第10章

"Everythingissocontraryandprovoking，"saidFanny，petulantly。

"Nowwhatintheworldhaveyoutofretabout？"askedPolly，ratheranxiously。

"Quantitiesofthings，"beganFan，andthenstopped，forsomehowshefeltashamedtoownthatshewasafflictedbecauseshecouldn\'thaveanewsetoffurs，gotoParisinthespring，andmakeMr。Sydneyloveher。

Shehuntedupsomethingmorepresentable，andsaidinadespairingtone，­；

"Well，motherisverypoorly，TomandTrixquarrelallthetime，Maudgetsmoreandmorewilfuleveryday，andpapaisworriedabouthisaffairs。"

"Asadstateofthings，butnothingverydesperate。Can\'tyoulendahandanywhere？Thatmightdogoodallround。"

"No；Ihaven\'tthetalentformanagingpeople，butIseewhatoughttobedone。"

"Well，don\'twailaboutit；keepyourselfhappy，ifyoucan；

itwillhelpotherpeopletoseeyoucheerful。"

"JustwhatTomsaid，\'Keepjolly\'；but，dearme，howcanone，wheneverythingissostupidandtiresome？"

"Ifeveragirlneededwork，it\'syou!"criedPolly。"Youbegantobeayoungladysoearly，thatyouaretiredofeverythingattwenty-two。

Iwishyou\'dgoatsomething，thenyou\'dfindhowmuchtalentandenergyyoureallyhad。"

"Iknoweversomanygirlswhoarejustlikeme，sicktodeathoffashionablelifebutdon\'tknowwhattotakeinitsplace。I\'dliketotravel；butpapasayshecan\'taffordit，soIcanonlydragaboutandgetonasI

may。"

"Ipityyourichgirlssomuch，youhavesomanyopportunities，anddon\'tseemtoknowhowtousethem!IsupposeIshoulddojustthesameinyourplace，butitseemsnowasifIcouldbeveryhappyandusefulwithplentyofmoney。"

"Youarethatwithoutit。There，Iwon\'tcroakanymore。Letusgoandtakeagoodwalk，anddon\'tyoutellanyonehowIcameandcriedlikeababy。"

"Never!"saidPolly，puttingonherbonnet。

"Ioughttogoandmakecalls，"saidFanny，"butIdon\'tfeelnowasifIeverwantedtoseeanyofthegirlsagain。Dreadfulstateofmind，isn\'tit？"

"Supposeyoucomeandseesomeofmyfriendsinstead!Theyarenotfineorceremonious，butlively，odd，andpleasant。Come，itwillamuseyou。"

"Iwill，"criedFanny，whosespiritsseemedimprovedbytheshower。

"Nicelittleoldlady，isn\'tshe？"addedFan，asshecaughtsightofMissMills，ontheirwayout，sittingatatablepiledwithwork，andsewingawaywithanenergythatmadethegraycurlsvibrate。

"SaintMehitable，Icallher。Now，thereisarichwomanwhoknewhowtogethappinessoutofhermoney，"saidPolly，astheywalkedaway。"Shewaspoortillshewasnearlyfifty；thenacomfortablefortunewaslefther，andsheknewjusthowtouseit。Thathousewasgivenher，butinsteadoflivinginitallalone，shefilleditwithpoorgentlefolkswhoneededneat，respectablehomes，butcouldn\'tgetanythingcomfortablefortheirlittlemoney。I\'moneofthem，andIknowtheworthofwhatshedoesforme。Twooldwidowladieslivebelowme，severalstudentsoverhead，poorMrs。Keanandherlameboyhavethebackparlor，andJennythelittlebedroomnextMissMills。Eachpayswhattheycan；that\'sindependent，andmakesusfeelbetterbutthatdearwomandoesathousandthingsthatmoneycan\'tpayfor，andwefeelherinfluenceallthroughthehouse。I\'dratherbemarried，andhaveahomeofmyown；butnexttothat，IshouldliketobeanoldmaidlikeMissMills。"

Polly\'ssoberfaceandemphatictonemadeFannylaugh，andatthecheerysoundayounggirlpushingababy-carriagelookedroundandsmiled。

Whatlovelyeyes!"whisperedFanny。

Yes，that\'slittleJane，"returnedPolly，adding，whenshehadpassed，withanodandafriendly"Don\'tgettired，Jenny，""wehelponeanotheratourhouse，andeveryfinemorningJennytakesJohnnyKeanoutwhenshegoesforherownwalk。Thatgiveshismothertimetorest，doesboththechildrengood，andkeepsthingsneighborly。MissMillssuggestedit，andJennyissogladtodoanythingforanybody，it\'sapleasuretolether。"

"I\'veheardofMissMillsbefore。ButIshouldthinkshewouldgettiredtodeath，sittingtheremakinghoodsandpetticoatsdayafterday，"

saidFanny，afterthinkingoverJenny\'sstoryforafewminutes，forseeingthegirlseemedtobringitnearer，andmakeitmorerealtoher。

"Butshedon\'tsitthereallthetime。Peoplecometoherwiththeirtroubles，andshegoestothemwithallsortsofhelp，fromsoapandsoup，toshroudsforthedeadandcomfortfortheliving。Igowithhersometimes，anditismoreexcitingthananyplay，toseeandhearthelivesandstoriesofthepoor。"

"Howcanyoubearthedreadfulsightsandsounds，thebadair，andthepovertythatcan\'tbecured？"

"Butitisn\'talldreadful。Therearegoodandlovelythingsamongthem，ifoneonlyhaseyestoseethem。Itmakesmegratefulandcontented，showsmehowrichIam，andkeepsmereadytodoallIcanforthesepoorsouls。"

"MygoodPolly!"andFannygaveherfriendsarmanaffectionatesqueeze，wonderingifitwasthisalonethathadworkedthechangeinPolly。

"Youhaveseentwoofmynewfriends，MissMillsandJenny，nowI\'llshowyoutwomore，"saidPolly，presently，astheyreachedadoor，andsheledthewayupseveralflightsofpublicstairs。"RebeccaJeffreyisaregularlysplendidgirl，fulloftalent；shewon\'tletuscallitgenius；

shewillbefamoussomeday，Iknow，sheissomodest，andyetsointentonherwork。LizzieSmallisanengraver，anddesignsthemostdelightfullittlepictures。Beckyandshelivetogether，andtakecareofoneanotherintrueDamonandPythiasstyle。Thisstudioistheirhome，­；theywork，eat，sleep，andlivehere，goinghalvesineverything。Theyareallaloneintheworld，butashappyandindependentasbirds；realfriends，whomnothingwillpart。"

"Letalovercomebetweenthem，andtheirfriendshipwon\'tlastlong，"

saidFanny。

"Ithinkitwill。Takealookatthem，andyou\'llchangeyourmind，"

answeredPolly，tappingatadoor，onwhichtwomodestcardsweretacked。

"Comein!"saidavoice，andobeying，Fannyfoundherselfinalarge，queerlyfurnishedroom，lightedfromabove，andoccupiedbytwogirls。

Onestoodbeforeagreatclayfigure，inacorner。Thisonewastall，withastrongface，keeneyes，short，curlyhair，andafinehead。Fannywasstruckatoncebythisfaceandfigure，thoughtheonewasnothandsome，andtheotherhalfhiddenbyagreatpinaforecoveredwithclay。Atatablewherethelightwasclearest，satafrail-lookinggirl，withathinface，bigeyes，andpalehair，­；adreamy，absorbedlittleperson，whobentoverablock，skillfullywieldinghertools。

"BeckyandBess，howdoyoudo？Thisismyfriend，FannyShaw。Weareoutonarampage；sogoonwithyourwork，andletuslazyoneslookonandadmire。"

AsPollyspoke，bothgirlslookedupandnodded，smilingly；BessgaveFantheoneeasy-chair；Beckytookanartisticsurveyofthenew-comer，witheyesthatseemedtoseeeverything；theneachwentonwithherwork，andallbegantotalk。

"YouarejustwhatIwant，Polly。Pullupyoursleeve，andgivemeanarmwhileyousit；themusclesherearen\'tright，andyou\'vegotjustwhatIwant，"saidBecky，slappingtheroundarmofthestatue，atwhichFanwasgazingwithawe。

"Howdoyougeton？"askedPolly，throwingoffhercloak，androllinguphersleeves，asifgoingtowashing。

"Slowly。Theideaisworkingitselfclear，andIfollowasfastasmyhandscan。Isthefacebetter，doyouthink？"saidBecky，takingoffawetcloth，andshowingtheheadofthestatue。

"Howbeautifulitis!"criedFanny，staringatitwithincreasedrespect。

"Whatdoesitmeantoyou？"askedRebecca，turningtoherwithasuddenshineinherkeeneyes。

"Idon\'tknowwhetheritismeantforasaintoramuse，agoddessorafate；buttomeitisonlyabeautifulwoman，bigger，lovelier，andmoreimposingthananywomanIeversaw，"answeredFanny，slowly，tryingtoexpresstheimpressionthestatuemadeuponher。

Rebeccasmiledbrightly，andBesslookedroundtonodapprovingly，butPollyclappedherhands，andsaid，­；

"Welldone，Fan!Ididn\'tthinkyou\'dgettheideasowell，butyouhave，andI\'mproudofyourinsight。NowI\'lltellyou，forBeckywillletme，sinceyouhavepaidherthecomplimentofunderstandingherwork。Sometimeagowegotintoafamoustalkaboutwhatwomenshouldbe，andBeckysaidshe\'dshowusherideaofthecomingwoman。Theresheis，asyousay，bigger，lovelier，andmoreimposingthananyweseenowadays；

andatthesametime，sheisatruewoman。Seewhatafineforehead，yetthemouthisbothfirmandtender，asifitcouldsaystrong，wisethings，aswellasteachchildrenandkissbabies。Wecouldn\'tdecidewhattoputinthehandsasthemostappropriatesymbol。Whatdoyousay？"

"Giveherasceptre:shewouldmakeafinequeen，"answeredFanny。

"No，wehavehadenoughofthat；womenhavebeencalledqueensalongtime，butthekingdomgiventhemisn\'tworthruling，"answeredRebecca。

"Idon\'tthinkitisnowadays，"saidFanny，withatiredsortofsigh。

"Putaman\'shandinherstohelpheralong，then，"saidPolly，whosehappyfortuneithadbeentofindfriendsandhelpersinfatherandbrothers。

"No；mywomanistostandalone，andhelpherself，"saidRebecca，decidedly。

"She\'stobestrong-minded，isshe？"­；andFanny\'slipcurledalittleassheutteredthemisusedwords。

"Yes，strong-minded，strong-hearted，strong-souled，andstrong-bodied；

thatiswhyImadeherlargerthanthemiserable，pinched-upwomanofourday。Strengthandbeautymustgotogether。Don\'tyouthinkthesebroadshoulderscanbearburdenswithoutbreakingdown，thesehandsworkwell，theseeyesseeclearly，andtheselipsdosomethingbesidessimperandgossip？"

Fannywassilent；butavoicefromBess\'scornersaid，­；

"Putachildinherarms，Becky。"

"Notthateven，forsheistobesomethingmorethananurse。"

"Giveheraballot-box，"criedanewvoice，andturninground，theysawanodd-lookingwomanperchedonasofabehindthem。

"Thankyouforthesuggestion，Kate。I\'llputthatwiththeothersymbolsatherfeet；forI\'mgoingtohaveneedle，pen，palette，andbroomsomewhere，tosuggestthevarioustalentssheowns，andtheballot-boxwillshowthatshehasearnedtherighttousethem。Howgoesit？"andRebeccaofferedaclay-daubedhand，whichthenew-comercordiallyshook。

"Greatnews，girls!AnnaisgoingtoItaly!"criedKate，tossingupherbonnetlikeaschool-boy。

"Oh，howsplendid!Whotakesher？Hasshehadafortunelefther？Tellallaboutit，"exclaimedthegirls，gatheringroundthespeaker。

"Yes，itissplendid；justoneofthebeautifulthingsthatdoeseverybodyheapsofgood，itissogenerousandsodeserved。YouknowAnnahasbeenlongingtogo；workingandhopingforachance，andnevergettingit，tillallofasuddenMissBurtonisinspiredtoinvitethegirltogowithherforseveralyearstoItaly。Thinkoftheluckofthatdearsoul，theadvantagesshe\'llhave，thegooditwilldoher，and，bestofall，thelovelywayinwhichitcomestoher。MissBurtonwants，herasafriend，asksnothingofherbuthercompany，andAnnawillgothroughfireandwaterforher，ofcourse。Now，isn\'tthatfine？"

Itwasgoodtoseehowheartilythesegirlssympathizedintheircomrade\'sgoodfortune。Pollydancedallovertheroom，BessandBeckyhuggedoneanother，andKatelaughedwithhereyesfull，whileevenFannyfeltaglowof，prideandpleasureatthekindact。

"Whoisthat？"shewhisperedtoPolly，whohadsubsidedintoacorner。

"Why，itIsKateKing，theauthoress。Blessme，howrudenottointroduceyou!Here，myKing，isanadmirerofyours，FannyShaw，andmywellbelovedfriend，"criedPolly，presentingFan，whoregardedtheshabbyyoungwomanwithasmuchrespect，asifshehadbeenarrayedinvelvetandermine；

forKatehadwrittenasuccessfulbookbyaccident，andhappenedtobethefashion，justthen。

"It\'stimeforlunch，girls，andIbroughtminealongwithme，it\'ssomuchjolliertoeatinsisterhood。Let\'sclubtogether，andhavearevel，"saidKate，producingabagoforanges，andseveralbig，plummybuns。

"We\'vegotsardines，crackers，andcheese，"saidBess，clearingoffatablewithallspeed。

"Waitabit，andI\'lladdmyshare，"criedPolly，andcatchinguphercloak，sheranofftothegrocerystorenearby。

"You\'llbeshockedatourperformances，MissShaw，butyoucancallitapicnic，andnevertellwhatdreadfulthingsyousawusdo，"saidRebecca，polishingapaintknifebyrubbingitupanddowninapotofivy，whileKatespreadforththefeastinseveraloddplates，andaflatshellortwo。

"Letushavecoffeetofinishoffwith；putonthepot，Bess，andskimthemilk，"addedBecky，assheproducedcups，mugs，andaqueerlittlevase，tosupplydrinkingvesselsfortheparty。

"Here\'snuts，apotofjam，andsomecake。Fanlikessweetthings，andwewanttobeelegantwhenwehavecompany，"saidPolly，flyinginagain，anddepositinghershareonthetable。

"Now，then，fallto，ladies，andhelpyourselves。Nevermindifthechinadon\'tholdout；takethesardinesbytheirlittletails，andwipeyourfingersonmybrown-papernapkins，"saidKate，settingtheexamplewithsucharelish，thattheothersfolloweditinagaleofmerriment。

Fannyhadbeentomanyelegantlunches，butneverenjoyedonemorethanthatdrollpicnicinthestudio；fortherewasafreedomaboutitthatwascharming，anartisticflavortoeverything，andsuchaspiritofgood-willandgayety，thatshefeltathomeatonce。Astheyate，theotherstalkedandshelistened，findingitasinterestingasanyromancetoheartheseyoungwomendiscusstheirplans，ambitions，successes，anddefeats。Itwasanewworldtoher，andtheyseemedadifferentraceofcreaturesfromthegirlswhoseliveswerespentindress，gossip，pleasure，orennui。Theyweregirlsstill，fullofspiritsfun，andyouth；butbelowthelight-heartednesseachcherishedapurpose，whichseemedtoennobleherwomanhood，togiveheracertainpower，asustainingsatisfaction，adailystimulus，thatledherontodailyeffort，andintimetosomesuccessincircumstanceorcharacter，whichwasworthallthepatience，hope，andlaborofherlife。

Fannywasjusttheninthemoodtofeelthebeautyofthis，forthesincerestemotionshehadeverknownwasbeginningtomakeherdissatisfiedwithherself，andtheaimlesslifesheled。"Menmustrespectsuchgirlsasthese，"shethought；"yes，andlovethemtoo，forinspiteoftheirindependence，theyarewomanly。IwishIhadatalenttolivefor，ifitwoulddoasmuchformeasitdoesforthem。ItisthissortofthingthatisimprovingPolly，thatmakeshersocietyinterestingtoSydney，andherselfsodeartoeveryone。Moneycan\'tbuythesethingsforme，andIwantthemverymuch。"

Asthesethoughtswerepassingthroughhermind，Fannywashearingallsortsoftopicsdiscussedwithfeminineenthusiasmandfrankness。Art，morals，politics，society，books，religion，housekeeping，dress，andeconomy，forthemindsandtonguesrovedfromsubjecttosubjectwithyouthfulrapidity，andseemedtogetsomethingfromthedryestandthedullest。

"Howdoesthenewbookcomeon？"askedPolly，suckingherorangeinpublicwithacomposurewhichwouldhavescandalizedthegoodladiesof"Cranford。"

"Betterthanitdeserves。Mychildren，bewareofpopularity；itisadelusionandasnare；itpuffethuptheheartofman，andespeciallyofwoman；itblindeththeeyestofaults；itexaltethundulythehumblepowersofthevictim；itisapttobecapricious，andjustasonegetstolikingthetasteofthisintoxicatingdraught，itsuddenlyfaileth，andoneisleftgasping，likeafishoutofwater，"andKateemphasizedherspeechbyspearingasardinewithapenknife，andeatingitwithagroan。

"Itwon\'thurtyoumuch，Iguess；youhaveworkedandwaitedsolong，alargedosewilldoyougood，"saidRebecca，givingheragenerousspoonfulofjam，asifeagertoaddasmuchsweetnessaspossibletoalifethathadnotbeenaneasyone。

"WhenareyouandBeckygoingtodissolvepartnership？"askedPolly，eagerfornewsofall。

"Never!Georgeknowshecan\'thaveonewithouttheother，andhasnotsuggestedsuchathingaspartingus。ThereisalwaysroominmyhouseforBecky，andsheletsmedoasshewouldifshewasinmyplace，"answeredBess，withalookwhichherfriendansweredbyasmile。

"Theloverwon\'tseparatethispairoffriends，yousee，"whisperedPollytoFan。"Bessistobemarriedinthespring，andBeckyistolivewithher。"

"Bytheway，Polly，I\'vegotsometicketsforyou。Peoplearealwayssendingmesuchthings，andasIdon\'tcareforthem，I\'mgladtomakethemovertoyouyoungandgiddyinfants。Therearepassesforthestatuaryexhibition，Beckyshallhavethose，herearetheconcertticketsforyou，mymusicalgirl；andthatisforacourseoflecturesonliterature，whichI\'llkeepformyself。"

AsKatedealtoutthecoloredcardstothegratefulgirls，Fannytookagoodlookather，wonderingifthetimewouldevercomewhenwomencouldearnalittlemoneyandsuccess，withoutpayingsuchaheavypriceforthem；forKatelookedsick，tired，andtooearlyold。Thenhereyewenttotheunfinishedstatue，andshesaid，impulsively，­；

"Ihopeyou\'llputthatinmarble，andshowuswhatweoughttobe。"

"IwishIcould!"AndanintensedesireshoneinRebecca\'sface，asshesawherfaultywork，andfelthowfairhermodelwas。

Foraminute，thefiveyoungwomensatsilentlookingupatthebeautiful，strongfigurebeforethem，eachlongingtoseeitdone，andeachunconsciousthatshewashelping，byherindividualeffortandexperience，tobringthedaywhentheirnoblestidealofwomanhoodshouldbeembodiedinfleshandblood，notclay。

Thecitybellsrungone，andPollystartedup。

"Imustgo，forIpromisedaneighborofminealessonattwo。"

"Ithoughtthiswasaholiday，"saidFanny。

"Soitis，butthisisalittlelaboroflove，anddoesn\'tspoilthedayatall。Thechildhastalent，lovesmusic，andneedshelp。Ican\'tgivehermoney，butIcanteachher；soIdo，andsheisthemostpromisingpupilIhave。Helponeanother，ispartofthereligionofoursisterhood，Fan。"

"Imustputyouinastory，Polly。Iwantaheroine，andyouwilldo，"

saidKate。

"Me!why，thereneverwassuchahumdrum，unromanticthingasIam，"

criedPolly，amazed。

"I\'vebookedyou，nevertheless，soinyougo；butyoumayaddasmuchromanceasyoulike，it\'stimeyoudid。"

"I\'mreadyforitwhenitcomes，butitcan\'tbeforced，youknow，"

andPollyblushedandsmiledasifsomelittlespiceofthatdelightfulthinghadstolenintoherlife，forallitsprosaicseeming。

Fannywasamusedtoseethatthegirlsdidnotkissatparting，butshookhandsinaquiet，friendlyfashion，lookingatoneanotherwitheyesthatsaidmorethanthemost"gushing"words。

"Ilikeyourfriendsverymuch，Polly。IwasafraidIshouldfindthemmannishandrough，orsentimentalandconceited。Buttheyaresimple，sensiblecreatures，fulloftalent，andallsortsoffinethings。Iadmireandrespectthem，andwanttogoagain，ifImay。"

"Oh，Fan，Iamsoglad!Ihopedyou\'dlikethem，Iknewthey\'ddoyougood，andI\'lltakeyouanytime，foryoustoodthetestbetterthanIexpected。Beckyaskedmetobringyouagain，andsheseldomdoesthatforfashionableyoungladies，letmetellyou。"

"Iwanttobeeversomuchbetter，andIthinkyouandtheymightshowmehow，"saidFanny，withatraitoroustrembleinhervoice。

"We\'llshowyouthesunnysideofpovertyandwork，andthatisausefullessonforanyone，MissMillssays，"answeredPolly，hopingthatFanwouldlearnhowmuchthepoorcanteachtherich，andwhathelpfulfriendsgirlsmaybetooneanother。ChapterXIV。ChapterXIV。CHAPTERXIVNIPPEDINTHEBUDONtheeveningofFan\'svisit，Pollysatdownbeforeherfirewitharesoluteandthoughtfulaspect。Shepulledherhairdown，turnedherskirtback，putherfeetonthefender，andtookPuttelintoherlap，allofwhicharrangementssignifiedthatsomethingveryimportanthadgottobethoughtoverandsettled。Pollydidnotsoliloquizealoud，asheroinesonthestageandinbookshaveawayofdoing，buttheconversationsheheldwithherselfwasverymuchlikethis:­；

"I\'mafraidthereissomethinginit。I\'vetriedtothinkit\'snothingbutvanityorimagination，yetIcan\'thelpseeingadifference，andfeelingasifIoughtnottopretendthatIdon\'t。Iknowit\'sconsideredproperforgirlstoshuttheireyesandletthingscometoacrisisnomatterhowmuchmischiefisdone。ButIdon\'tthinkit\'sdoingaswe\'dbedoneby，anditseemsagreatdealmorehonesttoshowamanthatyoudon\'tlovehimbeforehehasentirelylosthisheart。ThegirlslaughedatmewhenIsaidso，andtheydeclaredthatitwouldbeaveryimproperthingtodo，butI\'veobservedthattheydon\'thesitatetosnub\'ineligibleparties，\'astheycallpoor，veryyoung，orunpopularmen。

It\'sallrightthen，butwhenanicepersoncomesit\'spartofthefuntolethimgoontotheveryend，whetherthegirlscareforhimornot。

Themoreproposals，themorecredit。FansaysTrixalwaysaskswhenshecomeshomeafterthesummerexcursions，\'Howmanybirdshaveyoubagged？\'

asifmenwerepartridges。Whatwickedcreaturesweare!someofusatleast。Iwonderwhysuchaloveofconquestwasputintous？Mothersaysagreatdealofitisowingtobadeducationnowadays，butsomegirlsseembornfortheexpresspurposeofmakingtroubleandwouldmanagetodoitiftheylivedinahowlingwilderness。I\'mafraidI\'vegotaspiceofit，andifIhadthechance，shouldbeasbadasanyofthem。I\'vetrieditandlikedit，andmaybethisistheconsequenceofthatnight\'sfun。"

HerePollyleanedbackandlookedupatthelittlemirroroverthechimney-piece，whichwashungsothatitreflectedthefacesofthoseaboutthefire。

InitPollysawapairoftelltaleeyeslookingoutfromatangleofbrightbrownhair，cheeksthatflushedanddimpledsuddenlyasthefreshmouthsmiledwithanexpressionofconsciouspower，halfproud，halfashamed，andasprettytoseeasthecoquettishgesturewithwhichshesmoothedbackhercurlsandflourishedawhitehand。Foraminutesheregardedthepleasantpicturewhilevisionsofgirlishromancesandtriumphsdancedthroughherhead，thensheshookherhairalloverherfaceandpushedherchairoutofrangeofthemirror，saying，withadrollmixtureofself-reproachandself-approvalinhertone；­；

"Oh，Puttel，Puttel，whatafoolIam!"

Pussappearedtoendorsethesentimentbyaloudpurrandagracefulwaveofhertail，andPollyreturnedtothesubjectfromwhichtheselittlevanitieshadbeguiledher。

"Justsupposeitistrue，thathedoesaskme，andIsayyes!Whatastiritwouldmake，andwhatfunitwouldbetoseethefacesofthegirlswhenitcameout!Theyallthinkagreatdealofhimbecauseheissohardtoplease，andalmostanyofthemwouldfeelimmenselyflatteredifhelikedthem，whethertheychosetomarryhimornot。Trixhastriedforyearstofascinatehim，andhecan\'tbearher，andI\'msoglad!WhataspitefulthingIam。Well，Ican\'thelpit，shedoesaggravatemeso!"

AndPollygavethecatsuchatweakoftheearthatPuttelbouncedoutofherlapinhighdudgeon。

"Itdon\'tdotothinkofher，andIwon\'t!"saidPollytoherself，settingherlipswithagrimlookthatwasnotatallbecoming。"WhataneasylifeIshouldhave­；plentyofmoney，quantitiesoffriends，allsortsofpleasures，andnowork，nopoverty，nocoldshouldersorpatchedboots。

Icoulddosomuchforallathome­；howIshouldenjoythat!"AndPollyletherthoughtsrevelintheluxuriousfutureherfancypainted。Itwasaverybrightpicture，butsomethingseemedamisswithit，forpresentlyshesighedandshookherhead，thinkingsorrowfully，"Ah，butIdon\'tlovehim，andI\'mafraidInevercanasIought!He\'sverygood，andgenerous，andwise，andwouldbekind，Iknow，butsomehowIcan\'timaginespendingmylifewithhim；I\'msoafraidIshouldgettiredofhim，andthenwhatshouldIdo？PollySydneydon\'tsoundwell，andMrs。ArthurSydneydon\'tseemtofitmeabit。Wonderhowitwouldseemtocallhim\'Arthur\'？"AndPollysaiditunderherbreath，withalookoverhershouldertobesurenooneheardit。"It\'saprettyname，butrathertoofine，andIshouldn\'tdaretosay\'Syd，\'ashissisterdoes。Ilikeshort，plain，home-likenames，suchasWill，Ned，orTom。No，no，Icannevercareforhim，andit\'snousetotry!"TheexclamationbrokefromPollyasifasuddentroublehadseizedher，andlayingherheaddownonherknees，shesatmotionlessformanyminutes。

Whenshelookedup，herfaceworeanexpressionwhichnoonehadeverseenonitbefore；alookofmingledpainandpatience，asifsomelosshadcometoher，andleftthebitternessofregretbehind。

"Iwon\'tthinkofmyself，ortrytomendonemistakebymakinganother，"

shesaidwithaheavysigh。"I\'lldowhatIcanforFan，andnotstandbetweenherandachanceofhappiness。Letmesee，howcanIbegin？Iwon\'twalkwithhimanymore；I\'lldodgeandgoroundaboutways，sothatwecan\'tmeet。IneverhadmuchfaithintheremarkablecoincidenceofhisalwayshappeninghometodinnerjustasIgotogivetheRothstheirlesson。

Thefactis，Iliketomeethim，Iamgladtobeseenwithhim，andputonairs，Idaresay，likeavaingooseasIam。Well，Iwon\'tdoitanymore，andthatwillspareFanoneaffliction。Poordear，howImusthaveworriedherallthistime，andneverguessedit。Shehasn\'tbeenquiteaskindasever；butwhenshegotsharp，Ifancieditwasdyspepsia。Oh，me!Iwishtheothertroublecouldbecuredaseasilyasthis。"

Herepussshowedanamiabledesiretoforgiveandforget，andPollytookherup，sayingaloud:­；

"Puttel，whenmissisabusesyou，playit\'sdyspepsia，anddon\'tbearmalice，becauseit\'saverytryingdisease，mydear。"

Then，goingbacktoherthoughts，sherambledonagain；­；

"Ifhedoesn\'ttakethathint，Iwillgivehimastrongerone，forIwillnothavematterscometoacrisis，thoughIcan\'tdenythatmywickedvanitystronglytemptsmetotryand\'bagabird\'justfortheexcitementandcreditofthething。Polly，I\'mashamedofyou!Whatwouldyourblessedmothersaytohearsuchexpressionsfromyou？I\'dwriteandtellheralltheworry，onlyitwouldn\'tdoanygood，andwouldonlytroubleher。I\'venorighttotellFan\'ssecrets，andI\'mashamedtotellmine。No，I\'llleavemotherinpeace，andfightitoutalone。IdothinkFanwouldsuithimexcellentlybyandby。Hehasknownherallherlife，andhasagoodinfluenceoverher。Lovewoulddosomuchtowardmakingherwhatshemightbe；it\'sashametohavethechancelostjustbecausehehappenstoseeme。Ishouldthinkshe\'dhateme；butI\'llshowherthatsheneedn\'t，anddoallIcantohelpher；forshehasbeensogoodtomenothingshallevermakemeforgetthat。Itisadelicateanddangeroustask，butIguessIcanmanageit；atanyrateI\'lltry，andhavenothingtoreproachmyselfwithifthingsdogo\'contrary。\'"

WhatPollythoughtof，asshelaybackinherchair，withhereyesshut，andahopelesslookonherface，isnoneofourbusiness，thoughwemightfeelawishtoknowwhatcausedateartogatherslowlyfromtimetotimeunderherlashes，androlldownonPuttel\'sQuaker-coloredcoat。Wasitregretfortheconquestsherelinquished，wasitsympathyforherfriend，orwasitanuncontrollableoverflowoffeelingasshereadsomesadortenderpassageofthelittleromancewhichshekepthiddenawayinherownheart？

OnMonday，Pollybeganthe"delicateanddangeroustask。"Insteadofgoingtoherpupilsbywayoftheparkandthepleasantstreetsadjoining，shetookaroundaboutroutethroughbackstreets，andthusescapedMr。

Sydney，who，asusual，camehometodinnerveryearlythatdayandlookeddisappointedbecausehenowheresawthebrightfaceinthemodestbonnet。

Pollykeptthisupforaweek，andbycarefullyavoidingtheShaws\'houseduringcallinghours，shesawnothingofMr。Sydney，who，ofcourse，didn\'tvisitheratMissMills\'。Minniehappenedtobepoorlythatweekandtooknolesson，soUncleSydwasdeprivedofhislasthope，andlookedasifhisallowanceofsunshinehadbeensuddenlycutoff。

Now，asPollywasbynomeansaperfectcreature，Iamfreetoconfessthattheoldtemptationassailedhermorethanoncethatweek，for，whenthefirstexcitementofthedodgingreformhadsubsided，shemissedthepleasantlittleinterviewsthatusedtoputacertainflavorofromanceintoherdull，hard-workingdays。ShelikedMr。Sydneyverymuch，forhehadalwaysbeenkindandfriendlysincetheearlytimeswhenhehadtreatedthelittlegirlwithacourtesywhichtheyoungwomangratefullyremembered。

Idon\'tthinkitwashiswealth，accomplishments，orpositionthatmostattractedPolly，thoughthesedoubtlesspossessedagreaterinfluencethanshesuspected。Itwasthatindescribablesomethingwhichwomenarequicktoseeandfeelinmenwhohavebeenblessedwithwiseandgoodmothers。

ThishadanespecialcharmtoPolly，forshesoonfoundthatthissideofhischaracterwasnotshowntoeveryone。Withmostgirls，hewasveryliketheotheryoungmenofhisset，exceptperhapsinacertaingraceofmannerwhichwasasnaturaltohimashisrespectforallwomankind。

ButwithFannyandPollyheshowedthedomestictraitsandvirtueswhicharemoreengagingtowomanlywomenthananyamountofcoolintellectorworldlywisdom。

PollyhadseenagooddealofhimduringhervisitsattheShaws\'，wherehewasintimate，owingtothefriendshipbetweenMadamandhismother；

butshehadneverthoughtofhimasapossibleloverforeitherFannyorherselfbecausehewassixoreightyearsolderthanthey，andstillsometimesassumedthepartofavenerablementor，asintheearlydays。Latelythishadchanged，especiallytowardsPolly，anditflatteredhermorethanshewouldconfesseventoherself。Sheknewheadmiredheronetalent，respectedherindependence，andenjoyedhersociety；butwhensomethingwarmerandmoreflatteringthanadmiration，respect，orpleasurecreptintohismanner，shecouldnothelpseeingthatoneofthegoodgiftsofthislifewasdailycomingmoreandmorewithinherreach，andbegantoaskherselfifshecouldhonestlyreceivethegift，andrewardthegiver。

Atfirstshetriedtothinkshecould，butunfortunatelyheartsareso"contrary"thattheywon\'tbeobedienttoreason，will，orevengratitude。

PollyfeltaverycordialfriendshipforMr。Sydney，butnotoneparticleofthelovewhichistheonlycoininwhichlovecanbetrulypaid。Thenshetookafancyintoherheadthatsheoughttoacceptthispieceofgoodfortuneforthesakeofthefamily，andforgetherself。Butthisfalseideaofself-sacrificedidnotsatisfy，forshewasnotafashionablegirltrainedtobelievethatherfirstdutywastomake"agoodmatch"andnevermindtheconsequences，thoughtheyrenderedhermiserableforlife。Polly\'screedwasverysimple:"IfIdon\'tlovehim，Ioughtnottomarryhim，especiallywhenIdolovesomebodyelse，thougheverythingisagainstme。"

IfshehadreadasmanyFrenchnovelsassomeyoungladies，shemighthaveconsidereditinterestingtomarryunderthecircumstancesandsufferasecretanguishtomakeheraromanticvictim。ButPolly\'seducationhadbeenneglected，andafteragooddealofnaturalindecisionshedidwhatmostwomendoinsuchcases，thoughtshewould"waitandsee。"

ThediscoveryofFanny\'ssecretseemedtoshowhersomethingtodo，forifthe"waitandsee"decisionwasmakingherfriendunhappy，itmustbechangedassoonaspossible。ThisfinishedPolly\'sindecision，andafterthatnightsheneverallowedherselftodwelluponthepleasanttemptationwhichcameinaguiseparticularlyattractivetoayounggirlwithaspiceoftheoldEveinhercomposition。Sodayafterdayshetrudgedthroughthedullbackstreets，longingforthesunnypark，thefacethatalwaysbrightenedwhenitsawhercoming，andmostofallthechanceofmeeting­；well，itwasn\'tTrix。

WhenSaturdaycame，PollystartedasusualforavisittoBeckyandBess，butcouldn\'tresiststoppingattheShaws\'toleavealittleparcelforFan，thoughitwascallingtime。Asshesteppedin，meaningtorunupforawordifFannyshouldchancetobealone，twohatsonthehalltablearrestedher。

"Whoishere，Katy？"

"OnlyMr。SydneyandMasterTom。Won\'tyoustopabit，MissPolly？"

"Notthismorning，I\'mratherinahurry。"AndawaywentPollyasifadozeneagerpupilswereclamoringforherpresence。Butasthedoorshutbehindhershefeltsoleftoutinthecold，thathereyesfilled，andwhenNep，Tom\'sgreatNewfoundland，cameblunderingafterher，shestoppedandhuggedhisshaggyhead，sayingsoftly，asshelookedintothebrown，benevolenteyes，fullofalmosthumansympathy:­；

"Now，goback，olddear，youmustn\'tfollowme。Oh，Nep，it\'ssohardtoputloveawaywhenyouwantitverymuchanditisn\'trighttotakeit。"

Afoolishlittlespeechtomaketoadog，butyouseePollywasonlyatender-heartedgirl，tryingtodoherduty。

"SinceheissafewithFanny，ImayventuretowalkwhereIlike。It\'ssuchalovelyday，allthebabieswillbeout，anditalwaysdoesmegoodtoseethem，"thoughtPolly，turningintothewide，sunnystreet，whereWestEnd-dompromenadedatthathour。

Thebabieswereoutinfullforce，lookingasgayanddelicateandsweetasthesnow-drops，hyacinths，anddaffodilsonthebankswhencethesnowhadmelted。Butsomehowthebabiesdidn\'tdoPollythegoodsheexpected，thoughtheysmiledatherfromtheircarriages，andkissedtheirchubbyhandsasshepassedthem，forPollyhadthesortoffacethatbabieslove。Onetinycreatureinblueplushwascastingdespairingglancesafteraverysmalllordofcreationwhowaswalkingawaywithatoddlingbelleinwhite，whileasecondyounggentlemaningorgeouspurplegaiterswasendeavoringtoconsolethedeserteddamsel。

"TakeholdofMasterCharley\'shand，MissMamie，andwalkpretty，likeWillyandFlossy，"saidthemaid。

"No，no，IwanttodowidWilly，andhewon\'tletme。Do\'way，Tarley，Idon\'tliteyou，"criedlittleBlue-bonnet，castingdownhererminemuffandsobbinginamicroscopichandkerchief，thethread-laceedgingonwhichcouldn\'tmitigateherwoe，asitmighthavedonethatofanoldersufferer。

"WillylikesFlossybest，sostopcryingandcomerightalong，younaughtychild。"

AspoorlittleDidowasjerkedawaybytheunsympatheticmaid，andPurple-gaitersessayedinvaintopleadhiscause，Pollysaidtoherself，withasmileandasigh；­；

"Howearlytheoldstorybegins!"

Itseemedasifthespringweatherhadbroughtoutallmanneroftenderthingsbesidefreshgrassandthefirstdandelions，forasshewentdownthestreetPollykeptseeingdifferentphasesofthesweetoldstorywhichshewastryingtoforget。

Atastreetcorner，ablack-eyedschool-boywaspartingfromarosy-facedschool-girl，whosemusicrollhewasreluctantlysurrendering。

"Don\'tyouforget，now，"saidtheboy，lookingbashfullyintothebrighteyesthatdancedwithpleasureasthegirlblushedandsmiled，andansweredreproachfully；­；

"Why，ofcourseIshan\'t!"

"Thatlittleromancerunssmoothlysofar；Ihopeitmaytotheend，"

saidPollyheartilyasshewatchedtheladtrampaway，whistlingasblithelyasifhispleasurableemotionsmustfindavent，orendangerthebuttonsontheroundjacket；whilethegirlprancedonherowndoorstep，asifpractisingforthejoyfuldancewhichshehadpromisednottoforget。

AlittlefartheronPollypassedanewlyengagedcouplewhomsheknew，walkingarminarmforthefirsttime，bothwearingthatproudyetconsciouslookwhichissodelightfultobeholduponthecountenancesofthesetemporarilyglorifiedbeings。

"Howhappytheyseem；oh，dear!"saidPolly，andtrudgedon，wonderingifherturnwouldevercomeandfearingthatitwasimpossible。

Aglimpseofamotherly-lookingladyenteringadoor，receivedbyaflockofprettychildren，whocastthemselvesuponmammaandherparcelswithcriesofrapture，didPollygood；andwhen，aminuteaftershepassedagrayoldcouplewalkingplacidlytogetherinthesunshine，shefeltbetterstill，andwasgladtoseesuchahappyendingtotheromanceshehadreadalldownthestreet。

AsifthemischievouslittlegodwishedtotakePollyatadisadvantage，orperhapstogiveheranotherchance，justatthatinstantMr。Sydneyappearedatherside。HowhegottherewasneververycleartoPolly，buttherehewas，flushed，andalittleoutofbreath，butlookingsogladtoseeherthatshehadn\'tthehearttobestiffandcool，asshehadfullyintendedtobewhentheymet。

"Verywarm，isn\'tit？"hesaidwhenhehadshakenhandsandfallenintostep，justintheoldway。

"Youseemtofinditso。"AndPollylaughed，withasuddensparkleinhereyes。Shereallycouldn\'thelpit，itwassopleasanttoseehimagain，justwhenshewasfeelingsolonely。

"HaveyougivenupteachingtheRoths？"askedSydney，changingthesubject。

"No。"

"Doyougoasusual？"

"Yes。"

"Well，it\'samysterytomehowyougetthere。"

"Asmuchasitistomehowyougotheresosuddenly。"

"IsawyoufromtheShaws\'windowandtookthelibertyofrunningafteryoubythebackstreet，"hesaid，laughing。

"ThatisthewayIgettotheRoths，"answeredPolly。Shedidnotmeantotell，buthisfranknesswassoagreeablesheforgotherself。

"It\'snotnearlysopleasantorsoshortforyouasthepark。"

"Iknowit，butpeoplesometimesgettiredofoldwaysandliketotrynewones。"

Pollydidn\'tsaythatquitenaturally，andSydneygaveheraquicklook，asheasked；­；

"Doyougettiredofoldfriends，too，MissPolly？"

"Notoften；but­；"Andthereshestuck，forthefearofbeingungratefulorunkindmadeheralmosthopethathewouldn\'ttakethehintwhichshehadbeencarefullypreparingforhim。

Therewasadreadfullittlepause，whichPollybrokebysayingabruptly；­；

"HowisFan？"

"Dashing，asever。DoyouknowI\'mratherdisappointedinFanny，forshedon\'tseemtoimprovewithheryears，"saidSydney，asifheacceptedthediversionandwasgladofit。

"Ah，youneverseeheratherbest。Sheputsonthatdashingairbeforepeopletohideherrealself。ButIknowherbetter；andIassureyouthatshedoesimprove；shetriestomendherfaults，thoughshewon\'townit，andwillsurpriseyousomeday，bytheamountofheartandsenseandgoodnessshehasgot。"

Pollyspokeheartilynow，andSydneylookedatherasifFanny\'sdefenderpleasedhimmorethanFanny\'sdefence。

"I\'mverygladtohearit，andwillinglytakeyourwordforit。Everybodyshowsyoutheirgoodside，Ithink，andthatiswhyyoufindtheworldsuchapleasantplace。"

"Oh，butIdon\'t!Itoftenseemslikeaveryhardanddismalplace，andIcroakovermytrialslikeanungratefulraven。"

"Can\'twemakethetrialslighterforyou？"

Thevoicethatputthequestionwassoverykind，thatPollydarednotlookup，becausesheknewwhattheeyesweresilentlysaying。

"Thankyou，no。Idon\'tgetmoretribulationthanisgoodforme，I

fancy，andweareapttomakemistakeswhenwetrytododgetroubles。"

"Orpeople，"addedSydneyinatonethatmadePollycoloruptoherforehead。

"Howlovelytheparklooks，"shesaid，ingreatconfusion。

"Yes，it\'sthepleasantestwalkwehave；don\'tyouthinkso？"askedtheartfulyoungman，layingatrap，intowhichPollyimmediatelyfell。

"Yes，indeed!It\'salwayssorefreshingtometoseealittlebitofthecountry，asitwere，especiallyatthisseason。"

Oh，Polly，Polly，whatastupidspeechtomake，whenyouhadjustgivenhimtounderstandthatyouweretiredofthepark!Notbeingafooloracox-comb，Sydneyputthisandthattogether，andtakingvarioustriflesintotheaccount，hehadbythistimecometotheconclusionthatPollyhadheardthesamebitsofgossipthathehad，whichlinkedtheirnamestogether，thatshedidn\'tlikeit，andtriedtoshowshedidn\'tinthisway。Hewasquickertotakeahintthanshehadexpected，andbeingbothproudandgenerous，resolvedtosettlethematteratonce，forPolly\'ssakeaswellashisown。So，whenshemadeherlastbrilliantremark，hesaidquietly，watchingherfacekeenlyallthewhile；­；

"Ithoughtso；well，I\'mgoingoutoftownonbusinessforseveralweeks，soyoucanenjoyyour\'littlebitofcountry\'withoutbeingannoyedbyme。"

"Annoyed？Oh，no!"criedPollyearnestly；thenstoppedshort，notknowingwhattosayforherself。

Shethoughtshehadagooddealofthecoquetteinher，andI\'venodoubtthatwithtimeandtrainingshewouldhavebecomeaverydangerouslittleperson，butnowshewasfartootransparentandstraightforwardbynatureeventotellawhiteliecleverly。Sydneyknewthis，andlikedherforit，buthetookadvantageofit，neverthelessbyaskingsuddenly；­；

"Honestly，now，wouldn\'tyougotheoldwayandenjoyitasmuchasever，ifIwasn\'tanywhereabouttosetthebusybodiesgossiping？"

"Yes，"saidPolly，beforeshecouldstopherself，andthencouldhavebittenhertongueoutforbeingsorude。Anotherawfulpauseseemedimpending，butjustatthatmomentahorsemanclatteredbywithasmileandasalute，whichcausedPollytoexclaim，"Oh，there\'sTom!"withatoneandalookthatsilencedthewordshoveringonSydney\'slips，andcausedhimtoholdouthishandwithalookwhichmadePolly\'sheartflutterthenandachewithpityforagoodwhileafterward，thoughheonlysaid，"Goodby，Polly。"

Hewasgonebeforeshecoulddoanythingbutlookupathimwitharemorsefulface，andshewalkedon，feelingthatthefirstandperhapstheonlylovershewouldeverhave，hadreadhisanswerandaccepteditinsilence。Shedidnotknowwhatelsehehadread，andcomfortedherselfwiththethoughtthathedidnotcareforherverymuch，sincehetookthefirstrebuffsoquickly。

PollydidnotreturntoherfavoritewalktillshelearnedfromMinniethat"Uncle"hadreallylefttown，andthenshefoundthathisfriendlycompanyandconversationwaswhathadmadethewaysopleasantafterall。

Shesighedovertheperversityofthingsingeneral，andcroakedalittleoverhertrialsinparticular，butonthewholegotoverherlossbetterthansheexpected，forsoonshehadothersorrowsbesideherowntocomfort，andsuchworkdoesabodymoregoodthanfloodsofregretfultears，orhoursofsentimentallamentation。

SheshunnedFannyforadayortwo，butgainednothingbyit，forthatyounglady，hearingofSydney\'ssuddendeparture，couldnotresttillshediscoveredthecauseofit，andwalkedinuponPollyoneafternoonjustwhentheduskmadeitapropitioushourfortenderconfidences。

"Whathaveyoubeendoingwithyourselflately？"askedFanny，composingherself，withherbacktowardtherapidlywaninglight。

"Waggingtoandfroasusual。What\'sthenewswithyou？"answeredPolly，feelingthatsomethingwascomingandrathergladtohaveitoveranddonewith。

"Nothingparticular。TrixtreatsTomshamefully，andhebearsitlikealamb。Itellhimtobreakhisengagement，andnotbeworriedso；buthewon\'t，becauseshehasbeenjiltedonceandhethinksit\'ssuchameanthingtodo。"

"Perhapsshe\'lljilthim。"

"I\'venodoubtshewill，ifanythingbettercomesalong。ButTrixisgettingpassé；e，andIshouldn\'twonderifshekepthimtohisword，justoutofperversity，ifnothingelse。"

"PoorTom，whatafate!"saidPollywithwhatwasmeanttobeacomicalgroan；butitsoundedsotragicalthatshesawitwouldn\'tpass，andhastenedtohidethefailurebysaying，withalaugh，"IfyoucallTrixpassé；eattwenty-three，whatshallweallbeattwenty-five？"

"Utterlydonewith，andlaidupontheshelf。Ifeelsoalready，forIdon\'tgethalftheattentionIusedtohave，andtheothernightIheardMaudandGracewonderingwhythoseoldgirls\'didn\'tstayathome，andgivethemachance。\'"

"HowisMaudie？"

"Prettywell，butsheworriesmebyherqueertastesandnotions。Shelovestogointothekitchenandmess，shehatestostudy，andsaidrightbeforetheVincentsthatsheshouldthinkitwouldbegreatfuntobeabeggar-girl，togoroundwithabasket，itmustbesointerestingtoseewhatyou\'dget。"

"Minniesaidtheotherdayshewishedshewasapigeonsoshecouldpaddleinthepuddlesandnotfussaboutrubbers。"

"Bytheway，whenisherunclecomingback？"askedFanny，whocouldn\'twaitanylongerandjoyfullyseizedtheopeningPollymadeforher。

"I\'msureIdon\'tknow。"

"Norcare，Isuppose，youhard-heartedthing。"

"Why，Fan，whatdoyoumean？"

"I\'mnotblind，mydear，neitherisTom，andwhenayounggentlemancutsacallabruptlyshort，andracesafterayounglady，andisseenholdingherhandatthequietestcornerofthepark，andthengoestravellingallofasudden，weknowwhatitmeansifyoudon\'t。"

"Whogotupthatniceidea，Ishouldliketoknow？"demandedPolly，asFannystoppedforbreath。