The little lady was scarcely less excited than the
child. Giving was to her almost an untried pleasure.
"Oh, I can't, I can't, I can't thank you enough! It is so
lovelicious!" Then Polly threw her arms around the happy donor in
a way that would have made her cry out with actual pain if she had
not been too delighted to realize it.
"I think that will cover the cost of six or seven cots, equipped
for use," said Mrs. Jocelyn,--"that is, if you wish to spend
the money for them." The gray eyes actually twinkled.
"Why, of course I do!" cried Polly. "What else could I do with
it?"
"_You_ could n't, you blessed child! So we'll have David
downstairs just as soon as his bed is ready, won't we?"
"Yes, and how glad he'll be! Oh, how glad he'll be! And Brida
and Elsie--they've been dreadfully afraid they'd have to go
home before he came down; they want to see him so! Won't they be
pleased!"
"I want to see David, too," declared the little lady, "and he
must come down with you as soon as his is strong enough--unless
I get well first," she laughed. "I feel almost well now."
Polly beamed her delight, and presently was racing upstairs to
tell her good news to everybody.
Dr. Dudley managed to get away before noon for the pleasant errand
of purchasing the beds, and Polly was overflowing with bliss. She
had her choice in everything, with the Doctor and the merchant as
advisers; and although the bill footed up to a little more than
the check, the difference was struck off, and the cots and bedding
promised to be at the hospital by two o'clock that afternoon.
The convalescent ward was in such an ecstasy of excitement that
dinner went poorly; but finally it was cleared away, and the cots
moved to make room for those were coming. Everybody helped that
could walk--even those that had to hobble on crutches, for
there were many little things to do, and only a short time to do
them in. Polly was Miss Lucy's ready right hand, with always a
flock of eager assistants. When the beds were actually in place
and the men had gone away, came the delightful task of spreading
on the sheets and blankets and pretty coverlets. All was in
readiness before the hour specified, and then there was nothing to
do but wait for the coming of the new patients.
At last there were footsteps on the stairs, uneven footsteps, as
of one bearing a burden--the children had started! David was
the last, and Polly had begun to be troubled, lest,
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