第8章

\"WhatafateforprettyPolly!\"ejaculatedTom。 \"Shelikesit，andI\'msureIshouldthinkshewould；it\'sbeautifultohear\'emplanitallout。\" \"Anymoregossiptoretail，Pug？\"askedTomaminuteafter，asMaudseemedabsorbedinvisionsofthe，future。 \"Hetoldafunnystoryaboutblowinguponeoftheprofessors。Younevertoldus，soIsupposeyoudidn\'tknowit。Somebadfellowputatorpedo，orsomesortofpowderthing，underthechair，anditwentoffinthemidstofthelesson，andthepoormanflewup，frightenedmosttopieces，andtheboysranwithpailsofwatertoputthefireout。ButthethingthatmadeWilllaughmostwas，thattheveryfellowwhodiditgothistrousersburnttryingtoputoutthefire，andheaskedthe­；isitFacultyorPresident？\" \"Eitherwilldo，\"murmuredTom，whowasshakingwithsuppressedlaughter。 \"Well，heasked\'emtogivehimsomenewones，andtheydidgivehimmoneyenough，foranicepair；buthegotsomecheapones，withhorridgreatstripeson\'em，andalwayswore\'emtothatparticularclass，\'whichwasonetoomanyforthefellows，\'Willsaid，andwiththerestofthemoneyhehadapunchparty。Wasn\'titdreadful？\" \"Awful!\"AndTomexplodedintoagreatlaugh，thatmadeFannycoverherears，andthelittledogbarkwildly。 \"Didyouknowthatbadboy？\"askedinnocentMaud。 \"Slightly，\"gaspedTom，inwhosewardrobeatcollegethoseidenticaltrouserswerehangingatthatmoment。 \"Don\'tmakesuchanoise，myheadachesdreadfully，\"saidFanny，fretfully。 \"Girls\'headsalwaysdoache，\"answeredTom，subsidingfromaroarintoachuckle。 \"Whatpleasureyouboyscanfindinsuchungentlemanlythings，Idon\'tsee，\"saidFanny，whowasevidentlyoutofsorts。 \"Asmuchamysterytoyouasitistous，howyougirlscanliketogabbleandprinkfromoneweek\'sendtotheother，\"retortedTom。 Therewasapauseafterthislittlepassage-at-arms，butFanwantedtobeamused，fortimehungheavilyonherhands，sosheasked，inamoreamiabletone，\"How\'sTrix？\" \"Assweetasever，\"answeredTom，gruffly。 \"Didshescoldyou，asusual？\" \"Shejustdid。\" \"Whatwasthematter？\" \"Well，I\'llleaveittoyouifthisisn\'tunreasonable:shewon\'tdancewithmeherself，yetdon\'tlikemetogoitwithanybodyelse。I said，Ithought，ifafellowtookagirltoaparty，sheoughttodancewithhimonce，atleast，especiallyiftheywereengaged。Shesaidthatwastheveryreasonwhysheshouldn\'tdoit；so，atthelasthop，Iletheralone，andhadagaytimewithBelle，andto-dayTrixgaveittomehotandheavy，cominghomefromchurch。\" \"Ifyougoandengageyourselftoagirllikethat，Idon\'tknowwhatyoucanexpect。DidshewearherParishatto-day？\"addedFan，withsuddeninterestinhervoice。 \"Sheworesomesortofabluething，withaconfoundedbirdofParadiseinit，thatkeptwhiskingintomyfaceeverytimesheturnedherhead。\" \"Menneverknowaprettythingwhentheyseeit。Thathatisperfectlylovely。\" \"Theyknowaladywhentheyseeher，andTrixdon\'tlooklikeone；I can\'tsaywherethetroubleis，butthere\'stoomuchfussandfeathersformytaste。Youaretwiceasstylish，yetyouneverlookloudorfast。\" Touchedbythisunusualcompliment，Fannydrewherchairnearerassherepliedwithcomplacency，­； \"Yes，IflattermyselfIdoknowhowtodresswell。Trixneverdid；she\'sfondofgaycolors，andgenerallylookslikeawalkingrainbow。\" \"Can\'tyougiveherahint？Tellhernottowearblueglovesanyway，sheknowsIhate\'em。\" \"I\'vedonemybestforyoursake，Tom，butsheisaperversecreature，anddon\'tmindawordIsay，evenaboutthingsmuchmoreobjectionablethanbluegloves。\" \"Maudie，runandbringmemyothercigarcase，it\'slyingroundsomewhere。\" Maudwent；andassoonasthedoorwasshut，Tomroseonhiselbow，sayinginacautiouslyloweredvoice，­； \"Fan，doesTrixpaint？\" \"Yes，anddrawstoo，\"answeredFanny，withaslylaugh。 \"Come，youknowwhatImean；I\'vearighttoaskandyououghttotell，\" saidTom，soberly，forhewasbeginningtofindthatbeingengagedwasnotunmitigatedbliss。 \"Whatmakesyouthinkshedoes？\" \"Well，betweenourselves，\"saidTom，lookingalittlesheepish，butanxioustosethismindatrest，\"sheneverwillletmekissheronhercheek，nothingbutanunsatisfactorypeckatherlips。Thentheotherday，asItookabitofheliotropeoutofavasetoputinmybutton-hole，I whiskedadropofwaterintoherface；Iwasgoingtowipeitoff，butshepushedmyhandaway，andrantotheglass，whereshecarefullydabbeditdry，andcamebackwithonecheekredderthantheother。Ididn\'tsayanything，butIhadmysuspicions。Comenow，doesshe？\" \"Yes，shedoes；butdon\'tsayawordtoher，forshe\'llneverforgivemytellingifsheknewit。\" \"Idon\'tcareforthat；Idon\'tlikeit，andIwon\'thaveit，\"saidTom，decidedly。 \"Youcan\'thelpyourself。Halfthegirlsdoit，eitherpaintorpowder，darkentheirlasheswithburnthair-pins，ortakecologneonlumpsofsugarorbelladonnatomaketheireyesbright。Claratriedarsenicforhercomplexion，buthermotherstoppedit，\"saidFanny，betrayingthesecretsoftheprison-houseinthebasestmanner。 \"Iknewyougirlswereasetofhumbugs，andveryprettyones，too，someofyou，butIcan\'tsayIliketoseeyoupainteduplikealotofactresses，\"saidTom，withanairofdisgust。 \"Idon\'tdoanythingofthesort，orneedit，butTrixdoes； andhavingchosenher，youmustabideyourchoice，forbetterorworse。\" \"Ithasn\'tcometothatyet，\"mutteredTom，ashelaydownagainwitharebelliousair。 Maud\'sreturnputanendtotheseconfidences，thoughTomexcitedhercuriositybyaskingthemysteriousquestion，\"Isay，Fan，isPollyuptothatsortofthing？\" \"No，shethinksit\'sawful。Whenshegetspaleanddraggedoutshewillprobablychangehermind。\" \"Idoubtit，\"saidTom。 \"Pollysaysitisn\'tpropertotalksecretsbeforepeoplewhoain\'tin\'em，\"observedMaud，withdignity。 \"Do，formercysake，stoptalkingaboutPolly，I\'msicktodeathofit，\"criedFanny，snappishly。 \"Hullo!\"andTomsatuptotakeasurvey。\"Ithoughtyouwerebosomfriends，andasspoonyasever。\" \"Well，IamfondofPolly，butIgettiredofhearingMaudsingherpraiseseverlastingly。Nowdon\'tgoandrepeatthat，chatterbox。\" \"Mygoodness，isn\'tshecross？\"whisperedMaudtoTom。 \"Astwosticks；letherbe。There\'sthebell；seewhoitis，Pug，\" answeredTom，asatinglebrokethesilenceofthehouse。 Maudwenttopeepoverthebanisters，andcameflyingbackinarapture。 \"It\'sWillcomeforme!Can\'tIgo？Itdon\'tsnowhard，andI\'llbundleup，andyoucansendformewhenpapacomes。\" \"Idon\'tcarewhatyoudo，\"answeredFan，whowasinaverybadtemper。 Withoutwaitingforanyotherpermission，Maudrushedawaytogetready。 Willwouldn\'tcomeup，hewassosnowy，andFannywasglad，becausewithherhewasbashful，awkward，andsilent，soTomwentdownandentertainedhimwithMaud\'sreport。Theywereverygoodfriends，butledentirelydifferentlives，Willbeinga\"dig，\"andToma\"bird，\"or，inplainEnglish，onewasahardstudent，andtheotherajollyyounggentleman。TomhadratherpatronizedWill，whodidn\'tlikeit，andshowedthathedidn\'tbyrefusingtoborrowmoneyofhim，oracceptanyofhisinvitationstojointheclubsandsocietiestowhichTombelonged。SoShawletMiltonalone，andhegotonverywellinhisownway，doggedlystickingtohisbooks，andresistingalltemptationsbutthoseofcertainlibraries，athleticgames，andsuchinexpensivepleasuresaswerewithinhismeans；forthisbenightedyouthhadnotyetdiscoveredthatcollegenowadaysisaplaceinwhichto\"sky-lark，\" nottostudy。 WhenMaudcamedownandtrottedcontentedlyaway，holdingWill\'shand，Tomwatchedthemoutofsight，andthenstrolledaboutthehousewhistlingandthinking，tillhewenttosleepinhisfather\'sarm-chair，forwantofsomethingbettertodo。Heawoketothejoysofasolitarytea，forhismothernevercamedown，andFannyshutherselfandherheadacheupinherownroom。 \"Well，thisischeerful，\"hesaid，astheclockstruckeight，andhisfourthcigarcametoanend。\"Trixismad，andFaninthedumps，soI\'lltakemyselfoff。GuessI\'llgoroundtoPolly\'s，andaskWilltodriveoutwithme，andsavehimthewalk，poorchap。MightbringMidgethome，itwillpleaseher，andthere\'snoknowingwhenthegovernorwillbeback。\" Withthesethoughtsinhishead，Tomleisurelygotunderway，andlefthishorseataneighboringstable，forhemeanttomakealittlecall，andseewhatitwasMaudenjoyedsomuch。 \"Pollyisholdingforth，\"hesaidtohimself，ashewentquietlyupstairs，andthesteadymurmurofapleasantvoicecamedowntohim。TomlaughedatPolly\'searnestwayoftalkingwhenshewasinterestedinanything。 Buthelikeditbecauseitwassodifferentfromthecoquettishclatterofmostofthegirlswithwhomhetalked。Youngmenoftenlaughatthesensiblegirlswhomtheysecretlyrespect，andaffecttoadmirethesillyoneswhomtheysecretlydespise，becauseearnestness，intelligence，andwomanlydignityarenotthefashion。 Thedoorwasajar，andpausinginthedarkentryTomtookasurveybeforehewentin。Theprospectwasnotdazzling，buthome-likeandpleasant。 Thelightofabrightfirefilledthelittleroom，anddownonastoolbeforeitwasMaudtendingPuttel，andwatchingwithdeepinteresttheroastingofanappleintendedforherspecialbenefit。OnthecouchloungedWill，histhoughtfuleyesfixedonPolly，who，whileshetalked，smoothedthebroadforeheadofher\"yellow-hairedladdie\"inawaythatTomthoughtanimmenseimprovementonMaud\'sperformance。Theyhadevidentlybeenbuildingcastlesintheair，forPollywassayinginhermostimpressivemanner，\"Well，whateveryoudo，Will，don\'thaveagreat，costlychurchthattakessomuchmoneytobuildandsupportitthatyouhavenothingtogiveaway。Iliketheplain，old-fashionedchurches，builtforuse，notshow，wherepeoplemetforheartyprayingandpreaching，andwhereeverybodymadetheirownmusicinsteadoflisteningtooperasingers，aswedonow。 Idon\'tcareiftheoldchurcheswerebareandcold，andtheseatshard，therewasrealpietyinthem，andthesincerityofitwasfeltinthelivesofthepeople。Idon\'twantareligionthatIputawaywithmySundayclothes，anddon\'ttakeouttillthedaycomesroundagain；Iwantsomethingtoseeandfeelandlivebyday-by-day，andIhopeyou\'llbeoneofthetrueministers，whocanteachbypreceptandexample，howtogetandkeepit。\" \"IhopeIshallbe，Polly，butyouknowtheysaythatinfamilies，ifthereisaboywhocan\'tdoanythingelse，theymakeaministerofhim。 IsometimesthinkIain\'tgoodformuch，andthatseemstomethereasonwhyIshouldn\'teventrytobeaminister，\"saidWill，smiling，yetlookingasifwithallhishumilityhedidhavefaithintheaspirationsthatcametohiminhisbestmoments。 \"Someonesaidthatverythingtofatheronce，andIrememberheanswered，\'IamgladtogivemybestandbrightestsontotheserviceofGod。\'\" \"Didhesaythat？\"andWill\'scolorrose，forthebig，book-lovingfellowwasassensitiveasagirltothepraiseofthosedearesttohim。 \"Yes，\"saidPolly，unconsciouslygivingthestrongeststimulustoherbrother\'shopeandcourage。\"Yes，andheadded，\'Ishallletmyboysfollowtheguidethatisinthem，andonlyaskofthemtousetheirgiftsconscientiously，andbehonest，usefulmen。\'\" \"Sowewill!NedisdoingwelloutWest，andI\'mhardatithere。Iffatherdoeshisbesttogiveusthechanceweeachwant，theleastwecandoistoworkwithawill。\" \"Whateveryoudo，youcan\'thelpworkingwithaWill，\"criedTom，whohadbeensointerested，thatheforgothewasplayingeavesdropper。 Pollyflewup，lookingsopleasedandsurprised，thatTomreproachedhimselffornothavingcalledoftener。 \"I\'vecomeforMaud，\"heannounced，inapaternaltone，whichmadethatyoungladyopenhereyes。 \"Ican\'tgotillmyappleisdone；besides，itisn\'tnineyet，andWillisgoingtotakemealong，whenhegoes。I\'dratherhavehim。\" \"I\'mgoingtotakeyoubothinthecutter。Thestormisover，butitisheavywalking，soyou\'lldriveoutwithme，oldman？\"saidTom，withanodatWill。 \"Ofcoursehewill；andthankyouverymuch。I\'vebeentryingtokeephimallnight；MissMillsalwaysmanagestofindacornerforstraypeople，butheinsistsongoing，soastogettoworkearlyto-morrow，\"saidPolly，delightedtoseethatTomwastakingoffhiscoat，asifhemeanttowaitforMaud\'sapple，whichPollyblessedforbeingsoslowtocook。 Puttingherguestintothebestchair，Pollysatdownandbeamedathimwithsuchhospitablesatisfaction，thatTomwentupseveralpegsinhisownestimation。 \"Youdon\'tcomeveryoften，soweareratherover-poweredwhenyoudohonorus，\"shesaid，demurely。 \"Well，you，knowwefellowsaresobusy，wehaven\'tmuchtimetoenjoyourselves，\"answeredTom。 \"Ahem!\"saidWill，loudly。 \"Takeatroche，\"saidTom。 Thentheybothburstoutlaughing，andPolly，fullyunderstandingthejoke，joinedthem，saying，\"Herearesomepeanuts，Tom；doenjoyyourselfwhileyoucan。\" \"NowIcallthatadelicatecompliment!\"AndTom，whohadnotlosthisearlyrelishforthissortofrefreshment，thoughheseldomindulgedhispassionnowadays，becausepeanutsareconsideredvulgar，felltocrackingandmunchingwithgreatsatisfaction。 \"DoyourememberthefirstvisitImadeatyourhouse，howyougavemepeanuts，comingfromthedepot，andfrightenedmeoutofmywits，pretendingthecoachmanwastipsy？\"askedPolly。 \"OfcourseIdo，andhowwecoastedoneday，\"answeredTom，laughing。 \"Yes，andthevelocipede；you\'vegotthescarofthatyet，Isee。\" \"Irememberhowyoustoodbymewhileitwassewedup；thatwasveryplucky，Polly。\" \"Iwasdreadfullyafraid，butIrememberIwantedtoseemverybrave，becauseyou\'dcalledmeacoward。\" \"DidI？Oughttohavebeenashamedofmyself。Iusedtoroughyoushamefully，Polly，andyouweresogood-natured，youletmedoit。\" \"Couldn\'thelpmyself，\"laughedPolly。\"Ididusetothinkyouwereanawfulboy，butseemstomeIratherlikedit。\" \"Shehadsomuchofitathome，shegotusedtoit，\"putinWill，pullingthelittlecurlbehindPolly\'sear。 \"YouboysneverteasedmeasTomdid，that\'sthereasonitamusedme，Isuppose；noveltyhathcharms，youknow。\" \"GrandmausedtolectureTomforplaguingyou，Polly，andheusedtosayhe\'dbeatip-topboy，buthewasn\'t，\"observedMaud，withavenerableair。 \"Dearoldgrandma；shedidherbest，butI\'mabadlot，\"saidTom，withashakeoftheheadandasoberface。 \"Italwaysseemsasifshemustbeupinherrooms，andIcan\'tgetusedtofindingthemempty，\"addedPolly，softly。 \"Fatherwouldn\'thaveanythingmoved，andTomsitsuptheresometimes； itmakeshimfeelgood，hesays，\"saidMaud，whohadatalentforbetrayingtrifleswhichpeoplepreferredshouldnotbementionedinpublic。 \"You\'dbetterhurryupyourapple，forifitisn\'tdoneprettysoon，you\'llhavetoleaveit，Pug，\"saidTom，lookingannoyed。 \"HowisFan？\"askedPolly，withtact。 \"Well，Fanisratherundertheweather；saysshe\'sdyspeptic，whichmeanscross。\" \"Sheiscross，butshe\'ssicktoo，forIfoundhercryingoneday，andshesaidnobodycaredabouther，andshemightaswellbedead，\"addedMaud，havingturnedherapplewithtendercare。 \"Wemusttrytocheerherup，amongus。IfIwasn\'tsobusyI\'dliketodevotemyselftoher，shehasdonesomuchforme，\"saidPolly，gratefully。 \"Iwishyoucould。Ican\'tunderstandher，forsheactslikeaweathercock，andIneverknowhowI\'mgoingtofindher。Ihatetohavehermopeso，but，uponmylife，Idon\'tknowwhattodo，\"saidTom；butasheutteredthewords，somethingwassuggestedbythesightbeforehim。Chairswerefew，andPollyhadtakenhalfofWill\'swhentheydrewroundthefire。 Nowshewasleaningagainsthim，inacosy，confidingway，delightfultobehold，whileWill\'sstrongarmwentroundherwithaprotectingair，whichsaid，asplainlyasanywords，thatthisbigbrotherandsmallsisterknewhowtoloveandhelponeanother。Itwasapleasantlittlepicture，allthepleasanterforitsunconsciousness，andTomfounditbothsuggestiveandagreeable。 \"PooroldFan，shedon\'tgetmuchpetting；maybethat\'swhatshewants。 I\'lltryitandsee，forshestandsbymelikeatrump。Ifshewasarosy，cosylittlewoman，likePolly，itwouldcomeeasier，though，\"thoughtTom，ashemeditativelyatehislastnut，feelingthatfraternalaffectioncouldnotbeverydifficultofdemonstration，tobrothersblessedwithpretty，good-temperedsisters。 \"ItoldTomaboutthebadfellowwhoblewuptheprofessor，andhesaidheknewhim，slightly；andIwassorelieved，becauseIhadakindofafeelingthatitwasTomhimself，youandWilllaughedsoaboutit。\" Maudhadaqueerwayofgoingonwithherownthoughts，andsuddenlycomingoutwithwhateverlayuppermost，regardlessoftime，place，orcompany。 Asthisremarkfellfromher，therewasageneralsmile，andPollysaid，withmocksolemnity，­； \"Itwasasadthing，andI\'venodoubtthatmisguidedyoungmanisverysorryforitnow。\" \"HelookedperfectlyboweddownwithremorselasttimeIsawhim，\"saidWill，regardingTomwitheyesfulloffun，forWillwasaboyaswellasabookworm，andrelishedajokeaswellasscatter-brainedTom。 \"Healwaysisremorsefulafterascrape，I\'veunderstood，forheisn\'taverybadfellow，onlyhisspiritsareonetoomanyforhim，andheisn\'tasfondofhisbookasanotherfellowIknow。\" \"I\'mafraidhe\'llheexpelledifhedon\'tmind，\"saidPolly，warningly。 \"Shouldn\'twonderifhewas，he\'ssuchanunluckydog，\"answeredTom，rathersoberly。 \"Ihopehe\'llrememberthathisfriendswillbeverymuchdisappointedifheis。Hemightmakethemsoproudandhappy；thatIguesshewill，forheisn\'thalfasthoughtlessashemakeshimselfout，\"saidPolly，lookingacrossatTomwithsuchfriendlyeyesthathewasquitetouched，thoughofcoursehedidn\'tshowit。 \"Thankyou，Polly；hemaypullthrough，butIhavemydoubts。Nowoldman，letus\'pud\'along；it\'sgettinglateforthechicken，\"headded，relapsingintothegracefuldictionwithwhichaclassicaleducationgiftsitsfortunatepossessor。 TakingadvantageofthemomentwhileWillwaswrestlingwithhisbootsinthecloset，andMaudwasabsorbedinpackingherappleintoalargebasket，PollysaidtoTominalowtone，­； \"Thankyouverymuch，forbeingsokindtoWill。\" \"Blessyourheart，Ihaven\'tdoneanything；he\'ssuchaproudfellowhewon\'tletme，\"answeredTom。 \"Butyoudoinmanylittleways；to-night，forexample。DoyouthinkIdon\'tknowthatthesuitofclotheshe\'sjustgotwouldhavecostagooddealmore，ifyourtailorhadn\'tmadethem？He\'sonlyaboy，anddon\'tunderstandthingsyet；butIknowyourwayofhelpingproudpeople； sothattheydon\'tfinditout，andIdothankyou，Tom，somuch。\" \"Oh，come，Polly，thatwon\'tdo。Whatdoyouknowabouttailorsandcollegematters？\"saidTom，lookingasmuchconfusedasifshehadfoundhimoutinsomethingreprehensible。 \"Idon\'tknowmuch，andthat\'sthereasonwhyI\'mgratefulforyourkindnesstoWill。Idon\'tcarewhatstoriestheytellaboutyou，I\'msure，youwon\'tleadhimintotrouble，butkeephimstraight，formysake。YouknowI\'velostonebrother，andWilltakesJimmy\'splacetomenow。\" ThetearsinPolly\'seyesasshesaidthatmadeTomvowatremendousvowwithinhimselftostandbyWillthroughthickandthin，and\"keephimstraightforPolly\'ssake\"；feelingallthetimehowill-fittedhewasforsuchatask。 \"I\'lldomybest，\"hesaid，heartily，ashepressedthehandPollygavehim，withalookwhichassuredherthathefelttheappealtohishonor，andthathenceforththecountryladwassafefromallthetemptationsTomcouldhaveofferedhim。 \"There!nowIshallgivethattomammatotakeherpillsin；it\'sjustwhatshelikes，anditpleaseshertobethoughtof，\"saidMaud，surveyinghergiftwithcomplacency，assheputonherthings。 \"You\'reagoodlittlesoul，torememberpoormum，saidTom，withanapprovingnod。 \"Well，shewassopleasedwiththegrapesyoubroughther，IthoughtI\'dtrysomething，andmaybeshe\'dsay\'Thankyou，darling，\'tometoo。 Doyouthinkshewill？\"whisperedMaud，withthewistfullooksooftenseenonherlittleplainface。 \"Seeifshedon\'t；\"andtoMaud\'sgreatsurpriseTomdidn\'tlaughatherproject。 \"Goodnight，dear；takecareofyourself，andkeepyourmufflerroundyourmouthgoingoverthebridge，oryou\'llbeashoarseasacrowto-morrow，\" saidPolly，asshekissedherbrother，whoreturneditwithoutlookingasifhethoughtit\"girl\'snonsense\"Thenthethreepiledintothesleighanddroveoff，leavePollynoddingonthedoorstep。 Maudfoundthedrivealtogethertooshort，butwasconsoledbythepromiseofalongeroneifthesleighinglastedtillnextSaturday:andwhenTomranuptobidhismothergood-by，andgiveherahintaboutMaud\'sgift，shestayedbelowtosay，atthelastminute，inunconsciousimitationofPolly。 \"Goodnight；takecareofyourself，mydear。\" Tomlaughed，andwasabouttopinchthemuchenduringlittlenose；but，asifthewordsremindedhimofsomething，hegaveherakissinstead，apieceofforbearancewhichalmosttookMaud\'sbreathawaywithsurpriseandgratification。 Itwasratherasilentdrive，forWillobedientlykepthismufflerup，andTomfellintoabrownstudy。 Hewasnotmuchgiventoreflection，butoccasionallyindulgedwhensomethinggavehimaturninthatdirection，andatsuchtimeshewasassoberandsincereascouldbedesired。Anyonemighthavelecturedhimforanhourwithoutdoingasmuchgoodasthatlittlecallandthechatthatgrewoutofit，for，thoughnothingverywiseorwittywassaid，manythingsweresuggested，andeveryoneknowsthatpersuasiveinfluencesarebetterthananyamountofmoralizing。NeitherPollynorWilltriedtodoanythingofthesort，andthatwasthecharmofit。Nobodylikestobetalkedto，butnobodycanresisttheeloquenceofunconsciouspreaching。 Withallhisthoughtlessness，Tomwasquicktoseeandfeelthesethings，andwasnotspoiltenoughyettolaughatthem。ThesightofWillandPolly\'ssimpleaffectionforoneanotherremindedhimofaneglecteddutysopleasantly，thathecouldnotforgetit。Talkingofearlydaysmadehimwishhecouldgobackandstartagain，doingbetter。Grandma\'snamerecalledthetendermemorythatalwaysdidhimgood，andthethoughtthatPollytrustedherdearestbrothertohiscarestirredupamanfuldesiretodeservetheconfidence。 Tortureswouldn\'thavedrawnawordofallthisfromhim，butithaditseffect，forboysdon\'tleavetheirheartsandconsciencesbehindthemwhentheyentercollege，andlittlethingsofthissortdomuchtokeepbothfrombeingdamagedbythefouryears\'scrimmagewhichbeginsthebattleoflifeformostofthem。ChapterXI。ChapterXI。CHAPTERXINEEDLESANDTONGUES DEARPOLLY，­；TheSewingCirclemeetsatourhousethisP。M。Thisisinyourline，sodocomeandhelpmethrough。Ishalldependonyou。Yoursever，FAN。 \"Badnews，mydear？\"askedMissMills，whohadjusthandedthenotetoPollyasshecameinonenoon，afewweeksafterJenny\'sarrival。 Pollytoldherwhatitwas，adding，\"IsupposeIoughttogoandhelpFanny，butIcan\'tsayIwantto。ThegirlstalkaboutthingsIhavenothingtodowith，andIdon\'tfindtheirgossipveryamusing。I\'manoutsider，andtheyonlyacceptmeonFan\'saccount；soIsitinacornerandsew，whiletheychatterandlaugh。\" \"Wouldn\'titbeagoodchancetosayawordforJenny？Shewantswork，andtheseyoungladiesprobablyhavequantitiesdonesomewhere。Jennydoesfineworkexquisitely，andbeginstofeelanxioustobeearningsomething。 Idon\'twanthertofeeldependentandunhappy，andalittlewell-paidsewingwouldbeallsheneedstodonicely。Icangetitforherbyrunningroundtomyfriends，butIreallyhaven\'tthetime，tillIgettheMullersoff。Theyarepaupershere，butoutWesttheycantakecareofthemselves，soI\'vebeggedthemoneytosendthem，andassoonasIcangetthemsomeclothes，offtheygo。That\'sthewaytohelppeoplehelpthemselves，\" andMissMillsclashedherbigscissorsenergetically，asshecutoutalittleredflannelshirt。 \"Iknowitis，andIwanttohelp，butIdon\'tknowwheretobegin，\" saidPolly，feelingquiteoppressedwiththeimmensityofthework。 \"Wecan\'tanyofusdoallwewouldlike，butwecandoourbestforeverycasethatcomestous，andthathelpsamazingly。BeginwithJenny，mydear；tellthosegirlsabouther，andifI\'mnotmuchmistaken，youwillfindthemreadytohelp，forhalfthetimeitisn\'thardnessofheart，butignoranceorthoughtlessnessonthepartoftherich，thatmakesthemseemsocarelessofthepoor。\" \"Totellthetruth，I\'mafraidofbeinglaughedat，ifItrytotalkseriouslyaboutsuchthingstothegirls，\"saidPolly，frankly。 \"Youbelievethat\'suchthings\'aretrue？Youaresincereinyourwishtohelpbetterthem，andyourespectthosewhoworkforthatend？\" \"Yes，Ido。\" \"Then，mydear，can\'tyoubearalittleridiculeforthesakeofagoodcause？Yousaidyesterdaythatyouweregoingtomakeitaprincipleofyourlife，tohelpupyoursexasfarandasfastasyoucould。Itdidmyheartgoodtohearyousayit，forIwassurethatintimeyouwouldkeepyourword。But，Polly，aprinciplethatcan\'tbearbeinglaughedat，frownedon，andcold-shouldered，isn\'tworthyofthename。\" \"Iwanttobestrong-mindedintherealsenseoftheword，butIdon\'tliketobecalledsobypeoplewhodon\'tunderstandmymeaning； andIshallbeifItrytomakethegirlsthinksoberlyaboutanythingsensibleorphilanthropic。Theycallmeold-fashionednow，andI\'dratherbethoughtthat，thoughitisn\'tpleasant，thanbesetdownasarampantwoman\'srightsreformer，\"saidPolly，inwhosememorymanylaughs，andsnubs，andsarcasmsstilllingered，forgivenbutnotforgotten。 \"Thisloveandthoughtandcareforthoseweaker，poorer，orworsethanourselves，whichwecallChristiancharity，isaveryoldfashion，mydear。 Itbeganeighteenhundredyearsago，andonlythosewhohonestlyfollowthebeautifulexamplesetusthen，learnhowtogetgenuinehappinessoutoflife。I\'mnota\'rampantwoman\'srightsreformer，\'\"addedMissMills，withasmileatPolly\'ssoberface；\"butIthinkthatwomencandoagreatdealforeachother，iftheywillonlystopfearingwhat\'peoplewillthink，\'andtakeaheartyinterestinwhateverisgoingtofittheirsistersandthemselvestodeserveandenjoytherightsGodgavethem。Therearesomanywaysinwhichthiscanbedone，thatIwondertheydon\'tseeandimprovethem。Idon\'taskyoutogoandmakespeeches，onlyafewhavethegiftforthat，butIdowanteverygirlandwomantofeelthisduty，andmakeanylittlesacrificeoftimeorfeelingthatmaybeaskedofthem，becausethereissomuchtodo，andnoonecandoitaswellasourselves，ifweonlythinkso。\" \"I\'lltry!\"saidPolly，influencedmorebyherdesiretokeepMissMills\'goodopinionthananyloveofself-sacrificeforhersex。Itwasratherahardthingtoaskofashy，sensitivegirl，andthekindoldladyknewit，forinspiteofthegrayhairandwitheredface，herheartwasveryyoung，andherowngirlishtrialsnotforgotten。ButsheknewalsothatPollyhadmoreinfluenceoverothersthansheherselfsuspected，simplybecauseofhercandid，uprightnature；andthatwhileshetriedtohelpothers，shewasservingherselfinawaythatwouldimproveheartandsoulmorethananymeresocialsuccessshemightgainbyfollowingtherulesoffashionablelife，whichdrillthecharacteroutofgirlstilltheyareasmuchalikeaspinsinapaper，andhaveaboutasmuchtruesenseandsentimentintheirlittleheads。TherewasgoodstuffinPolly，unspoiledasyet，andMissMillswasonlyactingoutherprincipleofwomenhelpingeachother。ThewiseoldladysawthatPollyhadreachedthatpointwherethegirlsuddenlybloomsintoawoman，askingsomethingmoresubstantialthanpleasuretosatisfythenewaspirationsthatareborn；atimeaspreciousandimportanttotheafter-life，asthehourwhentheappleblossomsfall，andtheyoungfruitwaitsfortheelementstoripenordestroytheharvest。 Pollydidnotknowthis，andwasfortunateinpossessingafriendwhoknewwhatinfluenceswouldserveherbest，andwhocouldgiveherwhatallwomenshoulddesiretogiveeachother，theexampleofasweet，goodlife，moreeloquentandpowerfulthananywords；forthisisarightnoonecandenyus。 Pollyturnedthematteroverinhermindasshedressed，whileJennyplayedwaitingmaid，littledreamingwhatthisnewfriendwasmeaningtodoforher，ifshedared。 \"Isitgoingtobeatea-party，Miss？\"askedJenny，astheblacksilkwentrustlingon，tohergreatadmiration，forsheconsideredPollyabeauty。 \"Well，no，Ithinkitwillprobablybealecture，\"answeredPolly，laughing，forJenny\'sgratefulserviceandaffectionateeyesconfirmedthepurposewhichMissMills\'littlehomilyhadsuggested。 AssheenteredtheShaws\'parloranhourortwolater，anappallingarrayofwell-dressedgirlsappeared，eachprovidedwithadaintyreticule，basket，orbag，andeachtonguegoingagooddealfasterthantheneedle，whilethewhitefingersstitchedsleevesinupsidedown，putflanneljacketstogetherhindpartbefore，orgobbledbutton-holeswiththebestintentionsinlife。 \"Youareadeartocomesoearly。Here\'saniceplaceforyoubetweenBelleandMissPerkins，andhere\'sasweetlittledresstomake，unlessyoulikesomethingelsebetter，\"saidFanny，receivingherfriendwithwarmthandplacingherwhereshethoughtshewouldenjoyherself。 \"Thankyou，I\'lltakeanunbleachedcottonshirtifyouhavesuchathing，foritislikelytobeneededbeforeacambricfrock，\"repliedPolly，subsidingintohercomerasquicklyaspossible，foratleastsixeye-glasseswereup，andshedidn\'tenjoybeingstaredat。 MissPerkins，agrave，cold-lookingyounglady，withanaristocraticnose，bowedpolitely，andthenwentonwithherwork，whichdisplayedtwodiamondringstogreatadvantage。Belle，beingofthedemonstrativesort，smiledandnodded，drewupherchair，andbeganawhisperedaccountofTrix\'slastquarrelwithTom。Pollylistenedwithinterestwhilesheseweddiligently，occasionallypermittinghereyestostudytheelegantintricaciesofMissPerkins\'dress，forthatyoungladysatlikeastatue，quirkingherdelicatefingers，andaccomplishingabouttwostitchesaminute。 InthemidstofBelle\'sstory，amoreexcitingbitofgossipcaughtherear，andsheplungedintotheconversationgoingonacrossthetable，leavingPollyfreetolistenandadmirethewit，wisdom，andcharitablespiritoftheaccomplishedyoungladiesabouther。TherewasaperfectBabeloftongues，butoutoftheconfusionPollygatheredscrapsoffashionableintelligencewhichsomewhatlessenedherrespectforthedwellersinhighplaces。OnefaircreatureassertedthatJoeSomebodytooksomuchchampagneatthelastGerman，thathehadtobegotaway，andsenthomewithtwoservants。AnotherdivulgedtheawfulfactthatCarrieP。\'sweddingpresentswerehalfofthemhiredfortheoccasion。AthirdcirculatedawhispertotheeffectthatthoughMrs。Buckminsterworeathousand-dollarcloak，herboyswerenotallowedbutonesheettotheirbeds。Andafourthyounggossipassuredthecompanythatacertainpersonneverhadofferedhimselftoacertainotherperson，thoughthereportwasindustriouslyspreadbyinterestedparties。ThislatterremarkcausedsuchaclamorthatFannycalledthemeetingtoorderinamostunparliamentaryfashion。 \"Girls!girls!youreallymusttalklessandsewmore，oroursocietywillbedisgraced。Doyouknowourbranchsentinlessworkthananyoftheothers。lastmonth，andMrs。FitzGeorgesaid，shedidn\'tseehowfifteenyoungladiescouldmanagetodosolittle？\" \"Wedon\'ttalkabitmorethantheoldladiesdo。Ijustwishyoucouldhaveheardthemgoon，lasttime。Thewaytheygetsomuchdone，is，theytakeworkhome，andmaketheirseamstressesdoit，andthentheytakecreditforvastindustry，\"saidBelle，whoalwaysspokehermindwithcharmingcandor。 \"Thatremindsmethatmammasaystheywantasmanythingsaswecanmake，forit\'sahardwinter，andthepooraresufferingverymuch。Doanyofyouwishtotakearticleshome，todoatoddtimes？\"saidFan，whowaspresidentofthisenergeticDorcasSociety。 \"Mercy，no!Ittakesallmyleisuretimetomendmyglovesandrefreshmydresses，\"answeredBelle。 \"Ithinkifwemeetonceaweek，itisallthatshouldbeexpectedofus，withourotherengagements。Poorpeoplealwayscomplainthatthewinterisahardone，andneveraresatisfied，\"remarkedMissPerkins，makingherdiamondssparkleasshesewedbuttonsonthewrongsideofapinkcalicoapron，whichwouldhardlysurviveonewashing。 \"Nobodycanaskmetodoanymore，iftheyrememberallI\'vegottoattendtobeforesummer，\"saidTrix，withanimportantair。\"I\'vegotthreewomenhardatwork，andwantanother，buteveryoneissobusy，andasksuchabominableprices，thatI\'mindespair，andshallhavetotakeholdmyself，I\'mafraid。\" \"There\'sachanceforJane，\"thoughtPolly，buthadn\'tcourage\"tospeakoutloudinmeeting，\"justthen，andresolvedtoaskTrixforwork，inprivate。 \"Pricesarehigh，butyouforgethowmuchmoreitcoststolivenowthanitusedtodo。Mammaneverallowsustobeatdownworkwomen，butwishesustopaythemwell，andeconomizeinsomeotherway，ifwemust，\" saidEmmaDavenport，aquiet，bright-eyedgirl，whowascalled\"odd\"amongtheyoungladies，becauseshedressedsimply，whenherfatherwasamillionaire。 \"Justhearthatgirltalkabouteconomy!Ibegyourpardon，she\'ssomerelationofyours，Ibelieve!\"saidBelle，inalowtone。 \"Verydistant；butI\'mproudofit；forwithher，economydoesn\'tmeanscrimpinginoneplacetomakeashowinanother。IfeveryonewouldfollowtheDavenports\'example，workwomenwouldn\'tstarve，orservantsbesuchatrouble。Emmaistheplainestdressedgirlintheroom，nexttome，yetanyonecanseesheisatruegentlewoman，\"saidPolly，warmly。 \"Andyouareanother，\"answeredBelle，whohadalwayslovedPolly，inherscatter-brainedway。 \"Hush!Trixhasthefloor。\" \"Iftheyspenttheirwagesproperly，Ishouldn\'tmindsomuch，buttheythinktheymustbeasfineasanybody，anddresssowellthatitishardtotellmistressfrommaid。Whyourcookgotabonnetjustlikemine(thematerialswerecheaper，buttheeffectwasthesame)，andhadtheimpertinencetowearitbeforemyface。Iforbidit，andsheleft，ofcourse，whichmadepapasocrosshewouldn\'tgivemethecamel\'shairshawlhepromisedthisyear。\" \"It\'sperfectlyshameful!\"saidMissPerkins，asTrixpausedoutofbreath。\"Servantsoughttobemadetodresslikeservants，astheydoabroad； thenweshouldhavenomoretrouble，\"observedMissPerkins，whohadjustmadethegrandtour，andhadbroughthomeaFrenchmaid。 \"Perkydon\'tpractiseasshepreaches，\"whisperedBelletoPolly，asMissP。becameabsorbedinthechatofherotherneighbors。\"Shepaysherchambergirlwitholdfinery；andtheotherday，whenBetseywasoutparadinginhermissis\'scast-offpurpleplushsuit，Mr。Curtisthoughtshewasmademoiselle，andbowedtoher。Heisasblindasabat，butrecognizedthedress，andpulledoffhishattoitinthemostelegantstyle。Perkyadoreshim，andwasmadenoughtobeatBetseywhenshetoldthestoryandgiggledoverit。BetseyisquiteasstylishandeversomuchprettierthanPerky，andsheknowsit，whichisanaggravation。\" Pollycouldn\'thelplaughing，butgrewsoberaminuteafter，asTrixsaid，pettishly，­； \"Well，I\'msickofhearingaboutbeggars；Ibelievehalfofthemarehumbugs，andifweletthemalonethey\'dgotoworkandtakecareofthemselves。There\'saltogethertoomuchfussmadeaboutcharity。I dowishwecouldbeleftinpeace。\" \"Therecan\'tbetoomuchcharity!\"burstoutPolly，forgettinghershynessallatonce。 \"Oh，indeed!Well，Itakethelibertytodifferfromyou，\"returnedTrix，puttingupherglass，andbestowinguponPollyhermost\"toplofticalstare，\"asthegirlscalledit。 IregrettosaythatPollynevercouldtalkwithorbenearTrixwithoutfeelingirritatedandcombative。Shetriedtoconquerthisfeeling，butshecouldn\'t，andwhenTrixputonairs，Pollyfeltanintensedesiretoboxherears。Thateye-glasswasherespecialaversion，forTrixwasnomorenear-sightedthanherself，butpretendedtobebecauseitwasthefashion，andattimesusedtheinnocentglassasaweaponwithwhichtoputdownanyonewhopresumedtosetthemselvesup。ThesuperciliousglancewhichaccompaniedherironicallypolitespeechrousedPolly，whoansweredwithsuddencolorandthekindlingoftheeyesthatalwaysbetrayedaperturbedspirit，­； \"Idon\'tthinkmanyofuswouldenjoythatselfishsortofpeace，whilelittlechildrenstarve，andgirlsnoolderthanuskillthemselvesbecausetheirdreadfulpovertyleavesthemnochoicebutsinordeath。\" Asuddenlulltookplace，for，thoughPolly，didnotraisehervoice，itwasfullofindignantemotion，andthemostfrivolousgirltherefeltalittlethrillofsympathy；forthemostutterlyfashionablelifedoesnotkilltheheartoutofwomen，tillyearsofselfishpleasurehavepassedovertheirheads。Trixwasashamedofherself；butshefeltthesameantagonismtowardPolly，thatPollydidtowardher；and，beinglessgenerous，tooksatisfactioninplaguingher。PollydidnotknowthatthesecretofthiswasthefactthatTomoftenheldherupasamodelforhisfiancé；etofollow，whichcausedthatyoungladytodislikehermorethanever。 \"Halftheawfulstoriesinthepapersaremadeupforasensation，andit\'sabsurdtobelievethem，unlessonelikestobeharrowedup。Idon\'t； andasforpeace，I\'mnotlikelytogetmuch，whileIhaveTomtolookafter，\"saidTrix，withanaggravatinglaugh。 Polly\'sneedlesnappedintwo，butshedidnotmindit，asshesaid，withalookthatsilencedevensharp-tonguedTrix，­； \"Ican\'thelpbelievingwhatmyowneyesandearshaveseenandheard。Youleadsuchsafeandhappylives，youcan\'timaginethemiserythatisallroundyou；butifyoucouldgetaglimpseofit，itwouldmakeyourheartsache，asithasmine。\" \"Doyousufferfromheartache？Someonehintedasmuchtome，butyoulookedsowell，Icouldn\'tbelieveit。\" NowthatwascruelinTrix，morecruelthananyoneguessed；butgirls\' tonguescandealwoundsassharpandsuddenastheslenderstilettoSpanishwomenwearintheirhair，andPollyturnedpale，asthosewordsstabbedher。Bellesawit，andrushedtotherescuewithmoregood-willthanwisdom。 \"Nobodyeveraccusedyouofhavinganyhearttoachewith。PollyandIarenotoldenoughyettogettoughandcool，andwearestillsillyenoughtopityunhappypeople，TomShawespecially，\"addedBelle，underherbreath。 Thatwasatwo-edgedthrust，forTrixwasdecidedlyanoldgirl，andTomwasgenerallyregardedasahaplessvictim。Trixturnedred；butbeforeshecouldloadandfireagain，EmmaDavenport，wholaboredunderthedelusionthatthissortofskirmishingwasill-natured，andthereforeill-bred，spokeupinherpleasantway，­； \"Speakingofpityingthepoor，Ialwayswonderwhyitisthatweallliketoreadandcryovertheirtroublesinbooks，butwhenwehavetherealthingbeforeus，wethinkitisuninterestinganddisagreeable。\" \"It\'sthegeniusthatgetsintothebooks，whichmakesuslikethepoverty，Ifancy。ButIdon\'tquiteagreethattherealthingisn\'tinteresting。 Ithinkitwouldbe，ifweknewhowtolookatandfeelit，\"saidPolly，veryquietly，asshepushedherchairoutofthearcticcircleofMissPerkins，intothetemperateoneoffriendlyEmma。 \"Buthowshallwelearnthat？Idon\'tseewhatwegirlscando，morethanwedonow。Wehaven\'tmuchmoneyforsuchthings，shouldn\'tknowhowtouseitifwehad；anditisn\'tproperforustogopokingintodirtyplaces，tohuntuptheneedy。\'Goingaboutdoinggood，inponyphaetons，\' assomebodysays，maysucceedinEngland，butitwon\'tworkhere，\"saidFanny，whohadbegun，lately，tothinkagooddealofsomeonebesideherself，andsofoundherinterestinherfellow-beingsincreasingdaily。 \"Wecan\'tdomuch，perhaps，justyet；butstilltherearethingsleftundonethatnaturallyfalltous。Iknowahouse，\"saidPolly，sewingbusilyasshetalked，\"whereeveryservantwhoentersitbecomesanobjectofinteresttothemistressandherdaughters。Thesewomenaretaughtgoodhabits，booksareputwheretheycangetthem，sensibleamusementsareplannedforthemsometimes，andtheysoonfeelthattheyarenotconsideredmerescrubs，todoasmuchworkaspossible，foraslittlemoneyaspossible，buthelpersinthefamily，whoarelovedandrespectedinproportiontotheirfaithfulness。Thisladyfeelsherdutytothem，ownsit，anddoesit，asconscientiouslyasshewantsthemtodotheirsbyher；andthatisthewayitoughttobe，Ithink。\" AsPollypaused，severalkeeneyesdiscoveredthatEmma\'scheekswereveryred，andsawasmilelurkinginthecornersofthemouththattriedtolookdemure，whichtoldthemwhoPollymeant。 \"DotheBiddiesallturnoutsaintsinthatwellregulatedfamily？\" askedtheirrepressibleTrix。 \"No；fewofusdothat，evenintheparlor；buteveryoneoftheBiddiesisbetterforbeingthere，whethertheyaregratefulornot。Ioughtnottohavementionedthis，perhaps，butIwantedtoshowyouonethingthatwegirlscando。Weallcomplainaboutbadservants，mostasmuchasifwewerehouse-keepersourselves；butitneveroccurstoustotryandmendthematter，bygettingupabetterspiritbetweenmistressandmaid。Thenthere\'sanotherthingwecando，\"addedPolly，warmingup。\"Mostofusfindmoneyenoughforourlittlevanitiesandpleasures，butfeeldreadfullypoorwhenwecometopayforwork，sewingespecially。Couldn\'twegiveupafewofthevanities，andpaytheseamstressesbetter？\" \"IdeclareIwill!\"criedBelle，whoseconsciencesuddenlywoke，andsmoteherforbeatingdownthewomanwhodidherplainsewing，inorderthatshemighthaveanextraflounceonanewdress。 \"Bellehasgotavirtuousfit；pityitwon\'tlastaweek，\"saidTrix。 \"Waitandsee，\"retortedBelle，resolvingthatitshouldlast，justtodisappoint\"thatspitefulminx；\"asshesweetlycalledheroldschool-mate。 \"NowweshallbeholdBellegallopingawayatagreatpace，onhernewhobby。Ishouldn\'tbesurprisedtohearofherpreachinginthejail，adoptinganicedirtylittleorphan，orpassingroundtractsataWoman\'sRightsmeeting，\"saidTrix，whonevercouldforgiveBelleforhavingalovelycomplexion，andsomuchhairofherownthatsheneverpatronizedeitherrats，mice，waterfalls，switches，orpuff-combs。 \"Well，Imightdoworse；andIthink，ofthetwo，I\'dratheramusemyselfso，thanassomeyoungladiesdo，whogetintothepapersfortheirpranks，\"returnedBelle，withamoralair。 \"Supposewehavealittlerecess，andrestwhilePollyplaystous。 Willyou，Polly？Itwilldousgood；theyallwanttohearyou，andbeggedI\'dask。\" \"ThenIwill，withpleasure\"；andPollywenttothepianowithsuchobligingreadiness，thatseveralreproachfulglancesfelluponTrix，whodidn\'tneedherglasstoseethem。 Pollywasnevertoosad，perturbed，orlazytosing，foritwasalmostaseasytoherasbreathing，andseemedthemostnaturaloutletforheremotions。Foraminuteherhandswanderedoverthekeys，asifuncertainwhattoplay；then，fallingintoasad，sweetstrain，shesang\"TheBridgeofSighs。\"Pollydidn\'tknowwhyshechoseit，buttheinstinctseemedtohavebeenatrueone，for，oldasthesongwas，itwentstraighttotheheartsofthehearers，andPollysungitbetterthansheeverhadbefore，fornowthememoryoflittleJanelentitatenderpathoswhichnoartcouldgive。Itdidthemallgood，formusicisabeautifulmagician，andfewcanresistitspower。Thegirlsweretouchedbytheappeal；Pollywasliftedoutofherself，andwhensheturnedround，thesoftenedlookonallthefacestoldherthatforthemomentfoolishdifferencesandfrivolousbeliefswereforgottenintheonewomanlysentimentofpityforthewrongsandwoesofwhichthelisteners\'happyliveswereignorant。 \"Thatsongalwaysmakesmecry，andfeelasifIhadnorighttobesocomfortable，\"saidBelle，openlywipinghereyesonacrashtowel。 \"Fortunatelysuchcasesareveryrare，\"saidanotheryounglady，whoseldomreadthenewspapers。 \"Iwishtheywere，butI\'mafraidtheyarenot；foronlythreeweeksago，Isawagirlyoungerthananyofus，andnoworse，whotriedtodestroyherselfsimplybecauseshewassodiscouraged，sick，andpoor，\"saidPolly。 \"Dotellabouther，\"criedBelle，eagerly。 Feelingthatthesonghadpavedthewayforthestory，andgivenhercouragetotellit，Pollydidtellit，andmusthavedoneitwell，forthegirlsstoppedworktolisten，andwhensheended，othereyesbesidewarm-heartedBelle\'swerewet。Trixlookedquitesubdued；MissPerkinsthawedtosuchadegree，thatsomethingglitteredonherhandasshebentoverthepinkpinaforeagain，betterandbrighterthanherbiggestdiamond； EmmagotupandwenttoPollywithafacefullofaffectionaterespect，whileFanny，movedbyasuddenimpulse，caughtupacostlySè；vresplatethatstoodontheetagè；re，andlayingafive-dollarbillinit，passeditround，quotingPolly\'swords，­； \"Girls，Iknowyou\'llliketohelppoorlittleJenny\'beginagain，anddobetterthistime。\'\" Itwasgoodtoseehowquicklytheprettypurseswereout，howgenerouslyeachgaveofitsabundance，andwhatheartyapplausebrokefromthegirls，asBellelaiddownhergoldthimble，sayingwithanAprilface，­； \"There，takethat；Ineverhaveanymoney，somehowitwon\'tstaywithme，butIcan\'tlettheplatepassmethistime。\" WhenFannybroughtthecontributionstoPolly，shejustgathereditupinhertwohandswithsuchaglad，gratefulface，thegirlswishedtheyhadhadmoretogive。 \"Ican\'tthankyouenough，\"shesaid，withaneloquentlittlechokeinhervoice。\"ThiswillhelpJennyverymuch；butthewayinwhichitwasdonewilldohermoregoodthandoublethemoney，becauseitwillprovetoherthatsheisn\'twithoutfriends，andmakeherfeelthatthereisaplaceintheworldforher。Letherworkforyouinreturnforthis； shedon\'taskalms，sheonlywantsemploymentandalittlekindness，andthebestcharitywecanbestowistoseethatshehasboth。\" \"I\'llgiveherasmuchsewingasshewants，andshecanstayatourhousewhileshedoesit，ifsheneedsahome，\"saidTrix，inaspasmofbenevolence。 \"Shedoesn\'tneedahome，thankyou；MissMillshasgivenhalfofhers，andconsidersJaneherchild，\"answeredPolly，withproudsatisfactioninthefact。 \"Whatanolddear!\"criedBelle。 \"Iwanttoknowher。MayI？\"whisperedEmma。 \"Oh，yes；I\'mgladtomakeherknowntoanyone。Sheisaquietlittleoldlady，butshedoesoneheapsofgood，andshowsyouhowtobecharitableinthewisestway。\" \"Dotellusaboutit。I\'msureIwanttodomyduty，butit\'ssuchamuddle，Idon\'tknowhow，\"saidBelle。