"Tom Latimer would never thank you for that left-handed compliment, Polly, if he could but see the slim little dude you compared to him," said Eleanor, joining the group.
"I believe I do know him, Polly--If he is the silver-haired lap-dog I went to grammar-school with."
"Yes--he _has_ got whitish hair, Tom!" laughed Eleanor.
Polly smiled but said nothing. Then Tom said, "Will you take all that back, Poll, or must I punish you severely, some day?"
"I never take back a word I once have said--unless I can see where I can benefit myself. You see, Tom, I have changed woefully, since living in New York. I am exactly like other citizens here--I am supremely selfish, these days."
Tom smiled. "I can offer you a bite of attractive bait. Will you apologise for calling me 'exactly like Winnie' if I tell you a profound secret?"
"That depends! What do you call 'profound,' and will I be concerned in hearing it?" teased Polly.
Eleanor had never known Polly to behave so coquettishly before, and to her astonishment, she beheld her little model of virtue flirt distractingly with Tom. Or Eleanor _thought_ Polly was flirting, when she sent a dazzling look at him from her wonderful eyes.
"It is the secret about the Valentine Roses. At last I have managed to learn who really sent them to you."
Eleanor perked up. Here was a delightful situation. Polly had never been able to find out who had sent the roses, and Tom was ready to confess.
"Oh, really!" exclaimed Polly, eagerly inquisitive.
Tom laughed. "Are you concerned? Is it a profound secret?"
"Yes, oh, yes, Tom!" cried Eleanor, excitedly. "Do tell us what you know."
"But Polly has to show her interest, too. If she says she is sorry for likening me to Winfield, I will tell her who sent the roses."
"Is he nice, Tom?" asked Polly, anxiously.
"I have heard people _say_ he is, and _I_ think him great!"
Eleanor chuckled. This was a scene after her own heart.
"No--he is young, and not _very_ bad-looking."
Polly thought seriously, then said: "Does he live in New York?"
"I won't answer any more such questions, Polly, it isn't fair unless you do your part," laughed Tom.
"Oh, well, then, please excuse me for ever mentioning you in the same _breath_ with Winnie," giggled Polly. "Now tell me who sent those roses."
