第1章

"Comeon，then。"

"Oh，I\'mnotgoing；it\'stoowet。Shouldn\'thaveacrimpleftifIwentoutsuchadayasthis；andIwanttolooknicewhenPollycomes。"

"Youdon\'texpectmetogoandbringhomeastrangegirlalone，doyou？"

AndTomlookedasmuchalarmedasifhissisterhadproposedtohimtoescortthewildwomanofAustralia。

"OfcourseIdo。It\'syourplacetogoandgether；andifyouwasn\'tabear，you\'dlikeit。"

"Well，Icallthatmean!IsupposedI\'dgottogo；butyousaidyou\'dgo，too。Catchmebotheringaboutyourfriendsanothertime!No，sir!"AndTomrosefromthesofawithanairofindignantresolution，theimpressiveeffectofwhichwassomewhatdamagedbyatousledhead，andthehunchedappearanceofhisgarmentsgenerally。

"Now，don\'tbecross；andI\'llgetmammatoletyouhavethathorridNedMiller，thatyouaresofondof，comeandmakeyouavisitafterPolly\'sgone，"saidFanny，hopingtosoothehisruffledfeelings。

"Howlongisshegoingtostay？"demandedTom，makinghistoiletbyapromiscuousshake。

"Amonthortwo，maybe。She\'seversonice；andIshallkeepheraslongasshe\'shappy。"

"Shewon\'tstaylongthen，ifIcanhelpit，"mutteredTom，whoregardedgirlsasaveryunnecessaryportionofcreation。Boysoffourteenareapttothinkso，andperhapsitisawisearrangement；for，beingfondofturningsomersaults，theyhaveanopportunityofindulginginagoodone，metaphoricallyspeaking，when，threeorfouryearslater，theybecometheabjectslavesof"thosebotheringgirls。"

"Lookhere!howamIgoingtoknowthecreature？Ineversawher，andsheneversawme。You\'llhavetocometoo，Fan，"headded，pausingonhiswaytothedoor，arrestedbytheawfulideathathemighthavetoaddressseveralstrangegirlsbeforehegottherightone。

"You\'llfindhereasyenough；she\'llprobablybestandingroundlookingforus。Idaresayshe\'llknowyou，thoughI\'mnotthere，becauseI\'vedescribedyoutoher。"

"Guessshewon\'t，then；"andTomgaveahastysmoothtohiscurlypateandaglanceatthemirror，feelingsurethathissisterhadn\'tdonehimjustice。Sistersneverdo，as"wefellows"knowtoowell。

"Dogoalong，oryou\'llbetoolate；andthen，whatwillPollythinkofme？"criedFanny，withtheimpatientpokewhichispeculiarlyaggravatingtomasculinedignity。

"She\'llthinkyoucaredmoreaboutyourfrizzlesthanyourfriends，andshe\'llbeaboutright，too。"

Feelingthathesaidratheraneatandcuttingthing，Tomsaunteredleisurelyaway，perfectlyconsciousthatitwaslate，butbentonnotbeinghurriedwhileinsight，thoughheranhimselfoffhislegstomakeupforitafterward。

"IfIwasthePresident，I\'dmakealawtoshutupallboystilltheyweregrown；fortheycertainlyarethemostprovokingtoadsintheworld，"

saidFanny，asshewatchedtheslouchyfigureofherbrotherstrollingdownthestreet。Shemighthavechangedhermind，however，ifshehadfollowedhim，forassoonasheturnedthecorner，hiswholeaspectaltered；hishandscameoutofhispockets，hestoppedwhistling，buttonedhisjacket，gavehiscapapull，andwentoffatagreatpace。

Thetrainwasjustinwhenhereachedthestation，pantinglikearace-horse，andasredasalobsterwiththewindandtherun。

"Supposeshe\'llwearatop-knotandathingumbob，likeeveryoneelse；

andhowevershallIknowher？ToobadofFantomakemecomealone!"thoughtTom，ashestoodwatchingthecrowdstreamthroughthedepot，andfeelingratherdauntedatthearrayofyoungladieswhopassed。Asnoneofthemseemedlookingforanyone，hedidnotaccostthem，buteyedeachnewbatchwiththeairofamartyr。"That\'sher，"hesaidtohimself，ashepresentlycaughtsightofagirlingorgeousarray，standingwithherhandsfolded，andaverysmallhatperchedonthetopofaverylarge"chig-non，"asTompronouncedit。"IsupposeI\'vegottospeaktoher，soheregoes；"

and，nervinghimselftothetask，Tomslowlyapproachedthedamsel，wholookedasifthewindhadblownherclothesintorags，suchaflappingofsashes，scallops，ruffles，curls，andfeatherswasthere。

"Isay，ifyouplease，isyournamePollyMilton？"meeklyaskedTom，pausingbeforethebreezystranger。

"No，itisn\'t，"answeredtheyounglady，withacoolstarethatutterlyquenchedhim。

"Whereinthunderisshe？"growledTom，walkingoffinhighdudgeon。

Thequicktapoffeetbehindhimmadehimturnintimetoseeafresh-facedlittlegirlrunningdownthelongstation，andlookingasifsheratherlikedit。Asshesmiled，andwavedherbagathim，hestoppedandwaitedforher，sayingtohimself，"Hullo!Iwonderifthat\'sPolly？"

Upcamethelittlegirl，withherhandout，andahalf-shy，half-merrylookinherblueeyes，asshesaid，inquiringly，"ThisisTom，isn\'tit？"

"Yes。Howdidyouknow？"andTomgotovertheordealofhand-shakingwithoutthinkingofit，hewassosurprised。

"Oh，Fantoldmeyou\'dgotcurlyhair，andafunnynose，andkeptwhistling，andworeagraycappulledoveryoureyes；soIknewyoudirectly。"AndPollynoddedathiminthemostfriendlymanner，havingpolitelyrefrainedfromcallingthehair"red，"thenose"apug，"andthecap"old，"­；allofwhichfactsFannyhadcarefullyimpresseduponhermemory。

"Whereareyourtrunks？"askedTom，ashewasremindedofhisdutybyherhandinghimthebag，whichhehadnotofferedtotake。

"Fathertoldmenottowaitforanyone，elseI\'dlosemychanceofahack；soIgavemychecktoaman，andthereheiswithmytrunk；"andPollywalkedoffafterheronemodestpieceofbaggage，followedbyTom，whofeltatrifledepressedbyhisownremissnessinpoliteattentions。

"Sheisn\'tabitofayounglady，thankgoodness!Fandidn\'ttellmeshewaspretty。Don\'tlooklikecitygirls，noractlike\'em，neither，"

hethought，trudgingintherear，andeyeingwithfavorthebrowncurlsbobbingalonginfront。

Asthecarriagedroveoff，Pollygavealittlebounceonthespringyseat，andlaughedlikeadelightedchild。"Idoliketorideinthesenicehacks，andseeallthefinethings，andhaveagoodtime，don\'tyou？"shesaid，composingherselfthenextminute，asifitsuddenlyoccurredtoherthatshewasgoinga-visiting。

"Notmuch，"saidTom，notmindingwhathesaid，forthefactthathewasshutupwiththestrangegirlsuddenlyoppressedhissoul。

"How\'sFan？Whydidn\'tshecome，too？"askedPolly，tryingtolookdemure，whilehereyesdancedinspiteofher。

"Afraidofspoilinghercrinkles；"andTomsmiled，forthisbasebetrayalofconfidencemadehimfeelhisownmanagain。

"YouandIdon\'tminddampness。I\'mmuchobligedtoyouforcomingtotakecareofme。"

ItwaskindofPollytosaythat，andTomfeltit；forhisredcropwasatenderpoint，andtobeassociatedwithPolly\'sprettybrowncurlsseemedtolessenitscopperyglow。Thenhehadn\'tdoneanythingforherbutcarrythebagafewsteps；yet，shethankedhim。Hefeltgrateful，andinaburstofconfidence，offeredahandfulofpeanuts，forhispocketswerealwayssuppliedwiththisagreeabledelicacy，andhemightbetracedanywherebythetrailofshellsheleftbehindhim。

Assoonashehaddoneit，herememberedthatFannyconsideredthemvulgar，andfeltthathehaddisgracedhisfamily。Sohestuckhisheadoutofthewindow，andkeptittheresolong，thatPollyaskedifanythingwasthematter。"Pooh!whocaresforacountrifiedlittlethinglikeher，"

saidTommanfullytohimself；andthenthespiritofmischiefenteredinandtookpossessionofhim。

"He\'sprettydrunk；butIguesshecanholdhishorses，"repliedthisevil-mindedboy，withanairofcalmresignation。

"Isthemantipsy？Oh，dear!let\'sgetout!Arethehorsesbad？It\'sverysteephere；doyouthinkit\'ssafe？"criedpoorPolly，makingacockedhatofherlittlebeaver，bythrustingitoutofthehalf-openwindowonherside。

"There\'splentyoffolkstopickusupifanythinghappens；butperhapsitwouldbesaferifIgotoutandsatwiththeman；"andTomquitebeamedwiththebrilliancyofthissuddenmodeofrelief。

"Oh，do，ifyouain\'tafraid!Motherwouldbesoanxiousifanythingshouldhappentome，sofaraway!"criedPolly，muchdistressed。

"Don\'tyoubeworried。I\'llmanagetheoldchap，andthehorsestoo；"

andopeningthedoor，Tomvanishedaloft，leavingpoorvictimizedPollytoquakeinside，whileheplacidlyrevelledinfreedomandpeanutsoutside，withthestaidolddriver。

Fannycameflyingdowntomeether"darlingPolly，"asTompresentedher，withthegracefulremark，"I\'vegother!"andtheairofadauntlesshunter，producingthetrophiesofhisskill。Pollywasinstantlywhiskedupstairs；andhavingdancedadouble-shuffleonthedoor-mat，Tomretiredtothedining-room，torestoreexhaustednaturewithhalfadozencookies。

"Ain\'tyoutiredtodeath？Don\'tyouwanttoliedown？"saidFanny，sittingonthesideofthebedinPolly\'sroom，andchatteringhard，whilesheexaminedeverythingherfriendhadon。

"Notabit。Ihadanicetimecoming，andnotrouble，exceptthetipsycoachman；butTomgotoutandkepthiminorder，soIwasn\'tmuchfrightened，"

answeredinnocentPolly，takingoffherrough-and-readycoat，andtheplainhatwithoutabitofafeather。

"Fiddlestick!hewasn\'ttipsy；andTomonlydidittogetoutoftheway。Hecan\'tbeargirls，"saidFanny，withasuperiorair。

"Can\'the？Why，Ithoughthewasverypleasantandkind!"andPollyopenedhereyeswithasurprisedexpression。

"He\'sanawfulboy，mydear；andifyouhaveanythingtodowithhim，he\'lltormentyoutodeath。Boysareallhorrid；buthe\'sthehorridestoneIeversaw。"

Fannywenttoafashionableschool，wheretheyoungladiesweresobusywiththeirFrench，German，andItalian，thattherewasnotimeforgoodEnglish。Feelingherconfidencemuchshakenintheyouth，Pollyprivatelyresolvedtolethimalone，andchangedtheconversation，bysaying，asshelookedadmiringlyaboutthelarge，handsomeroom，"Howsplendiditis!Ineversleptinabedwithcurtainsbefore，orhadsuchafinetoilet-tableasthis。"

"I\'mgladyoulikeit；butdon\'t，formercysake，saysuchthingsbeforetheothergirls!"repliedFanny，wishingPollywouldwearear-rings，aseveryoneelsedid。

"Whynot？"askedthecountrymouseofthecitymouse，wonderingwhatharmtherewasinlikingotherpeople\'sprettythings，andsayingso。

"Oh，theylaughateverythingtheleastbitodd，andthatisn\'tpleasant。"

Fannydidn\'tsay"countrified，"butshemeantit，andPollyfeltuncomfortable。

Sosheshookoutherlittleblacksilkapronwithathoughtfulface，andresolvednottoalludetoherownhome，ifshecouldhelpit。

"I\'msopoorly，mammasaysIneedn\'tgotoschoolregularly，whileyouarehere，­；onlytwoorthreetimesaweek，justtokeepupmymusicandFrench。Youcangotoo，ifyoulike；papasaidso。Do，it\'ssuchfun!"

criedFanny，quitesurprisingherfriendbythisunexpectedfondnessforschool。

"Ishouldbeafraid，ifallthegirlsdressasfinelyasyoudo，andknowasmuch，"saidPolly，beginningtofeelshyatthethought。

"La，child!youneedn\'tmindthat。I\'lltakecareofyou，andfixyouup，soyouwon\'tlookodd。"

"AmIodd？"askedPolly，struckbythewordandhopingitdidn\'tmeananythingverybad。

"Youareadear，andeversomuchprettierthanyouwerelastsummer，onlyyou\'vebeenbroughtupdifferentlyfromus；soyourwaysain\'tlikeours，yousee，"beganFanny，findingitratherhardtoexplain。

"Howdifferent？"askedPollyagain，forshelikedtounderstandthings。

"Well，youdresslikealittlegirl，foronething。"

"Iamalittlegirl；sowhyshouldn\'tI？"andPollylookedathersimplebluemerinofrock，stoutboots，andshorthair，withapuzzledair。

"Youarefourteen；andweconsiderourselvesyoungladiesatthatage，"continuedFanny，surveying，withcomplacency，thepileofhaironthetopofherhead，withafringeoffuzzroundherforehead，andawavylockstreamingdownherback；likewise，herscarlet-and-blacksuit，withitsbigsash，littlepannier，brightbuttons，points，rosettes，­；and，heavenknowswhat。Therewasalocketonherneck，earringstinklinginherears，watchandchainatherbelt，andseveralringsonapairofhandsthatwouldhavebeenimprovedbysoapandwater。

Polly\'seyewentfromonelittlefiguretotheother，andshethoughtthatFannylookedtheoddestofthetwo；forPollylivedinaquietcountrytown，andknewverylittleofcityfashions。Shewasratherimpressedbytheeleganceabouther，neverhavingseenFanny\'shomebefore，astheygotacquaintedwhileFannypaidavisittoafriendwholivednearPolly。

Butshedidn\'tletthecontrastbetweenherselfandFantroubleher；forinaminuteshelaughedandsaid，contentedly，"Mymotherlikesmetodresssimply，andIdon\'tmind。Ishouldn\'tknowwhattodoriggedupasyouare。Don\'tyoueverforgettoliftyoursashandfixthosepuffythingswhenyousitdown？"

BeforeFannycouldanswer，ascreamfrombelowmadebothlisten。"It\'sonlyMaud；shefussesalldaylong，"beganFanny；andthewordswerehardlyoutofhermouth，whenthedoorwasthrownopen，andalittlegirl，ofsixorseven，cameroaringin。ShestoppedatsightofPolly，staredaminute，thentookupherroarjustwheresheleftit，andcastherselfintoFanny\'slap，exclaimingwrathfully，"Tom\'slaughingatme!Makehimstop!"

"Whatdidyoudotosethimgoing？Don\'tscreamso，you\'llfrightenPolly!"andFangavethecherubashake，whichproducedanexplanation。

"Ionlysaidwehadcoldcweamattheparty，lastnight，andhelaughed!"

"Ice-cream，child!"andFannyfollowedTom\'sreprehensibleexample。

"Idon\'tcare!itwascold；andIwarmedmineatthewegister，andthenitwasnice；only，WillyBlissspiltitonmynewGabwielle!"

andMaudwailedagainoverheraccumulatedwoes。

"DogotoKaty!You\'reascrossasalittlebearto-day!"saidFanny，pushingheraway。

"Katydon\'tamooseme；andImustbeamoosed，\'causeI\'mfwactious；

mammasaidIwas!"sobbedMaud，evidentlylaboringunderthedelusionthatfractiousnesswassomeinterestingmalady。

"Comedownandhavedinner；thatwillamuseyou；"andFannygotup，plumingherselfasabirddoesbeforeitsflight。

Pollyhopedthe"dreadfulboy"wouldnotbepresent；buthewas，andstaredatheralldinner-time，inamosttryingmanner。Mr。Shaw，abusy-lookinggentleman，said，"Howdoyoudo，mydear？Hopeyou\'llenjoyyourself；"

andthenappearedtoforgetherentirely。Mrs。Shaw，apale，nervouswoman，greetedherlittleguestkindly，andtookcarethatshewantedfornothing。

MadamShaw，aquietoldlady，withanimposingcap，exclaimedonseeingPolly，"Blessmyheart!theimageofhermother­；asweetwoman­；howisshe，dear？"andkeptpeeringatthenew-comeroverherglasses，till，betweenMadamandTom，poorPollylostherappetite。

Fannychattedlikeamagpie，andMaudfidgeted，tillTomproposedtoputherunderthebigdish-cover，whichproducedsuchanexplosion，thattheyoungladywasbornescreamingaway，bythemuch-enduringKaty。Itwasaltogetheranuncomfortabledinner，andPollywasverygladwhenitwasover。Theyallwentabouttheirownaffairs；andafterdoingthehonorsofthehouse，Fanwascalledtothedressmaker，leavingPollytoamuseherselfinthegreatdrawing-room。

Pollywasgladtobealoneforafewminutes；and，havingexaminedalltheprettythingsabouther，begantowalkupanddownoverthesoft，flowerycarpet，hummingtoherself，asthedaylightfaded，andonlytheruddyglowofthefirefilledtheroom。PresentlyMadamcameslowlyin，andsatdowninherarm-chair，saying，"That\'safineoldtune；singittome，mydear。

Ihaven\'thearditthismanyaday。"

Pollydidn\'tliketosingbeforestrangers，forshehadhadnoteachingbutsuchasherbusymothercouldgiveher；butshehadbeentaughttheutmostrespectforoldpeople，andhavingnoreasonforrefusing，shedirectlywenttothepiano，anddidasshewasbid。

"That\'sthesortofmusicit\'sapleasuretohear。Singsomemore，dear，"saidMadam，inhergentleway，whenshehaddone。

Pleasedwiththispraise，Pollysangawayinafreshlittlevoice，thatwentstraighttothelistener\'sheartandnestledthere。ThesweetoldtunesthatoneisnevertiredofwereallPolly\'sstore；andherfavoriteswereScotchairs，suchas，"Yellow-HairedLaddie，""Jocko\'Hazeldean，"

"DownamongtheHeather，"and"BirksofAberfeldie。"Themoreshesung，thebettershedidit；andwhenshewoundupwith"AHealthtoKingCharlie，"

theroomquiterungwiththestirringmusicmadebythebigpianoandthelittlemaid。

"ByGeorge，that\'sajollytune!Singitagain，please，"criedTom\'svoice；andtherewasTom\'sredheadbobbingupoverthehighbackofthechairwherehehadhiddenhimself。

ItgavePollyquiteaturn，forshethoughtnoonewashearingherbuttheoldladydozingbythefire。"Ican\'tsinganymore；I\'mtired，"shesaid，andwalkedawaytoMadamintheotherroom。Theredheadvanishedlikeameteor，forPolly\'stonehadbeendecidedlycool。

Theoldladyputoutherhand，anddrawingPollytoherknee，lookedintoherfacewithsuchkindeyes，thatPollyforgottheimpressivecap，andsmiledatherconfidingly；forshesawthathersimplemusichadpleasedherlistener，andshefeltgladtoknowit。

"Youmustn\'tmindmystaring，dear，"saidMadam，softlypinchingherrosycheek。"Ihaven\'tseenalittlegirlforsolong，itdoesmyoldeyesgoodtolookatyou。"

Pollythoughtthataveryoddspeech，andcouldn\'thelpsaying，"Aren\'tFanandMaudlittlegirls，too？"

"Oh，dear，no!notwhatIcalllittlegirls。Fanhasbeenayoungladythistwoyears，andMaudisaspoiledbaby。Yourmother\'saverysensiblewoman，mychild。"

"Whataveryqueeroldlady!"thoughtPolly；butshesaid"Yes\'m"respectfully，andlookedatthefire。

"Youdon\'tunderstandwhatImean，doyou？"askedMadam，stillholdingherbythechin。

"No\'m；notquite。"

"Well，dear，I\'lltellyou。Inmyday，childrenoffourteenandfifteendidn\'tdressintheheightofthefashion；gotoparties，asnearlylikethoseofgrownpeopleasit\'spossibletomakethem；leadidle，giddy，unhealthylives，andgetblasé；attwenty。Wewerelittlefolkstilleighteenorso；workedandstudied，dressedandplayed，likechildren；honoredourparents；andourdaysweremuchlongerinthelandthannow，itseemsto，me。"

TheoldladyappearedtoforgetPollyattheendofherspeech；forshesatpattingtheplumplittlehandthatlayinherown，andlookingupatafadedpictureofanoldgentlemanwitharuffledshirtandaqueue。

"Washeyourfather，Madam？

"Yes，dear；myhonoredfather。Ididuphisfrillstothedayofhisdeath；andthefirstmoneyIeverearnedwasfivedollarswhichheofferedasaprizetowhicheverofhissixgirlswouldlaythehandsomestdarninhissilkstockings。"

"Howproudyoumusthavebeen!"criedPolly，leaningontheoldlady\'skneewithaninterestedface。

"Yes，andwealllearnedtomakebread，andcook，andworelittlechintzgowns，andwereasgayandheartyaskittens。Alllivedtobegrandmothersandfathers；andI\'mthelast，­；seventy，nextbirthday，mydear，andnotwornoutyet；thoughdaughterShawisaninvalidatforty。"

"That\'sthewayIwasbroughtup，andthat\'swhyFancallsmeold-fashioned，Isuppose。Tellmoreaboutyourpapa，please；Ilikeit，"saidPolly。

"Say\'father。\'Wenevercalledhimpapa；andifoneofmybrothershadaddressedhimas\'governor，\'asboysdonow，Ireallythinkhe\'dhavehimcutoffwithashilling。"

Madamraisedhervoiceinsayingthis，andnoddedsignificantly；butamildsnorefromtheotherroomseemedtoassureherthatitwasawasteofshottofireinthatdirection。

Beforeshecouldcontinue，incameFannywiththejoyfulnewsthatClaraBirdhadinvitedthembothtogotothetheatrewithherthatveryevening，andwouldcallforthematseveno\'clock。Pollywassoexcitedbythissuddenplungeintothedissipationsofcitylife，thatsheflewaboutlikeadistractedbutterfly，andhardlyknewwhathappened，tillshefoundherselfseatedbeforethegreatgreencurtaininthebrillianttheatre。OldMr。

Birdsatononeside，Fannyontheother，andbothletheralone，forwhichshewasverygrateful，asherwholeattentionwassoabsorbedinthescenearoundher，thatshecouldn\'ttalk。

Pollyhadneverbeenmuchtothetheatre；andthefewplaysshehadseenwerethegoodoldfairytales，dramatizedtosuityoungbeholders，­；lively，bright，andfulloftheharmlessnonsensewhichbringsthelaughwithouttheblush。Thatnightshesawoneofthenewspectacleswhichhavelatelybecometherage，andrunforhundredsofnights，dazzling，exciting，anddemoralizingthespectatorbyeveryallurementFrenchingenuitycaninvent，andAmericanprodigalityexecute。Nevermindwhatitsnamewas，itwasverygorgeous，veryvulgar，andveryfashionable；so，ofcourse，itwasmuchadmired，andeveryonewenttoseeit。Atfirst，Pollythoughtshehadgotintofairy-land，andsawonlythesparklingcreatureswhodancedandsunginaworldoflightandbeauty；but，presently，shebegantolistentothesongsandconversation，andthentheillusionvanished；forthelovelyphantomssangnegromelodies，talkedslang，andwereadisgracetothegoodold-fashionedelveswhomsheknewandlovedsowell。

Ourlittlegirlwastooinnocenttounderstandhalfthejokes，andoftenwonderedwhatpeoplewerelaughingat；but，asthefirstenchantmentsubsided，Pollybegantofeeluncomfortable，tobesurehermotherwouldn\'tliketohaveherthere，andtowishshehadn\'tcome。Somehow，thingsseemedtogetworseandworse，astheplaywenton；foroursmallspectatorwasbeingrapidlyenlightenedbythegossipgoingonallabouther，aswellasbyherownquickeyesandgirlishinstincts。Whenfour-and-twentygirls，dressedasjockeys，cameprancingontothestage，crackingtheirwhips，stampingtheheelsoftheirtopboots，andwinkingattheaudience，Pollydidnotthinkitatallfunny，butlookeddisgusted，andwasgladwhentheyweregone；butwhenanothersetappearedinacostumeconsistingofgauzewings，andabitofgoldfringeroundthewaist，poorunfashionablePollydidn\'tknowwhattodo；forshefeltbothfrightenedandindignant，andsatwithhereyesonherplay-bill，andhercheeksgettinghotterandhottereveryminute。

"Whatareyoublushingsofor？"askedFanny，asthepaintedsylphsvanished。

"I\'msoashamedofthosegirls，"whisperedPolly，takingalongbreathofrelief。

"Youlittlegoose，­；it\'sjustthewayitwasdoneinParis，andthedancingissplendid。Itseemsqueeratfirst；butyou\'llgetusedtoit，asIdid。"

"I\'llnevercomeagain，"saidPolly，decidedly；forherinnocentnaturerebelledagainstthespectacle，which，asyet，gavehermorepainthanpleasure。Shedidnotknowhoweasyitwasto"getusedtoit，"asFannydid；anditwaswellforherthatthetemptationwasnotoftenoffered。

Shecouldnotexplainthefeeling；butshewasgladwhentheplaywasdone，andtheyweresafeathome，wherekindgrandmawaswaitingtoseethemcomfortablyintobed。

"Didyouhaveagoodtime，dear？"sheasked，lookingatPolly\'sfeverishcheeksandexcitedeyes。

"Idon\'twishtoberude，butIdidn\'t，"answeredPolly。"Someofitwassplendid；butagooddealofitmademewanttogoundertheseat。

Peopleseemedtolikeit，butIdon\'tthinkitwasproper。"

AsPollyfreedhermind，andemphasizedheropinionwithadecidedrapofthebootshehadjusttakenoff，Fannylaughed，andsaid，whileshepirouettedabouttheroom，likeMademoiselleTherese，"Pollywasshocked，grandma。Hereyeswereasbigassaucers。herfaceasredasmysash，andonceIthoughtshewasgoingtocry。Someofitwasratherqueer；

but，ofcourse，itwasproper，oralloursetwouldn\'tgo。IheardMrs。

SmythePerkinssay，\'Itwascharming；solikedearParis；\'andshehaslivedabroad；so，ofcourse，sheknowswhatiswhat。"

"Idon\'tcareifshehas。Iknowitwasn\'tproperforlittlegirlstosee，orIshouldn\'thavebeensoashamed!"criedsturdyPolly，perplexed，butnotconvinced，evenbyMrs。SmythePerkins。

"Ithinkyouareright，mydear；butyouhavelivedinthecountry，andhaven\'tyetlearnedthatmodestyhasgoneoutoffashion。"Andwithagood-nightkiss，grandmaleftPollytodreamdreadfullyofdancinginjockeycostume，onagreatstage；whileTomplayedabigdrumintheorchestra；

andtheaudienceallworethefacesofherfatherandmother，lookingsorrowfullyather，witheyeslikesaucers，andfacesasredasFanny\'ssash。ChapterII。ChapterII。CHAPTERIINEWFASHIONS"I\'Mgoingtoschoolthismorning；socomeupandgetready，"saidFanny，adayortwoafter，assheleftthelatebreakfast-table。

"Youlookverynice；whathaveyougottodo？"askedPolly，followingherintothehall。

"Prinkhalfanhour，andputonherwad，"answeredtheirreverentTom，whosepreparationsforschoolconsistedinflinginghiscapontohishead，andstrappingupseveralbigbooks，thatlookedasiftheyweresometimesusedasweaponsofdefence。

"Whatisawad？"askedPolly，whileFannymarchedupwithoutdeigninganyreply。

"Somebody\'shaironthetopofherheadintheplacewhereitoughtnottobe；"andTomwentwhistlingawaywithanairofsublimeindifferenceastothestateofhisown"curlypow。"

"Whymustyoubesofinetogotoschool？"askedPolly，watchingFanarrangethelittlefrizzlesonherforehead，andsettlethevariousstreamersandfestoonsbelongingtoherdress。

"Allthegirlsdo；andit\'sproper，foryouneverknowwhoyoumaymeet。I\'mgoingtowalk，aftermylessons，soIwishyou\'dwearyourbesthatandsack，"answeredFanny，tryingtostickherownhatonatananglewhichdefiedallthelawsofgravitation。

"Iwill，ifyoudon\'tthinkthisisniceenough。Iliketheotherbest，becauseithasafeather；butthisiswarmer，soIweariteveryday。"

AndPollyranintoherownroom，toprinkalso，fearingthatherfriendmightbeashamedofherplaincostume。"Won\'tyourhandsbecoldinkidgloves？"shesaid，astheywentdownthesnowystreet，withanorthwindblowingintheirfaces。

"Yes，horridcold；butmymuffissobig，Iwon\'tcarryit。Mammawon\'thaveitcutup，andmyermineonemustbekeptforbest；"andFannysmoothedherBismarkkidswithaninjuredair。

"Isupposemygraysquirreliseversomuchtoobig；butit\'sniceandcosy，andyoumaywarmyourhandsinitifyouwantto，"saidPolly，surveyinghernewwoollengloveswithadissatisfiedlook，thoughshehadthoughtthemquiteelegantbefore。

"PerhapsIwill，byandby。Now，Polly，don\'tyoubeshy。I\'llonlyintroducetwoorthreeofthegirls；andyouneedn\'tmindoldMonsieurabit，orreadifyoudon\'twantto。Weshallbeintheanteroom；soyou\'llonlyseeaboutadozen，andtheywillbesobusy，theywon\'tmindyoumuch。"

"IguessIwon\'tread，butsitandlookon。Iliketowatchpeople，everythingissonewandqueerhere。"

ButPollydidfeelandlookveryshy，whenshewasusheredintoaroomfullofyoungladies，astheyseemedtoher，allverymuchdressed，alltalkingtogether，andallturningtoexaminethenew-comerwithacoolstarewhichseemedtobeasmuchthefashionaseye-glasses。TheynoddedaffablywhenFannyintroducedher，saidsomethingcivil，andmaderoomforheratthetableroundwhichtheysatwaitingforMonsieur。SeveralofthemorefrolicsomewereimitatingtheGrecianBend，somewereputtingtheirheadstogetheroverlittlenotes，nearlyallwereeatingconfectionery，andtheentiretwelvechatteredlikemagpies。Beingpolitelysuppliedwithcaramels，Pollysatlookingandlistening，feelingveryyoungandcountrifiedamongtheseelegantyoungladies。

"Girls，doyouknowthatCarriehasgoneabroad？Therehasbeensomuchtalk，herfathercouldn\'tbearit，andtookthewholefamilyoff。Isn\'tthatgay？"saidonelivelydamsel，whohadjustcomein。

"Ishouldthinkthey\'dbettergo。Mymammasays，ifI\'dbeengoingtothatschool，she\'dhavetakenmestraightaway，"answeredanothergirl，withanimportantair。

"CarrieranawaywithanItalianmusic-teacher，anditgotintothepapers，andmadeagreatstir，"explainedthefirstspeakertoPolly，wholookedmystified。

"Howdreadful!"criedPolly。

"Ithinkitwasfun。Shewasonlysixteen，andhewasperfectlysplendid；andshehasplentyofmoney，andeveryonetalkedaboutit；andwhenshewentanywhere，peoplelooked，youknow，andshelikedit；butherpapaisanoldpoke，sohe\'ssentthemallaway。It\'stoobad，forshewasthejolliestthingIeverknew。"

PollyhadnothingtosaytolivelyMissBelle；butFannyobserved，"I

liketoreadaboutsuchthings；butit\'ssoinconvenienttohaveithappenrighthere，becauseitmakesitharderforus。Iwishyoucouldhaveheardmypapagoon。Hethreatenedtosendamaidtoschoolwithmeeveryday，astheydoinNewYork，tobesureIcomeallright。Didyouever？"

"That\'sbecauseitcameoutthatCarrieusedtoforgeexcusesinhermamma\'sname，andgopromenadingwithherOreste，whentheythoughthersafeatschool。Oh，wasn\'tsheaslyminx？"criedBelle，asifsheratheradmiredthetrick。

"Ithinkalittlefunisallright；andthere\'snoneedofmakingatalk，if，nowandthen，someonedoesrunofflikeCarrie。Boysdoastheylike；andIdon\'tseewhygirlsneedtobekeptsodreadfullyclose。

I\'dliketoseeanybodywatchingandguardingme!"addedanotherdashingyounglady。

"Itwouldtakeapolicemantodothat，Trix，oralittlemaninatallhat，"saidFanny，slyly，whichcausedagenerallaugh，andmadeBeatricetossherheadcoquettishly。

"Oh，haveyouread\'ThePhantomBride\'？It\'sperfectlythrilling!There\'saregularrushforitatthelibrary；butsomeprefer\'BreakingaButterfly。\'

Whichdoyoulikebest？"askedapalegirlofPolly，inoneofthemomentarylullswhichoccurred。

"Ihaven\'treadeither。"

"Youmust，then。IadoreGuyLivingston\'sbooks，andYates\'s。\'Ouida\'s\'

aremydelight，onlytheyaresolong，IgetwornoutbeforeI\'mthrough。"

"Ihaven\'treadanythingbutoneoftheMuhlbachnovelssinceIcame。

Ilikethose，becausethereishistoryinthem，"saidPolly，gladtohaveawordtosayforherself。

"Thosearewellenoughforimprovingreading；butIlikerealexcitingnovels；don\'tyou？"

Pollywassparedthemortificationofowningthatshehadneverreadany，bytheappearanceofMousieur，agray-headedoldFrenchman，whowentthroughhistaskwiththeresignedairofonewhowasusedtobeingthevictimofgigglingschool-girls。Theyoungladiesgabbledoverthelesson，wroteanexercise，andreadalittleFrenchhistory。Butitdidnotseemtomakemuchimpressionuponthem，thoughMonsieurwasveryreadytoexplain；

andPollyquiteblushedforherfriend，when，onbeingaskedwhatfamousFrenchmanfoughtinourRevolution，sheansweredLamartine，insteadofLafayette。

Thehourwassoonover；andwhenFanhadtakenamusiclessoninanotherroom，whilePollylookedon，itwastimeforrecess。Theyoungergirlswalkedupanddownthecourt，arminarm，eatingbreadanbutter；othersstayedintheschool-roomtoreadandgossip；butBelle，Trix，andFannywenttolunchatafashionableice-creamsaloonnearby，andPollymeeklyfollowed，notdaringtohintattheginger-breadgrandmahadputinherpocketforluncheon。Sothehonest，browncookiescrumbledawayinobscurity，whilePollytriedtosatisfyherheartyappetiteononeiceandthreemacaroons。

Thegirlsseemedingreatspirits，particularlyaftertheywerejoinedbyashortgentlemanwithsuchayoungfacethatPollywouldhavecalledhimaboy，ifhehadnotwornatallbeaver。Escortedbythisimpressiveyouth，Fannyleftherunfortunatefriendstoreturntoschool，andwenttowalk，asshecalledaslowpromenadedownthemostcrowdedstreets。