e now. The others have all--" Mrs. Benton
shook her head and turned away. "If you'll just tell Pollyanna--SHE'LL
understand." And the door closed after her.

A little later, that same day, there was the other widow--at least, she
wore widow's garments. Miss Polly did not know her at all. She wondered
vaguely how Pollyanna could have known her. The lady gave her name as
"Mrs. Tarbell."

"I'm a stranger to you, of course," she began at once. "But I'm not a
stranger to your little niece, Pollyanna. I've been at the hotel all
summer, and every day I've had to take long walks for my health. It was
on these walks that I've met your niece--she's such a dear little girl!
I wish I could make you understand what she's been to me. I was very
sad when I came up here; and her bright face and cheery ways reminded me
of--my own little girl that I lost years ago. I was so shocked to hear
of the accident; and then when I learned that the poor child would never
walk again, and that she was so unhappy because she couldn't be glad any
longer--the dear child!--I just had to come to you."

"You are very kind," murmured Miss Polly.

"But it is you who are to be kind," demurred the other. "I--I want you
to give her a message from me. Will you?"

"Certainly."

"Will you just tell her, then, that Mrs. Tarbell is glad now. Yes, I
know it sounds odd, and you don't understand. But--if you'll pardon me
I'd rather not explain." Sad lines came to the lady's mouth, and the
smile left her eyes. "Your niece will know just what I mean; and I felt
that I must tell--her. Thank you; and pardon me, please, for any seeming
rudeness in my call," she begged, as she took her leave.

Thoroughly mystified now, Miss Polly hurried up-stairs to Pollyanna's
room.

"Pollyanna, do you know a Mrs. Tarbell?"

"Oh, yes. I love Mrs. Tarbell. She's sick, and awfully sad; and she's
at the hotel, and takes long walks. We go together. I mean--we used to."
Pollyanna's voice broke, and two big tears rolled down her cheeks.

Miss Polly cleared her throat hurriedly.

"We'll, she's just been here, dear. She left a message for you--but she
wouldn't tell me what it meant. She said to tell you that Mrs. Tarbell
is glad now."

Pollyanna clapped her hands softly.

"Did she say that--really? Oh, I'm so glad!"

"But, Pollyanna, what did she mean?"

"Why, it's the game, and--" Pollyanna stopped short, her fingers to her
lips.

"What game?"

"N-nothing much, Aunt Polly;