Still holding the precious letter, Polly turned back to look at the barn where the object of her love was lapping up the gruel. Mrs. Brewster smiled indulgently at her intense young daughter, then reminded her of the unopened communication. "Dear me! So much excitement in one day--I don't see how I can quiet down again. But _who_ do you suppose would write to _me_?" queried Polly, holding the envelope at arm's length and studying the hand-writing. "I'm not clairvoyant, Polly, so suppose you open it and see for yourself," laughed Mrs. Brewster. "Well, I hate to spoil this nice stationery but--here it goes!" murmured Polly, severing an end of the envelope as if she was the executioner of an innocent victim. "See who it's from, Polly, while I dish up your dinner. Of course you don't care whether you ever eat again, but I would suggest that at least you strive to ward off starvation," remarked her mother, teasingly, as she took a well-filled plate from the oven. "Wh-h-y--of all things!" gasped Polly, as she read the letter quickly. Mrs. Brewster stood waiting to hear more, and Polly gave another hurried glance at the signature before explaining. "It's from Anne Stewart--the girl who used to teach at Bear Forks school that time the teacher got sick and had to leave for a few months. You know--the pretty one with the blonde hair that all the big scholars raved over?" announced Polly. "Oh, yes! The one that you said was so happy to be in this wonderful country?" "Yes, that's the girl! Well, guess what she writes me?" And Polly waved the written sheet above her head. "Polly, have you been writing to her about High School?" hurriedly asked Mrs. Brewster. "I never thought of that! Maybe we can plan it with her," returned Polly, her expression changing instantly to meet the new suggestion of her mother's. "Well, time enough to settle that question. Now tell me what she wrote," declared Mrs. Brewster, sighing with relief. "You'll be taken right off your feet, Maw, so you'd best sit down and listen," advised Polly, nibbling at a biscuit while she waited for her mother to be seated. "Now, I don't want you to shake your head or say a word, until I'm all through reading, Maw. It's something terribly surprising and goodness only knows why she asked _me_. I was so young when she taught school that she never noticed me much." "Yes, you were _so_ much younger two years ago, and you are so very ancient now!" retorted Mrs. Brewster, trying to appear serious. "You know what I mean--but this isn't reading you the letter and I know just how you'll gasp when you hear her brother--listen and I'll read it." CHAPTER II A MOMENTOUS LETTER Having seen that her mother was seated and ready for the surprise, Polly read: "Dear Miss Polly: