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"Nowdon\'tbeaffected，Polly，butjusttellme，likeadear，hasn\'theproposed？"
"No，hehasn\'t。"
"Don\'tyouthinkhemeansto？"
"Idon\'tthinkhe\'lleversayawordtome。"
"Well，Iamsurprised!"AndFannydrewalongbreath，asifaloadwasoffhermind。Thensheaddedinachangedtone:
"Butdon\'tyoulovehim，Polly？"
"No。"
"Truly？"
"Truly，Fan。"
Neitherspokeforaminute，buttheheartofoneofthembeatjoyfullyandtheduskhidaveryhappyface。
"Don\'tyouthinkhecaredforyou，dear？"askedFanny，presently。"I
don\'tmeantobeprying，butIreallythoughthedid。"
"That\'snotformetosay，butifitisso，it\'sonlyapassingfancyandhe\'llsoongetoverit。"
"Dotellmeallaboutit；I\'msointerested，andIknowsomethinghashappened，Ihearitinyourvoice，forIcan\'tseeyourface。"
"DoyourememberthetalkweoncehadafterreadingoneofMissEdgeworth\'sstoriesaboutnotlettingone\'sloverscometoadeclarationifonedidn\'tlovethem？"
"Yes。"
"Andyougirlssaiditwasn\'tproper，andIsaiditwashonest，anyway。
Well，IalwaysmeanttotryitifIgotachance，andIhave。Mindyou，Idon\'tsayMr。Sydneylovedme，forheneversaidso，andneverwill，now，butIdidfancyheratherlikedmeandmightdomoreifIdidn\'tshowhimthatitwasofnouse。"
"Andyoudid？"criedFanny，muchexcited。
"Ijustgavehimahintandhetookit。Hemeanttogoawaybeforethat，sodon\'tthinkhisheartisbroken，ormindwhatsillytattlerssay。I
didn\'tlikehismeetingmesomuchandtoldhimsobygoinganotherway。
Heunderstood，andbeingagentleman，madenofuss。IdaresayhethoughtIwasavaingoose，andlaughedatmeformypains，likeChurchillin\'Helen。\'
"
"No，hewouldn\'t；He\'dlikeitandrespectyoufordoingit。But，Polly，itwouldhavebeenagrandthingforyou。"
"Ican\'tsellmyselfforanestablishment。"
"Mercy!Whatanidea!"
"Well，that\'stheplainEnglishofhalfyourfashionablematches。I
\'m\'odd，\'youknow，andprefertobeanindependentspinsterandteachmusicallmydays。"
"Ah，butyouwon\'t。Youweremadeforanice，happyhomeofyourown，andIhopeyou\'llgetit，Polly，dear，"saidFannywarmly，feelingsogratefultoPolly，thatshefoundithardnottopouroutallhersecretatonce。
"IhopeImay；butIdoubtit，"answeredPollyinatonethatmadeFannywonderifshe，too，knewwhatheartachemeant。
"Somethingtroublesyou，Polly，whatisit？Confideinme，asIdoinyou，"saidFannytenderly，forallthecoldnessshehadtriedtohidefromPolly，hadmeltedinthesuddensunshinethathadcometoher。
"Doyoualways？"askedherfriend，leaningforwardwithanirresistibledesiretowinbacktheold-timeloveandconfidence，tooprecioustobeexchangedforalittlebriefexcitementorthebarrenhonorof"baggingabird，"touseTrix\'selegantexpression。Fannyunderstooditthen，andthrewherselfintoPolly\'sarms，crying，withashowerofgratefultears；；
"Oh，mydear!mydear!didyoudoitformysake？"
AndPollyheldherclose，sayinginthattendervoiceofhers，；
"Ididn\'tmeantoletaloverpartthispairoffriendsifIcouldhelpit。"ChapterXV。ChapterXV。CHAPTERXVBREAKERSAHEADGOINGintotheShaws\'oneevening，PollyfoundMaudsittingonthestairs，withatroubledface。
"Oh，Polly，I\'msogladyou\'vecome!"criedthelittlegirl，runningtohugher。
"What\'sthematter，deary？"
"Idon\'tknow；somethingdreadfulmusthavehappened，formammaandFanarecryingtogetherupstairs，papaisshutupinthelibrary，andTomisragingroundlikeabear，inthedining-room。"
"Iguessitisn\'tanythingverybad。Perhapsmammaissickerthanusual，orpapaworriedaboutbusiness，orTominsomenewscrape。Don\'tlooksofrightened，Maudie，butcomeintotheparlorandseewhatI\'vegotforyou，"saidPolly，feelingthattherewastroubleofsomesortintheair，buttryingtocheerthechild，forherlittlefacewasfullofasorrowfulanxiety，thatwenttoPolly\'sheart。
"Idon\'tthinkIcanlikeanythingtillIknowwhatthematteris，"answeredMaud。"It\'ssomethinghorrid，I\'msure，forwhenpapacamehome，hewentuptomamma\'sroom，andtalkedeversolong，andmammacriedveryloud，andwhenItriedtogoin，Fanwouldn\'tletme，andshelookedscaredandstrange。Iwantedtogotopapawhenhecamedown，butthedoorwaslocked，andhesaid，\'Notnow，mylittlegirl，\'andthenIsatherewaitingtoseewhatwouldhappen，andTomcamehome。ButwhenIrantotellhim，hesaid，\'Goaway，anddon\'tbother，\'andjusttookmebytheshouldersandputmeout。Oh，dear!everythingissoqueerandhorrid，Idon\'tknowwhattodo。"
Maudbegantocry，andPollysatdownonthestairsbesideher，tryingtocomforther，whileherownthoughtswerefullofavaguefear。Allatoncethedining-roomdooropened，andTom\'sheadappeared。AsingleglanceshowedPollythatsomethingwasthematter，forthecareandelegancewhichusuallymarkedhisappearancewereentirelywanting。Histiewasunderoneear，hishairinatoss，thecherishedmoustachehadaneglectedair，andhisfaceanexpressionbothexcited，ashamed，anddistressed；
evenhisvoicebetrayeddisturbance，forinsteadoftheaffablegreetingheusuallybestowedupontheyounglady，heseemedtohavefallenbackintotheblufftoneofhisboyishdays，andallhesaidwas，；
"Hullo，Polly。"
"Howdoyoudo？"answeredPolly。
"I\'minadevilofamess，thankyou；sendthatchickenupstairs，andcomeinandhearaboutit。"hesaid，asifhehadbeenlongingtotellsomeone，andwelcomedprudentPollyasaspecialprovidence。
"Goup，deary，andamuseyourselfwiththisbook，andthesegingersnapsthatImadeforyou，there\'sagoodchild，"whisperedPolly，asMaudrubbedawayhertears，andstaredatTomwithround，inquisitiveeyes。
"You\'lltellmeallaboutit，byandby，won\'tyou？"shewhispered，preparingtoobey。
"IfImay，"answeredPolly。
Mauddepartedwithunexpecteddocility，andPollywentintothedining-room，whereTomwaswanderingaboutinarestlessway。Ifhehadbeen"raginglikeabear，"Pollywouldn\'thavecared，shewassopleasedthathewantedher，andsogladtobeaconfidante，assheusedtobeinthehappyolddays，thatshewouldjoyfullyhavefacedamuchmoreformidablepersonthanrecklessTom。
"Now，then，whatisit？"shesaid，comingstraighttothepoint。
"Guess。"
"You\'vekilledyourhorseracing。"
"Worsethanthat。"
"Youaresuspendedagain。"
"Worsethanthat。"
"Trixhasrunawaywithsomebody，"criedPolly，withagasp。
"Worsestill。"
"Oh，Tom，youhaven\'thorsewhippedorshotanyone？"
"CameprettynearblowingmyownbrainsoutbutyouseeIdidn\'t。"
"Ican\'tguess；tellme，quick。"
"Well，I\'mexpelled。"
Tompausedontherugashegavetheanswer，andlookedatPollytoseehowshetookit。Tohissurprisesheseemedalmostrelieved，andafteraminutesilence，said，soberly，；
"That\'sbad，verybad；butitmighthavebeenworse。"
"Itisworse；"andTomwalkedawayagainwithadespairingsortofgroan。
"Don\'tknockthechairsabout，butcomeandsitdown，andtellmequietly。"
"Can\'tdoit。"
"Well，goon，then。Areyoutrulyexpelled？Can\'titbemadeup？Whatdidyoudo？"
"It\'satruebillthistime。IjusthadarowwiththeChapelwatchman，andknockedhimdown。Ifitwasafirstoffence，Imighthavegotoff；
butyouseeI\'vehadnoendofnarrowescapes，andthiswasmylastchance；
I\'velostit，andnowthere\'llbethedickenstopay。Iknewitwasallupwithme，soIdidn\'twaittobeturnedout，butjusttookmyselfoff。"
"Whatwillyourfathersay？"
"Itwillcomehardonthegovernor，buttheworstofitis；"thereTomstopped，andstoodaminuteinthemiddleoftheroomwithhisheaddown，asifhedidn\'tfinditeasytotellevenkindlittlePolly。Thenoutcamethetruthallinabreath，justasheusedtoboltouthisboyishmisdemeanors，andthenbackupagainstthewallreadytotaketheconsequences。
"Ioweanawfullotofmoneythatthegovernordon\'tknowabout。"
"Oh，Tom，howcouldyou？"
"I\'vebeenanextravagantrascal，Iknowit，andI\'mthunderingsorry，butthatdon\'thelpafellow，I\'vegottotellthedearoldbuffer，andthere\'swhereitcuts。"
AtanothertimePollywouldhavelaughedatthecontrastbetweenTom\'sfaceandhislanguage，buttherewasasincereremorse，whichmadeeventhedreadfulword"buffer"rathertouchingthanotherwise。
"Hewillbeveryangry，Idaresay；buthe\'llhelpyou，won\'the？Healwaysdoes，Fansays。"
"That\'stheworstofit，yousee。He\'spaidupsooften，thatthelasttimehesaidhispatiencecouldn\'tstandit，norhispocketeither，andifIgotintoanymorescrapesofthatsort，ImustgetoutasIcould。
ImeanttobeassteadyasBunkerHillMonument；buthereIamagain，worsethanever，forlastquarterIdidn\'tsayanythingtofather，hewassobotheredbythelossofthoseshipsjustthen，sothingshavemountedupconfoundedly。"
"Whathaveyoudonewithallyourmoney？"
"HangedifIknow。"
"Can\'tyoupayitanyway？"
"Don\'tseehow，asIhaven\'tacentofmyown，andnowayofgettingit，unlessItrygambling。"
"Oh，mercy，no!Sellyourhorse，"criedPolly，afteraminuteofdeepmeditation。
"Ihave；buthedidn\'tbringhalfIgaveforhim。Ilamedhimlastwinter，andthebeggarwon\'tgetoverit。"
"Andthatdidn\'tpayupthedebts？"
"Onlyaboutahalfof\'em。"
"Why，Tom，howmuchdoyouowe？"
"Ihavedodgedfiguringituptillyesterday；thenthingsweresodesperate，IthoughtImightaswellfacethetruth，soIoverhauledmyaccounts，andthere\'stheresult。"
Tomthrewablotted，crumpledpaperintoPolly\'slap，andtrampedupanddownagain，fasterthanever。Pollytookonelookatthetotalandclaspedherhands，fortoherinexperiencedeyesitlookedappalling。
"Tidylittlesum，isn\'tit？"askedTom，whocouldn\'tbearthesilence，orthestartled，grievedlookinPolly\'seyes。
"It\'sawful!Idon\'twonderyoudreadtellingyourfather。"
"I\'dratherbeshot。Isay，Polly，supposewebreakittohimeasy!"
addedTom，afteranotherturn。
"Howdoyoumean？"
"Why，supposeFan，or，betterstill，yougoandsortofpavetheway。
Ican\'tbeartocomedownonhimwiththewholetruthatonce。"
"Soyou\'dliketohavemegoandtellhimforyou？"Polly\'slipcurledalittleasshesaidthat，andshegaveTomalookthatwouldhaveshownhimhowblueeyescanflash，ifhehadseenit。Buthewasatthewindow，anddidn\'tturn，ashesaidslowly，；
"Well，yousee，he\'ssofondofyou；weallconfideinyou；andyouaresolikeoneofthefamily，thatitseemsquitenatural。JusttellhimI\'mexpelled，youknow，andasmuchmoreasyoulike；thenI\'llcomein，andwe\'llhaveitout。"
Pollyroseandwenttothedoorwithoutaword。Indoingso，Tomcaughtaglimpseofherface，andsaid，hastily，；
"Don\'tyouthinkitwouldbeagoodplan？"
"No，Idon\'t。"
"Whynot？Don\'tyouthinkhe\'dratherhaveittoldhimnicelybyyou，thanblurtedoutasIalwaysdoblurtthings？"
"Iknowhe\'dratherhavehissongotohimandtellthetruth，likeaman，insteadofsendingagirltodowhatheisafraidtodohimself。"
IfPollyhadsuddenlyboxedhisears，Tomcouldn\'thavelookedmoretakenabackthanbythatburst。Helookedatherexcitedface，seemedtounderstandthemeaningofit，andrememberedallatoncethathewastryingtohidebehindagirl。Heturnedscarlet，saidshortly，"Comeback，Polly，"andwalkedstraightoutoftheroom，lookingasifgoingtoinstantexecution，forpoorTomhadbeentaughttofearhisfather，andhadnotentirelyoutgrownthedread。
Pollysatdown，lookingbothsatisfiedandtroubled。"IhopeIdidright，"
shesaidtoherself，"Icouldn\'tbeartohavehimshirkandseemcowardly。
Heisn\'t，onlyhedidn\'tthinkhowitseemedtome，andIdon\'twonderhewasalittleafraid，Mr。Shawissoseverewiththepoorfellow。Oh，dear，whatshouldwedoifWillgotintosuchscrapes。Thankgoodness，he\'spoor，andcan\'t；I\'msogladofthat!"
Thenshesatsilentbesidethehalf-opendoor，hearingthemurmurofTom\'svoiceacrossthehall，andhoping，withallherheart，thathewouldn\'thaveaveryhardtime。Heseemedtotellhisstoryrapidlyandsteadily，withoutinterruption，totheend；thenPollyheardMr。Shaw\'sdeepervoicesayafewwords，atwhichTomutteredaloudexclamation，asiftakenbysurprise。Pollycouldn\'tdistinguishaword，soshekeptherseat，wonderinganxiouslywhatwasgoingonbetweenthetwomen。AsuddenpauseseemedtofollowTom\'sejaculation，thenMr。Shawtalkedalongtimeinalow，earnesttone，sodifferentfromtheangryonePollyhadexpectedtohear，thatitmadehernervous，forMr。Shawusually"blewTomupfirst，andforgavehimafterward，"asMaudsaid。PresentlyTom\'svoicewasheard，apparentlyaskingeagerquestions，towhichbriefrepliesweregiven。Thenadeadsilencefellupontheroom，andnothingwasheardbutthespringrainsoftlyfallingoutofdoors。Allofasuddensheheardamovement，andTom\'svoicesayaudibly，；
"LetmebringPolly；"andheappeared，lookingsopaleandmiserablethatPollywasfrightened。
"Goandsaysomethingtohim；Ican\'t；pooroldfather，ifI\'donlyknown，"andtoPolly\'sutterdismay，Tomthrewhimselfintoachair，andlaidhisheaddownonthetable，asifhehadgotablowthatwastoomuchforhim。
"Oh，Tom，whatisit？"criedPolly，hurryingtohim，fulloffearsshedarednotspeak。
Withoutlookingup，Tomanswered，inasmotheredvoice，"Failed；allgonetosmash；andto-morroweveryonewillknowit。"
PollyheldontothebackofTom\'schair，foraminute，forthenewstookherbreathaway，andshefeltasiftheworldwascomingtoanend，"failed"wassuchavaguelydreadfulwordtoher。
"Isitverybad？"sheasked，softly，feelingasifanythingwasbetterthantostandstillandseeTomsowretched。
"Yes；hemeanstogiveupeverything。He\'sdonehisbest；butitcan\'tbestavedoffanylonger，andit\'sallupwithhim。"
"Oh，IwishIhadamilliontogivehim!"criedPolly，claspingherhands，withthetearsrunningdownhercheeks。"Howdoeshebearit，Tom？"
"Likeaman，Polly；andI\'mproudofhim，"saidTom，lookingup，allredandexcitedwiththeemotionshewastryingtokeepunder。"Everythinghasbeenagainsthim，andhehasfoughtallalonetostandthepressure，butit\'stoomuchforhim，andhe\'sgivenin。It\'sanhonorablefailure，mindyou，andnoonecansayawordagainsthim。I\'dliketosee\'emtryit!"andTomclenchedhishands，asifitwouldbeanimmenserelieftohimtothrashhalfadozenaspersersofhisfather\'shonestname。
"Ofcoursetheycan\'t!ThisiswhatpoorMaudtroubledabout。HehadtoldyourmotherandFanbeforeyoucame，andthatiswhytheyaresounhappy，Isuppose。"
"Theyaresafeenough。Fatherhasn\'ttouchedmother\'smoney；he\'couldn\'trobhisgirls，\'hesaid，andthat\'sallsafefor\'em。Isn\'theatrump，Polly？"AndTom\'sfaceshonewithpride，evenwhilehislipswouldtwitchwithatendererfeeling。
"IfIcouldonlydoanythingtohelp，"criedPolly，oppressedwithherownpowerlessness。
"Youcan。Goandbegoodtohim；youknowhow；heneedsitenough，allalonethere。Ican\'tdoit，forI\'monlyacurseinsteadofacomforttohim。"
"Howdidhetakeyournews？"askedPolly，who，foratime，hadforgottenthelessertroubleinthegreater。
"Likealamb；forwhenI\'ddone，heonlysaid，\'Mypoorlad，wemustbearwithoneanother。\'andthentoldhisstory。"
"I\'mgladhewaskind，"beganPolly，inasoothingtone；butTomcriedout，remorsefully，；
"That\'swhatknocksmeover!JustwhenIoughttobeaprideandaproptohim，Ibringhimmydebtsanddisgrace，andheneversaysawordofblame。It\'snouse，Ican\'tstandit!"andTom\'sheadwentdownagainwithsomethingverylikeasob，thatwouldcomeinspiteofmanfuleffortstokeepitback，forthepoorfellowhadthewarmestheartthateverwas，andallthefinewaistcoatsoutsidecouldn\'tspoilit。
ThatsoundgavePollymorepainthanthenewsofadozenfailuresandexpulsions，anditwasasimpossibleforhertoresistputtingherhandtenderlyonthebenthead，asitwasforhertohelpnoticingwithpleasurehowbrownthelittlecurlsweregrowing，andhowsofttheywere。Inspiteofhersorrow，sheenjoyedthatminuteverymuch，forshewasabornconsoler，and，itishardlynecessaryformetoadd，lovedthisreprehensibleTomwithallherheart。Itwasaveryfoolishthingforhertodo，shequiteagreedtothat；shecouldn\'tunderstandit，explainit，orhelpit；sheonlyfeltthatshedidcareforhimverymuch，inspiteofhisfaults，hisindifference，andhisengagement。Yousee，shelearnedtolovehimonesummer，whenhemadethemavisit。ThatwasbeforeTrixcaughthim；
andwhensheheardthatpieceofnews，Pollycouldn\'tunlovehimallatonce，thoughshetriedveryhard，aswasherduty。Thatengagementwassuchafarce，thatsheneverhadmuchfaithinit，sosheputherloveawayinacornerofherheart，andtriedtoforgetit，hopingitwouldeitherdie，orhavearighttolive。Itdidn\'tmakeherverymiserable，becausepatience，work，andcommon-senselentherahand，andhopewouldkeeppoppingupitsbrightfacefromthebottomofherPandora-boxoftroubles。
Nowandthen，whenanyonesaidTrixwouldn\'tjiltTom，orthatTomdidcareforTrixmorethanheshould，Pollyhadapang，andthoughtshecouldn\'tpossiblybearit。Butshealwaysfoundshecould，andsocametotheconclusionthatitwasamercifulprovisionofnaturethatgirls\'heartscouldstandsomuch，andtheirappetitescontinuegood，whenunrequitedlovewasstarving。
Now，shecouldnothelpyearningoverthisfaulty，well-belovedscapegraceTom，orhelpthinking，withalittlethrillofhope，"IfTrixonlycaredforhismoney，shemaycasthimoffnowhe\'slostit；butI\'lllovehimallthebetterbecausehe\'spoor。"Withthisfeelingwarmatherheart，Idon\'twonderthatPolly\'shandhadasoothingeffect，andthatafteraheaveortwo，Tom\'sshoulderswerequiet，andcertainsmotheredsniffssuggestedthathewouldbeallrightagain，ifhecouldonlywipehiseyeswithoutanyone\'sseeinghimdoit。
Pollyseemedtodivinehiswish，andtuckingalittle，cleanhandkerchiefintooneofhishalf-openhands，shesaid，"I\'mgoingtoyourfather，now，"andwithafarewellsmooth，socomfortingthatTomwishedshe\'ddoitagain，shewentaway。
Asshepausedaminuteinthehalltosteadyherself，Maudcalledherfromabove，andthinkingthatthewomenmightneedhermorethanthemen，sheranuptofindFannywaitingforherinherownroom。
"Mamma\'sasleep，quitewornout，poordear，sowecantalkinherewithouttroublingher，"saidFanny，receivingherfriendsoquietly，thatPollywasamazed。
"Letmecome，too，Iwon\'tmakeanyfuss；it\'ssodreadfultobeshutouteverywhere，andhavepeoplecryingandtalking，andlockedup，andInotknowwhatitmeans，"saidMaud，beseechingly。
"Youdoknow，now；I\'vetoldher，Polly，"saidFan，astheysatdowntogether，andMaudperchedherselfonthebed，sothatshemightretireamongthepillowsifherfeelingsweretoomuchforher。
"I\'mgladyoutakeitsowell，dear；Iwasafraiditmightupsetyou，"
saidPolly，seeingnowthatinspiteofherquietmanner，Fan\'seyeshadanexcitedlook，andhercheeksafeverishcolor。
"Ishallgroanandmoanbyandby，Idaresay，butatfirstitsortofdazedme，andnowitbeginstoexciteme。Ioughttobefullofsorrowforpoorpapa，andIamtrulysorry，but，wickedasitmayseem，it\'safact，Polly，thatI\'mhalfgladit\'shappened，forittakesmeoutofmyself，andgivesmesomethingtodo。"
Fanny\'seyesfellandhercolorroseasshespoke，butPollyunderstoodwhyshewantedtoforgetherself，andputherarmroundherwithamoretendersympathythanFannyguessed。
"Perhapsthingsarenotasbadastheyseem；Idon\'tknowmuchaboutsuchmatters，butI\'veseenpeoplewhohavefailed，andtheyseemedjustascomfortableasbefore，"saidPolly。
"Itwon\'tbesowithus，forpapameanstogiveupeverything，andnothaveawordsaidagainsthim。Mamma\'slittlepropertyissettleduponher，andhasn\'tbeenrisked。Thattouchedhersomuch!ShedreadspovertyevenmorethanIdo，butshebeggedhimtotakeitifitwouldhelphim。Thatpleasedhim，buthesaidnothingwouldinducehimtodoit，foritwouldn\'thelpmuch，andwashardlyenoughtokeephercomfortable。"
"Doyouknowwhathemeanstodo？"askedPolly，anxiously。
"Hesaidhisplanswerenotmade，buthemeanttogointothelittlehousethatbelongedtograndma，assoonashecould，foritwasn\'thonestforabankrupttokeepupanestablishmentlikethis。"
"Ishan\'tmindthatatall，Ilikethelittlehouse\'causeit\'sgotagarden，andthere\'sacunningroomwithathree-corneredclosetinitthatIalwayswanted。Ifthat\'sall，Idon\'tthinkbankruptingissoverybad，"saidMaud，takingacheerfulviewofthings。
"Ah，justwaittillthecarriagegoesandtheniceclothesandtheservants，andwehavetoscratchalongaswecan。You\'llchangeyourmindthen，poorchild，"saidFanny，whoseideasoffailureweredecidedlytragical。
"Willtheytakeallmythingsaway？"criedMaud，indismay。
"Idaresay；Idon\'tknowwhatweareallowedtokeep；butnotmuch，Ifancy，"andFanlookedasifstrunguptosacrificeeverythingshepossessed。
"Theyshan\'thavemynewear-rings，；I\'llhide\'em，；andmybestdress，andmygoldsmellingbottle。Oh，oh，oh!Ithinkit\'smeantotakealittlegirl\'sthingsaway!"AndMauddivedamongthepillowstosmotherawailofanguishattheprospectofbeingbereftofhertreasures。
Pollysoonluredheroutagain，byassurancesthatshewouldn\'tbeutterlydespoiled，andpromisestotryandsoftenthehardheartsofherfather\'screditors，iftheear-ringsandthesmelling-bottlewereattached。
"Iwonderifweshallbeabletokeeponeservant，justtillwelearnhowtodothework，"saidFanny，lookingatherwhitehands，withasigh。
ButMaudclappedhers，andgaveajoyfulbounce，asshecried，；
"NowIcanlearntocook!Ilovesotobeateggs!I\'llhaveanapron，withabibtoit，likePolly\'s，andafeatherduster，andsweepthestairs，maybe，withmyheadtiedup，likeKaty。Oh，whatfun!"
"Don\'tlaughather，ordiscourageher；letherfindcomfortinbibsanddust-pans，ifshecan，"whisperedPollytoFan，whileMaudtookajoyful"header"amongthepillows，andcameupsmilingandblowzy，forshelovedhouse-work，andoftengotlecturedforstolenvisitstothekitchen，andsurreptitioussweepingsanddustingswhenthecoastwasclear。
"Mammaissofeeble，Ishallhavetokeephouse，Isuppose，andyoumustshowmehow，Polly，"saidFan。
"Goodpractice，ma\'am，asyou\'llfindoutsomeday，"answeredPolly，laughingsignificantly。
Fannysmiled，thengrewbothgraveandsad。"Thischangeseverything；
theoldsetwilldropme，aswedidtheMertonswhentheirfatherfailed，andmy\'prospects，\'aswesay，arequiteruined。"
"Idon\'tbelieveit；yourrealfriendswon\'tdropyou，andyou\'llfindoutwhichthetrueonesarenow。Iknowonefriendwhowillbekinderthanever。"
"Oh，Polly，doyouthinkso？"andFanny\'seyessoftenedwithsuddentears。
"Iknowwhoshemeans，"criedMaud，alwayseagertofindoutthings。
"It\'sherself；Pollywon\'tmindifwearepoor，\'causeshelikesbeggars。"
"Isthatwhoyoumeant？"askedFan，wistfully。
"No，it\'samuchbetteranddearerfriendthanIam，"saidPolly，pinchingFanny\'scheek，asitreddenedprettilyunderhereyes。"You\'llneverguess，Maud，soIwouldn\'ttry，butbeplanningwhatyouwillputinyourcunning，three-corneredcloset，whenyougetit。"
Havinggotridof"MissPaulinaPry，"asTomcalledMaud，whowasimmediatelyabsorbedbyhercupboard，theoldergirlssoberlydiscussedthesuddenchangewhichhadcome，andPollywassurprisedtoseewhatunexpectedstrengthandsenseFannyshowed。Pollywastoounconsciousofthechangewhichlovehadmadeinherselftounderstandatfirstthecauseofherfriend\'snewpatienceandfortitude；butsherejoicedoverit，andfeltthatherprophecywouldyetbefulfilled。PresentlyMaudemergedfromhernewcloset，bringingasomewhatstartlingideawithher。
"Dobankruptingmen"(Maudlikedthatnewword)"alwayshavefits？"
"Mercy，no!Whatputthatintoyourhead，child？"criedPolly。
"Why，Mr。Mertondid；andIwasthinkingperhapspapahadgotonedownthere，anditkindoffrightenedme。"
"Mr。Merton\'swasabad，disgracefulfailure，andIdon\'twonderhehadafit。Oursisn\'t，andpapawon\'tdoanythingofthatsort，youmaybesure，"saidFanny，withasproudanairasif"ourfailure"wasratheranhonorthanotherwise。
"Don\'tyouthinkyouandMaudhadbettergodownandseehim？"askedPolly。
"Perhapshewouldn\'tlikeit；andIdon\'tknowwhattosay，either，"
beganFan；butPollysaid，eagerly，；
"Iknowhewouldlikeit。Nevermindwhatyousay；justgo，andshowhimthatyoudon\'tdoubtorblamehimforthis，butlovehimallthemore，andarereadyandgladtohelphimbearthetrouble。"
"I\'mgoing，Iain\'tafraid；I\'lljusthughim，andsayI\'meversogladwearegoingtothelittlehouse，"criedMaud，scramblingoffthebed，andrunningdownstairs。
"Comewithme，Polly，andtellmewhattodo，"saidFanny，drawingherfriendafterher。
"You\'llknowwhattodowhenyouseehim，betterthanIcantellyou，"
answeredPolly，readilyyielding，forsheknewtheyconsideredher"quiteoneofthefamily，"asTomsaid。
AtthestudydoortheyfoundMaud，whosecouragehadgivenout，forMr。Merton\'sfitratherhauntedher。Pollyopenedthedoor；andtheminuteFannysawherfather，shedidknowwhattodo。Thefirewaslow，thegasdim，andMr。Shawwassittinginhiseasy-chair，hisgrayheadinbothhishands，lookinglonely，old，andboweddownwithcare。FannygavePollyonelook，thenwentandtookthegrayheadinbothherarms，saying，withatenderquiverinhervoice，；
"Fatherdear，we\'vecometohelpyoubearit"
Mr。Shawlookedup，andseeinginhisdaughter\'sfacesomethingthatneverhadbeentherebefore，puthisarmabouther，andleanedhistiredheadagainsther，asif，whenleastexpected，hehadfoundtheconsolationhemostneeded。Inthatminute，Fannyfelt，withmingledjoyandself-reproach，whatadaughtermightbetoherfather；andPolly，thinkingoffeeble，selfishMrs。Shaw，asleepupstairs，sawwithsuddenclearnesswhatawifeshouldbetoherhusband，；ahelpmeet，notaburden。Touchedbytheseunusualdemonstrations，Maudcreptquietlytoherfather\'sknee，andwhispered，withagreattearshiningonherlittlepugnose，；
"Papa，wedon\'tminditmuch，andI\'mgoingtohelpFankeephouseforyou；I\'dliketodoit，truly。"
Mr。Shaw\'sotherarmwentroundthechild，andforaminutenoonesaidanything，forPollyhadslippedbehindhischair，thatnothingshoulddisturbthethree，whowerelearningfrommisfortunehowmuchtheylovedoneanother。
PresentlyMr。Shawsteadiedhimselfandasked，；
"Whereismyotherdaughter，where\'smyPolly？"
Shewasthereatonce；gavehimoneofthequietkissesthathadmorethanusualtendernessinit，forshelovedtohearhimsay"myotherdaughter，"
andthenshewhispered，；
"Don\'tyouwantTom，too？"
"OfcourseIdo；whereisthepoorfellow？"
"I\'llbringhim；"andPollydepartedwithmostobligingalacrity。
Butinthehallshepausedaminutetopeepintotheglassandseeifshewasallright，forsomehowshewasmoreanxioustolookneatandprettytoTominhishouroftroublethanshehadeverbeeninhisprosperousdays。Inliftingherarmstoperkupthebowatherthroatsheknockedahatoffthebracket。Now，ashinyblackbeaverisnotanobjectexactlycalculatedtoinspiretenderorromanticsentiments，onewouldfancy，butthatparticular"stovepipe"seemedtotouchPollytotheheart，forshecaughtitup，asifitsfallsuggestedagreaterone，smoothedoutaslightdint，asifitwassymbolicalofthehardknocksitsowner\'sheadwasnowindangerofreceiving，andstoodlookingatitwithasmuchpityandrespect，asifithadbeenthecrownofadisinheritedprince。Girlswilldosuchfoolishlittlethings，andthoughwelaughatthem，Ithinkwelikethemthebetterforit，afterall。
RichardwashimselfagainwhenPollyentered，forthehandkerchiefhaddisappeared，hisheadwaserect，hisfacewassteady，andhiswholeairhadadoggedcomposurewhichseemedtosaytofate，"Hitaway，I\'mready。"
HedidnothearPollycomein，forhewaslookingfixedlyatthefirewitheyesthatevidentlysawaverydifferentfuturetherefromthatwhichitusedtoshowhim；butwhenshesaid，"Tom，dear，yourfatherwantsyou，"
hegotupatonce，heldouthishandtoher，saying，"Cometoo，wecan\'tgetonwithoutyou，"andtookherbackintothestudywithhim。
Thentheyhadalongtalk，forthefamilytroublesseemedtowarmandstrengthenthefamilyaffectionandconfidence，andastheyoungpeoplelistenedwhileMr。Shawtoldthemasmuchofhisbusinessperplexitiesastheycouldunderstand，everyoneofthemblamedhimorherselfforgoingonsogaylyandblindly，whilethestormwasgathering，andthepoormanwaslefttomeetitallalone。Now，however，thethunder-claphadcome，andafterthefirstalarm，findingtheywerenotkilled，theybegantodiscoveracertainhalf-anxious，half-pleasantexcitementintalkingitover，encouragingoneanother，andfeelingunusuallyfriendly，aspeopledowhenasuddenshowerdrivestwoorthreetotheshelterofoneumbrella。
Itwasasobertalk，butnotallsad，forMr。Shawfeltinexpressiblycomfortedbyhischildren\'sunexpectedsympathy，andthey，tryingtotakethedownfallcheerfullyforhissake，founditeasiertobearthemselves。
Theyevenlaughedoccasionally，forthegirls，intheirignorance，askedqueerquestions；Tommadeludicrouslyunbusiness-likepropositions；andMaudgavethemoneheartypeal，thatdidaworldofgood，bypensivelyremarking，whentheplansforthefuturehadbeenexplainedtoher，；
"I\'msorelieved；forwhenpapasaidwemustgiveupeverything，andmammacalledusallbeggars，IdidthinkI\'dgottogoroundaskingforcoldvittles，withabigbasket，andanoldshawlovermyhead。IsaidonceI\'dlikethat，butI\'mafraidIshouldn\'t，forIcan\'tbearIndiancakeandcoldpotatoes，；that\'swhatthepoorchildrenalwaysseemtoget，；andIshouldhatetohaveGraceandtherestseemescuffingroundthebackgates。"
"Mylittlegirlshallnevercometothat，ifIcanhelpit，"saidMr。
Shaw，holdingherclose，withalookthatmadeMaudadd，asshelaidhercheekagainsthisown，；
"ButI\'ddoit，father，ifyouaskedmeto，forItrulywanttohelp。"
"SodoI!"criedFanny，wonderingatthesameminutehowitwouldseemtowearturnedsilks，andcleanhergloves。
Tomsaidnothing，butdrewtowardhimapaperoffigureswhichhisfatherhaddrawnup，andspeedilyreducedhimselftothevergeofdistractionbytryingtounderstandthem，inhisardentdesiretoprovehiswillingnesstoputhisshouldertothewheel。
"Weshallpullthrough，children，sodon\'tborrowtrouble，onlybereadyfordiscomfortsandannoyances。Putyourprideinyourpockets，andrememberpovertyisn\'tdisgraceful，butdishonestyis。"
PollyhadalwayslovedkindMr。Shaw，butnowsherespectedhimheartily，andfeltthatshehadnotdonehimjusticewhenshesometimesthoughtthatheonlycaredformakingmoney。
"Ishouldn\'twonderifthiswasagoodthingforthewholefamily，thoughitdon\'tlookso。Mrs。Shawwilltakeitthehardest，butitmaystirherup，soshewillforgethernerves，andbeasbusyandhappyasmotheris，"saidPollytoherself，inahopefulmood，forpovertywasanoldfriend，andshehadlearnedlongagonottofearit，buttotakeitsbitteranditssweet，andmakethebestofboth。
Whentheypartedforthenight，Pollyslippedawayfirst，toleavethemfree，yetcouldn\'thelplingeringoutsidetoseehowtenderlythegirlspartedfromtheirfather。Tomhadn\'tawordtosayforhimself，formendon\'tkiss，caress，orcrywhentheyfeelmost，andallhecoulddotoexpresshissympathyandpenitence，wastowringhisfather\'shandwithafacefullofrespect，regret，andaffection，andthenboltupstairsasifthefurieswereafterhim，astheywere，inamildandmodernform。ChapterXVI。ChapterXVI。CHAPTERXVIADRESSPARADETHEweeksthatfollowedtaughttheShaws，asmanyotherfamilieshavebeentaught，howrapidlyrichestaketothemselveswingsandflyaway，whentheyoncebegintogo。Mr。Shawcarriedouthisplanswithanenergyandpatiencethatworkedwonders，andtouchedtheheartsofhishardestcreditors。
Thebighousewasgivenupassoonaspossibleandthelittlehousetaken；
beingmadecomfortablewiththefurnitureMadamlefttherewhenshewenttolivewithherson。Theold-fashionedthingshadbeenletwiththehouse，andnowseemedalmostlikeagiftfromGrandma，doublypreciousinthesetroubloustimes。Attheauction，severalpersonstriedtoshowthefamilythat，thoughtheyhadlosttheirfortune，friendsstillremained，foronebidinFanny\'spiano，andsentittoher；anothersecuredcertainluxuriousarticlesforMrs。Shaw\'scomfort；andathirdsavedsuchofMr。Shaw\'sbooksashevaluedmost，forhehadkepthiswordandgivenupeverything，withthemostpunctiliousintegrity。Sothelittlehousewasnotbare，butmadepleasanttotheireyesbythesewaifsfromthewreck，broughtthembythetideofsympathyandgood-willwhichsoonsetin。
Everybodywhoknewthemhastenedtocall，manyfromarealregard，butmorefrommerecuriosityto"seehowtheytookit。"Thiswasoneofthehardestthingstheyhadtobear，andTomusedstronglanguagemorethanonce，whensomefineladycametocondole，andwentawaytogossip。Polly\'shopesofMrs。Shawweredisappointed，formisfortunedidnothaveabracingeffect。Shetooktoherbedatonce，receivedherfriendsintearsandapoint-lacecap，andcheeredherfamilybyplaintivelyinquiringwhenshewastobetakentothealmshouse。ThiswashardforFanny；butafteranintervalofdespair，shecametotheconclusionthatunderthecircumstancesitwasthebestthinghermothercouldhavedone，andwithsomethingofherfather\'senergy，Fannyshoulderedthenewburden，feelingthatatlastnecessityhadgivenherwhatshehadlongneeded，somethingtodo。
ThepoorgirlknewasmuchofhouseholdaffairsasSnip；butprideandtheresolution"tostandbyFather，"keptuphercourage，andsheworkedawaywithfeverishactivityatwhatevertaskcamefirsttill，justasstrengthandheartwereabouttofail，orderbegantoemergefromchaosandthevisionofahomemadehappyandcomfortablebyherskillandcarecametorepayandsustainher。
Maud，beingrelievedfromthefearofback-doorbeggary，soonbecamereconciledtobankruptcy；thoughtitratheragoodjoke，onthewhole，forchildrenlikenovelty，anddon\'tcaremuchforMrs。Grundy。Sheregardedthenewabodeasababyhouseonalargescale，whereshewasallowedtoplayherpartinthemostsatisfactorymanner。Fromthemomentwhen，ontakingpossessionofthecovetedroom，sheopenedthedoorsofthethree-corneredcloset，andfoundalittlekettlejustlikePolly\'s，standingthere，shefeltthatagoodtimewascomingforherandfelltodustingfurniture，washingcups，andmakingtoast，thehappiest，fussiestlittlehousewifeinthecity。ForMaudinheritedthenotablegiftsofhergrandmother，andwouldhavemadeacapitalfarmer\'sdaughter，inspiteofhercitybreeding。
Pollycameandwentthroughallthesechanges，faithful，helpful，andascheeryasshecouldbewhenherfriendswereintrouble。Thepartsseemedreversednow，anditwasPollywhogave，Fannywhoreceived；forwhereeverythingseemedstrangeandnewtoFan，Pollywasquiteathome，andeveryoneoftheunfashionabledomesticaccomplishmentsnowcameintoplay，tothecomfortoftheShaws，andthegreatsatisfactionofPolly。Shecouldnotdoenoughtoprovehergratitudeforformerfavors，andwenttoilingandmoilingabout，feelingthatthehardest，mostdisagreeabletaskswereherespecialduty。Inthemovingnothingsuitedherbetterthantotrotupanddown，luggingheavythings，topoundherfingersblackandbluenailingcarpetsandcurtains，andthedayshenearlybrokehernecktumblingdownthecellarstairs，inhereagernesstoseethatMrs。Shaw\'swinewasrightlystored，shefeltthatshewasonlypayingherdebts，andtoldTomshelikedit，whenhepickedheruplookingasgrimyasachimney-sweep。
"Youcanturnyourhandtoanything，youclevergirl，sodocomeandgivemesomeadvice，forIaminthedepthsofdespair，"saidFannywhenthe"maid-of-all-work"asPollycalledherself，foundaleisurehour。
"Whatisit？Mothsinthefurs，asmokychimney，orsmall-poxnextdoor？"
askedPolly，astheyenteredFan\'sroom，whereMaudwastryingonoldbonnetsbeforethelooking-glass。
"ActuallyIhavenothingtowear，"beganFanimpressively；"I\'vebeentoobusytothinkorcaretillnow，buthereitisnearlyMayandIhavehardlyadecentragtomyback。Usually，youknow，IjustgotoMrs。O\'GradyandtellherwhatIwant；shemakesmyspringwardrobe，Papapaysthebill，andthereIam。NowI\'velookedintothematter，andIdeclaretoyou，Polly，I\'mfrightenedtoseehowmuchitcoststodressme。"
"NotsomuchassomegirlsIknow，"saidPollyencouragingly。
"Perhapsnot，forIhaveaconscience，andtasteiseconomysometimes；
butreally，Polly，Ihaven\'tthehearttoaskPapaforacentjustnow，andyetImusthaveclothes。Youaresuchageniusforplanningandworkingwonders，thatIthrowmyselfuponyouandask，\'HowshallImakeaspringwardrobeoutofnothing？\'"
"Letmeseethe\'nothing\'beforeIadvise。Bringouteveryragyou\'vegot，andwe\'llseewhatcanbedone，"saidPolly，lookingasifsheenjoyedtheprospect，forshehadagreatdealofthatfemininefacultywhichwecall"knack，"andmuchpracticehadincreasedit。
Fannybroughtouther"rags"andwasastonishedtoseehowmanyshehad，forchair，sofa，bed，andbureauwerecovered，andstillMaud，whowasburrowingintheclosets，keptcrying，"Here\'sanother。"
"There\'sadiscouragingheapofrubbishforyou!"saidFan，assheaddedafadedmuslintothelastpile。
"Now，tomeyour\'rubbish\'looksveryencouraging，becausethereisgoodmaterialthere，andnotmuchworn-outfinery，；that\'smydetestation，foryoucan\'tdoanythingwithit。Letmesee，fivebonnets。Putthewinteronesawaytillautumn，ripupthesummerones，andoutofthreeoldoneswe\'llgetaprettynewone，ifmyeyesdon\'tdeceiveme。"
"I\'llrip，andthendoletmeseeyoumakeabonnet，itmustbesointeresting，"saidMaud，whippingoutherscissorsandeagerlybeginningtoreduceashabbylittlebonnettoitsoriginalelements。
"Nowthedresses，"continuedPolly，whohadrapidlysortedoutthepiles。
"Willyouhavethegoodnesstolookatthis？"saidFan，holdingupagraystreetsuitfadedpastcure。
Pollywhiskeditwrongsideout，andshowingtheclean，brightfabric，said，withatriumphantwave，；
"Beholdyournewsuit；freshtrimmingandlessofitwillfinishyouoffassmartasever。"
"Ineverworeaturneddressinmylife；doyousupposepeoplewillknowit？"saidFandoubtfully。
"Whatiftheydo？Itwon\'thurtyou。Notoneinahundredwilleverthinkanythingaboutyourdress，exceptthatitispretty。I\'vewornturnedanddyedgownsallmydays，anditdon\'tseemtohavealienatedmyfriends，orinjuredmyconstitution。"
"Thatithasn\'t；I\'magoose，Polly，andI\'llgetoverthefeelingthatit\'ssortofdisgracefultobepoorandhavetoeconomize。We\'llturnthegray，andI\'llwearitbravely。"
"Thenitwillbemorebecomingthanever。Oh，here\'stheprettyvioletsilk。Thatwillmakealovelysuit，"criedPolly，goingonwiththereview。
"Don\'tseehowtwodraggledskirtsandastainedwaistcanbetransformedintoawholerig，"saidFan，sittingonthebed，withhergarmentsstrewnaboutherinvariousattitudesoflimpdespondency。
"Well，ma\'am，myplanisthis，"beganPolly，imitatingMrs。O\'Grady\'simportanttone，andbadgrammar:"Goresisout，andplaitsisin；therefore，asthetopofthisskirtisquitefresh，wewilltakeofftheruffles，turnitupsidedown，andleaveitplain。Theupperskirtwillbemadescanter，andfinishedwithafrill；thenthewaistcanberefreshedwiththebestpartsofthesewideflounces，andoutofthosenewbitswewillconcoctahat。TheblacklaceMaudhasjusttakenoffthegreenonewilldotoedgetheviolet，andwithyournicesilkmantillayouarecomplete，don\'tyousee？"
"Idon\'tquiteseeityet，butIhavefirmfaiththatIshallintime，andconsidermycallingcostumefinished，"saidFanny，gettingmoreandmoreinterestedasshesawhercondemnedwardrobecomingoutfreshagainunderPolly\'smagicknack。
"Therearetwo；thenthatpiqué；isallright，ifyoucutthetailoffthejacketandchangethetrimmingabit。Themuslinsonlyneedmendinganddoinguptolookaswellasever；yououghtnottoputthemawaytornandsoiled，mychild。Thetwoblacksilkswillbegoodstand-bysforyears。IfIwereyou，I\'dhaveacoupleofneat，prettyprintsforhome-wear，andthenIdon\'tseewhyyouaren\'tfixedwellenoughforourshortseason。"
"Can\'tIdoanythingwiththisbarege？It\'soneofmyfavoritedresses，andIhatetogiveitup。"
"Youworethatthoroughlyout，andit\'sonlyfitfortherag-bag。Yes，itwasveryprettyandbecoming，Iremember，butitsdayisover。"
Fannyletthedresslieinherlapaminuteassheabsentlypickedatthefringe，smilingtoherselfoverthehappytimewhensheworeitlastandSydneysaidsheonlyneededcowslipsinherlaptolooklikespring。
Presentlyshefoldeditupandputitawaywithasigh，butitneverwentintotherag-bag，andmysentimentalreaderscanunderstandwhatsavedit。
"Theballdresseshadbetterbeputnicelyawaytillnextyear，"beganPolly，comingtoarainbow；coloredheap。
"Mydayisover，Ishallneverusethemagain。Dowhatyoulikewiththem，"saidFancalmly。
"Didyoueversellyourcast-offfinery，asmanyladiesdo？"askedPolly。
"Never；Idon\'tlikethefashion。Igiveitaway，orletMaudhaveitfortableaux。"
"IwonderifyouwouldmindmytellingyousomethingBelleproposed？"
"Ifit\'sanoffertobuymyclothes，Ishouldmind，"answeredFanny，sharply。
"ThenIwon\'t，"andPollyretiredbehindacloudofarsenic-greengauze，whichmadeherlookasifshehadthecholera。
"Ifshewantedtobuythathorridnew\'gooseberry-coloredgown，\'asTomcallsit，I\'dletherhaveitcheap，"putinMaud，whowasofapracticalturn。
"Doesshewantit，Polly？"askedFan，whosecuriositygotthebetterofherpride。
"Well，shemerelyaskedmeifIthoughtyou\'dbemortallyoffended，ifsheofferedtotakeitoffyourhands，asyou\'dneverwornit。Youdon\'tlikeit，andinanotherseasonitwillbealloutoffashion，"saidPollyfromherverdantretreat。
"Whatdidyousay？"
"Isawshemeantitkindly，soIsaidI\'dask。Nowbetweenourselves，Fan，thepriceofthatdresswouldgiveyouallyou\'llwantforyourspringfixings，that\'soneconsideration；thenhere\'sanother，whichmayhavesomeweightwithyou，"addedPollyslyly。"TrixtoldBelleshewasgoingtoaskyouforthedress，asyouwouldn\'tcaretowearitnow。ThatmadeBellefireup，andsayitwasameanthingtodowithoutofferingsomereturnforacostlythinglikethat；andthenBellesaid，inherbluntway，\'I\'llgiveFanallshepaidforit，andmore，too，ifitwillbeanyhelptoher。Idon\'tcareforthedress，butI\'dliketoslipalittlemoneyintoherpocket，forIknowsheneedsitandistoogoodtoaskdearMr。Shawforanythingshecangetonwithout。\'"
"Didshesaythat？I\'llgiveherthedress，andnottakeapennyforit，"criedFan，flushingupwithmingledangertowardTrixandgratitudetoBelle。
"Thatwon\'tsuither；youletmemanageit，anddon\'tfeelanyshameoranxietyaboutit。YoudidmanyakindandgenerousthingforBellewhenyouhadthepower，andyoulikedtodoit；nowletherpayherdebts，andhavethesamepleasure。"
"Ifshelooksatitinthatway，itmakesadifference。PerhapsI\'dbetter；themoneywouldbeanimmensehelp；onlyIdon\'tquiteliketotakeit。"
"Kingsandqueensselltheirjewelswhentimesarehardortheygetturnedofftheirthrones，andnoonethinksitanythingamiss，sowhyneedyou？It\'sjustalittletransactionbetweentwofriendswhoexchangethingstheydon\'twantforthingswhichtheydo，andI\'ddoitifIwereyou。"
"We\'llseeaboutit，"saidFan，privatelyresolvingtotakePolly\'sadvice。
"IfIhadlotsofthingslikeFan，I\'dhaveanauctionandgetallIcouldforthem。Whydon\'tyou？"askedMaud，beginningonherthirdbonnet。
