"
"You don't say so! Henry and Kate Shepard's daughter, from out in
Omaha?"
"Yes."
Miss Bean completed Jessie's embarrassment by critically
scrutinizing her from head to foot, then asking suddenly,--
"Do they dress much out in. Omaha?"
This unexpected question sent Alan, off to examine the stuffed
poodle, while Miss Bean turned to Polly again.
"Did your ma send you?"
"No, ma'am," said Polly.
"Then what did you come for?" was the hospitable query.
"We were driving this way, and so we stopped to see you," answered
Polly, with a feeling of shame at her own insincerity.
"Much obliged," returned Miss Bean, with grim sarcasm; then she
added, "How's your Uncle Solomon? I always thought he and Miss
Roberts would come round, if I only just put 'em in a way to think
of it."
Miss Bean's questions bade fair to last indefinitely, but
fortunately the dinner bell sounded, and the matron came back to
lead her young guests into the great dining-room, at one end of
which she had arranged a small table with seats for them, and for
Miss Bean who was regarded with no small degree of envy, as she
took her place in this honored circle. The matron seated herself
with Alan, and Jessie at her left, Polly and Miss Bean at her
right, and the simple dinner of boiled beef and vegetables was
brought in.
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