“Where is that?” “In Vermont, just beyond the line. Kate had a letter from her this morning. She has invited mother and you and Kate and me--and she says as many more of the girls as we can pile into our car--to come up on Saturday to stay until Monday, longer if we can.” Polly’s face had grown bright and grave by turns. “You going?” she asked wistfully. “We are, most decidedly. Wouldn’t miss it for a farm.” “I wish I could,” sighed Polly. “You can! You must!” “I am not so sure.” A little scowl troubled her forehead. “Remember, it is Sally that asks you,” he coaxed. “I don’t forget,” she returned. “I will go if I can manage it; but when I am away somebody must stay with my little patients, and it is not in my plan to call on mother all the time. I promised to take care of Paradise Ward, and I won’t be a slacker.” The young man did not reply. Polly was gazing straight ahead into the distance, as if her thoughts were a long way afield. As he looked, his face took on alternately grave lines and gladsome. He, too, was following paths quite afar from the state road. Soon they were making a slow passage over a thoroughfare that was being repaired. Polly had thrown aside her other problem and was concentrating all her knowledge and skill upon her not easy task. The street was full of pedestrians and automobiles, and one needed a clear head, quick thought, and ready hands. John Eustis was an expert driver, yet he discovered no flaw in Polly’s management. When the road was clear, “Another score in your favor,” he smiled. “Evan must be a good instructor.” “He is,” she returned. “John, I have been thinking--I believe I can see my way to go. How early shall you start?” “Eight or nine in the morning, if possible. It is better to get over a good piece in the cool of the day. Something more than a hundred miles, and we don’t want to take it too fast.” “It will be a lovely drive, along by the Connecticut.” He nodded. Things were going happily. “What other girl shall we invite? The car will hold one more.” “Have you thought of anybody?” “Kate spoke of Grace Comstock and Lilith Brooks and Claire House. She didn’t seem to have any preference.” “And you have none yourself?” queried Polly. A dull red crept into his cheeks; but instantly it was not there. “Anybody that pleases you,” he answered. Polly hesitated--what made John blush? Had he a choice which he did not wish to make known? Then she said, “Suppose you invite Lilith. She has always liked Sally, and she is a good traveling companion.” “I will ask her to-night and tell her you are going.” “No, no! Don’t tell her that!” cried Polly. “I can’t say positively until I have seen father and one of the nurses. I’ll let you know.” And with that he had to be content. CHAPTER X THE TOP OF THE WORLD “Polly Dudley! Why didn’t you stay?” Polly stood before her mother in her trim gray suit, her eyes shining with an unusual brightness, her whole being indicative of imprisoned emotion.