FIVE LITTLE PEPPERS ABROAD

by

MARGARET SIDNEY

Illustrated byFANNY Y. CORY

PREFACE

When the friends of the Pepper family found that the author was firm inher decision to continue their history no further, they brought theirappeals for the details of some of those good times that made the"little brown house" an object-lesson. 

In these appeals, the parents were as vigorous as the young people fora volume of the stories that Polly told, to keep the children happy inthose hard days when her story-telling had to be a large factor intheir home-life; and also for a book of their plays and exploits, impossible to be embodied in the continued series of their history, sothat all who loved the "Five Little Peppers" might the better study theinfluences that shaped their lives. 

Those requests were complied with; the author realising that thedetailed account held values, by which stronger light might be thrownon the family life in the "little brown house. "

And now the pressure is brought to bear for a book showing the LittlePeppers over the ocean, recorded in "Five Little Peppers Midway. " Andthe author is very glad to comply again; for foreign travel throws awholly different side-light upon the Pepper family. So here is thebook. 

It is in no sense to be taken as a story written for a guide-book, --although the author lives in it again her repeated enjoyment of thesights and scenes which are accurately depicted. A "Baedeker, " ifcarefully studied, is really all that is needed as a constant companionto the traveller; while for supplementary helps and suggestions, thereare many valuable books along the same line. This volume is given up tothe Peppers; and they must live their own lives and tell their ownstory while abroad just as they choose. 

As the author has stated many times, her part is "simply to set downwhat the Peppers did and said, without trying to make them say or doanything in particular. " And so over the ocean they are just as muchthe makers of their own history as when they first opened the door ofthe "little brown house" to

 MARGARET SIDNEY. 

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

 I. OVER THE OCEAN II. TWO ENGLISH FRIENDS III. PHRONSIE GOES VISITING IV. STEAMER LIFE V. A FISH STORY AND OTHER THINGS VI. A LITTLE SURPRISE VII. OFF FOR HOLLAND VIII. "WE WILL COME AGAIN AND STAY A WEEK" IX. A BOX FOR THE PEPPER BOYS X. DANGER XI. THE TWO BIRTHDAYS IN OLD HOLLAND XII. THE HENDERSON BOX XIII. "THE CLEANEST PLACE IN ALL HOLLAND" XIV. THE ISLAND OF MARKEN XV. MR. KING DOES HIS DUTY XVI. "LET US FLY AT THOSE BOOKS" XVII. POLLY WROTE A NICE LITTLE NOTE XVIII. BAYREUTH AND OLD FRIENDS XIX. MR. KING HAS A LITTLE PLAN FOR POLLY XX. "I SHOULD MAKE HIM HAPPY, " SAID PHRONSIE XXI. ON THE RIGI-KULM XXII. POLLY TRIES TO HELP XXIII. IN THE SHADOW OF THE MATTERHORN XXIV. THE ROUND ROBIN XXV. ON THE _MER DE GLACE_ XXVI. "WELL, HERE WE ARE IN PARIS!" XXVII. "I'VE FOUND HIM!" EXCLAIMED JASPERXXVIII. "WELL, I GOT HIM HERE, " SAID THE LITTLE EARL

ILLUSTRATIONS

"Now don't you want to get off?"

He clung to his pear with both hands and ate away with greatsatisfaction

"Fan-ny!--the Earl of Cavendish!" She could go no further

Phronsie sat opposite him

"Mamsie's got her two bothers, " said Polly

"Look at that girl!"

She picked up the skirt of her gown

Phronsie ducked and scuttled in as she could

_Five Little Peppers Abroad_

I

OVER THE OCEAN

"Dear me, " said Polly, "I don't see wherever she can be, Jasper. I'vesearched just everywhere for her. " And she gave a little sigh, andpushed up the brown rings of hair under her sailor cap. 

"Don't worry, Polly, " said Jasper, with a reassuring smile. "She's withMatilda, of course. Come, Polly, let's you and I have a try at theshuffle-board by ourselves, down on the lower deck. "

"No, we can't, " said Polly, with a dreadful longing at her heart forthe charms of a game; "that is, until we've found Phronsie. " And sheran down the deck. "Perhaps she is in one of the library corners, though I thought I looked over them all. "

"How do you know she isn't with Matilda, Polly?" cried Jasper, racingafter, to see Polly's little blue jacket whisking ahead of him up thecompanion-way. 

"Because"--Polly stopped at the top and looked over her shoulder athim--"Matilda's in her berth. She's awfully seasick. I was to stay withPhronsie, and now I've lost her!" And the brown head drooped, and Pollyclasped her hands tightly together. 

"Oh, no, she can't be lost, Polly, " said Jasper, cheerfully, as hebounded up the stairs and gained her side; "why, she couldn't be!"

"Well, anyway, we can't find her, Jasper, " said Polly, running on. "Andit's all my fault, for I forgot, and left her in the library, and wentwith Fanny Vanderburgh down to her state-room. O dear me!" as she spedon. 

"Well, she's in the library now, most likely, " said Jasper, cheerfully, hurrying after, "curled up asleep in a corner. " And they both ran in, expecting to see Phronsie's yellow head snuggled into one of thepillows. 

But there was no one there except a little old gentleman on one of thesofas back of a table, who held his paper upside down, his bigspectacles on the end of his nose, almost tumbling off as he noddeddrowsily with the motion of the steamer. 

"O dear me!" exclaimed Polly; "now we shall wake him up, " as theytiptoed around, peering in every cosey corner and behind all the tablesfor a glimpse of Phronsie's little brown gown. 

"No danger, " said Jasper, with a glance over at the old gentleman;"he's just as fast asleep as can be. Here, Polly, I think she'sprobably tucked up in here. " And he hurried over to the farther side, where the sofa made a generous angle. 

Just then in stalked a tall boy, who rushed up to the little oldgentleman. "Here, Granddad, wake up. " And he shook his arm smartly. "You're losing your glasses, and then there'll be a beastly row topay. "

"O dear me!" cried Polly aghast, as she and Jasper whirled around. 

"Hey--what--what!" exclaimed the old gentleman, clutching his paper ashe started forward. "Oh, --why, I haven't been asleep, Tom. "

"Ha! Ha! tell that to the marines, " cried Tom, loudly, dancing inderision, "You've been sleeping like a log. You'd much better go downand get into your state-room. But give me a sovereign first. " He heldout his hand as he spoke. "Hurry up, Granddad!" he added impatiently. 

The old gentleman put his hand to his head, and then rubbed his eyes. 

"Bustle up, " cried the boy, with a laugh, "or else I'll run my fist inyour pocket and help myself. "

"Indeed, you won't, " declared the old gentleman, now thoroughly awake. 

"Ha! Ha!" laughed the boy. "You see if I won't, Granddad. " Yet hedropped his imperious tone, and waited, though impatiently, while thebig pocket-book was drawn out. 

"What do you want with money on board the boat?" demanded the oldgentleman. 

"Give me a sovereign, Granddad, " cried Tom, controlling his impatienceas best he might, with many a cross look at the wrinkled old face underthe white hair. 

His Grandfather slowly drew out the coin, and Tom twitched it eagerlyfrom the long, thin fingers. 

"I don't see how you can need money on board the boat, " repeated theold gentleman. 

"Never you mind what I want it for, Grand-daddy, " said Tom, laughingloudly and shaking the sovereign at him as he ran off; "that's mybusiness, and not yours. "

Polly had not taken her eyes off their faces. Now she turned towardJasper. "Oh, how very dreadful!" she gasped--then would have giveneverything if she had kept still, for the old gentleman whirled aroundand saw them for the first time. 

"Hey--who are you--and what are you listening there for--hey?" hedemanded sharply. He had little black eyes, and they now snapped in atruly dreadful way at them. 

"We came to find her little sister, " said Jasper, politely, for Pollywas quite beyond speaking. 

"Sister? I don't know anything about your sister, " said the oldgentleman, irascibly. "And this room isn't a place for children, I cantell you, " he added, as if he owned the library and the whole ship. 

Jasper made no reply. 

"Phronsie isn't here. " Polly clasped her hands again tighter than ever. "And, oh, Jasper!" and she looked at the angry old face before themwith pitying eyes. 

"What I say to my grandson, Tom, and what he says to me, is our ownbusiness!" exclaimed the old gentleman in a passion, thumping the tablewith his clenched hand. "And no one else has a right to hear it. "

"I am so very sorry we heard it, " said Polly, the colour which hadquite gone from her cheek now rushing back. "And we are going rightaway, sir. "

"You would much better, " said the old man, nodding angrily. "And you, boy, too; I suppose you think yourself better than my Tom. But you arenot--not a bit of it!" And suddenly he tried to start to his feet, butlurched heavily against the table instead. 

Polly and Jasper rushed over to him. "Lean on me, sir, " said Jasper, putting both arms around him, while Polly ran to his other side, he wasshaking so dreadfully. 

The old gentleman essayed to wave them off. "Let me alone, " he saidfeebly; "I'm going after my grandson, Tom. " His voice sank to awhisper, and his head dropped to his breast. "He's got money--he'salways getting it, and I'm going to see what he's doing with it. "

"Polly, " said Jasper, "you help me put him back on the sofa; there, that's it, " as the old man sank feebly down against the cushions; "andthen I'll run and find his grandson. "

It was just the time when everybody seemed to be in the state-rooms, orout on deck in steamer chairs, so Polly sat there at the old man'shead, feeling as if every minute were an hour, and he kept gurgling, "Tom's a bad boy--he gets money all the time, and I'm going to see whathe's doing with it, " with feeble waves of his legs, that put Polly in afright lest he should roll off the sofa at every lurch of the steamer. 

"Tom is coming, " at last she said, putting her hand on the hotforehead. "Please stay still, sir; you will be sick. "

"But I don't want Tom to come, " cried the old gentleman, irritably. "Who said I wanted him to come? Hey?" He turned up his head and lookedat her, and Polly's hand shook worse than ever when the little snappingeyes were full on her face, and she had all she could do to keep fromrunning out of the room and up on deck where she could breathe freely. 

"I am so sorry, " she managed to gasp, feeling if she didn't saysomething, she should surely run. "Does your head feel better?" And shesmoothed his hot forehead gently just as Phronsie always didGrandpapa's when it ached. And when she thought of Phronsie, then itwas all she could do to keep the tears back. Where could she be? Andwould Jasper never come back?

And just then in ran Tom with a great clatter, complaining noisilyevery step of the way. "I told you you'd much better get off to yourstateroom, Granddad!" he exclaimed. "Here, I'll help you down there. "And he laid a hasty hand on the feeble old arm. 

"I think he is sick, " said Polly, gently. Jasper came hurrying in. "Phronsie is all right, " he had time to whisper to Polly. 

"Oh, Jasper!" the colour rushed into her cheek that had turned quitewhite. "I am so glad. "

"Nonsense!" exclaimed Tom, abruptly. "It's only one of his crotchets. You don't know; he gets up plenty of 'em on occasion. "

"What did you want a sovereign for?" asked the old gentleman, querulously, taking his sharp little eyes off Polly to fasten them onhis grandson's face. "Say, I _will_ know. "

"And I say no matter, " retorted Tom, roughly. "And you ought to comedown to your state-room where you belong. Come, Granddad!" And he triedagain to lay hold of his arm. But the little old gentleman sank back, and looked up at Polly again. "I think I'll stay here, " he said. 

"I say, " began the boy, in an embarrassed way, "this is dreadfullyrough on you, " and then he looked away from Polly to Jasper. "And ifyou knew him as well as I do, " nodding his head at his Grandfather, "you wouldn't get in such a funk. "

Polly was busy smoothing the hot forehead under the white hair, andappeared not to notice a word he said. 

"Your Grandfather really appears ill, " said Jasper. "And the doctormight give him something to help him. "

Tom burst into a short laugh and kicked his heel against the table. "Hoh! hoh! I say, you don't know him; oh, what muffs you are! He's wellenough, only he's determined not to go to his state-room where hebelongs, but to kick up a row here. "

"Very well, " said Jasper, coolly, "since you are determined to donothing for his relief, I shall take it upon myself to summon thedoctor. " He stepped to a table a bit further off, and touched theelectric button back of it. 

"Here, don't do that, " remonstrated Tom, springing forward. But it wastoo late, and the steward who attended to calls on the library steppedin. 

"It isn't the hour for giving out books, " he began. 

Tom was stamping his foot impatiently, and scowling at Jasper, alternately casting longing glances out the nearest port-hole. 

"It isn't books we want, " said Jasper, quickly, "but this oldgentleman"--whose head was now heavily sunken on his breast, and whosecheek was quite white--"appears to be very ill, and to need thedoctor. "

"Is that so?" The steward leaned over and peered into the old face. "Well, he doesn't look just right, and that's a fact. Is he yourfather?"

"Oh, no, " said Jasper, quickly, "I don't know who he is. But, do hurry, for he's sick, and needs the doctor at once. "

"I'll get Dr. Jones. " Off ran the steward toward the surgeon's cabin. 

"See what you've done, " cried Tom, in a towering passion. "Kicked up apretty mess--when I tell you I've seen my Grandfather just as bad ahundred times. "

Jasper made no reply, and Polly continued to stroke gently the poorhead. 

"Well--well--well!" exclaimed Mr. King, coming in, "to be sure, it'svery stupid in me not to think of looking in the library for both ofyou before. O dear me--bless me!" And he came to a dead stop ofastonishment. 

"Father, " cried Jasper, "this poor man seems very ill. "

"Oh, yes, " breathed Polly, pitifully, "he really is, Grandpapa. " Andshe put out her hand to seize one of Mr. King's. "And Jasper has sentfor the doctor. "

"And none too soon, I should say, " remarked Mr. King, grimly, with akeen glance into the old man's face. "Raise his feet a little higher, Jasper; put a pillow under them; there, that's it. Well, the doctorshould be hurried up. " He glanced quickly around. "Here, you boy, "seeing Tom, "run as you never have run before, and tell the doctor tocome quickly. "

"There isn't any need, " began Tom. 

"Do you _go_!" commanded Mr. King, pointing to the door. And Tomwent. 

"Father, that boy is his grandson, " said Jasper, pointing to the sickman. 

Mr. King stared into Jasper's face, unable to make a reply. 

"He is, " declared Polly. "Oh, Grandpapa, he really is!" Then she buriedher flushed face up against Mr. King's arm. 

"There is no need to waste words, " said Mr. King, finding his tongue. "There, there, Polly, child, " fondling her brown head, "don't feelbadly. I'm sure you've done all you could. "

"'Twas Jasper; he did it all--I couldn't do anything, " said Polly. 

"Oh, Polly, you did everything, " protested Jasper. 

"Yes, yes, I know, you both did, " said Mr. King. "Well, here's thedoctor, thank the Lord!"

And then when nobody wanted them, the library seemed to be full ofpeople, and the news spreading out to the decks, many of the passengersgot out of their steamer chairs, and tried to swarm into the twodoorways. 

Tom, who never knew how he summoned Dr. Jones, being chiefly occupiedin astonishment at finding that he obeyed a command from a perfectstranger, did not come back to the library, but kept himself with thesame amazed expression on his face, idly kicking his heels in a quietcorner of the deck near by. He never thought of such a thing as beingworried over his Grandfather, for he couldn't remember when the oldgentleman hadn't been subject to nervous attacks; but somehow since "arow, " as he expressed it, "had been kicked up, " it was just as well tostay in the vicinity and see the end of it. But he wasn't going inside--no, not he!

After awhile, Tom was just beginning to yawn, and to feel that no onecould expect him to waste time like that, and probably his Grandfatherwas going to sleep it out on the sofa, and the stupid doctor would findthat there was nothing the matter, only the old man was nervous. "AndI'm going back to the fellows, " decided Tom, shaking his long legs. 

"Oh, here you are!" cried Jasper, running up to him. "Come quickly, "seizing his arm. 

"Hey, here, what are you about?" roared Tom at him, shaking off thehand. 

"You must excuse me for wasting no ceremony, " said Jasper, sternly. Itstruck Tom that he looked very much like the old gentleman who had toldhim to _go!_ "Your Grandfather is very ill; something is thematter with his heart, and the doctor has sent me for you. He says hemay not live an hour. " It was necessary to tell the whole of thedreadful truth, for Tom was still staring at him in defiance. 

II

TWO ENGLISH FRIENDS

"I don't want you, " muttered the old gentleman, feebly, turning hishead away from Tom, and then he set his lips tightly together. But heheld to Polly's hand. 

"You would better go out, " Dr. Jones nodded to Tom. "It excites him. "

The second time Tom was told to go. He stood quite still. "He's myGrandfather!" he blurted out. 

"Can't help it, " said Dr. Jones, curtly; "he's my patient. So I tellyou again it is imperative that you leave this room. " Then he turnedback to his work of making the sick man comfortable without taking anymore notice of the boy. 

Tom gave a good long look at as much of his Grandfather's face as hecould see, then slunk out, in a dazed condition, trying to make himselfas small as possible. Jasper found him a half hour afterward, hangingover the rail away from curious eyes, his head buried on his arms. 

"I thought you'd like to know that your Grandfather is better, " saidJasper, touching the bent shoulder. 

"Get away, will you?" growled Tom, kicking out his leg, unmindful whereit struck. 

"And the doctor has gotten him into his state-room, and he is ascomfortable as he could be made. " Jasper didn't add that Dr. Jones hadasked him to come back, and that the old man was still insisting thatPolly should hold his hand. 

"In that case, " declared Tom, suddenly twitching up his head, "I willgo down there. " His face was so drawn that Jasper started, and thenlooked away over the sea, and did not appear to notice the clenchedhand down by the boy's side. 

"I--I--didn't know he was sick. " Tom brought it out in gusts, and hisface worked worse than ever in his efforts not to show his distress. The only thing he could do was to double up his hand tighter than ever, as he tried to keep it back of him. 

"I understand, " nodded Jasper, still looking off over the blue water. 

"And now I'll go down, " said Tom, drawing a long breath and startingoff. Oh! and Dr. Jones had said the last thing to Jasper as he rushedoff with the good news to Tom, "On no account let that boy see hisGrandfather. I won't answer for the consequences if you do. "

"See here, " Jasper tore his gaze off from the shimmering water. "Thedoctor doesn't--doesn't think you ought to see your Grandfather now. "

"Hey!" cried Tom, his drawn lips flying open, and his big blue eyesdistending in anger. "He's my Grandfather. I rather think I shall do asI've a mind to, " and he plunged off. 

"Tom!" Jasper took long steps after him. "Beg your pardon, this is notime for thinking of anything but your Grandfather's life. Dr. Jonessaid you were not to see him at present. " The truth must be told, forin another moment the boy would have been off on the wings of the wind. 

"And do you think that I will mind in the least what that beastlydoctor says?" cried Tom, getting redder and redder in the face, hisrage was so great. "Hoh! no, sir. "

"Then your Grandfather's life will be paid as a sacrifice, " said Jaspercalmly. And he stood quite still; and surveyed the boy before him. 

Neither spoke. It seemed to Jasper an age that they stood there insilence. At last Tom wavered, put out his hand unsteadily, leanedagainst a steamer chair, and turned his face away. 

"Let us do a bit of a turn on the deck, " said Jasper, suddenly, overcoming by a mighty effort his repugnance to the idea. 

Tom shook his head, and swallowed hard. 

"Oh, yes, " said Jasper, summoning all the cheerfulness he could musterto his aid. "Come, it's the very thing to do, if you really want tohelp your Grandfather. "

Tom raised his head and looked at him. "I never supposed the old manwas sick, " he said brokenly, and down went his head again, this timeupon his hands, which were grasping the top of the chair. 

"I don't believe you did, " answered Jasper. "But come, Tom, let's walkaround the deck; we can talk just as well meanwhile. "

Two or three young men, with cigarettes in their mouths, camesauntering up. "Tom Selwyn, you're a pretty fellow--"

Tom raised his head and looked at them defiantly. 

"To give us the slip like this, " cried one, with a sneer, in which theothers joined, with a curious look at Jasper. 

"Well, come on now, " said one. "Yes--yes--come along, " said another;"we've waited long enough for you to get back. "

"I'm not coming, " declared Tom, shortly. 

"Not coming back? Well--" One of the young men said something under hisbreath, and the first speaker turned on his heel, tossing his cigaretteover the railing. 

"No, " said Tom, "I'm not coming. Did you hear me?"

"I believe I had that pleasure, " said the last named, "as I am notdeaf. Come on, fellows; our little boy has got to wait on hisGrandpappy. Good-by, kid!" He snapped his fingers; the other twolaughed derisively, and sauntered off down the deck as they came. 

Tom shook with passion. "I'd like to walk, " he said, drawing a longbreath, and setting off unsteadily. 

"All right, " said Jasper, falling into step beside him. 

Meantime the old gentleman, in his large handsome state-room, showed nosign of returning to the consciousness that had come back for a briefmoment. And he held to Polly's hand so tightly, as she sat at the headof the berth, that there was no chance of withdrawing her fingers hadshe so desired. And Father Fisher with whom Dr. Jones had of coursemade acquaintance, before the steamer fairly sailed, sat there keepingwatch too, in a professional way, the ship's doctor having called himin consultation over the case. And Phronsie, who had been in deeppenitence because she had wandered off from the library with anotherlittle girl, to gaze over the railing upon the steerage children below, thereby missing Polly, was in such woe over it all that she was allowedto cuddle up against Polly's side and hold her other hand. And thereshe sat as still as a mouse, hardly daring to breathe. And Mr. King, feeling as if, after all, the case was pretty much under hissupervision, came softly in at intervals to see that all was well, andthat the dreadful boy was kept out. 

And the passengers all drifted back to their steamer chairs, glad ofsome new topic to discuss, for the gossip they had brought on board wasthreadbare now, as they were two days at sea. And the steamer sailedover the blue water that softly lapped the stout vessel's side, careless of the battle that had been waged for a life, even thenholding by slender threads. And Fanny Vanderburgh, whose grandfatherwas a contemporary in the old business days in New York with Mr. King, and who sat with her mother at the next table to the King party, spentmost of her time running to Mrs. Pepper's state-room, or interviewingany one who would be able to give her the slightest encouragement as towhen she could claim Polly Pepper. 

"O dear me!" Fanny cried, on one such occasion, when she happened torun across Jasper. "I've been down to No. 45 four times this morning, and there's nobody there but that stupid Matilda, and she doesn't knowor won't tell when Polly will get through reading to that tiresome oldman. And they won't let me go to his state-room. Mrs. Fisher and yourfather are there, too, or I'd get them to make Polly come out on deck. We all want her for a game of shuffle-board. "

Jasper sighed. So did he long for a game of shuffle-board. Then hebrought himself up, and said as brightly as he could: "Mr. Selwyn begsPolly to stay, and won't have any one else read to him, MissVanderburgh, so I don't see as it can be helped. He's been very sick, you know. "

Fanny Vanderburgh beat the toe of her boot on the deck floor. "It's aperfect shame. And that horrible old man, he's so seedy and common--just think of it--and spoiling all our fun!"

Jasper looked off over the sea, and said nothing. 

"As for that dreadful boy, his grandson, I think he's a boor. Goodnessme--I hope nobody will introduce him. I'm sure I never'll recognise himafterward. "

Jasper turned uneasily. "Please, Mr. King, do make Polly listen toreason, " begged Fanny. "There isn't another girl on board I care to gowith--at least not in the way I would with her. The Griswolds are wellenough to play games with, and all that; but you know what I mean. Domake her come out with us this morning, and listen to reason, " sherepeated, winding up helplessly. 

"But I think she is just right, " said Jasper, stoutly. 

"Right!" cried Fanny, explosively; "oh, how can you say so, Mr. Jasper!Why, she is losing just every bit of the fun. "

"I know it, " said Jasper, with a twinge at the thought. "Well, there isnothing more to be said or done, Miss Vanderburgh, since Polly hasdecided the matter. Only I want you to remember that I think she isjust right about it. "

Fanny Vanderburgh pouted her pretty lips in vexation. "At least, don'ttry to get that dreadful boy into our own set to play games, " she criedvenomously, "for I won't speak to him. He's a perfect boor. 'Twas onlyyesterday he brushed by me like a clumsy elephant, and knocked my bookout of my hand, and never even picked it up. Think of that, Mr. King!"

"I know--that was dreadful, " assented Jasper, in dismay at the obstacleto the plan he had formed in his own mind, to do that very thing he wasnow being warned against. "But you see, Miss Vanderburgh, he's allupset by his Grandfather's sickness. "

"And I should think he would be, " cried Fanny Vanderburgh, with spirit. "Mrs. Griswold says she's heard him domineering over the old man, andthen his Grandfather would snarl and scold like everything. She has thenext state-room, you know. I don't see how those Selwyns can affordsuch a nice cabin, " continued Fanny, her aristocratic nose in the air, "they look so poor. Anyway that boy is a perfect beast, Mr. King. "

"He's very different now, " said Jasper, quickly. "He had no idea hisGrandfather was so poorly. Now I'll tell you, Miss Vanderburgh, " Jasperturned sharply around on his heel so that he faced her. It wasnecessary with a girl like her to state plainly what he had to say, andto keep to it. "I am going to ask Tom Selwyn to play games with all usyoung people. If it distresses you, or any one else, so that you cannotjoin, of course I will withdraw, and I know Polly will, and we will getup another circle that will play with him. "

It was almost impossible to keep from laughing at Fanny's face, butJasper was very grave as he waited for an answer. "O dear me, Mr. Jasper, " she cried, "haven't I told you I don't really care for any oneon board but Polly Pepper, and Mamma doesn't want me to mix up muchwith those Griswolds?" She lowered her voice and glanced over hershoulder. "It would make it so awkward if they should be much in NewYork, and we should meet. So of course I've got to do as Polly and youdo. Don't you see?--it's awfully hard on me, though, " and she claspedher hands in vexation. 

"Very well, then, " said Jasper; "now that's decided. And seeing it is, why the next thing to do, is to bring Tom down, and we'll get up a gameof shuffle-board at once. He's not needed by his Grandfather now. " Hedidn't think it necessary to add, "for the old gentleman won't see him, and Tom is forbidden the room by the doctor. "

Fanny's aristocratic nose went up in alarm, and her whole face wasoverspread with dismay. It was one thing to anticipate evil, and quiteanother to find it precipitated upon one. "I--I don't--believe I canplay this morning, Mr. Jasper, " she began hurriedly, for the first timein her young life finding herself actually embarrassed. She was eventwisting her fingers. 

"Very well, " said Jasper, coolly, "then I understand that you will notplay with us at any time, for, as we begin to-day, we shall keep on. Iwill set about getting up another party at once. " He touched his yachtcap lightly, and turned off. 

"I'll go right down on the lower deck with you now. " Fanny ran afterhim, her little boot heels clicking excitedly on the hard floor. "Thesteward has marked it all for us. I got him to, while I ran to findPolly so as to engage the place, " she added breathlessly. 

"That's fine, " said Jasper, a smile breaking over the gloom on hisface; "now we'll have a prime game, Miss Vanderburgh. "

Fanny swallowed hard the lump in her throat, and tried to lookpleasant. "Do you go and collect the Griswolds, " cried Jasper, radiantly, "and I'll be back with Tom, " and he plunged off. It was alldone in a minute. And the thing that had been worrying him--how to getTom into good shape, and to keep him there--seemed fixed in the bestway possible. But Tom wouldn't go. Nothing that Jasper could do or saywould move him out of the gloom into which he was cast, and at lastJasper ran down for a hurried game with the party awaiting him, to whomhe explained matters in the best way he could. 

At last, old Mr. Selwyn was able to emerge from his state-room. Mr. King and he were the best of friends by this time, the former always, when Polly read aloud, being one of the listeners. At all such hours, indeed, and whenever Polly went to sit by the invalid, Phronsie wouldcurl up at Polly's side, and fondle the doll that Grandpapa gave herlast, which had the honour to take the European trip with the family. Phronsie would smooth the little dress down carefully, and then withher hand in Polly's, she would sit motionless till the reading wasover. Mamsie, whose fingers could not be idle, although the big mendingbasket was left at home, would be over on the sofa, sewing busily; andlittle Dr. Fisher would run in and out, and beaming at them all throughhis spectacles, would cry cheerily, "Well, I declare, you have the mostcomfortable place on the whole boat, Mr. Selwyn. " Or Dr. Jones, whomPolly thought, next to Papa Fisher, was the very nicest doctor in allthe world, would appear suddenly around the curtain, and smile approvalthrough his white teeth. At last on the fifth day out, the old man washelped up to sun himself in his steamer chair on deck. And then he hada perfect coterie around him, oh-ing and ah-ing over his illness, andexpressing sympathy in every shape, for since Mr. King and his partytook him up, it was quite the thing for all the other passengers tofollow suit. 

When a few hours of this sort of thing had been going on, the old mancalled abruptly to Polly Pepper, who had left him, seeing he had suchgood company about him, and had now skipped up with Jasper to toss hima merry word, or to see if his steamer rug was all tucked in snuglyaround him. 

"See here, Polly Pepper, do you play chess?"

"What, sir?" Polly thought she had not heard correctly. 

"Do you play chess, I say?" demanded old Mr. Selwyn, bringing his sharplittle eyes to bear on her. 

"No, sir, that is--only a little, " stammered Polly. 

"Well, that will do for a start, " the old gentleman nodded insatisfaction. "And I'll give you some points later on about the game. Well, and you play backgammon, of course. " He didn't wait for her toanswer, but finished, "These people here drive me almost crazy, askingme how I feel, and what was the matter with me, and all that rubbish. Now, I'm going into the library, and you shall go too, and we'll have agame of backgammon. "

He flung back his steamer rug with a determined hand. 

Jasper began, "Oh, Polly!" in dismay, but she broke in, "Yes, indeed, Ido play backgammon, Mr. Selwyn, and it will be fine to have a game. "And together they helped him up and into a cosey corner of the library. 

"There, now, " said Polly, with a final little pat on the sofa pillowstucked up at his back. "I believe you are as comfortable as you can be, Mr. Selwyn. "

"Indeed I am, " he declared. 

"And now, Jasper, do get the backgammon board, " cried Polly. "There itis over there, " spying it on a further table. 

Old Mr. Selwyn cast a hungry glance on it as it was brought forward, and his sharp little eyes sparkled, as Polly threw it open. He evenchuckled in delight as he set the men. 

Tom Selwyn came up to the door, and standing in its shadow, looked in. Jasper flung himself down on the sofa by the old gentleman's side towatch the game. Suddenly he glanced up, caught sight of Tom, althoughthe latter's head was quickly withdrawn, and jumping up, he dashedafter him. 

"Here--see here, Tom!" he called to the big figure before him, makinggood time down the stairs. "I can't go chasing you all over the boat inthis fashion. Stop, will you?"

"What do you want?" demanded Tom, crossly, feeling it impossible toelude such a pursuer, and backing up against a convenient angle. 

"I want you to come up into the library and watch the game. Do, it'llbe the best time, "--he didn't say "to make it all up. "

"Can't, " said Tom, "he won't see me. "

"Oh, yes, he will; I almost know he will, " declared Jasper, eagerlyfeeling this minute as if the most unheard-of things were possible. 

"And beside, your sister--I mean the Pepper girl--Miss Pepper--" Tomcorrected himself clumsily. "She can't bear me--I won't come. "

"Oh, yes, she can now, " said Jasper, just as eagerly, "especially sinceI've told her all you've told me. "

"Well, I hate girls anyway, " declared Tom, in his most savage fashion;"always have hated 'em, and always shall. I won't come!"

III

PHRONSIE GOES VISITING

"Grandpapa, " said Phronsie, softly, as she clung to his hand, afterthey had made the descent to the lower deck, "I think the littlest onecan eat some of the fruit, don't you?" she asked anxiously. 

"Never you fear, " assented old Mr. King, "that child that I sawyesterday can compass anything in the shape of food. Why, it had itsmouth full of teeth, Phronsie; it was impossible not to see them whenit roared. "

"I am so glad its teeth are there, " said Phronsie, with a sigh ofsatisfaction, as she regarded her basket of fruit, "because if ithadn't any, we couldn't give it these nice pears, Grandpapa. "

"Well, here we are, " said Mr. King, holding her hand tightly. "Blessme--are those your toes, young man?" this to a big chubby-faced boy, whose fat legs lay across the space as he sprawled on the deck; "justdraw them in a bit, will you?--there. Well, now, Phronsie, this way. Here's the party, I believe, " and he led her over to the other side, where a knot of steerage passengers were huddled together. In the midstsat a woman, chubby faced, and big and square, holding a baby. She hada big red shawl wrapped around her, in the folds of which snuggled thebaby, who was contentedly chewing one end of it, while his mother hadher eyes on the rest of her offspring, of which there seemed a goodmany. When the baby saw Phronsie, he stopped chewing the old shawl andgrinned, showing all the teeth of which Mr. King had spoken. The otherchildren, tow headed and also chubby, looked at the basket hanging onPhronsie's arm, and also grinned. 

"There is the baby!" exclaimed Phronsie, in delight, pullingGrandpapa's hand gently. "Oh, Grandpapa, there he is. "

"That's very evident, " said the old gentleman. "Bless me!" addressingthe woman, "how many children have you, pray tell?"

"Nine, " she said. Then she twitched the jacket of one of them, and thepinafore of another, to have them mind their manners, while the babykicked and crowed and gurgled, seeming to be all teeth. 

"I have brought you some fruit, " said Phronsie, holding out her basket, whereat all the tow headed group except the baby crowded each otherdreadfully to see all there was in it. "I'm sorry the flowers are gone, so I couldn't bring any to-day. May the baby have this?" holding out apear by the stem. 

The baby settled that question by lunging forward and seizing the pearwith two fat hands, when he immediately sank into the depths of the oldshawl again, all his teeth quite busy at work. Phronsie set down herbasket on the deck, and the rest of the brood emptied it to their ownsatisfaction. Their mother's stolid face lighted up with a broad smilethat showed all her teeth, and very white and even they were. 

"Grandpapa, " said Phronsie, turning to him and clasping her hands, "ifI only might hold that baby just one little bit of a minute, " shebegged, keenly excited. 

"Oh, Phronsie, he's too big, " expostulated Mr. King, in dismay. 

"I can hold him just as easy, Grandpapa dear, " said Phronsie, her lipsdrooping mournfully. "See. " And she sat down on a big coil of rope nearby and smoothed out her brown gown. "Please, Grandpapa dear. "

"He'll cry, " said Mr. King, quickly. "Oh, no, Phronsie, it wouldn't doto take him away from his mother. You see it would be dreadful to setthat child to roaring--very dreadful indeed. " Yet he hung over her indistress at the drooping little face. 

"He won't cry. " The mother's stolid face lighted up a moment. "And ifthe little lady wants to hold him, he'll sit there. "

"May I, Grandpapa?" cried Phronsie, her red lips curling into a happysmile. "Oh, please say I may, Grandpapa dear, " clasping her hands. 

"The family seems unusually clean, " observed Mr. King to himself. "Andthe doctor says there's no sickness on board, and it's a very differentlot of steerage folks going this way from coming out, all of which I'vesettled before coming down here, " he reflected. "Well, Phronsie--yes--Isee no reason why you may not hold the baby if you want to. " And beforethe words were hardly out of his mouth, the chubby-faced woman had setthe fat baby in the middle of the brown gown smoothed out to receivehim. He clung to his pear with both hands and ate away with greatsatisfaction, regardless of his new resting-place. 

"Just come here!" Mrs. Griswold, in immaculately fitting garments, evidently made up freshly for steamer use, beckoned with a hasty handto her husband. "It's worth getting up to see. " He flung down his noveland tumbled out of his steamer chair. "Look down there!"

"_Whew!_" whistled Mr. Griswold; "that _is_ a sight!"

"And that is the great Horatio King!" exclaimed Mrs. Griswold under herbreath; "down there in that dirty steerage--and look at that child--Reginald, did you ever see such a sight in your life?"

"On my honour, I never have, " declared Mr. Griswold, solemnly, andwanting to whistle again. 

"Sh!--don't speak so loud, " warned Mrs. Griswold, who was doing most ofthe talking herself. And plucking his sleeve, she emphasised every wordwith fearful distinctness close to his ear. "She's got a dirty steeragebaby in her lap, and Mr. King is laughing. Well, I never! O dear me, here come the young people!"

Polly and Jasper came on a brisk trot up the deck length. "Fifteentimes around make a mile, don't they, Jasper?" she cried. 

"I believe they do, " said Jasper, "but it isn't like home miles, is it, Polly?"--laughing gaily--"or dear old Badgertown?"

"I should think not, " replied Polly, with a little pang at her heartwhenever Badgertown was mentioned. "We used to run around the littlebrown house, and see how many times we could do it without stopping. "

"And how many did you, Polly?" asked Jasper, --"the largest number, Imean. "

"Oh, I don't know, " said Polly, with a little laugh; "Joel beat usalways, I remember that. "

"Yes, Joe would get over the ground, you may be sure, " said Jasper, "ifanybody could. "

Polly's laugh suddenly died away and her face fell. "Jasper, you don'tknow, " she said, "how I do want to see those boys. "

"I know, " said Jasper, sympathisingly, "but you'll get a letter, youknow, most as soon as we reach port, for they were going to mail itbefore we left. "

"And I have one every day in my mail-bag, " said Polly, "but I want to_see_ them so, Jasper, I don't know what to do. " She went up tothe rail at a remove from the Griswolds and leaned over it. 

"Polly, " said Jasper, taking her hand, "you know your mother will feeldreadfully if she knows you are worrying about it. "

"I know it, " said Polly, bravely, raising her head; "and I won't--whyJasper Elyot King!" for then she saw Grandpapa and Phronsie and thesteerage baby. 

Jasper gave a halloo, and waved his hand, and Polly danced up and downand called, and waved her hands too. And Phronsie gave a little crow ofdelight. "See, Grandpapa, there they are; I want Polly--and Jasper, too. " And old Mr. King whirled around. "O dear me! Come down, both ofyou, " which command it did not take them long to obey. 

"Well, I never did in all my life, " ejaculated Mrs. Griswold, "seeanything like that. Now if some people"--she didn't say "we"--"shoulddo anything like that, 'twould be dreadfully erratic and queer. Butthose Kings can do anything, " she added, with venom. 

"It's pretty much so, " assented Mr. Griswold, giving a lazy shake. "Well, I'm going back to my chair if you've got through with me, Louisa. " And he sauntered off. 

"Don't go, Reginald, " begged his wife; "I haven't got a soul to talkto. "

"Oh, well, you can talk to yourself, " said her husband, "any womancan. " But he paused a moment. 

"Haven't those Pepper children got a good berth?" exclaimed Mrs. Griswold, unable to keep her eyes off from the small group below. "Andtheir Mother Pepper, or Fisher, or whatever her name is--I declare it'sjust like a novel, the way I heard the story from Mrs. Vanderburghabout it all. "

"And I wish you'd let me get back to my book, Louisa, " exclaimed Mr. Griswold, tartly, at the mention of the word "novel, " beginning to looklongingly at his deserted steamer chair, "for it's precious little timeI get to read on shore. Seems as if I might have a little peace atsea. "

"Do go back and read, then, " said his wife, impatiently; "that's justlike a man, --he can't talk of anything but business, or he must havehis nose in a book. "

"We men want to talk sense, " growled her husband, turning off. But Mrs. Griswold was engrossed in her survey of Mr. King and the doings of hisparty, and either didn't hear or didn't care what was remarked outsideof that interest. 

Tom Selwyn just then ran up against some one as clumsily as ever. Itproved to be the ship's doctor, who surveyed him coldly and passed on. Tom gave a start and swallowed hard, then plunged after him. "Oh, Isay. "

"What is it?" asked Dr. Jones, pausing. 

"Can I--I'd like--to see my Grandfather, don't you know?"

Dr. Jones scanned him coolly from top to toe. Tom took it withoutwincing, but inwardly he felt as if he must shake to pieces. 

"If you can so conduct yourself that your Grandfather will not beexcited, " at last said the doctor, --what an age it seemed to Tom, --"Isee no reason why you shouldn't see your Grandfather, and go back toyour state-room. But let me tell you, young man, it was a pretty closeshave for him the other day. Had he slipped away, you'd have had thaton your conscience that would have lasted you for many a day. " Withthis, and a parting keen glance, he turned on his heel and strode off. 

Tom gave a great gasp, clenched his big hands tightly together, took along look at the wide expanse of water, then disappeared within. 

In about half an hour, the steerage baby having gone to sleep inPhronsie's arms, the brothers and sisters, finding, after the closestinspection, nothing more to eat in the basket, gathered around thecentre of attraction in a small bunch. 

"I hope they won't wake up the baby, " said Phronsie, in gentle alarm. 

"Never you fear, " said old Mr. King, quite comfortable now in thecamp-chair one of the sailors had brought in response to a request fromJasper; "that child knows very well by this time, I should imagine, what noise is. "

But after a little, the edge of their curiosity having been worn off, the small group began to get restive, and to clamour and pull at theirmother for want of something better to do. 

"O dear me!" said Phronsie, in distress. 

"Dear, dear!" echoed Polly, vainly trying to induce the child next tothe baby to get into her lap; "something must be done. Oh, don't youwant to hear about a funny cat, children? I'm going to tell them aboutGrandma Bascom's, Jasper, " she said, seeing the piteous look inPhronsie's eyes. 

"Yes, we do, " said one of the boys, as spokesman, and he solemnlybobbed his tow head, whereat all the children then bobbed theirs. 

"Sit down, then, " said Polly, socially making way for them, "all of youin a circle, and I'll tell you of that very funny cat. " So the wholebunch of tow-headed children sat down in a ring, and solemnly foldedtheir hands in their laps. Jasper threw himself down where he couldedge himself in. Old Mr. King leaned back and surveyed them with greatsatisfaction. So Polly launched out in her gayest mood, and the bigblue eyes in the round faces before her widened, and the mouths flewopen, showing the white teeth; and the stolid mother leaned forward, and her eyes and mouth looked just like those of her children, onlythey were bigger; and at last Polly drew a long breath and wound upwith a flourish, "And that's all"

"Tell another, " said one of the round-eyed, open-mouthed children, without moving a muscle. All the rest sat perfectly still. 

"O dear me, " said Polly, with a little laugh, "that was such a goodlong one, you can't want another. "

"I think you've gotten yourself into business, Polly, " said Jasper, with a laugh. "Hadn't we better go?"

Polly gave a quick glance at Phronsie. "Phronsie dear, " she said, "letus go up to our deck now, dear. Shall we?"

"Oh, no, Polly, please don't go yet, " begged Phronsie, in alarm, andpatting the baby softly with a gentle little hand. Polly looked off atGrandpapa. He was placidly surveying the water, his eyes occasionallyroving over the novel and interesting sights around. On the other sideof the deck a returning immigrant was bringing out a jew's-harp, andtwo or three of his fellow-passengers were preparing to pitch quoits. Old Mr. King was actually smiling at it all. Polly hadn't seen him socontented since they sailed. 

"I guess I'll tell another one, Jasper, " she said. "Oh, about a dog, you wanted, did you?" nodding at the biggest boy. 

"Yes, " said the boy, bobbing his tow head, "I did;" and he unfolded andfolded his hands back again, then waited patiently. 

So Polly flew off on a gay little story about a dog that bade fair torival Grandma Bascom's cat for cleverness. He belonged to Mr. Atkinswho kept store in Badgertown, and the Pepper children used to see agood deal of him, when they took home the sacks and coats that Mamsiesewed for the storekeeper. And in the midst of the story, when thestolid steerage children were actually laughing over the antics of thatremarkable dog, Jasper glanced up toward the promenade deck, took along look, and started to his feet. "Why, Polly Pepper, see!" Hepointed upward. There, on the curve, were old Mr. Selwyn and Tomwalking arm in arm. 

IV

STEAMER LIFE

And after that, it was "My grandson, Thomas, " on all occasions, the oldgentleman introducing the boy to the right and to the left, as heparaded the deck, his old arm within the younger one. And the little, sharp black eyes snapped proudly and the white head was held up, as helaughed and chattered away sociably to the passengers and the ship'screw, at every good opportunity. 

"Yes, my grandson, Thomas, is going back to school. We've been runningabout in your country a bit, and the boy's mother went home first withthe other children--" Polly heard him say as the two paused in front ofher steamer chair. 

"Indeed!" ejaculated Mrs. Vanderburgh, as he addressed her, and raisingher eyebrows with a supercilious glance for his plain, unprepossessingappearance. "Yes, Madam, and glad shall I be to set my foot on OldEngland again Hey, Tom, my boy, don't you say so?"

Tom looked off over the sea, but did not speak. 

Neither did Mrs. Vanderburgh answer, but turned her face away indisdain that was very plainly marked. 

"Home is the best place, Madam, " declared old Mr. Selwyn emphatically. "Well, Old England is our home, and nothing will induce me to leave itagain, I can assure you. "

Again Mrs. Vanderburgh did not reply, but looked him up and down incold silence. Old Mr. Selwyn, not appearing to notice, chattered on. Atlast she deliberately turned her back on him. 

"Isn't he common and horrid?" whispered Fanny Vanderburgh, in thesteamer chair next to Polly, thrusting her face in between her and herbook. And she gave a little giggle. 

"Hush!" said Polly, warningly, "he will hear you. "

"Nonsense--it's impossible; he is rattling on so; and do look atMamma's face!"

He didn't hear, but Tom did; and he flashed a glance--dark andwrathful--over at the two girls, and started forward, abruptly pullinghis Grandfather along. 

"O dear me!" exclaimed Polly, in distress, dropping her book in herlap; "now he _has_ heard. "

"Oh, that dreadful boy, " said Fanny, carelessly, stretching out in hersteamer chair comfortably; "well, who cares? he's worse than hisGrandfather. "

"Yes, he has heard, " repeated Polly, sorrowfully looking after the two, Tom still propelling the old gentleman along the deck at a lively rate;"now, what shall we do?"

"It isn't of the least consequence if he has heard, " reiterated Fanny, "and Mamma has been frightfully bored, I know. Do tell us, Mamma, " shecalled. 

Mrs. Vanderburgh turned away from the rail, where she had paused in herconstitutional when addressed by the old gentleman, and came up to thegirls. 

"Do sit down, Mamma, in your steamer chair, " begged Fanny; "I'll tuckyou up in your rug. " And she jumped lightly out of her own chair. "There, that's nice, " as Mrs. Vanderburgh sank gracefully down, andFanny patted and pulled the rug into shape. "Now tell us, wasn't he themost horrible old bore?"

As she cuddled back into her own nest, Mrs. Vanderburgh laughed in avery high-bred manner. "He was very amusing, " she said. 

"Amusing! I should say so!" cried Fanny. "I suppose he would have toldyou all his family history if he had stayed. O dear me, he is such acommon, odious old person. "

Polly twisted uneasily under her rug. 

Mrs. Vanderburgh glanced into the steamer chair on the other side. Ithad several books on top of the rug. "I don't believe he can take thatseat, " she said; "still, Fanny, I think it would be well for you tochange into it, for that old man may take it into his head, when hemakes the turn of the deck, to drop into it and give us the whole ofhis family history. "

"Horrors!" ejaculated Fanny, hopping out of her chair again. "I'll makesure that he doesn't. And yet I did so want to sit next to PollyPepper, " she mourned, ensconcing herself under the neighbouring rug, and putting the books on the floor by her side. 

"Don't do that; give them to me, " said her mother; "I'll put them inyour chair unless Miss Polly will take that place, only I don't like todisturb you, dear, " she said with a sweet smile at Polly. 

"Why, that would make matters' worse, Mamma, " said Fanny. "Don't yousee, then, that old bore would put himself into Polly's chair, for helikes her, anyway. Do leave it as it is. "

So Mrs. Vanderburgh smiled again. "I don't know but that you areright, " she said, and leaned back her head restfully. "Dear me, yes, he_is_ amusing. "

"They are terribly common people, " said Fanny, her aristocratic nosewell in the air, "aren't they, Mamma? And did you ever see such aclumsy thing as that dreadful boy, and such big hands and feet?" Sheheld up her own hands as she spoke, and played with her rings, and letthe jingling bracelets run up and down her wrists. 

"Fanny, how often must I tell you to wear gloves on shipboard?" saidher mother, in a tone of reproof. "Nothing spoils the hands so much asa trip at sea. They won't get over it all summer; they're coarsenedalready, " and she cast an alarmed glance at the long, slender fingers. 

"I'm so tired of gloves, Mamma. " Fanny gave a restful yawn. "PollyPepper doesn't wear them, " she cried triumphantly, peering past hermother to point to Polly's hands. 

Mrs. Vanderburgh hesitated. It wouldn't do to say anything that wouldreflect against the Peppers--manners, or customs, or bringing upgenerally. So she leaned over and touched Polly's fingers with her owngloved ones. 

"You don't wear gloves, do you, my dear?" she said, in gentle surprise, quite as if the idea had just struck her for the first time. 

"No, Mrs. Vanderburgh, I don't, " said Polly, "at least not onshipboard, unless it is cold. "

"There, now, Mamma, " laughed Fanny, in a pleased way; "you'll stopteasing me about wearing them, I'm sure. "

Mrs. Vanderburgh turned and surveyed her daughter; but she didn'tsmile, and Fanny thought it as well to begin again on the old topic. 

"They're awfully common people, aren't they, Mamma, --those Selwyns?"

"They are, indeed, " replied Mrs. Vanderburgh, "quite commonplace, andexceedingly tiresome; be sure and not speak to them, Fanny. "

"Trust me for that, " said Fanny, with a wise little nod. "The old manstopped me and asked me something this morning, as I was coming out ofthe dining room, after breakfast, but I pretended I didn't hear, and Iskipped upstairs and almost fell on my nose. "

"You were fortunate to escape, " said her mother, with a little laugh. "Well, let us drop the subject and talk of something else much moreimportant. Polly, my dear. " She turned again and surveyed the younggirl at her side. "You are coming home this autumn, aren't you?"

"Oh, no, " said Polly, "Grandpapa expects to stay over in Europe ayear. "

"Is that so?" said Mrs. Vanderburgh, and her face fell; "I regret itexceedingly, for I should be glad if you would visit Fanny this winterin New York. "

"Thank you; but I couldn't anyway, " said Polly. Then the colour flew upto her cheek. "I mean I am in school, you know, Mrs. Vanderburgh, but Ithank you, and it is so good of you to want me, " she added, hurriedly, feeling that she hadn't said the right thing at all. 

"I do want you very much, my dear child, " said Mrs. Vanderburgh, "and Iam very sorry you are to remain abroad over the winter, for yourGrandfather would be persuaded, I feel quite sure, to have you leaveschool for a while, and come to us for a visit. "

"Oh, no, he wouldn't, " cried Polly, quickly. "I beg pardon, Mrs. Vanderburgh, but I never leave school for anything unless I am sick, and I am almost never sick. "

"Well, then, you could come for the Christmas holidays, " said Mrs. Vanderburgh, with ladylike obstinacy like one accustomed to carryingher point. 

"The Christmas holidays!" exclaimed Polly, starting forward in herchair. "Oh, I wouldn't leave home for anything, then, Mrs. Vanderburgh. Why, we have the most beautiful times, and we are all together--theboys come home from school--and it's just too lovely for anything!" Sheclasped her hands and sighed--oh, if she could but see Ben and Joel andDavid but once!

Mrs. Vanderburgh was a very tall woman, and she gazed down into theradiant face, without speaking; Polly was looking off over the sea, andthe colour came and went on her cheek. 

"We would soon get her out of all such notions, if we once had her withus, wouldn't we, Mamma?" said Fanny, in a low tone close to hermother's ear. 

Mrs. Vanderburgh gave her a warning pinch, but Polly's brown eyes werefastened on the distant horizon, and she hadn't heard a word. 

"Well, we'll arrange it sometime, " said Fanny's mother, breaking thesilence; "so you must remember, Polly dear, that you are engaged to usfor a good long visit when you do come home. "

"I will tell Grandpapa that you asked me, " said Polly, bringing hereyes back with a sigh to look into Mrs. Vanderburgh's face. 

"Oh, he will fall into the plan quite readily, I think, " said Mrs. Vanderburgh, lightly. "You know we are all very old friends--that is, the families are--Mr. Vanderburgh's father and Mr. King were veryintimate. Perhaps you don't know, Polly, "--and Fanny's mamma drewherself up to her extreme height; it was impossible for her to lollback in her chair when talking of her family, --"that we are related tothe Earl of Cavendish who owns the old estate in England, and we goback to William the Conqueror; that is, Fanny does on her father'sside. "

Fanny thereupon came up out of her chair depths to sit quite straightand gaze with importance at Polly's face. But Polly was still thinkingof the boys, and she said nothing. 

"And my family is just as important, " said Mrs. Vanderburgh, and shesmiled in great satisfaction. "Really, we could make things verypleasant for you, my child; our set is so exclusive, you could notpossibly meet any one but the very best people. Oh, here is yourmother. " She smiled enchantingly up at Mrs. Fisher, and held out herhand. "Do come and sit here with us, my dear Mrs. Fisher, " she begged, "then we shall be a delightful group, we two mothers and ourdaughters. "

"Thank you, Mrs. Vanderburgh. " Mrs. Fisher smiled, but she didn't offerto take the steamer chair. "I have come after Polly. "

"Mamsie, what is it? I'll come, " said Polly, tumbling out of hersteamer chair in a twinkling. 

"O dear me!" exclaimed Mrs. Vanderburgh, in regret, "don't take Pollyaway, I do implore you, my dear Mrs. Fisher--I am _so_ fond ofher. "

"I must, " said Mother Fisher, smiling again, her hand now in Polly's, and before any more remonstrances were made, they were off. 

"Oh, Mamsie!" breathed Polly, hanging to the dear hand, "I am so gladyou came, and took me away. "

"Polly, " said Mother Fisher, suddenly, "Grandpapa asked me to find you;he thinks you could cheer old Mr. Selwyn up a bit, perhaps, withbackgammon. I'm afraid Tom has been behaving badly again. "

"Oh, Mamsie!" exclaimed Polly, in dismay. And then the story came out. 

"Grandpapa, " said Phronsie, pulling at his hand gently, as they walkedslowly up and down the deck, "does your head ache?" And she peeredanxiously up into his face. 

"No, child--that is, not much, " said old Mr. King, trying to smooth hisbrows out. He was thinking--for it kept obtruding at all times andseasons--of that dreadful scrap of paper that Cousin Eunice had imposedupon him at the last minute before they sailed, announcing that she hadhad her way, and would at last compel acceptance of such a gift as shechose to make to Phronsie Pepper. 

"If it aches at all, " said Phronsie, decidedly, "I wish you would letme rub it for you, Grandpapa. I do, truly. "

"Well, it doesn't, " said Grandpapa; "that is it won't, now that I haveyou with me. I was thinking of something unpleasant, Phronsie, andthen, to tell you the truth, that old Mr. Selwyn tires me to death. Ican't talk to him, and his grandson is a cad. "

"What is a cad?" asked Phronsie, wonderingly. 

"Oh, well, a boy who isn't nice, " said Mr. King, carelessly. 

"Grandpapa, why isn't that boy nice to that poor old man?" askedPhronsie, a grieved look coming into her blue eyes. 

"Goodness me, child, you ask me too much, " said Mr. King, quickly; "oh, a variety of reasons. Well, we must take things as we find them, and dowhat we can to help matters along; but it seems a hopeless case, --thingswere in better shape; and now they seem all tangled up again, thanks to that boy. "

"Grandpapa, " said Phronsie, earnestly, "I don't believe that boy meansto be bad to that poor old man, I don't really and truly, Grandpapa, "she added, shaking her head. 

"Well, he takes a queer way to show it, if he means to be good, " saidold Mr. King, grimly. 

"Oh, is that you, Master Tom?" as they turned a corner to findthemselves face to face with Tom Selwyn. 

"Mr. King, " Tom began very rapidly so that the words ran all over eachother, "I'm no end sorry--don't think hard things of me--it's not myfault this time; Grandfather heard it as well as I--at least, I caughta little and he asked me what it was, and I had to tell him, and itupset him. "

Old Mr. King stood gazing into the big boy's face in utterbewilderment. "As I don't know in the least what you are trying to tellme, my boy, " at last he said, "I shall have to ask you to repeat it, and go slowly. "

So Tom tried again to tell his story, and by the time that it was allout, Mr. King was fuming in righteous indignation. 

"Well, well, it's not worth thinking of, " at last he said at sight ofthe flashing eyes before him and the angry light on the young face. "You take my arm, or I'll take yours, Master Tom, --there, that'sbetter, --and we'll do a bit of a turn on the deck. Your grandfather'llcome out of it, for he's busy over the backgammon board. But it was anugly thing to do just the same. "

Just then Mrs. Vanderburgh and Fanny passed them, all sweet smiles forhim and for Phronsie, but with no eyes for the boy. 

V

A FISH STORY AND OTHER THINGS

"Oh, Polly! Polly!" Phronsie came running along the deck, and up to thelittle group playing shuffle-board; "there's such a very big whale. "And she clasped her hands in great excitement. "There truly is. Do comeand see him. "

"Is there, Pet?" cried Polly, throwing down her shovel, "then we mustall go and see him. Come, Jasper, and all of you, " and she seizedPhronsie's hand. 

"He is very dreadful big, " said Phronsie, as they sped on, Jasper andthe other players close behind. "And he puffed, Polly, and the waterwent up, oh, so high!"

"That's because he came up to breathe, " said Polly, as they racedalong. "Dear me, I hope he won't be gone when we get there. "

"Can't he breathe under the water?" asked Phronsie, finding it ratherhard work to perform that exercise herself in such a race. "What doeshe stay down there for, then, say, Polly?"

"Oh, because he likes it, " answered Polly, carelessly. "Take care, Phronsie, you're running into all those steamer chairs. "

"I'm sorry he can't breathe, " said Phronsie, anxiously trying to steerclear of the bunch of steamer chairs whose occupants had suddenly leftthem, too, to see the whale. "Poor whale--I'm sorry for him, Polly. "

"Oh, he's happy, " said Polly, "he likes it just as it is. He comes upfor a little while to blow and--"

"I thought you said he came up to breathe, Polly, " said Phronsie, tugging at Polly's hand, and guilty of interrupting. 

"Well, and so he does, and to blow, too, --it's just the same thing, "said Polly, quickly. 

"Is it just exactly the same?" asked Phronsie. 

"Yes, indeed; that is, in the whale's case, " answered Polly, as theyran up to Grandpapa and the rest of their party, and the knots of otherpassengers, all staring hard at a certain point on the sparkling wasteof water. 

"I thought you were never coming, " said old Mr. King, moving away fromthe rail to tuck Polly and Phronsie in where they could get a goodview. "Oh, there he is--there he is--Jasper, look!" cried Polly. 

"There he is!" crowed Phronsie, now much excited. "Oh, isn't he big, Grandpapa?"

"I should say he was, " declared Mr. King. "I think I never saw a finerwhale in my life, Phronsie. "

"He comes up to blow, " said Phronsie, softly to herself, her facepressed close to the rail, and her yellow hair floating off in thebreeze; "and Polly says it doesn't hurt him, and he likes it. "

"What is it, Phronsie child?" asked old Mr. King, hearing her voice. 

"Grandpapa, has he got any little whales?" asked Phronsie, suddenlyraising her face. 

"Oh, yes, I imagine so, " said old Mr. King; "that is, he ought to have, I'm sure. Porpoises go in schools, --why shouldn't whales, pray tell?"

"What's a porpoise?" asked Phronsie, with wide eyes. 

"Oh, he's a dolphin or a grampus. "

"Oh, " said Phronsie, much mystified, "and does he go to school?"

"Well, they go ever so many of them together, and they call it aschool. Goodness me--that _is_ a blow!" as the whale spoutedvaliantly, and looked as if he were making directly for the steamer. 

"Oh, Grandpapa, he's coming right here!" screamed Phronsie, clappingher hands in delight, and hopping up and down, --Polly and Jasper werealmost as much excited, --while the passengers ran hither and thither toget a good view, and levelled their big glasses, and oh-ed and ah-ed. And some of them ran to get their cameras. And Mr. Whale seemed to likeit, for he spouted and flirted his long tail and dashed into the waterand out again to blow, till they were all quite worn out looking athim. At last, with a final plunge, he bade them all good-by anddisappeared. 

Phronsie, after her first scream of delight, had pressed her face closeto the rail and held her breath. She did not say a word, but gazed inspeechless enjoyment at the antics of the big fish. And Grandpapa hadto speak two or three times when the show was all over before she heardhim. 

"Did you like it, Phronsie?" he asked, gathering her hand up closely inhis, as he leaned over to see her face. 

Phronsie turned away with a sigh. "Oh, Grandpapa, he was so beautiful!"She drew a long breath, then turned back longingly. "Won't he ever comeback?" she asked. 

"Maybe not this one, " said old Mr. King; "but we'll see plenty more, Iimagine, Phronsie. At least, if not on this voyage, --why, some othertime. "

"Oh, wasn't it splendid!" exclaimed Polly, tossing back the littlerings of brown hair from her brow. "Well, he's gone; now we must runback, Jasper, and finish our game. " And they were off, the otherplayers following. 

"I'd like to see this very whale again, " said Phronsie, with a smallsigh; "Grandpapa, I would, really; he was a nice whale. "

"Yes, he was a fine one, " said old Mr. King. "I don't know as I everput eyes on a better specimen, and I've seen a great many in my life. "

"Tell me about them, do, Grandpapa, " begged Phronsie, drawing nearer tohim. 

"Well, I'll get into my steamer chair, and you shall sit in my lap, andthen I'll tell you about some of them, " said Mr. King, much gratified. As they moved off, Phronsie clinging to his hand, she looked back andsaw two children gazing wistfully after them. "Grandpapa, " shewhispered, pulling his hand gently to attract attention, "may thatlittle boy and girl come, too, and hear about your whales?"

"Yes, to be sure, " cried Mr. King. So Phronsie called them, and in afew minutes there was quite a big group around Grandpapa's steamerchair; for when the other children saw what was going on, they stopped, too, and before he knew, there he was perfectly surrounded. 

"I should very much like to hear what it is all about. " Mrs. Vanderburgh's soft voice broke into a pause, when old Mr. King stoppedto rest a bit. "You must be very fascinating, dear Mr. King; you haveno idea how pretty your group is. " She pulled Fanny forward gently intothe outer fringe of the circle. "Pray, what is the subject?"

"Nothing in the world but a fish story, Madam, " said the old gentleman. 

"Oh, _may_ we stay and hear it?" cried Mrs. Vanderburgh, enthusiastically, clasping her gloved hands. "Fanny adores such things, don't you, dear?" turning to her. 

"Yes, indeed, Mamma, " answered Fanny, trying to look very much pleased. 

"Take my word for it, you will find little to interest either of you, "said Mr. King. 

"Oh, I should be charmed, " cried Mrs. Vanderburgh. "Fanny dear, draw upthat steamer chair to the other side. " But a stout, comfortable-lookingwoman coming down the deck stopped directly in front of that samechair, and before Fanny could move it, sat down, saying, "This is mychair, young lady. "

"That vulgar old woman has got it, " said Fanny, coming back quitecrestfallen. 

"Ugh!" Mrs. Vanderburgh shrugged her shoulders as she looked at theoccupant of the chair, who surveyed her calmly, then fell to readingher book. "Well, you must just bear it, dear; it's one of theannoyances to be endured on shipboard. "

"I suppose the lady wanted her own chair, " observed Mr. King, dryly. 

"Lady? Oh, my dear Mr. King!" Mrs. Vanderburgh gave a soft littlelaugh. "It's very good of you to put it that way, I'm sure. Well, nowdo let us hear that delightful story. Fanny dear, you can sit on partof my chair, " she added, regardless of the black looks of a gentlemanhovering near, who had a sharp glance on the green card hanging to theback of the chair she had appropriated and that bore his name. 

So Fanny perched on the end of the steamer chair, and Mr. King, notseeing any way out of it, went on in his recital of the whale story, winding up with an account of some wonderful porpoises he had seen, anda variety of other things, until suddenly he turned his head and keenlyregarded Fanny's mother. 

"How intensely interesting!" she exclaimed, opening her eyes, andtrying not to yawn. "Do go on, and finish about that whale, " feelingthat she must say something. 

"Mamma!" exclaimed Fanny, trying to stop her. 

"I ended up that whale some five minutes ago, Madam, " said Mr. King. "Ithink you must have been asleep. "

"Oh, no, indeed, I have been charmed every moment, " protested Mrs. Vanderburgh sitting quite erect. "You surely have the gift of a_raconteur_, Mr. King, " she said, gracefully recovering herself. "O dear me, here is that odious boy and that tiresome old man!" as TomSelwyn came up slowly, his Grandfather on his arm. 

Mr. King put Phronsie gently off from his lap, still keeping her handin his. "Now, children, the story-telling is all done, the whales andporpoises are all finished up--so run away. " He touched his sea-cap toMrs. Vanderburgh and her daughter, then marched up to the old man andTom. 

"I am tired of sitting still, " he said. "May my little granddaughterand I join you in a walk?"

Tom shot him a grateful look. Old Mr. Selwyn, who cared most of all forPolly, mumbled out something, but did not seem especially happy. ButMr. King did not appear to notice anything awry, but fell into step, still keeping Phronsie's hand, and they paced off. 

"If you know which side your bread is buttered, Mamma, " said FannyVanderburgh, shrewdly, looking after them as they disappeared, "you'llmake up to those dreadful Selwyn people. "

"Never!" declared her mother, firmly. "Fanny, are you wild? Why, youare a Vanderburgh and are related to the English nobility, and I am anAshleigh. What would your father say to such a notion?"

"Well, Papa isn't here, " said Fanny, "and if he were, he'd do somethingto keep in with Mr. King. I hate and detest those dreadful Selwyns asmuch as you do, Mamma, but I'm going to cultivate them. See if Idon't!"

"And I forbid it, " said her mother, forgetting herself and raising hervoice. "They are low bred and common. And beside that, they areeccentric and queer. Don't you speak to them or notice them in theslightest. "

"Madam, " said the gentleman of the black looks, advancing and touchinghis cap politely, "I regret to disturb you, but I believe you have mychair. "

Mrs. Vanderburgh begged pardon and vacated the chair, when thegentleman touched his cap again, and immediately drew the chair up tothe one where the stout, comfortable-looking woman sat. 

"It seems to me there are more ill-bred, low-lived people on board thisboat than it has been my lot to meet on any voyage, " said Mrs. Vanderburgh, drawing her sea coat around her slight figure and sailingoff, her daughter in her wake. 

VI

A LITTLE SURPRISE

"Sir, " said little Mr. Selwyn, bringing his sharp black eyes to bearupon old Mr. King, "you've been very good to me, and I've not beenalways pleasant. But it's my way, sir; it's my way. "

Mr. King nodded pleasantly, although deep in his heart he agreed withthe choleric old gentleman. "But as for Polly, why, she's good--good asgold, sir. " There was no mistaking Mr. Selwyn's sentiments there, andhis old cheek glowed while giving what to him meant the most wonderfulpraise to be paid to a person. 

Old Mr. King straightened up. "You've said the right thing now, " hedeclared. 

"And I wish I could see that girl when she's grown up, " added thelittle old gentleman. "I want really to know what sort of a womanshe'll make. I do, indeed, sir. "

"It isn't necessary to speculate much on it, " answered Mr. King, confidently, "when you look at her mother and remember the bringing upthat Polly Pepper has had. "

The little old gentleman squinted hard at the clouds scudding acrossthe blue sky. "That's so, " he said at last. "Well, I'm sorry we are topart, " he added. "And, sir, I really wish you would come down to myplace with your party and give me a fortnight during your stay inEngland. I really do, sir, upon me word. " There was no mistaking hisearnestness as he thrust out one thin, long-fingered hand. With theother, he set a card within Mr. King's fingers. 

"Arthur Selwyn, The Earl of Cavendish, " met Mr. King's eyes. 

"I had a fancy to do this thing, " said the little old gentleman, "torun across from America in simple fashion, and it pleased the boy, whohates a fuss. And we've gotten rid of all sorts of nuisances by it;interviews, and tiresome people. And I've enjoyed it mightily. " Hechuckled away till it seemed as if he were never going to stop. Old Mr. King burst out laughing, too; and the pair were so very jolly that thepassengers, grouped together waiting for the Liverpool landing, turnedto stare at them. 

"Just see how intimate Mr. King is with that tiresome, common, old Mr. Selwyn!" exclaimed Mrs. Vanderburgh to her daughter. "I never was sosurprised at anything in all my life, to see that he keeps it up now, for I thought that aristocratic Horatio King was the most fastidiousbeing alive. "

"The Kings have awfully nice times, " grumbled Fanny, picking her glovesdiscontentedly. "And you keep me mewed up, and won't let me speak toanybody whose grandfather wasn't born in our set, and I hate and loatheit all. "

"You'll be glad when you are a few years older, and I bring you out insociety, that I always have been so particular, " observed Mrs. Vanderburgh, complacently, lifting her head in its dainty bonnet, higher than ever. 

"I want some nice times and a little fun now, " whined Fanny, with anenvious glance over at Polly and Jasper with the dreadful Selwyn boybetween them, and Phronsie running up to join them, and everybody intheir party just bubbling over with happiness. 

"I wish Mr. King and his party would go to Paris now, " said her mother, suddenly. 

"Oh, don't I just wish it!" cried Fanny, in a burst. "Did you ask him, Mamma?"

"Yes, indeed; I talked for fully half an hour yesterday, but it was nouse. And he doesn't seem to know how long he is going to stay inEngland; 'only a few days, ' he said, vaguely, then they go to Holland. "

"Oh, why couldn't we go to Holland!" exclaimed Fanny, impulsively, andher eyes brightened; "splendid Holland, that would be something like, Mamma!"

"You forget the Van Dykes are to be in Paris awaiting us. "

"Oh, those stupid Van Dykes!" exploded Fanny. "Mamma, don't go therenow. Do change, and let us go to Holland with the Kings. Do, Mamma, "she implored. 

"Why, Fanny Vanderburgh!" exclaimed her mother, sharply, "what is thematter with you? You know it was settled long ago, that we should meetMrs. Van Dyke and Eleanor in Paris at just this very time. It wouldnever do to offend them, particularly when Eleanor is going to marryinto the Howard set. "

"And I'll have the most stupid time imaginable, " cried Fanny, passionately, "dragging around while you and the Van Dykes are buyingthat trousseau. "

"Yes, that's one thing that I wanted the Kings to go to Paris for, "said Mrs. Vanderburgh; "you could be with them. And really they aremuch more important than any one to get in with. And I'd keep up thefriendship with the Van Dykes. But that Mr. King is so obstinate, youcan't do anything with him. " A frown settled all across her prettyface, and she beat her foot impatiently on the deck. 

"You spoil everything, Mamma, with your sets and your stupid people, "declared Fanny, her passion by no means cooled. "When I come out insociety I'm going to choose my own friends, " she muttered to herself, and set her lips tightly together. 

Mr. King was saying, "Thank you, so much, Mr. Selwyn, for I reallythink I'd prefer to call you so, as I knew you so first. "

"So you shall, " cried the little Earl, glancing around on the groups, "and it's better just here, at all events, " and he chuckled again. "Then you really will come?" and he actually seized Mr. King's hand andwrung it heartily. 

"No, I was about to say it is quite impossible. "

The Earl of Cavendish stared blankly up out of his sharp little blackeyes in utter amazement into the other's face. "My stay in London isshort, only a few days, " Mr. King was saying, "and then we go directlyto Holland. I thank you all the same--believe me, I appreciate it. Itis good of you to ask us, " he cordially added. 

The little Earl of Cavendish broke away from him, and took a few hastysteps down the deck to get this new idea fairly into his brain that hisinvitation had not been accepted. Then he hurried back. "My dear sir, "he said, laying his hand on Mr. King's arm, "will you do me the favourto try to come at some future time--to consider your plans before youreturn to America, and see if you can't manage to give me this greatpleasure of welcoming you to my home? Think of it, I beg, and drop me aline; if at home, I shall always be most glad to have you with me. Ishould esteem it a privilege. " The Earl of Cavendish was astonished tofind himself beseeching the American gentleman without a title. Andthen they awaked to the fact that the groups of passengers were merginginto a solid mass, and a slow procession was beginning to form for thestairway, and the landing episode was well under way. 

Mrs. Vanderburgh, determined not to bid good-by on the steamer but tobe with the Kings till the last moment, rushed up to them on the wharf, followed by Fanny. 

"Oh, we are _so_ sorry you are not going to Paris with us, " criedMrs. Vanderburgh, while Fanny flew at Polly Pepper and engrossed herhungrily. "Can't you reconsider it now?" she asked, with a prettyearnestness. 

"No, it is impossible, " answered Mr. King, for about the fiftieth time. "Our plans will not allow it. I hope you and your daughter will havethe best of times, " he remarked politely. 

"Yes, we shall; we meet old friends there, and Paris is alwaysdelightful. " Mrs. Vanderburgh bit her lip in her vexation. "I was goingto see you and beg you even now to change your plans, while we were onthe steamer waiting to land, " she went on hurriedly, "but you werebored--I quite pitied you--by that tiresome, common, old Mr. Selwyn. "

"Yes, I was talking with him, " said Mr. King, "but excuse me, I was notbored. He is peculiar, but not at all common, and he has many goodqualities as a man; and I like the boy immensely. "

"How can you?" Mrs. Vanderburgh gave a little high-bred laugh. "Theyare so insufferably common, Mr. King, those Selwyns are. "

"Excuse me, " said Mr. King, "that was the Earl of Cavendish; it will dono harm to mention it now, as they have gone. "

"Who--who?" demanded Mrs. Vanderburgh in a bewildered way. 

"I did not know it till this morning, " Mr. King was explaining, "butour fellow-passenger, Mr. Selwyn, chose to cross over keeping his realidentity unknown, and I must say I admire his taste in the matter; andanyway it was his affair and not mine. " It was a long speech, and atits conclusion Mrs. Vanderburgh was still demanding, "Who--who?" in asmuch of a puzzle as ever. 

"The Earl of Cavendish, " repeated Mr. King; "Mr. Selwyn is the Earl ofCavendish. As I say, he did not wish it known, and--"

"Fanny--Fanny!" called her mother, sitting helplessly on the firstthing that presented itself, a box of merchandise by no means clean. "Fan-ny! the--the Earl of Cavendish!" She could get no further. 

Little Dr. Fisher, who administered restoratives and waited on Mrs. Vanderburgh and her daughter to their London train, came skipping backto the Liverpool hotel. 

"I hope, wife, I sha'n't grow uncharitable, "--he actually glaredthrough his big spectacles, --"but Heaven defend us on our travels fromany further specimens like that woman. "

"We shall meet all sorts, probably, Adoniram, " said his wife, calmly;"it really doesn't matter with our party of eight; we can take solidcomfort together. "

The little doctor came out of his ill temper, but he said ruefully, "That's all very well, wife, for you and the Hendersons; for yousteered pretty clear, I noticed, of that woman. Well, she's gone. " Andhe smiled cheerfully. "Now for dinner, for I suppose Mr. King hasordered it. "

"Yes, he has, " said his wife. "And you have a quarter of an hour. I'veput your clothes out all ready. "

"All right. " The little doctor was already plunging here and there, tearing off his coat and necktie and boots; and exactly at the timeset, he joined the party, with a bright and shining face, as if no Mrs. Vanderburgh, or any one in the least resembling her, had ever crossedhis path. 

"Jasper, " cried Polly, as they hurried along out of the Harwich trainto the steamer that was to take them to the Hook of Holland, "can youreally believe we are almost there?"

 * * * * *

"No, I can't, " said Jasper, "for I've wanted to see Holland for such atime. "

"Wasn't it good of Grandpapa, " cried Polly, "to take us here the firstthing after London?"

"Father always does seem to plan things rightly, " answered Jasper, witha good degree of pride. "And then 'it's prime, '" "as Joel used to say, "he was going to add, but thought better of it, as any reference to theboys always set Polly to longing for them. 

"Indeed, he does, " exclaimed Polly, in her most earnest fashion; "he'sever and always the most splendid Grandpapa. Oh, I wish I could dothings for him, Jasper, " she mourned; "he's so good to us. "

"You do things for him all the while, Polly, " Jasper made haste to say, as they ran along to keep up with the Parson and Mrs. Henderson'scomfortable figures just before them; "you are all the while doingsomething for him. "

"Oh, no, I don't, " said Polly, "there isn't anything I can do for him. Don't you suppose there ever will be, Jasper?" she asked imploringly. 

"Yes, indeed, " said Jasper; "there always are things that hop up to bedone when people keep their eyes open. But don't you worry about yournot doing anything for him, Polly. Promise me that. " Jasper took herhand and stopped just a minute to look into her face. 

"I'll try not to, " promised Polly, "but, oh, Jasper, I do so very muchwish there might be something that I could do. I do, indeed, Jasper. "

"It was only yesterday, " said Jasper, as they began to hurry on oncemore, "that father said 'you can't begin to think, Jasper, what acomfort Polly Pepper is to me. '"

"Did he, Jasper?" cried Polly, well pleased, the colour flying over hercheek, "that was nice of him, because there isn't anything much I canreally do for him. O dear! there is Grandpapa beckoning to us tohurry. " So on they sped, having no breath for words. And presently theywere on the boat, and little Dr. Fisher and Mr. Henderson went forwardinto the saloon, where the rooms reserved beforehand were to be givenout, and the rest of the party waited and watched the stream of peopleof all ages and sizes and nationalities who desired to reach Hollandthe next morning. 

To Polly it was a world of delight, and to Jasper, who watched herkeenly, it was a revelation to see how nothing escaped her, no matterhow noisy and dirty or turbulent the crowd, or how annoying thedetention, --it was all a marvel of happiness from beginning to end. AndJasper looking back over the two times he had been before to Europewith his father, although he had never seen Holland, remembered only asort of dreary drifting about with many pleasant episodes andexperiences, it is true, still with the feeling on the whole of themost distinct gladness when their faces were turned homeward and thejourneying was over. 

"Mamsie, " cried Polly, poking her head out from the upper berth of thestuffy little state-room assigned to Mrs. Fisher, Mrs. Henderson, Phronsie, and herself; "was anything ever so delicious as this boat?--and to think, Mamsie, "--here Polly paused to add as impressively as ifthe idea had never been voiced before, --"that we are really to seeHolland to-morrow. "

"You'd better go to sleep now, then, " said Mrs. Fisher, wisely, "if youwant to be bright and ready really to see much of Holland in themorning, Polly. "

"That's so, " answered Polly, ducking back her head to its pillow, andwriggling her toes in satisfaction; "Phronsie is asleep already, isn'tshe, Mamsie?"

"Yes, " said Mrs. Fisher, "she dropped off as soon as her head touchedthe pillow. Good night, Polly, you would better do the same. "

"Good night, Mamsie, " said Polly, with a sleepy little yawn, "and goodnight, dear Mrs. Henderson, " she added, already almost in dreamland. 

VII

OFF FOR HOLLAND

It seemed to Polly as if she had only breathed twice, and had notturned over once, when there was Mamsie's voice calling her, and therewas Mamsie's face looking into hers over the edge of the berth. "Wakeup, Polly, child, you have only about ten minutes to dress in. "

"O dear me! what--where?" exclaimed Polly, springing to a sittingposition, thereby giving her brown head a smart thump on the ceiling ofthe berth, "where are we, Mamsie? why, it is the middle of the night, isn't it?" she cried, not stopping to pity her poor head. 

"We are almost at the Hook of Holland, " said Mrs. Fisher, busilybuttoning Phronsie's shoes. Phronsie sat on the lower berth, her sleepylittle legs dangling over the edge, and her sleepy little head goingnid-nodding, despite all her efforts to keep herself awake. 

"O dear me!" cried Polly, remorsefully, when she saw that. "I ought tohave dressed Phronsie. Why didn't you wake me up earlier, Mamsie?"

"Because I wanted you to sleep all you could, " said Mrs. Fisher, "andnow if you'll only dress Polly Pepper as quickly as possible, that'sall I ask. "

"I will dress Polly Pepper in a twinkling, Mamsie, " declared Polly, laughing merrily; "O dear me, where _is_ my other stocking?" Shestuck out one black foot ready for its boot. "Is it down there, Mamsie?" All the while she was shaking the bedclothes violently for anychance glimpse of it in the berth. 

"Where did you put it last night when you took it off, Polly?" askedMrs. Fisher, buttoning away for dear life on Phronsie's shoes. "Therenow, Pet, those are done; hop out now, and fly into your clothes. "

"I thought I put 'em both in the corner here, " cried poor Polly, twitching everything loose. Thereupon her big hat, hung carefully upona high hook, slipped off and fell to the floor. 

"Take care, Polly, " warned her mother, "haste only makes mattersworse. "

"But I can't go with only one stocking on, " said Polly, quite gone indespair now. "Oh, dear Mrs. Henderson, don't you see it on the floor?"For that good woman had dropped to her knees, and was busily prowlingaround among the accumulation of bags and clothing. 

"That's what I'm hoping to do, " she answered, "but I don't see it asyet, Polly. "

"I'll help Polly to find it, " cried Phronsie, now thoroughly awake anddropping her small skirts to get down on the floor by Mrs. Henderson'sside. "Don't feel badly, Polly; I'll find your stocking for you. "

"No, Phronsie, " said her mother, "you must get into your own clothes. And then Mrs. Henderson is nearly all ready, and you can go out withher, and that will leave more room, so that Polly and I can search morecarefully. And the stocking has got to come, for it couldn't walk offof itself, " she added cheerily as she saw Polly's face. "Why--what?" asshe happened to look upward. And then Polly looked, too, and there washer stocking dangling from the very high hook where the big hat hadbeen. 

"You tossed it up there, I suppose, when you shook up the bedclothes soquickly, " said Mrs. Fisher. "Well, now, " as Polly pounced on thestocking, "see how fast you can hop into your clothes, daughter. " Thenshe began to put the things for the bags into their places, andMatilda, coming in, finished the work; and Polly flew around, buttoningand tying and patting herself into shape, and by the time that littleDr. Fisher's voice called at the door, "Well, wife, are you ready?"there they all were, trim and tidy as ever for a start. 

"Where is it, Grandpapa?" asked Phronsie, peering around on eitherside, --Dr. Fisher and Jasper had gone off to attend to the examinationof the luggage by the customs inspectors, --and then coming up gently topull his arm. "I don't see it anywhere. "

"What, child?" answered Grandpapa, looking down at her. "See here, waita minute, " to the others who were ahead, "Phronsie has lost something. "

"Oh, no, Grandpapa, I haven't, " began Phronsie, in gentle protestation, "all my things are in here. " She patted her little bag that hung on herarm, a gift of old Mr. King's for her to carry her very own things in, that yielded her immense satisfaction every time she looked at it, which was very often. 

"Didn't you say you wanted to find something, dear?" he asked, quitepuzzled, while the others surrounded them wonderingly. 

"No, " said Phronsie, "only where is the hook, Grandpapa? I don't seeit. " She lifted her little face and gazed up at him confident that heknew everything. 

"She has lost her button-hook!" exclaimed Polly, "the cunning littlesilver one Auntie Whitney gave her Christmas. I'll run back and get it;it must be in the state-room. "

"Stay, Polly, " commanded Mr. King. And, "Oh, no, I haven't, " pipedPhronsie, as Polly was flying off. "It's here in my bag, " pattingGrandpapa's gift hanging on her arm. "I couldn't lose that, Polly, " shecried in horror at the thought, as Polly hurried back. 

"Well, what is it, then, you've lost?" demanded Polly, breathlessly. 

"I haven't lost anything, " reiterated Phronsie, pushing back the yellowhair from her face. "Grandpapa, tell them, please, I haven't lostanything, " she kept repeating, appealing to him. 

"She says she hasn't lost anything, so we won't say that again, " echoedold Mr. King. "Now, Phronsie, child, tell me what it is you mean; whathook you want. "

"The hook, " said Phronsie; "here, Grandpapa, " and she looked all aroundin a troubled way, "they said it was here; I don't see it, Grandpapa. "

"She means the Hook of Holland, " burst out Polly, "don't you, Phronsiepet?" And she threw her arms around her while Mr. Henderson exclaimed, "Of course, why didn't we think of it, to be sure?"

"Yes, Polly. " Phronsie gave a glad little cry, and wriggled in greatsatisfaction in her arms. "Grandpapa, where is it, --the Hook ofHolland?"

"Oh, bless me, child!" exclaimed Mr. King, "that is the name of theplace; at least, to be accurate, it is Hoek van Holland. Now, just assoon as we get fairly started on our way to Rotterdam, I'll tell youall about it, or Polly shall, since she was clever enough to find outwhat you meant. "

"Oh, no, Grandpapa, " cried Polly, "I'd so much rather you told her--please do, dear Grandfather?"

"And so I will, " he promised, very much pleased, for Mr. King dearlyloved to be the one to relate the history and anecdotes about theplaces along which they travelled. And so, when they were steaming offtoward Rotterdam, as he sat in the centre of the compartment he hadreserved for their use, Phronsie next to him, and Polly and Jasperopposite, he told the whole story. The others tucked themselves in theremaining four seats, and did not lose a word. Matilda and Mr. King'svalet, in a second-class compartment, took charge of the luggage. 

"I like it very much, " declared Phronsie, when the story was allfinished, and smoothing down her little brown gown in satisfaction. 

"I like it very much, Grandpapa's telling it, " said Polly, "but theHook of Holland isn't anything to what we shall see at Rotterdam, while, as for The Hague and Amsterdam--oh, Grandpapa!"

That "oh, Grandpapa" just won his heart, and Mr. King beamed at her asher glowing face was turned first to one window and then to the other, that she might not lose anything as the train rumbled on. 

"Just wait till we get to Marken, " broke in Jasper, gaily, "then if youwant to see the Dutch beat the Dutch--well, you may!" he ended with alaugh. 

"Oh, Jasper, do they really beat each other?" cried Phronsie, quitehorrified, and slipping away from Grandpapa to regard him closely. 

"Oh, no! I mean--they go ahead of everything that is most Dutch, "Jasper hastened to say; "I haven't explained it very well. "

"No, I should think not, " laughed his father, in high good humour. "Well, Phronsie, I think you will like the folks on the Island ofMarken, for they dress in funny quaint costumes, just as theirancestors did, years upon years ago. "

"Are there any little children there?" asked Phronsie, slipping backinto her place again, and nestling close to his side. 

"Hundreds of them, I suppose, " replied Mr. King, with his arm aroundher and drawing her up to him, "and they wear wooden shoes or sabots, or klompen as they call them, and--"

"Wooden shoes!" cried Phronsie; "oh, Grandpapa, " clasping her hands, "how do they stay on?"

"Well, that's what I've always wondered myself when I've been inHolland. A good many have left off the sabots, I believe, and wearleather shoes made just like other people's. "

"Oh, Grandpapa, " cried Phronsie, leaning forward to peer into his face, "don't let them leave off the wooden shoes, please. "

"I can't make them wear anything but what they want to, " said old Mr. King, with a laugh; "but don't be troubled, child, you'll see all thewooden shoes you desire, in Rotterdam, and The Hague, too, for thatmatter. "

"Shall I?" cried Phronsie, nestling back again quite pleased. "Grandpapa, I wish I could wear wooden shoes, " she whispered presentlyin a burst of confidence, sticking out her toes to look at them. 

"Bless me! you couldn't keep them on, " said Mr. King. 

"Don't the little Dutch children keep them on?" asked Phronsie. "Oh, Grandpapa, I think I could; I really think I could, " she addedearnestly. 

"Yes, they do, because they are born and brought up to it, although, for the life of me, I don't see how they do it; but you couldn't, child, you'd fall the first minute and break your nose, most likely. "

Phronsie gave a sigh. "Should I, Grandpapa?"

"Yes, quite likely; but I'll tell you what I will do. I will buy you apair, and we will take them home. That will be fine, won't it, dear?"

"Yes, " said Phronsie, wriggling in delight. Then she sat quite still. 

"Grandpapa, " she said, reaching up to whisper again, "I'm afraid itwill make Araminta feel badly to see me with my beautiful wooden shoeson, when she can't have any. Do you suppose there are little teentyones, Grandpapa dear, and I might get her a pair?"

"Yes, indeed, " cried Grandpapa, nodding his white head in delight, "there are shoals of them, Phronsie, of all sizes. "

"What are shoals?" queried Phronsie. 

"Oh, numbers and numbers--so many we can't count them, " answered Mr. King, recklessly. 

Phronsie slid down into her place again, and sat quite still lost inthought. So many wooden shoes she couldn't count them was quite beyondher. But Grandpapa's voice roused her. "And I'll buy a bushel of them, Phronsie, and send them home, so that all your dolls at home can eachhave a pair. Would that suit you, Pet?"

Phronsie screamed with delight and clapped her hands. Polly and Jasperwho had changed places, as Dr. Fisher and Mr. Henderson had made themtake theirs by one window, now whirled around. "What is it?" criedPolly of Phronsie. "What is it?"

"I'm going to have wooden shoes, " announced Phronsie, in a burst ofconfidence that included everybody in the compartment, "for my very ownself, and Araminta is going to have a pair, and every single one of mychildren at home, too. Grandpapa said so. "

"Whew!" whistled Jasper. "Oh, what fun, " sighed Polly. 

"And you shall have a pair, too, if you want them, Polly, " Grandpapatelegraphed over to her in the corner. 

"And Jasper can, too, can't he, Grandpapa? And, oh, thank you _somuch, _" cried Polly, all in one breath. 

"I guess it's as well I shall be on hand to set the broken bones, " saidlittle Dr. Fisher, "with all you children capering around in thosewooden abominations. "

"Oh, Dr. Fisher, we are not going to fall!" exclaimed Jasper, indisdain, at the very thought. And "No, indeed, " came merrily fromPolly. And then they all fell to work admiring the numberless windmillspast which their train was speeding toward Rotterdam. 

"To think it is only six o'clock!" exclaimed Polly, looking at herlittle travelling watch that Grandpapa had given her. "Now, what a finelong day we are going to have, Jasper, for sightseeing in Rotterdam. "

As the train came to a standstill, the guards threw open compartmentdoors, and all the people poured out calling for porters to see totheir luggage, and everything was in confusion at once on theplatforms. 

"Indeed, you won't, Miss Polly, " declared Mr. King, overhearing it, asthey waited till all was ready for them to get into the hotel coach, --"we are all going to spend this day at the hotel--first, in getting agood breakfast, and then, dear me, I shall sleep pretty much all of themorning, and I'd advise the rest of you to jump into your beds and getgood naps after the experience on that atrocious steamboat last night. "

"Oh, Grandpapa, must we really go to bed?" cried Polly, in horror atthe mere thought. 

"Well, not exactly into your beds, " laughed Mr. King, as Jasper, announcing that all was ready, piloted them into the coach, "but you'vegot to rest like sensible beings. Make up your mind to that. As forPhronsie, " and he gallantly lifted her up to the step, "she's halfasleep already. She's got to have a splendid nap, and no mistake. "

"I'm not sleepy, " declared Phronsie, stumbling into the high coach tosit down next to Mother Fisher. "No, Grandpapa dear, not a bit. " Andbefore anybody knew it, and as soon as the coach wheels spun round, sherolled over into Mamsie's lap. There she was as fast asleep as couldbe!

VIII

"WE WILL COME AGAIN AND STAY A WEEK"

They had been several days at The Hague, running about in a restful wayin the morning, and driving all the long golden afternoons. "Don't youdare to go into a picture-gallery or a museum until I give the word, "Grandpapa had laid down the law. "I'm not going to begin by being alltired out. " So Polly and Jasper had gone sometimes with Mr. King andPhronsie, who had a habit of wandering off by themselves; or, as thecase might be, Mr. Henderson would pilot them about till they learntthe ways of the old town. And Mrs. Fisher and Mrs. Henderson wouldconfess now and then that they would much rather take a few stitchesand overlook the travelling clothes than do any more sight-seeing. Andthen again, they would all come together and go about in a big party. All but Dr. Fisher--he was for hospitals every time. 

"That's what I've come for, wife, " he would reply to all remonstrance, "and don't ask me to put my head into a cathedral or a museum. " To Mr. King, "Land alive, man, I've got to find out how to take care of livingbodies before I stare at bones and relics, " and Mr. King would laughand let him alone. "He's incorrigible, that husband of yours, Mrs. Fisher, " he would add, "and we must just let him have his way. " AndMamsie would smile, and every night the little doctor would tome fromhis tramps and medical study, tired but radiant. 

At last one morning Grandpapa said, "Now for Scheveningen to-day!"

"Oh, goody!" cried Polly, clapping her hands; then blushed as red as arose. They were at breakfast, and everybody in the vicinity turned andstared at their table. 

"Don't mind it, Polly, " said Jasper, her next neighbour, "I want to dothe same thing. And it will do some of those starched and prim peoplegood to hear a little enthusiasm. " Polly knew whom he meant, --someyoung Englishmen. One of them immediately put up his monocle andregarded her as if she had been a new kind of creature displayed forhis benefit. Jasper glared back at him. 

"Yes, we'll go to Scheveningen this morning, " repeated Mr. King, smiling approvingly at poor Polly, which caused her to lift her head;"the carriages are ordered, so as soon as we are through breakfast wewill be off. "

"Oh, father, " exclaimed Jasper, in dismay, "must we go in carriages?"

"How else would you go, Jasper?" asked his father. 

"Oh, by the tramway; oh, by all means, " cried Jasper, perfectlydelighted that he could get his father even to listen to any otherplan. 

"The dirty tram-cars, " ejaculated Mr. King, in disgust. "How can youask it, Jasper? No, indeed, we must go in carriages, or not at all. "

"But, father, " and Jasper's face fell, "don't you see the upper deck ofthe tram-car is so high and there are fine seats there, and we can seeso much better than driving in a stupid carriage?"

Polly's face had drooped, too. Mr. King, in looking from one to theother, was dismayed and a good bit annoyed to find that his plan wasn'tproductive of much happiness after all. He had just opened his mouth tosay authoritatively, "No use, Jasper, either you will go in the way Ihave provided, or stay at home, " when Phronsie slipped out of her chairwhere she happened this morning to be sitting next to Mother Fisher, and running around to his chair, piped out, "Oh, Grandpapa, if youplease, do let us sit up top. "

"We'll do it now, Polly, " whispered Jasper, in a transport, "whenPhronsie looks like that. See her face!"

"Do you really want to go in a dirty old tram-car, Phronsie, instead ofin a carriage?" Old Mr. King pushed back his chair and looked steadilyat her. 

"Oh, yes, yes, Grandpapa, please"--Phronsie beat her hands softlytogether--"to ride on top; may we, _dear_ Grandpapa?" That "dearGrandpapa" settled it. Jasper never heard such a welcome command asthat Mr. King was just issuing. "Go to the office and countermand theorder for the carriages, my son; tell them to put the amount on mybill, the same as if I'd used them, unless they get a chance to letthem to some one else. They needn't be the losers. Now then, " as Jasperbounded off to execute the command, "get on your bonnets and hats, allof you, and we'll try this wonderful tram-car. I suppose you won't comewith us, but will stay behind for the pleasures of some hospital here, "he added to Dr. Fisher. 

"On the contrary, " said the little doctor, throwing down his napkin andgetting out of his chair. "I am going, for there is a marine hospitalfor children there, that I wouldn't miss for the world. "

"I warrant you would find one on a desert island, " retorted old Mr. King. "Well, hurry now, all of you--and we will be off. "

"Now, then, all scramble up here. Phronsie, you go with me, " cried oldMr. King, as they stood in _plein_, and the tram-car halted beforethem. He was surprised to find that he liked this sort of thing, mixingwith a crowd and hurrying for seats just like common ordinaryindividuals. And as he toiled up the winding stairs, Phronsie in frontof him, he had an exhilaration already that made him feel almost asyoung as Polly and Jasper, scampering up the circular stairway at theother end. "Well, bless me, we are up, aren't we?" he exclaimed, sitting down and casting a glance around. 

"Did you ever see anything so fascinating?" cried Polly Pepper, clasping her hands in delight, and not stopping to sit down, butlooking all around. 

"You had better sit down, " advised Mother Fisher, "else when the carstarts you may go over the railing. "

"Oh, I can't fall, Mamsie, " said Polly, carelessly, yet she sat down, while Jasper got out of his seat and ran up to old Mr. King. 

"Now, father, don't you like it?" he cried. "And isn't it better than astuffy old carriage?"

"Yes, I do, my boy, " answered his father, frankly. "Now run off withyou, you've planned it well. " So Jasper, made happy for the day, rushedback to his seat. A hand not over clean was laid on it, and a tallindividual, who was pouring out very bad provincial French at a fearfulrate, was just about to worm himself into it. Polly, who sat next, hadturned around to view the scenery from the other side, and hadn't seenhis advance. 

"Excuse me, " said Jasper, in another torrent of the same language, onlyof a better quality, "this is my seat--I only left it to speak to myfather. "

But the Frenchman being there, thought that he could get still furtherinto the seat. So he twisted and edged, but Jasper slipped neatly in, and looked calmly up at him. The Frenchman, unable to get his balance, sat down in Jasper's lap. But he bounded up again, blue with rage. 

"What's all this?" demanded Mr. King, who never could speak French in ahurry, being very elegant at it, and exceedingly careful as to hisaccent. Phronsie turned pale and clung to his hand. 

"Nothing, " said Jasper, in English, "only this person chose to try totake my seat, and I chose to have it myself. "

"You take yourself off, " commanded Mr. King, in an irate voice to theFrench individual, "or I'll see that some one attends to your case. "

Not understanding the language, all might have gone well, but theFrench person could interpret the expression of the face under thewhite hair, and he accordingly left a position in front of Jasper tosidle up toward Mr. King's seat in a threatening attitude. At thatJasper got out of his seat again and went to his father's side. LittleDr. Fisher also skipped up. 

"See here you, Frenchy, stop your parley vousing, and march down thosestairs double quick, " cried the little doctor, standing on his tiptoesand bristling with indignation. His big spectacles had slipped to theend of his nose, his sharp little eyes blazing above them. 

"Frenchy" stared at him in amazement, unable to find his tongue. Andthen he saw another gentleman in the person of the parson, who was justas big as the doctor was small. With one look he glanced around to seeif there were any more such specimens. At any rate, it was time to begoing, so he took a bee-line for the nearest stairway and plunged down. But he gave the little doctor the compliment of his parting regard. 

"Well, " ejaculated Mr. King, when his party had regained their seatsand the car started off, "if this is to be the style of our companions, I think my plan of carriages might be best after all. Eh, my boy?" witha sly look at Jasper. 

"But anything like this might not happen again in a hundred times, father, " said Jasper. 

"I suppose I must say 'yes, I know it' to that, " said his father. Andas everybody had regained composure, he was beginning to feel veryhappy himself as the car rumbled off. 

"This is fine, " he kept saying to himself, "the boy knew what wasbest, " and he smiled more than once over at Jasper, who was pointingout this and that to Polly. Jasper nodded back again. 

"Don't let him bother you to see everything, Polly, " called Grandpapa. "Take my advice--it's a nuisance to try to compass the whole place onthe first visit. " But Polly laughed back, and the advice went over herhead, as he very well knew it would. 

"Was anything ever more beautiful?" exclaimed Mother Fisher, drawing inlong breaths of delight. The little doctor leaned back in his seat, andbeamed at her over his big glasses. She began to look rested and youngalready. "This journey is the very thing, " he declared to himself, andhis hard-worked hand slipped itself over her toil-worn one as it lay onher lap. She turned to him with a smile. 

"Adoniram, I never imagined anything like this, " she said simply. 

"No more did I, " he answered. "That's the good of our coming, wife. "

"Just see those beautiful green trees, so soft and trembling, " sheexclaimed, as enthusiastically as Polly herself. "And what a perfectarch!" And she bent forward to glance down the shaded avenue. "Oh, Adoniram!"

"What makes the trunks look so green?" Polly was crying as they rumbledalong. "See, Jasper, there isn't a brown branch, even. Everything isgreen. "

"That's what makes it so pretty, " said Jasper. "I don't wonder theseoaks in the _Scheveningsche Boschjes_--O dear me, I don't know howto pronounce it in the least--are so celebrated. "

"Don't try, " said Polly, "to pronounce it, Jasper. I just mark thingsin my Baedeker and let it go. "

"Our Baedekers will be a sight when we get home, won't they, Polly?"remarked Jasper, in a pause, when eyes had been busy to their utmostcapacity. 

"I rather think they will, " laughed Polly. "Mine is a sight now, Jasper, for I mark all round the edges--and just everywhere. "

"But you are always copying off the things into your journal, " saidJasper, "afterward. So do I mark my Baedeker; it's the only way to jotthings down in any sort of order. One can't be whipping out a note-bookevery minute. Halloo, here we are at the château of the Grand Duke ofSaxe-Weimar. Look, Polly! look!"

As they looked back in the distance to the receding ducal estate, Pollysaid: "It isn't one-half as beautiful as this delicious old wood is, Jasper. Just see that perfectly beautiful walk down there and thatcunning little trail. Oh, I do so wish we could stay here. "

"Some day, let us ask Dr. Fisher to come out with us, and we will trampit. Oh, I forgot; he won't leave the hospitals. "

"Mr. Henderson might like to, " said Polly, in a glow, "let's ask himsometime, anyway, Jasper. And then, just think, we can go all in andout this lovely wood. How fine!"

"Father will come over to Scheveningen again and stay a few days, maybe, " said Jasper, "if he takes a fancy to the idea. How would youlike that, Polly?"

"I don't know, " said Polly, "because I haven't seen it yet, Jasper. "

"I know--I forgot--'twas silly in me to ask such a question, " saidJasper, with a laugh. "Well, anyway, I think it more than likely thathe will. "

"I just love The Hague, " declared Polly, with a backward glance downthe green avenue. "I hope we are going to stay there ever so long, Jasper. "

"Then we sha'n't get on to all the other places, " said Jasper. "Weshall feel just as badly to leave every other one, I suppose, Polly. "

"I suppose so, " said Polly, with a sigh. 

When they left the tram-car at the beginning of the village ofScheveningen they set off on a walk down to the _Curhaus_ and thebeach. Old Mr. King, as young as any one, started out on the promenadeon the undulating terrace at the top of the Dunes, followed by the restof his party. 

Down below ran a level road. "There is the Boulevard, " said Grandpapa. "See, child, " pointing to it; but Phronsie had no eyes for anything butthe hundreds and hundreds of Bath chairs dotting the sands. 

"Oh, Grandpapa, what are they?" she cried, pulling his hand andpointing to them. 

"Those are chairs, " answered Mr. King, "and by and by we will go downand get into some of them. "

"They look just like the big sunbonnets that Grandma Bascom always worewhen she went out to feed her hens, don't they, Jasper?"

"Precisely, " he said, bursting into a laugh. "How you always do seefunny things, Polly. "

"And see what queer patches there are all up and down the sides of someof them, " cried Polly. "Whatever can they be, Jasper?"

"Oh, those are the advertisements, " said Jasper. "You'll find thateverything is plastered up in that way abroad. "

"Just as the omnibuses in London are all covered over with posters, "said Polly; "weren't they funny, Jasper?"

"Yes, indeed, --'Lipton Teas, '--I got so tired of that. And these, --cocoaor chocolate. You know Holland is full of manufactories of it. "

"And isn't it good?" cried Polly, smacking her lips, as she had feastedon it since their arrival in Holland, Grandpapa considering itespecially good and pure. 

"I should say so, " echoed Jasper, smacking his lips, too. 

"Dr. Fisher--" The parson turned to address his neighbour, but therewas no little doctor. 

"Oh, he is off long ago, " said his wife, "to his beloved hospital. Whatis it, Samuel?"

"I was only going to remark that I don't believe I ever saw so manypeople together before. Just look!" he pointed down to the Boulevardand off to the sands along the beach. 

"It is a swarm, isn't it?" said his wife. "Well, we must go, for Mr. King is going down to the Boulevard. "

Polly and Jasper, running in and out of the fascinating shops by theConcert terrace, had minds divided by the desire to stay on the sands, and to explore further the tempting interiors. "We must get somethingfor the boys, " she declared, jingling her little silver purse; "justlet us go in this one now, then we'll run after Grandpapa; he's goingdown on the sands. "

"He's going to sit with Phronsie in some of those big sunbonnets ofyours, Polly, " said Jasper. "There they are, " pointing to them. "Well, we'll go in this shop. I want to get a pair of those wooden shoes forJoel. " And they hurried in. 

"Oh, how fine!" exclaimed Polly. "Well, I saw a carved bear I thinkDavie would like, and--" the rest was lost in the confusing array oftempting things spread out for their choice by deft shopkeepers. 

When they emerged, Polly had a china windmill, and an inkstand of Delftware, and several other things, and Jasper carried all the big bundles. "O dear me, " said Polly, "now we must run, or we sha'n't have much timeto stay on the beach; and besides, Grandpapa will worry over us ifwe're not there. "

"We can't run much, loaded down with this, " said Jasper, looking at hisarmful and laughing, "or we'd likely drop half of them, and smash themto pieces. Wait a bit, Polly, I'm going to buy you some fruit. " Theystopped at the top of the stone stairway leading down to the sands, where some comely peasant women, fishermen's wives, held great basketsof fruit, and in one hand was a pair of scales. "Now, then, what willyou have, Polly?"

"Oh, some grapes, please, Jasper, " said Polly. "Aren't they mostbeautiful?"

"I should say they were; they are black Hamburgs, " declared Jasper. "Now, then, my good woman, give us a couple of pounds. " He put down thecoin she asked for, and she weighed them out in her scales, and didthem up in a piece of a Dutch newspaper. 

"We are much worse off now, Jasper, " laughed Polly, as they got overthe stairs somehow with their burdens, "since we've all these grapes tocarry. O dear me, there goes one!"

"Never mind, " said Jasper, looking over his armful of presents, toinvestigate his paper of grapes; "if we don't lose but one, we'relucky. "

"And there goes another, " announced Polly, as they picked their wayover and through the thick sand. 

"Well, I declare, " exclaimed old Mr. King, peering out of his Bathchair, "if you children aren't loaded down!" He was eating blackHamburg grapes. Phronsie sat opposite him almost lost in the depth ofanother Bath chair, similarly occupied. And at a little remove was theremainder of the party, and they all were in Bath chairs, and eatingblack Hamburg grapes. 

"We've had such fun, " sighed Polly, and she and Jasper cast theirbundles on the soft sand; then she threw herself down next to them, andpushed up the little brown rings from her damp brow. 

Jasper set his paper of grapes in her lap, then rushed off. "I'll getyou a Bath chair, " he said, beckoning to the attendant. 

"Oh, Jasper, I'd so much rather sit on the sand, " called Polly. 

"So had I, " he confessed, running back and throwing himself down besideher. "Now, then, do begin on your grapes, Polly. "

"We'll begin together, " she said, poking open the paper. "Oh, aren'tthey good, though!"

"I should rather say they were, " declared Jasper; "dear me, what abunch!"

"It's not as big as mine, " said Polly, holding up hers to the light. "You made me take that one, Jasper. "

"It's no better than mine, " said Jasper, eating away. 

"I'm going to hop into one of the chairs just a minute before we go, "said Polly, nodding at the array along the beach, and eating her grapesbusily, "to see how they feel. "

"Oh, Polly, let me get you a chair now, " begged Jasper, setting downthe remainder of his bunch of grapes, and springing up. 

"Oh, I don't want to, I really and truly don't, Jasper, " Polly madehaste to cry. "I like the sand ever and ever so much better. I onlywant to see for a minute what it's like to be in one of those funny oldthings. Then I should want to hop out with all my might, I just know Ishould. "

"I'm of your mind, " said Jasper, coming back to his seat on the sandagain. "They must be very stuffy, Polly. Well, now you are here, wouldyou like to come back to Scheveningen for a few days, Polly?"

"I think I should, " said Polly, slowly, bringing her gaze around overthe sea, to the Dunes, the beach, with the crowds of people of allnationalities, and the peasant folk, "if we could stay just as long, for all that, at the dear old Hague. "

And just then old Mr. King was saying to Phronsie, "We will come outhere again, child, and stay a week. Yes, " he said to himself, "I willengage the rooms before we go back this afternoon. "

"Grandpapa, " asked Phronsie, laying her hand on his knee, "can I havethis very same little house next time we come?"

"Well, I don't know, " said Mr. King, peering up and down Phronsie'sBath chair adorned with the most lively descriptions of the merits ofcocoa as a food; "they're all alike as two peas, except for the matterof the chocolate and cocoa trimmings. But perhaps I can fix it, Phronsie, so that you can have this identical one, " mentally resolvingto do that very thing. "Well, come, Phronsie, we must go now and getour luncheon. "

"I am so glad if I can have the same little house, " said Phronsie, witha sigh of contentment, as she slowly got out of her Bath chair. "It isa nice little house, Grandpapa, and I love it very much. "

IX

A BOX FOR THE PEPPER BOYS

"Mamsie, have we been here a whole week in Amsterdam, " cried Polly, leaning out of the window to look up and down the canal where themany-coloured boats lay, "beside all those days at Scheveningen? I can'tbelieve it!"

"It doesn't seem possible, " Mother Fisher answered musingly, and herhands dropped to her lap, where they lay quietly folded. 

"Mamsie, "--Polly suddenly drew in her gaze from the charming old canaland its boats, and sprang to Mrs. Fisher's side, --"do you know, I thinkit was just the loveliest thing in all the world for Grandpapa to bringdear Mr. And Mrs. Henderson abroad with us? I do, Mamsie. "

"Mr. King is always doing good, kind things, " said Mrs. Fisher, comingout of her revery, as Polly threw herself down on the floor and laidher head in her mother's lap, just as she used to do at home. "Ihaven't done this for so long, " she said, "and it is so good!"

"That is the only drawback about travel, " observed Mother Fisher, herhand passing soothingly over Polly's head, "that there never seems tobe time for the little home ways that are so good. Now we must make thetime and keep it, Polly. "

"Indeed we will, " cried Polly, seizing Mamsie's other hand to cuddle itunder her chin, "and I'm going to begin right now. It makes me think ofthe little brown house, Mamsie, whenever you smooth my hair. What goodtimes we used to have there!"

Mrs. Fisher's hand trembled a bit, but the black eyes were as serene asever. "You used to work pretty hard, Polly, " she said. 

"Oh, but it was fun!" said Polly, merrily, "only I didn't like the oldstove when it acted badly. But then came my new stove. Mamsie, wasn'tPapa Fisher splendid? And then he saved my eyes. Just think, Mamsie, Inever can love him half enough. I wish I could do something for him, "she mourned, just as she did in the old days. 

"You do, Polly; you are doing something every day of your life, " saidher mother, reassuringly. "Never think that you don't do anything. Why, it was only this very morning that your father told me that you werehis little helper, and that he depended on you to cheer him up. "

"Did he say that?" asked Polly, much gratified, poking up her head tolook at her mother. "Oh, I want to be, but I don't know how to helphim. Papa Fisher always seems to be doing something for other people, and not to need anybody to do things for him. "

"Ah, Polly, when you have lived longer, " said Mrs. Fisher, "you willknow that those who are doing things always for other people, are thevery ones who need cheering up, for they never complain. Your father, in going about as he does, day after day, to the hospitals andeverywhere, where he can learn anything that will make him a betterdoctor, is working very hard indeed, and yet think how cheerful he iswhen he comes home! And he says you help to keep him so, Polly. " Shebent over and set a kiss on Polly's red cheek. 

"Mamsie, " cried Polly, with a glow where the kiss had dropped, "I'mgoing to try harder than ever to see wherever I can find a time to helpPapa-Doctor. And I hope that one will come soon. "

"And you'll find just such a time will come; it never fails to when youwatch for it, " said Mother Fisher, wisely. Just then the door opened, and Phronsie, fresh from the hands of Matilda, who had been changingher gown, came in with Araminta in her arms. When she saw Polly on thefloor with her head in Mamsie's lap, she got down by her side andcurled up there, too. 

"Smooth my hair, do, Mamsie, " she begged. 

"Mamsie's got her two bothers, " said Polly, with a little laugh. 

"Mamsie doesn't mind her bothers, " said Mrs. Fisher, her other handgoing softly over Phronsie's yellow hair, at which Phronsie gave asmall sigh of content, and wriggled her toes as they were stretched outstraight before her on the carpet, "if only they grow up a littlebetter every day than they were the day before. "

"We'll try to, Mamsie, " said Polly, "won't we, Pet?" leaning over andkissing her. 

"I'll try to, " promised Phronsie, with another wriggle of her smalltoes. 

"That's right, " said Mother Fisher, smiling approval. 

"Mrs. Fisher!" called Grandpapa's voice at the door. Thereupon Pollyand Phronsie sprang to their feet, and a lively race ensued to seewhich should be there the first to open it. The consequence was thatboth faces met him at once. 

"Bless me!" cried old Mr. King, laughing gaily, as the door flew open, and they both rushed into his arms; "so you did like to have your oldGrandfather come to see you, " he exclaimed, mightily pleased. 

"I should think we did!" cried Polly, as they escorted him in, and ledhim to the seat of honour, a big carved arm-chair, with a fadedtapestry covering. 

"I should very much like to get into your lap, Grandpapa dear, " saidPhronsie, surveying him gravely as he sat down and leaned his headagainst the chair back. 

"So you shall, " cried Mr. King, lifting her up to his knee, Aramintaand all. She perched there in quiet content, while he set forth hisbusiness which he had come to talk over with Mother Fisher. 

"Now, you know those three boys of yours are the most splendid boysthat ever were in all this world, and they are working away at home, studying and all that, Joel and David are, and Ben is pegging away atbusiness. " Old Mr. King thought best to go to the heart of the matterat once without any dallying. 

Mrs. Fisher's cheek grew a shade paler, but she said not a word as shefastened her black eyes on his face. 

"Hem--well, we don't talk much about those boys, " observed the oldgentleman, "because it makes us all homesick after them, and it's bestthat they should be there, and that we should be here, so that wassettled once for all by our coming. "

Still Mrs. Fisher said not a word. 

"Well, now, the fact of it is, " continued old Mr. King, still keepingto the main point with wonderful directness, "I think the time has comefor us to act, which is much better than talking, in my opinion; and Iwant to do something for those boys. "

A pin could have been heard to drop. Polly leaned over his chair andhung on his words, while Mrs. Fisher never took her eyes from his face. 

"In short, " continued old Mr. King, well pleased with the attention ofhis audience, "I propose that we send a box of good things of variousdescriptions to Ben and Joel and David. "

A small howl of delight from Polly broke the silence. When she heardthat, Phronsie gave a little crow. "Oh, Grandpapa!" exclaimed Polly, "do you really mean it?" and she threw her arms around his neck. Phronsie immediately clambered up and did the same thing. 

"That's just as your mother shall decide, " said Mr. King, immenselypleased with the way his news was received. "She hasn't said a word yetwhether she likes the idea or not. "

"It's just because I couldn't speak at first, " said Mrs. Fisher, wipingher eyes; and her voice trembled. "But it's the very thing; and oh!thank you, sir, for thinking of it. The boys won't be so homesick forus when they get the box. And it will be the best thing in the worldfor us to keep busy, so we can't worry about them. "

"Mamsie _has_ said 'yes'!" exclaimed Polly, flying off to dancearound and around in the middle of the room. "Oh, I wish Jasper washere!" she cried regretfully, breaking short off. 

"Go and call him, then, --he's down in the reading room, writing to theboys, --and bring him up here, " said old Mr. King. "No, no, Phronsie, you want to stay and take care of me, " as Phronsie showed signs ofslipping down from his lap to go too. 

"I'll stay and take care of you, " said Phronsie, obediently; "just letme lay Araminta down, Grandpapa, on the sofa, and then I'll come backand rub your head. "

So she got down and set Araminta up straight against the sofa back, andthen came and clambered up again into his lap. By this time Polly andJasper, racing along the hall, had reached Mother Fisher's room. 

"That's regularly splendid, father. " Jasper tossed his dark hair backfrom his forehead, and his eyes sparkled. "Oh, can't we go out rightaway and begin to buy the presents?"

"I shouldn't think that idea was a half-bad one, " said old Mr. King. "What do you say, Mrs. Fisher? If we are going to send the box, whyisn't it best to begin the work at once? There's never so good a timeas now, in my opinion. I'm sure you agree with me. "

On Mother Fisher saying "yes, " all three of the young people took holdof hands, and danced around the room in glee. For old Mr. King setPhronsie down, with, "There, go, child, and spin with the others; thenall hurry and get your hats on, and we'll be off. "

And in less time than it takes to write it, old Mr. King and MotherFisher and Jasper and Polly and Phronsie all hurried out of the hotel, and began a round of the shops to get the things together for thewonderful box to go home to the boys. And though Polly didn't know it, several other things, that boys wouldn't be supposed to care for in theleast, were slyly added to the purchases, when she wasn't looking, tobe sent home to the hotel in separate parcels to Mr. King. For Pollywas going to have a birthday before very long; though she had quiteforgotten it in the excitement over this box for Ben and Joel andDavid. 

"It's just like buying things for Christmas, isn't it, Jasper?" saidPolly, as they hung over the show-cases and peered into windows; "onlyeverything is so funny here. Oh, no, Phronsie, that won't do; it's toobig, " as Phronsie protested that nothing was so nice as a huge Delftplate hanging on the wall. There was a big windmill and several littlewindmills in the distance along a Dutch canal, and two or three cows inthe foreground, and a peasant girl with a basket in her hand. Phronsiestood and gazed at it all the time they were in this particular shop. 

"I like that little girl, " she said, "and those cows; and they are likeDeacon Blodgett's cows at home in Badgertown. And Ben would like it, and Joel, and David. " And all Polly could do, she would still say, "Ilike it, Polly, and I want Grandpapa to send it. "

At last Polly turned in despair to Jasper. "Oh, what can we do?" shecried; "she is just as determined as she was when she would send thegingerbread boy to Grandpapa. "

"Well, I think we would better not try to get her away from the idea, "said Jasper, with a look at the rapt little face. Phronsie was nowkneeling on a Flemish oak chair, and studying the Delft plate withabsorbed attention. 

"No, " said Polly, with a sigh, "I suppose it isn't any use to try whenshe looks like that. " Just then old Mr. King, who had been busy in afarther corner with the proprietor of the shop, picking out some smallarticles that struck his fancy, turned and called Phronsie. She didn'thear him, being too absorbed. And so he laid down the little silverpaper-cutter he was looking at, and came over to see what was thematter. 

"Well, child, " he said, looking over her shoulder. "And so you likethat, hey?"

Phronsie drew a long breath. "I do, Grandpapa, like it very muchindeed, " she said. 

"Well, then, I don't see but what you must have it. And it shall hangin your own little room at home, Phronsie. "

"But I don't want it for my very own, Grandpapa, " said Phronsie; "itmust go in the box for Ben and Joel and David. "

"Dear me! You think they would like it, Phronsie?" he asked doubtfully, and just on the point of saying, like Polly, "it's too big, child, "when he stopped himself and finished up--"and so it pleases you, Phronsie?"

"Yes, it does, " said Phronsie, with an emphatic little nod; "I lovethat nice cow, and that little girl. Grandpapa, I think I should liketo live in a windmill. "

"Bless me! I think you wouldn't want to live there very long, child. Well, the plate shall go to the boys, and I only hope they will likeit, " he said to himself, dubiously. 

"He is going to send it, " Jasper and Polly said to each other, peeringround an angle in the shop at the two. "Well, it's a mercy it's got acow on it instead of a cat, " said Jasper. "How Joel would howl ifPhronsie sent him the picture of a cat!"

"She would if there were a cat to be found, " said Polly; "don't youbelieve, Jasper, but what she would?"

X

DANGER

Well, the box that went home across the seas to the Pepper boys was amarvel, stuffed in every nook and cranny where there was a possibilitythat the tiniest parcel could be tucked, until Phronsie, who keptbringing up more bundles, had to be told by Polly and Jasper, who didthe packing, that no more could go in. 

"They are very small, " sighed Phronsie, curling up on the floor by theside of the big box, almost overflowing with billows of the soft whitepaper on top, and holding up two pudgy little bundles. 

"So you've said for the last hour, Phronsie, " exclaimed Polly, indespair, and sitting quite straight, her hands in her lap. "Jasper, what _shall_ we do?" He was over by the window laying out the longnails that were to fasten the cover on; for no one must touch thisprecious box, but the loving hands that got it ready. 

"Oh, we can't, " began Jasper. Then he turned and saw Phronsie's face. "Perhaps one might be crowded in, " he added, with a look at Polly. "Which one would you rather have Polly make a try at, Phronsie?"

"This one, " she said, holding up the pudgiest bundle, "because this isthe china cat, and I want Joel to have that. "

Down went Polly's head on the edge of the box. Jasper dropped the longnails and hurried over to her. 

"I can't help it. " Polly's shoulders were shaking, and she addedgustily, "O dear me--and Joel does so hate cats!"

"Phronsie, I think I can tuck in that parcel, " Jasper made haste tosay. "There, give it to me, child, " and he took it out of her hand. "For Joel" was written across it in unsteady letters. 

"Is Polly sick?" asked Phronsie, wonderingly, as she resigned her catinto his hands. 

"No, only a bit tired, I think, " answered Jasper. "Well, now, Phronsie, I think there is just room enough to tuck that parcel in this corner, "said Jasper, crowding his fingers down in between the various bundlesto make a space. "There, in it pops!" suiting the action to the word. 

"I am so very glad, " said Phronsie, smoothing her brown gown in greatsatisfaction; "for then Joel will know that I sent it all by myself. "

"He'll know that nobody else sent it, " said Polly to herself. "And Iknow it's a perfectly awful cat, for Phronsie always picks out the veryugliest she can find. "

Well, the box was off, at last, the Pepper children and Jasper seeingit till the very last minute. And old Mr. King was nearly as excited asthe young folks, and the Parson and Mrs. Henderson said it remindedthem of Christmas times over again, and Mother Fisher and the littledoctor were in a great state of happiness. 

And that night when Polly was in bed, and Mother Fisher came into herroom and Phronsie's, which opened into her own, to say "Good night, "Polly turned on her pillow. "Mamsie, " she said, "I do so very much wishthat we could send a box to the Henderson boys. They must be sohomesick for their mother and father. "

Mrs. Fisher stopped and thought a bit, "A very good idea, Polly, " shesaid, "and I'm glad you thought of it. I'll speak to your father andsee if he approves, before we say anything to Mr. King. "

"You see, " said Polly, rolling over to get hold of one of MotherFisher's hands, and speaking very fast, "of course the Henderson boysare having a good time at dear Deacon Blodgett's, but then their motherand father are away off. Oh, Mamsie!" She reached over and threw botharms around her mother and hugged her tightly. 

"Yes, I know, Polly, " said Mother Fisher, holding her big girl to herheart, "and we must look out for other people's boys; that's what youmean to say, isn't it?"

"Yes, " said Polly, happy that Mamsie always understood, "and now thatBen's and Joel's and David's box is off, why, I wish we could, Mamsie, send the other one. "

"I really think it can be done, " said Mrs. Fisher, "but I must ask yourfather first. And now, daughter, go to sleep, like Phronsie. " Sheglanced over at the other little bed, where Phronsie's yellow head waslost in dreams. 

"You know we are going to Marken tomorrow. "

"I know, " said Polly, with a happy little wriggle under the bedclothes. 

"And it never would do for you to be all tired out in the morning. Thatwould be very unkind to dear Mr. King, who is trying so hard to make usall happy, " continued Mrs. Fisher. 

"I know, " said Polly, again. "Well, good night, Mamsie. " She set threeor four kisses on Mother Fisher's cheek, then turned over, with herface to the wall. 

"I'll shut the door until you get to sleep, Polly, " said Mrs. Fisher, "then I will open it again, " as she went out. 

As Mother Fisher had said, they were going to the Island of Markento-morrow; and Polly tumbled asleep with her head full of all the strangethings they were to see there, and that Jasper and she had been readingabout, --how the people wore the same kind of funny costume that theirgreat-great-ever-so-many-times great-grandfathers and grandmothers hadworn; and how the houses were of different colours, and built indifferent layers or mounds of land, with cunning little windows andscarcely any stairs; and how they were going in the haying season wheneverybody would be out raking up and gleaning--and--and--Polly wascompletely lost in her happy dreams. 

Somebody seemed to be pulling her arm. What! Oh, she remembered theywere going to Marken, and she must hurry and get her bath and fly intoher clothes. "Yes, Mamsie!" she cried, flying up to sit straight in thebed. "I'll get right up and dress; oh, won't we have fun!"

"Polly, " said Mother Fisher. She had on a dressing-gown, and her blackhair was hanging down her back. She looked pale and worried; Pollycould see that, although she blinked at the sudden light. "It isn'tmorning, but the middle of the night. You must get up this minute. Pullon your shoes; don't stop for stockings, and slip into your wrapper. Don't ask questions, " as Polly's lips moved. 

Polly obeyed with an awful feeling at her heart. She glanced atPhronsie's little bed; she was not there! Mrs. Fisher threw the pinkwrapper over her head; Polly thrust her arms into the sleeves, feelingas if she were sinking way down. "Now come. " And Mamsie seized her handand hurried her through her own room without another word. It wasempty. Father Fisher and Phronsie were nowhere to be seen. And now forthe first time Polly was conscious of a great noise out in thecorridor. It seemed to spread and fasten itself to a number of othernoises, and something made Polly feel queerly in her throat as if sheshould choke. She looked up in her mother's eyes, as they sped throughthe room. 

"Yes, Polly, " said Mother Fisher, "it is fire. The hotel is on fire;you will be brave, my child, I know. "

"Phronsie!" gasped Polly. They were now in the corridor and hurryingalong. 

"She is safe; her father took her. "

"Oh, Mamsie, Jasper and Grandpapa!"

"They know it; your father ran and told them. Obey me, Polly; come!"

Mrs. Fisher's firm hand on her arm really hurt Polly, as they hurriedon through the dense waves of smoke that now engulfed them. 

"Oh, Mamsie, not this way; we must find the stairs. " But Mrs. Fisherheld her with firmer fingers than ever, and they turned into a narrowerhall, up toward a blinking red light that sent a small bright spark outthrough the thick smoke, and in a minute, or very much less, they wereout on the fire-escape, and looking down to hear--for they couldn'tsee--Jasper's voice calling from below, "We are all here, Polly, " and"Be careful, wife, how you come down, " from Dr. Fisher. 

"Oh, " cried Polly, as the little group drew her and Mamsie into theirarms, "are we all here?"

"Yes, Polly; yes, yes, " answered Jasper. And "Oh, yes, " cried old Mr. King, his arm around Phronsie, "but we shouldn't have been but for thisdoctor of ours. "

"And Mr. And Mrs. Henderson?" cried Polly, shivering at Grandpapa'swords. 

"We are here, dear child, " said the parson's wife, pressing forward, and then the crowd surged up against them this way and that, and morepeople came down the fire-escape, and some were screaming and sayingthey had lost everything, and they must go back for their jewels, andone woman brought down a big feather pillow, and set it carefully onthe grass, she was so crazed with fright. 

"O dear, dear, can't we help them?" cried Polly, wringing her hands, "Look at that girl!"

She was about as old as Polly, and she rushed by them plunging into thethickest of the crowd surging up against the fire-escape. "I'm goingup, " she kept screaming. 

Polly remembered her face as she flashed by. She sat at the next tableto theirs in the dining room, with a slender, gentle, little old ladywhom she called "Grandmamma. " "O dear!" groaned Polly, "we _must_help her!"

Jasper dashed after the girl, and Polly ran, too. He laid his hand onthe arm of the flying figure as she broke through the crowd, but sheshook him off like a feather. "She's up there, " pointing above, "and Imust get her. "

One of the firemen seized her and held her fast. Jasper sprang for thefire-escape. "_Jasper!_" called Polly, hoarsely, "it will killGrandpapa if you go--oh!" She turned at a cry from the girl, whose armswere around a bent, shaking, little figure, and they had both sunk tothe ground. 

"I brought her down long ago, " said another fireman, who could speakEnglish, pointing to the white-haired old lady, who, on hearing hergranddaughter's voice, had pushed her way through the crowd, as Dr. Fisher hurried up. 

And then Mr. King and his party gathered his group, and they hurried toanother hotel close by, Jasper and Mr. Henderson and Mother Fisherwaiting to see to the belongings of the party; for the fire was nowsubdued, although the guests had to go elsewhere for shelter, and thelittle doctor was in his element, taking care of the old lady, and thenhe rushed off to look after a score or more of other fainting women. 

But nobody was really hurt--the smoke and the panic had been the worst, only the poor thing who had dragged down the feather pillow sat by ittill the little doctor, discovering her, called two stout men, who tookher up in their arms--she screaming all the while for her treasure--andbore her to a neighbouring house that kindly opened its doors to someof the people so suddenly thrown out of shelter. And it wasn't tillnear breakfast time that the little doctor came to the hotel that wasnow their home. 

"Brain-fever patient, " he said briefly. "Wife, I must get a coldplunge, or I'll be having it next. " And when breakfast was really setbefore their party, he appeared with the others fresh from his bath, and as cheery as if nothing had happened to break his good night'srest. 

"O dear me! How did you ever get so many things over here, in all thisworld, and why didn't you let me stay with you?" Polly had exclaimed inone breath, looking at the array of dresses, sacks, and hats disposedaround the room. And Mamsie was kneeling before an open trunk to takeout more. 

"It wasn't best, Polly, " said her mother, who had longed for Polly asno one knew better than did Mother Fisher herself. "You were reallyneeded here with Grandpapa and Phronsie. You truly were, my dear. "

"I know, " said Polly. "Well, do let me take those out, Mamsie; you'retired to death, already. Oh, and you've brought my dear little Americanflag!" She seized it and hugged it with delight. 

"Did you suppose I could come back without that flag, " exclaimed MotherFisher in a reproving tone, "when you've put it up in your room everyplace where we've stopped?--why, Polly!"

"No, Mamsie, I really didn't think you could, " answered Polly, quickly, and running to her, little silk flag and all, to throw her arms aroundher neck, "only it's so good to see the dear thing again. "

"You may take the things from me, and hang them up somewhere, " said hermother; "that will help me the most, " giving her an armful. "I don'tsee how you ever thought of so many things, Mamsie!" exclaimed Pollygoing off with her armful. 

"I brought all I thought we needed just at first, " said Mother Fisher, diving into the trunk depths again. 

"How did you ever do it?" cried Polly, for the fiftieth time, as shesorted, and hung the various garments in their proper places. 

"Oh, Jasper helped me pack them, and then he got the hotel porter tobring over the trunks, " answered Mother Fisher, her head in the trunk. "I've locked up our rooms, and got the keys, so I can get the rest byand by. "

"But how did you first hear of the fire?" asked Polly, when they wereall finally seated around the breakfast table, little Mrs. Gray--for sothe white-haired old lady was called--and her granddaughter Adela beinginvited to join, "do tell me, Mamsie, I don't understand, " she added ina puzzled way. 

"No, you were talking about Marken in your sleep, " said Mother Fisher, "when I went to call you, and how you would be ready in the morning. "

"Marken?" repeated old Mr. King, looking up from the egg he wascarefully breaking for Phronsie so that she might eat it from theshell. "So we were going there this morning. Well, we won't see thatisland now for a good many days; at least, till we get over thisfright. Beside, we have things to settle here, and to get comfortablyfixed. But we'll have that excursion all in good time, never fear. "

"Well, how did you, Mamsie, " Polly begged again, "first hear of thefire? Do tell me. "

"Somebody made a good deal of noise down in the corridor, " said MotherFisher, "and your father went out to see what was the matter, and thenhe came back and told me what to do, and he took Phronsie and went forold Mr. King. But he had sent a porter to warn them in 165, and theywould tell the Hendersons in the next room, before he ran upstairs tome. " It was a long speech for Mother Fisher. 

"Mamsie, " asked Polly, suddenly, after she had leaned across her motherand beamed at the little doctor, which so delighted him that his bigspectacles nearly fell off in his plate, "how _did_ you know wherethe fire-escape was?"

"Oh, that was your father's doings, too, " said Mother Fisher. Shecouldn't help but show her pride. "He told me all about it the firstday we got to the hotel. He always does; he says it's better to knowthese things. "

"Wife--wife, " begged the little doctor, imploringly. 

"I'm going to tell, Adoniram, " said Mother Fisher, proudly, "the wholestory; they ought to know. "

"Indeed we had; and so you shall, " commanded Mr. King, from the head ofthe table. 

"I can't help it! I really must!" exclaimed Polly, hopping out of herchair, --there were no other people in the breakfast room beside theirparty, so really it wasn't so very dreadful after all, --and she ranback of her mother's chair, and threw her arms around the littledoctor's neck. "Oh, Papa Fisher, " she cried, setting ever so manykisses on his cheeks under the big spectacles, "you've saved all ourlives. "

"There--there, Polly, " cried the little doctor, quite overcome. 

"And ours, too, " said little Mrs. Gray, in a shaking voice. 

XI

THE TWO BIRTHDAYS IN OLD HOLLAND

And Polly never knew about a certain shelf in Grandpapa's closet, norhow full it was getting, when Jasper ran every now and then to add thegifts as fast as the different members of the party picked up prettythings in the shops for the coming birthday--now very near. And sheactually forgot all about the birthday itself; all her mind being seton the Henderson box, so soon to sail off over the sea. 

And Mother Fisher would look over at her absorbed face, and smile, towatch her in the shops, picking out things for the Henderson boys; andold Mr. King would send many a keen glance at her, and Jasper had hardwork not to exclaim, "Oh, Polly, father has got you a--" And then he'dpull himself up, and rush off into some great plan to buy PeletiahHenderson something that a Badgertown boy ought to have. And Phronsiewas carefully guarded on all sides these days, lest she should let outthe great secret, for, of course, she ought to be in the very centre ofall these preparations to celebrate Polly's birthday in Old Amsterdam, so she knew everything just as soon as it was planned. But sometimes, with all this care, the whole thing nearly popped out. 

"Mr. King!" It was Mother Fisher who called after him, and her voicedidn't sound like hers, for it had an excited little ring. "Oh, are yougoing out?" for she didn't see that he held his hat in his hand till heturned in the corridor. 

"I can wait just as well if it's anything you want, Mrs. Fisher, " hesaid gladly, controlling his surprise at her unusual manner. "I wasonly about to run down to the Kalver-straat for a little matter I justthought of for the birthday. Can I do anything for you?" he begged. 

"Yes, it's just that, " said Mrs. Fisher, hurriedly; "it's about thebirthday--I must speak quickly--I've just found out, --" she glanced upand down the corridor as if fully expecting to see Polly dash around acorner, --"that Adela Gray's birthday is to-morrow--"

"The dickens! You don't say so!" exploded Mr. King. "Well, now, I callthat very clever on your part to have found it out. Very clever indeed, Mrs. Fisher, " he repeated, beaming at her. "And just in time, for itwould have been a dreadful thing, indeed, to have had that poor littlegirl left out, and her birthday too! Dear me!"

"It would, indeed, " said Mrs. Fisher, heartily, with a shiver at themere thought. 

"And we might as well have had no celebration in such a case, for Pollywouldn't have enjoyed a single bit of it--not an atom!" declared oldMr. King, bringing his walking stick heavily down on the floor. 

"What is it--oh, Grandpapa, what is it?" and Polly came hurrying alongthe corridor, and Jasper after her. 

"Here she comes!" exclaimed Grandpapa, in a fright. "Glad you told me--Hush--O dear me--I'll take care of the gifts. "

"And I'm to do the rest--just the same--Doctor Fisher and I. Remember!"It was all Mrs. Fisher had time to utter. Even then, Polly caught thelast words in the flurry. 

"Oh, what is it, Mamsie--Is anything the matter with Papa-Doctor?" Andher brown eyes filled with alarm at her mother's unusual manner. 

"Polly, " Mrs. Fisher looked into the brown eyes with a steady glance, and all the hurry was gone out of her voice, "your father is all right. And now, run away, you and Jasper. " She looked over Polly's shoulder athim as she spoke. "No, not another word, child. " And away Mrs. Fisherhurried, while old Mr. King slipped off in the opposite direction. 

"How funnily they act, " said Polly, looking first after one and thenanother, with a puzzled face. "What can it be, Jasper?"

"Oh, well, I suppose they are in a hurry, " said Jasper, as carelesslyas he could. "Never mind, Polly, everything is all right. Oh, I say, let's fix our stamp books. "

"But I was going to ask Grandpapa to go out with us, and now he's goneby himself, " and Polly's face grew more puzzled than ever. 

"Polly, " said Jasper, desperately, "I really think we ought to fix ourstamp books. I really do, " and he took her hand. "My stamps are all inheaps in the envelopes, and in a mess generally. Come, let's beginnow--do. " And he led her back down the corridor. 

"I suppose so, " said Polly, with a reluctant little sigh, as they wentoff. 

And that afternoon, there was another narrow escape, when it seemed asif the secret really must pop out. Polly, rushing along to the readingroom opposite the big dining room, saw Mother Fisher in consultationwith the head waiter, and he was saying "cake, " and then he stoppedsuddenly, and Mrs. Fisher turned and saw her. And Mamsie came acrossthe hall, and into the reading room, and sat there a bit, while Pollytossed off a letter to Alexia Rhys, that had been worrying her fordays. And there was a funny little smile tucked away in the corners ofMother Fisher's mouth, and Polly thought that things were gettingqueerer than ever. 

"I am glad you are writing that letter, " said Mrs. Fisher, with anapproving smile that chased the funny little one all around thestrongly curved mouth, "for Alexia will feel badly not to hear oftenfrom you, Polly. "

"I know it, " said Polly, wrinkling her brows, "and I didn't mean to letthis wait so long, " scribbling away as fast as she could. 

"Take care, Polly, " warned her mother; "a carelessly written letter isno compliment, and it gets you in a bad way. Don't hurry so, child, " asPolly's pen went scratching across the paper at a fearful rate. 

"But there are so many letters to write to all the girls, " said Polly, stopping a minute to look at her mother, "and I've only just got allthe letters in my steamer mail-bag answered. I _must_ write toCathie and Philena, and Amy Garrett too, to-day, Mamsie, " she added, indistress. 

"Polly, " said Mother Fisher, looking into the flushed face, "I tellyou what would be the best way for you to do. All the letters in yourmail-bag are answered, you said?"

"Yes, indeed, " declared Polly. "Oh, Mamsie, you didn't think I couldput those off?" she asked reproachfully. 

"No, Polly, I really didn't, " Mrs. Fisher made haste to assure her. "Well, now, mother will tell you what will be the best way for you todo. Write as good a letter as you can to Alexia, and tell her to sendit around to all the girls, for a kind of a bulletin, and--"

"Oh, Mamsie Fisher, " cried Polly, not stopping to hear the rest, butdeserting the writing table to run and throw her arms around hermother's neck, "you're the bestest, dearest mother in all this world--oh--oh! Now I sha'n't have but one letter to write! How fine!"

"And you must write that one letter very nicely, Polly, and take everso much pains with it, " said Mother Fisher, her black eyes shining atthe happy solution; "and that is much better than to hurry off a goodmany slovenly ones. Besides, it is not well to take your time andstrength for too much letter writing, for there are the boys, and Mrs. Whitney and--"

"Grandma Bascom and dear Mrs. Beebe, " finished Polly. "Oh, I couldn'tever forget them, Mamsie, in all this world. " She stopped cuddlingMother Fisher's neck, to peer into the black eyes. 

"No, you mustn't ever forget them, " repeated Mrs. Fisher, emphatically, "in all this world, Polly. Well, get to work now over your one letterthat's to be a bulletin!"

"I shall tear this one up, " declared Polly, running back to get intoher chair again. "O dear me, what a horrible old scrawl, " she cried, with a very red face. "I didn't know it did look so bad" And she toreit clear across the page, and then snipped it into very little bits. 

"That's the result of hurry, " observed Mother Fisher, wisely, "and Iwould begin all over again, Polly. "

So Polly took a fresh sheet and set to work; and Mrs. Fisher, seeingher so busily occupied, soon stole out. And there was the head waiterwaiting for her in the dining room, and Polly never heard a word theysaid, although "cake" was mentioned a great many times, and severalother things too. 

But the next morning Polly Pepper woke up to the fact that it was herbirthday. For there was Mamsie leaning over her pillow, the first thingshe saw the minute her eyes were opened. And Phronsie was sitting onthe end of the bed with her hands folded in her lap. 

When she saw Polly's eyes open, she gave a little crow and dartedforward. "Oh, I thought you never would wake up, Polly, " she said, throwing her arms around Polly's neck. 

"Yes, this child has been sitting there a whole hour, Polly. " MotherFisher gave a merry little laugh, and then she began to drop kisses onPolly's rosy cheek--ever so many of them. 

Polly's dewy eyes opened wide. 

"It's your birthday, don't you know!" exclaimed Phronsie, trying todrop as many kisses and as fast, on Polly's other cheek, and to talk atthe same time. 

"Mamsie Fisher!" cried Polly, springing up straight in the middle ofthe bed, nearly knocking Phronsie over. "Why, so it is. Oh, how could Iforget--and sleep over. And I'm fifteen!"

"You're fifteen, " repeated Mother Fisher, setting the last little kisson Polly's cheek, --"and it's the best thing you could possibly do, tosleep over, child. Now, then, Phronsie, let us help her to getdressed. "

Wasn't there a merry time, though, for the next half-hour, till Pollyhad had her bath, and was arrayed, Mother Fisher and Phronsie here, there, and everywhere, helping to tie and to hook Polly's clothes--Phronsie bringing her little silver button-hook that Auntie Whitneygave her, declaring that she should button Polly's boots. 

"Oh, no, child, " protested Polly. "I'll button them myself, " flying offfor the boots. 

But Phronsie piped out, hurrying after her, "I have them, Polly, " and, sure enough, there they were, one under each arm; "do let me, Polly--do, please!" she begged. 

"I would, Polly, " advised Mrs. Fisher, "for Phronsie really has set herheart on doing it. "

So Polly sat down in the low chair, and put out her foot, feeling veryqueer indeed, and as if she ought to be doing up Phronsie's bootsinstead. And Phronsie curled up on the floor, and patiently drew everyone of the buttons into place, and buttoned them fast. And then on withthe other boot. 

"There, now, I did do them all by myself, " she announced, getting upfrom the floor, and smoothing down her gown with much importance. "Idid truly, Polly. "

"So you did, Pet, " cried Polly, sticking out both feet to look at them. "You buttoned every single one of those buttons up splendidly, PhronsiePepper. Now my toes will be just as happy all day; oh, you can't thinkhow happy they'll be. " And she seized her, half smothering her withkisses. 

"Will they?" cried Phronsie, coming out of the embrace to peer up intoPolly's face, in a transport. "Will your toes really and truly behappy, Polly?"

"They'll be so happy, " declared Polly, with a little wriggle of eachfoot, "that they'll want to sing, only they can't, " and she burst outinto a little laugh. 

"Put on your blue dress, Polly, " said Mother Fisher, coming out of thecloset to hurry operations a bit. 

"Oh, Mamsie, " begged Phronsie, "mayn't Polly wear her white one? Do, Mamsie, please!" She ran up to her mother pleadingly. 

"Polly will wear a white gown to-night, " said Mother Fisher, her eyesshining, and the same funny little smile hiding in the corners of hermouth; "but this morning she would better put on her blue gingham. "

"Yes, that's best, " said Polly, reassuringly, running off to get it outof the big bureau drawer. "It's all done up spick and span, " drawing itout. "Mamsie, don't these Dutch women do up things well, though?"

"They do, indeed, " assented Mrs. Fisher, with a critical eye for theblue gingham; "but I really suppose the Swiss beat them, Polly. "

"Well, they must be just perfect, then, " said Polly, putting the bluegown carefully over her head. "Mamsie, I just love this dress. "

"Yes, it is pretty, " said Mother Fisher, with an approving eye for thedainty ruffles, "and you keep your clothes cleaner than you used to, Polly; you're improving. "

"I used to get them all mussed up just as soon as could be, " mournedPolly, her cheeks rosy at the remembrance. "Mamsie, how much troubleI've made you. " She stopped dressing, and sprang over to Mrs. Fisher. Phronsie, trying to button on the waistband, and clinging to it, wentstumbling after. 

"Take care, " warned Mrs. Fisher, "don't muss it; it looks so nice now. "

"There, there, Phronsie, I'll do that, " said Polly, a trifleimpatiently, looking over her shoulder. 

"Oh, I want to, Polly, " said Phronsie, fumbling for the button. "Do letme; I want to. "

"No, I can do it myself, " said Polly, trying to whirl off from the busylittle fingers. 

"Polly, " began Mother Fisher, who saw what Polly couldn't, Phronsie'slittle face very red with her exertion, and the brown eyes filling withtears. 

"Well, I declare, " cried Polly, at sound of her mother's tone; "so youshall, Phronsie. Now I'll stand just as still as a mouse, and you shallmake that old button fly into its hole. "

"So he shall, old button fly into his hole, " laughed Phronsie throughher tears. And presently she declared it was done. And with a finalpat, this time from Mother Fisher's fingers, Polly was released, andthe rest of the dressing was soon done. 

And there, waiting at the end of their corridor, was Jasper, in everyconceivable way trying to get the better of his impatience. When he didfinally see Polly, he dashed up to her. "Well, are you really here?"

"Yes, " cried Polly, scampering on, with Phronsie clinging to her hand, "I really believe I am, Jasper. But don't let's go faster than Mamsie, "looking back for her. 

"You all run on, " said Mother Fisher, laughing, "I shall get theresoon; and really, Mr. King has waited long enough, " she added toherself. 

And, indeed, Mr. King thought so too, and he couldn't control hisdelight when the three danced into the little private parlour, openingout from his bedroom, and came up to his side. 

"I slept over, " said Polly, in a shamefaced little way; "I'm sorry, Grandpapa dear. "

"You needn't be; not a bit of it, " declared Grandpapa, holding her offat arm's length to scan her rosy face; "the best thing you couldpossibly do"--Mamsie's very words. So Polly felt relieved at once. "Andnow we will wait for Mrs. Fisher, " he added, with a glance at the door. 

"Here she is, " piped Phronsie, who had been regarding the dooranxiously. 

"Yes, here she is, " repeated old Mr. King, in great satisfaction, holding Polly fast. "Well, now, Mrs. Fisher, that you have come, we'llbegin our festivities. Our Polly, here, is fifteen years old to-day--onlythink of that!" Still he held her fast, and bent his courtly white headto kiss her brown hair. 

Polly clung to his other hand. "It can't be a house celebration, Polly, my dear, with a party and all that, but we'll do the best we can. Andto add to our pleasure, and to be company for you" (not a suggestion ofthe pleasure he was to give), "why, we've another little girl with uswho has chosen this very day for her birthday, too. Adela, come here. "

Adela Gray, who had been standing silently, looking on with a sad heartat finding herself with a birthday on her hands, and no one tocelebrate it with her, though for that matter all her birthdays hadbeen rather dismal affairs at the best, in the Paris school, now shrankback at Mr. King's sudden summons, and hid behind her grandmother'sblack gown. 

"Come, Adela, " commanded Mr. King, in a tone that brooked no furtherdelay. So she crept out, and stood in front of him. 

"Oh, Adela!" exclaimed Polly, in a transport, drawing her up by herother hand, for still Grandpapa held her fast. "Is it your birthdaytoo? How perfectly elegant! oh, oh!"

And everybody said, "How fine!" And they all were smiling at her. AndAdela found herself, before she knew it, coming up out of her olddespair into brightness and warmth and joy. And she never knew when oldMr. King proclaimed her fourteen years old, and dropped a kiss--yes, heactually did--on her head. And then she found herself on his otherside, by the big centre table, that was covered with a large cloth. AndPolly made her put her hand under it first, saying, "Oh, no, Grandpapa, please let Adela pull out the first parcel. " And lo, and behold--sheheld a neat little white-papered bundle tied with a blue ribbon. 

"Open it, " cried Jasper, as she stood stupidly staring at it, in herhand. "Don't you see it's got your name on it?" But Adela didn't seeanything, she was so dazed. So Jasper had to open it for her. "We maythank our stars the first parcel happened to be for her, " he wasthinking busily all the time he was untying the ribbon. And there wasjust what she had wanted for, oh, so long--Mrs. Jameson's little bookson Art--her very own, she saw as soon as her trembling fingers openedthe cover. 

After that, the skies might rain down anything in the shape of gifts, as it seemed to be doing for Polly and for her; it didn't matter toAdela; and she found herself, finally, looking over a heap of whitepapers and tangled ribbons, at Polly Pepper, who was dancing about, andthanking everybody to right and to left. 

"Why don't--why don't--you--thank him?" old Mrs. Gray mumbled in herear, while the tears were running down her wrinkled cheeks. 

"Let her alone, " said old Mr. King, hearing her. "She's thanked meenough. Now then, to breakfast, all of us! Come, Polly--come, Adela--Jasper, you take Mrs. Gray, " and the others falling in, away they allwent down to the big dining room, to their own special table in thecentre. 

"I do so love what Joey sent me, and Ben and Davie, " breathed Polly, for about the fiftieth time, patting her little money-bag which she hadhung on her belt. Then she looked at the new ring on her finger verylovingly, and the other hand stole up to pinch the pin on her trimnecktie, and see if it were really there. "Oh, Jasper, if the boys wereonly here!" she whispered, under cover of the chatter and bustle aroundthe table. 

"Don't let us think of that, Polly, " Jasper made haste to say; "it willmake father feel so badly if he thinks you are worrying. "

"I know it, " said Polly, pulling herself out of her gloom in aninstant, to be as gay as ever, till the big sombre dining room seemedinstinct with life, and the cheeriest place imaginable. 

"What good times Americans do have!" exclaimed a lady, passing thedoor, and sending an envious glance within. 

"Yes, if they're the right kind of Americans, " said her companion, wisely. 

All that wonderful day the sun seemed to shine more brightly than onany other day in the whole long year. And the two girls who had thebirthday together, went here and there, arm in arm, to gladden all thetired, and often discontented, eyes of the fellow-travellers theychanced to meet. And when finally it came to the dusk, and Polly andAdela were obliged to say, "Our birthday is almost all over, " why then, that was just the very time when Mother Fisher and the little doctor(for he was in the plan, you may be very sure, only he wanted her tomake all the arrangements, "It's more in a woman's way, my dear, " hehad said), --well, then, that was their turn to celebrate the doublebirthday!

"Where are those girls?" cried the little doctor, fidgeting about, andknocking down a little table in his prancing across the room. Jasperran and picked it up. "No harm done, " he declared, setting the booksstraight again. 

"O dear, did I knock that over?" asked Dr. Fisher, whirling around tolook at the result of his progress. "Bless me, did I really do that?"

"It's all right now, " said Jasper, with a laugh at the doctor's face. "Lucky there wasn't anything that could break on the table. "

"I should say so, " declared the little doctor; "still, I'm sorry Ifloored these, " with a rueful hand on the books. "I'd rather smash someother things that I know of than to hurt the feelings of a book. Dearme!"

"So had I, " agreed Jasper, "to tell you the truth; but these aren'thurt; not a bit. " He took up each volume, and carefully examined thebinding. 

When he saw that this was so, the little doctor began to fidget again, and to wonder where the girls were, and in his impatience he was on thepoint of prancing off once more across the room, when Jasper said, "Letus go and find them--you and I. "

"An excellent plan, " said Dr. Fisher, hooking his arm into Jasper's andskipping off, Jasper having hard work to keep up with him. 

"Here--where are you two going?" called Mr. King after them. And thishindered them so that Polly and Adela ran in unnoticed. And there theywere on time after all; for it turned out that the little doctor'swatch was five minutes ahead. 

Well, and then they all filed into the big dining room, and there, tobe sure, was their special table in the centre, and in the middle of itwas a tall Dutch cake, ornamented with all sorts of nuts and fruits andcandies, and gay with layers of frosting, edged and trimmed withcoloured devices, and on the very tip-top of all was an elaboratefigure in sugar of a little Dutch shepherdess. And around thiswonderful cake were plates of mottoes, all trimmed in the Dutchfashion--in pink and green and yellow--while two big bunches of posies, lay one at each plate, of the two girls who had a birthday together inOld Amsterdam. 

"Oh--oh!" cried Polly, seizing her bunch before she looked at the hugeDutch cake, and burying her nose deep among the big fragrant roses, "how perfectly lovely! Who did do this?"

But no one said a word. And the little doctor was as sober as a judge. He only glared at them over his spectacles. 

"Grandpapa, " gasped Polly, "you did. "

"Guess again, " advised Grandpapa. "Mamsie--" Polly gave one radiantlook at Mother Fisher's face. 

Then Dr. Fisher broke out into a hearty laugh. "You've guessed it thistime, Polly, my girl, " he said, "your mother is the one. "

"Your father really did it, " corrected Mother Fisher. "Yes, Adoniram, you did, --only I saw to things a little, that's all. "

"Which means that pretty much the whole business was hers, " added thelittle doctor, possessing himself of her hand under cover of the table. "Well, girls, if you like your birthday party fixings, that's all yourmother and I ask. It's Dutch, anyway, and what you won't be likely toget at home; there's so much to be said for it. "

XII

THE HENDERSON BOX

And as Mother Fisher observed, they would all enjoy Marken better forthe delay, for there would be more time to anticipate the pleasure; andthen there was the Henderson box to get ready, for Grandpapa King hadnot only approved the plan; he had welcomed the idea most heartily. "Itwill be a good diversion from our scare, " he said, when Polly andJasper laid it before him. 

"And give us all something to do, " he added, "so go ahead, children, and set to work on it. " And Polly and Jasper had flown off with thegood news, and every one did "set to work" as Grandpapa said, divinginto the shops again. 

Phronsie tried to find the mate to her china cat, that was by this timesailing over the sea to Joel; and it worried her dreadfully, for, tryas she would, she never could see another one. And she looked so paleand tired one night that Mr. King asked her, in consternation, as theywere all assembled in one corner of the drawing-room, what was thematter. 

"I wish I could find a cat, " sighed Phronsie, trying not to be sotired, and wishing the prickles wouldn't run up and down her legs so. "We've walked and walked, Grandpapa, and the shop wouldn't come, whereit must be. "

"What kind of a cat is it you want?" asked Adela Gray. 

"It was just like Joey's, " said Phronsie, turning her troubled blueeyes on Adela's face. 

"Well, what colour?" continued Adela. 

"It was yellow, " said Phronsie, "a sweet little yellow cat. "

"With green eyes?"

"No, I don't think it's eyes were green, " said Phronsie, slowly tryingto think, "but they were so pretty; and she had a pink ribbon aroundher neck, and--"

"Oh, that settles it, " declared Adela, quite joyful that she could helpthe little Pepper girl in any way, "at least the pink ribbon round itsneck does, for I know where there is a cat exactly like that--that is, the one I saw had green eyes, but everything else is like it--it'ssitting upon a shelf in a shop where I was just this very day, PhronsiePepper. "

"Oh!" Phronsie gave a little gurgle of delight, and, slipping out ofher chair, she ran over to Adela. "Will you show me that shop to-morrow?"she begged, in great excitement. 

"To be sure I will, " promised Adela, just as happy as Phronsie; "wewill go in the morning right after breakfast. May we, Mrs. Fisher?"looking over to her, where she sat knitting as cosily as if she were inthe library at home. "For I think people who travel, get out of theireveryday habits, " she had said to her husband, before they started, "and I'm going to pack my knitting basket to keep my hands out ofmischief. "

And old Mr. King had smiled more than once in satisfaction to glanceover at Mother Fisher in her cosey corner of an evening, and it madehim feel at home immediately, even in the dreariest of hotel parlours, just the very sight of those knitting needles. 

And so, in between the picture galleries and museums, to which somepart of every day was devoted, the Peppers and Jasper and Adela, andold Mr. King, who always went, and Mother Fisher, who sometimes was ofthe party, the ransacking of the lovely shops took place. And it reallyseemed as if everything that the Henderson boys could possibly want, was in some of those places--no matter how out-of-the-way--and waitingto be bought to fly over the sea to Badgertown. At last off that boxwent. Then Polly was quite happy, and could enjoy things all the more, with a mind at rest. 

"Now we are all ready for Marken, " she cried that night, after dinner, when the box was on its way to the steamer, "and I do hope we are goingto-morrow. " Jasper and she had a little table between them, and theywere having a game of chess. 

"Yes, we are, I think, " said Jasper, slowly considering whether hewould better bring down one of his knights into the thick of thebattle, or leave it to protect his queen. 

"Oh, how fine!" exclaimed Polly, unguardedly moving the pawn that heldat bay a big white bishop, who immediately swooped down on her queen, and away it went off the board; and "oh, how perfectly dreadful!" allin one and the same breath. 

"You may have it back, " said Jasper, putting the black queen in placeagain. 

"No, indeed--it's perfectly fair that I lost it, " said Polly; "oh, Iwouldn't take it back for anything. I was talking; it was all my ownfault, Jasper. "

"Well, you were talking about Marken, and I don't wonder, for we havebeen so long trying to go there. Do take it back, Polly, " he begged, holding it out. 

"No, indeed!" declared Polly again, shaking her brown head decidedly, "not for the world, Jasper. "

"What is going over in that corner?" called Grandpapa's voice, by thebig reading table. He had finished his newspaper, and was now ready totalk. So Jasper and Polly explained, and that brought out the subjectof Marken, and old Mr. King said yes, it was perfectly true that he hadmade all the arrangements to go the following day if the weather werefine. So Polly and Jasper swept off the remaining pieces on the chessboard, and packed them away in their box, and ran over to hear all the rest of itthat he was now telling to the family. 

"So you see it didn't make any difference about that old queen anyway, "said Polly, as they hurried over to him, "for nobody has beaten. "

"I'm glad I didn't beat, " declared Jasper. "I've that satisfaction, anyway, because you wouldn't have moved that pawn, Polly, if you hadn'tbeen talking of Marken. "

The next day was fine enough to warrant the trip, though not absolutelysunshiny. Old Mr. King wisely deciding that the fun of the expeditionwould lose its edge if postponed again, said, "Start!" So afterbreakfast they all went down to the Wester dock and embarked on thelittle steamer bound for the island of Marken in the Zuyder Zee. 

"Oh, Polly, look, " said Jasper, "doesn't Amsterdam look fine?" as thelittle steamer slowly put forth. 

Polly leaned over the rail and drew in long breaths of delight. "Come, Adela, " she called, "here is a good place;" for the little old lady wasstill too much shaken up to make much attempt at travelling, so Pollyhad begged Mother Fisher and Grandpapa to ask Adela to come with themon their sightseeing trips. 

And this was done, and the young girl was happy as a bird. So here shewas, going down to Marken too. 

Adela ran and kneeled down on the seat by Polly's side and hung overthe rail too. "Don't the houses lean over queerly?" she said, pointingto the long narrow buildings they were leaving behind. They look worsefrom the water than when we are in the midst of them. "

"It's just as if they were holding each other up, " said Polly. "Dearme, I should think they'd tumble over some fine day. 

"What makes them sag so?" asked Adela, intently regarding them. 

"That's because the city is built on piles, I suppose, " said Jasper. It's mostly sand in Holland, you know, particularly around Amsterdam, and so they had to drive down piles to get something strong enough toput their houses on. That's what--who was it?--oh I know--Erasmus--meantwhen he said, 'I know a city whose inhabitants dwell on the tops of thetrees like rooks. '"

"O dear me, " said Adela, quite impressed; "well, what makes them notsag any more?" she asked at length. 

"Because they've sagged all they want to, I suppose'" said Jasper, laughing. "Anyway they've stood so for years on years--probably, soit's fair to believe they're all right. "

"And I think they're ever so much prettier leaning every which way, "declared Polly. "We can see plenty of straight houses at home, so it'snice to see crooked ones over here. Oh, Jasper, there's the King'spalace!"

"Yes and there is the dome of the Lutheran Church, " said Jasper. 

"Look at that woman with the boy, " said Adela, on the wharf. She's gota little black bonnet tied on top of her white cap. ". 

"That's nothing to what we shall see at Marken, I suppose, " said Polly. "I'm going to take ever so many photographs. " She tapped her kodaklovingly, as it hung from the strap on her shoulder. 

"I wish I'd brought mine, " said Adela. 

"Why didn't you?" cried Polly, whirling around to scan Adela. 

"I forgot it, " said Adela. "I put it on the table last night close tomy hat and gloves, and then walked off this morning without it. "

"Now that's too bad!" exclaimed Polly in sympathy. Then she turned backuncomfortably, and began to talk of something else. "I'm not going to, "she said to herself; "it isn't my fault she forgot her kodak, and Iwant every one of my films myself. And I care a great deal more forMarken than for almost any other place. " The next moment Mamsie seemedto say, "Is that my Polly?" and although she was at the other end ofthe boat, Polly's head drooped as if she had heard the words. 

"O dear me--and Adela hasn't any one but a sick grandmother--and I havejust--everybody, " she thought "You shall use my kodak, " cried Polly, aloud, "one-half the time, Adela. "

"Oh, no, " protested Adela; but she looked hungrily at Polly's kodakswinging over her shoulder. 

"Yes, you shall too, " declared Polly, cheerily. "I can take all thepictures I want in that time, and I have lots of films. "

"I'll divide with you, Polly, " said Jasper. "I brought ever so many, and will go shares with my kodak, too. " But Polly made up her mind thatJasper's kodak was to be used for his own special pictures, for sheknew he had set his heart on taking certain ones, and a good many ofthem, too. 

"Isn't that water just perfectly lovely!" she exclaimed; "such a bluishgrey. "

"I think it's a greyish blue, " said Adela, squinting along its surfacecritically. 

"Well, what's the difference?" asked Polly, laughing. 

"Not much, " said Jasper, "I should think. "

"Well, anyway, it's lovely, " declared Polly; "I just wish I could paintit. "

"Do you paint?" asked Adela, suddenly. 

"No, " said Polly, "not a bit"

"Polly is all for music, " said Jasper, quickly. "You ought to hear herplay. "

"Oh, I can't play much now, " said Polly, "but I mean tot some time. Jasper, how long it is since we have had a duet. " Her face dropped itscheery curves and a sad little look crept into her eyes. 

"That's the bother of travelling about; one can't play in a hotel, "said Jasper. "But wait till we get to Dresden, Polly. "

"Oh, I can't bear to wait, " said Polly. "I don't want to hurry on, Jasper--but oh, I do wish we could play on a piano. " Her fingersdrummed on the rail in her eagerness. 

"Why, you are playing now, " said Adela, bursting into a laugh, "orpretending to, Polly Pepper. "

"I know it, " said Polly, laughing too; "well, that's what I always usedto do in the little brown house, --drum on the table. "

"In the little brown where?" demanded Adela in astonishment. 

"The little brown house, " answered Polly, and her eyes lightened as sheseemed to see it before her. "That's where we used to live, Adela--oh, the sweetest place, you can't think!" Polly's fingers stopped drummingnow, and the colour flew up to her cheek; she forgot all about Adela. 

"Oh, I suppose it had everything beautiful about it, " said Adela, delighted to make Polly talk, "big gardens, and terraces, and--"

"Oh, no, " said Polly, "it didn't have gardens at all, Adela, only alittle bit of a green grass-plot in front. But there was an apple treeat the back. "

"Apple tree at the back?" echoed Adela, faintly. 

"Yes, and we had beautiful plays under it, " cried Polly, rushing on inremembrance; "and sometimes when all the work was finished, Mamsiewould let us spend the whole afternoon out there. You can't think whatperfectly splendid times we had there, Adela Gray!"

Adela by this time was beyond words, but stared up at Polly's facespeechlessly. "And what fun it was on baking days, Polly, " criedJasper, unable to keep quiet any longer; "do you remember when I burntall my cakes around the edges?"

"Well, that was because the old stove acted so, " said Polly; "oneminute it wouldn't bake at all, and the next it burnt things black. "

"And the washing the dishes and things up afterward, " said Jasper, reflecting; "I think I liked that just as well as the baking, Polly. "

"It was good fun, " said Polly; "and how funny you looked with one ofMamsie's aprons tied round under your chin, Jasper. "

"I know it, " said Jasper, bursting into a laugh. "I must have lookedlike--I don't know what. But it was good fun, Polly. "

And then Phronsie came running up, and after her came Grandpapa to seethat she got there all right. 

"Oh, Polly, do you see the windmills?" she cried, clapping her smallhands. 

"Yes, Pet, " said Polly, looking all along the soft curves of the shore, "there are hundreds of them, aren't there?"

"There was a girl coming out of the door of one of them, " announcedPhronsie, climbing up on the seat and putting her arm around Polly'sneck. "Polly, I'd like to live in a windmill; I would, " she whisperedclose to her ear. 

"Would you, Pet?"

"Yes, I would truly, " she said. "Why couldn't I, Polly, just like thatgirl I saw coming out of the door?" she asked, looking back wistfully. 

"Well, that girl never had a little brown house to live in, " saidPolly; "think of that, Phronsie. "

XIII

"THE CLEANEST PLACE IN ALL HOLLAND"

"Oh, Polly, see the cunning little doll-houses!" exclaimed Phronsie ina little scream, flying about from Grandpapa at the head of his partyon their way up from the boat-landing, and then back to the rear of theprocession, which happened to be Polly and Jasper. 

"Hush, Phronsie, don't talk so loud; they are not doll-houses, " saidPolly. "People live in them. "

"People live in them!" echoed Phronsie, standing quite still on thepaved road, that shone as if just freshly scoured. 

"Yes, yes; come along, child, the people will hear you, " said Polly, seizing her hand. 

Phronsie suffered herself to be piloted along, but she stumbled morethan once over the cobbles, her eyes were so busy. 

"Take care, Phronsie, " warned Polly, "you came near falling on yournose that time. "

"I'll go on the other side, " said Jasper; "there, now, Phronsie, giveus your hand. Well, I don't wonder you are surprised. I never saw sucha place as this Broek is. "

"They've just washed it all up, haven't they, Jasper?" asked Polly, herbrown eyes scanning the little walks along each tiny garden theypassed. Everything shone alike. 

"They're always washing up, I believe, " answered Jasper, with a laugh. "I suppose they live in a pail of water, so to speak. "

"Oh, Jasper, in a pail of water!" exclaimed Phronsie, between them, poking her head out to look for such a strange and unwarrantable sightprovided by the inhabitants of Broek. 

"I mean they're always scrubbing, so they can never be separated fromtheir pails of water, " said Jasper. 

"It seems almost too bad to step on such clean roads, " said Polly, getting up on her tiptoes, and stepping gingerly off. When Phronsie sawPolly do that, she got up on her tiptoes too, and tried to get over theground with her. 

"You can't do that long, " said Jasper, with a laugh for both, "and itwouldn't do any good, Polly, if you could, for these Broek women willhave to come out and scrub up after us all the same. "

"I suppose they will, " said Polly, with a sigh of relief, coming downon to the rest of her feet, which proceeding, Phronsie was very glad tocopy. "And it isn't as nice as it looks to walk on the tips of yourtoes. Jasper, do see those cunning little windows and those chinaimages inside!"

"It seems as if they were all windows, " said Jasper, scanning the tinypanes shining at them from all the cottages. "Dear me, the Broek womenhave something to do, don't they, to keep everything so shiny andclean?"

"Haven't they!" cried Polly. "Well, I don't wonder it is the cleanestplace in all Holland. They must have to sit up all night and wash andscrub. "

"It's the cleanest place on the whole earth, I imagine, " laughedJasper. 

"But I should love to see some boys playing with mud pies, " sighedPolly, running her glance up and down the immaculate road, andcompassing all the tiny gardens possible to her range of vision. 

"Mud pies!" exclaimed Jasper, in mock surprise. "Polly, how can youmention such a thing as dirt or mud here!"

"Jasper, do you suppose the children can have a good time here?"pursued Polly, anxiously, willing to give up the mud pies, if onlyreassured on the latter point, which seemed to her a very doubtful one. 

"We'll hope so, " answered Jasper. "See the klompen outside that door, Polly. Well, here we are at the dairy, Polly. "

"And can I see the cows?" cried Phronsie. "Oh, Grandpapa is callingme, " and off she ran. 

And so he was calling her, as he and the parson had now reached thedairy door, under cover with the dwelling, which seemed much less anobject of painstaking care than the house where the cows resided andthe cheeses were made. 

But everything was as neat as a pin in the house, though, and Polly andJasper concluded they would explore the two rooms, as everybody seemedto be expected to do, after the main object of the visit wasaccomplished and the dairy inspected. 

"Dear me, do they have to take their shoes off before they go in thehouse?" cried Polly. 

"I suppose so, " said Jasper. "Well, it isn't much trouble to get out ofthose sabots, that's one comfort for them. "

"Dear me, " Mrs. Fisher was saying, "if they haven't a carpet on thefloor for the cows to walk on!" And there, surely, were strips ofcarpeting all down the walks between the rows of stalls, and somethingthat looked like braided hemp in the bottom of the stalls themselves. And everything was tiled where it could be, with little tiles, and allthese and every bit of the woodwork itself shone beautifully--it was soclean and polished. 

Mrs. Fisher's black eyes shone, too. "It's beautiful, " she said to herhusband, "to see everything so clean for once in the world. "

"What are those hooks for?" asked Jasper of the stolid Dutchman, whoshowed them about, and who spoke English fairly well. 

"We hook the cows' tails up so they won't shake any dirt on theirsides, " said the Dutchman. 

"O dear me!" exclaimed Polly Pepper, and everybody laughed--but shedidn't. 

"I think that is cruel, " she said. "What do the poor things do to beatoff the flies, pray tell?"

"Flies?" said Mother Fisher. "I don't suppose they ever see a fly here, Polly. "

"They'd chase one worse than the dirt, I guess, " said the littledoctor. 

"Oh, " said Polly, with a sigh of relief. 

"Come, Polly, let us go into the cheese room, " suggested Jasper, peering in, for everything was connected and under one roof. "There's aman in there, and he is telling something;" so they skipped in, whilePhronsie was bewailing that there were no cows there, and where werethey?

"Why, Phronsie, they are all out in the fields. You wouldn't have themshut up this hot day, " said Grandpapa. 

"No, " said Phronsie, swallowing the lump in her throat, "I wouldn't, Grandpapa; I'd much rather know they are having a nice time. I don'twant them in here, I truly don't. "

"That's a nice child, " said old Mr. King, approvingly. "Well, now, we'll see how they make these wonderful Edam cheeses, Phronsie. "

"I shall call this place the Cheesery, " announced Polly, running aboutbetween the vats and the big press. 

"Oh, Polly, that's a capital name, " said Jasper. "So shall I call itthe 'Cheesery' in my journal. Look at the rows and rows of them, Polly. "

"And how round and yellow they are, " said Polly; "just like pumpkins, aren't they? Wouldn't it be fine if we could take some home, to send toBadgertown? Dear Mrs. Beebe is so fond of cheese, Jasper. "

"It is a pity; but we couldn't take cheeses very well. Fancy ourtrunks, Polly!" He wrinkled up his face; at sight of it Polly laughedmerrily. 

"No, of course not, " she said; "but oh, how fine they look!"

"Grandpapa, I'd like to buy one, " said Phronsie, overhearing a bit ofthis, and opening her little bag that hung on her arm, to get herpurse. 

"What in the world can you do with a Dutch cheese, child?" exclaimedold Mr. King. 

"But I would like to buy one, " persisted Phronsie. And after muchdiving Phronsie produced the little silk purse--"Polly wants one, Grandpapa, " she got up on her tiptoes to whisper confidentially. 

"Oh, is that it?" said Mr. King. "Well, now, Phronsie, I don't reallybelieve Polly wants one. You would better ask her. If she wants one youshall buy it for her. "

So Phronsie ran off. "Do you, Polly? Do you?" then she gently pulledPolly's sleeve to make her hear, for Polly and Jasper were hanging onthe description that the man in attendance was pouring forth. 

"Do I what?" cried Polly, only half understanding, and lost in thethought of how much fun it must be to make little yellow cheeses, andset them up in rows to be taken to market. 

"--want one of those dear sweet little cheeses?" finished Phronsie. 

"Yes, indeed, " answered Polly, bobbing her head, and listening to theman with all her might. 

"Yes, she does, Grandpapa, " declared Phronsie, flying back, "she toldme so her very own self. "

"The goodness, she does!" exclaimed old Mr. King, "Well then, she shallhave one. But pick out a small one, Phronsie, the very smallest you canfind. "

This was so much a work of time, Phronsie laying aside one selectionafter another, each yellow cheese looking so much better on comparison, that at last old Mr. King was almost in despair, and counselled thepurchase of the last one that Phronsie set her eyes on. But meantimeshe had spied one on the upper shelf of all. 

"There it is, Grandpapa, " she cried, clapping her hands in delight, "the very littlest of all, and isn't it beautiful, Grandpapa, dear?"

"Indeed it is, " assented Grandpapa, and he had the man lift it down anddo it up; a piece of a Dutch newspaper again doing duty, when Phronsieheld out her arms to receive it. "You can't carry it, child; give it tome. What in the world shall we do with the thing?" all this Grandpapawas uttering in one breath. 

"Oh, Grandpapa, dear, I do so want to carry Polly's little yellowcheese, " said Phronsie, the tears beginning to come in her eyes. 

Grandpapa, who had taken the round parcel from her arms, looked from itto her with increasing perplexity. "Have the goodness to put a stringaround it, will you?" he said to the man who was regarding himstolidly, after satisfying himself that the coin Phronsie had drawn outof her purse and put in his hand was a good one. 

"Yah, yah, " said the man, and he brought out of one of his pockets along piece of thick twine. This with much hard breathing accompanyingthe work, he proceeded to twist and interlace around the papercontaining the little yellow cheese in such a way that when it wascompleted, Phronsie was carrying what looked like a little net basket, for there was a good strong twine handle sticking up, into which sheput her small hand in great satisfaction. 

When they all gathered in the living room of the house that had opendoors into the cow-house and dairy, all being under one roof, theyfound a huge pile of photographs displayed of various views of thepremises indoors and out. 

"But they aren't half as nice as ours will be, " whispered Jasper; "howmany did you take, Polly?"

"Three, " said Polly. 

"Oh, Polly, didn't you get more than that?" said Jasper, quitedisappointed for her, for Polly dearly loved to take photographs. "Oh, you've let Adela Gray take your kodak, " he added; "it's a shame Ididn't give you mine. Take it now, Polly, " he begged, slinging off theleather strap from his shoulder. 

"No, no, " said Polly, "I don't want to, Jasper, and I wanted Adela totake it, and don't let her hear us, she may come back from the otherroom;"--for Adela had disappeared with the kodak; "and it's all right, Jasper, " she finished up incoherently. 

"Aren't these queer beds, Mrs. Fisher?" the parson's wife was saying, peering into the shelves against the side of the wall, boarded up, withdoors swung open inviting inspection. 

"The idea of sleeping in one of them!" exclaimed Mrs. Fisher, inspecting the interior with a sharp eye. "They're clean enough and asneat as a pink"--with a critical glance along the white lace spread andthe immaculate pillow--"but to be shut up in a box like that. I shouldas soon go to bed in a bureau drawer. "

"So should I, " laughed the parson's wife; "and look at the artificialflowers hanging up over the head, and that picture pinned, above thefoot. Well, well, well, and so that is a Dutch bed!"

"There are a good many kinds and sorts of Dutch beds, I suppose, "observed Mrs. Fisher, turning away, "just as there are a good manyAmerican ones; but I hope there aren't many of this particular kind. "

"Jasper, " exclaimed Polly, as they all filed decorously out of the"Model Farm, " "how I do wish you and I could race down to theboat-landing!"

Jasper looked longingly down the washed and shining road. "So do I, Polly, " he said, "but I suppose it wouldn't do; we should shock thesenatives. "

"I suppose so, " assented Polly, ruefully. Just then Phronsie came upholding with both hands her paper-covered, twine-netted little roundyellow cheese. 

"What in the world has Phronsie got!" exclaimed Polly, catching sightof her. "Come here, Pet, " she called. 

Phronsie hesitated. On Polly's calling her again she drew near, butmore slowly than was her wont. 

"What have you got, Phronsie?" asked Polly, wondering and not a littlehurt by her manner. "A little basket of string; isn't it funny, andwhere did you get it?"

"It isn't a basket, " corrected Phronsie, "and I cannot tell you now, Polly, " said Phronsie, shaking her head. 

"Why, Phronsie, " began Polly in surprise; and she couldn't help it, hervoice quavered in spite of her. 

When Phronsie heard that, she was equally distressed, and at oncedecided to present the gift then instead of carrying it back to thehotel for Polly as she had at first intended. So she cast her burdeninto Polly's hands and piped out, "It's for you, Polly, a sweet littleyellow cheese; you said you wanted it, " and stood smiling andtriumphant. 

"Oh, my goodness me!" exclaimed Polly Pepper, standing quite still. Then she did shock the natives, for she sat right down in the road, with the cheese in her hands. 

XIV

THE ISLAND OF MARKEN

When the boat was nearing the island of Marken, the little yellowcheese had been presented with all due formality to one of the sailorswho had been specially kind in the matter of securing good seats forMr. King's party, Polly and Phronsie having held a whispered conferencein a retired nook, to come out of it bright and smiling. 

"And now it has made two people happy, Phronsie, " Polly had said, whenthe presentation was well over, and she ended up with a kiss. "It mademe happy in the first place because you thought of me, and then, justthink, Pet, that poor sailor, how glad he will be to take it home. "

"Will he, Polly?" asked Phronsie, in a rapture; "and do you think hehas got any little girls?"

"Perhaps so, " said Polly, "and at any rate, he can eat it himself. Andhe looks hungry enough. "

"I'd rather he had some little girls, Polly, " said Phronsie, thoughtfully, "and have him give them each a piece. "

"Well, maybe he has some; we'll think so, anyway, " Polly answered. "Oh, see, Jasper is calling us. "

To be sure, there he was on the other side of the boat nearest Marken, with a big group of passengers, intently watching the Marken childrenrunning along in their clacking sabots, on the high bank, and holdingout their arms, singing something all the while in a shrill, high key. 

"They want some stuivers, " cried Jasper. "Come, Polly and Phronsie, letus toss them some. "

Whiz--spin--went the coins, to fall into the thick stubby grass on thebank. The children, stopping their song in mid-air, scrambled andsprawled all over each other in their efforts to secure the covetedmoney. So Jasper and Polly threw the bits next time in the otherdirection. Then there was a shout and a rush, and the same thing wasrepeated till only a tangle of arms and legs could be seen. But someone of them always got the money. 

"Dear me! they've eyes just like birds!" exclaimed Parson Henderson;"to think of finding anything in that thick grass. "

"Let them alone for that, " laughed old Mr. King; "their wits aresharpened by practice. "

"Look out, Phronsie!" exclaimed Jasper. "Your stuivers went into thewater. Here, I'll hold you up, then you can throw it farther. There yougo, " swinging her to his shoulder. "Now, then"--he guided her hand, andaway spun the coin. 

"It did, it did, " crowed Phronsie, from her high perch. "It did, Jasper, go right straight down in the grass just like yours andPolly's. "

"So it did, Pet. Well, now, here is another. "

"There's a little girl back there and she hasn't any, " mournedPhronsie. "Oh, dear, I want to give her some. "

"To be sure, " said Jasper. "Well, we must give her some, and that's afact. " The small girl kept on at a dog-trot along the bank, her eyesfixed on the wonderful people who tossed out such magic wealth, andholding out her arms and singing her shrill song. But when the moneywas thrown, she was always a bit too late, and the other children, scrambling and scuffling, had pounced upon it, and had made off withit. 

"Here, you boys, keep away; you've had enough; we're going to give thisto the little girl, " Jasper shouted to them as they threw coin aftercoin. 

"They don't know what you are saying, my boy, " said old Mr. King, laughing heartily at the performance, "and they wouldn't mind you inthe least if they did. "

"I suppose not, " said Jasper in chagrin. "Oh, the mean little beggars!"

"Hold up your apron, " screamed Polly to the little girl. 

"That's a good idea, " said Jasper. "Why didn't we think of it before?"

"She won't understand any better than the boys, " said old Mr. King. "You forget, children, that these youngsters don't know our language. "

"What a bother, " exclaimed Jasper, "it is to have so many differentlanguages, anyway!"

"And she hasn't any apron, Polly, " corrected her mother; "that is herbrown gown. "

Polly was already going through the motions of holding up an imaginaryapron. And at last the little girl understood by gestures what shecould not possibly get into her head by words, so she picked up theskirt of her gown in her sturdy little fists, and one, two, threeclinking coins fell safely into it. But the boys racing along inadvance soon discovered this successful trick, and completely swarmedaround her, howling dreadfully, so she hastened off, happy in herprize, which she huddled up in her gown as she ran. 

"Isn't this just richness?" exclaimed Polly, gazing all about her in anecstasy. "Oh, Jasper, what pictures we'll take--and do see that woman'scap! and those pot-hooks of hair over her eyes, and that funny, longdangling curl!"

"Take care, Polly, you almost stepped off backward down the bank, "warned Adela, pulling her back, as they got off the steamboat andstopped a bit to look around. 

"Dear me, did I?" said Polly. "Well, it's enough to make any one stepbackward to see such funny clothes; and they are hay-making, AdelaGray, as sure as you live. "

"Didn't you suppose they would be?" answered Adela, composedly. "Why, that's one of the things I specially wanted to see. "

"Yes, so did I, " said Polly. "Well, it's too, too splendid foranything. I'm going to begin to take pictures right straight off. " Thenshe stopped and looked at Adela. "You may first, " she said. 

"No, I'm not going to, " declared Adela. 

"Yes, yes, " said Polly, "I'd rather you did first; I truly had, Adela. "She ran after her, for Adela had retreated down the bank, and made asif she were going to follow the party. "Now, Adela, be good and listento reason. "

But Adela ran off. 

"Now that's too bad, " mourned Polly, "for I'm afraid she'll keep awayfrom me all the while we're on this island, and then I can't get achance to give her my kodak at all. "

"She had it at the 'Model Farm, '" said Jasper, by way of comfort, forPolly's face fell. 

"Oh, that was nothing, " said Polly, "such a little bit of a whiledoesn't count. "

"Well, let us take pictures as fast as we can, " suggested Jasper, "andthen when we do come up with Adela, why you'll have yours done. "

So Polly roused out of her dejection and set to work, and presently thehay-makers, and the Marken boys and girls, the funny little houses thatlooked as if they dropped down pellmell from the clouds and settledwhere they had dropped--the high ridges along which the men and boys, walking in their full baggy trousers, looked as if they were blown up, and formed a Dutch perspective perfectly awful--all these queer, delightful things were presently imprisoned in the two kodaks. 

Jasper looked up. "There, that's my last picture, " he declared. "At anyrate, for now. "

"Oh, one more! I must get a good picture of those girls raking hay. "Polly ran off a few steps and sat down on a log to focus. The Markengirls happened to look up, and immediately whirled around and presentedtheir backs to her. 

"Oh, dear, how hateful!" she exclaimed; "that would have been asplendid picture. "

"Never mind, " said Jasper; "you can catch them unawares, and haveanother try at them. "

"Not so good as that, " said Polly, sorrowfully. "Well, it can't behelped. " So she was just going to get up from her log, when the girls, thinking from her attitude that she had given up the idea of taking apicture of them, turned back to their work. As quick as a flash Pollyfocussed again, and was just touching the button, when a hand came infront of her kodak, and she saw the grinning face of a Marken girlunder its pot-hook of hair and with the long, dangling curl on oneside, close to her own. 

"Too late!" exclaimed Polly. "And don't you ever do that again. " Andthe hand was withdrawn, and the girl clattered off as fast as she couldrun in her wooden shoes. 

"I got them, " said Polly, running back in triumph to Jasper. 

"Yes, and I took a picture of the saucy girl while she was trying tostop yours, " said Jasper. "So she didn't do much harm, after all. Oh, here is a splendid group! See them standing by that old tumble-downhouse, Polly, " he added excitedly. 

"I thought you had taken your last picture, Jasper, " said Polly, bursting into a laugh. 

"Well, I had then, but I've begun again, " said Jasper, recklessly. Hewalked up to the group and held out his hand, then pointed to hiskodak. They smiled and nodded, showing all their teeth, and the mothertook the littlest baby, for there seemed to be a very generous numberof the smaller members of the family, and sat down with it in her lapon the rickety step. Then they all drew up stiff as sticks, and didn'teven wink. 

"That's capital, " said Jasper, in huge satisfaction, pouring the coinsinto the mother's lap, where they rolled underneath the fat baby. Pollyand he hurried on. 

"Oh, Polly, I'm so very glad you've come, " said Phronsie, as Polly andJasper ran up to a doorway through which they could see their party. Phronsie stood just inside, and appeared to be watching for them. "There's a woman here who's been showing us things. " There was Mrs. Fisher up by the tiny window, bending over an old woman who had spreadout in her lap some white embroidered garments, while a young womanhovered near, smiling and blushing, and very happy at all this notice. And the rest of the party crowded up as close as they could. 

"They are her daughter's wedding clothes, " said Mrs. Fisher, "I dobelieve. " For, the old woman was working fearfully hard to make themunderstand, and pointing first to the white garments and then to theyoung woman. "Wedding clothes?" asked Mrs. Fisher, speaking veryslowly. 

The old woman seemed to understand the one word "wedding, " for shenodded furiously and smiled well pleased; and then devoted her wholetime and energy to the display of the garments. And she even laughedaloud when old Mr. King put some coins in her hard hand. 

Polly took the time to study her headgear. "I think there is a roundboard under the cap, " she confided to Jasper when once out of doors;"how else could they be pulled so tight? And they look as hard as adrum. "

"I didn't investigate, " he said, laughing. "I'll leave that to you, Polly. "

"Well, it's funny anyway, " she said, "that all the women and girlsdress alike in those queer gowns in two parts, and those embroideredjackets over their waists, and those caps and horrible pot-hooks andlong curls. "

"It's well that we've got so many pictures, for the people at homewould never believe our stories without them. "

"And these houses, " continued Polly, squinting up at a crooked row, "all colours--green stripes and black stripes--and, O dear me! JasperKing, just look at Phronsie!"

Jasper followed the direction of Polly's finger. There sat Phronsie ona grassy bank a little above them, with one of the fattest Markenbabies in her lap. A variegated group of natives was near by, watchingher intently. But Phronsie didn't appear to notice them. 

"Polly, I wish we had a baby just like this, " sighed Phronsie, givingmotherly pats to the stout little legs dangling down from her lap. 

"Come, children, "--Grandpapa emerged from the little old house, --"wemust hurry on, else we sha'n't get through this island. Come, Phronsie--goodness me!" as he saw how she was occupied. 

"May I carry her?" begged Phronsie, staggering to her feet--"she'smine"--and dragging the Marken baby up with her. 

"Goodness me! no, child!" exclaimed Grandpapa, in horror. "Put herdown, Phronsie; she's ever so much too heavy for you, dear. " He putforth a protesting hand, but the tears ran down Phronsie's cheeks andfell on the baby's stiff white cap. At that old Mr. King was quite gonein despair. 

"Phronsie, " Polly bent over and whispered close to the wet littlecheek, "don't you see Grandpapa is feeling badly? I'm afraid he will besick, Phronsie, if he is unhappy. "

Phronsie dropped the pudgy little hand, and threw herself into old Mr. King's arms. "Don't be sick, Grandpapa, " she wailed, struggling withher tears. "I'd rather not have my baby, please; I don't want her. Please be all well, Grandpapa, dear. "

XV

MR. KING DOES HIS DUTY

Polly's face appeared over Adela's shoulder. "Don't!" said Adela, shrinking away into the corner of the big sofa, and putting her handsover something she held in her lap. 

"Excuse me!" exclaimed Polly, tumbling back in amazement. "I wasn'tlooking. I don't want to see. I only meant to surprise you. " She keptbacking off toward the door, the colour all over her round cheek. 

"You mustn't get mad, Polly, " cried Adela, flying up straight to lookat her, but still keeping her lap well covered. 

Jasper, running in, heard the words. "Polly never gets mad, " he saidslowly, standing quite still. 

"Well, she is now--just as mad as can be, " said Adela, in a fretfullittle voice; "look at her. "

"Oh, I'm not mad, Adela, " began Polly, "only sorry. And it's my fault, Jasper, " seeing his face darken, "for I looked over her shoulder. Ionly wanted to surprise her; and Adela, of course, thought I wanted tosee what she was doing. "

"Yes, " said Adela, "I did think so, Polly Pepper, and I don't wantanybody to see it. " With that she huddled the thing, whatever it was, down by her side, and ran out of the room as fast as she could go. 

"A disagreeable creature, " began Jasper, hotly; "and she's been aperfect nuisance all along to take her everywhere. Now we drop her, Polly. " He looked more like his father at this moment than Polly hadever seen him before. 

"Oh, no, Jasper, " she remonstrated in dismay. 

"Yes, we drop her like a hot cake, " said Jasper, decidedly; "that wouldbe my opinion, Polly. "

"But we can't, she's so alone, " went on Polly; "and, besides, she'stroubled about something. That's what makes her feel so. "

"It's a queer way to bear trouble, I should think, to abuse you, " saidJasper, "when you've been bothering yourself about her all this time. "

"Oh, I don't mind, " said Polly, brightening up, "if only you won't talkof our dropping her, Jasper. "

Jasper turned on his heel, and walked to the window. When he lookedback, the annoyance had dropped out of his face, and he was justsaying, "All right, Polly, it ought to be as you say, I'm sure, " whenAdela Gray rushed into the room and up to Polly, and flung her armsaround her neck. "There, and there, and there!" and something tumbledinto Polly's hands. 

"I didn't want anybody to see it, " mumbled Adela, "for I've spoiled it;and I was trying to rub out the spots when you came in, and I made itworse than ever. But I'll give it to you now, Polly; and please tear itup, and I'll make you another. "

When this long speech was all mumbled out, Polly was looking at alittle sketch of Phronsie holding the fat Marken baby, and the Markenpeople looking on. 

"Oh, Jasper!" screamed Polly, "do come here! Oh, Adela, did you drawthis? And oh! how perfectly beautiful!" all in one breath. 

"It _is_ a good thing, " said Jasper, taking the drawing fromPolly's hand and examining it critically, while Polly threw her armsaround Adela, and oh-ed and ah-ed her delight at finding that she coulddraw and sketch so beautifully; and now to think of having this lovelypicture of Phronsie!

"But, you must tear it up, " said Adela, in alarm, "else I'm sorry Igave it to you, Polly. "

"Tear it up!" repeated Polly, in astonishment; "tear up this lovelypicture of Phronsie! What do you mean, Adela Gray?"

"Oh, I've a copy, of course, " said Adela, carelessly; "and I'm going todo you another better one. "

"Where did you learn to draw so well?" asked Jasper, in admiration ofthe bold, accurate lines, and the graceful curves. 

"In school, at Paris, " said Adela, quietly. 

Polly looked over Jasper's arm, and scanned the sketch. "I never sawanything so lovely!" she exclaimed. "And it's just alive! Isn't it, Jasper?"

"Yes, it is splendid, " he said enthusiastically; "and that's the bestpart of it--it's alive, Polly, as you say. "

"I'd give anything in all this world, Adela, if I could draw likethat, " mourned Polly. 

"I'd rather play on the piano, " said Adela, "than do all the drawing inthe world. But I can't learn; the music master said there was somethingthe matter with my ear, and I never could tell one note from another bythe sound. I do so wish I could play on the piano, Polly Pepper!" sheadded discontentedly. 

"Well, Jasper can do both, --play on the piano, and draw, too, " saidPolly. 

"I can't draw like this, " said Jasper, holding the sketch off at arm'slength to view it again. "I couldn't if I were to try a thousandyears. "

"Oh, Jasper!" exclaimed Polly, who couldn't bear to think there wasanything that he could not do. 

"Well, I can't, " said Jasper. 

"Let me see some of your sketches, " begged Adela. "It's so nice to findsome one else who can draw. Do show me some. "

"Oh, no, " protested Jasper, in dismay, "not after this, " pointing toAdela's drawing. 

"Do, Jasper, " begged Polly, imploringly, "get your portfolio. "

"Oh, I couldn't bring them all in, " said Jasper. "I wouldn't show thoseold things for the world, Polly. "

"Well, bring some of them, do, " she begged, while Adela said, "I showedmine, and I didn't want to, I'm sure. " So Jasper ran up to his room, and pretty soon he came back with his portfolio. 

"You did bring it, after all, " exclaimed Polly, in satisfaction, patting the brown leather cover. "Oh, how nice of you, Jasper, " as theyran over and ensconced themselves in a cosey corner. 

"I took out the worst ones, " said Jasper, with a laugh. "And I'mawfully sorry I didn't leave behind more of the others. "

"I hope you brought that woman with a basket of vegetables we saw atthe market the other day, " said Polly, as he opened the portfolio. "Dotell me, Jasper, you did bring that, didn't you?" beginning to fumblethrough the pile. 

"Yes, I did, Polly, " said Jasper; "she's in there all safe and sound. "

So for the next hour, there was great turning over and comparing ofsketches, and much talk about vertical lines and graceful curves, andshading and perspective, and expression, and dear knows what all, asthe three heads bent over the portfolio. So intent were they all, thatno one heard Grandpapa come in, and he sat there in a farther corner, for a good quarter of an hour. At last Polly looked up and saw him. 

"Oh, Grandpapa!" she cried, flying off from the group, and carryingAdela's sketch in her hand. "Just see what a perfectly beautifulpicture of Phronsie! Adela Gray made it. She draws splendidly, Grandpapa. "

Old Mr. King took the little sketch and fairly beamed at it. 

"It's very like, --it is excellent, " he declared, caring nothing for itsmerits as a drawing, but only seeing Phronsie as she sat with the bigMarken baby in her lap on the stubbly bank. 

"Isn't it, Grandpapa?" cried Polly, overflowing with happiness; "andshe has given it to me, Grandpapa. Oh, isn't she good!"

"She is, indeed, " assented old Mr. King, just as well pleased as Polly. "A very good girl, indeed. Come here, Adela. "

Adela, whose sharp ears had caught most of this dialogue at the otherend of the room, --although Jasper was keeping a steady fire of talk todrown it if possible, --was looking in dismay at him. 

"O dear me, I wish they'd stop, " she breathed in distress. 

"I thought you said you had no ear, " said Jasper, laughing at her face. 

"I can't tell music notes, " she said, "but I can hear things. "

"Yes, I should think you could, " he said. And then came old Mr. King's"Come here, Adela, " so she had to go across the room, shaking everystep of the way, and stand in front of him. 

"I didn't know we had such a good little artist among us, " saidGrandpapa, wonderfully well pleased and smiling kindly at her. 

"That is nothing, " said Adela, in despair at ever stopping the flow ofpraise. "I spoiled it, and I'm going to do Polly a better one. "

"Nothing could be better, my dear, " said Grandpapa, blandly; "it is afine likeness of Phronsie. " And then he questioned her as to hertraining in the art, and what she meant to do in the future, and whereshe intended to study and all that, getting an immense amount ofinformation so artfully that Adela never for an instant suspected hisreason. All the time he was holding the sketch of Phronsie in his hand, and intently gazing on it most of the time. 

"Well, " he said at last, "I won't keep you young people any longer, "--for Jasper had thrown down the portfolio and joined the group, --"sorun back to your own corner. Dear me, " pulling out his watch, "it's onlytwenty minutes to luncheon. How time does fly, to be sure! To-morrowmorning, remember, we are off for Antwerp. "

"O dear, dear!" exclaimed Polly, as they ran back and bent over theportfolio again, "we haven't half seen Amsterdam, Jasper. "

"No, and you wouldn't if you stayed a year, " observed Jasper, wisely. 

"We must go over to the Ryks Museum once more, " said Polly. 

"Yes, let us go there directly after luncheon, " proposed Jasper. "Iknow what you want to do, Polly, --sit in front of 'The Night Watch'again. "

"Yes, I do, " said Polly. "I couldn't go away without seeing thatpicture once more, Jasper. "

"I don't like that 'Night Watch, '" said Adela, "it's too dark and toosmutty. I don't see why people like it so much. "

"Well, I do like it very much, " reiterated Polly. "I know it'sdreadfully dark, but the people in front seem to be stepping right outof the shadows, and to be alive. It seems to me they are just going tocome right up toward me, as I sit there. "

"And that, after all, I suppose is the best thing one can say of apicture, " said Jasper. "And it is always the finest time to look atthat picture in the afternoon, you know, so we will go there, Polly, after luncheon. "

"And then Phronsie will want to see that picture of a woman with a cat, I suppose, " said Polly. "Dear me, who was it that painted that, Jasper?I never can remember the artists' names. "

"Metsu was it--Jan--no, Gabriel--Metsu, " answered Jasper, wrinkling hisbrows. "Neither can I remember all those fellows' names. Yes, indeed, you'll find Phronsie won't let us go there without paying respects toher special picture. "

"And then I suppose Grandpapa will take us for a last drive in VondelPark. Oh, what nice times we have had, Jasper King!" exclaimed Polly, leaning back against the sofa, and clasping her hands restfully. "Ijust love Amsterdam! And I hate to leave it!"

"So you said about The Hague, Polly, " observed Jasper, turning to herwith a little laugh. 

"Well, wasn't it perfectly beautiful?" asked Polly, flying up straightagain. "Just think of that dear 'House in the Wood, ' Jasper. "

"I know it; you wanted to go there day after day, " laughed Jasper. 

"Why, we only went there three times, " said Polly, "I'm sure, Jasper. And the picture-gallery--"

"That is in the Maurit--rit, whatever is the rest of it? Oh, I know, "said Jasper, guilty of interrupting, "Mauritshuis, that is where thepicture-gallery is, Polly. "

"Yes, that's it, " echoed Polly; "it's fine--Paul Potter's 'Bull' isthere. "

"Oh, I want to see that picture very much!" exclaimed Adela. "I'venever been to The Hague. "

"Well, you'll go, perhaps, sometime, " said Polly, with an uncomfortablefeeling that she ought not to enjoy the things that Adela hadn't seen. "And you are going to Antwerp with us to-morrow, anyway, " she added, brightening up. 

"Yes, " said Adela, "Grandmamma is really going there. But that's all;for we go straight over to England then, and I sha'n't see you everagain, Polly Pepper, " she finished gloomily. 

And that evening Grandpapa sat down by little old Mrs. Gray in theparlour after dinner, and though he began about something as fardistant as possible, before long he was talking about Adela, and herwonderful talent. And the most surprising thing about it all was, thatthe little old lady, not intending to do it in the least, nor reallycomprehending how much she was telling, soon had him informed on allthat he had set his heart on learning--how Adela had just been takenfrom the Paris school, because the little fortune her father had left, had somehow shrunk up, and there was no more money to keep her there. "I can't tell how it is, sir, " she mourned, raising her faded eyesunder the widow's cap to the kind old face above her, "I thought therewas enough to educate my grandchild; it wasn't a big sum, but Isupposed it was quite sufficient; but now it appears to be almost gone, and I have only just enough to keep me. " She didn't add that thecurate, her husband, when he crept into his grave, in the Englishchurchyard, had left her nothing but the memory of his good name, hersmall means coming as a legacy from some of his grateful friends, they, too, long since dead. 

Old Mr. King made no comment, only passed on with a few little leadingremarks when the information seemed to be on the wane. And then he saidhe thought he would like a game of backgammon, and he challenged theparson to come on and be beaten. And at an early hour the party brokeup. "For remember, " said Grandpapa, for about the fiftieth time thatday, "it's Antwerp to-morrow!"

So it was at Antwerp that the whole splendid business was concluded. And when the story of it came out, there was a regular jubilee allaround. For were not Adela and Adela's grandmother going with the Kingparty around a bit more on the continent, and then off to Paris again, and back to the beloved school--Grandpapa's gift to the girl with thetalent, to keep it alive!

And the little widow, stunned at first by the magnitude of the gift, could do nothing but feebly protest, "Oh, no, sir!" and put up bothshaking hands to ward off the benefaction. 

"It's your duty, Madam, " said Mr. King, sternly, at which she shrankdown farther in her chair. "Who knows what such talent will do in theworld? and it's my duty to see that it is kept alive, --nothing more norless than a question of duty. "

He stamped up and down the room vehemently, and the little old ladyprotesting that she wanted to do her duty, --she was sure she alwaysdid, --the hardest part was over, and old Mr. King chuckled to himselftriumphantly. 

"And now, " cried Polly, in a transport, when the first surprise wasover, and everybody had settled down to the quiet enjoyment of it all, "we've really and truly got a celebrated artist all to ourselves, " andshe drew herself up in pride. 

"I'm not celebrated yet, " said Adela, with two little red spots on hercheeks, and with happy eyes on her grandmother. "You had better waittill I am. "

"Oh, well; you will be, " said Polly, confidently, "sometime, and thenwe can say 'yes, we knew her when she was a girl, ' and we'll go topicture-galleries the same as we do here, and see your name stuck up inthe corners of the very best ones, Adela. "

XVI

"LET US FLY AT THOSE BOOKS"

"Now, Polly, in Antwerp, " said Jasper, "we can see Rubens toperfection. Won't we just revel in his paintings, though!"

"Won't we!" ejaculated Polly. "I'm so glad Grandpapa came here to thishotel. " She leaned out of the window as she spoke. 

"Under the very eaves of the Cathedral, almost, isn't it?" said Jasper, in satisfaction. 

The chimes just then pealed out. Indeed, it seemed as if they didnothing but ring, so short were the intervals. But to Polly and Jasperthey brought only echoes of delight. 

"There are forty of those bells, aren't there?" asked Polly, restingher elbows on the window-sill. 

"I believe so, " answered Jasper, absently. Polly looked at himcuriously. 

"Polly, " he said abruptly, "do you know what I mean to do?"

"No, " said Polly; "tell me, do, Jasper. "

"Well, I mean to sit right down and finish my book. I'm ashamed toconfess that it's not up to date. "

"Neither is mine, " confessed Polly. 

"Well, now, that won't do, " said Jasper, decidedly. "You see if we oncelet those books get behindhand, we're lost. We never can catch up, inall this world. "

"We've had so much to do and to see, " began Polly. 

"That won't be any excuse that will amount to anything, " said Jasper, shaking his head. "Let's fly at them and tackle them now, Polly. "

"I say so, too, " she cried, and deserting the window, they surroundedthe centre-table, and soon had the big journals, photographs, andpictures, of every sort and size, the ink bottle, and library paste, scissors, and all the rest of the paraphernalia, spread out on it. 

"It's good that Grandpapa is lying down and doesn't wish to go out, "remarked Polly, snipping away at a fearful rate, and pausing only towrite down the dates and other bits of information around each picture, as she pasted it in. "Now we'll have all this morning to finish thesebooks up to to-day. "

"And none too much for the job, " said Jasper, sagely. "I declare Ishall feel like enjoying myself twice as well, when once they're up todate. They've been hanging round my conscience every day since Islackened work on them. "

"And I am so glad you made me come away from that window, and set towork, " said Polly, "or I never would have commenced on mine to-day. "

"Oh, yes, you would, I think, Polly, " said Jasper. "Well, we are at itnow, and that's enough. Now says I, I'm on book No. 2!" And he flappeddown the cover of the completed one. "That's done, thank fortune!"

"Oh, Jasper, have you the green one done?" asked Polly. "Why, I havethree more pages of mine to do. "

"Well, you'll catch up on the red one, I dare say, " said Jasper, opening No. 2. "We are getting on famously, aren't we, Polly?" glancingover at her work. 

"Yes, and I'm so glad you proposed this way to keep a journal, " saidPolly, "to have them labelled 'My Notes on My European Journey, ' and tohave No. 1 green, and No. 2 red, and so on all through the rest of thecolours. "

"That will help us to find them in a hurry, " said Jasper, "and keepthem distinct; but I didn't propose it, Polly, about the books. It wasyour plan as much as mine. "

"No. " Polly was guilty of contradicting. "I never should have thoughtof having the books of different colours and labelling them in thatway, Jasper. "

"Well, you first thought of cutting out pictures and all sorts ofitems, and then writing the dates and whatever else we wanted to aroundthe pictures, " said Jasper. "I'm sure that's more important than thetitle of the book, Polly. "

"Well, won't the boys love to see them, " asked Polly, suddenly, with alight in her eyes, ignoring the question as to her claim to the idea, "when we get home, Jasper?"

"Won't they, though!" he responded, falling to work with a will. 

And so Antwerp was entered with clear consciences as to journals, and astrict determination not to fall behind again on them. 

But Polly slipped in so many of the beautiful photographs of the"Descent from the Cross, " and the other two famous pictures by Rubens, that her red book was closed the third day of their stay in the oldtown of Antwerp; and the photographs had even overflowed into theyellow book, No. 3. 

They had a habit, most of their party, of dropping into the Cathedralonce a day at least, usually in the morning, and sometimes beforeservice. And then when it was quiet, and before the ordinary throng ofsight-seers trailed through, Jasper would hire some chairs of one ofthe old women who always seem to be part and parcel of Europeancathedrals; and they would sit down before the painting, its wingsspread over the dingy green background, and study what has made so manycountless travellers take long and oftentimes wearisome journeys tosee. 

And Polly always wanted to go after that to see the "Assumption, " whichis the altar-piece, and then the "Elevation of the Cross, " both byRubens. "And I am sure, Grandpapa, " she would always say, "I like themas well as I do the famous painting. "

"And so do I, Polly, in a way, " Grandpapa would invariably reply. "Theyare all marvellous, and that is all we can say, for no expressionscould give the truth about them. "

After the Cathedral, which they loved all the more, --"for being perchedunder its eaves" (as Polly always said when speaking of the hotel thatwas for the time being their home), --Polly and Jasper set next in theirregard the Musée Plantin-Moretus. They were never tired of running downthere to the Marché du Vendredi, until it became a regular questionevery day at dinner, "Well, what more have you discovered at the MuséePlantin?"

And old Mr. King would often answer, for he was as interested as theyoung people, "Marvellous things. " And then he would expatiate on theantique furniture, the paintings, engravings, and tapestries, till thelittle doctor, fresh from his hospital visitations, would remark thatit was just as good as if he had time to visit the place, to hearGrandpapa tell it all. And Adela would bring out her little sketches, which now she was not averse to showing, since everybody was so kindand sympathising, and there would be some little nook or corner ofcorridor or court that Polly would fall upon and pronounce, "Justperfect, and how did you get it?"

"Oh, I just drew a bit now and then when you were looking at things, "said Adela, carelessly. 

"Everything just dances off your pencil, " said Polly, wishing she coulddraw, and wondering if it was any use for her to try to learn. 

And every afternoon they would go to drive as usual, very often aroundthe docks, which gave them all a good idea of this wonderful port. Theywere never tired of watching the hydraulic cranes, of inspecting thedry docks; the intertwining railways by which all the docks, large andsmall, are connected, and the two basins, Le Petit and Le Grand Bassin. 

"Dear me!" exclaimed Jasper, on one of these occasions, "I thoughtAmsterdam docks were huge affairs, but Antwerp!" And he left hissentence in mid-air, which was more impressive after all. 

But Parson Henderson liked the church of St. Jacques best of all thingsin Antwerp, and he used to steal away mornings to go there again andagain. And he asked Polly and Jasper to go there with him one day, andPolly begged to have Adela go too, and they all came home asenthusiastic as he was. 

And then suddenly Mr. King would wrench them all off from thisdelightful study and put his foot down peremptorily. "No morecathedrals for a time, " he would declare; "my old head cannot carry anymore just yet. " And he would propose a little in-letting of fun. Andthen off they would go a-shopping, or to the Zoological Gardens; andthey always had concerts, of course, wherever they were, for Polly andJasper's sakes, if for no other reason. And by and by somebodyannounced, one fine morning, that they had been in Antwerp a fortnight. 

And then one day Mother Fisher looked into Polly's brown eyes, andfinding them tired, she calmly tucked Polly quietly in bed. "Why, Mamsie, " declared Polly, "I'm not sick. "

"No, and I'm not going to have you be, " observed Mrs. Fisher, sensibly. "This running about sight-seeing is more tiresome, child, than youthink for, and dreadfully unsettling unless you stop to rest a bit. No, Jasper, " as he knocked at the door, "Polly can't go out to-day, atleast not this morning. I've put her to bed. "

"Is Polly sick, Mrs. Fisher?" called Jasper, in great concern. 

"No, not a bit, " answered Mrs. Fisher, cheerily, "but she's tired. I'veseen it coming on for two or three days back, so I'm going to take itin time. "

"And can't she come out, to-day?" asked Jasper, dreadfullydisappointed, with a mind full of the host of fine things they hadplanned to do. 

"No, Jasper, " said Mother Fisher, firmly, "not to jaunt about. " SoJasper took himself off, feeling sure, despite his disappointment, thatPolly's mother was right. 

And there was another person who wholly agreed with Mother Fisher, andthat was old Mr. King. "If you can stop those young folks from killingthemselves running about to see everything, you'll do more than I can, Mrs. Fisher, " he observed. "It makes no difference how long I plan tostay in a town, so as to do it restfully, if they won't rest. "

"That is a fact, " said Mother Fisher. "Well, that's my part to see thatthey do rest. "

"I don't envy you the job, " said the old gentleman, drily. 

Polly fidgeted and turned on her pillow, knowing Mamsie was right, butunable to keep from thinking of the many beautiful plans that Jasperand she had formed for that very morning, till her head spun round andround. "I can't get to sleep, " she said at last. 

"Don't try to, " said her mother, dropping the heavy wool curtains tillthe room was quite dark; "that's the worst thing in the world to do, ifyou want to rest. Just lie still and don't try to think of anything. "

"But I can't help thinking, " said poor Polly, feeling sure that Jasperwas dreadfully disappointed at the upsetting of all the plans. 

"Never say you can't help anything, Polly, " said her mother, comingover to the bedside to lay a cool hand on Polly's hot forehead, andthen to drop a kiss there; and somehow the kiss did what all Polly'strying had failed to accomplish. 

"That's good, Mamsie, " she said gratefully, and drew a long, restfulbreath. 

Mother Fisher went out and closed the door softly. 

It was just three o'clock that afternoon when Polly woke up. 

"Oh, I'm dreadfully ashamed!" she exclaimed when she found it out. "I've slept almost this whole day!"

Mother Fisher smiled, "And it's the best day's work you've done in onelong while, Polly, " she said. 

"And here's my girl, Polly, " cried Grandpapa, when she ran down to him, and holding her at arm's length, he gazed into her bright eyes and onher rosy cheeks. "Well, well, your mother's a clever woman, and nomistake. "

So Polly knew if she didn't take care and not get tired again, shewould be tucked into bed another fine day. 

It was a long summer morning, and they were sailing up the Rhine, withthe delights of Brussels and Cologne behind them, and in between thecovers of the purple book, No. 4, Polly had been looking at ruinedcastles and fortresses, at vine-clad terraces, and châlets, until sheturned to Grandpapa with a sigh. 

"Tired, Polly, little woman?" he said, cuddling her up against him. 

"No, not tired, Grandpapa, " said Polly, "but, oh, there's so very muchof it over here in Europe. "

"If you've found that out, you've learned the lesson early, " said oldMr. King, with a laugh. "As many times as I've been over here, there'snothing that surprises me so much as the presumption with which wetravellers all rush about, expecting to compass all there is. "

"But we ought to see everything, " said Polly, "oughtn't we, Grandpapa, when we've come so far to see it?" and she looked troubled. 

"There's just where you are wrong, Polly, child, " said old Mr. King. "And this 'ought to see, ' why, it's an old dragon, Polly, lying in waitto destroy. Don't you let it get hold of you, but take my advice andsee only what you can make your own and remember. Then you've got it. "

XVII

POLLY WROTE A NICE LITTLE NOTE

"Polly, " said Jasper, running down the stairs after her, on her way tothe little garden on the terrace at Heidelberg, "here's something foryou; just came in the mail. "

"For me, " said Polly, as he put a little parcel in her hand. 

"Yes, " said Jasper, "father just gave it to me. "

"What can it be!" cried Polly, wonderingly; "oh, something from Alexiaor one of the other girls, most likely, " and she tore off the outerwrapper. 

"It is registered, " said Jasper, "and Mr. Henderson got it out for you, father said; that can't be from one of the girls, Polly, " as the nextlayer of paper dropping off, disclosed the name of one of the biggestof big London jewellers across a wooden box. 

"What can it be!" gasped Polly, tugging at the cover. 

"Here--let me. " Jasper essayed to open it, but it stuck fast in theslide. Another pull, and a little red leather case appeared in view. 

"What in the world--" began Polly; "oh, it can't be for me!" and shestood staring at it, without any attempt to take it out. 

"It must be for you, Polly, " said Jasper. "There couldn't be any otherMiss Mary Pepper, and besides it is addressed to father's care, andcomes through our bankers, --see here. " He stooped, and picked up theouter wrapper; it was torn almost in two, but the name and address wasall there. 

So Polly lifted out the little red leather case, still feeling verymuch as if she were opening a parcel belonging to some one else, andtouching a spring at the end, the top flew up, and there on a whitesatin bed lay a little green enamelled watch set with diamonds. 

"O dear me!" exclaimed Polly, tumbling back in the utmost distress, "now I _have_ got some one else's box, Jasper. How very dreadful!"

"Let us go to father, " said Jasper, feeling this quite beyond him. "Shut the box up tight, Polly; it might tumble out on the way. "

"You carry it, do, Jasper, " begged Polly, with an eye askance at thelittle case; and snapping the cover down, she set it in his hand. 

"All right, now, then, " said Jasper. "We must carry these papers, andwooden box, and the whole business. Don't worry, Polly, " seeing herface, "father will straighten it out. "

"Give me the wrapper, Jasper, and the wooden box, if only you'll takethe other, " said Polly, feeling very much depressed at coming intopossession of other people's property; and Jasper followed with thelittle enamelled watch. 

And Grandpapa was just as much astounded as was Polly herself; and allthe family congregating in Mother Fisher's room, the little watch washanded about from one to the other, and everybody stared at everybodyelse, and the mystery thickened every moment. And the strangest thingabout it was that no one opened the little back cover where any onemight have read:--

"Polly Pepper, from her grateful friend, Arthur Selwyn. "

--until the middle of the night, when Jasper was awakened by a noise asif some one were prowling around in his father's room. He started upand listened. 

"It's I, " said old Mr. King's voice. So Jasper threw on his wrapper, and hurried in. There sat his father, in dressing-gown and slippers, bythe table, with the little enamelled watch in his hand. 

"Of all the idiots, Jasper, " he exclaimed, "your father is the veryworst. I've only just this moment thought to look in here. " He flashedthe little watch around in Jasper's face; it was now opened at theback. 

"Dear me!" cried Jasper, for want of anything better to say, as he readthe inscription. Then he looked helplessly at his father. 

"Earl or no earl, this piece of foolishness goes back, " fumed old Mr. King, getting out of his chair, and beginning to march back and forthacross the floor as he always did when irritated. "Yes, sir, the veryfirst thing in the morning, " he repeated, as vehemently as if Jasperhad contradicted him. 

"But, father--" began the boy. 

"Yes, sir, it goes back, I tell you, " repeated his father, now wellwrought up to a passion. "What right has he to send such a piece offoolishness to my Polly Pepper? I can give her all the watches sheneeds. And this trumpery, " pointing to the jewelled gift still lying inJasper's hand, "is utterly unfit for a schoolgirl. You know thatyourself, Jasper. "

"But Polly was kind to him, " began Jasper, again. 

"Kind to him!" snorted his father, "don't I know that? Of course shewas. Polly Pepper would be kind to any one. But that's no reason whythe old idiot should presume to give her such a silly and expensivepresent as that. The man doesn't know anything who would do such athing. And this one is queerer than the average. "

"As you say, he is eccentric, " observed Jasper, seeing here a loopholeby which to get in a soothing word. 

"Eccentric? That's a mild way to put it, " fumed his father. "He's odderthan Dick's hatband. Heaven save Old England if many of her earls arelike him. Well, I shall just write the fellow a decent sort of a note, and then I'll pack the box off to him, and that'll be the end of thematter. "

"I'm afraid Polly will be sorry, " said Jasper, feeling at a standstillso far as finding the right word was concerned, for everything heuttered only seemed to make matters worse. So he said the best thing hecould think of, and stopped short. 

"Sorry?" Old Mr. King came to a dead stop and glared at him. "You can'tmean that Polly Pepper would like me to keep that watch. It's the lastthing on earth that she would want, such a gewgaw as that. Why, thechild hates the sight of it already as much as I do. "

"I don't think Polly would want the watch, " said Jasper, quickly. "Iknow she doesn't like it, and I'm sure I wish I could smash it myself, "he added in a burst. 

"That's the most sensible thing you've said yet, Jasper, " said hisfather, with a grim smile. 

"But she would feel dreadfully for you to send it back, for don't yousee, father, that would hurt his feelings? And Polly would worryawfully to have that happen. "

Old Mr. King turned uneasily, took a few steps, then came back to throwhimself into his chair again. 

"And this old gentleman has such ill attacks, " said Jasper, pursuinghis advantage, "that it might be the very thing to bring one on if heshould get that watch back. "

"Say no more, say no more, Jasper, " said his father, shortly; "put thisthing up for tonight, and then get back to bed again. " And Jasper knewthat was the end of it. 

And the next day Polly wrote a nice little note, thanking the old earlfor his gift, and hoping that he was quite well; and with so many otherpleasant things in it, that if she could have seen him when he receivedit, she would have been glad indeed. And then she handed the little redleather case to Mr. King. "Keep it for me, Grandpapa, " she said simply. 

"All right, Polly, my child, " he said. And then everybody forgot allabout the episode and proceeded to enjoy Heidelberg. 

"I'm so sorry for people who are not going to Bayreuth, Adela!"exclaimed Polly, looking out of the compartment window, as the trainsteamed rapidly on from Nuremberg where they had passed several days ofdelight revelling in the old town. 

Adela, with her mind more on those past delights, had less attentionfor thoughts of music, so she answered absently, "Yes. Oh, Polly, wasn't that Pentagonal Tower fine? What is it they call it in German?"

But Polly didn't hear, being absorbed in the Wagner festival of whichher mind was full, so Jasper answered for her. "Alt-Nuenberg, you mean, the oldest building of all Nuremberg. "

"Yes, " said Adela, "well, I got two or three sketches of that tower. "

"Did you?" cried Jasper, "now that's good. "

"And I got that horrible old robber-knight, --what's his name?--sittinginside his cell, you know. "

"Eppelein von Gallingen, " supplied Jasper. "Well, he was a horrible-lookingcustomer, and that's a fact. "

"Oh, I liked him, " said Adela, who rejoiced in ugly things if onlypicturesque, "and I got into one corner of the cell opposite him, so asto sketch it all as well as I could in such a dark place, and a ladycame down the little stairs; you remember them. "

"I rather think I do, " said Jasper, grimly. "I was trying to get out ofthe way of a huge party of tourists, and I nearly broke my neck. "

"Well, this lady came down the stairs. I could see her where I sat, butshe couldn't see me, it was so dark in the cell; and she called to herhusband--I guess he was her husband, because he looked so_triste_. " Adela often fell into French, from being so long at theParis school, and not from affectation in the least. "And she said, 'Come, Henry, let us see what is in there. ' And she took one step in, and peered into that robber-knight's face; you know how he is sittingon a little stool, his black hair all round his face, staring at one. "

"Yes, I do, " said Jasper; "he was uncanny enough, and in the darkness, his wax features, or whatever they were made of, were unpleasantlynatural to the last degree. "

"Well, " said Adela, "the lady gave a little squeal, and tumbled rightback into her husband's arms. And I guess she stepped on his toes, forhe squealed, too, though in a different way, and he gave her a littlepush and told her not to be a goose, that the man had been dead athousand years more or less and couldn't hurt her. So then she steppedback, awfully scared though, I could see that, and then she caughtsight of me, and she squealed again and jumped, and she screamed rightout, 'Oh, there's another in there, in the corner, and it glared atme. ' And I didn't glare at all, " finished Adela, in disdain. "And thenI guess he was scared, too, for he said, 'That old cell isn't worthseeing, anyway, and I'm going down into the torture chamber, ' and theyhurried off. "

"That torture chamber!" exclaimed Jasper; "how any one can hang overthose things, I don't see; for my part, I'd rather have my timesomewhere else. "

"Oh, I like them, " said Adela, in great satisfaction, "and I've got apicture of the 'Iron Virgin. '"

"That was a good idea, to put the old scold into that wooden tubconcern, " said Jasper; "there was some sense in that. I took a pictureof it, and the old tower itself. I got a splendid photograph of it, ifit will only develop well, " he added. "Oh, but the buildings--was everanything so fine as those old Nuremberg houses, with their high-peakedgables! I have quantities of them--thanks to my kodak. "

"What's this station, I wonder?" asked Polly, as the train slowed up. 

Two ladies on the platform made a sudden dash at their compartment. "All full, " said the guard, waving them off. 

"That was Fanny Vanderburgh, " gasped Polly. 

"And her mother, " added Jasper. 

"Who was it?" demanded old Mr. King. 

His consternation, when they told him, was so great, that Jasper rackedhis brains some way to avoid the meeting. 

"If once we were at Bayreuth, it's possible that we might not comeacross them, father, for we could easily be lost in the crowd. "

"No such good luck, " groaned old Mr. King, which was proved true. Forthe first persons who walked into the hotel, as the manager was givingdirections that the rooms reserved for their party should be shownthem, were Mrs. Vanderburgh and her daughter. 

"Oh!" exclaimed Mrs. Vanderburgh, as if her dearest friends were beforeher, "how glad I am to see you again, dear Mr. King, and you all. " Sheswept Mrs. Fisher and Mrs. Henderson lightly in her glance as iftoleration only were to be observed toward them. "We have beenperfectly _désolée_ without you, Polly, my dear, " she went on, with a charming smile. "Fanny will be happy once more. She has beendisconsolate ever since we parted, I assure you. "

Polly made some sort of a reply, and greeted Fanny, as of old times, onthe steamer; but Mrs. Vanderburgh went on, all smiles and eagerness--sorapidly in her friendly intentions, that it boded ill for the futurepeace of Mr. King's party. So Mr. King broke into the torrent of wordsat once, without any more scruple. "And now, Mrs. Vanderburgh, if youwill excuse us, we are quite tired, and are going to our rooms. " And hebowed himself off, and of course his family followed; the next momentFanny and her mother were alone. 

"If this is to be the way, " said Mrs. Vanderburgh, with a savage littlelaugh, "we might much better have stayed in Paris, for I never shouldhave thought, as you know, Fanny, of coming to this out-of-the-wayplace, seeing that I don't care for the music, if I hadn't heard themsay on the steamer that this was their date here. "

"Well, I wish that I was at home, " declared Fanny, passionately, "and Inever, never will come to Europe, Mamma, again as long as I live. Youare always chasing after people who run away from you, and those wholike me, you won't let me speak to. "

"Well, I shall be thankful for the day when you are once in society, "said her mother, every shred of self-control now gone; "and I shallsell my tickets for this old Wagner festival, and go back to Paristo-morrow morning. "

At that, Fanny broke into a dismal fit of complaining, which continuedall the time they were dressing for dinner, and getting settled intheir room, and then at intervals through that meal. 

Polly looked over at her gloomy face, three tables off, and her ownfell. 

"You are not eating anything, child, " said Grandpapa, presently, with akeen glance at her. "Let me order something more. "

"Oh, no, Grandpapa, " and "yes, I will, " she cried, incoherently, makinga great effort to enjoy the nice things he piled on her plate. 

Jasper followed her glance as it rested on the Vanderburgh table. "Theywill spoil everything, " he thought. "And to think it should happen atBayreuth. "

"Yes, we are going, " said Fanny Vanderburgh as they met after dinner inthe corridor. Her eyes were swollen, and she twisted her handkerchiefin her fingers. "And I did--did--did--" here she broke down andsobbed--"so want to hear the Wagner operas. "

"Don't cry, " begged Polly, quite shocked. "Oh, Fanny, why can't youstay? How very dreadful to lose the Wagner music!" Polly could think ofno worse calamity that could befall one. 

"Mamma doesn't know anybody here except your party, " mumbled Fanny, "and she's upset, and declares that we must go back to Paristo-morrow. Oh, Polly Pepper, I hate Paris, " she exploded. And thensobbed worse than ever. 

"Wait here, " said Polly, "till I come back. " Then she ran on light feetto Grandpapa, just settling behind a newspaper in a corner of thegeneral reading room. 

"Grandpapa, dear, may I speak to you a minute?" asked Polly, with awoful feeling at her heart. It seemed as if he must hear it beating. 

"Why, yes, child, to be sure, " said Mr. King, quite surprised at hermanner. "What is it?" and he laid aside his paper and smiledreassuringly. 

But Polly's heart sank worse than ever. "Grandpapa, " she begandesperately, "Fanny Vanderburgh is feeling dreadfully. "

"And I should think she would with such a mother, " exclaimed the oldgentleman, but in a guarded tone. "Well, what of it, Polly?"

"Grandpapa, " said Polly, "she says her mother is going to take her backto Paris tomorrow morning. "

"How very fine!" exclaimed Mr. King, approvingly; "that is the bestthing I have heard yet. Always bring me such good news, Polly, and Iwill lay down my newspapers willingly any time. " And he gave a pleasedlittle laugh. 

"But, Grandpapa--" and Polly's face drooped, and there was such a sadlittle note in her voice, that the laugh dropped out of his. "Fannywanted above all things to hear the Wagner operas--just think of losingthose!" Polly clasped her hands, and every bit of colour flew from hercheek. 

"Well, what can I do about it?" asked the old gentleman, in a greatstate of perturbation. "Speak out, child, and tell me what you want. "

"Only if I can be pleasant to Fanny, " said Polly, a wave of colourrushing over her face. "I mean if I may go with her? Can I, Grandpapa, this very evening, just as if--" she hesitated. 

"As if what, Polly?"

"As if we all liked them, " finished Polly, feeling as if the words mustbe said. 

There was an awful pause in which Polly had all she could do to keepfrom rushing from the room. Then Grandpapa said, "If you can stand it, Polly, you may do as you like, but I warn you to keep them away fromme. " And he went back to his paper. 

XVIII

BAYREUTH AND OLD FRIENDS

Jasper turned around to gaze at the vast audience filing into theWagner Opera House before he took his seat. "This makes me think ofOberammergau, Polly, " he said. 

"To think you've seen the Passion Play, " she cried, with glowingcheeks. 

"That was when I was such a little chap, " said Jasper, "ages ago, --nineyears, Polly Pepper, --just think; so it will be as good as new nextyear. Father is thinking a good deal of taking you there next summer. "

"Jasper, " cried Polly, her cheeks all in a glow, and regardless of nextneighbours, "what can I ever do to repay your father for being so verygood to me and to all of us?"

"Why, you can keep on making him comfortable, just as you are doingnow, Polly, " replied Jasper. "He said yesterday it made him growyounger every minute to look at you. And you know he's never sick now, and he was always having those bad attacks. Don't you remember when wefirst came to Hingham, Polly?" as they took their seats. 

"O dear me, I guess I do, Jasper, and how you saved Phronsie from beingcarried off by the big organ man, " and she shivered even now at thislapse of years. "And all the splendid times at Badgertown and thelittle brown--"

Just then a long hand came in between the people in the seat back ofthem. "I'm no end glad to see you!" exclaimed a voice. It was TomSelwyn. 

"I'm going over into that vacant seat. " Tom forgot his fear of Pollyand his hatred of girls generally, and rushed around the aisle toplunge awkwardly into the seat just back of Jasper. "I'll stay heretill the person comes. " His long arms came in contact with severalobstacles, such as sundry backs and shoulders in his progress, but hehad no time to consider such small things or to notice the black lookshe got in consequence. 

"Now, isn't this jolly!" he exclaimed. Jasper was guilty of staring athim; there seemed such a change in the boy, he could hardly believe itwas really and truly Tom Selwyn. 

"My grandfather is well now, and he would have sent some message to youif he knew I was to run across you, " went on Tom, looking at Jasper, but meaning Polly; "did you get a little trifle he sent you some weeksago? He's been in a funk about it because he didn't hear. "

Wasn't Polly glad that her little note was on the way, and perhaps inthe old gentleman's hands at this very time!

"Yes, " she said, "and he was very kind and--" Tom fumbled his ticketsall the while, and broke in abruptly. 

"I didn't know as you'd like it, but it made him sick not to do it, andso the thing went. Glad it didn't make you mad, " he ended suddenly. 

"He meant it all right, I'm sure, " said Jasper, seeing that Pollycouldn't speak. 

"Didn't he though!" exclaimed Tom. 

"And it didn't come till the day we left Heidelberg, " said Polly, finding her tongue, and speaking rapidly to explain the delay; "thatwas a week ago. "

"Whew!" whistled Tom; "oh, beg pardon!" for several people turnedaround and stared; so he ducked his head, and was mostly lost to viewfor a breathing space. When he thought they had forgotten him, hebobbed it up. "Why, Grandfather picked it out--had a bushel of thingssent up from London to choose from, you know, weeks and weeks ago, assoon as he got up to London. That's no end queer. "

"No, " said Polly, "it didn't come till then. And I wrote to yourgrandfather the next morning and thanked him. "

"Now you did!" exclaimed Tom, in huge delight, and slapping his kneewith one long hand. "That's no end good of you. " He couldn't concealhow glad he was, and grinned all over his face. 

At this moment Mrs. Vanderburgh, who, seeing Fanny so happy again, concluded to stay on the strength of resurrected hopes of PollyPepper's friendship, sailed into the opera house, with her daughter. And glancing across the aisle, for their seats were at the side, shecaught sight of the party she was looking for, and there was a face sheknew, but wasn't looking for. 

"Fanny, " she cried, clutching her arm, "there is Tom Selwyn! Well, nowwe _are_ in luck!" And Tom saw her, and again he ducked, but for adifferent reason. When he raised his head, he glanced cautiously in thedirection he dreaded. "There's that horrible person, " he whispered inJasper's ear. 

"Who?" asked Jasper, in astonishment. 

"That woman on the steamer--you knew her--and she was looking straightat us. Duck for your life, Jasper King!"

"Oh, that, " said Jasper, coolly, following the bob of his head. "Yes, Mrs. Vanderburgh, I know; and she is at our hotel. "

"The dickens! And you're alive!" Tom raised his head and regarded himas a curiosity. 

"Very much so, " answered Jasper, smothering a laugh; "well, we mustn'ttalk any more. "

Polly was sitting straight, her hands folded in her lap, with nothought for audience, or anything but what she was to see and hear onthat wonderful stage. Old Mr. King leaned past Parson Henderson, andgazed with the greatest satisfaction at her absorbed face. 

"I pity anybody, " he said to himself, "who hasn't some little Peppersto take about; I only wish I had the boys, too. But fancy Joellistening to 'Parsifal'!"

This idea completely overcame him, and he settled back into his seatwith a grim smile. 

Polly never knew that Mamsie, with a happy look in her black eyes, wasregarding her intently, too, nor that many a glance was given to theyoung girl whose colour came and went in her cheek, nor that Jaspersometimes spoke a low word or two. She was lost in the entrancing worldof mystery and legend borne upward by the grand music, and she scarcelymoved. 

"Well, Polly. " Old Mr. King was smiling at her and holding out hishand. The curtains had closed for the intermission, and all the peoplewere getting out of their chairs. Polly sat still and drew a longbreath. "Oh, Grandpapa, must we go?"

"Yes, indeed, I hope so, " answered Mr. King, with a little laugh. "Weshall have none too much time for our supper, Polly, as it is. "

Polly got out of her seat, very much wishing that supper was not one ofthe needful things of life. 

"It almost seems wicked to think of eating, Jasper, " she said, as theypicked up their hats and capes, where he had tucked them under theseats. 

"It would be more wicked not to eat, " said Jasper, with a little laugh, "and I think you'll find some supper tastes good, when we get fairly atit, Polly. "

"I suppose so, " said Polly, feeling dreadfully stiff in her feet, andbeginning to wish she could have a good run. 

"And what we should do with you if we didn't stop for supper, " observedJasper, snapping the case to the opera-glasses, "I'm sure I don't know, Polly. I spoke to you three times, and you didn't hear me once. "

"Oh, Jasper!" exclaimed Polly, in horror, pausing as she was pinning onher big, flowered hat, with the roses all around the brim; "O dear me, there it goes!" as the hat spun over into the next row. 

"I'll get it, " cried Tom Selwyn, vaulting over the tops of the seatsbefore Jasper had a chance to try for it. 

Just then Mrs. Vanderburgh, who hadn't heard any more of the opera thancould fit itself into her lively plans for the campaign she laid out toaccomplish in siege of Tom Selwyn, pushed and elbowed herself along. "Of course the earl isn't here--and the boy is alone, and dreadfullytaken with Jasper King, so I can manage him. And once getting him, I'llsoon have the earl to recognise me as a relation. " Then, oh! visions ofthe golden dream of bliss when she could visit such titled kin in OldEngland, and report it all when at home in New York, filled her head. And with her mind eaten up with it, she pushed rudely by a plain, somewhat dowdy-looking woman who obstructed her way. 

The woman raised a quiet, yet protesting face; but Mrs. Vanderburgh, related to an earl, surveyed her haughtily, and pressed on. 

"Excuse me, " said the plain-looking woman, "but it is impossible for meto move; the people are coming out this way, Madam, and--"

"And I must get by, " answered Mrs. Vanderburgh, interrupting, andwriggling past as well as she could. But the lace on her flowing sleevecatching on the umbrella handle of a stout German coming the other way, she tore it half across. A dark flush of anger rushed over her face, and she vented all her spite on the plain-looking person in her path. "If you had moved, this wouldn't have happened!" she exclaimed. 

"It was impossible for me to do so, " replied the woman, just as quietlyas ever. Just then Tom Selwyn rushed up: "Mother!" to the plain-lookingwoman; "well, we _did_ get separated! Oh!" and seeing hercompanion he plunged back. 

Fanny Vanderburgh, well in the rear, a party of young German girlsimpeding the way, felt her mother's grasp, and looked around. 

"Oh, you've torn your lace sleeve!" she exclaimed, supposing the blacklooks referred to that accident. 

"Torn my sleeve!" echoed her mother, irately, "that's a trifle, " whileFanny stared in surprise, knowing, by past experience, that much lesseraccidents had made black days for her; "I'm the unluckiest personalive. And think of all the money your father has given me to spend, and it won't do any good. Fanny, I'm going straight back to Paris, asquickly as possible. "

"Why, I'm having a good time now, " said Fanny, just beginning to enjoyherself. "Polly Pepper is real nice to me. I don't want to go home abit. " All this as they slowly filed out in the throng. 

"Well, you're going; and, oh, those Peppers and those Kings, I'm sickto death of their names, " muttered her mother, frowning on her. 

"Why can't we wait for Polly?" asked Fanny, not catching the lastwords, and pausing to look back. 

"Because you can't, that's why. And never say a word about that PollyPepper or any of the rest of that crowd, " commanded her mother, tryingto hurry on. 

"Polly Pepper is the sweetest girl--the very dearest, " declared Fanny, in a passion, over her mother's shoulder, "and you know it, Mamma. "

"Well, I won't have you going with her, anyway, nor with any of them, "answered her mother, shortly. 

"Because you can't, " echoed Fanny, in her turn, and with a maliciouslittle laugh. "Don't I know? it's the same old story--those you chaseafter, run away from you. You've been chasing, Mamma; you needn't tellme. "

"Oh, Jasper, " Polly was saying, "did you really speak to me?"

"Three times, " said Jasper, with a laugh, "but you couldn't answer, foryou didn't hear me. "

"No, " said Polly, "I didn't, Jasper. "

"And I shouldn't have spoken, for it isn't, of course, allowed. But Icouldn't help it, Polly, it was so splendid, " and his eyes kindled. "And you didn't seem to breathe or to move. "

"I don't feel as if I had done much of either, " said Polly, laughing. "Isn't it good to take a long stretch? And oh, don't you wish we couldrun, Jasper?"

He burst into another gay little laugh, as he picked up the rest of thethings. "I thought so, Polly, and you'll want some supper yet. Well, here is Tom coming back again. "

"Indeed I shall, and a big one, Jasper, " said Polly, laughing, "for Iam dreadfully hungry. "

"Come to supper with us, " Jasper said socially over the backs ofseveral people, in response to Tom Selwyn's furious telegraphing. 

"Can't, " said Tom, bobbing his head; "must stay with my mother. Thoughtyou never would turn around. " Jasper looked his surprise, andinvoluntarily glanced by Tom. "Yes, my mother's here; we've gotseparated, she's gone ahead, " said Tom, jerking his head toward thenearest exit. "She says we'll go and see you. Where?"

"Hotel Sonne, " said Jasper. 

Tom disappeared--rushed off to his mother to jerk himself away to aconvenient waiting-place till the disagreeable woman on the steamer hadmelted into space. Then he flew back, and in incoherent sentences madeMrs. Selwyn comprehend who she was, and the whole situation. 

The earl's daughter was a true British matron, and preserved a quiet, immovable countenance; only a grim smile passed over it now and then. At last she remarked coolly, as if commenting on the weather, "I don'tbelieve she will trouble you, my son. " Never a word about the laceepisode or the crowding process. 

Tom sniffed uneasily. "You haven't crossed on a steamer with her, mother. "

"Never you mind. " Mrs. Selwyn gave him a pat on the back. "Tom, let ustalk about those nice people, " as they filed slowly out with the crowd. 

Not a word did Tom lisp about the invitation to supper, but tucked hismother's arm loyally within his own. "Sorry I forgot to engage atable!" he exclaimed, as they entered the restaurant. 

"Why, there is Tom!" exclaimed Jasper, craning his neck as his partywere about to sit down. "Father, Tom Selwyn is here with his mother, and they can't find places, I almost know, and we might have two morechairs easily at our table, " he hurried it all out. 

"What is all this about?" demanded old Mr. King; "whom are you talkingabout, pray tell, Jasper?"

So Jasper ran around to his father's chair and explained. The end of itall was, that he soon hurried off, being introduced to Tom's mother, towhom he presented his father's compliments, and would she do him thefavour to join their party? And in ten minutes, every one felt wellacquainted with the English matron, and entirely forgot that she was anearl's daughter. And Tom acquitted himself well, and got on famouslywith old Mr. King. 

But he didn't dare talk to Polly, but edged away whenever there was theleast chance of matters falling out so that he would have to. 

And then it came out that the Selwyns thought of going to Munich anddown to Lucerne. 

"And the Bernese Alps, " put in Jasper, across the table. "How is that, Tom, for an outing? Can't you do it?" For it transpired that Mrs. Selwyn had left the other children, two girls and two smaller boys, with their grandfather, on the English estate. They all called thisplace home since the father was in a business in Australia thatrequired many long visits, and Tom's mother had decided that he shouldhave a bit of a vacation with her, so they had packed up and off, taking in the Wagner festival first, and here they were. "Yes, " aftershe considered a bit, "we can do that. Join the party and then over toLucerne, and perhaps take in the Bernese Alps. "

Only supposing that Polly's letter hadn't gone to the little old earl, Jasper kept saying over and over to himself. Just for one minute, suppose it!

And in the midst of it all, the horn sounded; the intermission wasover, chairs were pushed back hastily, and all flocked off. No one mustbe late, and there must be no noisy or bustling entrances into theopera house. 

And if Polly Pepper sat entranced through the rest of the matchlessperformance, Tom Selwyn--three seats back and off to the left--was justas quietly happy. But he wasn't thinking so much of "Parsifal" as mighthave been possible. "It's no end fine of the little mother to say'yes, '" he kept running over and over to himself, with a satisfiedglance at the quiet face under the plain, English bonnet. 

"It's funny we don't see Fanny Vanderburgh anywhere, " said Polly, asthey went through the corridor and up the hotel stairs that night. 

"She and her mother probably came home earlier, " said Mrs. Fisher; "youknow we were delayed, waiting for our carriages. You will see her inthe morning, Polly. "

But in the morning, it was ten o'clock before Mr. King's party gatheredfor breakfast, for Grandpapa always counselled sleeping late when outthe night before. And when Polly did slip into her chair, there was alittle note lying on her plate. 

"Fanny Vanderburgh has gone, " she said, and turned quite pale. 

It was too true. Mrs. Vanderburgh had sold her two tickets to the"Flying Dutchman, " to be presented that evening, and departed fromBayreuth. 

"It's no use, Polly, " Fanny's note ran, "trying to make me have a goodtime. Mamma says we are to go back to Paris; and go we must. You'vebeen lovely, and I thank you ever so much, and good-by. "

Mother Fisher found Polly, a half-hour later, curled up in a corner ofthe old sofa in her room, her face pressed into the cushion. 

"Why, Polly, " exclaimed her mother, seeing the shaking shoulders, and, bending over her, she smoothed the brown hair gently, "this isn'tright, child--"

Polly sprang up suddenly and threw her arms around her mother's neck. Her face was wet with tears, and she sobbed out, "Oh, if I'd done morefor her, Mamsie, or been pleasant to Mrs. Vanderburgh, she might havestayed. "

"You haven't any call to worry, Polly, child, " said Mother Fisher, firmly. "You did all that could be done--and remember one thing, it'svery wrong to trouble others as you certainly will if you give way toyour feelings in this manner. "

"Mamsie, " exclaimed Polly, suddenly wiping away the trail of tears fromher cheek, "I won't cry a single bit more. You can trust me, Mamsie, Itruly won't. "

"Trust you, " said Mother Fisher, with a proud look in her black eyes, "I can trust you ever and always, Polly; and now run to Mr. King andlet him see a bright face, for he's worrying about you, Polly. "

XIX

MR. KING HAS A LITTLE PLAN FOR POLLY

"Oh Jasper, " exclaimed Polly, clasping her hands, "do you suppose we'llever get to a piano where it's all alone, and nobody wants to play onit--"

"But just you and I, " finished Jasper. "I declare I don't know. You seewe don't stay still long enough in any one place to hire a decent one;and besides, father said, when we started, that it was better for us torest and travel about without any practising this summer. You know hedid, Polly. "

"I know it, " said Polly; "but oh, if we could just play once in awhile, " she added mournfully. 

"Well, we can't, " said Jasper, savagely; "you know we tried that atBrussels, when we thought everybody had gone off. And those half adozen idiots came and stared at us through the glass door. "

"And then they came in, " added Polly, with a little shiver at therecollection. "But that big fat man with the black beard was the worst, Jasper. " She glanced around as if she expected to see him coming downthe long parlour. 

"Well, he didn't hear much; there didn't any of them, " said Jasper;"that's some small satisfaction, because you hopped off the piano stooland ran away. "

"You ran just as fast, I'm sure, Jasper, " said Polly, with a littlelaugh. 

"Well, perhaps I did, " confessed Jasper, bursting into a laugh. "Whowouldn't run with a lot of staring idiots flying at one?" he brought upin disgust. 

"And we forgot the music, " went on Polly, deep in the reminiscence, "and we wouldn't go back--don't you remember?--until the big fat manwith the dreadful black beard had gone, for he'd picked it up and beenlooking at it. "

"Yes, I remember all about it, " said Jasper; "dear me, what a time wehad! It's enough to make one wish that the summer was all over, andthat we were fairly settled in Dresden, " he added gloomily, as he sawher face. 

"Oh, no, " exclaimed Polly, quickly, and quite shocked to see themischief that she had done. 

"We wouldn't have the beautiful summer go a bit faster, Jasper. Why, that would be too dreadful to think of. "

"But you want to get at your music, Polly. "

"I'll fly at it when the time comes, " cried Polly, with a wise littlenod, "never you fear, Jasper. Now come on; let's get Phronsie and goout and see the shops. "

Old Mr. King in a nook behind the curtain, dropped the newspaper in hislap and thought a bit. "Best to wait till we get to Lucerne, " he saidto himself, nodding his white head; "then, says I, Polly, my child, youshall have your piano. "

And when their party were settling down in the hotel at Lucerne, endingthe beautiful days of travel after leaving Munich, Jasper's fathercalled him abruptly. "See here, my boy. "

"What is it, father?" asked Jasper, wonderingly; "the luggage is allright; it's gone up to the rooms--all except the portmanteau, andFrancis will go down to the station and straighten that out. "

"I'm not in the least troubled in regard to the luggage, Jasper, "replied his father, testily; "it's something much more important thanthe luggage question about which I wish to speak to you. "

Jasper stared, well knowing his father's views in regard to the luggagequestion. "The first thing that you must unpack--the very first, " oldMr. King was saying, "is your music. Don't wait a minute, Jasper, butgo and get it. And then call Polly, and--"

"Why, father, " exclaimed Jasper, "there isn't a single place to playin. You don't know how people stare if we touch the piano. We can'there, father; there's such a crowd in this hotel. "

"You do just as I say, Jasper, " commanded his father. "And tell Pollyto get her music; and then do you two go to the little room out of thebig parlour, and play to your hearts' content. " And he burst into ahearty laugh at Jasper's face, as he dangled a key at the end of astring, before him. 

"Now I do believe, father, that you've got Polly a piano and a littleroom to play in, " cried Jasper, joyfully, and pouncing on the key. 

"You go along and do as I tell you, " said Mr. King, mightily pleased atthe success of his little plan. "And don't you tell Polly Pepper oneword until she has taken her music down in the little room, " as Jasperbounded off on the wings of the wind. 

And in that very hotel was the big fat man with the dreadful blackbeard, resting after a long season of hard work. 

But Polly and Jasper wouldn't have cared had they known it, as long asthey had their own delightful little music room to themselves--as theyplayed over and over all the dear old pieces, and Polly revelled ineverything that she was so afraid she had forgotten. 

"I really haven't lost it, Jasper!" she would exclaim radiantly, afterfinishing a concerto, and dropping her hands idly on the keys. "And Iwas _so_ afraid I'd forgotten it entirely. Just think, I haven'tplayed that for three months, Jasper King. "

"Well, you haven't forgotten a bit of it, " declared Jasper, just asglad as she was. "You didn't make any mistakes, hardly, Polly. "

"Oh, yes, I made some, " said Polly, honestly, whirling around on thepiano stool to look at him. 

"Oh, well, only little bits of ones, " said Jasper; "those don'tsignify. I wish father could have heard that concerto. What a pity hewent out just before you began it. "

But somebody else, on the other side of the partition between thelittle music room and the big parlour, had heard, and he pulled hisblack beard thoughtfully with his long fingers, then pricked up hisears to hear more. And it was funny how, almost every day, whenever thefirst notes on the piano struck up in Mr. King's little music room, thebig fat man, who was so tired with his season of hard work, neverseemed to think that he could rest as well as in that particular cornerup against that partition. And no matter what book or paper he had inhis hand, he always dropped it and fell to pulling his black beard withhis long fingers, before the music was finished. 

And then, "Oh, Polly, come child, you have played long enough, " fromMother Fisher on the other side of the partition; or old Mr. King wouldsay, "No more practising to-day, Miss Polly;" or Phronsie would pipeout, "Polly, Grandpapa is going to take us out on the lake; do come, Polly. " And then it was funnier yet to see how suddenly the big fat manwith the dreadful black beard seemed to find that particular corner bythat partition a very tiresome place. And as the piano clicked down itscover, he would yawn, and get up and say something in very rapid Germanto himself, and off he would go, forgetting all about his book ornewspaper, which, very likely, would tumble to the floor, and flap awayby itself till somebody came and picked it up and set it on the sofa. 

One morning old Mr. King, hurrying along with his batch of English mailto enjoy opening it in the little music room where Jasper and Pollywere playing a duet, ran up suddenly against a fat heavy body comingaround an opposite angle. 

"Oh, I beg your pardon, sir, " exclaimed Mr. King in great distress, themore so as he saw that the stranger's glasses were knocked off his noseby the collision. "I do trust they are not broken, " he added, in aconcerned tone, endeavouring to pick them up. 

But the big man was before him. "Not a beet, not a beet, " he declared, adjusting them on his nose again. Then he suddenly grasped old Mr. King's hand. "And I be very glad, sir, _very_ glad indeed, dat Ihaf roon into you. "

"Indeed!" exclaimed Mr. King, releasing his hand instantly, and all theconcern dropping out of his face. 

"_Very_ glad indeed!" repeated the big man, heartily; then hepulled his black beard, and stood quite still a moment. 

"If you have nothing more to remark, sir, " said Mr. King, haughtily, "perhaps you will be kind enough to stand out of my way, and allow meto pass. And it would be as well for you to observe more care in thefuture, sir, both in regard to your feet, and your tongue, sir. "

"Yes, I am _very_ glad, " began the big man again, who hadn't evenheard Mr. King's tirade, "for now--" and he gave his black beard afinal twitch, and his eyes suddenly lightened with a smile that ran allover his face, "I can speak to you of dis ting dat is in my mind. Your--"

"I want to hear nothing of what is on your mind, " declared old Mr. King, now thoroughly angry. "Stand aside, fellow, and let me pass, " hecommanded, in a towering passion. 

The big man stared in astonishment into the angry face, the smiledropping out of his own. "I beg to _ex_cuse myself, " he said, witha deep bow, and a wave of his long fingers. "Will you pass?" and hemoved up as tightly as possible to the wall. 

Old Mr. King went into the little music room in a furious rage, andhalf an hour afterward Polly and Jasper, pausing to look around, sawhim tossing and tumbling his letters and newspapers about on the table, fuming to himself all the while. 

"Father has had bad news!" exclaimed Jasper, turning pale; "somethingabout his agents, probably. "

"O dear me! and here we have been playing, " cried Polly in remorse, every vestige of colour flying from her cheek. 

"Well, we didn't know, " said Jasper, quickly. "But what can we do now, Polly?" he turned to her appealingly. 

"I don't know, " she was just going to say helplessly, but Jasper's facemade her see that something must be done. "Let's go and tell him we aresorry, " she said; "that's what Mamsie always liked best if she feltbadly. "

So the two crept up behind old Mr. King's chair: "Father, I'm _so_sorry, " and "Dear Grandpapa, I'm _so_ sorry, " and Polly put botharms around his neck suddenly. 

"Eh--what?" cried Mr. King, sitting bolt upright in astonishment. "Oh, bless me, children, I thought you were playing on the piano. "

"We were, " said Polly, hurrying around to the side of the table, herface quite rosy now, "but we didn't know--" and she stopped short, unable to find another word. 

"--that you felt badly, " finished Jasper. "Oh, father, we didn't knowthat you'd got bad news. " He laid his hand as he spoke on the pile oftumbled-up letters. 

"Bad news!" ejaculated old Mr. King, in perplexity, and looking fromone to the other. 

"No, we didn't, " repeated Polly, clasping her hands. "Dear Grandpapa, we truly didn't, or we wouldn't have kept on playing all this time. "

Mr. King put back his head and laughed long and loud, as he hadn't donefor many a day, his ill humour dropping off in the midst of it. "Theletters are all right, " he said, wiping his eyes, "never had betternews. It was an impertinent fellow I met out there, that's all. "

"Father, who has dared--" began Jasper, with flashing eyes. 

"Don't you worry, my boy; it's all right, the fellow got his quietus;besides, he wasn't worth minding, " said Mr. King, carelessly. "Why, here is your mother, " turning to Polly. "Now then, Mrs. Fisher, what isit; for I see by your eye some plan is on the carpet. "

"Yes, there is, " said Mrs. Fisher, coming in with a smile, "the doctoris going to take a day off. "

"Is that really so?" cried Mr. King, with a little laugh. "What! noteven going to visit one of his beloved hospitals?" while Pollyexclaimed, radiantly, "Oh, how perfectly elegant! Now we'll havePapa-Doctor for a whole long day!"

Phronsie, who had been close to her mother's gown during the deliveryof this important news, clasped her hands in a quiet rapture, whilePolly exclaimed, "Now, Grandpapa, can it be the Rigi?" Jasper echoingthe cry heartily. 

"I suppose it is to be the Rigi, " assented old Mr. King, leaning backin his chair to survey them all, "that is, if Mrs. Fisher approves. We'll let you pick out the jaunting place, " turning to her, "seeingthat it is the doctor's holiday. "

"I know that Dr. Fisher wants very much to go up the Rigi, " said hiswife, in great satisfaction at the turn the plans were taking. 

"And we'll stay over night, father, " cried Jasper, "won't we?"

"Stay over night?" repeated his father, "I should say so. Why, whatwould be the good of our going up at all, pray tell, if we didn'tdevote that much time to it and have a try for a sunrise?"

"We're to go up the Rigi!" exclaimed Polly, giving a little whirl, andbeginning to dance around the room, repeating, "We're to go up theRigi, " exactly as if nobody knew it, and she was telling perfectlyfresh news. 

"Here--that dance looks awfully good--wait for me, " cried Jasper. Andseizing her hands, they spun round and round, Phronsie scuttling afterthem, crying, "Take me, too. I want to dance, Polly. "

"So you shall, " cried Polly and Jasper together; so they made a littlering of three, and away they went, Polly this time crying, "Just think, we're going to have the most beautiful sunrise in all this world. "

And on the other side of the partition, in his accustomed nook in thebig parlour, the big fat man with the black beard sat. He pulled thissame black beard thoughtfully a bit, when Mr. King was telling aboutthe impertinent fellow. Then he smiled and jabbered away to himselfvery hard in German; and it wasn't till the King party hurried off toget ready for the Rigi trip, that he got up and sauntered off. 

And almost the first person that old Mr. King saw on getting his partyinto a car on the funicular railway, was the "impertinent fellow, " alsobound for the top of the Rigi. 

"Oh, Grandpapa!" Polly got out of her seat and hurried to him withcheeks aflame, when midway up. 

"I know--isn't it wonderful!" cried Grandpapa, happy in her pleasure, and finding it all just as marvellous as if he hadn't made the ascentseveral times. 

"Yes, yes!" cried Polly. "It is all perfectly splendid, Grandpapa; butoh, I mean, _did_ you hear what that lady said?" and she droppedher voice, and put her mouth close to Grandpapa's ear. 

"I'm sure I didn't, " said old Mr. King, carelessly, "and I'm free toconfess I'm honestly glad of it. For if there is one thing I detestmore than another, Polly, my girl, it is to hear people, especiallywomen, rave and gush over the scenery. "

"Oh, she didn't rave and gush, " cried Polly, in a whisper, afraid thatthe lady heard. "She said, Grandpapa, that Herr Bauricke is at Lucerne;just think, Grandpapa, the great Herr Bauricke!"

She took her mouth away from the old gentleman's ear in order to lookin his face. 

"Polly, Polly, " called Jasper from his seat on the farther end, "youare losing all this, " as the train rounded a curve. "Do come back. "

"Now, I'm glad of that, " exclaimed Grandpapa, in a tone of the greatestsatisfaction, "for I can ask him about the music masters in Dresden andget his advice, and be all prepared before we go there for the winterto secure the very best. "

"And I can see him, and perhaps hear him play, " breathed Polly, in anawestruck tone, quite lost to scenery and everything else. Jasperleaned forward and stared at her in amazement. Then he slipped out ofhis seat, and made his way up to them to find out what it was allabout. 

"How did she know?" he asked, as Polly told all she knew; "I'm justgoing to ask her. " But the lady, who had caught snatches of theconversation, though she hadn't heard Mr. King's part of it, veryobligingly leaned forward in her seat and told all she knew. 

And by the time this was done, they all knew that the information wasin the American paper printed in Paris, and circulated all over theContinent, and that the lady had read it that very morning just beforesetting out. 

"The only time I missed reading that paper, " observed old Mr. King, regretfully. 

"And he is staying at our very hotel, " finished the lady, "for I haveseen you, sir, with your party there. "

"Another stroke of good luck, " thought old Mr. King, "and quite easy toobtain the information I want as to a master for Polly and Jasper. "

"Now then, children, " he said to the two hanging on the conversation, "run back to your seats and enjoy the view. This news of ours willkeep. "

So Polly and Jasper ran back obediently, but every step of the toilsomeascent by which the car pushed its way to the wonderful heights above, Polly saw everything with the words, "Herr Bauricke is at _our_hotel, " ringing through her ears; and she sat as in a maze. Jasper wasnearly as bad. 

And then everybody was pouring out of the cars and rushing for thehotel on the summit; all but Mr. King's party and a few others, who hadtheir rooms engaged by telegraphing up. When they reached the bigcentral hall there was a knot of Germans all talking together, and onthe outside fringe of this knot, people were standing around andstaring at the central figure. Suddenly some one darted away from thisouter circle and dashed up to them. It was the lady from their hotel. 

"I knew you'd want to know, " she exclaimed breathlessly; "that's HerrBauricke himself--he came up on our train--just think of it!--the bigman in the middle with the black beard. " She pointed an excited fingerat the knot of Germans. 

Old Mr. King followed the course of the finger, and saw his"impertinent fellow who wasn't worth minding. "

XX

"I SHOULD MAKE HIM HAPPY, " SAID PHRONSIE

Polly got Jasper away into a side corridor by a beseeching little pullon his sleeve. "Oh, just to think, " she mourned, "I called that greatman such unpleasant things--that he was big and fat, and--oh, oh!"

"Well, he _is_ big and fat, " declared Jasper. "We can't say heisn't, Polly. "

"But I meant it all against him, " said Polly, shaking her head. "Youknow I did, Jasper, " she added remorsefully. 

"Yes, we neither of us liked him, " said Jasper, "and that's the honesttruth, Polly. "

"And to think it was that _great_ Herr Bauricke!" exclaimed Polly. Then her feelings overcame her, and she sank down on the cushioned seatin the angle. 

Jasper sat down beside her. "I suppose it won't do to say anythingabout people after this until we know them. Will it, Polly?"

"Jasper, " declared Polly, clasping her hands, while the rosy colourflew over her cheek, "I'm never going to say a single--"

Just then the big form of Herr Bauricke loomed up before them, as heturned into the corridor. 

Polly shrank up in her corner as small as she could, wishing she was aslittle as Phronsie, and could hop up and run away. 

Herr Bauricke turned his sharp eyes on them for a moment, hesitated, then came directly up, and stopped in front of them. "I meant--I_in_tended to speak to your grandfader first. Dat not seem best_now_. " The great man was really talking to them, and Polly heldher breath, not daring to look into his face, but keeping her gaze onhis wonderful fingers. "My child, " those wonderful fingers seized herown, and clasped them tightly, "you have great promise, mind you, youknow only a leedle now, and you must work--_work--work_. " Hebrought it out so sharply, that the last word was fairly shrill. "But Itink you will, " he added kindly, dropping his tone. Then he laid herfingers gently in her lap. 

"Oh, she does, sir, " exclaimed Jasper, finding his tongue first, forPolly was beyond speaking. "Polly works all the time she can. "

"Dat is right. " Herr Bauricke bobbed his head in approval, so that hisspectacles almost fell off. "I hear dat, in de music she play. Noleedle girl play like dat, who doesn't work. I will hear you sometimeat de hotel, " he added abruptly, "and tell you some tings dat will helpyou. To-morrow, maybe, when we go down from dis place, eh?"

"Oh, sir, " exclaimed Polly, springing off from her cushion beforeJasper could stop her. "You are _so_ good--but--but--I cannot, "then her breath gave out, and she stood quite still. 

"Eh?" exclaimed Herr Bauricke, and pushing up his spectacles to stareinto her flushed and troubled face. "Perhaps I not make my meaningclear; I mean I _geef_ you of my time and my best _ad_vice. Now you understand--eh?" He included Jasper in his puzzled glance. 

"Yes, sir, " Jasper made haste to say. "We do understand; and it is sovery good of you, and Polly will accept it, sir. " "For father will makeit all right with him as to the payment, " he reflected easily. 

"Ah, now, " exclaimed Herr Bauricke, joyfully, a light beaming all overhis fat face, "dat is someting like--to-morrow, den, we--"

"But, oh, sir, " Polly interrupted, "I cannot, " and she twisted herhands in distress. "I--I--didn't like you, and I said so. " Then sheturned very pale, and her head drooped. 

Jasper leaned over, and took her hand. "Neither did I, sir, " he said. "I was just as bad as Polly. "

"You not tink me nice looking--so?" said Herr Bauricke. "Well, I nottink so myself, eeder. And I scare you maybe, wid dis, " and he twistedhis black beard with his long fingers. "Ah, so; well, we will forgetall dis, leedle girl, " and he bent down and took Polly's other fingersthat hung by her side. "And eef you not let me come to-morrow to yourleedle music room, and tell you sometings to help you learn better, Ishall know dat you no like me _now_--eh?"

"Oh, sir, " Polly lifted her face, flooded with rosy colour up to herbrown hair, "if you only will forgive me?"

"I no forgeef; I not remember at all, " said Herr Bauricke, waving hislong fingers in the air. "And I go to-morrow to help you, leedle girl, "and he strode down the corridor. 

Polly and Jasper rushed off, they scarcely knew how, to Grandpapa, totell him the wonderful news, --to find him in a truly dreadful state ofmind. When they had told their story, he was as much worse as couldwell be imagined. 

"Impossible, impossible!" was all he could say, but he brought his handdown on the table before him with so much force that Jasper felt astrange sinking of heart. What could be the matter?

"Why, children, and you all" (for his whole party was before him), exclaimed Mr. King, "Herr Bauricke is that impertinent person whoannoyed me this morning, and I called him 'fellow' to his face!"

It was so very much worse than Jasper had dreamed, that he collapsedinto the first chair, all Polly's prospects melting off like dew beforethe sun. 

"Hum!" Little Dr. Fisher was the first to speak. He took off his bigspectacles and wiped them; then put them on his nose and adjusted themcarefully, and glared around the group, his gaze resting on old Mr. King's face. 

Polly, who had never seen Jasper give way like this, forgot her owndistress, and rushed up to him. "Oh, don't, Jasper, " she begged. 

"You see I can't allow Herr Bauricke to give any lessons or advice toPolly after this, " went on Mr. King, hastily. "Of course he would bepaid; but, under the circumstances, it wouldn't do, not in the least. It is quite out of the question, " he went on, as if some one had beencontradicting him. But no one said a word. 

"Why don't some of you speak?" he asked, breaking the pause. "Dr. Fisher, you don't generally keep us waiting for your opinion. Speak outnow, man, and let us have it. "

"It is an awkward affair, surely, " began the little doctor, slowly. 

"Awkward? I should say so, " frowned Mr. King; "it's awkward to the lastdegree. Here's a man who bumps into me in a hotel passage, --though, forthat matter, I suppose it's really my fault as much as his, --and Ioffer to pick up his spectacles that were dropped in the encounter. Andhe tells me that he is glad that we ran up against each other, for itgives him a chance to tell me what is on his mind. As if I cared whatwas on his mind, or on the mind of any one else, for that matter, " hedeclared, in extreme irritation. "And I told him to his face that hewas an impertinent fellow, and to get out of my way. Yes, I did!"

A light began to break on little Dr. Fisher's face, that presentlyshone through his big spectacles, fairly beaming on them all. Then heburst into a laugh, hearty and long. 

"Why, Adoniram!" exclaimed Mother Fisher, in surprise. Polly turned adistressed face at him; and to say that old Mr. King stared would bestating the case very mildly indeed. 

"Can't you see, oh, can't you see, " exploded the little doctor, moppingup his face with his big handkerchief, "that your big German was tryingto tell you of Polly's playing, and to say something, probably prettymuch the same that he has said to her and to Jasper? O dear me, Ishould like to have been there to see you both, " ended Dr. Fisher, faintly. Then he went off into another laugh. 

"I don't see much cause for amusement, " said old Mr. King, grimly, whenthis idea broke into his mind, "for it's a certain fact that I calledhim a fellow, and told him to get out of the way. "

"Well, he doesn't bear you any malice, apparently, " said the littledoctor, who, having been requested to speak, saw no reason forwithholding any opinion he might chance to have, "for, if he did, hewouldn't have made that handsome offer to Polly. "

"That may be; the offer is handsome enough, " answered Mr. King, "thatis the trouble, it's too handsome. I cannot possibly accept it underthe awkward circumstances. No, children, " he turned to Polly andJasper, as if they had been beseeching him all the while, "you needn'task it, or expect it, " and he got out of his chair, and stalked fromthe room. 

Jasper buried his face in his hands, and a deep gloom settled over thewhole party, on all but little Dr. Fisher. He pranced over to Polly andJasper just as merrily as if nothing dreadful had happened. "Don't yoube afraid, my boy, " he said; "your father is a dreadfully sensible man, and there's no manner of doubt but that he will fix this thing up. "

"Oh, you don't know father, " groaned Jasper, his head in his hands, "when he thinks the right thing hasn't been done or said. And now Pollywill miss it all!" And his head sank lower yet. 

"Nonsense!" exclaimed Dr. Fisher. Yet he had a dreadful feeling comingover him, and he turned to Polly imploringly. 

"Oh, I do believe it, Jasper, " cried Polly, "what Papa-Doctor says. Andjust look at Mamsie!" she cried, beneath her breath. 

And truly Mother Fisher was having a hard time to control herself. ThatJasper could see as he lifted his head. And the little doctor also saw, and skipped back across the room to her side. And Phronsie, feelingplunged into the deepest woe by all this dreadful state of affairs, that had come too bewilderingly for her to rally to Grandpapa's side, first began to cry. And then, thinking better of it, went softly out ofthe door, and no one noticed her when she went--with the tears runningdown her cheeks. 

Down the long corridor she hurried, not knowing which way Grandpapawent, but turning into the little reading room, she spied him sittingby the table. The apartment was otherwise empty. He wasn't reading, noteven looking at a paper, but sitting bolt upright, and lost in thought. 

"Grandpapa, " she said, laying a soft little hand on his arm. "Oh, I'mso glad I found you. " And she nestled up to his side. 

"Eh? Oh, Phronsie, child. " Old Mr. King put his arm around her, anddrew her closely to him. "So you came after your old Grand-daddy, didyou?"

"Yes, I did, " said Phronsie, with a glad little cry, snuggling uptighter to him, while the tears trailed off down his waistcoat, but notbefore he had seen them. 

"Now, Phronsie, you are not to cry any more, " he said, with a pang atthe sight. "You won't, dear; promise me that. "

So Phronsie promised; and he held her hands, and, clearing his throat, he began, "Well, now I suppose they felt pretty badly, back there inthe room, your mother and all--eh, Phronsie?"

"Yes, Grandpapa, " said Phronsie, her round face falling. Yet she hadpromised not to cry, and, although she had a hard time of it, everytear was kept back valiantly. 

"And Polly, now--" asked old Mr. King, cautiously, "and Jasper--howwere they feeling?"

"Grandpapa, " Phronsie did not trust herself to reply, but, springingup, she laid her rosy little mouth close to his ear. "What does itall--the dreadful thing mean?" she whispered. 

"It means, " old Mr. King whispered back, but very distinctly, "thatyour old Granddaddy is an idiot, Phronsie, and that he has been rude, and let his temper run away with him. "

"Oh, no, Grandpapa dear, " contradicted Phronsie, falling back from himin horror. "You couldn't ever be that what you say. " And she flung botharms around his neck and hugged him tightly. 

"What? An idiot? Yes, I have been an idiot of the worst kind, " declaredMr. King, "and all the rest just as I say; rude and--why, what is thematter, Phronsie?" for the little arms clutched him so tightly he couldhardly breathe. 

"Oh, Grandpapa, " she wailed, and drawing away a bit to look at him, hesaw her face convulsed with the effort not to cry. "Don't say suchthings. You are never naughty, Grandpapa dear; you can't be, " shegasped. 

"There, there, there, " ejaculated old Mr. King, frightened at theeffect of his words and patting her yellow hair, at his wits' end whatto say. So he broke out, "Well, now, Phronsie, you must tell me what todo. "

Thereupon Phronsie, seeing there was something she could really do tohelp Grandpapa, came out of her distress enough to sit up quitestraight and attentive in his lap. "You see I spoke rudely to a man, and I called him a fellow, and he was a gentleman, Phronsie; you mustremember that. "

"Yes, I will, Grandpapa, " she replied obediently, while her eyes neverwandered from his face. 

"And I told him to get out of the way and he did, " said Mr. King, forcing himself to a repetition of the unpleasant truth. "O dear me, nothing could be worse, " he groaned. 

"And you are sorry, Grandpapa dear?" Phronsie leaned over and laid hercheek softly against his. 

"Yes, I am, Phronsie, awfully sorry, " confessed the old gentleman; "butwhat good will that do now? My temper has made a terrible mess of itall. "

"But you can tell the gentleman you are sorry, " said Phronsie. "Oh, Grandpapa dear, do go and tell him now, this very minute. " She brokeaway from him again, and sat straight on his knee, while a glad littlesmile ran all over her face. 

"I can't--you don't understand--O dear me!" Mr. King set her abruptlyon the floor, and took a few turns up and down the room. Phronsie'seyes followed him with a grieved expression. When she saw the distresson his face, she ran up to him and seized his hand, but didn't speak. 

"You see, child, "--he grasped her fingers and held them closely, --"it'sjust this way: the gentleman wants to do me a favour; that is, to helpPolly with her music. "

"Does he?" cried Phronsie, and she laughed in delight. "Oh, Grandpapa, how nice! And Polly will be so happy. "

"But I cannot possibly accept it, " groaned old Mr. King; "don't yousee, child, after treating him so? Why, how could I? The idea is toomonstrous!" He set off now at such a brisk pace down the room thatPhronsie had hard work to keep up with him. But he clung to her hand. 

"Won't that make the gentleman sorry?" panted Phronsie, trotting alongby his side. 

"Eh--oh, what?" exclaimed old Mr. King, coming to a dead stop suddenly. "What's that you say, Phronsie?"

"Won't the gentleman feel sorry?" repeated Phronsie, pushing back thewaves of yellow hair that had fallen over her face, to look up at him. "And won't he feel badly then, Grandpapa?"

"Eh--oh, perhaps, " assented Mr. King, slowly, and passing a troubledhand across his brow. "Well, now, Phronsie, you come and sit in my lapagain, and we'll talk it over, and you tell me what I ought to do. "

So the two got into the big chair again, and Phronsie folded her handsin her lap. 

"Now begin, " said old Mr. King. 

"I should make the gentleman happy, Grandpapa, " said Phronsie, decidedly. 

"You would--no matter what you had to do to bring it about?" askedGrandpapa, with a keen pair of eyes on her face. "Eh? think now, Phronsie. "

"I should make the gentleman happy, " repeated Phronsie, and she bobbedher head decidedly. "I really should, Grandpapa. "

"Then the best way is to have it over with as soon as possible, " saidold Mr. King; "so come on, child, and you can see that the business isdone up in good shape. " He gathered her little fingers up in his hand, and setting her once more on the floor, they passed out of theapartment. 

The door of the private parlour belonging to Mr. King's rooms was flungwide open, and into the gloomy interior, for Mother Fisher and Jasperwere still inconsolable, marched old Mr. King. He was arm in arm, sofar as the two could at once compass the doorway, with Herr Bauricke;while Phronsie ducked and scuttled in as she could, for the big German, with ever so many honorary degrees to his name, held her hand fast. 

Old Mr. King continued his march up to Mother Fisher. "Allow me tointroduce Herr Bauricke, Professor and Doctor of Music, of world-widedistinction, " he said, bowing his courtly old head. 

And then Mother Fisher, self-controlled as she had always been, astonished him by turning to her husband to supply the answering word. 

"Glad to see you!" exclaimed the little doctor, bubbling over withhappiness, and wringing the long fingers extended. "My wife is overcomewith delight, " which the big German understood very well; and he smiledhis knowledge of it, as he looked into her black eyes. "She is like tomein Frau, " he thought, having no higher praise. And then he turnedquickly to Polly and Jasper. 

XXI

ON THE RIGI-KULM

For all that grand old Rigi's summit claimed them, it was some timebefore Mr. King's party left the little parlour. Herr Bauricke surelydidn't want to until he had gotten it settled just what he did meanabout Polly's music. That she showed great promise, that some faults inthe way she had been taught were there, but it was by no means too lateto mend them, that she had spirit and expression and love for the art. 

"Ah, dat is eet, after all. " Herr Bauricke clasped his long fingers andbeamed at her, and then swept the entire party. "Lofe, ah, how one mustlofe eet! Eef not, shame, shame!" His countenance darkened frightfully, and he fairly glared at them, as he unclasped his hands and swung oneover his head, while his black beard vibrated with each word. 

"Goodness me!" exclaimed Tom Selwyn, "it takes a musical man to slingaround. I say, Jasper, I'd like to do a bit of boxing or cricketingwith him. " But Jasper didn't hear or see anything but Herr Bauricke andPolly; and, indeed, the whole room was given up to the "musical man"and his words. 

At last Polly drew a long breath; Grandpapa was taking her hand. "Letus all go out and explore a bit, " and off they went, the entire party. And the "musical man, " as Tom still continued to call him in private, proved to be as expert in the use of his feet as his fingers, for heled them here, there, and everywhere that promised the least chance ofa good view. 

But Polly saw only the glorious future when, on the morrow, HerrBauricke would really show her on the piano how best to study and towork! And the rosy glow of sunset wasn't one-half as bright as all herdreams. 

"Polly, " said Phronsie, pulling her hand gently, as she peered up intoher face, "are you looking at it?"

"What, Pet? Oh, yes, " said Polly, starting out of her revery with alittle laugh, "you mean the sunset?"

"Yes, " said Phronsie, "I do mean that. Are you looking at it, Polly?Because if you are not looking, I wish you would, Polly. "

"Well, I suppose I am looking at it, Phronsie, " said Polly, withanother little laugh, "but perhaps not in just the right way, for yousee, Phronsie, I can't seem to see anything but just the splendid thingthat is coming to-morrow. Oh, Phronsie Pepper, just think of that. "

"I know, " said Phronsie, with a little gurgle of delight at Polly'shappiness, "and I am so glad, Polly. "

"Of course you are, " declared Polly, warmly, "just as glad as can be, Phronsie, " and she threw her arm around her. "And now I'm going to lookat the sunset in the right way, I hope. Isn't it beautiful, child?"

"Polly, " declared Phronsie, suddenly wriggling away from Polly's arm, to stand in front of her with a beaming face, "I think it's just asbeautiful as it can be up top here. I can see right in between that redcloud and that little pink teenty one. And I wish I could just go in, Polly. "

"Wouldn't it be nice?" echoed Polly, enthusiastically. 

"What?" asked Adela, hurrying up from a point of rocks below, where shehad been sketching. 

"Oh, to go in between those clouds there and see it all, " said Polly. 

"Dear me!" exclaimed Adela, "I shouldn't like it. I'd much rather staydown here, and sketch it. "

"We could go sailing off, oh, ever so far, " said Polly, swinging herarms to suit the action to the words. "And you'd be stuck to your rockhere, Adela; while, Phronsie, you and I would sit on the edge of acloud, and let our feet hang over; and oh, Adela, you could sketch usthen as we went sailing by. "

"How that would look!" exclaimed Adela, with such a face that Pollyburst out into a merry laugh, and Phronsie, joining with her littlecrow of delight and clapping her hands at the idea of such fun, broughtpretty much the whole party around them. 

"What's up?" cried Tom to Jasper, on the way to the girls with somefear, for he didn't dare even yet to talk much to Polly. As for Adela, he let her severely alone. 

"Don't know, " said Jasper, "but we'll soon find out, " and they did, byPhronsie's flying away from Polly and skipping down over the rocks tomeet them. 

"Oh, Jasper, Polly's telling how we would sail on that beautifulcloud, " announced Phronsie, her yellow hair flying from her face as shesped along, heedless of her steps. 

"Take care or you'll fall, " warned Jasper. "See, your mother is lookingworried. " And, truth to tell, Mrs. Fisher, on a point of rocks a littleway off with the others, was getting a bit alarmed as she saw theprogress of her baby. 

"I'll take care, " said Phronsie, sobering down at thought of Mamsie'sbeing troubled, and beginning to pick her way carefully. And Jaspergathered up her fingers in his, thinking of the time when she toiled upand down the long stairway, when she first came to what was now herhome, blessed thought! and Polly and he sat down at the foot to watchher. 

"And so Polly and you are going to try sailing on that cloud there, "said Jasper, squinting up at the brilliant sky. 

"We aren't really going, Jasper, " said Phronsie, shaking her head, soberly, "because you see we can't. But Polly's pretending it all; andwe're to sit on the edge and swing our feet. And Adela is going to makea picture of us. "

"Whew!" whistled Jasper. "And I say, Polly, "--for now they hadscrambled up to the two girls, --"isn't there room for us on that cloudtoo?" While Tom kicked pebbles, and wished he knew how to talk togirls. 

"Perhaps, " said Polly, gaily. "Oh, I suppose that those who couldn'tget on our cloud could take the next one. "

"I'd rather have your cloud, Polly, " said Jasper. 

"And Grandpapa must come too, " cried Phronsie, in alarm at the verythought of his being left out. "I want him on our cloud, Polly. "

"Yes, and Mamsie and Papa-Doctor, " finished Polly, ready for anynonsense, she was just bubbling over so with joy at thought of themorrow and what it would bring. "Well, it is good the cloud is big, "squinting up at the radiant sky. 

"And, Tom, you are coming on that cloud-boat. "

Jasper pulled him forward with a merry laugh, giving him a clap on theback at the same time. 

"Eh--oh, I can't--no, thank you, " stammered Tom, thus suddenly broughtinto notice. "Excuse me, " just as if the invitation had been a _bonafide_ one. 

Polly never smiled, but Adela giggled right out. Tom's face flushed, and he rushed off furiously, determined never to chance it againwhereby he'd be mortified before girls--not he!

All the gay time was flown, and the red and pink and purple cloudslooked down upon a sorry, uncomfortable little group. Jasper spokefirst. "I must go after him, " and he dashed down the rocks. 

"O dear me, I couldn't help it, " said Adela, twisting uncomfortably, "it was so silly in him to take it all in earnest. "

"He didn't really think we meant it, " said Polly, her brown eyes verygrave. Would Jasper really persuade him to forget that laugh? "But heis shy, and he said the first thing that came into his head. "

"Boys haven't any right to be shy, " said Adela, fussing with her littlesketching block and pencil, "they are so big and strong. "

"Why did Tom run away so fast?" asked Phronsie, only halfcomprehending. 

"Never mind, child, " said Polly, with a reassuring pat on her head. 

"And isn't Jasper coming back?" asked Phronsie, in great distress. 

"Yes, oh, I guess so, " said Polly. "Well, there, the pretty glow hasall faded; see, Phronsie, " pointing up to the leaden clouds that no onewho had failed to see a few moments before could have imagined alivewith colour. "Now we ought to run over to the others, for they'll begoing back to the hotel. "

"It's all gone, " said Phronsie, sadly, looking up at the darkening sky. "Polly, where has the pretty red and pink gone to?"

"Oh, I don't know, " said Polly, thinking only of Tom, and what a hardtime Jasper must be having with him. "Take care, Phronsie, don't lookup now--you'll fall! There, take my hand; now come on. "

"O dear me, I didn't mean to laugh, " Adela was saying to herself as shefell back in the zig-zag path down the rocks. "I wish I hadn't--I'll--I'll--" What she meant to do wasn't very clear in her mind; what shedid do, was to run up to her grandmother's and her room, and toss hersketch-book on the table, and herself on the bed, for a good heartycry. 

Polly found her there, when they couldn't find her anywhere else, withmuch searching and running about. Little old Mrs. Gray was worryingdreadfully, so afraid she had been blown from the rocks; for the windhad now risen, and all the travellers were seeking the shelter andwarmth of the hotel corridor and parlours. 

"Oh, Adela, how _could_ you?" Polly was going to say. And then shethought that would be the very worst thing in all the world, forAdela's shoulders were shaking, and it would only make her cry worse. And besides, Polly remembered how she had sometimes given way in justthis fashion, and how much worse she would have been, had it not beenfor a wise, good mother. So she ran out in the hall. "I must tell hergrandmother, " she said to herself. 

"Have you found her?" asked Jasper, looking up from the foot of thestaircase. 

"Yes, " said Polly, "I have. "

"All right. " And Jasper vanished, and Polly went slowly back, wishingshe could be downstairs with all the dear people, instead of trying tocomfort this dismal girl. The next moment she was kneeling down by theside of the bed, and trying to get hold of one of Adela's hands. ButAdela bounced over to the farther side, and she cried out angrily, "It's all very well for you to say so, because you didn't do it. Andeverybody likes you. O dear me--tee--hee--boo--hoo!"

"But I've often done things just as bad, " confessed Polly, "and, Adela, I've cried like this, too. But Mamsie--oh, Adela! she made me see itwas wrong; so I had to stop it, you know. "

"How is it wrong?" asked Adela, rolling over, and taking thehandkerchief away from one eye enough to see Polly Pepper's face. "Ican cry, I guess, if I want to, without asking anybody. "

"Oh, no, you can't, " said Polly, decidedly. "I mean no one can. "

"Why not, pray tell?" said Adela, sniffing very hard. "My eyes are myown, and I shall cry, too, whenever I want to. "

"Well, I can't just tell you exactly why you can't cry when you wantto, " said Polly, afraid she wasn't going to say the right word, "butMamsie could if she were here. I'll go and call her, Adela. " And Pollysprang to her feet. "She'll come, I know. "

"Oh, no--no, " cried Adela, in mortal alarm. "I don't want her--I meanI'd rather have you. You're a girl; and a woman talking at me scaresme. "

"Then you mustn't cry if I stay, " said Polly, stopping short, andseeing her advantage, "for I surely shall go, Adela, " she added firmly, "unless you stop crying. "

"O dear me. " Adela squirmed all over the bed. "I can't stop--I'vealways cried as much as I wanted to. O dear me--boo-hoo-hoo! I mean--I'llstop, don't go--" sopping up her wet face with a nervous hand. "See, Pol-_ly_!" for Polly had slipped out of the room. Adela flewoff from the bed. "Polly--Polly, Pol-_ly_!" she called, in apiteous little tone. 

Polly, halfway down the stairs, looked back. "Oh, you are up, " shesaid, with a smile. "Now that's fine; come. " And she held out her hand. 

"Mercy me, and O my!" cried Adela. "I can't go looking like this; why, I'm a perfect sight, I know, Polly Pepper! and my nose feels all bungedout of shape and as big!"

"Never mind, " said Polly, as reassuringly, "just dash some water overit, and it'll be all right. I'll wait here for you. "

So Polly stood on her stair while Adela, bemoaning all the way that shedidn't look fit to be seen, and that she was a perfect sight, and shecouldn't go down among them all, stumbled back into her room. Andpretty soon Polly heard a big splash. "O dear me--oh, what shall I do?"

"What _is_ the matter?" cried Polly, deserting her stair, to runin and up to the washstand. 

"Just see what I've done, " exclaimed Adela, holding out one arm. It wasdripping wet, and the water was running off in a stream and down tomeet a small puddle where the splash had struck on the floor. 

"The pitcher slipped--O dear me--ugh--" cried Adela, wriggling allover. 

"Stand still, " said Polly, "do, Adela, till I wipe your sleeve dry. "And she got the towel and began to sop and to pat Adela's arm. 

"It never'll feel dry, it's perfectly awful--ugh--Polly Pepper, "declared Adela, twisting away from Polly's fingers; "it's just like awet snake--ugh--O dear me! and it gives me the creeps. "

"You'll have to put on another waist, I do think, " said Polly, hangingup the towel, aghast to find herself growing angry at all this delay, and with half a mind to run and leave Adela to herself. 

"O dear me, and there's this water running all over the floor, " criedAdela, stepping gingerly over the pool, and trying to pick off the wetsleeve from her arm at the same time. 

"I'll fix it, " said Polly, as cheerily as she could, "while you getyour waist on. " And she sopped the water up. "There, that's done, " sheannounced with satisfaction; "now do hurry, Adela. "

"I can't get out of this old, horrid, wet sleeve, " said Adela, very redin the face, and pulling and twitching at it. 

"Take care, you'll tear it, " warned Polly. 

"I don't care if I do, " said Adela, peevishly. "O dear me, somebody'scoming!" With that she flew into the closet and pulled to the door. 

"Why, Polly!" exclaimed Mother Fisher, in surprise, "what is thematter? We are all waiting to go in to dinner. "

"Oh, I'm so sorry, " began Polly, feeling as if nothing would be sodelightful as to have a good cry in Mamsie's arms and tell all thestory. 

"Well, you must come right away, " said Mrs. Fisher. "Why, where isAdela?" looking around the room. 

"I'm here, " said Adela, from the closet. 

"Come out here, Adela, " said Mrs. Fisher. So Adela came out, the wetsleeve still on her arm; but she had gotten out of the rest of thewaist. 

"That's too bad, " said Mrs. Fisher; and in a minute Adela's wet arm wasfree and nicely dried, and a clean waist being found, it was soon on, and then Mother Fisher took up the hairbrush. "We must have this allnice and smooth, " she said. And Adela stood still, liking it all verymuch; and her hair was brushed, much as if she had been Phronsie, andthen Mother Fisher released her with a smile. "There, now you areready, " she said. 

"She didn't scold a bit, " said Adela, going after her with Polly downthe stairs, and forgetting her red eyes and swollen nose. 

"Our mother never scolds, " declared Polly, with her head very high, "never in all this world, Adela Gray. "

And at dinner Tom Selwyn looked across the table, and when he caughtsight of Adela's face, and saw that some one else could feel as badlyas he could, and he guessed the reason, he made up his mind what he wasgoing to do next. And as soon as the meal was over, without givinghimself time to think, he marched up to Adela. "Say, I didn't much mindbecause you laughed, don't you know, " and held out his hand. 

"I've been crying ever since, " said Adela, "and I didn't mean tolaugh. "

"I know it, " said Tom to the first part of her sentence, and looking ather nose. "Well, never mind now, so it's quits, and shake hands. "

"I don't know what quits is, " said Adela, putting out her hand. 

"Oh, it's when things are evened up somehow, " said Tom; "not exactlythat, but it will do well enough by way of explaining. "

"And I'm never going to laugh again at anybody, " said Adela, liftingher red eyes. 

"Well, come on, don't you want a game of draughts?" said Tom, awkwardly. 

"Draughts?" repeated Adela, very much puzzled. "I don't know it. "

"Why, what a whopper!" Tom was going to say, but changed it to, "Why, Isaw you playing it last night with Polly Pepper. "

"Why, no, you didn't, " said Adela, not very politely, "that wascheckers. "

"That's the same thing, " said Tom, triumphantly, "only you Americanscall it that funny name. "

"Well, I think it's a great deal nicer name than draughts, " said Adela;"that's silly. "

"Well, checkers; that's senseless, " retorted Tom, "and, besides, youAmericans always say 'nice' at everything. " Then he looked at her redeyes and poor little nose, and added kindly, "Well, never mind, call itcheckers, then, I don't care; let's have a game, " and he rushed for theboard. 

Mrs. Selwyn looked from her corner where she had taken a book, andsmiled to see him playing a game with a girl. Then she nodded over toJasper, and he smiled back. 

And Adela never once thought how she looked. And she beat Tom twice, and that quite set her up. And then for the next three games he routedher men completely off the board. And, strange to say, she kept hertemper, and even smiled at the disaster. 

"That's a good game. " Old Mr. King came up as the last one was goingon. "Tom, my boy, you play a fine one. "

"And she fights well, " said Tom, generously. "She beat me twice. "

"You don't say so, " exclaimed Mr. King. "Well, that's doing prettywell, Adela, to get ahead of the English lad. But you don't stand muchof a chance this time; Tom's got the game, sure. " And so it proved inless time than it takes to write it. 

And then everybody said "good night" to everybody else; for the Alpinehorn would sound at the earliest dawn to waken the sleepers to see thesunrise. 

"Mamsie, " cried Polly, raising her head suddenly as she cuddled intobed, "supposing we shouldn't hear that horn--just supposing it! Oh, can't I stay awake? Do let me, Mamsie. "

"Your Grandfather has made arrangements for us all to be called, " saidMrs. Fisher, "so we won't have to depend on the horn, and now you mustgo to sleep just as fast as ever you can. Then you'll be as bright as abutton in the morning, Polly. "

"Mamsie, " said Polly, "I don't think Grandpapa has kept from doinganything he could to make us happy, do you, Mamsie? not a singlething. "

"No, " said Mother Fisher, "I don't, Polly. "

XXII

POLLY TRIES TO HELP

"Mamsie, what shall we do?" Polly clasped her hands in despair, andlooked down on Phronsie, sleeping away as if she meant to take her owntime to wake up, regardless of sunrise on the Rigi. "O dear me, and shewent to bed so early last night on purpose. "

"You go right along, Polly, " said Mother Fisher. "Put on your golf capeover your jacket, child, it's dreadfully cold out there. I shall staywith Phronsie, for of course we wouldn't leave her alone with Matilda, and all go off for a nice time. "

"No, of course not, " cried Polly, in horror at the mere thought. 

"And she's in such a nice sleep and so warm, that it's a pity to wakeher up, " finished Mrs. Fisher. 

"O dear me, " cried Polly, in distress, "I'd rather stay, Mamsie, andhave you go. "

"No, " said Mrs. Fisher, firmly, "I shall stay, so that is all there isabout it, Polly. Now run along, child, and tell Matilda to hurry outtoo, for she wants to see the sunrise. "

Polly still lingered, until her mother looked up in surprise. "Why, Polly, " she said, reprovingly. 

"O dear me!" exclaimed Polly, "I didn't mean to disobey, Mamsie, Ireally didn't; I'll go. " And setting a kiss on Mother Fisher's blackhair, she ran out on unsteady feet, and with all her comfort gone. 

When she joined her group it would have been rather hard to distinguishany of them, as everybody was wrapped up in shawls and rugs, if Jasperhadn't been a sort of scout in waiting for her and Mrs. Fisher andPhronsie. And Tom could easily be picked out, for he hung around inJasper's wake, and besides, he was so very big. 

"Where are they?" asked Jasper, looking down the corridor back of her. 

"Oh, Mamsie isn't coming, nor Phronsie either, for she's asleep. AndMamsie made me come, " finished Polly, dismally. 

"O dear me, " said Jasper, quite gone in sympathy. Tom Selwyn poked hishead forward to hear, but, as it was something quite beyond his powersto help, he thrust his hands into his pockets, and kicked aimlessly onthe floor. 

"Well, come on, Polly, " said Jasper, wishing he could lift the gloomfrom Polly's face, and feeling quite dismal himself. 

Little Dr. Fisher, muffled up in a big plaid shawl so that only hisspectacles gleamed in between the folds and his cap, suddenly edged upback of Polly, and dropped the folds away from his ears so that hecould hear what was going on. And when the group hurried out of thedoor, into the cold gray dawn, he was skipping down to his wife's room, in the liveliest way imaginable. 

Old Mr. King had gone on ahead with the parson, as he couldn't scrambleso fast. And now he met them with, "Well, are you all here--where'sPhronsie?"

"Oh, Jasper, I can't tell him, " gasped Polly, up on the tiptop bunch ofrocks, and trying to be glad of the promise of the beautiful sunrise tocome, for everybody agreed that it was apparently to be the best onethat had gladdened the hearts of travellers for years. Then she whirledaround and stared with all her might, "If there isn't Mamsie coming!"

"As true as you live it is!" cried Jasper, with a good look, andspringing down the rocks to help her up. Tom Selwyn plunged after him, getting there first. So in the bustle, nobody answered Mr. King. Andhe, supposing from the merry chatter that Phronsie was in the midst ofit, concluded it best not to interrupt their fun, even if he could makethem hear. 

"Your father made me come, Polly, " said Mrs. Fisher, coming up betweenthe two boys. "But I'd so much rather that he saw it. " And her downcastface looked so very much like Polly, that Jasper thought matters hadn'tbettered themselves any. 

"But, Mamsie, " said Polly, creeping up to her with all the comfort shecould, "it makes him happy, just as it made you happy to have me go. "

"I know it, " said Mother Fisher, with a sigh, "but he has so fewpleasures, Polly, and he works so hard. " And her gaze wandered off tothe distant clouds, slowly beginning to break away. 

Polly held her breath as they waited and looked, although her heart wassad when the wee little streak of light began to come over in the east. 

"Isn't that just beautiful!" exclaimed Jasper, trying to enjoy it asmuch as he had expected; "see, Polly, the stars seem going out--daylight'scoming!"

"I know, " said Polly, "so it is. " Sure enough, a little strip of goldtouched up the leaden sky, and spread slowly. 

"See, it's turning pink. " Mrs. Selwyn's plain, quiet face glowed. "See, Polly, look at that peak bathed in colour. "

Just then a little voice said, "Oh, isn't that beautiful!" And whirlingaround on her rock, Polly saw little Dr. Fisher staggering along with abig bundle in his arms, out of which was peering Phronsie's face. 

Mother Fisher had turned too. "Oh, Adoniram!" was all she said, asPolly sprang off to meet them. 

"Give her to me, " cried Tom Selwyn, of course reaching there first, before either Polly or Jasper; and before Dr. Fisher quite knew how, Phronsie was perched on the broad shoulder, and Tom was prancing up therocky path as easily as if a bird had lighted on his arm. 

"She woke up, luckily, " said little Dr. Fisher, "and she's bundled upso there isn't a chance of her taking cold. Wife, this is grand!" Hegained her side, and drew her hand under the big shawl. 

"You've come just in time, " cried Polly, skipping around on her rock tothe imminent danger of falling on her nose, and varying the exercisesby cuddling Phronsie's toes, done up in a big bundle. 

"I declare if Papa Fisher hasn't tied them up in one of the blankets, "she announced merrily. 

"A blanket is just as good as anything when the sunrise is waiting foryou, " said the little doctor, coolly. 

"Isn't it!" cried Polly, back at him, happily. "Oh--oh!"

Everybody echoed, "Oh-oh!" then stood hushed to silence. A rosy blushspread from peak to peak, and all the shadows fell away. Everythingbelow, towns, villages, lakes, and forests, stood out in the clear colddawn, and at last the sun burst forth in all his glory. 

"I'm so glad that people don't chatter, " said Polly, when at last theyturned away, for the swift clouds had shut it all out. "Did you seePhronsie's face, Jasper, when that light burst out?"

"Yes, and father's, " answered Jasper. "I expect he'd been looking forher; everybody is so bundled up you can hardly find your best friend. And then he saw her. "

"Yes, and she saw him and called him, " said Polly, "didn't you hearher?"

"Didn't I, though?" said Jasper; "who could help it? Wasn't fatherpleased when he got up to us, Tom, to think you had Phronsie in suchgood shape? Phronsie, you're in luck, " pinching as much of her toes asthe bundle of blanket would allow; "you've got the best place of any ofus, up on that perch. "

"I like it, " said Phronsie, in grave delight, "very much, indeed, "surveying them out of the depths of the shawl, "and I wish it needn'tstop. "

"Well, it must, " said Polly, with a sigh. "Dear me, see those peoplerun. "

"Well, it's cold, " said Jasper; "let's you and I race to the hotel, Polly. "

"And the show is over, " said Tom, "why shouldn't they run?" as Jasperand Polly set off, and he strode after, getting there nearly as soon. 

An hour later, Polly, who couldn't get to sleep again, for a nap beforebreakfast, went out to the little balcony window just outside her door, where she might sit and write in her journal, and meantime catch anychance view that the grey scudding clouds might afford. In this way shestrove to work off the impatience possessing her for the beautiful hourto come after breakfast. "I can hardly believe it now, " she thought, and she gave herself a little pinch to see if she were really awake;"it seems too good to be true to think that the great ProfessorBauricke is actually going to tell me how to learn to play well!"

"Say, " a voice struck upon her ear, "oh, I'm in the most awfuldistress. "

Polly clapped her book to, and looked up. 

"O dear, dear!" It was a tall, spare woman with a face that hadsomething about it like Grandma Bascom's. It must have been the cap-frillsflapping around her cheeks. 

"What can I do for you?" asked Polly, springing up. "Oh, do take mychair and sit down and tell me about it. "

"Oh, will you help me? The land! I couldn't set when I'm in suchtrouble, " declared the old woman. "My senses, I should fly off thehandle!" Polly, feeling that she was in the presence of some dreadfulcalamity, stood quite still. "You see, me and my sister--she's inhighstrikes now in there. " The old woman tossed her head to indicate aroom further down the hall, whereat the cap-frills flapped wilder thanever. "Bein' as it belonged to both of us, she feels as bad as I do, but as I was the one that lost it, why it stands to reason I've got toshake around and get it again. Say, will you help me? You've got a pairof bright eyes as ever I see in a head; and what's the good of 'em ifyou can't help in trouble like this?"

Polly, feeling that her eyes would never forgive her if she didn't letthem help on such an occasion, promised. 

"What is it you have lost?" she asked. 

"Don't you know?" cried the old woman, impatiently. "Mercy me! how manytimes shall I tell you? My buzzom pin; it was took of Pa when he was ayoung man and awful handsome, and I didn't want to leave it in the roomwhen we went out, cause somebody might get in, and they'd be sure towant it, so I pinned it on my nightcap strings and it's gone, and Ia-gallivanting round on them rocks, a-looking at the sunrise, and I cansee that to home all I want to. I must have been crazy. "

"Oh, I see; and you want me to go out and help you look for it, " saidPolly, her brow clearing. 

"Of course, " assented the old woman, impatiently. "Land, yourintellects ain't as bright as your eyes. My sakes!--how many times doyou expect me to tell you? I've been a-looking and a-peekingeverywhere, but my eyes are old, and I don't dare to tell any one tohelp me, for like enough they'd pick it up when I warn't seein', andslip Pa in their pocket, and I never'd see him again. "

Polly, feeling, if Pa were slipped in a pocket and carried off, itwould be a calamity indeed, said heartily, "I'll get my jacket and capand come right out. "

"She looks honest; I guess I hain't done no harm to tell her about ourbuzzom pin, " said the old woman to herself as Polly disappeared. Mamsiebeing asleep, Polly could say nothing to her, but feeling that shewould allow it if she knew, she threw on her things and ran out to meetthe old woman, with a shawl tied over her nightcap and a big long capeon. 

"I tell you she's in highstrikes, " said the old woman, going down thehall. "That's our room, 37, an' I've seen you an' your folks goin' by, so I feel in some ways acquainted. An' if I don't find Pa, I'll beflabbergasted myself. "

"Do let us hurry, " said Polly, her mind now only on Pa. So they wentdown the stairs and out by the door and up the rocky path just wherethe old woman said she and sister Car'line took when they went out tosee the sunrise. 

"An' I wish we'd kept in bed, " ejaculated Polly's companion. "I mostlost my teeth out, they chattered so; and so did Car'line hers. Butthat wouldn't 'a' been nothin' to losin' Pa, cause we could 'a' gotmore teeth; but how could we 'a' got him took when he was nineteen andso handsome? There! here we stopped, just at this identical spot!"

"Well, I think we shall find it, " said Polly, consolingly. "How did thepin look?" she asked, for the first time remembering to ask, andbeginning to poke around in the crevices. 

"My land sakes! I never see such a girl for wanting to be told over andover, " exclaimed the old woman, irritably, picking up first one amplegaiter and then another to warm her cold toes in her hands. "Haven't Itold you he was awful handsome? Well, he had on his blue coat and bigbrass buttons for one thing, an' his shirt front was ruffled. And--"

"Was it gold around it?" asked Polly, poking away busily. 

"Gold? I guess it was; and there was dents in it, where Car'line an' Ibit into it when we were babies, 'cause mother give it to us when ourteeth was comin'--'twas better'n a chicken bone, she said. "

"Oh, " said Polly. 

"Well, now you know, " said Car'line's sister, "an' don't for mercy'ssakes ask any more useless questions. I'm most sorry I brung you. "

"I might go down and get the boys, Jasper and Tom--they'd love tohelp, " said Polly, feeling that she was very much out of place, andthere was no hope of finding Pa under the circumstances. 

The old woman clutched her arm and held her fast. "Don't you say asingle word about any boys, " she commanded. "I hate boys, " sheexploded, "they're the worry of our lives, Car'line and mine, --they getinto our garden, and steal all our fruit, and they hang on behind ourchaise when we ride out, and keep me a-lookin' round an' slashin' thewhip at 'em the whole livelong time; O my--_boys!_"

"What in the world is Polly Pepper doing up on those rocks?" criedJasper, just spying her. "Come on, Tom, and let's see. " And they seizedtheir caps, and buttoned their jackets against the wind which had justsprung up, and dashed off to see for themselves. 

"Ugh--you go right away!" screamed Car'line's sister, as their headsappeared over the point of rocks, and shaking both hands fiercely atthem. 

"Whew!" whistled Jasper, with his eyes in surprise on Polly. 

"And what old party are you?" demanded Tom, finding it easy to talk toher, as she was by no means a girl. "And do you own this mountain, anyway?"

"Oh, don't, " begged Polly. "And Jasper, if you would go away, please, and not ask any questions. "

"All right, " said Jasper, swallowing his disappointment not to know. "Come on, Tom, Polly doesn't want us here. "

"An' I won't have you here, " screamed the old woman, harder than ever. "So get away as soon as you can. Why, you are boys!"

"I know it. " Tom bobbed his head at her. "We've always been, ma'am. "

"An' boys are good for nothing, an' lazy, an' thieves--yes, I wouldn'ttrust 'em. " So she kept on as they hurried back over the rocky path. 

"That's a tiger for you!" ejaculated Tom. Then he stopped and lookedback a little anxiously. "Aren't you afraid to leave Polly with her?"

"No, " said Jasper; "it would trouble Polly to have us stay. " Yet hestopped and looked anxious too. "We will wait here. "

And after a while, down came the two searchers--the old woman quitebeside herself now, and scolding every bit of the way, --"that shedidn't see what bright eyes were for when they couldn't find anything--an'now that Pa'd gone sliding down that mountain, they might as wellgive up, she an' Car'line"--when a sudden turn in the path brought theboys into view waiting behind the rocks. Then all her fury burst uponthem. 

"See here, now, " cried Tom, suddenly squaring up to her and looking atthe face between the nodding cap-frills, "we are ready to take acertain amount of abuse, my friend and I, but we won't stand more, Ican tell you. "

"Oh, don't, " began Polly, clasping her hands. "Oh, Tom, _please_keep still. She doesn't know what she's saying, for she's lost her pinwith her father on. "

"Hey?" cried Jasper. "Say it again, Polly, " while Tom shouted androared all through Polly's recital. 

"Was it an old fright with a long nose in a blue coat and ruffles, andas big as a turnip?" he asked between the shouts. While Polly tried tosay, "Yes, I guess so, " and Miss Car'line's sister so far overcame heraversion to boys as to seize him by the arm, Tom shook her off like afeather. "See here, old party, " he cried, "that ancient pin of yours isreposing in the hotel office at this blessed moment. Jasper and I, "indicating his friend, "ran across it on the rocks up there more thanan hour ago, and--"

"Oh, Pa's found!" exclaimed the old woman, in a shrill scream ofdelight, beginning to trot down to the hotel office. 

"Yes, it would have been impossible for Pa to have got off thismountain without making a landslide, " said Tom, after her. 

XXIII

IN THE SHADOW OF THE MATTERHORN

They had been days at dear Interlaken, walking up and down the_Hoheweg_, of which they never tired, or resting on the benchesunder the plane and walnut trees opposite their hotel, just sittingstill to gaze their fill upon the _Jungfrau_. This was best ofall--so Polly and Jasper thought; and Phronsie was content to pass hourafter hour there, by Grandpapa's side, and imagine all sorts of prettypictures and stories in and about the snow-clad heights of the majesticmountain. 

And the throng of gaily dressed people sojourning in the big hotels, and the stream of tourists, passed and repassed, with many a curiousglance at the stately, white-haired old gentleman and the littleyellow-haired girl by his side. 

"A perfect beauty!" exclaimed more than one matron, with a sigh for herugly girls by her side or left at home. 

"She's stunning, and no mistake!" Many a connoisseur in feminineloveliness turned for a last look, or passed again for the samepurpose. 

"Grandpapa, " Phronsie prattled on, "that looks just like a little tentup there--a little white tent; doesn't it, Grandpapa dear?"

"Yes, Phronsie, " said Grandpapa, happily, just as he would have said"Yes, Phronsie, " if she had pointed out any other object in the snowyoutline. 

"And there's a cunning little place where you and I could creep intothe tent, " said Phronsie, bending her neck like a meditative bird. "AndI very much wish we could, Grandpapa dear. "

"We'd find it pretty cold in there, " said Grandpapa, "and wish we wereback here on this nice seat, Phronsie. "

"What makes it so cold up there, Grandpapa, when the sun shines?" askedPhronsie, suddenly. "Say, Grandpapa, what makes it?"

"Oh, it's so far up in the air, " answered old Mr. King. "Don't youremember how cold it was up on the Rigi, and that was about ninethousand feet lower?"

"Oh, Grandpapa!" exclaimed Phronsie, in gentle surprise, unable tocompass such figures. 

Mr. King's party had made one or two pleasant little journeys to theLauterbrunnen Valley, staying there and at Mürren, and to Grindelwaldas well; but they came back to sit on the benches by the walnut and theplane trees, in front of the matchless Jungfrau. "And this is best ofall, " said Polly. 

And so the days slipped by, till one morning, at the breakfast table, Mrs. Selwyn said, "Tomorrow we must say good-by--my boy and I. "

"Hey--what?" exclaimed Mr. King, setting his coffee-cup down, not verygently. 

"Our vacation cannot be a very long one, " said Tom's mother, with alittle smile; "there are my father and my two daughters and my otherboys in England. "

Tom's face was all awry as Mr. King said, "And you mean to say, Mrs. Selwyn, that you really must move on to-morrow?"

"Yes; we really must, " she said decidedly. "But oh, " and her plain, quiet face changed swiftly, "you cannot know how sorry we shall be toleave your party. "

"In that case, Mrs. Fisher, "--old Mr. King looked down the table-lengthto Mamsie, --"we must go too; for I don't intend to lose sight of thesenice travelling companions until I am obliged to. " Tom's face was onebig smile. "Oh, goody!" exclaimed Polly, as if she were no older thanPhronsie. 

Jasper clapped Tom's back, instead of wasting words. 

"So we will all proceed to pack up without more ado after breakfast. After all, it is wiser to make the move now, for we are getting so thatwe want to take root in each place. "

"You just wait till you get to Zermatt, " whispered Polly to Phronsie, who, under cover of the talk buzzing around the table, had confided toher that she didn't want to leave her beautiful mountain. "Grandpapa isgoing to take us up to the Gorner Grat, and there you can see anothermountain, --oh, so near! he says it seems almost as if you could touchit. And it's all covered with snow, Phronsie, too!"

"Is it as big as my mountain here?" asked Phronsie. 

"Yes, bigger, a thousand feet or more, " answered Polly, glad that shehad looked it up. 

"Is it?" said Phronsie. "Every mountain is bigger, isn't it, Polly?"

"It seems to be, " said Polly, with a little laugh. 

"And has it a little white tent on the side, just like my mountainhere?" asked Phronsie, holding Polly's arm as she turned off to catchthe chatter of the others. 

"Oh, I suppose so, " answered Polly, carelessly. Then she looked up andcaught Mamsie's eye, and turned back quickly. "At any rate, Phronsie, it's all peaked on the top--oh, almost as sharp as a needle--and itseems to stick right into the blue sky, and there are lots and lots ofother mountains--oh, awfully high, --and the sun shines up there a gooddeal, and it's too perfectly lovely for anything, Phronsie Pepper. "

"Then I want to go, " decided Phronsie. "I do so want to see that whiteneedle, Polly. "

"Well, eat your breakfast, " said Polly, "because you know we all haveever so much to do to-day to get off. "

"Yes, I will, " declared Phronsie, attacking her cold chicken and rollwith great vigour. 

"It seems as if the whole world were at Zermatt, " said the parson, looking out from the big piazza crowded with the hotel people, out tothe road in front, with every imaginable tourist passing and repassing. Donkeys were being driven up, either loaded down to their utmost withheavy bags and trunks, or else waiting to receive on their patientbacks the heavier people. Phronsie never could see the poor animals, without such distress coming in her face that every one in the partyconsidered it his or her bounden duty to comfort and reassure her. Sothis time it was Tom's turn to do so. 

"Oh, don't you worry, " he said, looking down into her troubled littleface where he sat on the piazza railing swinging his long legs, "theylike it, those donkeys do!"

"Do they?" asked Phronsie, doubtfully. 

"Yes, indeed, " said Tom, with a gusto, as if he wished he were adonkey, and in just that very spot, "it gives them a chance to seethings, and to hear things, too, don't you know?" went on Tom, at hiswits' end to know how he was going to come out of his sentences. 

"Oh, " said Phronsie, yet she sighed as she saw the extremely fat personjust being hauled up to a position on a very small donkey's back. 

"You see, if they don't like it, " said Tom, digging his knife savagelyinto the railing, "they have a chance to kick up their heels andunsettle that heavy party. "

"O dear me!" exclaimed Phronsie, in great distress, "that would hurtthe poor woman, Tom. "

"Well, it shows that the donkey likes it, " said Tom, with a laugh, "because he doesn't kick up his heels. "

"And so, " ran on Tom, "why, we mustn't worry, you and I, if the donkeydoesn't. Just think, "--he made a fine diversion by pointing with hisknife-blade up to the slender spire of the Matterhorn--"we're going upon a little jaunt to-morrow, to look into that fellow's face. "

Phronsie got out of her chair to come and stand by his side. "I likethat white needle, " she said, with a gleeful smile. "Polly said it wasnice, and I like it. "

"I should say it was, " declared Tom, with a bob of his head. "Phronsie, I'd give, I don't know what, if I could climb up there. " He thrust hisknife once more into the railing, where it stuck fast. 

"Don't. " begged Phronsie, her hand on his sleeve, "go up that big whiteneedle, Tom. "

"No, I won't; it's safe to promise that, " he said grimly, with a littlelaugh. "Good reason why; because I can't. The little mother wouldn'tsleep nights just to think of it, and I promised the granddaddy that Iwouldn't so much as think of it, and here I am breaking my word; but Ican't help it. " He twitched his knife out suddenly, sprawled off fromthe railing, and took several hasty strides up and down the piazza. 

"Well, that's all right, Phronsie, " he said, coming back to get astridethe railing again; this time he turned a cold shoulder on Phronsie's"white needle. " "Now, to-morrow, we'll have no end of fun. " And helaunched forth on so many and so varied delights, that Phronsie'spleased little laugh rang out again and again, bringing rest to many awearied traveller, tired with the sights, sounds, and scenes of aEuropean journey. 

"I wish we could stay at this nice place, " said Phronsie, the nextmorning, poking her head out over the side of the car, as it climbedoff from the Riffelalp station. 

"Take care, child, " said Grandpapa, with a restraining hand. 

"You would want to stop at every place, " said Polly, from the seat infront, with a gay little laugh. "And we never should get on at thatrate. But then I am just as bad, " she confessed. 

"So am I, " chimed in Jasper. "Dear me, how I wanted to get a chance tosketch some of those magnificent curves and rapids and falls in theVisp River coming up. "

"Oh, that dear, delicious Visp River!" echoed Polly, while Adela beganto bemoan that it was the best thing they had seen, and the car whizzedthem by so fast, she couldn't do a thing--O dear!

"I got some snap-shots, but I don't believe they are good foranything, " said Jasper, "just from the pure perversity of the thing. "

"Take my advice, " said Tom, lazily leaning forward, "and don't botherwith a camera anyway. "

"As if you expected any one to take up with such a piece of advice, "ejaculated Jasper, in high disdain. "Say something better than that, Tom, if you want to be heard. "

"Oh, I don't expect to be heard, or listened to in the slightest, " hesaid calmly. "Anybody who will trot round with a kodak hanging to hisneck by a villanous strap--can't be--"

"Who's got a villanous strap hanging to his neck?" cried Jasper, whilethe rest shouted as he picked at the fern-box thus hanging to Tom. 

"Oh, that's quite a different thing, " declared Tom, his face growingred. 

"I know; one is a kodak, and the other is a fern-box, " said Jasper, nodding. "I acknowledge they are different, " and they all burst outlaughing again. 

"Well, at least, " said Tom, joining in the laugh, "you mustacknowledge, too, that I go off by myself and pick up my wild flowersand green things, and I'm not bothering round focussing every livingthing and pointing my little machine at every freak in nature that Isee. "

"All right, " said Jasper, good-naturedly, "but you have the strap roundyour neck all the same, Tom. "

And Phronsie wanted to stay at the Riffelberg just as much; and old Mr. King was on the point of saying, "Well, we'll come up here for a fewdays, Phronsie, " when he remembered Mrs. Selwyn and her boy, and howthey must get on. Instead, he cleared his throat, and said, "We shallsee it after dinner, child, " and Phronsie smiled, well contented. 

But when she reached the Corner Grat station, and took Grandpapa'shand, and began to ascend the bridle path to the hotel, she couldn'tcontain herself, and screamed right out, "Oh, Grandpapa, I'd ratherstay here. "

"It _is_ beautiful, isn't it?" echoed old Mr. King, feeling twentyyears younger since he started on his travels. "Well, well, child, I'mglad you like it, " looking down into her beaming little face. 

"You are very much to be envied, sir. I can't help speaking to you andtelling you so, " said a tall, sober-looking gentleman, evidently anEnglish curate off on his vacation, as he caught up with him on theascent, where they had paused at one of the look-offs, "for having thatchild as company, and those other young people. "

"You say the truth, " replied old Mr. King, cordially; "from the depthsof my heart I pity any one who hasn't some children to take along whengoing abroad. But then they wouldn't be little Peppers, " he added, under his breath, as he bowed and turned back to the view. 

"There's dear Monte Rosa, " cried Polly, enthusiastically. "Oh, I justlove her. "

"And there's Castor and Pollux, " said Jasper. 

"And there's the whole of them, " said Tom, disposing of the entirerange with a sweep of his hand. "Dear me, what a lot there are, to besure. It quite tires one. "

"Oh, anybody but a cold-blooded Englishman!" exclaimed Jasper, with amischievous glance, "to travel with. "

"Anything on earth but a gushing American!" retorted Tom, "to go roundthe world with. "

"I wish I could sketch a glacier, " bemoaned Adela, stopping everyminute or two, as they wound around the bridle path, "but I can't; I'vetried ever so many times. "

"Wait till we get to the _Mer de Glace_, " advised Tom. "You cansit down in the middle of it, and sketch away all you want to. "

"Well, I'm going to, " said Adela, with sudden determination. "I don'tcare; you can all laugh if you want to. "

"You can sketch us all, " suggested Jasper, "for we shall have horribleold stockings on. "

"I sha'n't have horrible old stockings on, " said Adela, in a dudgeon, sticking out her foot. "I wear just the same stockings that I do athome, at school in Paris, and they are quite nice. "

"Oh, I mean you'll have to put on coarse woollen ones that the peasantwomen knit on purpose, --we all shall have to do the same, on over ourshoes, " explained Jasper. 

"O dear me!" cried Adela, in dismay. 

"And I think we shall slip and slide a great deal worse with thosethings tied on our feet, than to go without any, " said Polly, wrinklingup her brows at the idea. 

"'Twouldn't be safe to go without them, " said Jasper, shaking his head, "unless we had nails driven in our shoes. "

"I'd much rather have the nails, " cried Polly, "oh, much rather, Jasper. "

"Well, we'll see what father is going to let us do, " said Jasper. 

"Wasn't that fun snowballing--just think--in July, " cried Polly, craning her neck to look back down the path toward the Riffelbergstation. 

"Did you pick up some of that snow?" asked Adela. 

"Didn't we, though!" exclaimed Jasper. "I got quite a good bit in myfist. "

"My ball was such a little bit of a one, " mourned Polly; "I scraped upall I could, but it wasn't much. "

"Well, it did good execution, " said Tom; "I got it in my eye. "

"Oh, did it hurt you?" cried Polly, in distress, running across thepath to walk by his side. 

"Not a bit, " said Tom. "I tried to find some to pay you back, and thenwe had to fly for the cars. "

The plain, quiet face under the English bonnet turned to Mrs. Fisher asthey walked up the path together. "I cannot begin to tell you whatgratitude I am under to you, " said Tom's mother, "and to all of you. When I think of my father, I am full of thankfulness. When I look at myboy, the goodness of God just overcomes me in leading me to your party. May I tell you of ourselves some time, when a good opportunity offersfor a quiet talk?"

"I'd like nothing better, " said Mother Fisher, heartily. "If there isone person I like more than another, who isn't of our family, or any ofour home friends, it's Mrs. Selwyn, " she had confided to the littledoctor just a few days before. "She hasn't any nonsense about her, ifshe is an earl's daughter. "

"Earl's daughter, " sniffed the little doctor, trying to slip a collarbutton into a refractory binding. "Dear me, now that's gone--no, 'tisn't--that's luck, " as the button rolled off into a corner of thebureau-top where it was easily captured. 

"Let me do that for you, Adoniram, " said Mother Fisher, coming up tohelp him. 

"I guess you'll have to, wife, if it's done at all, " he answered, resigning himself willingly to her hands; "the thing slips and slideslike all possessed. Well, now, I was going to say that I wouldn't hatea title so much, if there was a grain of common sense went along withit. And that Mrs. Selwyn just saves the whole lot of English nobility, and makes 'em worth speaking to, in my opinion. "

And after they had their dinner, and were scattered in groups in thebright sunshine, sitting on the wooden benches by the long tables, ortaking photographs, or watching through the big glass some mountainclimbers on one of the snowy spurs of the Matterhorn, "the goodopportunity for a quiet talk" came about. 

"Now, " said Mother Fisher, with a great satisfaction in her voice, "maywe sit down here on this bench, Mrs. Selwyn, and have that talk?"

Tom's mother sat down well pleased, and folding her hands in her lap, this earl's daughter, mistress of a dozen languages, as well asmistress of herself on all occasions, began as simply and with as muchdirectness as a child. 

"Well, you know my father. Let me tell you, aside from theeccentricities, that are mere outside matters, and easily explained, ifyou understood the whole of his life, a kinder man never lived, nor amore reasonable one. But it was a misfortune that he had to be left somuch alone, as since my mother's death a dozen years ago has happened. It pained me much. " A shadow passed over her brow, but it was goneagain, and she smiled, and her eyes regained their old placid look. "Ilive in Australia with my husband, where my duty is, putting the boysas fast as they were old enough, and the little girls as well, intoEnglish schools. But Tom has always been with my father at thevacations, for he is his favourite, as of course was natural, for he isthe eldest. And though you might not believe it, Mrs. Fisher, my fatherwas always passionately fond of the boy. "

"I do believe it, " said Mother Fisher, quietly, and she put her handover the folded ones. Mrs. Selwyn unclasped hers, soft and white, todraw within them the toil-worn one. 

"Now, that's comfortable, " she said, with another little smile. 

"And here is where his eccentricity became the most dangerous to thepeace of mind of our family, " continued Mrs. Selwyn. "My father seemednever able to discover that he was doing the lad harm by all sorts ofindulgence and familiarity with him, a sort of hail-fellow-well-met waythat surprised me more than I can express, when I discovered it on mylast return visit to my old home. My father! who never toleratedanything but respect from all of us, who were accustomed to despoticgovernment, I can assure you, was allowing Tom!--well, you were withhim on the steamer, " she broke off abruptly. The placid look was goneagain in a flash. 

"Yes, " said Mother Fisher, her black eyes full of sympathy; "don't letthat trouble you, dear Mrs. Selwyn; Tom was pure gold down underneath--wesaw that--and the rest is past. "

"Ah, "--the placid look came back as quickly--"that is my only comfort--thatyou did. For father told the whole, not sparing himself. Now hesees things in the right light; he says because your young peopletaught it to him. And he was cruelly disappointed because you couldn'tcome down to visit him in his home. "

"We couldn't, " said Mother Fisher, in a sorry voice, at seeing theother face. 

"I understand--quite, " said Tom's mother, with a gentle pressure of thehand she held. "And then the one pleasure he had was in picking outsomething for Polly. "

"Oh, if the little red leather case _had_ gone back to the poorold man!" ran through Mother Fisher's mind, possessing it at once. 

"I don't think his judgment was good, Mrs. Fisher, in the selection, "said Mrs. Selwyn, a small pink spot coming on either cheek; "but heloves Polly, and wanted to show it. "

"And he was so good to think of it, " cried Mother Fisher, her heartwarming more and more toward the little old earl. 

"And as he couldn't be turned from it, and his health is precarious ifhe is excited, why, there was nothing to be done about it. And then heinsisted that Tom and I come off for a bit of a run on the Continent, the other children being with him. And as my big boy"--here a lovingsmile went all over the plain face, making it absolutely beautiful--"hadworried down deep in his heart over the past, till I was more troubledthan I can tell you, why, we came. And then God was good--for then we metyou! Oh, Mrs. Fisher!"

She drew her hands by a sudden movement away, and put them on MotherFisher's shoulders. And then that British matron, rarely demonstrativewith her own children, even, leaned over and kissed Polly's mother. 

"I can't see why it's so warm up here, " said Polly, racing over totheir bench, followed by the others. "Dear me, it's fairly hot. " Andshe pulled off her jacket. 

"Don't do that, Polly, " said her mother. 

"Oh, Mamsie, it's so very hot, " said Polly; but she thrust her armsinto the sleeves and pulled it on again. 

"I know; but you've been running, " said Mrs. Fisher, "and have gottenall heated up. "

"Well, it's perfectly splendid to travel to places where we can run andrace, " said Polly, in satisfaction, throwing herself down on the rocks. The others all doing the same thing, Mr. King and the Parson and Mrs. Henderson found them, and pretty soon the group was a big one. "Well, well, we are all here together, no--where is Mrs. Gray?" asked Mr. King, presently. 

"She is resting in the hotel, " said Mother Fisher, "fast asleep I thinkby this time. "

"Yes, " said Adela, "she is. I just peeked in on her, and she hasn'tmoved where you tucked her up on the lounge. "

"Grandpapa, " asked Polly, suddenly, from the centre of the group, "whatmakes it so very warm up here, when we are all surrounded by snow?"

"You ask me a hard thing, " said old Mr. King. "Well, for one thing, weare very near the Italian border; those peaks over there, you know, --follow my walking-stick as I point it, --are in sunny Italy. "

"Well, it is just like sunny Italy up here, " said Polly, "I think, "blinking, and pulling her little cap over her eyes. 

"It's all the Italy you will get in the summer season, " said Grandpapa. "You must wait for cold weather before I take one of you there. "

XXIV

THE ROUND ROBIN

"Dear me, how the summer is going!" mourned Polly, as they caught onthe return journey the last glimpse of the roaring, tumbling Visp, andnot all the craning of the necks could compass another view, as thecars drew them away from the rushing river. 

"Never mind, Polly, " said Jasper, "there's all next summer; and afterour winter in Dresden, and all our hard work over music, won't it befine, though, to jaunt round again?" and his eyes glistened. 

"Dresden!" echoed Polly, sitting quite straight with very red cheeks;--"oh, Jasper!"

The magic word, "Dresden, " had unlocked visions of months of futuredelight, bringing back every word of dear Herr Bauricke; all theinstruction he had given her, on those happy days at Lucerne, thatPolly felt quite sure were engraven deep on her heart to last foreverand ever. 

"And won't I study, though!" exclaimed Polly, to herself, "and make theprofessor that Herr Bauricke has engaged for me, glad that he teachesme, oh, won't I!"

"Well, I'm sorry the summer is going, " said Adela, "because then I'vegot to leave you at Paris, and go into school. "

"But you like your school, " said Polly, brightly, "you've said so adozen times, Adela. "

"Yes, I do, " said Adela, "and I've got some sketches to take back, andMademoiselle will be glad of that. "

"And you'll go on drawing and painting until you get to be a greatartist, " ran on Polly, enthusiastically, "and then we'll see somethingyou've done, in the Louvre, maybe. "

"The Louvre!" cried Adela; "O dear me, Polly Pepper. "

"I don't care, " said Polly, recklessly, pushing back the little ringsof brown hair from her brow, "they'll be good enough, the pictures youare going to do, to put into the Louvre, anyway, Adela Gray. "

Tom Selwyn had been very sober during all this merry chatter; and nowin his seat across the narrow aisle, he drummed his heels impatientlyon the floor. His mother looked over at him, and slipping out of herseat, went over to him. "Any room here, Tom, for mother?" she said. 

"Oh, --ah, --I should say so!" Tom slipped out, gave her the window seat, then flew back. 

"Now, this is comfy, " observed Mrs. Selwyn, as the train sped on. "Tom, see here!"

"What's up, little mother?" asked Tom, in surprise, at her unusualmanner. 

"It's just this, Tom. You know we are going to Chamonix and up the_Mer de Glace_ with Mr. King's party. "

Tom bobbed his head, not allowing himself to exclaim, "But that will beonly a short journey, now, and we must soon say 'good-by. '"

"Well, I've been thinking that I should like to go on to Geneva, and toParis, " continued Mrs. Selwyn, "only you dislike Paris so much, Tom, "she added. 

"Oh, you're the bulliest--I mean--excuse me--you're no end a brick--oh, I mean--I can't say what I mean, " brought up Tom, in despair. And heran one long arm around her neck very much to the detriment of her neatcollar. 

"Then you can overcome your dislike to Paris enough to go there?" askedhis mother, with a little twinkle in her eye. 

"My dislike!" roared Tom, "O dear me!" as everybody looked around. "Why, I just love Paris!" he finished in an awful whisper, close to theplain, black bonnet. 

When the news was circulated, as it was pretty soon, that the party wasnot to be broken into at all till Paris was a completed story, thejubilation was such as to satisfy even Tom. And as this particularparty had the car entirely to themselves, it wasn't so very dreadful asit seems, and the elder members allowed indulgent smiles at it all. 

That night in the market-place at Martigny, Jasper, who was ahead withhis father, ran back to Polly, and the others lingering behind. "Oh, dohurry, " he begged, "it's the prettiest sight!"

"Oh, what is it?" cried Polly, as they scampered off. 

There, in the centre of the market-place, was a ring of little girls, hand-in-hand, singing a little French song, and going round and roundin a circle. They were of all ages and sizes, the littlest one in ablue pinafore, being about three years of age, and so chubby she had tobe helped along continually by a big girl, evidently her sister. Thisbig sister stopped the ring game, every now and then, to kiss the roundface by the side of her gown; an example that was followed by so manyof the other girls, that the game seemed to be never quite finished. And once in a while, big sister would pick up the chubby, little, blue-pinafored maiden and carry her through a considerable portion ofthe game, then down she would put her on her two chubby feet, and awaythey all circled without any break in the proceedings at all. 

"Oh! isn't it 'Oats, Peas, Beans, and Barley grow'?" cried Polly, asthey watched them intently. 

"Ever so much like it, " said Tom. "See those boys; now they are goingto make trouble. "

"Oh, they sha'n't!" declared Polly. "O dear me!" as one boy drew near, on the side next to the travellers, and watching his chance, picked ata flying apron or two. But the ring of girls paid no more attention tohim, than they had to any other outside matters, being wholly absorbedin the game. So Polly and the others breathed freely again. 

But up came another boy. "O dear me!" cried Polly, aghast. When numberthree put in an appearance, she gave up all hope at once. 

"They're jealous chaps, " cried Tom, "and are vexed because they can'tget into the game! Hear them jeer!" And his long arm went out andpicked a jacket-end of an urchin, who, incautiously regarding suchquiet travellers as not worth minding, had hovered too near, whiletrying to tease the girls. 

"Here, you, sir, " cried Tom, with a bit of a shake, and a torrent ofremarkably good French not to be disregarded; then he burst into alaugh. And the urchin laughed too, thinking this much better fun totussle with the tall lad, than to hang around a parcel of girls. Andpresently a woman came and took little blue pinafore off, and then therest of the girls unclasped their hands, and the ring melted away, andthe game was over. 

"I'm glad the girls over here have fun, " said Polly, as Grandpapa andhis party moved off. "Isn't it nice to think they do?"

"It isn't much matter where you live, there's a good deal to be gottenout of life; if you only know how, " said the parson, thinking busily ofthe little brown house. 

Two or three days of rest at Martigny put everybody in good shape, andgave them all a bit of time to pick up on many little things that werebehindhand. Tom looked over all his floral treasures, with their lastadditions made at the Riffelalp, and discarded such as hadn't pressedwell. And Jasper and Polly rushed up to date with their journals, andwrote letters home; and Adela worked up her studies and sketches. 

Tom looked on silently when Polly and Jasper were scraping their pensin a lively fashion in the little writing room of the hotel. "That's mythird letter, Polly, " announced Jasper, on the other side of the table. "Now, I am going to begin on Joel's. "

"One, two, " said Polly, counting, "why, I thought I'd written three;well, this one is most finished, Jasper. "

"Yes, " said Jasper, glancing over at her, "is that your last page, Polly?"

"Yes, " said Polly, hurrying away. Then she thought of what Mamsie hadsaid, and slackened her speed. 

Tom cleared his throat, and tried to speak, but the words wouldn't comenicely, so he burst out, "I say, I wish you'd write to my granddaddy, both of you, " and then he stood quite still, and very red in the face. 

Polly looked up quickly, her pen dropping from her fingers, and Jasperdeserted his fourth letter and stared. 

"Why, " said Polly, finding her tongue, "we wouldn't dare, Tom Selwyn. "

"Dare!" said Tom, delighted to think that no terrible result had reallyensued from his words, that after they were out, had scared himmightily. "Oh, if you knew granddaddy!" And he sank into a chair by thetable, and played with the heap of picture postal cards that Polly wasgoing to address next. 

"We might, " said Polly, slowly, "write a letter, all of us. A kind of aRound Robin thing, you know, and send that. "

"So we could, " cried Jasper; "how would that do, Tom?"

"The very thing!" exclaimed Tom, striking his hand so heavily on thetable, that for a minute it looked as if the ink-bottle hopped. 

"Take care, there's no reason you should knock things over because youare overjoyed, " cried Jasper, gaily. "Well, let's leave our lettersto-day, Polly, and set to on the Round Robin. "

"All right, " said Polly, glad to think there was anything she couldreally do to please the little old earl, "but would your mother likeit, Tom?" She stopped slowly in putting her unfinished letter into thelittle writing-case, and looked at him. 

"If you think there's a shadow of doubt on that score, I'd best run andask her now. " Tom got himself out of the chair, and himself from theroom, and in an incredibly short space of time, back there he was. "Mymother says, 'Thank Polly for thinking of it; it will do father moregood than anything else could possibly do. '"

"I don't suppose you want any more answer, " said Tom, quite radiant, and looking down at Polly. 

"No, only I didn't think first of it, " said Polly, in a distressedlittle tone. 

"Why, Polly Pepper!" exclaimed Tom, "I certainly heard you say 'RoundRobin, ' when I'll venture to say not a soul of us had even thought ofit; we certainly hadn't said so. "

"Well, you spoke of the letter first, " said Polly, unwilling to takethe credit for all the comfort going to the little old earl, "and Ishall tell your mother so, Tom. "

"But I didn't say 'Round Robin, '" persisted Tom, "wasn't smart enoughto think of it. "

"And let's get to work, " cried Jasper, huddling up his three letters. "I'll post yours, too, Polly; give them here. "

"O dear, my stamps are all gone, " said Polly, peering into the littlebox in one corner of her writing-case. 

"I've plenty, " said Jasper, hurrying off; "I'll stick on two for you. "

"Oh, no, Jasper, " cried Polly, after him, "you know Mamsie would notallow me to borrow. "

"It isn't borrowing, " said Jasper, turning back slowly. "I'll give themto you, Polly. "

"But Mamsie said when we started I should get my stamps when I neededthem, " said Polly. "You know she did, Jasper. "

"Yes, she did, " said Jasper, uncomfortably. Then his face brightened, and he said, "And she's right, Polly, " while Polly fished a franc outof Joel's little money-bag that hung at her belt. "Do get the stamps, please, Jasper, and put them on, " as he took up her two letters. Andshe gave the bag a little pat for Joel's sake, wishing it was hisstubby black hair that her fingers could touch. 

"Dear me, you are dreadfully particular about taking two postagestamps, seems to me, " said Adela, who had taken that time, as shehadn't any letters to write, to work up one of her studies from memoryof the Visp. 

Tom's blue eyes flashed dangerously, then he cleared his throat, whistled, and walked to the window. 

"I don't know where we are going to get nice white paper for our 'RoundRobin, '" said Polly, leaning her elbows on the table, and her chin inher hands. 

"I know!" ejaculated Tom, whirling on his heel, and dashing out. In hecame, swinging three or four goodly sheets. "Filched 'em out of the oldwoman's room, " he said. 

"Oh, Tom!" began Polly. 

"I mean, the housekeeper--matron--conciergerie--whatever you call thegentle lady who runs this house--was fortunately at our desk where shehas the pleasure of making up our bills, and I worked on her feelingstill she parted with 'em, " explained Tom. 

"Oh!" said Polly; "well, I'm glad she gave them. "

"Never you fear but what they'll be in our bills, Polly, " said Tom, whocouldn't believe by this time that he hadn't always known Polly Pepper. 

"It's dreadfully thin paper, " said Adela, critically, getting off fromthe sofa to pick at one corner of the sheet Polly was beginning todivide. 

"I'm glad we have any, " hummed Polly, happily. 

"Thank your stars you have, " said Tom, as gaily. And Jasper running in, the table was soon surrounded by the makers of the Round Robin, Adeladeserting her sketch-book and pulling up a chair. 

"And Phronsie must come, " said Polly, snipping away to get the paperthe right width. "O dear me, I can't cut it straight. Do you pleasefinish it, Jasper. "

"That's all right, " said Jasper, squinting at it critically, "only--just this edge wants a little bit of trimming, Polly. " And he snippedoff the offending points. 

"I'll fetch Phronsie, " cried Tom, springing off. 

"And hurry, " cried Polly and Jasper, together, after him. 

"Polly, " said Phronsie, as Tom came careering in with her on hisshoulder. "I want to write, too, I do, " she cried, very much excited. 

"Of course, you shall, Pet. That's just what we want you for, " criedPolly, clearing a place on the table; "there, do pull up a chair, Jasper. "

"Now, Phronsie, I think you would better begin, for you are thelittlest, " and she flapped the long strip down in front of her. 

"Oh, Polly, you begin, " begged Tom. 

"No, I think Phronsie ought to, " said Polly, shaking her head. 

"I want Polly to, " said Phronsie, wriggling away from the pen thatPolly held out alluringly. 

"But Polly wants you to, " said Jasper. "I really would, Phronsie dear, to please her. "

To please Polly, being what Phronsie longed for next to pleasingMamsie, she gave a small sigh and took the pen in unsteady fingers. 

"Wait a minute, Phronsie!" exclaimed Polly, in dismay, "I believe we'vemade a mistake, Jasper, and got the wrong sheet. " And Polly turned offwith him to examine the rest of the paper. 

Phronsie, who hadn't heard what Polly said, her small head being fullof the responsibility of beginning the important letter, andconsidering, since it was to be done, it was best to have it over withas soon as possible, fell to scribbling the letters as fast as shecould, all of them running down hill. 

"Well, I'm glad to see that we haven't made any mistake, " cried Polly, turning back in relief. "Oh, Phronsie, you haven't begun!"

She spoke so sharply that Phronsie started, and a little drop of inktrembling on the point of her pen concluded to hop off. So it did andjumped down on the clean white paper to stare up at them all like avery bad black eye. 

"Oh, see what she's written!" cried Polly, quite aghast, and tumblinginto her chair, she pointed at the top. 

"Deer Mister Erl, " scrawled clear across the top. 

"I didn't--mean--oh, you said do it, Polly. " Phronsie threw herself outof her chair, and over into Polly's lap, burrowing and wailingpiteously. 

"O dear me, how could I say anything?" cried Polly, overcome withremorse and patting Phronsie's yellow hair; "but it is so verydreadful. O dear me! Phronsie, there, there, don't cry. O dear me!"

Tom's mouth trembled. "It's all right. Granddaddy'll like it, " he said. 

"Oh, Tom Selwyn, " gasped Polly, looking up over Phronsie's head, "youdon't suppose we'd let that letter go. "

"I would, " said Tom, coolly, running his hands in his pockets. "I tellyou, you don't know my granddaddy. He's got lots of fun in him, " headded. 

"Phronsie, " said Jasper, rushing around the table, "you are makingPolly sick. Just look at her face. "

Phronsie lifted her head where she had burrowed it under Polly's arm. When she saw that Polly's round cheeks were really quite pale, shestopped crying at once. "Are you sick, Polly?" she asked, in greatconcern. 

"I sha'n't be, " said Polly, "if you won't cry any more, Phronsie. "

"I won't cry any more, " declared Phronsie, wiping off the last teartrailing down her nose. "Then you will be all well, Polly?"

"Then I shall be all as well as ever, " said Polly, kissing the wetlittle face. 

When they got ready to begin on the letter again, it was nowhere to befound, and Tom had disappeared as well. 

"He took it out, " said Adela, for the first time finding her tongue. "Isaw him while you were all talking. "

While they were wondering over this and were plunged further yet indismay, Tom came dancing in, waving the unlucky sheet of the RoundRobin over his head. "My mother says, " he announced in triumph, "thatfather will get no end of fun over that if you let it go. It will cheerhim up. "

So that ended the matter, although Polly, who dearly loved to beelegant, had many a twinge whenever her eye fell on the letter at whichPhronsie was now labouring afresh. 

"We must put in little pictures, " said Polly, trying to make herselfcheery as the work went busily on. 

"Polly, you always do think of the best things!" exclaimed Jasper, beaming at her, which made her try harder than ever to smile. "Iwouldn't feel so badly, Polly, " he managed to whisper, when Phronsiewas absorbed with her work; "he'll like it probably just as father didthe gingerbread boy. "

"But that was different, " groaned Polly. 

"Pictures!" Tom Selwyn was saying, "oh, there's where I can come infine with assistance. I'm no good in a letter. " And again he rushedfrom the room. 

"That's three times that boy has gone out, " announced Adela, "and hejoggles the table awfully when he starts. And he made me cut clear intothat edge. See, Polly. " She was trimming the third strip of paper, forthe Round Robin was to be pasted together and rolled up when it was alldone. 

"He seems to accomplish something every time he goes, " observed Jasper, drily. "Halloo, just look at him now!"

In came Tom with a rush, and turned a small box he held in his handupside down on the table. 

"O dear me!" exclaimed Adela, as her scissors slipped, "now you'vejoggled the table again!" Then she caught Polly's eye. "Aren't thosepictures pretty?" she burst out awkwardly. 

"Aren't they so!" cried Tom, in satisfaction, while Polly oh-ed andah-ed, and Phronsie dropped her pen suddenly making a second blot; only asgood fortune would have it, it was so near the edge that they all onanxious examination decided to trim the paper down, and thus get rid ofit. 

"I don't see how you got so many, " said Jasper, in admiration, hisfingers busy with the heap. 

"Oh, I've picked 'em up here and there, " said Tom. "I began because Ithought the kids at home might like 'em. And then it struck me I'd makea book like yours. "

"Well, do save them now, " said Jasper, "and we'll give some of ourpictures, though the prettiest ones are in our books, " he addedregretfully. 

"Rather not--much obliged, " Tom bobbed his thanks. "I want to donatesomething to granddaddy, and I tell you I'm something awful at aletter. "

"All right, seeing you wish it so, " said Jasper, with a keen look athim, "and these are beauties and no mistake; we couldn't begin to equalthem. "

When the letter was finally unrolled and read to Grandpapa, who strayedinto the reading room to see what Phronsie was doing, it certainly wasa beauty. Picture after picture, cut from railroad guide books, illustrated papers, and it seemed to Jasper gathered as if by magic, with cunning little photographs, broke up the letter, and wound in andout with funny and charming detail of some of their journey. 

"I wrote that all myself, " hummed Phronsie, smoothing her gown, ingreat satisfaction, pointing to the opening of the letter. 

"O dear me!" exclaimed Polly, softly, for she couldn't even yet getover that dreadful beginning. 

"The rest of it is nice, " whispered Jasper, "and I venture to say, he'll like that the best of all. "

Mr. King thought so, too, and he beamed at Phronsie. "So you did, " hecried; "now that's fine. I wish you'd write me a letter sometime. "

"I'm going to write you one now, " declared Phronsie. Since Grandpapawanted anything, it was never too soon to begin work on it. 

"Do, " cried old Mr. King, in great satisfaction. So he put down theRound Robin, Adela crying out that she wanted her grandmother to seeit; and Polly saying that Mamsie, and Papa-Doctor, and the Parson andMrs. Henderson must see it; "and most important of all, " said Jasper, breaking into the conversation, "Mrs. Selwyn must say if it is allright to go. "

At that Polly began to have little "creeps" as she always called theshivers. "O dear me!" she exclaimed again, and turned quite pale. 

"You don't know my mother, " exclaimed Tom, "if you think she won't likethat. She's got lots of fun in her, and she always sees the sense of athing. "

"But she's so nice, " breathed Polly, who greatly admired Mrs. Selwyn, "and so elegant. "

Tom bobbed his head and accepted this as a matter of course. "That'sthe very reason she understands things like a shot--and knows how totake 'em, " he said; "and I tell you, Polly, " he declared with a burstof confidence that utterly surprised him, "I'd rather have my motherthan any other company I know of; she's awful good fun!"

"I know it, " said Polly, brightly, with a little answering smile. "Well, I hope she'll like it. "

"Never you fear, " cried Tom, seizing the Round Robin; and waving itover his head, it trailed off back of him like a very long and broadribbon. "Come on, now, all fall into line!"

"Take care!" cried Jasper, as he ran after with Polly and Adela, "ifyou dare to tear that, sir!" while Phronsie at the big table labouredaway on her letter, Grandpapa sitting by to watch the proceedings, withthe greatest interest. 

And one look at Mrs. Selwyn's face, as she read that Round Robin, wasenough for Polly! And then to post it. 

"Dear me, " said Polly, when that important matter was concluded, "suppose anything should happen to it now, before it gets there!"

XXV

ON THE _MER DE GLACE_

"Well, we can't all get into one carriage, " said Polly, on the littlebrick-paved veranda of the hotel, "so what is the use of fussing, Adela?"

"I don't care, " said Adela, "I'm going to ride in the same carriagewith you, Polly Pepper, so there!" and she ran her arm in Polly's, andheld it fast. 

Jasper kicked his heel impatiently against one of the pillars where thesweetbrier ran; then he remembered, and stopped suddenly, hoping nobodyhad heard. "The best way to fix it is to go where we are put, " he saidat last, trying to speak pleasantly. 

"No, I'm going with Polly, " declared Adela, perversely, holding Pollytighter than ever. 

"I'm going with you, Polly, " cried Phronsie, running up gleefully, "Grandpapa says I may. "

"Well, so am I, " announced Adela, loudly. 

Tom Selwyn gave a low whistle, and thrust his hands in his pockets, hisgreat and only comfort on times like these. 

"Anything but a greedy girl, " he sniffed in lofty contempt. 

Meanwhile the horses were being put in the carriages, the stable menwere running hither and thither to look to buckle and strap, and a lotof bustle was going on that at any other time would have claimed theboys. Now it fell flat, as a matter of interest. 

"Halloo--k-lup!" The drivers gave the queer call clear down in theirthroats, and hopped to their places on the three conveyances, and witha rattle and a flourish the horses now spun around the fountain in thelittle courtyard to come up with a swing to the veranda. 

"Now, then, " said Grandpapa, who had been overseeing every detail, "here we are, " running his eyes over his party; "that's right, " ingreat satisfaction. "I never saw such a family as I have for beingprompt on all occasions. Well then, the first thing I have to do is toget you settled in these carriages the right way. "

Adela, at that, snuggled up closer than ever to Polly, and gripped herfast. 

"Now, Mrs. Fisher, " said old Mr. King, "you'll ride with Mrs. Selwyn inthe first carriage, and you must take two of the young folks in withyou. "

"Oh, let Polly and me go in there!" cried Adela, forgetting herwholesome fear of the stately old gentleman in her anxiety to get herown way. 

"Polly is going with me and Phronsie, " said Mr. King. "Hop in, Adela, child, and one of you boys. "

Tom ducked off the veranda, while Adela, not daring to say anothersyllable, slowly withdrew her arm from Polly's and mounted the carriagestep, with a miserable face. 

"Come on, one of you boys, " cried Mr. King, impatiently. "We shouldhave started a quarter of an hour ago--I don't care which one, onlyhurry. "

"I can't!" declared Tom, flatly, grinding his heel into the pebbles, and looking into Jasper's face. 

"Very well, "--Jasper drew a long breath, --"I must, then. " And withoutmore ado, he got into the first carriage and they rattled off to waitoutside the big gate till the procession was ready to start. 

Old Mrs. Gray, the parson's wife and the parson, and little Dr. Fishermade the next load, and then Grandpapa, perfectly delighted that he hadarranged it all so nicely, with Polly and Phronsie, climbed into thethird and last carriage, while Tom swung himself up as a fourth. 

"They say it is a difficult thing to arrange carriage parties withsuccess, " observed Mr. King. "I don't find it so in the least, " headded, complacently, just on the point of telling the driver to givethe horses their heads. "But that is because I've such a fine party onmy hands, where each one is willing to oblige, and--"

"Ugh!" exclaimed Tom Selwyn, with a snort that made the old gentlemanstart. "I'm going to get out a minute--excuse me--can't explain. " Andhe vaulted over the wheel. 

"Bless me, what's come to the boy!" exclaimed Mr. King; "now he'sforgotten something. I hope he won't be long. "

But Tom didn't go into the hotel. Instead, he dashed up to carriagenumber one. "Get out, " he was saying to Jasper, and presenting a veryred face to view. "I'm going in here. "

"Oh, no, " said Jasper; "it's all fixed, and I'm going to stay here. "And despite all Tom could say, this was the sole reply he got. So backhe went, and climbed into old Mr. King's carriage again, with a veryrueful face. 

Old Mr. King viewed him with cold displeasure as the driver smacked hiswhip and off they went to join the rest of the party. 

"You must go first, " sang out the little doctor, as Grandpapa'scarriage drove up; "you are the leader, and we'll all follow you. "

"Yes, yes, " shouted the parson, like a boy. 

And the occupants of carriage number one saying the same thing, Grandpapa's conveyance bowled ahead; and he, well pleased to head theprocession, felt some of his displeasure at the boy sitting opposite tohim dropping off with each revolution of the wheels. 

But Tom couldn't keep still. "I didn't want to come in this carriage, sir!" he burst out. 

"Eh! what?" Old Mr. King brought his gaze again to bear upon Tom'sface. 

"Well, you are here now, " he said, only half comprehending. 

"Because Jasper won't take the place, " cried Tom, setting his teethtogether in distress. "That's what I got out for. "

"Oh, I see, " said Mr. King, a light beginning to break through. 

Tom wilted miserably under the gaze that still seemed to go through andthrough him, and Polly looked off at her side of the carriage, wishingthe drive over the _Tête Noire_ was all ended. Old Mr. King turnedto Phronsie at his side. 

"Well, now, " he said, taking her hand, "we are in a predicament, Phronsie, for it evidently isn't going to be such an overwhelmingsuccess as I thought. "

"What is a predicament?" asked Phronsie, wrenching her gaze from thelovely vine-clad hills, which she had been viewing with greatsatisfaction, to look at once into his face. 

"Oh, a mix-up; a mess generally, " answered Grandpapa, not pausing tochoose words. "Well, what's to be done, now, --that is the question?"

Tom groaned at sight of the face under the white hair, from which allprospect of pleasure had fled. "I was a beastly cad, " he muttered tohimself. 

Phronsie leaned over Mr. King's knee. "Tell me, " she begged, "what isit, Grandpapa?"

"Oh, nothing, child, " said Grandpapa, with a glance at Polly's face, "that you can help, at least. "

Polly drew a long breath. "Something must be done, " she decided. "Oh, Iknow. Why, Grandpapa, we can change before we get to the halfwayplace, " she cried suddenly, glad to think of something to say. "Can'twe? And then we can all have different places. "

"The very thing!" exclaimed Mr. King, his countenance lightening. "Come, Tom, my boy, cheer up. I'll put Jasper and every one else in theright place soon. Here you, stop a bit, will you?"--to the driver. 

"K-lup!" cried the driver, thinking it a call to increase speed; so thehorses bounded on smartly for several paces, and no one could speak toadvantage. 

"Make him hold up, Tom!" commanded Mr. King, sharply. And Tom knowingquite well how to accomplish this, Grandpapa soon stood up in thecarriage and announced, "In half an hour, or thereabout, if we come toa good stopping-place, I shall change some of you twelve people aboutin the carriages. Pass the word along. "

But Adela didn't ride with Polly. For rushing and pushing as the changeabout was effected, to get her way and be with Polly, she felt her armtaken in a very light but firm grasp. 

"No, no, my dear, "--it was old Mr. King, --"not that way. Here is yourplace. When a little girl pushes, she doesn't get as much as if shewaits to be asked. "

"It had to be done, " he said to himself, "for the poor child has had nomother to teach her, and it will do her good. " But he felt sorry forhimself to be the one to teach the lesson. And so they went over the_Tête Noire_ to catch the first sight of Mont Blanc. 

 * * * * *

"I'm going to have a donkey for my very own, " confided Phronsie, excitedly, the next morning, to Jasper, whom she met in the littlesun-parlour. 

"No!" cried Jasper, pretending to be much amazed, "you don't say so, Phronsie!"

"Yes, I am, " she cried, bobbing her yellow head. "Grandpapa said so; hereally did, Jasper. And I'm going to ride up that long, big mountain onmy donkey. " She pointed up and off, but in the wrong direction. 

"Oh, no, Phronsie, that isn't the way we are going. The Montanvert isover here, child, " corrected Jasper. 

"And I'm going to ride my donkey, " repeated Phronsie, caring littlewhich way she was going, since all roads must of course lead tofairy-land, "and we're going to see the water that's frozen, andGrandpapa says we are to walk over it; but I'd rather ride my donkey, Jasper, " confided Phronsie, in a burst of confidence. 

"I guess you'll be glad enough to get off from your donkey by the timeyou reach the top of Montanvert, " observed Jasper, wisely. 

"Well, now, Phronsie, we are not going for a day or two, you know, forfather doesn't wish us to be tired. "

"I'm not a bit tired, Jasper, " said Phronsie, "and I do so very muchwish we could go to-day. "

"O dear me!" exclaimed Jasper, with a little laugh, "why, we've onlyjust come, Phronsie! It won't be so very long before we'll be off. Goodness! the time flies so here, it seems to me we sha'n't hardly turnaround before those donkeys will be coming into this yard after us toget on their backs. "

But Phronsie thought the time had never dragged so in all her smalllife; and, although she went about hanging to Grandpapa's hand as sweetand patient as ever, all her mind was on the donkeys; and whenever shesaw one, --and the street was full, especially at morning and in thelate afternoon, of the little beasts of burden, clattering up the stonyroads, --she would beg to just go and pat one of the noses, if by chanceone of the beasts should stand still long enough to admit of suchattention. 

"Oh, no, Phronsie, " expostulated old Mr. King, when this pleasinglittle performance had been indulged in for a half a dozen times. "Youcan't pat them all; goodness me, child, the woods are full of them, " hebrought up in dismay. 

"Do they live in the woods?" asked Phronsie, in astonishment. 

"I mean, the place--this whole valley of Chamonix is full of donkeys, "said Grandpapa, "so you see, child, it's next to impossible to pat alltheir noses. "

"I hope I'm going to have that dear, sweet little one, " cried Phronsie, giving up all her mind, since the soft noses couldn't be patted, tohappy thoughts of to-morrow's bliss. "See, Grandpapa, " she pulled hishand gently, "to ride up the mountain on. "

"Well, you'll have a good one, that is, as good as can be obtained, "said the old gentleman; "but as for any particular one, why, they'reall alike to me as two peas, Phronsie. "

But Phronsie had her own ideas on the subject, and though on everyother occasion agreeing with Grandpapa, she saw good and sufficientreason why every donkey should be entirely different from every otherdonkey. And when, on the next morning, their procession of donkeysfiled solemnly into the hotel yard, she screamed out, "Oh, Grandpapa, here he is, the very one I wanted! Oh, may I have him? Put me up, do!"

"He's the worst one of the whole lot, " groaned Grandpapa, his eyerunning over the file, "I know by the way he puts his vicious old feetdown. Phronsie, here is a cunning little fellow, " he added, artfullytrying to lead her to one a few degrees better, he fondly hoped. ButPhronsie already had her arms up by her particular donkey's neck, andher cheek laid against his nose, and she was telling him that he washer donkey, for she thought Grandpapa would say "Yes. " So what elsecould he do, pray tell, but say "Yes"? And she mounted the steps, andwas seated, her little brown gown pulled out straight, and the saddlegirth tightened, and all the other delightful and important detailsattended to, and then the reins were put in her overjoyed hands. 

She never knew how it was all done, seeing nothing, hearing nothing ofthe confusion and chatter, of the mounting of the others, her gazefixed on the long ears before her, and only conscious that her very owndonkey was really there, and that she was on his back. And it was notuntil they started and the guide who held her bridle loped off into aneasy pace, by the animal's head, that she aroused from her dream ofbliss as a sudden thought struck her. "What is my donkey's name?" sheasked softly. 

The man loped on, not hearing, and he wouldn't have understood had heheard. 

"I don't believe he has any name, " said old Mr. King just behind. "Phronsie, is your saddle all right? Do you like it, child?" all in onebreath. 

"I like it very much, " answered Phronsie, trying to turn around. 

"Don't do that, child, " said Grandpapa, hastily. "Sit perfectly still, and on no account turn around or move in the saddle. "

"I won't, Grandpapa, " she promised, obediently, and presently she beganagain, "I want to know his name, Grandpapa, so that I can tell my ponywhen I get home. "

"Oh, well, we'll find out, " said Grandpapa. "Here you, can't you tellthe name of that donkey?" he cried to the guide holding Phronsie'sbridle. "Oh, I forgot, he doesn't understand English, " and he tried itin French. 

But this was not much better, for old Mr. King, preferring to use nonebut the best of French when he employed any, was only succeeding inmystifying the poor man so that he couldn't find his tongue at all, butstared like a clod till the old gentleman's patience was exhausted. 

At last Jasper, hearing what the trouble was, shouted out somethingfrom his position in the rear, that carried the meaning along with it, and Phronsie the next minute was delighted to hear "Boolah, " as theguide turned and smiled and showed all his teeth at her, his pleasurewas so great at discovering that he could really understand. 

"Why, that's the name of my donkey, " said Polly, patting the beast'srough neck. "He told me so when he helped me to mount. "

"So it is mine, " announced Jasper, bursting into a laugh. "I guess theyonly have one name for the whole lot. "

"Well, don't let us tell Phronsie so, " said Polly, "and I shall callmine 'Greybeard' because he's got such a funny old stiff beard and itis grey. "

"And I shall christen mine 'Boneyard, '" declared Jasper, "for he's gotsuch a very big lot of bones, and they aren't funny, I can tell you. "

And so with fun and nonsense and laughter, as soon as they wound aroundby the little English church and across the meadows, and struck intothe pine wood, the whole party of twelve, Grandpapa and all, began tosing snatches from the newest operas down to college songs. ForGrandpapa hadn't forgotten his college days when he had sung with thebest, and he had the parson on this occasion to keep him company, andthe young people, of course, knew all the songs by heart, as what youngperson doesn't, pray tell! So the bits and snatches rolled out with agusto, and seemed to echo along the whole mountain side as theprocession of sure-footed animals climbed the steep curves. 

"Oh, Polly, your donkey is going over, " exclaimed Adela, who rode thesecond in the rear after Polly; "he flirts his hind legs right over theprecipice every time you go round a curve. "

"Well, he brings them round all right, " said Polly, composedly; and, with a little laugh, "Oh, isn't this too lovely for anything!" shecried, with sparkling eyes. 

"Well, don't let him, " cried Adela, huddling up on her donkey, andpulling at the rein to make him creep closer to the protecting earthwall. 

"Na--na, " one of the guides ran up to her, shaking his head. Adela, fresh from her Paris school had all her French, of the best kind too, at her tongue's end, but she seemed to get on no better than Mr. King. 

"My French is just bad enough to be useful, " laughed Jasper. So heuntangled the trouble again, and made Adela see that she really mustnot pull at her bridle, but allow the donkey to go his own gait, forthey were all trained to it. 

"Your French is just beautiful, " cried Polly. "Oh, Jasper, you knowMonsieur always says--"

"Don't, Polly, " begged Jasper, in great distress. 

"No, I won't, " promised Polly, "and I didn't mean to. But I couldn'thelp it, Jasper, when you spoke against your beautiful French. "

"We've all heard you talk French, Jasper, so you needn't feel so cut upif Polly should quote your Monsieur, " cried Tom, who, strange to say, no matter how far he chanced to ride in the rear, always managed tohear everything. 

"That's because we are everlastingly turning a corner, " he explained, when they twitted him for it, "and as I'm near the end of the line Iget the benefit of the doubling and twisting, for the front is alwaysjust above me. So don't say anything you don't want me to hear, oldfellow, " he sang out to Jasper on the bridle path "just above, " as Tomhad said. 

"Now, don't you want to get off?" cried Jasper, deserting his donkey, and running up to Phronsie, as they reached the summit and drew upbefore the hotel. 

"Oh, somebody take that child off, " groaned old Mr. King, accepting thearm of the guide to help him dismount, "for I can't. Every separate anddistinct bone in my body protests against donkeys from this time forthand forevermore. And yet I've got to go down on one, " he addedruefully. 

"No, I don't want to get down, " declared Phronsie, still holding fastto the reins; "can't I sit on my donkey, Jasper, while you all walkover on the frozen water?"

"Oh, my goodness, no!" gasped Jasper. "Why, Phronsie, you'd be tired todeath--the very idea, child!"

"No, " said Phronsie, shaking her yellow hair obstinately, "I wouldn'tbe tired one single bit, Jasper. And I don't want to get down from mydonkey. "

"Well, if you didn't go over the _Mer de Glace_, why, we couldn'tany of us go, " said Jasper, at his wits' end how to manage it withoutworrying his father, already extremely tired, he could see, "and that'swhat we've come up for--"

Phronsie dropped the reins. "Take me down, please, Jasper, " she said, putting out her arms. 

"How are you now, father?" cried Jasper, running over to him when hehad set Phronsie on the ground. 

"It's astonishing, " said old Mr. King, stretching his shapely limbs, "but all that dreadful sensation I always have after riding on one ofthose atrocious animals is disappearing fast. "

"That's good, " cried Jasper, in delight. "Well, I suppose we are allgoing to wait a bit?" he asked, and longing to begin the tramp over the_Mer de Glace_. 

"Wait? Yes, indeed, every blessed one of us, " declared his father. "Goodness me, Jasper, what are you thinking of to ask such a question, after this pull up here? Why, we sha'n't stir from this place for anhour. "

"I supposed we'd have to wait, " said Jasper, rushing off over therocks, feeling how good it was to get down on one's feet again, and runand race. And getting Polly and Tom and Adela, they ran down where thedonkeys were tethered and saw them fed, and did a lot of exploring; andit didn't seem any time before an Alpine horn sounded above theirheads, and there was Grandpapa, tooting away and calling them to comeup and buy their woollen socks; for they were going to start. 

So they scrambled up, and picked out their socks, and, each seizing apair in one hand and an alpenstock with a long, sharp spike on the endin the other, they ran off down the zigzag path to the glacier, two orthree guides helping the others along. At the foot of the rocky paththe four drew up. 

"O dear, it's time to put on these horrible old stockings, " grumbledAdela, shaking hers discontentedly. 

"'Good old stockings, ' you'd much better say, " broke in Jasper. 

"They're better than a broken neck, " observed Tom, just meaning to askPolly if he could put hers on for her. But he was too slow in gettingat it, and Jasper was already kneeling on the rocks and doing that verything. 

"Now I'm all ready, " announced Polly, stamping her feet, arrayed inmarvellous red-and-white striped affairs. "Thank you, Jasper. Oh, howfunny they feel!"

"Shall I help you?" asked Tom, awkwardly enough, of Adela. 

"Oh, I don't want them on, and I don't mean to wear them, " said Adela, with a sudden twist. "I'm going to throw them away. "

"Then you'll just have to stay back, " said Jasper, decidedly, "for noone is to be allowed on that glacier who doesn't put on a pair. "

"I won't slip--the idea!" grumbled Adela. Yet she stuck out her foot, and Tom, getting down on his knees, suppressed a whistle as he securelytied them on. Then the boys flew into theirs instanter. 

"Mine are blue, " said Phronsie, as the others filed slowly down thewinding path between the rocks, and she pointed to the pair danglingacross her arm. "I am so very glad they are blue, Grandpapa. "

"So am I, Pet, " he cried, delighted to find that he was apparently asagile as the parson. No one could hope to equal little Dr. Fisher, whowas here, there, and everywhere, skipping about among the rocks like aboy let loose from school. 

"Well, well, the children are all ready, " exclaimed old Mr. King, coming upon the four, impatient to begin their icy walk. 

"Didn't you expect it?" cried little Dr. Fisher, skipping up. 

"Well, to say the truth, I did, " answered old Mr. King, with a laugh. "Now, Phronsie, sit down on that rock, and let the guide tie on yourstockings. " So Phronsie's little blue stockings were tied on, and afterGrandpapa had gallantly seen that everybody else was served, he had hispulled on over his boots and fastened securely, and the line of marchwas taken up. 

"You go ahead, father, " begged Jasper, "and we'll all follow. "

So old Mr. King, with Phronsie and a guide on her farther side, led theway, and the red stockings and the brown and the black, and some ofindescribable hue, moved off upon the _Mer de Glace_. 

"It's dreadfully dirty, " said Adela, turning up her nose. "I thought aglacier was white when you got up to it. "

"Oh, I think it is lovely!" cried Polly; "and that green down in thecrevasse--look, Adela!"

"It's a dirty green, " persisted Adela, whose artistic sense wouldn't besatisfied. "O dear me!" as her foot slipped and she clutched Mrs. Henderson, who happened to be next. 

"Now, how about the woollen stockings?" asked Tom, while Polly andJasper both sang out, "Take care, " and "Go slowly. "

Adela didn't answer, but stuck the sharp end of her alpenstock smartlyinto the ice. 

"Something is the matter with my stocking, " at last said the parson'swife, stopping and holding out her right foot. 

The guide nearest her stopped, too, and kneeling down on the ice, hepulled it into place, for it had slipped half off. 

"Now be very careful, " warned Grandpapa, "and don't venture too nearthe edge, " as he paused with Phronsie and the guide. The others, comingup, looked down into a round, green pool of water that seemed to stareup at them, as if to say, "I am of unknown depth, so beware of me. "

"That gives me the 'creeps, ' Polly, as you say, " Mrs. Hendersonobserved. "Dear me, I shall never forget how that green water looks;"and she shivered and edged off farther yet. "Supposing any one_should_ fall in!"

"Well, he'd go down right straight through the globe, seems to me, "said Tom, with a last look at the pool as they turned off, "It looks asif it had no end, till one would fetch up on the other side. "

"I love to hop over these little crevasses, " said Polly, and suitingthe action to the word. 

"Something is the matter with my stocking again, " announced Mrs. Henderson to the guide, presently. "I am sorry to trouble you, but itneeds to be fixed. "

He didn't understand the words, but there was no mistaking the footthrust out with the woollen sock, now wet and sodden, half off again. So he kneeled down and pulled it on once more. 

Before they reached the other side, the parson's wife had had thatstocking pulled on six times, until at last, the guide, finding no morepleasure in a repetition of the performance, took a string from hispocket, and bunching up in his fist a good portion of the stockingheel, he wound the string around it and tied it fast, cut off thestring, and returned the rest to his pocket. 

"Why do you tie up the heel?" queried Mrs. Henderson. "I should thinkit much better to secure it in front. " But he didn't understand, andthe rest were quite a good bit in advance, and hating to give trouble, she went on, the stocking heel sticking out a few inches. But she keptit on her foot, so that might be called a success. 

The little Widow Gray was not going over the _Mauvais Pas_, neither was Mrs. Selwyn, as she had traversed it twice before. So, onreaching the other side, they were just about bidding good-by to theothers, when, without a bit of warning, the parson's wife, in turningaround, fell flat, and disappeared to the view of some of them behind aboulder of ice. 

All was confusion in an instant. The guides rushed--everybody rushed--pellmell to the rescue; Tom's long legs, as usual, getting him therefirst. There she was in a heap, in a depression of ice and snow andwater. 

"I'm all right, except"--and she couldn't help a grimace of pain--"myfoot. "

The little doctor swept them all to one side, as they seated her on oneof the boulders of ice. "Humph! I should think likely, " at sight of thetied-up stocking heel. "You stepped on that, and it flung you straightas a die and turned your foot completely over. "

"Yes, " said Mrs. Henderson. Then she saw the guide who had tied thestocking looking on with a face of great concern. "Oh, don't sayanything, it makes him feel badly, " she mumbled, wishing her footwouldn't ache so. 

Little Dr. Fisher was rapidly untying the unlucky stocking; and, whipping off the boot, he soon made sure that no ligaments were broken. Then he put on the boot and the woollen sock, being careful to tie itin front over the instep, and whipping out his big handkerchief heproceeded to bandage the ankle in a truly scientific way. "Now, then, Mrs. Henderson, you are all right to take the walk slowly back to thehotel. "

Parson Henderson took his wife's hand. "Come, Sarah, " he said, gentlyhelping her up. 

"Oh, you are going over the _Mauvais Pas_, " she cried in distressat the thought of his missing it. 

"Come, Sarah, " he said gently, keeping her hand in his. 

"I'll go back with her too, " said little Dr. Fisher. 

"Oh, Adoniram!" exclaimed his wife, but it was under her breath, and noone heard the exclamation. 

"I think Dr. Fisher ought to go with the other party; he will be neededthere, " Mrs. Selwyn was saying, in her quiet way. "And I will batheMrs. Henderson's foot just as he says it should be done, so good-by, "and any one looking down with a field glass from the Montanvert hotel, could have seen at this point, two parties, one proceeding to the_Mauvais Pas_ and the _Chapeau_, and the other of three ladies, the parson and a guide, wending their way slowly on the return acrossthe crevasses. 

XXVI

"WELL, HERE WE ARE IN PARIS!"

Notwithstanding all the glory of the shops, and the tempting array ofthe jewellery and trinkets of every description therein displayed, after a few days of sailing on the exquisite lake, and some walks anddrives, Polly, down deep in her heart, was quite ready to move on fromGeneva. And, although she didn't say anything, old Mr. King guessed asmuch, and broke out suddenly, "Well, are you ready to start, Polly?"

"Yes, Grandpapa, " she answered. "I have the presents for the girls. I'mall ready. "

"Why, Polly, you haven't anything for yourself, " Mother Fisherexclaimed, as Polly ran into her room and told the news--how Grandpapasaid they were to pack up and leave in the morning. "You haven't boughta single thing. "

"Oh, I don't want anything, " said Polly. "I've so many things at homethat Grandpapa has given me. Mamsie, isn't this pin for Alexia just toolovely for anything?"

She curled up on the end of the bed, and drew it out of its little box. "I think she'll like it, " with anxious eyes on Mother Fisher's face. 

"Like it?" repeated her mother. "How can she help it, Polly?"

"I think so too, " said Polly, happily, replacing it on the bed ofcotton, and putting on the cover to look over another gift. 

Mrs. Fisher regarded her keenly. "Well, now, Polly, " she said, decidedly, "I shall go down and get that chain we were looking at. Foryou do need that, and your father and I are going to give it to you. "

"Oh, Mamsie, " protested Polly, "I don't need it; really, I don't. "

"Well, we shall give it to you, " said Mother Fisher. Then she went overto the bed and dropped a kiss on Polly's brown hair. 

"Mamsie, " exclaimed Polly, springing off the bed, and throwing her armsaround her mother's neck, "I shall love that chain, and I shall wear itjust all the time because you and Papa-Doctor gave it to me. "

When they neared Paris, Adela drew herself up in her corner of thecompartment. "I expect you'll stare some when you get to Paris, PollyPepper. "

"I've been staring all the time since we started on our journey, Adela, as hard as I could, " said Polly, laughing. 

"Well, you'll stare worse than ever now, " said Adela, in an importantway. "There isn't anything in all this world that isn't in Paris, " shebrought up, not very elegantly. 

"I don't like Paris. " Tom let the words out before he thought. 

"That's just because you are a boy, " sniffed Adela. "Oh, Polly, youought to see the shops! When Mademoiselle has taken us into some, Ideclare I could stay all day in one. Such dreams of clothes andbonnets! You never saw such bonnets, Polly Pepper, in all your life!"She lifted her hands, unable to find words enough. 

"And the parks and gardens, I suppose, are perfectly lovely, " criedPolly, feeling as if she must get away from the bonnets and clothes. 

"Yes, and the Bois de Boulogne to drive in, that's elegant. OnlyMademoiselle won't take us there very often. I wish I was rich, and I'dhave a span of long-tailed, grey horses, and drive up and down thereevery day. "

Polly laughed. "Well, I should like the tram-ways and the stages, " saidPolly. 

"Oh, those don't go into the Bois de Boulogne, " cried Adela, in a toneof horror. "Why, Polly Pepper, what are you thinking of?" sheexclaimed. 

This nettled Tom. "Of something besides clothes and bonnets, " he brokeout. Then he was sorry he had spoken. 

"Well, there's the Louvre, " said Polly, after an uncomfortable littlepause. 

"Yes, " said Adela, "that's best of all, and it doesn't cost anything;so Mademoiselle takes us there very often. "

"I should think it would be, " cried Polly, beaming at her, andanswering the first part of Adela's sentence. "Oh, Adela, I do so longto see it. "

"And you can't go there too often, Polly, " said Jasper. 

"It's the only decent thing in Paris, " said Tom, "that I like, I mean;that, and to sail up and down on the Seine. "

"We'll go there the first day, Polly, " said Jasper, "the Louvre, Imean. Well, here we are in Paris!" And then it was all confusion, forthe guards were throwing open the doors to the compartments, andstreams of people were meeting on the platform, in what seemed to beinextricable confusion amid a babel of sounds. And it wasn't untilPolly was driving up in the big cab with her part of Mr. King's"family, " as he called it, through the broad avenues and boulevards, interspersed with occasional squares and gardens, and the beautifulbridges here and there across the Seine, gleaming in the sunshine, thatshe could realise that they were actually in Paris. 

And the next day they did go to the Louvre. And Adela, who was to staya day or two at the hotel with them before going back into her school, was very important, indeed. And she piloted them about, the parson andMrs. Henderson joining their group; the others, with the exception ofthe little Widow Gray, who stayed at home to look over Adela's clothes, and take any last stitches, going off by themselves. 

"I do want to see the Venus de Milo, " said Polly, quite gone withimpatience. "Oh, Adela, these paintings will wait. "

"Well, that old statue will wait, too, " cried Adela, pulling her offinto another gallery. "Now, Polly, Mademoiselle says, in point of art, the pictures in here are quite important. "

"Are they?" said poor Polly, listlessly. 

"Yes, they are, " said Adela, twitching her sleeve, "and Mademoisellebrings us in this room every single time we come to the Louvre. "

"It's the early French school, you know, " she brought up glibly. 

"Well, it's too early for us to take it in, " said Tom. "Come, I'm forthe Venus de Milo. It's this way;" and Adela was forced to follow, which she did in a discontented fashion. 

"Oh!" cried Polly, catching her breath, and standing quite still as shecaught sight of the wonderful marble, instinct with life, at the end ofthe long corridor below stairs. "Why, she's smiling at us, " as theafternoon sunshine streamed across the lovely face, to lose itself inthe folds of the crimson curtain in the background. 

The parson folded his arms and drew in long breaths of delight. "It'sworth fifty journeys over the ocean to once see that, Sarah, " he said. 

"Do come back and look at the pictures, " begged Adela, pulling Polly'sarm again after a minute or two. 

"Oh, don't!" exclaimed Polly, under her breath. "Oh, she's _so_beautiful, Adela!"

"Well, it's much better to see the pictures, " said Adela. "And then wecan come here again to-morrow. "

"Oh, I haven't seen this half enough, " began Polly, "and I've wanted tofor so long. " Then she glanced at Adela's face. "Well, all right, " shesaid, and turned off, to come directly into the path of Grandpapa, withPhronsie clinging to his hand, and the rest of his part of the "family"standing in silent admiration. 

"We thought we'd come here first, " said old Mr. King. "I don't mean tosee anything else to-day. The Venus de Milo is quite enough for me. To-morrow, now, we'll drop in again, and look at some of the pictures. "

"There is beauty enough in that statue, " said a lady, who just passedthem, to the gentleman with her, "to satisfy any one; but living beautyafter all is most appealing. Just look at that child's face, Edward. "

They were guilty of standing in a niche at a little remove, andstudying Phronsie with keen, critical eyes. 

"It's a wonderful type of beauty, " said Edward; "yellow hair and browneyes, --and such features. "

"I don't care about the features, " said the lady, "it's the expression;the child hasn't a thought of herself, and that's wonderful to beginwith. "

"That's about it, " replied Edward, "and I suppose that's largely wherethe beauty lies, Evelyn. "

"Let us walk slowly down the corridor again, " said Evelyn, "and thencome up; otherwise we shall attract attention to be standing here andgazing at them. "

"And I'd like to see that little beauty again, " remarked Edward, "I'llconfess, Evelyn. "

So Evelyn and Edward continued to gaze at intervals at the livingbeauty, and Mr. King and his party were absorbed in the marble beauty;and Adela was running over in her mind how she meant to have PollyPepper all to herself at the visit to the Louvre the next afternoon, when she would show her the pictures she specially liked. 

But they didn't any of them go to the Louvre that next day, as ithappened. It was so beautifully bright and sunshiny, that Grandpapasaid it would be wicked to pass the day indoors; so they had all themorning in a walk, and a sail on the Seine, --and that pleased Tom, --andall the afternoon, or nearly all, sitting up in state in carriages, driving up and down the Bois de Boulogne. And _that_ pleasedAdela. 

And when they tired of driving, old Mr. King gave orders for thedrivers to rest their horses. And then they all got out of thecarriages, and walked about among the beautiful trees, and on thewinding, sheltered paths. 

"It's perfectly lovely off there, " said Polly, "and almost like thecountry, " with a longing glance off into the green, cool shade beyond. So they strolled off there, separating into little groups; Polly andJasper in front, and wishing for nothing so much as a race. 

"I should think we might try it, " said Jasper; "there is no one near tosee. Come on, Polly, do. "

"I suppose we ought not to, " said Polly, with a sigh, as Adela overtookthem. 

"Ought not to what?" she asked eagerly. 

"Jasper and I were wanting to run a race, " said Polly. 

"Why, Polly Pepper! You are in Paris!" exclaimed Adela, quite shocked. 

"I know it, " said Polly, "and I wish we weren't. O dear! this seemsjust like the country, and--"

Just then a child screamed. "That's Phronsie!" exclaimed Polly, hercheek turning quite white. And she sped back over the path. 

"Oh, no, Polly, " Jasper tried to reassure her, as he ran after her. They were having their race, after all, but in a different way fromwhat they had planned. 

"Dear me! you are running!" said Adela, who hadn't got it into her headwhat for, as she didn't connect the scream with any of their party. Andshe walked just as fast as she could to catch up with them. As that wasimpossible, she gave a hasty glance around the shrubbery, and seeing noone to notice her, she broke out into a lively run. 

"Yes, Phronsie, " Grandpapa was saying, as the young people had leftthem, and the others had wandered off to enjoy the quiet, shady paths, "this place was the old Fôret de Rouvray. It wasn't a very pretty placeto come to in those days, what with the robbers and other bad peoplewho infested it. And now let us go and find a seat, child, and I'llshow you one or two little pictures I picked up in the shop thismorning; and you can send them in your next letter, to Joel and David, if you like. "

Old Mr. King took out his pocket-book, and had just opened it, when aman darted out from the thick shrubbery behind him, cast a long, searching glance around, and quick as lightning, threw himself againstthe stately old gentleman, and seized the pocket-book. 

It was then that Phronsie screamed long and loud. 

"What ho!" exclaimed Mr. King, starting around to do battle; but theman was just disappearing around the clump of shrubbery. 

"Which way?" Tom Selwyn dashed up. It didn't seem as if Phronsie's cryhad died on her lips. 

Old Mr. King pointed without a word. And Polly and Jasper were close athand. Polly flew to Phronsie, who was clinging to Grandpapa's hand, andwailing bitterly. "What is it? Oh! what is it?" cried Polly. 

"My pocket-book, " said Grandpapa; "some fellow has seized it, andfrightened this poor child almost to death. " He seemed to care a greatdeal more about that than any loss of the money. 

"Which way?" cried Jasper, in his turn, and was off like a shot ongetting his answer. 

Tom saw the fellow slink with the manner of one who knew the ins andouts of the place well, --now gliding, and ducking low in the sparsergrowth, now making a bold run around some exposed curve, now dashinginto a dense part of the wood. 

"I'll have you yet!" said Tom, through set teeth; "I haven't trained atschool for nothing!"

A thud of fast-flying feet in his rear didn't divert him an instantfrom his game, although it might be a rescue party for the thief, inthe shape of a partner, --who could tell? And realising, if he caughtthe man at all, he must do one of his sprints, he covered the ground bya series of flying leaps, --dashed in where he saw his prey rush; onemore leap with all his might, and--"I have you!" cried Tom. 

The man under him, thrown to the ground by the suddenness of Tom's leapon him, was wriggling and squirming with all the desperation of atrapped creature, when the individual with the flying footsteps hove insight. It was Jasper. And they had just persuaded the robber that itwould be useless to struggle longer against his fate, when the parson, running as he hadn't run for years, appeared to their view. And afterhim, at such a gait that would have been his fortune, in a professionalway, was the little doctor. His hat was gone, and his toes scarcelyseemed to touch the ground. He was last at the scene, simply becausethe news had only just reached him as he sauntered leisurely up to meetMr. King in his promenade. 

When the thief saw him, he looked to see if any more were coming, andresigned himself at once and closed his eyes instinctively. 

He was a miserable-looking man--tall, thin, and stoop shouldered--theysaw, when they got him on his feet. Unkempt and unwashed, his long, black hair hung around a face sallow in the extreme. And he shook so, as Tom and Jasper marched him back, escorted by the body-guard of theparson and the little doctor, that the two boys put their hands underhis arms to help him along. 

"Well--well--well!" ejaculated Mr. King, as he saw this array. Pollygathered Phronsie's other hand in hers, while she clung closer thanever to Grandpapa. 

"Here's your pocket-book, " said Tom, handing the article over; "hehasn't spent much. "

"Don't, Tom, " said Jasper, "joke about it. "

"Can't help it, " said Tom. "Well, now, shall we turn him over to the_sergents de ville?"_

"Turn him over?" repeated Mr. King. "I should say so, " he added drily, "and give him the best recommendation for a long term, too. What elseis there to do, pray tell?"

"Grandpapa, " suddenly cried Phronsie, who hadn't taken her eyes fromthe man's face, "what are you going to do--where is he going?"

"We are going to hand him over to the police, child, " answered old Mr. King, harshly. "And as soon as possible, too. "

"Grandpapa, perhaps he's got some little children at home; ask him, Grandpapa, do. "

"No, no, Phronsie, " said Mr. King, hastily. "Say no more, child; youdon't understand. We must call the _sergents de ville. "_

At the words _sergents de ville_ the man shivered from head tofoot, and wrenched his hands free from the boys' grasp to tear open hispoor coat, and show a bare breast, covered with little, apparently, butthe skin drawn over the bones. He didn't attempt to say anything. 

"Oh, my goodness!" exclaimed old Mr. King, starting backward andputting up his hands to his face to shut out the sight. "Cover it up, man--bless me--no need to ask him a question. Why, the fellow isstarving. "

His little children--four of them--his wife--all starving--hadn't a bitto eat since, he could scarcely say when, it seemed so very long agosince he had eaten last--it all came out in a torrent of words thatchoked him, and like the true Frenchman that he was, he gestured in away that told the story with his face and his fingers, as well as withhis tongue. 

A _sergent de ville_ strolled by and looked curiously at thegroup, but as Mr. King met his eye coolly, and the party seemedintelligent and well able to take care of themselves, it wasn'tnecessary to tender his services--if they were talking to a worthlessvagabond. 

"Hum--hum--very bad case; very bad case, indeed!" Mr. King wasexploding at intervals, while the torrent was rushing on in execrableFrench as far as accent went. No one else of the spellbound group couldhave spoken if there had been occasion for a word. Then he pulled outthe pocket-book again, and taking out several franc notes of a goodsize, he pressed them between the man's dirty fingers. "Go and getsomething to eat, " was all he said, "and take care of the children. "

XVII

"I'VE FOUND HIM!" EXCLAIMED JASPER

And for the next few days Phronsie talked about the poor man, andwished they could see his children, and hoped he had bought them somenice things to eat, and worried over him because he was all skin andbones. 

"Ah! the bones were real, even if the children aren't, " Grandpapa wouldsay to himself. "Well, I suppose I have been taken in, but at least thefellow hasn't starved to death. "

And then off they would go sight-seeing as fast as possible, to take upthe mind of Phronsie, who watched for Grandpapa's poor man in everywretched creature she saw. And there were plenty of them. 

And then Adela went back to school, happy in the thought of the littlepile of sketches she had to show as her summer's work, and with ever somany studies and bits to finish up under Mademoiselle's direction; andlittle old Mrs. Gray, breathing blessings on Mr. King's head, departedfor her English country home. 

"Now, then, I have ever so much shopping to do, " announced old Mr. King, briskly, "and I shall want you to help me, Phronsie. "

"I'll help you, Grandpapa, " promised Phronsie, well pleased, andgravely set herself to the task. 

So they wandered away by themselves, having the most blissful of times, and coming home to the hotel, they would gaily relate their adventures;and Phronsie would often carry a little parcel or two, which it was hergreatest delight to do; and then the trail of big boxes would followthem as they were sent home to the hotel to tell of their experiencesin the shops. 

"And Grandpapa is going to get me a new doll, " announced Phronsie, onone of these days. 

"Do you mean a peasant doll to add to the collection?" asked Polly; forold Mr. King had bought a doll in the national costume in every countryin which they had travelled, and they had been packed away, togetherwith the other things as fast as purchased, and sent off home acrossthe sea. 

"Yes, " said Phronsie. "I do, Polly, and it's to be a most beautifulFrench doll--oh!"

And sure enough, Mr. King, who knew exactly what kind of a doll hemeant to purchase, and had kept his eyes open for it, stumbled upon itby a piece of rare good luck in a shop where he least expected to findit. 

"Oh, may I carry her home, Grandpapa?" begged Phronsie, hanging overthe doll in a transport. "Please don't have her shut up in a box--butdo let me carry her in my arms. "

"Oh, Phronsie, she's too big, " objected Mr. King, "and very heavy. "

"Oh, Grandpapa, she's not heavy, " cried Phronsie, not meaning tocontradict, but so anxious not to have her child sent home shut up in abox, that she forgot herself. 

"Well, I don't know but what you may, " said Grandpapa, relenting. "Iwill call a cab after we get through with this next shop, " hereflected, "and it won't hurt her to carry the doll that shortdistance. " So they came out of the shop, and deciding to take a shortcut, they started across the boulevard, he taking the usual precautionto gather Phronsie's hand in his. 

As they were halfway across the street, with its constant stream ofpedestrians and vehicles, a sudden gust of wind flapped the doll's pinksilk cape up against Phronsie's eyes, and taking her hand away fromGrandpapa's a second to pull down the cape, for she couldn't see, sheslipped, and before she knew it, had fallen on top of the doll in themiddle of the street. 

A reckless cabby, driving as only a French cabman can, came dashingdown the boulevard directly in her path, while a heavily loaded omnibusgoing in the opposite direction was trying to get out of his way. Everso many people screamed; and some one pulled Mr. King back as hestarted to pick her up. It was all done in an instant, and every personexpected to see her killed, when a long, gaunt individual in a shabbycoat dashed in among the plunging horses, knocked up the head of theone belonging to the reckless cabby, swung an arm at the other pair todivert their course, and before any one could quite tell how, he pickedup Phronsie and bore her to the curbstone. Some one got Mr. King to thesame point, too exhausted with fright to utter a word. 

When he came out of his shock, the shabby man was standing by Phronsie, the crowd that saw nothing in the incident to promise furtherdiversion, having melted away, and she was holding his hand, herlittle, mud-stained face radiant with happiness. "Oh, Grandpapa, " shepiped out, "it's your poor man!"

"The dickens it is!" exploded Mr. King. "Well, I'm glad to find you. Here, call a cab, will you? I must get this child home; that's thefirst thing to be done. "

The shabby man hailed a cab, but the cabman jeered at him and whirledby. So the old gentleman held up his hand; Phronsie all this time, strange to say, not mentioning her doll, and Mr. King, who wouldn'thave cared if a hundred dolls had been left behind, not giving it athought. Now she looked anxiously on all sides. "Oh, where is she, Grandpapa dear?" she wailed, "my child; where is she?"

"Never mind, Phronsie, " cried Mr. King, "I'll get you another oneto-morrow. There, get in the cab, child. "

"But I want her--I can't go home without my child!" And Phronsie's lipbegan to quiver. "Oh, there she is, Grandpapa!" and she darted off afew steps, where somebody had set the poor thing on the pavement, propped up against a lamp-post. 

"Oh, you can't carry her home, " said Mr. King, in dismay at the muddyobject splashed from head to foot, with the smart pink cape that hadbeen the cause of the disaster, now torn clear through the middle, bythe hoof of a passing horse. He shuddered at the sight of it. "Do leaveit, Phronsie, child. "

"But she's sick now and hurt; oh, Grandpapa, I can't leave my child, "sobbed Phronsie, trying with all her might to keep the tears back. Allthis time the shabby man stood silently by, looking on. 

A bright thought struck the old gentleman. "I'll tell you, Phronsie, "he said quickly. "Give the doll to this man for one of his littlechildren; they'll take care of it, and like it. "

"Oh, Grandpapa!" screamed Phronsie, skipping up and down and clappingher muddy little hands, then she picked up the doll and lifted ittoward him. "Give my child to your little girl, and tell her to takegood care of it, " she said. 

As Phronsie's French had long been one of Grandpapa's specialresponsibilities in the morning hours, she spoke it nearly as well asPolly herself, so the man grasped the doll as he had seized the moneybefore. 

"And now, " said Mr. King, "you are not going to run away this timewithout telling me--oh, bless me!"

This last was brought out by an excited individual rushing up over thecurbstone to get out of the way of a passing dray, and the walking-stickwhich he swung aloft as a protection, coming into collision withMr. King's hat, knocked it over his eyes. 

"A thousand pardons, Monsieur!" exclaimed the Frenchman, bowing andscraping. 

"You may well beg a thousand pardons, " cried Mr. King, angrily, "to goabout in this rude fashion through the street. "

"A thousand pardons, " repeated the Frenchman, with more_empressement_ than before, and tripping airily on his way. 

When old Mr. King had settled his hat, he turned back to the man. "Nowtell me--why--" The man was nowhere to be seen. 

"It surely does look bad, " said the old gentleman to himself as hestepped into the cab with Phronsie; "that man's children are a myth. And I wanted to do something for them, for he saved Phronsie's life!"

This being the only idea he could possibly retain all the way home tothe hotel, he held her closely within his arm, Phronsie chatteringhappily all the way, how the little girl she guessed was just receivingthe doll, and wondering what name she would give it, and would she washits face clean at once, and fix the torn and muddy clothes?

"Oh, yes, yes, I hope so, " answered Grandpapa, when she paused for ananswer. Jasper came running out as the cab drove into the court. "Oh!"he exclaimed, at sight of Phronsie's face, then drove the words on histongue back again, as he lifted her out. 

"Give her to Polly to fix up a bit, " said his father. "She's all right, Jasper, my boy, I can't talk of it now. Hurry and take her to Polly. "

And for the following days, Mr. King never let Phronsie out of hissight. A new and more splendid doll, if possible, was bought, and allsorts and styles of clothes for it, which Phronsie took the greatestdelight in caring for, humming happily to herself at the pleasure thepoor man's little girl was taking at the same time with her otherchild. 

"Grandpapa, " she said, laying down the doll carefully on the sofa, andgoing over to the table where Mr. King had just put aside thenewspaper, "I do wish we could go and see that poor man and all hischildren--why didn't he tell us where he lived?"

"The dickens!" exclaimed old Mr. King, unguardedly, "because the fellowis an impostor, Phronsie. He saved your life, " and he seized Phronsieand drew her to his knee, "but he lied about those children. O dearme!" And he pulled himself up. 

"Then he hasn't any little children?" said Phronsie, opening her eyesvery wide, and speaking very slowly. 

"Er-oh-I don't know, " stammered Grandpapa; "it's impossible to tell, Phronsie. "

"But you don't believe he has any, " said Phronsie, with gravepersistence, fastening her brown eyes on his face. 

"No, Phronsie, I don't, " replied old Mr. King, in desperation. "If hehad, why should he run in this fashion when I was just asking him wherehe lived?"

"But he didn't hear you, Grandpapa, " said Phronsie, "when the manknocked your hat off. "

"Oh, well, he knew enough what I wanted, " said Mr. King, who, now thathe had let out his belief, was going to support it by all the reasonsin his power. "No, no, Phronsie, it won't do; the fellow was animpostor, and we must just accept the fact, and make the best of it, mychild. "

"But he told a lie, " said Phronsie, in horror, unable to think ofanything else. 

"Well. " Mr. King had no words to say on that score, so he wisely saidnothing. 

"That poor man told a lie, " repeated Phronsie, as if producing a whollyfresh statement. 

"There, child, I wouldn't think anything more of it, " said Grandpapa, soothingly, patting her little hand. 

"Grandpapa, " said Phronsie, "I've given away my child, and she's sickbecause she fell and hurt her, and there isn't any little girl, and--and--that poor man told a lie!" And she flung herself up against Grandpapa'swaistcoat, and sobbed as if her heart would break. 

Old Mr. King looked wildly around for Polly. And as good fortune wouldhave it, in she ran. This wasn't very strange, for Polly kept nearly asclose to Phronsie in these days, as Grandpapa himself. 

"Here, Polly, " he called brokenly, "this is something beyond me. Youmust fix it, child. "

"Why, Phronsie!" exclaimed Polly, in dismay, and her tone was a bitreproachful. "Crying? Don't you know that you will make Grandpapa verysick unless you stop?"

Phronsie's little hand stole out from over her mouth where she had beentrying to hold the sobs back, and up to give a trembling pat on old Mr. King's cheek. 

"Bless you, my child, " cried Grandpapa, quite overcome, so that Pollysaid more reproachfully, "Yes, very sick indeed, Phronsie, unless youstop this minute. You ought to see his face, Phronsie. "

Phronsie gathered herself up out of his arms, and through a rain oftears looked up at him. 

"Are you sick, Grandpapa?" she managed to ask. 

"Yes, dear; or I shall be if you don't stop crying, Phronsie, " said Mr. King, pursuing all the advantage so finely gained. 

"I'll stop, " said Phronsie, her small bosom heaving. "I really will, Grandpapa. "

"Now, you are the very goodest child, " exclaimed Polly, down on herknees by Grandpapa's side, cuddling Phronsie's toes, "the very mostsplendid one in all this world, Phronsie Pepper. "

"And you'll be all well, Grandpapa?" asked Phronsie, anxiously. 

"Yes, child, " said old Mr. King, kissing her wet face; "just as well asI can be, since you are all right. "

"And, oh, Grandpapa, can't we go to Fontainebleau to-day?" beggedPolly. 

"Phronsie, just think--it will be precisely like the country, and wecan get out of the carriages, and can run and race in the forest. Can'twe, Grandpapa?"

"All you want to, " promised Grandpapa, recklessly, and only toothankful to have something proposed for a diversion. "The very thing, "he added enthusiastically. "Now, Polly and Phronsie, run and tell allthe others to get ready, just as fast as they can, and we'll be off. Goodness me, Jasper, what makes you run into a room in this fashion?"

"I've found him!" exclaimed Jasper, dashing in, and tossing his cap onthe table, and his dark hair back from his forehead. "And he's allright--as straight as a die, " he panted. 

"Now what in the world are you talking of?" demanded his father, inextreme irritation. "Can't you make a plain statement, and enlighten uswithout all this noise and confusion, pray tell?"

Polly, who had Phronsie's hand in hers, just ready to run off, stoodquite still with glowing cheek. 

"Oh, I do believe--Grandpapa--it is--it is!"--she screamed suddenly--"yourpoor man! Isn't it, Jasper--isn't it?" she cried, turning to him. 

"Yes, Polly, " said Jasper, still panting from his run up the stairs;"and do hurry, father, and see for yourself; and we'll all go to him. I'll tell you all about it on the way. "

When Mr. King comprehended that the man was found, and that he was "allright, " as Jasper vehemently repeated over and over, he communicatedthat fact to Phronsie, whose delight knew no bounds, and in less timethan it takes to write it, Tom, who was the only one of the party to becollected on such short notice, had joined them, and they were bowlingalong in a big carriage, Jasper as guide, to the spot where the man waswaiting. 

"You see it was just this way, " Jasper was rapidly telling off. "I wasgoing down by the Madeleine, and I thought I would bring Phronsie someflowers; so I stopped at the market, and I couldn't find a little potof primroses I wanted, though I went the whole length; and at last, when I had given up, I saw just one in front of a woman who sat at thevery end. "

"Do hurry, Jasper, and get to the conclusion, " said his father, impatiently. 

Polly dearly loved to have the story go on in just this way, as sheleaned forward, her eyes on Jasper's face, but she said nothing, onlysighed. 

"Well, " said Jasper, "I'll tell it as quickly as I can, father. Andthere were a lot of children, father, all round the woman where she saton a box, and she was tying in a bunch some flowers that were huddledin her lap, and the children were picking out the good ones for her;and just then a man, who was bending over back of them all, breakingoff some little branches from a big green one, straightened upsuddenly, and, father, as true as you live, " cried Jasper, in intenseexcitement, "it was your poor man!"

"The children?" asked Mr. King, as soon as he could be heard for theexcitement. 

"Are all his, " cried Jasper, "and he took the money you gave him, andset his wife up in the flower business down in front of the Madeleine. Oh! and Phronsie, the doll you gave him was sitting up on another box, and every once in a while the littlest girl would stop picking out theflowers in her mother's lap, and would run over and wipe its face withher apron. "

XXVIII

"WELL, I GOT HIM HERE, " SAID THE LITTLE EARL

They were really on their way to see the little old earl, after all!How it came about, Mr. King, even days after it had all been decided, couldn't exactly remember. He recalled several conversations in Pariswith Tom's mother, who showed him bits of letters, and one inparticular that somehow seemed to be a very potent factor in the planthat, almost before he knew it, came to be made. And when he held out, as hold out he did against the acceptance of the invitation, he foundto his utmost surprise that every one, Mother Fisher and all, wasdecidedly against him. 

"Oh, well, " he had declared when that came out, "I might as well givein gracefully first as last. " And he sat down at once and wrote a veryhandsome note to the little old earl, and that clinched the wholebusiness. 

And after the week of this visit should be over, for old Mr. King wasfirmness itself on not accepting a day more, they were to bid good-byto Mrs. Selwyn and Tom, and jaunt about a bit to show a little of OldEngland to the Hendersons, and then run down to Liverpool to see themoff, and at last turn their faces toward Dresden, their winter home--"andto my work!" said Polly to herself in delight. 

So now here they were, actually driving up to the entrance of the park, and stopping at the lodge-gate. 

An old woman, in an immaculate cap and a stiff white apron over herbest linsey-woolsey gown which she had donned for the occasion, cameout of the lodge and courtesied low to the madam, and held open the biggate. 

"How have you been, Mrs. Bell?" asked Mrs. Selwyn, with a kind smile, as the carriage paused a bit. 

"Very well, my lady, " said Mrs. Bell, her round face glowing withpride. "And the earl is well, bless him! and we are glad to welcome youhome again, and Master Tom. "

"And I'm glad enough to get here, Mrs. Bell, " cried Tom. "Now drive onat your fastest, Hobson. "

Hobson, who knew very well what Master Tom's fastest gait was, preferred to drive through the park at what he considered the dignifiedpace. So they rolled on under the stately trees, going miles, it seemedto Polly, who sat on the back seat with Tom. 

He turned to her, unable to conceal his impatience. "Anybody wouldthink this pair were worn out old cobs, " he fumed. "Polly, you have noidea how they can go, when Hobson lets them out. What are you wastingall this time for, crawling along in this fashion, Hobson, when youknow we want to get on?"

Thus publicly addressed, Hobson let the handsome bays "go" as Tomexpressed it, and they were bowled along in a way that made Polly turnin delight to Tom. 

"There--that's something like!" declared Tom. "Don't you like it, Polly?" looking into her rosy face. 

"Like it!" cried Polly, "why, Tom Selwyn, it's beautiful. And thesesplendid trees--" she looked up and around. "Oh, I never saw any sofine. "

"They're not half bad, " assented Tom, "these oaks aren't, and we havesome more, on the other end of the park, about five miles off, that--"

"Five miles off!" cried Polly, with wide eyes. "Is the park as big asthat, Tom?"

He laughed. "That isn't much. But you'll see it all for yourself, " headded. Then he rushed off into wondering how his dogs were. "And, oh, you'll ride with the hounds, Polly!"

Just then some rabbits scurried across the wood, followed by severalmore pattering and leaping through the grass. 

"Oh, Tom, see those rabbits!" cried Polly, excitedly. 

"Yes, the warrens are over yonder, " said Tom, bobbing his head in theright direction. 

"What?" asked Polly, in perplexity. 

"Rabbit-warrens; oh, I forgot, you haven't lived in England. You seemso much like an English girl, though, " said Tom, paying the highestcompliment he knew of. 

"Well, what are they?" asked Polly, quite overcome by the complimentcoming from Tom. 

"Oh, they are preserves, you know, where the rabbits live, and they arenot allowed to be hunted here. "

"Oh, do you ever hunt rabbits?" cried Polly, in horror, leaning out ofher side of the big coach to see the scurrying little animals. 

"Not often, " said Tom, "we mostly ride after the fox. You'll ride withthe hounds, Polly, " he cried with enthusiasm. "We'll have a hunt whileyou're here, and we always wind up with a breakfast, you know. Oh, we'll have no end of sport. " He hugged his long arms in hugesatisfaction. 

And away--and away over the winding road and underneath the statelytrees, rolled the big coach, to be followed by the other carriages, like a dream it seemed to Polly, and more than ever, when at last theystopped in front of a massive pile of buildings with towers and archesand wings. 

And the little old earl was kissing her rosy cheek in the most courtlyfashion, and saying while he shook her hand in his long fingers, "Andhow do you do, my dear?" And Mrs. Selwyn was by his other side. And Tomwas screeching out, "How do you do, Granddaddy!" And then, "Oh, Elinorand Mary!" to two quiet, plain-looking girls standing in thebackground. And "Ah, how d'ye kids!" as the faces of his two smallbrothers appeared. And Polly forgot all about the fact that she was inan earl's house, and she laughed and chatted; and in two minutes one ofTom's sisters was on either side of her, and the small boys in front, and the little groups were moving in and out of the old hall, asGrandpapa and the rest came in, and the head housekeeper in a blacksilk gown that seemed quite able to stand alone, and a perfect relay ofstiff figures in livery were drawn up underneath the armour hanging onthe wall. 

And the little old earl worked his way up to her, and he had Grandpapaon his arm. "Well, I got him here, " he said with twinkling eyes, and achuckle. 

But the next morning--oh, the next morning!--when Polly tried tocompass as much of the thronging attractions as she could, and Jasperwas at his wits' end whenever he was appealed to, to decide what hewanted to do first--"cricket, " or "punting on the river, " that ranthrough the estate, or "riding through the park, and to the villageowned by his grandfather"? "I always go see the tenantry as soon as Iget home, " said Tom, simply. 

"Oh, then, let us go there by all means, " said Jasper, quickly. 

"I mean--oh, I'm no end awkward, " exclaimed Tom, breaking off, his facecovered with confusion. "It's not necessary to go at once; we can fetchup there to-morrow. "

"Oh, do let us go, Tom, " begged Polly, clasping her hands. "I shoulddearly love most of all to see the tenantry and those dear littlecottages. " And so that was decided upon. 

And Tom had his beloved hunt, several of the gentry being asked. AndPolly rode a special horse selected by the little old earl himself. 

"It's perfectly safe; he has an excellent disposition, " he declared toold Mr. King, "and he'll carry her all right. "

"I'm not afraid, " said Mr. King, "the child rides well. "

"So she must--so she must, I was sure of it, " cried the little oldearl, with a series of chuckles. And he busied himself especially withseeing her mounted properly when the party gathered on the lawn infront of the old hall. The hounds were baying and straining at theleashes, impatient to be off; the pink hunting-coats gave dashes ofcolour as their owners moved about over the broad green sward, --underthe oaks, --and Polly felt her heart beat rapidly with the exhilaratingsights and sounds. It was only when they were off, and Tom riding up byher side expatiated on the glory of running down the fox and "being inat the death, " that the colour died down on her cheek. 

"Oh, Tom!" she said, reining in her horse. If he hadn't been thepossessor of a good disposition, he certainly would have bolted in hisdisappointment at being pulled up so abruptly. "It's so cruel to killthe poor fox in that way. "

"Eh--what!" exclaimed Tom, not hearing the words, falling back to herside, consternation all over his face. "Why, I never knew Meteor tobreak in this way before. "

"Oh, it isn't his fault, " said Polly, hastily, and patting her horse'sneck. "I pulled him up. Oh, Tom, it's all so very cruel. "

"Eh?" said Tom, in a puzzled way. 

"To kill the fox in this way, " said Polly, her heart sinking as shethought how dreadful it was for her to object, when visiting, toanything her host might plan. "O dear me!" and she looked so distressedthat Tom turned comforter at once. 

"We all do it, " he was saying, as Jasper rode up. 

"Anything the matter?" he asked in great concern. "What's happened?"

"Nothing, " said Tom, "only Polly doesn't like the fox-hunt. "

"It's so cruel, " cried Polly, turning to Jasper, with a little pinkspot coming in either cheek. "I ought to have thought of it before, butI didn't; it only seemed so very splendid to be rushing along with thehorses and dogs. But to chase that poor fox to death--O dear me!"

"We'll go back, " suggested Tom, in distress; "don't be afraid, Polly, I'll make it all right with granddaddy. " He concealed as best he mighthis awful disappointment as the echoes of the horn, the baying of thedogs, and now and then a scrap of chatter or a peal of laughter wasborne to them on the wind. 

"Polly, " said Jasper, in a low voice, "it isn't quite right, is it, todisturb the party now? Just think, Tom will go back with us. "

The pink spots died out on Polly's cheek. "No, Jasper, " she said, "itisn't right. Tom, you needn't say one word about going back, for I amgoing on. " She gave the rein to Meteor and dashed off. 

"We'll have a race through the park some day, Polly, " called Tom, as hesped after her, "without any fox. "

"Too bad, Polly, you weren't in at the death, " said the little oldearl, sympathisingly, when at the hunt-breakfast following, the brushdangling to a victorious young lady's belt, had been admired as anextremely fine one. "Never mind; better luck next time, little girl. "

But the fête to the tenantry, oh! that was something like, and more toPolly's taste, when this annual affair, postponed while Tom's motherand Tom were away, took place. For days before, the preparations hadbeen making, the stewards up to their eyes in responsibility to carryout the plans of the little old earl, who meant on this occasion tooutdo all his former efforts, and show his American friends how anEnglishman treats those under his care. 

Oh, the big joints of beef, the haunches of venison, the fowls, themeat pies and the gooseberry tarts, the beer and the ale, and the teafor the old women, with nuts and sweeties for the children! Oh, Pollyknew about it all, as she went about with the little old earl while hegave his orders, her hand in his, just as if she were no older thanPhronsie, and not such a tall, big girl. 

And Mrs. Selwyn was busy as a bee, and Mother Fisher was just in herelement here, in helping her; for flannel petticoats were to be givenout, and stuff frocks, and pieces of homespun, and boots and shoes, asprizes for diligent and faithful service; or an order for coals for thecoming winter for some poor cottager, or packages of tea, or some otherlittle comfort. And before any of them quite realised it, the days flewby, and in two more of them the King party would be off. 

"It's perfectly useless to mention it, " said the little old earl, quiteconfident in his power to influence old Mr. King to remain when he sawhow happily everything was running on. "My dear sir, you were asked fora fortnight. "

"And I accepted for a week, " retorted Mr. King, "and I go when thattime is up. We've had a visit--I can't express it to you, what a finetime--as near to perfection as it is possible for a visit to be; butday after to-morrow we surely must leave. "

Tom was so despondent, as well as the old earl, that it was necessaryto cheer him up in some way. "Just think what a splendid thing for usto be in the midst of that fête for the peasantry, " exclaimed Polly, with sparkling eyes. "It's quite too lovely for our last day. "

But Tom wasn't to be raised out of his gloom in this way. "We've hadonly one game of cricket, " he said miserably. 

"And one afternoon at tennis, and we've been out punting on the riverthree times, " said Polly. 

"What's that? only a bagatelle, " sniffed Tom, "compared to what I meantto do. "

"Well, let's have the race on horseback this afternoon, " proposedPolly, "down through the park, that you said you were going to have, Tom. Wouldn't that be nice?"

"Do, " urged Jasper. "It would be so capital, Tom. "

"All right, " assented Tom, "if you'd really rather have that thananything else; but it seems as if I ought to think up something morefor the last afternoon, but the fête; and that doesn't count. "

"Oh, nothing could be finer, " declared Polly, and Jasper joined. So Tomrushed off to the stables to give the orders. And Polly on Meteor wassoon flying up and down with the boys, and Elinor and Mary. And the twosmall lads trotted after on their Shetland ponies, in and out thewinding roads of the park confines, without any haunting fear of a poorred fox to be done to death at the end. 

And on the morrow, the sun condescended to come out in all his glory, upon the groups of tenantry scattered over the broad lawns. There weregames in abundance for the men and boys; and others for the children. There were chairs for the old women, and long benches for those whodesired to sit under the spreading branches of the great oaks to lookon. And there were cups of tea, and thin bread and butter passed aroundby the white-capped maids, superintended by the housekeeper and thebutler, quite important in their several functions. This was done toappease the hunger before the grand collation should take place later. And there was music by the fiddlers on the upper terrace, and therewas, --dear me, it would take quite too long to tell it all!

And at last, the order was given to fall into line, and march aroundthe long tables resplendent with their cold joints and hot joints;their pasties, and tarts, and cakes, and great flagons of ale. And overall was a wealth of bloom from the big old English gardens in the rearof the old hall. The posies filled Polly with delight, as she and Tom'ssisters and Phronsie had gathered them under the direction of thegardeners in the early morning; and then--oh, best of all--Mrs. Selwynhad allowed her to give the finishing touches to them as they becamethe decoration for the feast. 

And the little old earl called the large assemblage to order, and thevicar asked the grace, and the feast was begun!

And then one of the tenants found his feet, and leaning on his staff, he thanked the Earl of Cavendish for all his goodness, and he hopedthere would be many blessings in store for 'im and 'is, and sank on hisbench again, mopping his face with his big red handkerchief. 

And then the little old earl responded in as pretty a speech as couldwell be imagined, in which he forgot nothing that he ought to say. Andthere were many "God bless 'ims!" to follow it, and then there werecries of "Master Tom, Master Tom, " who appeared to be an immensefavourite; and the earl, well pleased, pulled him forward, saying, "Goahead, youngster, and give it to them. "

And Tom, extremely red in the face, tried to duck away, but foundhimself instead in front of the longest table, with everybody lookingat him. And he mumbled out a few words and bobbed his head. And everyone was just as well pleased. And then they gave cheer on cheer for theearl, and as many more for his oldest grandson. And then the little oldearl raised his hand and said, "And now, my men, give a rousing goodone for my dear American friends!"

And didn't they do it!

And on the following morning, the old hall, with its towers and itswings, had only the memory of the happy week to sustain it. 

 * * * * *

Jasper ran up to Polly on the deck. "We ought to go, " he said, "theorder has been given to leave the steamer. "

"Yes, Polly, " said Mother Fisher, "we must go, child. "

"Give my love to dear Grandma Bascom, " said Polly, for about thefiftieth time. "Oh, Mrs. Henderson, and don't forget to take over thenew cap just as soon as you can, will you?"

"I won't forget, " promised the parson's wife. 

"And take mine to my dear Mrs. Beebe, " begged Phronsie, twitchinggently at Mrs. Henderson's sleeve, "and tell her I got pink ribbonbecause I know she loves that best. "

"I won't forget, " said Mrs. Henderson, again. 

"Oh, and give the big handkerchief to my dear Mr. Beebe, " saidPhronsie, "please, Mrs. Henderson, to tie his throat up in, because, you know, he says it gets so cold when he goes out. "

"I'll remember every single thing, " promised the parson's wife. "Don'tyou worry, children. Oh, how we hate to leave you, only we are going tosee our boys. We really are, Polly!" And her eyes shone. 

"Polly! Polly!" called Jasper. 

"All off who aren't going!" roared the order out again. 

"Polly!" The little doctor seized one arm and Phronsie's hand. "Therenow, here you are!" and whisked them off, amid "good-by--good-by"--anda flutter of handkerchiefs. 

"And give my love to dear Grandma Bascom, " piped Phronsie, on the wharfby old Mr. King's side, as the big steamer slowly pushed from itsmoorings.