第6章
Fannywishedshehaddonethatlittlething，andwonthatapprovinglook，forshevaluedtheyoungman"sgoodopinion，becauseitwassohardtowin，byhersetatleast。So，whenPollytalkedaboutoldpeople，itrecalledthissceneandmadeFancross。
Pollywasrememberinghow，whenMrs。Shawcamehomethatdayinherfinevisitingcostume，andMaudrantowelcomeherwithunusualaffection，shegatheredupherlustroussilkandpushedthelittlegirlawaysaying，impatiently，"Don"ttouchme，child，yourhandsaredirty。"ThenthethoughthadcometoPollythatthevelvetcloakdidn"tcoverarightmotherlyheart，thatthefretfulfaceunderthenoddingpurpleplumeswasnotatendermotherlyface，andthatthehandsinthedelicateprimrosegloveshadputawaysomethingverysweetandprecious。Shethoughtofanotherwoman，whosedressneverwastoofineforlittlewetcheekstolieagainst，orlovinglittlearmstopress；whoseface，inspiteofmanylinesandthegrayhairsaboveit，wasneversourorunsympatheticwhenchildren"seyesturnedtowardsit；andwhosehandsneverweretoobusy，toofullortoonicetowelcomeandservethelittlesonsanddaughterswhofreelybroughttheirsmallhopesandfears，sinsandsorrows，toher，whodealtoutjusticeandmercywithsuchwiselove。"Ah，that"samother!"thoughtPolly，asthememorycamewarmintoherheart，makingherfeelveryrich，andpityMaudforbeingsopoor。
ThisitwasthatcausedsuchsuddenindignationatFanny"sdreadfulspeech，andthisitwasthatmadequick-temperedPollytrytocalmherwrathbeforesheusedtowardFanny"smotherthedisrespectfultoneshesoresentedtowardherown。Astheswingcamedownaftersomedozenquickjourneystoandfro，Pollyseemedtohavefoundasmilesomewhereupaloft，forshelookedtowardFan，sayingpleasantly，asshepausedalittleinherairyexercise，"I"mnotmadnow，shallIcomeandtosswithyou？"
"No，I"llcomeandswingwithyou，"answeredFanny，quicktofeelthegenerousspiritofherfriend。
"Youareanangel，andI"llneverbesorudeagain，"sheadded，asPolly"sarmcameroundher，andhalftheseatwasgladlyoffered。
"No，Iain"t；butifIevergetatalllikeone，itwillbe"mother"spreaching"thatdidit，"saidPolly，withahappylaugh。
"Goodforyou，PollyPeacemaker，"criedTom，quotinghisfather，andgivingthemagrandpushasthemostappropriatewayofexpressinghisapprobationofthesentiment。
Nothingmorewassaid；butfromthatdaythereslowlycreptintothefamilymorerespectforgrandma，moreforbearancewithherinfirmities，moreinterestinherlittlestories，andmanyapleasantgossipdidthedearoldladyenjoywiththechildrenastheygatheredroundherfire，solitarysolong。ChapterVII。ChapterVII。CHAPTERVIIGOOD-BY"OH，dear!MustyoureallygohomeSaturday？"saidFan，somedaysafterwhatTomcalledthe"grandscrimmage。"
"Ireallymust；forIonlycametostayamonthandhereI"vebeennearlysixweeks，"answeredPolly，feelingasifshehadbeenabsentayear。
"MakeittwomonthsandstayoverChristmas。Come，do，now，"urgedTom，heartily。
"Youareverykind；butIwouldn"tmissChristmasathomeforanything。
Besides，mothersaystheycan"tpossiblydowithoutme。"
"Neithercanwe。Can"tyouteaseyourmother，andmakeupyourmindtostay？"beganFan。
"Pollyneverteases。Shesaysit"sselfish；andIdon"tdoitnowmuch，"
putinMaud，withavirtuousair。
"Don"tyoubotherPolly。She"drathergo，andIdon"twonder。Let"sbejustasjollyaswecanwhileshestays，andfinishupwithyourparty，Fan，"saidTom，inatonethatsettledthematter。
Pollyhadexpectedtobeveryhappyingettingreadyfortheparty；
butwhenthetimecame，shewasdisappointed；forsomehowthatnaughtythingcalledenvytookpossessionofher，andspoiledherpleasure。Beforeshelefthome，shethoughthernewwhitemuslindress，withitsfreshblueribbons，themostelegantandpropercostumeshecouldhave；butnow，whenshesawFanny"spinksilk，withawhitetarlatantunic，andinnumerablepuffings，bows，andstreamers，herownsimplelittletoiletlostallitscharmsinhereyes，andlookedverybabyishandold-fashioned。
EvenMaudwasmuchbetterdressedthanherself，andlookedverysplendidinhercherry-coloredandwhitesuit，withasashsobigshecouldhardlycarryit，andlittlewhitebootswithredbuttons。Theybothhadnecklacesandbracelets，ear-ringsandbrooches；butPollyhadnoornament，excepttheplainlocketonabitofbluevelvet。Hersashwasonlyawideribbon，tiedinasimplebow，andnothingbutabluesnoodintheprettycurls。
Heronlycomfortwastheknowledgethatthemodesttuckerdrawnuproundtheplumpshoulderswasreallace，andthatherbronzebootscostninedollars。
PoorPolly，withallhereffortstobecontented，andnottomindlookingunlikeotherpeople，foundithardworktokeepherfacebrightandhervoicehappythatnight。Noonedreamedwhatwasgoinganunderthemuslinfrock，tillgrandma"swiseoldeyesspiedoutthelittleshadowonPolly"sspirits，andguessedthecauseofit。Whendressed，thethreegirlswentuptoshowthemselvestotheelders，whowereingrandma"sroom，whereTomwasbeinghelpedintoanagonizinglystiffcollar。
Maudprancedlikeasmallpeacock，andFanmadeasplendidcourtesyaseveryoneturnedtosurveythem；butPollystoodstill，andhereyeswentfromfacetoface，withananxious，wistfulair，whichseemedtosay，"IknowI"mnotright；butIhopeIdon"tlookverybad。"
Grandmareadthelookinaminute；andwhenFannysaid，withasatisfiedsmile，"Howdowelook？"sheanswered，drawingPollytowardhersokindly。
"Verylikethefashion-platesyougotthepatternsofyourdressesfrom。
Butthislittlecostumesuitsmebest。"
"DoyoureallythinkIlooknice？"andPolly"sfacebrightened，forshevaluedtheoldlady"sopinionverymuch。
"Yes，mydear；youlookjustasIliketoseeachildofyouragelook。
Whatparticularlypleasesmeisthatyouhavekeptyourpromisetoyourmother，andhaven"tletanyonepersuadeyoutowearborrowedfinery。Youngthingslikeyoudon"tneedanyornamentsbutthoseyouwearto-night，；youth，health，intelligence，andmodesty。"
Asshespoke，grandmagaveatenderkissthatmadePollyglowlikearose，andforaminutesheforgotthatthereweresuchthingsaspinksilkandcoralear-ringsintheworld。Sheonlysaid，"Thankyou，ma"am，"andheartilyreturnedthekiss；butthewordsdidhergood，andherplaindresslookedcharmingallofasudden。
"Polly"ssopretty，itdon"tmatterwhatshewears，"observedTom，surveyingheroverhiscollarwithanairofcalmapproval。
"Shehasn"tgotanybwetellestoherdwess，andIhave，"saidMaud，settlingherruffledbandsoverhershoulders，whichlookedlikecherry-coloredwingsonastoutlittlecherub。
"Ididwishshe"djustwearmyblueset，ribbonissoveryplain；but，asTomsays，itdon"tmuchmatter；"andFannygaveaneffectivetouchtothebluebowabovePolly"slefttemple。
"Shemightwearflowers；theyalwayssuityounggirls，"saidMrs。Shaw，privatelythinkingthatherowndaughterslookedmuchthebest，yetconsciousthatbloomingPollyhadthemostattractiveface。
"Blessme!Iforgotmyposiesinadmiringthebelles。Handthemout，Tom；"andMr。Shawnoddedtowardaninterestinglookingboxthatstoodonthetable。
Seizingthemwrongside-up，Tomproducedthreelittlebouquets，alldifferentincolor，size，andconstruction。
"Why，papa!howverykindofyou，"criedFanny，whohadnotdaredtoreceiveevenageraniumleafsincethelatescrape。
"Yourfatherusedtobeaverygallantyounggentleman，onceuponatime，"saidMrs。Shaw，withasimper。
"Ah，Tom，it"sagoodsignwhenyoufindtimetothinkofgivingpleasuretoyourlittlegirls!"Andgrandmapattedherson"sbaldheadasifhewasn"tmorethaneighteen。
ThomasJr。hadgivenasomewhatscornfulsniffatfirst；butwhengrandmapraisedhisfather，theyoungmanthoughtbetterofthematter，andregardedtheflowerswithmorerespect，asheasked，"Whichisforwhich？"
"Guess，"saidMr。Shaw，pleasedthathisunusualdemonstrationhadproducedsuchaneffect。
Thelargestwasaregularhothousebouquet，oftea-rosebuds，scentlessheath，andsmilax；thesecondwasjustahandfulofsweet-peasandmignonette，withafewcheerfulpansies，andonefragrantlittleroseinthemiddle；
thethird，asmallposyofscarletverbenas，whitefeverfew，andgreenleaves。
"Nothardtoguess。ThesmartoneforFan，thesweetoneforPolly，andthegayoneforPug。Now，then，catchhold，girls。"AndTomproceededtodeliverthenosegays，withasmuchgraceascouldbeexpectedfromayouthinanewsuitofclothesandverytightboots。
"Thatfinishesyouoffjustright，andisaveryprettyattentionofpapa"s。Nowrundown，forthebellhasrung；andremember，nottodancetoooften，Fan；beasquietasyoucan，Tom；and。Maud，don"teattoomuchsupper。Grandmawillattendtothings，formypoornerveswon"tallowmetocomedown。"
Withthat，Mrs。Shawdismissedthem，andthefourdescendedtoreceivethefirstbatchofvisitors，severallittlegirlswhohadbeenaskedfortheexpresspurposeofkeepingMaudoutofhersister"sway。Tomhadlikewisebeenpropitiated，bybeingallowedtobringhisthreebosomfriends，whowentbytheschool-boynamesofRumple，Sherry，andSpider。
"Theywilldotomakeupsets，asgentlemenarescarce；andthepartyisforPolly，soImusthavesomeyoungfolksonheraccount，"saidFanny，whensendingoutherinvitations。
Ofcourse，theboyscameearly，andstoodaboutincorners，lookingasiftheyhadmorearmsandlegsthantheyknewwhattodowith。Tomdidhisbesttobeagoodhost；butceremonyoppressedhisspirits，andhewasforcedtostrugglemanfullywiththewilddesiretoproposeagameofleap-frog，forthelongdrawing-rooms，clearedfordancing，temptedhimsorely。
Pollysatwhereshewastold，andsufferedbashfulagoniesasFanintroducedveryfineyoungladiesandverystiffyounggentlemen，whoallsaidaboutthesamecivilthings，andthenappearedtoforgetallabouther。Whenthefirstdancewascalled，FannycorneredTom，whohadbeendodgingher，forheknewwhatshewanted，andsaid，inanearnestwhisper:
"Now，Tom，youmustdancethiswithPolly。Youaretheyounggentlemanofthehouse，andit"sonlyproperthatyoushouldaskyourcompanyfirst。"
"Pollydon"tcareformanners。Ihatedancing；don"tknowhow。Letgomyjacket，anddon"tbother，orI"llcutawayaltogether，"growledTom，dauntedbytheawfulprospectofopeningtheballwithPolly。
"I"llneverforgiveyouifyoudo。Come，beclever，andhelpme，there"sadear。YouknowwebothweredreadfullyrudetoPolly，andagreedthatwe"dbeaskindandciviltoheraseverwecould。Ishallkeepmyword，andseethatsheisn"tslightedatmyparty，forIwanthertoloveme，andgohomefeelingallright。"
ThisartfulspeechmadeanimpressionontherebelliousThomas，whoglancedatPolly"shappyface，rememberedhispromise，and，withagroan，resolvedtodohisduty。
"Well，I"lltakeher；butIshallcometogrief，forIdon"tknowanythingaboutyourolddances。"
"Yes，youdo。I"vetaughtyouthestepsadozentimes。I"mgoingtobeginwitharedowa，becausethegirlslikeit，andit"sbetterfunthansquaredances。Now，putonyourgloves，andgoandaskPollylikeagentleman。"
"Oh，thunder!"mutteredTom。Andhavingsplitthedetestedglovesindraggingthemon，henervedhimselffortheeffort，walkeduptoPolly，madeastiffbow，stuckouthiselbow，andsaid，solemnly，"MayIhavethepleasure，MissMilton？"
Hediditasmuchlikethebigfellowsashecould，andexpectedthatPollywouldbeimpressed。Butshewasn"tabit；forafterasurprisedlookshelaughedinhisface，andtookhimbythehand，saying，heartily，；
"Ofcourseyoumay；butdon"tbeagoose，Tommy。"
"Well，Fantoldmetobeelegant，soItriedto，"whisperedTom，adding，asheclutchedhispartnerwithasomewhatdesperateair，"Holdontight，andwe"llgetthroughsomehow。"
Themusicstruckup，andawaytheywent；TomhoppingonewayandPollytheother，inamostungracefulmanner。
"Keeptimetothemusic，"gaspedPolly。
"Can"t；nevercould，"returnedTom。
"Keepstepwithme，then，anddon"ttreadonmytoes，"pleadedPolly。
"Nevermind；keepbobbing，andwe"llcomerightbyandby，"mutteredTom，givinghisunfortunatepartnerasuddenwhisk，whichnearlylandedbothonthefloor。
Buttheydidnot"getrightbyandby"；forTom，Inhisfranticeffortstodohisduty，nearlyannihilatedpoorPolly。Hetramped，hebobbed，heskated，hetwirledhertotheright，draggedhertotheleft，backedherupagainstpeopleandfurniture，trodonherfeet，rumpledherdress，andmadeaspectacleofhimselfgenerally。Pollywasmuchdisturbed；butaseveryoneelsewasflyingaboutalso，sheboreitaslongasshecould，knowingthatTomhadmadeamartyrofhimself，andfeelinggratefultohimforthesacrifice。
"Oh，dostopnow；thisisdreadful!"criedPolly，breathlessly，afterafewwildturns。
"Isn"tit？"saidTom，wipinghisredfacewithsuchanairofintenserelief，thatPollyhadnotthehearttoscoldhim，butsaid，"Thankyou，"
anddroppedintoachairexhausted。
"IknowI"vemadeaguyofmyself；butFaninsistedonit，forfearyou"dbeoffendedifIdidn"tgothefirstdancewithyou，"saidTom，remorsefully，watchingPollyasshesettledthebowofhercrushedsash，whichTomhadusedasasortofhandlebywhichtoturnandtwisther；
"IcandotheLancerstip-top；butyouwon"teverwanttodancewithmeanymore，"headded，ashebegantofanhersoviolently，thatherhairflewaboutasifinagaleofwind。
"Yes，Iwill。I"dliketo；andyoushallputyournamedownhereonthesticksofmyfan。That"stheway，Trixsays，whenyoudon"thaveaball-book。"
Lookingmuchgratified，Tomproducedthestumpofalead-pencil，andwrotehisnamewithaflourish，saying，ashegaveitback，"NowI"mgoingtogetSherry，orsomeofthefellowsthatdotheredowawell，soyoucanhavearealgoodgobeforethemusicstops。"
OffwentTom；butbeforehecouldcatchanyeligiblepartner，Pollywasprovidedwiththebestdancerintheroom。Mr。Sydneyhadseenandheardthewholething；andthoughhehadlaughedquietly，helikedhonestTomandgood-naturedPollyallthebetterfortheirsimplicity。Polly"sfootwaskeepingtimetothelivelymusic，andhereyeswerefixedwistfullyonthesmoothly-glidingcouplesbeforeher，whenMr。Sydneycametoher，saying，inthepleasantyetrespectfulwayshelikedsomuch，；
"MissPolly，canyougivemeaturn？"
"Oh，yes；I"mdyingforanother。"AndPollyjumpedup，withbothhandsout，andsuchagratefulface，thatMr。Sydneyresolvedsheshouldhaveasmanyturnsassheliked。
Thistimeallwentwell；andTom，returningfromanunsuccessfulsearch，wasamazedtobeholdPollycirclinggracefullyabouttheroom，guidedbyamostaccomplishedpartner。
"Ah，that"ssomethinglike，"hethought，ashewatchedthebronzebootsretreatingandadvancinginperfecttimetothemusic。"Don"tseehowSydneydoesthesteeringsowell；butitmustbefun；and，byJupiter!I"lllearnit!"addedShaw，Jr。，withanemphaticgesturewhichburstthelastbuttonoffhisgloves。
Pollyenjoyedherselftillthemusicstopped；andbeforeshehadtimetothankMr，Sydneyaswarmlyasshewished，Tomcameuptosay，withhismostlordlyair，；
"Youdancesplendidly，Polly。Now，youjustshowmeanyoneyoulikethelooksof，andI"llgethimforyou，nomatterwhoheis。"
"Idon"twantanyofthegentlemen；theyaresostiff，anddon"tcaretodancewithme；butIlikethoseboysoverthere，andI"lldancewithanyofthemiftheyarewilling，"saidPolly，afterasurvey。
"I"lltrotoutthewholelot。"AndTomgladlybroughtuphisfriends，whoalladmiredPollyimmensely，andwereproudtobechoseninsteadofthe"bigfellows。"
TherewasnosittingstillforPollyafterthat，fortheladskepthergoingatagreatpace；andshewassohappy，sheneversaworsuspectedhowmanylittlemanoeuvres，heart-burnings，displaysofvanity，affectation，andnonsenseweregoingonallroundher。Sheloveddancing，andenteredintothegayetyofthescenewithaheartinessthatwaspleasanttosee。
Hereyesshone，herfaceglowed，herlipssmiled，andthebrowncurlswavedintheair，asshedanced，withaheartaslightasherfeet。
"Areyouenjoyingyourself，Polly？"askedMr。Shaw，wholookedin，nowandthen，toreporttograndmathatallwasgoingwell。
"Oh，suchasplendidtime!"criedPolly，withanenthusiasticlittlegesture，asshechassé；edintothecornerwherehestood。
"Sheisaregularbelleamongtheboys，"saidFanny，asshepromenadedby。
"TheyaresokindinaskingmeandI"mnotafraidofthem，"explainedPolly，prancing，simplybecauseshecouldn"tkeepstill。
"Soyouareafraidoftheyounggentlemen，hey？"andMr。Shawheldherbyonecurl。
"AllbutMr。Sydney。Hedon"tputonairsandtalknonsense；and，oh!
hedoes"dancelikeanangel，"asTrixsays。"
"Papa，Iwishyou"dcomeandwaltzwithme。Fantoldmenottogonearher，"causemyweddwessmakesherpinkonelookugly；andTomwon"t；andIwanttodwedfully。"
"I"veforgottenhow，Maudie。AskPolly；she"llspinyouroundlikeateetotum。"
"Mr。Sydney"snameisdownforthat，"answeredPolly，lookingatherfanwithaprettylittleairofimportance。"ButIguesshewouldn"tmindmytakingpoorMaudinstead。Shehasn"tdancedhardlyany，andI"vehadmorethanmyshare。Woulditbeveryimpropertochangemymind？"AndPollylookedupathertallpartnerwitheyewhichplainlyshowedthatthechangewasasacrifice。
"Notabit。Givethelittledearagoodwaltz，andwewilllookon，"
answeredMr。Sydney，withanodandsmile。
"Thatisarefreshinglittlepieceofnature，"saidMr。Shaw，asPollyandMaudwhirledaway。
"Shewillmakeacharminglittlewoman，ifsheisn"tspoilt。"
"Nodangerofthat。Shehasgotasensiblemother。"
"Ithoughtso。"AndSydneysighed，forhehadlatelylosthisowngoodmother。
Whensupperwasannounced，Pollyhappenedtobetalking，ortryingtotalk，tooneofthe"poky"gentlemenwhomFanhadintroduced。HetookMissMiltondown，ofcourse，putherinacorner，andhavingservedhertoadaboficeandonemacaroon，hedevotedhimselftohisownsupperwithsuchinterest，thatPollywouldhavefaredbadly，ifTomhadnotcomeandrescuedher。
"I"vebeenlookingeverywhereforyou。Comewithme，anddon"tsitstarvinghere，"saidTom，withascornfullookfromheremptyplatetothatofherrecreantescort，whichwaspiledwithgoodthings。
Followingherguide，Pollywastakentothebigchinacloset，openingfromthedining-roomtothekitchen，andhereshefoundajoviallittlepartyfeastingatease。Maudandherbosomfriend，"Gwace，"wereseatedontincake-boxes；SherryandSpideradornedtherefrigerator；whileTomandRumpleforagedfortheparty。
Here"sfun，"saidPolly，asshewasreceivedwithaclashofspoonsandawavingofnapkins。
"Youjustperchonthatcracker-keg，andI"llseethatyougetenough，"
saidTom，puttingadumbwaiterbeforeher，andissuinghisorderswithafineairofauthority。
"Weareabandofrobbersinourcave，andI"mthecaptain；andwepitchintothefolkspassingby，andgooutandbringhomeplunder。Now，Rumple，yougoandcarryoffabasketofcake，andI"llwatchheretillKatycomesbywithafreshlotofoysters；Pollymusthavesome。Sherry，cutintothekitchen，andbringacupofcoffee。Spider，scrapeupthesalad，andpokethedishthroughtheslideformore。Eataway，Polly，andmymenwillbebackwithsuppliesinajiffy。"
Suchfunastheyhadinthatcloset；suchdaringrobberiesofjelly-potsandcake-boxes；suchsuccessfulraidsintothedining-roomandkitchen；
suchbaseassaultsuponpoorKatyandthecoloredwaiter，whodidhisbest，butwashelplessinthehandsoftherobberhorde。Averyharmlesslittlerevel；fornowinewasallowed，andthegallantbandweresobusyskirmishingtosupplytheladies，thattheyhadnottimetoeattoomuch。Noonemissedthem；andwhentheyemerged，thefeastwasover，exceptforafewvoraciousyounggentlemen，whostilllingeredamongtheruins。
"That"sthewaytheyalwaysdo；pokethegirlsincorners，give"emjustonetasteofsomething，andthengoandstufflikepigs，"whisperedTom，withasuperiorair，forgettingcertainprivatebanquetsofhisown，aftercompanyhaddeparted。
TherestoftheeveningwastobedevotedtotheGerman；and，asPollyknewnothingaboutit，sheestablishedherselfinawindowrecesstowatchthemysteries。Foratimesheenjoyedit，foritwasallnewtoher，andthevariousprettydeviceswereverycharming；but，byandby，thatbitterweed，envy，croppedupagain，andshecouldnotfeelhappytobeleftoutinthecold，whiletheothergirlsweregettinggaytissue-papersuits，drollbonbons，flowers，ribbons，andallmanneroftastefultriflesinwhichgirlishsoulsdelight。Everyonewasabsorbed；Mr。Sydneywasdancing；
Tomandhisfriendswerediscussingbase-ballonthestairs；andMaud"ssethadreturnedtothelibrarytoplay。
Pollytriedtoconquerthebadfeeling；butitworriedher，tillsherememberedsomethinghermotheroncesaidtoher，；
"Whenyoufeeloutofsorts，trytomakesomeoneelsehappy，andyouwillsoonbesoyourself。"
"Iwilltryit，"thoughtPolly，andlookedroundtoseewhatshecoulddo。Soundsofstrifeinthelibraryledhertoenter。Maudandtheyoungladiesweresittingonthesofa，talkingabouteachother"sclothes，astheyhadseentheirmammasdo。
"Wasyourdressimported？"askedGrace。
"No；wasyours？"returnedBlanche。
"Yes；anditcost；oh，eversomuch。"
"Idon"tthinkitisasprettyasMaud"s。"
"MinewasmadeinNewYork，"saidMissShaw，smoothingherskirtscomplacently。
"Ican"tdressmuchnow，youknow，"causemamma"sinblackforsomebody，"
observedMissAliceLovett，feelingtheimportancewhichafflictionconferreduponherwhenittooktheformofajetnecklace。
"Well，Idon"tcareifmydressisn"timported；mycousinhadthreekindsofwineatherparty；so，now，"saidBlanche。
"Didshe？"Andallthelittlegirlslookeddeeplyimpressed，tillMaudobserved，withafunnyimitationofherfather"smanner，；
"Mypapasaiditwasscan-dill-us；forsomeofthelittleboysgottipsy，andhadtobetookedhome。Hewouldn"tletushaveanywine；
andgwandmasaiditwasvewyimpwoperforchildwentodoso。"
"Mymothersaysyourmother"scoupé；isn"thalfsostylishasours，"putinAlice。
"Yes，itis，too。It"salllinedwithgweensilk，andthat"snicerthanoldwedcloth，"criedMaud，rufflinguplikeaninsultedchicken。
"Well，mybrotherdon"twearahorridoldcap，andhe"sgotnicehair。
Iwouldn"thaveabrotherlikeTom。He"shorridrude，mysistersays，"
retortedAlice。
"Heisn"t。Yourbrotherisapig。"
"You"reafib!"
"Soareyou!"
Here，Iregrettosay，MissShawslappedMissLovett，whopromptlyreturnedthecompliment，andbothbegantocry。
Polly，whohadpausedtolistentotheedifyingchat，partedthebelligerents，andfindingthepoorthingstired，cross，andsleepy，yetunabletogohometillsentfor，proposedtoplaygames。Theyoungladiesconsented，and"Pussinthecorner"provedapeacemaker。Presently，incametheboys；
andbeingexilesfromtheGerman，gladlyjoinedinthegames，whichsoonwerelivelyenoughtowakethesleepiest。"Blind-man"s-buff"wasinfullswingwhenMr。Shawpeepedin，andseeingPollyflyingaboutwithband-agedeyes，joinedinthefuntopuzzleher。Hegotcaughtdirectly；andgreatmerrimentwascausedbyPolly"sbewilderment，forshecouldn"tguesswhohewas，tillshefeltthebaldspotonhishead。
Thisfrolicputeveryoneinsuchspirits，thatPollyforgothertrouble，andthelittlegirlskissedeachothergood-nightasaffectionatelyasifsuchthingsasimportedfrocks，coupé；s，andrivalbrothersdidn"texist"Well，Polly，doyoulikeparties？"askedFanwhenthelastguestwasgone。
"Verymuch；butIdon"tthinkitwouldbegoodformetogotomany，"
answeredPolly，slowly。
"Whynot？"
"Ishouldn"tenjoythemifIdidn"thaveafinedress，anddanceallthetime，andbeadmired，and；alltherestofit。"
"Ididn"tknowyoucaredforsuchthings，"criedFanny，surprised。
"NeitherdidItillto-night；butIdo；andasIcan"thave"em，it"sluckyI"mgoinghometomorrow。"
"Oh，dear!Soyouare!WhatshallIdowithoutmy"sweetP。，"asSydneycallsyou？"sighedFanny，bearingPollyawaytobecuddled。
Everyoneechoedtheexclamationnextday；andmanylovingeyesfollowedthelittlefigureinthedrabfrockasitwentquietlyabout，doingforthelasttimethesmallserviceswhichwouldhelptomakeitsabsencekeenlyfelt。Pollywastogodirectlyafteranearlydinner，andhavingpackedhertrunk，allbutonetray，shewastoldtogoandtakearunwhilegrandmafinished。Pollysuspectedthatsomepleasantsurprisewasgoingtobeputin；forFandidn"toffertogowithher，Maudkeptdodgingaboutwithsomethingunderherapron，andTomhadjustwhiskedintohismother"sroominamysteriousmanner。SoPollytookthehintandwentaway，rejoicinginthethoughtoftheunknowntreasuresshewastocarryhome。
Mr。Shawhadnotsaidheshouldcomehomesoearly，butPollythoughthemight，andwenttomeethim。Mr。Shawdidn"texpecttoseePolly，forhehadleftherverybusy，andnowalightsnowwasfalling；but，asheturnedintothemalltherewastheroundhat，andunderitthebrightface，lookingalltherosierforbeingpowderedwithsnow-flakes，asPollycamerunningtomeethim。
"Therewon"tbeanyonetohelptheoldgentlemansafelyhometo-morrow，"
hesaid，asPollytookhishandinbothherswithanaffectionatesqueeze。
"Yes，therewill；seeifthereisn"t，"criedPolly，noddingandsmiling，forFanhadconfidedtoherthatshemeanttotryitafterherfriendhadgone。
"I"mgladofit。But，mydear，Iwantyoutopromisethatyouwillcomeandmakeusavisiteverywinter，；agoodlongone，"saidMr。Shaw，pattingthebluemittensfoldedroundhishand。
"Iftheycansparemefromhome，I"dlovetocomedearly。"
"Theymustlendyouforalittlewhile，becauseyoudousallgood，andweneedyou。"
"DoI？Idon"tseehow；butI"mgladtohearyousayso，"criedPolly，muchtouched。
"Ican"ttellyouhow，exactly；butyoubroughtsomethingintomyhousethatmakesitwarmerandpleasanter，andwon"tquitevanish，Ihope，whenyougoaway，mychild。"
PollyhadneverheardMr。Shawspeaklikethatbefore，anddidn"tknowwhattosay，shefeltsoproudandhappyatthisproofofthetruthofhermother"swords，whenshesaidthat"evenalittlegirlcouldexertaninfluence，anddosomegoodinthisbig，busyworld。"Sheonlygaveherfriendagratefullooksweeterthananywords，andtheywentontogether，handinhand，throughthe"soft-fallingsnow。"
IfPollycouldhaveseenwhatwentintothattoptray，shewouldhavebeenentirelyovercome；forFannyhadtoldgrandmaaboutthepoorlittlepresentsshehadoncelaughedat，andtheyhadalllaidtheirheadstogethertoprovidesomethingreallyfineandappropriateforeverymemberoftheMiltonfamily。Suchamineofriches!andsomuchgood-will，affection，andkindlyforethoughtwaspackedawayinthetemptingbundles，thatnoonecouldfeeloffended，butwouldfindanunusualcharmabouttheprettygiftsthatmadethemdoublywelcome。IonlyknowthatifPollyhadsuspectedthatalittlewatchwastickingawayinalittlecase，withhernameonit，insidethattrunk，shenevercouldhaveleftitlockedasgrandmaadvised，orhaveeatenherdinnersoquietly。Asitwas，herheartwasveryfull，andthetearsrosetohereyesmorethanonce，everyonewassokind，andsosorrytohavehergo。
Tomdidn"tneedanyurgingtoplayescortnow；andbothFanandMaudinsistedongoingtoo。Mrs。Shawforgothernerves，andputupsomegingerbreadwithherownhands；Mr。ShawkissedPollyasifshehadbeenhisdearestdaughter；andgrandmaheldherclose，whisperinginatremuloustone，"Mylittlecomfort，comeagainsoon"；whileKatywavedherapronfromthenurserywindow，crying，astheydrove，away，"Thesaintsblessye，MissPolly，dear，andsindyethebestoflucks!"
ButthecrowningjokeofallwasTom"sgood-by，for，whenPollywasfairlysettledinthecar，thelast"Allaboard!"uttered，andthetraininmotion，Tomsuddenlyproducedaknobbylittlebundle，andthrustingitinatthewindow，whilehehungoninsomebreakneckfashion，said，withadrollmixtureoffunandfeelinginhisface，；
"It"shorrid；butyouwantedit，soIputitintomakeyoulaugh。
Good-by，Polly；good-by，good-by!"
Thelastadieuwasatriflehusky，andTomvanishedasitwasuttered，leavingPollytolaughoverhispartingsouvenirtillthetearsrandownhercheeks。Itwasapaperbagofpeanuts，andpokeddownattheverybottomaphotographofTom。Itwas"horrid，"forhelookedasiftakenbyaflashoflightning，soblack，wild，andstaringwasit；butPollylikedit，andwhenevershefeltalittlepensiveatpartingwithherfriends，shetookapeanut，orapeepatTom"sfunnypicture，whichmadehermerryagain。
Sotheshortjourneycameblithelytoanend，andinthetwilightshesawagroupoflovingfacesatthedoorofahumblelittlehouse，whichwasmorebeautifulthananypalaceinhereyes，foritwashome。ChapterVIII。ChapterVIII。CHAPTERVIIISIXYEARSAFTERWARD"WHATdoyouthinkPollyisgoingtodothiswinter？"exclaimedFanny，lookingupfromthelettershehadbeeneagerlyreading。
"GoingtodeliverlecturesonWoman"sRights，"saidtheyounggentlemanwhowascarefullyexamininghisluxuriantcropofdecidedlyauburnhair，asheloungedwithbothelbowsonthechimney-piece。
"Goingtosethercapforsomeyoungministerandmarryhiminthespring，"
addedMrs。Shaw，whosemindranagooddealuponmatch-makingjustnow。
"Ithinksheisgoingtostayathome，anddoallthework，"causeservantscostsomuch；itwouldbejustlikeher，"observedMaud，whocouldpronouncetheletterRnow。
"It"smyopinionsheisgoingtoopenaschool，orsomethingofthatsort，tohelpthosebrothersofhersalong，"saidMr。Shaw，whohadputdownhispaperatthesoundofPolly"sname。
"Everyoneofyouwrong，thoughpapacomesnearestthetruth，"criedFanny；"sheisgoingtogivemusiclessons，andsupportherself，sothatWillmaygotocollege。Heisthestudiousone，andPollyisveryproudofhim。Ned，theotherbrother，hasabusinesstalent，anddon"tcareforbooks，sohehasgoneoutWest，andwillmakehisownwayanywhere。Pollysayssheisn"tneededathomenow，thefamilyissosmall，andKittycantakeherplacenicely；sosheisactuallygoingtoearnherownliving，andhandoverhershareofthefamilyincometoWill。Whatamartyrthatgirldoesmakeofherself，"andFannylookedassolemnasifPollyhadproposedsomeawfulself-sacrifice。
"Sheisasensible，brave-heartedgirl，andIrespectherfordoingit，"saidMr。Shaw，emphatically。"Oneneverknowswhatmayhappen，anditdoesnoharmforyoungpeopletolearntobeindependent。"
"IfsheisasprettyasshewaslasttimeIsawher，she"llgetpupilsfastenough。Iwouldn"tmindtakinglessonsmyself，"wasthegraciousobservationofShaw，Jr。，asheturnedfromthemirror，withthesoothingcertaintythathisobjectionablehairactuallywasgrowingdarker。
"Shewouldn"ttakeyouatanyprice，"saidFanny，rememberingPolly"slookofdisappointmentanddisapprovalwhenshecameonherlastvisitandfoundhimanunmistakabledandy。
"Youjustwaitandsee，"wastheplacidreply。
"IfPollydoescarryoutherplan，IwishMaudtotakelessonsofher；
Fannycandoasshelikes，butitwouldpleasemeverymuchtohaveoneofmygirlssingasPollysings。Itsuitsoldpeoplebetterthanyouroperathings，andmotherusedtoenjoyitsomuch。"
Ashespoke，Mr。Shaw"seyeturnedtowardthecomerofthefirewheregrandmausedtosit。Theeasy-chairwasemptynow，thekindoldfacewasgone，andnothingbutaverytendermemoryremained。
"I"dliketolearn，papa，andPollyisasplendidteacher，Iknow；
she"salwayssopatient，andmakeseverythingsopleasant。Idohopeshewillgetscholarsenoughtobeginrightaway，"saidMaud。
"Whenisshecoming？"askedMrs。Shaw，quitewillingtohelpPolly，butprivatelyresolvingthatMaudshouldbefinishedoffbythemostfashionablemasterinthecity。
"Shedoesn"tsay。Shethanksmeforaskingherhere，asusual，butsayssheshallgorighttoworkandhadbetterbeginwithherownlittleroomatonce。Won"titseemstrangetohavePollyintown，andyetnotwithus？"
"We"llgethersomehow。Thelittleroomwillcostsomething，andshecanstaywithusjustaswellasnot，evenifshedoesteach。TellherIsayso，"saidMr。Shaw。
"Shewon"tcome，Iknow；forifsheundertakestobeindependent，she"lldoitinthemostthoroughmanner，"answeredFanny，andMrs。Shawsincerelyhopedshewould。Itwasallverywelltopatronizethelittlemusic-teacher，butitwasnotsopleasanttohavehersettledinthefamily。
"IshalldowhatIcanforheramongmyfriends，andIdaresayshewillgetonverywellwithyoungpupilstobeginwith。Ifshestartsright，putshertermshighenough，andgetsafewgoodnamestogivehertheentré；eintoourfirstfamilies，Idon"tdoubtshewilldonicely，forImustsayPollyhasthemannersofalady，"observedMrs。Shaw。
"She"samightytakinglittlebody，andI"mgladshe"stobeintown，thoughI"dlikeitbetterifshedidn"tbotheraboutteaching，butjuststayedhereandenjoyedherself，"saidTom，lazily。
"I"venodoubtshewouldfeelhighlyhonoredtobeallowedtodevotehertimetoyouramusement；butshecan"taffordexpensiveluxuries，andshedon"tapproveofflirting，soyouwillhavetolethergoherownway，andrefreshherselfwithsuchglimpsesofyouasherengagementspermit，"
answeredFanny，inthesarcastictonewhichwasbecominghabitualtoher。
"Youaregettingtobearegularoldmaid，Fan；assharpasalemon，andtwiceassour，"returnedTom，lookingdownatherwithanairofcalmsuperiority。
"Dobequiet，children；youknowIcan"tbearanythinglikecontention。
Maud，givememyShetlandshawl，andputacushionatmyback。"
AsMaudobeyedhermother，withareprovinglookathererringbrotherandsister，apausefollowed，forwhicheveryoneseemedgrateful。Theyweresittingaboutthefireafterdinner，andalllookedasifalittlesunshinewoulddothemgood。IthadbeenadullNovemberday，butallofasuddenthecloudslifted，andabrightrayshotintotheroom。Everyoneturnedinvoluntarilytowelcomeit，andeveryonecriedout，"Why，Polly!"forthereonthethresholdstoodabright-facedgirl，smilingasiftherewasnosuchthingasNovemberweatherintheworld。
"Youdearthing，whendidyoucome？"criedFanny，kissingboththebloomingcheckswithrealaffection，whiletheresthoverednear，waitingforachance。
"Icameyesterday，andhavebeengettingmynestinorder；butIcouldn"tkeepawayanylonger，soIranuptosay"Howdoyoudo？""answeredPolly，inthecheeryvoicethatdidone"sheartgoodtohear。
"MyPollyalwaysbringsthesunshinewithher，"andMr。Shawheldouthishandstohislittlefriend，forshewashisfavoritestill。
Itwasgoodtoseeherputbotharmsabouthisneck，andgivehimatenderkiss，thatsaidagreatdeal，forgrandmahaddiedsincePollymethimlastandshelongedtocomforthim，seeinghowgrayandoldhehadgrown。
IfTomhadhadanythoughtsoffollowinghisfather"sexample，somethinginPolly"smannermadehimchangehismind，andshakehandswithahearty"I"mverygladtoseeyou，Polly，"addingtohimself，ashelookedatthefaceinthemodestlittlebonnet:"Prettierthanever，byJove!"
TherewassomethingmorethanmereprettinessinPolly"sface，thoughTomhadnotlearnedtoseeityet。Theblueeyeswereclearandsteady，thefreshmouthfrankandsweet，thewhitechinwasaveryfirmoneinspiteofthedimple，andthesmoothforeheadunderthelittlecurlshadabroad，benevolentarch；whileallaboutthefacewerethoseunmistakablelinesandcurveswhichcanmakeevenaplaincountenancecomely，bybreathingintoitthebeautyofalovelycharacter。Pollyhadgrownup，butshehadnomorestylenowthaninthedaysoftheroundhatandroughcoat，forshewasallingray，likeayoungQuakeress，withnoornamentbutabluebowatthethroatandanotherinthehair。Yettheplainsuitbecameherexcellently，andoneneverthoughtofthedress，lookingattheactivefigurethatworeit，forthefreedomofherchildhoodgavetoPollythatgoodgift，health，andeverymovementwasfullofthevigor，grace，andease，whichnothingelsecansosurelybestow。Ahappysoulinahealthybodyisararesightinthesedays，whendoctorsflourishandeveryoneisill，andthispleasantunionwasthecharmwhichPollypossessedwithoutknowingit。
"Itdoesseemsogoodtohaveyouhereagain，"saidMaud，cuddlingPolly"scoldhand，asshesatatherfeet，whenshewasfairlyestablishedbetweenFannyandMr。Shaw，whileTomleanedonthebackofhismother"schair，andenjoyedtheprospect。
"Howdoyougeton？Whendoyoubegin？Whereisyournest？Nowtellallaboutit，"beganFanny，whowasfullofcuriosityaboutthenewplan。
"Ishallgetonverywell，Ithink，forI"vegottwelvescholarstobeginwith，allabletopayagoodprice，andIshallgivemyfirstlessononMonday。"
"Don"tyoudreadit？"askedFanny。
"Notmuch；whyshouldI？"answeredPolly，stoutly。
"Well，Idon"tknow；it"sanewthing，andmustbealittlebithardatfirst，"stammeredFanny，notlikingtosaythatworkingforone"slivingseemedadreadfulhardshiptoher。
"Itwillbetiresome，ofcourse，butIshallgetusedtoit；Ishallliketheexercise，andthenewpeopleandplacesImustseewillamuseme。Thentheindependencewillbedelightful，andifIcansavealittletohelpKittyalongwith，thatwillbebestofall。"
Polly"sfaceshoneasiftheprospectwasfullofpleasureinsteadofwork，andtheheartygoodwillwithwhichsheundertookthenewtask，seemedtodignifyherhumblehopesandplans，andmaketheminterestinginthesightofothers。
"Whohaveyougotforpupils？"askedMrs。Shaw，forgettinghernervesforaminute。
Pollynamedherlist，andtookasecretsatisfactioninseeingtheimpressionwhichcertainnamesmadeuponherhearers。
"HowintheworlddidyougettheDavenportsandtheGreys，mydear？"
saidMrs。Shaw，sittingerectinhersurprise。
"Mrs。Davenportandmotherarerelations，youknow。"
"Younevertoldusthatbefore!"
"TheDavenportshavebeenawaysomeyears，andIforgotallaboutthem。
ButwhenIwasmakingmyplan，IknewImusthaveagoodnameortwotosetmegoing，soIjustwroteandaskedMrs。D。ifshewouldhelpme。Shecameandsawusandwasverykind，andhasgotthesepupilsforme，likeadear，goodwomanassheis。"
"Wheredidyoulearnsomuchworldlywisdom，Polly？"askedMr。Shaw，ashiswifefellbackinherchair，andtookouthersalts，asifthisdiscoveryhadbeentoomuchforher。
"Ilearntithere，sir，"answeredPolly，laughing。"Iusedtothinkpatronageandthingsofthatsortverydisagreeableandnotworthhaving，butI"vegotwiser，andtoacertainextentI"mgladtousewhateveradvantagesIhaveinmypower，iftheycanbehonestlygot。"
"Whydidn"tyouletushelpyouinthebeginning？Weshouldhavebeenverygladto，I"msure，"putinMrs。Shaw，whoquiteburnedtobeknownasajointpatronesswithMrs。Davenport。
"Iknowyouwould，butyouhaveallbeensokindtomeIdidn"twanttotroubleyouwithmylittleplanstillthefirststepsweretaken。Besides，Ididn"tknowasyouwouldliketorecommendmeasateacher，thoughyoulikemewellenoughasplainPolly。"
"Mydear，ofcourseIwould，andwewantyoutotakeMaudatonce，andteachheryoursweetsongs。Shehasafinevoice，andisreallysufferingforateacher。"
AslightsmilepassedoverPolly"sfaceasshereturnedherthanksforthenewpupil，forsherememberedatimewhenMrs。Shawconsideredher"sweetsongs"quiteunfitforafashionableyounglady"srepertoire。
"Whereisyourroom？"askedMaud。
"MyoldfriendMissMillshastakenmein，andIamnicelysettled。
Motherdidn"tliketheideaofmygoingtoastrangeboarding-house，soMissMillskindlymadeaplaceforme。Youknowsheletsherroomswithoutboard，butsheisgoingtogivememydinners，andI"mtogetmyownbreakfastandtea，quiteindependently。Ilikethatway，andit"sverylittletrouble，myhabitsaresosimple；abowlofbreadandmilknightandmorning，withbakedapplesorsomethingofthatsort，isallIwant，andIcanhaveitwhenIlike。"
"Isyourroomcomfortablyfurnished？Can"twelendyouanything，mydear？Aneasy-chairnow，oralittlecouch，sonecessarywhenonecomesintired，"saidMrs。Shaw，takingunusualinterestintheaffair。
"Thankyou，butIdon"tneedanything，forIbroughtallsortsofhomecomfortswithme。Oh，Fan，yououghttohaveseenmytriumphalentryintothecity，sittingamongmygoodsandchattels，inafarmer"scart。"Polly"slaughwassoinfectiousthateveryonesmiledandforgottobeshockedatherperformance。"Yes，"sheadded，"IkeptwishingIcouldmeetyou，justtoseeyourhorrifiedfacewhenyousawmesittingonmylittlesofa，withboxesandbundlesallroundme，abird-cageononeside，afishingbasket，withakitten"sheadpoppinginandoutofthehole，ontheotherside，andjollyoldMr。Brown，inhisbluefrock，perchedonakegofapplesinfront。Itwasalovelybrightday，andIenjoyedtherideimmensely，forwehadallsortsofadventures。"
"Oh，tellaboutit，"beggedMaud，whenthegenerallaughatPolly"spicturehadsubsided。
"Well，inthefirstplace，weforgotmyivy，andKittycamerunningafterme，withit。Thenwestartedagain，butweresoonstoppedbyagreatshouting，andtherewasWillracingdownthehill，wavingapillowinonehandandasquashpieintheother。Howwedidlaughwhenhecameupandexplainedthatourneighbor，oldMrs。Dodd，hadsentinahop-pillowforme，incaseofheadache，andapietobeginhouse-keepingwith。SheseemedsodisappointedatbeingtoolatethatWillpromisedtogetthemtome，ifheranallthewaytotown。Thepillowwaseasilydisposedof，butthatpie!Idobelieveitwasstowedineverypartofthewagon，andneverstaidanywhere。Ifounditinmylap，thenonthefloor，next，upsidedownamongthebooks，thenjustonthepointofcoastingoffatrunkintotheroad，andatlastitlandedinmyrocking-chair。Sucharemarkablepieasitwas，too，forinspiteofallitswanderings，itnevergotspiltorbroken，andwefinallyateitforlunch，inordertobeleftinpeace。Next，mykittygotaway，andIhadachaseoverwallsandbrooksbeforeIgother，whileMr。Brownsatshakingwithfun，toseemerun。Wefinishedoffbyhavingthebook-shelvestumbleonourheadsaswewentdownahill，andlosingmychairoffbehind，aswewentupahill。Ashoutmadeuspause，and，lookingback，therewasthepoorlittlechairrockingallbyitselfinthemiddleoftheroad，whileasmallboysatonthefenceandwhooped。
Itwasgreatfun，Idoassureyou。"
Pollyhadrunoninherlivelyway，notbecauseshethoughtheradventuresamountedtomuch，butfromawishtocheerupherfriends，whohadstruckheraslookingratherdullandoutofsorts，especiallyMr。Shaw；andwhenshesawhimleanbackinhischairwiththeoldheartylaugh，shewassatisfied，andblessedtheunluckypieforamusinghim。
"Oh，Polly，youdotellsuchinterestingthings!"sighedMaud，wipinghereyes。
"IwishI"dmetyou，I"dhavegivenyouthreecheersandatiger，foritmusthavebeenanimposingspectacle，"saidTom。