A sad little smile fluttered over Polly’s face. “I do love him just as well as ever I did. Those things--happened because he was jealous--and angry. I told him that I could have nothing more to do with him until he would trust me--that’s all. I suppose he isn’t ready to trust me yet.” Russell shook his head. “I see,” he said grimly. “Forgive me, Polly. I supposed that all was over between you and David. I have made a mess of it.” “No, no!” Polly hastened to say. “I’m only sorry that you--you--feel as you do. We have always been such good friends.” He looked down at her with a little sad, tender smile. “And we will”--there was the hint of a break--“be good friends still, won’t we, Polly?” CHAPTER XVI BENEDICTA MAKES IT GO “Say, Miss Polly, I wish you’d let me run that machine o’ yours.” The girl turned from her Singer with a welcoming smile. “Why, I will, Benedicta. I’ll teach you any time. It isn’t much to learn. Or if you want some stitching done, I’ll do it for you gladly.” “Mercy, no!” laughed the housekeeper. “I manipulated that long before you was born--I mean, one just like it. What I’m yearning for is to be sittin’ up in your chariot, makin’ it go like the dickens.” “My car?--Oh!” gasped Polly. “I thought you meant this.” “Don’t you s’pose I c’u’d learn? Or would you be afraid I’d spile it?” “No, indeed! you wouldn’t hurt the car--unless you should take a flying leap down to Overlook village.” “Guess I won’t cut up no such idiot caper as that,” laughed Benedicta. “But, my! if I could make it go, I’d be so imperious you’d think I belonged to the court of Spain.” Polly chuckled. “It is easy enough to make it go,” she said, “but somewhat of a stunt to get to where you can keep it under perfect control. Still, you are quick of thought and have a level head; I don’t doubt you can make a good driver. The only trouble is, you are so fearless you might take risks; that isn’t wise. You and I will go out this afternoon and see what we can do, unless you are too tired when you get through with your work.” “Tired!” sniffed Benedicta. “Aren’t you--ever?” questioned Polly. “Oh, I get weary occasionally; but gen’ally I keep goin’.” “And you never feel that you cannot stand up another minute?” “Yere, once in a while I do.” “What then?” “Wal,” said Benedicta slowly, “if I c’n see a place where I c’n set down, I set. But if I can’t, I just smile and go it.” “Smile?” “Yere. Don’t seem as if smilin’ would help out so much, but it does. Smilin’ is amazin’ly restful.” “I wonder if that is how you can do so much work,” marveled Polly. “If it is, I think I will smile.” “Sinners and snobs! when don’t you smile? Telegraph me when ye ain’t goin’ to--I’d like to be there. I’ll have to come by lightnin’, though.” She left Polly laughing, and went to finish mopping the balcony floor. “Benedicta and I are going down to Overlook,” was all Polly told of their plans as they set off at three o’clock.