a tea
party would n't make a pleasant ending for the afternoon. That
set Elsie into a flutter of blissful anticipations, so that when
she overheard the Doctor telling Polly the auto got to wish she,
to, could have a drive.

"Did you ever go to ride with Dr. Dudley?" queried Polly, as
Miss Lucy buttoned her into a fresh frock.

"Oh, no!"

"Did n't he ever invite you?" she persisted.

"Of course not! Now, turn round, and let me see if you are all
right."

"Well, he ought to! It is n't fair for me to have all the rides.
He's lovely to go with!"

Miss Lucy did not answer, but her cheeks were almost as pink as
Polly's dress, while she pulled out the neck ruffle and retied the
ribbon that caught up the bright curls.

Polly was starting off without a word.

"Good-bye, dear! I hope you will have just as good a time as you
always do." And Miss Lucy detained her long enough to leave a
kiss on the red lips.

A gay little laugh was the only reply. Then Polly ran out of the
dressing-room and across the ward. The children heard her
tripping down the stairs, and hurried over to the windows to see
her go. But nobody appeared outside, and presently Polly
returned.

"Put on your hat quick, Miss Lucy!" she cried gleefully. "You're
going, 'stead o' me! Dr. Dudley says he shall feel very much
honored to have your company! May I get your hat?"

"Polly May!" the young woman exclaimed, in a flutter of
astonishment, "what have you been telling him?"

"OH, nothing much!" laughed Polly. "He wants you--so go right
along!"

"Yes, do!" the children chimed in.

"Do!" echoed Elsie. "'Cause it's my birthday!"

Of course Miss Lucy insisted that she could not, would not, go.
She pleaded lack of time and unsuitable dress. She summoned to
her aid every excuse at command. But in the end she did exactly
as the children wished, and they had the delight of seeing her
drive away with the Doctor, while they chorused merry good-byes to
the frantic waving of handkerchiefs.

When the automobile was out of sight, Polly thoughtfully began to
paint the picture for those who had been shut off from a peep of
it.

"They looked just lovely together, Miss Lucy in her pretty gray
suit, with the pink rose on her hat! She waved her hand, and Dr.
Dudley waved his!"

"Wonder how long they'll be gone," put in Elsie.

"I don't know--oh, say, let's clean up the dressing-room, and dust
everywhere, so Miss Lucy won't have it to do when s