Eleanor H. Porter: Pollyanna

24. CHAPTER XXIV. JOHN PENDLETON (continued)

"Humph!" grunted Old Tom; and fell to work again.

In the ceremonious "parlor" of the Harrington homestead, Mr. John Pendleton did not have to wait long before a swift step warned him of Miss Polly's coming. As he attempted to rise, she made a gesture of remonstrance. She did not offer her hand, however, and her face was coldly reserved.

"I called to ask for--Pollyanna," he began at once, a little brusquely.

"Thank you. She is about the same," said Miss Polly.

"And that is--won't you tell me HOW she is? His voice was not quite steady this time.

A quick spasm of pain crossed the woman's face.

"I can't, I wish I could!"

"You mean--you don't know?"

"Yes."

"But--the doctor?"

"Dr. Warren himself seems--at sea. He is in correspondence now with a New York specialist. They have arranged for a consultation at once."

"But--but what WERE her injuries that you do know?"

"A slight cut on the head, one or two bruises, and--and an injury to the spine which has seemed to cause--paralysis from the hips down."

A low cry came from the man. There was a brief silence; then, huskily, he asked:

"And Pollyanna--how does she--take it?"

"She doesn't understand--at all--how things really are. And I CAN'T tell her."

"But she must know--something!"