"He's lovely," praised Polly, but she scowled a little, her eyes following David. "I wish he hadn't gone off so quick," she added regretfully; "I wanted you to know each other." "I like him," admired Patricia, "and I like my new cousin," she giggled, squeezing Polly's arm, "I just love her!" So for the moment David was forgotten, and the boy, viewing them from a little distance behind, saw them enter the school yard in high glee. Laughter was far from his face as he followed. He wished that Patricia Illingworth had stayed in Nevada. At the foot of the staircase the two girls met Ilga Barron. The Senator's daughter instantly seized upon Patricia with a playful reprimand. "You ran away from me last night!" "Yes, I went to carry my cousin home," retorted Patricia roguishly. "Who, I'd like to know? Nobody in this school!" "Yes, she's right here!" laughed the other, enjoying Ilga's puzzled stare. "Allow me to present my cousin, Polly Dudley!" She drew Polly forward. "Huh, not much! You can't make me swallow that!" "It's true! Isn't it, Polly? We're third cousins! I found it in the Genealogy last night! Her mother was an Illingworth!" Ilga's face lighted. "Oh, you're 'way off!" she broke out. "She isn't related to her mother at all. She's only an adopted child." "But I mean her real mother!" returned Patricia indignantly. "Her own mother was Phebe Illingworth, and was second cousin to my father--as if I didn't know!" "I don't care!" Ilga retorted. And she ran up the stairs. Some of the girls, standing by, snickered; but Polly and Patricia gazed soberly at each other. Then they walked over to the rows of hooks, unbuttoning their coats as they went. "I think Ilga Barron's just horrid!" whispered Patricia. "I didn't like her yesterday, and to-day I hate her!" "Oh, you mustn't!" objected Polly. "Why not?" "Because we ought to love everybody, I s'pose," Polly answered slowly. "Do you love her?" demanded Patricia. "Do you, honest?" Polly shook her head. "I'm afraid I don't now," she admitted; "but maybe I can some time." Patricia laughed. "I don't b'lieve I shall--ever," she declared; "you can love her enough for us both." A flock of girls came in from outside, and confidences were hushed, the two presently going upstairs arm in arm. "Don't forget that you are to go home with me right after school to-night!" whispered Patricia, just before they reached the upper door. "I couldn't," was the smiling answer. And Polly went to her seat, still thinking of the pleasure ahead.