第5章

\"\'Let\'scook\'em，thenthey\'llbegood，andwecanputsomeawayinourlittlepailsforto-morrow。\' \"\'Thatwillbesplendid!There\'safireinthekitchen，Debbyalwaysleavesthekettleon，andwecanusehersaucepan，andIknowwherethesugaris，andwe\'llhaveagrandtime。\' \"Inwewent，andfelltoworkveryquietly。Itwasalarge，openfire-place，withthecoalsnicelycoveredup，andthebigkettlesimmeringonthehook。 Werakedopenthefire，putonthesaucepan，andinitthebestofourplums，withwaterenoughtospoilthem。Butwedidn\'tknowthat，andfeltveryimportantaswesatwaitingforittoboil，eacharmedwithabigspoon，whilethesugarboxstoodbetweenusreadytobeused。 \"Howslowtheywere，tobesure!Ineverknewsuchobstinatethings，fortheywouldn\'tsoften，thoughtheydancedaboutintheboilingwater，andbobbedagainstthecoverasiftheyweredoingtheirbest。 \"Thesunbegantogetlow，wewereafraidDebbywouldcomedown，andstillthosedreadfulplumswouldn\'tlooklikesauce。Atlasttheybegantoburst，thewatergotalovelypurple，weputlotsofsugarin，andkepttastingtillourapronsandfaceswerered，andourlipsburntwiththehotspoons。 \"\'There\'stoomuchjuice，\'saidNelly，shakingherheadwisely。\'Itoughttobethickandnicelikemamma\'s。\' \"\'I\'llpouroffsomeofthejuice，andwecandrinkit，\'saidI，feelingthatI\'dmadeamistakeinmycooking。 \"SoNellygotabowl，andIgotatowelandliftedthebigsaucepancarefullyoff。Itwasheavyandhot，andIwasalittleafraidofit，butdidn\'tliketosayso。JustasIbegantopour，Debbysuddenlycalledfromthetopofthestairs，\'Children，whatunderthesunareyoudoing？\' \"Itstartledusboth。Nellydroppedthebowlandran。Idroppedthesaucepananddidn\'trun，forapartofthehotjuicesplasheduponmybarefeet，andankles，andmademescreamwithdreadfulpain。 \"DownrushedDebbytofindmedancingaboutthekitchenwithagreatbumponmyforehead，abigspooninmyhand，andapairofbrightpurplefeet。Theplumswerelyingalloverthehearth，thesaucepaninthemiddleoftheroom，thebasinwasbroken，andthesugarswimmingaboutasifthebowlhadturneditselfovertryingtosweetenourmessforus。 \"Debbywasverygoodtome，forsheneverstoppedtoscold，butlaidmedownontheoldsofa，andboundupmypoorlittlefeetwithoilandcottonwool。Nelly，seeingmeliewhiteandweak，thoughtIwasdying，andwentovertotheneighbor\'sforAuntBetsey，andburstinupontheoldladiessittingprimlyat，theirtea，crying，distractedly，\"\'Oh，AuntBetsey，comequick!forthesaucepanfellofftheshed，andFan\'sfeetareallboiledpurple!\' \"Nobodylaughedatthisfunnymessage，andAuntBetseyranallthewayhomewithamuffininherhandandherballinherpocket，thoughtheknittingwasleftbehind。 \"Isufferedagreatdeal，butIwasn\'tsorryafterward，forIlearnedtoloveAuntBetsey，whonursedmetenderly，andseemedtoforgetherstrictwaysinheranxietyforme。 \"Thisbagwasmadeformyspecialcomfort，andhungonthesofawhereIlayallthosewearydays。Auntkeptitfullofprettypatchworkor，whatIlikedbetter，ginger-nuts，andpeppermintdrops，toamuseme，thoughshedidn\'tapproveofcossetingchildrenup，anymorethanIdonow。\" \"Ilikethatvewywell，andIwishIcouldhavebeenthere，\"wasMaud\'scondescendingremark，assheputbackthelittlebag，afteracarefulpeepinside，asifshehopedtofindanancientginger-nut，orawell-preservedpeppermintdropstilllingeringinsomecorner。 \"Wehadplumsenoughthatautumn，butdidn\'tseemtocaremuchaboutthem，afterall，forourprankbecameahouseholdjoke，and，foryears，weneversawthefruit，butNellywouldlookatmewithafunnyface，andwhisper，\'Purplestockings，Fan!\'\" \"Thankyou，ma\'am，\"saidPolly。\"Now，Fan，yourturnnext。\" \"Well，I\'veabundleofoldletters，andI\'dliketoknowifthereisanystoryaboutthem，\"answeredFanny，hopingsomeromancemightbeforthcoming。 Grandmaturnedoverthelittlepackettiedupwithafadedpinkribbon； adozenyellownoteswrittenonrough，thickpaper，withredwafersstilladheringtothefolds，showingplainlythattheywerewrittenbeforethedayofinitialnote-paperandself-sealingenvelopes。 \"Theyarenotlove-letters，deary，butnotesfrommymatesafterIleftMissCotton\'sboarding-school。Idon\'tthinkthereisanystoryaboutthem，\" andgrandmaturnedthemoverwithspectaclesbeforethedimeyes，soyoungandbrightwhentheyfirstreadtheverysamenotes。 Fannywasabouttosay，\"I\'llchooseagain，\"whengrandmabegantolaughsoheartilythatthegirlsfeltsureshehadcaughtsomemerryoldmemorywhichwouldamusethem。 \"Blessmyheart，Ihaven\'tthoughtofthatfrolicthisfortyyears。 Poor，dear，giddySallyPomroy，andshe\'sagreat-grandmothernow!\"criedtheoldlady，afterreadingoneofthenotes，andclearingthemistoffherglasses。 \"Now，pleasetellabouther；Iknowit\'ssomethingfunnytomakeyoulaughso，\"saidPollyandFantogether。 \"Well，itwasdroll，andI\'mgladIremembereditforit\'sjustthestorytotellyouyoungthings。 \"Itwasyearsago，\"begangrandma，briskly，\"andteacherswereverymuchstricterthantheyarenow。ThegirlsatMissCotton\'swerenotallowedlightsintheirroomsafternineo\'clock，neverwentoutalone，andwereexpectedtobehavelikemodelsofproprietyfrommorningtillnight。 \"Asyoumayimagine，tenyounggirls，fullofspiritsandfun，foundtheseruleshardtokeep，andmadeupforgoodbehaviorinpublicbyallsortsoffrolicsinprivate。 \"MissCottonandherbrothersatinthebackparlorafterschoolwasover，andtheyoungladiesweresenttobed。Mr。Johnwasverydeaf，andMissPriscillaverynear-sighted，twoconvenientafflictionsforthegirlsonsomeoccasions，butoncetheyprovedquitethereverse，asyoushallhear。 \"Wehadbeenveryprimforaweek，andourbottledupspiritscouldnolongerbecontained；soweplanedarevelafterourownhearts，andsetourwitstoworktoexecuteit。 \"Thefirstobstaclewassurmountedinthisway。Asnoneofuscouldgetoutalone，weresolvedtolowerSallyfromthewindow，forshewaslightandsmall，andverysmart。 \"Withourcombinedpocket-moneyshewastobuynutsandcandy，cakeandfruit，pie，andacandle，sothatwemighthavealight，afterBetseytookoursawayasusual。 \"Weweretodarkenthewindowoftheinnerchamber，setawatchinthelittleentry，lightup，andthenforagoodtime。 \"Ateighto\'clockontheappointedevening，severalofusprofessedgreatweariness，andwenttoourroom，leavingtherestsewingvirtuouslywithMissCotton，whoreadHannahMore\'sSacredDramasaloud，inawaythatfittedthelistenersforbedaswellasadoseofopiumwouldhavedone。 \"IamsorrytosayIwasoneoftheringleaders；andassoonaswegotupstairs，producedtheropeprovidedforthepurpose，andinvitedSallytobelowered。Itwasanold-fashionedhouse，slopingdownbehind，andtheclosetwindowchosenbyuswasnotmanyfeetfromtheground。 \"Itwasasummerevening，sothatateighto\'clockitwasstilllight； butwewerenotafraidofbeingseen，forthestreetwasalonelyone，andouronlyneighborstwooldladies，whoputdowntheircurtainsatsunset，andneverlookedouttillmorning。 \"Sallyhadbeenbribedbypromisesofasmany\'goodies\'asshecouldeat，andbeingaregularmadcap，shewasreadyforanything。 \"Tyingtheroperoundherwaistshecreptout，andwelethersafelydown，sentabigbasketafterher，andsawhersliproundthecomerinmybigsunbonnetandanothergirl\'sshawl，sothatsheshouldnotberecognized。 \"Thenweputournight-gownsoverourdresses，andwerelaidpeacefullyinbedwhenBetseycameup，earlierthanusual；foritwasevidentthatMissCottonfeltalittlesuspiciousatoursuddenweariness。 \"Forhalfanhourwelaylaughingandwhispering，aswewaitedforthesignalfromSally。Atlastweheardacricketchirpshrillyunderthewindow，andflyingup，sawalittlefigurebelowinthetwilight。 \"\'O，quick!quick!\'criedSally，pantingwithhaste。\'Drawupthebasketandthengetmein，forIsawMr。Cottoninthemarket，andranallthewayhome，sothatImightgetinbeforehecame。\' \"Upcametheheavybasket，bumpingandscrapingontheway，andsmelling，O，sonice!Downwenttherope，andwithalongpull，astrongpull，andapullalltogether，wehoistedpoorSallyhalf-wayuptothewindow，when，sadtotell，theropeslippedanddownshefell，onlybeingsavedfrombrokenbonesbythehay-cockunderthewindow。 \"\'He\'scoming!he\'scoming!Opullmeup，formercysake!\'criedSally，scramblingtoherfeetunhurt，butagooddealshaken。 \"Wesawadarkfigureapproaching，anddraggedherinwithmorebumpingandscraping，andembracedherwithrapture，forwehadjustescapedbeingdetectedbyMr。John，whoseeyeswereassharpashisearsweredull。 \"Weheardthefront-doorshut，thenamurmurofvoices，andthenBetsey\'sheavystepcomingupstairs。 \"Underthebedwentthebasket，andintothebedswenttheconspirators，andnothingcouldhavebeenmoredecorousthantheappearanceoftheroomwhenBetseypoppedherheadin。 \"\'Master\'sanoldfidgettosendmetravellingupagain，justbecausehefanciedhesawsomethingamissatthewindow。Nothingbutacurtainflapping，orashadder，forthepoordearsissleepinglikelambs。\' \"Weheardhersaythistoherself，andageneraltitteragitatedthewhitecoverletsasshedeparted。 \"Sallywasinhighfeatheratthesuccessofherexploit，anddancedaboutlikeanelf，assheputhernight-gownonoverherfrock，braidedherhairinfunnylittletailsalloverherhead，andfastenedthegreatredpin-cushiononherbosomforabreastpininhonorofthefeast。 \"Theothergirlswenttotheirroomsasagreedupon，andallwassoondarkandstillupstairs，whileMissCottonbegantoenjoyherselfbelow，asshealwaysdidwhen\'heryoungcharges\'weresafelydisposedof。 \"Thenghostsbegantowalk，andthemicescuttledbacktotheirholesinalarm，forwhitefiguresglidedfromroomtoroom，tillallwereassembledinthelittlechamber。 \"Thewatchwassetattheentrydoor，thesignalagreedupon，thecandlelighted，andthefeastspreadforthuponanewspaperonthebed，withthecoverletarrangedsothatitcouldbewhiskedovertherefreshmentsatamoment\'snotice。 \"Howgoodeverythingwas，tobesure!Idon\'tthinkI\'veeatenanypiessincethathadsuchadeliciousflavorasthosebrokenones，eatenhastily，inthatlittleovenofaroom，withSallymakingjokesandtheothersenjoyingstolensweetswithtruegirlishrelish。Ofcourseitwasverywicked，butImusttellthetruth。 \"Wewerejustbeginningonthecakewhentheloudscratchingofaratdisturbedus。 \"\'Thesignal!fly!run!hide!Hush，don\'tlaugh!\'criedseveralvoices，andwescuttledintobedasrapidlyandnoiselesslyaspossible，withourmouthsandhandsfull。 \"Alongpause，brokenbymorescratching；butasnoonecame，wedecidedonsendingtoinquirewhatitmeant。IwentandfoundMary，thepicketguardhalfasleep，andlongingforhershareofthefeast。 \"\'Itwasarealrat；I\'venotmadeasound。Dogoandfinish；I\'mtiredofthis，\'saidMary，slappingawayatthemosquitoes。 \"BackIhurriedwiththegoodnews。Everyoneflewup，briskly。Welightedthecandleagain，andreturnedtoourrevel。TherefreshmentsweresomewhatinjuredbySally\'sbouncinginamongthem，bitwedidn\'tcare，andsoonfinishedthecake。 \"\'Nowlet\'shavethenuts，\'Isaid，gropingforthepaperbag。 \"\'Theyarealmondsandpeanuts，sowecancrackthemwithourteeth。 Besureyougetthebagbytherightend，\'saidSally。 \"\'IknowwhatI\'mabout，\'andtoshowherthatitwasallright，I gavethebagalittleshake，whenoutflewthenuts，rattlinglikeahail-stormallovertheuncarpetedfloor。 \"\'Nowyou\'vedoneit，\'criedSally，asMaryscratchedlikeamadrat，andadoorcreakedbelow，forMissCottonwasnotdeaf。 \"Suchaflurryaswewerein!Outwentthecandle，andeachonerushedawaywithasmuchofthefeastasshecouldseizeinherhaste。Sallydivedintoherbed，recklesslydemolishingthelastpie，andscatteringthecandyfarandwide。 \"PoorMarywasnearlycaughtforMissCottonwasquickerthanBetsey，andourguardhadtorunforherlife。 \"Ourroomwasthefirst，andwasingoodorder，thoughthetwoflushedfacesonthepillowswererathersuspicious。MissCottonstoodstaringabouther，lookingsofunny，withouthercap，thatmybedfellowwouldhavegoneoffinafitoflaughter，ifIhadnotpinchedherwarningly。 \"\'Youngladies，whatisthisunseemlynoise？\' \"Noanswerfromusbutafaintsnore。MissCottonmarchedintothenextroom，putthesamequestionandreceivedthesamereply。 \"InthethirdchamberlaySally，andwetrembledastheoldladywentin。Sittingup，wepeepedandlistenedbreathlessly。 \"\'Sarah，Icommandyoutotellmewhatthisallmeans？\' \"ButSallyonlysighedinhersleep，andmuttered，wickedly，\'Ma，takemehome。I\'mstarvedatCotton\'s。\' \"\'Mercyonme!isthechildgoingtohaveafever？\'criedtheoldlady，whodidnotobservethetelltalenutsatherfeet。 \"\'Sodull，sostrict!Otakemehome!\'moanedSally，tossingherarmsandgurgling，likeanaughtylittlegypsy。 \"Thatlastbitofactingupsetthewholeconcern，forasshetossedherarmssheshowedthebigredcushiononherbreast。Near-sightedasshewas，thatridiculousobjectcouldnotescapeMissCotton，neitherdidtheorangethatrolledoutfromthepillow，northebootsappearingatthefootofthebed。 \"Withsuddenenergytheoldladypluckedoffthecover，andtherelaySallywithherhairdressedà；laTopsy，herabsurdbreast-pinandherdustyboots，amongpapersofcandy，bitsofpieandcake，orangesandapples，andacandleupsidedownburningaholeinthesheet。 \"AtthesoundofMissCotton\'shorrifiedexclamationSallywokeup，andbeganlaughingsomerrilythatnoneofuscouldresistfollowingherexample，andtheroomsrangwithmerrimentfarmanyminutes。Ireallydon\'tknowwhenweshouldhavestoppedifSallyhadnotgotchokedwiththenutshehadinhermouth，andsofrightenedusnearlyoutofourwits。\" \"Whatbecameofthethings，andhowwereyoupunished？\"askedFan，inthemiddleofherlaughter。 \"Theremainsofthefeastwenttothepig，andwewerekeptonbreadandwaterforthreedays。\" \"Didthatcureyou？\" \"Oh，dear，no!wehadhalfadozenotherfrolicsthatverysummer；andalthoughIcannothelplaughingattheremembranceofthis，youmustnotthink，child，thatIapproveofsuchconduct，orexcuseit。No，no，mydear，farfromit。\" \"Icallthata，tip-topstory!Driveon，grandma，andtelloneaboutboys，\"brokeinanewvoice，andtherewasTomastrideofachairlisteningandlaughingwithallhismight，forhisbookhadcometoanend，andhehadjoinedthepartyunobserved。 \"Waitforyourturn，Tommy。Now，Polly，dear，whatwillyouhave？\"saidgrandma，looking，solivelyandhappy，thatitwasveryevident\"reminiscing\" didhergood。 \"Letminecomelast，andtelloneforTomnext，\"saidPolly，lookinground，andbeckoninghimnearer。 Hecameandsathimselfcross-leggedonthefloor，beforethelowerdrawerofthecabinet，whichgrandmaopenedforhim，saying，withabenignstrokeofthecurlyhead，\"There，dear，that\'swhereIkeepthelittlememorialsofmybrotherJack。Poorlad，hewaslostatsea，youknow。Well，chooseanythingyoulike，andI\'lltrytorememberastoryaboutit。\" Tommadearapidrummage，andfishedupalittlebrokenpistol。 \"There，that\'sthechapforme!Wishitwasn\'tspoilt，thenwe\'dhavefunpoppingawayatthecatsintheyard。Now，then，grandma。\" \"IrememberoneofJack\'spranks，whenthatwasusedwithgreateffect，\" saidgrandma，afterathoughtfulpause，duringwhichTomteasedthegirlsbysnappingthelockofthepistolintheirfaces。 \"Onceuponatime，\"continuedMadam，muchflatteredbytherowofinterestedfacesbeforeher，\"myfatherwentawayonbusiness，leavingmother，aunt，andusgirlstoJack\'scare。Veryproudhewas，tobesure，oftheresponsibility，andthefirstthinghedidwastoloadthatpistolandkeepitbyhisbed，inourgreatworriment，forwefearedhe\'dkillhimselfwithit。Foraweekallwentwell；thenwewerestartledbythenewsthatrobberswereabout。Allsortsofstoriesflewthroughthetown(wewerelivinginthecountrythen)；somesaidthatcertainhousesweremarkedwithablackcross，andthosewerealwaysrobbed；others，thattherewasaboyinthegang，forwindows，sosmallthattheywereconsideredsafe，wereenteredbysomelittlerogue。Atoneplacethethieveshadasupper，andlefthamandcakeinthefrontyard。Mrs。JonesfoundMrs。Smith\'sshawlinherorchard，withahammerandanunknownteapotnearit。Onemanreportedthatsomeonetappedathiswindow，inthenight，saying，softly，\'Isanyonehere？\' andwhenhelookedout，twomenwereseentorundowntheroad。 \"Welivedjustoutoftown，inalonelyplace；thehousewasold，withconvenientlittlebackwindows，andfiveoutsidedoors。Jackwastheonlymanabouttheplace，andhewasbarelythirteen。Motherandauntwereverytimid，andthechildrenweren\'toldenoughtobeofanyuse，soJackandIwerethehome-guard，andvowedtodefendthefamilymanfully。\" \"Goodforyou!Hopethefellowscame!\"criedTom，charmedwiththisopening。 \"Oneday，anill-lookingmancameinandaskedforfood，\"continuedgrandma，withamysteriousnod；\"andwhileheate，Isawhimglancesharplyaboutfromthewoodenbuttonsontheback-doors，tothesilverurnandtankardsonthedining-roomsideboard。Astrongsuspiciontookpossessionofme，andIwatchedhimasacatdoesamouse。 \"\'Hecametoexaminethepremises，I\'msureofit，butwewillbereadyforhim，\'Isaid，fiercely，asItoldthefamilyabouthim。 \"Thisfancyhauntedusall，andourpreparationswereveryfunny。Motherborrowedarattle，andkeptitunderherpillow。Aunttookabigbelltobedwithher；thechildrenhadlittleTip，theterrier，tosleepintheirroom；whileJackandImountedguard，hewiththepistol，andIwithahatchet，forIdidn\'tlikefire-arms。Biddy，whosleptintheattic，practisedgettingoutontheshedroof，sothatshemightrunawayatthefirstalarm。 Everynightwearrangedpit-fallsfortherobbers，andallfileduptobed，bearingplate，money，weapons，andthingstobarricadewith，asifwelivedinwartimes。 \"Wewaitedaweekandnoonecame，sowebegantofeelratherslighted，forotherpeoplegot\'ascare，\'asTomsays，andafterallourpreparationswereallyfeltatrifledisappointedthatwehadhadnochancetoshowourcourage。Atlastablackmarkwasfounduponourdoor，andagreatpanicensued，forwefeltthatnowourtimehadcome。 \"Thatnightweputatubofwateratthebottomoftheback-stairs，andapileoftinpansatthetopofthefrontstairs，sothatanyattempttocomeupwouldproduceasplashorarattle。Bellswerehungondoorhandles，sticksofwoodpiledupindarkcornersforrobberstofallover，andthefamilyretired，allarmedandallprovidedwithlampsandmatches。 \"JackandIleftourdoorsopen，andkeptaskingoneanotherifwedidn\'thearsomething，tillhefellasleep。Iwaswakefulandlaylisteningtothecricketstilltheclockstrucktwelve；thenIgotdrowsy，andwasjustdroppingoffwhenthesoundofstepsoutsidewokemeupstaringwideawake。CreepingtothewindowIwasintimetoseebythedimmoonlightashadowglideroundthecorneranddisappear。Aqueerlittlethrillwentoverme，butIresolvedtokeepquiettillIwassuresomethingwaswrong，forIhadgivensomanyfalsealarms，Ididn\'twantJacktolaughatmeagain。Poppingmyheadoutofthedoor，Ilistened，andpresentlyheardascrapingsoundneartheshed。 \"\'Theretheyare；butIwon\'trousethehousetillthebellringsorthepansfall。Theroguescan\'tgofarwithoutaclatterofsomesort，andifwecouldonlycatchoneofthemweshouldgettherewardandadealofglory，\'Isaidtomyself，graspingmyhatchetfirmly。 \"Adoorclosedsoftlybelow，andastepcamecreepingtowardstheback-stairs。 Surenowofmyprey，Iwasjustabouttoscream\'Jack!\'whensomethingwentsplashintothetubatthefootoftheback-stairs。 \"Inaminuteeveryonewasawakeandup，forJackfiredhispistolbeforehewashalfoutofbed，androared\'Fire!\'solouditrousedthehouse。 Mothersprungherrattle，auntrangherbell，Jipbarkedlikemad，andweallscreamed，whilefrombelowcameuparegularIrishhowl。 \"Someonebroughtalamp，andwepeepedanxiouslydown，toseeourownstupidBiddysittinginthetubwringingherhandsandwailingdismally。 \"\'Och，murther，andit\'skiltIam!Thesaintsbeaboutus!howiverdidIcomeforninstthissayivwather，justcrapininquietaftherabitivsthrollwidMikeMahoney，meownb\'y，that\'stomarrymeintirely，comeSaintPatrick\'sdaynixt。\' \"Welaughedsowecouldhardlyfishthepoorthingup，orlistenwhilesheexplainedthatshehadslippedoutofherwindowforawordwithMike，andfounditfastenedwhenshewantedtocomeback，soshehadsatontheroof，tryingtodiscoverthecauseofthismysteriousbarringout，tillshewastired，whensheprowledroundthehousetillshefoundacellarwindowunfastened，afterallourcare，andgotinquitecleverly，shethought； butthetubwasanewarrangementwhichsheknewnothingabout；andwhenshefellintothe\'say，\'shewasbewilderedandcouldonlyhowl。 \"Thiswasnotallthedamageeither，forauntfaintedwiththefright，mothercutherhandwithabrokenlamp，thechildrentookcoldhoppingaboutonthewetstairs，Jipbarkedhimselfsick，Isprainedmyankle，andJacknotonlysmashedalooking-glasswithhisbullets，butspoilthispistolbytheheavychargeputinit。Afterthedamageswererepairedandtheflurrywaswellover，Jackconfessedthathehadmarkedthedoorforfun，andshutBiddyoutasapunishmentfor\'gallivanting，\'ofwhichhedidn\'tapprove。Sucharogueasthatboywas!\'\" \"Butdidn\'ttherobbersevercome？\"criedTom，enjoyingthejoke，butfeelingdefraudedofthefight。 \"Never，mydear；butwehadour\'scare，\'andtestedourcourage，andthatwasagreatsatisfaction，ofcourse，\"answeredgrandma，placidly。 \"Well，Ithinkyouwerethebravestofthelot。I\'dliketohaveseenyouflourishingroundtherewithyourhatchet，\"addedTom，admiringly，andtheoldladylookedasmuchpleasedwiththecomplimentasifshehadbeenagirl。 \"Ichoosethis，\"saidPolly，holdingupalongwhitekidglove，shrunkenandyellowwithtime，butlookingasifithadahistory。 \"Ah，thatnowhasastoryworthtelling!\"criedgrandma；adding，proudly，\"Treatthatoldgloverespectfully，mychildren，forLafayette\'shonoredhandhastouchedit。\" \"Oh，grandma，didyouwearit？Didyouseehim？Dotellusallaboutit，andthatwillbethebestofthewhole，\"criedPolly，wholovedhistory，andknewagooddealaboutthegallantFrenchmanandhisbravelife。 Grandmalovedtotellthisstory，andalwaysassumedhermostimposingairtodohonortohertheme。Drawingherselfup，therefore，shefoldedherhands，andaftertwoorthreelittle\"hems，\"beganwithanabsentlook，asifhereyesbeheldafar-awaytime，whichbrightenedasshegazed。 \"ThefirstvisitofLafayettewasbeforemytime，ofcourse，butIheardsomuchaboutitfrommygrandfatherthatIreallyfeltasifI\'dseenitall。OurAuntHancocklivedintheGovernor\'shouse，onBeaconHill，atthattime。\"Heretheoldladybridledupstillmore，forshewasveryproudof\"ouraunt。\"\"Ah，mydears，thosewerethegoodoldtimes!\"shecontinued，withasigh。\"Suchdinnersandteaparties，suchdamasktableclothsandfineplate，suchsolid，handsomefurnitureandelegantcarriages； aunt\'swaslinedwithredsilkvelvet，andwhenthecoachwastakenawayfromherattheGovernor\'sdeath，shejustrippedoutthelining。andwegirlshadspencersmadeofit。Dearheart，howwellIrememberplayinginaunt\'sgreatgarden，andchasingJackupanddownthosewindingstairs； andmyblessedfather，inhisplum-coloredcoatandkneebuckles，andthequeueIusedtotieupforhimeveryday，handingauntintodinner，lookingsodignifiedandsplendid。\" Grandmaseemedtoforgetherstoryforaminute，andbecomealittlegirlagain，amongtheplaymatesdeadandgonesomanyyears。Pollymotionedtheotherstobequiet，andnoonespoketilltheoldlady，withalongsigh，camebacktothepresent，andwenton。 \"Well，asIwassaying，theGovernorwantedtogiveabreakfasttotheFrenchofficers，andMadam，whowasahospitablesoul，gotupasplendidoneforthem。Butbysomemistake，oraccident，itwasdiscoveredatthelastminutethattherewasnomilk。 \"Agreatdealwasneeded，andverylittlecouldbeboughtorborrowed，sodespairfelluponthecooksandmaids，andthegreatbreakfastwouldhavebeenafailure，ifMadam，withthepresenceofmindofhersex，hadnotsuddenlybethoughtherselfofthecowsfeedingontheCommon。 \"Tobesure，theybelongedtoherneighbors，andtherewasnotimetoaskleave，butitwasanationalaffair；ouralliesmustbefed； andfeelingsurethatherpatrioticfriendswouldgladlylaytheircowsonthealtaroftheircountry，MadamHancockcoveredherselfwithglory，bycalmlyissuingthecommand，\'Milk\'em!\' \"Itwasdone，tothegreatastonishmentofthecows，andtheentiresatisfactionoftheguests，amongwhomwasLafayette。 \"Thismilkingfeatwassuchagoodjoke，thatnooneseemstohaverememberedmuchaboutthegreatman，thoughoneofhisofficers，acount，signalizedhimselfbygettingverytipsy，andgoingtobedwithhisbootsandspurson，­；whichcausedthedestructionofaunt\'sbestyellowdamaskcoverlet，fortherestlesssleeperkickeditintoragsbymorning。 \"Auntvalueditverymuch，eveninitstatteredcondition，andkeptitalongwhile，asamemorialofherdistinguishedguests。 \"ThetimewhenIsawLafayettewasin1825，andtherewerenotipsycountsthen。UncleHancock(asweetman，mydears，thoughsomecallhimmeannow-a-days)wasdead，andaunthadmarriedCaptainScott。 \"Itwasnotatallthethingforhertodo；however，that\'sneitherherenorthere。ShewaslivinginFederalStreetatthetime，amostaristocraticstreetthen，children，andwelivedcloseby。 \"OldJosiahQuincywasmayorofthecity，andhesentauntwordthattheMarquisLafayettewishedtopayhisrespectstoher。 \"Ofcourseshewasdelighted，andweallflewabouttomakereadyforhim。Auntwasanoldlady，butshemadeagrandtoilet，andwasasanxioustolookwellasanygirl。\" \"Whatdidshewear？\"askedFan，withinterest。 \"Sheworeasteel-coloredsatin，trimmedwithblacklace，andonhercapwaspinnedaLafayettebadgeofwhitesatin。 \"Inevershallforgethowb-e-a-utifullyshelookedasshesatinstateonthefrontparlorsophy，rightunderagreatportraitofherfirsthusband；andoneithersideofhersatMadamStorerandMadamWilliams，eleganttobehold，intheirstiffsilks，richlace，andstatelyturbans。Wedon\'tseesuchsplendidoldladiesnow-a-days­；\" \"Ithinkwedosometimes，\"saidPolly，slyly。 Grandmashookherhead，butitpleasedherverymuchtobeadmired，forshehadbeenabeautyinherday。 \"Wegirlshaddressedthehousewithflowers；oldMr。Coolidgesentinaclothes-basketfull。JoeJoyprovidedthebadges，andauntgotoutsomeoftheRevolutionarywinefromtheoldBeaconStreetcellar。 \"Iworemygreenandwhitepalmyrine，myhairbowedhigh，thebeautifulleg-o\'-muttonsleevesthatweresobecoming，andtheseverygloves。 \"Well，by-and-bytheGeneral，escortedbytheMayor，droveup。Dearme，Iseehimnow!­；alittleoldmaninnankeentrousersandvest，alongbluecoatandruffledshirt，leaningonhiscane，forhewaslame，andsmilingandbowinglikeatrueFrenchman。 \"Asheapproached，thethreeoldladiesrose，andcourtesiedwiththeutmostdignity。LafayettebowedfirsttotheGovernor\'spicture，thentotheGovernor\'swidow，andkissedherhand。 \"Thatwasdroll；foronthebackofherglovewasstampedLafayette\'slikeness，andthegallantoldgentlemankissedhisownface。 \"Thensomeoftheyoungladieswerepresented，and，asiftoescapeanyfurtherself-salutations，themarquiskissedtheprettygirlsonthecheek。 \"Yes，mydears，hereisjustthespotwherethedearoldmansalutedme。I\'mquiteasproudofitnowasIwasthen，forhewasabrave，goodman，andhelpedusinourtrouble。 \"Hedidnotstaylong，butwewereverymerry，drinkinghishealth，receivinghiscompliments，andenjoyingthehonorhedidus。 \"Downinthestreettherewasacrowd，ofcourse，andwhenhelefttheywantedtotakeoutthehorsesanddraghimhomeintriumph。Buthedidn\'twishit；andwhilethataffairwasbeingarranged，wegirlshadbeenpeltinghimwiththeflowerswhichwetorefromthevases，thewalls，andourowntopknots，toscatteroverhim。 \"Helikedthat，andlaughed，andwavedhishandtous，whileweran，andpelted，andbeggedhimtocomeagain。 \"Weyoungfolksquitelostourheadsthatnight，andIhaven\'taveryclearideaofhowIgothome。ThelastthingIrememberwashangingoutofthewindowwithaflockofgirls，watchingthecarriagerollaway，whilethecrowdcheeredasiftheyweremad。 \"Blessmyheart，itseemsasifIheard\'emnow!\'HurrahforLafayetteandMayorQuincy!HurrahforMadamHancockandtheprettygirls!HurrahforCol。May!\'\'ThreecheersforBoston!Now，then!Hurrah!Hurrah!Hurrah!\' \" Andheretheoldladystopped，outofbreath，withhercapaskew，herspectaclesontheendofhernose，andherknittingmuchtheworseforbeingwavedenthusiasticallyintheair，whileshehungoverthearmofherchair，shrillycheeringanimaginaryLafayette。Thegirlsclappedtheirhands，andTomhurrahedwithallhismight，saying，whenhegothisbreath，\"Lafayettewasaregularoldtrump；Ialwayslikedhim。\" \"Mydear!whatadisrespectfulwaytospeakofthatgreatman，\"saidgrandma，shockedatYoungAmerica\'sirreverence。 \"Well，hewasatrump，anyway，sowhynotcallhimone？\"askedTom，feelingthattheobjectionablewordwasallthatcouldbedesired。 \"Whatqueerglovesyouworethen，\"interruptedFanny，whohadbeentryingonthemuch-honoredglove，andfindingitatightfit。 \"Muchbetterandcheaperthanwehavenow，\"returnedgrandma，readytodefend\"thegoodoldtimes\"againsteveryinsinuation。\"Youareanextravagantsetnow-a-days，andIreallydon\'tknowwhatyouarecomingto。Bytheway，I\'vegotsomewheretwoletterswrittenbytwoyoungladies，onein1517，andtheotherin1868。Thecontrastbetweenthetwowillamuseyou，Ithink。\" Afteralittlesearch，grandmaproducedanoldportfolio，andselectingthepapers，readthefollowingletter，writtenbyAnneBoleynbeforehermarriagetoHenryVIII，andnowinthepossessionofacelebratedantiquarian:­； DEARMARY，­；Ihavebeenintownalmostamonth，yetIcannotsayIhavefoundanythinginLondonextremelyagreeable。Werisesolateinthemorning，­；seldombeforesixo\'clock，­；andsitupsolateatnight，­；beingscarcelyinbedbeforeten，­；thatIamquitesickofit；andwasitnotfortheabundanceoffinethingsIameverydaygettingIshouldbeimpatientofreturningintothecountry。 Myindulgentmotherboughtme，yesterday，atamerchant\'sinCheapside，threenewshifts，thatcostfourteenpenceanell，andIamtohaveapairofnewstuffshoes，formyLordofNorfolk\'sball，whichwillbethreeshillings。 TheirregularlifeIhaveledsincemycomingtothisplacehasquitedestroyedmyappetite。YouknowIcouldmanageapoundofbaconandatankardofgoodaleformybreakfast，inthecountry，butinLondonIfinditdifficulttogetthroughhalfthequantity，thoughImustownIamgenerallyeagerenoughforthedinnerhour，whichisheredelayedtilltwelve，inyourpolitesociety。 Iplayedathotcockles，lastnight，atmyLordofLeicester\'s。TheLordofSurreywasthere，averyelegantyoungman，whosungasongofhisowncomposition，onthe\"LordofKildare\'sDaughter。\"Itwasmuchapproved，andmybrotherwhisperedmethatthefairGeraldine，forsomyLordofSurreycallshissweetheart，isthefinestwomanoftheage。Ishouldbegladtoseeher，forIhearsheisgoodassheisbeautiful。 Praytakecareofthepoultryduringmyabsence。Poorthings!Ialwaysfedthemmyself；andifMargeryhasknittedmethecrimsonworstedmittens，Ishouldbegladiftheyweresentupthefirstopportunity。 Adieu，dearMary。Iamjustgoingtomass，andyoushallspeedilyhavetheprayers，asyouhavenowthekindestloveofyourownANNEBOLEYN。 \"Upbeforesix，andthinkitlatetogotobedatten!WhatacountrifiedthingAnnemusthavebeen。Baconandaleforbreakfast，anddinnerattwelve； howveryqueertoliveso!\"criedFanny。\"LordSurreyandLordLeicestersoundfine，buthotcockles，andredmittens，andshoesforthreeshillings，arehorrid。\" \"Ilikeit，\"saidPolly，thoughtfully，\"andI\'mgladpoorAnnehadalittlefunbeforehertroublesbegan。MayIcopythatlettersometime，grandma？\" \"Yes，dear，andwelcome。Now，here\'stheother，byamoderngirlonherfirstvisittoLondon。Thiswillsuityoubetter，Fan，\"andgrandmareadwhatafriendhadsentherasapendanttoAnne\'slittlepictureofLondonlifelongago:­； MYDEARESTCONSTANCE，­；AfterthreemonthsofintenseexcitementI snatchaleisuremomenttotellyouhowmuchIenjoymyfirstvisittoLondon。Havingbeeneducatedabroad，itreallyseemslikecomingtoastrangecity。Atfirstthesmoke，dirtandnoisewereverydisagreeable，butI soongotusedtothesethings，andnowfindallIseeperfectlycharming。 WeplungedatonceintoawhirlofgayetyandIhavehadnotimetothinkofanythingbutpleasure。Itistheheightoftheseason，andeveryhourisengagedeitheringoingtoballs，concerts，theatres，fê；tesandchurch，orinpreparingforthem。Weoftengototwoorthreepartiesinanevening，andseldomgethometillmorning，soofcoursewedon\'trisetillnoonnextday。Thisleavesverylittletimeforourdrives，shopping，andcallsbeforedinnerateight，andthentheeveninggayetiesbeginagain。 AtaballatLadyRussell\'slastnight，IsawthePrinceofWales，anddancedinthesetwithhim。Heisgrowingstout，andlooksdissipated。 Iwasdisappointedinhim，forneitherinappearancenorconversationwasheatallprincely。IwasintroducedtoaverybrilliantanddelightfulyounggentlemanfromAmerica。Iwascharmedwithhim，andrathersurprisedtolearnthathewrotethepoemswhichweresomuchadmiredlastseason，alsothatheisthesonofarichtailor。HowoddtheseAmericansare，withtheirmoney，andtalent，andindependence! Omydear，Imustnotforgettotellyouthegreateventofmyfirstseason。IamtobepresentedatthenextDrawingRoom!ThinkhowabsorbedImustbeinpreparationforthisgrandaffair。MammaisresolvedthatIshalldohercredit，andwehavespentthelasttwoweeksdrivingaboutfrommillinerstomantua-makers，frommerchantstojewellers。Iamtowearwhitesatinandplumes，pearlsandroses。Mydresswillcostahundredpoundsormore，andisveryelegant。 Mycousinsandfriendslavishlovelythingsuponme，andyouwillopenyourunsophisticatedeyeswhenIdisplaymysilksandlaces，trinketsandFrenchhats，nottomentionbilletdeux，photographs，andotherrelicsofayoungbelle\'sfirstseason。 YouaskifIeverthinkofhome。Ireallyhaven\'ttime，butIdosometimeslongalittleforthequiet，thepureairandthegirlishamusementsI usedtoenjoysomuch。Onegetspale，andold，andsadlyfaggedout，withallthisdissipation，pleasantasitis。Ifeelquiteblasé；already。 Ifyoucouldsendmetherosycheeks，brighteyes，andgayspiritsI alwayshadathome，I\'dthankyou。Asyoucannotdothat，pleasesendmeabottleofJunerainwater，formymaidtellsmeitisbetterthananycosmeticforthecomplexion，andmineisgettingruinedbylatehours。 Ifancysomefruitoffourowntreeswouldsuitme，forIhavenoappetite，andmammaisquitedesolé；eaboutme。OnecannotliveonFrenchcookerywithoutdyspepsia，andonecangetnothingsimplehere，forfood，likeeverythingelse，isregulatedbythefashion。 Adieu，machè；re，Imustdressforchurch。Ionlywishyoucouldseemynewhatandgowithme，forLordRockinghampromisedtobethere。Adieu，yourseternally，FLORENCE。 \"Yes，Idolikethatbetter，andIwishIhadbeeninthisgirl\'splace，don\'tyou，Polly？\"saidFan，asgrandmatookoffherglasses。 \"IshouldlovetogotoLondon，andhaveagoodtime，butIdon\'tthinkIshouldcareaboutspendingeversomuchmoney，orgoingtoCourt。MaybeImightwhenIgotthere，forIdolikefunandsplendor，\"addedhonestPolly，feelingthatpleasurewasaverytemptingthing。 \"Grandmalookstired；let\'sgoandplayinthedwying-woom，\"saidMaud，whofoundtheconversationgettingbeyondherdepth。 \"Letusallkissandthankgrandma，foramusingussonicely，beforewego，\"whisperedPolly。MaudandFannyagreed，andgrandmalookedsogratifiedbytheirthanks，thatTomfollowedsuit，merelywaitingtill\"thosegirls\" wereoutofsight，togivetheoldladyaheartyhug，andakissontheverycheekLafayettehadsaluted。 Whenhereachedtheplay-roomPollywassittingintheswing，saying，veryearnestly，\"Ialwaystoldyouitwasniceupingrandma\'sroom，andnowyouseeitis。Iwishyou\'dgooftener；sheadmirestohaveyou，andlikestotellstoriesanddopleasantthings，onlyshethinksyoudon\'tcareforherquietsortoffun。Ido，anyway，andIthinkshe\'sthekindest，bestoldladythateverlived，andIloveherdearly!\" \"Ididn\'tsayshewasn\'t，onlyoldpeoplearesortoftediousandfussy，soIkeepoutoftheirway，\"saidFanny。 \"Well，yououghtnotto，andyoumisslotsofpleasanttimes。Mymothersaysweoughttobekindandpatientandrespectfultoalloldfolksjustbecausetheyareold，andIalwaysmeantobe。\" \"Yourmother\'severlastinglypreaching，\"mutteredFan，nettledbytheconsciousnessofherownshortcomingswithregardtograndma。 \"Shedon\'tpreach!\"criedPolly，firinguplikeaflash；\"sheonlyexplainsthingstous，andhelpsusbegood，andneverscolds，andI\'dratherhaveherthananyothermotherintheworld，thoughshedon\'twearvelvetcloaksandsplendidbonnets，­；sonow!\" \"Goit，Polly!\"calledTom，whowasgracefullyhangingheaddownwardfromthebarputupforhisspecialbenefit。 \"Polly\'smad!Polly\'smad!\"sungMaud，skippingroperoundtheroom。 \"IfMr。Sydneycouldseeyounowhewouldn\'tthinkyousuchanangelanymore，\"addedFanny，tossingabean-bagandherheadatthesametime。 Pollywasmad，herfacewasveryred，hereyesverybrightandherlipstwitched，butsheheldhertongueandbegantoswingashardasshecould，fearingtosaysomethingshewouldbesorryforafterward。Forafewminutesnoonespoke，TomwhistledandMaudhummedbutFanandPollywereeachsoberlythinkingofsomething，fortheyhadreachedanagewhenchildren，girlsespecially，begintoobserve，contrast，andspeculateuponthewords，acts，manners，andlooksofthoseaboutthem。Agooddealofthinkinggoesonintheheadsoftheseshrewdlittlefolks，andtheeldersshouldmindtheirways，fortheygetcriticisedprettysharplyandimitatedveryclosely。 Twolittlethingshadhappenedthatday，andtheinfluenceofafewwords，acarelessaction，wasstillworkingintheactivemindsofthegirls。 Mr。Sydneyhadcalled，andwhileFannywastalkingwithhimshesawhiseyerestonPolly，whosatapartwatchingthefacesroundherwiththemodest，intelligentlookwhichmanyfoundsoattractive。AtthatminuteMadamShawcamein，andstoppedtospeaktothelittlegirl。Pollyroseatonce，andremainedstandingtilltheoldladypassedon。 \"AreyoulaughingatPolly\'sprimways？\"Fannyhadasked，asshesawMr。Sydneysmile。 \"No，IamadmiringMissPolly\'sfinemanners，\"heansweredinagrave，respectfultone，whichhadimpressedFannyverymuch，forMr。Sydneywasconsideredbyallthegirlsasamodelofgoodbreeding，andthatindescribablesomethingwhichtheycalled\"elegance。\"