第7章
"No，youwouldn"t；you"dhavewhiskedroundthecomerwhenyousawmecomingorhavestaredstraightbeforeyou，utterlyunconsciousoftheyoungwomaninthebaggagewagon。"
Pollylaughedinhisfacejustassheusedtodo，whenshesaidthat，and，inspiteofthedoubtcastuponhiscourtesy，Tomratherlikedit，thoughhehadnothingtosayforhimselfbutareproachful，；
"Now，Polly，that"stoobad。"
"True，nevertheless。Youmustcomeandseemypets，Maud，formycatandbirdlivetogetherashappilyasbrotherandsister，"saidPolly，turningtoMaud，whodevouredeverywordshesaid。
"That"snotsayingmuchforthem，"mutteredTom，feelingthatPollyoughttoaddressmoreofherconversationtohim。
"Pollyknowswhatshe"stalkingabout；herbrothersappreciatetheirsisters，"observedFanny，inhersharptone。
"AndPollyappreciatesherbrothers，don"tforgettoaddthat，ma"am，"answeredTom。
"DidItellyouthatWillwasgoingtocollege？"brokeinPolly，toaverttherisingstorm。
"Hopehe"llenjoyhimself，"observedTom，withtheairofamanwhohadpassedthroughallthemysteries，andreachedthatstateofsublimeindifferencewhichjuniorsseemtopridethemselvesupon。
"Ithinkhewill，heissofondofstudy，andissoanxioustoimproveeveryopportunity。Ionlyhopehewon"toverworkandgetsick，assomanyboysdo，"saidsimplePolly，withsucharespectfulbeliefintheeagerthirstforknowledgeofcollegiansasaclass，thatTomregardedthedeludedgirlwithasmileofloftypity，fromtheheightsofhisvastandvariedexperience。
"Guesshewon"thurthimself。I"llseethathedon"tstudytoohard。"
AndTom"seyestwinkledastheyusedtodo，whenheplannedhisboyishpranks。
"I"mafraidyoucan"tbetrustedasaguide，ifvariousrumorsI"veheardaretrue，"saidPolly，lookingupathimwithawistfulexpression，thatcausedhisfacetoassumethesobrietyofanowl"s。
"Baseslanders；I"massteadyasaclock，anornamenttomyclass，andamodelyoungman，ain"tI，mother？"AndTompattedherthincheekwithacaressinghand，sureofonefirmfriendinher；forwhenheceasedtobeaharum-scarumboy，Mrs。Shawbegantotakegreatprideinherson，andhe，missinggrandma，triedtofillherplacewithhisfeeblemother。
"Yes，dear，youareallIcouldask，"andMrs。Shawlookedupathimwithsuchaffectionandconfidenceinhereyes，thatPollygaveTomthefirstapprovinglookshehadvouchsafedhimsinceshecame。
WhyTomshouldlooktroubledandturngraveallatonce，shecouldn"tunderstand，butshelikedtoseehimstrokehismother"scheeksosoftly，ashestoodwithhisheadrestingonthehighbackofherchair，forPollyfanciedthathefeltaman"spityforherweakness，andwaslearningason"spatientloveforamotherwhohadhadmuchtobearwithhim。
"I"msogladyouaregoingtobehereallwinter，forwearetobeverygay，andIshallenjoytakingyouroundwithme，"beganFanny，forgettingPolly"splanforamoment。
Pollyshookherheaddecidedly。"Itsoundsverynice，butitcan"tbedone，Fan，forI"vecometowork，notplay；tosave，notspend；andpartieswillbequiteoutofthequestionforme。"
"Youdon"tintendtoworkallthetime，withoutabitoffun，Ihope，"
criedFanny，dismayedattheidea。
"ImeantodowhatI"veundertaken，andnottobetemptedawayfrommypurposebyanything。Ishouldn"tbefittogivelessonsifIwasuplate，shouldI？Andhowfarwouldmyearningsgotowardsdress，carriages，andallthelittleexpenseswhichwouldcomeifIsetupforayoungladyinsociety？Ican"tdoboth，andI"mnotgoingtotry，butIcanpickupbitsoffunasIgoalong，andbecontentedwithfreeconcertsandlectures，seeingyouprettyoften，andeverySundayWillistospendwithme，soIshallhavequiteasmuchdissipationasisgoodforme。"
"Ifyoudon"tcometomyparties，I"llneverforgiveyou，"saidFanny，asPollypaused，whileTomchuckledinwardlyattheideaofcallingvisitsfromabrother"dissipation。"
"Anysmallparty，whereitwilldotowearaplainblacksilk，Icancometo；butthebigonesmustn"tbethoughtof，thankyou。"
ItwascharmingtoseetheresolutionofPolly"sfacewhenshesaidthat；forsheknewherweakness，andbeyondthatblacksilkshehaddeterminednottogo。Fannysaidnomore，forshefeltquitesurethatPollywouldrelentwhenthetimecame，andsheplannedtogiveheraprettydressforaChristmaspresent，sothatoneexcuseshouldberemoved。
"Isay，Polly，won"tyougivesomeofusfellowsmusiclessons？Somebodywantsmetoplay，andI"dratherlearnofyouthananySenorTwankydillo，"
saidTom，whodidn"tfindtheconversationinteresting。
"Oh，yes；ifanyofyouboyshonestlywanttolearn，andwillbehaveyourselves，I"lltakeyou；butIshallchargeextra，"answeredPolly，withawickedsparkleoftheeye，thoughherfacewasquitesober，andhertonedelightfullybusiness-like。
"Why，Polly，Tomisn"taboy；he"stwenty，andhesaysImusttreathimwithrespect。Besides，he"sengaged，anddoesputonsuchairs，"brokeinMaudwhoregardedherbrotherasavenerablebeing。
"Whoisthelittlegirl？"askedPollytakingthenewsasajoke。
"Trix；why，didn"tyouknowit？"answeredMaud，asifithadbeenaneventofnationalimportance。
"No!isittrue，Fan？"andPollyturnedtoherfriendwithafacefullofsurprise，whileTomstruckanimposingattitude，andaffectedabsenceofmind。
"Iforgottotellyouinmylastletter；it"sjustout，andwedon"tlikeitverywell，"observedFanny，whowouldhavepreferredtobeengagedfirstherself。
"It"saverynicething，andIamperfectlysatisfied，"announcedMrs。Shaw，rousingfromaslightdoze。
"Pollylooksasifshedidn"tbelieveit。Haven"tItheappearanceof"thehappiestmanalive"？"askedTom，wonderingifitcouldbepitywhichhesawinthesteadyeyesfixedonhim。
"No，Idon"tthinkyouhave，"shesaid，slowly。
"Howthedeuceshouldamanlook，then？"criedTom，rathernettledathersoberreceptionofthegrandnews。
"Asifhehadlearnedtocareforsomeoneagreatdealmorethanforhimself，"answeredPolly，withsuddencolorinhercheeks，andasuddensofteningofthevoice，ashereyesturnedawayfromTom，whowasthepictureofacomplacentdandy，fromthetopmostcurlofhisauburnheadtothetipsofhisaristocraticboots。
"Tommy"squenched；Iagreewithyou，Polly；IneverlikedTrix，andIhopeit"sonlyaboy-and-girlfancy，thatwillsoondieanaturaldeath，"
saidMr。Shaw，whoseemedtofinditdifficulttohelpfallingintoabrownstudy，inspiteofthelivelychattergoingonabouthim。
Shaw，Jr。，beinghighlyincensedatthedisrespectfulmannerinwhichhisengagementwastreated，triedtoassumeasuperbairofindifference，andfindingthatadecidedfailure，wasabouttostrolloutoftheroomwithacomprehensivenod，whenhismothercalledafterhim:
"Whereareyougoing，dear？"
"ToseeTrix，ofcourse。Good-by，Polly，"andMr。Thomasdeparted，hopingthatbytheskillfulchangeoftone，fromardentimpatiencetocondescendingcoolness，hehadimpressedoneheareratleastwiththefactthatheregardedTrixasthestarofhisexistence，andPollyasapresuminglittlechit。
Ifhecouldhaveheardherlaugh，andFanny"sremarks，hiswrathwouldhaveboiledover；fortunatelyhewassparedthetrial，andwentawayhopingthatthecoquetriesofhisTrixwouldmakehimforgetPolly"slookwhensheansweredhisquestion。
"Mydear，thatboyisthemostdeludedcreatureyoueversaw，"beganFanny，assoonasthefrontdoorbanged。"BelleandTrixbothtriedtocatchhim，andtheslyestgothim；for，inspiteofhisairs，heisassoft-heartedasababy。YouseeTrixhasbrokenofftwoengagementsalready，andthethirdtimeshegotjiltedherself。Suchafussasshemade!Ideclare，itreallywasabsurd。ButIdothinkshefeltitverymuch，forshewouldn"tgooutatall，andgotthin，andpale，andblue，andwasreallyquitetouching。Ipitiedher，andhadherhereagooddeal，andTomtookherpart；healwaysdoesstandupforthecrushedones，andthat"sgoodofhim，Iallow。Well，shedidtheforsakenveryprettily；letTomamuseher，andledhimontillthepoorfellowlosthiswits，andfindinghercryingoneday(aboutherhat，whichwasn"tbecoming)，hethoughtshewasmourningforMr。Banks，andso，tocomforther，thegooseproposed。Thatwasallshewanted；shesnappedhimupatonce，andthereheisinanicescrape；
forsinceherengagementsheisasgayasever，flirtsawfullywithanyonewhocomesalong，andkeepsTominafumeallthetime。Ireallydon"tthinkhecaresforherhalfasmuchashemakesbelieve，buthe"llstandbyherthroughthickandthin，ratherthandoasBanksdid。"
"PoorTom!"wasallPollysaid，whenFanhadpouredthestoryintoherear，astheysatwhisperinginthesofacorner。
"MyonlyconsolationisthatTrixwillbreakofftheaffairbeforespring；
shealwaysdoes，sothatshemaybefreeforthesummercampaign。Itwon"thurtTom，butIhatetohavehimmakeafoolofhimselfoutofpity，forheismoreofamanthanheseems，andIdon"twantanyonetoplaguehim。"
"Noonebutyourself，"saidPolly，smiling。
"Well，that"sallfair；heisatormentsometimes，butI"mratherfondofhiminspiteofit。Igetsotiredoftheotherfellows，theyaresuchabsurdthingsandwhenTomisinhisgoodmoodheisveryniceandquiterefreshing。"
"I"mgladtohearit，"saidPolly，makingamentalnoteofthefact。
"Yes，andwhengrandmawasillhewasperfectlydevoted。Ididn"tknowtheboyhadsomuchgentlenessinhim。Hetookherdeathsadlytoheart，for，thoughhedidn"tsaymuch，hewasverygraveandsteadyforalongtime。Itriedtocomforthim，andwehadtwoorthreerealsweetlittletalkstogether，andseemedtogetacquaintedforthefirsttime。Itwasverynice，butitdidn"tlast；goodtimesneverdowithus。Wesoongotbackintotheoldway，andnowwehectoroneanotherjustasbefore。"
Fannysighed，thenyawned，andfellintoherusuallistlessattitude，asifthebriefexcitementofPolly"scominghadbeguntosubside。
"Walkhomewithmeandseemyfunnylittleroom。It"sbrightnow，andtheairwilldoyougood。Come，bothofyou，andhaveafrolicasweusedto，"saidPolly，fortheredsunsetnowburninginthewestseemedtoinvitethemout。
Theyagreed，andsoonthethreewerewalkingbrisklyawaytoPolly"snewhome，inaquietstreet，whereafewoldtreesrustledinthesummer，andthemorningsunshonepleasantlyinwintertime。"ThewayintomyparlorIsupawindingstair。"sangPolly，runninguptwoflightsofbroad，old-fashionedsteps，andopeningthedoorofabackroom，outofwhichstreamedthewelcomeglowoffirelight。
"Thesearemypets，Maud，"sheadded，pausingonthethreshold，andbeckoningthegirlstolookinquietly。
Ontherug，luxuriouslybaskinginthewarmth，layagraykitten，andcloseby，meditativelyroostingononeleg，stoodaplumpcanary，whocockedhisbrighteyeatthenew-comers，gavealoudchirpasiftowakehiscomrade，andthenflewstraighttoPolly"sshoulder，wherehebrokeintoajoyfulsongtowelcomehismistresshome。
"Allowmetointroducemyfamily，"saidPolly；"thisnoisylittlechaptheboysnamedNicodemus；andthisdozycatiscalledAshputtel，becausethejoyofherlifeistogetamongthecinders。Now，takeoffyourthings，andletmedothehonors，foryouaretostoptotea，andthecarriageistocomeforyouateight。Iarrangeditwithyourmotherwhileyouwereup-stairs。"
"Iwanttoseeeverything，"saidMaud，whenthehatswereoff，andthehandswarmed。
"Soyoushall；forIthinkmyhousekeepingarrangementswillamuseyou。"
ThenPollyshowedherkingdom，andthethreehadamerrytimeoverit。
Thebigpianotookupsomuchroomtherewasnoplaceforabed；butPollyproudlydisplayedtheresourcesofherchintz-coveredcouch，forthebackletdown，theseatliftedup，andinsidewereallthepillowsandblankets。
"Soconvenient，yousee，andyetoutofthewayinthedaytime，fortwoorthreeofmypupilscometome，"explainedPolly。
Thentherewasabrightdruggetoverthefadedcarpet，thelittlerocking-chairandsewing-tablestoodatonewindow，theivyranallovertheother，andhidthebanquetingperformanceswhichwentoninthatcorner。Book-shelveshungoverthesofa，apictureortwoonthewalls，andagreatvaseofautumnleavesandgrassesbeautifiedthelowchimney-piece。Itwasaveryhumblelittleroom，butPollyhaddoneherbesttomakeitpleasant，anditalreadyhadahome-likelook，withthecheeryfire，andthehouseholdpetschirpingandpurringconfidinglyontherug。
"Howniceitis!"exclaimedMaud，assheemergedfromthebigclosetwherePollykeptherstores。"Suchacunningteakettleandsaucepan，andatê；te-à；-tê；teset，andlotsofgoodthingstoeat。Dohavetoastfortea，Polly，andletmemakeitwiththenewtoastingfork；it"ssuchfuntoplaycook。"
Fannywasnotsoenthusiasticashersister，forhereyessawmanytracesofwhatseemedlikepovertytoher；butPollywassogay，sosatisfiedwithhersmallestablishment，sofullofhappyhopesandplans，thatherfriendhadnotthehearttofindafaultorsuggestanimprovement，andsatwhereshewastold，laughingandtalkingwhiletheothersgottea。
"Thiswillbeacountrysupper，girls，"saidPolly，bustlingabout。
"Hereisrealcream，brownbread，home-madecake，andhoneyfrommyownbeehives。Motherfittedmeoutwithsuchasupply，I"mgladtohaveaparty，forIcan"teatitallquickenough。Butterthetoast，Maudie，andputthatlittlecoveroverit。Tellmewhenthekettleboils，anddon"tsteponNicodemus，whateveryoudo。"
"Whatacapitalhouse-keeperyouwillmakesomeday，"saidFanny，asshewatchedPollyspreadhertablewithaneatnessanddespatchwhichwaspleasanttobehold。
"Yes，it"sgoodpractice，"laughedPolly，fillinghertinyteapot，andtakingherplacebehindthetray，withamatronlyair，whichwasthebestjokeofthewhole。
"ThisisthemostdeliciouspartyIeverwentto，"observedMaud，withhermouthfullofhoney，whenthefeastwaswellunderway。"IdowishIcouldhaveaniceroomlikethis，andacatandabirdthatwouldn"teateachotherup，andadearlittleteakettle，andmakejustasmuchtoastasIlike。"
SuchapealoflaughtergreetedMaud"spensiveaspiration，thatMissMillssmiledoverhersolitarycupoftea，andlittleNickburstintoaperfectecstasyofsong，ashesatonthesugar-bowlhelpinghimself。
"Idon"tcareforthetoastandthekettle，butIdoenvyyouyourgoodspirits，Polly，"saidFanny，asthemerrimentsubsided。"I"msotiredofeverybodyandeverything，itseemssometimesasifIshoulddieofennui。Don"tyoueverfeelso？"
"Thingsworrymesometimes，butIjustcatchupabroomandsweep，orwashhard，orwalk，orgoatsomethingwithallmymight，andIusuallyfindthatbythetimeIgetthroughtheworryisgone，orI"vegotcourageenoughtobearitwithoutgrumbling，"answeredPolly，cuttingthebrownloafenergetically。
"Ican"tdothosethings，youknow；there"snoneedofit，andIdon"tthinkthey"dcuremyworrying，"saidFanny，languidlyfeedingAshputtel，whosatdecorouslybesideher，atthetable，winkingatthecreampot。
"Alittlepovertywoulddoyougood，Fan；justenoughnecessitytokeepyoubusytillyoufindhowgoodworkis；andwhenyouoncelearnthat，youwon"tcomplainofennuianymore，"returnedPolly，whohadtakenkindlythehardlessonwhichtwentyyearsofcheerfulpovertyhadtaughther。
"Mercy，no，Ishouldhatethat；butIwishsomeonewouldinventanewamusementforrichpeople。I"mdeadsickofparties，andflirtations，tryingtoout-dressmyneighbors，andgoingthesameroundyearafteryear，likeasquirrelinacage。"
Fanny"stonewasbitteraswellasdiscontented，herfacesadaswellaslistless，andPollyhadaninstinctivefeelingthatsometrouble，morerealthananyshehadeverknownbefore，waslyingheavyatherfriend"sheart。Thatwasnotthetimetospeakofit，butPollyresolvedtostandreadytooffersympathy，ifnothingmore，whenevertheconfidentialminutecame；andhermannerwassokind，socomfortable，thatFannyfeltitssilentmagic，grewmorecheerfulinthequietatmosphereofthatlittleroom，andwhentheysaidgood-night，afteranold-timegossipbythefire，shekissedherhostesswarmly，saying，withagratefullook，；
"Polly，dear，Ishallcomeoften，youdomesomuchgood。"ChapterIX。ChapterIX。CHAPTERIXLESSONSTHEfirstfewweekswerehardones，forPollyhadnotyetoutgrownhernaturalshynessandgoingamongsomanystrangerscausedherfrequentpanics。
Butherpurposegavehercourage，andwhentheicewasoncebroken，herlittlepupilsquicklylearnedtoloveher。Thenoveltysoonworeoff，andthoughshethoughtshewaspreparedfordrudgery，shefounditverytedioustogoondoingthesamethingdayafterday。Thenshewaslonely，forWillcouldonlycomeonceaweek，herleisurehourswereFanny"sbusiest，andthe"bitsofpleasure"weresofewandfarbetweenthattheyonlytantalizedher。Evenhersmallhousekeepinglostitscharms，forPollywasasocialcreature，andthesolitarymealswereoftensadones。AshputtelandNickdidtheirbesttocheerher，buttheytoo，seemedtopineforcountryfreedomandhomeatmosphere。PoorPuttel，aftergazingwistfullyoutofthewindowatthegauntcitycatsskulkingabouttheyard，wouldretiretotherug，andcurlherselfupasifallhopeoffindingcongenialsocietyhadfailed；
whilelittleNickwouldsingtillhevibratedonhisperch，withoutreceivinganyresponseexceptaninquisitivechirpfromthepertsparrows，whoseemedtotwithimwithhiscaptivity。Yes，bythetimethelittleteakettlehadlostitsbrightness，Pollyhaddecidedthatgettingone"slivingwasnojoke，andmanyofherbrillianthopeshadsharedthefateofthelittlekettle。
Ifonecouldonlymakethesacrificeallatonce，anddonewithit，thenitwouldseemeasier；buttokeepupadailysacrificeofone"swishes，tastes，andpleasures，isratherahardtask，especiallywhenoneispretty，young，andgay。Lessonsallday，ahighlyinstructivelecture，booksoverasolitaryfire，ormusicwithnoaudiencebutasleepycatandabirdwithhisheadtuckedunderhiswing，foreveningentertainment，wasnotexactlywhatmightbecalledfestive；so，inspiteofherbraveresolutions，Pollydidlongforalittlefunsometimes，andaftersayingvirtuouslytoherselfatnine:"Yes，itismuchwiserandbetterformetogotobedearly，andbereadyforworktomorrow，"shewouldlieawakehearingthecarriagesrolltoandfro，andimaginingthegaygirlsinside，goingtoparty，opera，orplay，tillMrs。Dodd"shoppillowmightaswellhavebeenstuffedwithnettles，foranysleepitbrought，oranyuseitwas，excepttocatchandhidethetearsthatdroppedonitwhenPolly"sheartwasveryfull。
AnotherthornthatwoundedourPollyinherfirstattempttomakeherwaythroughthethicketthatalwaysbarsawoman"sprogress，wasthediscoverythatworkingforalivingshutsagoodmanydoorsinone"sfaceevenindemocraticAmerica。AsFanny"sguestshehadbeen，inspiteofpoverty，kindlyreceivedwhereverherfriendtookher，bothaschildandwoman。
Now，thingswerechanged；thekindlypeoplepatronized，thecarelessforgotallabouther，andevenFanny，withallheraffection，feltthatPollythemusicteacherwouldnotbewelcomeinmanyplaceswherePollytheyoungladyhadbeenacceptedas"MissShaw"sfriend。"
Someofthegirlsstillnoddedamiably，butneverinvitedhertovisitthem；othersmerelydroppedtheireyelids，andwentbywithoutspeaking，whileagoodmanyignoredherasentirelyasifshehadbeeninvisible。
ThesethingshurtPollymorethanshewouldconfess，forathomeeveryoneworked，andeveryonewasrespectedforit。Shetriednottocare，butgirlsfeellittleslightskeenly，andmorethanoncePollywasseverelytemptedtogiveupherplan，andrunawaytothesafeshelterathome。
FannyneverfailedtoaskhertoeverysortoffestivityintheShawmansion；butafterafewtrials，Pollyfirmlydeclinedeverythingbutinformalvisitswhenthefamilywerealone。Shesoonfoundthateventhenewblacksilkwasn"tfineenoughforFanny"ssmallestparty，and，afterreceivingafewoftheexpressiveglancesbywhichwomenconveytheiropinionoftheirneighbor"stoilet，andoverhearingajokeortwo"aboutthatinevitabledress，"and"thelittleblackbird，"Pollyfoldedawaytheoncetreasuredfrock，saying，withachokeinhervoice:；
"I"llwearitforWill，helikesit，andclothescan"tchangehisloveforme。"
IamafraidthewholesomesweetnessofPolly"snaturewasgettingalittlesouredbythesetroubles；butbeforelastingharmwasdone，shereceived，fromanunexpectedsource，someoftherealhelpwhichteachesyoungpeoplehowtobearthesesmallcrosses，byshowingthemtheheavieronestheyhaveescaped，andbygivingthemanideaofthehigherpleasuresonemayearninthegood，old-fashionedwaysthatkeepheartssweet，headssane，handsbusy。
EverybodyhastheirdaysofmisfortunelikelittleRosamond，andPollywasbeginningtothinkshehadmorethanhershare。Oneoftheseendedinawaywhichinfluencedherwholelife，andsowewillrecordit。Itbeganearly；forthehard-heartedlittlegratewouldn"tbehaveitselftillshehaduseduparuinousquantityofkindlings。ThenshescaldedpoorPuttelbyupsettinghercoffee-pot；andinsteadofaleisurely，cosymeal，hadtohurryawayuncomfortably，foreverythingwentwrongeventothecomingoffofbothbonnetstringsinthelastdreadfulscramble。Beinglate，sheofcourseforgothermusic，andhurryingbackforit，fellintoapuddle，whichcappedtheclimaxofherdespair。
Suchatryingmorningasthatwas!Pollyfeltoutoftuneherself，andallthepianosseemedtoneedatunerasmuchasshedid。Thepupilswereunusuallystupid，andtwoofthemannouncedthattheirmammawasgoingtotakethemtotheSouth，whithershewassuddenlycalled。Thiswasablow，fortheyhadjustbegun，andPollyhadn"tthefacetosendinabillforawholequarter，thoughherplansandcalculationsweresadlydisturbedbythefailureofthatsum。
Trudginghometodinner，tiredanddisappointed，poorPollyreceivedanotherblow，whichhurthermorethanthelossofallherpupils。Asshewenthurryingalongwithabigmusicbookinonehandandapaperbagofrollsforteaintheother，shesawTomandTrixcoming。Asshewatchedthemwhiletheyslowlyapproached，lookingsogayandhandsomeandhappy，itseemedtoPollyasifallthesunshineandgoodwalkingwasontheirsideofthestreet，allthewintrywindandmudonhers。Longingtoseeafriendlyfaceandreceiveakindword，shecrossedover，meaningtonodandsmileatleast。Trixsawherfirst，andsuddenlybecameabsorbedinthedistanthorizon。Tomapparentlydidnotseeher，forhiseyeswerefixedonafinehorsejustprancingby。Pollythoughtthathehadseenher，andapproachedwithacuriouslittleflutteratherheart，forifTomcuthershefeltthathercupwouldbefull。
Ontheycame，Trixintentontheview，Tomstaringatthehandsomehorse，andPolly，withredchecks，expectanteyes，andthebrownbundle，infullsight。Onedreadfulminuteastheycameparallel，andnoonespokeorbowed，；thenitwasallover，andPollywenton，feelingasifsomeonehadslappedherintheface。"Shewouldn"thavebelieveditofTom；itwasallthedoingsofthathorridTrix；well，shewouldn"ttroublehimanymore，ifhewassuchasnobastobeashamedofherjustbecauseshecarriedbundlesandworkedforherbread。"Sheclutchedthepaperbagfiercelyasshesaidthistoherself，thenhereyesfilled，andherlipstrembled，assheadded，"Howcouldhedoit，beforeher，too？"
NowTomwasquiteguiltlessofthisoffence，andhadalwaysnoddedtoPollywhentheymet；butitsohappenedhehadalwaysbeenalonetillnow，andthatwaswhyitcutsodeeply，especiallyasPollyneverhadapprovedofTrix。Beforeshecouldclearhereyesorsteadyherface，agentlemanmether，liftedhishat，smiled，andsaidpleasantly，；
"Goodmorning，MissPolly，I"mgladtomeetyou。"Then，withasuddenchangeofvoiceandmanner，headded，"Ibegpardon；isanythingthematter；canIbeofservice？"
Itwasveryawkward，butitcouldn"tbehelped，andallPollycoulddowastotellthetruthandmakethebestofit。
"It"sverysilly，butithurtsmetobecutbymyoldfriends。Ishallgetusedtoitpresently，Idaresay。"
Mr。Sydneyglancedback，recognizedthecouplebehindthem，andturnedroundwithadisgustedexpression。Pollywasfumblingforherhandkerchief，andwithoutawordhetookbothbookandbundlefromher，alittlebitofkindnessthatmeantagooddealjustthen。Pollyfeltit，anditdidhergood；hastilywipingthetraitorouseyes，shelaughedandsaidcheerfully，；
"There，I"mallrightagain；thankyou，don"ttroubleyourselfwithmyparcels。"
"Notrouble，Iassureyou，andthisbookremindsmeofwhatIwasabouttosay。Haveyouanhourtospareformylittleniece？Hermotherwantshertobegin，anddesiredmetomaketheinquiry。"
"Didshe，really？"andPollylookedupathim，asifshesuspectedhimofinventingthewholething，outofkindness。
Mr。Sydneysmiled，andtakinganotefromhispocket，presentedit，saying，withareproachfullook，；"Beholdtheproofofmytruth，andneverdoubtagain。"
Pollybeggedpardon，readthenotefromthelittlegirl"smother，whichwastohavebeenleftatherroomifshewasabsent，andgavethebeareraverygratefullookassheacceptedthiswelcomeadditiontoherpupils。
Wellpleasedatthesuccessofhismission，Sydneyartfullyledtheconversationtomusic，andforatimePollyforgotherwoes，talkingenthusiasticallyonherfavoritetheme。Asshereclaimedherbookandbag，atherowndoor，shesaid，inherhonestway，；
"Thankyouverymuchfortryingtomakemeforgetmyfoolishlittletroubles。"
"Thenletmesayonethingmore；thoughappearancesareagainsthim，Idon"tbelieveTomShawsawyou。MissTrixisequaltothatsortofthing，butitisn"tlikeTom，forwithallhisfopperyheisagoodfellowatheart。"
AsMr。Sydneysaidthis，Pollyheldoutherhandwithahearty"Thankyouforthat。"Theyoungmanshookthelittlehandinthegraywoollenglove，gaveherexactlythesamebowwhichhedidtheHonorableMrs。Davenport，andwentaway，leavingPollytowalkupstairsandaddressPuttelwiththepeculiarremark，；
"Youareatruegentleman!sokindtosaythataboutTom。I"llthinkit"sso，anyway；andwon"tIteachMinnieinmyverybeststyle!"
Puttelpurred，Nickchirpedapprovingly，andPollyateherdinnerwithabetterappetitethanshehadexpected。Butatthebottomofherhearttherewasasorespotstill，andtheafternoonlessonsdraggeddismally。
Itwasduskwhenshegothome，andasshesatinthefirelighteatingherbreadandmilk，severaltearsbedewedthelittlerolls，andeventhehomehoneyhadabittertaste。
"Nowthiswon"tdo，"shebrokeoutallatonce；"thisissillyandwicked，andcan"tbeallowed。I"lltrytheoldplanandputmyselfrightbydoingsomelittlekindnesstosomebody。Nowwhatshallitbe？O，Iknow!Fanisgoingtoapartyto-night；I"llrunupandhelpherdress；shelikestohaveme，andIenjoyseeingtheprettythings。Yes，andI"lltakehertwoorthreeclustersofmydaphne，it"ssosweet。"
UpgotPolly，andtakingherlittleposy，trottedawaytotheShaws"，determinedtobehappyandcontentedinspiteofTrixandhardwork。
ShefoundFannyenduringtormentunderthehandsofthehair-dresser，whowasdoinghisbesttospoilherhair，anddistortherheadwithamassofcurls，braids，frizzles，andpuffs；forthoughIdiscreetlyrefrainfromanyparticulardescription，still，judgingfromthepresentfashions，Ithinkonemayventuretopredictthatsixyearshencetheywouldbesomethingfrightful。
"Howkindofyou，Polly；Iwasjustwishingyouwereheretoarrangemyflowers。Theselovelydaphneswillgiveodortomycamellias，andyouwereadeartobringthem。There"smydress；howdoyoulikeit？"saidFanny，hardlydaringtolifthereyesfromundertheyellowtoweronherhead。
"It"sregularlysplendid；buthowdoyouevergetintoit？"answeredPolly，surveyingwithgirlishinterestthecloudofpinkandwhitelacethatlayuponthebed。
"It"sfearfullyandwonderfullymade，butdistractinglybecoming，asyoushallsee。TrixthinksI"mgoingtowearblue，soshehasgotagreenone，andtoldBelleitwouldspoiltheeffectofmine，aswearemuchtogether，ofcourse。Wasn"tthatsweetofher？Bellecameandtoldmein，time，andIjustgotpink，somyamiablesister，thatistobe，won"tsucceedinherprettylittleplot。"
"IguessshehasbeenreadingthelifeofJosephine。Youknowshemadeaprettylady，ofwhomshewasjealous，sitbesideheronagreensofa，whichsetoffherownwhitedressandspoilttheblueoneofherguest，"
answeredPolly，busywiththeflowers。
"Trixneverreadsanything；youaretheonetopickupcleverlittlestories。I"llrememberandusethisone。AmIdone？Yes，thatischarming，isn"tit，Polly？"andFanrosetoinspectthesuccessofMonsieur"slonglabor。
"YouknowIdon"tappreciateastylishcoiffureasIought，soIlikeyourhairintheoldwaybest。Butthisis"thething，"Isuppose，andnotawordmustbesaid。"
"Ofcourseitis。Why，child，IhavefrizzedandburntmyhairsothatIlooklikeanoldmaniacwithitinitsnaturalstate，andhavetorepairdamagesaswellasIcan。Nowputtheflowersjusthere，"andFannylaidapinkcamelliainanestoffuzz，andstuckasprayofdaphnestraightupatthebackofherhead。
"O，Fan，don"t，itlookshorridlyso!"criedPolly，longingtoaddalittlebeautytoherfriend"ssallowfacebyagracefuladjustmentoftheflowers。
"Can"thelpit，that"stheway，andsoitmustbe，"answeredFan，plantinganothersprighalf-wayupthetower。
Pollygroanedandofferednomoresuggestionsastheworkwenton；butwhenFanwasfinishedfromtoptotoe，sheadmiredallshehonestlycould，andtriedtokeepherthoughtstoherself。Butherfrankfacebetrayedher，forFannyturnedonhersuddenly，saying，；
"Youmayaswellfreeyourmind，Polly，forIseebyyoureyesthatsomethingdon"tsuit。"
"Iwasonlythinkingofwhatgrandmaoncesaid，thatmodestyhadgoneoutoffashion，"answeredPolly，glancingatthewaistofherfriend"sdress，whichconsistedofabelt，abitoflace，andapairofshoulderstraps。
Fannylaughedgood-naturedly，saying，assheclaspedhernecklace，"IfIhadsuchshouldersasyours，Ishouldn"tcarewhatthefashionwas。
Nowdon"tpreach，butputmycloakonnicely，andcomealong，forI"mtomeetTomandTrix，andpromisedtobethereearly。"
PollywastobeleftathomeafterdepositingFanatBelle"s。
"IfeelasifIwasgoingmyself，"shesaid，astheyrolledalong。
"Iwishyouwere，andyouwouldbe，Polly，ifyouweren"tsucharesolutething。I"veteased，andbegged，andofferedanythingIhaveifyou"llonlybreakyourabsurdvow，andcomeandenjoyyourself。"
"Thankyou；butIwon"t，sodon"ttroubleyourkindheartaboutme；
I"mallright，"saidPolly，stoutly。
Butwhentheydrewupbeforethelightedhouse，andshefoundherselfinthemidstofthepleasantstiroffestivity，thecomingandgoingofcarriages，theglimpsesofbrightcolors，forms，andfaces，theburstsofmusic，andageneralatmosphereofgayety，Pollyfeltthatshewasn"tallright，andasshedroveawayforadulleveninginherlonelylittleroom，shejustcriedasheartilyasanychilddeniedastickofcandy。
"It"sdreadfulwickedofme，butIcan"thelpit，"shesobbedtoherself，inthecornerofthecarriage。"Thatmusicsetsmeallinatwitter，andIshouldhavelookedniceinFan"sbluetarlatan，andIknowIcouldbehaveaswellasanyone，andhavelotsofpartners，thoughI"mnotinthatset。Oh，justonegoodgallopwithMr。SydneyorTom!No，Tomwouldn"taskmethere，andIwouldn"tacceptifhedid。Oh，me!oh，me!IwishIwasasoldandhomely，andgoodandhappy，asMissMills!"
SoPollymadehermoan，andbythetimeshegothome，wasjustinthemoodtogotobedandcryherselftosleep，asgirlshaveawayofdoingwhentheirsmallafflictionbecomesunbearable。
ButPollydidn"tgetachancetobemiserableverylong，forasshewentupstairsfeelinglikethemostinjuredgirlintheworld，shecaughtaglimpseofMissMills，sewingawaywithsuchabrightfacethatshecouldn"tresiststoppingforawordortwo。
"Sitdown，mydear，I"mgladtoseeyou，butexcusemeifIgoonwithmywork，asI"minadrivinghurrytogetthesethingsdoneto-night，"
saidthebrisklittlelady，withasmileandanod，asshetookanewneedlefulofthread，andranupaseamasifforawager。
"Letmehelpyou，then；I"mlazyandcross，anditwilldomegood，"
saidPolly，sittingdownwiththeresignedfeeling。"Well，ifIcan"tbehappy，Icanbeuseful，perhaps。"
"Thankyou，mydear；yes，youcanjusthemtheskirtwhileIputinthesleeves，andthatwillbeagreatlift。"
Pollyputonherthimbleinsilence，butasMissMillsspreadthewhiteflanneloverherlap，sheexclaimed，"Why，itlookslikeashroud!Isitone？"
"No，dear，thankGod，itisn"t，butitmighthavebeen，ifwehadn"tsavedthepoorlittlesoul，"criedMissMills，withasuddenbrighteningoftheface，whichmadeitbeautifulinspiteofthestiffgraycurlthatbobbedoneachtemple，thewantofteeth，andacrookednose。
"Willyoutellmeaboutit？Iliketohearyouradventuresandgoodworkssomuch，"saidPolly，readytobeamusedbyanythingthatmadeherforgetherself。
"Ah，mydear，it"saverycommonstory，andthat"sthesaddestpartofit。I"lltellyouallaboutit，forIthinkyoumaybeabletohelpme。LastnightIwatchedwithpoorMaryFloyd。She"sdyingofconsumption，youknow，"beganMissMills，ashernimblefingersflew，andherkindoldfacebeamedoverthework，asifsheputablessinginwitheverystitch。
"Marywasverylow，butaboutmidnightfellasleep，andIwastryingtokeepthingsquiet，whenMrs。Finn；she"sthewomanofthehouse；cameandbeckonedmeout，withascaredface。"LittleJanehaskilledherself，andIdon"tknowwhattodo，"shesaid，leadingmeuptotheattic。"
"WhowaslittleJane？"brokeinPolly，droppingherwork。
"Ionlyknewherasapale，shyyounggirlwhowentinandout，andseldomspoketoanyone。Mrs。Finntoldmeshewaspoor，butabusy，honest，littlething，whodidn"tmixwiththeotherfolks，butlivedandworkedalone。"Shehaslookedsodown-heartedandpaleforaweek，thatIthoughtshewassick，andaskedheraboutit，"saidMrs。Finn，"butshethankedmeinherbashfulway，andsaidshewasprettywell，soIletheralone。
Butto-night，asIwentuplatetobed，Iwaskindofimpressedtolookinandseehowthepoorthingdid，forshehadn"tleftherroomallday。
Ididlookin，andhere"swhatIfound。"AsMrs。Finnendedsheopenedthedoorofthebackattic，andIsawaboutassadasightastheseoldeyeseverlookedat。"
"O，what？"criedPolly，palenowwithinterest。
"Abareroom，coldasabarn，andonthebedalittledead，whitefacethatalmostbrokemyheart，itwassothin，sopatient，andsoyoung。Onthetablewasabottlehalffulloflaudanum，anoldpocket-book，andaletter。Readthat，mydearanddon"tthinkhardoflittleJane。"
PollytookthebitofpaperMissMillsgaveher，andreadthesewords:
DEARMRS。FINN，；PleaseforgivemeforthetroubleImakeyou，butIdon"tseeanyotherway。Ican"tgetworkthatpaysenoughtokeepme；
theDr。saysIcan"tbewellunlessIrest。Ihatetobeaburden，soI
"mgoingawaynottotroubleanybodyanymore。I"vesoldmythingstopaywhatIoweyou。PleaseletmebeasIam，anddon"tletpeoplecomeandlookatme。Ihopeitisn"tverywicked，buttheredon"tseemanyroomformeintheworld，andI"mnotafraidtodienow，thoughIshouldbeifIstayedandgotbadbecauseIhadn"tstrengthtokeepright。Givemylovetothebaby，andsogood-by，good-by。JANEBRYANT。
"O，MissMills，howdreadful!"criedPolly，withhereyessofullshecouldhardlyreadthelittleletter。
"Notsodreadfulasitmighthavebeen，butabitter，sadthingtoseethatchild，onlyseventeen，lyingthereinherlittleclean，oldnight-gown，waitingfordeathtocomeandtakeher，because"theredidn"tseemtobeanyroomforherintheworld。"Ah，well，wesavedher，foritwasn"ttoolate，thankheaven，andthefirstthingshesaidwas，"Oh，whydidyoubringmeback？"I"vebeennursingherallday，hearingherstory，andtryingtoshowherthatthereisroomandawelcomeforher。Hermotherdiedayearago，andsincethenshehasbeenstrugglingalongalone。Sheisoneofthetimid，innocent，humblecreatureswhocan"tpushtheirway，andsogetputasideandforgotten。Shehastriedallsortsofpoorlypaidwork，couldn"tliveonitdecently，gotdiscouraged，sick，frightened，andcouldseenorefugefromthebig，badworldbuttogetoutofitwhileshewasn"tafraidtodie。Averyoldstory，mydear，newanddreadfulasitseemstoyou，andIthinkitwon"tdoyouanyharmtoseeandhelpthislittlegirl，whohasgonethroughdarkplacesthatyouareneverliketoknow。"
"Iwill；indeed，IwilldoallIcan!Whereisshenow？"askedPolly，touchedtotheheartbythestory，sosimpleyetsosad。
"There，"andMissMillspointedtothedoorofherownlittlebedroom。
"Shewaswellenoughtobemovedto-night，soIbroughtherhomeandlaidhersafelyinmybed。Poorlittlesoul!shelookedaboutherforaminute，thenthelostlookwentaway，andshegaveagreatsigh，andtookmyhandinbothherthinbitsofones，andsaid，"O，ma"am，IfeelasifI"dbeenbornintoanewworld。Helpmetobeginagain，andI"lldobetter。"SoItoldhershewasmychildnow，andmightresthere，sureofahomeaslongasIhadone。"
AsMissMillsspokeinhermotherlytone，andcastaproudandhappylooktowardthewarmandquietnestinwhichshehadshelteredthisfriendlesslittlesparrow，feelingsurethatGodmeanthertokeepitfromfallingtotheground，Pollyputbotharmsaboutherneck，andkissedherwitheredcheekwithasmuchlovingreverenceasifshehadbeenasplendidsaint，forinthelikenessofthisplainoldmaidshesawthelovelycharitythatblessesandsavestheworld。
"Howgoodyouare!DearMissMills，tellmewhattodo，letmehelpyou，I"mreadyforanything，"saidPolly，veryhumbly，forherowntroubleslookedsosmallandfoolishbesidethesternhardshipswhichhadnearlyhadsotragicalanend，thatshefeltheartilyashamedofherself，andquiteburnedtoatoneforthem。
Miss，Millsstoppedtostrokethefreshcheekopposite，tosmile，andsay，；
"Then，Polly，IthinkI"llaskyoutogoinandsayafriendlywordtomylittlegirl。Thesightofyouwilldohergood；andyouhavejusttherightwayofcomfortingpeople，withoutmakingafuss。"
"HaveI？"saidPolly，lookingmuchgratifiedbythewords。
"Yes，dear，you"vethegiftofsympathy，andtherareartofshowingitwithoutoffending。Iwouldn"tletmanygirlsintoseemypoorJenny，becausethey"donlyflutterandworryher；butyou"llknowwhattodo；
sogo，andtakethiswrapperwithyou；it"sdonenow，thankstoyournimblefingers。"
Pollythrewthewarmgarmentoverherarm，feelingathrillofgratitudethatitwastowrapalivinggirlin，andnottohideawayayoungheartthathadgrowncoldtoosoon。Pushingopenthedoor，shewentquietlyintothedimlylightedroom，andonthepillowsawafacethatdrewhertoitwithanirresistiblepower，foritwastouchedbyasolemnshadowthatmadeitsyouthpathetic。Asshepausedatthebedside，thinkingthegirlasleep，apairofhollow，darkeyesopenedwide，andlookedupather；
startledatfirst，thensofteningwithpleasure，atsightofthebonnyfacebeforethem，andthenahumble，beseechingexpressionfilledthem，asifaskingpardonfortherashactnearlycommitted，andpityforthehardfatethatpromptedit。Pollyreadthelanguageoftheseeyes，andansweredtheirmuteprayerwithasimpleeloquencethatsaidmorethananywordsforshejuststoopeddownandkissedthepoorchild，withherowneyesfull，andlipsthattrembledwiththesympathyshecouldnottell。
Jennyputbotharmsaboutherneck，andbegantoshedthequiettearsthatsorefreshandcomfortheavyheartswhenatendertouchunsealsthefountainwheretheylie。
"Everybodyissokind，"shesobbed，"andIwassowicked，Idon"tdeserveit。"
"Oh，yes，youdo；don"tthinkofthat，butrestandletuspetyou。
Theoldlifewastoohardforsuchalittlethingasyou，andwearegoingtotryandmakethenewoneeversomucheasierandhappier，"saidPolly，forgettingeverythingexceptthatthiswasagirllikeherself，whoneededhearteningup。
"Doyoulivehere？"askedJenny，whenhertearswerewipedaway，stillclingingtothenew-foundfriend。
"Yes，MissMillsletsmehavealittleroomupstairs，andthereIhavemycatandbird，mypianoandmyposypots，andlivelikeaqueen。Youmustcomeupandseemeto-morrowifyouareable。I"moftenlonely，fortherearenoyoungpeopleinthehousetoplaywithme，"answeredPolly，smilinghospitably。
"Doyousew？"askedJenny。
"No，I"mamusicteacher，andtrotroundgivinglessonsallday。"
"Howbeautifulitsounds，andhowhappyyoumustbe，sostrongandpretty，andabletogoroundmakingmusicallthetime，"sighedJenny，lookingwithrespectfuladmirationattheplump，firmhandheldinbothherthinandfeebleones。
ItdidsoundpleasanteventoPolly"sears，andshefeltsuddenlysorich，andsocontented，thatsheseemedadifferentcreaturefromthesillygirlwhocriedbecauseshecouldn"tgototheparty。Itpassedthroughhermindlikeaflash，thecontrastbetweenherlife，andthatofthewancreaturelyingbeforeher，andshefeltasifshecouldnotgiveenoughoutofherabundancetothisneedylittlesister，whohadnothinginthewideworldbutthelifejustsavedtoher。ThatminutedidmoreforPollythanmanysermons，orthewisestbooks，foritbroughtherfacetofacewithbittertruths，showedherthedarksideoflife，andseemedtoblowawayherlittlevanities，herfrivolousdesires，likeawintrywind，thatleftawholesomeatmospherebehind。Sittingonthebedside，PollylistenedwhileJanetoldthestory，whichwassonewtoherlistener，thateverywordsankdeepintoherheart，andneverwasforgotten。
"Nowyoumustgotosleep。Don"tcrynorthink，nordoanythingbutrest。ThatwillpleaseMissMillsbest。I"llleavethedoorsopen，andplayyoualullabythatyoucan"tresist。Goodnight，dear。"Andwithanotherkiss，Pollywentawaytositinthedarknessofherownroom，playinghersoftestairstillthetiredeyesbelowwereshut，andlittleJaneseemedtofloatawayonaseaofpleasantsounds，intothehappierlifewhichhadjustdawnedforher。
Pollyhadfullyintendedtobeverymiserable，andcryherselftosleep；
butwhenshelaydownatlast，herpillowseemedverysoft，herlittleroomverylovely，withthefire-lightflickeringonallthehome-likeobjects，andhernew-blownrosesbreathingherasweetgood-night。Shenolongerfeltaninjured，hard-working，unhappyPolly，butasifquiteburdenedwithblessings，forwhichshewasn"thalfgratefulenough。Shehadheardofpovertyandsuffering，inthevague，far-offway，whichisallthatmanygirls，safeinhappyhomes，everknowofit；butnowshehadseenit，inashapewhichshecouldfeelandunderstand，andlifegrewmoreearnesttoherfromthatminute。Somuchtodointhegreat，busyworld，andshehaddonesolittle。Whereshouldshebegin？Then，likeananswercamelittleJenny"swords，nowtakinga，"newsignificance"toPolly"smind，"Tobestrong，andbeautiful，andgoroundmakingmusicallthetime。"
Yes，shecoulddothat；andwithaveryearnestprayer，Pollyaskedforthestrengthofanuprightsoul，thebeautyofatenderheart，thepowertomakeherlifeasweetandstirringsong，helpfulwhileitlasted，rememberedwhenitdied。
LittleJane"slastthoughthadbeentowishwithallhermight，that"Godwouldblessthedear，kindgirlupthere，andgiveherallsheasked。"
Ithinkbothprayers，althoughtoohumbletobeputinwords，wentuptogether，forinthefulnessoftimetheywerebeautifullyanswered。ChapterX。ChapterX。CHAPTERXBROTHERSANDSISTERSPOLLY"ShappiestdaywasSunday，forWillneverfailedtospenditwithher。Insteadofsleepinglaterthanusualthatmorning，shewasalwaysupbrightandearly，flyingroundtogetreadyforherguest，forWillcametobreakfast，andtheymadealongdayofit。Willconsideredhissisterthebestandprettiestgirlgoing，andPolly，knowingwellthatatimewouldcomewhenhewouldfindabetterandaprettier，wasgratefulforhisgoodopinion，andtriedtodeserveit。Soshemadeherroomandherselfasneatandinvitingaspossible，andalwaysrantomeethimwithabrightfaceandamotherlygreeting，whenhecametrampingin，ruddy，brisk，andbeaming，withthebrownloafandthelittlepotofbeansfromthebake-housenearby。
Theylikedagoodcountrybreakfast，andnothinggavePollymoresatisfactionthantoseeherbigboyclearthedishes，emptythelittlecoffee-pot，andthensitandlaughatheracrosstheravagedtable。Anotherpleasurewastolethimhelpclearaway，astheyusedtodoathome，whilethepealsoflaughterthatalwaysaccompaniedthisperformancedidMissMills"heartgoodtohear，fortheroomwassosmallandWillsobigthatheseemedtobeeverywhereatonce，andPollyandPuttelwerecontinuallydodginghislongarmsandlegs。Thentheyusedtoinspecttheflowerpots，payNickavisit，andhavealittlemusicasagoodbeginningfortheday，afterwhichtheywenttochurchanddinedwithMissMills，whoconsideredWill"anexcellentyoungman。"Iftheafternoonwasfair，theytookalongwalktogetheroverthebridgesintothecountry，oraboutthecitystreetsfullofSabbathquietude。Mostpeoplemeetingthemwouldhaveseenonlyanawkwardyoungman，withaboy"sfaceatopofhistallbody，andaquietlydressed，freshfacedlittlewomanhangingonhisarm；butafewpeople，witheyestoreadromancesandpleasanthistorieseverywhere，foundsomethingveryattractiveinthiscouple，andsmiledastheypassed，wonderingiftheywereyoung，lovers，orcountrycousins"lookinground。"
Ifthedaywasstormy，theystayedathome，reading，writingletters，talkingovertheiraffairs，andgivingeachothergoodadvice；for，thoughWillwasnearlythreeyearsyoungerthanPolly，hecouldn"tforthelifeofhimhelpassumingamusinglyvenerableairs，whenhebecameaFreshman。
Inthetwilighthehadagoodloungeonthesofa，andPollysungtohim，whicharrangementheparticularlyenjoyed，itwasso"cosyandhomey。"
Atnineo"clock，Pollypackedhisbagwithcleanclothes，nicelymended，suchremnantsofthefestiveteaasweretransportable，andkissedhim"good-night，"withmanyinjunctionstomuffleuphisthroatgoingoverthebridge，andbesurethathisfeetweredryandwarmwhenhewenttobed。AllofwhichWilllaughedat，acceptedgraciously，anddidn"tobey；
buthelikedit，andtrudgedawayforanotherweek"swork，rested，cheered，andstrengthenedbythatquiet，happydaywithPolly，forhehadbeenbroughtuptobelieveinhomeinfluences，andthisbrotherandsisterlovedoneanotherdearly，andwerenotashamedtoownit。
OneotherpersonenjoyedthehumblepleasuresoftheseSundaysquiteasmuchasPollyandWill。Maudusedtobegtocometotea，andPolly，gladtodoanythingforthosewhohaddoneagooddealforher，madeapointofcallingforthelittlegirlastheycamehomefromtheirwalk，orsendingWilltoescortherinthecarriage，whichMaudalwaysmanagedtosecureifbadweatherthreatenedtoquenchherhopes。TomandFannylaughedatherfancy，butshedidnottireofit，forthechildwaslonely，andfoundsomethinginthatlittleroomwhichthegreathousecouldnotgiveher。
Maudwastwelvenow；apale，plainchild，withsharp，intelligenteyes，andabusylittlemind，thatdidagooddealmorethinkingthananybodyimagined。Shewasjustattheunattractive，fidgetyagewhennooneknewwhattodowithher，andsoletherfumbleherwayupasshecould，findingpleasureinoddthings，andlivingmuchalone，forshedidnotgotoschool，becausehershouldersweregrowinground，andMrs。Shawwouldnot"allowherfiguretobespoiled。"ThatsuitedMaudexcellently；andwheneverherfatherspokeofsendingheragain，orgettingagoverness，shewasseizedwithbadheadaches，apaininherback，orweaknessoftheeyes，atwhichMr。Shawlaughed，butletherholidaygoon。Nobodyseemedtocaremuchforplain，pug-nosedlittleMaudie；herfatherwasbusy，hermothernervousandsick，Fannyabsorbedinherownaffairs，andTomregardedherasmostyoungmendotheiryoungersisters，asapersonbornforhisamusementandconvenience，nothingmore。MaudadmiredTomwithallherheart，andmadealittleslaveofherselftohim，feelingwellrepaidifhemerelysaid，"Thankyou，chicken，"ordidn"tpinchhernose，ornipherear，ashehadawayofdoing，"justasifIwasadoll，oradog，andhadn"tgotanyfeelings，"shesometimessaidtoFanny，whensomeserviceorsacrificehadbeenacceptedwithoutgratitudeorrespect。ItneveroccurredtoTom，whenMaudsatwatchinghimwithherfacefullofwistfulness，thatshewantedtobepettedasmuchaseverhedidinhisneglectedboyhood，orthatwhenhecalledher"Pug"beforepeople，herlittlefeelingswereasdeeplywoundedashisusedtobe，whentheboyscalledhim"Carrots。"Hewasfondofherinhisfashion，buthedidn"ttakethetroubletoshowit，soMaudworshippedhimafaroff，afraidtobetraytheaffectionthatnorebuffcouldkillorcool。
OnesnowySundayafternoonTomlayonthesofainhisfavoriteattitude，reading"Pendennis"forthefourthtime，andsmokinglikeachimneyashedidso。Maudstoodatthewindowwatchingthefallingflakeswithananxiouscountenance，andpresentlyagreatsighbrokefromher。
"Don"tdothatagain，chicken，oryou"llblowmeaway。What"sthematter？"
askedTom，throwingdownhisbookwithayawnthatthreateneddislocation。
"I"mafraidIcan"tgotoPolly"s，"answeredMaud，disconsolately。
"Ofcourseyoucan"t；it"ssnowinghard，andfatherwon"tbehomewiththecarriagetillthisevening。WhatareyoualwayscuttingofftoPolly"sfor？"
"Ilikeit；wehavesuchnicetimes，andWillisthere，andwebakelittlejohnny-cakesinthebakerbeforethefire，andtheysing，anditissopleasant。"
"Warblingjohnny-cakesmustbeinteresting。Comeandtellmeallaboutit。"
"No，you"llonlylaughatme。"
"IgiveyoumywordIwon"t，ifIcanhelpit；butIreallyamdyingofcuriositytoknowwhatyoudodownthere。Youliketohearsecrets，sotellmeyours，andI"llbeasdumbasanoyster。"
"Itisn"tasecret，andyouwouldn"tcareforit。Doyouwantanotherpillow？"sheadded，asTomgavehisathump。
"Thiswilldo；butwhyyouwomenalwayssticktasselsandfringealloverasofa-cushion，toteaseandtickleafellow，iswhatIdon"tunderstand。"
"OnethingthatPollydoesSundaynights，istotakeWill"sheadinherlap，andsmoothhisforehead。Itrestshimafterstudyingsohard，shesays。Ifyoudon"tlikethepillow，Icoulddothatforyou，"causeyoulookasifyouweremoretiredofstudyingthanWill，"saidMaud，withsomehesitation，butanevidentdesiretobeusefulandagreeable。
"Well，Idon"tcareifyoudotryit，forIamconfoundedlytired。"
AndTomlaughed，asherecalledthefrolichehadbeenonthenightbefore。
Maudestablishedherselfwithgreatsatisfaction，andTomownedthatasilkapronwasnicerthanafuzzycushion。
"Doyoulikeit？"sheasked，afterafewstrokesoverthehotforehead，whichshethoughtwasfeveredbyintenseapplicationtoGreekandLatin。
"Notbad；playaway，"wasthegraciousreply，asTomshuthiseyes，andlaysostillthatMaudwascharmedatthesuccessofherattempt。Presently，shesaid，softly，；
"Tom，areyouasleep？"
"Justturningthecomer。"
"BeforeyougetquiteroundwouldyoupleasetellmewhataPublicAdmonitionis？"
"Whatdoyouwanttoknowfor？"demandedTom，openinghiseyesverywide。
"IheardWilltalkingaboutPublicsandPrivates，andImeanttoaskhim，butIforgot。"
"Whatdidhesay？"
"Idon"tremember；itwasaboutsomebodywhocutprayers，andgotaPrivate，andhaddoneallsortsofbadthings，andhadoneortwoPublics。
Ididn"thearthenameanddidn"tcare；Ionlywantedtoknowwhatthewordsmeant。"
"SoWilltellstales，doeshe？"andTom"sforeheadwrinkledwithafrown。
"No，hedidn"t；Pollyknewaboutitandaskedhim。"
"Will"sa"dig，""growledTom，shuttinghiseyesagain，asifnothingmorecouldbesaidofthedelinquentWilliam。
"Idon"tcareifheis；Ilikehimverymuch，andsodoesPolly。"
"HappyFresh!"saidTom，withacomicalgroan。
"Youneedn"tsniffathim，forheisnice，andtreatsmewithrespect，"criedMaud，withanenergythatmadeTomlaughinherface。
"He"sgoodtoPollyalways，andputsonhercloakforher，andsays"mydear，"andkissesher"goodnight，"anddon"tthinkit"ssilly，andIwishIhadabrotherjustlikehim，yes，Ido!"AndMaudshowedsignsofwoe，forherdisappointmentaboutgoingwasverygreat。
"Blessmyboots!what"sthechickenrufflingupherlittlefeathersandpeckingatmefor？IsthatthewayPollysoothesthebestofbrothers？"
saidTom，stilllaughing。
"Oh，Iforgot!there，Iwon"tcry；butIdowanttogo，"andMaudswallowedhertears，andbegantostrokeagain。
NowTom"shorseandsleighwereinthestable，forhemeanttodriveouttoCollegethatevening，buthedidn"ttakeMaud"shint。Itwaslesstroubletoliestill，andsayinaconciliatorytone，；
"Tellmesomemoreaboutthisgoodboy，it"sveryinteresting。"
"No，Ishan"t，butI"lltellaboutPuttel"splayingonthepiano，"
saidMaud，anxioustoeffacethememoryofhermomentaryweakness。"Pollypointstotherightkeywithalittlestick，andPuttelsitsonthestoolandpatseachkeyasit"stouched，anditmakesatune。It"ssofunnytoseeher，andNickperchesontherackandsingsasifhe"dkillhimself。"
"Verythrilling，"saidTom，inasleepytone。
Maudfeltthatherconversationwasnotasinterestingasshehoped，andtriedagain。
"PollythinksyouarehandsomerthanMr。Sydney。"
"Muchobliged。"
"Iaskedwhichshethoughthadthenicestface，andshesaidyourswasthehandsomest，andhisthebest。"
"Doesheevergothere？"askedasharpvoicebehindthem；andlookingroundMaudsawFannyinthebigchair，cookingherfeetovertheregister。
"Ineversawhimthere；hesentupsomebooksoneday，andWillteasedheraboutit。"
"Whatdidshedo？"demandedFanny。
"Oh，sheshookhim。"
"Whataspectacle!"andTomlookedasifhewouldhaveenjoyedseeingit，butFanny"sfacegrewsoforbidding，thatTom"slittledog，whowasapproachingtowelcomeher，puthistailbetweenhislegsandfledunderthetable。
"Thenthereisn"tany"SparkingSundaynight"？"sungTom，whoappearedtohavewakedupagain。
"Ofcoursenot。Pollyisn"tgoingtomarryanybody；she"sgoingtokeephouseforWillwhenhe"saminister，Iheardhersayso，"criedMaud，withimportance。