sons and all such things
are up in the medicine closet, and that's always locked."

"You have been allowed too much liberty," Miss Price went on.
"hereafter remember that you are not to touch a bottle of any
description. But, then," she added, half to herself, but which
came plainly to Polly's ear, "there is no need of such an order
while I am in charge. I shall see that none are left within
reach."

The child's eyes flashed. This clear implication of the one she
adored set loose her temper, and she burst out passionately:--

"Miss Lucy always does everything just right, and I think it's
mean of you to hint that she does n't!"

Miss \Price looked steadily at Polly, the color wavering on her
cheeks; then she said, with more than her usual gentleness:--

"Polly, I am sorry, but I think I shall have to punish you. You
may go and sit in that wooden chair over there, with your back to
the window. Do not stir or speak until I give you permission."

Polly walked straight to the seat designated, but there was no
meekness in her obedience. She carried her head defiantly, and
her face was hot with anger. To think that "High Price" should
dare to find fault with Miss Lucy! That rankled in her loyal
little heart.

Chapter V

With the Assistance of Lone Star

A strain of music floated up from the street, and the children
that were able to be on their feet rushed for the windows.

"It's a band wagon!" cried Ethel.

"Two!" amended Moses. "Say, Miss Price, can't Polly just come
and look at 'em?"

"No," was the quiet answer, while Cornelius O'Shaughnessy made
faces at the young woman's back.

But Polly was not missing as much as the children feared. At
first her mind was in too great a tumult for her to care for band
wagons. Then, as the music soothed her excited nerves and drew
her thoughts into pleasanter paths, she pictured the great wagons,
and ther performers in scarlet and gold, as she had seen them
scores of times, and she seemed to watch their progress under the
arch of elms as perfectly as if she were not in the idle of the
room with her eyes shut.

Them music grew faint and fainter, and was finally lost in the
noise of the street. The children returned to their various
occupations, giving Polly furtive tokens of sympathy on their way
back. Leonora squeezed her hand; Cornelius patted her shoulder;
Moses gently pulled a curl--one of his friendly amusements; and
Brida, who was now about on cru