couldn't help it.
Just before I reached Mrs. Adlerfeld's room I heard Mrs. Nobbs's
voice in there, so I stopped at Mrs. Albright's. I knew it would
be all right to tell her, they are so intimate. She is pleased as
we are. But it did seem as if Mrs. Nobbs never would go! Oh, the
dear woman is so excited that I don't know whether she will get
dressed straight or not! Mrs. Albright is helping her. His coming
has upset her completely. But it is a happy up-setting! You can
see that! I am so glad!"

"Will she come right over?"

"If they'll let her. I presume they will."

"If they don't, I'll make a fuss!" threatened Polly. "I'll go
after Mr. Randolph."

Miss Sterling laughed. "You won't have to do that."

"You haven't ever found out what he wanted to talk with you about
over the wire, have you?" Polly asked.

"No, and I never shall." Miss Sterling's lips took a sorrowful
droop.

"You will, too! I'll ask him myself some day!"

"No, no, you mustn't!"

"You'll see!" Polly laughed and said a soft "Good-bye!"

Miss Sterling motioned her back.

"Be sure to come over to-morrow morning and tell me all about it!"
she whispered.

Polly returned earlier. She appeared at four o'clock.

"I couldn't wait another minute!" she said. "The two dears are
sitting out on the veranda, up in the corner where the vines hide
them from the street, and their heads are close together and they
are talking earnestly in that queer lingo that nobody else
understands! Oh, they are having the loveliest time! They were at
our house to luncheon, both of them, and they're going to stay to
dinner! He will take the 7.30 train for New York. We've all
enjoyed it so much! Father and he just took to each other. You
ought to have heard them talk! I believe he knows every book that
ever was written! We had such fun! Father and mother never saw
Mrs. Adlerfeld very much, and they think she is just charming.
They used to go to school together in Sweden. His wife died three
years ago, and he has a son and daughter, both married. The
daughter lives in Stockholm and the son in Newark. Mr. Von Dalin
is librarian in one of the big libraries--oh, I wish you could see
him! Dear me, I must run back, for they may want something!"

Without doubt Polly was extraordinarily excited.

CHAPTER XIX

"A MOONSHINE PARTY"

"Next Tuesday is Miss Lily's birthday!" Polly made the
announcement in lowered tones.

"How old is she?" ask