Pollyanna entered school in September. School, in some ways, was a surprise to Pollyanna; and Pollyanna, certainly, in many ways, was very much of a surprise to school. They were soon on the best of terms, however, and to her aunt Pollyanna confessed that going to school WAS living.

In spite of her delight in her new work, Pollyanna did not forget her old friends. She could not give them quite so much time now, of course; but she gave them what time she could. Perhaps John Pendleton, however, was the most dissatisfied.

One Saturday afternoon he spoke to her about it.

“See here, Pollyanna, how would you like to come and live with me?” he asked, a little impatiently.

Pollyanna laughed – Mr. Pendleton was such a funny man!

“I thought you didn’t like to have any people around,” she said.

“Oh, but that was before you taught me to play that wonderful game of yours. Now I’m glad to be waited on!”

“Oh, but you aren’t really glad; you just SAY you are,” pouted Pollyanna. “You know you don’t play the game right, Mr. Pendleton – you know you don’t!”

The man’s face grew suddenly very grave.

“That’s why I want you, little girl – to help me play it. Will you come?”

“Mr. Pendleton, I can’t – you know I can’t. I’m – Aunt Polly’s! You know she has been so – good to me,” she began slowly; “and she took me when I didn’t have anybody left but the Ladies’ Aid, and – ”

A spasm of something crossed the man’s face.

“Pollyanna, long years ago I loved somebody very much. I hoped to bring her to this house. But I didn’t bring her here. Never mind why. And my house is not a home. It takes a woman’s hand and heart, or a child’s presence, to make a home, Pollyanna; and I have not had either. Now will you come, my dear?”

“Then it’s all right,” sighed the little girl. “Now you can take us both, and everything will be lovely.”

“Take – you – both?” repeated the man.

A faint doubt crossed Pollyanna’s countenance.

“Pollyanna, what ARE you talking about?” asked the man. He raised his hand and began to speak; but the next moment the maid appeared.

“The doctor, sir,” she said.

Pollyanna rose at once.

John Pendleton turned to her feverishly.

“Pollyanna, for Heaven’s sake, say nothing of what I asked you to your aunt,” he said in a low voice. Pollyanna smiled.

“Of course not! I know you must tell her everything yourself!” she called back.

John Pendleton fell limply back in his chair.