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 Kewpie, setting his teeth into the crisp flakiness of the tart. "And I notice that what he says is mighty important around here, too." Kewpie smiled slyly, and Polly's cheeks warmed slightly. "Anything Nod says or does is all right, I suppose."

"What Laurie says is certainly a lot more important than what you say, Mr. Proudtree," replied Polly warmly, "and—"

"Now, say," begged Kewpie, "I didn't mean to be fresh, honest Polly! Gee, if you're going to call me 'Mister Proudtree' I won't ever—ever—"

He couldn't seem to decide what it was he wouldn't ever do, and so he thrust the last of the tart into his mouth and looked hurt and reproachful. When Kewpie looked that way no one, least of all the soft-hearted Polly, could remain offended. Polly's haughtiness vanished, and she smiled. Finally she laughed merrily, and Kewpie's face cleared instantly.

"Kewpie," said Polly, "you're perfectly silly."

"Oh, I'm just a nut," agreed the boy cheerfully. "Well, I guess I'll go over to the field