han that old-fashioned rent on Brewery
Street?"

"Yes, I guess it is," was the rather doubtful response, for
Poly, in her swift survey of the narrow, gaudy parlor, discerned
little to admire.

"I s'pose it ain't much compared to the elegance of your
millionaire friends, Aunt Jane flung out, nettled at the child's
lack of approval.

"Mrs. Jocelyn' furniture is very plain--if you mean her,"
replied Polly gently.

"Well, come in here and put your things," leading the way to a
little dim bedroom, lighted only from the apartment in front.
"Better take off that white dress, and keep it clean; I'll get
you one of Sophia's to wear till I can send for your clothes."

Slowly and sadly Polly laid aside her hat, and began to unbutton
her dainty frock. Tears welled up in her eyes, at thoughts of
Miss Lucy; but with a mighty effort she winked them back.

"There!--try that, and see how it fits."

Aunt Jane had emerged from the depths of a dark closet, and now
tossed a limp calico print towards Polly.

The child could discern soiled patches on front and sleeves, and
she revolted against the unclean garment; but silently she put it
on.

"Well, that ain't so bad!" approved Aunt Jane. "Sophia's a whole
year younger than you; but she takes a bigger waist. Stand out
there--my, but it's short! Never mind! Here's a petticoat to
go with it."

Polly looked down in dismay. She had thought she might perhaps
steal away to the hospital, just to let the Doctor and Miss Lucy
know where she was; but she could never brave the street in such a
skirt.

"Now I'll go to sewin' buttons, and you can do up the dinner
dishes. I left 'em, thinkin' you'd be here. This is the way to
the kitchen." And presently Polly found herself in a little
stuffy box of a room, with a tableful of greasy dishes before her.

"Where are the children?" she ventured.

"At school, of course,--where you ought to be. Marcus and
'Melie I left at Mis' Cobbe's. That Marcus is a terror! I shall
be thankful when he goes to school. Why did n't they send you
this fall? You'll be 'way back in your books."

"Dr. Dudley has made arrangements for me to go to a school near
the hospital; it does n't begin till next week."

"Oh, a private school! My, if they ain't puttin' the airs on to
you!"

"It's near. That's why--"

"Huh! Well, 't ain't near here. I guess you can git along with
the one my kids go to."

Polly did not reply. Experience had taught her to