"
The talk lasted for a long time, until the fire burned out into
cold, white ashes, and Polly shivered in her mother's arms. When
she went up-stairs again, Mrs. Adams went with her, and always
after the last quiet words in the dark, silent room, Polly felt a
new reverence for her mother which never left her in the future
years.
Polly went down-stairs to breakfast, the next morning, filled with
gloomy forebodings, for she feared Aunt Jane's sharp glances and
sharper words. But the doctor had had a plain, decided talk with
Miss Roberts, the evening before, and had forbidden her to allude
to Polly's trouble, so for once Aunt Jane held her peace. Soon
after they left the table, Polly appeared before her mother, with
her coat and cap on.
"I'm going, mamma!"
"Where?" inquired Mrs. Adams, in some surprise.
"To Mrs. Hapgood's," answered Polly, nerving herself to speak
steadily. "I think I ought to tell her what I did to Alan, for
he's keeping it a secret to save me, and she ought to know.
Besides, I must hear how he is."
Mrs. Adams made no attempt to dissuade her, and Polly went down
the street, walking more and more slowly as she neared the house,
for she felt her courage fast leaving her.
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