第7章

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