Katharine and Jessie
had joined them, and they sat there chatting till the clock struck
five. At the sound, Polly sprang up.
"Oh, dear! I ought to have gone home long ago," she said
regretfully. "Is anybody else coming?"
"I'm going to stay a little longer," answered Jean. "Wait just a
few minutes, Poll."
"I can't, Jean; mamma will be expecting me." And Polly picked up
her hat and started for home, followed by Alan who escorted her to
the gate.
She was surprised, when she entered the house, to find the lower
rooms deserted and in some confusion. Her astonishment was
increased when, on going up-stairs, she saw her mother with her
bonnet on, busy in packing her small satchel. Mrs. Adams's red
eyes and white face told her daughter that something was amiss.
"So you have come, at last!" she exclaimed, with an air of relief,
as she caught sight of Polly in the door; "I was just thinking
that I should have to send Mary after you."
"What's the matter, mamma; are you going away?" Polly asked
anxiously.
"For a little while, dear. We have had a telegram that Uncle
Charlie is very, very ill. And Aunt Jane and I are going to New
York to-night."
So Aunt Jane was going too! Polly was relieved at that.
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