Monday noon
Molly was mean to tell , and I was meaner to laugh at you , so I deserved to have my face washed . I sent for you because I knew you 'd hear I was sick and worry about it . I did n't mean anybody to know , though . '' When Mrs. Hapgood came back again , after a few moments , she found Polly sitting beside the bed , with a happier face than she had worn since the memorable Monday noon , while Alan looked as blissful as she ; and when Polly took her departure , a little later , the boy called after her , -- `` Come again as soon as you can , Poll . You 're a jolly little nurse , and I like to have you round . '' It was the last week in March , and the time had finally come for giving the long-discussed play , which had been delayed for some weeks on account of Alan 's illness . After the first acute attack had passed , there followed , as a result of his drenching , a slow , tedious form of rheumatism which kept him shut up in the house , where he was forced to amuse himself as best he might .