It was a very tired little girl that Evan laid carefully on the couch in Aunt Sophie’s living-room. But her eyes were shining with joy. She put out a small hand and caught one of Polly’s. “May I kiss you?” she whispered. “I want to because you have given me such a lovely, lovely time. I’m going to tell Sardis all about it and how good you’ve been to me.” “Thank you, darling,” Polly whispered back. “I think outdoors is what you need, and just as soon as I can get the car again you shall have another ride.” Dolly looked her thanks, but said not a word beyond a softly breathed “O-h!” CHAPTER IX NO. 45678 At the dinner table Polly told her story of the afternoon’s pleasure. “I am glad you can take them out,” said Dr. Dudley. “The air will do them more good than anything else.” “I know it will,” agreed Polly confidently. “They ought to have it every day.” “You may have the car as often as possible,” promised the Doctor. Then he addressed his wife on another subject. Meanwhile Polly was busy with captivating new thoughts, and shortly she sent a question straight into their talk. “How much money have I in--Oh, I do beg your pardon!” she cried, meeting her father’s glance. Then she laughed. “I had been thinking and didn’t even know you were talking.” “What is it that is so engrossing?” smiled her mother. “I’ll tell you,” she returned gayly. “Father, how much money have I in the bank?” “I don’t know. I can give you some--how much?” He thrust his hand into his pocket. “No, no!” cried Polly; “I don’t want any now--none of yours at all. May I take some of my money and buy whatever I choose?” “It depends on what you wish it for and how much it costs.” “It can cost almost any amount, but I’ll try to be contented with a cheap one. Father, I want to buy an automobile and learn to run it myself.” Her eyes were bent anxiously on his face. “No, Robert,” interposed Mrs. Dudley, “don’t let her! I shouldn’t be easy a minute.” The Doctor smiled. “She is equal to it, Lucy--you needn’t worry; though it seems rather unnecessary when there’s a good car in the family already.” “But how seldom I can have it,” argued Polly. “And those children need the rides every day. If you could have seen them this afternoon!” She stopped--waiting. The Doctor sat back in his chair and studied the pattern of the tablecloth. The eyes of both women were on his face. “I’ll think about it,” he finally said. “I don’t like the idea of your cutting into that little sum. You know what I have saved it for, Polly.” The girl’s face flushed. “I know, father.” She faced him with steady eyes. “There’s no use keeping it for that. I shall never marry.” “Nonsense, child! you will marry a good deal sooner than I shall wish, but--I’ll think it over.” The door had scarcely shut upon the Doctor before Polly clapped her hands softly. “Father’s ‘I’ll think it over’ is every bit as good as a straight-out yes.” “Polly, I don’t want you to have a car if you must drive it yourself.”