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It was not long before Nancy saw herthe slender little girl in the red-checked gingham with two fat braids of flaxen hair hanging down her back. Beneath the straw hat, an eager, freckled little face turned to the right and to the left, plainly searching for some one. Nancy knew the child at once, but not for some time could she control her shaking knees sufficiently to go to her. The little girl was standing quite by herself when Nancy finally did approach her. Are you MissPollyanna? she faltered. The next moment she found herself half smothered in the clasp of two gingham-clad arms. Oh, Im so glad, glad, GLAD to see you, cried an eager voice in her ear. Of course Im Pollyanna, and Im so glad you came to meet me! I hoped you would. Youyou did? stammered Nancy, vaguely wondering how Pollyanna could possibly have known herand wanted her. Youyou did? she repeated, trying to straighten her hat. Oh, yes; and Ive been wondering all the way here what you looked like, cried the little girl, dancing on her toes, and sweeping the embarrassed Nancy from head to foot, with her eyes. And now I know, and Im glad you look just like you do look. Nancy was relieved just then to have Timothy come up. Pollyannas words had been most confusing. This is Timothy. Maybe you have a trunk, she stammered. Yes, I have, nodded Pollyanna, importantly. Ive got a brand-new one. The Ladies Aid bought it for meand wasnt it lovely of them, when they wanted the carpet so? Of course I dont know how much red carpet a trunk could buy, but it ought to buy some, anyhowmuch as half an aisle, dont you think? Ive got a little thing here in my bag that Mr. Gray said was a check, and that I must give it to you before I could get my trunk. Mr. Gray is Mrs. Grays husband. Theyre cousins of Deacon Carrs wife. I came East with them, and theyre lovely! Andthere, here tis, she finished, producing the check after much fumbling in the bag she carried. Nancy drew a long breath. Instinctively she felt that some one had to draw oneafter that speech. Then she stole a glance at Timothy. Timothys eyes were studiously turned away. The three were off at last, with Pollyannas trunk in behind, and Pollyanna herself snugly ensconced between Nancy and Timothy. During the whole process of getting started, the little girl had kept up an uninterrupted stream of comments and questions, until the somewhat dazed Nancy found herself quite out of breath trying to keep up with her. There! Isnt this lovely? Is it far? I hope tisI love to ride, sighed Pollyanna, as the wheels began to turn. Of course, if tisnt far, I shant mind, though, cause Ill be glad to get there all the sooner, you know. What a pretty street! I knew twas going to be pretty; father told me She stopped with a little choking breath. Nancy, looking at her apprehensively, saw that her small chin was quivering, and that her eyes were full of tears. In a moment, however, she hurried on, with a brave lifting of her head. Father told me all about it. He remembered. Andand I ought to have explained before. Mrs. Gray told me to, at onceabout this red gingham dress, you know, and why Im not in black. She said youd think twas queer. But there werent any black things in the last missionary barrel, only a ladys velvet basque which Deacon Carrs wife said wasnt suitable for me at all; besides, it had white spotsworn, you knowon both elbows, and some other places. Part of the Ladies Aid wanted to buy me a black dress and hat, but the other part thought the money ought to go toward the red carpet theyre trying to |
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