第6章

Fannywishedshehaddonethatlittlething，andwonthatapprovinglook，forshevaluedtheyoungman\'sgoodopinion，becauseitwassohardtowin，byhersetatleast。So，whenPollytalkedaboutoldpeople，itrecalledthissceneandmadeFancross。

Pollywasrememberinghow，whenMrs。Shawcamehomethatdayinherfinevisitingcostume，andMaudrantowelcomeherwithunusualaffection，shegatheredupherlustroussilkandpushedthelittlegirlawaysaying，impatiently，"Don\'ttouchme，child，yourhandsaredirty。"ThenthethoughthadcometoPollythatthevelvetcloakdidn\'tcoverarightmotherlyheart，thatthefretfulfaceunderthenoddingpurpleplumeswasnotatendermotherlyface，andthatthehandsinthedelicateprimrosegloveshadputawaysomethingverysweetandprecious。Shethoughtofanotherwoman，whosedressneverwastoofineforlittlewetcheekstolieagainst，orlovinglittlearmstopress；whoseface，inspiteofmanylinesandthegrayhairsaboveit，wasneversourorunsympatheticwhenchildren\'seyesturnedtowardsit；andwhosehandsneverweretoobusy，toofullortoonicetowelcomeandservethelittlesonsanddaughterswhofreelybroughttheirsmallhopesandfears，sinsandsorrows，toher，whodealtoutjusticeandmercywithsuchwiselove。"Ah，that\'samother!"thoughtPolly，asthememorycamewarmintoherheart，makingherfeelveryrich，andpityMaudforbeingsopoor。

ThisitwasthatcausedsuchsuddenindignationatFanny\'sdreadfulspeech，andthisitwasthatmadequick-temperedPollytrytocalmherwrathbeforesheusedtowardFanny\'smotherthedisrespectfultoneshesoresentedtowardherown。Astheswingcamedownaftersomedozenquickjourneystoandfro，Pollyseemedtohavefoundasmilesomewhereupaloft，forshelookedtowardFan，sayingpleasantly，asshepausedalittleinherairyexercise，"I\'mnotmadnow，shallIcomeandtosswithyou？"

"No，I\'llcomeandswingwithyou，"answeredFanny，quicktofeelthegenerousspiritofherfriend。

"Youareanangel，andI\'llneverbesorudeagain，"sheadded，asPolly\'sarmcameroundher，andhalftheseatwasgladlyoffered。

"No，Iain\'t；butifIevergetatalllikeone，itwillbe\'mother\'spreaching\'thatdidit，"saidPolly，withahappylaugh。

"Goodforyou，PollyPeacemaker，"criedTom，quotinghisfather，andgivingthemagrandpushasthemostappropriatewayofexpressinghisapprobationofthesentiment。

Nothingmorewassaid；butfromthatdaythereslowlycreptintothefamilymorerespectforgrandma，moreforbearancewithherinfirmities，moreinterestinherlittlestories，andmanyapleasantgossipdidthedearoldladyenjoywiththechildrenastheygatheredroundherfire，solitarysolong。ChapterVII。ChapterVII。CHAPTERVIIGOOD-BY"OH，dear!MustyoureallygohomeSaturday？"saidFan，somedaysafterwhatTomcalledthe"grandscrimmage。"

"Ireallymust；forIonlycametostayamonthandhereI\'vebeennearlysixweeks，"answeredPolly，feelingasifshehadbeenabsentayear。

"MakeittwomonthsandstayoverChristmas。Come，do，now，"urgedTom，heartily。

"Youareverykind；butIwouldn\'tmissChristmasathomeforanything。

Besides，mothersaystheycan\'tpossiblydowithoutme。"

"Neithercanwe。Can\'tyouteaseyourmother，andmakeupyourmindtostay？"beganFan。

"Pollyneverteases。Shesaysit\'sselfish；andIdon\'tdoitnowmuch，"

putinMaud，withavirtuousair。

"Don\'tyoubotherPolly。She\'drathergo，andIdon\'twonder。Let\'sbejustasjollyaswecanwhileshestays，andfinishupwithyourparty，Fan，"saidTom，inatonethatsettledthematter。

Pollyhadexpectedtobeveryhappyingettingreadyfortheparty；

butwhenthetimecame，shewasdisappointed；forsomehowthatnaughtythingcalledenvytookpossessionofher，andspoiledherpleasure。Beforeshelefthome，shethoughthernewwhitemuslindress，withitsfreshblueribbons，themostelegantandpropercostumeshecouldhave；butnow，whenshesawFanny\'spinksilk，withawhitetarlatantunic，andinnumerablepuffings，bows，andstreamers，herownsimplelittletoiletlostallitscharmsinhereyes，andlookedverybabyishandold-fashioned。

EvenMaudwasmuchbetterdressedthanherself，andlookedverysplendidinhercherry-coloredandwhitesuit，withasashsobigshecouldhardlycarryit，andlittlewhitebootswithredbuttons。Theybothhadnecklacesandbracelets，ear-ringsandbrooches；butPollyhadnoornament，excepttheplainlocketonabitofbluevelvet。Hersashwasonlyawideribbon，tiedinasimplebow，andnothingbutabluesnoodintheprettycurls。

Heronlycomfortwastheknowledgethatthemodesttuckerdrawnuproundtheplumpshoulderswasreallace，andthatherbronzebootscostninedollars。

PoorPolly，withallhereffortstobecontented，andnottomindlookingunlikeotherpeople，foundithardworktokeepherfacebrightandhervoicehappythatnight。Noonedreamedwhatwasgoinganunderthemuslinfrock，tillgrandma\'swiseoldeyesspiedoutthelittleshadowonPolly\'sspirits，andguessedthecauseofit。Whendressed，thethreegirlswentuptoshowthemselvestotheelders，whowereingrandma\'sroom，whereTomwasbeinghelpedintoanagonizinglystiffcollar。

Maudprancedlikeasmallpeacock，andFanmadeasplendidcourtesyaseveryoneturnedtosurveythem；butPollystoodstill，andhereyeswentfromfacetoface，withananxious，wistfulair，whichseemedtosay，"IknowI\'mnotright；butIhopeIdon\'tlookverybad。"

Grandmareadthelookinaminute；andwhenFannysaid，withasatisfiedsmile，"Howdowelook？"sheanswered，drawingPollytowardhersokindly。

"Verylikethefashion-platesyougotthepatternsofyourdressesfrom。

Butthislittlecostumesuitsmebest。"

"DoyoureallythinkIlooknice？"andPolly\'sfacebrightened，forshevaluedtheoldlady\'sopinionverymuch。

"Yes，mydear；youlookjustasIliketoseeachildofyouragelook。

Whatparticularlypleasesmeisthatyouhavekeptyourpromisetoyourmother，andhaven\'tletanyonepersuadeyoutowearborrowedfinery。Youngthingslikeyoudon\'tneedanyornamentsbutthoseyouwearto-night，­；youth，health，intelligence，andmodesty。"

Asshespoke，grandmagaveatenderkissthatmadePollyglowlikearose，andforaminutesheforgotthatthereweresuchthingsaspinksilkandcoralear-ringsintheworld。Sheonlysaid，"Thankyou，ma\'am，"andheartilyreturnedthekiss；butthewordsdidhergood，andherplaindresslookedcharmingallofasudden。

"Polly\'ssopretty，itdon\'tmatterwhatshewears，"observedTom，surveyingheroverhiscollarwithanairofcalmapproval。

"Shehasn\'tgotanybwetellestoherdwess，andIhave，"saidMaud，settlingherruffledbandsoverhershoulders，whichlookedlikecherry-coloredwingsonastoutlittlecherub。

"Ididwishshe\'djustwearmyblueset，ribbonissoveryplain；but，asTomsays，itdon\'tmuchmatter；"andFannygaveaneffectivetouchtothebluebowabovePolly\'slefttemple。

"Shemightwearflowers；theyalwayssuityounggirls，"saidMrs。Shaw，privatelythinkingthatherowndaughterslookedmuchthebest，yetconsciousthatbloomingPollyhadthemostattractiveface。

"Blessme!Iforgotmyposiesinadmiringthebelles。Handthemout，Tom；"andMr。Shawnoddedtowardaninterestinglookingboxthatstoodonthetable。

Seizingthemwrongside-up，Tomproducedthreelittlebouquets，alldifferentincolor，size，andconstruction。

"Why，papa!howverykindofyou，"criedFanny，whohadnotdaredtoreceiveevenageraniumleafsincethelatescrape。

"Yourfatherusedtobeaverygallantyounggentleman，onceuponatime，"saidMrs。Shaw，withasimper。

"Ah，Tom，it\'sagoodsignwhenyoufindtimetothinkofgivingpleasuretoyourlittlegirls!"Andgrandmapattedherson\'sbaldheadasifhewasn\'tmorethaneighteen。

ThomasJr。hadgivenasomewhatscornfulsniffatfirst；butwhengrandmapraisedhisfather，theyoungmanthoughtbetterofthematter，andregardedtheflowerswithmorerespect，asheasked，"Whichisforwhich？"

"Guess，"saidMr。Shaw，pleasedthathisunusualdemonstrationhadproducedsuchaneffect。

Thelargestwasaregularhothousebouquet，oftea-rosebuds，scentlessheath，andsmilax；thesecondwasjustahandfulofsweet-peasandmignonette，withafewcheerfulpansies，andonefragrantlittleroseinthemiddle；

thethird，asmallposyofscarletverbenas，whitefeverfew，andgreenleaves。

"Nothardtoguess。ThesmartoneforFan，thesweetoneforPolly，andthegayoneforPug。Now，then，catchhold，girls。"AndTomproceededtodeliverthenosegays，withasmuchgraceascouldbeexpectedfromayouthinanewsuitofclothesandverytightboots。

"Thatfinishesyouoffjustright，andisaveryprettyattentionofpapa\'s。Nowrundown，forthebellhasrung；andremember，nottodancetoooften，Fan；beasquietasyoucan，Tom；and。Maud，don\'teattoomuchsupper。Grandmawillattendtothings，formypoornerveswon\'tallowmetocomedown。"

Withthat，Mrs。Shawdismissedthem，andthefourdescendedtoreceivethefirstbatchofvisitors，severallittlegirlswhohadbeenaskedfortheexpresspurposeofkeepingMaudoutofhersister\'sway。Tomhadlikewisebeenpropitiated，bybeingallowedtobringhisthreebosomfriends，whowentbytheschool-boynamesofRumple，Sherry，andSpider。

"Theywilldotomakeupsets，asgentlemenarescarce；andthepartyisforPolly，soImusthavesomeyoungfolksonheraccount，"saidFanny，whensendingoutherinvitations。

Ofcourse，theboyscameearly，andstoodaboutincorners，lookingasiftheyhadmorearmsandlegsthantheyknewwhattodowith。Tomdidhisbesttobeagoodhost；butceremonyoppressedhisspirits，andhewasforcedtostrugglemanfullywiththewilddesiretoproposeagameofleap-frog，forthelongdrawing-rooms，clearedfordancing，temptedhimsorely。

Pollysatwhereshewastold，andsufferedbashfulagoniesasFanintroducedveryfineyoungladiesandverystiffyounggentlemen，whoallsaidaboutthesamecivilthings，andthenappearedtoforgetallabouther。Whenthefirstdancewascalled，FannycorneredTom，whohadbeendodgingher，forheknewwhatshewanted，andsaid，inanearnestwhisper:

"Now，Tom，youmustdancethiswithPolly。Youaretheyounggentlemanofthehouse，andit\'sonlyproperthatyoushouldaskyourcompanyfirst。"

"Pollydon\'tcareformanners。Ihatedancing；don\'tknowhow。Letgomyjacket，anddon\'tbother，orI\'llcutawayaltogether，"growledTom，dauntedbytheawfulprospectofopeningtheballwithPolly。

"I\'llneverforgiveyouifyoudo。Come，beclever，andhelpme，there\'sadear。YouknowwebothweredreadfullyrudetoPolly，andagreedthatwe\'dbeaskindandciviltoheraseverwecould。Ishallkeepmyword，andseethatsheisn\'tslightedatmyparty，forIwanthertoloveme，andgohomefeelingallright。"

ThisartfulspeechmadeanimpressionontherebelliousThomas，whoglancedatPolly\'shappyface，rememberedhispromise，and，withagroan，resolvedtodohisduty。

"Well，I\'lltakeher；butIshallcometogrief，forIdon\'tknowanythingaboutyourolddances。"

"Yes，youdo。I\'vetaughtyouthestepsadozentimes。I\'mgoingtobeginwitharedowa，becausethegirlslikeit，andit\'sbetterfunthansquaredances。Now，putonyourgloves，andgoandaskPollylikeagentleman。"

"Oh，thunder!"mutteredTom。Andhavingsplitthedetestedglovesindraggingthemon，henervedhimselffortheeffort，walkeduptoPolly，madeastiffbow，stuckouthiselbow，andsaid，solemnly，"MayIhavethepleasure，MissMilton？"

Hediditasmuchlikethebigfellowsashecould，andexpectedthatPollywouldbeimpressed。Butshewasn\'tabit；forafterasurprisedlookshelaughedinhisface，andtookhimbythehand，saying，heartily，­；

"Ofcourseyoumay；butdon\'tbeagoose，Tommy。"

"Well，Fantoldmetobeelegant，soItriedto，"whisperedTom，adding，asheclutchedhispartnerwithasomewhatdesperateair，"Holdontight，andwe\'llgetthroughsomehow。"

Themusicstruckup，andawaytheywent；TomhoppingonewayandPollytheother，inamostungracefulmanner。

"Keeptimetothemusic，"gaspedPolly。

"Can\'t；nevercould，"returnedTom。

"Keepstepwithme，then，anddon\'ttreadonmytoes，"pleadedPolly。

"Nevermind；keepbobbing，andwe\'llcomerightbyandby，"mutteredTom，givinghisunfortunatepartnerasuddenwhisk，whichnearlylandedbothonthefloor。

Buttheydidnot"getrightbyandby"；forTom，Inhisfranticeffortstodohisduty，nearlyannihilatedpoorPolly。Hetramped，hebobbed，heskated，hetwirledhertotheright，draggedhertotheleft，backedherupagainstpeopleandfurniture，trodonherfeet，rumpledherdress，andmadeaspectacleofhimselfgenerally。Pollywasmuchdisturbed；butaseveryoneelsewasflyingaboutalso，sheboreitaslongasshecould，knowingthatTomhadmadeamartyrofhimself，andfeelinggratefultohimforthesacrifice。

"Oh，dostopnow；thisisdreadful!"criedPolly，breathlessly，afterafewwildturns。

"Isn\'tit？"saidTom，wipinghisredfacewithsuchanairofintenserelief，thatPollyhadnotthehearttoscoldhim，butsaid，"Thankyou，"

anddroppedintoachairexhausted。

"IknowI\'vemadeaguyofmyself；butFaninsistedonit，forfearyou\'dbeoffendedifIdidn\'tgothefirstdancewithyou，"saidTom，remorsefully，watchingPollyasshesettledthebowofhercrushedsash，whichTomhadusedasasortofhandlebywhichtoturnandtwisther；

"IcandotheLancerstip-top；butyouwon\'teverwanttodancewithmeanymore，"headded，ashebegantofanhersoviolently，thatherhairflewaboutasifinagaleofwind。

"Yes，Iwill。I\'dliketo；andyoushallputyournamedownhereonthesticksofmyfan。That\'stheway，Trixsays，whenyoudon\'thaveaball-book。"

Lookingmuchgratified，Tomproducedthestumpofalead-pencil，andwrotehisnamewithaflourish，saying，ashegaveitback，"NowI\'mgoingtogetSherry，orsomeofthefellowsthatdotheredowawell，soyoucanhavearealgoodgobeforethemusicstops。"

OffwentTom；butbeforehecouldcatchanyeligiblepartner，Pollywasprovidedwiththebestdancerintheroom。Mr。Sydneyhadseenandheardthewholething；andthoughhehadlaughedquietly，helikedhonestTomandgood-naturedPollyallthebetterfortheirsimplicity。Polly\'sfootwaskeepingtimetothelivelymusic，andhereyeswerefixedwistfullyonthesmoothly-glidingcouplesbeforeher，whenMr。Sydneycametoher，saying，inthepleasantyetrespectfulwayshelikedsomuch，­；

"MissPolly，canyougivemeaturn？"

"Oh，yes；I\'mdyingforanother。"AndPollyjumpedup，withbothhandsout，andsuchagratefulface，thatMr。Sydneyresolvedsheshouldhaveasmanyturnsassheliked。

Thistimeallwentwell；andTom，returningfromanunsuccessfulsearch，wasamazedtobeholdPollycirclinggracefullyabouttheroom，guidedbyamostaccomplishedpartner。

"Ah，that\'ssomethinglike，"hethought，ashewatchedthebronzebootsretreatingandadvancinginperfecttimetothemusic。"Don\'tseehowSydneydoesthesteeringsowell；butitmustbefun；and，byJupiter!I\'lllearnit!"addedShaw，Jr。，withanemphaticgesturewhichburstthelastbuttonoffhisgloves。

Pollyenjoyedherselftillthemusicstopped；andbeforeshehadtimetothankMr，Sydneyaswarmlyasshewished，Tomcameuptosay，withhismostlordlyair，­；

"Youdancesplendidly，Polly。Now，youjustshowmeanyoneyoulikethelooksof，andI\'llgethimforyou，nomatterwhoheis。"

"Idon\'twantanyofthegentlemen；theyaresostiff，anddon\'tcaretodancewithme；butIlikethoseboysoverthere，andI\'lldancewithanyofthemiftheyarewilling，"saidPolly，afterasurvey。

"I\'lltrotoutthewholelot。"AndTomgladlybroughtuphisfriends，whoalladmiredPollyimmensely，andwereproudtobechoseninsteadofthe"bigfellows。"

TherewasnosittingstillforPollyafterthat，fortheladskepthergoingatagreatpace；andshewassohappy，sheneversaworsuspectedhowmanylittlemanoeuvres，heart-burnings，displaysofvanity，affectation，andnonsenseweregoingonallroundher。Sheloveddancing，andenteredintothegayetyofthescenewithaheartinessthatwaspleasanttosee。

Hereyesshone，herfaceglowed，herlipssmiled，andthebrowncurlswavedintheair，asshedanced，withaheartaslightasherfeet。

"Areyouenjoyingyourself，Polly？"askedMr。Shaw，wholookedin，nowandthen，toreporttograndmathatallwasgoingwell。

"Oh，suchasplendidtime!"criedPolly，withanenthusiasticlittlegesture，asshechassé；edintothecornerwherehestood。

"Sheisaregularbelleamongtheboys，"saidFanny，asshepromenadedby。

"TheyaresokindinaskingmeandI\'mnotafraidofthem，"explainedPolly，prancing，simplybecauseshecouldn\'tkeepstill。

"Soyouareafraidoftheyounggentlemen，hey？"andMr。Shawheldherbyonecurl。

"AllbutMr。Sydney。Hedon\'tputonairsandtalknonsense；and，oh!

hedoes\'dancelikeanangel，\'asTrixsays。"

"Papa，Iwishyou\'dcomeandwaltzwithme。Fantoldmenottogonearher，\'causemyweddwessmakesherpinkonelookugly；andTomwon\'t；andIwanttodwedfully。"

"I\'veforgottenhow，Maudie。AskPolly；she\'llspinyouroundlikeateetotum。"

"Mr。Sydney\'snameisdownforthat，"answeredPolly，lookingatherfanwithaprettylittleairofimportance。"ButIguesshewouldn\'tmindmytakingpoorMaudinstead。Shehasn\'tdancedhardlyany，andI\'vehadmorethanmyshare。Woulditbeveryimpropertochangemymind？"AndPollylookedupathertallpartnerwitheyewhichplainlyshowedthatthechangewasasacrifice。

"Notabit。Givethelittledearagoodwaltz，andwewilllookon，"

answeredMr。Sydney，withanodandsmile。

"Thatisarefreshinglittlepieceofnature，"saidMr。Shaw，asPollyandMaudwhirledaway。

"Shewillmakeacharminglittlewoman，ifsheisn\'tspoilt。"

"Nodangerofthat。Shehasgotasensiblemother。"

"Ithoughtso。"AndSydneysighed，forhehadlatelylosthisowngoodmother。

Whensupperwasannounced，Pollyhappenedtobetalking，ortryingtotalk，tooneofthe"poky"gentlemenwhomFanhadintroduced。HetookMissMiltondown，ofcourse，putherinacorner，andhavingservedhertoadaboficeandonemacaroon，hedevotedhimselftohisownsupperwithsuchinterest，thatPollywouldhavefaredbadly，ifTomhadnotcomeandrescuedher。

"I\'vebeenlookingeverywhereforyou。Comewithme，anddon\'tsitstarvinghere，"saidTom，withascornfullookfromheremptyplatetothatofherrecreantescort，whichwaspiledwithgoodthings。

Followingherguide，Pollywastakentothebigchinacloset，openingfromthedining-roomtothekitchen，andhereshefoundajoviallittlepartyfeastingatease。Maudandherbosomfriend，"Gwace，"wereseatedontincake-boxes；SherryandSpideradornedtherefrigerator；whileTomandRumpleforagedfortheparty。

Here\'sfun，"saidPolly，asshewasreceivedwithaclashofspoonsandawavingofnapkins。

"Youjustperchonthatcracker-keg，andI\'llseethatyougetenough，"

saidTom，puttingadumbwaiterbeforeher，andissuinghisorderswithafineairofauthority。

"Weareabandofrobbersinourcave，andI\'mthecaptain；andwepitchintothefolkspassingby，andgooutandbringhomeplunder。Now，Rumple，yougoandcarryoffabasketofcake，andI\'llwatchheretillKatycomesbywithafreshlotofoysters；Pollymusthavesome。Sherry，cutintothekitchen，andbringacupofcoffee。Spider，scrapeupthesalad，andpokethedishthroughtheslideformore。Eataway，Polly，andmymenwillbebackwithsuppliesinajiffy。"

Suchfunastheyhadinthatcloset；suchdaringrobberiesofjelly-potsandcake-boxes；suchsuccessfulraidsintothedining-roomandkitchen；

suchbaseassaultsuponpoorKatyandthecoloredwaiter，whodidhisbest，butwashelplessinthehandsoftherobberhorde。Averyharmlesslittlerevel；fornowinewasallowed，andthegallantbandweresobusyskirmishingtosupplytheladies，thattheyhadnottimetoeattoomuch。Noonemissedthem；andwhentheyemerged，thefeastwasover，exceptforafewvoraciousyounggentlemen，whostilllingeredamongtheruins。

"That\'sthewaytheyalwaysdo；pokethegirlsincorners，give\'emjustonetasteofsomething，andthengoandstufflikepigs，"whisperedTom，withasuperiorair，forgettingcertainprivatebanquetsofhisown，aftercompanyhaddeparted。

TherestoftheeveningwastobedevotedtotheGerman；and，asPollyknewnothingaboutit，sheestablishedherselfinawindowrecesstowatchthemysteries。Foratimesheenjoyedit，foritwasallnewtoher，andthevariousprettydeviceswereverycharming；but，byandby，thatbitterweed，envy，croppedupagain，andshecouldnotfeelhappytobeleftoutinthecold，whiletheothergirlsweregettinggaytissue-papersuits，drollbonbons，flowers，ribbons，andallmanneroftastefultriflesinwhichgirlishsoulsdelight。Everyonewasabsorbed；Mr。Sydneywasdancing；

Tomandhisfriendswerediscussingbase-ballonthestairs；andMaud\'ssethadreturnedtothelibrarytoplay。

Pollytriedtoconquerthebadfeeling；butitworriedher，tillsherememberedsomethinghermotheroncesaidtoher，­；

"Whenyoufeeloutofsorts，trytomakesomeoneelsehappy，andyouwillsoonbesoyourself。"

"Iwilltryit，"thoughtPolly，andlookedroundtoseewhatshecoulddo。Soundsofstrifeinthelibraryledhertoenter。Maudandtheyoungladiesweresittingonthesofa，talkingabouteachother\'sclothes，astheyhadseentheirmammasdo。

"Wasyourdressimported？"askedGrace。

"No；wasyours？"returnedBlanche。

"Yes；anditcost­；oh，eversomuch。"

"Idon\'tthinkitisasprettyasMaud\'s。"

"MinewasmadeinNewYork，"saidMissShaw，smoothingherskirtscomplacently。

"Ican\'tdressmuchnow，youknow，\'causemamma\'sinblackforsomebody，"

observedMissAliceLovett，feelingtheimportancewhichafflictionconferreduponherwhenittooktheformofajetnecklace。

"Well，Idon\'tcareifmydressisn\'timported；mycousinhadthreekindsofwineatherparty；so，now，"saidBlanche。

"Didshe？"Andallthelittlegirlslookeddeeplyimpressed，tillMaudobserved，withafunnyimitationofherfather\'smanner，­；

"Mypapasaiditwasscan-dill-us；forsomeofthelittleboysgottipsy，andhadtobetookedhome。Hewouldn\'tletushaveanywine；

andgwandmasaiditwasvewyimpwoperforchildwentodoso。"

"Mymothersaysyourmother\'scoupé；isn\'thalfsostylishasours，"putinAlice。

"Yes，itis，too。It\'salllinedwithgweensilk，andthat\'snicerthanoldwedcloth，"criedMaud，rufflinguplikeaninsultedchicken。

"Well，mybrotherdon\'twearahorridoldcap，andhe\'sgotnicehair。

Iwouldn\'thaveabrotherlikeTom。He\'shorridrude，mysistersays，"

retortedAlice。

"Heisn\'t。Yourbrotherisapig。"

"You\'reafib!"

"Soareyou!"

Here，Iregrettosay，MissShawslappedMissLovett，whopromptlyreturnedthecompliment，andbothbegantocry。

Polly，whohadpausedtolistentotheedifyingchat，partedthebelligerents，andfindingthepoorthingstired，cross，andsleepy，yetunabletogohometillsentfor，proposedtoplaygames。Theyoungladiesconsented，and"Pussinthecorner"provedapeacemaker。Presently，incametheboys；

andbeingexilesfromtheGerman，gladlyjoinedinthegames，whichsoonwerelivelyenoughtowakethesleepiest。"Blind-man\'s-buff"wasinfullswingwhenMr。Shawpeepedin，andseeingPollyflyingaboutwithband-agedeyes，joinedinthefuntopuzzleher。Hegotcaughtdirectly；andgreatmerrimentwascausedbyPolly\'sbewilderment，forshecouldn\'tguesswhohewas，tillshefeltthebaldspotonhishead。

Thisfrolicputeveryoneinsuchspirits，thatPollyforgothertrouble，andthelittlegirlskissedeachothergood-nightasaffectionatelyasifsuchthingsasimportedfrocks，coupé；s，andrivalbrothersdidn\'texist"Well，Polly，doyoulikeparties？"askedFanwhenthelastguestwasgone。

"Verymuch；butIdon\'tthinkitwouldbegoodformetogotomany，"

answeredPolly，slowly。

"Whynot？"

"Ishouldn\'tenjoythemifIdidn\'thaveafinedress，anddanceallthetime，andbeadmired，and­；alltherestofit。"

"Ididn\'tknowyoucaredforsuchthings，"criedFanny，surprised。

"NeitherdidItillto-night；butIdo；andasIcan\'thave\'em，it\'sluckyI\'mgoinghometomorrow。"

"Oh，dear!Soyouare!WhatshallIdowithoutmy\'sweetP。，\'asSydneycallsyou？"sighedFanny，bearingPollyawaytobecuddled。

Everyoneechoedtheexclamationnextday；andmanylovingeyesfollowedthelittlefigureinthedrabfrockasitwentquietlyabout，doingforthelasttimethesmallserviceswhichwouldhelptomakeitsabsencekeenlyfelt。Pollywastogodirectlyafteranearlydinner，andhavingpackedhertrunk，allbutonetray，shewastoldtogoandtakearunwhilegrandmafinished。Pollysuspectedthatsomepleasantsurprisewasgoingtobeputin；forFandidn\'toffertogowithher，Maudkeptdodgingaboutwithsomethingunderherapron，andTomhadjustwhiskedintohismother\'sroominamysteriousmanner。SoPollytookthehintandwentaway，rejoicinginthethoughtoftheunknowntreasuresshewastocarryhome。

Mr。Shawhadnotsaidheshouldcomehomesoearly，butPollythoughthemight，andwenttomeethim。Mr。Shawdidn\'texpecttoseePolly，forhehadleftherverybusy，andnowalightsnowwasfalling；but，asheturnedintothemalltherewastheroundhat，andunderitthebrightface，lookingalltherosierforbeingpowderedwithsnow-flakes，asPollycamerunningtomeethim。

"Therewon\'tbeanyonetohelptheoldgentlemansafelyhometo-morrow，"

hesaid，asPollytookhishandinbothherswithanaffectionatesqueeze。

"Yes，therewill；seeifthereisn\'t，"criedPolly，noddingandsmiling，forFanhadconfidedtoherthatshemeanttotryitafterherfriendhadgone。

"I\'mgladofit。But，mydear，Iwantyoutopromisethatyouwillcomeandmakeusavisiteverywinter，­；agoodlongone，"saidMr。Shaw，pattingthebluemittensfoldedroundhishand。

"Iftheycansparemefromhome，I\'dlovetocomedearly。"

"Theymustlendyouforalittlewhile，becauseyoudousallgood，andweneedyou。"

"DoI？Idon\'tseehow；butI\'mgladtohearyousayso，"criedPolly，muchtouched。

"Ican\'ttellyouhow，exactly；butyoubroughtsomethingintomyhousethatmakesitwarmerandpleasanter，andwon\'tquitevanish，Ihope，whenyougoaway，mychild。"

PollyhadneverheardMr。Shawspeaklikethatbefore，anddidn\'tknowwhattosay，shefeltsoproudandhappyatthisproofofthetruthofhermother\'swords，whenshesaidthat"evenalittlegirlcouldexertaninfluence，anddosomegoodinthisbig，busyworld。"Sheonlygaveherfriendagratefullooksweeterthananywords，andtheywentontogether，handinhand，throughthe"soft-fallingsnow。"

IfPollycouldhaveseenwhatwentintothattoptray，shewouldhavebeenentirelyovercome；forFannyhadtoldgrandmaaboutthepoorlittlepresentsshehadoncelaughedat，andtheyhadalllaidtheirheadstogethertoprovidesomethingreallyfineandappropriateforeverymemberoftheMiltonfamily。Suchamineofriches!andsomuchgood-will，affection，andkindlyforethoughtwaspackedawayinthetemptingbundles，thatnoonecouldfeeloffended，butwouldfindanunusualcharmabouttheprettygiftsthatmadethemdoublywelcome。IonlyknowthatifPollyhadsuspectedthatalittlewatchwastickingawayinalittlecase，withhernameonit，insidethattrunk，shenevercouldhaveleftitlockedasgrandmaadvised，orhaveeatenherdinnersoquietly。Asitwas，herheartwasveryfull，andthetearsrosetohereyesmorethanonce，everyonewassokind，andsosorrytohavehergo。

Tomdidn\'tneedanyurgingtoplayescortnow；andbothFanandMaudinsistedongoingtoo。Mrs。Shawforgothernerves，andputupsomegingerbreadwithherownhands；Mr。ShawkissedPollyasifshehadbeenhisdearestdaughter；andgrandmaheldherclose，whisperinginatremuloustone，"Mylittlecomfort，comeagainsoon"；whileKatywavedherapronfromthenurserywindow，crying，astheydrove，away，"Thesaintsblessye，MissPolly，dear，andsindyethebestoflucks!"

ButthecrowningjokeofallwasTom\'sgood-by，for，whenPollywasfairlysettledinthecar，thelast"Allaboard!"uttered，andthetraininmotion，Tomsuddenlyproducedaknobbylittlebundle，andthrustingitinatthewindow，whilehehungoninsomebreakneckfashion，said，withadrollmixtureoffunandfeelinginhisface，­；

"It\'shorrid；butyouwantedit，soIputitintomakeyoulaugh。

Good-by，Polly；good-by，good-by!"

Thelastadieuwasatriflehusky，andTomvanishedasitwasuttered，leavingPollytolaughoverhispartingsouvenirtillthetearsrandownhercheeks。Itwasapaperbagofpeanuts，andpokeddownattheverybottomaphotographofTom。Itwas"horrid，"forhelookedasiftakenbyaflashoflightning，soblack，wild，andstaringwasit；butPollylikedit，andwhenevershefeltalittlepensiveatpartingwithherfriends，shetookapeanut，orapeepatTom\'sfunnypicture，whichmadehermerryagain。

Sotheshortjourneycameblithelytoanend，andinthetwilightshesawagroupoflovingfacesatthedoorofahumblelittlehouse，whichwasmorebeautifulthananypalaceinhereyes，foritwashome。ChapterVIII。ChapterVIII。CHAPTERVIIISIXYEARSAFTERWARD"WHATdoyouthinkPollyisgoingtodothiswinter？"exclaimedFanny，lookingupfromthelettershehadbeeneagerlyreading。

"GoingtodeliverlecturesonWoman\'sRights，"saidtheyounggentlemanwhowascarefullyexamininghisluxuriantcropofdecidedlyauburnhair，asheloungedwithbothelbowsonthechimney-piece。

"Goingtosethercapforsomeyoungministerandmarryhiminthespring，"

addedMrs。Shaw，whosemindranagooddealuponmatch-makingjustnow。

"Ithinksheisgoingtostayathome，anddoallthework，\'causeservantscostsomuch；itwouldbejustlikeher，"observedMaud，whocouldpronouncetheletterRnow。

"It\'smyopinionsheisgoingtoopenaschool，orsomethingofthatsort，tohelpthosebrothersofhersalong，"saidMr。Shaw，whohadputdownhispaperatthesoundofPolly\'sname。

"Everyoneofyouwrong，thoughpapacomesnearestthetruth，"criedFanny；"sheisgoingtogivemusiclessons，andsupportherself，sothatWillmaygotocollege。Heisthestudiousone，andPollyisveryproudofhim。Ned，theotherbrother，hasabusinesstalent，anddon\'tcareforbooks，sohehasgoneoutWest，andwillmakehisownwayanywhere。Pollysayssheisn\'tneededathomenow，thefamilyissosmall，andKittycantakeherplacenicely；sosheisactuallygoingtoearnherownliving，andhandoverhershareofthefamilyincometoWill。Whatamartyrthatgirldoesmakeofherself，"andFannylookedassolemnasifPollyhadproposedsomeawfulself-sacrifice。

"Sheisasensible，brave-heartedgirl，andIrespectherfordoingit，"saidMr。Shaw，emphatically。"Oneneverknowswhatmayhappen，anditdoesnoharmforyoungpeopletolearntobeindependent。"

"IfsheisasprettyasshewaslasttimeIsawher，she\'llgetpupilsfastenough。Iwouldn\'tmindtakinglessonsmyself，"wasthegraciousobservationofShaw，Jr。，asheturnedfromthemirror，withthesoothingcertaintythathisobjectionablehairactuallywasgrowingdarker。

"Shewouldn\'ttakeyouatanyprice，"saidFanny，rememberingPolly\'slookofdisappointmentanddisapprovalwhenshecameonherlastvisitandfoundhimanunmistakabledandy。

"Youjustwaitandsee，"wastheplacidreply。

"IfPollydoescarryoutherplan，IwishMaudtotakelessonsofher；

Fannycandoasshelikes，butitwouldpleasemeverymuchtohaveoneofmygirlssingasPollysings。Itsuitsoldpeoplebetterthanyouroperathings，andmotherusedtoenjoyitsomuch。"

Ashespoke，Mr。Shaw\'seyeturnedtowardthecomerofthefirewheregrandmausedtosit。Theeasy-chairwasemptynow，thekindoldfacewasgone，andnothingbutaverytendermemoryremained。

"I\'dliketolearn，papa，andPollyisasplendidteacher，Iknow；

she\'salwayssopatient，andmakeseverythingsopleasant。Idohopeshewillgetscholarsenoughtobeginrightaway，"saidMaud。

"Whenisshecoming？"askedMrs。Shaw，quitewillingtohelpPolly，butprivatelyresolvingthatMaudshouldbefinishedoffbythemostfashionablemasterinthecity。

"Shedoesn\'tsay。Shethanksmeforaskingherhere，asusual，butsayssheshallgorighttoworkandhadbetterbeginwithherownlittleroomatonce。Won\'titseemstrangetohavePollyintown，andyetnotwithus？"

"We\'llgethersomehow。Thelittleroomwillcostsomething，andshecanstaywithusjustaswellasnot，evenifshedoesteach。TellherIsayso，"saidMr。Shaw。

"Shewon\'tcome，Iknow；forifsheundertakestobeindependent，she\'lldoitinthemostthoroughmanner，"answeredFanny，andMrs。Shawsincerelyhopedshewould。Itwasallverywelltopatronizethelittlemusic-teacher，butitwasnotsopleasanttohavehersettledinthefamily。

"IshalldowhatIcanforheramongmyfriends，andIdaresayshewillgetonverywellwithyoungpupilstobeginwith。Ifshestartsright，putshertermshighenough，andgetsafewgoodnamestogivehertheentré；eintoourfirstfamilies，Idon\'tdoubtshewilldonicely，forImustsayPollyhasthemannersofalady，"observedMrs。Shaw。

"She\'samightytakinglittlebody，andI\'mgladshe\'stobeintown，thoughI\'dlikeitbetterifshedidn\'tbotheraboutteaching，butjuststayedhereandenjoyedherself，"saidTom，lazily。

"I\'venodoubtshewouldfeelhighlyhonoredtobeallowedtodevotehertimetoyouramusement；butshecan\'taffordexpensiveluxuries，andshedon\'tapproveofflirting，soyouwillhavetolethergoherownway，andrefreshherselfwithsuchglimpsesofyouasherengagementspermit，"

answeredFanny，inthesarcastictonewhichwasbecominghabitualtoher。

"Youaregettingtobearegularoldmaid，Fan；assharpasalemon，andtwiceassour，"returnedTom，lookingdownatherwithanairofcalmsuperiority。

"Dobequiet，children；youknowIcan\'tbearanythinglikecontention。

Maud，givememyShetlandshawl，andputacushionatmyback。"

AsMaudobeyedhermother，withareprovinglookathererringbrotherandsister，apausefollowed，forwhicheveryoneseemedgrateful。Theyweresittingaboutthefireafterdinner，andalllookedasifalittlesunshinewoulddothemgood。IthadbeenadullNovemberday，butallofasuddenthecloudslifted，andabrightrayshotintotheroom。Everyoneturnedinvoluntarilytowelcomeit，andeveryonecriedout，"Why，Polly!"forthereonthethresholdstoodabright-facedgirl，smilingasiftherewasnosuchthingasNovemberweatherintheworld。

"Youdearthing，whendidyoucome？"criedFanny，kissingboththebloomingcheckswithrealaffection，whiletheresthoverednear，waitingforachance。

"Icameyesterday，andhavebeengettingmynestinorder；butIcouldn\'tkeepawayanylonger，soIranuptosay\'Howdoyoudo？\'"answeredPolly，inthecheeryvoicethatdidone\'sheartgoodtohear。

"MyPollyalwaysbringsthesunshinewithher，"andMr。Shawheldouthishandstohislittlefriend，forshewashisfavoritestill。

Itwasgoodtoseeherputbotharmsabouthisneck，andgivehimatenderkiss，thatsaidagreatdeal，forgrandmahaddiedsincePollymethimlastandshelongedtocomforthim，seeinghowgrayandoldhehadgrown。

IfTomhadhadanythoughtsoffollowinghisfather\'sexample，somethinginPolly\'smannermadehimchangehismind，andshakehandswithahearty"I\'mverygladtoseeyou，Polly，"addingtohimself，ashelookedatthefaceinthemodestlittlebonnet:"Prettierthanever，byJove!"

TherewassomethingmorethanmereprettinessinPolly\'sface，thoughTomhadnotlearnedtoseeityet。Theblueeyeswereclearandsteady，thefreshmouthfrankandsweet，thewhitechinwasaveryfirmoneinspiteofthedimple，andthesmoothforeheadunderthelittlecurlshadabroad，benevolentarch；whileallaboutthefacewerethoseunmistakablelinesandcurveswhichcanmakeevenaplaincountenancecomely，bybreathingintoitthebeautyofalovelycharacter。Pollyhadgrownup，butshehadnomorestylenowthaninthedaysoftheroundhatandroughcoat，forshewasallingray，likeayoungQuakeress，withnoornamentbutabluebowatthethroatandanotherinthehair。Yettheplainsuitbecameherexcellently，andoneneverthoughtofthedress，lookingattheactivefigurethatworeit，forthefreedomofherchildhoodgavetoPollythatgoodgift，health，andeverymovementwasfullofthevigor，grace，andease，whichnothingelsecansosurelybestow。Ahappysoulinahealthybodyisararesightinthesedays，whendoctorsflourishandeveryoneisill，andthispleasantunionwasthecharmwhichPollypossessedwithoutknowingit。

"Itdoesseemsogoodtohaveyouhereagain，"saidMaud，cuddlingPolly\'scoldhand，asshesatatherfeet，whenshewasfairlyestablishedbetweenFannyandMr。Shaw，whileTomleanedonthebackofhismother\'schair，andenjoyedtheprospect。

"Howdoyougeton？Whendoyoubegin？Whereisyournest？Nowtellallaboutit，"beganFanny，whowasfullofcuriosityaboutthenewplan。

"Ishallgetonverywell，Ithink，forI\'vegottwelvescholarstobeginwith，allabletopayagoodprice，andIshallgivemyfirstlessononMonday。"

"Don\'tyoudreadit？"askedFanny。

"Notmuch；whyshouldI？"answeredPolly，stoutly。

"Well，Idon\'tknow；it\'sanewthing，andmustbealittlebithardatfirst，"stammeredFanny，notlikingtosaythatworkingforone\'slivingseemedadreadfulhardshiptoher。

"Itwillbetiresome，ofcourse，butIshallgetusedtoit；Ishallliketheexercise，andthenewpeopleandplacesImustseewillamuseme。Thentheindependencewillbedelightful，andifIcansavealittletohelpKittyalongwith，thatwillbebestofall。"

Polly\'sfaceshoneasiftheprospectwasfullofpleasureinsteadofwork，andtheheartygoodwillwithwhichsheundertookthenewtask，seemedtodignifyherhumblehopesandplans，andmaketheminterestinginthesightofothers。

"Whohaveyougotforpupils？"askedMrs。Shaw，forgettinghernervesforaminute。

Pollynamedherlist，andtookasecretsatisfactioninseeingtheimpressionwhichcertainnamesmadeuponherhearers。

"HowintheworlddidyougettheDavenportsandtheGreys，mydear？"

saidMrs。Shaw，sittingerectinhersurprise。

"Mrs。Davenportandmotherarerelations，youknow。"

"Younevertoldusthatbefore!"

"TheDavenportshavebeenawaysomeyears，andIforgotallaboutthem。

ButwhenIwasmakingmyplan，IknewImusthaveagoodnameortwotosetmegoing，soIjustwroteandaskedMrs。D。ifshewouldhelpme。Shecameandsawusandwasverykind，andhasgotthesepupilsforme，likeadear，goodwomanassheis。"

"Wheredidyoulearnsomuchworldlywisdom，Polly？"askedMr。Shaw，ashiswifefellbackinherchair，andtookouthersalts，asifthisdiscoveryhadbeentoomuchforher。

"Ilearntithere，sir，"answeredPolly，laughing。"Iusedtothinkpatronageandthingsofthatsortverydisagreeableandnotworthhaving，butI\'vegotwiser，andtoacertainextentI\'mgladtousewhateveradvantagesIhaveinmypower，iftheycanbehonestlygot。"

"Whydidn\'tyouletushelpyouinthebeginning？Weshouldhavebeenverygladto，I\'msure，"putinMrs。Shaw，whoquiteburnedtobeknownasajointpatronesswithMrs。Davenport。

"Iknowyouwould，butyouhaveallbeensokindtomeIdidn\'twanttotroubleyouwithmylittleplanstillthefirststepsweretaken。Besides，Ididn\'tknowasyouwouldliketorecommendmeasateacher，thoughyoulikemewellenoughasplainPolly。"

"Mydear，ofcourseIwould，andwewantyoutotakeMaudatonce，andteachheryoursweetsongs。Shehasafinevoice，andisreallysufferingforateacher。"

AslightsmilepassedoverPolly\'sfaceasshereturnedherthanksforthenewpupil，forsherememberedatimewhenMrs。Shawconsideredher"sweetsongs"quiteunfitforafashionableyounglady\'srepertoire。

"Whereisyourroom？"askedMaud。

"MyoldfriendMissMillshastakenmein，andIamnicelysettled。

Motherdidn\'tliketheideaofmygoingtoastrangeboarding-house，soMissMillskindlymadeaplaceforme。Youknowsheletsherroomswithoutboard，butsheisgoingtogivememydinners，andI\'mtogetmyownbreakfastandtea，quiteindependently。Ilikethatway，andit\'sverylittletrouble，myhabitsaresosimple；abowlofbreadandmilknightandmorning，withbakedapplesorsomethingofthatsort，isallIwant，andIcanhaveitwhenIlike。"

"Isyourroomcomfortablyfurnished？Can\'twelendyouanything，mydear？Aneasy-chairnow，oralittlecouch，sonecessarywhenonecomesintired，"saidMrs。Shaw，takingunusualinterestintheaffair。

"Thankyou，butIdon\'tneedanything，forIbroughtallsortsofhomecomfortswithme。Oh，Fan，yououghttohaveseenmytriumphalentryintothecity，sittingamongmygoodsandchattels，inafarmer\'scart。"Polly\'slaughwassoinfectiousthateveryonesmiledandforgottobeshockedatherperformance。"Yes，"sheadded，"IkeptwishingIcouldmeetyou，justtoseeyourhorrifiedfacewhenyousawmesittingonmylittlesofa，withboxesandbundlesallroundme，abird-cageononeside，afishingbasket，withakitten\'sheadpoppinginandoutofthehole，ontheotherside，andjollyoldMr。Brown，inhisbluefrock，perchedonakegofapplesinfront。Itwasalovelybrightday，andIenjoyedtherideimmensely，forwehadallsortsofadventures。"

"Oh，tellaboutit，"beggedMaud，whenthegenerallaughatPolly\'spicturehadsubsided。

"Well，inthefirstplace，weforgotmyivy，andKittycamerunningafterme，withit。Thenwestartedagain，butweresoonstoppedbyagreatshouting，andtherewasWillracingdownthehill，wavingapillowinonehandandasquashpieintheother。Howwedidlaughwhenhecameupandexplainedthatourneighbor，oldMrs。Dodd，hadsentinahop-pillowforme，incaseofheadache，andapietobeginhouse-keepingwith。SheseemedsodisappointedatbeingtoolatethatWillpromisedtogetthemtome，ifheranallthewaytotown。Thepillowwaseasilydisposedof，butthatpie!Idobelieveitwasstowedineverypartofthewagon，andneverstaidanywhere。Ifounditinmylap，thenonthefloor，next，upsidedownamongthebooks，thenjustonthepointofcoastingoffatrunkintotheroad，andatlastitlandedinmyrocking-chair。Sucharemarkablepieasitwas，too，forinspiteofallitswanderings，itnevergotspiltorbroken，andwefinallyateitforlunch，inordertobeleftinpeace。Next，mykittygotaway，andIhadachaseoverwallsandbrooksbeforeIgother，whileMr。Brownsatshakingwithfun，toseemerun。Wefinishedoffbyhavingthebook-shelvestumbleonourheadsaswewentdownahill，andlosingmychairoffbehind，aswewentupahill。Ashoutmadeuspause，and，lookingback，therewasthepoorlittlechairrockingallbyitselfinthemiddleoftheroad，whileasmallboysatonthefenceandwhooped。

Itwasgreatfun，Idoassureyou。"

Pollyhadrunoninherlivelyway，notbecauseshethoughtheradventuresamountedtomuch，butfromawishtocheerupherfriends，whohadstruckheraslookingratherdullandoutofsorts，especiallyMr。Shaw；andwhenshesawhimleanbackinhischairwiththeoldheartylaugh，shewassatisfied，andblessedtheunluckypieforamusinghim。

"Oh，Polly，youdotellsuchinterestingthings!"sighedMaud，wipinghereyes。

"IwishI\'dmetyou，I\'dhavegivenyouthreecheersandatiger，foritmusthavebeenanimposingspectacle，"saidTom。