Polly's First Year at Boarding School Part 43

"There, I think I've packed everything," sighed Betty. "Jemima, how I hate to leave!"

"'When shall we three meet again?'" quoted Lois. "Sometime this summer, I hope."

"It would be a lark if we could be together some of the time, wouldn't it?" mused Polly. "Perhaps we can. Who knows?"

"I am going down, now," announced Betty. "I want to say h.e.l.lo to Mr.

Pendleton. If I don't see you two again, why good-by and don't forget to write." And she was gone. Not for worlds would she have displayed the emotion she felt.

Polly and Lois stole down to Senior Alley for a last good-by to Louise and dragged her down to meet their families. Then after much kissing, giving of addresses, shouted last messages and promises to come back, they finally found themselves in Uncle Roddy's motor.

They were both silent for a few minutes and their eyes were misty as they watched the towers of Seddon Hall grow fainter and fainter, until they entirely disappeared.

"We'll have to say good-by to each other next," whispered Lois.

"Don't!" answered Polly, with just a little catch in her voice. "I can't bear to think of it, Lo."

Then it was that they realized that Uncle Roddy was talking.

"So," he was saying, "if Mrs. Farwell will be contented in that sleepy old town, there's the big house at her service and the children will be together."

"Of course I'll be contented. It will be a wonderful summer," answered Mrs. Farwell.

"Capital!" spoke up the Doctor. "Roddy and I can come up for the week ends and have some fis.h.i.+ng."

The two girls looked at each other in astonishment.

"We will be together after all," exclaimed Polly excitedly.

"But where?" Lois demanded.

"At my old home," Polly explained. "Just to think I'll see my precious dogs again!"

They parted hours later, after a very happy drive spent in discussing plans for the summer. It was parting, of course, but as Lois reminded every one delightedly: "It was only until next week."

That night Uncle Roddy noticed that Polly was looking very thoughtful as she sat on the arm of his chair.

"What's the matter, Tiddle-dy-winks?" he inquired, pulling her down on his knee and patting her shoulder. "What are you thinking about?"

"I'm thinking," replied Polly slowly, "how sorry I am it's all over.

It's been the happiest year of my life."

"But that's only so far," laughed Uncle Roddy. "You've still a number of years to come, I hope."

"But can they ever be as happy as this one?" Polly asked.

"If I have anything to say about it, each year will be happier than the last, dear child, and now, good night." And Uncle Roddy gave her a hearty kiss.

So Polly, with Uncle Roddy's promise still ringing in her ears, fell asleep at the close of that eventful year, not thinking regretfully of the past, but dreaming happily of the joys to come.

THE END