And if I were in your place, I would let this matter
rest a secret between ourselves, your parents and Alan. I promise
you that Molly and the other girls shall never know. But I am glad
that you felt you could come and tell me about it. We will hope we
can have Alan down-stairs before many days, and then you must run
in to see him."
Two days later, a note came for Polly, just as she was starting
for school.
"Alan wants to see you," it said; "come in for a few minutes."
Polly needed no second bidding, but hurried away, glad at the
thought of seeing her friend once more. Mrs. Hapgood saw her
coming and met her at the door, to lead her up-stairs to Alan's
room. The boy was propped up with pillows, and his face looked
rather white and worn, but it lighted as Polly entered, and he
stretched out his hand to her eagerly.
"Hullo, Poll!" he exclaimed. "I'm no end glad to see you."
Mrs. Hapgood had left them alone together, but Polly did not stop
to notice that, as she darted impulsively to the bed, saying,--
"Oh, Alan!"
Alan understood, but, being a boy, he only squeezed her hand
between his, as he said lightly,--
"Bother all that stuff, Polly! Molly was mean to tell, and I was
meaner to laugh at you, so I deserved to have my face washed.
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