Harper's Young People, March 14, 1882 An Illustrated Weekly

Polly Gardner spends a sunny country holiday with her Aunt Mary, dreaming of the day her parents will arrive. A hurried letter delivered by the village postman sparks excitement, and the nine‑year‑old decides to meet her family at the nearby railroad station on her own. As she races toward the draw‑bridge that spans the river, the rhythmic clank of the moving bridge and the scent of distant lilies fill her imagination.

On the footpath across the bridge, Polly encounters the friendly flagman, who offers a glimpse of the pond where white lilies are beginning to bloom. The brief encounter adds a touch of wonder to her hurried journey, while the ticking clock reminds her that the train will be there any moment. With a mix of anticipation and the simple pleasures of countryside life, Polly’s adventure captures the sweet urgency of a child’s hope to reunite with loved ones.