Joel; "she's up-stairs." And he flew out in
a twinkling, and just as soon reappeared with Polly scampering after him
in the wildest excitement.

And then the kitchen was in an uproar as the precious missive was put
into Polly's hand; and they all gathered around her, wondering and
examining, till Ben thought he would go wild with the delay.

"I wonder where it did come from," said Polly, in the greatest anxiety,
examining again the address.

"Where does the postmark say?" asked Mrs. Pepper, looking over her
shoulder.

"It's all rubbed out," said Polly, peering at it "you can't see
anything."

"Do open it," said Ben, "and then you'll find out."

"But p'raps 'tisn't for me," said Polly, timidly.

"Well, Mr. Atkins says 'tis," said Ben, impatiently; "here, I'll open it
for you, Polly."

"No, let her open it for herself, Ben," protested his mother.

"But she won't," said Ben; "do tear it open, Polly."

"No, I'm goin' to get a knife," she said.

"I'll get one," cried Joel, running up to the table drawer; "here's one,
Polly."

"Oh, dear," groaned Ben; "you never'll get it open at this rate!"

But at last it was cut; and they all holding their breath, gazed
awe-struck, while Polly drew out the mysterious missive.

"What does it say?" gasped Mrs. Pepper.

"Dear Miss Polly," began both Ben and Polly in a breath. "Let Polly
read," said Joel, who couldn't hear in the confusion.

"Well, go on Polly," said Ben; "hurry!"

"Dear Miss Polly, I was so sorry I couldn't come on Thursday--"

"Oh, it's Jasper! it's Jasper!" cried all the children in a breath.

"I told you so!" cried Ben and Polly, perfectly delighted to find their
friend vindicated fully--"there! Joey Pepper!"

"Well, I don't care," cried Joe, nothing daunted, "he didn't come,
anyway--do go on, Polly."

"I was so sorry I couldn't come--" began Polly.

"You read that," said Joel.

"I know it," said Polly, "but it's just lovely; 'on Thursday; but my
father was sick, and I couldn't leave him. If you don't mind I'll come
again--I mean I'll come some other day, if it's just as convenient for
you, for I do so want the baking, and the nice time. I forgot to say
that I had a cold, to,' (here Jasper had evidently had a struggle in his
mind whether there should be two o's or one, and he had at last decided
it, by crossing out one) but my father is willing I should come when I
get well. Give my love to all, and especially remember me respectfully
to your