第7章

"No，youwouldn\'t；you\'dhavewhiskedroundthecomerwhenyousawmecomingorhavestaredstraightbeforeyou，utterlyunconsciousoftheyoungwomaninthebaggagewagon。"

Pollylaughedinhisfacejustassheusedtodo，whenshesaidthat，and，inspiteofthedoubtcastuponhiscourtesy，Tomratherlikedit，thoughhehadnothingtosayforhimselfbutareproachful，­；

"Now，Polly，that\'stoobad。"

"True，nevertheless。Youmustcomeandseemypets，Maud，formycatandbirdlivetogetherashappilyasbrotherandsister，"saidPolly，turningtoMaud，whodevouredeverywordshesaid。

"That\'snotsayingmuchforthem，"mutteredTom，feelingthatPollyoughttoaddressmoreofherconversationtohim。

"Pollyknowswhatshe\'stalkingabout；herbrothersappreciatetheirsisters，"observedFanny，inhersharptone。

"AndPollyappreciatesherbrothers，don\'tforgettoaddthat，ma\'am，"answeredTom。

"DidItellyouthatWillwasgoingtocollege？"brokeinPolly，toaverttherisingstorm。

"Hopehe\'llenjoyhimself，"observedTom，withtheairofamanwhohadpassedthroughallthemysteries，andreachedthatstateofsublimeindifferencewhichjuniorsseemtopridethemselvesupon。

"Ithinkhewill，heissofondofstudy，andissoanxioustoimproveeveryopportunity。Ionlyhopehewon\'toverworkandgetsick，assomanyboysdo，"saidsimplePolly，withsucharespectfulbeliefintheeagerthirstforknowledgeofcollegiansasaclass，thatTomregardedthedeludedgirlwithasmileofloftypity，fromtheheightsofhisvastandvariedexperience。

"Guesshewon\'thurthimself。I\'llseethathedon\'tstudytoohard。"

AndTom\'seyestwinkledastheyusedtodo，whenheplannedhisboyishpranks。

"I\'mafraidyoucan\'tbetrustedasaguide，ifvariousrumorsI\'veheardaretrue，"saidPolly，lookingupathimwithawistfulexpression，thatcausedhisfacetoassumethesobrietyofanowl\'s。

"Baseslanders；I\'massteadyasaclock，anornamenttomyclass，andamodelyoungman，ain\'tI，mother？"AndTompattedherthincheekwithacaressinghand，sureofonefirmfriendinher；forwhenheceasedtobeaharum-scarumboy，Mrs。Shawbegantotakegreatprideinherson，andhe，missinggrandma，triedtofillherplacewithhisfeeblemother。

"Yes，dear，youareallIcouldask，"andMrs。Shawlookedupathimwithsuchaffectionandconfidenceinhereyes，thatPollygaveTomthefirstapprovinglookshehadvouchsafedhimsinceshecame。

WhyTomshouldlooktroubledandturngraveallatonce，shecouldn\'tunderstand，butshelikedtoseehimstrokehismother\'scheeksosoftly，ashestoodwithhisheadrestingonthehighbackofherchair，forPollyfanciedthathefeltaman\'spityforherweakness，andwaslearningason\'spatientloveforamotherwhohadhadmuchtobearwithhim。

"I\'msogladyouaregoingtobehereallwinter，forwearetobeverygay，andIshallenjoytakingyouroundwithme，"beganFanny，forgettingPolly\'splanforamoment。

Pollyshookherheaddecidedly。"Itsoundsverynice，butitcan\'tbedone，Fan，forI\'vecometowork，notplay；tosave，notspend；andpartieswillbequiteoutofthequestionforme。"

"Youdon\'tintendtoworkallthetime，withoutabitoffun，Ihope，"

criedFanny，dismayedattheidea。

"ImeantodowhatI\'veundertaken，andnottobetemptedawayfrommypurposebyanything。Ishouldn\'tbefittogivelessonsifIwasuplate，shouldI？Andhowfarwouldmyearningsgotowardsdress，carriages，andallthelittleexpenseswhichwouldcomeifIsetupforayoungladyinsociety？Ican\'tdoboth，andI\'mnotgoingtotry，butIcanpickupbitsoffunasIgoalong，andbecontentedwithfreeconcertsandlectures，seeingyouprettyoften，andeverySundayWillistospendwithme，soIshallhavequiteasmuchdissipationasisgoodforme。"

"Ifyoudon\'tcometomyparties，I\'llneverforgiveyou，"saidFanny，asPollypaused，whileTomchuckledinwardlyattheideaofcallingvisitsfromabrother"dissipation。"

"Anysmallparty，whereitwilldotowearaplainblacksilk，Icancometo；butthebigonesmustn\'tbethoughtof，thankyou。"

ItwascharmingtoseetheresolutionofPolly\'sfacewhenshesaidthat；forsheknewherweakness，andbeyondthatblacksilkshehaddeterminednottogo。Fannysaidnomore，forshefeltquitesurethatPollywouldrelentwhenthetimecame，andsheplannedtogiveheraprettydressforaChristmaspresent，sothatoneexcuseshouldberemoved。

"Isay，Polly，won\'tyougivesomeofusfellowsmusiclessons？Somebodywantsmetoplay，andI\'dratherlearnofyouthananySenorTwankydillo，"

saidTom，whodidn\'tfindtheconversationinteresting。

"Oh，yes；ifanyofyouboyshonestlywanttolearn，andwillbehaveyourselves，I\'lltakeyou；butIshallchargeextra，"answeredPolly，withawickedsparkleoftheeye，thoughherfacewasquitesober，andhertonedelightfullybusiness-like。

"Why，Polly，Tomisn\'taboy；he\'stwenty，andhesaysImusttreathimwithrespect。Besides，he\'sengaged，anddoesputonsuchairs，"brokeinMaudwhoregardedherbrotherasavenerablebeing。

"Whoisthelittlegirl？"askedPollytakingthenewsasajoke。

"Trix；why，didn\'tyouknowit？"answeredMaud，asifithadbeenaneventofnationalimportance。

"No!isittrue，Fan？"andPollyturnedtoherfriendwithafacefullofsurprise，whileTomstruckanimposingattitude，andaffectedabsenceofmind。

"Iforgottotellyouinmylastletter；it\'sjustout，andwedon\'tlikeitverywell，"observedFanny，whowouldhavepreferredtobeengagedfirstherself。

"It\'saverynicething，andIamperfectlysatisfied，"announcedMrs。Shaw，rousingfromaslightdoze。

"Pollylooksasifshedidn\'tbelieveit。Haven\'tItheappearanceof\'thehappiestmanalive\'？"askedTom，wonderingifitcouldbepitywhichhesawinthesteadyeyesfixedonhim。

"No，Idon\'tthinkyouhave，"shesaid，slowly。

"Howthedeuceshouldamanlook，then？"criedTom，rathernettledathersoberreceptionofthegrandnews。

"Asifhehadlearnedtocareforsomeoneagreatdealmorethanforhimself，"answeredPolly，withsuddencolorinhercheeks，andasuddensofteningofthevoice，ashereyesturnedawayfromTom，whowasthepictureofacomplacentdandy，fromthetopmostcurlofhisauburnheadtothetipsofhisaristocraticboots。

"Tommy\'squenched；Iagreewithyou，Polly；IneverlikedTrix，andIhopeit\'sonlyaboy-and-girlfancy，thatwillsoondieanaturaldeath，"

saidMr。Shaw，whoseemedtofinditdifficulttohelpfallingintoabrownstudy，inspiteofthelivelychattergoingonabouthim。

Shaw，Jr。，beinghighlyincensedatthedisrespectfulmannerinwhichhisengagementwastreated，triedtoassumeasuperbairofindifference，andfindingthatadecidedfailure，wasabouttostrolloutoftheroomwithacomprehensivenod，whenhismothercalledafterhim:

"Whereareyougoing，dear？"

"ToseeTrix，ofcourse。Good-by，Polly，"andMr。Thomasdeparted，hopingthatbytheskillfulchangeoftone，fromardentimpatiencetocondescendingcoolness，hehadimpressedoneheareratleastwiththefactthatheregardedTrixasthestarofhisexistence，andPollyasapresuminglittlechit。

Ifhecouldhaveheardherlaugh，andFanny\'sremarks，hiswrathwouldhaveboiledover；fortunatelyhewassparedthetrial，andwentawayhopingthatthecoquetriesofhisTrixwouldmakehimforgetPolly\'slookwhensheansweredhisquestion。

"Mydear，thatboyisthemostdeludedcreatureyoueversaw，"beganFanny，assoonasthefrontdoorbanged。"BelleandTrixbothtriedtocatchhim，andtheslyestgothim；for，inspiteofhisairs，heisassoft-heartedasababy。YouseeTrixhasbrokenofftwoengagementsalready，andthethirdtimeshegotjiltedherself。Suchafussasshemade!Ideclare，itreallywasabsurd。ButIdothinkshefeltitverymuch，forshewouldn\'tgooutatall，andgotthin，andpale，andblue，andwasreallyquitetouching。Ipitiedher，andhadherhereagooddeal，andTomtookherpart；healwaysdoesstandupforthecrushedones，andthat\'sgoodofhim，Iallow。Well，shedidtheforsakenveryprettily；letTomamuseher，andledhimontillthepoorfellowlosthiswits，andfindinghercryingoneday(aboutherhat，whichwasn\'tbecoming)，hethoughtshewasmourningforMr。Banks，andso，tocomforther，thegooseproposed。Thatwasallshewanted；shesnappedhimupatonce，andthereheisinanicescrape；

forsinceherengagementsheisasgayasever，flirtsawfullywithanyonewhocomesalong，andkeepsTominafumeallthetime。Ireallydon\'tthinkhecaresforherhalfasmuchashemakesbelieve，buthe\'llstandbyherthroughthickandthin，ratherthandoasBanksdid。"

"PoorTom!"wasallPollysaid，whenFanhadpouredthestoryintoherear，astheysatwhisperinginthesofacorner。

"MyonlyconsolationisthatTrixwillbreakofftheaffairbeforespring；

shealwaysdoes，sothatshemaybefreeforthesummercampaign。Itwon\'thurtTom，butIhatetohavehimmakeafoolofhimselfoutofpity，forheismoreofamanthanheseems，andIdon\'twantanyonetoplaguehim。"

"Noonebutyourself，"saidPolly，smiling。

"Well，that\'sallfair；heisatormentsometimes，butI\'mratherfondofhiminspiteofit。Igetsotiredoftheotherfellows，theyaresuchabsurdthingsandwhenTomisinhisgoodmoodheisveryniceandquiterefreshing。"

"I\'mgladtohearit，"saidPolly，makingamentalnoteofthefact。

"Yes，andwhengrandmawasillhewasperfectlydevoted。Ididn\'tknowtheboyhadsomuchgentlenessinhim。Hetookherdeathsadlytoheart，for，thoughhedidn\'tsaymuch，hewasverygraveandsteadyforalongtime。Itriedtocomforthim，andwehadtwoorthreerealsweetlittletalkstogether，andseemedtogetacquaintedforthefirsttime。Itwasverynice，butitdidn\'tlast；goodtimesneverdowithus。Wesoongotbackintotheoldway，andnowwehectoroneanotherjustasbefore。"

Fannysighed，thenyawned，andfellintoherusuallistlessattitude，asifthebriefexcitementofPolly\'scominghadbeguntosubside。

"Walkhomewithmeandseemyfunnylittleroom。It\'sbrightnow，andtheairwilldoyougood。Come，bothofyou，andhaveafrolicasweusedto，"saidPolly，fortheredsunsetnowburninginthewestseemedtoinvitethemout。

Theyagreed，andsoonthethreewerewalkingbrisklyawaytoPolly\'snewhome，inaquietstreet，whereafewoldtreesrustledinthesummer，andthemorningsunshonepleasantlyinwintertime。"ThewayintomyparlorIsupawindingstair。"sangPolly，runninguptwoflightsofbroad，old-fashionedsteps，andopeningthedoorofabackroom，outofwhichstreamedthewelcomeglowoffirelight。

"Thesearemypets，Maud，"sheadded，pausingonthethreshold，andbeckoningthegirlstolookinquietly。

Ontherug，luxuriouslybaskinginthewarmth，layagraykitten，andcloseby，meditativelyroostingononeleg，stoodaplumpcanary，whocockedhisbrighteyeatthenew-comers，gavealoudchirpasiftowakehiscomrade，andthenflewstraighttoPolly\'sshoulder，wherehebrokeintoajoyfulsongtowelcomehismistresshome。

"Allowmetointroducemyfamily，"saidPolly；"thisnoisylittlechaptheboysnamedNicodemus；andthisdozycatiscalledAshputtel，becausethejoyofherlifeistogetamongthecinders。Now，takeoffyourthings，andletmedothehonors，foryouaretostoptotea，andthecarriageistocomeforyouateight。Iarrangeditwithyourmotherwhileyouwereup-stairs。"

"Iwanttoseeeverything，"saidMaud，whenthehatswereoff，andthehandswarmed。

"Soyoushall；forIthinkmyhousekeepingarrangementswillamuseyou。"

ThenPollyshowedherkingdom，andthethreehadamerrytimeoverit。

Thebigpianotookupsomuchroomtherewasnoplaceforabed；butPollyproudlydisplayedtheresourcesofherchintz-coveredcouch，forthebackletdown，theseatliftedup，andinsidewereallthepillowsandblankets。

"Soconvenient，yousee，andyetoutofthewayinthedaytime，fortwoorthreeofmypupilscometome，"explainedPolly。

Thentherewasabrightdruggetoverthefadedcarpet，thelittlerocking-chairandsewing-tablestoodatonewindow，theivyranallovertheother，andhidthebanquetingperformanceswhichwentoninthatcorner。Book-shelveshungoverthesofa，apictureortwoonthewalls，andagreatvaseofautumnleavesandgrassesbeautifiedthelowchimney-piece。Itwasaveryhumblelittleroom，butPollyhaddoneherbesttomakeitpleasant，anditalreadyhadahome-likelook，withthecheeryfire，andthehouseholdpetschirpingandpurringconfidinglyontherug。

"Howniceitis!"exclaimedMaud，assheemergedfromthebigclosetwherePollykeptherstores。"Suchacunningteakettleandsaucepan，andatê；te-à；-tê；teset，andlotsofgoodthingstoeat。Dohavetoastfortea，Polly，andletmemakeitwiththenewtoastingfork；it\'ssuchfuntoplaycook。"

Fannywasnotsoenthusiasticashersister，forhereyessawmanytracesofwhatseemedlikepovertytoher；butPollywassogay，sosatisfiedwithhersmallestablishment，sofullofhappyhopesandplans，thatherfriendhadnotthehearttofindafaultorsuggestanimprovement，andsatwhereshewastold，laughingandtalkingwhiletheothersgottea。

"Thiswillbeacountrysupper，girls，"saidPolly，bustlingabout。

"Hereisrealcream，brownbread，home-madecake，andhoneyfrommyownbeehives。Motherfittedmeoutwithsuchasupply，I\'mgladtohaveaparty，forIcan\'teatitallquickenough。Butterthetoast，Maudie，andputthatlittlecoveroverit。Tellmewhenthekettleboils，anddon\'tsteponNicodemus，whateveryoudo。"

"Whatacapitalhouse-keeperyouwillmakesomeday，"saidFanny，asshewatchedPollyspreadhertablewithaneatnessanddespatchwhichwaspleasanttobehold。

"Yes，it\'sgoodpractice，"laughedPolly，fillinghertinyteapot，andtakingherplacebehindthetray，withamatronlyair，whichwasthebestjokeofthewhole。

"ThisisthemostdeliciouspartyIeverwentto，"observedMaud，withhermouthfullofhoney，whenthefeastwaswellunderway。"IdowishIcouldhaveaniceroomlikethis，andacatandabirdthatwouldn\'teateachotherup，andadearlittleteakettle，andmakejustasmuchtoastasIlike。"

SuchapealoflaughtergreetedMaud\'spensiveaspiration，thatMissMillssmiledoverhersolitarycupoftea，andlittleNickburstintoaperfectecstasyofsong，ashesatonthesugar-bowlhelpinghimself。

"Idon\'tcareforthetoastandthekettle，butIdoenvyyouyourgoodspirits，Polly，"saidFanny，asthemerrimentsubsided。"I\'msotiredofeverybodyandeverything，itseemssometimesasifIshoulddieofennui。Don\'tyoueverfeelso？"

"Thingsworrymesometimes，butIjustcatchupabroomandsweep，orwashhard，orwalk，orgoatsomethingwithallmymight，andIusuallyfindthatbythetimeIgetthroughtheworryisgone，orI\'vegotcourageenoughtobearitwithoutgrumbling，"answeredPolly，cuttingthebrownloafenergetically。

"Ican\'tdothosethings，youknow；there\'snoneedofit，andIdon\'tthinkthey\'dcuremyworrying，"saidFanny，languidlyfeedingAshputtel，whosatdecorouslybesideher，atthetable，winkingatthecreampot。

"Alittlepovertywoulddoyougood，Fan；justenoughnecessitytokeepyoubusytillyoufindhowgoodworkis；andwhenyouoncelearnthat，youwon\'tcomplainofennuianymore，"returnedPolly，whohadtakenkindlythehardlessonwhichtwentyyearsofcheerfulpovertyhadtaughther。

"Mercy，no，Ishouldhatethat；butIwishsomeonewouldinventanewamusementforrichpeople。I\'mdeadsickofparties，andflirtations，tryingtoout-dressmyneighbors，andgoingthesameroundyearafteryear，likeasquirrelinacage。"

Fanny\'stonewasbitteraswellasdiscontented，herfacesadaswellaslistless，andPollyhadaninstinctivefeelingthatsometrouble，morerealthananyshehadeverknownbefore，waslyingheavyatherfriend\'sheart。Thatwasnotthetimetospeakofit，butPollyresolvedtostandreadytooffersympathy，ifnothingmore，whenevertheconfidentialminutecame；andhermannerwassokind，socomfortable，thatFannyfeltitssilentmagic，grewmorecheerfulinthequietatmosphereofthatlittleroom，andwhentheysaidgood-night，afteranold-timegossipbythefire，shekissedherhostesswarmly，saying，withagratefullook，­；

"Polly，dear，Ishallcomeoften，youdomesomuchgood。"ChapterIX。ChapterIX。CHAPTERIXLESSONSTHEfirstfewweekswerehardones，forPollyhadnotyetoutgrownhernaturalshynessandgoingamongsomanystrangerscausedherfrequentpanics。

Butherpurposegavehercourage，andwhentheicewasoncebroken，herlittlepupilsquicklylearnedtoloveher。Thenoveltysoonworeoff，andthoughshethoughtshewaspreparedfordrudgery，shefounditverytedioustogoondoingthesamethingdayafterday。Thenshewaslonely，forWillcouldonlycomeonceaweek，herleisurehourswereFanny\'sbusiest，andthe"bitsofpleasure"weresofewandfarbetweenthattheyonlytantalizedher。Evenhersmallhousekeepinglostitscharms，forPollywasasocialcreature，andthesolitarymealswereoftensadones。AshputtelandNickdidtheirbesttocheerher，buttheytoo，seemedtopineforcountryfreedomandhomeatmosphere。PoorPuttel，aftergazingwistfullyoutofthewindowatthegauntcitycatsskulkingabouttheyard，wouldretiretotherug，andcurlherselfupasifallhopeoffindingcongenialsocietyhadfailed；

whilelittleNickwouldsingtillhevibratedonhisperch，withoutreceivinganyresponseexceptaninquisitivechirpfromthepertsparrows，whoseemedtotwithimwithhiscaptivity。Yes，bythetimethelittleteakettlehadlostitsbrightness，Pollyhaddecidedthatgettingone\'slivingwasnojoke，andmanyofherbrillianthopeshadsharedthefateofthelittlekettle。

Ifonecouldonlymakethesacrificeallatonce，anddonewithit，thenitwouldseemeasier；buttokeepupadailysacrificeofone\'swishes，tastes，andpleasures，isratherahardtask，especiallywhenoneispretty，young，andgay。Lessonsallday，ahighlyinstructivelecture，booksoverasolitaryfire，ormusicwithnoaudiencebutasleepycatandabirdwithhisheadtuckedunderhiswing，foreveningentertainment，wasnotexactlywhatmightbecalledfestive；so，inspiteofherbraveresolutions，Pollydidlongforalittlefunsometimes，andaftersayingvirtuouslytoherselfatnine:"Yes，itismuchwiserandbetterformetogotobedearly，andbereadyforworktomorrow，"shewouldlieawakehearingthecarriagesrolltoandfro，andimaginingthegaygirlsinside，goingtoparty，opera，orplay，tillMrs。Dodd\'shoppillowmightaswellhavebeenstuffedwithnettles，foranysleepitbrought，oranyuseitwas，excepttocatchandhidethetearsthatdroppedonitwhenPolly\'sheartwasveryfull。

AnotherthornthatwoundedourPollyinherfirstattempttomakeherwaythroughthethicketthatalwaysbarsawoman\'sprogress，wasthediscoverythatworkingforalivingshutsagoodmanydoorsinone\'sfaceevenindemocraticAmerica。AsFanny\'sguestshehadbeen，inspiteofpoverty，kindlyreceivedwhereverherfriendtookher，bothaschildandwoman。

Now，thingswerechanged；thekindlypeoplepatronized，thecarelessforgotallabouther，andevenFanny，withallheraffection，feltthatPollythemusicteacherwouldnotbewelcomeinmanyplaceswherePollytheyoungladyhadbeenacceptedas"MissShaw\'sfriend。"

Someofthegirlsstillnoddedamiably，butneverinvitedhertovisitthem；othersmerelydroppedtheireyelids，andwentbywithoutspeaking，whileagoodmanyignoredherasentirelyasifshehadbeeninvisible。

ThesethingshurtPollymorethanshewouldconfess，forathomeeveryoneworked，andeveryonewasrespectedforit。Shetriednottocare，butgirlsfeellittleslightskeenly，andmorethanoncePollywasseverelytemptedtogiveupherplan，andrunawaytothesafeshelterathome。

FannyneverfailedtoaskhertoeverysortoffestivityintheShawmansion；butafterafewtrials，Pollyfirmlydeclinedeverythingbutinformalvisitswhenthefamilywerealone。Shesoonfoundthateventhenewblacksilkwasn\'tfineenoughforFanny\'ssmallestparty，and，afterreceivingafewoftheexpressiveglancesbywhichwomenconveytheiropinionoftheirneighbor\'stoilet，andoverhearingajokeortwo"aboutthatinevitabledress，"and"thelittleblackbird，"Pollyfoldedawaytheoncetreasuredfrock，saying，withachokeinhervoice:­；

"I\'llwearitforWill，helikesit，andclothescan\'tchangehisloveforme。"

IamafraidthewholesomesweetnessofPolly\'snaturewasgettingalittlesouredbythesetroubles；butbeforelastingharmwasdone，shereceived，fromanunexpectedsource，someoftherealhelpwhichteachesyoungpeoplehowtobearthesesmallcrosses，byshowingthemtheheavieronestheyhaveescaped，andbygivingthemanideaofthehigherpleasuresonemayearninthegood，old-fashionedwaysthatkeepheartssweet，headssane，handsbusy。

EverybodyhastheirdaysofmisfortunelikelittleRosamond，andPollywasbeginningtothinkshehadmorethanhershare。Oneoftheseendedinawaywhichinfluencedherwholelife，andsowewillrecordit。Itbeganearly；forthehard-heartedlittlegratewouldn\'tbehaveitselftillshehaduseduparuinousquantityofkindlings。ThenshescaldedpoorPuttelbyupsettinghercoffee-pot；andinsteadofaleisurely，cosymeal，hadtohurryawayuncomfortably，foreverythingwentwrongeventothecomingoffofbothbonnetstringsinthelastdreadfulscramble。Beinglate，sheofcourseforgothermusic，andhurryingbackforit，fellintoapuddle，whichcappedtheclimaxofherdespair。

Suchatryingmorningasthatwas!Pollyfeltoutoftuneherself，andallthepianosseemedtoneedatunerasmuchasshedid。Thepupilswereunusuallystupid，andtwoofthemannouncedthattheirmammawasgoingtotakethemtotheSouth，whithershewassuddenlycalled。Thiswasablow，fortheyhadjustbegun，andPollyhadn\'tthefacetosendinabillforawholequarter，thoughherplansandcalculationsweresadlydisturbedbythefailureofthatsum。

Trudginghometodinner，tiredanddisappointed，poorPollyreceivedanotherblow，whichhurthermorethanthelossofallherpupils。Asshewenthurryingalongwithabigmusicbookinonehandandapaperbagofrollsforteaintheother，shesawTomandTrixcoming。Asshewatchedthemwhiletheyslowlyapproached，lookingsogayandhandsomeandhappy，itseemedtoPollyasifallthesunshineandgoodwalkingwasontheirsideofthestreet，allthewintrywindandmudonhers。Longingtoseeafriendlyfaceandreceiveakindword，shecrossedover，meaningtonodandsmileatleast。Trixsawherfirst，andsuddenlybecameabsorbedinthedistanthorizon。Tomapparentlydidnotseeher，forhiseyeswerefixedonafinehorsejustprancingby。Pollythoughtthathehadseenher，andapproachedwithacuriouslittleflutteratherheart，forifTomcuthershefeltthathercupwouldbefull。

Ontheycame，Trixintentontheview，Tomstaringatthehandsomehorse，andPolly，withredchecks，expectanteyes，andthebrownbundle，infullsight。Onedreadfulminuteastheycameparallel，andnoonespokeorbowed，­；thenitwasallover，andPollywenton，feelingasifsomeonehadslappedherintheface。"Shewouldn\'thavebelieveditofTom；itwasallthedoingsofthathorridTrix；well，shewouldn\'ttroublehimanymore，ifhewassuchasnobastobeashamedofherjustbecauseshecarriedbundlesandworkedforherbread。"Sheclutchedthepaperbagfiercelyasshesaidthistoherself，thenhereyesfilled，andherlipstrembled，assheadded，"Howcouldhedoit，beforeher，too？"

NowTomwasquiteguiltlessofthisoffence，andhadalwaysnoddedtoPollywhentheymet；butitsohappenedhehadalwaysbeenalonetillnow，andthatwaswhyitcutsodeeply，especiallyasPollyneverhadapprovedofTrix。Beforeshecouldclearhereyesorsteadyherface，agentlemanmether，liftedhishat，smiled，andsaidpleasantly，­；

"Goodmorning，MissPolly，I\'mgladtomeetyou。"Then，withasuddenchangeofvoiceandmanner，headded，"Ibegpardon­；isanythingthematter­；canIbeofservice？"

Itwasveryawkward，butitcouldn\'tbehelped，andallPollycoulddowastotellthetruthandmakethebestofit。

"It\'sverysilly，butithurtsmetobecutbymyoldfriends。Ishallgetusedtoitpresently，Idaresay。"

Mr。Sydneyglancedback，recognizedthecouplebehindthem，andturnedroundwithadisgustedexpression。Pollywasfumblingforherhandkerchief，andwithoutawordhetookbothbookandbundlefromher，alittlebitofkindnessthatmeantagooddealjustthen。Pollyfeltit，anditdidhergood；hastilywipingthetraitorouseyes，shelaughedandsaidcheerfully，­；

"There，I\'mallrightagain；thankyou，don\'ttroubleyourselfwithmyparcels。"

"Notrouble，Iassureyou，andthisbookremindsmeofwhatIwasabouttosay。Haveyouanhourtospareformylittleniece？Hermotherwantshertobegin，anddesiredmetomaketheinquiry。"

"Didshe，really？"andPollylookedupathim，asifshesuspectedhimofinventingthewholething，outofkindness。

Mr。Sydneysmiled，andtakinganotefromhispocket，presentedit，saying，withareproachfullook，­；"Beholdtheproofofmytruth，andneverdoubtagain。"

Pollybeggedpardon，readthenotefromthelittlegirl\'smother，whichwastohavebeenleftatherroomifshewasabsent，andgavethebeareraverygratefullookassheacceptedthiswelcomeadditiontoherpupils。

Wellpleasedatthesuccessofhismission，Sydneyartfullyledtheconversationtomusic，andforatimePollyforgotherwoes，talkingenthusiasticallyonherfavoritetheme。Asshereclaimedherbookandbag，atherowndoor，shesaid，inherhonestway，­；

"Thankyouverymuchfortryingtomakemeforgetmyfoolishlittletroubles。"

"Thenletmesayonethingmore；thoughappearancesareagainsthim，Idon\'tbelieveTomShawsawyou。MissTrixisequaltothatsortofthing，butitisn\'tlikeTom，forwithallhisfopperyheisagoodfellowatheart。"

AsMr。Sydneysaidthis，Pollyheldoutherhandwithahearty"Thankyouforthat。"Theyoungmanshookthelittlehandinthegraywoollenglove，gaveherexactlythesamebowwhichhedidtheHonorableMrs。Davenport，andwentaway，leavingPollytowalkupstairsandaddressPuttelwiththepeculiarremark，­；

"Youareatruegentleman!sokindtosaythataboutTom。I\'llthinkit\'sso，anyway；andwon\'tIteachMinnieinmyverybeststyle!"

Puttelpurred，Nickchirpedapprovingly，andPollyateherdinnerwithabetterappetitethanshehadexpected。Butatthebottomofherhearttherewasasorespotstill，andtheafternoonlessonsdraggeddismally。

Itwasduskwhenshegothome，andasshesatinthefirelighteatingherbreadandmilk，severaltearsbedewedthelittlerolls，andeventhehomehoneyhadabittertaste。

"Nowthiswon\'tdo，"shebrokeoutallatonce；"thisissillyandwicked，andcan\'tbeallowed。I\'lltrytheoldplanandputmyselfrightbydoingsomelittlekindnesstosomebody。Nowwhatshallitbe？O，Iknow!Fanisgoingtoapartyto-night；I\'llrunupandhelpherdress；shelikestohaveme，andIenjoyseeingtheprettythings。Yes，andI\'lltakehertwoorthreeclustersofmydaphne，it\'ssosweet。"

UpgotPolly，andtakingherlittleposy，trottedawaytotheShaws\'，determinedtobehappyandcontentedinspiteofTrixandhardwork。

ShefoundFannyenduringtormentunderthehandsofthehair-dresser，whowasdoinghisbesttospoilherhair，anddistortherheadwithamassofcurls，braids，frizzles，andpuffs；forthoughIdiscreetlyrefrainfromanyparticulardescription，still，judgingfromthepresentfashions，Ithinkonemayventuretopredictthatsixyearshencetheywouldbesomethingfrightful。

"Howkindofyou，Polly；Iwasjustwishingyouwereheretoarrangemyflowers。Theselovelydaphneswillgiveodortomycamellias，andyouwereadeartobringthem。There\'smydress；howdoyoulikeit？"saidFanny，hardlydaringtolifthereyesfromundertheyellowtoweronherhead。

"It\'sregularlysplendid；buthowdoyouevergetintoit？"answeredPolly，surveyingwithgirlishinterestthecloudofpinkandwhitelacethatlayuponthebed。

"It\'sfearfullyandwonderfullymade，butdistractinglybecoming，asyoushallsee。TrixthinksI\'mgoingtowearblue，soshehasgotagreenone，andtoldBelleitwouldspoiltheeffectofmine，aswearemuchtogether，ofcourse。Wasn\'tthatsweetofher？Bellecameandtoldmein，time，andIjustgotpink，somyamiablesister，thatistobe，won\'tsucceedinherprettylittleplot。"

"IguessshehasbeenreadingthelifeofJosephine。Youknowshemadeaprettylady，ofwhomshewasjealous，sitbesideheronagreensofa，whichsetoffherownwhitedressandspoilttheblueoneofherguest，"

answeredPolly，busywiththeflowers。

"Trixneverreadsanything；youaretheonetopickupcleverlittlestories。I\'llrememberandusethisone。AmIdone？Yes，thatischarming，isn\'tit，Polly？"andFanrosetoinspectthesuccessofMonsieur\'slonglabor。

"YouknowIdon\'tappreciateastylishcoiffureasIought，soIlikeyourhairintheoldwaybest。Butthisis\'thething，\'Isuppose，andnotawordmustbesaid。"

"Ofcourseitis。Why，child，IhavefrizzedandburntmyhairsothatIlooklikeanoldmaniacwithitinitsnaturalstate，andhavetorepairdamagesaswellasIcan。Nowputtheflowersjusthere，"andFannylaidapinkcamelliainanestoffuzz，andstuckasprayofdaphnestraightupatthebackofherhead。

"O，Fan，don\'t，itlookshorridlyso!"criedPolly，longingtoaddalittlebeautytoherfriend\'ssallowfacebyagracefuladjustmentoftheflowers。

"Can\'thelpit，that\'stheway，andsoitmustbe，"answeredFan，plantinganothersprighalf-wayupthetower。

Pollygroanedandofferednomoresuggestionsastheworkwenton；butwhenFanwasfinishedfromtoptotoe，sheadmiredallshehonestlycould，andtriedtokeepherthoughtstoherself。Butherfrankfacebetrayedher，forFannyturnedonhersuddenly，saying，­；

"Youmayaswellfreeyourmind，Polly，forIseebyyoureyesthatsomethingdon\'tsuit。"

"Iwasonlythinkingofwhatgrandmaoncesaid，thatmodestyhadgoneoutoffashion，"answeredPolly，glancingatthewaistofherfriend\'sdress，whichconsistedofabelt，abitoflace，andapairofshoulderstraps。

Fannylaughedgood-naturedly，saying，assheclaspedhernecklace，"IfIhadsuchshouldersasyours，Ishouldn\'tcarewhatthefashionwas。

Nowdon\'tpreach，butputmycloakonnicely，andcomealong，forI\'mtomeetTomandTrix，andpromisedtobethereearly。"

PollywastobeleftathomeafterdepositingFanatBelle\'s。

"IfeelasifIwasgoingmyself，"shesaid，astheyrolledalong。

"Iwishyouwere，andyouwouldbe，Polly，ifyouweren\'tsucharesolutething。I\'veteased，andbegged，andofferedanythingIhaveifyou\'llonlybreakyourabsurdvow，andcomeandenjoyyourself。"

"Thankyou；butIwon\'t，sodon\'ttroubleyourkindheartaboutme；

I\'mallright，"saidPolly，stoutly。

Butwhentheydrewupbeforethelightedhouse，andshefoundherselfinthemidstofthepleasantstiroffestivity，thecomingandgoingofcarriages，theglimpsesofbrightcolors，forms，andfaces，theburstsofmusic，andageneralatmosphereofgayety，Pollyfeltthatshewasn\'tallright，andasshedroveawayforadulleveninginherlonelylittleroom，shejustcriedasheartilyasanychilddeniedastickofcandy。

"It\'sdreadfulwickedofme，butIcan\'thelpit，"shesobbedtoherself，inthecornerofthecarriage。"Thatmusicsetsmeallinatwitter，andIshouldhavelookedniceinFan\'sbluetarlatan，andIknowIcouldbehaveaswellasanyone，andhavelotsofpartners，thoughI\'mnotinthatset。Oh，justonegoodgallopwithMr。SydneyorTom!No，Tomwouldn\'taskmethere，andIwouldn\'tacceptifhedid。Oh，me!oh，me!IwishIwasasoldandhomely，andgoodandhappy，asMissMills!"

SoPollymadehermoan，andbythetimeshegothome，wasjustinthemoodtogotobedandcryherselftosleep，asgirlshaveawayofdoingwhentheirsmallafflictionbecomesunbearable。

ButPollydidn\'tgetachancetobemiserableverylong，forasshewentupstairsfeelinglikethemostinjuredgirlintheworld，shecaughtaglimpseofMissMills，sewingawaywithsuchabrightfacethatshecouldn\'tresiststoppingforawordortwo。

"Sitdown，mydear，I\'mgladtoseeyou，butexcusemeifIgoonwithmywork，asI\'minadrivinghurrytogetthesethingsdoneto-night，"

saidthebrisklittlelady，withasmileandanod，asshetookanewneedlefulofthread，andranupaseamasifforawager。

"Letmehelpyou，then；I\'mlazyandcross，anditwilldomegood，"

saidPolly，sittingdownwiththeresignedfeeling。"Well，ifIcan\'tbehappy，Icanbeuseful，perhaps。"

"Thankyou，mydear；yes，youcanjusthemtheskirtwhileIputinthesleeves，andthatwillbeagreatlift。"

Pollyputonherthimbleinsilence，butasMissMillsspreadthewhiteflanneloverherlap，sheexclaimed，"Why，itlookslikeashroud!Isitone？"

"No，dear，thankGod，itisn\'t，butitmighthavebeen，ifwehadn\'tsavedthepoorlittlesoul，"criedMissMills，withasuddenbrighteningoftheface，whichmadeitbeautifulinspiteofthestiffgraycurlthatbobbedoneachtemple，thewantofteeth，andacrookednose。

"Willyoutellmeaboutit？Iliketohearyouradventuresandgoodworkssomuch，"saidPolly，readytobeamusedbyanythingthatmadeherforgetherself。

"Ah，mydear，it\'saverycommonstory，andthat\'sthesaddestpartofit。I\'lltellyouallaboutit，forIthinkyoumaybeabletohelpme。LastnightIwatchedwithpoorMaryFloyd。She\'sdyingofconsumption，youknow，"beganMissMills，ashernimblefingersflew，andherkindoldfacebeamedoverthework，asifsheputablessinginwitheverystitch。

"Marywasverylow，butaboutmidnightfellasleep，andIwastryingtokeepthingsquiet，whenMrs。Finn­；she\'sthewomanofthehouse­；cameandbeckonedmeout，withascaredface。\'LittleJanehaskilledherself，andIdon\'tknowwhattodo，\'shesaid，leadingmeuptotheattic。"

"WhowaslittleJane？"brokeinPolly，droppingherwork。

"Ionlyknewherasapale，shyyounggirlwhowentinandout，andseldomspoketoanyone。Mrs。Finntoldmeshewaspoor，butabusy，honest，littlething，whodidn\'tmixwiththeotherfolks，butlivedandworkedalone。\'Shehaslookedsodown-heartedandpaleforaweek，thatIthoughtshewassick，andaskedheraboutit，\'saidMrs。Finn，\'butshethankedmeinherbashfulway，andsaidshewasprettywell，soIletheralone。

Butto-night，asIwentuplatetobed，Iwaskindofimpressedtolookinandseehowthepoorthingdid，forshehadn\'tleftherroomallday。

Ididlookin，andhere\'swhatIfound。\'AsMrs。Finnendedsheopenedthedoorofthebackattic，andIsawaboutassadasightastheseoldeyeseverlookedat。"

"O，what？"criedPolly，palenowwithinterest。

"Abareroom，coldasabarn，andonthebedalittledead，whitefacethatalmostbrokemyheart，itwassothin，sopatient，andsoyoung。Onthetablewasabottlehalffulloflaudanum，anoldpocket-book，andaletter。Readthat，mydearanddon\'tthinkhardoflittleJane。"

PollytookthebitofpaperMissMillsgaveher，andreadthesewords:

DEARMRS。FINN，­；PleaseforgivemeforthetroubleImakeyou，butIdon\'tseeanyotherway。Ican\'tgetworkthatpaysenoughtokeepme；

theDr。saysIcan\'tbewellunlessIrest。Ihatetobeaburden，soI

\'mgoingawaynottotroubleanybodyanymore。I\'vesoldmythingstopaywhatIoweyou。PleaseletmebeasIam，anddon\'tletpeoplecomeandlookatme。Ihopeitisn\'tverywicked，buttheredon\'tseemanyroomformeintheworld，andI\'mnotafraidtodienow，thoughIshouldbeifIstayedandgotbadbecauseIhadn\'tstrengthtokeepright。Givemylovetothebaby，andsogood-by，good-by。JANEBRYANT。

"O，MissMills，howdreadful!"criedPolly，withhereyessofullshecouldhardlyreadthelittleletter。

"Notsodreadfulasitmighthavebeen，butabitter，sadthingtoseethatchild，onlyseventeen，lyingthereinherlittleclean，oldnight-gown，waitingfordeathtocomeandtakeher，because\'theredidn\'tseemtobeanyroomforherintheworld。\'Ah，well，wesavedher，foritwasn\'ttoolate，thankheaven，andthefirstthingshesaidwas，\'Oh，whydidyoubringmeback？\'I\'vebeennursingherallday，hearingherstory，andtryingtoshowherthatthereisroomandawelcomeforher。Hermotherdiedayearago，andsincethenshehasbeenstrugglingalongalone。Sheisoneofthetimid，innocent，humblecreatureswhocan\'tpushtheirway，andsogetputasideandforgotten。Shehastriedallsortsofpoorlypaidwork，couldn\'tliveonitdecently，gotdiscouraged，sick，frightened，andcouldseenorefugefromthebig，badworldbuttogetoutofitwhileshewasn\'tafraidtodie。Averyoldstory，mydear，newanddreadfulasitseemstoyou，andIthinkitwon\'tdoyouanyharmtoseeandhelpthislittlegirl，whohasgonethroughdarkplacesthatyouareneverliketoknow。"

"Iwill；indeed，IwilldoallIcan!Whereisshenow？"askedPolly，touchedtotheheartbythestory，sosimpleyetsosad。

"There，"andMissMillspointedtothedoorofherownlittlebedroom。

"Shewaswellenoughtobemovedto-night，soIbroughtherhomeandlaidhersafelyinmybed。Poorlittlesoul!shelookedaboutherforaminute，thenthelostlookwentaway，andshegaveagreatsigh，andtookmyhandinbothherthinbitsofones，andsaid，\'O，ma\'am，IfeelasifI\'dbeenbornintoanewworld。Helpmetobeginagain，andI\'lldobetter。\'SoItoldhershewasmychildnow，andmightresthere，sureofahomeaslongasIhadone。"

AsMissMillsspokeinhermotherlytone，andcastaproudandhappylooktowardthewarmandquietnestinwhichshehadshelteredthisfriendlesslittlesparrow，feelingsurethatGodmeanthertokeepitfromfallingtotheground，Pollyputbotharmsaboutherneck，andkissedherwitheredcheekwithasmuchlovingreverenceasifshehadbeenasplendidsaint，forinthelikenessofthisplainoldmaidshesawthelovelycharitythatblessesandsavestheworld。

"Howgoodyouare!DearMissMills，tellmewhattodo，letmehelpyou，I\'mreadyforanything，"saidPolly，veryhumbly，forherowntroubleslookedsosmallandfoolishbesidethesternhardshipswhichhadnearlyhadsotragicalanend，thatshefeltheartilyashamedofherself，andquiteburnedtoatoneforthem。

Miss，Millsstoppedtostrokethefreshcheekopposite，tosmile，andsay，­；

"Then，Polly，IthinkI\'llaskyoutogoinandsayafriendlywordtomylittlegirl。Thesightofyouwilldohergood；andyouhavejusttherightwayofcomfortingpeople，withoutmakingafuss。"

"HaveI？"saidPolly，lookingmuchgratifiedbythewords。

"Yes，dear，you\'vethegiftofsympathy，andtherareartofshowingitwithoutoffending。Iwouldn\'tletmanygirlsintoseemypoorJenny，becausethey\'donlyflutterandworryher；butyou\'llknowwhattodo；

sogo，andtakethiswrapperwithyou；it\'sdonenow，thankstoyournimblefingers。"

Pollythrewthewarmgarmentoverherarm，feelingathrillofgratitudethatitwastowrapalivinggirlin，andnottohideawayayoungheartthathadgrowncoldtoosoon。Pushingopenthedoor，shewentquietlyintothedimlylightedroom，andonthepillowsawafacethatdrewhertoitwithanirresistiblepower，foritwastouchedbyasolemnshadowthatmadeitsyouthpathetic。Asshepausedatthebedside，thinkingthegirlasleep，apairofhollow，darkeyesopenedwide，andlookedupather；

startledatfirst，thensofteningwithpleasure，atsightofthebonnyfacebeforethem，andthenahumble，beseechingexpressionfilledthem，asifaskingpardonfortherashactnearlycommitted，andpityforthehardfatethatpromptedit。Pollyreadthelanguageoftheseeyes，andansweredtheirmuteprayerwithasimpleeloquencethatsaidmorethananywordsforshejuststoopeddownandkissedthepoorchild，withherowneyesfull，andlipsthattrembledwiththesympathyshecouldnottell。

Jennyputbotharmsaboutherneck，andbegantoshedthequiettearsthatsorefreshandcomfortheavyheartswhenatendertouchunsealsthefountainwheretheylie。

"Everybodyissokind，"shesobbed，"andIwassowicked，Idon\'tdeserveit。"

"Oh，yes，youdo；don\'tthinkofthat，butrestandletuspetyou。

Theoldlifewastoohardforsuchalittlethingasyou，andwearegoingtotryandmakethenewoneeversomucheasierandhappier，"saidPolly，forgettingeverythingexceptthatthiswasagirllikeherself，whoneededhearteningup。

"Doyoulivehere？"askedJenny，whenhertearswerewipedaway，stillclingingtothenew-foundfriend。

"Yes，MissMillsletsmehavealittleroomupstairs，andthereIhavemycatandbird，mypianoandmyposypots，andlivelikeaqueen。Youmustcomeupandseemeto-morrowifyouareable。I\'moftenlonely，fortherearenoyoungpeopleinthehousetoplaywithme，"answeredPolly，smilinghospitably。

"Doyousew？"askedJenny。

"No，I\'mamusicteacher，andtrotroundgivinglessonsallday。"

"Howbeautifulitsounds，andhowhappyyoumustbe，sostrongandpretty，andabletogoroundmakingmusicallthetime，"sighedJenny，lookingwithrespectfuladmirationattheplump，firmhandheldinbothherthinandfeebleones。

ItdidsoundpleasanteventoPolly\'sears，andshefeltsuddenlysorich，andsocontented，thatsheseemedadifferentcreaturefromthesillygirlwhocriedbecauseshecouldn\'tgototheparty。Itpassedthroughhermindlikeaflash，thecontrastbetweenherlife，andthatofthewancreaturelyingbeforeher，andshefeltasifshecouldnotgiveenoughoutofherabundancetothisneedylittlesister，whohadnothinginthewideworldbutthelifejustsavedtoher。ThatminutedidmoreforPollythanmanysermons，orthewisestbooks，foritbroughtherfacetofacewithbittertruths，showedherthedarksideoflife，andseemedtoblowawayherlittlevanities，herfrivolousdesires，likeawintrywind，thatleftawholesomeatmospherebehind。Sittingonthebedside，PollylistenedwhileJanetoldthestory，whichwassonewtoherlistener，thateverywordsankdeepintoherheart，andneverwasforgotten。

"Nowyoumustgotosleep。Don\'tcrynorthink，nordoanythingbutrest。ThatwillpleaseMissMillsbest。I\'llleavethedoorsopen，andplayyoualullabythatyoucan\'tresist。Goodnight，dear。"Andwithanotherkiss，Pollywentawaytositinthedarknessofherownroom，playinghersoftestairstillthetiredeyesbelowwereshut，andlittleJaneseemedtofloatawayonaseaofpleasantsounds，intothehappierlifewhichhadjustdawnedforher。

Pollyhadfullyintendedtobeverymiserable，andcryherselftosleep；

butwhenshelaydownatlast，herpillowseemedverysoft，herlittleroomverylovely，withthefire-lightflickeringonallthehome-likeobjects，andhernew-blownrosesbreathingherasweetgood-night。Shenolongerfeltaninjured，hard-working，unhappyPolly，butasifquiteburdenedwithblessings，forwhichshewasn\'thalfgratefulenough。Shehadheardofpovertyandsuffering，inthevague，far-offway，whichisallthatmanygirls，safeinhappyhomes，everknowofit；butnowshehadseenit，inashapewhichshecouldfeelandunderstand，andlifegrewmoreearnesttoherfromthatminute。Somuchtodointhegreat，busyworld，andshehaddonesolittle。Whereshouldshebegin？Then，likeananswercamelittleJenny\'swords，nowtakinga，\'newsignificance\'toPolly\'smind，"Tobestrong，andbeautiful，andgoroundmakingmusicallthetime。"

Yes，shecoulddothat；andwithaveryearnestprayer，Pollyaskedforthestrengthofanuprightsoul，thebeautyofatenderheart，thepowertomakeherlifeasweetandstirringsong，helpfulwhileitlasted，rememberedwhenitdied。

LittleJane\'slastthoughthadbeentowishwithallhermight，that"Godwouldblessthedear，kindgirlupthere，andgiveherallsheasked。"

Ithinkbothprayers，althoughtoohumbletobeputinwords，wentuptogether，forinthefulnessoftimetheywerebeautifullyanswered。ChapterX。ChapterX。CHAPTERXBROTHERSANDSISTERSPOLLY\'ShappiestdaywasSunday，forWillneverfailedtospenditwithher。Insteadofsleepinglaterthanusualthatmorning，shewasalwaysupbrightandearly，flyingroundtogetreadyforherguest，forWillcametobreakfast，andtheymadealongdayofit。Willconsideredhissisterthebestandprettiestgirlgoing，andPolly，knowingwellthatatimewouldcomewhenhewouldfindabetterandaprettier，wasgratefulforhisgoodopinion，andtriedtodeserveit。Soshemadeherroomandherselfasneatandinvitingaspossible，andalwaysrantomeethimwithabrightfaceandamotherlygreeting，whenhecametrampingin，ruddy，brisk，andbeaming，withthebrownloafandthelittlepotofbeansfromthebake-housenearby。

Theylikedagoodcountrybreakfast，andnothinggavePollymoresatisfactionthantoseeherbigboyclearthedishes，emptythelittlecoffee-pot，andthensitandlaughatheracrosstheravagedtable。Anotherpleasurewastolethimhelpclearaway，astheyusedtodoathome，whilethepealsoflaughterthatalwaysaccompaniedthisperformancedidMissMills\'heartgoodtohear，fortheroomwassosmallandWillsobigthatheseemedtobeeverywhereatonce，andPollyandPuttelwerecontinuallydodginghislongarmsandlegs。Thentheyusedtoinspecttheflowerpots，payNickavisit，andhavealittlemusicasagoodbeginningfortheday，afterwhichtheywenttochurchanddinedwithMissMills，whoconsideredWill"anexcellentyoungman。"Iftheafternoonwasfair，theytookalongwalktogetheroverthebridgesintothecountry，oraboutthecitystreetsfullofSabbathquietude。Mostpeoplemeetingthemwouldhaveseenonlyanawkwardyoungman，withaboy\'sfaceatopofhistallbody，andaquietlydressed，freshfacedlittlewomanhangingonhisarm；butafewpeople，witheyestoreadromancesandpleasanthistorieseverywhere，foundsomethingveryattractiveinthiscouple，andsmiledastheypassed，wonderingiftheywereyoung，lovers，orcountrycousins"lookinground。"

Ifthedaywasstormy，theystayedathome，reading，writingletters，talkingovertheiraffairs，andgivingeachothergoodadvice；for，thoughWillwasnearlythreeyearsyoungerthanPolly，hecouldn\'tforthelifeofhimhelpassumingamusinglyvenerableairs，whenhebecameaFreshman。

Inthetwilighthehadagoodloungeonthesofa，andPollysungtohim，whicharrangementheparticularlyenjoyed，itwasso"cosyandhomey。"

Atnineo\'clock，Pollypackedhisbagwithcleanclothes，nicelymended，suchremnantsofthefestiveteaasweretransportable，andkissedhim"good-night，"withmanyinjunctionstomuffleuphisthroatgoingoverthebridge，andbesurethathisfeetweredryandwarmwhenhewenttobed。AllofwhichWilllaughedat，acceptedgraciously，anddidn\'tobey；

buthelikedit，andtrudgedawayforanotherweek\'swork，rested，cheered，andstrengthenedbythatquiet，happydaywithPolly，forhehadbeenbroughtuptobelieveinhomeinfluences，andthisbrotherandsisterlovedoneanotherdearly，andwerenotashamedtoownit。

OneotherpersonenjoyedthehumblepleasuresoftheseSundaysquiteasmuchasPollyandWill。Maudusedtobegtocometotea，andPolly，gladtodoanythingforthosewhohaddoneagooddealforher，madeapointofcallingforthelittlegirlastheycamehomefromtheirwalk，orsendingWilltoescortherinthecarriage，whichMaudalwaysmanagedtosecureifbadweatherthreatenedtoquenchherhopes。TomandFannylaughedatherfancy，butshedidnottireofit，forthechildwaslonely，andfoundsomethinginthatlittleroomwhichthegreathousecouldnotgiveher。

Maudwastwelvenow；apale，plainchild，withsharp，intelligenteyes，andabusylittlemind，thatdidagooddealmorethinkingthananybodyimagined。Shewasjustattheunattractive，fidgetyagewhennooneknewwhattodowithher，andsoletherfumbleherwayupasshecould，findingpleasureinoddthings，andlivingmuchalone，forshedidnotgotoschool，becausehershouldersweregrowinground，andMrs。Shawwouldnot"allowherfiguretobespoiled。"ThatsuitedMaudexcellently；andwheneverherfatherspokeofsendingheragain，orgettingagoverness，shewasseizedwithbadheadaches，apaininherback，orweaknessoftheeyes，atwhichMr。Shawlaughed，butletherholidaygoon。Nobodyseemedtocaremuchforplain，pug-nosedlittleMaudie；herfatherwasbusy，hermothernervousandsick，Fannyabsorbedinherownaffairs，andTomregardedherasmostyoungmendotheiryoungersisters，asapersonbornforhisamusementandconvenience，nothingmore。MaudadmiredTomwithallherheart，andmadealittleslaveofherselftohim，feelingwellrepaidifhemerelysaid，"Thankyou，chicken，"ordidn\'tpinchhernose，ornipherear，ashehadawayofdoing，"justasifIwasadoll，oradog，andhadn\'tgotanyfeelings，"shesometimessaidtoFanny，whensomeserviceorsacrificehadbeenacceptedwithoutgratitudeorrespect。ItneveroccurredtoTom，whenMaudsatwatchinghimwithherfacefullofwistfulness，thatshewantedtobepettedasmuchaseverhedidinhisneglectedboyhood，orthatwhenhecalledher"Pug"beforepeople，herlittlefeelingswereasdeeplywoundedashisusedtobe，whentheboyscalledhim"Carrots。"Hewasfondofherinhisfashion，buthedidn\'ttakethetroubletoshowit，soMaudworshippedhimafaroff，afraidtobetraytheaffectionthatnorebuffcouldkillorcool。

OnesnowySundayafternoonTomlayonthesofainhisfavoriteattitude，reading"Pendennis"forthefourthtime，andsmokinglikeachimneyashedidso。Maudstoodatthewindowwatchingthefallingflakeswithananxiouscountenance，andpresentlyagreatsighbrokefromher。

"Don\'tdothatagain，chicken，oryou\'llblowmeaway。What\'sthematter？"

askedTom，throwingdownhisbookwithayawnthatthreateneddislocation。

"I\'mafraidIcan\'tgotoPolly\'s，"answeredMaud，disconsolately。

"Ofcourseyoucan\'t；it\'ssnowinghard，andfatherwon\'tbehomewiththecarriagetillthisevening。WhatareyoualwayscuttingofftoPolly\'sfor？"

"Ilikeit；wehavesuchnicetimes，andWillisthere，andwebakelittlejohnny-cakesinthebakerbeforethefire，andtheysing，anditissopleasant。"

"Warblingjohnny-cakesmustbeinteresting。Comeandtellmeallaboutit。"

"No，you\'llonlylaughatme。"

"IgiveyoumywordIwon\'t，ifIcanhelpit；butIreallyamdyingofcuriositytoknowwhatyoudodownthere。Youliketohearsecrets，sotellmeyours，andI\'llbeasdumbasanoyster。"

"Itisn\'tasecret，andyouwouldn\'tcareforit。Doyouwantanotherpillow？"sheadded，asTomgavehisathump。

"Thiswilldo；butwhyyouwomenalwayssticktasselsandfringealloverasofa-cushion，toteaseandtickleafellow，iswhatIdon\'tunderstand。"

"OnethingthatPollydoesSundaynights，istotakeWill\'sheadinherlap，andsmoothhisforehead。Itrestshimafterstudyingsohard，shesays。Ifyoudon\'tlikethepillow，Icoulddothatforyou，\'causeyoulookasifyouweremoretiredofstudyingthanWill，"saidMaud，withsomehesitation，butanevidentdesiretobeusefulandagreeable。

"Well，Idon\'tcareifyoudotryit，forIamconfoundedlytired。"

AndTomlaughed，asherecalledthefrolichehadbeenonthenightbefore。

Maudestablishedherselfwithgreatsatisfaction，andTomownedthatasilkapronwasnicerthanafuzzycushion。

"Doyoulikeit？"sheasked，afterafewstrokesoverthehotforehead，whichshethoughtwasfeveredbyintenseapplicationtoGreekandLatin。

"Notbad；playaway，"wasthegraciousreply，asTomshuthiseyes，andlaysostillthatMaudwascharmedatthesuccessofherattempt。Presently，shesaid，softly，­；

"Tom，areyouasleep？"

"Justturningthecomer。"

"BeforeyougetquiteroundwouldyoupleasetellmewhataPublicAdmonitionis？"

"Whatdoyouwanttoknowfor？"demandedTom，openinghiseyesverywide。

"IheardWilltalkingaboutPublicsandPrivates，andImeanttoaskhim，butIforgot。"

"Whatdidhesay？"

"Idon\'tremember；itwasaboutsomebodywhocutprayers，andgotaPrivate，andhaddoneallsortsofbadthings，andhadoneortwoPublics。

Ididn\'thearthenameanddidn\'tcare；Ionlywantedtoknowwhatthewordsmeant。"

"SoWilltellstales，doeshe？"andTom\'sforeheadwrinkledwithafrown。

"No，hedidn\'t；Pollyknewaboutitandaskedhim。"

"Will\'sa\'dig，\'"growledTom，shuttinghiseyesagain，asifnothingmorecouldbesaidofthedelinquentWilliam。

"Idon\'tcareifheis；Ilikehimverymuch，andsodoesPolly。"

"HappyFresh!"saidTom，withacomicalgroan。

"Youneedn\'tsniffathim，forheisnice，andtreatsmewithrespect，"criedMaud，withanenergythatmadeTomlaughinherface。

"He\'sgoodtoPollyalways，andputsonhercloakforher，andsays\'mydear，\'andkissesher\'goodnight，\'anddon\'tthinkit\'ssilly，andIwishIhadabrotherjustlikehim，yes，Ido!"AndMaudshowedsignsofwoe，forherdisappointmentaboutgoingwasverygreat。

"Blessmyboots!what\'sthechickenrufflingupherlittlefeathersandpeckingatmefor？IsthatthewayPollysoothesthebestofbrothers？"

saidTom，stilllaughing。

"Oh，Iforgot!there，Iwon\'tcry；butIdowanttogo，"andMaudswallowedhertears，andbegantostrokeagain。

NowTom\'shorseandsleighwereinthestable，forhemeanttodriveouttoCollegethatevening，buthedidn\'ttakeMaud\'shint。Itwaslesstroubletoliestill，andsayinaconciliatorytone，­；

"Tellmesomemoreaboutthisgoodboy，it\'sveryinteresting。"

"No，Ishan\'t，butI\'lltellaboutPuttel\'splayingonthepiano，"

saidMaud，anxioustoeffacethememoryofhermomentaryweakness。"Pollypointstotherightkeywithalittlestick，andPuttelsitsonthestoolandpatseachkeyasit\'stouched，anditmakesatune。It\'ssofunnytoseeher，andNickperchesontherackandsingsasifhe\'dkillhimself。"

"Verythrilling，"saidTom，inasleepytone。

Maudfeltthatherconversationwasnotasinterestingasshehoped，andtriedagain。

"PollythinksyouarehandsomerthanMr。Sydney。"

"Muchobliged。"

"Iaskedwhichshethoughthadthenicestface，andshesaidyourswasthehandsomest，andhisthebest。"

"Doesheevergothere？"askedasharpvoicebehindthem；andlookingroundMaudsawFannyinthebigchair，cookingherfeetovertheregister。

"Ineversawhimthere；hesentupsomebooksoneday，andWillteasedheraboutit。"

"Whatdidshedo？"demandedFanny。

"Oh，sheshookhim。"

"Whataspectacle!"andTomlookedasifhewouldhaveenjoyedseeingit，butFanny\'sfacegrewsoforbidding，thatTom\'slittledog，whowasapproachingtowelcomeher，puthistailbetweenhislegsandfledunderthetable。

"Thenthereisn\'tany\'SparkingSundaynight\'？"sungTom，whoappearedtohavewakedupagain。

"Ofcoursenot。Pollyisn\'tgoingtomarryanybody；she\'sgoingtokeephouseforWillwhenhe\'saminister，Iheardhersayso，"criedMaud，withimportance。