"
Douglas turned quickly and saw Jim approaching. His face lighted
up with relief at the sight of the big, lumbering fellow.
"How are yer, Mr. Douglas?" said Jim, awkwardly.
"You've seen Polly?" asked Douglas, shaking Jim cordially by the
hand.
"Yes, I've seen her."
"The deacon here has an idea that Polly is going back to the
circus with you." He nodded toward Strong, almost laughing at
the surprise in store for him.
"Back to the circus?" asked Jim.
"Did she say anything to you about it?" He was worried by the
bewilderment in Jim's manner.
Before Jim could reply, Polly, who had reached the steps in time
to catch the last few words, slipped quickly between them. She
wore her coat and hat, and carried a small brown satchel.
"Of course I did, didn't I, Jim?" she said, turning her back upon
the pastor and motioning to Jim not to answer. Douglas gazed at
her in astonishment.
"What do you mean?" he asked in a hoarse, strained voice. He
glanced at the coat and hat. "Where are you going?"
Polly avoided his eyes and continued nervously to Jim.
"What made you come back? Why didn't you wait for me down the
street? Now, you've spoiled everything." She pretended to be
very vexed with him. The big fellow looked puzzled.
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