"
Together they ran down the stairway to the parlor.
How cool it was! Vines that hung upon the piazza shaded the windows, and
flickering sunbeams danced upon the polished floor, and brightened the
color of the Persian rug.
The portraits seemed to look with interest at Polly, and she smiled back
at them, and nodded as she passed them.
"They look like real people," she said, "and it doesn't seem polite to
pass them without nodding."
"I know it," agreed Rose, "and I nod and smile at them, but the picture
at the end of the room smiles more than the others do. Come, and see
him."
Together they stood looking at the little old gentleman.
Polly admired his flowered satin waistcoat, his powdered wig, and rosy
cheeks, but most of all she liked his merry, twinkling eyes.
"He DOES smile," said Polly.
"Yes, he does," agreed Rose, "but now, just for a moment, frown, and
then he doesn't SEEM to smile."
It was an odd sight, the two merry little faces puckered into an attempt
at a frown, and the old portrait looking down at them, as if in surprise
that their smiles had vanished.
"Now, let's both smile together!" cried Rose.
Immediately two pairs of merry eyes looked up at him, and two red mouths
smiled, and showed rows of pearly teeth.
"There!" said Polly, "he ALMOST laughed, and that dimple in his chin
looked DIMPLER than before."
"That's what I told you," said Rose, "and sometimes, when I'm lonesome,
he's a comfort."
At lunch Aunt Rose talked much with Polly, and gentle Aunt Lois seemed
charmed with the little guest.
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