第11章

\"Nowdon\'tbeaffected，Polly，butjusttellme，likeadear，hasn\'theproposed？\" \"No，hehasn\'t。\" \"Don\'tyouthinkhemeansto？\" \"Idon\'tthinkhe\'lleversayawordtome。\" \"Well，Iamsurprised!\"AndFannydrewalongbreath，asifaloadwasoffhermind。Thensheaddedinachangedtone: \"Butdon\'tyoulovehim，Polly？\" \"No。\" \"Truly？\" \"Truly，Fan。\" Neitherspokeforaminute，buttheheartofoneofthembeatjoyfullyandtheduskhidaveryhappyface。 \"Don\'tyouthinkhecaredforyou，dear？\"askedFanny，presently。\"I don\'tmeantobeprying，butIreallythoughthedid。\" \"That\'snotformetosay，butifitisso，it\'sonlyapassingfancyandhe\'llsoongetoverit。\" \"Dotellmeallaboutit；I\'msointerested，andIknowsomethinghashappened，Ihearitinyourvoice，forIcan\'tseeyourface。\" \"DoyourememberthetalkweoncehadafterreadingoneofMissEdgeworth\'sstoriesaboutnotlettingone\'sloverscometoadeclarationifonedidn\'tlovethem？\" \"Yes。\" \"Andyougirlssaiditwasn\'tproper，andIsaiditwashonest，anyway。 Well，IalwaysmeanttotryitifIgotachance，andIhave。Mindyou，Idon\'tsayMr。Sydneylovedme，forheneversaidso，andneverwill，now，butIdidfancyheratherlikedmeandmightdomoreifIdidn\'tshowhimthatitwasofnouse。\" \"Andyoudid？\"criedFanny，muchexcited。 \"Ijustgavehimahintandhetookit。Hemeanttogoawaybeforethat，sodon\'tthinkhisheartisbroken，ormindwhatsillytattlerssay。I didn\'tlikehismeetingmesomuchandtoldhimsobygoinganotherway。 Heunderstood，andbeingagentleman，madenofuss。IdaresayhethoughtIwasavaingoose，andlaughedatmeformypains，likeChurchillin\'Helen。\' \" \"No，hewouldn\'t；He\'dlikeitandrespectyoufordoingit。But，Polly，itwouldhavebeenagrandthingforyou。\" \"Ican\'tsellmyselfforanestablishment。\" \"Mercy!Whatanidea!\" \"Well，that\'stheplainEnglishofhalfyourfashionablematches。I \'m\'odd，\'youknow，andprefertobeanindependentspinsterandteachmusicallmydays。\" \"Ah，butyouwon\'t。Youweremadeforanice，happyhomeofyourown，andIhopeyou\'llgetit，Polly，dear，\"saidFannywarmly，feelingsogratefultoPolly，thatshefoundithardnottopouroutallhersecretatonce。 \"IhopeImay；butIdoubtit，\"answeredPollyinatonethatmadeFannywonderifshe，too，knewwhatheartachemeant。 \"Somethingtroublesyou，Polly，whatisit？Confideinme，asIdoinyou，\"saidFannytenderly，forallthecoldnessshehadtriedtohidefromPolly，hadmeltedinthesuddensunshinethathadcometoher。 \"Doyoualways？\"askedherfriend，leaningforwardwithanirresistibledesiretowinbacktheold-timeloveandconfidence，tooprecioustobeexchangedforalittlebriefexcitementorthebarrenhonorof\"baggingabird，\"touseTrix\'selegantexpression。Fannyunderstooditthen，andthrewherselfintoPolly\'sarms，crying，withashowerofgratefultears；­； \"Oh，mydear!mydear!didyoudoitformysake？\" AndPollyheldherclose，sayinginthattendervoiceofhers，­； \"Ididn\'tmeantoletaloverpartthispairoffriendsifIcouldhelpit。\"ChapterXV。ChapterXV。CHAPTERXVBREAKERSAHEADGOINGintotheShaws\'oneevening，PollyfoundMaudsittingonthestairs，withatroubledface。 \"Oh，Polly，I\'msogladyou\'vecome!\"criedthelittlegirl，runningtohugher。 \"What\'sthematter，deary？\" \"Idon\'tknow；somethingdreadfulmusthavehappened，formammaandFanarecryingtogetherupstairs，papaisshutupinthelibrary，andTomisragingroundlikeabear，inthedining-room。\" \"Iguessitisn\'tanythingverybad。Perhapsmammaissickerthanusual，orpapaworriedaboutbusiness，orTominsomenewscrape。Don\'tlooksofrightened，Maudie，butcomeintotheparlorandseewhatI\'vegotforyou，\"saidPolly，feelingthattherewastroubleofsomesortintheair，buttryingtocheerthechild，forherlittlefacewasfullofasorrowfulanxiety，thatwenttoPolly\'sheart。 \"Idon\'tthinkIcanlikeanythingtillIknowwhatthematteris，\"answeredMaud。\"It\'ssomethinghorrid，I\'msure，forwhenpapacamehome，hewentuptomamma\'sroom，andtalkedeversolong，andmammacriedveryloud，andwhenItriedtogoin，Fanwouldn\'tletme，andshelookedscaredandstrange。Iwantedtogotopapawhenhecamedown，butthedoorwaslocked，andhesaid，\'Notnow，mylittlegirl，\'andthenIsatherewaitingtoseewhatwouldhappen，andTomcamehome。ButwhenIrantotellhim，hesaid，\'Goaway，anddon\'tbother，\'andjusttookmebytheshouldersandputmeout。Oh，dear!everythingissoqueerandhorrid，Idon\'tknowwhattodo。\" Maudbegantocry，andPollysatdownonthestairsbesideher，tryingtocomforther，whileherownthoughtswerefullofavaguefear。Allatoncethedining-roomdooropened，andTom\'sheadappeared。AsingleglanceshowedPollythatsomethingwasthematter，forthecareandelegancewhichusuallymarkedhisappearancewereentirelywanting。Histiewasunderoneear，hishairinatoss，thecherishedmoustachehadaneglectedair，andhisfaceanexpressionbothexcited，ashamed，anddistressed； evenhisvoicebetrayeddisturbance，forinsteadoftheaffablegreetingheusuallybestowedupontheyounglady，heseemedtohavefallenbackintotheblufftoneofhisboyishdays，andallhesaidwas，­； \"Hullo，Polly。\" \"Howdoyoudo？\"answeredPolly。 \"I\'minadevilofamess，thankyou；sendthatchickenupstairs，andcomeinandhearaboutit。\"hesaid，asifhehadbeenlongingtotellsomeone，andwelcomedprudentPollyasaspecialprovidence。 \"Goup，deary，andamuseyourselfwiththisbook，andthesegingersnapsthatImadeforyou，there\'sagoodchild，\"whisperedPolly，asMaudrubbedawayhertears，andstaredatTomwithround，inquisitiveeyes。 \"You\'lltellmeallaboutit，byandby，won\'tyou？\"shewhispered，preparingtoobey。 \"IfImay，\"answeredPolly。 Mauddepartedwithunexpecteddocility，andPollywentintothedining-room，whereTomwaswanderingaboutinarestlessway。Ifhehadbeen\"raginglikeabear，\"Pollywouldn\'thavecared，shewassopleasedthathewantedher，andsogladtobeaconfidante，assheusedtobeinthehappyolddays，thatshewouldjoyfullyhavefacedamuchmoreformidablepersonthanrecklessTom。 \"Now，then，whatisit？\"shesaid，comingstraighttothepoint。 \"Guess。\" \"You\'vekilledyourhorseracing。\" \"Worsethanthat。\" \"Youaresuspendedagain。\" \"Worsethanthat。\" \"Trixhasrunawaywithsomebody，\"criedPolly，withagasp。 \"Worsestill。\" \"Oh，Tom，youhaven\'thorsewhippedorshotanyone？\" \"CameprettynearblowingmyownbrainsoutbutyouseeIdidn\'t。\" \"Ican\'tguess；tellme，quick。\" \"Well，I\'mexpelled。\" Tompausedontherugashegavetheanswer，andlookedatPollytoseehowshetookit。Tohissurprisesheseemedalmostrelieved，andafteraminutesilence，said，soberly，­； \"That\'sbad，verybad；butitmighthavebeenworse。\" \"Itisworse；\"andTomwalkedawayagainwithadespairingsortofgroan。 \"Don\'tknockthechairsabout，butcomeandsitdown，andtellmequietly。\" \"Can\'tdoit。\" \"Well，goon，then。Areyoutrulyexpelled？Can\'titbemadeup？Whatdidyoudo？\" \"It\'satruebillthistime。IjusthadarowwiththeChapelwatchman，andknockedhimdown。Ifitwasafirstoffence，Imighthavegotoff； butyouseeI\'vehadnoendofnarrowescapes，andthiswasmylastchance； I\'velostit，andnowthere\'llbethedickenstopay。Iknewitwasallupwithme，soIdidn\'twaittobeturnedout，butjusttookmyselfoff。\" \"Whatwillyourfathersay？\" \"Itwillcomehardonthegovernor，buttheworstofitis­；\"thereTomstopped，andstoodaminuteinthemiddleoftheroomwithhisheaddown，asifhedidn\'tfinditeasytotellevenkindlittlePolly。Thenoutcamethetruthallinabreath，justasheusedtoboltouthisboyishmisdemeanors，andthenbackupagainstthewallreadytotaketheconsequences。 \"Ioweanawfullotofmoneythatthegovernordon\'tknowabout。\" \"Oh，Tom，howcouldyou？\" \"I\'vebeenanextravagantrascal，Iknowit，andI\'mthunderingsorry，butthatdon\'thelpafellow，I\'vegottotellthedearoldbuffer，andthere\'swhereitcuts。\" AtanothertimePollywouldhavelaughedatthecontrastbetweenTom\'sfaceandhislanguage，buttherewasasincereremorse，whichmadeeventhedreadfulword\"buffer\"rathertouchingthanotherwise。 \"Hewillbeveryangry，Idaresay；buthe\'llhelpyou，won\'the？Healwaysdoes，Fansays。\" \"That\'stheworstofit，yousee。He\'spaidupsooften，thatthelasttimehesaidhispatiencecouldn\'tstandit，norhispocketeither，andifIgotintoanymorescrapesofthatsort，ImustgetoutasIcould。 ImeanttobeassteadyasBunkerHillMonument；buthereIamagain，worsethanever，forlastquarterIdidn\'tsayanythingtofather，hewassobotheredbythelossofthoseshipsjustthen，sothingshavemountedupconfoundedly。\" \"Whathaveyoudonewithallyourmoney？\" \"HangedifIknow。\" \"Can\'tyoupayitanyway？\" \"Don\'tseehow，asIhaven\'tacentofmyown，andnowayofgettingit，unlessItrygambling。\" \"Oh，mercy，no!Sellyourhorse，\"criedPolly，afteraminuteofdeepmeditation。 \"Ihave；buthedidn\'tbringhalfIgaveforhim。Ilamedhimlastwinter，andthebeggarwon\'tgetoverit。\" \"Andthatdidn\'tpayupthedebts？\" \"Onlyaboutahalfof\'em。\" \"Why，Tom，howmuchdoyouowe？\" \"Ihavedodgedfiguringituptillyesterday；thenthingsweresodesperate，IthoughtImightaswellfacethetruth，soIoverhauledmyaccounts，andthere\'stheresult。\" Tomthrewablotted，crumpledpaperintoPolly\'slap，andtrampedupanddownagain，fasterthanever。Pollytookonelookatthetotalandclaspedherhands，fortoherinexperiencedeyesitlookedappalling。 \"Tidylittlesum，isn\'tit？\"askedTom，whocouldn\'tbearthesilence，orthestartled，grievedlookinPolly\'seyes。 \"It\'sawful!Idon\'twonderyoudreadtellingyourfather。\" \"I\'dratherbeshot。Isay，Polly，supposewebreakittohimeasy!\" addedTom，afteranotherturn。 \"Howdoyoumean？\" \"Why，supposeFan，or，betterstill，yougoandsortofpavetheway。 Ican\'tbeartocomedownonhimwiththewholetruthatonce。\" \"Soyou\'dliketohavemegoandtellhimforyou？\"Polly\'slipcurledalittleasshesaidthat，andshegaveTomalookthatwouldhaveshownhimhowblueeyescanflash，ifhehadseenit。Buthewasatthewindow，anddidn\'tturn，ashesaidslowly，­； \"Well，yousee，he\'ssofondofyou；weallconfideinyou；andyouaresolikeoneofthefamily，thatitseemsquitenatural。JusttellhimI\'mexpelled，youknow，andasmuchmoreasyoulike；thenI\'llcomein，andwe\'llhaveitout。\" Pollyroseandwenttothedoorwithoutaword。Indoingso，Tomcaughtaglimpseofherface，andsaid，hastily，­； \"Don\'tyouthinkitwouldbeagoodplan？\" \"No，Idon\'t。\" \"Whynot？Don\'tyouthinkhe\'dratherhaveittoldhimnicelybyyou，thanblurtedoutasIalwaysdoblurtthings？\" \"Iknowhe\'dratherhavehissongotohimandtellthetruth，likeaman，insteadofsendingagirltodowhatheisafraidtodohimself。\" IfPollyhadsuddenlyboxedhisears，Tomcouldn\'thavelookedmoretakenabackthanbythatburst。Helookedatherexcitedface，seemedtounderstandthemeaningofit，andrememberedallatoncethathewastryingtohidebehindagirl。Heturnedscarlet，saidshortly，\"Comeback，Polly，\"andwalkedstraightoutoftheroom，lookingasifgoingtoinstantexecution，forpoorTomhadbeentaughttofearhisfather，andhadnotentirelyoutgrownthedread。 Pollysatdown，lookingbothsatisfiedandtroubled。\"IhopeIdidright，\" shesaidtoherself，\"Icouldn\'tbeartohavehimshirkandseemcowardly。 Heisn\'t，onlyhedidn\'tthinkhowitseemedtome，andIdon\'twonderhewasalittleafraid，Mr。Shawissoseverewiththepoorfellow。Oh，dear，whatshouldwedoifWillgotintosuchscrapes。Thankgoodness，he\'spoor，andcan\'t；I\'msogladofthat!\" Thenshesatsilentbesidethehalf-opendoor，hearingthemurmurofTom\'svoiceacrossthehall，andhoping，withallherheart，thathewouldn\'thaveaveryhardtime。Heseemedtotellhisstoryrapidlyandsteadily，withoutinterruption，totheend；thenPollyheardMr。Shaw\'sdeepervoicesayafewwords，atwhichTomutteredaloudexclamation，asiftakenbysurprise。Pollycouldn\'tdistinguishaword，soshekeptherseat，wonderinganxiouslywhatwasgoingonbetweenthetwomen。AsuddenpauseseemedtofollowTom\'sejaculation，thenMr。Shawtalkedalongtimeinalow，earnesttone，sodifferentfromtheangryonePollyhadexpectedtohear，thatitmadehernervous，forMr。Shawusually\"blewTomupfirst，andforgavehimafterward，\"asMaudsaid。PresentlyTom\'svoicewasheard，apparentlyaskingeagerquestions，towhichbriefrepliesweregiven。Thenadeadsilencefellupontheroom，andnothingwasheardbutthespringrainsoftlyfallingoutofdoors。Allofasuddensheheardamovement，andTom\'svoicesayaudibly，­； \"LetmebringPolly；\"andheappeared，lookingsopaleandmiserablethatPollywasfrightened。 \"Goandsaysomethingtohim；Ican\'t；pooroldfather，ifI\'donlyknown，\"andtoPolly\'sutterdismay，Tomthrewhimselfintoachair，andlaidhisheaddownonthetable，asifhehadgotablowthatwastoomuchforhim。 \"Oh，Tom，whatisit？\"criedPolly，hurryingtohim，fulloffearsshedarednotspeak。 Withoutlookingup，Tomanswered，inasmotheredvoice，\"Failed；allgonetosmash；andto-morroweveryonewillknowit。\" PollyheldontothebackofTom\'schair，foraminute，forthenewstookherbreathaway，andshefeltasiftheworldwascomingtoanend，\"failed\"wassuchavaguelydreadfulwordtoher。 \"Isitverybad？\"sheasked，softly，feelingasifanythingwasbetterthantostandstillandseeTomsowretched。 \"Yes；hemeanstogiveupeverything。He\'sdonehisbest；butitcan\'tbestavedoffanylonger，andit\'sallupwithhim。\" \"Oh，IwishIhadamilliontogivehim!\"criedPolly，claspingherhands，withthetearsrunningdownhercheeks。\"Howdoeshebearit，Tom？\" \"Likeaman，Polly；andI\'mproudofhim，\"saidTom，lookingup，allredandexcitedwiththeemotionshewastryingtokeepunder。\"Everythinghasbeenagainsthim，andhehasfoughtallalonetostandthepressure，butit\'stoomuchforhim，andhe\'sgivenin。It\'sanhonorablefailure，mindyou，andnoonecansayawordagainsthim。I\'dliketosee\'emtryit!\"andTomclenchedhishands，asifitwouldbeanimmenserelieftohimtothrashhalfadozenaspersersofhisfather\'shonestname。 \"Ofcoursetheycan\'t!ThisiswhatpoorMaudtroubledabout。HehadtoldyourmotherandFanbeforeyoucame，andthatiswhytheyaresounhappy，Isuppose。\" \"Theyaresafeenough。Fatherhasn\'ttouchedmother\'smoney；he\'couldn\'trobhisgirls，\'hesaid，andthat\'sallsafefor\'em。Isn\'theatrump，Polly？\"AndTom\'sfaceshonewithpride，evenwhilehislipswouldtwitchwithatendererfeeling。 \"IfIcouldonlydoanythingtohelp，\"criedPolly，oppressedwithherownpowerlessness。 \"Youcan。Goandbegoodtohim；youknowhow；heneedsitenough，allalonethere。Ican\'tdoit，forI\'monlyacurseinsteadofacomforttohim。\" \"Howdidhetakeyournews？\"askedPolly，who，foratime，hadforgottenthelessertroubleinthegreater。 \"Likealamb；forwhenI\'ddone，heonlysaid，\'Mypoorlad，wemustbearwithoneanother。\'andthentoldhisstory。\" \"I\'mgladhewaskind，\"beganPolly，inasoothingtone；butTomcriedout，remorsefully，­； \"That\'swhatknocksmeover!JustwhenIoughttobeaprideandaproptohim，Ibringhimmydebtsanddisgrace，andheneversaysawordofblame。It\'snouse，Ican\'tstandit!\"andTom\'sheadwentdownagainwithsomethingverylikeasob，thatwouldcomeinspiteofmanfuleffortstokeepitback，forthepoorfellowhadthewarmestheartthateverwas，andallthefinewaistcoatsoutsidecouldn\'tspoilit。 ThatsoundgavePollymorepainthanthenewsofadozenfailuresandexpulsions，anditwasasimpossibleforhertoresistputtingherhandtenderlyonthebenthead，asitwasforhertohelpnoticingwithpleasurehowbrownthelittlecurlsweregrowing，andhowsofttheywere。Inspiteofhersorrow，sheenjoyedthatminuteverymuch，forshewasabornconsoler，and，itishardlynecessaryformetoadd，lovedthisreprehensibleTomwithallherheart。Itwasaveryfoolishthingforhertodo，shequiteagreedtothat；shecouldn\'tunderstandit，explainit，orhelpit；sheonlyfeltthatshedidcareforhimverymuch，inspiteofhisfaults，hisindifference，andhisengagement。Yousee，shelearnedtolovehimonesummer，whenhemadethemavisit。ThatwasbeforeTrixcaughthim； andwhensheheardthatpieceofnews，Pollycouldn\'tunlovehimallatonce，thoughshetriedveryhard，aswasherduty。Thatengagementwassuchafarce，thatsheneverhadmuchfaithinit，sosheputherloveawayinacornerofherheart，andtriedtoforgetit，hopingitwouldeitherdie，orhavearighttolive。Itdidn\'tmakeherverymiserable，becausepatience，work，andcommon-senselentherahand，andhopewouldkeeppoppingupitsbrightfacefromthebottomofherPandora-boxoftroubles。 Nowandthen，whenanyonesaidTrixwouldn\'tjiltTom，orthatTomdidcareforTrixmorethanheshould，Pollyhadapang，andthoughtshecouldn\'tpossiblybearit。Butshealwaysfoundshecould，andsocametotheconclusionthatitwasamercifulprovisionofnaturethatgirls\'heartscouldstandsomuch，andtheirappetitescontinuegood，whenunrequitedlovewasstarving。 Now，shecouldnothelpyearningoverthisfaulty，well-belovedscapegraceTom，orhelpthinking，withalittlethrillofhope，\"IfTrixonlycaredforhismoney，shemaycasthimoffnowhe\'slostit；butI\'lllovehimallthebetterbecausehe\'spoor。\"Withthisfeelingwarmatherheart，Idon\'twonderthatPolly\'shandhadasoothingeffect，andthatafteraheaveortwo，Tom\'sshoulderswerequiet，andcertainsmotheredsniffssuggestedthathewouldbeallrightagain，ifhecouldonlywipehiseyeswithoutanyone\'sseeinghimdoit。 Pollyseemedtodivinehiswish，andtuckingalittle，cleanhandkerchiefintooneofhishalf-openhands，shesaid，\"I\'mgoingtoyourfather，now，\"andwithafarewellsmooth，socomfortingthatTomwishedshe\'ddoitagain，shewentaway。 Asshepausedaminuteinthehalltosteadyherself，Maudcalledherfromabove，andthinkingthatthewomenmightneedhermorethanthemen，sheranuptofindFannywaitingforherinherownroom。 \"Mamma\'sasleep，quitewornout，poordear，sowecantalkinherewithouttroublingher，\"saidFanny，receivingherfriendsoquietly，thatPollywasamazed。 \"Letmecome，too，Iwon\'tmakeanyfuss；it\'ssodreadfultobeshutouteverywhere，andhavepeoplecryingandtalking，andlockedup，andInotknowwhatitmeans，\"saidMaud，beseechingly。 \"Youdoknow，now；I\'vetoldher，Polly，\"saidFan，astheysatdowntogether，andMaudperchedherselfonthebed，sothatshemightretireamongthepillowsifherfeelingsweretoomuchforher。 \"I\'mgladyoutakeitsowell，dear；Iwasafraiditmightupsetyou，\" saidPolly，seeingnowthatinspiteofherquietmanner，Fan\'seyeshadanexcitedlook，andhercheeksafeverishcolor。 \"Ishallgroanandmoanbyandby，Idaresay，butatfirstitsortofdazedme，andnowitbeginstoexciteme。Ioughttobefullofsorrowforpoorpapa，andIamtrulysorry，but，wickedasitmayseem，it\'safact，Polly，thatI\'mhalfgladit\'shappened，forittakesmeoutofmyself，andgivesmesomethingtodo。\" Fanny\'seyesfellandhercolorroseasshespoke，butPollyunderstoodwhyshewantedtoforgetherself，andputherarmroundherwithamoretendersympathythanFannyguessed。 \"Perhapsthingsarenotasbadastheyseem；Idon\'tknowmuchaboutsuchmatters，butI\'veseenpeoplewhohavefailed，andtheyseemedjustascomfortableasbefore，\"saidPolly。 \"Itwon\'tbesowithus，forpapameanstogiveupeverything，andnothaveawordsaidagainsthim。Mamma\'slittlepropertyissettleduponher，andhasn\'tbeenrisked。Thattouchedhersomuch!ShedreadspovertyevenmorethanIdo，butshebeggedhimtotakeitifitwouldhelphim。Thatpleasedhim，buthesaidnothingwouldinducehimtodoit，foritwouldn\'thelpmuch，andwashardlyenoughtokeephercomfortable。\" \"Doyouknowwhathemeanstodo？\"askedPolly，anxiously。 \"Hesaidhisplanswerenotmade，buthemeanttogointothelittlehousethatbelongedtograndma，assoonashecould，foritwasn\'thonestforabankrupttokeepupanestablishmentlikethis。\" \"Ishan\'tmindthatatall，Ilikethelittlehouse\'causeit\'sgotagarden，andthere\'sacunningroomwithathree-corneredclosetinitthatIalwayswanted。Ifthat\'sall，Idon\'tthinkbankruptingissoverybad，\"saidMaud，takingacheerfulviewofthings。 \"Ah，justwaittillthecarriagegoesandtheniceclothesandtheservants，andwehavetoscratchalongaswecan。You\'llchangeyourmindthen，poorchild，\"saidFanny，whoseideasoffailureweredecidedlytragical。 \"Willtheytakeallmythingsaway？\"criedMaud，indismay。 \"Idaresay；Idon\'tknowwhatweareallowedtokeep；butnotmuch，Ifancy，\"andFanlookedasifstrunguptosacrificeeverythingshepossessed。 \"Theyshan\'thavemynewear-rings，­；I\'llhide\'em，­；andmybestdress，andmygoldsmellingbottle。Oh，oh，oh!Ithinkit\'smeantotakealittlegirl\'sthingsaway!\"AndMauddivedamongthepillowstosmotherawailofanguishattheprospectofbeingbereftofhertreasures。 Pollysoonluredheroutagain，byassurancesthatshewouldn\'tbeutterlydespoiled，andpromisestotryandsoftenthehardheartsofherfather\'screditors，iftheear-ringsandthesmelling-bottlewereattached。 \"Iwonderifweshallbeabletokeeponeservant，justtillwelearnhowtodothework，\"saidFanny，lookingatherwhitehands，withasigh。 ButMaudclappedhers，andgaveajoyfulbounce，asshecried，­； \"NowIcanlearntocook!Ilovesotobeateggs!I\'llhaveanapron，withabibtoit，likePolly\'s，andafeatherduster，andsweepthestairs，maybe，withmyheadtiedup，likeKaty。Oh，whatfun!\" \"Don\'tlaughather，ordiscourageher；letherfindcomfortinbibsanddust-pans，ifshecan，\"whisperedPollytoFan，whileMaudtookajoyful\"header\"amongthepillows，andcameupsmilingandblowzy，forshelovedhouse-work，andoftengotlecturedforstolenvisitstothekitchen，andsurreptitioussweepingsanddustingswhenthecoastwasclear。 \"Mammaissofeeble，Ishallhavetokeephouse，Isuppose，andyoumustshowmehow，Polly，\"saidFan。 \"Goodpractice，ma\'am，asyou\'llfindoutsomeday，\"answeredPolly，laughingsignificantly。 Fannysmiled，thengrewbothgraveandsad。\"Thischangeseverything； theoldsetwilldropme，aswedidtheMertonswhentheirfatherfailed，andmy\'prospects，\'aswesay，arequiteruined。\" \"Idon\'tbelieveit；yourrealfriendswon\'tdropyou，andyou\'llfindoutwhichthetrueonesarenow。Iknowonefriendwhowillbekinderthanever。\" \"Oh，Polly，doyouthinkso？\"andFanny\'seyessoftenedwithsuddentears。 \"Iknowwhoshemeans，\"criedMaud，alwayseagertofindoutthings。 \"It\'sherself；Pollywon\'tmindifwearepoor，\'causeshelikesbeggars。\" \"Isthatwhoyoumeant？\"askedFan，wistfully。 \"No，it\'samuchbetteranddearerfriendthanIam，\"saidPolly，pinchingFanny\'scheek，asitreddenedprettilyunderhereyes。\"You\'llneverguess，Maud，soIwouldn\'ttry，butbeplanningwhatyouwillputinyourcunning，three-corneredcloset，whenyougetit。\" Havinggotridof\"MissPaulinaPry，\"asTomcalledMaud，whowasimmediatelyabsorbedbyhercupboard，theoldergirlssoberlydiscussedthesuddenchangewhichhadcome，andPollywassurprisedtoseewhatunexpectedstrengthandsenseFannyshowed。Pollywastoounconsciousofthechangewhichlovehadmadeinherselftounderstandatfirstthecauseofherfriend\'snewpatienceandfortitude；butsherejoicedoverit，andfeltthatherprophecywouldyetbefulfilled。PresentlyMaudemergedfromhernewcloset，bringingasomewhatstartlingideawithher。 \"Dobankruptingmen\"(Maudlikedthatnewword)\"alwayshavefits？\" \"Mercy，no!Whatputthatintoyourhead，child？\"criedPolly。 \"Why，Mr。Mertondid；andIwasthinkingperhapspapahadgotonedownthere，anditkindoffrightenedme。\" \"Mr。Merton\'swasabad，disgracefulfailure，andIdon\'twonderhehadafit。Oursisn\'t，andpapawon\'tdoanythingofthatsort，youmaybesure，\"saidFanny，withasproudanairasif\"ourfailure\"wasratheranhonorthanotherwise。 \"Don\'tyouthinkyouandMaudhadbettergodownandseehim？\"askedPolly。 \"Perhapshewouldn\'tlikeit；andIdon\'tknowwhattosay，either，\" beganFan；butPollysaid，eagerly，­； \"Iknowhewouldlikeit。Nevermindwhatyousay；justgo，andshowhimthatyoudon\'tdoubtorblamehimforthis，butlovehimallthemore，andarereadyandgladtohelphimbearthetrouble。\" \"I\'mgoing，Iain\'tafraid；I\'lljusthughim，andsayI\'meversogladwearegoingtothelittlehouse，\"criedMaud，scramblingoffthebed，andrunningdownstairs。 \"Comewithme，Polly，andtellmewhattodo，\"saidFanny，drawingherfriendafterher。 \"You\'llknowwhattodowhenyouseehim，betterthanIcantellyou，\" answeredPolly，readilyyielding，forsheknewtheyconsideredher\"quiteoneofthefamily，\"asTomsaid。 AtthestudydoortheyfoundMaud，whosecouragehadgivenout，forMr。Merton\'sfitratherhauntedher。Pollyopenedthedoor；andtheminuteFannysawherfather，shedidknowwhattodo。Thefirewaslow，thegasdim，andMr。Shawwassittinginhiseasy-chair，hisgrayheadinbothhishands，lookinglonely，old，andboweddownwithcare。FannygavePollyonelook，thenwentandtookthegrayheadinbothherarms，saying，withatenderquiverinhervoice，­； \"Fatherdear，we\'vecometohelpyoubearit\" Mr。Shawlookedup，andseeinginhisdaughter\'sfacesomethingthatneverhadbeentherebefore，puthisarmabouther，andleanedhistiredheadagainsther，asif，whenleastexpected，hehadfoundtheconsolationhemostneeded。Inthatminute，Fannyfelt，withmingledjoyandself-reproach，whatadaughtermightbetoherfather；andPolly，thinkingoffeeble，selfishMrs。Shaw，asleepupstairs，sawwithsuddenclearnesswhatawifeshouldbetoherhusband，­；ahelpmeet，notaburden。Touchedbytheseunusualdemonstrations，Maudcreptquietlytoherfather\'sknee，andwhispered，withagreattearshiningonherlittlepugnose，­； \"Papa，wedon\'tminditmuch，andI\'mgoingtohelpFankeephouseforyou；I\'dliketodoit，truly。\" Mr。Shaw\'sotherarmwentroundthechild，andforaminutenoonesaidanything，forPollyhadslippedbehindhischair，thatnothingshoulddisturbthethree，whowerelearningfrommisfortunehowmuchtheylovedoneanother。 PresentlyMr。Shawsteadiedhimselfandasked，­； \"Whereismyotherdaughter，where\'smyPolly？\" Shewasthereatonce；gavehimoneofthequietkissesthathadmorethanusualtendernessinit，forshelovedtohearhimsay\"myotherdaughter，\" andthenshewhispered，­； \"Don\'tyouwantTom，too？\" \"OfcourseIdo；whereisthepoorfellow？\" \"I\'llbringhim；\"andPollydepartedwithmostobligingalacrity。 Butinthehallshepausedaminutetopeepintotheglassandseeifshewasallright，forsomehowshewasmoreanxioustolookneatandprettytoTominhishouroftroublethanshehadeverbeeninhisprosperousdays。Inliftingherarmstoperkupthebowatherthroatsheknockedahatoffthebracket。Now，ashinyblackbeaverisnotanobjectexactlycalculatedtoinspiretenderorromanticsentiments，onewouldfancy，butthatparticular\"stovepipe\"seemedtotouchPollytotheheart，forshecaughtitup，asifitsfallsuggestedagreaterone，smoothedoutaslightdint，asifitwassymbolicalofthehardknocksitsowner\'sheadwasnowindangerofreceiving，andstoodlookingatitwithasmuchpityandrespect，asifithadbeenthecrownofadisinheritedprince。Girlswilldosuchfoolishlittlethings，andthoughwelaughatthem，Ithinkwelikethemthebetterforit，afterall。 RichardwashimselfagainwhenPollyentered，forthehandkerchiefhaddisappeared，hisheadwaserect，hisfacewassteady，andhiswholeairhadadoggedcomposurewhichseemedtosaytofate，\"Hitaway，I\'mready。\" HedidnothearPollycomein，forhewaslookingfixedlyatthefirewitheyesthatevidentlysawaverydifferentfuturetherefromthatwhichitusedtoshowhim；butwhenshesaid，\"Tom，dear，yourfatherwantsyou，\" hegotupatonce，heldouthishandtoher，saying，\"Cometoo，wecan\'tgetonwithoutyou，\"andtookherbackintothestudywithhim。 Thentheyhadalongtalk，forthefamilytroublesseemedtowarmandstrengthenthefamilyaffectionandconfidence，andastheyoungpeoplelistenedwhileMr。Shawtoldthemasmuchofhisbusinessperplexitiesastheycouldunderstand，everyoneofthemblamedhimorherselfforgoingonsogaylyandblindly，whilethestormwasgathering，andthepoormanwaslefttomeetitallalone。Now，however，thethunder-claphadcome，andafterthefirstalarm，findingtheywerenotkilled，theybegantodiscoveracertainhalf-anxious，half-pleasantexcitementintalkingitover，encouragingoneanother，andfeelingunusuallyfriendly，aspeopledowhenasuddenshowerdrivestwoorthreetotheshelterofoneumbrella。 Itwasasobertalk，butnotallsad，forMr。Shawfeltinexpressiblycomfortedbyhischildren\'sunexpectedsympathy，andthey，tryingtotakethedownfallcheerfullyforhissake，founditeasiertobearthemselves。 Theyevenlaughedoccasionally，forthegirls，intheirignorance，askedqueerquestions；Tommadeludicrouslyunbusiness-likepropositions；andMaudgavethemoneheartypeal，thatdidaworldofgood，bypensivelyremarking，whentheplansforthefuturehadbeenexplainedtoher，­； \"I\'msorelieved；forwhenpapasaidwemustgiveupeverything，andmammacalledusallbeggars，IdidthinkI\'dgottogoroundaskingforcoldvittles，withabigbasket，andanoldshawlovermyhead。IsaidonceI\'dlikethat，butI\'mafraidIshouldn\'t，forIcan\'tbearIndiancakeandcoldpotatoes，­；that\'swhatthepoorchildrenalwaysseemtoget，­；andIshouldhatetohaveGraceandtherestseemescuffingroundthebackgates。\" \"Mylittlegirlshallnevercometothat，ifIcanhelpit，\"saidMr。 Shaw，holdingherclose，withalookthatmadeMaudadd，asshelaidhercheekagainsthisown，­； \"ButI\'ddoit，father，ifyouaskedmeto，forItrulywanttohelp。\" \"SodoI!\"criedFanny，wonderingatthesameminutehowitwouldseemtowearturnedsilks，andcleanhergloves。 Tomsaidnothing，butdrewtowardhimapaperoffigureswhichhisfatherhaddrawnup，andspeedilyreducedhimselftothevergeofdistractionbytryingtounderstandthem，inhisardentdesiretoprovehiswillingnesstoputhisshouldertothewheel。 \"Weshallpullthrough，children，sodon\'tborrowtrouble，onlybereadyfordiscomfortsandannoyances。Putyourprideinyourpockets，andrememberpovertyisn\'tdisgraceful，butdishonestyis。\" PollyhadalwayslovedkindMr。Shaw，butnowsherespectedhimheartily，andfeltthatshehadnotdonehimjusticewhenshesometimesthoughtthatheonlycaredformakingmoney。 \"Ishouldn\'twonderifthiswasagoodthingforthewholefamily，thoughitdon\'tlookso。Mrs。Shawwilltakeitthehardest，butitmaystirherup，soshewillforgethernerves，andbeasbusyandhappyasmotheris，\"saidPollytoherself，inahopefulmood，forpovertywasanoldfriend，andshehadlearnedlongagonottofearit，buttotakeitsbitteranditssweet，andmakethebestofboth。 Whentheypartedforthenight，Pollyslippedawayfirst，toleavethemfree，yetcouldn\'thelplingeringoutsidetoseehowtenderlythegirlspartedfromtheirfather。Tomhadn\'tawordtosayforhimself，formendon\'tkiss，caress，orcrywhentheyfeelmost，andallhecoulddotoexpresshissympathyandpenitence，wastowringhisfather\'shandwithafacefullofrespect，regret，andaffection，andthenboltupstairsasifthefurieswereafterhim，astheywere，inamildandmodernform。ChapterXVI。ChapterXVI。CHAPTERXVIADRESSPARADETHEweeksthatfollowedtaughttheShaws，asmanyotherfamilieshavebeentaught，howrapidlyrichestaketothemselveswingsandflyaway，whentheyoncebegintogo。Mr。Shawcarriedouthisplanswithanenergyandpatiencethatworkedwonders，andtouchedtheheartsofhishardestcreditors。 Thebighousewasgivenupassoonaspossibleandthelittlehousetaken； beingmadecomfortablewiththefurnitureMadamlefttherewhenshewenttolivewithherson。Theold-fashionedthingshadbeenletwiththehouse，andnowseemedalmostlikeagiftfromGrandma，doublypreciousinthesetroubloustimes。Attheauction，severalpersonstriedtoshowthefamilythat，thoughtheyhadlosttheirfortune，friendsstillremained，foronebidinFanny\'spiano，andsentittoher；anothersecuredcertainluxuriousarticlesforMrs。Shaw\'scomfort；andathirdsavedsuchofMr。Shaw\'sbooksashevaluedmost，forhehadkepthiswordandgivenupeverything，withthemostpunctiliousintegrity。Sothelittlehousewasnotbare，butmadepleasanttotheireyesbythesewaifsfromthewreck，broughtthembythetideofsympathyandgood-willwhichsoonsetin。 Everybodywhoknewthemhastenedtocall，manyfromarealregard，butmorefrommerecuriosityto\"seehowtheytookit。\"Thiswasoneofthehardestthingstheyhadtobear，andTomusedstronglanguagemorethanonce，whensomefineladycametocondole，andwentawaytogossip。Polly\'shopesofMrs。Shawweredisappointed，formisfortunedidnothaveabracingeffect。Shetooktoherbedatonce，receivedherfriendsintearsandapoint-lacecap，andcheeredherfamilybyplaintivelyinquiringwhenshewastobetakentothealmshouse。ThiswashardforFanny；butafteranintervalofdespair，shecametotheconclusionthatunderthecircumstancesitwasthebestthinghermothercouldhavedone，andwithsomethingofherfather\'senergy，Fannyshoulderedthenewburden，feelingthatatlastnecessityhadgivenherwhatshehadlongneeded，somethingtodo。 ThepoorgirlknewasmuchofhouseholdaffairsasSnip；butprideandtheresolution\"tostandbyFather，\"keptuphercourage，andsheworkedawaywithfeverishactivityatwhatevertaskcamefirsttill，justasstrengthandheartwereabouttofail，orderbegantoemergefromchaosandthevisionofahomemadehappyandcomfortablebyherskillandcarecametorepayandsustainher。 Maud，beingrelievedfromthefearofback-doorbeggary，soonbecamereconciledtobankruptcy；thoughtitratheragoodjoke，onthewhole，forchildrenlikenovelty，anddon\'tcaremuchforMrs。Grundy。Sheregardedthenewabodeasababyhouseonalargescale，whereshewasallowedtoplayherpartinthemostsatisfactorymanner。Fromthemomentwhen，ontakingpossessionofthecovetedroom，sheopenedthedoorsofthethree-corneredcloset，andfoundalittlekettlejustlikePolly\'s，standingthere，shefeltthatagoodtimewascomingforherandfelltodustingfurniture，washingcups，andmakingtoast，thehappiest，fussiestlittlehousewifeinthecity。ForMaudinheritedthenotablegiftsofhergrandmother，andwouldhavemadeacapitalfarmer\'sdaughter，inspiteofhercitybreeding。 Pollycameandwentthroughallthesechanges，faithful，helpful，andascheeryasshecouldbewhenherfriendswereintrouble。Thepartsseemedreversednow，anditwasPollywhogave，Fannywhoreceived；forwhereeverythingseemedstrangeandnewtoFan，Pollywasquiteathome，andeveryoneoftheunfashionabledomesticaccomplishmentsnowcameintoplay，tothecomfortoftheShaws，andthegreatsatisfactionofPolly。Shecouldnotdoenoughtoprovehergratitudeforformerfavors，andwenttoilingandmoilingabout，feelingthatthehardest，mostdisagreeabletaskswereherespecialduty。Inthemovingnothingsuitedherbetterthantotrotupanddown，luggingheavythings，topoundherfingersblackandbluenailingcarpetsandcurtains，andthedayshenearlybrokehernecktumblingdownthecellarstairs，inhereagernesstoseethatMrs。Shaw\'swinewasrightlystored，shefeltthatshewasonlypayingherdebts，andtoldTomshelikedit，whenhepickedheruplookingasgrimyasachimney-sweep。 \"Youcanturnyourhandtoanything，youclevergirl，sodocomeandgivemesomeadvice，forIaminthedepthsofdespair，\"saidFannywhenthe\"maid-of-all-work\"asPollycalledherself，foundaleisurehour。 \"Whatisit？Mothsinthefurs，asmokychimney，orsmall-poxnextdoor？\" askedPolly，astheyenteredFan\'sroom，whereMaudwastryingonoldbonnetsbeforethelooking-glass。 \"ActuallyIhavenothingtowear，\"beganFanimpressively；\"I\'vebeentoobusytothinkorcaretillnow，buthereitisnearlyMayandIhavehardlyadecentragtomyback。Usually，youknow，IjustgotoMrs。O\'GradyandtellherwhatIwant；shemakesmyspringwardrobe，Papapaysthebill，andthereIam。NowI\'velookedintothematter，andIdeclaretoyou，Polly，I\'mfrightenedtoseehowmuchitcoststodressme。\" \"NotsomuchassomegirlsIknow，\"saidPollyencouragingly。 \"Perhapsnot，forIhaveaconscience，andtasteiseconomysometimes； butreally，Polly，Ihaven\'tthehearttoaskPapaforacentjustnow，andyetImusthaveclothes。Youaresuchageniusforplanningandworkingwonders，thatIthrowmyselfuponyouandask，\'HowshallImakeaspringwardrobeoutofnothing？\'\" \"Letmeseethe\'nothing\'beforeIadvise。Bringouteveryragyou\'vegot，andwe\'llseewhatcanbedone，\"saidPolly，lookingasifsheenjoyedtheprospect，forshehadagreatdealofthatfemininefacultywhichwecall\"knack，\"andmuchpracticehadincreasedit。 Fannybroughtouther\"rags\"andwasastonishedtoseehowmanyshehad，forchair，sofa，bed，andbureauwerecovered，andstillMaud，whowasburrowingintheclosets，keptcrying，\"Here\'sanother。\" \"There\'sadiscouragingheapofrubbishforyou!\"saidFan，assheaddedafadedmuslintothelastpile。 \"Now，tomeyour\'rubbish\'looksveryencouraging，becausethereisgoodmaterialthere，andnotmuchworn-outfinery，­；that\'smydetestation，foryoucan\'tdoanythingwithit。Letmesee，fivebonnets。Putthewinteronesawaytillautumn，ripupthesummerones，andoutofthreeoldoneswe\'llgetaprettynewone，ifmyeyesdon\'tdeceiveme。\" \"I\'llrip，andthendoletmeseeyoumakeabonnet，itmustbesointeresting，\"saidMaud，whippingoutherscissorsandeagerlybeginningtoreduceashabbylittlebonnettoitsoriginalelements。 \"Nowthedresses，\"continuedPolly，whohadrapidlysortedoutthepiles。 \"Willyouhavethegoodnesstolookatthis？\"saidFan，holdingupagraystreetsuitfadedpastcure。 Pollywhiskeditwrongsideout，andshowingtheclean，brightfabric，said，withatriumphantwave，­； \"Beholdyournewsuit；freshtrimmingandlessofitwillfinishyouoffassmartasever。\" \"Ineverworeaturneddressinmylife；doyousupposepeoplewillknowit？\"saidFandoubtfully。 \"Whatiftheydo？Itwon\'thurtyou。Notoneinahundredwilleverthinkanythingaboutyourdress，exceptthatitispretty。I\'vewornturnedanddyedgownsallmydays，anditdon\'tseemtohavealienatedmyfriends，orinjuredmyconstitution。\" \"Thatithasn\'t；I\'magoose，Polly，andI\'llgetoverthefeelingthatit\'ssortofdisgracefultobepoorandhavetoeconomize。We\'llturnthegray，andI\'llwearitbravely。\" \"Thenitwillbemorebecomingthanever。Oh，here\'stheprettyvioletsilk。Thatwillmakealovelysuit，\"criedPolly，goingonwiththereview。 \"Don\'tseehowtwodraggledskirtsandastainedwaistcanbetransformedintoawholerig，\"saidFan，sittingonthebed，withhergarmentsstrewnaboutherinvariousattitudesoflimpdespondency。 \"Well，ma\'am，myplanisthis，\"beganPolly，imitatingMrs。O\'Grady\'simportanttone，andbadgrammar:\"Goresisout，andplaitsisin；therefore，asthetopofthisskirtisquitefresh，wewilltakeofftheruffles，turnitupsidedown，andleaveitplain。Theupperskirtwillbemadescanter，andfinishedwithafrill；thenthewaistcanberefreshedwiththebestpartsofthesewideflounces，andoutofthosenewbitswewillconcoctahat。TheblacklaceMaudhasjusttakenoffthegreenonewilldotoedgetheviolet，andwithyournicesilkmantillayouarecomplete，don\'tyousee？\" \"Idon\'tquiteseeityet，butIhavefirmfaiththatIshallintime，andconsidermycallingcostumefinished，\"saidFanny，gettingmoreandmoreinterestedasshesawhercondemnedwardrobecomingoutfreshagainunderPolly\'smagicknack。 \"Therearetwo；thenthatpiqué；isallright，ifyoucutthetailoffthejacketandchangethetrimmingabit。Themuslinsonlyneedmendinganddoinguptolookaswellasever；yououghtnottoputthemawaytornandsoiled，mychild。Thetwoblacksilkswillbegoodstand-bysforyears。IfIwereyou，I\'dhaveacoupleofneat，prettyprintsforhome-wear，andthenIdon\'tseewhyyouaren\'tfixedwellenoughforourshortseason。\" \"Can\'tIdoanythingwiththisbarege？It\'soneofmyfavoritedresses，andIhatetogiveitup。\" \"Youworethatthoroughlyout，andit\'sonlyfitfortherag-bag。Yes，itwasveryprettyandbecoming，Iremember，butitsdayisover。\" Fannyletthedresslieinherlapaminuteassheabsentlypickedatthefringe，smilingtoherselfoverthehappytimewhensheworeitlastandSydneysaidsheonlyneededcowslipsinherlaptolooklikespring。 Presentlyshefoldeditupandputitawaywithasigh，butitneverwentintotherag-bag，andmysentimentalreaderscanunderstandwhatsavedit。 \"Theballdresseshadbetterbeputnicelyawaytillnextyear，\"beganPolly，comingtoarainbow­；coloredheap。 \"Mydayisover，Ishallneverusethemagain。Dowhatyoulikewiththem，\"saidFancalmly。 \"Didyoueversellyourcast-offfinery，asmanyladiesdo？\"askedPolly。 \"Never；Idon\'tlikethefashion。Igiveitaway，orletMaudhaveitfortableaux。\" \"IwonderifyouwouldmindmytellingyousomethingBelleproposed？\" \"Ifit\'sanoffertobuymyclothes，Ishouldmind，\"answeredFanny，sharply。 \"ThenIwon\'t，\"andPollyretiredbehindacloudofarsenic-greengauze，whichmadeherlookasifshehadthecholera。 \"Ifshewantedtobuythathorridnew\'gooseberry-coloredgown，\'asTomcallsit，I\'dletherhaveitcheap，\"putinMaud，whowasofapracticalturn。 \"Doesshewantit，Polly？\"askedFan，whosecuriositygotthebetterofherpride。 \"Well，shemerelyaskedmeifIthoughtyou\'dbemortallyoffended，ifsheofferedtotakeitoffyourhands，asyou\'dneverwornit。Youdon\'tlikeit，andinanotherseasonitwillbealloutoffashion，\"saidPollyfromherverdantretreat。 \"Whatdidyousay？\" \"Isawshemeantitkindly，soIsaidI\'dask。Nowbetweenourselves，Fan，thepriceofthatdresswouldgiveyouallyou\'llwantforyourspringfixings，that\'soneconsideration；thenhere\'sanother，whichmayhavesomeweightwithyou，\"addedPollyslyly。\"TrixtoldBelleshewasgoingtoaskyouforthedress，asyouwouldn\'tcaretowearitnow。ThatmadeBellefireup，andsayitwasameanthingtodowithoutofferingsomereturnforacostlythinglikethat；andthenBellesaid，inherbluntway，\'I\'llgiveFanallshepaidforit，andmore，too，ifitwillbeanyhelptoher。Idon\'tcareforthedress，butI\'dliketoslipalittlemoneyintoherpocket，forIknowsheneedsitandistoogoodtoaskdearMr。Shawforanythingshecangetonwithout。\'\" \"Didshesaythat？I\'llgiveherthedress，andnottakeapennyforit，\"criedFan，flushingupwithmingledangertowardTrixandgratitudetoBelle。 \"Thatwon\'tsuither；youletmemanageit，anddon\'tfeelanyshameoranxietyaboutit。YoudidmanyakindandgenerousthingforBellewhenyouhadthepower，andyoulikedtodoit；nowletherpayherdebts，andhavethesamepleasure。\" \"Ifshelooksatitinthatway，itmakesadifference。PerhapsI\'dbetter­；themoneywouldbeanimmensehelp­；onlyIdon\'tquiteliketotakeit。\" \"Kingsandqueensselltheirjewelswhentimesarehardortheygetturnedofftheirthrones，andnoonethinksitanythingamiss，sowhyneedyou？It\'sjustalittletransactionbetweentwofriendswhoexchangethingstheydon\'twantforthingswhichtheydo，andI\'ddoitifIwereyou。\" \"We\'llseeaboutit，\"saidFan，privatelyresolvingtotakePolly\'sadvice。 \"IfIhadlotsofthingslikeFan，I\'dhaveanauctionandgetallIcouldforthem。Whydon\'tyou？\"askedMaud，beginningonherthirdbonnet。