“Perhaps we can,” he answered, with thanks, his face lighting. “Kate would be overjoyed. I mustn’t tell her just yet,” he laughed, “or she wouldn’t give me any peace until we were in the car, ready to start. But I will surely try to bring her up before you come home.” Now was her time! “I do hope you will,” she said. “I want a visit from all my friends while we are there. It would be jolly to have a regular house party, but that is impossible. Patricia has promised me a week--if only you and Kate could come then!” She was furtively watching his face, and noted the almost tragic expression that suddenly swept it. The pallor was closely followed by a veritable blush, even up to his hair. She had caught him unawares, and guiltily she dropped her eyes. Straightway John was under control, saying in even tones:-- “That would be fine, indeed; but it is barely possible that I shall not be able to come at that time. Business must be considered first, you know, and we are unusually busy this summer.” Polly went back to her car, where the children were waiting, feeling that one thing was sure--it was John Eustis who had caused Patricia’s bitter, reckless mood. But what was the trouble? That would be harder to discover. Her patients chattered and laughed with one another; occasionally the little one who sat between her and Evan would call her attention to something along the wayside and receive an absent answer; but Polly’s mind was engaged with matters far from the country road. What was the trouble between Patricia and John? If she could only get them up to Overlook at the same time! But--well, perhaps she had better let matchmaking alone. She hoped it would right itself--John was such a nice boy! CHAPTER XIII WHAT SARDIS SAID Polly was preparing the chosen ones of her small flock for a ride. Of late automobile rides had been few, the driver’s time having been too full of indoor work. “They will live outdoors in a few days,” she told herself, when her conscience had pricked her for keeping them in the heat of Paradise Ward. But this morning no pressing task was at hand, and she happily made ready for a short ride into the country, planning to call for Dolly Merrifield on the way. “Miss Dudley, there’s a woman downstairs who wants to see you,” announced Andrew, one of the orderlies. “Didn’t she give her name?” “No, ma’am, she didn’t. I’ll step down and find out.” “No, no,” returned Polly. “Probably it’s about one of the patients, and it isn’t I she wants at all. If you’ll see to the ward a minute, Andrew, I’ll be right back.” As Polly entered the reception room a plump little woman arose and greeted her. “Why, good-morning, Mrs. Edmonson,” cried Polly. “I was just going out to your house, to take Dolly to ride.” The woman shook her head sadly. “I’m afraid she won’t be able to go. Thank you just the same; but she isn’t a bit well.” “Oh, I’m sorry,” responded Polly.