"Oh! you have come, really," cried Ben, springing over the
wood-pile with a beaming face. "Polly!"

But Polly was already by the door, with dish-cloth in hand. "This is
my sister, Polly," began Ben--and then stopped, not knowing the
boy's name.

"I'm Jasper King," said the boy, stepping upon the flat stone by
Polly's side; and taking off his cap, he put out his hand. "And this
is Prince," he added.

Polly put her hand in his, and received a hearty shake; and then she
sprang over the big stove, dish-cloth and all, and just flung her
arms around the dog's neck.

"Oh, you splendid fellow, you!" said she. "Don't you know we all
think you're as good as gold?"

The dog submitted to the astonishing proceeding as if he liked it,
while Jasper, delighted with Polly's appreciation, beamed down on
them, and struck up friendship with her on the instant.

"Now, I must call Phronsie," said Polly, getting up, her face as red
as a rose.

"Is her name Phronsie?" asked the boy with interest. "No, it's
Sophronia," said Polly, "but we call her Phronsie." "What a very
funny name," said Jasper, "Sophronia is, for such a little thing--and
yours is Polly, is it not?" he asked, turning around suddenly on her.