“According to Sardis, anything your father says, goes. I didn’t know he knew him; but it seems he’d heard all about him--when he was down at Yale, I guess. He says he wouldn’t have Dolly miss it for anything. Dear me, this string ain’t long enough! I’ll have to tie a piece on. Thank you. Guess my fingers are nervous. There, that’s all! My! all those autos going? Won’t you have a splendid time! How far’d you say it was?” “About a hundred and forty miles.” “My!” ejaculated Mrs. Edmonson again. “Well, you’ve got a lovely day. You’ll let me know how Dolly stood it, won’t you?” she asked a bit anxiously as she followed the others to the sidewalk. “I’ll send you word right away,” Polly reassured her. “Father says she’ll get along all right, and we have a doctor right here, if we should need anything. And a nurse, too,” she laughed. “They are going to be with us all summer.” “Oh, they are!” exclaimed Aunt Sophie in a relieved tone. “I shall feel easier about her, then.” They had reached Polly’s car, and Russell put the little girl on the front seat, between the driver and Lilith. Aunt Sophie stepped upon the running-board and kissed Dolly again, and then backed out to make way for Polly. “I’ll write to you, Aunt Sophie,” promised Dolly. “Don’t work too hard! And don’t forget to take a nap before you do the dishes, ’cause you were up all night!” That was a wonderful ride to most of the passengers. It was just warm enough to be comfortable, with a fresh breeze--exactly such a morning as Polly would have chosen. “Tired, dear?” she questioned, smiling down into the little face. “Not a bit,” Dolly smiled back. “Isn’t it splendid! Aren’t you glad Sardis said yes? I wonder if he ever had such a nice ride.” “I guess so,” laughed Polly; and then, “Have you thought, dear, you will be nearer your brother than when you were at home?” Dolly’s little thin face grew pink, “O--h!” she said softly. “I don’t know just where your brother is. I must look it up. He may be right across the New Hampshire line.” “He is away up in the northern part.” The pink faded. “Never mind, we shall be nearer than when I was down in Prattsboro.” The child wagged her head delightedly, while Polly wondered what kind of brother this was to hold such a place in his little sister’s heart. If he were all that Dolly believed him to be, she should like to know him. The wind died and the air grew warm. Jozy and Esther on the back seat were asleep. “What time is it?” Polly turned to Lilith. “We are pretty near Springfield.” “Quarter of twelve.” “Almost time for dinner. We’ll be on the lookout for a shady spot.” “I’m famished,” declared Lilith. “Isn’t that tree big enough?” “No,” Polly laughed. “If I remember, there is a bit of shade this side of Northampton.” “Do hurry up, then, for I’m sure the tots are starving.” “Are you hungry, dear?” Polly smiled down at Dolly. “Not much.”