n the morning."

"But, oh, dear!" groaned Leonora, "that Aunt Jane will get you
again, sure! Oh, Dr. Dudley, don't let her go alone, please
don't!"

Polly laughed happily. It was hard for Leonora to realize that
Mrs. Bean had no more power over her beloved friend.

But Dr. Dudley did not laugh. Leonora had been of the band of
anxious ones on that night of suspense, and he could understand
how she still feared to have Polly venture for without a
protector.

"You need not worry," he assured her. "I shall not let Polly out
of my sight until she is safely inside Mrs. Jocelyn's house."

"I could go alone just as well," smiled the little girl. "There
is n't any danger."

"It is too long a walk," returned the Doctor, "and don't you
dare to come back, young lady, until you come with me!" He shook
his finger at her threateningly.

She giggled, while David remarked, with a mischievous twinkle:--

"That would be a good way to keep her there--you need n't go
after her!"

"Do you want me to stay away, David Collins?" demanded Polly.

"No, I don't," he admitted laughing.

"Oh, don't talk about her staying away!" pleaded Leonora. "We
did, just in fun, last time, and then she was lost!"

"Oh, you funny, blessed Leonora!" cried Polly, putting her arms
around her friend's neck, "I'm not going to get lost, or stay
away, either--only one night. I guess you can stand it for
just one night."

Dr. Dudley saw his charge inside Mrs. Jocelyn's door, according to
his promise; but the little lady told him that he need not come
after her, for she would bring her back on the following day.

Mrs. Jocelyn's home was in a delightful quarter of the city,
opposite a park of many acres. The house was dignified mansion,
full of stately old furniture, and if it had not been for its
owner's cheery hospitality it would have been rather awe-inspiring
to a little girl like Polly. But Polly, having been several times
a guest in the big house, now felt quite at home, and ran up and
down the polished oaken stairs and through the grand, dimly
lighted hallways as merrily as if she had always been used to such
imposing surroundings.

"It is too bad Dorothy could n't stay over till this week," Mrs.
Jocelyn said; "but never mind! She'll come again before long,
and then you'll see her. We'll have such pleasant times to-day
and to-morrow, that she won't be missed. This afternoon are going
shopping, and you are to buy presents for everybody