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But all inquired very anxiously for the little injured girl; and all sent to her some messageand it was these messages which, after a time, stirred Miss Polly to action. First came Mr. John Pendleton. He came without his crutches today. I dont need to tell you how shocked I am, he began almost harshly. But cannothing be done? Miss Polly gave a gesture of despair. Oh, were doing, of course, all the time. Dr. Mead prescribed certain treatments and medicines that might help, and Dr. Warren is carrying them out to the letter, of course. ButDr. Mead held out almost no hope. John Pendleton rose abruptlythough he had but just come. His face was white, and his mouth was set into stern lines. Miss Polly, looking at him, knew very well why he felt that he could not stay longer in her presence. At the door he turned. I have a message for Pollyanna, he said. Will you tell her, please, that I have seen Jimmy Bean andthat hes going to be my boy hereafter. Tell her I thought she would beglad to know. I shall adopt him, probably. For a brief moment Miss Polly lost her usual well-bred self-control. You will adopt Jimmy Bean! she gasped. The man lifted his chin a little. Yes. I think Pollyanna will understand. You will tell her I thought she would beglad! Why, ofof course, faltered Miss Polly. Thank you, bowed John Pendleton, as he turned to go. In the middle of the floor Miss Polly stood, silent and amazed, still looking after the man who had just left her. Even yet she could scarcely believe what her ears had heard. John Pendleton adopt Jimmy Bean? John Pendleton, wealthy, independent, morose, reputed to be miserly and supremely selfish, to adopt a little boyand such a little boy? With a somewhat dazed face Miss Polly went upstairs to Pollyannas room. Pollyanna, I have a message for you from Mr. John Pendleton. He has just been here. He says to tell you he has taken Jimmy Bean for his little boy. He said he thought youd be glad to know it. Pollyannas wistful little face flamed into sudden joy. Glad? Glad? Well, I reckon I am glad! Oh, Aunt Polly, Ive so wanted to find a place for Jimmyand thats such a lovely place! Besides, Im so glad for Mr. Pendleton, too. You see, now hell have the childs presence. Thewhat? Pollyanna colored painfully. She had forgotten that she had never told her aunt of Mr. Pendletons desire to adopt herand certainly she would not wish to tell her now that she had ever thought for a minute of leaving herthis dear Aunt Polly! |
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