Then they both burst out laughing, and Polly, fully understanding the joke, joined them, saying,—
"Here are some peanuts, Tom; do enjoy yourself while you can."
"Now I call that a delicate compliment!" And Tom, who had not lost his early relish for this sort of refreshment, though he seldom indulged his passion nowadays, because peanuts are considered vulgar, fell to cracking and munching with great satisfaction.
"Do you remember the first visit I made at your house, how you gave me peanuts, coming from the depot, and frightened me out of my wits, pretending the coachman was tipsy?" asked Polly.
"Of course I do, and how we coasted one day," answered Tom, laughing.
"Yes, and the velocipede; you've got the scar of that yet, I see."
"I remember how you stood by me while it was sewed up; that was very plucky, Polly."
"I was dreadfully afraid, but I remember I wanted to seem very brave, because you'd called me a coward."
"Did I? Ought to have been ashamed of myself. I used to rough you shamefully, Polly, and you were so good-natured, you let me do it."
"Couldn't help myself," laughed Polly. "I did use to think you were an awful boy, but seems to me I rather liked it."
"She had so much of it at home, she got used to it," put in Will, pulling the little curl behind Polly's ear.
