had it out! What do you think that boy wanted? To be
engaged--now!"

"Mercy! And you only thirteen!"

"I talked him out of it in a hurry, and I guess he sees it as I do.
He's the dearest boy--and the foolishest!"

"Yes, David is a dear boy, the most agreeable of his age I ever
knew! He is so thoughtful and winsome."

"That would please David mightily. I shall have to tell him. He
hasn't much self-esteem--it will do him good. I wonder why he
likes me better than other girls," mused Polly. "There's
Patricia--ever so much prettier than I am, and Leonora--right in
the house--sweet as can be and delighted with his least attention.
But no, he likes me best--I--don't--see--why!" She slowly nodded
out the words.

Juanita Sterling laughed softly. "Love goes where it is sent, you
know. As for me, I don't wonder at all!"

"Oh, well, you are partial!" said Polly with a little blush. "But
I can't understand it with him."

"For the same reason that you prefer him to the other boys. I'm
glad you have made up."

"I am! I hate fusses! Dear me! I must go back and telephone."

She ran over again shortly before the appointed time.

"David and I are going, after all!" she cried. "At the last minute
Mrs. Illingworth had to change her plans for the afternoon, so we
can have her other car. Isn't that fine! Will you sit with us? I
told David what you said, and he is ready to eat you up!"

The former Mrs. Dick welcomed her friends with cordial hands and
tongue.

"I had almost despaired of you," she told Miss Sterling and Polly,
as she walked with them into the house. "And I'm glad so many
could come. I didn't know how it would be. Awfully sad about Miss
Twining, isn't it? I always liked Miss Twining."

"Isn't she lovable?" put in Polly.

"Yes, very.--Take seats, all of you. We were just speaking of Miss
Twining--I'm so sorry for her! But if she is losing her mind,
perhaps it will be providential for her to go soon."

"'Losing her mind'!" exclaimed Miss Crilly. "Who made up that
whopper?"

"Why, isn't she? One of the Board told me--Mrs. Brintnall. I met
her in town the other day. I think it came straight from Miss
Sniffen. She said she was a great care, now that she has heart
disease, and that she is liable to drop away any time. Mrs.
Brintnall spoke of her mind's failing as if everybody knew it--that
a good many days she would seem as bright as ever, and then again
she didn't know much of anyth