Page:An Old Fashioned Girl.djvu/142

 CHAPTER VII.

GOOD-BY.

H, dear! Must you really go home Saturday?" said Fan, some days after what Tom called the "grand scrimmage."

"I really must; for I only came to stay a month, and here I've been nearly six weeks," answered Polly, feeling as if she had been absent a year.

"Make it two months, and stay over Christmas. Come, do, now," urged Tom, heartily.

"You are very kind; but I wouldn't miss Christmas at home for anything. Besides, mother says they can't possibly do without me."

"Neither can we. Can't you tease your mother, and make up your mind to stay?" began Fan.

"Polly never teases. She says it's selfish; and I don't do it now much," put in Maud, with a virtuous air.

"Don't you bother Polly. She'd rather go, and I don't wonder. Let's be just as jolly as we can while she stays, and finish up with your party, Fan," said Tom, in a tone that settled the matter.

Polly had expected to be very happy in getting ready for the party; but when the time came, she