Part 4 (1/2)
”Perhaps you missed a word in spelling?”
She shook her head, with a sober ”No.”
”Geography, then?”
”Yes, I made a mistake,” she admitted.
”I wouldn't worry over that.”
”No, oh, no!”
”Then that isn't it? How long are you going to keep me guessing?”
She hid her face against his coat. ”Don't ask me, please!” she begged.
”Is it as bad as that?” His tone would usually have sent her off in an amused chuckle; now she was miserably silent, pressing closer into the friendly folds.
”If it is an all-afternoon affair, we may as well sit down,” and, wheeling about, he took the chair she had just left, drawing her to his knee.
”Now let's look at this together, Thistledown. Two heads ought to be wiser than one, you know. Just give me a chance to show my skill at helping.”
”I--can't! It would make you feel bad--awfully bad!”
”Something you did at school? I promise my forgiveness.”
”Oh, no! I haven't done anything--only told Ilga Barron what I thought of her. And I'm glad I did!”
”That the pudgy girl we met the other day?--the one that didn't have cloth enough for a decent dress?”
In spite of herself, Polly let go a giggle with her a.s.sent. ”Why, father,” she remonstrated, ”she could have her skirts longer if she wanted to! She's Senator Barron's daughter!”
A quiver of laughter stirred the Doctor's face.
”All right, we'll let the Senator's daughter wear her frocks as short as she pleases. But what else has she been doing?”
”She said,” began Polly, ”that you--oh, I can't!” She caught her breath in a sob.
”About me, was it? I see! You've been carrying a burden intended for me on your small shoulders, when mine are broad enough to bear a whole pack of abuse! Drop the load at once, Thistledown!”
Despite his tender humor, Polly detected in his voice a note of command, and she strove to obey.
”She said--that you--that you--were a n.o.body!”
”Is that all?” he laughed. ”Well, so I am, measured by her standard, for I am neither a man of wealth nor an influential politician. But, Thistledown, don't you think you are a bit foolish to let that trouble you?”
”There's something else,” she replied plaintively.
”I am ready.”