第4章

\"Yes；Idon\'tknowtheboylately；buthe\'llbeasbadaseverwhenhe\'swell，\"returnedFanny，whohadn\'tmuchfaithinsick-bedrepentances。 \"Muchyouknowaboutit，\"growledTom，lyingdownagain，forhehadsatboltuprightwhenPollymadetheastoundingdeclarationthathewaslikethewell-belovedJimmy。ThatsimplelittlehistoryhadmadeadeepimpressiononTom，andthetearfulendingtouchedthetenderspotthatmostboyshidesocarefully。Itisverypleasanttobelovedandadmired，verysweettothinkweshallbemissedandmournedwhenwedie；andTomwasseizedwithasuddendesiretoimitatethisboy，whohadn\'tdoneanythingwonderful，yetwassodeartohissister，thatshecriedforhimawholeyearafterhewasdead；sostudiousandclever，thepeoplecalledhim\"afinefellow\"；andsoanxioustobegood，thathekeptontrying，tillhewasbettereventhanPolly，whomTomprivatelyconsideredamodelofvirtue，asgirlsgo。 \"IjustwishIhadasisterlikeyou，\"hebrokeout，allofasudden。 \"AndIjustwishIhadabrotherlikeJim，\"criedFanny，forshefeltthereproachinTom\'swords，andknewshedeservedit。 \"Ishouldn\'tthinkyou\'denvyanybody，foryou\'vegotoneanother，\" saidPolly，withsuchawistfullook，thatitsuddenlysetTomandFannytowonderingwhytheydidn\'thavebettertimestogether，andenjoythemselves，asPollyandJimdid。 \"Fandon\'tcareforanybodybutherself，\"saidTom。 \"Tomissuchabear，\"retortedFanny。 \"Iwouldn\'tsaysuchthings，forifanythingshouldhappentoeitherofyou，theotheronewouldfeelsosorry。EverycrosswordIeversaidtoJimmycomesbacknow，andmakesmewishIhadn\'t。\" TwogreattearsrolleddownPolly\'scheeks，andwerequietlywipedaway； butIthinktheywateredthatsweetsentiment，calledfraternallove，whichtillnowhadbeenneglectedintheheartsofthisbrotherandsister。Theydidn\'tsayanythingthen，ormakeanyplans，orconfessanyfaults；butwhentheypartedforthenight，Fannygavethewoundedheadagentlepat(Tomneverwouldhaveforgivenherifshehadkissedhim)，andsaid，inawhisper，\"Ihopeyou\'llhaveagoodsleep，Tommy，dear。\" AndTomnoddedbackather，withahearty\"Sametoyou，Fan。\" Thatwasall；butitmeantagooddeal，forthevoiceswerekind，andtheeyesmetfullofthataffectionwhichmakeswordsoflittleconsequence。 Pollysawit；andthoughshedidn\'tknowthatshehadmadethesunshine，itshonebackuponhersopleasantly，thatshefellhappilyasleep，thoughherJimmywasn\'ttheretosay\"good-night。\"ChapterV。ChapterV。CHAPTERVSCRAPESAFTERbeingunusuallygood，childrenareapttoturnshortroundandrefreshthemselvesbyactinglikeSancho。ForaweekafterTom\'smishap，theyoungfolkswerequiteangelic，somuchsothatgrandmasaidshewasafraid\"somethingwasgoingtohappentothem。\"Thedearoldladyneedn\'thavefeltanxious，forsuchexcessivevirtuedoesn\'tlastlongenoughtoleadtotranslation，exceptwithlittleprigsinthegoodystory-books；andnosoonerwasTomonhislegsagain，whenthewholepartywentastray，andmuchtribulationwastheconsequence。 Itallbeganwith\"Polly\'sstupidity，\"asFansaidafterward。JustasPollyrandowntomeetMr。Shawoneevening，andwashelpinghimoffwithhiscoat，thebellrang，andafinebouquetofhothouseflowerswasleftinPolly\'shands，forshenevercouldlearncityways，andopenedthedoorherself。 \"Hey!what\'sthis？MylittlePollyisbeginningearly，afterall，\"saidMr。Shaw，laughing，ashewatchedthegirl\'sfacedimpleandflush，asshesmeltthelovelynosegay，andglancedatanotehalfhiddenintheheliotrope。 Now，ifPollyhadn\'tbeen\"stupid，\"asFansaid，shewouldhavehadherwitsabouther，andletitpass；but，yousee，Pollywasanhonestlittlesoulanditneveroccurredtoherthattherewasanyneedofconcealment，sosheansweredinherstraightforwardway，\"Oh，theyain\'tforme，sir； theyareforFan；fromMr。Frank，Iguess。She\'llbesopleased。\" \"Thatpuppysendsherthingsofthissort，doeshe？\"AndMr。Shawlookedfarfrompleasedashepulledoutthenote，andcoollyopenedit。 PollyhadherdoubtsaboutFan\'sapprovalofthat\"sortofthing，\"butdarednotsayaword，andstoodthinkinghowsheusedtoshowherfatherthefunnyvalentinestheboyssenther，andhowtheylaughedoverthemtogether。ButMr。Shawdidnotlaughwhenhehadreadthesentimentalversesaccompanyingthebouquet，andhisfacequitescaredPolly，asheasked，angrily，\"Howlonghasthisnonsensebeengoingon？\" \"Indeed，sir，Idon\'tknow。Fandoesn\'tmeananyharm。IwishIhadn\'tsaidanything!\"stammeredPolly，rememberingthepromisegiventoFannythedayoftheconcert。Shehadforgottenallaboutitandhadbecomeaccustomedtoseethe\"bigboys，\"asshecalledMr。Frankandhisfriends，withthegirlsonalloccasions。Now，itsuddenlyoccurredtoherthatMr。Shawdidn\'tlikesuchamusements，andhadforbiddenFantoindulgeinthem。 \"Oh，dear!howmadshewillbe。Well，Ican\'thelpit。Girlsshouldn\'thavesecretsfromtheirfathers，thentherewouldn\'tbeanyfuss，\"thoughtPolly，asshewatchedMr。Shawtwistupthepinknoteandpokeitbackamongtheflowerswhichhetookfromher，saying，shortly，\"SendFannytomeinthelibrary。\" \"Nowyou\'vedoneit，youstupidthing!\"criedFanny，bothangryanddismayed，whenPollydeliveredthemessage。 \"Why，whatelsecouldIdo？\"askedPolly，muchdisturbed。 \"Lethimthinkthebouquetwasforyou；thenthere\'dhavebeennotrouble。\" \"Butthatwouldhavebeendoingalie，whichismostasbadastellingone。\" \"Don\'tbeagoose。You\'vegotmeintoascrape，andyououghttohelpmeout。\" \"IwillifIcan；butIwon\'ttellliesforanybody!\"criedPolly，gettingexcited。 \"Nobodywantsyoutojusthold，yourtongue，andletmemanage。\" \"ThenI\'dbetternotgodown，\"beganPolly，whenasternvoicefrombelowcalled，likeBluebeard，\"Areyoucomingdown？\" \"Yes，sir，\"answeredameekvoice；andFannyclutchedPolly，whispering，\"Youmustcome；I\'mfrightenedoutofmywitswhenhespeakslikethat。Standbyme，Polly；there\'sadear。\" \"Iwill，\"whispered\"sisterAnn\"；anddowntheywentwithflutteringhearts。 Mr。Shawstoodontherug，lookingrathergrim；thebouquetlayonthetable，andbesideitanote，directedto\"FrankMoore，Esq。，\"inaverydecidedhand，withafierce-lookingflourishafterthe\"Esq。\"Pointingtothisimpressiveepistle，Mr。Shawsaid，knittinghisblackeyebrowsashelookedatFanny，\"I\'mgoingtoputastoptothisnonsenseatonce； andifIseeanymoreofit，I\'llsendyoutoschoolinaCanadianconvent。\" ThisawfulthreatquitetookPolly\'sbreathaway；butFannyhadhearditbefore，andhavingatemperofherown，said，pertly，\"I\'msureIhaven\'tdoneanythingsoverydreadful。Ican\'thelpitiftheboyssendmephilopenapresents，astheydototheothergirls。\" \"Therewasnothingaboutphilopenasinthenote。Butthat\'snotthequestion。IforbidyoutohaveanythingtodowiththisMoore。He\'snotaboy，butafastfellow，andIwon\'thavehimabout。Youknewthis，andyetdisobeyedme。\" \"Ihardlyeverseehim，\"beganFanny。 \"Isthattrue？\"askedMr。Shaw，turningsuddenlytoPolly。 \"Oh，please，sir，don\'taskme。IpromisedIwouldn\'t­；thatis­；Fannywilltellyou，\"criedPolly，quiteredwithdistressatthepredicamentshewasin。 \"Nomatteraboutyourpromise；tellmeallyouknowofthisabsurdaffair。 ItwilldoFannymoregoodthanharm。\"AndMr。Shawsatdownlookingmoreamiable，forPolly\'sdismaytouchedhim。 \"MayI？\"shewhisperedtoFanny。 \"Idon\'tcare，\"answeredFan，lookingbothangryandashamed，asshestoodsullenlytyingknotsinherhandkerchief。 SoPollytold，withmuchreluctanceandmuchquestioning，allsheknewofthewalks，thelunches，themeetings，andthenotes。Itwasn\'tmuch，andevidentlylessseriousthanMr。Shawexpected；for，ashelistened，hiseyebrowssmoothedthemselvesout，andmorethanoncehislipstwitchedasifhewantedtolaugh，forafterall，itwasrathercomicaltoseehowtheyoungpeopleapedtheirelders，playingthenew-fashionedgame，quiteunconsciousofitsrealbeauty，power，andsacredness。 \"Oh，please，sir，don\'tblameFanmuch，forshetrulyisn\'thalfassillyasTrixandtheother，girls。Shewouldn\'tgosleigh-riding，thoughMr。Frankteased，andshewantedtoeversomuch。She\'ssorry，Iknow，andwon\'tforgetwhatyousayanymore，ifyou\'llforgiveherthisonce，\" criedPolly，veryearnestly，whenthefoolishlittlestorywastold。 \"Idon\'tseehowIcanhelpit，whenyoupleadsowellforher。Comehere，Fan，andmindthisonething；dropallthisnonsense，andattendtoyourbooks，oroffyougo；andCanadaisnojokeinwintertime，letmetellyou。\" Ashespoke，Mr。Shawstrokedhissulkydaughter\'scheek，hopingtoseesomesignofregret；butFannyfeltinjured，andwouldn\'tshowthatshewassorry，sosheonlysaid，pettishly，\"IsupposeIcanhavemyflowers，nowthefussisover。\" \"Theyaregoingstraightbackwheretheycamefrom，withalinefromme，whichwillkeepthatpuppyfromeversendingyouanymore。\"Ringingthebell，Mr，Shawdespatchedtheunfortunateposy，andthenturnedtoPolly，saying，kindlybutgravely，\"Setthissillychildofmineagoodexampleanddoyourbestforher，won\'tyou？\" \"Me？WhatcanIdo，sir？\"askedPolly，lookingready，butquiteignoranthowtobegin。 \"Makeheraslikeyourselfaspossible，mydear；nothingwouldpleasemebetter。Nowgo，andletushearnomoreofthisfolly。\" Theywentwithoutaword，andMr。Shawheardnomoreoftheaffair； butpoorPollydid，forFanscoldedher，tillPollythoughtseriouslyofpackingupandgoinghomenextday。Ireallyhaven\'tthehearttorelatethedreadfullecturesshegot，thesnubsshesuffered，orthecoldshouldersturneduponherforseveraldaysafterthis。Polly\'sheartwasfull，butshetoldnoone，andborehertroublesilently，feelingherfriend\'singratitudeandinjusticedeeply。 Tomfoundoutwhatthematterwas，andsidedwithPolly，whichproceedingledtoscrapenumbertwo。 \"Where\'sFan？\"askedtheyounggentleman，strollingintohissister\'sroom，wherePollylayonthesofa，tryingtoforgethertroublesinaninterestingbook。 \"Downstairs，seeingcompany。\" \"Whydidn\'tyougo，too？\" \"Idon\'tlikeTrix，andIdon\'tknowherfineNewYorkfriends。\" \"Don\'twantto，neither，whydon\'tyousay？\" \"Notpolite。\" \"Whocares？Isay，Polly，comeandhavesomefun。\" \"I\'dratherread。\" \"Thatisn\'tpolite。\" Pollylaughed，andturnedapage。Tomwhistledaminute，thensigheddeeply，andputhishandtohisforehead，whichtheblackplasterstilladorned。 \"Doesyourheadache？\"askedPolly。 \"Awfully。\" \"Betterliedown，then。\" \"Can\'t；I\'mfidgety。andwanttobe\'amoosed\'asPugsays。\" \"JustwaittillIfinishmychapter，andthenI\'llcome，\"saidpitifulPolly。 \"Allright，\"returnedtheperjuredboy，whohaddiscoveredthatabrokenheadwassometimesmoreusefulthanawholeone，andexultinginhisbasestratagem，herovedabouttheroom，tillFan\'sbureauarrestedhim。Itwascoveredwithallsortsoffinery，forshehaddressedinahurry，andlefteverythingtopsy-turvy。Awell-conductedboywouldhaveletthingsalone，oramoralbrotherwouldhaveputthingstorights；beingneither，Tomrummagedtohisheartscontent，tillFan\'sdrawerslookedasifsomeonehadbeenmakinghayinthem。Hetriedtheeffectofear-rings，ribbons，andcollars；woundupthewatch，thoughitwasn\'ttime；burnthisinquisitivenosewithsmelling-salts；delugedhisgrimyhandkerchiefwithFan\'sbestcologne；anointedhiscurlycropwithherhair-oil；powderedhisfacewithherviolet-powder；andfinishedoffbypinningonabunchoffalseringlets，whichFannytried，tokeepaprofoundsecret。Theravagescommittedbythisbadboyarebeyondthepoweroflanguagetodescribe，asherevelledintheinterestingdrawers，boxes，andcases，whichheldhissister\'streasures。 Whenthecurlshadbeenputon，withmuchprickingoffingers，andablueribbonadded，à；laFan，hesurveyedhimselfwithsatisfaction，andconsideredtheeffectsofine，thathewasinspiredtotryastillgreatermetamorphosis。ThedressFanhadtakenofflayonachair，andintoitgotTom，chucklingwithsuppressedlaughter，forPollywasabsorbed，andthebed-curtainshidhisiniquity。Fan\'sbestvelvetjacketandhat，erminemuff，andasofa-pillowforpannier，finishedoffthecostume，andtrippingalongwithelbowsout，TomappearedbeforetheamazedPollyjustasthechapterended。Sheenjoyedthejokesoheartily，thatTomforgotconsequences，andproposedgoingdownintotheparlortosurprise，thegirls。 \"Goodness，no!Fannyneverwouldforgiveusifyoushowedhercurlsandthingstothosepeople。Therearegentlemenamongthem，anditwouldn\'tbeproper，\"saidPolly，alarmedattheidea。 \"Allthemorefun。Fanhasn\'ttreatedyouwell，anditwillserveherrightifyouintroducemeasyourdearfriend，MissShaw。Comeon，itwillbeajollylark。\" \"Iwouldn\'tfortheworld；itwouldbesomean。Take\'emoff，Tom，andI\'llplayanythingelseyoulike。\" \"Iain\'tgoingtodressupfornothing；Ilooksolovely，someonemustadmireme。Takemedown，Polly，andseeiftheydon\'tcallme\'asweetcreature。\'\" Tomlookedsounutterablyridiculousashetossedhiscurlsandpranced，thatPollywentoffintoanothergaleofmerriment；butevenwhileshelaughed，sheresolvednottolethimmortifyhissister。 \"Now，then，getoutofthewayifyouwon\'tcome；I\'mgoingdown，\" saidTom。 \"No，you\'renot。\" \"Howwillyouhelpit，MissPrim？\" \"So。\"AndPollylockedthedoor，putthekeyinherpocket，andnoddedathimdefiantly。 Tomwasapepper-potastotemper，andanythinglikeoppositionalwayshadabadeffect。Forgettinghiscostume，hestrodeuptoPolly，saying，withathreateningwagofthe，head，\"Noneofthat。Iwon\'tstandit。\" \"PromisenottoplagueFan，andI\'llletyouout。\" \"Won\'tpromiseanything。Givemethatkey，orI\'llmakeyou。\" \"Now，Tom，don\'tbesavage。Ionlywanttokeepyououtofascrape，forFanwillberagingifyougo。Takeoffherthings，andI\'llgiveup。\" Tomvouchsafednoreply，butmarchedtotheotherdoor，whichwasfast，asPollyknew，lookedoutofthethree-storywindow，andfindingnoescapepossible，camebackwithawrathfulface。\"Willyougivemethatkey？\" \"No，Iwon\'t，\"saidPolly，valiantly。 \"I\'mstrongerthanyouare；soyou\'dbetterhandover。\" \"Iknowyouare；butit\'scowardlyforagreatboylikeyoutorobagirl。\" \"Idon\'twanttohurtyou；but，byGeorge!Iwon\'tstandthis!\" TompausedasPollyspoke，evidentlyashamedofhimself；buthistemperwasup，andhewouldn\'tgivein。IfPollyhadcriedalittlejusthere，hewouldhaveyielded；unfortunatelyshegiggled，forTom\'sfierceattitudewassuchafunnycontrasttohisdressthatshecouldn\'thelpit。Thatsettledthematter。Nogirlthateverlivedshouldgiggleathim，muchlesslockhimuplikeasmallchild。Withoutaword，hemadeagrabatPolly\'sarm，forthehandholdingthekeywasstillinher，pocket。Withherotherhandsheclutchedherfrock，andforaminuteheldonstoutly。 ButTom\'sstrongfingerswereirresistible；ripwentthepocket，outcamethehand，andwithacryofpainfromPolly，thekeyfellonthefloor。 \"It\'syourownfaultifyou\'rehurt。Ididn\'tmeanto，\"mutteredTom，ashehastilydeparted，leavingPollytogroanoverhersprainedwrist。 Hewentdown，butnotintotheparlor，forsomehowthejokeseemedtohavelostitsrelish；sohemadethegirlsinthekitchenlaugh，andthencreptupthebackway，hopingtomakeitallrightwithPolly。Butshehadgonetograndma\'sroom，for，thoughtheoldladywasout，itseemedarefuge。 Hehadjusttimetogetthingsinorder，whenFannycameup，crosserthanever；forTrixhadbeentellingherofallsortsoffuninwhichshemighthavehadashare，ifPollyhadheldhertongue。 \"Whereisshe？\"askedFan，wishingtoventhervexationonherfriend。 \"Mopinginherroom，Isuppose，\"repliedTom，whowasdiscoveredreadingstudiously。 Now，whilethishadbeenhappening，Maudhadbeengettingintohotwateralso；forwhenhermaidlefther，toseeafriendbelow，MissMaudparadedintoPolly\'sroom，andsolacedherselfwithmischief。InanevilhourPollyhadletherplayboatinherbigtrunk，whichstoodempty。SincethenPollyhadstoredsomeofhermostprivatetreasuresintheuppertray，sothatshemightfeelsuretheyweresafefromalleyes。Shehadforgottentolockthetrunk，andwhenMaudraisedthelidtobeginhervoyage，severalobjectsofinterestmethereyes。ShewasdeepinherresearcheswhenFancameinandlookedoverhershoulder，feelingtoocrosswithPollytochideMaud。 AsPollyhadnomoneyforpresents，shehadexertedheringenuitytodeviseallsortsofgifts，hopingbyquantitytoatoneforanyshortcomingsinquality。Someofherattemptsweresuccessful，otherswerefailures； butshekeptthemall，fineorfunny，knowingthechildrenathomewouldenjoyanythingnew。SomeofMaud\'scast-offtoyshadbeenneatlymendedforKitty；someofFan\'soldribbonsandlaceswereconvertedintodolls\' finery；andTom\'slittlefigures，whittledoutofwoodinidleminutes，werelaidawaytoshowWillwhatcouldbedonewithaknife。 \"Whatrubbish!\"saidFanny。 \"Queergirl，isn\'tshe？\"addedTom，whohadfollowedtoseewhatwasgoingon。 \"Don\'tyoulaughatPolly\'sthings。Shemakesnicerdollsthanyou，Fan；andshecanwiteanddwareversomuchbetterthanTom，\"criedMaud。 \"Howdoyouknow？Ineversawherdraw，\"saidTom。 \"Here\'sabookwithlotsofpicturesinit。Ican\'tweadthewiting； butthepicturesaresofunny。\" Eagertodisplayherfriend\'saccomplishments，Maudpulledoutafatlittlebook，marked\"Polly\'sJournal，\"andspreaditinherlap。 \"Onlythepictures；noharmintakingalookat\'em，\"saidTom。 \"Justonepeep，\"answeredFanny；andthenextminutebothwerelaughingatadrollsketchofTominthegutter，withthebigdoghowlingoverhim，andthevelocipederunningaway。Veryroughandfaulty，butsofunny，thatitwasevidentPolly\'ssenseofhumorwasstrong。AfewpagesfartherbackcameFannyandMr。Frank，caricatured；thengrandma，carefullydone；Tomrecitinghisbattle-piece；Mr。ShawandPollyinthepark；MaudbeingborneawaybyKaty；andalltheschool-girlsturnedintoridiculewithanunsparinghand。 \"Slylittlepuss，tomakefunofusbehindourbacks，\"saidFan，rathernettledbyPolly\'squietretaliationformanyslightsfromherselfandfriends。 \"Shedoesdrawwell，\"saidTom，lookingcriticallyatthesketchofaboywithapleasantface，roundwhomPollyhaddrawnrayslikethesun，andunderwhichwaswritten，\"MydearJimmy。\" \"Youwouldn\'tadmireher，ifyouknewwhatshewrotehereaboutyou，\" saidFanny，whoseeyeshadstrayedtothewrittenpageopposite，andlingeredtherelongenoughtoreadsomethingthatexcitedhercuriosity。 \"Whatisit？\"askedTom，forgettinghishonorableresolvesforaminute。 \"Shesays，\'ItrytolikeTom，andwhenheispleasantwedoverywell； buthedon\'tstaysolong。Hegetscrossandrough，anddisrespectfultohisfatherandmother，andplaguesusgirls，andissohorridIalmosthatehim。It\'sverywrong，butIcan\'thelpit。\'Howdoyoulikethat？\" askedFanny。 \"Goahead，andseehowshecomesdownonyou，ma\'am，\"retortedTom，whohadreadonabit。 \"Doesshe？\"AndFannycontinued，rapidly:\"AsforFan，Idon\'tthinkwecanbefriendsanymore；forshetoldherfatheralie，andwon\'tforgivemefornotdoingsotoo。Iusedtothinkheraveryfinegirl；butIdon\'tnow。IfshewouldbeasshewaswhenIfirstknewher，Ishouldloveherjustthesame；butsheisn\'tkindtome；andthoughsheisalwaystalkingaboutpoliteness，Idon\'tthinkitispolitetotreatcompanyasshedoesme。ShethinksIamoddandcountrified，andIdaresayIam；butIshouldn\'tlaughatagirl\'sclothesbecauseshewaspoor，orkeepheroutofthewaybecauseshedidn\'tdojustasothergirlsdohere。Iseehermakefunofme，andIcan\'tfeelasIdid；andI\'dgohome，onlyitwouldseemungratefultoMr。Shawandgrandma，andIdolovethemdearly。\" \"Isay，Fan，you\'vegotitnow。Shutthebookandcomeaway，\"criedTom，enjoyingthisbroadsideimmensely，butfeelingguilty，aswellhemight。 \"Justonebitmore，\"whisperedFanny，turningonapageortwo，andstoppingataleafthatwasblurredhereandthereasiftearshaddroppedonit。 \"Sundaymorning，early。Nobodyisuptospoilmyquiettime，andImust。 writemyjournal，forI\'vebeensobadlately，Icouldn\'tbeartodoit。I\'mgladmyvisitismostdone，forthingsworrymehere，andthereisn\'tanyonetohelpmegetrightwhenIgetwrong。IusedtoenvyFanny； butIdon\'tnow，forherfatherandmotherdon\'ttakecareofherasminedoofme。Sheisafraidofherfather，andmakeshermotherdoasshelikes。 I\'mgladIcamethough，forIseemoneydon\'tgivepeopleeverything； butI\'dlikealittleallthesame，foritissocomfortabletobuynicethings。Ireadovermyjournaljustnow，andI\'mafraidit\'snotagoodone；forIhavesaidallsortsofthingsaboutthepeoplehere，anditisn\'tkind。Ishouldtearitout，onlyIpromisedtokeepmydiary，andIwanttotalkoverthingsthatpuzzlemewithmother。Iseenowthatitismyfaultagooddeal；forIhaven\'tbeenhalfaspatient，andpleasantasIoughttobe。Iwilltrulytryfortherestofthetime，andbeasgoodandgratefulasIcan；forIwantthemtolikeme，thoughI\'monly\'anold-fashionedcountrygirl。\'\" ThatlastsentencemadeFannyshutthebook，withafacefullofself-reproach； forshehadsaidthosewordsherself，inafitofpetulance，andPollyhadmadenoanswer，thoughhereyesfilledandhercheeksburned。Fanopenedherlipstosaysomething，butnotasoundfollowed，fortherestoodPollylookingatthemwithanexpressiontheyhadneverseenbefore。 \"Whatareyoudoingwithmythings？\"shedemanded，inalowtone，whilehereyeskindledandhercolorchanged。 \"Maudshowedusabookshefound，andwewerejustlookingatthepictures，\" beganFanny，droppingitasifitburntherfingers。 \"Andreadingmyjournal，andlaughingatmypresents，andthenputtingtheblameonMaud。It\'sthemeanestthingIeversaw；andI\'llneverforgiveyouaslongasIlive!\" Pollysaid，thisallinoneindignantbreath，andthenasifafraidofsayingtoomuch，ranoutoftheroomwithsuchalookofmingledcontempt，grief，andanger，thatthethreeculpritsstooddumbwithshame。Tomhadn\'tevenawhistleathiscommand；MaudwassoscaredatgentlePolly\'soutbreak，thatshesatasstillasamouse；whileFanny，consciencestricken，laidbackthepoorlittlepresentswitharespectfulhand，forsomehowthethoughtofPolly\'spovertycameoverherasitneverhaddonebefore； andtheseoddsandends，socarefullytreasuredupforthoseathome，touchedFanny，andgrewbeautifulinhereyes。Asshelaidbythelittlebook，theconfessionsinitreproachedhermoresharplythatanywordsPollycouldhavespoken；forshehadlaughedatherfriend，hadslightedhersometimes，andbeenunforgivingforaninnocentoffence。Thatlastpage，wherePollytooktheblameonherself，andpromisedto\"trulytry\"tobemorekindandpatient，wenttoFanny\'sheart，meltingallthecoldnessaway，andshecouldonlylayherheadonthetrunk，sobbing，\"Itwasn\'tPolly\'sfault；itwasallmine。\" Tom，stillredwithshameatbeingcaughtinsuchascrape，leftFannytohertears，andwentmanfullyawaytofindtheinjuredPolly，andconfesshismanifoldtransgressions。ButPollycouldn\'tbefound。Hesearchedhighandlowineveryroom，yetnosignofthegirtappeared，andTombegantogetanxious。\"Shecan\'thaverunawayhome，canshe？\"hesaidtohimself，ashepausedbeforethehat-tree。Therewasthelittleroundhat，andTomgaveitaremorsefulsmooth，rememberinghowmanytimeshehadtweakedithalfoff，orpokeditoverpoorPolly\'seyes。\"Maybeshe\'sgonedowntotheoffice，totellpa。\'Tisn\'tabitlikeher，though。Anyway，I \'lltakealookroundthecorner。\" Eagertogethisboots，Tompulledopenthedoorofadarkclosetunderthestairs，andnearlytumbledoverbackwardwithsurprise；forthere，onthefloor，withherheadpillowedonapairofrubbers，layPollyinanattitudeofdespair。ThismournfulspectaclesentTom\'spenitentspeechstraightoutofhishead，andwithanastonished\"Hullo!\"hestoodandstaredinimpressivesilence。Pollywasn\'tcrying，andlaysostill，thatTombegantothinkshemightbeinafitorafaint，andbentanxiouslydowntoinspectthepatheticbunch。Aglimpseofweteyelashes，aroundcheekredderthanusual，andlipspartedbyquick，breathing，relievedhisminduponthatpoint；so，takingcourage，hesatdownontheboot-jack，andbeggedpardonlikeaman。 Now，Pollywasveryangry，andIthinkshehadarighttobe；butshewasnotresentful，andafterthefirstflashwasover，shesoonbegantofeelbetteraboutit。Itwasn\'teasytoforgive；but，asshelistenedtoTom\'shonestvoice，gettinggruffwithremorsenowandthen，shecouldn\'thardenherheartagainsthim，orrefusetomakeupwhenhesofranklyownedthatit\"wasconfoundedmeantoreadherbookthatway。\"Shelikedhiscomingandbeggingpardonatonce；itwasahandsomethingtodo；sheappreciatedit，andforgavehiminherheartsometimebeforeshedidwithherlips；for，totellthetruth，Pollyhadaspiceofgirlishmalice，andratherlikedtoseedomineeringTomeathumble-pie，justenoughtodohimgood，youknow。Shefeltthatatonementwasproper，andconsidereditnomorethanjustthatFanshoulddrenchahandkerchiefortwowithrepentanttears，andthatTomshouldsitonaveryuncomfortableseatandcallhimselfhardnamesforfiveortenminutesbeforesherelented。 \"Come，now，dosayawordtoafellow。I\'mgettingtheworstofit，anyway；forthere\'sFan，cryinghereyesoutupstairs，andhereareyoustowedawayinadarkclosetasdumbasafish，andnobodybutmetobringyoubothround。I\'dhavecutovertotheSmythesandgotmahometofixthings，onlyitlookedlikebackingoutofthescrape；soIdidn\'t，\"saidTom，asalastappeal。 PollywasgladtohearthatFanwascrying。Itwoulddohergood；butshecouldn\'thelpsofteningtoTom，whodidseeminapredicamentbetweentwoweepingdamsels。Alittlesmilebegantodimplethecheekthatwasn\'thidden，andthenahandcameslowlyoutfromunderthecurlyhead，andwasstretchedtowardhimsilently。Tomwasjustgoingtogiveitaheartyshake，whenhesawaredmarkonthewrist，andknewwhatmadeit。 Hisfacechanged，andhetookthechubbyhandsogently，thatPollypeepedtoseewhatitmeant。 \"Willyouforgivethat，too？\"heasked，inawhisper，strokingtheredwrist。 \"Yes，itdon\'thurtmuchnow。\"AndPollydrewherhandaway，sorryhehadseenit。 \"Iwasabeast，that\'swhatIwas!\"saidTom，inatoneofgreatdisgust。 Andjustatthatawkwardminutedowntumbledhisfather\'soldbeaveroverhisheadandface，puttingacomicalquencheronhisself-reproaches。 Ofcourse，neithercouldhelplaughingatthat；andwhenheemerged，Pollywassittingup，lookingasmuchbetterforhershowerashedidforhismomentaryeclipse。 \"Fanfeelsdreadfully。Willyoukissandbefriends，ifItrotherdown？\" askedTom，rememberinghisfellow-sinner。 \"I\'llgotoher。\"AndPollywhiskedoutoftheclosetassuddenlyasshehadwhiskedin，leavingTomsittingontheboot-jack，witharadiantcountenance。 Howthegirlsmadeitupnooneeverknew。Butaftermuchtalkingandcrying，kissingandlaughing，thebreachwashealed，andpeacedeclared。 Aslighthazestilllingeredintheairafterthestorm，forFannywasveryhumbleandtenderthatevening；Tomatriflepensive，butdistressinglypolite，andPollymagnanimouslyfriendlytoeveryone；forgenerousnaturesliketoforgive，andPollyenjoyedthepettingaftertheinsult，likeaveryhumangirl。 Asshewasbrushingherhairatbedtimetherecameataponherdoorand，openingit，shebeheldnothingbutatallblackbottle，withastripofredflanneltiedrounditlikeacravat，andacocked-hatnoteonthecork。Insideweretheselines，writteninasprawlinghandwithveryblackink: DEARPOLLY，­；Opydilldockisfirst-rateforsprains。Youputalotontheflannelanddoupyourwrist，andIguessitwillbeallrightinthemorning。Willyoucomeasleigh-ridetomorrow？I\'mawfulsorryIhurtyou。TOM。ChapterVI。ChapterVI。CHAPTERVIGRANDMAWHERE\'SPolly？\"askedFanonesnowyafternoon，asshecameintothedining-roomwhereTomwasreposingonthesofawithhisbootsintheair，absorbedinoneofthosedelightfulbooksinwhichboysarecastawayondesertislands，whereeveryknownfruit，vegetableandflowerisinitsprimealltheyearround；or，lostinboundlessforests，wheretheyoungheroeshavethrillingadventures，killimpossiblebeasts，and，whentheauthor\'sinventiongivesout，suddenlyfindtheirwayhome，ladenwithtigerskins，tamebuffaloesandotherpleasingtrophiesoftheirprowess。 \"Dunno，\"wasTom\'sbriefreply，forhewasjustescapingfromanalligatorofthelargestsize。 \"Doputdownthatstupidbook，andlet\'sdosomething，\"saidFanny，afteralistlessstrollroundtheroom。 \"Hi，they\'vegothim!\"wastheonlyanswervouchsafedbytheabsorbedreader。 \"Where\'sPolly？\"askedMaud，joiningthepartywithherhandsfullofpaperdollsallsufferingforball-dresses。 \"Dogetalong，anddon\'tbotherme，\"criedTomexasperatedattheinterruption。 \"Thentelluswheresheis。I\'msureyouknow，forshewasdownherealittlewhileago，\"saidFanny。 \"Upingrandma\'sroom，maybe。\" \"Provokingthing!youknewitallthetime，anddidn\'ttell，justtoplagueus，\"scoldedMaud。 ButTomwasnowunderwaterstabbinghisalligator，andtooknonoticeoftheindignantdepartureoftheyoungladies。 \"Polly\'salwayspokingupingrandma\'sroom。Idon\'tseewhatfunthereisinit，\"saidFannyastheywentupstairs。 \"Polly\'saverwyqueergirl，andgwandmapetsheragweatdealmorethanshedoesme，\"observedMaud，withaninjuredair。 \"Let\'speekandseewhattheyaredoing，\"whisperedFan，pausingatthehalf-opendoor。 Grandmawassittingbeforeaquaintoldcabinet，thedoorsofwhichstoodwideopen，showingglimpsesofthefadedrelicstreasuredthere。 Onastool，attheoldlady\'sfeet，satPolly，lookingupwithintentfaceandeagereyes，quiteabsorbedinthehistoryofahigh-heeledbrocadeshoewhichlayinherlap。 \"Well，mydear，\"grandmawassaying，\"shehaditontheverydaythatUncleJoecameinasshesatatwork，andsaid，\'Dolly，wemustbemarriedatonce。\'\'Verywell，Joe，\'saysAuntDolly，anddownshewenttotheparlor，wheretheministerwaswaiting，neverstoppingtochangethedimitydressshewore，andwasactuallymarriedwithherscissorsandpin-ballatherside，andherthimbleon。Thatwasinwartimes，1812，mydear，andUncleJoewasinthearmy，sohehadtogo，andhetookthatverylittlepin-ballwithhim。Hereitiswiththemarkofabulletthroughit，forhealwayssaidhisDolly\'scushionsavedhislife。\" \"Howinterestingthatis!\"criedPolly，assheexaminedthefadedcushionwiththeholeinit。 \"Why，grandma，younevertoldmethatstory，\"saidFanny，hurryingin，findingtheprospectwasapleasantoneforastormyafternoon。 \"Youneveraskedmetotellyouanything，mydear，soIkeptmyoldstoriestomyself，\"answeredgrandma，quietly。 \"Tellsomenow，please。Maywestayandseethefunnythings？\"saidFanandMaud，eyeingtheopencabinetwithinterest。 \"IfPollylikes；sheismycompany，andIamtryingtoentertainher，forIlovetohavehercome，\"saidgrandma，withherold-timepoliteness。 \"Oh，yes!doletthemstayandhearthestories。I\'veoftentoldthemwhatgoodtimeswehaveuphere，andteasedthemtocome，buttheythinkit\'stooquiet。Now，sitdown，girls，andletgrandmagoon。YouseeI pickoutsomethinginthecabinetthatlooksinteresting，andthenshetellsmeaboutit，\"saidPolly，eagertoincludethegirlsinherpleasures，andgladtogettheminterestedingrandma\'sreminiscences，forPollyknewhowhappyitmadethelonelyoldladytoliveoverherpast，andtohavethechildrenroundher。 \"Herearethreedrawersthathavenotbeenopenedyet；eachtakeone，andchoosesomethingfromitformetotellabout，\"saidMadam，quiteexcitedattheunusualinterestinhertreasures。 Sothegirlseachopenedadrawerandturnedoverthecontentstilltheyfoundsomethingtheywantedtoknowabout。Maudwasreadyfirst，andholdingupanoddlyshapedlinenbag，withabigblueFembroideredonit，demandedherstory。Grandmasmiledasshesmoothedtheoldthingtenderly，andbeganherstorywithevidentpleasure。 \"MysisterNellyandIwenttovisitanauntofours，whenwewerelittlegirls，butwedidn\'thaveaverygoodtime，forshewasextremelystrict。 Oneafternoon，whenshehadgoneouttotea，andoldDebby，themaid，wasasleepinherroom，wesatonthedoor-step，feelinghomesick，andreadyforanythingtoamuseus。 \"\'Whatshallwedo？\'saidNelly。 \"Justasshespoke，aripeplumdroppedbounceonthegrassbeforeus，asifansweringherquestion。Itwasalltheplum\'sfault，forifithadn\'tfallenatthatminute，Inevershouldhavehadthethoughtwhichpoppedintomymischievousmind。 \"\'Let\'shaveasmanyaswewant，andplagueAuntBetsey，topayherforbeingsocross，\'Isaid，givingNellyhalfthegreatpurpleplum。 \"\'Itwouldbedreadfulnaughty，\'beganNelly，\'butIguesswewill，\' sheadded，asthesweetmouthfulslippeddownherthroat。 \"\'Debby\'sasleep。Comeon，then，andhelpmeshake，\'Isaid，gettingup，eagerforthefun。 \"Weshookandshooktillwegotredintheface，butnotonedropped，forthetreewaslarge，andourlittlearmswerenotstrongenoughtostirtheboughs。Thenwethrewstones，butonlyonegreenandonehalf-ripeonecamedown，andmylaststonebroketheshedwindow，sotherewasanendofthat。 \"\'It\'sasprovokingasAuntBetseyherself，\'saidNelly，aswesatdown，outofbreath。 \"\'Iwishthewindwouldcomeandblow\'emdownforus，\'pantedI，staringupattheplumswithlongingeyes。 \"\'Ifwishingwoulddoanygood，Ishouldwish\'eminmylapatonce，\' addedNelly。 \"\'Youmightaswellwish\'eminyourmouthanddonewithit，ifyouaretoolazytopick\'emup。Iftheladderwasn\'ttooheavywecouldtrythat，\'saidI，determinedtohavethem。 \"\'Youknowwecan\'tstirit，sowhatistheuseoftalkingaboutit？ Youproposedgettingtheplums，nowlet\'sseeyoudoit，\'answeredNelly，rathercrossly，forshehadbittenthegreenplum，anditpuckeredhermouth。 \"\'Waitaminute，andyouwillseemedoit，\'criedI，asanewthoughtcameintomynaughtyhead。 \"\'Whatareyoutakingyourshoesandsocksofffor？Youcan\'tclimbthetree，Fan。\' \"\'Don\'taskquestions，butbereadytopick\'emupwhentheyfall，MissLazybones。\' \"WiththismysteriousspeechIpatteredintothehousebare-footedandfullofmyplan。UpstairsIwenttoawindowopeningontheshedroof。 OutIgot，andcreepingcarefullyalongtillIcamenearthetree，Istoodup，andsuddenlycrowedlikethelittlerooster。Nellylookedup，andstared，andlaughed，andclappedherhandswhenshesawwhatIwasgoingtodo。 \"\'I\'mafraidyou\'llslipandgethurt。\' \"\'Don\'tcareifIdo；I\'llhavethoseplumsifIbreakmyneckdoingit，\'andhalfsliding，halfwalkingIwentdowntheslopingroof，tilltheboughsofthetreewerewithinmyreach。 \"Hurrah!\"criedNelly，dancingdownbelow，asmyfirstshakesentadozenplumsrattlingroundher。 \"\'Hurrah!\"criedI，lettinggoonebranchandtryingtoreachanother。 ButasIdidsomyfootslipped，Itriedtocatchsomethingtoholdby，butfoundnothing，andwithacry，downIfell，likeaverybigplumonthegrassbelow。 \"Fortunatelytheshedwaslow，thegrasswasthickandthetreebrokemyfall，butIgotabadbumpandaterribleshaking。NellythoughtIwaskilled，andbegantocrywithhermouthfull。ButIpickedmyselfupinaminute，forIwasusedtosuchtumbles；anddidn\'tmindthepainhalfasmuchasthelossoftheplums。 \"\'Hush!Debbywillhearandspoilallthefun。IsaidI\'dget\'emandIhave。Seewhatlotshavecomedownwithme。\' \"Sotherehad，formyfallshookthetreealmostasmuchasitdidme，andthegreenandpurplefruitlayallaboutus。 \"Bythetimethebumponmyforeheadhadswelledasbigasanut，ourapronswerehalffull，andwesatdowntoenjoyourselves。Butwedidn\'t。 Odear，no!formanyoftheplumswerenotripe，somewerehurtbythebirds，somecrushedinfalling，andmanyashardasstones。Nellygotstungbyawasp，myheadbegantoache，andwesatlookingatoneanotherratherdismally，whenNellyhadabrightidea。