Part 34 (2/2)

”Oh!”

The eyes of the other involuntarily followed the car.

”She dresses in all colors of the rainbow,” laughed Miss Mullaly.

”It's queer, how little taste some people--But maybe she is a friend of yours!”

”No, I never spoke to her. I have heard of her astonis.h.i.+ng combinations, though.”

Polly came running back.

”Isn't it lovely that Doodles has his violin! He says when we get tired and come to a nice place to rest, he will play to us. Aren't you tired? I want somebody to be, so we can have the music. He has learned some new pieces.”

”I think there is a pretty grove not far ahead. Don't you remember it?--There's a great rock at one side, and a little clump of young birches near by.”

”Oh, yes, next to a sheep pasture! That will be just the place!

I'll tell Doodles!”

But before the wood was reached, the party came upon a car by the side of the road. Juanita Sterling had recognized it and longed to run away.

”Why, it's Mr. Randolph!” discovered Miss Mullaly.

”Yes, he has tire trouble, I see.”

The president of the Home was already talking with those ahead.

Polly came back.

”Mr. Randolph and Miss Puddicombe,” she whispered. ”He is introducing her to the ladies.”

Miss Sterling nodded and shrank away.

”I don't want to meet her,” she objected. ”I wonder if they'd notice if we should cut across this lot.”

”Oh, don't! I'm afraid they would.”

The other looked longingly toward the way of escape while she walked on with Polly.

Juanita Sterling and Blanche Puddicombe stood face to face, a smiling ”How do you do, Miss Puddicombe!” on one side, a gus.h.i.+ng ”I'm charmed to meet you!” on the other, with a gingerly hand-shake between.

Nelson Randolph was too busy with his tire for much talking, and, as early as decency would allow, Miss Sterling by degrees slipped into the background,

”Let's go on,” she whispered, taking Miss Leatherland's arm.

The others straggled after, by twos and threes.

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