第12章

"Wewill，"saidPolly，andmountingachair，sheputup，bidin，andknockeddownFan\'sentirewardrobetoanimaginarygroupoffriends，withsuchdrollimitationsofeachonethattheroomrangwithlaughter。

"That\'senoughnonsense；nowwe\'llreturntobusiness，"saidPolly，descendingbreathlessbutsatisfiedwiththeeffectofherfun。

"Thesewhitemuslinsandprettysilkswillkeepforyears，soIshouldlaythembytilltheyareneeded。Itwillsavebuying，andyoucangotoyourstockanytimeandmakeoverwhatyouwant。That\'sthewayMotherdoes；we\'vealwayshadthingssentusfromricherfriends，andwhateverwasn\'tproperforustowearatthetime，Motherputawaytobeusedwhenweneededit。Suchfunnybundlesasweusedtohavesometimes，­；oddshoes，bonnetswithoutcrowns，stockingswithoutheelsortoes，andoldfineryofallsorts。Weusedtorushwhenabundlecame，andsitroundwhileMotheropenedit。Theboysalwaysmadefunofthethings，thoughtheywereasgrateful，really，asanyofus。Willmadeaverseonedaywhichwethoughtprettywellforalittlechap:­；\'TopoorcountryfolksWhohaven\'tanyclothes，Richfolks，torelievethem，Sendoldlacegownsandsatinbows。\'""IthinkthatWillisgoingtobeasniceapoetasMr。Shakespeare，"remarkedMaudinatoneofseriousconviction。

"HeisalreadyaMilton；butIdon\'tbelievehewilleverbeanythingbutapoetinname，"saidPolly，workingawaywhileshetalked。

"Didn\'tyourmothereverletyouwearthenicethingsthatcame？"askedMaud。

"No，shethoughtitwasn\'tthethingforapoorminister\'sgirlstogoflourishingaboutinsecond-handfinery，soshedidwhatI\'mdoingnow，putawaywhatwouldbeusefulandproperforusbyandby，andletusplaywiththeshabby，silkbonnetsanddirty，flouncedgowns。Suchfunasweusedtohaveupinourbiggarret!Irememberonedaywe\'dbeenplayinghaveaball，andwereallriggedup，eventheboys。Somenewneighborscametocall，andexpressedawishtoseeus，havingbeentoldthatwewerepatternchildren。Mothercalledus，butwehadparadedoutintothegarden，afterourball，andwerehavingaconcert，aswesataboutonthecabbagesforgreensatinseats，sowedidn\'thearthecall，andjustasthecompanywasgoing，agreatnoisearrestedthemonthedoorstep，androundthecornerofthehouserattledNedinfullcostume，wheelingKittyinabarrow，whileJimmy，Will，andIranscreamingafter，lookinglikeBedlamites；forwewereplayingthatLadyFitzPerkinshadfainted，andwasbeingbornehomesenselessinacab。Ithoughtmotherwouldkillherselfwithlaughing；andyoucanimaginewhatafineimpressionthestrangersreceivedofthemodelchildren。"

Maudwassotickledwiththisyouthfulprankthatsheunguardedlysatdowntolaughontheedgeofanopentrunk，immediatelydoubledup，fellin，andwaswithdifficultyextricated。

"Peopleinthecountryhavegreatdealnicertimesthanwedo。Ineverrodeinawheelbarrow，Ineversatoncabbages，andIdon\'tthinkit\'sfair，"shesaidwithaninjuredexpression。"Youneedn\'tsaveanyoldsilkgownsforme；Idon\'tmeantobeafineladywhenIgrowup，I

\'mgoingtobeafarmer\'swife，andmakebutterandcheese，andhavetenchildren，andraisepigs，"sheaddedinoneenthusiasticburst。

"Idobelieveshewillifshecanfindafarmeranywhere，"saidFanny。

"Oh，I\'mgoingtohaveWill；Iaskedhimandhesaid，\'Allright。\'

He\'sgoingtopreachSundays，andworkonthefarmtherestofthetime。

Well，heis，soyouneedn\'tlaugh，forwe\'vemadeallourplans，"saidMaudwithcomicaldignityasshetriedtheeffectofanoldwhitebonnet，wonderingiffarmers\'wivescouldwearostrichfeatherswhentheywenttomeeting。

"Blessedinnocence!Don\'tyouwishyouwereachild，anddaredtellwhatyouwant？"murmuredFanny。

"IwishIhadseenWill\'sfacewhenMaudproposed，"answeredPolly，withanodwhichansweredherfriend\'sspeechbetterthanherwords。

"Anynewsofanybody？"whisperedFan，affectingtoexamineasleevewithcare。

"StillattheSouth；don\'tthinklateeventshavebeenreportedyet；

thataccountsforabsence，"answeredPolly。

"IthinkSirPhilipwashitharderthanwassupposed，"saidFan。

"Idoubtit，buttimecureswoundsofthatsortamazingquick。"

"Wishitdid!"

"WhoisSirPhilip？"demandedMaud，prickingupherears。

"AfamousmanwholivedinthetimeofQueenElizabeth，"answeredFan，withalookatPolly。

"Oh!"AndMaudseemedsatisfied，butthesharpchildhadhersuspicionsnevertheless。

"TherewillbeanimmensedealofworkinallthisfixingoverandI

hatetosew，"saidFanny，todivertacertainperson\'sthoughts。

"JennyandIaregoingtohelp。Weareyourdebtors，aswellasBelle，anddemandtheprivilegeofpayingup。Blessings，likecurses，comehometoroost，Fan。"

"Minecomehomeagooddealbiggerthantheywent，"answeredFanny，lookingpleasedthatlittlefavorsshouldbesofaithfullyremembered。

"Theinterestonthatsortofinvestmentrollsupbeautifully，youknow。

NowripthatdressforJennytoputinorder，andI\'lltossyouupabonnetinlessthannotime，"saidPolly，determinedtohavethingsgosmoothly，forsheknewFan\'sfeelingshadbeenagooddealtriedlately，inmanyways。

"Imusthavesomethingtomatchmydress，andblueinside，"saidFanny，bringingoutherribbonboxes。

"Anythingyoulike，mydear；whenitcomestobonnets，Iamusuallyinspired。Ihaveit!Thereweare!Andnothingcouldbenicer，"criedPolly，makingadiveamongthesilksFanwasturningoverwithalostexpression。

"Thisbitofsilver-grayisallIask，here\'senoughforakillingbonnet，andthoseforget-me-notsarebothprettyandappropriate。"

"Youwretch，bestill!"criedFanny，asPollylookedupatherwithawickedlaughinhereyes。

"Itwillbedoneintime，andthedresslikewise，solookyourprettiest，andacceptmyblessing，"continuedPolly，seeingthatFanlikedherraillery。

"Timeforwhat？"askedPaulinaPry。

"Yourwedding，dear，"sweetlyansweredFan，forPolly\'spleasanthintsandpredictionsputherinacharminghumor，andevenmadeoldclothesoflittleconsequence。

Maudgaveanincreduloussniff，andwonderedwhy"biggirlsneedtobesodreadfulmysteriousabouttheiroldsecrets。"

"ThissilkremindsmeofKitty\'sperformancelastsummer。AlittlecheckedsilkwassentinourspringbundlefromMrs。Davenport，andMothersaidKitmighthaveitifshecouldmakeitdo。SoIwasheditnicely，andwefussedandplanned，butitcameshortbyhalfofonesleeve。Igaveitup，butKitwenttoworkandmatchedeveryscrapthatwasleftsoneatlythatshegotoutthehalfsleeve，putitontheunderside，andnoonewasthewiser。Howmanypiecesdoyouthinksheputin，Maud？"

"Fifty，"wasthewisereply。

"No，onlyten，butthatwasprettywellforafourteen-year-olddressmaker。

Yououghttohaveseenthelittlewitchlaughinhersleevewhenanyoneadmiredthedress，forsheworeitallsummerandlookedasprettyasapinkinit。Suchthingsaregreatfunwhenyougetusedtothem；besides，contrivingsharpensyourwits，andmakesyoufeelasifyouhadmorehandsthanmostpeople。"

"Ithinkwe\'llgetafarmnearyourhouse；IshouldliketoknowKitty，"

saidMaud，feelingacuriousinterestinagirlwhomadesuchpeculiarpatchwork。

"Thedress-paradeisover，andI\'meversomuchobligedtoyou，Polly，forhelpingmethrough，andshowingmehowtomakethebestofthings。

Ihopeintimetohaveasmanyhandsasyou，"saidFangratefully，whenthesimplebonnetwasdoneandeverythingplannedoutreadytobefinished。

"Ihopeyouwillsoonhavetwogood，strongonesbesideyourown，mydear，"answeredPolly，asshevanished，withapartingtwinklethatkeptFan\'sfacebrightallday。ChapterXVII。ChapterXVII。CHAPTERXVIIPLAYINGGRANDMOTHERITHINKTomhadthehardesttimeofall，forbesidesthefamilytroubles，hehadmanyofhisowntoperplexandharasshim。Collegescrapesweresoonforgotteningreaterafflictions；buttherewereplentyoftonguestoblame"thatextravagantdog，"andplentyofheadstowagominouslyoverpropheciesofthegoodtimeTomShawwouldnowmakeontheroadtoruin。

Asreportersflourishinthiscountry，ofcourseTomsoonheardallthefriendlycriticismspasseduponhimandhiscareer，andhesufferedmorethananybodyguessed；forthetruththatwasatthebottomofthegossipfilledhimwiththesharpregretandimpotentwrathagainsthimselfaswellasothers，whichdrivesmanyaproudfellow，soplaced，todestruction，ortheeffortthatredeemsboyishfolly，andmakesamanofhim。

Nowthathehadlosthisheritage，Tomseemedtoseeforthefirsttimehowgoodlyithadbeen，howrichinpower，pleasure，andgraciousopportunities。

Hefeltitsworthevenwhileheacknowledged，withthesenseofjusticethatisstronginmanlymen，howlittlehedeservedagiftwhichhehadsomisused。Hebroodedoverthisagooddeal，for，likethebatinthefable，hedidn\'tseemtofindanyplaceinthenewlifewhichhadbegunforall。Knowingnothingofbusiness，hewasnotofmuchusetohisfather，thoughhetriedtobe，andgenerallyendedbyfeelingthathewasahindrance，notahelp。Domesticaffairswereequallyoutofhisline，andthegirls，morefrankthantheirfather，didnothesitatetotellhimhewasinthewaywhenheofferedtolendahandanywhere。Afterthefirstexcitementwasover，andhehadtimetothink，heartandenergyseemedtodieout，remorsegotholdofhim，and，asgenerous，thoughtlessnaturesareapttodowhensuddenlyconfrontedwithconscience，heexaggeratedhisfaultsandfolliesintosinsofthedeepestdye，andfanciedhewasregardedbyothersasavillainandanoutcast。Prideandpenitencemadehimshrinkoutofsightasmuchaspossible，forhecouldnotbearpity，evenwhensilentlyexpressedbyafriendlyhandorakindlyeye。Hestayedathomeagooddeal，andloafedaboutwithamelancholyandneglectedair，vanishedwhenanyonecame，talkedverylittle，andwaseitherpatheticallyhumbleortragicallycross。Hewantedtodosomething，butnothingseemedtoappear；

andwhilehewaitedtogethispoiseafterthedownfall，hewassoverymiserablethatI\'mafraid，ifithadnotbeenforonething，mypoorTomwouldhavegotdesperate，andbeenafailure。Butwhenheseemedmostuseless，outcast，andforlorn，hediscoveredthatonepersonneededhim，onepersonneverfoundhimintheway，onepersonalwayswelcomedandclungtohimwiththestrongestaffectionofaveryfeeblenature。Thisdependenceofhismother\'swasTom\'ssalvationatthatcrisisofhislife；andthegossips，whosaidsoftlytooneanotherovertheirmuffinsandtea。"Itreallywouldbearelieftothatwholefamilyifpoor，dearMrs。Shawcouldbe­；ahem!­；mercifullyremoved，"didnotknowthattheinvalid\'sweak，idlehandswereunconsciouslykeepingthesonsafeinthatquietroom，whereshegavehimallthatshehadtogive，mother-love，tillhetookheartagain，andfacedtheworldreadytofighthisbattlesmanfully。

"Dear，dear!howoldandbentpoorfatherdoeslook。Ihopehewon\'tforgettoordermysweetbread，"sighedMrs。Shawoneday，asshewatchedherhusbandslowlygoingdownthestreet。

Tom，whostoodbyher，idlyspinningthecurtaintassel，followedthefamiliarfigurewithhiseye，andseeinghowgraythehairhadgrown，howcarewornthefloridface，andhowlikeawearyoldmanhisoncestrong，handsomefatherwalked，hewassmittenbyanewpangofself-reproach，andwithhisusualimpetuositysetaboutrepairingtheomissionassoonashediscoveredit。

"I\'llseetoyoursweetbread，mum。Good-by，backtodinner，"andwithahastykiss，Tomwasoff。

Hedidn\'tknowexactlywhathemeanttodo，butithadsuddenlycomeoverhim，thathewashidingfromthestorm，andlettinghisfathermeetitalone；fortheoldmanwenttohisofficeeverydaywiththeregularityofamachine，thatwouldgoitsusualrounduntilitstopped，whiletheyoungmanstayedathomewiththewomen，andlethismothercomforthim。

"Hehasarighttobeashamedofme，butIactasifIwasashamedofhim；daresaypeoplethinkso。I\'llshowthemthatIain\'t；yes，bythepowers，Iwill!"andTomdrewonhisgloveswiththeairofamanabouttomeetandconqueranenemy。

"Haveanarm，sir？Ifyoudon\'tmindI\'llwalkdownwithyou。Littlecommissionformother，­；niceday，isn\'tit？"

Tomratherbrokedownattheendofhisspeech，forthelookofpleasedsurprisewithwhichhisfathergreetedhim，thealacritywithwhichheacceptedandleanedonthestrongarmofferedhim，provedthatthedailywalkshadbeensolitaryanddoubtlesssadones。IthinkMr。Shawunderstoodtherealmeaningofthatlittleactofrespect，andfeltbetterforthehopefulchangeitseemedtoforetell。Buthetookitquietly，andleavinghisfacetospeakforhim，merelysaid，­；

"Thanky，Tom；yes，motherwillenjoyherdinnertwiceasmuchifyouorderit。"

Thentheybegantotalkbusinesswithalltheirmight，asiftheyfearedthatsometraceofsentimentmightdisgracetheirmasculinedignity。Butitmadenodifferencewhethertheydiscussedlawsuitsorlove，mortgagesormothers，thefeelingwasallrightandtheyknewit，soMr。Shawwalkedstraighterthanusual，andTomfeltthathewasinhisproperplaceagain。

Thewalkwasnotwithoutitstrials，however；forwhileitdidTom\'sheartgoodtoseethecordialrespectpaidtohisfather，ittriedhispatiencesorelytoseealsoinquisitiveordisapprovingglancesfixeduponhimselfwhenhatswereliftedtohisfather，andtohearthehearty"Goodday，Mr。Shaw，"dropintoacoolorcareless，"That\'stheson；it\'shardonhim。Wildfellow，dohimgood。"

"Granted；butyouneedn\'thitamanwhenhe\'sdown，"mutteredTomtohimself，feelingeverymomentastrongerdesiretodosomethingthatshouldsilenceeverybody。"I\'dcutawaytoAustraliaifitwasn\'tformother；anything，anywheretogetoutofthewayofpeoplewhoknowme。

Inevercanrightmyselfhere，withallthefellowswatching，andlayingwagerswhetherIsinkorswim。HangGreekandLatin!wishI\'dlearnedatrade，andhadsomethingtofallbackupon。Haven\'tablessedthingnow，butdecentFrenchandmyfists。WonderifoldBelldon\'twantaclerkfortheParisbranchofthebusiness？Thatwouldn\'tbebad；faith，I\'lltryit。"

AndwhenTomhadlandedhisfathersafelyattheoffice，tothegreatedificationofallbeholders，hescreweduphiscourage，andwenttopreferhisrequest，feelingthattheprospectbrightenedalittle。ButMr。Bellwasnotinagoodhumor，andonlygaveTomaseverelectureontheerrorofhisways，whichsenthimhomemuchdepressed，andcausedthehorizontoloweragain。

Asheroamedaboutthehousethatafternoon，tryingtocalculatehowmuchanAustralianoutfitwouldcost，thesoundoflivelyvoicesandclatteringspoonsattractedhimtothekitchen。TherehefoundPollygivingMaudlessonsincookery；forthe"newhelp"notbeingahigh-pricedarticle，couldnotbedependedonfordesserts，andMrs。Shawwouldhavefeltasifthewolfwasatthedooriftherewasnot"asweetdish"atdinner。Maudhadageniusforcooking，andFannyhatedit，sothatlittlepersonwasinherglory，studyingreceiptbooks，andtakinglessonswheneverPollycouldgivethem。

"Graciousme，Tom，don\'tcomenow；weareawfulbusy!Mendon\'tbelonginkitchens，"criedMaud，asherbrotherappearedinthedoorway。

"Couldn\'tthinkwhatyouwereabout。Mumisasleep，andFanout，soIloafeddowntoseeiftherewasanyfunafoot，"saidTom，lingering，asiftheprospectwasagreeable。Hewasasocialfellow，andverygratefuljustthentoanyonewhohelpedhimtoforgethisworriesforatime。Pollyknewthis，feltthathissocietywouldnotbeagreatafflictiontoherselfatleast，andwhisperingtoMaud，"Hewon\'tknow，"sheadded，aloud，­；

"Comeinifyoulike，andstirthiscakeforme；itneedsastronghand，andminearetired。There，putonthataprontokeepyoutidy，sithere，andtakeiteasy。"

"Iusedtohelpgrandmabatupcake，andratherlikedit，ifIrememberright，"saidTom，lettingPollytieacheckedaprononhim，putabigbowlintohishands，andsettlehimnearthetable，whereMaudwaspickingraisins，andsheherselfstirringbusilyaboutamongspice-boxes，rolling-pins，andbutter-pots。

"Youdoitbeautifully，Tom。I\'llgiveyouaconundrumtolightenyourlabor:Whyarebadboyslikecake？"askedPolly，anxioustocheerhimup。

"Becauseagoodbeatingmakesthembetter。Idoubtthatmyself，though，"

answeredTom，nearlyknockingthebottomofthebowloutwithhisenergeticdemonstrations，foritreallywasarelieftodosomething。

"Brightboy!here\'saplumforyou，"andPollythrewaplumpraisinintohismouth。

"Putinlots，won\'tyou？I\'mratherfondofplum-cake，"observedTom，likeninghimselftoHerculeswiththedistaff，andfindinghisemploymentpleasant，ifnotclassical。

"Ialwaysdo，ifIcan；there\'snothingIlikebetterthantoshovelinsugarandspice，andmakenice，plummycakeforpeople。It\'soneofthefewthingsIhaveagiftfor。"

"You\'vehititthistime，Polly；youcertainlyhaveagiftforputtingagooddealofbotharticlesintoyourownandotherpeople\'slives，whichislucky，as，weallhavetoeatthatsortofcake，whetherwelikeitornot，"observedTom，sosoberlythatPollyopenedhereyes，andMaudexclaimed，­；

"Idobelievehe\'spreaching。"

"FeelasifIcouldsometimes，"continuedTom；thenhiseyefelluponthedimplesinPolly\'selbows，andheadded，withalaugh，"That\'smoreinyourline，ma\'am；can\'tyougiveusasermon？"

"Ashortone。Life，mybrethren，islikeplum-cake，"beganPolly，impressivelyfoldingherflouryhands。"Insometheplumsareallonthetop，andweeatthemgayly，tillwesuddenlyfindtheyaregone。Inotherstheplumssinktothebottom，andwelookfortheminvainaswegoon，andoftencometothemwhenitistoolatetoenjoythem。Butinthewell-madecake，theplumsarewiselyscatteredallthrough，andeverymouthfulisapleasure。

Wemakeourowncakes，inagreatmeasure，thereforeletuslooktoit，mybrethren，thattheyaremixedaccordingtothebestreceipt，bakedinawellregulatedoven，andgratefullyeatenwithatemperateappetite。"

"Good!good!"criedTom，applaudingwiththewoodenspoon。"That\'samodelsermon，Polly，­；short，sweet，sensible，andnotabitsleepy。

I\'moneofyourparish，andwillseethatyougetyour\'celerypunctooal，\'

asoldDeaconMorseusedtosay。"

"\'Thankyou，brother，mywantsisfew，andravensscurserthantheyusedtobe，\'asdearoldParsonMillerusedtoanswer。Now，Maud，bringonthecitron；"andPollybegantoputthecaketogetherinwhatseemedamostcarelessandchaoticmanner，whileTomandMaudwatchedwithabsorbinginteresttillitwassafelyintheoven。

"Nowmakeyourcustards，dear；Tommayliketobeattheeggsforyou；

itseemstohaveagoodeffectuponhisconstitution。"

"First-rate；hand\'emalong，"andTomsmoothedhisapronwithacheerfulair。"Bytheway，Syd\'sgotback。Imethimyesterday，andhetreatedmelikeamanandabrother，"headded，asifanxioustocontributetothepleasuresofthehour。

"I\'msoglad!"criedPolly，clappingherhands，regardlessoftheeggsheheld，whichdroppedandsmashedontheflooratherfeet。"Carelessthing!Pickitup，Maud，I\'llgetsomemore；"andPollywhiskedoutoftheroom，gladofanexcusetorunandtellFan，whohadjustcomein，lest，hearingthenewsinpublic，shemightbestartledoutofthewell-bredcomposurewithwhichyoungladiesareexpectedtoreceivetidings，evenofthemostvitalimportance。

"Youknowallabouthistory，don\'tyou？"askedMaud，suddenly。

"Notquite，"modestlyansweredTom。

"IjustwanttoknowiftherereallywasamannamedSirPhilip，inthetimeofQueenElizabeth。"

"YoumeanSirPhilipSidney？Yes，helivedthenandafineoldfellowhewastoo。"

"There；Iknewthegirlsdidn\'tmeanhim，"criedMaud，withachopthatsentthecitronflying。

"Whatmischiefareyouuptonow，youlittlemagpie？"

"Ishan\'ttellyouwhattheysaid，becauseIdon\'tremembermuchofit；butIheardPollyandFantalkingaboutsomeonedreadfulmysterious，andwhenIaskedwhoitwas，Fansaid，\'SirPhilip。\'Ho!sheneedn\'tthinkIbelieveit!Isaw\'emlaugh，andblush，andpokeoneanother，andIknewitwasn\'taboutanyoldQueenElizabethman，"criedMaud，turninguphernoseasfarasthatsomewhatlimitedfeaturewouldgo。

"Lookhere，youarelettingcatsoutofthebag。Nevermind，Ithoughtso。Theydon\'ttellustheirsecrets，butwearesosharp，wecan\'thelpfindingthemout，canwe？"saidTom，lookingsomuchinterested，thatMaudcouldn\'tresistairingherknowledgealittle。

"Well，Idaresay，itisn\'tproperforyoutoknow，butIamoldenoughnowtobetoldanything，andthosegirlsbettermindwhattheysay，forI\'mnotastupidchit，likeBlanche。Ijustwishyoucouldhaveheardthemgoon。I\'msurethere\'ssomethingveryniceaboutMr。

Sydney，theylookedsopleasedwhentheywhisperedandgiggledonthebed，andthoughtIwasrippingbonnets，anddidn\'thearaword。"

"Whichlookedmostpleased？"askedTom，investigatingthekitchenboilerwithdeepinterest。

"Well，\'pearstomePollydid；shetalkedmost，andlookedfunnyandveryhappyallthetime。Fanlaughedagooddeal，butIguessPollyistheloveress，"repliedMaud，afteramoment\'sreflection。

"Holdyourtongue；she\'scoming!"andTombegantopumpasifthehousewasonfire。

DowncamePolly，withheightenedcolor，brighteyes，andnotasingleegg。Tomtookaquicklookatheroverhisshoulder，andpausedasifthefirewassuddenlyextinguished。SomethinginhisfacemadePollyfeelalittleguilty，soshefelltogratingnutmeg，withavigorwhichmaderedcheeksthemostnaturalthinginlife。Maud，thetraitor，satdemurelyatwork，lookingverylikewhatTomhadcalledher，amagpiewithmischiefinitshead。Pollyfeltachangeintheatmosphere，butmerelythoughtTomwastired，soshegraciouslydismissedhimwithastickofcinnamon，asshehadnothingelsejustthentolayupontheshrine。

"Fan\'sgotthebooksandmapsyouwanted。Goandrestnow。I\'mmuchobliged；here\'syourwages，Bridget。"

"Goodlucktoyourmesses，"answeredTom，ashewalkedawaymeditativelycrunchinghiscinnamon，andlookingasifhedidnotfinditasspicyasusual。Hegothisbooks，butdidnotreadthem；for，shuttinghimselfupinthelittleroomcalled"Tom\'sden，"hejustsatdownandbrooded。

Whenhecamedowntobreakfastthenextmorning，hewasgreetedwithageneral"Happybirthday，Tom!"andathisplacelaygiftsfromeverymemberofthefamily；notascostlyasformerly，perhaps，butinfinitelydearer，astokensofthelovethathadoutlivedthechange，andonlygrownthewarmerforthetestofmisfortune。Inhispresentstateofmind，Tomfeltasifhedidnotdeserveablessedthing；sowheneveryoneexertedthemselvestomakeitahappydayforhim，heunderstoodwhatitmeans"tobenearlykilledwithkindness，"andsternlyresolvedtobeanhonortohisfamily，orperishintheattempt。EveningbroughtPollytowhatshecalleda"festivetea，"andwhentheygatheredroundthetable，anothergiftappeared，which，thoughnotofasentimentalnature，touchedTommorethanalltherest。Itwasamostdelectablecake，withanosegayatop，androunditonthesnowyfrostingthereranapinkinscription，justasithadbeeneveryyearsinceTomcouldremember。

"Name，age，anddate，likeanicewhitetombstone，"observedMaud，complacently，atwhichfunerealremark，Mrs。Shaw，whowasdowninhonoroftheday，droppedhernapkin，anddemandedhersalts。

"Whosedoingisthat？"askedTom，surveyingthegiftwithsatisfaction；

foritrecalledthehappierbirthdays，whichseemedveryfarawaynow。

"Ididn\'tknowwhattogiveyou，foryou\'vegoteverythingamanwants，andIwasindespairtillIrememberedthatdeargrandmaalwaysmadeyoualittlecakelikethat，andthatyouoncesaiditwouldn\'tbeahappybirthdaywithoutit。SoItriedtomakeitjustlikehers，andIdohopeitwillproveagood，sweet，plummyone。"

"Thankyou，"wasallTomsaid，ashesmiledatthegiver，butPollyknewthatherpresenthadpleasedhimmorethanthemosteleganttrifleshecouldhavemade。

"Itoughttobegood，foryoubeatitupyourself，Tom，"cried，Maud。

"Itwassofunnytoseeyouworkingaway，andneverguessingwhothecakewasfor。Iperfectlytrembledeverytimeyouopenedyourmouth，forfearyou\'dasksomequestionaboutit。ThatwasthereasonPollypreachedandIkepttalkingwhenshewasgone。"

"Verystupidofme；butIforgotallaboutto-day。Supposewecutit；

Idon\'tseemtocareforanythingelse，"saidTom，feelingnoappetite，butboundtodojusticetothatcake，ifhefellavictimtohisgratitude。

"Ihopetheplumswon\'tallbeatthebottom，"saidPolly，assherosetodothehonorsofthecake，byuniversalappointment。

"I\'vehadagoodmanyatthetopalready，youknow，"answeredTom，watchingtheoperationwithasmuchinterestasifhehadfaithintheomen。

Cuttingcarefully，sliceafterslicefellapart；eachfirmanddark，spicyandrich，underthefrostyrimeabove；andlayingaspeciallylargepieceinoneofgrandma\'squaintlittlechinaplates，PollyaddedtheflowersandhandedittoTom，withalookthatsaidagooddeal，for，seeingthatherememberedhersermon，shewasgladtofindthatherallegoryheldgood，inonesenseatleast。Tom\'sfacebrightenedashetookit，andafteraninspectionwhichamusedtheothersverymuchhelookedup，saying，withanairofrelief，"Plumsallthrough；I\'mgladIhadahandinit，butPollydeservesthecredit，andmustweartheposy，"andturningtoher，heputtheroseintoherhairwithmoregallantrythantaste，forathornprickedherhead，theleavestickledherear，andtheflowerwasupsidedown。

Fannylaughedathiswantofskill，butPollywouldn\'thaveitaltered，andeverybodyfelltoeatingcake，asifindigestionwasoneofthelostarts。Theyhadalivelytea，andweregettingonfamouslyafterward，whentwoletterswerebroughtforTom，whoglancedatone，andretiredratherprecipitatelytohisden，leavingMaudconsumedwithcuriosity，andtheoldergirlsslightlyexcited，forFanthoughtsherecognizedthehandwritingonone，andPolly，ontheother。

Onehalfanhourandthenanotherelapsed，andTomdidnotreturn。Mr。

Shawwentout，Mrs。ShawretiredtoherroomescortedbyMaud，andthetwogirlssattogetherwonderingifanythingdreadfulhadhappened。Allofasuddenavoicecalled，"Polly!"andthatyoungladystartedoutofherchair，asifthesoundhadbeenathunder-clap。

"Dorun!I\'mperfectlyfaintingtoknowwhatthematteris，"saidFan。

"You\'dbettergo，"beganPolly，wishingtoobey，yetfeelingalittleshy。

"Hedon\'twantme；besides，Icouldn\'tsayawordformyselfifthatletterwasfromSydney，"criedFanny，hustlingherfriendtowardsthedoor，inagreatflutter。

Pollywentwithoutanotherword，butsheworeacuriouslyanxiouslook，andstoppedonthethresholdoftheden，asifalittleafraidofitsoccupant。

Tomwassittinginhisfavoriteattitude，astrideofachair，withhisarmsfoldedandhischinonthetoprail；notanelegantposture，buttheonlyoneinwhich，hesaid，hecouldthinkwell。

"Didyouwantme，Tom？"

"Yes。Comein，please，anddon\'tlookscared；IonlywanttoshowyouapresentI\'vehad，andaskyouradviceaboutacceptingit。"

"Why，Tom，youlookasifyouhadbeenknockeddown!"exclaimedPolly，forgettingallaboutherself，asshesawhisfacewhenheroseandturnedtomeether。

"Ihave；regularlyfloored；butI\'mupagain，andsteadierthanever。

Justyoureadthat，andtellmewhatyouthinkofit。"

Tomsnatchedaletteroffthetable，putitintoherhands，andbegantowalkupanddownthelittleroom，likeaveritablebearinitscage。

AsPollyreadthatshortnote，allthecolorwentoutofherface，andhereyesbegantokindle。Whenshecametotheend，shestoodaminute，asiftooindignanttospeak，thengavethepaperanervoussortofcrumpleanddroppeditonthefloor，saying，allinonebreath，­；

"Ithinksheisamercenary，heartless，ungratefulgirl!That\'swhatIthink。"

"Oh，the­；deuce!Ididn\'tmeantoshowthatone；it\'stheother。"

AndTomtookupasecondpaper，lookinghalfangry，halfashamedathisownmistake。"Idon\'tcare，though；everyonewillknowto-morrow；andperhapsyou\'llbegoodenoughtokeepthegirlsfrombotheringmewithquestionsandgabble，"headded，asif，onsecondthoughts，hewasrelievedtohavethecommunicationmadetoPollyfirst。

"Idon\'twonderyoulookedupset。Iftheotherletterisasbad，I\'dbetterhaveachairbeforeIreadit，"saidPolly，feelingthatshebegantotremblewithexcitement。

"It\'samilliontimesbetter，butitknockedmeworsethantheother；

kindnessalwaysdoes。"Tomstoppedshortthere，andstoodaminuteturningtheletteraboutinhishandasifitcontainedasweetwhichneutralizedthebitterinthatsmallernote，andtouchedhimverymuch。Thenhedrewupanarmchair，andbeckoningPollytotakeit，saidinasober，steadytone，thatsurprisedhergreatly，­；

"WheneverIwasinaquandary，Iusedtogoandconsultgrandma，andshealwayshadsomethingsensibleorcomfortabletosaytome。She\'sgonenow，butsomehow，Polly，youseemtotakeherplace。Wouldyoumindsittinginherchair，andlettingmetellyoutwoorthreethings，asWilldoes？"

Mindit？PollyfeltthatTomhadpaidherthehighestandmostbeautifulcomplimenthecouldhavedevised。Shehadoftenlongedtodoit，for，beingbroughtupinthemostaffectionateandfrankrelationswithherbrothers，shehadearlylearnedwhatittakesmostwomensometimetodiscover，thatsexdoesnotmakenearlyasmuchdifferenceinheartsandsoulsaswefancy。

Joyandsorrow，loveandfear，lifeanddeathbringsomanyofthesameneedstoall，thatthewonderiswedonotunderstandeachotherbetter，butwaittilltimesoftribulationteachusthathumannatureisverymuchthesameinmenandwomen。Thankstothisknowledge，PollyunderstoodTominawaythatsurprisedandwonhim。Sheknewthathewantedwomanlysympathy，andthatshecouldgiveittohim，becauseshewasnotafraidtostretchherhandacrossthebarrierwhichourartificialeducationputsbetweenboysandgirls，andtosaytohiminallgoodfaith，"IfIcanhelpyou，letme。"

TenminutessoonerPollycouldhavedonethisalmostaseasilytoTomastoWill，butinthattenminutessomethinghadhappenedwhichmadethisdifficult。ReadingthatTrixhadgivenTombackhisfreedomchangedmanythingstoPolly，andcausedhertoshrinkfromhisconfidence，becauseshefeltasifitwouldbehardernowtokeepselfoutofsight；for，spiteofmaidenmodesty，loveandhopewouldwakeandsingatthegoodnews。

Slowlyshesatdown，andhesitatinglyshesaid，withhereyesontheground，andaveryhumblevoice，­；

"I\'lldomybest，butIcan\'tfillgrandma\'splace，orgiveyouanywise，goodadvice。IwishIcould!"

"You\'lldoitbetterthananyoneelse。Talktroublesmother，fatherhasenoughtothinkofwithoutanyofmyworries。Fanisagoodsoul，butsheisn\'tpractical，andwealwaysgetintoasnarlifwetrytoworktogether，sowhohaveIbutmyothersister，Polly？Thepleasurethatletterwillgiveyoumaymakeupformyboringyou。"

Ashespoke，Tomlaidtheotherpaperinherlap，andwentofftothewindow，asiftoleaveherfreetoenjoyitunseen；buthecouldnothelpaglancenowandthen，andasPolly\'sfacebrightened，hisownfell。

"Oh，Tom，that\'sabirthdaypresentworthhaving，forit\'ssobeautifullygivenIdon\'tseehowyoucanrefuseit。ArthurSydneyisarealnobleman!"

criedPolly，lookingupatlast，withherfactglowing，andhereyesfullofdelight。

"Soheis!Idon\'tknowanothermanliving，exceptfather，whowouldhavedonesuchathing，orwhoIcouldbringmyselftotakeitfrom。Doyousee，he\'snotonlypaidtheconfoundeddebts，buthasdoneitinmyname，tosparemeallhecould？"

"Isee，it\'slikehim；andIthinkhemustbeveryhappytobeabletodosuchathing。"

"Itisanimmenseweightoffmyshoulders，forsomeofthosemencouldn\'taffordtowaittillI\'dbegged，borrowed，orearnedthemoney。Sydneycanwait，buthewon\'tlong，ifIknowmyself。"

"Youwon\'ttakeitasagift，then？"

"Wouldyou？"

"No。"

"Thendon\'tthinkIwill。I\'maprettypooraffair，Polly，butI\'mnotmeanenoughtodothat，whileI\'vegotaconscienceandapairofhands。"

Aroughspeech，butitpleasedPollybetterthanthesmoothestTomhadevermadeinherhearing，forsomethinginhisfaceandvoicetoldherthatthefriendlyacthadrousedanoblersentimentthangratitude，makingthecancelledobligationsoftheboy，debtsofhonortotheman。

"Whatwillyoudo，Tom？"

"I\'lltellyou；mayIsithere？"AndTomtookthelowfootstoolthatalwaysstoodneargrandma\'soldchair。"I\'vehadsomanyplansinmyheadlately，thatsometimesitseemsasifitwouldsplit，"continuedthepoorfellow，rubbinghistiredforehead，asiftopolishuphiswits。"I\'vethoughtseriouslyofgoingtoCalifornia，Australia，orsomeout-of-the-wayplace，wheremengetrichinahurry。"

"Oh，no!"criedPolly，puttingoutherhandasittokeephim，andthensnatchingitbackagainbeforehecouldturnround。

"Itwouldbehardonmotherandthegirls，Isuppose；besides，Idon\'tquitelikeitmyself；looksasifIshirkedandranaway。"

"Soitdoes，"saidPolly，decidedly。

"Well，youseeIdon\'tseemtofindanythingtodounlessIturnclerk，andIdon\'tthinkthatwouldsuit。Thefactis，Icouldn\'tstandithere，whereI\'mknown。Itwouldbeeasiertoscratchgravelonarailroad，withagangofPaddies，thantosellpinstomyfriendsandneighbors。Falsepride，Idaresay，butit\'sthetruth，andthere\'snouseindodging。"

"Notabit，andIquiteagreewithyou。"

"That\'scomfortable。NowI\'mcomingtothepointwhereIspeciallywantyouradvice，Polly。YesterdayIheardyoutellingFanaboutyourbrotherNed；howwellhegoton；howhelikedhisbusiness，andwantedWilltocomeandtakesomeplacenearhim。YouthoughtIwasreading，butIheard；

anditstruckmethatperhapsIcouldgetachanceoutWestsomewhere。

Whatdoyouthink？"

"Ifyoureallymeanwork，Iknowyoucould，"answeredPolly，quickly，asallsortsofplansandprojectswentsweepingthroughhermind。

"IwishyoucouldbewithNed；you\'dgetontogether，I\'msure；andhe\'dbesogladtodoanythinghecould。I\'llwriteandask，straightaway，ifyouwantmeto。"

"Supposeyoudo；justforinformation，youknow，thenIshallhavesomethingtogoupon。Iwanttohaveafeasibleplanallready，beforeIspeaktofather。There\'snothingsoconvincingtobusinessmenasfacts，youknow。"

PollycouldnothelpsmilingatTom\'snewtone，itseemedsostrangetohearhimtalkingaboutanythingbuthorsesandtailors，dancingandgirls。Shelikedit，however，asmuchasshedidthesoberexpressionofhisface，andthewayhehadlatelyofswinginghisarmsabout，asifhewantedtodosomethingenergeticwiththem。

"Thatwillbewise。Doyouthinkyourfatherwilllikethisplan？"

"Prettysurebewill。Yesterday，whenItoldhimImustgoatsomethingrightoff，hesaid，\'Anythinghonest，Tom，anddon\'tforgetthatyourfatherbegantheworldasashop-boy。\'Youknewthat，didn\'tyou？"

"Yes，hetoldmethestoryonce，andIalwayslikedtohearit，becauseitwaspleasanttoseehowwellhehadsucceeded。"

"Ineverdidlikethestory，alittlebitashamed，I\'mafraid；butwhenwetalkeditoverlastnight，itstruckmeinanewlight，andIunderstoodwhyfathertookthefailuresowell，andseemssocontentedwiththispoorishplace。Itisonlybeginningagain，hesays；andhavingworkedhiswayuponce，hefeelsasifhecouldagain。Ideclaretoyou，Polly，thatsortofconfidenceinhimself，andenergyandcourageinamanofhisyears，makesmeloveandrespectthedearoldgentlemanasIneverdidbefore。"

"I\'msogladtohearyousaythat，Tom!I\'vesometimesthoughtyoudidn\'tquiteappreciateyourfather，anymorethanheknewhowmuchofamanyouwere。"

"Neverwastillto-day，youknow，"saidTom，laughing，yetlookingasifhefeltthedignityofhisoneandtwentyyears。"Odd，isn\'tit，howpeoplelivetogethereversolong，anddon\'tseemtofindoneanotherout，tillsomethingcomestodoitforthem。Perhapsthissmash-upwassenttointroducemetomyownfather。"

"There\'sphilosophyforyou，"saidPolly，smiling，evenwhileshefeltasifadversitywasgoingtodomoreforTomthanyearsofprosperity。

Theybothsatquietforaminute，Pollyinthebigchairlookingathimwithanewrespectinhereyes，Tomonthestoolnearbyslowlytearingupafoldedpaperhehadabsentlytakenfromthefloorwhilehetalked。

"Didthissurpriseyou？"heasked，asalittlewhiteshowerflutteredfromhishands。

"No。"

"Well，itdidme；foryouknowassoonaswecametogriefIofferedtoreleaseTrixfromtheengagement，andshewouldn\'tletme，"continuedTom，asif，havingbegunthesubject，hewishedtoexplainitthoroughly。

"Thatsurprisedme，"saidPolly。

"Soitdidme，forFanalwaysinsisteditwasthemoneyandnotthemanshecaredfor。Herfirstanswerpleasedmeverymuch，forIdidnotexpectit，andnothingtouchesafellowmorethantohaveawomanstandbyhimthroughthickandthin。"

"Shedon\'tseemtohavedoneit。"

"Fanwasright。Trixonlywaitedtoseehowbadthingsreallywere，orratherhermotherdid。She\'sascool，hard，andworldlymindedanoldsoulasIeversaw，andTrixisboundtoobey。Shegetsrounditveryneatlyinhernote，\'Iwon\'tbeaburden，\'\'willsacrificeherhopes，\'\'andalwaysremainmywarmfriend，\'butthetruthis，TomShawrichwasworthmakingmuchof，butTomShawpoorisintheway，andmaygotothedevilasfastashelikes。"

"Well，heisn\'tgoing!"criedPolly，defiantly，forherwrathburnedhotlyagainstTrix，thoughsheblessedherforsettingthebondmanfree。

"Camewithinanaceofit，"mutteredTomtohimself；addingaloud，inatoneofcalmresignationthatassuredPollyhisheartwouldnotbebrokenthoughhisengagementwas，­；

"Itneverrainsbutitpours，\'speciallyinhardtimes，butwhenamanisdown，araportwomoredon\'tmattermuch，Isuppose。It\'sthefirstblowthathurtsmost。"

"Gladtoseeyoutakethelastblowsowell。"Therewasanironicallittletwangtothatspeech，andPollycouldn\'thelpit。Tomcoloredupandlookedhurtforaminute，thenseemedtorighthimselfwithashrug，andsaid，inhisoutspokenway，­；

"Totellthehonesttruth，Polly，itwasnotaveryhardone。

I\'vehadafeelingforsometimethatTrixandIwerenotsuitedtooneanother，anditmightbewisertostopshort。Butshedidnotorwouldnotseeit；andIwasnotgoingtobackout，andleavehertowearanymorewillows，sohereweare。Idon\'tbearmalice，buthopeshe\'lldobetter，andnotbedisappointedagain，uponmywordIdo。"

"That\'sverygoodofyou，quiteSydneyesque，andnoble，"saidPolly，feelingratherillatease，andwishingshecouldhideherselfbehindacapandspectacles，ifshewastoplayGrandmatothisconfidingyouth。

"ItwillbeallplainsailingforSyd，Ifancy，"observedTom，gettingupasifthelittlecricketsuddenlyceasedtobecomfortable。

"Ihopeso，"murmuredPolly，wonderingwhatwascomingnext。

"Hedeservestheverybestofeverything，andIpraytheLordhemaygetit，"addedTom，pokingthefireinadestructivemanner。

Pollymadenoanswer，fearingtopaytoomuch，forsheknewFanhadmadenoconfidantofTom，andsheguardedherfriend\'ssecretasjealouslyasherown。

"You\'llwritetoNedto-morrow，willyou？I\'lltakeanythinghe\'sgot，forIwanttobeoff，"saidTom，castingdownthepoker，andturningroundwitharesoluteairwhichwaslostonPolly，whosattwirlingtherosethathadfallenintoherlap。

"I\'llwriteto-night。WouldyoulikemetotellthegirlsaboutTrixandSydney？"sheaskedassherose，feelingthatthecouncilwasover。

"Iwishyouwould。Idon\'tknowhowtothankyouforallyou\'vedoneforme；IwishtoheavenIdid，"saidTom，holdingouthishandwithalookthatPollythoughtagreatdealtoogratefulforthelittleshehaddone。

Asshegavehimherhand，andlookedupathimwiththoseconfidingeyesofhers，Tom\'sgratitudeseemedtoflytohishead，for，withouttheslightestwarning，hestoopeddownandkissedher，­；aproceedingwhichstartledPollysothatherecoveredhimselfatonce，andretreatedintohisdenwiththeincoherentapology，­；

"Ibegpardon­；couldn\'thelpit­；grandmaalwaysletmeonmybirthday。"

WhilePollytookrefugeupstairs，forgettingallaboutFan，asshesatinthedarkwithherfacehidden，wonderingwhyshewasn\'tveryangry，andresolvingneveragaintoindulgeinthedelightfulbutdangerouspastimeofplayinggrandmother。ChapterXVIII。ChapterXVIII。CHAPTERXVIIITHEWOMANWHODIDNOTDAREPOLLYwroteenthusiastically，Nedansweredsatisfactorily，andaftermuchcorresponding，talking，andplanning，itwasdecidedthatTomshouldgoWest。Nevermindwhatthebusinesswas；itsufficestosaythatitwasagoodbeginningforayoungmanlikeTom，who，havingbeenbornandbredinthemostconservativeclassofthemostconceitedcityinNewEngland，neededjustthehealthy，hearty，socialinfluencesoftheWesttowidenhisviewsandmakeamanofhim。

Ofcoursetherewasmuchlamentationamongthewomen，buteveryonefeltitwasthebestthingforhim；sowhiletheysighedtheysewed，packedvisionsofabrilliantfutureawaywithhisnewpockethandkerchiefs，andrejoicedthatthewaywasopenbeforehimevenintheactofbedewinghisbootswithtears。Sydneystoodbyhimtothelast，"likeamanandabrother"

(whichexpressionofTom\'sgaveFannyinfinitesatisfaction)，andWillfeltentirelyconsoledforNed\'sdisappointmentathisrefusaltogoandjoinhim，sinceTomwastotaketheplaceNedhadkeptforhim。

Fortunatelyeveryonewassobusywiththenecessarypreparationsthattherewasnotimeforromanceofanysort，andthefouryoungpeopleworkedtogetherassoberlyandsensiblyasifallsortsofemotionswerenotbottledupintheirrespectivehearts。Butinspiteofthesilence，thework，andthehurry，Ithinktheycametoknowoneanotherbetterinthatbusylittlespaceoftimethaninalltheyearsthathadgonebefore，forthebestandbravestineachwasupandstirring，andthesmallhousewasasfullofthemagnetismofloveandfriendship，self-sacrificeandenthusiasm，astheworldoutsidewasfullofspringsunshineandenchantment。Pitythattheendshouldcomesosoon，butthehourdiditsworkandwentitsway，leavingacleareratmospherebehind，thoughtheyoungfolksdidnotseeitthen，fortheireyesweredimbecauseofthepartingsthatmustbe。

TomwasofftotheWest；Pollywenthomeforthesummer；MaudwastakentotheseasidewithBelle；andFannyleftalonetowrestlewithhousekeeping，"help，"andheartache。Ifithadnotbeenfortwothings，Ifearsheneverwouldhavestoodasummerintown，butSydneyoftencalled，tillhisvacationcame，andavoluminouscorrespondencewithPollybeguiledthelongdays。

Tomwroteonceaweektohismother，buttheletterswereshortandnotverysatisfactory，formenneverdotelltheinterestinglittlethingsthatwomenbestliketohear。FannyforwardedherbitsofnewstoPolly。

PollysentbackalltheextractsfromNed\'slettersconcerningTom，andbyputtingthetworeportstogether，theygainedthecomfortableassurancethatTomwaswell，ingoodspirits，hardatwork，andintentoncomingoutstronginspiteofallobstacles。

Pollyhadaquietsummerathome，restingandgettingreadyinmindandbodyforanotherwinter\'swork，forintheautumnshetriedherplanagain，tothesatisfactionofherpupilsandthegreatjoyofherfriends。

Sheneversaidmuchofherselfinherletters，andFanny\'sfirstexclamationwhentheymetagain，wasananxious­；

"Why，Polly，dear!Haveyoubeensickandnevertoldme？"

"No，I\'monlytired，hadagooddealtodolately，andthedullweathermakesmejustatrifleblue。IshallsoonbrightenupwhenIgettomyworkagain，"answeredPolly，bustlingabouttoputawayherthings。

"Youdon\'tlookabitnatural。Whathaveyoubeendoingtoyourpreciouslittleself？"persistedFanny，troubledbythechange，yetfindingithardtosaywhereinitlay。

Pollydidnotlooksick，thoughhercheekswerethinnerandhercolorpalerthanformerly，butsheseemedspiritless，andtherewasatiredlookinhereyesthatwenttoFanny\'sheart。

"I\'mallrightenough，asyou\'llseewhenI\'minorder。I\'mpropergladtofindyoulookingsowellandhappy。Doesallgosmoothly，Fan？"askedPolly，beginningtobrushherhairindustriously。

"Answermeonequestionfirst，"saidFanny，lookingasifasuddenfearhadcomeoverher。"Tellme，truly，haveyouneverrepentedofyourhinttoSydney？"

"Never!"criedPolly，throwingbackthebrownveilbehindwhichshehadhalfhiddenherfaceatfirst。

"Onyourhonor，asanhonestgirl？"

"Onmyhonor，asanythingyouplease。Whydoyoususpectmeofit？"

demandedPolly，almostangrily。

"Becausesomethingiswrongwithyou。It\'snousetodenyit，foryou\'vegotthelookIusedtoseeinthatveryglassonmyownfacewhenI

thoughthecaredforyou。Forgiveme，Polly，butIcan\'thelpsayingit，foritisthere，andIwanttobeastruetoyouasyouweretomeifIcan。"

Fanny\'sfacewasfullofagitation，andshespokefastandfrankly，forshewastryingtobegenerousandfounditveryhard。Pollyunderstoodnowandputherfearatrestbysayingalmostpassionately，­；

"ItellyouIdon\'tlovehim!Ifhewastheonlymanintheworld，Iwouldn\'tmarryhim，becauseI­；don\'twantto。"

Thelastthreewordswereaddedinadifferenttone，forPollyhadcheckedherselftherewithahalf-frightenedlookandturnedawaytohideherfacebehindherhairagain。

"Thenifit\'snothim，it\'ssomeoneelse。You\'vegotasecret，Polly，andIshouldthinkyoumighttellit，asyouknowmine，"saidFanny，unabletoresttilleverythingwastold，forPolly\'smannertroubledher。

Therewasnoanswertoherquestion，butshewassatisfiedandputtingherarmroundherfriend，shesaid，inhermostpersuasivetone，­；

"MypreciousPolly，doIknowhim？"

"Youhaveseenhim。"

"Andisheverywise，good，andsplendid，dear？"

"No。"

"Heoughttobeifyoulovehim。Ihopeheisn\'tbad？"criedFan，anxiously，stillholdingPolly，whokeptherheadobstinatelyturned。

"I\'msuited，that\'senough。"

"Oh，pleasejusttellmeonethingmore。Don\'thelovebackagain？"

"No。Nowdon\'tsayanotherword，Ican\'tbearit!"andPollydrewherselfaway，asshespokeinadesperatesortoftone。

"Iwon\'t，butnowI\'mnotafraidtotellyouthatIthink，Ihope，IdobelievethatSydneycaresalittleforme。He\'sbeenverykindtousall，andlatelyhehasseemedtoliketoseemealwayswhenhecomesandmissmeifI\'mgone。Ididn\'tdaretohopeanything，tillPapaobservedsomethinginhismanner，andteasedmeaboutit。Itrynottodeceivemyself，butitdoesseemasiftherewasachanceofhappinessforme。"

"Thankheavenforthat!"criedPolly，withtheheartiestsatisfactioninhervoice。"Nowcomeandtellmeallaboutit，"sheadded，sittingdownonthecouchwiththeairofonewhohasescapedagreatperil。

"I\'vegotsomenotesandthingsIwanttoaskyouropinionabout，iftheyreallymeananything，youknow，"saidFanny，gettingoutabundleofpapersfromtheinmostrecessesofherdesk。"There\'saphotographofTom，cameinhislastletter。Good，isn\'tit？Helooksolder，butthat\'sthebeardandtheroughcoat，Isuppose。Dearoldfellow，heisdoingsowellIreallybegintofeelquiteproudofhim。"

Fantossedherthephotograph，andwentonrummagingforacertainnote。

ShedidnotseePollycatchupthepictureandlookatitwithhungryeyes，butshedidhearsomethinginthelowtoneinwhichPollysaid，­；

"Itdon\'tdohimjustice，"andglancingoverhershoulder，Fan\'squickeyecaughtaglimpseofthetruth，thoughPollywashalfturnedawayfromher。Withoutstoppingtothink，Fandroppedherletters，tookPollybytheshoulders，andcriedinatonefullofastonishment，­；

"Polly，isitTom？"

PoorPollywassotakenbysurprise，thatshehadnotawordtosay。

Nonewereneeded；hertelltalefaceansweredforher，aswellastheimpulsewhichmadeherhideherheadinthesofacushion，likeafoolishostrichwhenthehuntersareafterit。