POLLYANNA
him of something he wanted to forget. But afterwards—"
"What's that?" interrupted Nancy, excitedly. "He said you reminded him of something he wanted to forget?"
"Yes. But afterwards—"
"What was it?" Nancy was eagerly insistent.
"He didn't tell me. He just said it was something."
"The mystery!" breathed Nancy, in an awe-struck voice. "That's why he took to you in the first place. Oh, Miss Pollyanna! Why, that's just like a book—I've read lots of 'em; 'Lady Maud's Secret,' and 'The Lost Heir', and 'Hidden for Years'—all of 'em had mysteries and things just like this. My stars and stockings! Just think of havin' a book lived right under yer nose like this—an' me not knowin' it all this time! Now tell me everythin'—everythin' he said, Miss Pollyanna, there's a dear! No wonder he took ter you; no wonder—no wonder!"
"But he didn't," cried Pollyanna, "not till I talked to him, first. And he didn't even know who I was till I took the calf's-foot jelly, and had to make him understand that Aunt Polly didn't send it, and—"
Nancy sprang to her feet and clasped her hands together suddenly.
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