第5章

"\'Let\'scook\'em，thenthey\'llbegood，andwecanputsomeawayinourlittlepailsforto-morrow。\'

"\'Thatwillbesplendid!There\'safireinthekitchen，Debbyalwaysleavesthekettleon，andwecanusehersaucepan，andIknowwherethesugaris，andwe\'llhaveagrandtime。\'

"Inwewent，andfelltoworkveryquietly。Itwasalarge，openfire-place，withthecoalsnicelycoveredup，andthebigkettlesimmeringonthehook。

Werakedopenthefire，putonthesaucepan，andinitthebestofourplums，withwaterenoughtospoilthem。Butwedidn\'tknowthat，andfeltveryimportantaswesatwaitingforittoboil，eacharmedwithabigspoon，whilethesugarboxstoodbetweenusreadytobeused。

"Howslowtheywere，tobesure!Ineverknewsuchobstinatethings，fortheywouldn\'tsoften，thoughtheydancedaboutintheboilingwater，andbobbedagainstthecoverasiftheyweredoingtheirbest。

"Thesunbegantogetlow，wewereafraidDebbywouldcomedown，andstillthosedreadfulplumswouldn\'tlooklikesauce。Atlasttheybegantoburst，thewatergotalovelypurple，weputlotsofsugarin，andkepttastingtillourapronsandfaceswerered，andourlipsburntwiththehotspoons。

"\'There\'stoomuchjuice，\'saidNelly，shakingherheadwisely。\'Itoughttobethickandnicelikemamma\'s。\'

"\'I\'llpouroffsomeofthejuice，andwecandrinkit，\'saidI，feelingthatI\'dmadeamistakeinmycooking。

"SoNellygotabowl，andIgotatowelandliftedthebigsaucepancarefullyoff。Itwasheavyandhot，andIwasalittleafraidofit，butdidn\'tliketosayso。JustasIbegantopour，Debbysuddenlycalledfromthetopofthestairs，\'Children，whatunderthesunareyoudoing？\'

"Itstartledusboth。Nellydroppedthebowlandran。Idroppedthesaucepananddidn\'trun，forapartofthehotjuicesplasheduponmybarefeet，andankles，andmademescreamwithdreadfulpain。

"DownrushedDebbytofindmedancingaboutthekitchenwithagreatbumponmyforehead，abigspooninmyhand，andapairofbrightpurplefeet。Theplumswerelyingalloverthehearth，thesaucepaninthemiddleoftheroom，thebasinwasbroken，andthesugarswimmingaboutasifthebowlhadturneditselfovertryingtosweetenourmessforus。

"Debbywasverygoodtome，forsheneverstoppedtoscold，butlaidmedownontheoldsofa，andboundupmypoorlittlefeetwithoilandcottonwool。Nelly，seeingmeliewhiteandweak，thoughtIwasdying，andwentovertotheneighbor\'sforAuntBetsey，andburstinupontheoldladiessittingprimlyat，theirtea，crying，distractedly，"\'Oh，AuntBetsey，comequick!forthesaucepanfellofftheshed，andFan\'sfeetareallboiledpurple!\'

"Nobodylaughedatthisfunnymessage，andAuntBetseyranallthewayhomewithamuffininherhandandherballinherpocket，thoughtheknittingwasleftbehind。

"Isufferedagreatdeal，butIwasn\'tsorryafterward，forIlearnedtoloveAuntBetsey，whonursedmetenderly，andseemedtoforgetherstrictwaysinheranxietyforme。

"Thisbagwasmadeformyspecialcomfort，andhungonthesofawhereIlayallthosewearydays。Auntkeptitfullofprettypatchworkor，whatIlikedbetter，ginger-nuts，andpeppermintdrops，toamuseme，thoughshedidn\'tapproveofcossetingchildrenup，anymorethanIdonow。"

"Ilikethatvewywell，andIwishIcouldhavebeenthere，"wasMaud\'scondescendingremark，assheputbackthelittlebag，afteracarefulpeepinside，asifshehopedtofindanancientginger-nut，orawell-preservedpeppermintdropstilllingeringinsomecorner。

"Wehadplumsenoughthatautumn，butdidn\'tseemtocaremuchaboutthem，afterall，forourprankbecameahouseholdjoke，and，foryears，weneversawthefruit，butNellywouldlookatmewithafunnyface，andwhisper，\'Purplestockings，Fan!\'"

"Thankyou，ma\'am，"saidPolly。"Now，Fan，yourturnnext。"

"Well，I\'veabundleofoldletters，andI\'dliketoknowifthereisanystoryaboutthem，"answeredFanny，hopingsomeromancemightbeforthcoming。

Grandmaturnedoverthelittlepackettiedupwithafadedpinkribbon；

adozenyellownoteswrittenonrough，thickpaper，withredwafersstilladheringtothefolds，showingplainlythattheywerewrittenbeforethedayofinitialnote-paperandself-sealingenvelopes。

"Theyarenotlove-letters，deary，butnotesfrommymatesafterIleftMissCotton\'sboarding-school。Idon\'tthinkthereisanystoryaboutthem，"

andgrandmaturnedthemoverwithspectaclesbeforethedimeyes，soyoungandbrightwhentheyfirstreadtheverysamenotes。

Fannywasabouttosay，"I\'llchooseagain，"whengrandmabegantolaughsoheartilythatthegirlsfeltsureshehadcaughtsomemerryoldmemorywhichwouldamusethem。

"Blessmyheart，Ihaven\'tthoughtofthatfrolicthisfortyyears。

Poor，dear，giddySallyPomroy，andshe\'sagreat-grandmothernow!"criedtheoldlady，afterreadingoneofthenotes，andclearingthemistoffherglasses。

"Now，pleasetellabouther；Iknowit\'ssomethingfunnytomakeyoulaughso，"saidPollyandFantogether。

"Well，itwasdroll，andI\'mgladIremembereditforit\'sjustthestorytotellyouyoungthings。

"Itwasyearsago，"begangrandma，briskly，"andteacherswereverymuchstricterthantheyarenow。ThegirlsatMissCotton\'swerenotallowedlightsintheirroomsafternineo\'clock，neverwentoutalone，andwereexpectedtobehavelikemodelsofproprietyfrommorningtillnight。

"Asyoumayimagine，tenyounggirls，fullofspiritsandfun，foundtheseruleshardtokeep，andmadeupforgoodbehaviorinpublicbyallsortsoffrolicsinprivate。

"MissCottonandherbrothersatinthebackparlorafterschoolwasover，andtheyoungladiesweresenttobed。Mr。Johnwasverydeaf，andMissPriscillaverynear-sighted，twoconvenientafflictionsforthegirlsonsomeoccasions，butoncetheyprovedquitethereverse，asyoushallhear。

"Wehadbeenveryprimforaweek，andourbottledupspiritscouldnolongerbecontained；soweplanedarevelafterourownhearts，andsetourwitstoworktoexecuteit。

"Thefirstobstaclewassurmountedinthisway。Asnoneofuscouldgetoutalone，weresolvedtolowerSallyfromthewindow，forshewaslightandsmall，andverysmart。

"Withourcombinedpocket-moneyshewastobuynutsandcandy，cakeandfruit，pie，andacandle，sothatwemighthavealight，afterBetseytookoursawayasusual。

"Weweretodarkenthewindowoftheinnerchamber，setawatchinthelittleentry，lightup，andthenforagoodtime。

"Ateighto\'clockontheappointedevening，severalofusprofessedgreatweariness，andwenttoourroom，leavingtherestsewingvirtuouslywithMissCotton，whoreadHannahMore\'sSacredDramasaloud，inawaythatfittedthelistenersforbedaswellasadoseofopiumwouldhavedone。

"IamsorrytosayIwasoneoftheringleaders；andassoonaswegotupstairs，producedtheropeprovidedforthepurpose，andinvitedSallytobelowered。Itwasanold-fashionedhouse，slopingdownbehind，andtheclosetwindowchosenbyuswasnotmanyfeetfromtheground。

"Itwasasummerevening，sothatateighto\'clockitwasstilllight；

butwewerenotafraidofbeingseen，forthestreetwasalonelyone，andouronlyneighborstwooldladies，whoputdowntheircurtainsatsunset，andneverlookedouttillmorning。

"Sallyhadbeenbribedbypromisesofasmany\'goodies\'asshecouldeat，andbeingaregularmadcap，shewasreadyforanything。

"Tyingtheroperoundherwaistshecreptout，andwelethersafelydown，sentabigbasketafterher，andsawhersliproundthecomerinmybigsunbonnetandanothergirl\'sshawl，sothatsheshouldnotberecognized。

"Thenweputournight-gownsoverourdresses，andwerelaidpeacefullyinbedwhenBetseycameup，earlierthanusual；foritwasevidentthatMissCottonfeltalittlesuspiciousatoursuddenweariness。

"Forhalfanhourwelaylaughingandwhispering，aswewaitedforthesignalfromSally。Atlastweheardacricketchirpshrillyunderthewindow，andflyingup，sawalittlefigurebelowinthetwilight。

"\'O，quick!quick!\'criedSally，pantingwithhaste。\'Drawupthebasketandthengetmein，forIsawMr。Cottoninthemarket，andranallthewayhome，sothatImightgetinbeforehecame。\'

"Upcametheheavybasket，bumpingandscrapingontheway，andsmelling，O，sonice!Downwenttherope，andwithalongpull，astrongpull，andapullalltogether，wehoistedpoorSallyhalf-wayuptothewindow，when，sadtotell，theropeslippedanddownshefell，onlybeingsavedfrombrokenbonesbythehay-cockunderthewindow。

"\'He\'scoming!he\'scoming!Opullmeup，formercysake!\'criedSally，scramblingtoherfeetunhurt，butagooddealshaken。

"Wesawadarkfigureapproaching，anddraggedherinwithmorebumpingandscraping，andembracedherwithrapture，forwehadjustescapedbeingdetectedbyMr。John，whoseeyeswereassharpashisearsweredull。

"Weheardthefront-doorshut，thenamurmurofvoices，andthenBetsey\'sheavystepcomingupstairs。

"Underthebedwentthebasket，andintothebedswenttheconspirators，andnothingcouldhavebeenmoredecorousthantheappearanceoftheroomwhenBetseypoppedherheadin。

"\'Master\'sanoldfidgettosendmetravellingupagain，justbecausehefanciedhesawsomethingamissatthewindow。Nothingbutacurtainflapping，orashadder，forthepoordearsissleepinglikelambs。\'

"Weheardhersaythistoherself，andageneraltitteragitatedthewhitecoverletsasshedeparted。

"Sallywasinhighfeatheratthesuccessofherexploit，anddancedaboutlikeanelf，assheputhernight-gownonoverherfrock，braidedherhairinfunnylittletailsalloverherhead，andfastenedthegreatredpin-cushiononherbosomforabreastpininhonorofthefeast。

"Theothergirlswenttotheirroomsasagreedupon，andallwassoondarkandstillupstairs，whileMissCottonbegantoenjoyherselfbelow，asshealwaysdidwhen\'heryoungcharges\'weresafelydisposedof。

"Thenghostsbegantowalk，andthemicescuttledbacktotheirholesinalarm，forwhitefiguresglidedfromroomtoroom，tillallwereassembledinthelittlechamber。

"Thewatchwassetattheentrydoor，thesignalagreedupon，thecandlelighted，andthefeastspreadforthuponanewspaperonthebed，withthecoverletarrangedsothatitcouldbewhiskedovertherefreshmentsatamoment\'snotice。

"Howgoodeverythingwas，tobesure!Idon\'tthinkI\'veeatenanypiessincethathadsuchadeliciousflavorasthosebrokenones，eatenhastily，inthatlittleovenofaroom，withSallymakingjokesandtheothersenjoyingstolensweetswithtruegirlishrelish。Ofcourseitwasverywicked，butImusttellthetruth。

"Wewerejustbeginningonthecakewhentheloudscratchingofaratdisturbedus。

"\'Thesignal!fly!run!hide!Hush，don\'tlaugh!\'criedseveralvoices，andwescuttledintobedasrapidlyandnoiselesslyaspossible，withourmouthsandhandsfull。

"Alongpause，brokenbymorescratching；butasnoonecame，wedecidedonsendingtoinquirewhatitmeant。IwentandfoundMary，thepicketguardhalfasleep，andlongingforhershareofthefeast。

"\'Itwasarealrat；I\'venotmadeasound。Dogoandfinish；I\'mtiredofthis，\'saidMary，slappingawayatthemosquitoes。

"BackIhurriedwiththegoodnews。Everyoneflewup，briskly。Welightedthecandleagain，andreturnedtoourrevel。TherefreshmentsweresomewhatinjuredbySally\'sbouncinginamongthem，bitwedidn\'tcare，andsoonfinishedthecake。

"\'Nowlet\'shavethenuts，\'Isaid，gropingforthepaperbag。

"\'Theyarealmondsandpeanuts，sowecancrackthemwithourteeth。

Besureyougetthebagbytherightend，\'saidSally。

"\'IknowwhatI\'mabout，\'andtoshowherthatitwasallright，I

gavethebagalittleshake，whenoutflewthenuts，rattlinglikeahail-stormallovertheuncarpetedfloor。

"\'Nowyou\'vedoneit，\'criedSally，asMaryscratchedlikeamadrat，andadoorcreakedbelow，forMissCottonwasnotdeaf。

"Suchaflurryaswewerein!Outwentthecandle，andeachonerushedawaywithasmuchofthefeastasshecouldseizeinherhaste。Sallydivedintoherbed，recklesslydemolishingthelastpie，andscatteringthecandyfarandwide。

"PoorMarywasnearlycaughtforMissCottonwasquickerthanBetsey，andourguardhadtorunforherlife。

"Ourroomwasthefirst，andwasingoodorder，thoughthetwoflushedfacesonthepillowswererathersuspicious。MissCottonstoodstaringabouther，lookingsofunny，withouthercap，thatmybedfellowwouldhavegoneoffinafitoflaughter，ifIhadnotpinchedherwarningly。

"\'Youngladies，whatisthisunseemlynoise？\'

"Noanswerfromusbutafaintsnore。MissCottonmarchedintothenextroom，putthesamequestionandreceivedthesamereply。

"InthethirdchamberlaySally，andwetrembledastheoldladywentin。Sittingup，wepeepedandlistenedbreathlessly。

"\'Sarah，Icommandyoutotellmewhatthisallmeans？\'

"ButSallyonlysighedinhersleep，andmuttered，wickedly，\'Ma，takemehome。I\'mstarvedatCotton\'s。\'

"\'Mercyonme!isthechildgoingtohaveafever？\'criedtheoldlady，whodidnotobservethetelltalenutsatherfeet。

"\'Sodull，sostrict!Otakemehome!\'moanedSally，tossingherarmsandgurgling，likeanaughtylittlegypsy。

"Thatlastbitofactingupsetthewholeconcern，forasshetossedherarmssheshowedthebigredcushiononherbreast。Near-sightedasshewas，thatridiculousobjectcouldnotescapeMissCotton，neitherdidtheorangethatrolledoutfromthepillow，northebootsappearingatthefootofthebed。

"Withsuddenenergytheoldladypluckedoffthecover，andtherelaySallywithherhairdressedà；laTopsy，herabsurdbreast-pinandherdustyboots，amongpapersofcandy，bitsofpieandcake，orangesandapples，andacandleupsidedownburningaholeinthesheet。

"AtthesoundofMissCotton\'shorrifiedexclamationSallywokeup，andbeganlaughingsomerrilythatnoneofuscouldresistfollowingherexample，andtheroomsrangwithmerrimentfarmanyminutes。Ireallydon\'tknowwhenweshouldhavestoppedifSallyhadnotgotchokedwiththenutshehadinhermouth，andsofrightenedusnearlyoutofourwits。"

"Whatbecameofthethings，andhowwereyoupunished？"askedFan，inthemiddleofherlaughter。

"Theremainsofthefeastwenttothepig，andwewerekeptonbreadandwaterforthreedays。"

"Didthatcureyou？"

"Oh，dear，no!wehadhalfadozenotherfrolicsthatverysummer；andalthoughIcannothelplaughingattheremembranceofthis，youmustnotthink，child，thatIapproveofsuchconduct，orexcuseit。No，no，mydear，farfromit。"

"Icallthata，tip-topstory!Driveon，grandma，andtelloneaboutboys，"brokeinanewvoice，andtherewasTomastrideofachairlisteningandlaughingwithallhismight，forhisbookhadcometoanend，andhehadjoinedthepartyunobserved。

"Waitforyourturn，Tommy。Now，Polly，dear，whatwillyouhave？"saidgrandma，looking，solivelyandhappy，thatitwasveryevident"reminiscing"

didhergood。

"Letminecomelast，andtelloneforTomnext，"saidPolly，lookinground，andbeckoninghimnearer。

Hecameandsathimselfcross-leggedonthefloor，beforethelowerdrawerofthecabinet，whichgrandmaopenedforhim，saying，withabenignstrokeofthecurlyhead，"There，dear，that\'swhereIkeepthelittlememorialsofmybrotherJack。Poorlad，hewaslostatsea，youknow。Well，chooseanythingyoulike，andI\'lltrytorememberastoryaboutit。"

Tommadearapidrummage，andfishedupalittlebrokenpistol。

"There，that\'sthechapforme!Wishitwasn\'tspoilt，thenwe\'dhavefunpoppingawayatthecatsintheyard。Now，then，grandma。"

"IrememberoneofJack\'spranks，whenthatwasusedwithgreateffect，"

saidgrandma，afterathoughtfulpause，duringwhichTomteasedthegirlsbysnappingthelockofthepistolintheirfaces。

"Onceuponatime，"continuedMadam，muchflatteredbytherowofinterestedfacesbeforeher，"myfatherwentawayonbusiness，leavingmother，aunt，andusgirlstoJack\'scare。Veryproudhewas，tobesure，oftheresponsibility，andthefirstthinghedidwastoloadthatpistolandkeepitbyhisbed，inourgreatworriment，forwefearedhe\'dkillhimselfwithit。Foraweekallwentwell；thenwewerestartledbythenewsthatrobberswereabout。Allsortsofstoriesflewthroughthetown(wewerelivinginthecountrythen)；somesaidthatcertainhousesweremarkedwithablackcross，andthosewerealwaysrobbed；others，thattherewasaboyinthegang，forwindows，sosmallthattheywereconsideredsafe，wereenteredbysomelittlerogue。Atoneplacethethieveshadasupper，andlefthamandcakeinthefrontyard。Mrs。JonesfoundMrs。Smith\'sshawlinherorchard，withahammerandanunknownteapotnearit。Onemanreportedthatsomeonetappedathiswindow，inthenight，saying，softly，\'Isanyonehere？\'

andwhenhelookedout，twomenwereseentorundowntheroad。

"Welivedjustoutoftown，inalonelyplace；thehousewasold，withconvenientlittlebackwindows，andfiveoutsidedoors。Jackwastheonlymanabouttheplace，andhewasbarelythirteen。Motherandauntwereverytimid，andthechildrenweren\'toldenoughtobeofanyuse，soJackandIwerethehome-guard，andvowedtodefendthefamilymanfully。"

"Goodforyou!Hopethefellowscame!"criedTom，charmedwiththisopening。

"Oneday，anill-lookingmancameinandaskedforfood，"continuedgrandma，withamysteriousnod；"andwhileheate，Isawhimglancesharplyaboutfromthewoodenbuttonsontheback-doors，tothesilverurnandtankardsonthedining-roomsideboard。Astrongsuspiciontookpossessionofme，andIwatchedhimasacatdoesamouse。

"\'Hecametoexaminethepremises，I\'msureofit，butwewillbereadyforhim，\'Isaid，fiercely，asItoldthefamilyabouthim。

"Thisfancyhauntedusall，andourpreparationswereveryfunny。Motherborrowedarattle，andkeptitunderherpillow。Aunttookabigbelltobedwithher；thechildrenhadlittleTip，theterrier，tosleepintheirroom；whileJackandImountedguard，hewiththepistol，andIwithahatchet，forIdidn\'tlikefire-arms。Biddy，whosleptintheattic，practisedgettingoutontheshedroof，sothatshemightrunawayatthefirstalarm。

Everynightwearrangedpit-fallsfortherobbers，andallfileduptobed，bearingplate，money，weapons，andthingstobarricadewith，asifwelivedinwartimes。

"Wewaitedaweekandnoonecame，sowebegantofeelratherslighted，forotherpeoplegot\'ascare，\'asTomsays，andafterallourpreparationswereallyfeltatrifledisappointedthatwehadhadnochancetoshowourcourage。Atlastablackmarkwasfounduponourdoor，andagreatpanicensued，forwefeltthatnowourtimehadcome。

"Thatnightweputatubofwateratthebottomoftheback-stairs，andapileoftinpansatthetopofthefrontstairs，sothatanyattempttocomeupwouldproduceasplashorarattle。Bellswerehungondoorhandles，sticksofwoodpiledupindarkcornersforrobberstofallover，andthefamilyretired，allarmedandallprovidedwithlampsandmatches。

"JackandIleftourdoorsopen，andkeptaskingoneanotherifwedidn\'thearsomething，tillhefellasleep。Iwaswakefulandlaylisteningtothecricketstilltheclockstrucktwelve；thenIgotdrowsy，andwasjustdroppingoffwhenthesoundofstepsoutsidewokemeupstaringwideawake。CreepingtothewindowIwasintimetoseebythedimmoonlightashadowglideroundthecorneranddisappear。Aqueerlittlethrillwentoverme，butIresolvedtokeepquiettillIwassuresomethingwaswrong，forIhadgivensomanyfalsealarms，Ididn\'twantJacktolaughatmeagain。Poppingmyheadoutofthedoor，Ilistened，andpresentlyheardascrapingsoundneartheshed。

"\'Theretheyare；butIwon\'trousethehousetillthebellringsorthepansfall。Theroguescan\'tgofarwithoutaclatterofsomesort，andifwecouldonlycatchoneofthemweshouldgettherewardandadealofglory，\'Isaidtomyself，graspingmyhatchetfirmly。

"Adoorclosedsoftlybelow，andastepcamecreepingtowardstheback-stairs。

Surenowofmyprey，Iwasjustabouttoscream\'Jack!\'whensomethingwentsplashintothetubatthefootoftheback-stairs。

"Inaminuteeveryonewasawakeandup，forJackfiredhispistolbeforehewashalfoutofbed，androared\'Fire!\'solouditrousedthehouse。

Mothersprungherrattle，auntrangherbell，Jipbarkedlikemad，andweallscreamed，whilefrombelowcameuparegularIrishhowl。

"Someonebroughtalamp，andwepeepedanxiouslydown，toseeourownstupidBiddysittinginthetubwringingherhandsandwailingdismally。

"\'Och，murther，andit\'skiltIam!Thesaintsbeaboutus!howiverdidIcomeforninstthissayivwather，justcrapininquietaftherabitivsthrollwidMikeMahoney，meownb\'y，that\'stomarrymeintirely，comeSaintPatrick\'sdaynixt。\'

"Welaughedsowecouldhardlyfishthepoorthingup，orlistenwhilesheexplainedthatshehadslippedoutofherwindowforawordwithMike，andfounditfastenedwhenshewantedtocomeback，soshehadsatontheroof，tryingtodiscoverthecauseofthismysteriousbarringout，tillshewastired，whensheprowledroundthehousetillshefoundacellarwindowunfastened，afterallourcare，andgotinquitecleverly，shethought；

butthetubwasanewarrangementwhichsheknewnothingabout；andwhenshefellintothe\'say，\'shewasbewilderedandcouldonlyhowl。

"Thiswasnotallthedamageeither，forauntfaintedwiththefright，mothercutherhandwithabrokenlamp，thechildrentookcoldhoppingaboutonthewetstairs，Jipbarkedhimselfsick，Isprainedmyankle，andJacknotonlysmashedalooking-glasswithhisbullets，butspoilthispistolbytheheavychargeputinit。Afterthedamageswererepairedandtheflurrywaswellover，Jackconfessedthathehadmarkedthedoorforfun，andshutBiddyoutasapunishmentfor\'gallivanting，\'ofwhichhedidn\'tapprove。Sucharogueasthatboywas!\'"

"Butdidn\'ttherobbersevercome？"criedTom，enjoyingthejoke，butfeelingdefraudedofthefight。

"Never，mydear；butwehadour\'scare，\'andtestedourcourage，andthatwasagreatsatisfaction，ofcourse，"answeredgrandma，placidly。

"Well，Ithinkyouwerethebravestofthelot。I\'dliketohaveseenyouflourishingroundtherewithyourhatchet，"addedTom，admiringly，andtheoldladylookedasmuchpleasedwiththecomplimentasifshehadbeenagirl。

"Ichoosethis，"saidPolly，holdingupalongwhitekidglove，shrunkenandyellowwithtime，butlookingasifithadahistory。

"Ah，thatnowhasastoryworthtelling!"criedgrandma；adding，proudly，"Treatthatoldgloverespectfully，mychildren，forLafayette\'shonoredhandhastouchedit。"

"Oh，grandma，didyouwearit？Didyouseehim？Dotellusallaboutit，andthatwillbethebestofthewhole，"criedPolly，wholovedhistory，andknewagooddealaboutthegallantFrenchmanandhisbravelife。

Grandmalovedtotellthisstory，andalwaysassumedhermostimposingairtodohonortohertheme。Drawingherselfup，therefore，shefoldedherhands，andaftertwoorthreelittle"hems，"beganwithanabsentlook，asifhereyesbeheldafar-awaytime，whichbrightenedasshegazed。

"ThefirstvisitofLafayettewasbeforemytime，ofcourse，butIheardsomuchaboutitfrommygrandfatherthatIreallyfeltasifI\'dseenitall。OurAuntHancocklivedintheGovernor\'shouse，onBeaconHill，atthattime。"Heretheoldladybridledupstillmore，forshewasveryproudof"ouraunt。""Ah，mydears，thosewerethegoodoldtimes!"shecontinued，withasigh。"Suchdinnersandteaparties，suchdamasktableclothsandfineplate，suchsolid，handsomefurnitureandelegantcarriages；

aunt\'swaslinedwithredsilkvelvet，andwhenthecoachwastakenawayfromherattheGovernor\'sdeath，shejustrippedoutthelining。andwegirlshadspencersmadeofit。Dearheart，howwellIrememberplayinginaunt\'sgreatgarden，andchasingJackupanddownthosewindingstairs；

andmyblessedfather，inhisplum-coloredcoatandkneebuckles，andthequeueIusedtotieupforhimeveryday，handingauntintodinner，lookingsodignifiedandsplendid。"

Grandmaseemedtoforgetherstoryforaminute，andbecomealittlegirlagain，amongtheplaymatesdeadandgonesomanyyears。Pollymotionedtheotherstobequiet，andnoonespoketilltheoldlady，withalongsigh，camebacktothepresent，andwenton。

"Well，asIwassaying，theGovernorwantedtogiveabreakfasttotheFrenchofficers，andMadam，whowasahospitablesoul，gotupasplendidoneforthem。Butbysomemistake，oraccident，itwasdiscoveredatthelastminutethattherewasnomilk。

"Agreatdealwasneeded，andverylittlecouldbeboughtorborrowed，sodespairfelluponthecooksandmaids，andthegreatbreakfastwouldhavebeenafailure，ifMadam，withthepresenceofmindofhersex，hadnotsuddenlybethoughtherselfofthecowsfeedingontheCommon。

"Tobesure，theybelongedtoherneighbors，andtherewasnotimetoaskleave，butitwasanationalaffair；ouralliesmustbefed；

andfeelingsurethatherpatrioticfriendswouldgladlylaytheircowsonthealtaroftheircountry，MadamHancockcoveredherselfwithglory，bycalmlyissuingthecommand，\'Milk\'em!\'

"Itwasdone，tothegreatastonishmentofthecows，andtheentiresatisfactionoftheguests，amongwhomwasLafayette。

"Thismilkingfeatwassuchagoodjoke，thatnooneseemstohaverememberedmuchaboutthegreatman，thoughoneofhisofficers，acount，signalizedhimselfbygettingverytipsy，andgoingtobedwithhisbootsandspurson，­；whichcausedthedestructionofaunt\'sbestyellowdamaskcoverlet，fortherestlesssleeperkickeditintoragsbymorning。

"Auntvalueditverymuch，eveninitstatteredcondition，andkeptitalongwhile，asamemorialofherdistinguishedguests。

"ThetimewhenIsawLafayettewasin1825，andtherewerenotipsycountsthen。UncleHancock(asweetman，mydears，thoughsomecallhimmeannow-a-days)wasdead，andaunthadmarriedCaptainScott。

"Itwasnotatallthethingforhertodo；however，that\'sneitherherenorthere。ShewaslivinginFederalStreetatthetime，amostaristocraticstreetthen，children，andwelivedcloseby。

"OldJosiahQuincywasmayorofthecity，andhesentauntwordthattheMarquisLafayettewishedtopayhisrespectstoher。

"Ofcourseshewasdelighted，andweallflewabouttomakereadyforhim。Auntwasanoldlady，butshemadeagrandtoilet，andwasasanxioustolookwellasanygirl。"

"Whatdidshewear？"askedFan，withinterest。

"Sheworeasteel-coloredsatin，trimmedwithblacklace，andonhercapwaspinnedaLafayettebadgeofwhitesatin。

"Inevershallforgethowb-e-a-utifullyshelookedasshesatinstateonthefrontparlorsophy，rightunderagreatportraitofherfirsthusband；andoneithersideofhersatMadamStorerandMadamWilliams，eleganttobehold，intheirstiffsilks，richlace，andstatelyturbans。Wedon\'tseesuchsplendidoldladiesnow-a-days­；"

"Ithinkwedosometimes，"saidPolly，slyly。

Grandmashookherhead，butitpleasedherverymuchtobeadmired，forshehadbeenabeautyinherday。

"Wegirlshaddressedthehousewithflowers；oldMr。Coolidgesentinaclothes-basketfull。JoeJoyprovidedthebadges，andauntgotoutsomeoftheRevolutionarywinefromtheoldBeaconStreetcellar。

"Iworemygreenandwhitepalmyrine，myhairbowedhigh，thebeautifulleg-o\'-muttonsleevesthatweresobecoming，andtheseverygloves。

"Well，by-and-bytheGeneral，escortedbytheMayor，droveup。Dearme，Iseehimnow!­；alittleoldmaninnankeentrousersandvest，alongbluecoatandruffledshirt，leaningonhiscane，forhewaslame，andsmilingandbowinglikeatrueFrenchman。

"Asheapproached，thethreeoldladiesrose，andcourtesiedwiththeutmostdignity。LafayettebowedfirsttotheGovernor\'spicture，thentotheGovernor\'swidow，andkissedherhand。

"Thatwasdroll；foronthebackofherglovewasstampedLafayette\'slikeness，andthegallantoldgentlemankissedhisownface。

"Thensomeoftheyoungladieswerepresented，and，asiftoescapeanyfurtherself-salutations，themarquiskissedtheprettygirlsonthecheek。

"Yes，mydears，hereisjustthespotwherethedearoldmansalutedme。I\'mquiteasproudofitnowasIwasthen，forhewasabrave，goodman，andhelpedusinourtrouble。

"Hedidnotstaylong，butwewereverymerry，drinkinghishealth，receivinghiscompliments，andenjoyingthehonorhedidus。

"Downinthestreettherewasacrowd，ofcourse，andwhenhelefttheywantedtotakeoutthehorsesanddraghimhomeintriumph。Buthedidn\'twishit；andwhilethataffairwasbeingarranged，wegirlshadbeenpeltinghimwiththeflowerswhichwetorefromthevases，thewalls，andourowntopknots，toscatteroverhim。

"Helikedthat，andlaughed，andwavedhishandtous，whileweran，andpelted，andbeggedhimtocomeagain。

"Weyoungfolksquitelostourheadsthatnight，andIhaven\'taveryclearideaofhowIgothome。ThelastthingIrememberwashangingoutofthewindowwithaflockofgirls，watchingthecarriagerollaway，whilethecrowdcheeredasiftheyweremad。

"Blessmyheart，itseemsasifIheard\'emnow!\'HurrahforLafayetteandMayorQuincy!HurrahforMadamHancockandtheprettygirls!HurrahforCol。May!\'\'ThreecheersforBoston!Now，then!Hurrah!Hurrah!Hurrah!\'

"

Andheretheoldladystopped，outofbreath，withhercapaskew，herspectaclesontheendofhernose，andherknittingmuchtheworseforbeingwavedenthusiasticallyintheair，whileshehungoverthearmofherchair，shrillycheeringanimaginaryLafayette。Thegirlsclappedtheirhands，andTomhurrahedwithallhismight，saying，whenhegothisbreath，"Lafayettewasaregularoldtrump；Ialwayslikedhim。"

"Mydear!whatadisrespectfulwaytospeakofthatgreatman，"saidgrandma，shockedatYoungAmerica\'sirreverence。

"Well，hewasatrump，anyway，sowhynotcallhimone？"askedTom，feelingthattheobjectionablewordwasallthatcouldbedesired。

"Whatqueerglovesyouworethen，"interruptedFanny，whohadbeentryingonthemuch-honoredglove，andfindingitatightfit。

"Muchbetterandcheaperthanwehavenow，"returnedgrandma，readytodefend"thegoodoldtimes"againsteveryinsinuation。"Youareanextravagantsetnow-a-days，andIreallydon\'tknowwhatyouarecomingto。Bytheway，I\'vegotsomewheretwoletterswrittenbytwoyoungladies，onein1517，andtheotherin1868。Thecontrastbetweenthetwowillamuseyou，Ithink。"

Afteralittlesearch，grandmaproducedanoldportfolio，andselectingthepapers，readthefollowingletter，writtenbyAnneBoleynbeforehermarriagetoHenryVIII，andnowinthepossessionofacelebratedantiquarian:­；

DEARMARY，­；Ihavebeenintownalmostamonth，yetIcannotsayIhavefoundanythinginLondonextremelyagreeable。Werisesolateinthemorning，­；seldombeforesixo\'clock，­；andsitupsolateatnight，­；beingscarcelyinbedbeforeten，­；thatIamquitesickofit；andwasitnotfortheabundanceoffinethingsIameverydaygettingIshouldbeimpatientofreturningintothecountry。

Myindulgentmotherboughtme，yesterday，atamerchant\'sinCheapside，threenewshifts，thatcostfourteenpenceanell，andIamtohaveapairofnewstuffshoes，formyLordofNorfolk\'sball，whichwillbethreeshillings。

TheirregularlifeIhaveledsincemycomingtothisplacehasquitedestroyedmyappetite。YouknowIcouldmanageapoundofbaconandatankardofgoodaleformybreakfast，inthecountry，butinLondonIfinditdifficulttogetthroughhalfthequantity，thoughImustownIamgenerallyeagerenoughforthedinnerhour，whichisheredelayedtilltwelve，inyourpolitesociety。

Iplayedathotcockles，lastnight，atmyLordofLeicester\'s。TheLordofSurreywasthere，averyelegantyoungman，whosungasongofhisowncomposition，onthe"LordofKildare\'sDaughter。"Itwasmuchapproved，andmybrotherwhisperedmethatthefairGeraldine，forsomyLordofSurreycallshissweetheart，isthefinestwomanoftheage。Ishouldbegladtoseeher，forIhearsheisgoodassheisbeautiful。

Praytakecareofthepoultryduringmyabsence。Poorthings!Ialwaysfedthemmyself；andifMargeryhasknittedmethecrimsonworstedmittens，Ishouldbegladiftheyweresentupthefirstopportunity。

Adieu，dearMary。Iamjustgoingtomass，andyoushallspeedilyhavetheprayers，asyouhavenowthekindestloveofyourownANNEBOLEYN。

"Upbeforesix，andthinkitlatetogotobedatten!WhatacountrifiedthingAnnemusthavebeen。Baconandaleforbreakfast，anddinnerattwelve；

howveryqueertoliveso!"criedFanny。"LordSurreyandLordLeicestersoundfine，buthotcockles，andredmittens，andshoesforthreeshillings，arehorrid。"

"Ilikeit，"saidPolly，thoughtfully，"andI\'mgladpoorAnnehadalittlefunbeforehertroublesbegan。MayIcopythatlettersometime，grandma？"

"Yes，dear，andwelcome。Now，here\'stheother，byamoderngirlonherfirstvisittoLondon。Thiswillsuityoubetter，Fan，"andgrandmareadwhatafriendhadsentherasapendanttoAnne\'slittlepictureofLondonlifelongago:­；

MYDEARESTCONSTANCE，­；AfterthreemonthsofintenseexcitementI

snatchaleisuremomenttotellyouhowmuchIenjoymyfirstvisittoLondon。Havingbeeneducatedabroad，itreallyseemslikecomingtoastrangecity。Atfirstthesmoke，dirtandnoisewereverydisagreeable，butI

soongotusedtothesethings，andnowfindallIseeperfectlycharming。

WeplungedatonceintoawhirlofgayetyandIhavehadnotimetothinkofanythingbutpleasure。Itistheheightoftheseason，andeveryhourisengagedeitheringoingtoballs，concerts，theatres，fê；tesandchurch，orinpreparingforthem。Weoftengototwoorthreepartiesinanevening，andseldomgethometillmorning，soofcoursewedon\'trisetillnoonnextday。Thisleavesverylittletimeforourdrives，shopping，andcallsbeforedinnerateight，andthentheeveninggayetiesbeginagain。

AtaballatLadyRussell\'slastnight，IsawthePrinceofWales，anddancedinthesetwithhim。Heisgrowingstout，andlooksdissipated。

Iwasdisappointedinhim，forneitherinappearancenorconversationwasheatallprincely。IwasintroducedtoaverybrilliantanddelightfulyounggentlemanfromAmerica。Iwascharmedwithhim，andrathersurprisedtolearnthathewrotethepoemswhichweresomuchadmiredlastseason，alsothatheisthesonofarichtailor。HowoddtheseAmericansare，withtheirmoney，andtalent，andindependence!

Omydear，Imustnotforgettotellyouthegreateventofmyfirstseason。IamtobepresentedatthenextDrawingRoom!ThinkhowabsorbedImustbeinpreparationforthisgrandaffair。MammaisresolvedthatIshalldohercredit，andwehavespentthelasttwoweeksdrivingaboutfrommillinerstomantua-makers，frommerchantstojewellers。Iamtowearwhitesatinandplumes，pearlsandroses。Mydresswillcostahundredpoundsormore，andisveryelegant。

Mycousinsandfriendslavishlovelythingsuponme，andyouwillopenyourunsophisticatedeyeswhenIdisplaymysilksandlaces，trinketsandFrenchhats，nottomentionbilletdeux，photographs，andotherrelicsofayoungbelle\'sfirstseason。

YouaskifIeverthinkofhome。Ireallyhaven\'ttime，butIdosometimeslongalittleforthequiet，thepureairandthegirlishamusementsI

usedtoenjoysomuch。Onegetspale，andold，andsadlyfaggedout，withallthisdissipation，pleasantasitis。Ifeelquiteblasé；already。

Ifyoucouldsendmetherosycheeks，brighteyes，andgayspiritsI

alwayshadathome，I\'dthankyou。Asyoucannotdothat，pleasesendmeabottleofJunerainwater，formymaidtellsmeitisbetterthananycosmeticforthecomplexion，andmineisgettingruinedbylatehours。

Ifancysomefruitoffourowntreeswouldsuitme，forIhavenoappetite，andmammaisquitedesolé；eaboutme。OnecannotliveonFrenchcookerywithoutdyspepsia，andonecangetnothingsimplehere，forfood，likeeverythingelse，isregulatedbythefashion。

Adieu，machè；re，Imustdressforchurch。Ionlywishyoucouldseemynewhatandgowithme，forLordRockinghampromisedtobethere。Adieu，yourseternally，FLORENCE。

"Yes，Idolikethatbetter，andIwishIhadbeeninthisgirl\'splace，don\'tyou，Polly？"saidFan，asgrandmatookoffherglasses。

"IshouldlovetogotoLondon，andhaveagoodtime，butIdon\'tthinkIshouldcareaboutspendingeversomuchmoney，orgoingtoCourt。MaybeImightwhenIgotthere，forIdolikefunandsplendor，"addedhonestPolly，feelingthatpleasurewasaverytemptingthing。

"Grandmalookstired；let\'sgoandplayinthedwying-woom，"saidMaud，whofoundtheconversationgettingbeyondherdepth。

"Letusallkissandthankgrandma，foramusingussonicely，beforewego，"whisperedPolly。MaudandFannyagreed，andgrandmalookedsogratifiedbytheirthanks，thatTomfollowedsuit，merelywaitingtill"thosegirls"

wereoutofsight，togivetheoldladyaheartyhug，andakissontheverycheekLafayettehadsaluted。

Whenhereachedtheplay-roomPollywassittingintheswing，saying，veryearnestly，"Ialwaystoldyouitwasniceupingrandma\'sroom，andnowyouseeitis。Iwishyou\'dgooftener；sheadmirestohaveyou，andlikestotellstoriesanddopleasantthings，onlyshethinksyoudon\'tcareforherquietsortoffun。Ido，anyway，andIthinkshe\'sthekindest，bestoldladythateverlived，andIloveherdearly!"

"Ididn\'tsayshewasn\'t，onlyoldpeoplearesortoftediousandfussy，soIkeepoutoftheirway，"saidFanny。

"Well，yououghtnotto，andyoumisslotsofpleasanttimes。Mymothersaysweoughttobekindandpatientandrespectfultoalloldfolksjustbecausetheyareold，andIalwaysmeantobe。"

"Yourmother\'severlastinglypreaching，"mutteredFan，nettledbytheconsciousnessofherownshortcomingswithregardtograndma。

"Shedon\'tpreach!"criedPolly，firinguplikeaflash；"sheonlyexplainsthingstous，andhelpsusbegood，andneverscolds，andI\'dratherhaveherthananyothermotherintheworld，thoughshedon\'twearvelvetcloaksandsplendidbonnets，­；sonow!"

"Goit，Polly!"calledTom，whowasgracefullyhangingheaddownwardfromthebarputupforhisspecialbenefit。

"Polly\'smad!Polly\'smad!"sungMaud，skippingroperoundtheroom。

"IfMr。Sydneycouldseeyounowhewouldn\'tthinkyousuchanangelanymore，"addedFanny，tossingabean-bagandherheadatthesametime。

Pollywasmad，herfacewasveryred，hereyesverybrightandherlipstwitched，butsheheldhertongueandbegantoswingashardasshecould，fearingtosaysomethingshewouldbesorryforafterward。Forafewminutesnoonespoke，TomwhistledandMaudhummedbutFanandPollywereeachsoberlythinkingofsomething，fortheyhadreachedanagewhenchildren，girlsespecially，begintoobserve，contrast，andspeculateuponthewords，acts，manners，andlooksofthoseaboutthem。Agooddealofthinkinggoesonintheheadsoftheseshrewdlittlefolks，andtheeldersshouldmindtheirways，fortheygetcriticisedprettysharplyandimitatedveryclosely。

Twolittlethingshadhappenedthatday，andtheinfluenceofafewwords，acarelessaction，wasstillworkingintheactivemindsofthegirls。

Mr。Sydneyhadcalled，andwhileFannywastalkingwithhimshesawhiseyerestonPolly，whosatapartwatchingthefacesroundherwiththemodest，intelligentlookwhichmanyfoundsoattractive。AtthatminuteMadamShawcamein，andstoppedtospeaktothelittlegirl。Pollyroseatonce，andremainedstandingtilltheoldladypassedon。

"AreyoulaughingatPolly\'sprimways？"Fannyhadasked，asshesawMr。Sydneysmile。

"No，IamadmiringMissPolly\'sfinemanners，"heansweredinagrave，respectfultone，whichhadimpressedFannyverymuch，forMr。Sydneywasconsideredbyallthegirlsasamodelofgoodbreeding，andthatindescribablesomethingwhichtheycalled"elegance。"