第9章

Then，quitenaturally，theconversationfelluponthegreatworkthatnoneshouldbetoobusytothinkof，andwhichfewaretooyoungortoopoortohelponwiththeirmite。Thefacesgrewmoreearnest，thefingersflewfaster，asthequickyoungheartsandbrainstookinthenewfacts，ideas，andplansthatgrewoutofthetruestories，thesensiblehints，thesuccessfuleffortswhichPollytoldthem，freshfromthelipsofMissMills；for，oflate，Pollyhadtalkedmuchwiththegoodlady，andlearnedquicklythelessonsherunselfishlifeconveyed。Thegirlsfoundthismoreinterestingthangossip，partlyowingtoitsnovelty，doubtless；buttheenthusiasmwassincerewhileitlasted，anddidthemgood。Manyofthemforgotallaboutitinaweek，butPolly\'seffortwasnotlost，forEmma，Belle，andFannyremainedfirmfriendstoJane，sokindlyhelpingherthatthepoorchildfeltasifshehadindeedbeenbornagain，intoanewandhappyworld。 NottilllongafterwarddidPollyseehowmuchgoodthislittleefforthaddoneher，forthefirstsmallsacrificeofthissortleadsthewaytoothers，andasinglehand\'sturngivenheartilytotheworld\'sgreatworkhelpsoneamazinglywithone\'sownsmalltasks。Pollyfoundthisoutasherlifeslowlygreweasierandbrighter，andthebeautifullawofcompensationgaveherbetterpurposesandpleasuresthananyshehadlost。Theparentsofsomeofherpupilswerepersonsofrealrefinement，andsucharealwaysquicktoperceivethemarksofcultureinothers，nomatterwheretheyfindthem。These，attractedfirstbyPolly\'scheerfulface，modestmanners，andfaithfulwork，soonfoundinhersomethingmorethanagoodteacher； theyfoundarealtalentformusic，aneagerdesireforhelpfulopportunities，andaheartgratefulforthekindlysympathythatmakesroughplacessmooth。 Fortunatelythosewhohavetheskilltodetectthesetraitsalsopossessthespirittoappreciateandoftenthepowertoserveanddevelopthem。 Inwayssodelicatethatthemostsensitivepridecouldnotresentthefavor，thesetruegentlefolkshowedPollytheirrespectandregard，putmanypleasuresinherway，andwhentheypaidherforherwork，gaveheralsotheheartythanksthattakesawayallsenseofdegradationevenfromthehumblestservice，formoneysoearnedandpaidsweetensthedailybreaditbuys，andmakesthemutualobligationamutualbenefitandpleasure。 AfewsuchpatronsdidmuchforPolly，andthemusicshegavethemhadanundertoneofgratitudethatleftblitheechoesinthosegreathouses，whichmoneycouldnotbuy。 Then，asherbutterflyacquaintancesdesertedher，shefoundherwayintoahiveoffriendlybees，whowelcomedher，andshowedherhowtofindthehoneythatkeepslifesweetandwholesome。ThroughMissMills，whowasthecounsellorandcomforterofseveral，Pollycametoknowalittlesisterhoodofbusy，happy，independentgirls，whoeachhadapurposetoexecute，atalenttodevelop，anambitiontoachieve，andbroughttotheworkpatienceandperseverance，hopeandcourage。HerePollyfoundherplaceatonce，forinthislittleworldloveandlibertyprevailed；talent，energy，andcharactertookthefirstrank；money，fashion，andpositionwereliterallynowhere；forhere，asinthebigworldoutside，geniusseemedtoblossombestwhenpovertywasheadgardener。Youngteachers，doingmuchworkforlittlepay；youngartists，tryingtopencil，paint，orcarvetheirwaytoRome；youngwriters，burningtodistinguishthemselves；youngsingers，dreamingoftriumphs，greatasthoseofJennyLind；andsomewhotriedtoconquerindependence，armedonlywithaneedle，likepoorJane。AllthesehelpedPollyasunconsciouslyasshehelpedthem，forpurposeandprinciplearethebestteacherswecanhave，andthewantofthemmakeshalfthewomenofAmericawhattheyare，restless，aimless，frivolous，andsick。 Tooutsidersthatwasaveryhard-workinganduneventfulwintertoPolly。 Shethoughtsoherself；butasspringcameon，theseedofnewvirtues，plantedinthewintertime，andripenedbythesunshineofendeavor，begantobudinPolly\'snature，betrayingtheirpresencetoothersbytheaddedstrengthandsweetnessofhercharacter，longbeforesheherselfdiscoveredtheseMayflowersthathadblossomedforherunderneaththesnow。ChapterXII。ChapterXII。CHAPTERXIIFORBIDDENFRUIT\"I\'Mperfectlyachingforsomefun，\"saidPollytoherselfassheopenedherwindowonemorningandthesunshineandfrostyairsetherblooddancingandhereyessparklingwithyouth，health，andoverflowingspirits。\"I reallymustbreakoutsomewhereandhaveagoodtime。It\'squiteimpossibletokeepsteadyanylonger。NowwhatwillIdo？\"Pollysprinkledcrumbstothedoves，whocamedailytobefed，andwhileshewatchedthegleamingnecksandrosyfeet，sherackedherbraintodevisesomeunusuallydelightfulwayofenjoyingherself，forshereallyhadbottledupherspiritssolong，theywereinastateofuncontrollableeffervescence。 \"I\'llgototheopera，\"shesuddenlyannouncedtothedoves。\"It\'sexpensive，Iknow，butit\'sremarkablygood，andmusicissuchatreattome。Yes，I\'llgettwoticketsascheapasIcan，sendanotetoWill，­；poorlad，heneedsfunasmuchasIdo，­；andwe\'llgoandhaveanicetimeinsomecorner，asCharlesLambandhissisterusedto。\" WiththatPollyslammeddownthewindow，tothedismayofhergentlelittlepensioners，andbegantoflyaboutwithgreatenergy，singingandtalkingtoherselfasifitwasimpossibletokeepquiet。Shestartedearlytoherfirstlessonthatshemighthavetimetobuythetickets，hoping，assheputafive-dollarbillintoherpurse，thattheywouldn\'tbeveryhigh，forshefeltthatshewasnotinamoodtoresisttemptation。Butshewassparedanystruggle，forwhenshereachedtheplace，theticketofficewasblockedupbyeagerpurchasersandthedisappointedfacesthatturnedawaytoldPollytherewasnohopeforher。 \"Well，Idon\'tcare，I\'llgosomewhere，forIwillhavemyfun，\"shesaidwithgreatdetermination，fordisappointmentonlyseemedtowhetherappetite。Buttheplaybillsshowedhernothinginvitingandshewasforcedtogoawaytoherworkwiththemoneyburningherpocketandallmannerofwildschemesfloatinginherhead。Atnoon，insteadofgoinghometodinner，shewentandtookanice，tryingtofeetverygayandfestiveallbyherself。Itwasratherafailure，however，andafteratourofthepictureshopsshewenttogiveMaudalesson，feelingthatitwasveryhardtoquenchherlongings，andsubsideintoaprimlittlemusicteacher。 Fortunatelyshedidnothavetodoviolencetoherfeelingsverylong，forthefirstthingFannysaidtoherwas:­； \"Canyougo？\" \"Where？\" \"Didn\'tyougetmynote？\" \"Ididn\'tgohometodinner。\" \"Tomwantsustogototheoperato-nightand­；\"Fangotnofurther，forPollyutteredacryofraptureandclaspedherhands。 \"Go？OfcourseIwill。I\'vebeendyingtogoallday，triedtogetticketsthismorningandcouldn\'t，beenfumingaboutiteversince，andnow­；oh，howsplendid!\"AndPollycouldnotrestrainanecstaticskip，forthisburstofjoyratherupsether。 \"Well，youcometotea，andwe\'lldresstogether，andgoallcomfortablewithTom，whoisinaheavenlyframeofmindto-day。\" \"Imustrunhomeandgetmythings，\"saidPolly，resolvingonthespottobuythenicestpairofglovesthecityafforded。 \"Youshallhavemywhitecloakandanyotherlittleriggingyouwant。 Tommylikestohavehisladiesacredittohim，youknow，\"saidFanny，departingtotakeabeautysleep。 Pollyinstantlydecidedthatshewouldn\'tborrowBecky\'sbestbonnet，assheatfirstintended，butgetanewone，forinherpresentexcitedstate，noextravaganceseemedtooprodigalinhonorofthisgrandoccasion。 IamafraidthatMaud\'slessonwasnotasthoroughasitshouldhavebeen，forPolly\'sheadwassuchachaosofbonnets，gloves，opera-cloaksandfans，thatMaudblunderedthrough，murderingtimeandtuneatherownsweetwill。TheinstantitwasoverPollyrushedawayandboughtnotonlythekidsbutabonnetframe，abitofillusion，andapinkcraperose，whichhadtemptedherforweeksinacertainshopwindow，thenhomeandtoworkwithalltheskillandspeedofadistractedmilliner。 \"I\'mrushingmadlyintoexpense，I\'mafraid，butthefitisonmeandI\'lleatbreadandwaterforaweektomakeupforit。Imustlooknice，forTomseldomtakesmeandoughttobegratifiedwhenhedoes。 Iwanttodolikeothergirls，justforonce，andenjoymyselfwithoutthinkingaboutrightandwrong。Nowabitofpinkribbontotieitwith，andIshallbedoneintimetodoupmybestcollar，\"shesaid，turningherboxestopsy-turvyforthenecessaryribboninthatdelightfulflurrywhichyoungladiesfeelonsuchoccasions。 Itismyprivateopinionthatthelittleshiftsandstruggleswepoorgirlshavetoundergobeforehandgiveapeculiarrelishtoourfunwhenwegetit。ThisfactwillaccountfortherapturousmoodinwhichPollyfoundherselfwhen，aftermakingherbonnet，washingandironingherbestset，blackingherbootsandmendingherfan，sheatlast，likeConsuelo，\"putonalittledressofblacksilk\"and，withthesmalleradornmentspinnedupinapaper，startedfortheShaws\'，findingitdifficulttowalkdecorouslywhenherheartwasdancinginherbosom。 Maudhappenedtobeplayingaredowaupintheparlor，andPollycameprancingintotheroomsoevidentlyspoilingforadancethatTom，whowasthere，founditimpossibletoresistcatchingheraboutthewaist，andputtingherthroughthemostintricateevolutionstillMaud\'sfingersgaveout。 \"Thatwassplendid!Oh，Tom，thankyousomuchforaskingmeto-night。 Ifeeljustlikehavingaregulargoodtime，\"criedPolly，whenshestopped，withherhathangingroundherneckandherhairlookingasifshehadbeenoutinahighwind。 \"Gladofit。Ifeltsomyselfandthoughtwe\'dhaveajollylittlepartyallinthefamily，\"saidTom，lookingmuchgratifiedatherdelight。 \"IsTrixsick？\"askedPolly。 \"GonetoNewYorkforaweek。\" \"Ah，whenthecat\'sawaythemicewillplay。\" \"Exactly。Comeandhaveanotherturn。\" Beforetheycouldstart，however，theawfulspectacleofalittledogtrottingoutoftheroomwithapaperparcelinhismouth，madePollyclaspherhandswiththedespairingcry:­； \"Mybonnet!Oh，mybonnet!\" \"Where？what？which？\"AndTomlookedabouthim，bewildered。 \"Snip\'sgotit。Saveit!saveit!\" \"Iwill!\"AndTomgavechasewithmorevigorthandiscretion。 Snip，evidentlyregardingitasagamegotupforhisspecialbenefit，enjoyedtheraceimmenselyandscamperedalloverthehouse，shakingthepreciousparcellikearatwhilehismasterranandwhistled，commandedandcoaxed，invain。Pollyfollowed，consumedwithanxiety，andMaudlaughedtillMrs。Shawsentdowntoknowwhowasinhysterics。Apiteousyelpfromthelowerregionsatlastannouncedthatthethiefwascaptured，andTomappearedbearingSnipbythenapeoftheneckinonehandandPolly\'scherishedbonnetintheother。 \"ThelittlescampwasjustgoingtoworryitwhenIgrabbedhim。I\'mafraidhehaseatenoneofyourgloves。Ican\'tfindit，andthisoneisprettywellchewedup，\"saidTom，bereavingSnipofthetornkid，towhichhestillpertinaciouslyclung。 \"Servesmeright，\"saidPollywithagroan。\"I\'dnobusinesstogetanewpair，butIwantedtobeextragorgeousto-night，andthisismypunishmentforsuchmadextravagance。\" \"Wasthereanythingelse？\"askedTom。 \"Onlymybestcuffsandcollar。You\'llprobablyfindtheminthecoal-bin，\" saidPolly，withthecalmnessofdespair。 \"Isawsomelittlewhitethingsonthedining-roomfloorasIracedthrough。Gogetthem，Maud，andwe\'llrepairdamages，\"saidTom，shuttingtheculpritintothebootcloset，whereheplacidlyrolledhimselfupandwenttosleep。 \"Theyain\'thurtabit，\"proclaimedMaud，restoringthelosttreasures。 \"Neitherismybonnet，forwhichI\'mdeeplygrateful，\"saidPolly，whohadbeenexaminingitwithasolicitudewhichmadeTom\'seyestwinkle。 \"SoamI，foritstrikesmethatisanuncommonly\'nobby\'littleaffair，\" hesaidapprovingly。Tomhadaweaknessforpalepinkroses，andperhapsPollyknewit。 \"I\'mafraidit\'stoogay，\"saidPolly，withadubiouslook。 \"Notabit。Sortofbridal，youknow。Mustbebecoming。Putitonandlet\'ssee。\" \"Iwouldn\'tfortheworld，withmyhairalltumblingdown。Don\'tlookatmetillI\'mrespectable，anddon\'ttellanyonehowI\'vebeenacting。 IthinkImustbealittlecrazyto-night，\"saidPolly，gatheringupherrescuedfineryandpreparingtogoandfindFan。 \"Lunacyismightybecoming，Polly。Tryitagain，\"answeredTom，watchingherasshewentlaughingaway，lookingalltheprettierforherdishevelment。 \"Dressthatgirlup，andshe\'dbearaving，tearingbeauty，\"addedTomtoMaudinalowertoneashelookherintotheparlorunderhisarm。 Pollyhearditandinstantlyresolvedtobeas\"ravingandastearing\" ashermeanswouldallow，\"justforonenight，\"shesaidasshepeepedoverthebanisters，gladtoseethatthedanceandtheracehadtakenthe\"band-boxy\"airoutofTom\'selegantarray。 IdeeplyregretbeingobligedtoshocktheeyesandearsofsuchofmyreadersashaveaprejudiceinfavorofpureEnglishbyexpressionsliketheabove，but，havingrashlyundertakentowritealittlestoryaboutYoungAmerica，forYoungAmerica，Ifeelboundtodepictmyhonoredpatronsasfaithfullyasmylimitedpowerspermit。Otherwise，Imustexpectthecrushingcriticism，\"Well，Idaresayit\'sallveryprimandproper，butitisn\'tabitlikeus，\"andneverhopetoarriveatthedistinctionoffindingthecoversof\"AnOld-FashionedGirl\"thedirtiestinthelibrary。 Thefriendshadasocial\"cupo\'tea\"upstairs，whichPollyconsideredtheheightofluxury，andtheneachtookamirrorandproceededtoprinktoherheart\'scontent。TheearnestnesswithwhichPollymadehertoiletthatnightwasdelightfultobehold。Feelinginadaringmood，shereleasedherprettyhairfromthebraidsinwhichsheusuallyworeitandpermittedthecurlstodisplaythemselvesinalltheirbrownabundance，especiallyseveraldangerouslittleonesaboutthetemplesandforehead。Theputtingonoftherescuedcollarandcuffswasataskwhichabsorbedherwholemind。Sowasthesettlingofaminutebitofcourt-plasterjusttotheleftofthedimpleinherchin，anunusualpieceofcoquetryinwhichPollywouldnothaveindulged，ifanalmostinvisiblescratchhadnotgivenheranexcusefordoingit。Thewhite，down-trimmedcloak，withcertainimposingornamentsonthehood，wasassumedwithbecominggravityanddrapedwithmuchadvancingandretreatingbeforetheglass，asitswearerpractisedthetrueBostongait，elbowsback，shouldersforward，abendandaslide，occasionallyvariedbyaslightskip。Butwhenthatbonnetwenton，PollyactuallyheldherbreathtillitwassafelylandedandthepinkrosebloomedabovethesmoothwavesofhairwithwhatFannycalled\"aravishingeffect。\" AtthissuccessfulstageofaffairsPollyfounditimpossibletoresisttheloanofapairofgoldbandsforthewristsandFanny\'swhitefanwiththelittlemirrorinthemiddle。 \"IcanputtheminmypocketifIfeeltoomuchdressed，\"saidPollyasshesnappedonthebracelets，butafterawaveortwoofthefanshefeltthatitwouldbeimpossibletotakethemofftilltheeveningwasover，soenticingwastheirglitter。 Fannyalsolentherapairofthree-buttongloves，whichcompletedhercontent，andwhenTomgreetedherwithanapproving，\"Here\'sasightforgodsandmen!Why，Polly，you\'regorgeous!\"shefeltthather\"fun\"haddecidedlybegun。 \"Wouldn\'tPollymakealovelybride？\"saidMaud，whowasrevolvingaboutthetwogirls，tryingtodecidewhethershewouldhaveablueorawhitecloakwhenshegrewupandwenttooperas。 \"Faith，andshewould!Allowmetocongratulateyou，Mrs。Sydney，\"addedTom，advancingwithhiswedding-receptionbowandawickedlookatFanny。 \"Goaway!Howdareyou？\"criedPolly，growingmuchredderthanherrose。 \"Ifwearegoingtotheoperato-night，perhapswe\'dbetterstart，asthecarriagehasbeenwaitingsometime，\"observedFancoolly，andsailedoutoftheroominanunusuallyloftymanner。 \"Don\'tyoulikeit，Polly？\"whisperedTom，astheywentdownstairstogether。 \"Verymuch。\" \"Thedeuceyoudo!\" \"I\'msofondofmusic，howcanIhelpit？ \"I\'mtalkingaboutSyd。\" \"Well，I\'mnot。\" \"You\'dbettertryforhim。\" \"I\'llthinkofit。\" \"Oh，Polly，Polly，whatareyoucomingto？\" \"Atumbleintothestreet，apparently，\"answeredPollyassheslippedalittleonthestep，andTomstoppedinthemiddleofhislaughtopilothersafelyintothecarriage，whereFannywasalreadyseated。 \"Here\'srichness!\"saidPollytoherselfassherolledaway，feelingasCinderellaprobablydidwhenthepumpkin-coachborehertothefirstball，onlyPollyhadtwoprincestothinkabout，andpoorCinderella，onthatoccasion，hadnotevenone。Fannydidn\'tseeminclinedtotalkmuch，andTomwouldgooninsucharidiculousmannerthatPollytoldhimshewouldn\'tlistenandbegantohumbitsoftheopera。Butsheheardeveryword，nevertheless，andresolvedtopayhimforhisimpertinenceassoonaspossiblebyshowinghimwhathehadlost。 Theirseatswereinthebalcony，andhardlyweretheysettled，when，byoneofthoseremarkablecoincidenceswhicharecontinuallyoccurringinouryouth，Mr。SydneyandFanny\'soldfriendFrankMooretooktheirplacesjustbehindthem。 \"Oh，youvillain!Youdiditonpurpose，\"whisperedPollyassheturnedfromgreetingtheirneighborsandsawadrolllookonTom\'sface。 \"IgiveyoumywordIdidn\'t。It\'sthelawofattraction，don\'tyousee？\" \"IfFanlikesit，Idon\'tcare。\" \"Shelooksresigned，Ithink。\" Shecertainlydid，forshewastalkingandlaughinginthegayestmannerwithFrankwhileSydneywascovertlysurveyingPollyasifhedidn\'tquiteunderstandhowthegraygrubgotsosuddenlytransformedintoawhitebutterfly。 Itisawell-knownfactthatdressplaysaveryimportantpartinthelivesofmostwomenandeventhemostsensiblecannothelpowningsometimeshowmuchhappinesstheyowetoabecominggown，gracefullyarrangedhair，orabonnetwhichbringsoutthebestpointsintheirfacesandputstheminagoodhumor。Agreatmanwasonceheardtosaythatwhatfirstattractedhimtohiswell-belovedwifewasseeingherinawhitemuslindresswithablueshawlonthechairbehindher。Thedresscaughthiseye，and，stoppingtoadmirethat，thewearer\'sintelligentconversationinterestedhismind，andintime，thewoman\'ssweetnesswonhisheart。Itisnotthefinestdresswhichdoesthemostexecution，Ifancy，butthatwhichbestinterpretsindividualtasteandcharacter。Wisepeopleunderstandthis，andeverybodyismoreinfluencedbyitthantheyknow，perhaps。Pollywasnotverywise，butshefeltthateveryoneaboutherfoundsomethingmoreattractivethanusualinherandmodestlyattributedTom\'sdevotion，Sydney\'sinterest，andFrank\'sundisguisedadmiration，tothenewbonnetor，morelikely，tothatdelightfulcombinationofcashmere，silk，andswan\'s-down，which，likeCharity\'smantle，seemedtocoveramultitudeofsinsinotherpeople\'seyesandexaltthelittlemusicteachertotherankofayounglady。 Pollyscoffedatthissortofthingsometimes，butto-nightsheaccepteditwithoutamurmur­；ratherenjoyeditinfact，letherbraceletsshinebeforetheeyesofallmen，andfeltthatitwasgoodtoseemcomelyintheirsight。Sheforgotonething，however:thatherownhappyspiritsgavethecrowningcharmtoapicturewhicheveryonelikedtosee­；ablitheyounggirlenjoyingherselfwithallherheart。Themusicandthelight，costumeandcompany，excitedPollyandmademanythingspossiblewhichatmosttimesshewouldneverhavethoughtofsayingordoing。Shedidnotmeantoflirt，butsomehow\"itflirteditself\"andshecouldn\'thelpit，for，oncestarted，itwashardtostop，withTomgoadingheron，andSydneylookingatherwiththatnewinterestinhiseyes。Polly\'sflirtingwassuchaverymildimitationofthefashionablethingthatTrix&； Co。wouldnothaverecognizedit，butitdidverywellforabeginner，andPollyunderstoodthatnightwhereinthefascinationofitlay，forshefeltasifshehadfoundanewgiftallofasudden，andwaslearninghowtouseit，knowingthatitwasdangerous，yetfindingitschiefcharminthatveryfact。 Tomdidn\'tknowwhattomakeofheratfirst，thoughhethoughtthechangeuncommonlybecomingandfinallydecidedthatPollyhadtakenhisadviceandwas\"settinghercapforSyd，\"ashegracefullyexpressedit。 Sydney，beingamodestman，thoughtnothingofthekind，butsimplyfanciedthatlittlePollywasgrowinguptobeaverycharmingwoman。Hehadknownhersinceherfirstvisitandhadalwayslikedthechild；thiswinterhehadbeeninterestedinthesuccessofherplansandhaddonewhathecouldtohelpthem，butheneverthoughtoffailinginlovewithPollytillthatnight。Thenhebegantofeelthathehadnotfullyappreciatedhisyoungfriend；thatshewassuchabrightandlovablegirl，itwasapitysheshouldnotalwaysbegayandpretty，andenjoyherself；thatshewouldmakeacapitalwifeforsomebody，andperhapsitwasabouttimetothinkof\"settling，\"ashissisteroftensaid。Thesethoughtscameandwentashewatchedthewhitefigureinfront，felttheenchantmentofthemusic，andfoundeverybodyunusuallyblitheandbeautiful。Hehadheardtheoperamanytimes，butithadneverseemedsofinebefore，perhapsbecausehehadneverhappenedtohavehadaningenuousyoungfacesonearhiminwhichthevaryingemotionsbornofthemusic，andtheromanceitportrayed，cameandwentsoeloquentlythatitwasimpossibletohelpreadingthem。Pollydidnotknowthatthiswaswhyheleaneddownsooftentospeaktoher，withanexpressionwhichshedidnotunderstandbutlikedverymuchnevertheless。 \"Don\'tshutyoureyes，Polly。Theyaresofullofmischiefto-night，Iliketoseethem，\"saidTom，afteridlywonderingforaminuteifsheknewhowlongandcurlyherlasheswere。 \"Idon\'twishtolookaffected，butthemusictellsthestorysomuchbetterthantheactingthatIdon\'tcaretolookonhalfthetime，\"answeredPolly，hopingTomwouldn\'tseethetearsshehadsocleverlysuppressed。 \"NowIliketheactingbest。Themusicisallveryfine，Iknow，butitdoesseemsoabsurdforpeopletogoroundtellingtremendoussecretsatthetopoftheirvoices。Ican\'tgetusedtoit。\" \"That\'sbecauseyou\'vemorecommon-sensethanromance。Idon\'tmindtheabsurdity，andquitelongtogoandcomfortthatpoorgirlwiththebrokenheart，\"saidPollywithasighasthecurtainfellonamostaffectingtableau。 \"What\'s-his-nameisagreatjacknottoseethatsheadoreshim。Inreallifewefellowsain\'tsuchbatsasallthat，\"observedTom，whohaddecidedopinionsonmanysubjectsthatheknewverylittleabout，andexpressedthemwithgreatcandor。 AcurioussmilepassedoverPolly\'sfaceandsheputupherglasstohidehereyes，asshesaid:­； \"Ithinkyouarebatssometimes，butwomenaretaughttowearmasks，andthataccountsforit，Isuppose。\" \"Idon\'tagree。There\'spreciouslittlemaskingnowadays；wishtherewasalittlemoresometimes，\"addedTom，thinkingofseveralbloomingdamselswhosebeseechingeyeshadbeggedhimnottoleavethemtowitherontheparentstem。 \"Ihopenot，butIguessthere\'sagooddealmorethananyonewouldsuspect。\" \"Whatcanyouknowaboutbrokenheartsandblightedbeings？\"askedSydney，smilingatthegirl\'spensivetone。 Pollyglancedupathimandherfacedimpledandshoneagain，assheanswered，laughing:­； \"Notmuch；mytimeistocome。\" \"Ican\'timagineyouwalkingabouttheworldwithyourbackhairdown，bewailingahard-heartedlover，\"saidTom。 \"NeithercanI。Thatwouldn\'tbemyway。\" \"No；MissPollywouldletconcealmentpreyonherdamaskcheeksandstillsmileoninthenovelfashion，orturnsisterofcharityandnursetheheartlessloverthroughsmall-pox，orsomeothercontagiousdisease，anddieseraphically，leavinghimtotheagoniesofremorseandtardylove。\" PollygaveSydneyanindignantlookashesaidthatinaslowsatiricalwaythatnettledherverymuch，forshehatedtobethoughtsentimental。 \"That\'snotmywayeither，\"shesaiddecidedly。\"I\'dtrytooutliveit，andifIcouldn\'t，I\'dtrytobethebetterforit。Disappointmentneedn\'tmakeawomanafool。\" \"Noranoldmaid，ifshe\'sprettyandgood。Rememberthat，anddon\'tvisitthesinsofoneblockheadonalltherestofmankind，\"saidTom，laughingatherearnestness。 \"Idon\'tthinkthereistheslightestpossibilityofMissPolly\'sbeingeither，\"addedSydneywithalookwhichmadeitevidentthatconcealmenthadnotseriouslydamagedPolly\'sdamaskcheekasyet。 \"There\'sClaraBird。Ihaven\'tseenherbutoncesinceshewasmarried。 Howprettyshelooks!\"andPollyretiredbehindthebigglassagain，thinkingthechatwasbecomingratherpersonal。 \"Now，there\'sagirlwhotriedadifferentcureforunrequitedaffectionfromanyyoumention。PeoplesayshewasfondofBelle\'sbrother。Hedidn\'treciprocatebutwentofftoIndiatospoilhisconstitution，soClaramarriedamantwentyyearsolderthansheisandconsolesherselfbybeingthebest-dressedwomaninthecity。\" \"Thataccountsforit，\"saidPolly，whenTom\'slongwhisperended。 \"Forwhat？\" \"Thetiredlookinhereyes。\" \"Idon\'tseeit，\"saidTom，afterasurveythroughtheglass。 \"Didn\'texpectyouwould。\" \"Iseewhatyoumean。Agoodmanywomenhaveitnowadays，\"saidSydneyoverPolly\'sshoulder。 \"What\'sshetiredof？Theoldgentleman？\"askedTom。 \"Andherself，\"addedPolly。 \"You\'vebeenreadingFrenchnovels，Iknowyouhave。That\'sjustthewaytheheroinesgoon，\"criedTom。 \"Ihaven\'treadone，butit\'sevidentyouhave，youngman，andyou\'dbetterstop。\" \"Idon\'tcarefor\'em；onlydoittokeepupmyFrench。Buthowcameyoutobesowise，ma\'am？\" \"Observation，sir。Iliketowatchfaces，andIseldomseeagrown-uponethatlooksperfectlyhappy。\" \"Trueforyou，Polly；nomoreyoudo，nowIthinkofit。Idon\'tknowbutonethatalwayslooksso，andthereitis。\" \"Where？\"askedPolly，withinterest。 \"Lookstraightbeforeyouandyou\'llseeit。\" Pollydidlook，butallshesawwasherownfaceinthelittlemirrorofthefanwhichTomheldupandpeepedoverwithalaughinhiseyes。 \"DoIlookhappy？I\'mgladofthat，\"AndPollysurveyedherselfwithcare。 Bothyoungmenthoughtitwasgirlishvanityandsmiledatitsnaivedisplay，butPollywaslookingforsomethingdeeperthanbeautyandwasgladnottofindit。 \"Ratherapleasantlittleprospect，hey，Polly？\" \"Mybonnetisstraight，andthat\'sallIcareabout。DidyoueverseeapictureofBeauBrummel？\"askedPollyquickly。 \"No。\" \"Well，thereheis，modernized。\"Andturningthefan，sheshowedhimhimself。 \"Anymoreportraitsinyourgallery？\"askedSydney，asifhelikedtoshareallthenonsensegoing。 \"Onemore。\" \"Whatdoyoucallit？\" \"Theportraitofagentleman。\"Andthelittleglassreflectedagratifiedfaceforthespaceoftwoseconds。 \"Thankyou。I\'mgladIdon\'tdisgracemyname，\"saidSydney，lookingdownintothemerryblueeyesthatthankedhimsilentlyformanyofthesmallkindnessesthatwomennevercanforget。 \"Verygood，Polly，youaregettingonfast，\"whisperedTom，pattinghisyellowkidsapprovingly。 \"Bequiet!Dearme，howwarmitis!\"AndPollygavehimafrownthatdelightedhissoul。 \"Comeoutandhaveanice，weshallhavetime。\" \"Fanissoabsorbed，Icouldn\'tthinkofdisturbingher，\"saidPolly，fancyingthatherfriendwasenjoyingtheeveningasmuchasshewas­；agreatmistake，bytheway，forFanwasactingforeffect，andthoughshelongedtoturnandjointhem，wouldn\'tdoit，unlessacertainpersonshowedsignsofmissingher。Hedidn\'t，andFannychattedon，raginginwardlyoverherdisappointment，andwonderinghowPollycouldbesogayandselfish。 ItwasdelicioustoseethelittleairsPollyputon，forshefeltasifsheweresomebodyelse，andactingapart。Sheleanedback，asifquiteoppressedbytheheat，permittedSydneytofanher，andpaidhimfortheservicebygivinghimaflowerfromherbouquet，proceedingswhichamusedTomimmensely，evenwhileitpiquedhimalittletobetreatedlikeanoldfriendwhodidn\'tcount。 \"Goinandwin，Polly；I\'llgiveyoumyblessing，\"hewhispered，asthecurtainroseagain。 \"It\'sonlypartofthefun，sodon\'tyoulaugh，youdisrespectfulboy，\" shewhisperedbackinatoneneverusedtowardSydney。 Tomdidn\'tquitelikethedifferentwayinwhichshetreatedthem，andtheword\"boy\"disturbedhisdignity，forhewasalmosttwenty-oneandPollyoughttotreathimwithmorerespect。SydneyatthesamemomentwaswishinghewasinTom\'splace­；young，comely，andsuchafamiliarfriendthatPollywouldscoldandlecturehiminthedelightfulwayshedidTom；whilePollyforgotthembothwhenthemusicbeganandleftthemampletimetolookatherandthinkaboutthemselves。 WhiletheywaitedtogetoutwhenallwasoverPollyheardFanwhispertoTom:­； \"WhatdoyouthinkTrixwillsaytothis？\" \"Whatdoyoumean？\" \"Why，thewayyou\'vebeengoingonto-night。\" \"Don\'tknow，anddon\'tcare；it\'sonlyPolly。\" \"That\'stheverything。Shecan\'tbearP。\" \"Well，Ican；andIdon\'tseewhyIshouldn\'tenjoymyselfaswellasTrix。\" \"You\'llgettoenjoyingyourselftoomuchifyouaren\'tcareful。Polly\'swakedup。\" \"I\'mgladofit，andso\'sSyd。\" \"Ionlyspokeforyourgood。\" \"Don\'ttroubleyourselfaboutme；Igetlecturingenoughinanotherquarterandcan\'tstandanymore。Come，Polly。\" Shetookthearmheofferedher，butherheartwassoreandangry，forthatphrase，\"It\'sonlyPolly，\"hurthersadly。\"AsifIwasn\'tanybody，hadn\'tanyfeelings，andwasonlymadetoamuseorworkforpeople!FanandTomarebothmistakenandI\'llshowthemthatPollyisawake，\" shethought，indignantly。\"Whyshouldn\'tIenjoymyselfaswellastherest？Besides，it\'sonlyTom，\"sheaddedwithabittersmileasshethoughtofTrix。 \"Areyoutired，Polly？\"askedTom，bendingdowntolookintoherface。 \"Yes，ofbeingnobody。\" \"Ah，butyouain\'tnobody，you\'rePolly，andyoucouldn\'tbetterthatifyoutriedeversohard。\"saidTom，warmly，forhereallywasfondofPolly，andfeltuncommonlysojustthen。 \"I\'mgladyouthinkso，anyway。It\'ssopleasanttobeliked。\"Andshelookedupwithherfacequitebrightagain。 \"Ialwaysdidlikeyou，don\'tyouknow，eversincethatfirstvisit。\" \"Butyouteasedmeshamefully，forallthat。\" \"SoIdid，butIdon\'tnow。\" Pollydidnotanswer，andTomasked，withmoreanxietythantheoccasionrequired: \"DoI，Polly？\" \"Notinthesameway，Tom，\"sheansweredinatonethatdidn\'tsoundquitenatural。 \"Well，Ineverwillagain。\" \"Yes，youwill，youcan\'thelpit。\"AndPolly\'seyeglancedatSydney，whowasinfrontwithFan。 Tomlaughed，anddrewPollycloserasthecrowdpressed，saying，withmocktenderness: \"Didn\'tsheliketobechaffedabouthersweethearts？Well，sheshan\'tbeifIcanhelpit。Poordear，didshegetherlittlebonnetknockedintoacockedhatandherlittletemperriledatthesametime？\" Pollycouldn\'thelplaughing，and，inspiteofthecrush，enjoyedtheslowjourneyfromseattocarriage，forTomtooksuchexcellentcareofher，shewasrathersorrywhenitwasover。 Theyhadamerrylittlesupperaftertheygothome，andPollygavethemaburlesqueoperathatconvulsedherhearers，forherspiritsroseagainandshewasdeterminedtogetthelastdropoffunbeforeshewentbacktoherhumdrumlifeagain。 \"I\'vehadaregularlysplendidtime，andthankyoueversomuch，\"shesaidwhenthe\"good-nights\"werebeingexchanged。 \"SohaveI。Let\'sgoanddoitagainto-morrow，\"saidTom，holdingthehandfromwhichhehadhelpedtopullarefractoryglove。 \"Notforalongwhile，please。Toomuchpleasurewouldsoonspoilme，\" answeredPolly，shakingherhead。 \"Idon\'tbelieveit。Good-night，\'sweetMistressMilton，\'asSydcalledyou。Sleeplikeanangel，anddon\'tdreamof­；Iforgot，noteasingallowed。\" AndTomtookhimselfoffwithatheatricalfarewell。 \"Nowit\'salloveranddonewith，\"thoughtPollyasshefellasleepafteralongvigil。Butitwasnot，andPolly\'sfuncostmorethanthepriceofglovesandbonnet，for，havingnibbledatforbiddenfruit，shehadtopaythepenalty。Sheonlymeanttohaveagoodtime，andtherewasnoharminthat，butunfortunatelysheyieldedtothevarioussmalltemptationsthatbesetprettyyounggirlsanddidmoremischieftoothersthantoherself。 Fanny\'sfriendshipgrewcoolerafterthatnight。TomkeptwishingTrixwashalfassatisfactoryasPolly，andMr。Sydneybegantobuildcastlesthathadnofoundation。ChapterXIII。ChapterXIII。CHAPTERXIIITHESUNNYSIDE\"I\'VEwonthewager，Tom。\" \"Didn\'tknowtherewasone。\" \"Don\'tyourememberyousaidPollywouldbetiredofherteachingandgiveitupinthreemonths，andIsaidshewouldn\'t？\" \"Well，isn\'tshe？\" \"Notabitofit。Ithoughtshewasatonetime，andexpectedeverydaytohavehercomeinwithalongface，andsayshecouldn\'tstandit。 Butsomehow，lately，sheisalwaysbrightandhappy，seemstolikeherwork，anddon\'thavethetired，worriedlooksheusedtoatfirst。Thethreemonthsareout，sopayup，Tommy。\" \"Allright，whatwillyouhave？\" \"Youmaymakeitgloves。Ialwaysneedthem，andpapalookssoberwhenIwantmoney。\" Therewasaminute\'spauseasFanreturnedtoherpractising，andTomrelapsedintothereveriehewasenjoyingseatedastrideofachair，withhischinonhisfoldedarms。 \"SeemstomePollydon\'tcomehereasoftenassheusedto，\"hesaid，presently。 \"No，sheseemstobeverybusy；gotsomenewfriends，Ibelieve，­；oldladies，sewing-girls，andthingsofthatsort。Imissher，butknowshe\'llgettiredofbeinggoody，andwillcomebacktomebeforelong。\" \"Don\'tbetoosureofthat，ma\'am。\"SomethinginTom\'stonemadeFanturnround，andask，­； \"Whatdoyoumean？\" \"Well，itstrikesmethatSydneyisoneofPolly\'snewfriends。Haven\'tyouobservedthatsheisuncommonlyjolly，anddon\'tthatsortofthingaccountforit？\" \"Nonsense!\"saidFanny，sharply。 \"Hopeitis，\"coollyreturnedTom。 \"Whatputitintoyourhead？\"demandedFanny，twirlingroundagainsothatherfacewashidden。 \"Oh，well，IkeepmeetingSydandPollycirculatinginthesamedirections； shelooksasifshehadfoundsomethinguncommonlynice，andhelooksasifallcreationwasgettingPollyfiedprettyrapidly。Wonderyouhaven\'tobservedit。\" \"Ihave。\" ItwasTom\'sturntolooksurprisednow，forFanny\'svoicesoundedstrangetohim。Helookedathersteadilyforaminute，butsawonlyarosyearandabenthead。Acloudpassedoverhisface，andheleanedhischinonhisarmagainwithadespondentwhistle，ashesaidtohimself，­； \"PoorFan!Bothofusinascrapeatonce。\" \"Don\'tyouthinkitwouldbeagoodthing？\"askedFanny，afterplayingabarortwo，verybadly。 \"Yes，forSyd。\" \"NotforPolly？Why，he\'srich，andclever，andbetterthanmostofyougood-for-nothingfellows。Whatcanthegirlexpect？\" \"Can\'tsay，butIdon\'tfancythematchmyself。\" \"Don\'tbeadoginthemanger，Tom。\" \"Blessyourlittleheart，IonlytakeabrotherlysortofinterestinPolly。She\'sacapitalgirl，andsheoughttomarryamissionary，oroneofyourreformerfellows，andbeashininglightofsomesort。Idon\'tthinksettingupforafineladywouldsuither。\" \"Ithinkitwould，andIhopeshe\'llhavethechance，\"saidFanny，evidentlymakinganefforttospeakkindly。 \"Goodforyou，Fan!\"andTomgaveanemphaticnod，asifherwordsmeantmorethanshesuspected\"Mindyou，\"headded，\"Idon\'tknowanything，andonlyfanciedtheremightbesomelittleflirtationgoingon。ButIdaresayit\'snothing。\" \"Timewillshow。\"ThenFanbegantosing，andTom\'shorsecame，sohedepartedwiththeveryunusualdemonstrationofagentlepatonthehead，ashesaidkindly，­； \"That\'sright，mydear，keepjolly。\"Itwasn\'tanelegantwayofexpressingsympathy，butitwashearty，andFanthankedhimforit，thoughsheonlysaid，­； \"Don\'tbreakyourneck，Tommy。\" Whenhewasgone，Fan\'ssongendedassuddenlyasitbegan，andshesatthinking，withvaryingexpressionsofdoubtandtroublepassingrapidlyacrossherface。 \"Well，Ican\'tdoanythingbutwait!\"shesaid，atlast，slammingthemusic-booktogetherwithadesperatelook。\"Yes，Ican，\"sheadded，aminuteafter，\"it\'sPolly\'sholiday。Icangoandseeher，andifthereisanythinginitIshallfinditout。\" Fannydroppedherfaceintoherhands，withalittleshiver，asshesaidthat；thengotup，lookingaspaleandresoluteasifgoingtomeetsomedreadfuldoom，andputtingonherthings，wentawaytoPolly\'sasfastasherdignitywouldallow。 SaturdaymorningwasPolly\'sclearing-upday，andFanfoundherwithahandkerchieftiedoverherhead，andabigapronon，justputtingthelasttouchestothetidylittleroom，whichwasasfreshandbrightaswater，air，andapairofhandscouldmakeit。 \"Allreadyforcompany。I\'lljustwhiskoffmyregimentals，andPolly，themaid，becomesPolly，themissis。Itwaslovelyofyoutocomeearly； takeoffyourthings。Anothernewbonnet？youextravagantwretch!HowisyourmotherandMaudie？It\'saniceday，andwe\'llhaveawalk，won\'twe？\" BythetimePolly\'swelcomewasuttered，shehadgotFanonthelittlesofabesideher，andwassmilingatherinsuchaninfectiousmanner，thatFancouldn\'thelpsmilingback。 \"Icametoseewhatyouhavebeendoingwithyourselflately。Youdon\'tcomeandreport，andIgotanxiousaboutyou，\"saidFanny，lookingintothecleareyesbeforeher。 \"I\'vebeensobusy；andIknewyouwouldn\'tcaretohearaboutmydoings，fortheyaren\'tthesortyoulike，\"answeredPolly。 \"Yourlessonsdidn\'tusetotakeupallyourtime。It\'smyprivateopinionthatyouaretakingaswellasgivinglessons，miss，\"saidFan，puttingonaplayfullysternair，tohideherrealanxiety。 \"Yes，Iam，\"answeredPolly，soberly。 \"Inwhat？Love？\" AquickcolorcametoPolly\'scheeks，asshelaughed，andsaid，lookingaway，\"No；friendshipandgoodworks。\" \"Oh，indeed!MayIaskwhoisyourteacher？\" \"I\'vemorethanone；butMissMillsisheadteacher。\" \"Sheinstructsingoodworks；whogivesthefriendshiplessons？\" \"Suchpleasantgirls!Iwishyouknewthem，Fan。Soclever，andenergetic，andkind，andhappy，italwaysdoesmegoodtoseethem，\"criedPolly，withafacefullofenthusiasm。 \"Isthatall？\"AndFangaveheracuriouslookofmingleddisappointmentandrelief。 \"There，Itoldyoumydoingswouldnotinterestyou，andtheydon\'t； theysoundflatandprosyafteryourbrilliantadventures。Let\'schangethesubject，\"saidPolly，lookingrelievedherself。 \"Dearme，whichofoursweetheartssendsusdaintybouquetsofvioletssoearlyinthemorning？\"askedFanny，suddenlyspyingthepurpleclusterinagracefullittlevaseonthepiano。 \"Hesendsmeoneeveryweek；heknowsIlovethemso，\"andPolly\'seyesturnedthatwayfullofprideandpleasure。 \"I\'dnoideahewassodevoted，\"saidFanny，stoopingtosmelltheflowers，andatthesametimereadacardthatlaynearthem。 \"Youneedn\'tplaguemeaboutit，nowyouknowit。Ineverspeakofourfondnessforoneanother，becausesuchthingsseemsillytootherpeople。 Willisn\'tallthatJimmywastome；buthetriestobe，andIlovehimdearlyforit。\" \"Will？\"Fanny\'svoicequitestartledPolly，itwassosharpandsudden，andherfacegrewredandpaleallinaminute，assheupsetthelittlevasewiththestartshegave。 \"Yes，ofcourse；whodidyouthinkImeant？\"askedPolly，soppingupthewaterbeforeitdamagedherpiano。 \"Nevermind；Ithoughtyoumightbehavingaquietlittleflirtationwithsomebody。Ifeelresponsible，youknow，becauseItoldyourmotherI\'dlookafteryou。Theflowersareallright。Myheadachesso，IhardlyknowwhatI\'mdoingthismorning。\" Fannyspokefast，andlaugheduncomfortably，asshewentbacktothesofa，wonderingifPollyhadtoldheralie。Pollyseemedtoguessatherthoughtsasshesawthecard，andturningtowardher，shehelditup，saying，withaconsciouslookinhereyes，­； \"YouthoughtMr。Sydneysentthem？Well，youaremistaken，andthenexttimeyouwanttoknowanything，pleaseaskstraightout。Ilikeitbetterthantalkingatcrosspurposes。\" \"Now，mydear，don\'tbeangry；Iwasonlyteasingyouinfun。Tomtookitintohisfoolishheadthatsomethingwasgoingon，andIfeltanaturalinterest，youknow。\" \"Tom!Whatdoesheknoworcareaboutmyaffairs？\"demandedPolly。 \"Hemetyoutwointhestreetprettyoften，andbeinginasentimentalmoodhimself，gotuparomanceforyouandSydney。\" \"I\'mmuchobligedtohimforhisinterest，butit\'squitewasted，thankyou。\" Fan\'snextproceedinggaveherfriendanothersurprise，for，beingratherashamedofherself，verymuchrelieved，andquiteatalosswhattosay，shetookrefugeinanhystericalfitoftears，whichchangedPolly\'sangerintotendernessatonce。 \"Isthatthetroubleshehasbeenhidingallwinter？Poordear，IwishI\'dknownitsooner，\"thoughtPolly，asshetriedtosootheherwithcomfortablepats，sniffsofcologneandsympathizingremarksuponthesubjectofheadache，carefullyignoringthatotherfeminineaffliction，theheartache。 \"There，Ifeelbetter。I\'vebeenneedingagoodcryforsometime，andnowIshallbeallright。Nevermindit，Polly，I\'mnervousandtired； I\'vedancedtoomuchlately，anddyspepsiamakesmeblue；\"andFannywipedhereyesandlaughed。 \"Ofcourseitdoes；youneedrestandpetting，andhereI\'vebeenscoldingyou，whenIoughttohavebeenextrakind。NowtellmewhatIcandoforyou，\"saidPolly，witharemorsefulface。 \"Talktome，andtellmeallaboutyourself。Youdon\'tseemtohaveasmanyworriesasotherpeople。What\'sthesecret，Polly？\"AndFanlookedupwithweteyes，andawistfulfaceatPolly，whowasputtinglittledabsofcolognealloverherhead。 \"Well，\"saidPolly，slowly，\"Ijusttrytolookonthebrightsideofthings；thathelpsoneamazingly。Why，you\'venoideahowmuchgoodnessandsunshineyoucangetoutofthemostunpromisingthings，ifyoumakethebestofthem。\" \"Idon\'tknowhow，\"saidFan，despondently。 \"Youcanlearn；Idid。Iusedtocroakandfretdreadfully，andgetsounhappy，Iwasn\'tfitforanything。IdoitstillmorethanIought，butItrynotto，anditgetseasier，Ifind。Geta-topofyourtroubles，andthentheyarehalfcured，MissMillssays。\"