"Perhaps," said Polly, gaily. "Oh, I suppose that those who couldn't
get on our cloud could take the next one."
"I'd rather have your cloud, Polly," said Jasper.
"And Grandpapa must come too," cried Phronsie, in alarm at the very
thought of his being left out. "I want him on our cloud, Polly."
"Yes, and Mamsie and Papa-Doctor," finished Polly, ready for any
nonsense, she was just bubbling over so with joy at thought of the
morrow and what it would bring. "Well, it is good the cloud is big,"
squinting up at the radiant sky.
"And, Tom, you are coming on that cloud-boat."
Jasper pulled him forward with a merry laugh, giving him a clap on the
back at the same time.
"Eh--oh, I can't--no, thank you," stammered Tom, thus suddenly brought
into notice. "Excuse me," just as if the invitation had been a _bona
fide_ one.
Polly never smiled, but Adela giggled right out. Tom's face flushed,
and he rushed off furiously, determined never to chance it again
whereby he'd be mortified before girls--not he!
All the gay time was flown, and the red and pink and purple clouds
looked down upon a sorry, uncomfortable little group. Jasper spoke
first. "I must go after him," and he dashed down the rocks.
"O dear me, I couldn't help it," said Adela, twisting uncomfortably,
"it was so silly in him to take it all in earnest."
"He didn't really think we meant it," said Polly, her brown eyes very
grave.
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