第8章

"WhatafateforprettyPolly!"ejaculatedTom。

"Shelikesit，andI\'msureIshouldthinkshewould；it\'sbeautifultohear\'emplanitallout。"

"Anymoregossiptoretail，Pug？"askedTomaminuteafter，asMaudseemedabsorbedinvisionsofthe，future。

"Hetoldafunnystoryaboutblowinguponeoftheprofessors。Younevertoldus，soIsupposeyoudidn\'tknowit。Somebadfellowputatorpedo，orsomesortofpowderthing，underthechair，anditwentoffinthemidstofthelesson，andthepoormanflewup，frightenedmosttopieces，andtheboysranwithpailsofwatertoputthefireout。ButthethingthatmadeWilllaughmostwas，thattheveryfellowwhodiditgothistrousersburnttryingtoputoutthefire，andheaskedthe­；isitFacultyorPresident？"

"Eitherwilldo，"murmuredTom，whowasshakingwithsuppressedlaughter。

"Well，heasked\'emtogivehimsomenewones，andtheydidgivehimmoneyenough，foranicepair；buthegotsomecheapones，withhorridgreatstripeson\'em，andalwayswore\'emtothatparticularclass，\'whichwasonetoomanyforthefellows，\'Willsaid，andwiththerestofthemoneyhehadapunchparty。Wasn\'titdreadful？"

"Awful!"AndTomexplodedintoagreatlaugh，thatmadeFannycoverherears，andthelittledogbarkwildly。

"Didyouknowthatbadboy？"askedinnocentMaud。

"Slightly，"gaspedTom，inwhosewardrobeatcollegethoseidenticaltrouserswerehangingatthatmoment。

"Don\'tmakesuchanoise，myheadachesdreadfully，"saidFanny，fretfully。

"Girls\'headsalwaysdoache，"answeredTom，subsidingfromaroarintoachuckle。

"Whatpleasureyouboyscanfindinsuchungentlemanlythings，Idon\'tsee，"saidFanny，whowasevidentlyoutofsorts。

"Asmuchamysterytoyouasitistous，howyougirlscanliketogabbleandprinkfromoneweek\'sendtotheother，"retortedTom。

Therewasapauseafterthislittlepassage-at-arms，butFanwantedtobeamused，fortimehungheavilyonherhands，sosheasked，inamoreamiabletone，"How\'sTrix？"

"Assweetasever，"answeredTom，gruffly。

"Didshescoldyou，asusual？"

"Shejustdid。"

"Whatwasthematter？"

"Well，I\'llleaveittoyouifthisisn\'tunreasonable:shewon\'tdancewithmeherself，yetdon\'tlikemetogoitwithanybodyelse。I

said，Ithought，ifafellowtookagirltoaparty，sheoughttodancewithhimonce，atleast，especiallyiftheywereengaged。Shesaidthatwastheveryreasonwhysheshouldn\'tdoit；so，atthelasthop，Iletheralone，andhadagaytimewithBelle，andto-dayTrixgaveittomehotandheavy，cominghomefromchurch。"

"Ifyougoandengageyourselftoagirllikethat，Idon\'tknowwhatyoucanexpect。DidshewearherParishatto-day？"addedFan，withsuddeninterestinhervoice。

"Sheworesomesortofabluething，withaconfoundedbirdofParadiseinit，thatkeptwhiskingintomyfaceeverytimesheturnedherhead。"

"Menneverknowaprettythingwhentheyseeit。Thathatisperfectlylovely。"

"Theyknowaladywhentheyseeher，andTrixdon\'tlooklikeone；I

can\'tsaywherethetroubleis，butthere\'stoomuchfussandfeathersformytaste。Youaretwiceasstylish，yetyouneverlookloudorfast。"

Touchedbythisunusualcompliment，Fannydrewherchairnearerassherepliedwithcomplacency，­；

"Yes，IflattermyselfIdoknowhowtodresswell。Trixneverdid；she\'sfondofgaycolors，andgenerallylookslikeawalkingrainbow。"

"Can\'tyougiveherahint？Tellhernottowearblueglovesanyway，sheknowsIhate\'em。"

"I\'vedonemybestforyoursake，Tom，butsheisaperversecreature，anddon\'tmindawordIsay，evenaboutthingsmuchmoreobjectionablethanbluegloves。"

"Maudie，runandbringmemyothercigarcase，it\'slyingroundsomewhere。"

Maudwent；andassoonasthedoorwasshut，Tomroseonhiselbow，sayinginacautiouslyloweredvoice，­；

"Fan，doesTrixpaint？"

"Yes，anddrawstoo，"answeredFanny，withaslylaugh。

"Come，youknowwhatImean；I\'vearighttoaskandyououghttotell，"

saidTom，soberly，forhewasbeginningtofindthatbeingengagedwasnotunmitigatedbliss。

"Whatmakesyouthinkshedoes？"

"Well，betweenourselves，"saidTom，lookingalittlesheepish，butanxioustosethismindatrest，"sheneverwillletmekissheronhercheek，nothingbutanunsatisfactorypeckatherlips。Thentheotherday，asItookabitofheliotropeoutofavasetoputinmybutton-hole，I

whiskedadropofwaterintoherface；Iwasgoingtowipeitoff，butshepushedmyhandaway，andrantotheglass，whereshecarefullydabbeditdry，andcamebackwithonecheekredderthantheother。Ididn\'tsayanything，butIhadmysuspicions。Comenow，doesshe？"

"Yes，shedoes；butdon\'tsayawordtoher，forshe\'llneverforgivemytellingifsheknewit。"

"Idon\'tcareforthat；Idon\'tlikeit，andIwon\'thaveit，"saidTom，decidedly。

"Youcan\'thelpyourself。Halfthegirlsdoit，eitherpaintorpowder，darkentheirlasheswithburnthair-pins，ortakecologneonlumpsofsugarorbelladonnatomaketheireyesbright。Claratriedarsenicforhercomplexion，buthermotherstoppedit，"saidFanny，betrayingthesecretsoftheprison-houseinthebasestmanner。

"Iknewyougirlswereasetofhumbugs，andveryprettyones，too，someofyou，butIcan\'tsayIliketoseeyoupainteduplikealotofactresses，"saidTom，withanairofdisgust。

"Idon\'tdoanythingofthesort，orneedit，butTrixdoes；

andhavingchosenher，youmustabideyourchoice，forbetterorworse。"

"Ithasn\'tcometothatyet，"mutteredTom，ashelaydownagainwitharebelliousair。

Maud\'sreturnputanendtotheseconfidences，thoughTomexcitedhercuriositybyaskingthemysteriousquestion，"Isay，Fan，isPollyuptothatsortofthing？"

"No，shethinksit\'sawful。Whenshegetspaleanddraggedoutshewillprobablychangehermind。"

"Idoubtit，"saidTom。

"Pollysaysitisn\'tpropertotalksecretsbeforepeoplewhoain\'tin\'em，"observedMaud，withdignity。

"Do，formercysake，stoptalkingaboutPolly，I\'msicktodeathofit，"criedFanny，snappishly。

"Hullo!"andTomsatuptotakeasurvey。"Ithoughtyouwerebosomfriends，andasspoonyasever。"

"Well，IamfondofPolly，butIgettiredofhearingMaudsingherpraiseseverlastingly。Nowdon\'tgoandrepeatthat，chatterbox。"

"Mygoodness，isn\'tshecross？"whisperedMaudtoTom。

"Astwosticks；letherbe。There\'sthebell；seewhoitis，Pug，"

answeredTom，asatinglebrokethesilenceofthehouse。

Maudwenttopeepoverthebanisters，andcameflyingbackinarapture。

"It\'sWillcomeforme!Can\'tIgo？Itdon\'tsnowhard，andI\'llbundleup，andyoucansendformewhenpapacomes。"

"Idon\'tcarewhatyoudo，"answeredFan，whowasinaverybadtemper。

Withoutwaitingforanyotherpermission，Maudrushedawaytogetready。

Willwouldn\'tcomeup，hewassosnowy，andFannywasglad，becausewithherhewasbashful，awkward，andsilent，soTomwentdownandentertainedhimwithMaud\'sreport。Theywereverygoodfriends，butledentirelydifferentlives，Willbeinga"dig，"andToma"bird，"or，inplainEnglish，onewasahardstudent，andtheotherajollyyounggentleman。TomhadratherpatronizedWill，whodidn\'tlikeit，andshowedthathedidn\'tbyrefusingtoborrowmoneyofhim，oracceptanyofhisinvitationstojointheclubsandsocietiestowhichTombelonged。SoShawletMiltonalone，andhegotonverywellinhisownway，doggedlystickingtohisbooks，andresistingalltemptationsbutthoseofcertainlibraries，athleticgames，andsuchinexpensivepleasuresaswerewithinhismeans；forthisbenightedyouthhadnotyetdiscoveredthatcollegenowadaysisaplaceinwhichto"sky-lark，"

nottostudy。

WhenMaudcamedownandtrottedcontentedlyaway，holdingWill\'shand，Tomwatchedthemoutofsight，andthenstrolledaboutthehousewhistlingandthinking，tillhewenttosleepinhisfather\'sarm-chair，forwantofsomethingbettertodo。Heawoketothejoysofasolitarytea，forhismothernevercamedown，andFannyshutherselfandherheadacheupinherownroom。

"Well，thisischeerful，"hesaid，astheclockstruckeight，andhisfourthcigarcametoanend。"Trixismad，andFaninthedumps，soI\'lltakemyselfoff。GuessI\'llgoroundtoPolly\'s，andaskWilltodriveoutwithme，andsavehimthewalk，poorchap。MightbringMidgethome，itwillpleaseher，andthere\'snoknowingwhenthegovernorwillbeback。"

Withthesethoughtsinhishead，Tomleisurelygotunderway，andlefthishorseataneighboringstable，forhemeanttomakealittlecall，andseewhatitwasMaudenjoyedsomuch。

"Pollyisholdingforth，"hesaidtohimself，ashewentquietlyupstairs，andthesteadymurmurofapleasantvoicecamedowntohim。TomlaughedatPolly\'searnestwayoftalkingwhenshewasinterestedinanything。

Buthelikeditbecauseitwassodifferentfromthecoquettishclatterofmostofthegirlswithwhomhetalked。Youngmenoftenlaughatthesensiblegirlswhomtheysecretlyrespect，andaffecttoadmirethesillyoneswhomtheysecretlydespise，becauseearnestness，intelligence，andwomanlydignityarenotthefashion。

Thedoorwasajar，andpausinginthedarkentryTomtookasurveybeforehewentin。Theprospectwasnotdazzling，buthome-likeandpleasant。

Thelightofabrightfirefilledthelittleroom，anddownonastoolbeforeitwasMaudtendingPuttel，andwatchingwithdeepinteresttheroastingofanappleintendedforherspecialbenefit。OnthecouchloungedWill，histhoughtfuleyesfixedonPolly，who，whileshetalked，smoothedthebroadforeheadofher"yellow-hairedladdie"inawaythatTomthoughtanimmenseimprovementonMaud\'sperformance。Theyhadevidentlybeenbuildingcastlesintheair，forPollywassayinginhermostimpressivemanner，"Well，whateveryoudo，Will，don\'thaveagreat，costlychurchthattakessomuchmoneytobuildandsupportitthatyouhavenothingtogiveaway。Iliketheplain，old-fashionedchurches，builtforuse，notshow，wherepeoplemetforheartyprayingandpreaching，andwhereeverybodymadetheirownmusicinsteadoflisteningtooperasingers，aswedonow。

Idon\'tcareiftheoldchurcheswerebareandcold，andtheseatshard，therewasrealpietyinthem，andthesincerityofitwasfeltinthelivesofthepeople。Idon\'twantareligionthatIputawaywithmySundayclothes，anddon\'ttakeouttillthedaycomesroundagain；Iwantsomethingtoseeandfeelandlivebyday-by-day，andIhopeyou\'llbeoneofthetrueministers，whocanteachbypreceptandexample，howtogetandkeepit。"

"IhopeIshallbe，Polly，butyouknowtheysaythatinfamilies，ifthereisaboywhocan\'tdoanythingelse，theymakeaministerofhim。

IsometimesthinkIain\'tgoodformuch，andthatseemstomethereasonwhyIshouldn\'teventrytobeaminister，"saidWill，smiling，yetlookingasifwithallhishumilityhedidhavefaithintheaspirationsthatcametohiminhisbestmoments。

"Someonesaidthatverythingtofatheronce，andIrememberheanswered，\'IamgladtogivemybestandbrightestsontotheserviceofGod。\'"

"Didhesaythat？"andWill\'scolorrose，forthebig，book-lovingfellowwasassensitiveasagirltothepraiseofthosedearesttohim。

"Yes，"saidPolly，unconsciouslygivingthestrongeststimulustoherbrother\'shopeandcourage。"Yes，andheadded，\'Ishallletmyboysfollowtheguidethatisinthem，andonlyaskofthemtousetheirgiftsconscientiously，andbehonest，usefulmen。\'"

"Sowewill!NedisdoingwelloutWest，andI\'mhardatithere。Iffatherdoeshisbesttogiveusthechanceweeachwant，theleastwecandoistoworkwithawill。"

"Whateveryoudo，youcan\'thelpworkingwithaWill，"criedTom，whohadbeensointerested，thatheforgothewasplayingeavesdropper。

Pollyflewup，lookingsopleasedandsurprised，thatTomreproachedhimselffornothavingcalledoftener。

"I\'vecomeforMaud，"heannounced，inapaternaltone，whichmadethatyoungladyopenhereyes。

"Ican\'tgotillmyappleisdone；besides，itisn\'tnineyet，andWillisgoingtotakemealong，whenhegoes。I\'dratherhavehim。"

"I\'mgoingtotakeyoubothinthecutter。Thestormisover，butitisheavywalking，soyou\'lldriveoutwithme，oldman？"saidTom，withanodatWill。

"Ofcoursehewill；andthankyouverymuch。I\'vebeentryingtokeephimallnight；MissMillsalwaysmanagestofindacornerforstraypeople，butheinsistsongoing，soastogettoworkearlyto-morrow，"saidPolly，delightedtoseethatTomwastakingoffhiscoat，asifhemeanttowaitforMaud\'sapple，whichPollyblessedforbeingsoslowtocook。

Puttingherguestintothebestchair，Pollysatdownandbeamedathimwithsuchhospitablesatisfaction，thatTomwentupseveralpegsinhisownestimation。

"Youdon\'tcomeveryoften，soweareratherover-poweredwhenyoudohonorus，"shesaid，demurely。

"Well，you，knowwefellowsaresobusy，wehaven\'tmuchtimetoenjoyourselves，"answeredTom。

"Ahem!"saidWill，loudly。

"Takeatroche，"saidTom。

Thentheybothburstoutlaughing，andPolly，fullyunderstandingthejoke，joinedthem，saying，"Herearesomepeanuts，Tom；doenjoyyourselfwhileyoucan。"

"NowIcallthatadelicatecompliment!"AndTom，whohadnotlosthisearlyrelishforthissortofrefreshment，thoughheseldomindulgedhispassionnowadays，becausepeanutsareconsideredvulgar，felltocrackingandmunchingwithgreatsatisfaction。

"DoyourememberthefirstvisitImadeatyourhouse，howyougavemepeanuts，comingfromthedepot，andfrightenedmeoutofmywits，pretendingthecoachmanwastipsy？"askedPolly。

"OfcourseIdo，andhowwecoastedoneday，"answeredTom，laughing。

"Yes，andthevelocipede；you\'vegotthescarofthatyet，Isee。"

"Irememberhowyoustoodbymewhileitwassewedup；thatwasveryplucky，Polly。"

"Iwasdreadfullyafraid，butIrememberIwantedtoseemverybrave，becauseyou\'dcalledmeacoward。"

"DidI？Oughttohavebeenashamedofmyself。Iusedtoroughyoushamefully，Polly，andyouweresogood-natured，youletmedoit。"

"Couldn\'thelpmyself，"laughedPolly。"Ididusetothinkyouwereanawfulboy，butseemstomeIratherlikedit。"

"Shehadsomuchofitathome，shegotusedtoit，"putinWill，pullingthelittlecurlbehindPolly\'sear。

"YouboysneverteasedmeasTomdid，that\'sthereasonitamusedme，Isuppose；noveltyhathcharms，youknow。"

"GrandmausedtolectureTomforplaguingyou，Polly，andheusedtosayhe\'dbeatip-topboy，buthewasn\'t，"observedMaud，withavenerableair。

"Dearoldgrandma；shedidherbest，butI\'mabadlot，"saidTom，withashakeoftheheadandasoberface。

"Italwaysseemsasifshemustbeupinherrooms，andIcan\'tgetusedtofindingthemempty，"addedPolly，softly。

"Fatherwouldn\'thaveanythingmoved，andTomsitsuptheresometimes；

itmakeshimfeelgood，hesays，"saidMaud，whohadatalentforbetrayingtrifleswhichpeoplepreferredshouldnotbementionedinpublic。

"You\'dbetterhurryupyourapple，forifitisn\'tdoneprettysoon，you\'llhavetoleaveit，Pug，"saidTom，lookingannoyed。

"HowisFan？"askedPolly，withtact。

"Well，Fanisratherundertheweather；saysshe\'sdyspeptic，whichmeanscross。"

"Sheiscross，butshe\'ssicktoo，forIfoundhercryingoneday，andshesaidnobodycaredabouther，andshemightaswellbedead，"addedMaud，havingturnedherapplewithtendercare。

"Wemusttrytocheerherup，amongus。IfIwasn\'tsobusyI\'dliketodevotemyselftoher，shehasdonesomuchforme，"saidPolly，gratefully。

"Iwishyoucould。Ican\'tunderstandher，forsheactslikeaweathercock，andIneverknowhowI\'mgoingtofindher。Ihatetohavehermopeso，but，uponmylife，Idon\'tknowwhattodo，"saidTom；butasheutteredthewords，somethingwassuggestedbythesightbeforehim。Chairswerefew，andPollyhadtakenhalfofWill\'swhentheydrewroundthefire。

Nowshewasleaningagainsthim，inacosy，confidingway，delightfultobehold，whileWill\'sstrongarmwentroundherwithaprotectingair，whichsaid，asplainlyasanywords，thatthisbigbrotherandsmallsisterknewhowtoloveandhelponeanother。Itwasapleasantlittlepicture，allthepleasanterforitsunconsciousness，andTomfounditbothsuggestiveandagreeable。

"PooroldFan，shedon\'tgetmuchpetting；maybethat\'swhatshewants。

I\'lltryitandsee，forshestandsbymelikeatrump。Ifshewasarosy，cosylittlewoman，likePolly，itwouldcomeeasier，though，"thoughtTom，ashemeditativelyatehislastnut，feelingthatfraternalaffectioncouldnotbeverydifficultofdemonstration，tobrothersblessedwithpretty，good-temperedsisters。

"ItoldTomaboutthebadfellowwhoblewuptheprofessor，andhesaidheknewhim，slightly；andIwassorelieved，becauseIhadakindofafeelingthatitwasTomhimself，youandWilllaughedsoaboutit。"

Maudhadaqueerwayofgoingonwithherownthoughts，andsuddenlycomingoutwithwhateverlayuppermost，regardlessoftime，place，orcompany。

Asthisremarkfellfromher，therewasageneralsmile，andPollysaid，withmocksolemnity，­；

"Itwasasadthing，andI\'venodoubtthatmisguidedyoungmanisverysorryforitnow。"

"HelookedperfectlyboweddownwithremorselasttimeIsawhim，"saidWill，regardingTomwitheyesfulloffun，forWillwasaboyaswellasabookworm，andrelishedajokeaswellasscatter-brainedTom。

"Healwaysisremorsefulafterascrape，I\'veunderstood，forheisn\'taverybadfellow，onlyhisspiritsareonetoomanyforhim，andheisn\'tasfondofhisbookasanotherfellowIknow。"

"I\'mafraidhe\'llheexpelledifhedon\'tmind，"saidPolly，warningly。

"Shouldn\'twonderifhewas，he\'ssuchanunluckydog，"answeredTom，rathersoberly。

"Ihopehe\'llrememberthathisfriendswillbeverymuchdisappointedifheis。Hemightmakethemsoproudandhappy；thatIguesshewill，forheisn\'thalfasthoughtlessashemakeshimselfout，"saidPolly，lookingacrossatTomwithsuchfriendlyeyesthathewasquitetouched，thoughofcoursehedidn\'tshowit。

"Thankyou，Polly；hemaypullthrough，butIhavemydoubts。Nowoldman，letus\'pud\'along；it\'sgettinglateforthechicken，"headded，relapsingintothegracefuldictionwithwhichaclassicaleducationgiftsitsfortunatepossessor。

TakingadvantageofthemomentwhileWillwaswrestlingwithhisbootsinthecloset，andMaudwasabsorbedinpackingherappleintoalargebasket，PollysaidtoTominalowtone，­；

"Thankyouverymuch，forbeingsokindtoWill。"

"Blessyourheart，Ihaven\'tdoneanything；he\'ssuchaproudfellowhewon\'tletme，"answeredTom。

"Butyoudoinmanylittleways；to-night，forexample。DoyouthinkIdon\'tknowthatthesuitofclotheshe\'sjustgotwouldhavecostagooddealmore，ifyourtailorhadn\'tmadethem？He\'sonlyaboy，anddon\'tunderstandthingsyet；butIknowyourwayofhelpingproudpeople；

sothattheydon\'tfinditout，andIdothankyou，Tom，somuch。"

"Oh，come，Polly，thatwon\'tdo。Whatdoyouknowabouttailorsandcollegematters？"saidTom，lookingasmuchconfusedasifshehadfoundhimoutinsomethingreprehensible。

"Idon\'tknowmuch，andthat\'sthereasonwhyI\'mgratefulforyourkindnesstoWill。Idon\'tcarewhatstoriestheytellaboutyou，I\'msure，youwon\'tleadhimintotrouble，butkeephimstraight，formysake。YouknowI\'velostonebrother，andWilltakesJimmy\'splacetomenow。"

ThetearsinPolly\'seyesasshesaidthatmadeTomvowatremendousvowwithinhimselftostandbyWillthroughthickandthin，and"keephimstraightforPolly\'ssake"；feelingallthetimehowill-fittedhewasforsuchatask。

"I\'lldomybest，"hesaid，heartily，ashepressedthehandPollygavehim，withalookwhichassuredherthathefelttheappealtohishonor，andthathenceforththecountryladwassafefromallthetemptationsTomcouldhaveofferedhim。

"There!nowIshallgivethattomammatotakeherpillsin；it\'sjustwhatshelikes，anditpleaseshertobethoughtof，"saidMaud，surveyinghergiftwithcomplacency，assheputonherthings。

"You\'reagoodlittlesoul，torememberpoormum，saidTom，withanapprovingnod。

"Well，shewassopleasedwiththegrapesyoubroughther，IthoughtI\'dtrysomething，andmaybeshe\'dsay\'Thankyou，darling，\'tometoo。

Doyouthinkshewill？"whisperedMaud，withthewistfullooksooftenseenonherlittleplainface。

"Seeifshedon\'t；"andtoMaud\'sgreatsurpriseTomdidn\'tlaughatherproject。

"Goodnight，dear；takecareofyourself，andkeepyourmufflerroundyourmouthgoingoverthebridge，oryou\'llbeashoarseasacrowto-morrow，"

saidPolly，asshekissedherbrother，whoreturneditwithoutlookingasifhethoughtit"girl\'snonsense"Thenthethreepiledintothesleighanddroveoff，leavePollynoddingonthedoorstep。

Maudfoundthedrivealtogethertooshort，butwasconsoledbythepromiseofalongeroneifthesleighinglastedtillnextSaturday:andwhenTomranuptobidhismothergood-by，andgiveherahintaboutMaud\'sgift，shestayedbelowtosay，atthelastminute，inunconsciousimitationofPolly。

"Goodnight；takecareofyourself，mydear。"

Tomlaughed，andwasabouttopinchthemuchenduringlittlenose；but，asifthewordsremindedhimofsomething，hegaveherakissinstead，apieceofforbearancewhichalmosttookMaud\'sbreathawaywithsurpriseandgratification。

Itwasratherasilentdrive，forWillobedientlykepthismufflerup，andTomfellintoabrownstudy。

Hewasnotmuchgiventoreflection，butoccasionallyindulgedwhensomethinggavehimaturninthatdirection，andatsuchtimeshewasassoberandsincereascouldbedesired。Anyonemighthavelecturedhimforanhourwithoutdoingasmuchgoodasthatlittlecallandthechatthatgrewoutofit，for，thoughnothingverywiseorwittywassaid，manythingsweresuggested，andeveryoneknowsthatpersuasiveinfluencesarebetterthananyamountofmoralizing。NeitherPollynorWilltriedtodoanythingofthesort，andthatwasthecharmofit。Nobodylikestobetalkedto，butnobodycanresisttheeloquenceofunconsciouspreaching。

Withallhisthoughtlessness，Tomwasquicktoseeandfeelthesethings，andwasnotspoiltenoughyettolaughatthem。ThesightofWillandPolly\'ssimpleaffectionforoneanotherremindedhimofaneglecteddutysopleasantly，thathecouldnotforgetit。Talkingofearlydaysmadehimwishhecouldgobackandstartagain，doingbetter。Grandma\'snamerecalledthetendermemorythatalwaysdidhimgood，andthethoughtthatPollytrustedherdearestbrothertohiscarestirredupamanfuldesiretodeservetheconfidence。

Tortureswouldn\'thavedrawnawordofallthisfromhim，butithaditseffect，forboysdon\'tleavetheirheartsandconsciencesbehindthemwhentheyentercollege，andlittlethingsofthissortdomuchtokeepbothfrombeingdamagedbythefouryears\'scrimmagewhichbeginsthebattleoflifeformostofthem。ChapterXI。ChapterXI。CHAPTERXINEEDLESANDTONGUES

DEARPOLLY，­；TheSewingCirclemeetsatourhousethisP。M。Thisisinyourline，sodocomeandhelpmethrough。Ishalldependonyou。Yoursever，FAN。

"Badnews，mydear？"askedMissMills，whohadjusthandedthenotetoPollyasshecameinonenoon，afewweeksafterJenny\'sarrival。

Pollytoldherwhatitwas，adding，"IsupposeIoughttogoandhelpFanny，butIcan\'tsayIwantto。ThegirlstalkaboutthingsIhavenothingtodowith，andIdon\'tfindtheirgossipveryamusing。I\'manoutsider，andtheyonlyacceptmeonFan\'saccount；soIsitinacornerandsew，whiletheychatterandlaugh。"

"Wouldn\'titbeagoodchancetosayawordforJenny？Shewantswork，andtheseyoungladiesprobablyhavequantitiesdonesomewhere。Jennydoesfineworkexquisitely，andbeginstofeelanxioustobeearningsomething。

Idon\'twanthertofeeldependentandunhappy，andalittlewell-paidsewingwouldbeallsheneedstodonicely。Icangetitforherbyrunningroundtomyfriends，butIreallyhaven\'tthetime，tillIgettheMullersoff。Theyarepaupershere，butoutWesttheycantakecareofthemselves，soI\'vebeggedthemoneytosendthem，andassoonasIcangetthemsomeclothes，offtheygo。That\'sthewaytohelppeoplehelpthemselves，"

andMissMillsclashedherbigscissorsenergetically，asshecutoutalittleredflannelshirt。

"Iknowitis，andIwanttohelp，butIdon\'tknowwheretobegin，"

saidPolly，feelingquiteoppressedwiththeimmensityofthework。

"Wecan\'tanyofusdoallwewouldlike，butwecandoourbestforeverycasethatcomestous，andthathelpsamazingly。BeginwithJenny，mydear；tellthosegirlsabouther，andifI\'mnotmuchmistaken，youwillfindthemreadytohelp，forhalfthetimeitisn\'thardnessofheart，butignoranceorthoughtlessnessonthepartoftherich，thatmakesthemseemsocarelessofthepoor。"

"Totellthetruth，I\'mafraidofbeinglaughedat，ifItrytotalkseriouslyaboutsuchthingstothegirls，"saidPolly，frankly。

"Youbelievethat\'suchthings\'aretrue？Youaresincereinyourwishtohelpbetterthem，andyourespectthosewhoworkforthatend？"

"Yes，Ido。"

"Then，mydear，can\'tyoubearalittleridiculeforthesakeofagoodcause？Yousaidyesterdaythatyouweregoingtomakeitaprincipleofyourlife，tohelpupyoursexasfarandasfastasyoucould。Itdidmyheartgoodtohearyousayit，forIwassurethatintimeyouwouldkeepyourword。But，Polly，aprinciplethatcan\'tbearbeinglaughedat，frownedon，andcold-shouldered，isn\'tworthyofthename。"

"Iwanttobestrong-mindedintherealsenseoftheword，butIdon\'tliketobecalledsobypeoplewhodon\'tunderstandmymeaning；

andIshallbeifItrytomakethegirlsthinksoberlyaboutanythingsensibleorphilanthropic。Theycallmeold-fashionednow，andI\'dratherbethoughtthat，thoughitisn\'tpleasant，thanbesetdownasarampantwoman\'srightsreformer，"saidPolly，inwhosememorymanylaughs，andsnubs，andsarcasmsstilllingered，forgivenbutnotforgotten。

"Thisloveandthoughtandcareforthoseweaker，poorer，orworsethanourselves，whichwecallChristiancharity，isaveryoldfashion，mydear。

Itbeganeighteenhundredyearsago，andonlythosewhohonestlyfollowthebeautifulexamplesetusthen，learnhowtogetgenuinehappinessoutoflife。I\'mnota\'rampantwoman\'srightsreformer，\'"addedMissMills，withasmileatPolly\'ssoberface；"butIthinkthatwomencandoagreatdealforeachother，iftheywillonlystopfearingwhat\'peoplewillthink，\'andtakeaheartyinterestinwhateverisgoingtofittheirsistersandthemselvestodeserveandenjoytherightsGodgavethem。Therearesomanywaysinwhichthiscanbedone，thatIwondertheydon\'tseeandimprovethem。Idon\'taskyoutogoandmakespeeches，onlyafewhavethegiftforthat，butIdowanteverygirlandwomantofeelthisduty，andmakeanylittlesacrificeoftimeorfeelingthatmaybeaskedofthem，becausethereissomuchtodo，andnoonecandoitaswellasourselves，ifweonlythinkso。"

"I\'lltry!"saidPolly，influencedmorebyherdesiretokeepMissMills\'goodopinionthananyloveofself-sacrificeforhersex。Itwasratherahardthingtoaskofashy，sensitivegirl，andthekindoldladyknewit，forinspiteofthegrayhairandwitheredface，herheartwasveryyoung，andherowngirlishtrialsnotforgotten。ButsheknewalsothatPollyhadmoreinfluenceoverothersthansheherselfsuspected，simplybecauseofhercandid，uprightnature；andthatwhileshetriedtohelpothers，shewasservingherselfinawaythatwouldimproveheartandsoulmorethananymeresocialsuccessshemightgainbyfollowingtherulesoffashionablelife，whichdrillthecharacteroutofgirlstilltheyareasmuchalikeaspinsinapaper，andhaveaboutasmuchtruesenseandsentimentintheirlittleheads。TherewasgoodstuffinPolly，unspoiledasyet，andMissMillswasonlyactingoutherprincipleofwomenhelpingeachother。ThewiseoldladysawthatPollyhadreachedthatpointwherethegirlsuddenlybloomsintoawoman，askingsomethingmoresubstantialthanpleasuretosatisfythenewaspirationsthatareborn；atimeaspreciousandimportanttotheafter-life，asthehourwhentheappleblossomsfall，andtheyoungfruitwaitsfortheelementstoripenordestroytheharvest。

Pollydidnotknowthis，andwasfortunateinpossessingafriendwhoknewwhatinfluenceswouldserveherbest，andwhocouldgiveherwhatallwomenshoulddesiretogiveeachother，theexampleofasweet，goodlife，moreeloquentandpowerfulthananywords；forthisisarightnoonecandenyus。

Pollyturnedthematteroverinhermindasshedressed，whileJennyplayedwaitingmaid，littledreamingwhatthisnewfriendwasmeaningtodoforher，ifshedared。

"Isitgoingtobeatea-party，Miss？"askedJenny，astheblacksilkwentrustlingon，tohergreatadmiration，forsheconsideredPollyabeauty。

"Well，no，Ithinkitwillprobablybealecture，"answeredPolly，laughing，forJenny\'sgratefulserviceandaffectionateeyesconfirmedthepurposewhichMissMills\'littlehomilyhadsuggested。

AssheenteredtheShaws\'parloranhourortwolater，anappallingarrayofwell-dressedgirlsappeared，eachprovidedwithadaintyreticule，basket，orbag，andeachtonguegoingagooddealfasterthantheneedle，whilethewhitefingersstitchedsleevesinupsidedown，putflanneljacketstogetherhindpartbefore，orgobbledbutton-holeswiththebestintentionsinlife。

"Youareadeartocomesoearly。Here\'saniceplaceforyoubetweenBelleandMissPerkins，andhere\'sasweetlittledresstomake，unlessyoulikesomethingelsebetter，"saidFanny，receivingherfriendwithwarmthandplacingherwhereshethoughtshewouldenjoyherself。

"Thankyou，I\'lltakeanunbleachedcottonshirtifyouhavesuchathing，foritislikelytobeneededbeforeacambricfrock，"repliedPolly，subsidingintohercomerasquicklyaspossible，foratleastsixeye-glasseswereup，andshedidn\'tenjoybeingstaredat。

MissPerkins，agrave，cold-lookingyounglady，withanaristocraticnose，bowedpolitely，andthenwentonwithherwork，whichdisplayedtwodiamondringstogreatadvantage。Belle，beingofthedemonstrativesort，smiledandnodded，drewupherchair，andbeganawhisperedaccountofTrix\'slastquarrelwithTom。Pollylistenedwithinterestwhilesheseweddiligently，occasionallypermittinghereyestostudytheelegantintricaciesofMissPerkins\'dress，forthatyoungladysatlikeastatue，quirkingherdelicatefingers，andaccomplishingabouttwostitchesaminute。

InthemidstofBelle\'sstory，amoreexcitingbitofgossipcaughtherear，andsheplungedintotheconversationgoingonacrossthetable，leavingPollyfreetolistenandadmirethewit，wisdom，andcharitablespiritoftheaccomplishedyoungladiesabouther。TherewasaperfectBabeloftongues，butoutoftheconfusionPollygatheredscrapsoffashionableintelligencewhichsomewhatlessenedherrespectforthedwellersinhighplaces。OnefaircreatureassertedthatJoeSomebodytooksomuchchampagneatthelastGerman，thathehadtobegotaway，andsenthomewithtwoservants。AnotherdivulgedtheawfulfactthatCarrieP。\'sweddingpresentswerehalfofthemhiredfortheoccasion。AthirdcirculatedawhispertotheeffectthatthoughMrs。Buckminsterworeathousand-dollarcloak，herboyswerenotallowedbutonesheettotheirbeds。Andafourthyounggossipassuredthecompanythatacertainpersonneverhadofferedhimselftoacertainotherperson，thoughthereportwasindustriouslyspreadbyinterestedparties。ThislatterremarkcausedsuchaclamorthatFannycalledthemeetingtoorderinamostunparliamentaryfashion。

"Girls!girls!youreallymusttalklessandsewmore，oroursocietywillbedisgraced。Doyouknowourbranchsentinlessworkthananyoftheothers。lastmonth，andMrs。FitzGeorgesaid，shedidn\'tseehowfifteenyoungladiescouldmanagetodosolittle？"

"Wedon\'ttalkabitmorethantheoldladiesdo。Ijustwishyoucouldhaveheardthemgoon，lasttime。Thewaytheygetsomuchdone，is，theytakeworkhome，andmaketheirseamstressesdoit，andthentheytakecreditforvastindustry，"saidBelle，whoalwaysspokehermindwithcharmingcandor。

"Thatremindsmethatmammasaystheywantasmanythingsaswecanmake，forit\'sahardwinter，andthepooraresufferingverymuch。Doanyofyouwishtotakearticleshome，todoatoddtimes？"saidFan，whowaspresidentofthisenergeticDorcasSociety。

"Mercy，no!Ittakesallmyleisuretimetomendmyglovesandrefreshmydresses，"answeredBelle。

"Ithinkifwemeetonceaweek，itisallthatshouldbeexpectedofus，withourotherengagements。Poorpeoplealwayscomplainthatthewinterisahardone，andneveraresatisfied，"remarkedMissPerkins，makingherdiamondssparkleasshesewedbuttonsonthewrongsideofapinkcalicoapron，whichwouldhardlysurviveonewashing。

"Nobodycanaskmetodoanymore，iftheyrememberallI\'vegottoattendtobeforesummer，"saidTrix，withanimportantair。"I\'vegotthreewomenhardatwork，andwantanother，buteveryoneissobusy，andasksuchabominableprices，thatI\'mindespair，andshallhavetotakeholdmyself，I\'mafraid。"

"There\'sachanceforJane，"thoughtPolly，buthadn\'tcourage"tospeakoutloudinmeeting，"justthen，andresolvedtoaskTrixforwork，inprivate。

"Pricesarehigh，butyouforgethowmuchmoreitcoststolivenowthanitusedtodo。Mammaneverallowsustobeatdownworkwomen，butwishesustopaythemwell，andeconomizeinsomeotherway，ifwemust，"

saidEmmaDavenport，aquiet，bright-eyedgirl，whowascalled"odd"amongtheyoungladies，becauseshedressedsimply，whenherfatherwasamillionaire。

"Justhearthatgirltalkabouteconomy!Ibegyourpardon，she\'ssomerelationofyours，Ibelieve!"saidBelle，inalowtone。

"Verydistant；butI\'mproudofit；forwithher，economydoesn\'tmeanscrimpinginoneplacetomakeashowinanother。IfeveryonewouldfollowtheDavenports\'example，workwomenwouldn\'tstarve，orservantsbesuchatrouble。Emmaistheplainestdressedgirlintheroom，nexttome，yetanyonecanseesheisatruegentlewoman，"saidPolly，warmly。

"Andyouareanother，"answeredBelle，whohadalwayslovedPolly，inherscatter-brainedway。

"Hush!Trixhasthefloor。"

"Iftheyspenttheirwagesproperly，Ishouldn\'tmindsomuch，buttheythinktheymustbeasfineasanybody，anddresssowellthatitishardtotellmistressfrommaid。Whyourcookgotabonnetjustlikemine(thematerialswerecheaper，buttheeffectwasthesame)，andhadtheimpertinencetowearitbeforemyface。Iforbidit，andsheleft，ofcourse，whichmadepapasocrosshewouldn\'tgivemethecamel\'shairshawlhepromisedthisyear。"

"It\'sperfectlyshameful!"saidMissPerkins，asTrixpausedoutofbreath。"Servantsoughttobemadetodresslikeservants，astheydoabroad；

thenweshouldhavenomoretrouble，"observedMissPerkins，whohadjustmadethegrandtour，andhadbroughthomeaFrenchmaid。

"Perkydon\'tpractiseasshepreaches，"whisperedBelletoPolly，asMissP。becameabsorbedinthechatofherotherneighbors。"Shepaysherchambergirlwitholdfinery；andtheotherday，whenBetseywasoutparadinginhermissis\'scast-offpurpleplushsuit，Mr。Curtisthoughtshewasmademoiselle，andbowedtoher。Heisasblindasabat，butrecognizedthedress，andpulledoffhishattoitinthemostelegantstyle。Perkyadoreshim，andwasmadenoughtobeatBetseywhenshetoldthestoryandgiggledoverit。BetseyisquiteasstylishandeversomuchprettierthanPerky，andsheknowsit，whichisanaggravation。"

Pollycouldn\'thelplaughing，butgrewsoberaminuteafter，asTrixsaid，pettishly，­；

"Well，I\'msickofhearingaboutbeggars；Ibelievehalfofthemarehumbugs，andifweletthemalonethey\'dgotoworkandtakecareofthemselves。There\'saltogethertoomuchfussmadeaboutcharity。I

dowishwecouldbeleftinpeace。"

"Therecan\'tbetoomuchcharity!"burstoutPolly，forgettinghershynessallatonce。

"Oh，indeed!Well，Itakethelibertytodifferfromyou，"returnedTrix，puttingupherglass，andbestowinguponPollyhermost"toplofticalstare，"asthegirlscalledit。

IregrettosaythatPollynevercouldtalkwithorbenearTrixwithoutfeelingirritatedandcombative。Shetriedtoconquerthisfeeling，butshecouldn\'t，andwhenTrixputonairs，Pollyfeltanintensedesiretoboxherears。Thateye-glasswasherespecialaversion，forTrixwasnomorenear-sightedthanherself，butpretendedtobebecauseitwasthefashion，andattimesusedtheinnocentglassasaweaponwithwhichtoputdownanyonewhopresumedtosetthemselvesup。ThesuperciliousglancewhichaccompaniedherironicallypolitespeechrousedPolly，whoansweredwithsuddencolorandthekindlingoftheeyesthatalwaysbetrayedaperturbedspirit，­；

"Idon\'tthinkmanyofuswouldenjoythatselfishsortofpeace，whilelittlechildrenstarve，andgirlsnoolderthanuskillthemselvesbecausetheirdreadfulpovertyleavesthemnochoicebutsinordeath。"

Asuddenlulltookplace，for，thoughPolly，didnotraisehervoice，itwasfullofindignantemotion，andthemostfrivolousgirltherefeltalittlethrillofsympathy；forthemostutterlyfashionablelifedoesnotkilltheheartoutofwomen，tillyearsofselfishpleasurehavepassedovertheirheads。Trixwasashamedofherself；butshefeltthesameantagonismtowardPolly，thatPollydidtowardher；and，beinglessgenerous，tooksatisfactioninplaguingher。PollydidnotknowthatthesecretofthiswasthefactthatTomoftenheldherupasamodelforhisfiancé；etofollow，whichcausedthatyoungladytodislikehermorethanever。

"Halftheawfulstoriesinthepapersaremadeupforasensation，andit\'sabsurdtobelievethem，unlessonelikestobeharrowedup。Idon\'t；

andasforpeace，I\'mnotlikelytogetmuch，whileIhaveTomtolookafter，"saidTrix，withanaggravatinglaugh。

Polly\'sneedlesnappedintwo，butshedidnotmindit，asshesaid，withalookthatsilencedevensharp-tonguedTrix，­；

"Ican\'thelpbelievingwhatmyowneyesandearshaveseenandheard。Youleadsuchsafeandhappylives，youcan\'timaginethemiserythatisallroundyou；butifyoucouldgetaglimpseofit，itwouldmakeyourheartsache，asithasmine。"

"Doyousufferfromheartache？Someonehintedasmuchtome，butyoulookedsowell，Icouldn\'tbelieveit。"

NowthatwascruelinTrix，morecruelthananyoneguessed；butgirls\'

tonguescandealwoundsassharpandsuddenastheslenderstilettoSpanishwomenwearintheirhair，andPollyturnedpale，asthosewordsstabbedher。Bellesawit，andrushedtotherescuewithmoregood-willthanwisdom。

"Nobodyeveraccusedyouofhavinganyhearttoachewith。PollyandIarenotoldenoughyettogettoughandcool，andwearestillsillyenoughtopityunhappypeople，TomShawespecially，"addedBelle，underherbreath。

Thatwasatwo-edgedthrust，forTrixwasdecidedlyanoldgirl，andTomwasgenerallyregardedasahaplessvictim。Trixturnedred；butbeforeshecouldloadandfireagain，EmmaDavenport，wholaboredunderthedelusionthatthissortofskirmishingwasill-natured，andthereforeill-bred，spokeupinherpleasantway，­；

"Speakingofpityingthepoor，Ialwayswonderwhyitisthatweallliketoreadandcryovertheirtroublesinbooks，butwhenwehavetherealthingbeforeus，wethinkitisuninterestinganddisagreeable。"

"It\'sthegeniusthatgetsintothebooks，whichmakesuslikethepoverty，Ifancy。ButIdon\'tquiteagreethattherealthingisn\'tinteresting。

Ithinkitwouldbe，ifweknewhowtolookatandfeelit，"saidPolly，veryquietly，asshepushedherchairoutofthearcticcircleofMissPerkins，intothetemperateoneoffriendlyEmma。

"Buthowshallwelearnthat？Idon\'tseewhatwegirlscando，morethanwedonow。Wehaven\'tmuchmoneyforsuchthings，shouldn\'tknowhowtouseitifwehad；anditisn\'tproperforustogopokingintodirtyplaces，tohuntuptheneedy。\'Goingaboutdoinggood，inponyphaetons，\'

assomebodysays，maysucceedinEngland，butitwon\'tworkhere，"saidFanny，whohadbegun，lately，tothinkagooddealofsomeonebesideherself，andsofoundherinterestinherfellow-beingsincreasingdaily。

"Wecan\'tdomuch，perhaps，justyet；butstilltherearethingsleftundonethatnaturallyfalltous。Iknowahouse，"saidPolly，sewingbusilyasshetalked，"whereeveryservantwhoentersitbecomesanobjectofinteresttothemistressandherdaughters。Thesewomenaretaughtgoodhabits，booksareputwheretheycangetthem，sensibleamusementsareplannedforthemsometimes，andtheysoonfeelthattheyarenotconsideredmerescrubs，todoasmuchworkaspossible，foraslittlemoneyaspossible，buthelpersinthefamily，whoarelovedandrespectedinproportiontotheirfaithfulness。Thisladyfeelsherdutytothem，ownsit，anddoesit，asconscientiouslyasshewantsthemtodotheirsbyher；andthatisthewayitoughttobe，Ithink。"

AsPollypaused，severalkeeneyesdiscoveredthatEmma\'scheekswereveryred，andsawasmilelurkinginthecornersofthemouththattriedtolookdemure，whichtoldthemwhoPollymeant。

"DotheBiddiesallturnoutsaintsinthatwellregulatedfamily？"

askedtheirrepressibleTrix。

"No；fewofusdothat，evenintheparlor；buteveryoneoftheBiddiesisbetterforbeingthere，whethertheyaregratefulornot。Ioughtnottohavementionedthis，perhaps，butIwantedtoshowyouonethingthatwegirlscando。Weallcomplainaboutbadservants，mostasmuchasifwewerehouse-keepersourselves；butitneveroccurstoustotryandmendthematter，bygettingupabetterspiritbetweenmistressandmaid。Thenthere\'sanotherthingwecando，"addedPolly，warmingup。"Mostofusfindmoneyenoughforourlittlevanitiesandpleasures，butfeeldreadfullypoorwhenwecometopayforwork，sewingespecially。Couldn\'twegiveupafewofthevanities，andpaytheseamstressesbetter？"

"IdeclareIwill!"criedBelle，whoseconsciencesuddenlywoke，andsmoteherforbeatingdownthewomanwhodidherplainsewing，inorderthatshemighthaveanextraflounceonanewdress。

"Bellehasgotavirtuousfit；pityitwon\'tlastaweek，"saidTrix。

"Waitandsee，"retortedBelle，resolvingthatitshouldlast，justtodisappoint"thatspitefulminx；"asshesweetlycalledheroldschool-mate。

"NowweshallbeholdBellegallopingawayatagreatpace，onhernewhobby。Ishouldn\'tbesurprisedtohearofherpreachinginthejail，adoptinganicedirtylittleorphan，orpassingroundtractsataWoman\'sRightsmeeting，"saidTrix，whonevercouldforgiveBelleforhavingalovelycomplexion，andsomuchhairofherownthatsheneverpatronizedeitherrats，mice，waterfalls，switches，orpuff-combs。

"Well，Imightdoworse；andIthink，ofthetwo，I\'dratheramusemyselfso，thanassomeyoungladiesdo，whogetintothepapersfortheirpranks，"returnedBelle，withamoralair。

"Supposewehavealittlerecess，andrestwhilePollyplaystous。

Willyou，Polly？Itwilldousgood；theyallwanttohearyou，andbeggedI\'dask。"

"ThenIwill，withpleasure"；andPollywenttothepianowithsuchobligingreadiness，thatseveralreproachfulglancesfelluponTrix，whodidn\'tneedherglasstoseethem。

Pollywasnevertoosad，perturbed，orlazytosing，foritwasalmostaseasytoherasbreathing，andseemedthemostnaturaloutletforheremotions。Foraminuteherhandswanderedoverthekeys，asifuncertainwhattoplay；then，fallingintoasad，sweetstrain，shesang"TheBridgeofSighs。"Pollydidn\'tknowwhyshechoseit，buttheinstinctseemedtohavebeenatrueone，for，oldasthesongwas，itwentstraighttotheheartsofthehearers，andPollysungitbetterthansheeverhadbefore，fornowthememoryoflittleJanelentitatenderpathoswhichnoartcouldgive。Itdidthemallgood，formusicisabeautifulmagician，andfewcanresistitspower。Thegirlsweretouchedbytheappeal；Pollywasliftedoutofherself，andwhensheturnedround，thesoftenedlookonallthefacestoldherthatforthemomentfoolishdifferencesandfrivolousbeliefswereforgottenintheonewomanlysentimentofpityforthewrongsandwoesofwhichthelisteners\'happyliveswereignorant。

"Thatsongalwaysmakesmecry，andfeelasifIhadnorighttobesocomfortable，"saidBelle，openlywipinghereyesonacrashtowel。

"Fortunatelysuchcasesareveryrare，"saidanotheryounglady，whoseldomreadthenewspapers。

"Iwishtheywere，butI\'mafraidtheyarenot；foronlythreeweeksago，Isawagirlyoungerthananyofus，andnoworse，whotriedtodestroyherselfsimplybecauseshewassodiscouraged，sick，andpoor，"saidPolly。

"Dotellabouther，"criedBelle，eagerly。

Feelingthatthesonghadpavedthewayforthestory，andgivenhercouragetotellit，Pollydidtellit，andmusthavedoneitwell，forthegirlsstoppedworktolisten，andwhensheended，othereyesbesidewarm-heartedBelle\'swerewet。Trixlookedquitesubdued；MissPerkinsthawedtosuchadegree，thatsomethingglitteredonherhandasshebentoverthepinkpinaforeagain，betterandbrighterthanherbiggestdiamond；

EmmagotupandwenttoPollywithafacefullofaffectionaterespect，whileFanny，movedbyasuddenimpulse，caughtupacostlySè；vresplatethatstoodontheetagè；re，andlayingafive-dollarbillinit，passeditround，quotingPolly\'swords，­；

"Girls，Iknowyou\'llliketohelppoorlittleJenny\'beginagain，anddobetterthistime。\'"

Itwasgoodtoseehowquicklytheprettypurseswereout，howgenerouslyeachgaveofitsabundance，andwhatheartyapplausebrokefromthegirls，asBellelaiddownhergoldthimble，sayingwithanAprilface，­；

"There，takethat；Ineverhaveanymoney，somehowitwon\'tstaywithme，butIcan\'tlettheplatepassmethistime。"

WhenFannybroughtthecontributionstoPolly，shejustgathereditupinhertwohandswithsuchaglad，gratefulface，thegirlswishedtheyhadhadmoretogive。

"Ican\'tthankyouenough，"shesaid，withaneloquentlittlechokeinhervoice。"ThiswillhelpJennyverymuch；butthewayinwhichitwasdonewilldohermoregoodthandoublethemoney，becauseitwillprovetoherthatsheisn\'twithoutfriends，andmakeherfeelthatthereisaplaceintheworldforher。Letherworkforyouinreturnforthis；

shedon\'taskalms，sheonlywantsemploymentandalittlekindness，andthebestcharitywecanbestowistoseethatshehasboth。"

"I\'llgiveherasmuchsewingasshewants，andshecanstayatourhousewhileshedoesit，ifsheneedsahome，"saidTrix，inaspasmofbenevolence。

"Shedoesn\'tneedahome，thankyou；MissMillshasgivenhalfofhers，andconsidersJaneherchild，"answeredPolly，withproudsatisfactioninthefact。

"Whatanolddear!"criedBelle。

"Iwanttoknowher。MayI？"whisperedEmma。

"Oh，yes；I\'mgladtomakeherknowntoanyone。Sheisaquietlittleoldlady，butshedoesoneheapsofgood，andshowsyouhowtobecharitableinthewisestway。"

"Dotellusaboutit。I\'msureIwanttodomyduty，butit\'ssuchamuddle，Idon\'tknowhow，"saidBelle。