Eleanor H. Porter: Pollyanna

20. CHAPTER XX. WHICH IS MORE SURPRISING (continued)

Pollyanna rose to her feet with a long sigh.

"All right. I'll ask her," she said wistfully. "Of course I don't mean that I wouldn't like to live here with you, Mr. Pendleton, but--" She did not complete her sentence. There was a moment's silence, then she added: "Well, anyhow, I'm glad I didn't tell her yesterday;--'cause then I supposed SHE was wanted, too."

John Pendleton smiled grimly.

"Well, yes, Pollyanna; I guess it is just as well you didn't mention it--yesterday."

"I didn't--only to the doctor; and of course he doesn't count."

"The doctor!" cried John Pendleton, turning quickly. "Not--Dr.--Chilton?"

"Yes; when he came to tell me you wanted to see me to-day, you know."

"Well, of all the--" muttered the man, falling back in his chair. Then he sat up with sudden interest. "And what did Dr. Chilton say?" he asked.

Pollyanna frowned thoughtfully.

"Why, I don't remember. Not much, I reckon. Oh, he did say he could well imagine you did want to see me."

"Oh, did he, indeed!" answered John Pendleton. And Pollyanna wondered why he gave that sudden queer little laugh.