第6章

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