下载辰思小说免费APP
Then，quitenaturally，theconversationfelluponthegreatworkthatnoneshouldbetoobusytothinkof，andwhichfewaretooyoungortoopoortohelponwiththeirmite。Thefacesgrewmoreearnest，thefingersflewfaster，asthequickyoungheartsandbrainstookinthenewfacts，ideas，andplansthatgrewoutofthetruestories，thesensiblehints，thesuccessfuleffortswhichPollytoldthem，freshfromthelipsofMissMills；for，oflate，Pollyhadtalkedmuchwiththegoodlady，andlearnedquicklythelessonsherunselfishlifeconveyed。Thegirlsfoundthismoreinterestingthangossip，partlyowingtoitsnovelty，doubtless；buttheenthusiasmwassincerewhileitlasted，anddidthemgood。Manyofthemforgotallaboutitinaweek，butPolly\'seffortwasnotlost，forEmma，Belle，andFannyremainedfirmfriendstoJane，sokindlyhelpingherthatthepoorchildfeltasifshehadindeedbeenbornagain，intoanewandhappyworld。
NottilllongafterwarddidPollyseehowmuchgoodthislittleefforthaddoneher，forthefirstsmallsacrificeofthissortleadsthewaytoothers，andasinglehand\'sturngivenheartilytotheworld\'sgreatworkhelpsoneamazinglywithone\'sownsmalltasks。Pollyfoundthisoutasherlifeslowlygreweasierandbrighter，andthebeautifullawofcompensationgaveherbetterpurposesandpleasuresthananyshehadlost。Theparentsofsomeofherpupilswerepersonsofrealrefinement，andsucharealwaysquicktoperceivethemarksofcultureinothers，nomatterwheretheyfindthem。These，attractedfirstbyPolly\'scheerfulface，modestmanners，andfaithfulwork，soonfoundinhersomethingmorethanagoodteacher；
theyfoundarealtalentformusic，aneagerdesireforhelpfulopportunities，andaheartgratefulforthekindlysympathythatmakesroughplacessmooth。
Fortunatelythosewhohavetheskilltodetectthesetraitsalsopossessthespirittoappreciateandoftenthepowertoserveanddevelopthem。
Inwayssodelicatethatthemostsensitivepridecouldnotresentthefavor，thesetruegentlefolkshowedPollytheirrespectandregard，putmanypleasuresinherway，andwhentheypaidherforherwork，gaveheralsotheheartythanksthattakesawayallsenseofdegradationevenfromthehumblestservice，formoneysoearnedandpaidsweetensthedailybreaditbuys，andmakesthemutualobligationamutualbenefitandpleasure。
AfewsuchpatronsdidmuchforPolly，andthemusicshegavethemhadanundertoneofgratitudethatleftblitheechoesinthosegreathouses，whichmoneycouldnotbuy。
Then，asherbutterflyacquaintancesdesertedher，shefoundherwayintoahiveoffriendlybees，whowelcomedher，andshowedherhowtofindthehoneythatkeepslifesweetandwholesome。ThroughMissMills，whowasthecounsellorandcomforterofseveral，Pollycametoknowalittlesisterhoodofbusy，happy，independentgirls，whoeachhadapurposetoexecute，atalenttodevelop，anambitiontoachieve，andbroughttotheworkpatienceandperseverance，hopeandcourage。HerePollyfoundherplaceatonce，forinthislittleworldloveandlibertyprevailed；talent，energy，andcharactertookthefirstrank；money，fashion，andpositionwereliterallynowhere；forhere，asinthebigworldoutside，geniusseemedtoblossombestwhenpovertywasheadgardener。Youngteachers，doingmuchworkforlittlepay；youngartists，tryingtopencil，paint，orcarvetheirwaytoRome；youngwriters，burningtodistinguishthemselves；youngsingers，dreamingoftriumphs，greatasthoseofJennyLind；andsomewhotriedtoconquerindependence，armedonlywithaneedle，likepoorJane。AllthesehelpedPollyasunconsciouslyasshehelpedthem，forpurposeandprinciplearethebestteacherswecanhave，andthewantofthemmakeshalfthewomenofAmericawhattheyare，restless，aimless，frivolous，andsick。
Tooutsidersthatwasaveryhard-workinganduneventfulwintertoPolly。
Shethoughtsoherself；butasspringcameon，theseedofnewvirtues，plantedinthewintertime，andripenedbythesunshineofendeavor，begantobudinPolly\'snature，betrayingtheirpresencetoothersbytheaddedstrengthandsweetnessofhercharacter，longbeforesheherselfdiscoveredtheseMayflowersthathadblossomedforherunderneaththesnow。ChapterXII。ChapterXII。CHAPTERXIIFORBIDDENFRUIT"I\'Mperfectlyachingforsomefun，"saidPollytoherselfassheopenedherwindowonemorningandthesunshineandfrostyairsetherblooddancingandhereyessparklingwithyouth，health，andoverflowingspirits。"I
reallymustbreakoutsomewhereandhaveagoodtime。It\'squiteimpossibletokeepsteadyanylonger。NowwhatwillIdo？"Pollysprinkledcrumbstothedoves，whocamedailytobefed，andwhileshewatchedthegleamingnecksandrosyfeet，sherackedherbraintodevisesomeunusuallydelightfulwayofenjoyingherself，forshereallyhadbottledupherspiritssolong，theywereinastateofuncontrollableeffervescence。
"I\'llgototheopera，"shesuddenlyannouncedtothedoves。"It\'sexpensive，Iknow，butit\'sremarkablygood，andmusicissuchatreattome。Yes，I\'llgettwoticketsascheapasIcan，sendanotetoWill，；poorlad，heneedsfunasmuchasIdo，；andwe\'llgoandhaveanicetimeinsomecorner，asCharlesLambandhissisterusedto。"
WiththatPollyslammeddownthewindow，tothedismayofhergentlelittlepensioners，andbegantoflyaboutwithgreatenergy，singingandtalkingtoherselfasifitwasimpossibletokeepquiet。Shestartedearlytoherfirstlessonthatshemighthavetimetobuythetickets，hoping，assheputafive-dollarbillintoherpurse，thattheywouldn\'tbeveryhigh，forshefeltthatshewasnotinamoodtoresisttemptation。Butshewassparedanystruggle，forwhenshereachedtheplace，theticketofficewasblockedupbyeagerpurchasersandthedisappointedfacesthatturnedawaytoldPollytherewasnohopeforher。
"Well，Idon\'tcare，I\'llgosomewhere，forIwillhavemyfun，"shesaidwithgreatdetermination，fordisappointmentonlyseemedtowhetherappetite。Buttheplaybillsshowedhernothinginvitingandshewasforcedtogoawaytoherworkwiththemoneyburningherpocketandallmannerofwildschemesfloatinginherhead。Atnoon，insteadofgoinghometodinner，shewentandtookanice，tryingtofeetverygayandfestiveallbyherself。Itwasratherafailure，however，andafteratourofthepictureshopsshewenttogiveMaudalesson，feelingthatitwasveryhardtoquenchherlongings，andsubsideintoaprimlittlemusicteacher。
Fortunatelyshedidnothavetodoviolencetoherfeelingsverylong，forthefirstthingFannysaidtoherwas:；
"Canyougo？"
"Where？"
"Didn\'tyougetmynote？"
"Ididn\'tgohometodinner。"
"Tomwantsustogototheoperato-nightand；"Fangotnofurther，forPollyutteredacryofraptureandclaspedherhands。
"Go？OfcourseIwill。I\'vebeendyingtogoallday，triedtogetticketsthismorningandcouldn\'t，beenfumingaboutiteversince，andnow；oh，howsplendid!"AndPollycouldnotrestrainanecstaticskip，forthisburstofjoyratherupsether。
"Well，youcometotea，andwe\'lldresstogether，andgoallcomfortablewithTom，whoisinaheavenlyframeofmindto-day。"
"Imustrunhomeandgetmythings，"saidPolly，resolvingonthespottobuythenicestpairofglovesthecityafforded。
"Youshallhavemywhitecloakandanyotherlittleriggingyouwant。
Tommylikestohavehisladiesacredittohim，youknow，"saidFanny，departingtotakeabeautysleep。
Pollyinstantlydecidedthatshewouldn\'tborrowBecky\'sbestbonnet，assheatfirstintended，butgetanewone，forinherpresentexcitedstate，noextravaganceseemedtooprodigalinhonorofthisgrandoccasion。
IamafraidthatMaud\'slessonwasnotasthoroughasitshouldhavebeen，forPolly\'sheadwassuchachaosofbonnets，gloves，opera-cloaksandfans，thatMaudblunderedthrough，murderingtimeandtuneatherownsweetwill。TheinstantitwasoverPollyrushedawayandboughtnotonlythekidsbutabonnetframe，abitofillusion，andapinkcraperose，whichhadtemptedherforweeksinacertainshopwindow，thenhomeandtoworkwithalltheskillandspeedofadistractedmilliner。
"I\'mrushingmadlyintoexpense，I\'mafraid，butthefitisonmeandI\'lleatbreadandwaterforaweektomakeupforit。Imustlooknice，forTomseldomtakesmeandoughttobegratifiedwhenhedoes。
Iwanttodolikeothergirls，justforonce，andenjoymyselfwithoutthinkingaboutrightandwrong。Nowabitofpinkribbontotieitwith，andIshallbedoneintimetodoupmybestcollar，"shesaid，turningherboxestopsy-turvyforthenecessaryribboninthatdelightfulflurrywhichyoungladiesfeelonsuchoccasions。
Itismyprivateopinionthatthelittleshiftsandstruggleswepoorgirlshavetoundergobeforehandgiveapeculiarrelishtoourfunwhenwegetit。ThisfactwillaccountfortherapturousmoodinwhichPollyfoundherselfwhen，aftermakingherbonnet，washingandironingherbestset，blackingherbootsandmendingherfan，sheatlast，likeConsuelo，"putonalittledressofblacksilk"and，withthesmalleradornmentspinnedupinapaper，startedfortheShaws\'，findingitdifficulttowalkdecorouslywhenherheartwasdancinginherbosom。
Maudhappenedtobeplayingaredowaupintheparlor，andPollycameprancingintotheroomsoevidentlyspoilingforadancethatTom，whowasthere，founditimpossibletoresistcatchingheraboutthewaist，andputtingherthroughthemostintricateevolutionstillMaud\'sfingersgaveout。
"Thatwassplendid!Oh，Tom，thankyousomuchforaskingmeto-night。
Ifeeljustlikehavingaregulargoodtime，"criedPolly，whenshestopped，withherhathangingroundherneckandherhairlookingasifshehadbeenoutinahighwind。
"Gladofit。Ifeltsomyselfandthoughtwe\'dhaveajollylittlepartyallinthefamily，"saidTom，lookingmuchgratifiedatherdelight。
"IsTrixsick？"askedPolly。
"GonetoNewYorkforaweek。"
"Ah，whenthecat\'sawaythemicewillplay。"
"Exactly。Comeandhaveanotherturn。"
Beforetheycouldstart，however，theawfulspectacleofalittledogtrottingoutoftheroomwithapaperparcelinhismouth，madePollyclaspherhandswiththedespairingcry:；
"Mybonnet!Oh，mybonnet!"
"Where？what？which？"AndTomlookedabouthim，bewildered。
"Snip\'sgotit。Saveit!saveit!"
"Iwill!"AndTomgavechasewithmorevigorthandiscretion。
Snip，evidentlyregardingitasagamegotupforhisspecialbenefit，enjoyedtheraceimmenselyandscamperedalloverthehouse，shakingthepreciousparcellikearatwhilehismasterranandwhistled，commandedandcoaxed，invain。Pollyfollowed，consumedwithanxiety，andMaudlaughedtillMrs。Shawsentdowntoknowwhowasinhysterics。Apiteousyelpfromthelowerregionsatlastannouncedthatthethiefwascaptured，andTomappearedbearingSnipbythenapeoftheneckinonehandandPolly\'scherishedbonnetintheother。
"ThelittlescampwasjustgoingtoworryitwhenIgrabbedhim。I\'mafraidhehaseatenoneofyourgloves。Ican\'tfindit，andthisoneisprettywellchewedup，"saidTom，bereavingSnipofthetornkid，towhichhestillpertinaciouslyclung。
"Servesmeright，"saidPollywithagroan。"I\'dnobusinesstogetanewpair，butIwantedtobeextragorgeousto-night，andthisismypunishmentforsuchmadextravagance。"
"Wasthereanythingelse？"askedTom。
"Onlymybestcuffsandcollar。You\'llprobablyfindtheminthecoal-bin，"
saidPolly，withthecalmnessofdespair。
"Isawsomelittlewhitethingsonthedining-roomfloorasIracedthrough。Gogetthem，Maud，andwe\'llrepairdamages，"saidTom，shuttingtheculpritintothebootcloset，whereheplacidlyrolledhimselfupandwenttosleep。
"Theyain\'thurtabit，"proclaimedMaud，restoringthelosttreasures。
"Neitherismybonnet，forwhichI\'mdeeplygrateful，"saidPolly，whohadbeenexaminingitwithasolicitudewhichmadeTom\'seyestwinkle。
"SoamI，foritstrikesmethatisanuncommonly\'nobby\'littleaffair，"
hesaidapprovingly。Tomhadaweaknessforpalepinkroses，andperhapsPollyknewit。
"I\'mafraidit\'stoogay，"saidPolly，withadubiouslook。
"Notabit。Sortofbridal，youknow。Mustbebecoming。Putitonandlet\'ssee。"
"Iwouldn\'tfortheworld，withmyhairalltumblingdown。Don\'tlookatmetillI\'mrespectable，anddon\'ttellanyonehowI\'vebeenacting。
IthinkImustbealittlecrazyto-night，"saidPolly，gatheringupherrescuedfineryandpreparingtogoandfindFan。
"Lunacyismightybecoming，Polly。Tryitagain，"answeredTom，watchingherasshewentlaughingaway，lookingalltheprettierforherdishevelment。
"Dressthatgirlup，andshe\'dbearaving，tearingbeauty，"addedTomtoMaudinalowertoneashelookherintotheparlorunderhisarm。
Pollyhearditandinstantlyresolvedtobeas"ravingandastearing"
ashermeanswouldallow，"justforonenight，"shesaidasshepeepedoverthebanisters，gladtoseethatthedanceandtheracehadtakenthe"band-boxy"airoutofTom\'selegantarray。
IdeeplyregretbeingobligedtoshocktheeyesandearsofsuchofmyreadersashaveaprejudiceinfavorofpureEnglishbyexpressionsliketheabove，but，havingrashlyundertakentowritealittlestoryaboutYoungAmerica，forYoungAmerica，Ifeelboundtodepictmyhonoredpatronsasfaithfullyasmylimitedpowerspermit。Otherwise，Imustexpectthecrushingcriticism，"Well，Idaresayit\'sallveryprimandproper，butitisn\'tabitlikeus，"andneverhopetoarriveatthedistinctionoffindingthecoversof"AnOld-FashionedGirl"thedirtiestinthelibrary。
Thefriendshadasocial"cupo\'tea"upstairs，whichPollyconsideredtheheightofluxury，andtheneachtookamirrorandproceededtoprinktoherheart\'scontent。TheearnestnesswithwhichPollymadehertoiletthatnightwasdelightfultobehold。Feelinginadaringmood，shereleasedherprettyhairfromthebraidsinwhichsheusuallyworeitandpermittedthecurlstodisplaythemselvesinalltheirbrownabundance，especiallyseveraldangerouslittleonesaboutthetemplesandforehead。Theputtingonoftherescuedcollarandcuffswasataskwhichabsorbedherwholemind。Sowasthesettlingofaminutebitofcourt-plasterjusttotheleftofthedimpleinherchin，anunusualpieceofcoquetryinwhichPollywouldnothaveindulged，ifanalmostinvisiblescratchhadnotgivenheranexcusefordoingit。Thewhite，down-trimmedcloak，withcertainimposingornamentsonthehood，wasassumedwithbecominggravityanddrapedwithmuchadvancingandretreatingbeforetheglass，asitswearerpractisedthetrueBostongait，elbowsback，shouldersforward，abendandaslide，occasionallyvariedbyaslightskip。Butwhenthatbonnetwenton，PollyactuallyheldherbreathtillitwassafelylandedandthepinkrosebloomedabovethesmoothwavesofhairwithwhatFannycalled"aravishingeffect。"
AtthissuccessfulstageofaffairsPollyfounditimpossibletoresisttheloanofapairofgoldbandsforthewristsandFanny\'swhitefanwiththelittlemirrorinthemiddle。
"IcanputtheminmypocketifIfeeltoomuchdressed，"saidPollyasshesnappedonthebracelets，butafterawaveortwoofthefanshefeltthatitwouldbeimpossibletotakethemofftilltheeveningwasover，soenticingwastheirglitter。
Fannyalsolentherapairofthree-buttongloves，whichcompletedhercontent，andwhenTomgreetedherwithanapproving，"Here\'sasightforgodsandmen!Why，Polly，you\'regorgeous!"shefeltthather"fun"haddecidedlybegun。
"Wouldn\'tPollymakealovelybride？"saidMaud，whowasrevolvingaboutthetwogirls，tryingtodecidewhethershewouldhaveablueorawhitecloakwhenshegrewupandwenttooperas。
"Faith，andshewould!Allowmetocongratulateyou，Mrs。Sydney，"addedTom，advancingwithhiswedding-receptionbowandawickedlookatFanny。
"Goaway!Howdareyou？"criedPolly，growingmuchredderthanherrose。
"Ifwearegoingtotheoperato-night，perhapswe\'dbetterstart，asthecarriagehasbeenwaitingsometime，"observedFancoolly，andsailedoutoftheroominanunusuallyloftymanner。
"Don\'tyoulikeit，Polly？"whisperedTom，astheywentdownstairstogether。
"Verymuch。"
"Thedeuceyoudo!"
"I\'msofondofmusic，howcanIhelpit？
"I\'mtalkingaboutSyd。"
"Well，I\'mnot。"
"You\'dbettertryforhim。"
"I\'llthinkofit。"
"Oh，Polly，Polly，whatareyoucomingto？"
"Atumbleintothestreet，apparently，"answeredPollyassheslippedalittleonthestep，andTomstoppedinthemiddleofhislaughtopilothersafelyintothecarriage，whereFannywasalreadyseated。
"Here\'srichness!"saidPollytoherselfassherolledaway，feelingasCinderellaprobablydidwhenthepumpkin-coachborehertothefirstball，onlyPollyhadtwoprincestothinkabout，andpoorCinderella，onthatoccasion，hadnotevenone。Fannydidn\'tseeminclinedtotalkmuch，andTomwouldgooninsucharidiculousmannerthatPollytoldhimshewouldn\'tlistenandbegantohumbitsoftheopera。Butsheheardeveryword，nevertheless，andresolvedtopayhimforhisimpertinenceassoonaspossiblebyshowinghimwhathehadlost。
Theirseatswereinthebalcony，andhardlyweretheysettled，when，byoneofthoseremarkablecoincidenceswhicharecontinuallyoccurringinouryouth，Mr。SydneyandFanny\'soldfriendFrankMooretooktheirplacesjustbehindthem。
"Oh，youvillain!Youdiditonpurpose，"whisperedPollyassheturnedfromgreetingtheirneighborsandsawadrolllookonTom\'sface。
"IgiveyoumywordIdidn\'t。It\'sthelawofattraction，don\'tyousee？"
"IfFanlikesit，Idon\'tcare。"
"Shelooksresigned，Ithink。"
Shecertainlydid，forshewastalkingandlaughinginthegayestmannerwithFrankwhileSydneywascovertlysurveyingPollyasifhedidn\'tquiteunderstandhowthegraygrubgotsosuddenlytransformedintoawhitebutterfly。
Itisawell-knownfactthatdressplaysaveryimportantpartinthelivesofmostwomenandeventhemostsensiblecannothelpowningsometimeshowmuchhappinesstheyowetoabecominggown，gracefullyarrangedhair，orabonnetwhichbringsoutthebestpointsintheirfacesandputstheminagoodhumor。Agreatmanwasonceheardtosaythatwhatfirstattractedhimtohiswell-belovedwifewasseeingherinawhitemuslindresswithablueshawlonthechairbehindher。Thedresscaughthiseye，and，stoppingtoadmirethat，thewearer\'sintelligentconversationinterestedhismind，andintime，thewoman\'ssweetnesswonhisheart。Itisnotthefinestdresswhichdoesthemostexecution，Ifancy，butthatwhichbestinterpretsindividualtasteandcharacter。Wisepeopleunderstandthis，andeverybodyismoreinfluencedbyitthantheyknow，perhaps。Pollywasnotverywise，butshefeltthateveryoneaboutherfoundsomethingmoreattractivethanusualinherandmodestlyattributedTom\'sdevotion，Sydney\'sinterest，andFrank\'sundisguisedadmiration，tothenewbonnetor，morelikely，tothatdelightfulcombinationofcashmere，silk，andswan\'s-down，which，likeCharity\'smantle，seemedtocoveramultitudeofsinsinotherpeople\'seyesandexaltthelittlemusicteachertotherankofayounglady。
Pollyscoffedatthissortofthingsometimes，butto-nightsheaccepteditwithoutamurmur；ratherenjoyeditinfact，letherbraceletsshinebeforetheeyesofallmen，andfeltthatitwasgoodtoseemcomelyintheirsight。Sheforgotonething，however:thatherownhappyspiritsgavethecrowningcharmtoapicturewhicheveryonelikedtosee；ablitheyounggirlenjoyingherselfwithallherheart。Themusicandthelight，costumeandcompany，excitedPollyandmademanythingspossiblewhichatmosttimesshewouldneverhavethoughtofsayingordoing。Shedidnotmeantoflirt，butsomehow"itflirteditself"andshecouldn\'thelpit，for，oncestarted，itwashardtostop，withTomgoadingheron，andSydneylookingatherwiththatnewinterestinhiseyes。Polly\'sflirtingwassuchaverymildimitationofthefashionablethingthatTrix&；
Co。wouldnothaverecognizedit，butitdidverywellforabeginner，andPollyunderstoodthatnightwhereinthefascinationofitlay，forshefeltasifshehadfoundanewgiftallofasudden，andwaslearninghowtouseit，knowingthatitwasdangerous，yetfindingitschiefcharminthatveryfact。
Tomdidn\'tknowwhattomakeofheratfirst，thoughhethoughtthechangeuncommonlybecomingandfinallydecidedthatPollyhadtakenhisadviceandwas"settinghercapforSyd，"ashegracefullyexpressedit。
Sydney，beingamodestman，thoughtnothingofthekind，butsimplyfanciedthatlittlePollywasgrowinguptobeaverycharmingwoman。Hehadknownhersinceherfirstvisitandhadalwayslikedthechild；thiswinterhehadbeeninterestedinthesuccessofherplansandhaddonewhathecouldtohelpthem，butheneverthoughtoffailinginlovewithPollytillthatnight。Thenhebegantofeelthathehadnotfullyappreciatedhisyoungfriend；thatshewassuchabrightandlovablegirl，itwasapitysheshouldnotalwaysbegayandpretty，andenjoyherself；thatshewouldmakeacapitalwifeforsomebody，andperhapsitwasabouttimetothinkof"settling，"ashissisteroftensaid。Thesethoughtscameandwentashewatchedthewhitefigureinfront，felttheenchantmentofthemusic，andfoundeverybodyunusuallyblitheandbeautiful。Hehadheardtheoperamanytimes，butithadneverseemedsofinebefore，perhapsbecausehehadneverhappenedtohavehadaningenuousyoungfacesonearhiminwhichthevaryingemotionsbornofthemusic，andtheromanceitportrayed，cameandwentsoeloquentlythatitwasimpossibletohelpreadingthem。Pollydidnotknowthatthiswaswhyheleaneddownsooftentospeaktoher，withanexpressionwhichshedidnotunderstandbutlikedverymuchnevertheless。
"Don\'tshutyoureyes，Polly。Theyaresofullofmischiefto-night，Iliketoseethem，"saidTom，afteridlywonderingforaminuteifsheknewhowlongandcurlyherlasheswere。
"Idon\'twishtolookaffected，butthemusictellsthestorysomuchbetterthantheactingthatIdon\'tcaretolookonhalfthetime，"answeredPolly，hopingTomwouldn\'tseethetearsshehadsocleverlysuppressed。
"NowIliketheactingbest。Themusicisallveryfine，Iknow，butitdoesseemsoabsurdforpeopletogoroundtellingtremendoussecretsatthetopoftheirvoices。Ican\'tgetusedtoit。"
"That\'sbecauseyou\'vemorecommon-sensethanromance。Idon\'tmindtheabsurdity，andquitelongtogoandcomfortthatpoorgirlwiththebrokenheart，"saidPollywithasighasthecurtainfellonamostaffectingtableau。
"What\'s-his-nameisagreatjacknottoseethatsheadoreshim。Inreallifewefellowsain\'tsuchbatsasallthat，"observedTom，whohaddecidedopinionsonmanysubjectsthatheknewverylittleabout，andexpressedthemwithgreatcandor。
AcurioussmilepassedoverPolly\'sfaceandsheputupherglasstohidehereyes，asshesaid:；
"Ithinkyouarebatssometimes，butwomenaretaughttowearmasks，andthataccountsforit，Isuppose。"
"Idon\'tagree。There\'spreciouslittlemaskingnowadays；wishtherewasalittlemoresometimes，"addedTom，thinkingofseveralbloomingdamselswhosebeseechingeyeshadbeggedhimnottoleavethemtowitherontheparentstem。
"Ihopenot，butIguessthere\'sagooddealmorethananyonewouldsuspect。"
"Whatcanyouknowaboutbrokenheartsandblightedbeings？"askedSydney，smilingatthegirl\'spensivetone。
Pollyglancedupathimandherfacedimpledandshoneagain，assheanswered，laughing:；
"Notmuch；mytimeistocome。"
"Ican\'timagineyouwalkingabouttheworldwithyourbackhairdown，bewailingahard-heartedlover，"saidTom。
"NeithercanI。Thatwouldn\'tbemyway。"
"No；MissPollywouldletconcealmentpreyonherdamaskcheeksandstillsmileoninthenovelfashion，orturnsisterofcharityandnursetheheartlessloverthroughsmall-pox，orsomeothercontagiousdisease，anddieseraphically，leavinghimtotheagoniesofremorseandtardylove。"
PollygaveSydneyanindignantlookashesaidthatinaslowsatiricalwaythatnettledherverymuch，forshehatedtobethoughtsentimental。
"That\'snotmywayeither，"shesaiddecidedly。"I\'dtrytooutliveit，andifIcouldn\'t，I\'dtrytobethebetterforit。Disappointmentneedn\'tmakeawomanafool。"
"Noranoldmaid，ifshe\'sprettyandgood。Rememberthat，anddon\'tvisitthesinsofoneblockheadonalltherestofmankind，"saidTom，laughingatherearnestness。
"Idon\'tthinkthereistheslightestpossibilityofMissPolly\'sbeingeither，"addedSydneywithalookwhichmadeitevidentthatconcealmenthadnotseriouslydamagedPolly\'sdamaskcheekasyet。
"There\'sClaraBird。Ihaven\'tseenherbutoncesinceshewasmarried。
Howprettyshelooks!"andPollyretiredbehindthebigglassagain，thinkingthechatwasbecomingratherpersonal。
"Now，there\'sagirlwhotriedadifferentcureforunrequitedaffectionfromanyyoumention。PeoplesayshewasfondofBelle\'sbrother。Hedidn\'treciprocatebutwentofftoIndiatospoilhisconstitution，soClaramarriedamantwentyyearsolderthansheisandconsolesherselfbybeingthebest-dressedwomaninthecity。"
"Thataccountsforit，"saidPolly，whenTom\'slongwhisperended。
"Forwhat？"
"Thetiredlookinhereyes。"
"Idon\'tseeit，"saidTom，afterasurveythroughtheglass。
"Didn\'texpectyouwould。"
"Iseewhatyoumean。Agoodmanywomenhaveitnowadays，"saidSydneyoverPolly\'sshoulder。
"What\'sshetiredof？Theoldgentleman？"askedTom。
"Andherself，"addedPolly。
"You\'vebeenreadingFrenchnovels，Iknowyouhave。That\'sjustthewaytheheroinesgoon，"criedTom。
"Ihaven\'treadone，butit\'sevidentyouhave，youngman，andyou\'dbetterstop。"
"Idon\'tcarefor\'em；onlydoittokeepupmyFrench。Buthowcameyoutobesowise，ma\'am？"
"Observation，sir。Iliketowatchfaces，andIseldomseeagrown-uponethatlooksperfectlyhappy。"
"Trueforyou，Polly；nomoreyoudo，nowIthinkofit。Idon\'tknowbutonethatalwayslooksso，andthereitis。"
"Where？"askedPolly，withinterest。
"Lookstraightbeforeyouandyou\'llseeit。"
Pollydidlook，butallshesawwasherownfaceinthelittlemirrorofthefanwhichTomheldupandpeepedoverwithalaughinhiseyes。
"DoIlookhappy？I\'mgladofthat，"AndPollysurveyedherselfwithcare。
Bothyoungmenthoughtitwasgirlishvanityandsmiledatitsnaivedisplay，butPollywaslookingforsomethingdeeperthanbeautyandwasgladnottofindit。
"Ratherapleasantlittleprospect，hey，Polly？"
"Mybonnetisstraight，andthat\'sallIcareabout。DidyoueverseeapictureofBeauBrummel？"askedPollyquickly。
"No。"
"Well，thereheis，modernized。"Andturningthefan，sheshowedhimhimself。
"Anymoreportraitsinyourgallery？"askedSydney，asifhelikedtoshareallthenonsensegoing。
"Onemore。"
"Whatdoyoucallit？"
"Theportraitofagentleman。"Andthelittleglassreflectedagratifiedfaceforthespaceoftwoseconds。
"Thankyou。I\'mgladIdon\'tdisgracemyname，"saidSydney，lookingdownintothemerryblueeyesthatthankedhimsilentlyformanyofthesmallkindnessesthatwomennevercanforget。
"Verygood，Polly，youaregettingonfast，"whisperedTom，pattinghisyellowkidsapprovingly。
"Bequiet!Dearme，howwarmitis!"AndPollygavehimafrownthatdelightedhissoul。
"Comeoutandhaveanice，weshallhavetime。"
"Fanissoabsorbed，Icouldn\'tthinkofdisturbingher，"saidPolly，fancyingthatherfriendwasenjoyingtheeveningasmuchasshewas；agreatmistake，bytheway，forFanwasactingforeffect，andthoughshelongedtoturnandjointhem，wouldn\'tdoit，unlessacertainpersonshowedsignsofmissingher。Hedidn\'t，andFannychattedon，raginginwardlyoverherdisappointment，andwonderinghowPollycouldbesogayandselfish。
ItwasdelicioustoseethelittleairsPollyputon，forshefeltasifsheweresomebodyelse，andactingapart。Sheleanedback，asifquiteoppressedbytheheat，permittedSydneytofanher，andpaidhimfortheservicebygivinghimaflowerfromherbouquet，proceedingswhichamusedTomimmensely，evenwhileitpiquedhimalittletobetreatedlikeanoldfriendwhodidn\'tcount。
"Goinandwin，Polly；I\'llgiveyoumyblessing，"hewhispered，asthecurtainroseagain。
"It\'sonlypartofthefun，sodon\'tyoulaugh，youdisrespectfulboy，"
shewhisperedbackinatoneneverusedtowardSydney。
Tomdidn\'tquitelikethedifferentwayinwhichshetreatedthem，andtheword"boy"disturbedhisdignity，forhewasalmosttwenty-oneandPollyoughttotreathimwithmorerespect。SydneyatthesamemomentwaswishinghewasinTom\'splace；young，comely，andsuchafamiliarfriendthatPollywouldscoldandlecturehiminthedelightfulwayshedidTom；whilePollyforgotthembothwhenthemusicbeganandleftthemampletimetolookatherandthinkaboutthemselves。
WhiletheywaitedtogetoutwhenallwasoverPollyheardFanwhispertoTom:；
"WhatdoyouthinkTrixwillsaytothis？"
"Whatdoyoumean？"
"Why，thewayyou\'vebeengoingonto-night。"
"Don\'tknow，anddon\'tcare；it\'sonlyPolly。"
"That\'stheverything。Shecan\'tbearP。"
"Well，Ican；andIdon\'tseewhyIshouldn\'tenjoymyselfaswellasTrix。"
"You\'llgettoenjoyingyourselftoomuchifyouaren\'tcareful。Polly\'swakedup。"
"I\'mgladofit，andso\'sSyd。"
"Ionlyspokeforyourgood。"
"Don\'ttroubleyourselfaboutme；Igetlecturingenoughinanotherquarterandcan\'tstandanymore。Come，Polly。"
Shetookthearmheofferedher，butherheartwassoreandangry，forthatphrase，"It\'sonlyPolly，"hurthersadly。"AsifIwasn\'tanybody，hadn\'tanyfeelings，andwasonlymadetoamuseorworkforpeople!FanandTomarebothmistakenandI\'llshowthemthatPollyisawake，"
shethought，indignantly。"Whyshouldn\'tIenjoymyselfaswellastherest？Besides，it\'sonlyTom，"sheaddedwithabittersmileasshethoughtofTrix。
"Areyoutired，Polly？"askedTom，bendingdowntolookintoherface。
"Yes，ofbeingnobody。"
"Ah，butyouain\'tnobody，you\'rePolly，andyoucouldn\'tbetterthatifyoutriedeversohard。"saidTom，warmly，forhereallywasfondofPolly，andfeltuncommonlysojustthen。
"I\'mgladyouthinkso，anyway。It\'ssopleasanttobeliked。"Andshelookedupwithherfacequitebrightagain。
"Ialwaysdidlikeyou，don\'tyouknow，eversincethatfirstvisit。"
"Butyouteasedmeshamefully，forallthat。"
"SoIdid，butIdon\'tnow。"
Pollydidnotanswer，andTomasked，withmoreanxietythantheoccasionrequired:
"DoI，Polly？"
"Notinthesameway，Tom，"sheansweredinatonethatdidn\'tsoundquitenatural。
"Well，Ineverwillagain。"
"Yes，youwill，youcan\'thelpit。"AndPolly\'seyeglancedatSydney，whowasinfrontwithFan。
Tomlaughed，anddrewPollycloserasthecrowdpressed，saying，withmocktenderness:
"Didn\'tsheliketobechaffedabouthersweethearts？Well，sheshan\'tbeifIcanhelpit。Poordear，didshegetherlittlebonnetknockedintoacockedhatandherlittletemperriledatthesametime？"
Pollycouldn\'thelplaughing，and，inspiteofthecrush，enjoyedtheslowjourneyfromseattocarriage，forTomtooksuchexcellentcareofher，shewasrathersorrywhenitwasover。
Theyhadamerrylittlesupperaftertheygothome，andPollygavethemaburlesqueoperathatconvulsedherhearers，forherspiritsroseagainandshewasdeterminedtogetthelastdropoffunbeforeshewentbacktoherhumdrumlifeagain。
"I\'vehadaregularlysplendidtime，andthankyoueversomuch，"shesaidwhenthe"good-nights"werebeingexchanged。
"SohaveI。Let\'sgoanddoitagainto-morrow，"saidTom，holdingthehandfromwhichhehadhelpedtopullarefractoryglove。
"Notforalongwhile，please。Toomuchpleasurewouldsoonspoilme，"
answeredPolly，shakingherhead。
"Idon\'tbelieveit。Good-night，\'sweetMistressMilton，\'asSydcalledyou。Sleeplikeanangel，anddon\'tdreamof；Iforgot，noteasingallowed。"
AndTomtookhimselfoffwithatheatricalfarewell。
"Nowit\'salloveranddonewith，"thoughtPollyasshefellasleepafteralongvigil。Butitwasnot，andPolly\'sfuncostmorethanthepriceofglovesandbonnet，for，havingnibbledatforbiddenfruit，shehadtopaythepenalty。Sheonlymeanttohaveagoodtime，andtherewasnoharminthat，butunfortunatelysheyieldedtothevarioussmalltemptationsthatbesetprettyyounggirlsanddidmoremischieftoothersthantoherself。
Fanny\'sfriendshipgrewcoolerafterthatnight。TomkeptwishingTrixwashalfassatisfactoryasPolly，andMr。Sydneybegantobuildcastlesthathadnofoundation。ChapterXIII。ChapterXIII。CHAPTERXIIITHESUNNYSIDE"I\'VEwonthewager，Tom。"
"Didn\'tknowtherewasone。"
"Don\'tyourememberyousaidPollywouldbetiredofherteachingandgiveitupinthreemonths，andIsaidshewouldn\'t？"
"Well，isn\'tshe？"
"Notabitofit。Ithoughtshewasatonetime，andexpectedeverydaytohavehercomeinwithalongface，andsayshecouldn\'tstandit。
Butsomehow，lately，sheisalwaysbrightandhappy，seemstolikeherwork，anddon\'thavethetired，worriedlooksheusedtoatfirst。Thethreemonthsareout，sopayup，Tommy。"
"Allright，whatwillyouhave？"
"Youmaymakeitgloves。Ialwaysneedthem，andpapalookssoberwhenIwantmoney。"
Therewasaminute\'spauseasFanreturnedtoherpractising，andTomrelapsedintothereveriehewasenjoyingseatedastrideofachair，withhischinonhisfoldedarms。
"SeemstomePollydon\'tcomehereasoftenassheusedto，"hesaid，presently。
"No，sheseemstobeverybusy；gotsomenewfriends，Ibelieve，；oldladies，sewing-girls，andthingsofthatsort。Imissher，butknowshe\'llgettiredofbeinggoody，andwillcomebacktomebeforelong。"
"Don\'tbetoosureofthat，ma\'am。"SomethinginTom\'stonemadeFanturnround，andask，；
"Whatdoyoumean？"
"Well，itstrikesmethatSydneyisoneofPolly\'snewfriends。Haven\'tyouobservedthatsheisuncommonlyjolly，anddon\'tthatsortofthingaccountforit？"
"Nonsense!"saidFanny，sharply。
"Hopeitis，"coollyreturnedTom。
"Whatputitintoyourhead？"demandedFanny，twirlingroundagainsothatherfacewashidden。
"Oh，well，IkeepmeetingSydandPollycirculatinginthesamedirections；
shelooksasifshehadfoundsomethinguncommonlynice，andhelooksasifallcreationwasgettingPollyfiedprettyrapidly。Wonderyouhaven\'tobservedit。"
"Ihave。"
ItwasTom\'sturntolooksurprisednow，forFanny\'svoicesoundedstrangetohim。Helookedathersteadilyforaminute，butsawonlyarosyearandabenthead。Acloudpassedoverhisface，andheleanedhischinonhisarmagainwithadespondentwhistle，ashesaidtohimself，；
"PoorFan!Bothofusinascrapeatonce。"
"Don\'tyouthinkitwouldbeagoodthing？"askedFanny，afterplayingabarortwo，verybadly。
"Yes，forSyd。"
"NotforPolly？Why，he\'srich，andclever，andbetterthanmostofyougood-for-nothingfellows。Whatcanthegirlexpect？"
"Can\'tsay，butIdon\'tfancythematchmyself。"
"Don\'tbeadoginthemanger，Tom。"
"Blessyourlittleheart，IonlytakeabrotherlysortofinterestinPolly。She\'sacapitalgirl，andsheoughttomarryamissionary，oroneofyourreformerfellows，andbeashininglightofsomesort。Idon\'tthinksettingupforafineladywouldsuither。"
"Ithinkitwould，andIhopeshe\'llhavethechance，"saidFanny，evidentlymakinganefforttospeakkindly。
"Goodforyou，Fan!"andTomgaveanemphaticnod，asifherwordsmeantmorethanshesuspected"Mindyou，"headded，"Idon\'tknowanything，andonlyfanciedtheremightbesomelittleflirtationgoingon。ButIdaresayit\'snothing。"
"Timewillshow。"ThenFanbegantosing，andTom\'shorsecame，sohedepartedwiththeveryunusualdemonstrationofagentlepatonthehead，ashesaidkindly，；
"That\'sright，mydear，keepjolly。"Itwasn\'tanelegantwayofexpressingsympathy，butitwashearty，andFanthankedhimforit，thoughsheonlysaid，；
"Don\'tbreakyourneck，Tommy。"
Whenhewasgone，Fan\'ssongendedassuddenlyasitbegan，andshesatthinking，withvaryingexpressionsofdoubtandtroublepassingrapidlyacrossherface。
"Well，Ican\'tdoanythingbutwait!"shesaid，atlast，slammingthemusic-booktogetherwithadesperatelook。"Yes，Ican，"sheadded，aminuteafter，"it\'sPolly\'sholiday。Icangoandseeher，andifthereisanythinginitIshallfinditout。"
Fannydroppedherfaceintoherhands，withalittleshiver，asshesaidthat；thengotup，lookingaspaleandresoluteasifgoingtomeetsomedreadfuldoom，andputtingonherthings，wentawaytoPolly\'sasfastasherdignitywouldallow。
SaturdaymorningwasPolly\'sclearing-upday，andFanfoundherwithahandkerchieftiedoverherhead，andabigapronon，justputtingthelasttouchestothetidylittleroom，whichwasasfreshandbrightaswater，air，andapairofhandscouldmakeit。
"Allreadyforcompany。I\'lljustwhiskoffmyregimentals，andPolly，themaid，becomesPolly，themissis。Itwaslovelyofyoutocomeearly；
takeoffyourthings。Anothernewbonnet？youextravagantwretch!HowisyourmotherandMaudie？It\'saniceday，andwe\'llhaveawalk，won\'twe？"
BythetimePolly\'swelcomewasuttered，shehadgotFanonthelittlesofabesideher，andwassmilingatherinsuchaninfectiousmanner，thatFancouldn\'thelpsmilingback。
"Icametoseewhatyouhavebeendoingwithyourselflately。Youdon\'tcomeandreport，andIgotanxiousaboutyou，"saidFanny，lookingintothecleareyesbeforeher。
"I\'vebeensobusy；andIknewyouwouldn\'tcaretohearaboutmydoings，fortheyaren\'tthesortyoulike，"answeredPolly。
"Yourlessonsdidn\'tusetotakeupallyourtime。It\'smyprivateopinionthatyouaretakingaswellasgivinglessons，miss，"saidFan，puttingonaplayfullysternair，tohideherrealanxiety。
"Yes，Iam，"answeredPolly，soberly。
"Inwhat？Love？"
AquickcolorcametoPolly\'scheeks，asshelaughed，andsaid，lookingaway，"No；friendshipandgoodworks。"
"Oh，indeed!MayIaskwhoisyourteacher？"
"I\'vemorethanone；butMissMillsisheadteacher。"
"Sheinstructsingoodworks；whogivesthefriendshiplessons？"
"Suchpleasantgirls!Iwishyouknewthem，Fan。Soclever，andenergetic，andkind，andhappy，italwaysdoesmegoodtoseethem，"criedPolly，withafacefullofenthusiasm。
"Isthatall？"AndFangaveheracuriouslookofmingleddisappointmentandrelief。
"There，Itoldyoumydoingswouldnotinterestyou，andtheydon\'t；
theysoundflatandprosyafteryourbrilliantadventures。Let\'schangethesubject，"saidPolly，lookingrelievedherself。
"Dearme，whichofoursweetheartssendsusdaintybouquetsofvioletssoearlyinthemorning？"askedFanny，suddenlyspyingthepurpleclusterinagracefullittlevaseonthepiano。
"Hesendsmeoneeveryweek；heknowsIlovethemso，"andPolly\'seyesturnedthatwayfullofprideandpleasure。
"I\'dnoideahewassodevoted，"saidFanny，stoopingtosmelltheflowers，andatthesametimereadacardthatlaynearthem。
"Youneedn\'tplaguemeaboutit，nowyouknowit。Ineverspeakofourfondnessforoneanother，becausesuchthingsseemsillytootherpeople。
Willisn\'tallthatJimmywastome；buthetriestobe，andIlovehimdearlyforit。"
"Will？"Fanny\'svoicequitestartledPolly，itwassosharpandsudden，andherfacegrewredandpaleallinaminute，assheupsetthelittlevasewiththestartshegave。
"Yes，ofcourse；whodidyouthinkImeant？"askedPolly，soppingupthewaterbeforeitdamagedherpiano。
"Nevermind；Ithoughtyoumightbehavingaquietlittleflirtationwithsomebody。Ifeelresponsible，youknow，becauseItoldyourmotherI\'dlookafteryou。Theflowersareallright。Myheadachesso，IhardlyknowwhatI\'mdoingthismorning。"
Fannyspokefast，andlaugheduncomfortably，asshewentbacktothesofa，wonderingifPollyhadtoldheralie。Pollyseemedtoguessatherthoughtsasshesawthecard，andturningtowardher，shehelditup，saying，withaconsciouslookinhereyes，；
"YouthoughtMr。Sydneysentthem？Well，youaremistaken，andthenexttimeyouwanttoknowanything，pleaseaskstraightout。Ilikeitbetterthantalkingatcrosspurposes。"
"Now，mydear，don\'tbeangry；Iwasonlyteasingyouinfun。Tomtookitintohisfoolishheadthatsomethingwasgoingon，andIfeltanaturalinterest，youknow。"
"Tom!Whatdoesheknoworcareaboutmyaffairs？"demandedPolly。
"Hemetyoutwointhestreetprettyoften，andbeinginasentimentalmoodhimself，gotuparomanceforyouandSydney。"
"I\'mmuchobligedtohimforhisinterest，butit\'squitewasted，thankyou。"
Fan\'snextproceedinggaveherfriendanothersurprise，for，beingratherashamedofherself，verymuchrelieved，andquiteatalosswhattosay，shetookrefugeinanhystericalfitoftears，whichchangedPolly\'sangerintotendernessatonce。
"Isthatthetroubleshehasbeenhidingallwinter？Poordear，IwishI\'dknownitsooner，"thoughtPolly，asshetriedtosootheherwithcomfortablepats，sniffsofcologneandsympathizingremarksuponthesubjectofheadache，carefullyignoringthatotherfeminineaffliction，theheartache。
"There，Ifeelbetter。I\'vebeenneedingagoodcryforsometime，andnowIshallbeallright。Nevermindit，Polly，I\'mnervousandtired；
I\'vedancedtoomuchlately，anddyspepsiamakesmeblue；"andFannywipedhereyesandlaughed。
"Ofcourseitdoes；youneedrestandpetting，andhereI\'vebeenscoldingyou，whenIoughttohavebeenextrakind。NowtellmewhatIcandoforyou，"saidPolly，witharemorsefulface。
"Talktome，andtellmeallaboutyourself。Youdon\'tseemtohaveasmanyworriesasotherpeople。What\'sthesecret，Polly？"AndFanlookedupwithweteyes，andawistfulfaceatPolly，whowasputtinglittledabsofcolognealloverherhead。
"Well，"saidPolly，slowly，"Ijusttrytolookonthebrightsideofthings；thathelpsoneamazingly。Why，you\'venoideahowmuchgoodnessandsunshineyoucangetoutofthemostunpromisingthings，ifyoumakethebestofthem。"
"Idon\'tknowhow，"saidFan，despondently。
"Youcanlearn；Idid。Iusedtocroakandfretdreadfully，andgetsounhappy，Iwasn\'tfitforanything。IdoitstillmorethanIought，butItrynotto，anditgetseasier，Ifind。Geta-topofyourtroubles，andthentheyarehalfcured，MissMillssays。"
