Wheeler began to share
Mabel's fright, although she took good care not to show it.

The sound of their voices speedily aroused Mrs. Tem-
ple, who hurried into the room to learn what was the
matter.

" Dear one ! " she exclaimed, " where can the child have
gone! Is it possible she has walked in her sleep? It
might easily result from her excitement and being unac-
customed to a late dinner. Look in the closet and see if
her things are disturbed, Molly."

Molly ran to do her bidding, while Mrs. Temple picked
up the down puff to throw about Mabel's shoulders, for
the child, now almost sobbing with fright, was sitting
straight up in bed.

" There, deary," said her mother, soothingly, " don't be
so alarmed. Nothing can have happened to Polly, and we
will soon find her."

" Her wrapper, hat, coat, and rubbers are gone," cried
Molly, emerging from the closet; "yes, and her night
slippers, too," she added, glancing upon the chair where
Polly had laid them upon retiring.

" Oh, I 'm afraid she has gone outdoors," cried Mabel.

" Impossible ! " replied Mrs. Temple, quickly, " for she
could not possibly get the front door unfastened when
once Robert had secured it for the night, so give yourself
no concern on that score. She is in the house somewhere,
and we shall soon bring our runaway back. Molly, you
go upstairs and search, and I '11 get Mr. Temple up and
go down."

CHAPTER XXXIII

POLLY'S DREAM

R. TEMPLE was quickly on hand, and
while Molly scoured the upper floors,
he accompanied his wife downstairs,
lighting the gas as he proceeded.

Just as they were about to cross the
broad hall to enter the drawing-room, a
low growl from the reception-room opposite caused them to
quickly turn in that direction. The light from the hall
made all plainly visible, and what should they see, curled
up in one corner of a big chair, but little Polly, sound
asleep, with Peter Punch clasped in her arms. Upon
one small foot was a night slipper and an overshoe ; upon
the other the overshoe and no slipper at all.

She had put the new coat on over the wrapper, and her
hat and gloves lay upon a chair beside her. The rosy
little face rested against the pale-blue satin of the chair,
which formed a perfect background for it and the soft
brown curls which fell in tangled masses over it.

" What under the sun can have brought the child down

16

249

250 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

here at this hour, and in that astonishing rig ! n exclaimed
Mr. Temple.

" The simplest thing in the world/' laughed his wife, —
" too much excitement, a hearty dinner, and an extraor-
dinary dream."

By this time Peter's demonstrative welcoming of his
friends had caused Polly to awaken ; for a moment she
was utterly bewildered, and could only sit up and stare
about her ; then, her wits returning, she said :

" Why, how did I come here ? Oh, I know ! I had a
dream."

"So we concluded," said Mr. Temple, picking her up.
" But suppose I land you safely in your bed before you
catch your death of cold, and when you are safe you can
tell us all about it."

Polly began to laugh, and said :

" I guess you '11 laugh when I do, it was so funny."

Mabel heard the laugh, and called out: "Have you
got her? Have you got her?73

" Yes j the truant is captured, and I 'm fetching her up
to render an account of herself.

" There, young gallivanter, tell us your dream, for it
must have been a wonderful one to have helped you get
yourself up in such style. Where were you bound,
anyhow ? '

" Why, you see," said Polly, bubbling over with laugh-
ter, "when I went to sleep I was thinking of home
and all of the folks and Bonny, and wondering what
they were doing, and the next thing I knew, I did n't
know anything at all. Then I began to dream that Bob

POLLY'S DREAM 251

had come to New York to see me, and brought Bonny with
him, and that he had her out in front of the house, and
Mabel said I must get up and dress just as quick as ever
I could, for Bonny was acting awful, and Bob could n't
do a thing with her. But I had a dreadful time getting
dressed, and nothing would go on right. But at last I
got started and — well, when I woke up, there I was down
in the hall trying to open the front door. It was as dark
as a pocket, and I could n't see a thing ; but in the little
room where you found me, a log of wood was burning,
and that made some light, so I went in there and sat down
in the big chair. I was so frightened that I could n't go
back, for I did n't know just how to get back in the dark.
I 'd only been there a minute when in came Peter, and I
thought he 'd go crazy, for he licked my face and hands
and made such a fuss. After Peter came I felt better,
and did n't feel lonesome a bit. He cuddled up close be-
side me, and I guess we must have gone to sleep, for I
did n't remember anything else till you found me. And
do look at me ! I guess I could n't wait for to-morrow to
come to wear my new hat and coat." And both Polly and
Mabel went off into shouts of laughter.

" Mercy me ! "' said Mabel, " I don't wonder you were
scared at finding yourself 'way down there. I wonder
what time it was when you started on your journey."

"I don't know what time I started," said Polly, "but it
was eleven o'clock when I woke up, for I heard that big
clock that stands in the hall strike eleven just after I got
into the big chair/'

" Well, Polly, you 've begun your visit with flying

252 PRETTY POLLY PEEKINS

colors, but I hope your next move may be a less startling
one," said Mr. Temple, as he prepared to leave them.

" I believe I shall have to try the same plan with you
that you have to with Bonny, and fasten you to your bed
with a little chain if you are going to indulge in prome-
nades at all hours of the night " ; and Mrs. Temple pulled
one of Polly's curls as she kissed her good night, or rather
good morning, for it was then past three o'clock.

" I don't believe I '11 ever do such a crazy thing again,"
said Polly.

"How you ever managed to do it this time without
wakening me is more than I can comprehend," said Molly.

When Uncle Bert heard of Polly's exploit, next morning,
he said :

" We must do with you as we do with the ponies out
West. I suggest that we put a brand right on the end of
this small nose ; a little bell would be appropriate. Shall
I try it? Then if you get lost we will have no trouble
getting you back."

How quickly the days slipped by ! It would be impos-
sible to describe Polly's surprise and delight, her chronic
state of wonder, or her odd remarks. Had New York
City indeed been an enchanted city it could not have held
greater marvels for Polly. But the park, after all, seemed
to be her greatest delight, possibly because it was the only
spot in the big city which suggested home.

Nearly every afternoon she and Mabel drove little
Tony around it again and again, until the scrap of ahorse
knew the drives as well as they themselves did. Mr.

POLLY'S DREAM 253

Temple's stable was in Sixty-seventh Street, and often in
the morning, before lesson time began, Polly and Mabel
would walk down there to take some dainty to Tony,
for Mabel was now able to go about nearly as well as
ever.

Tony's journey in the big box-car from Endmeadow
had been an easy one, and he was as frisky as a kitten.

At the earliest possible moment Mrs. Temple made ar-
rangements for Polly's art lessons, and very soon a teacher
was engaged, and Polly began work in earnest. Two af-
ternoons of each week were given up to the work, and
Polly's progress was really surprising ; for the first time
in her short life she found herself congenially occupied,
and she threw herself into her work heart and soul.

Polly's was a nature that would do whatever she felt to
be her duty, whether the duty proved a pleasant one or
disagreeable, for she was a conscientious little body, and
too honorable to shirk anything because it was irksome.
But here she had delightful surroundings, the cultivated
companions for whom she had always unconsciously
longed, and could daub away to her heart's content.

Truly Polly was in clover. From ten to one o'clock
both she and Mabel studied with Molly, who proved her-
self as efficient a governess as she had proved a nurse,
for Molly did thoroughly whatever she undertook, and
the lesson hours proved delightful ones. They were
rather unique in their way, since both Mrs. Temple and
Molly believed in quality rather than quantity.

Being an excellent French and German scholar, Mrs.
Temple took charge of those branches herself, and left to

254 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

Molly mathematics, grammar, history, geography, and
literature.

Great gales they got into during the recitations in
classes, which were " all head and foot," as Mabel put it,
and in which she and Polly bobbed up and down like
marionettes j for Polly was quicker- witted than Mabel,
although the latter was more apt to retain what she
learned. And so the time sped by until the holiday
season approached, bringing with it the thousand and one
joys that belong to little people at Christmas-tide.

It was funny enough to see Polly's amazement when
taken into some of the great stores all in their holiday
array. Nor could she believe there were people enough
in New York to " go tradin' " for all the wares displayed.
But she began to realize that New York claimed the at-
tention of many people who were not housed within its
limits, and that thousands who had their homes elsewhere
came into the big city to do their " tradinV

Christmas in Mabel's home was by far the happiest, mer-
riest day of the year, and the fact that the one previous
had been probably the saddest day that either Mr. or Mrs.
Temple had ever known — for upon it their little daughter
lay tossing and moaning in pain, with her very life hang-
ing in the balance — made them determine that this one
should make amends for past sorrows, and great prepa-
rations were made.

Mabel had so long been deprived of any social life that
she had almost ceased to care for it ; but Mrs. Temple was
too wise to let drop the many pleasant friendships the little
girl had made in school, even though Mabel was no longer

POLLY'S DEE AM 255

among its pupils. So she and Molly planned a delight-
ful Christmas surprise for Mabel and Polly, little think-
ing that Uncle Bert was also planning one on his own
account. Nor were Polly and Mabel idle during all this
period of secrets, but were determined to make it a gala-
day, if two small maids could accomplish it.

But Polly's financial resources were limited, and how
to carry out her part of the plan without a small bank-
account was a puzzle which Polly was determined to solve.

CHAPTER XXXIY

POLLY'S SCHEME

1TTING upon the fur rug in front of the
open fire while waiting for her drawing
teacher one afternoon, her chin in her
hands and her elbows resting upon her
knees, as she used to squat upon the
grass at home for a good think, she said
to herself: "Now I want some money just dreadful, and
how in the world am I going to get it ? I can't write home,
for that would be mean when I 'm getting such loads of
things here, and besides, it would be like taking it away
from the others, and they have n't got one tenth part of
what I 've got this very minute. I wish I could earn
some. That would be all my very own, too."

Just then she caught the sound of voices in the adjoin-
ing room, and recognized them as belonging to Mrs. Tem-
ple and Miss Drew, her drawing teacher. The latter was
saying, in reply to a question of Mrs. Temple's which
Polly had not caught :

** I am so very sorry that I cannot do them for your
friend, Mrs. Temple ; but I have really more orders now

256

POLLY'S SCHEME 257

than I can fill before Christmas, I fear, and, in justice to
those, I really must not attempt more work."

" Do you know of any one who could do them for me,
or rather for Mrs. Granger ? It is such simple work, and
could be done so quickly. Moreover, she is so very
generous, and will make it an object to whomsoever
undertakes it."

"I will make inquiry, Mrs. Temple, and will let you
know at once. I dare say some of my pupils would be
glad to do them. They require so little time and labor
that even Polly could do them, I believe. She is such an
ambitious little body that I would be sorely tempted to
try it if she had a little more experience." And Miss
Drew laughed at the idea.

"Yes, she surprises me," replied Mrs. Temple; "very
few children do such work as she is doing, and I am
deeply gratified. She is such a dear child — so unselfish
and — "

But here Polly jumped up and softly closed the door
communicating with Mrs. Temple's room.

" No ; you 're not going to hear one more word, Polly
Perkins," she said, her cheeks blazing and her eyes shin-
ing. " So long as it was n't about you, it did n't matter ;
but you 're not going to listen to things they don't know
you are hearing when it 's all about yourself."

A moment later Miss Drew entered Polly's room, and
presently Polly was daubing away for dear life. She was
working upon a little landscape from a sketch she had
made in Endmeadow — a bit of her father's farm, with
the river flowing through the meadows, and the old barns

258 PRETTY POLLY PEEKINS

in the distance. With Miss Drew's help, she was convert-
ing it into a winter scene, with snow upon the ground
and ice along the river's edge.

If it turned out well she intended to send it to her
father for his Christmas, knowing that nothing she could
give him would please him so well as some of her own
work which suggested home. Never before had she tried
so hard, and Miss Drew watched her in surprise.

»< Why, Polly," she said, " you are working as if for a
wager. What is the cause of such vigorous application ? "
And she smoothed back the soft brown curls from the
flushed face.

"Oh, I want to do it just beautifully," cried Polly,
" 'cause if I do this nicely I can do other things, can't I ? "

"You have done a good many other things already,
dear, and I am very much pleased with your work."

Polly worked on, her mind as active as her fingers, and
at the end of the hour had finished her little landscape.

" I want to show this to Mrs. Temple," said Miss Drew.
" It is by far your best piece of work." And she stepped
into the adjoining room.

Polly's instinctive delicacy kept her in her own room,
but she could not help hearing Mrs. Temple's praise of
her work, or her concluding remark :

"I wish Mrs, Granger could see this. If I did not
hesitate to presume upon her friendship I would ask her
to let Polly fill her order ; but I know she would say yes
to me, and consequently I feel delicate about broaching
the subject."

Now Polly knew Mrs. Granger to be a very dear friend

POLLY'S SCHEME 259

of Mrs. Temple's who lived in Eighty-third Street, and
in a flash her small mind was made up.

Mabel had gone downtown with Molly to do some shop-
ping, and would probably not be home before five o'clock,
and a moment later Mrs. Temple came into the room to say :

" Polly dear, I am going to step over to the church for
a little while to look after my sewing class. Will you be
very lonely ? "

"Not a bit," answered Polly. " I 've got something to
do, but I can't tell you what, so please don't ask me."

"Very well," replied Mrs. Temple, kissing her good-by,
and supposing it was some bit of Christmas work for
herself.

The moment the front door closed Polly flew toward
her closet, and whisking out the plaid dress, hat, and
coat, scrambled into them. Shoes and gloves were quickly
put on, and twenty minutes later Polly slipped out of the
front door.

Her sturdy little legs fairly flew up the west side of the
park toward Eighty-third Street, and before she had time
to realize what she was about, she found herself pressing
the electric button at Mrs. Granger's front door. It was
promptly opened by an imposing footman, who regarded
the small visitor with some surprise, for Mrs. Granger
was an elderly lady, and most of her visitors belonged to
the grown-up world.

But Polly was not easily disconcerted, although her
innate refinement precluded the possibility of her ever ap-
pearing bold or unladylike ; so, looking up at the tall
man before her, she said :

260 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

" Is Mrs. Granger at home ? "

" She is, miss. Will you step inside ? What name shall
I give, miss ? n

"Just say little Polly," said Polly, simply.

And, with a funny smile curving the corner of his mouth,
the dignified footman showed her into the reception-room,
and marched off upon his errand. A moment later he
returned to say :

" Mrs. Granger is in her sitting-room, miss, and asks
will you please step up there."

Up bounced Polly, and followed her guide up the broad
staircase to Mrs. Granger's sitting-room, where he an-
nounced, as solemnly as though she were a duchess,
" Little Miss Polly, madam ! "

A sweet-faced, white-haired old lady, dressed in the
softest of dove-colored satin gowns, made in Quaker sim-
plicity, with filmy lace folded across the shoulders and
held at the belt, and a tiny lace cap upon her snowy hair,
sat reading before the pretty fireplace, and removing her
glasses as Polly entered, she held out her hand to her,
saying in her gentle voice :

" I am very pleased to see thee, little maid, and very
surprised, too, for I rarely have young people for visitors."

"I 'm glad you are pleased, for I wanted so much to
see you, and yet I did n't know whether to come or not,
and I guess if I 'd taken too long to think about it I
should n't have come at all."

"And why not, heart's-ease ? Did not friend Mabel
give thee her permission — I mean Mrs. Temple ; but thee
does not understand our way of speaking, perhaps."

POLLY'S SCHEME 261

" I never heard it until I came to Mrs. Temple's, and you
visited her/' said Polly. " But I love it, and please don't
talk any other way, 'cause I understand you. No j Mrs.
Temple does n't know I have come here. I 've got some-
thing to tell you, and won't you please keep it all a secret ?
— for I don't want anybody to know a single thing about
it." And Polly began to tell all about the conversation
she had unwittingly overheard, her anxiety to earn some
money all by herself, and what Miss Drew had said about
her work.

While she talked Mrs. Granger had removed Polly's
hat and coat, and drawn her upon a low chair at her
side.

" And so you see," said Polly, eagerly, " I had an idea
you wanted something painted, and that maybe I could
do it, and so I brought all this work to show you what I
could do." And she began to take her little sketches
from the small portfolio which she held.

" Thee guessed quite correctly. I do wish to have some
work done, and will be most happy to help thee, if thee
can fill the order for me " ; and she placed the sketches be-
fore her, one by one, upon her lap.

" And did thee do this work all by thyself, heart's-ease ?
It is strangely well done for thy small hands ! ':

" I did it with Miss Drew, but I think I could do almost
as well alone, now. I could try, anyway."

" And so thee shall j but how will thee find time and
materials f "

" I don't know yet what I must have " } and Polly's face
fell a little.

262 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

Mrs. Granger noted the look of disappointment, and
her sweet face softened into a true friend's smile.

" Ah, this is a serious matter of business, and it must
have fair dealing. I wish to have thee start fairly ; so
give close heed to what I shall tell thee. I have need of
a number of pretty cards for this Christmas-tide, for I
wish to send them to a school in which daughter Ruth is
interested. Her own little maid is a pupil, and the young
girls are all very kind and thoughtful for her. But there
are, I think, about thirty-five girls, and I would be loath
to forget any. Stop one moment, while I consult my
note-book " ; and Mrs. Granger stepped across the room to
a beautiful desk, from which she took a memorandum-
book and a large envelope.

" Here I have their names, and I will count them. It
is so ; there are thirty-five, and here in this envelope are
three dozen small cards. Upon these I would have
painted some small sketches, and I had thought to have
Miss Drew do the work for me ; but now that thee has
told me she cannot, I have a mind to let thee try thy
small hand at it."

Polly's eyes began to sparkle, and seeing her eager-
ness, Mrs. Granger continued :

" Thee may try three for me, and if I find them all
I wish, thee may finish the others. I would wish to
have each a trifle different from the others; so thy
wits will be taxed not a little. Will thee make the
attempt ? "

" Indeed, I will! " cried Polly. " I '11 begin to-morrow,
for it will be too late to do it to-day ; and I guess I 'd

POLLY'S SCHEME 263

better go home now, for Mrs. Temple may be worried if
she gets home first."

" Thee has a thoughtful little head, but it has not been
wise enough to ask me what thy wages will be when thy
work is done."

" I never thought of that/7 said Polly, simply, " 'cause
I knew you would give me what you thought was right.
I don't know anything about it."

" If thee does well thee shall have three dollars a dozen,
and I hope thee will find it enough to carry out thy gen-
erous Christmas plans."

" Three dollars a dozen ! " exclaimed Polly, in blank
amazement. "Why, Mrs. Granger, they would n't be
worth it, and I never had so much money in all my life."

" Nevertheless, thee will earn it honestly if thy work is
done as well as this thee has shown me." And she rose
to help Polly put on her hat and coat.

" Come again, day after to-morrow, and then the matter
can be settled," she added, as she bade Polly good-by, and
the footman came to escort her to the front door.

Polly ran home as fast as her small feet would carry
her, and New York did not hold a happier little girl that
night.

CHAPTER XXXV

UNCLE BERT ASKS FOB A CHRISTMAS PRESENT

|T will never stay put — I know it won't,"
said Polly, as she tried in vain to make
the stocking hang upon the mantel by
resting a paper-weight upon it, on
Christmas eve.

"Here, I '11 fix them," said Mabel; "let
me have yours, and I '11 tie it to mine with this piece of
ribbon, and we can swing them around this pillar of the
mantelpiece, and I 'd like to see them tumble down then ! "
And Mabel soon had the two limp black stockings hanging
side by side.

" Now, let 's do up our parcels and then run down and
put them under the tree. Why, Polly, how did you ever
get such a lot of things ! " she cried in surprise, as Polly
opened her chiffonnier drawer and disclosed a goodly
supply of pretty gifts.

" I can't tell you a thing about it till after Christmas,
so please don't ask me"; and Polly began to take her
treasures out of the drawer.
For Mrs. Temple she had a beautifully framed sketch

264

UNCLE BEET ASKS FOE A CHRISTMAS PEESENT 265

of the old farm-house; for Mr. Temple a silver tag for
his satchel, with his name nicely engraved thereon ; for
Molly a book of poems for which she had heard her ex-
press a wish. Mabel's present, which she took good care
she should not see, was a sketch of Tony standing in his
stall, and a pretty little frame to complete it.

To the loved ones at home Polly had sent appropriate lit-
tle gifts showing how carefully she had studied their tastes.

She had been obliged to take Molly into her confidence,
for the gifts had to be purchased, as Polly's journeys
about town were limited to a few blocks. But the little
girl had shown sound sense in the disposal of her honestly
earned riches, and felt like the possessor of millions when
she marched off downtown with Molly to make her
purchases.

Mabel's gifts for her dear ones were also her own work,
and two very happy children laid their neatly tied parcels
beneath the great tree that a few hours later they would
help to dress.

"Well, chickabiddy," said her father, as they sat at
dinner, " I Ve a bit of pleasant news for you as a Christ-
mas gift " ; and he took from his pocket a letter. " This
came to-day, and I thought I 'd save it as a sort of dinner
relish."

Opening the letter, he began :

" Tell my bonny Mab and pretty Poll that I propose to add a very-
remarkable article of decoration to the big tree which I know they
mean to dress on Christmas eve, and that they may expect it to ar-
rive about nine o'clock. It will be delivered by the Pennsylvania
Railroad."

17

266 PEETTY POLLY PERKINS

"Now, what do you suppose he means this time?" cried
Mabel.

"Where does the railroad come from?" asked shrewd
Polly.

"People come from the West by it," replied Mr.
Temple.

" Then I just believe it *s Mr. Uncle Bert himself "; and
Polly gave a little bounce of rapture at the prospect of
having her friend with her.

Promptly at nine o'clock, and while the family were
busy decorating the beautiful tree, came a ring at the
door-bell, and before it was wide open in bounced Uncle
Bert with a regular cow-boy shout.

" Here, hang me up quick ! I 'm already rigged for it."
And, indeed, he looked rigged for a tree, for his coat was
covered with snowflakes, and his hat had turned white.
Catching a girlie up in each strong arm, he executed
sort of an Indian dance down the big library; for Uncle
Bert was still a boy at heart, although a man in sound
sense and stature.

It was a merry Christmas eve for them all. Molly
was in her element, for nothing gave her so much plea-
sure as sharing the family merry-makings, and feeling, as
she expressed it, " that I have some place in the world
where I belong and am wanted."

By eleven o'clock the great hemlock, upon whose top
branch, which just escaped the high ceiling, danced a
dainty little Christmas fairy, presented a brilliant spec-
tacle j for icicles sent forth their sparkles from dozens of
branches, tinsel moss flashed back the rays of the gas-
jets, and the thousand and one fascinating trifles that

THE CHRISTMAS TREE.

UNCLE BEET ASKS FOR A CHRISTMAS PRESENT 269

the German people love to make and send over to our
country decorated it from its topmost branches to the
floor. The candles would not be lighted till Christmas
night, but Polly felt sure that the illumination could not
make it more beautiful than it already was.

Uncle Bert's long arms had proved a blessing, and he
and Molly got into a great gale striving to see which
could reach highest.

"Now, my little maids," said Mrs. Temple, when the
big "grandfather's clock" which stood in the hall had
rung its musical chime to tell all good people that it was
eleven o'clock, " whisk away to your beds as fast as you
can go, or you will never be able to waken for your half-
past eight breakfast, and the frolic to follow" 5 and placing
a hand beneath each chin, she lifted the happy faces for
the good-night kiss. " I will be up to give the final tuck,
and see that the stockings are so placed that St. Nick
will be sure to find them."

The children danced away upstairs, Molly following to
see that all was in order.

When Mr. Temple had gone to his den to write a
letter, Mrs. Temple and Uncle Bert seated themselves
before the glowing fire to have a quiet chat; for Mrs.
Temple was deeply attached to her young brother-in-
law, and had striven hard to fill the place of the mother
whom he had lost when only a young lad. Nor had
she striven in vain, for Herbert loved her as he had
never loved any one besides the sweet, gracious mother,
who had begun to form the noble character that she did
not live to see developed into splendid manhood.

270 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

After talking for a while upon general topics, he rose
from his chair, and kicking a hassock beside her, he
flopped down upon it, resting his arms upon her knee
and leaning his head against her shoulder as he used to
do when a boy and had some prank to confess. But to-
night the boyish expression was replaced by a man's
serious look, and a soft light shone in the honest
blue eyes.

Placing her own soft hand over the strong brown one
which lay upon her knee, Mrs. Temple said jn her gentle
voice :

" And what has my big nestling to confess now ? Has
the boy come back and taken possession of the man's tall
frame?"

Uncle Bert turned his head with a queer smile creeping
about the corners of his mouth, but the eyes did not lose
their seriousness.

"To tell the truth, I don't know whether there is any-
thing to confess or not; but I 've about made up my
mind that there is one Christmas present I 'd rather
have than any other you and Ned can give me, and
yet it is such a valuable one that I 'm sort of half scared
to ask for it."

" Do you think we would consider any gift too valuable
to give to our big boy ? "

" No, I honestly believe there is n't ; for you 've already
given me more than I deserve, and no fellow ever had
more done for him than you and Ned have done for me,
and I 'm grateful clean down to my shoe-soles. But this
bit of begging I 'm at now is a little out of the regular

UNCLE BERT ASKS FOR A CHRISTMAS PRESENT 271

line, and what 's more, I don't believe I deserve to get
what I 'm going to ask for, either."

" It must, indeed, be a mighty boon you are about to
ask, if you feel so doubtful of our consent "; but Mrs.
Temple smiled as she tried to catch a glimpse of the face
now turned toward the fire. " When did you first con-
ceive a fancy for this rich gift ? "

" When I nearly knocked it into a cocked hat last June,"
said Bert, laughing in spite of himself.

Mrs. Temple started slightly, and then, taking his face
in both her hands, turned it toward her, and looked into
the big blue eyes, which never wavered as they returned
the look.

" Is the very precious gift which you crave now up in
the children's room, dear?" she said, a wonderfully tender
look creeping into her face.

Bert nodded, but said nothing.

" Then, please God, you will be able to win it, for no
man can have a more precious one, and we know this to
be one of the most perfect, and, if we may do so, Edward
and I will place it in your keeping with our heartiest
good wishes."

" Thank you, and God bless you, dear Mother Mab.
1 711 try for it anyhow, and it won't be my fault if I don't
win, now I 've got your sanction. But, by Jove ! I be-
lieve I 'd rather have a regular pitched battle with a
bronco than ask for it outright " ; and Bert gave himself
a shake as he rose to his feet.

"You know the old saying, laddie — ' Faint heart/ etc.,"
said Mrs. Temple, as she bade him good night.

272 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

"My heart is n't faint, Mab, but I don't seem half good
enough to be trusted with the care of such a gift, even if
I have the luck to get it. But you must get to bed,
and I 'm ready to turn in, too j so good night and happy
dreams."

CHAPTER XXXVI

MERRY CHRISTMAS

ONG before daylight on Christmas morn-
ing Polly was wakened by something
tickling the end of her small pug nose,
and upon opening her eyes found Mabel
standing beside the bed, holding a very
hummicky stocking in each hand, and
letting the one which she held directly over Polly's head
scratch the end of her small nose, which happened to be
turned most invitingly into the air.

Polly blinked at her for a second or two, and then, get-
ting wide awake, gave a bounce which landed her in the
middle of the hearth-rug, while she cried in a suppressed
voice, lest she waken the occupants of the adjoining
rooms :

" Oh, quick, quick ! let ;s sit down here and see what
we Ve got in them."

" Stir up the fire first," answered Mabel, " or we will
freeze stiff as pokers."

A few thumps upon the great lump of cannel-coal,
that had been dozing all night, and it burst into a glori-

273

274 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

ous blaze which lighted up the whole room, and danced
upon the holly and mistletoe with which it was decked.

Squatting upon the rug, they began to take out the
articles with which the stockings were stuffed to the very
top. Polly dumped the contents of her stocking upon
the rug, and then began to examine its contents at her
leisure ; but Mabel took hers out one by one.

" Oh, Mabel, see this cute little calf," cried Polly, hold-
ing up a Vienna bronze bossy, which seemed to be Bonny
shrunken to a fairy calf. "Is n't it too cunning? It
looks just like Bonny, and it 's a paper-weight for my
desk."

"And here ?s something for my desk, too," exclaimed
Mabel, bringing to light another paper-weight, but this
time in the form of a little black pony, so like Tony that
he seemed ready to greet her with a tiny neigh.

"I know who gave us these," she continued; "it was
Uncle Bert, for he is always hunting up such things."

" What in the world >s this ? " said Polly, as she took
up a box which at first had flatly refused to come out of
the stocking. Unwrapping it carefully, she found inside
a little package; this she commenced to unroll, only to
find yards and yards of tissue-paper.

Bubbling over with laughter, she continued to unroll
until at last out fell a tiny turquoise-ring, which made
Polly's eyes sparkle and her heart dance with joy, for it
was the first bit of jewelry the little girl had ever owned,
and the Koh-i-nur diamond could not have given greater
joy to its owner, and probably not nearly so much, as
this tiny ring gave to Polly.

MERRY CHRISTMAS 275

"And I 7ve a ring, too — only see/' cried Mabel; "and
mine is a ruby. Oh, don't you understand? They are
our lucky stones, because I was born in July and you in
December"; for Polly's birthday had fallen on the 2d of
December, and for the first time in her life she had cut
her own cake, upon which flickered eleven candles.

"And Miss Wheeler gave them to us, for here is her
name upon the boxes," said Polly.

" Hurry up and let 's get out the rest," cried Mabel, ex-
citedly. " Did you ever see such a lot of nuts and bonbons ?
Here, we will put them in this dish, and have our feast
after breakfast."

" Oh, Mabel, see what I 've found ! " almost screamed
Polly. "It was right inside this make-believe orange,
and the candy on top of it"; and the delighted child
brought to light a pretty little enameled brooch in the
form of a sweet pea.

" Oh, is n't it the dearest thing you ever saw? And Mrs.
Madam Mother gave it to me, for it is pinned through
her card. I never had such lovely things in all my life,
and I don't know how I 'm ever going to be half good
enough to pay for them, and that 's the only way I ever
can do it"; and Polly looked as though her obligations
were really a serious matter, little realizing what a world
of love and gratitude dwelt in the hearts of Mr. and Mrs.
Temple for the little girl who had nearly sacrificed her
own life in order to save for them a treasure worth more
than all the world held.

" Now I '11 peep into my big apple," said Mabel, as she
drew out the bottom of a pasteboard apple, so real in its

276 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

imitation of the true article that it was hard to resist
taking a bite just to put the question beyond all doubt.

Dumping the bonbons, with which it was filled, into
her lap, she found in the bottom a pretty gray silk ribbon,
fastened with a dainty gold buckle, for her chinchilla muff,
and mama's card attached.

" There 's something else 'way, Vay down in the toe of
mine, and it won't come out," she continued, shaking
away at the stocking.

"And in mine, too," cried Polly. "Here, come out,
you old stick-tight"; and catching her stocking by the
toe, she gave it a vigorous shake, and away flew some-
thing clear across the room.

" Oh, my gracious!" she exclaimed, "it will be smashed
to bits, whatever it is " ; and she flew after her vanishing
treasure.

Luckily it was well wrapped in tissue-paper, or it would
certainly have been " smashed to bits."

Polly rescued it, and going back to the rug, where
Mabel was now unwrapping her package, she soon
brought to light a fairy -like little doll, sound asleep upon
a mossy bank which rested upon a chamois ground.

" It ;s my Sleeping Beauty! It 's my Sleeping Beauty!
And is n't she just too sweet? See, Mabel, it 's a pen-
wiper. I never saw such a lovely one. Hurry and see
what yours is."

Mabel's proved to be the prince in quest of his Sleeping
Beauty, and was dressed exactly as Jamie had been dur-
ing the woodland tableaux.

" How lovely they are ! I wonder where dear daddy

MERRY CHRISTMAS 277

ever found them ? But I dare say he had them made — it
would be just like him to. But we must hurry and get
dressed, or we will be late to breakfast." And jumping
up, the little girls put their treasures on the table and
then hurried into their Christmas gowns.

Long before the toilets were completed, Molly came
prancing in, waving a fleecy shawl in one hand and a
lovely little work-bag in the other.

" Merry Christmas ! Merry Christmas ! And see what
I Ve found — one on each knob at the head of my bed.
Madam mother must have hung them there after I was
in the land o' nod."

" Oh, Molly, look at our pretties ! See this ! and this !
Oh, do look ! " cried the children, excitedly.

" And I 've something to show you, my ladybirds j
you have been so busy looking at your pretties that
you 've not had time to take a peep out of the window
to see what an ideal Christmas we have"; and Molly
raised the window-shade to disclose a new world, for
during the night the snow had fallen steadily, but had
ceased at sunrise, and now a glittering white world lay
before the astonished children. From their windows
they could look directly over the park, which flashed
and sparkled in the light of the rising sun.

They went nearly wild with delight, and Mabel cried:

" Oh, if we only had a little sleigh for Tony, would n't
it be fun ! But we can go with papa and you and mama
in the big sleigh, for it 's just a bouncer, and I know it
will hold us all."

"Who said you might?" asked a merry voice at the

278 PKETTY POLLY PERKINS

door, and turning, they beheld Mrs. Temple, into whose
arms they both plunged as they cried out :

" Thank you and dear daddy and Molly for our pretty
things ; we think they are just lovely."

" 1 'm delighted ; but now come down to breakfast, for
I 've a little surprise at the table for you both"; and Mrs
Temple started down the broad stairs with an arm about
each girlie's shoulder, while theirs clasped her waist affec-
tionately, and Molly executed a sort of dance behind;
for, as she expressed it, it was " impossible to walk se-
dately when every breath one drew put springs in one's
toes."

At the foot of the stairs they were met by Uncle Bert
and Mr. Temple, the latter crying out in his jolly way :

" The idea of one forlorn damsel having to go without
an escort ! Here, Bert, do your duty like a man " ; and he
tucked Molly's right hand through his own arm, and
beckoned to Bert to take her left.

Bert colored slightly, but entered into the fun, and it
was a jolly party which paraded down the broad hall to
the dining-room, upon the threshold of which Polly and
Mabel stopped stock-still. And no wonder j for seated at
either side of Mr. Temple's chair were Euth and Bob,
with the dignified butler mounting guard between them !

For one brief instant Polly stood speechless, and then,
with a wild cry of " Ruth, Bob ! Ruth, Bob ! " she tore
down the big room and straight into Ruth's outstretched
arms.

It would be vain to attempt to describe her joy, or the
thousand questions that tumbled about Ruth's ears like

MERRY CHRISTMAS 279

an avalanche, for the surprise had been a complete one,
Bob and Ruth having arrived late the previous night,
and been tucked away for safe-keeping until needed.
Poor Bob was painfully self-conscious, but Ruth was her
own sweet, serene little self, and soon chatted away very
happily, telling Polly all the home news and how she had
left the dear ones who remained there.

"And has Bonny been good?7'1 asked Polly. "How I
want to see her ! ';

" Bonny is growing so big that you will hardly know
her; and pa says I 'm to tell you that you will have a
cow to pet instead of a calf when you come back nest
spring."

It was a merry meal, and one which Bob long remem-
bered as the first he had ever eaten in New York City ;
for Uncle Bert soon managed to make him forget his
shyness, and before he realized what he was doing he
was chatting away as happily as though the handsome
dining-room had vanished, and he was seated with Uncle
Bert under the old elm-tree upon the lawn at home.

Directly breakfast ended, all repaired to the cheery
library, where stood the monstrous tree with its mys-
terious parcels lying underneath it.

Knowing well that the children were on tenter-hooks
with impatience, and that the servants, who were called
in to share the Christmas good will, were quite as eager
to know the contents of the neatly wrapped parcels, Mr.
Temple at once began to distribute the gifts which had
been so affectionately and wisely chosen.

Such a rustling and scrabbling as then took place ! for

280 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

no one was forgotten, and each one was eager to get his
parcel undone first.

Polly's muff and collar of silver-fox fur nearly caused
her to break her small neck, for in her eagerness to show
it to Ruth, who sat beside Mrs. Temple at the opposite
side of the room, she flew across, caught her foot in a
piece of twine which lay upon the floor, and plunged
headlong at Ruth's feet, where she could only lie and
hug her treasures and say:

"Oh, Ruthie, Ruthie! I Ve got every wish I ever made."

It was, indeed, a happy morning, and when the excite-
ment had somewhat subsided, Uncle Bert said :

"Now, big folk and little folk, suppose you give me
your attention, for I 've a mind to have a voice in this
Christmas fun. Follow me."

And he strode off to the front of the house, with Mr.
and Mrs. Temple, Molly, and the four children pressing
close behind him.

CHAPTER XXXVII

UNCLE BERT MAKES A GIFT AND RECEIVES ONE

jHAT do you think of my Christmas
chimes? Did n't know I was a mu-
sician as well as a cow-boy, did you?"
said Uncle Bert, jocosely, as he drew
aside the heavy curtains at the reception-
room window, in order that all might
look out upon the snow-covered street.

" Uncle Bert, oh, Uncle Bert ! r' cried Mabel, as she
threw her arms about him, "when did you do it, and
is n't it just too sweet for anything ! ':

And indeed it was; for there stood little Tony, with
bright yellow plumes waving on either side of his head-
stall, yellow plumes erect upon his back, on either side of
the beautiful little chime of bells which tinkled merrily
every time he stirred, and yellow plumes upon the dash-
board of the exquisite little Russian sleigh to which he
was harnessed, and in which the warmest of fur rugs lay ;
and last, but by no means least, Jesse, in a fur cape
nearly as big as himself, and oh, joy of joys, a high hat,

281

282 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

in whose side was stuck the most fascinating atom of a
yellow cockade.

Jesse tried his best to preserve a dignified attitude and
expression ; but the grin would come, and, in spite of
Herculean efforts, at least eight molars flashed out a
" Chris'mas gif ! " to the beloved little mistress behind the
plate-glass window.

It did not take long for the children to scrabble on
their wraps and run out for a closer inspection of Uncle
Bert's surprise ; nor could he for one moment suspect that
it had proved a failure.

"An', Missy Mabel, ain't yo' t'ink we ought ter tak'
Massa Bob and Miss Bute f er a dribe roun' de pa'k ? Dey
ain't got no kin' o' idee what it lak," said Jesse, who was
consumed with a desire to display his magnificence.

"Just the thing!" cried Mr. Temple. "Take Ruth
first, and then the others in turn, and it will be a fine
airing for you all."

A moment later the chimes proved Uncle Bert to be
capable of choosing a musical instrument, whether he
could play upon one or not, as Tony dashed down
Seventy-fourth Street, with his bells ringing, plumes
waving, and Jesse sustaining the dignity of the entire
turnout.

" Come up and see our room, Bob," cried Polly, when
Mabel and Ruth had disappeared around the corner ; "it 's
the sweetest one you ever saw, and I 've loads and loads
of things I want to show you " ; and Polly caught hold of
Bob's hand to lead him away to her earthly paradise.

" While the chicks are away I '11 run back to the library

UNCLE BEET MAKES A GIFT AND RECEIVES ONE 283

and gather up the litter," laughed Molly, " for they have
left paper and strings from one end of it to the other."

"Can't I help too?" asked Uncle Bert. "I am great at
straightening up a mess." And he started after her.

" Come along to the den when you 7ve done, Bert, for
I Ve no end of things to talk about and questions to ask.
Mab had you all last evening, so I did n't have a chance
to get a word in edgewise ; see what it is to be a hen-
pecked husband, and don't let yourself in for such a
scrape," said Mr. Temple, as he playfully gave his wife;s
ear a gentle tweak.

" Does n't he look the picture of humiliation ? " asked
Mrs. Temple. "I can almost fancy I see him failing
daily."

The library looked as though a tornado had struck it
when Molly began work, for papers, twine, bits of cotton
and excelsior, lay scattered all about, just as they had
fallen from fingers too eager to stop for trifles when
serious matters needed attention.

But Molly was not easily daunted, and, taking command
of operations, said : " I ?11 gather strings and bits, while
you turn your attention to the papers, and we '11 have
things ship-shape in less than no time."

Uncle Bert bobbed hither and thither, gathering up
the papers and neatly folding them for future use, while
Molly, in the brisk, happy way which lent a charm to
everything she did, however commonplace, soon brought
the library back to its usual scrupulous order.

" There ! r she exclaimed, when the last scrap had been
consigned to the waste-basket, and the last bit of twine

18

284 PKETTY POLLY PERKINS

neatly rolled and so twisted together that even the most
impatient fingers could not tangle it when it was again
needed. "Who would suppose there had been such a
Christmas gale in this room as we helped stir up an hour
since ? And what a contrast to last Christmas ! You
were not here then, Mr. Herbert, and can form no idea
of the difference."

" I think I can, though, Miss Wheeler, for I fully realize
what Mabel is to Ned and his wife. Theirs is a sort of
ideal life, you know, and very few mortals attain to the
degree of happiness they have reached."

" I know it," replied Molly, " and unless one is with them
it would be impossible for one to realize what Mabel is to
them. But, without partiality, I can truthfully say that I
have never seen such a child. She seems all sunshine, and
never, even during the days of her greatest suffering, did
I hear a murmur or see a frown. She seems to be the
embodiment of all that is sweetest and best in father and
mother, and I give you my word, I Ve yet to discover the
reverse side of their characters, for they seem to be com-
posed entirely of t sweetest and best/ "

As she spoke, Molly seated herself in the big chair be-
fore the fire, the same one that Mrs. Temple had occupied
the night before. Not far from it rested the hassock that
Bert had sat upon, and as he glanced at it he thought of
the scene on Christmas eve. Leaning one elbow upon
the mantel, he stood looking down upon the occupant of
the big chair, wondering to himself if she realized how
sweet and winning she looked.

Molly was not beautiful, but possessed that which is

UNCLE BEET MAKES A GIFT AND RECEIVES ONE 285

even more desirable — a brave, sweet, intelligent face. Her
soft, light-brown hair, from which stray locks would
escape in spite of her, was rolled up from her broad fore-
head and twisted in a massive coil at the back of her
head.

The great gray eyes, with their heavy black lashes and
prettily arched brows, had a wonderfully soft expression
when her face was in repose, but the merriest of merry
sparkles when anything amused her, and Molly rarely
missed seeing the funny side of anything. A straight
nose, a mouth that could form very merry and very sweet
words, or could be firm and determined, as the square
chin below indicated, pretty, delicate hands that seemed
formed to minister to the comfort of others, and small,
shapely feet to support an alert, active body — Molly
carried the index to her character upon her, for she either
drew or repelled at once. Her frank, upright nature de-
spised sham of any kind, but blossomed out instantly in
a congenial atmosphere.

" Only think !" she continued, chatting on in her frank,
outspoken wa}T, " I have been in this dear home one year,
one mouth, and one day ; for it was on the 24th of No-
vember, one year ago, that I came here and found that
sweet child in such a condition that I shudder even now
when I recall it.

"Mr. Herbert," leaning a little forward, and clasping
her pretty hands together, as she looked up at the tall
man, who seemed to have lost all desire to talk, " you can't
think how dreadful it was ! I never, never expected to see
her take another step. And poor Mrs. Temple scarcely

286 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

left her side. Many and many a night, when she thought
me sound asleep upon my couch in the corner, and Mabel
was under the influence of opiates, I have seen her drop
upon her knees beside the bed, and murmur in tones that
it nearly broke my heart to hear and not rise straight up
and go and comfort her :

" t Dear Father, give me faith to believe, and spare to
me, I pray you, my one little child.'

" It was almost more than I could bear " ; and Molly's
voice quivered as she spoke.

" Her 'one little child' has been spared to her, thanks to
the dear Father upon whom she called, and the tender
nurse whom he sent to work the cure," said Herbert,
holding out his hand to her; and Molly, without a thought
of doing otherwise, placed her own in it.

"No, no; /had very little to do with it," she said, "and
you must not thank me. It only required care and pa-
tience, and those are easy to give where such boundless
gratitude is given in return as I Ve had given to me " ;
and she attempted to withdraw her hand from the strong
one which held it and seemed to regard possession as
nine points of the law.

Rising suddenly to her feet, with rather a startled ex-
pression creeping into her face, she said :

" I fear madam mother may need me now."

" No, Molly," replied Uncle Bert ; " madam mother does
not need you nearly as much as I do. Do you think they
are the only ones who have learned to love you during
this past year ? "

But this time Molly was silent, and placing his other

UNCLE BEET MAKES A GIFT AND RECEIVES ONE 287

hand upon the one now trembling in his right one, he
continued :

" This is a sweet and happy home, dear, and I know that
you can never be happier than you have been within its
shelter, for you have won love and boundless esteem from
all its inmates ; nor have I one as lovely to offer you in
exchange, but I think I can make it an attractive one,
though only time can prove how deep and true is the
love I offer you. Can you believe me, dear, and let me
try ? It is a very precious Christmas gift I ask of you, —
the most precious woman can bestow or man accept, — and
I would be worse than conceited if I allowed mvself to

t/

believe that you had the faintest idea that I intended to
ask for it. But I believe I Ve wished for it ever since I
nearly knocked you off Mrs. Perkins' front porch last
summer " • and Uncle Bert smiled as he recalled his intro-
duction to Molly.

" No," said Molly, in her serious, earnest way ; " I did
not know it, Mr. Herbert, and even now I can hardly
realize it. It seems such a wonderful thing to have such
love offered me " ; and she looked straight into the kind
blue eyes that were looking at her so intently. " I have
led such a busy and — yes, a lonely life also — too busy
and lonely to think of such a thing as this, and now it
seems as though I were dreaming."

"Will you not make it a reality, Molly, by saying yes,
and letting me feel that when I return to this home next
spring it will be to claim my wife and carry her away
with me to my Western one ! "

"Does Mrs. Temple know anything of this, Mr. Herbert?"

288 PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

" Yes ; I spoke to her last night, and told her I meant
to ask her and Ned for the most precious gift they could
give me. Her reply was, l Please God you may win it.'
Will you say the same, dear ? ';

" It seems so strange to me," replied Molly, glancing
up into his face, as a soft flush overspread her own, "that
I do not know how to reply to you, and still be true to
you and to myself. I have so little to give and so much
to gain, and you win only me.'7

" l Only me,'" echoed Uncle Bert; "and since it is 'only
me ' I ask for, may I have it ? " And placing his arm about
her, he drew her gently to his side.

For a reply Molly looked straight into his eyes and
answered :

"Yes, Herbert; and please God I may be to you all
dear madam mother is to your brother."

"And I to you all that he has been to her," replied
Herbert; and drawing the dear face to his shoulder, he
tenderly kissed the beautiful eyes which looked so trust-
ingly into his own.

A few moments later silvery chimes announced the
children's return, and Molly and Herbert went out to
receive Ruth and start Bob for his drive with Mabel.

As they passed into the great hall, one of the maids, busy
with her duties in the rooms above, was singing in a sweet,
melodious voice, " Home, home ! sweet, sweet home ! " and
turning to Molly, Herbert said: "That is our betrothal
hymn, dear one, and may it be auspicious of our future."

Molly made no reply, but the great gray eyes spoke
volumes to her future husband.

CHAPTER XXXVIII

THE CURTAIN DROPS

in Polly's short life had she
known such a happy day as this Christ-
mas proved, for Bob and Ruth shared
her joys, and had been very generously
remembered by each member of Mr.
Temple's family.
When Mrs. Temple learned of the little girPs work in
order to earn money for her Christmas gifts, she was
very deeply touched, and filled Polly's heart with joy by
saying :

"Your earnest endeavor to be self -helpful and inde-
pendent renders your gifts doubly valuable in my sight,
and I am proud to have in my home some one so self-
reliant and determined to succeed, even though she be a
little maid only eleven years old."

Dinner was to be served at two o'clock, for Mrs. Temple
wished to give as many of the servants as could be spared
a long, free evening, and it was a merry party which gath-
ered in the great dining-room j for Jamie, who happened
to be visiting in New York just then, had been invited

289

290 PEETTY POLLY PERKINS

as well, and thus the Endmeadow party was nearly
complete.

It would be useless to try to describe the fun and
frolic, for Mr. and Mrs. Temple entered heart and soul
into the spirit of the season, and neither Uncle Bert nor
Molly were far behind.

So jokes as well as filberts were cracked, and funny
stories told that nearly convulsed the children and
brought them perilously close to apoplexy.

It was past five o'clock before the dinner was brought to
an end, and just as they were about to leave the table,
Mr. Temple arose from his chair and, taking up his cup
of after-dinner coffee, said :

"Let us all drink to the health of Brother Bert and
Molly, our sister elect, although to the children it must
be aunt elect, and wish them joy and happiness with all
our hearts 5 for we have learned to-day that he has won
the priceless Christmas gift he wished for, and in return
has given to us a new and very sweet relative."

The children looked puzzled until Mabel cried out, as
she ran to clasp her arms about Molly's neck :

" Oh, Molly, Molly dear, is it truly true ? And now we
can have you with us always. I am so glad — oh, I am so
glad ! "

Molly held her close to her, for the child's very genuine
joy was a sweet welcome into the family which henceforth
was to be her own.

The children crowded about her, saying in their sweet,
eager voices : " And we are glad, too, Miss Wheeler, for
we want to have you here always " j while Polly put the

THE CURTAIN DROPS 291

finishing touch to all by adding in her innocent little
way:

" Somehow, I never liked to call you just Miss Wheeler —
it seemed to sort of keep you away from all the rest j but
now I can say Miss Aunt-Uucle-Bert-elect, and every time
I say it I '11 know you are just a piece of the others."

" You Ve hit it, as usual, pretty Poll," cried Uncle Bert,
catching her up, and setting her upon his shoulder, as he
used to do in Endmeadow ; " that is precisely what we
want her to be — 'just a piece of us all/ and a piece so
valuable that one of us, at least, would be very imperfect
without it."

Two hours later two carriages drove up to the door, and
were speedily filled, for Mr. and Mrs. Temple, with Mabel
and Jamie, stepped into the first ; while Uncle Bert and
" Miss Aunt-Uncle-Bert-elect," with Ruth, Bob, and Polly,
filled the other, and were soon being whirled away to one
of the big theaters downtown to see the pretty little opera
of " Cinderella."

Mr. Temple had taken a box, and consequently both
stage and house were brought before Polly's astonished
eyes ; for she had never before been in a theater, and her
joy and amazement were beyond words to picture, and
she was utterly lost to everything but the brilliant scenery
before her.

"How can they do it? Is it real fairyland?" she ex-
claimed, when the fairy godmother came out of the fire-
place, and, dropping her own hideous disguise, stood before
the amazed Cinderella a gorgeous, glittering fairy queen,
whose diaphanous draperies floated and waved about her

292. PRETTY POLLY PERKINS

like a silver cloud ; and when, with a touch of her magic
wand, she transformed the forlorn little kitchen drudge
into a magnificent court lady, with train and jewels all
complete, Polly fairly shrieked for joy, and clapped her
hands till she nearly split the precious tan-colored kid
gloves.

"By Jove!" said Uncle Bert, "it would have paid me
to come all the way from Colorado just to see that
youngster's delight to-night, even though no stronger at-
traction drew me"; and he glanced at Molly, who was
enjoying it quite as much as the little people gathered
around her.

All too soon came the end, in which, during a truly
superb march of the court gentlemen and ladies, led by
Cinderella and the Prince, and followed by an endless
number of soldiers, guards, fairies, and I know not what,
with swiftly changing scenery and marvelous light
effects, the great curtain fell, shutting Polly out of her
fairy world and bringing her back to the real one in
which Mrs. Temple was saying :

"Well, my sweet P, will you leave your fairyland
and come back to ours ? for I want to get you into this
warm cloak, lest I have a frozen blossom to carry home."

With a sigh of regret, Polly left her fairy world and
followed the others from the building and into the
carriages waiting for them.

In order to leave nothing undone, Mr. Temple took
them all up to the Waldorf, and let them indulge in a
most unusual dissipation by ordering ices and fancy
cakes for his party. The lights, the service, the costly

THE CURTAIN DROPS 293

toilets, and the delightful music made Polly believe she
had stepped into still another fairy world, and she mo-
mentarily expected to see Cinderella and the Prince
reappear.

But this was a true fairy world which boundless wealth
had conjured, and dear little Polly gave up trying to guess
how it had all come to pass. The simple feast soon ended,
and before twelve had chimed out from old Trinity's bells,
far away at the other end of the big city, five tired little
heads were sound asleep upon their soft pillows, safe in
the home of the kind friends who had brought so much
happiness into their lives, and opened to their surprised
eyes such undreamed-of delights. And within the shel-
tering care of this dear home, whose whole atmosphere
breathed " peace on earth, good will toward men," and
whose motto was " Do unto others as ye would be done
by," we will leave Polly and those who have helped to
make this little story — leave them to dream of the won-
derful things the future held for them when years should
have made them men and women.

J*Tm

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