Polly of Pebbly Pit | Page 5

practice work
with a survey crew, so his room is vacant this summer. Then too, I was
told by John that you had a small spare room back of the kitchen, so
that three girls could have comfortable quarters. If, by any chance, your
mother would consent to take us in for the summer, I could help you
with your preparatory lessons for High School next term, at the same
time that I coach Nolla. And I will agree for myself and the two girls
that we will not expect any other than your usual home-life.
"This unexpected request may meet with disapproval and refusal by
your family, but do not let one of the causes be on the grounds of the
extra work we might create, because we do not want any fussing,
whatever, but we do want to be treated as members of the family--to do
our share of anything that needs to be done.
"Mr. Maynard wishes his girls to live in the outdoors as much as
possible, so we will not be in your mother's way. I certainly hope your
father and mother will allow us to come, and I can promise you that
you will enjoy these girls very much. The terms are of no consequence,
Mr. Maynard said, as he is ready to pay anything to give Nolla a quiet

home and the life she needs.
"I trust you can persuade your mother to try us, at any rate, and so,
hoping for a favorable reply to this letter,
"I am your sincere friend, ANNE STEWART."
While Polly read the letter aloud, her mother thought rapidly. She had
the picture of a charming girl who had often met John Brewster at
social gatherings during the term she taught the children at Bear Forks.
Now her brother Paul was one of John's chums at college. Perhaps this
girl had visited at Chicago, and perhaps John had visited her home at
Denver--but he had never said a word about it. It was very evident that
this girl had an intimate acquaintance with the home-life at Pebbly Pit,
and this knowledge must have reached her through John. Hence John
and she must be very well acquainted. John would doubtless marry
some day, but his mother did not care to see him entangled before he
had launched his bark on the waters of his ambition. If he was touched
by one of Cupid's darts to fancy himself in love with his chum's pretty
sister, it was good judgment for his mother to know all there was to be
known about the girl. Not that the letter confessed this state of affairs,
but the mother feared that such must be the case--for who could resist
loving her handsome, clever boy?
"Maw! I _said--Anne Stewart is perfectly lovely!"
"Oh, yes, Polly! So I believe," replied Mrs. Brewster, in an absent-
minded manner.
"Well! If you'd let them come here I would love it!"
"You can't judge beforehand, Polly. Having three city strangers come
suddenly to live at a ranch where city manners are unknown, will turn
things upside-down, you know."
"But you see, Maw, the teacher offers to help me with lessons so I can
pass for High School in the fall," Polly reminded her mother.

"I can do as much for you, dear, without the care of strangers,"
remonstrated Mrs. Brewster, who would not commit herself until she
had had time to weigh all things carefully.
"Then I s'pose you intend refusing this request!" pouted the
disappointed girl.
"I wish to think over the situation most wisely before we reply to the
letter. Now finish your dinner and do the dishes. I am going to take my
mending to the side porch."
Polly did as she was told but her imagination strayed to Denver and
Chicago, as she tried to picture Barbara and Eleanor Maynard with
Anne Stewart, visiting Pebbly Pit that summer. Meantime, Mrs.
Brewster considered the pros and cons of the problem. If this Anne
Stewart proved to be the sort of wife John needed, it would be
advisable to have her know her future family-in-law. If she was not
desirable, it would be discovered during the weeks she lived under the
same roof with John's mother. But should it transpire that there was no
cause for worry about John and this young teacher, she would still
prove to be a good friend for Polly to know in case the child attended
school in Denver the following term. Mrs. Brewster had almost decided
to speak favorably to Polly of the plan, when the girl joined her on the
porch.
"Do you suppose Daddy will mind having so many young folks about
the place--that is, if you will let them come?"
"I'm sure your Paw will be happy to give