"Wonder what's up," queried Lois as they ran down the broad staircase to the main hall.
When Polly reached the reception hall she found Uncle Roddy with a big fur coat over his arm, a cap in his hand, waiting for her.
"Hello, Tiddle-dy-winks; thought I'd plan a surprise for you, so I came up in the motor to take you home. It's a glorious day. If there are any girls you care to bring along, why--"
But Uncle Roddy's explanation of his unexpected arrival was cut short by Polly's violent hug and kiss.
"Uncle Roddy, what a darling you are!" she exclaimed. "I'll get ready this minute and see who I can get to go with us." And she flew back to the corridor.
As she stood in her room throwing the remaining leftovers into her trunk, Lois came in and threw herself on the bed, in tears.
"Polly, Bobbie has typhoid and I can't go home," she sobbed. "Father wired Mrs. Baird. Poor darling Bob!" Her voice was muffled in the pillow.
Polly's joy in Uncle Roddy's surprise was forgotten as she tried to comfort her friend.
After Lois had left the office, Mrs. Baird returned to the reception-room where she had left Uncle Roddy.
"Did Marianna find you all right, Mr. Pendleton?" she asked. "Such a distressing thing has just happened! Dr. Farwell wired me that his son has typhoid and Lois will have to remain here for the vacation. I am sorry, for the child needed a change."
Then it was that Uncle Roddy had an inspiration. The thought of amusing Polly during the vacation had worried him. Several ladies of his acquaintance had promised to take her about, but that had not reassured him. Now if there were two of them, they would amuse each other, and under the able care of Mrs. Bent, his worthy housekeeper, all would be well.
It was a matter of a few minutes to lay the plan before Mrs. Baird and, with her help, to reach Dr. Farwell by long distance telephone. Over the wire the two men renewed their acquaintance of college days and the doctor was only too delighted to give his consent.
In less than an hour the two girls were wrapped up in countless fur robes in the back seat of Uncle Roddy's comfortable car, while that relieved gentleman was at the wheel, and the chauffeur, always along in case of tire trouble, occupied the seat beside him.