Adlerfeld, leaning back against a stone, was peacefully
nodding, and a gentle snore from the other of the trio told that
Polly's order had been obeyed.
Where was Polly? Miss Sterling looked around, but she was not in
sight. Even with the springing of a sudden fear she caught the
sound of distant talking--a man's voice! She rose to her feet and
stood irresolute, listening. Then she smiled. That was Polly's
laugh' In a moment two figures rounded a clump of young pines.
Juanita Sterling caught her breath--the man walking beside Polly
was Mr. Randolph!
The president of the June Holiday Home found a welcoming hand as he
strode up the piney path.
"Weren't you surprised. Miss Nita?" cried Polly. "He's going to
have us arrested for trespassing on his land!"--with a roguish
glance toward the owner.
"Then we shall have to invite him to luncheon, shan't we?" Miss
Sterling's blue eyes held pleasant twinkles. "It is too pleasant
to-day to go to jail!"
The gentleman chuckled.
"Oh! will you stay?" begged Polly.
"You'd better!" urged Miss Sterling. "There are Banbury turnovers
and chicken sandwiches!"
"It is hard to refuse--" he began. "Oh, I knew you couldn't say no
when Miss Nita asked you!" sang Polly delightedly. "Nobody can!
Except Miss Sniffen!" she added conscientiously.
"Miss Sniffen" appeared to pass unnoticed. Polly suddenly
remembered her handful of wintergreen sprigs and berries, and the
sleepers awoke to join the merriment and the little pungent feast.
"I came up," Mr. Randolph explained, "to look over some trees that
a man wants, and I rather think I ought to go directly back; but,"
he went on with a whimsical laugh, "I guess business won't know it
if I steal this June holiday. It is a good while since I had one."
His face grew instantly grave.
"You have to catch June holidays quick," smiled Mrs. Adlerfeld
wistfully. "They don't stay!"
"No, they don't stay," Mr. Randolph agreed gravely. "But," he
brightened, "you of June Holiday Home have them all the year
round." He looked from one face to another.
Mrs. Albright smiled a wordless response, the swift color flushed
Miss Sterling's face, while fun played about Polly's mouth.
"You have a pretty good time there, don't you?" he persisted.
His eyes were bent on Miss Sterling; yet Mrs. Albright kindly
interposed with the safe assertion, "It is a beautiful place."
"Yes, it is beautiful," he replied, scanning the cheery, wrinkle
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