A RED ROSE AND A LACE SHAWL
eyes were very grave. For some time he said nothing; then, a little hesitatingly, he asked:
"Wasn't it—your aunt I saw with you a few minutes ago—in the window of the sun parlor?"
Pollyanna drew a long breath.
"Yes; that's what's the whole trouble, I suppose. You see I'd dressed her up in a perfectly lovely lace shawl I found up-stairs, and I'd fixed her hair and put on a rose, and she looked so pretty. Didn't you think she looked just lovely?"
For a moment the doctor did not answer. When he did speak his voice was so low Pollyanna could but just hear the words.
"Yes, Pollyanna, I—I thought she did look—just lovely."
"Did you? I'm so glad! I'll tell her," nodded the little girl, contentedly.
To her surprise the doctor gave a sudden exclamation.
"Never! Pollyanna, I—I'm afraid I shall have to ask you not to tell her—that."
"Why, Dr. Chilton! Why not? I should think you'd be glad—"
"But she might not be," cut in the doctor.
Pollyanna considered this for a moment.
"That's so—maybe she wouldn't," she sighed. "I remember now; 'twas 'cause she saw you that
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