第4章

"Yes；Idon\'tknowtheboylately；buthe\'llbeasbadaseverwhenhe\'swell，"returnedFanny，whohadn\'tmuchfaithinsick-bedrepentances。

"Muchyouknowaboutit，"growledTom，lyingdownagain，forhehadsatboltuprightwhenPollymadetheastoundingdeclarationthathewaslikethewell-belovedJimmy。ThatsimplelittlehistoryhadmadeadeepimpressiononTom，andthetearfulendingtouchedthetenderspotthatmostboyshidesocarefully。Itisverypleasanttobelovedandadmired，verysweettothinkweshallbemissedandmournedwhenwedie；andTomwasseizedwithasuddendesiretoimitatethisboy，whohadn\'tdoneanythingwonderful，yetwassodeartohissister，thatshecriedforhimawholeyearafterhewasdead；sostudiousandclever，thepeoplecalledhim"afinefellow"；andsoanxioustobegood，thathekeptontrying，tillhewasbettereventhanPolly，whomTomprivatelyconsideredamodelofvirtue，asgirlsgo。

"IjustwishIhadasisterlikeyou，"hebrokeout，allofasudden。

"AndIjustwishIhadabrotherlikeJim，"criedFanny，forshefeltthereproachinTom\'swords，andknewshedeservedit。

"Ishouldn\'tthinkyou\'denvyanybody，foryou\'vegotoneanother，"

saidPolly，withsuchawistfullook，thatitsuddenlysetTomandFannytowonderingwhytheydidn\'thavebettertimestogether，andenjoythemselves，asPollyandJimdid。

"Fandon\'tcareforanybodybutherself，"saidTom。

"Tomissuchabear，"retortedFanny。

"Iwouldn\'tsaysuchthings，forifanythingshouldhappentoeitherofyou，theotheronewouldfeelsosorry。EverycrosswordIeversaidtoJimmycomesbacknow，andmakesmewishIhadn\'t。"

TwogreattearsrolleddownPolly\'scheeks，andwerequietlywipedaway；

butIthinktheywateredthatsweetsentiment，calledfraternallove，whichtillnowhadbeenneglectedintheheartsofthisbrotherandsister。Theydidn\'tsayanythingthen，ormakeanyplans，orconfessanyfaults；butwhentheypartedforthenight，Fannygavethewoundedheadagentlepat(Tomneverwouldhaveforgivenherifshehadkissedhim)，andsaid，inawhisper，"Ihopeyou\'llhaveagoodsleep，Tommy，dear。"

AndTomnoddedbackather，withahearty"Sametoyou，Fan。"

Thatwasall；butitmeantagooddeal，forthevoiceswerekind，andtheeyesmetfullofthataffectionwhichmakeswordsoflittleconsequence。

Pollysawit；andthoughshedidn\'tknowthatshehadmadethesunshine，itshonebackuponhersopleasantly，thatshefellhappilyasleep，thoughherJimmywasn\'ttheretosay"good-night。"ChapterV。ChapterV。CHAPTERVSCRAPESAFTERbeingunusuallygood，childrenareapttoturnshortroundandrefreshthemselvesbyactinglikeSancho。ForaweekafterTom\'smishap，theyoungfolkswerequiteangelic，somuchsothatgrandmasaidshewasafraid"somethingwasgoingtohappentothem。"Thedearoldladyneedn\'thavefeltanxious，forsuchexcessivevirtuedoesn\'tlastlongenoughtoleadtotranslation，exceptwithlittleprigsinthegoodystory-books；andnosoonerwasTomonhislegsagain，whenthewholepartywentastray，andmuchtribulationwastheconsequence。

Itallbeganwith"Polly\'sstupidity，"asFansaidafterward。JustasPollyrandowntomeetMr。Shawoneevening，andwashelpinghimoffwithhiscoat，thebellrang，andafinebouquetofhothouseflowerswasleftinPolly\'shands，forshenevercouldlearncityways，andopenedthedoorherself。

"Hey!what\'sthis？MylittlePollyisbeginningearly，afterall，"saidMr。Shaw，laughing，ashewatchedthegirl\'sfacedimpleandflush，asshesmeltthelovelynosegay，andglancedatanotehalfhiddenintheheliotrope。

Now，ifPollyhadn\'tbeen"stupid，"asFansaid，shewouldhavehadherwitsabouther，andletitpass；but，yousee，Pollywasanhonestlittlesoulanditneveroccurredtoherthattherewasanyneedofconcealment，sosheansweredinherstraightforwardway，"Oh，theyain\'tforme，sir；

theyareforFan；fromMr。Frank，Iguess。She\'llbesopleased。"

"Thatpuppysendsherthingsofthissort，doeshe？"AndMr。Shawlookedfarfrompleasedashepulledoutthenote，andcoollyopenedit。

PollyhadherdoubtsaboutFan\'sapprovalofthat"sortofthing，"butdarednotsayaword，andstoodthinkinghowsheusedtoshowherfatherthefunnyvalentinestheboyssenther，andhowtheylaughedoverthemtogether。ButMr。Shawdidnotlaughwhenhehadreadthesentimentalversesaccompanyingthebouquet，andhisfacequitescaredPolly，asheasked，angrily，"Howlonghasthisnonsensebeengoingon？"

"Indeed，sir，Idon\'tknow。Fandoesn\'tmeananyharm。IwishIhadn\'tsaidanything!"stammeredPolly，rememberingthepromisegiventoFannythedayoftheconcert。Shehadforgottenallaboutitandhadbecomeaccustomedtoseethe"bigboys，"asshecalledMr。Frankandhisfriends，withthegirlsonalloccasions。Now，itsuddenlyoccurredtoherthatMr。Shawdidn\'tlikesuchamusements，andhadforbiddenFantoindulgeinthem。

"Oh，dear!howmadshewillbe。Well，Ican\'thelpit。Girlsshouldn\'thavesecretsfromtheirfathers，thentherewouldn\'tbeanyfuss，"thoughtPolly，asshewatchedMr。Shawtwistupthepinknoteandpokeitbackamongtheflowerswhichhetookfromher，saying，shortly，"SendFannytomeinthelibrary。"

"Nowyou\'vedoneit，youstupidthing!"criedFanny，bothangryanddismayed，whenPollydeliveredthemessage。

"Why，whatelsecouldIdo？"askedPolly，muchdisturbed。

"Lethimthinkthebouquetwasforyou；thenthere\'dhavebeennotrouble。"

"Butthatwouldhavebeendoingalie，whichismostasbadastellingone。"

"Don\'tbeagoose。You\'vegotmeintoascrape，andyououghttohelpmeout。"

"IwillifIcan；butIwon\'ttellliesforanybody!"criedPolly，gettingexcited。

"Nobodywantsyoutojusthold，yourtongue，andletmemanage。"

"ThenI\'dbetternotgodown，"beganPolly，whenasternvoicefrombelowcalled，likeBluebeard，"Areyoucomingdown？"

"Yes，sir，"answeredameekvoice；andFannyclutchedPolly，whispering，"Youmustcome；I\'mfrightenedoutofmywitswhenhespeakslikethat。Standbyme，Polly；there\'sadear。"

"Iwill，"whispered"sisterAnn"；anddowntheywentwithflutteringhearts。

Mr。Shawstoodontherug，lookingrathergrim；thebouquetlayonthetable，andbesideitanote，directedto"FrankMoore，Esq。，"inaverydecidedhand，withafierce-lookingflourishafterthe"Esq。"Pointingtothisimpressiveepistle，Mr。Shawsaid，knittinghisblackeyebrowsashelookedatFanny，"I\'mgoingtoputastoptothisnonsenseatonce；

andifIseeanymoreofit，I\'llsendyoutoschoolinaCanadianconvent。"

ThisawfulthreatquitetookPolly\'sbreathaway；butFannyhadhearditbefore，andhavingatemperofherown，said，pertly，"I\'msureIhaven\'tdoneanythingsoverydreadful。Ican\'thelpitiftheboyssendmephilopenapresents，astheydototheothergirls。"

"Therewasnothingaboutphilopenasinthenote。Butthat\'snotthequestion。IforbidyoutohaveanythingtodowiththisMoore。He\'snotaboy，butafastfellow，andIwon\'thavehimabout。Youknewthis，andyetdisobeyedme。"

"Ihardlyeverseehim，"beganFanny。

"Isthattrue？"askedMr。Shaw，turningsuddenlytoPolly。

"Oh，please，sir，don\'taskme。IpromisedIwouldn\'t­；thatis­；Fannywilltellyou，"criedPolly，quiteredwithdistressatthepredicamentshewasin。

"Nomatteraboutyourpromise；tellmeallyouknowofthisabsurdaffair。

ItwilldoFannymoregoodthanharm。"AndMr。Shawsatdownlookingmoreamiable，forPolly\'sdismaytouchedhim。

"MayI？"shewhisperedtoFanny。

"Idon\'tcare，"answeredFan，lookingbothangryandashamed，asshestoodsullenlytyingknotsinherhandkerchief。

SoPollytold，withmuchreluctanceandmuchquestioning，allsheknewofthewalks，thelunches，themeetings，andthenotes。Itwasn\'tmuch，andevidentlylessseriousthanMr。Shawexpected；for，ashelistened，hiseyebrowssmoothedthemselvesout，andmorethanoncehislipstwitchedasifhewantedtolaugh，forafterall，itwasrathercomicaltoseehowtheyoungpeopleapedtheirelders，playingthenew-fashionedgame，quiteunconsciousofitsrealbeauty，power，andsacredness。

"Oh，please，sir，don\'tblameFanmuch，forshetrulyisn\'thalfassillyasTrixandtheother，girls。Shewouldn\'tgosleigh-riding，thoughMr。Frankteased，andshewantedtoeversomuch。She\'ssorry，Iknow，andwon\'tforgetwhatyousayanymore，ifyou\'llforgiveherthisonce，"

criedPolly，veryearnestly，whenthefoolishlittlestorywastold。

"Idon\'tseehowIcanhelpit，whenyoupleadsowellforher。Comehere，Fan，andmindthisonething；dropallthisnonsense，andattendtoyourbooks，oroffyougo；andCanadaisnojokeinwintertime，letmetellyou。"

Ashespoke，Mr。Shawstrokedhissulkydaughter\'scheek，hopingtoseesomesignofregret；butFannyfeltinjured，andwouldn\'tshowthatshewassorry，sosheonlysaid，pettishly，"IsupposeIcanhavemyflowers，nowthefussisover。"

"Theyaregoingstraightbackwheretheycamefrom，withalinefromme，whichwillkeepthatpuppyfromeversendingyouanymore。"Ringingthebell，Mr，Shawdespatchedtheunfortunateposy，andthenturnedtoPolly，saying，kindlybutgravely，"Setthissillychildofmineagoodexampleanddoyourbestforher，won\'tyou？"

"Me？WhatcanIdo，sir？"askedPolly，lookingready，butquiteignoranthowtobegin。

"Makeheraslikeyourselfaspossible，mydear；nothingwouldpleasemebetter。Nowgo，andletushearnomoreofthisfolly。"

Theywentwithoutaword，andMr。Shawheardnomoreoftheaffair；

butpoorPollydid，forFanscoldedher，tillPollythoughtseriouslyofpackingupandgoinghomenextday。Ireallyhaven\'tthehearttorelatethedreadfullecturesshegot，thesnubsshesuffered，orthecoldshouldersturneduponherforseveraldaysafterthis。Polly\'sheartwasfull，butshetoldnoone，andborehertroublesilently，feelingherfriend\'singratitudeandinjusticedeeply。

Tomfoundoutwhatthematterwas，andsidedwithPolly，whichproceedingledtoscrapenumbertwo。

"Where\'sFan？"askedtheyounggentleman，strollingintohissister\'sroom，wherePollylayonthesofa，tryingtoforgethertroublesinaninterestingbook。

"Downstairs，seeingcompany。"

"Whydidn\'tyougo，too？"

"Idon\'tlikeTrix，andIdon\'tknowherfineNewYorkfriends。"

"Don\'twantto，neither，whydon\'tyousay？"

"Notpolite。"

"Whocares？Isay，Polly，comeandhavesomefun。"

"I\'dratherread。"

"Thatisn\'tpolite。"

Pollylaughed，andturnedapage。Tomwhistledaminute，thensigheddeeply，andputhishandtohisforehead，whichtheblackplasterstilladorned。

"Doesyourheadache？"askedPolly。

"Awfully。"

"Betterliedown，then。"

"Can\'t；I\'mfidgety。andwanttobe\'amoosed\'asPugsays。"

"JustwaittillIfinishmychapter，andthenI\'llcome，"saidpitifulPolly。

"Allright，"returnedtheperjuredboy，whohaddiscoveredthatabrokenheadwassometimesmoreusefulthanawholeone，andexultinginhisbasestratagem，herovedabouttheroom，tillFan\'sbureauarrestedhim。Itwascoveredwithallsortsoffinery，forshehaddressedinahurry，andlefteverythingtopsy-turvy。Awell-conductedboywouldhaveletthingsalone，oramoralbrotherwouldhaveputthingstorights；beingneither，Tomrummagedtohisheartscontent，tillFan\'sdrawerslookedasifsomeonehadbeenmakinghayinthem。Hetriedtheeffectofear-rings，ribbons，andcollars；woundupthewatch，thoughitwasn\'ttime；burnthisinquisitivenosewithsmelling-salts；delugedhisgrimyhandkerchiefwithFan\'sbestcologne；anointedhiscurlycropwithherhair-oil；powderedhisfacewithherviolet-powder；andfinishedoffbypinningonabunchoffalseringlets，whichFannytried，tokeepaprofoundsecret。Theravagescommittedbythisbadboyarebeyondthepoweroflanguagetodescribe，asherevelledintheinterestingdrawers，boxes，andcases，whichheldhissister\'streasures。

Whenthecurlshadbeenputon，withmuchprickingoffingers，andablueribbonadded，à；laFan，hesurveyedhimselfwithsatisfaction，andconsideredtheeffectsofine，thathewasinspiredtotryastillgreatermetamorphosis。ThedressFanhadtakenofflayonachair，andintoitgotTom，chucklingwithsuppressedlaughter，forPollywasabsorbed，andthebed-curtainshidhisiniquity。Fan\'sbestvelvetjacketandhat，erminemuff，andasofa-pillowforpannier，finishedoffthecostume，andtrippingalongwithelbowsout，TomappearedbeforetheamazedPollyjustasthechapterended。Sheenjoyedthejokesoheartily，thatTomforgotconsequences，andproposedgoingdownintotheparlortosurprise，thegirls。

"Goodness，no!Fannyneverwouldforgiveusifyoushowedhercurlsandthingstothosepeople。Therearegentlemenamongthem，anditwouldn\'tbeproper，"saidPolly，alarmedattheidea。

"Allthemorefun。Fanhasn\'ttreatedyouwell，anditwillserveherrightifyouintroducemeasyourdearfriend，MissShaw。Comeon，itwillbeajollylark。"

"Iwouldn\'tfortheworld；itwouldbesomean。Take\'emoff，Tom，andI\'llplayanythingelseyoulike。"

"Iain\'tgoingtodressupfornothing；Ilooksolovely，someonemustadmireme。Takemedown，Polly，andseeiftheydon\'tcallme\'asweetcreature。\'"

Tomlookedsounutterablyridiculousashetossedhiscurlsandpranced，thatPollywentoffintoanothergaleofmerriment；butevenwhileshelaughed，sheresolvednottolethimmortifyhissister。

"Now，then，getoutofthewayifyouwon\'tcome；I\'mgoingdown，"

saidTom。

"No，you\'renot。"

"Howwillyouhelpit，MissPrim？"

"So。"AndPollylockedthedoor，putthekeyinherpocket，andnoddedathimdefiantly。

Tomwasapepper-potastotemper，andanythinglikeoppositionalwayshadabadeffect。Forgettinghiscostume，hestrodeuptoPolly，saying，withathreateningwagofthe，head，"Noneofthat。Iwon\'tstandit。"

"PromisenottoplagueFan，andI\'llletyouout。"

"Won\'tpromiseanything。Givemethatkey，orI\'llmakeyou。"

"Now，Tom，don\'tbesavage。Ionlywanttokeepyououtofascrape，forFanwillberagingifyougo。Takeoffherthings，andI\'llgiveup。"

Tomvouchsafednoreply，butmarchedtotheotherdoor，whichwasfast，asPollyknew，lookedoutofthethree-storywindow，andfindingnoescapepossible，camebackwithawrathfulface。"Willyougivemethatkey？"

"No，Iwon\'t，"saidPolly，valiantly。

"I\'mstrongerthanyouare；soyou\'dbetterhandover。"

"Iknowyouare；butit\'scowardlyforagreatboylikeyoutorobagirl。"

"Idon\'twanttohurtyou；but，byGeorge!Iwon\'tstandthis!"

TompausedasPollyspoke，evidentlyashamedofhimself；buthistemperwasup，andhewouldn\'tgivein。IfPollyhadcriedalittlejusthere，hewouldhaveyielded；unfortunatelyshegiggled，forTom\'sfierceattitudewassuchafunnycontrasttohisdressthatshecouldn\'thelpit。Thatsettledthematter。Nogirlthateverlivedshouldgiggleathim，muchlesslockhimuplikeasmallchild。Withoutaword，hemadeagrabatPolly\'sarm，forthehandholdingthekeywasstillinher，pocket。Withherotherhandsheclutchedherfrock，andforaminuteheldonstoutly。

ButTom\'sstrongfingerswereirresistible；ripwentthepocket，outcamethehand，andwithacryofpainfromPolly，thekeyfellonthefloor。

"It\'syourownfaultifyou\'rehurt。Ididn\'tmeanto，"mutteredTom，ashehastilydeparted，leavingPollytogroanoverhersprainedwrist。

Hewentdown，butnotintotheparlor，forsomehowthejokeseemedtohavelostitsrelish；sohemadethegirlsinthekitchenlaugh，andthencreptupthebackway，hopingtomakeitallrightwithPolly。Butshehadgonetograndma\'sroom，for，thoughtheoldladywasout，itseemedarefuge。

Hehadjusttimetogetthingsinorder，whenFannycameup，crosserthanever；forTrixhadbeentellingherofallsortsoffuninwhichshemighthavehadashare，ifPollyhadheldhertongue。

"Whereisshe？"askedFan，wishingtoventhervexationonherfriend。

"Mopinginherroom，Isuppose，"repliedTom，whowasdiscoveredreadingstudiously。

Now，whilethishadbeenhappening，Maudhadbeengettingintohotwateralso；forwhenhermaidlefther，toseeafriendbelow，MissMaudparadedintoPolly\'sroom，andsolacedherselfwithmischief。InanevilhourPollyhadletherplayboatinherbigtrunk，whichstoodempty。SincethenPollyhadstoredsomeofhermostprivatetreasuresintheuppertray，sothatshemightfeelsuretheyweresafefromalleyes。Shehadforgottentolockthetrunk，andwhenMaudraisedthelidtobeginhervoyage，severalobjectsofinterestmethereyes。ShewasdeepinherresearcheswhenFancameinandlookedoverhershoulder，feelingtoocrosswithPollytochideMaud。

AsPollyhadnomoneyforpresents，shehadexertedheringenuitytodeviseallsortsofgifts，hopingbyquantitytoatoneforanyshortcomingsinquality。Someofherattemptsweresuccessful，otherswerefailures；

butshekeptthemall，fineorfunny，knowingthechildrenathomewouldenjoyanythingnew。SomeofMaud\'scast-offtoyshadbeenneatlymendedforKitty；someofFan\'soldribbonsandlaceswereconvertedintodolls\'

finery；andTom\'slittlefigures，whittledoutofwoodinidleminutes，werelaidawaytoshowWillwhatcouldbedonewithaknife。

"Whatrubbish!"saidFanny。

"Queergirl，isn\'tshe？"addedTom，whohadfollowedtoseewhatwasgoingon。

"Don\'tyoulaughatPolly\'sthings。Shemakesnicerdollsthanyou，Fan；andshecanwiteanddwareversomuchbetterthanTom，"criedMaud。

"Howdoyouknow？Ineversawherdraw，"saidTom。

"Here\'sabookwithlotsofpicturesinit。Ican\'tweadthewiting；

butthepicturesaresofunny。"

Eagertodisplayherfriend\'saccomplishments，Maudpulledoutafatlittlebook，marked"Polly\'sJournal，"andspreaditinherlap。

"Onlythepictures；noharmintakingalookat\'em，"saidTom。

"Justonepeep，"answeredFanny；andthenextminutebothwerelaughingatadrollsketchofTominthegutter，withthebigdoghowlingoverhim，andthevelocipederunningaway。Veryroughandfaulty，butsofunny，thatitwasevidentPolly\'ssenseofhumorwasstrong。AfewpagesfartherbackcameFannyandMr。Frank，caricatured；thengrandma，carefullydone；Tomrecitinghisbattle-piece；Mr。ShawandPollyinthepark；MaudbeingborneawaybyKaty；andalltheschool-girlsturnedintoridiculewithanunsparinghand。

"Slylittlepuss，tomakefunofusbehindourbacks，"saidFan，rathernettledbyPolly\'squietretaliationformanyslightsfromherselfandfriends。

"Shedoesdrawwell，"saidTom，lookingcriticallyatthesketchofaboywithapleasantface，roundwhomPollyhaddrawnrayslikethesun，andunderwhichwaswritten，"MydearJimmy。"

"Youwouldn\'tadmireher，ifyouknewwhatshewrotehereaboutyou，"

saidFanny，whoseeyeshadstrayedtothewrittenpageopposite，andlingeredtherelongenoughtoreadsomethingthatexcitedhercuriosity。

"Whatisit？"askedTom，forgettinghishonorableresolvesforaminute。

"Shesays，\'ItrytolikeTom，andwhenheispleasantwedoverywell；

buthedon\'tstaysolong。Hegetscrossandrough，anddisrespectfultohisfatherandmother，andplaguesusgirls，andissohorridIalmosthatehim。It\'sverywrong，butIcan\'thelpit。\'Howdoyoulikethat？"

askedFanny。

"Goahead，andseehowshecomesdownonyou，ma\'am，"retortedTom，whohadreadonabit。

"Doesshe？"AndFannycontinued，rapidly:"AsforFan，Idon\'tthinkwecanbefriendsanymore；forshetoldherfatheralie，andwon\'tforgivemefornotdoingsotoo。Iusedtothinkheraveryfinegirl；butIdon\'tnow。IfshewouldbeasshewaswhenIfirstknewher，Ishouldloveherjustthesame；butsheisn\'tkindtome；andthoughsheisalwaystalkingaboutpoliteness，Idon\'tthinkitispolitetotreatcompanyasshedoesme。ShethinksIamoddandcountrified，andIdaresayIam；butIshouldn\'tlaughatagirl\'sclothesbecauseshewaspoor，orkeepheroutofthewaybecauseshedidn\'tdojustasothergirlsdohere。Iseehermakefunofme，andIcan\'tfeelasIdid；andI\'dgohome，onlyitwouldseemungratefultoMr。Shawandgrandma，andIdolovethemdearly。"

"Isay，Fan，you\'vegotitnow。Shutthebookandcomeaway，"criedTom，enjoyingthisbroadsideimmensely，butfeelingguilty，aswellhemight。

"Justonebitmore，"whisperedFanny，turningonapageortwo，andstoppingataleafthatwasblurredhereandthereasiftearshaddroppedonit。

"Sundaymorning，early。Nobodyisuptospoilmyquiettime，andImust。

writemyjournal，forI\'vebeensobadlately，Icouldn\'tbeartodoit。I\'mgladmyvisitismostdone，forthingsworrymehere，andthereisn\'tanyonetohelpmegetrightwhenIgetwrong。IusedtoenvyFanny；

butIdon\'tnow，forherfatherandmotherdon\'ttakecareofherasminedoofme。Sheisafraidofherfather，andmakeshermotherdoasshelikes。

I\'mgladIcamethough，forIseemoneydon\'tgivepeopleeverything；

butI\'dlikealittleallthesame，foritissocomfortabletobuynicethings。Ireadovermyjournaljustnow，andI\'mafraidit\'snotagoodone；forIhavesaidallsortsofthingsaboutthepeoplehere，anditisn\'tkind。Ishouldtearitout，onlyIpromisedtokeepmydiary，andIwanttotalkoverthingsthatpuzzlemewithmother。Iseenowthatitismyfaultagooddeal；forIhaven\'tbeenhalfaspatient，andpleasantasIoughttobe。Iwilltrulytryfortherestofthetime，andbeasgoodandgratefulasIcan；forIwantthemtolikeme，thoughI\'monly\'anold-fashionedcountrygirl。\'"

ThatlastsentencemadeFannyshutthebook，withafacefullofself-reproach；

forshehadsaidthosewordsherself，inafitofpetulance，andPollyhadmadenoanswer，thoughhereyesfilledandhercheeksburned。Fanopenedherlipstosaysomething，butnotasoundfollowed，fortherestoodPollylookingatthemwithanexpressiontheyhadneverseenbefore。

"Whatareyoudoingwithmythings？"shedemanded，inalowtone，whilehereyeskindledandhercolorchanged。

"Maudshowedusabookshefound，andwewerejustlookingatthepictures，"

beganFanny，droppingitasifitburntherfingers。

"Andreadingmyjournal，andlaughingatmypresents，andthenputtingtheblameonMaud。It\'sthemeanestthingIeversaw；andI\'llneverforgiveyouaslongasIlive!"

Pollysaid，thisallinoneindignantbreath，andthenasifafraidofsayingtoomuch，ranoutoftheroomwithsuchalookofmingledcontempt，grief，andanger，thatthethreeculpritsstooddumbwithshame。Tomhadn\'tevenawhistleathiscommand；MaudwassoscaredatgentlePolly\'soutbreak，thatshesatasstillasamouse；whileFanny，consciencestricken，laidbackthepoorlittlepresentswitharespectfulhand，forsomehowthethoughtofPolly\'spovertycameoverherasitneverhaddonebefore；

andtheseoddsandends，socarefullytreasuredupforthoseathome，touchedFanny，andgrewbeautifulinhereyes。Asshelaidbythelittlebook，theconfessionsinitreproachedhermoresharplythatanywordsPollycouldhavespoken；forshehadlaughedatherfriend，hadslightedhersometimes，andbeenunforgivingforaninnocentoffence。Thatlastpage，wherePollytooktheblameonherself，andpromisedto"trulytry"tobemorekindandpatient，wenttoFanny\'sheart，meltingallthecoldnessaway，andshecouldonlylayherheadonthetrunk，sobbing，"Itwasn\'tPolly\'sfault；itwasallmine。"

Tom，stillredwithshameatbeingcaughtinsuchascrape，leftFannytohertears，andwentmanfullyawaytofindtheinjuredPolly，andconfesshismanifoldtransgressions。ButPollycouldn\'tbefound。Hesearchedhighandlowineveryroom，yetnosignofthegirtappeared，andTombegantogetanxious。"Shecan\'thaverunawayhome，canshe？"hesaidtohimself，ashepausedbeforethehat-tree。Therewasthelittleroundhat，andTomgaveitaremorsefulsmooth，rememberinghowmanytimeshehadtweakedithalfoff，orpokeditoverpoorPolly\'seyes。"Maybeshe\'sgonedowntotheoffice，totellpa。\'Tisn\'tabitlikeher，though。Anyway，I

\'lltakealookroundthecorner。"

Eagertogethisboots，Tompulledopenthedoorofadarkclosetunderthestairs，andnearlytumbledoverbackwardwithsurprise；forthere，onthefloor，withherheadpillowedonapairofrubbers，layPollyinanattitudeofdespair。ThismournfulspectaclesentTom\'spenitentspeechstraightoutofhishead，andwithanastonished"Hullo!"hestoodandstaredinimpressivesilence。Pollywasn\'tcrying，andlaysostill，thatTombegantothinkshemightbeinafitorafaint，andbentanxiouslydowntoinspectthepatheticbunch。Aglimpseofweteyelashes，aroundcheekredderthanusual，andlipspartedbyquick，breathing，relievedhisminduponthatpoint；so，takingcourage，hesatdownontheboot-jack，andbeggedpardonlikeaman。

Now，Pollywasveryangry，andIthinkshehadarighttobe；butshewasnotresentful，andafterthefirstflashwasover，shesoonbegantofeelbetteraboutit。Itwasn\'teasytoforgive；but，asshelistenedtoTom\'shonestvoice，gettinggruffwithremorsenowandthen，shecouldn\'thardenherheartagainsthim，orrefusetomakeupwhenhesofranklyownedthatit"wasconfoundedmeantoreadherbookthatway。"Shelikedhiscomingandbeggingpardonatonce；itwasahandsomethingtodo；sheappreciatedit，andforgavehiminherheartsometimebeforeshedidwithherlips；for，totellthetruth，Pollyhadaspiceofgirlishmalice，andratherlikedtoseedomineeringTomeathumble-pie，justenoughtodohimgood，youknow。Shefeltthatatonementwasproper，andconsidereditnomorethanjustthatFanshoulddrenchahandkerchiefortwowithrepentanttears，andthatTomshouldsitonaveryuncomfortableseatandcallhimselfhardnamesforfiveortenminutesbeforesherelented。

"Come，now，dosayawordtoafellow。I\'mgettingtheworstofit，anyway；forthere\'sFan，cryinghereyesoutupstairs，andhereareyoustowedawayinadarkclosetasdumbasafish，andnobodybutmetobringyoubothround。I\'dhavecutovertotheSmythesandgotmahometofixthings，onlyitlookedlikebackingoutofthescrape；soIdidn\'t，"saidTom，asalastappeal。

PollywasgladtohearthatFanwascrying。Itwoulddohergood；butshecouldn\'thelpsofteningtoTom，whodidseeminapredicamentbetweentwoweepingdamsels。Alittlesmilebegantodimplethecheekthatwasn\'thidden，andthenahandcameslowlyoutfromunderthecurlyhead，andwasstretchedtowardhimsilently。Tomwasjustgoingtogiveitaheartyshake，whenhesawaredmarkonthewrist，andknewwhatmadeit。

Hisfacechanged，andhetookthechubbyhandsogently，thatPollypeepedtoseewhatitmeant。

"Willyouforgivethat，too？"heasked，inawhisper，strokingtheredwrist。

"Yes，itdon\'thurtmuchnow。"AndPollydrewherhandaway，sorryhehadseenit。

"Iwasabeast，that\'swhatIwas!"saidTom，inatoneofgreatdisgust。

Andjustatthatawkwardminutedowntumbledhisfather\'soldbeaveroverhisheadandface，puttingacomicalquencheronhisself-reproaches。

Ofcourse，neithercouldhelplaughingatthat；andwhenheemerged，Pollywassittingup，lookingasmuchbetterforhershowerashedidforhismomentaryeclipse。

"Fanfeelsdreadfully。Willyoukissandbefriends，ifItrotherdown？"

askedTom，rememberinghisfellow-sinner。

"I\'llgotoher。"AndPollywhiskedoutoftheclosetassuddenlyasshehadwhiskedin，leavingTomsittingontheboot-jack，witharadiantcountenance。

Howthegirlsmadeitupnooneeverknew。Butaftermuchtalkingandcrying，kissingandlaughing，thebreachwashealed，andpeacedeclared。

Aslighthazestilllingeredintheairafterthestorm，forFannywasveryhumbleandtenderthatevening；Tomatriflepensive，butdistressinglypolite，andPollymagnanimouslyfriendlytoeveryone；forgenerousnaturesliketoforgive，andPollyenjoyedthepettingaftertheinsult，likeaveryhumangirl。

Asshewasbrushingherhairatbedtimetherecameataponherdoorand，openingit，shebeheldnothingbutatallblackbottle，withastripofredflanneltiedrounditlikeacravat，andacocked-hatnoteonthecork。Insideweretheselines，writteninasprawlinghandwithveryblackink:

DEARPOLLY，­；Opydilldockisfirst-rateforsprains。Youputalotontheflannelanddoupyourwrist，andIguessitwillbeallrightinthemorning。Willyoucomeasleigh-ridetomorrow？I\'mawfulsorryIhurtyou。TOM。ChapterVI。ChapterVI。CHAPTERVIGRANDMAWHERE\'SPolly？"askedFanonesnowyafternoon，asshecameintothedining-roomwhereTomwasreposingonthesofawithhisbootsintheair，absorbedinoneofthosedelightfulbooksinwhichboysarecastawayondesertislands，whereeveryknownfruit，vegetableandflowerisinitsprimealltheyearround；or，lostinboundlessforests，wheretheyoungheroeshavethrillingadventures，killimpossiblebeasts，and，whentheauthor\'sinventiongivesout，suddenlyfindtheirwayhome，ladenwithtigerskins，tamebuffaloesandotherpleasingtrophiesoftheirprowess。

"Dunno，"wasTom\'sbriefreply，forhewasjustescapingfromanalligatorofthelargestsize。

"Doputdownthatstupidbook，andlet\'sdosomething，"saidFanny，afteralistlessstrollroundtheroom。

"Hi，they\'vegothim!"wastheonlyanswervouchsafedbytheabsorbedreader。

"Where\'sPolly？"askedMaud，joiningthepartywithherhandsfullofpaperdollsallsufferingforball-dresses。

"Dogetalong，anddon\'tbotherme，"criedTomexasperatedattheinterruption。

"Thentelluswheresheis。I\'msureyouknow，forshewasdownherealittlewhileago，"saidFanny。

"Upingrandma\'sroom，maybe。"

"Provokingthing!youknewitallthetime，anddidn\'ttell，justtoplagueus，"scoldedMaud。

ButTomwasnowunderwaterstabbinghisalligator，andtooknonoticeoftheindignantdepartureoftheyoungladies。

"Polly\'salwayspokingupingrandma\'sroom。Idon\'tseewhatfunthereisinit，"saidFannyastheywentupstairs。

"Polly\'saverwyqueergirl，andgwandmapetsheragweatdealmorethanshedoesme，"observedMaud，withaninjuredair。

"Let\'speekandseewhattheyaredoing，"whisperedFan，pausingatthehalf-opendoor。

Grandmawassittingbeforeaquaintoldcabinet，thedoorsofwhichstoodwideopen，showingglimpsesofthefadedrelicstreasuredthere。

Onastool，attheoldlady\'sfeet，satPolly，lookingupwithintentfaceandeagereyes，quiteabsorbedinthehistoryofahigh-heeledbrocadeshoewhichlayinherlap。

"Well，mydear，"grandmawassaying，"shehaditontheverydaythatUncleJoecameinasshesatatwork，andsaid，\'Dolly，wemustbemarriedatonce。\'\'Verywell，Joe，\'saysAuntDolly，anddownshewenttotheparlor，wheretheministerwaswaiting，neverstoppingtochangethedimitydressshewore，andwasactuallymarriedwithherscissorsandpin-ballatherside，andherthimbleon。Thatwasinwartimes，1812，mydear，andUncleJoewasinthearmy，sohehadtogo，andhetookthatverylittlepin-ballwithhim。Hereitiswiththemarkofabulletthroughit，forhealwayssaidhisDolly\'scushionsavedhislife。"

"Howinterestingthatis!"criedPolly，assheexaminedthefadedcushionwiththeholeinit。

"Why，grandma，younevertoldmethatstory，"saidFanny，hurryingin，findingtheprospectwasapleasantoneforastormyafternoon。

"Youneveraskedmetotellyouanything，mydear，soIkeptmyoldstoriestomyself，"answeredgrandma，quietly。

"Tellsomenow，please。Maywestayandseethefunnythings？"saidFanandMaud，eyeingtheopencabinetwithinterest。

"IfPollylikes；sheismycompany，andIamtryingtoentertainher，forIlovetohavehercome，"saidgrandma，withherold-timepoliteness。

"Oh，yes!doletthemstayandhearthestories。I\'veoftentoldthemwhatgoodtimeswehaveuphere，andteasedthemtocome，buttheythinkit\'stooquiet。Now，sitdown，girls，andletgrandmagoon。YouseeI

pickoutsomethinginthecabinetthatlooksinteresting，andthenshetellsmeaboutit，"saidPolly，eagertoincludethegirlsinherpleasures，andgladtogettheminterestedingrandma\'sreminiscences，forPollyknewhowhappyitmadethelonelyoldladytoliveoverherpast，andtohavethechildrenroundher。

"Herearethreedrawersthathavenotbeenopenedyet；eachtakeone，andchoosesomethingfromitformetotellabout，"saidMadam，quiteexcitedattheunusualinterestinhertreasures。

Sothegirlseachopenedadrawerandturnedoverthecontentstilltheyfoundsomethingtheywantedtoknowabout。Maudwasreadyfirst，andholdingupanoddlyshapedlinenbag，withabigblueFembroideredonit，demandedherstory。Grandmasmiledasshesmoothedtheoldthingtenderly，andbeganherstorywithevidentpleasure。

"MysisterNellyandIwenttovisitanauntofours，whenwewerelittlegirls，butwedidn\'thaveaverygoodtime，forshewasextremelystrict。

Oneafternoon，whenshehadgoneouttotea，andoldDebby，themaid，wasasleepinherroom，wesatonthedoor-step，feelinghomesick，andreadyforanythingtoamuseus。

"\'Whatshallwedo？\'saidNelly。

"Justasshespoke，aripeplumdroppedbounceonthegrassbeforeus，asifansweringherquestion。Itwasalltheplum\'sfault，forifithadn\'tfallenatthatminute，Inevershouldhavehadthethoughtwhichpoppedintomymischievousmind。

"\'Let\'shaveasmanyaswewant，andplagueAuntBetsey，topayherforbeingsocross，\'Isaid，givingNellyhalfthegreatpurpleplum。

"\'Itwouldbedreadfulnaughty，\'beganNelly，\'butIguesswewill，\'

sheadded，asthesweetmouthfulslippeddownherthroat。

"\'Debby\'sasleep。Comeon，then，andhelpmeshake，\'Isaid，gettingup，eagerforthefun。

"Weshookandshooktillwegotredintheface，butnotonedropped，forthetreewaslarge，andourlittlearmswerenotstrongenoughtostirtheboughs。Thenwethrewstones，butonlyonegreenandonehalf-ripeonecamedown，andmylaststonebroketheshedwindow，sotherewasanendofthat。

"\'It\'sasprovokingasAuntBetseyherself，\'saidNelly，aswesatdown，outofbreath。

"\'Iwishthewindwouldcomeandblow\'emdownforus，\'pantedI，staringupattheplumswithlongingeyes。

"\'Ifwishingwoulddoanygood，Ishouldwish\'eminmylapatonce，\'

addedNelly。

"\'Youmightaswellwish\'eminyourmouthanddonewithit，ifyouaretoolazytopick\'emup。Iftheladderwasn\'ttooheavywecouldtrythat，\'saidI，determinedtohavethem。

"\'Youknowwecan\'tstirit，sowhatistheuseoftalkingaboutit？

Youproposedgettingtheplums，nowlet\'sseeyoudoit，\'answeredNelly，rathercrossly，forshehadbittenthegreenplum，anditpuckeredhermouth。

"\'Waitaminute，andyouwillseemedoit，\'criedI，asanewthoughtcameintomynaughtyhead。

"\'Whatareyoutakingyourshoesandsocksofffor？Youcan\'tclimbthetree，Fan。\'

"\'Don\'taskquestions，butbereadytopick\'emupwhentheyfall，MissLazybones。\'

"WiththismysteriousspeechIpatteredintothehousebare-footedandfullofmyplan。UpstairsIwenttoawindowopeningontheshedroof。

OutIgot，andcreepingcarefullyalongtillIcamenearthetree，Istoodup，andsuddenlycrowedlikethelittlerooster。Nellylookedup，andstared，andlaughed，andclappedherhandswhenshesawwhatIwasgoingtodo。

"\'I\'mafraidyou\'llslipandgethurt。\'

"\'Don\'tcareifIdo；I\'llhavethoseplumsifIbreakmyneckdoingit，\'andhalfsliding，halfwalkingIwentdowntheslopingroof，tilltheboughsofthetreewerewithinmyreach。

"Hurrah!"criedNelly，dancingdownbelow，asmyfirstshakesentadozenplumsrattlingroundher。

"\'Hurrah!"criedI，lettinggoonebranchandtryingtoreachanother。

ButasIdidsomyfootslipped，Itriedtocatchsomethingtoholdby，butfoundnothing，andwithacry，downIfell，likeaverybigplumonthegrassbelow。

"Fortunatelytheshedwaslow，thegrasswasthickandthetreebrokemyfall，butIgotabadbumpandaterribleshaking。NellythoughtIwaskilled，andbegantocrywithhermouthfull。ButIpickedmyselfupinaminute，forIwasusedtosuchtumbles；anddidn\'tmindthepainhalfasmuchasthelossoftheplums。

"\'Hush!Debbywillhearandspoilallthefun。IsaidI\'dget\'emandIhave。Seewhatlotshavecomedownwithme。\'

"Sotherehad，formyfallshookthetreealmostasmuchasitdidme，andthegreenandpurplefruitlayallaboutus。

"Bythetimethebumponmyforeheadhadswelledasbigasanut，ourapronswerehalffull，andwesatdowntoenjoyourselves。Butwedidn\'t。

Odear，no!formanyoftheplumswerenotripe，somewerehurtbythebirds，somecrushedinfalling，andmanyashardasstones。Nellygotstungbyawasp，myheadbegantoache，andwesatlookingatoneanotherratherdismally，whenNellyhadabrightidea。