near Elnora's ear, Polly whispered, "Sister! Dear, dear sister!"
Elnora drew back, staring at Polly in confused amazement. She was a beautiful girl, dressed in some wonderful way, her eyes were sparkling and dancing, and as she turned to make way for the others, she kept one of Elnora's hands in hers. Polly would have dropped very dead in that instant if Edith Carr could have killed with a look, for not until then did she realize that Polly would even many a slight, and that it had been a great mistake to bring her.
Edith bowed low, muttered something and touched Elnora's fingers. Tom Levering took his cue from Polly.
"I always follow a good example," he said, and before any one could divine his intention he kissed Elnora as he gripped her hand and cried, "Mighty glad to meet you! Like to meet you a dozen times a day, you know!"
Elnora laughed and her heart pumped smoothly. They had accomplished their purpose. They had let her know they were there through compulsion, but on her side. In that instant only pity was in Elnora's breast for the flashing dark beauty, standing with smiling face while her heart must have been filled with exceeding bitterness. Elnora stepped back from the entrance.
"Come into the shade," she urged. "You must have found it warm on these country roads. Won't you lay aside your dust-coats and have a cool drink? Philip, would you ask mother to come, and bring that pitcher in the spring house?"
