8/19/2019 An Old Ashioned Girl LouisaMay Alcott http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/an-old-ashioned-girl-louisamay-alcott 1/153 An Old-fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott Table of Contents Chapter I. Polly Arrives Chapter II. New Fashions Chapter III. Polly's Troubles Chapter IV. Little Things Chapter V. Srapes Chapter VI. !ran"#a Chapter VII. !oo"$%y Chapter VIII. Si& ears Afterwar" Chapter I(. Lessons Chapter (. %rothers an" Sisters Chapter (I. Nee"les an" Tongues Chapter (II. Forbi""en Fruit Chapter (III. The Sunny Si"e Chapter (IV. Nippe" in the %u" Chapter (V. %rea)ers Ahea" Chapter (VI. A *ress Para"e Chapter (VII. Playing !ran"#other Chapter (VIII. The +o#an +ho *i" Not *are Chapter (I(. To#'s Suess Chapter I. Polly Arrives ,It's ti#e to go to the station- To#., ,Co#e on- then., ,h- I'# not going/ it's too wet. Shoul" n't have a ri#p left if I went out suh a "ay as this/ an" I want to loo) nie when Polly o#es., ,ou "on't e&pet #e to go an" bring ho#e a strange girl alone- "o you0, An" To# loo)e" as #uh alar#e" as if his sister ha" propose" to hi# to esort the wil" wo#an of Australia. ,f ourse I "o. It's your plae to go an" get her/ an" if you was n't a bear- you'" li)e it., ,+ell- I all that #ean1 I suppose" I'" got to go/ but you sai" you '" go- too. Cath #e bothering about your frien"s another ti#e1 No- sir1 , An" To# rose fro# the sofa with an air of in"ignant resolution- the i#pressive effet of whih was so#ewhat "a#age" by a tousle" hea"- an" the hunhe" appearane of his gar#ents generally. ,Now- "on't be ross/ an" I'll get #a##a to let you have that horri" Ne" 2iller- that you are so fon" of- o#e an" #a)e you a visit after Polly's gone-, sai" Fanny- hoping to soothe his ruffle" feelings. ,3ow long is she going to stay0, "e#an"e" To#- #a)ing his toilet by a pro#isuous sha)e. ,A #onth or two- #aybe. She's ever so nie/ an" I shall )eep her as long as she's happy., ,She won't stay long then- if I an help it-, #uttere" To#- who regar"e" girls as a very unneessary portion of reation. %oys of fourteen are apt to thin) so- an" perhaps it is a wise arrange#ent/ for- being fon" of turning so#ersaults- they have an opportunity of in"ulging in a goo" one- #etaphorially spea)ing- when- three or four years later- they beo#e the ab4et slaves of ,those bothering girls.,
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,Loo) here1 how a# I going to )now the reature0 I never saw her- an" she never saw #e.
ou'll have to o#e too- Fan-, he a""e"- pausing on his way to the "oor- arreste" by the awful
i"ea that he #ight have to a""ress several strange girls before he got the right one.
,ou'll fin" her easy enough/ she'll probably be stan"ing roun" loo)ing for us. I "are say
she'll )now you- though I'# not there- beause I've "esribe" you to her.,
,!uess she won't- then/, an" To# gave a hasty s#ooth to his urly pate an" a glane at the
#irror- feeling sure that his sister ha" n't "one hi# 4ustie. Sisters never "o- as ,we fellows,
)now too well.,*o go along- or you'll be too late/ an" then- what will Polly thin) of #e0, rie" Fanny- with
the i#patient po)e whih is peuliarly aggravating to #asuline "ignity.
,She'll thin) you are" #ore about your fri55les than your frien"s- an" she'll be about right-
too.,
Feeling that he sai" rather a neat an" utting thing- To# sauntere" leisurely away- perfetly
onsious that it was late- but bent on not being hurrie" while in sight- though he ran hi#self off
his legs to #a)e up for it afterwar".
,If I was the Presi"ent- I'" #a)e a law to shut up all boys till they were grown/ for they
ertainly are the #ost provo)ing toa"s in the worl"-, sai" Fanny- as she wathe" the slouhy
figure of her brother strolling "own the street. She #ight have hange" her #in"- however- ifshe ha" followe" hi#- for as soon as he turne" the orner- his whole aspet altere"/ his han"s
a#e out of his po)ets- he stoppe" whistling- buttone" his 4a)et- gave his ap a pull- an" went
off at a great pae.
The train was 4ust in when he reahe" the station- panting li)e a rae$horse- an" as re" as a
lobster with the win" an" the run.
,Suppose she'll wear a top$)not an" a thingu#bob- li)e every one else/ an" however shall I
)now her0 Too ba" of Fan to #a)e #e o#e alone1, thought To#- as he stoo" wathing the
row" strea# through the "epot- an" feeling rather "aunte" at the array of young la"ies who
passe". As none of the# see#e" loo)ing for any one- he "i" not aost the#- but eye" eah new bath with the air of a #artyr. ,That's her-, he sai" to hi#self- as he presently aught sight of a
girl in gorgeous array- stan"ing with her han"s fol"e"- an" a very s#all hat perhe" on the top
of a very large ,hig$non-, as To# pronoune" it. ,I suppose I've got to spea) to her- so here
goes/, an"- nerving hi#self to the tas)- To# slowly approahe" the "a#sel- who loo)e" as if
the win" ha" blown her lothes into rags- suh a flapping of sashes- sallops- ruffles- urls- an"
feathers was there.
,I say- if you please- is your na#e Polly 2ilton0, #ee)ly as)e" To#- pausing before the
bree5y stranger.
,No- it is n't-, answere" the young la"y- with a ool stare that utterly 6uenhe" hi#.
,+here in thun"er is she0, growle" To#- wal)ing off in high "u"geon. The 6ui) tap of feet behin" hi# #a"e hi# turn in ti#e to see a fresh$fae" little girl running "own the long station-
an" loo)ing as if she rather li)e" it. As she s#ile"- an" wave" her bag at hi#- he stoppe" an"
waite" for her- saying to hi#self- ,3ullo1 I won"er if that's Polly0,
7p a#e the little girl- with her han" out- an" a half$shy- half$#erry loo) in her blue eyes- as
she sai"- in6uiringly- ,This is To#- is n't it0,
,es. 3ow "i" you )now0, an" To# got over the or"eal of han"$sha)ing without thin)ing of
it- he was so surprise".
,h- Fan tol" #e you'" got urly hair- an" a funny nose- an" )ept whistling- an" wore a gray
ap pulle" over your eyes/ so I )new you "iretly., An" Polly no""e" at hi# in the #ost
frien"ly #anner- having politely refraine" fro# alling the hair ,re"-, the nose ,a pug-, an" the
ap ,ol"-, all of whih fats Fanny ha" arefully i#presse" upon her #e#ory.
,+here are your trun)s0, as)e" To#- as he was re#in"e" of his "uty by her han"ing hi# the
bag- whih he ha" not offere" to ta)e.
,Father tol" #e not to wait for any one- else I'" lose #y hane of a ha)/ so I gave #y
he) to a #an- an" there he is with #y trun)/, an" Polly wal)e" off after her one #o"est piee
of baggage- followe" by To#- who felt a trifle "epresse" by his own re#issness in polite
attentions. ,She is n't a bit of a young la"y- than) goo"ness1 Fan "i" n't tell #e she was pretty.*on't loo) li)e ity girls- nor at li)e'e#- neither-, he thought- tru"ging in the rear- an" eyeing
with favor the brown urls bobbing along in front.
As the arriage "rove off- Polly gave a little boune on the springy seat- an" laughe" li)e a
"elighte" hil". ,I "o li)e to ri"e in these nie ha)s- an" see all the fine things- an" have a goo"
ti#e- "on't you0, she sai"- o#posing herself the ne&t #inute- as if it su""enly ourre" to her
that she was going a$visiting.
,Not #uh-, sai" To#- not #in"ing what he sai"- for the fat that he was shut up with the
strange girl su""enly oppresse" his soul.
,3ow's Fan0 +hy "i" n't she o#e- too0, as)e" Polly- trying to loo) "e#ure- while her eyes
"ane" in spite of her.,Afrai" of spoiling her rin)les/, an" To# s#ile"- for this base betrayal of onfi"ene #a"e
hi# feel his own #an again.
,ou an" I "on't #in" "a#pness. I'# #uh oblige" to you for o#ing to ta)e are of #e.,
It was )in" of Polly to say that- an" To# felt it/ for his re" rop was a ten"er point- an" to be
assoiate" with Polly's pretty brown urls see#e" to lessen its oppery glow. Then he ha" n't
"one anything for her but arry the bag a few steps/ yet- she than)e" hi#. 3e felt grateful- an"
in a burst of onfi"ene- offere" a han"ful of peanuts- for his po)ets were always supplie" with
this agreeable "eliay- an" he #ight be trae" anywhere by the trail of shells he left behin"
hi#.As soon as he ha" "one it- he re#e#bere" that Fanny onsi"ere" the# vulgar- an" felt that
he ha" "isgrae" his fa#ily. So he stu) his hea" out of the win"ow- an" )ept it there so long-
that Polly as)e" if anything was the #atter. ,Pooh1 who ares for a ountrifie" little thing li)e
her-, sai" To# #anfully to hi#self/ an" then the spirit of #ishief entere" in an" too)
possession of hi#.
,3e's pretty "run)/ but I guess he an hol" his horses-, replie" this evil$#in"e" boy- with an
air of al# resignation.
,Is the #an tipsy0 h- "ear1 let's get out1 Are the horses ba"0 It's very steep here/ "o you
thin) it's safe0, rie" poor Polly- #a)ing a o)e" hat of her little beaver- by thrusting it out of
the half$open win"ow on her si"e.,There's plenty of fol)s to pi) us up if anything happens/ but perhaps it woul" be safer if I
got out an" sat with the #an/, an" To# 6uite bea#e" with the brilliany of this su""en #o"e of
relief.
,h- "o- if you ain't afrai"1 2other woul" be so an&ious if anything shoul" happen to #e- so
far away1, rie" Polly- #uh "istresse".
,*on't you be worrie". I'll #anage the ol" hap- an" the horses too/, an" opening the "oor-
To# vanishe" aloft- leaving poor viti#i5e" Polly to 6ua)e insi"e- while he plai"ly revelle" in
free"o# an" peanuts outsi"e- with the stai" ol" "river.
Fanny a#e flying "own to #eet her ,"arling Polly-, as To# presente" her- with the graeful
re#ar)- ,I've got her1, an" the air of a "auntless hunter- pro"uing the trophies of his s)ill. Polly
was instantly whis)e" up stairs/ an" having "ane" a "ouble$shuffle on the "oor$#at- To#
retire" to the "ining$roo#- to restore e&hauste" nature with half a "o5en oo)ies.
,Ain't you tire" to "eath0 *on't you want to lie "own0, sai" Fanny- sitting on the si"e of the
be" in Polly's roo#- an" hattering har"- while she e&a#ine" everything her frien" ha" on.
,Not a bit. I ha" a nie ti#e o#ing- an" no trouble- e&ept the tipsy oah#an/ but To# got
out an" )ept hi# in or"er- so I was n't #uh frightene"-, answere" innoent Polly- ta)ing off herrough$an"$rea"y oat- an" the plain hat without a bit of a feather.
,Fi""lesti)1 he was n't tipsy/ an" To# only "i" it to get out of the way. 3e an't bear girls-,
sai" Fanny- with a superior air.
,Can't he0 +hy- I thought he was very pleasant an" )in"1, an" Polly opene" her eyes with a
surprise" e&pression.
,3e's an awful boy- #y "ear/ an" if you have anything to "o with hi#- he'll tor#ent you to
"eath. %oys are all horri"/ but he's the horri"est one I ever saw.,
Fanny went to a fashionable shool- where the young la"ies were so busy with their Frenh-
!er#an- an" Italian- that there was no ti#e for goo" 8nglish. Feeling her onfi"ene #uh
sha)en in the youth- Polly privately resolve" to let hi# alone- an" hange" the onversation- bysaying- as she loo)e" a"#iringly about the large- han"so#e roo#- ,3ow splen"i" it is1 I never
slept in a be" with urtains before- or ha" suh a fine toilet$table as this.,
,I'# gla" you li)e it/ but "on't- for #ery sa)e- say suh things before the other girls1,
replie" Fanny- wishing Polly woul" wear ear$rings- as every one else "i".
,+hy not0, as)e" the ountry #ouse of the ity #ouse- won"ering what har# there was in
li)ing other people's pretty things- an" saying so. ,h- they laugh at everything the least bit o""-
an" that is n't pleasant., Fanny "i" n't say ,ountrifie"-, but she #eant it- an" Polly felt
uno#fortable. So she shoo) out her little bla) sil) apron with a thoughtful fae- an" resolve"
not to allu"e to her own ho#e- if she oul" help it.,I'# so poorly- #a##a says I nee" n't go to shool regularly- while you are here- only two or
three ti#es a wee)- 4ust to )eep up #y #usi an" Frenh. ou an go too- if you li)e/ papa sai"
so. *o- it's suh fun1, rie" Fanny- 6uite surprising her frien" by this une&pete" fon"ness for
shool.
,I shoul" be afrai"- if all the girls "ress as finely as you "o- an" )now as #uh-, sai" Polly-
beginning to feel shy at the thought.
,La- hil"1 you nee" n't #in" that. I'll ta)e are of you- an" fi& you up- so you won't loo)
o"".,
,A# I o""0, as)e" Polly- stru) by the wor" an" hoping it "i" n't #ean anything very ba".
,ou are a "ear- an" ever so #uh prettier than you were last su##er- only you've been brought up "ifferently fro# us/ so your ways ain't li)e ours- you see-, began Fanny- fin"ing it
rather har" to e&plain.
,3ow "ifferent0, as)e" Polly again- for she li)e" to un"erstan" things.
,+ell- you "ress li)e a little girl- for one thing.,
,I a# a little girl/ so why shoul" n't I0, an" Polly loo)e" at her si#ple blue #erino fro)-
stout boots- an" short hair- with a pu55le" air.
,ou are fourteen/ an" we onsi"er ourselves young la"ies at that age-, ontinue" Fanny-
surveying- with o#plaeny- the pile of hair on the top of her hea"- with a fringe of fu55 roun"
her forehea"- an" a wavy lo) strea#ing "own her ba)/ li)ewise- her sarlet$an"$bla) suit-
with its big sash- little pannier- bright buttons- points- rosettes- an"- heaven )nows what. There
was a lo)et on her ne)- earrings tin)ling in her ears- wath an" hain at her belt- an" several
rings on a pair of han"s that woul" have been i#prove" by soap an" water.
Polly's eye went fro# one little figure to the other- an" she thought that Fanny loo)e" the
o""est of the two/ for Polly live" in a 6uiet ountry town- an" )new very little of ity fashions.
She was rather i#presse" by the elegane about her- never having seen Fanny's ho#e before- as
they got a6uainte" while Fanny pai" a visit to a frien" who live" near Polly. %ut she "i" n't let
the ontrast between herself an" Fan trouble her/ for in a #inute she laughe" an" sai"-ontente"ly- ,2y #other li)es #e to "ress si#ply- an" I "on't #in". I shoul" n't )now what to
"o rigge" up as you are. *on't you ever forget to lift your sash an" fi& those puffy things when
you sit "own0 ,
%efore Fanny oul" answer- a srea# fro# below #a"e both listen. ,It's only 2au"/ she
fusses all "ay long-, began Fanny/ an" the wor"s were har"ly out of her #outh- when the "oor
was thrown open- an" a little girl- of si& or seven- a#e roaring in. She stoppe" at sight of Polly
stare" a #inute- then too) up her roar 4ust where she left it- an" ast herself into Fanny's lap-
e&lai#ing wrathfully- ,To#'s laughing at #e1 2a)e hi# stop1,
,+hat "i" you "o to set hi# going0 *on't srea# so- you'll frighten Polly1, an" Fan gave the
herub a sha)e- whih pro"ue" an e&planation.,I only sai" we ha" ol" wea# at the party- last night- an" he laughe"1,
,I "on't are1 it was ol"/ an" I war#e" #ine at the wegister- an" then it was nie/ only-
+illy %liss spilt it on #y new !abwielle1, an" 2au" waile" again over her au#ulate" woes.
,*o go to 9aty1 ou're as ross as a little bear to$"ay1, sai" Fanny- pushing her away.
,9aty "on't a#oose #e/ an" I #ust be a#oose"-'ause I'# fwatious/ #a##a sai" I was1,
sobbe" 2au"- evi"ently laboring un"er the "elusion that fratiousness was so#e interesting
#ala"y.
,Co#e "own an" have "inner/ that will a#use you/, an" Fanny got up- plu#ing herself as a bir" "oes before its flight.
Polly hope" the ,"rea"ful boy, woul" not be present/ but he was- an" stare" at her all
"inner$ti#e- in a #ost trying #anner. 2r. Shaw- a busy$loo)ing gentle#an- sai"-, 3ow "o you
"o- #y "ear0 3ope you'll en4oy yourself/, an" then appeare" to forget her entirely. 2rs. Shaw- a
pale- nervous wo#an- greete" her little guest )in"ly- an" too) are that she wante" for nothing.
2a"a# Shaw- a 6uiet ol" la"y- with an i#posing ap- e&lai#e" on seeing Polly- ,%less #y
heart1 the i#age of her #other a sweet wo#an how is she- "ear0, an" )ept peering at the new$
o#er over her glasses- till- between 2a"a# an" To#- poor Polly lost her appetite.
Fanny hatte" li)e a #agpie- an" 2au" fi"gete"- till To# propose" to put her un"er the big
"ish$over- whih pro"ue" suh an e&plosion- that the young la"y was borne srea#ing away- by the #uh$en"uring 9aty. It was altogether an uno#fortable "inner- an" Polly was very gla"
when it was over. They all went about their own affairs/ an" after "oing the honors of the house-
Fan was alle" to the "ress#a)er- leaving Polly to a#use herself in the great "rawing$roo#.
Polly was gla" to be alone for a few #inutes/ an"- having e&a#ine" all the pretty things
about her- began to wal) up an" "own over the soft- flowery arpet- hu##ing to herself- as the
"aylight fa"e"- an" only the ru""y glow of the fire fille" the roo#. Presently 2a"a# a#e
slowly in- an" sat "own in her ar#$hair- saying- ,That's a fine ol" tune/ sing it to #e- #y "ear.
I have n't hear" it this #any a "ay., Polly "i" n't li)e to sing before strangers- for she ha" ha" no
teahing but suh as her busy #other oul" give her/ but she ha" been taught the ut#ost respet
for ol" people- an" having no reason for refusing- she "iretly went to the piano- an" "i" as she
was bi".
,That's the sort of #usi it's a pleasure to hear. Sing so#e #ore- "ear-, sai" 2a"a#- in her
gentle way- when she ha" "one.
Please" with this praise- Polly sang away in a fresh little voie- that went straight to the
listener's heart an" nestle" there. The sweet ol" tunes that one is never tire" of were all Polly's
store/ an" her favorites were Soth airs- suh as- ,ellow$3aire" La""ie-, ,:o) o' 3a5el"ean-,
,*own a#ong the 3eather-, an" ,%ir)s of Aberfel"ie., The #ore she sung- the better she "i" it/an" when she woun" up with ,A 3ealth to 9ing Charlie-, the roo# 6uite rung with the stirring
#usi #a"e by the big piano an" the little #ai".
,%y !eorge- that's a 4olly tune1 Sing it again- please-, rie" To#'s voie/ an" there was
To#'s re" hea" bobbing up over the high ba) of the hair where he ha" hi""en hi#self.
It gave Polly 6uite a turn- for she thought no one was hearing her but the ol" la"y "o5ing by
the fire. ,I an't sing any #ore/ I'# tire"-, she sai"- an" wal)e" away to 2a"a# in the other
roo#. The re" hea" vanishe" li)e a #eteor- for Polly's tone ha" been "ei"e"ly ool.
The ol" la"y put out her han"- an" "rawing Polly to her )nee- loo)e" into her fae with suh
)in" eyes- that Polly forgot the i#pressive ap- an" s#ile" at her onfi"ingly/ for she saw that
her si#ple #usi ha" please" her listener- an" she felt gla" to )now it.,ou #ust n't #in" #y staring- "ear-, sai" 2a"a#- softly pinhing her rosy hee). ,I have
n't seen a little girl for so long- it "oes #y ol" eyes goo" to loo) at you.,
Polly thought that a very o"" speeh- an" oul" n't help saying- ,Are n't Fan an" 2au" little
girls- too0,
,h- "ear- no1 not what I all little girls. Fan has been a young la"y this two years- an" 2au"
is a spoile" baby. our #other's a very sensible wo#an- #y hil".,
,+hat a very 6ueer ol" la"y1, thought Polly/ but she sai" ,es'#, respetfully- an" loo)e" at
the fire.
,ou "on't un"erstan" what I #ean- "o you0, as)e" 2a"a#- still hol"ing her by the hin.,No'#/ not 6uite.,
,+ell- "ear- I'll tell you. In #y "ay- hil"ren of fourteen an" fifteen "i" n't "ress in the height
of the fashion/ go to parties- as nearly li)e those of grown people as it's possible to #a)e the#/
lea" i"le- gi""y- unhealthy lives- an" get blas- at twenty. +e were little fol)s till eighteen or so/
,That's the way I was brought up- an" that's why Fan alls #e ol"$fashione"- I suppose. Tell
#ore about your papa- please/ I li)e it-, sai" Polly.
,Say'father.' +e never alle" hi# papa/ an" if one of #y brothers ha" a""resse" hi#
as'governor-' as boys "o now- I really thin) he '" have hi# ut off with a shilling.,
2a"a# raise" her voie in saying this- an" no""e" signifiantly/ but a #il" snore fro# the
other roo# see#e" to assure her that it was a waste of shot to fire in that "iretion.
%efore she oul" ontinue- in a#e Fanny with the 4oyful news that Clara %ir" ha" invite"
the# both to go to the theatre with her that very evening- an" woul" all for the# at seveno'lo). Polly was so e&ite" by this su""en plunge into the "issipations of ity life- that she
flew about li)e a "istrate" butterfly- an" har"ly )new what happene"- till she foun" herself
seate" before the great green urtain in the brilliant theatre. l" 2r. %ir" sat on one si"e- Fanny
on the other- an" both let her alone- for whih she was very grateful- as her whole attention was
so absorbe" in the sene aroun" her- that she oul" n't tal).
Polly ha" never been #uh to the theatre/ an" the few plays she ha" seen were the goo" ol"
fairy tales- "ra#ati5e" to suit young behol"ers- lively- bright- an" full of the har#less nonsense
whih brings the laugh without the blush. That night she saw one of the new spetales whih
have lately beo#e the rage- an" run for hun"re"s of nights- "a55ling- e&iting- an"
"e#orali5ing the spetator by every allure#ent Frenh ingenuity an invent- an" A#erian pro"igality e&eute. Never #in" what its na#e was- it was very gorgeous- very vulgar- an" very
fashionable/ so- of ourse- it was #uh a"#ire"- an" every one went to see it. At first- Polly
thought she ha" got into fairy$lan"- an" saw only the spar)ling reatures who "ane" an" sung
in a worl" of light an" beauty/ but- presently- she began to listen to the songs an" onversation-
an" then the illusion vanishe"/ for the lovely phanto#s sang negro #elo"ies- tal)e" slang- an"
were a "isgrae to the goo" ol"$fashione" elves who# she )new an" love" so well.
ur little girl was too innoent to un"erstan" half the 4o)es- an" often won"ere" what people
were laughing at/ but- as the first enhant#ent subsi"e"- Polly began to feel uno#fortable- to
be sure her #other woul" n't li)e to have her there- an" to wish she ha" n't o#e. So#ehowthings see#e" to get worse an" worse- as the play went on/ for our s#all spetator was being
rapi"ly enlightene" by the gossip going on all about her- as well as by her own 6ui) eyes an"
girlish instints. +hen four$an"$twenty girls- "resse" as 4o)eys- a#e praning on to the stage-
ra)ing their whips- sta#ping the heels of their topboots- an" win)ing at the au"iene- Polly
"i" not thin) it at all funny- but loo)e" "isguste"- an" was gla" when they were gone/ but when
another set appeare" in a ostu#e onsisting of gau5e wings- an" a bit of gol" fringe roun" the
waist- poor unfashionable Polly "i" n't )now what to "o/ for she felt both frightene" an"
in"ignant- an" sat with her eyes on her play$bill- an" her hee)s getting hotter an" hotter every
#inute.
,+hat are you blushing so for0, as)e" Fanny- as the painte" sylphs vanishe".,I'# so asha#e" of those girls-, whispere" Polly- ta)ing a long breath of relief.
,ou little goose- it's 4ust the way it was "one in Paris- an" the "aning is splen"i". It see#s
6ueer at first/ but you'll get use" to it- as I "i".,
,I'll never o#e again-, sai" Polly- "ei"e"ly/ for her innoent nature rebelle" against the
spetale- whih- as yet- gave her #ore pain than pleasure. She "i" not )now how easy it was to
,get use" to it-, as Fanny "i"/ an" it was well for her that the te#ptation was not often offere".
She oul" not e&plain the feeling/ but she was gla" when the play was "one- an" they were safe
at ho#e- where )in" gran"#a was waiting to see the# o#fortably into be".
,*i" you have a goo" ti#e- "ear0, she as)e"- loo)ing at Polly's feverish hee)s an" e&ite"
eyes.
,I "on't wish to be ru"e- but I "i" n't-, answere" Polly. ,So#e of it was splen"i"/ but a goo"
"eal of it #a"e #e want to go un"er the seat. People see#e" to li)e it- but I "on't thin) it was
proper.,
As Polly free" her #in"- an" e#phasi5e" her opinion with a "ei"e" rap of the boot she ha"
4ust ta)en off- Fanny laughe"- an" sai"- while she pirouette" about the roo#- li)e 2a"e#oiselle
Therese- ,Polly was sho)e"- gran"#a. 3er eyes were as big as sauers. her fae as re" as #ysash- an" one I thought she was going to ry. So#e of it was rather 6ueer/ but- of ourse- it was
proper- or all our set woul" n't go. I hear" 2rs. S#ythe Per)ins say-'It was har#ing/ so li)e
"ear Paris/' an" she has live" abroa"/ so- of ourse- she )nows what is what.,
,I "on't are if she has. I )now it was n't proper for little girls to see- or I shoul" n't have been
so asha#e"1, rie" stur"y Polly- perple&e"- but not onvine"- even by 2rs. S#ythe Per)ins.
,I thin) you are right- #y "ear/ but you have live" in the ountry- an" have n't yet learne"
that #o"esty has gone out of fashion., An" with a goo"$night )iss- gran"#a left Polly to "rea#
"rea"fully of "aning in 4o)ey ostu#e- on a great stage/ while To# playe" a big "ru# in the
orhestra/ an" the au"iene all wore the faes of her father an" #other- loo)ing sorrowfully at
her- with eyes li)e sauers- an" faes as re" as Fanny's sash.Chapter II. New Fashions
,I'# going to shool this #orning/ so o#e up an" get rea"y-, sai" Fanny- a "ay or two after
as she left the late brea)fast$table.
,ou loo) very nie/ what have you got to "o0, as)e" Polly- following her into the hall.
,Prin) half an hour- an" put on her wa"-, answere" the irreverent To#- whose preparations
for shool onsiste" in flinging his ap on to his hea"- an" strapping up several big boo)s- that
loo)e" as if they were so#eti#es use" as weapons of "efene.
,+hat is a wa"0, as)e" Polly- while Fanny #arhe" up without "eigning any reply.,So#ebo"y's hair on the top of her hea" in the plae where it ought not to be/, an" To#
went whistling away with an air of subli#e in"ifferene as to the state of his own ,urly pow.,
,+hy #ust you be so fine to go to shool0, as)e" Polly- wathing Fan arrange the little
fri55les on her forehea"- an" settle the various strea#ers an" festoons belonging to her "ress.
,All the girls "o/ an" it's proper- for you never )now who you #ay #eet. I'# going to wal)-
after #y lessons- so I wish you'" wear your best hat an" sa)-, answere" Fanny- trying to sti)
her own hat on at an angle whih "efie" all the laws of gravitation.
,I will- if you "on't thin) this is nie enough. I li)e the other best- beause it has a feather/
but this is war#er- so I wear it every "ay., An" Polly ran into her own roo#- to prin) also-
fearing that her frien" #ight be asha#e" of her plain ostu#e. ,+on't your han"s be ol" in )i"gloves0, she sai"- as they went "own the snowy street- with a north win" blowing in their faes.
,es- horri" ol"/ but #y #uff is so big- I won't arry it. 2a##a won't have it ut up- an"
#y er#ine one #ust be )ept for best/, an" Fanny s#oothe" her %is#ar) )i"s with an in4ure"
air.
,I suppose #y gray s6uirrel is ever so #uh too big/ but it's nie an" osy- an" you #ay
war# your han"s in it if you want to-, sai" Polly- surveying her new woollen gloves with a
"issatisfie" loo)- though she ha" thought the# 6uite elegant before.
,Perhaps I will- by an" by. Now- Polly- "on't you be shy. I'll only intro"ue two or three of
the girls/ an" you nee" n't #in" ol" 2onsieur a bit- or rea" if you "on't want to. +e shall be in
the anteroo#/ so you'll only see about a "o5en- an" they will be so busy- they won't #in" you
#uh.,
,I guess I won't rea"- but sit an" loo) on. I li)e to wath people- everything is so new an"
6ueer here.,
%ut Polly "i" feel an" loo) very shy- when she was ushere" into a roo# full of young la"ies-
as they see#e" to her- all very #uh "resse"- all tal)ing together- an" all turning to e&a#ine the
new$o#er with a ool stare whih see#e" to be as #uh the fashion as eye$glasses. They
no""e" affably when Fanny intro"ue" her- sai" so#ething ivil- an" #a"e roo# for her at thetable roun" whih they sat waiting for 2onsieur. Several of the #ore froliso#e were i#itating
the !reian %en"- so#e were putting their hea"s together over little notes- nearly all were
eating onfetionery- an" the entire twelve hattere" li)e #agpies. %eing politely supplie" with
ara#els- Polly sat loo)ing an" listening- feeling very young an" ountrifie" a#ong these
elegant young la"ies.
,!irls- "o you )now that Carrie has gone abroa"0 There has been so #uh tal)- her father
oul" n't bear it- an" too) the whole fa#ily off. Is n't that gay0, sai" one lively "a#sel- who ha"
4ust o#e in.
,I shoul" thin) they'" better go. 2y #a##a says- if I'" been going to that shool- she'" have
ta)en #e straight away-, answere" another girl- with an i#portant air.,Carrie ran away with an Italian #usi$teaher- an" it got into the papers- an" #a"e a great
stir-, e&plaine" the first spea)er to Polly- who loo)e" #ystifie".
,3ow "rea"ful1, rie" Polly.
,I thin) it was fun. She was only si&teen- an" he was perfetly splen"i"/ an" she has plenty
of #oney - an" every one tal)e" about it/ an" when she went anywhere- people loo)e"- you
)now- an" she li)e" it/ but her papa is an ol" po)e- so he's sent the# all away. It's too ba"- for
she was the 4olliest thing I ever )new.,
Polly ha" nothing to say to lively 2iss %elle/ but Fanny observe"- ,I li)e to rea" about suh
things/ but it's so inonvenient to have it happen right here- beause it #a)es it har"er for us. Iwish you oul" have hear" #y papa go on. 3e threatene" to sen" a #ai" to shool with #e
every "ay- as they "o in New or)- to be sure I o#e all right. *i" you ever0, ,That's beause it
a#e out that Carrie use" to forge e&uses in her #a##a's na#e- an" go pro#ena"ing with her
reste- when they thought her safe at shool. h- was n't she a sly #in&0, rie" %elle- as if she
rather a"#ire" the tri).
,I thin) a little fun is all right/ an" there's no nee" of #a)ing a tal)- if- now an" then- so#e
one "oes run off li)e Carrie. %oys "o as they li)e/ an" I "on't see why girls nee" to be )ept so
"rea"fully lose. I'" li)e to see anybo"y wathing an" guar"ing #e1, a""e" another "ashing
young la"y.
,It woul" ta)e a polie#an to "o that- Tri&- or a little #an in a tall hat-, sai" Fanny- slyly-whih ause" a general laugh- an" #a"e %eatrie toss her hea" o6uettishly.
,h- have you rea"'The Phanto# %ri"e'0 It's perfetly thrilling1 There's a regular rush for it
at the library/ but so#e prefer '%rea)ing a %utterfly.' +hih "o you li)e best0, as)e" a pale girl
of Polly- in one of the #o#entary lulls whih ourre".
,I have n't rea" either.,
,ou #ust- then. I a"ore !uy Livingston's boo)s- an" ates's. 'ui"a's' are #y "elight- only
they are so long- I get worn out before I'# through.,
,I have n't rea" anything but one of the 2uhlbah novels sine I a#e. I li)e those- beause
there is history in the#-, sai" Polly- gla" to have a wor" to say for herself.
,Those are well enough for i#proving rea"ing/ but I li)e real e&iting novels/ "on't you0,
Polly was spare" the #ortifiation of owning that she ha" never rea" any- by the appearane
of 2ousieur- a gray$hea"e" ol" Frenh#an- who went through his tas) with the resigne" air of
one who was use" to being the viti# of giggling shool$girls. The young la"ies gabble" over
the lesson- wrote an e&erise- an" rea" a little Frenh history. %ut it "i" not see# to #a)e #uh
i#pression upon the#- though 2onsieur was very rea"y to e&plain/ an" Polly 6uite blushe" for
her frien"- when- on being as)e" what fa#ous Frenh#an fought in our ;evolution- she
answere" La#artine- instea" of Lafayette.The hour was soon over/ an" when Fan ha" ta)en a #usi lesson in another roo#- while
Polly loo)e" on- it was ti#e for reess. The younger girls wal)e" up an" "own the ourt- ar# in
ar#- eating brea" an butter/ others staye" in the shool$roo# to rea" an" gossip/ but %elle- Tri&-
an" Fanny went to lunh at a fashionable ie$rea# saloon near by- an" Polly #ee)ly followe"-
not "aring to hint at the ginger$brea" gran"#a ha" put in her po)et for lunheon. So the
honest- brown oo)ies ru#ble" away in obsurity- while Polly trie" to satisfy her hearty
appetite on one ie an" three #aaroons.
The girls see#e" in great spirits- partiularly after they were 4oine" by a short gentle#an
with suh a young fae that Polly woul" have alle" hi# a boy- if he ha" not worn a tall beaver
8sorte" by this i#pressive youth- Fanny left her unfortunate frien"s to return to shool- an"went to wal)- as she alle" a slow pro#ena"e "own the #ost row"e" streets. Polly "isreetly
fell behin"- an" a#use" herself loo)ing into shop$win"ows- till Fanny- #in"ful of her #anners-
even at suh an interesting ti#e- too) her into a piture gallery- an" ba"e her en4oy the wor)s of
art while they reste". be"ient Polly went through the roo# several ti#es- apparently
e&a#ining the pitures with the interest of a onnoisseur- an" trying not to hear the #il" prattle
of the pair on the roun" seat. %ut she oul" n't help won"ering what Fan foun" so absorbing in
an aount of a reent !er#an- an" why she nee" pro#ise so sole#nly not to forget the onert
that afternoon.
+hen Fanny rose at last- Polly's tire" fae reproahe" her/ an" ta)ing a hasty leave of thes#all gentle#an- she turne" ho#ewar"- saying- onfi"entially- as she put one han" in Polly's
#uff- ,Now- #y "ear- you #ust n't say a wor" about Fran) 2oore- or papa will ta)e #y hea"
off. I "on't are a bit for hi#- an" he li)es Tri&/ only they have 6uarrelle"- an" he wants to #a)e
her #a" by flirting a little with #e. I sol"e" hi# well- an" he pro#ise" to #a)e up with her.
+e all go to the afternoon onerts- an" have a gay ti#e- an" %elle an" Tri& are to be there to$
"ay/ so 4ust )eep 6uiet- an" everything will be all right.,
,I'# afrai" it won't-, began Polly- who- not being use" to serets- foun" it very har" to )eep
even a s#all one.
,*on't worry- hil". It's none of our business/ so we an go an" en4oy the #usi- an" if other
people flirt- it won't be our fault-, sai" Fanny- i#patiently.,f ourse not/ but- then- if your father "on't li)e you to "o so- ought you to go0,
,I tell #a##a- an" she "on't are. Papa is fussy- an" gran"#a #a)es a stir about every
blesse" thing I "o. ou will hol" your tongue- won't you0,
,es/ I truly will/ I never tell tales., An" Polly )ept her wor"- feeling sure Fan "i" n't #ean
to "eeive her father- sine she tol" her #other everything.
,+ho are you going with0, as)e" 2rs. Shaw- when Fanny #entione" that it was onert$
,nly Polly/ she li)es #usi- an" it was so stor#y I oul" n't go last wee)- you )now-,
answere" Fan/ a""ing- as they left the house again- ,If any one #eets us on the way- I an't help
it- an I0,
,ou an tell the# not to- an't you0,
,That's ru"e. *ear #e1 here's %elle's brother !us he always goes. Is #y hair all right- an" #y
hat0
%efore Polly oul" answer- 2r. !us 4oine" the# as a #atter of ourse- an" Polly soon foun"
herself trotting on behin"- feeling that things were not ,all right-, though she "i" n't )now howto #en" the#. %eing fon" of #usi- she ignorantly suppose" that every one else went for that
alone- an" was #uh "isturbe" by the whispering that went on a#ong the young people roun"
her. %elle an" Tri& were there in full "ress/ an"- in the pauses between "ifferent piees- 2essrs.
Fran) an" !us- with several other ,splen"i" fellows-, regale" the young la"ies with ollege
gossip- an" bits of news full of interest- to 4u"ge fro# the lose attention pai" to their elo6uent
re#ar)s. Polly regar"e" these noble beings with awe- an" they reogni5e" her e&istene with
the on"esension of their se&/ but they evi"ently onsi"ere" her only ,a 6uiet little thing-, an"
fin"ing her not up to soiety tal)- blan"ly ignore" the pretty hil"- an" "evote" the#selves to
the young la"ies. Fortunately for Polly- she forgot all about the# in her en4oy#ent of the fine
#usi- whih she felt rather than un"erstoo"- an" sat listening with suh a happy fae- thatseveral true #usi$lovers wathe" her s#ilingly- for her heart gave a blithe welo#e to the
#elo"y whih put the little instru#ent in tune. It was "us) when they went out- an" Polly was
#uh relieve" to fin" the arriage waiting for the#- beause playing thir" fi""le was not to her
taste- an" she ha" ha" enough of it for one "ay.
,I'# gla" those #en are gone/ they "i" worry #e so tal)ing- when I wante" to hear-, sai"
Polly- as they rolle" away.
,+hih "i" you li)e best0, as)e" Fanny- with a langui" air of superiority.
,The plain one- who "i" n't say #uh/ he pi)e" up #y #uff when it tu#ble" "own- an"
too) are of #e in the row"/ the others "i" n't #in" anything about #e.,,They thought you were a little girl- I suppose.,
,2y #other says a real gentle#an is as polite to a little girl as to a wo#an/ so I li)e 2r.
Sy"ney best- beause he was )in" to #e.,
,+hat a sharp hil" you are- Polly. I shoul" n't have thought you'" #in" things li)e that-,
sai" Fanny- beginning to un"erstan" that there #ay be a goo" "eal of wo#anliness even in a
little girl.
,I'# use" to goo" #anners- though I "o live in the ountry-, replie" Polly- rather war#ly- for
she "i" n't li)e to be patroni5e" even by her frien"s.
,!ran"#a says your #other is a perfet la"y- an" you are 4ust li)e her/ so "on't get in a
passion with those poor fellows- an" I'll see that they behave better ne&t ti#e. To# has no#anners at all- an" you "on't o#plain of hi#-, a""e" Fan- with a laugh.
,I "on't are if he has n't/ he's a boy- an" ats li)e one- an" I an get on with hi# a great "eal
better than I an with those #en.,
Fanny was 4ust going to ta)e Polly to tas) for saying ,those #en, in suh a "isrespetful
tone- when both were startle" by a s#othere" ,Co)$a$"oo"le$"oo1, fro# un"er the opposite
seat.
,It's To#1, rie" Fanny/ an" with the wor"s out tu#ble" that inorrigible boy- re" in the
fae- an" breathless with suppresse" laughter. Seating hi#self- he surveye" the girls as if well
satisfie" with the suess of his pran)- an" waiting to be ongratulate" upon it. ,*i" you hear
what we were saying0, "e#an"e" Fanny- uneasily.
,h- "i" n't I- every wor"0, An" To# e&ulte" over the# visibly.
,*i" you ever see suh a provo)ing toa"- Polly0 Now- I suppose you'll go an" tell papa a
great story.,
,P'r'aps I shall- an" p'r'aps I shan't. 3ow Polly "i" hop when I rowe"1 I hear" her s6ueal-
an" saw her u""le up her feet.,
,An" you hear" us praise your #anners- "i" n't you0, as)e" Polly- slyly.,es- an" you li)e"'e#/ so I won't tell on you-, sai" To#- with a re$assuring no".
,There's nothing to tell.,
,Ain't there- though0 +hat "o you suppose the governor will say to you girls going on so
with those "an"ies0 I saw you.,
,+hat has the !overnor of 2assahusetts to "o with us0, as)e" Polly- trying to loo) as if
she #eant what she sai".
,Pooh1 you )now who I #ean/ so you nee" n't try to ath #e up- as gran"#a "oes.,
,To#- I'll #a)e a bargain with you-, rie" Fanny- eagerly. ,It was n't #y fault that !us an"
Fran) were there- an" I oul" n't help their spea)ing to #e. I "o as well as I an- an" papa nee"
n't be angry/ for I behave ever so #uh better than so#e of the girls. *on't I- Polly0,,%argain0, observe" To#- with an eye to business.
,If you won't go an" #a)e a fuss- telling what you'" no right to hear it was so #ean to hi"e
an" listen/ I shoul" thin) you'" be asha#e" of it1 I'll help you tease for your veloipe"e- an"
won't say a wor" against it- when #a##a an" granny beg papa not to let you have it.,
,+ill you0, an" To# pause" to onsi"er the offer in all its bearings.
,es- an" Polly will help/ won't you0,
,I'" rather not have anything to "o with it/ but I'll be 6uiet- an" not "o any har#.,
,+hy won't you0, as)e" To#- uriously.
,%eause it see#s li)e "eeiving.,,+ell- papa nee" n't be so fussy-, sai" Fan- petulantly.
,After hearing about that Carrie- an" the rest- I "on't won"er he is fussy. +hy "on't you tell
right out- an" not "o it any #ore- if he "on't want you to0, sai" Polly- persuasively.
,*o you go an" tell your father an" #other everything right out0,
,es- I "o/ an" it saves ever so #uh trouble.,
,Ain't you afrai" of the#0,
,f ourse I'# not. It's har" to tell so#eti#es/ but it's so o#fortable when it's over.,
,Let's1, was To#'s brief a"vie.
,2ery #e1 what a fuss about nothing1, sai" Fanny- rea"y to ry with ve&ation.
,T is n't nothing. ou )now you are forbi""en to go gallivanting roun" with those haps- an"that's the reason you're in a pu)er now. I won't #a)e any bargain- an" I will tell-, returne"
To#- sei5e" with a su""en fit of #oral fir#ness.
,+ill you if I pro#ise never- never to "o so any #ore0, as)e" Fanny- #ee)ly/ for when
Tho#as too) #atters into his own han"s- his sister usually sub#itte" in spite of herself.
,I'll thin) about it/ an" if you behave- #aybe I won't "o it at all. I an wath you better than
papa an/ so- if you try it again- it's all up with you- #iss-, sai" To#- fin"ing it i#possible to
resist the pleasure of tyranni5ing a little when he got the hane.
,She won't/ "on't plague her any #ore- an" she will be goo" to you when you get into
After tea that evening- Fanny propose" that Polly shoul" show her how to #a)e #olasses
an"y- as it was oo)'s holi"ay- an" the oast woul" be lear. 3oping to propitiate her tor#entorFan invite" To# to 4oin in the revel- an" Polly begge" that 2au" #ight sit up an" see the fun/
so all four "esen"e" to the big )ithen- ar#e" with aprons- ha##ers- spoons- an" pans- an"
Polly assu#e" o##an" of the fores. To# was set to ra)ing nuts- an" 2au" to pi)ing out
the #eats- for the an"y was to be ,tip$top., Fan waite" on Polly oo)- who hovere" over the
)ettle of boiling #olasses till her fae was the olor of a peony. ,Now- put in the nuts-, she sai"
at last/ an" To# e#ptie" his plate into the foa#y syrup- while the others wathe" with "eep
interest the #ysterious onotion of this well$belove" sweet#eat. ,I pour it into the buttere"
pan- you see- an" it ools- an" then we an eat it-, e&plaine" Polly- suiting the ation to the
wor".
,+hy- it's all full of shells1, e&lai#e" 2au"- peering into the pan.,h- thun"er1 I #ust have put'e# in by #ista)e- an" ate up the #eats without thin)ing-, sai"
To#- trying to oneal his naughty satisfation- as the girls hung over the pan with faes full of
"isappoint#ent an" "espair.
,ou "i" it on purpose- you horri" boy1 I'll never let you have anything to "o with #y fun
again1, rie" Fan- in a passion- trying to ath an" sha)e hi#- while he "o"ge" an" hu)le" in
high glee.
2au" began to wail over her lost "elight- an" Polly gravely po)e" at the #ess- whih was
6uite spoilt. %ut her attention was spee"ily "iverte" by the s6uabble going on in the orner/ for
Fanny- forgetful of her young$la"yis# an" her si&teen years- ha" bo&e" To#'s ears- an" To#-resenting the insult- ha" foribly seate" her in the oal$ho"- where he hel" her with one han"
while he returne" the o#pli#ent with the other. %oth were very angry- an" )ept twitting one
another with every aggravation they oul" invent- as they sol"e" an" suffle"- presenting a
#ost unlovely spetale.
Polly was not a #o"el girl by any #eans- an" ha" her little pets an" te#pers li)e the rest of
us/ but she "i" n't fight- srea#- an" s6uabble with her brothers an" sisters in this "isgraeful
way- an" was #uh surprise" to see her elegant frien" in suh a passion. ,h- "on't1 Please-
"on't1 ou'll hurt her- To#1 Let hi# go- Fanny1 It's no #atter about the an"y/ we an #a)e
so#e #ore1, rie" Polly- trying to part the#- an" loo)ing so "istresse"- that they stoppe"
asha#e"- an" in a #inute sorry that she shoul" see suh a "isplay of te#per.,I ain't going to be hustle" roun"/ so you'" better let #e alone- Fan-, sai" To#- "rawing off
with a threatening wag of the hea"- a""ing- in a "ifferent tone- ,I only put the shells in for fun-
Polly. ou oo) another )ettleful- an" I'll pi) you so#e #eats all fair. +ill you0,
,It's pretty hot wor)- an" it's a pity to waste things/ but I'll try again- if you want #e to-, sai"
Polly- with a patient sigh- for her ar#s were tire" an" her fae uno#fortably hot.
,+e "on't want you/ get away1, sai" 2au"- sha)ing a sti)y spoon at hi#.
,*own ellar/ I'll get it/, an" ta)ing the la#p an" 4ug- To# "eparte"- bent on "oing his "uty
now li)e a saint.
The #o#ent his light vanishe"- Fanny bolte" the "oor- saying- spitefully- ,Now- we are safe
fro# any #ore tri)s. Let hi# thu#p an" all- it only serves hi# right/ an" when the an"y is
"one- we 'll let the rasal out.,
,3ow an we #a)e it without #olasses0, as)e" Polly- thin)ing that woul" settle the #atter.
,There's plenty in the store$roo#. No/ you shan't let hi# up till I '# rea"y. 3e's got to learn
that I'# not to be sha)en by a little hit li)e hi#. 2a)e your an"y- an" let hi# alone- or I'll goan" tell papa- an" then To# will get a leture.,
Polly thought it was n't fair/ but 2au" la#ore" for her an"y- an" fin"ing she oul" "o
nothing to appease Fan- Polly "evote" her #in" to her oo)ery till the nuts were safely in- an" a
nie panful set in the yar" to ool. A few bangs at the lo)e" "oor- a few threats of vengeane
fro# the prisoner- suh as setting the house on fire- "rin)ing up the wine- an" #ashing the 4elly$
pots- an" then all was so 6uiet that the girls forgot hi# in the e&iting risis of their wor).
,3e an't possibly get out anywhere- an" as soon we've ut up the an"y- we'll unbolt the
"oor an" run. Co#e an" get a nie "ish to put it in-, sai" Fan- when Polly propose" to go halves
with To#- lest he shoul" o#e bursting in so#ehow- an" sei5e the whole.
+hen they a#e "own with the "ish in whih to set forth their treat- an" opene" the ba)$"oor to fin" it- i#agine their "is#ay on "isovering that it was gone- pan- an"y- an" all- utterly
an" #ysteriously gone1
A general la#ent arose- when a areful ru##age left no hopes/ for the fates ha" evi"ently
"eree" at an"y was not to prosper on this unpropitious night.
,The hot pan has #elte" an" sun) in the snow perhaps-, sai" Fanny- "igging into the "rift
where it was left.
,Those ol" ats have got it- I guess-, suggeste" 2au"- too #uh overwhel#e" by this
seon" blow to howl as usual.
,The gate is n't lo)e"- an" so#e beggar has stolen it. I hope it will "o hi# goo"-, a""e"Polly- turning fro# her e&ploring e&pe"ition.
,If To# oul" get out- I shoul" thin) he'" arrie" it off/ but not being a rat- he an't go
through the bits of win"ows/ so it was n't hi#-, sai" Fanny- "isonsolately- for she began to
thin) this "ouble loss a punish#ent for letting angry passions rise- ,Let's open the "oor an" tell
hi# about it-, propose" Polly.
,3e'll row over us. No/ we'll open it an" go to be"- an" he an o#e out when he li)es.
Provo)ing boy1 if he ha" n't plague" us so- we shoul" have ha" a nie ti#e.,
7nbolting the ellar "oor- the girls announe" to the invisible aptive that they were through-
an" then "eparte" #uh "epresse". 3alf$way up the seon" flight- they all stoppe" as su""enly
as if they ha" seen a ghost/ for loo)ing over the banisters was To#'s fae- ro)y buttriu#phant- an" in either han" a 4un) of an"y- whih he wave" above the# as he vanishe"-
with the tantali5ing re#ar)- ,*on't you wish you ha" so#e0,
,3ow in the worl" "i" he get out0, rie" Fanny- stea"ying herself after a start that nearly
sent all three tu#bling "own stairs.
,Coal$hole1, answere" a spetral voie fro# the gloo# above.
,!oo" graious1 3e #ust have po)e" up the over- li#be" into the street- stole the an"y-
an" snea)e" in at the she"$win"ow while we were loo)ing for it.,
,Cats got it- "i" n't they0, 4eere" the voie in a tone that #a"e Polly sit "own an" laugh till
,:ust give 2au" a bit- she's so "isappointe". Fan an" I are si) of it- an" so will you be- if
you eat it all-, alle" Polly- when she got her breath.
,!o to be"- 2au"ie- an" loo) un"er your pillow when you get there-, was the oraular reply
that a#e "own to the#- as To#'s "oor lose" after a 4ubilant solo on the tin pan.
The girls went to be" tire" out/ an" 2au" slu#bere" plai"ly- hugging the sti)y bun"le-
foun" where #olasses an"y is not often "isovere". Polly was very tire"- an" soon fell asleep/
but Fanny- who slept with her- lay awa)e longer than usual- thin)ing about her troubles- for her
hea" ahe"- an" the "issatisfation that follows anger woul" not let her rest with the tran6uillitythat #a"e the rosy fae in the little roun" nightap suh a pleasant sight to see as it lay besi"e
her. The gas was turne" "own- but Fanny saw a figure in a gray wrapper reep by her "oor- an"
presently return- pausing to loo) in. ,+ho is it0, she rie"- so lou" that Polly wo)e.
,nly #e- "ear-, answere" gran"#a's #il" voie. ,Poor To# has got a "rea"ful toothahe-
an" I a#e "own to fin" so#e reosote for hi#. 3e tol" #e not to tell you/ but I an't fin" the
bottle- an" "on't want to "isturb #a##a.,
,It's in #y loset. l" To# will pay for his tri) this ti#e-, sai" Fanny- in a satisfie" tone.
,I thought he'" get enough of our an"y-, laughe" Polly/ an" then they fell asleep- leaving
To# to the "elights of toothahe an" the ten"er #eries of )in" ol" gran"#a.
Chapter III. Polly's Troubles
Polly soon foun" that she was in a new worl"- a worl" where the #anners an" usto#s were
so "ifferent fro# the si#ple ways at ho#e- that she felt li)e a stranger in a strange lan"- an"
often wishe" that she ha" not o#e. In the first plae- she ha" nothing to "o but lounge an"
gossip- rea" novels- para"e the streets- an" "ress/ an" before a wee) was gone- she was as
heartily si) of all this- as a healthy person woul" be who atte#pte" to live on onfetionery.
Fanny li)e" it- beause she was use" to it- an" ha" never )nown anything better/ but Polly ha"-
an" often felt li)e a little woo"$bir" shut up in a gil"e" age. Nevertheless- she was #uhi#presse" by the lu&uries all about her- en4oye" the#- wishe" she owne" the#- an" won"ere"
why the Shaws were not a happier fa#ily. She was not wise enough to )now where the trouble
lay/ she "i" not atte#pt to say whih of the two lives was the right one/ she only )new whih
she li)e" best- an" suppose" it was #erely another of her ,ol"$fashione", ways.
Fanny's frien"s "i" not interest her #uh/ she was rather afrai" of the#- they see#e" so
#uh ol"er an" wiser than herself- even those younger in years. They tal)e" about things of
whih she )new nothing an" when Fanny trie" to e&plain- she "i" n't fin" the# interesting/
in"ee"- so#e of the# rather sho)e" an" pu55le" her/ so the girls let her alone- being ivil
when they #et- but evi"ently feeling that she was too ,o"", to belong to their set. Then she
turne" to 2au" for o#panionship- for her own little sister was e&ellent o#pany- an" Pollylove" her "early. %ut 2iss 2au" was #uh absorbe" in her own affairs- for she belonge" to a
,set, also/ an" these #ites of five an" si& ha" their ,#usials-, their parties- reeptions- an"
pro#ena"es- as well as their el"ers/ an"- the hief i"ea of their little lives see#e" to be to ape
the fashionable follies they shoul" have been too innoent to un"erstan". 2au" ha" her tiny
ar"$ase- an" pai" alls- ,li)e #a##a an" Fan,/ her bo& of "ainty gloves- her 4ewel$"rawer-
her ri#ping$pins- as fine an" faniful a war"robe as a Paris "oll- an" a Frenh #ai" to "ress
her. Polly oul" n't get on with her at first- for 2au" "i" n't see# li)e a hil"- an" often
orrete" Polly in her onversation an" #anners- though little #a"e#oiselle's own were
anything but perfet. Now an" then- when 2au" felt poorly- or ha" a ,fwatious, turn- for she
ha" ,nerves, as well as #a##a- she woul" go to Polly to ,be a#oose"-, for her gentle ways
an" )in" forbearane soothe" the little fine la"y better than anything else. Polly en4oye" these
ti#es- an" tol" stories- playe" ga#es- or went out wal)ing- 4ust as 2au" li)e"- slowly an"
surely winning the hil"'s heart- an" relieving the whole house of the young tyrant who rule" it.
To# soon got over staring at Polly- an" at first "i" not ta)e #uh notie of her- for- in his
opinion- ,girls "i" n't a#ount to #uh- anyway,/ an"- onsi"ering- the style of girl he )new
#ost about- Polly 6uite agree" with hi#. 3e oasionally refreshe" hi#self by teasing her- to
see how she'" stan" it- an" ause" Polly #uh anguish of spirit- for she never )new where hewoul" ta)e her ne&t. 3e boune" out at her fro# behin" "oors- booe" at her in "ar) entries-
luthe" her feet as she went up stairs- startle" her by shrill whistles right in her ear- or su""en
twea)s of the hair as he passe" her in the street/ an" as sure as there was o#pany to "inner- he
fi&e" his roun" eyes on her- an" never too) the# off till she was re"ue" to a piteous state of
onfusion an" "istress. She use" to beg hi# not to plague her/ but he sai" he "i" it for her goo"/
she was too shy- an" nee"e" toughening li)e the other girls. In vain she proteste" that she "i" n't
want to be li)e the other girls in that respet/ he only laughe" in her fae- stu) his re" hair
straight up all over his hea"- an" glare" at her- till she fle" in "is#ay.
et Polly rather li)e" To#- for she soon saw that he was neglete"- hustle" out of the way-
an" left to get on pretty #uh by hi#self. She often won"ere" why his #other "i" n't pet hi# asshe "i" the girls/ why his father or"ere" hi# about as if he was a born rebel- an" too) so little
interest in his only son. Fanny onsi"ere" hi# a bear- an" was asha#e" of hi#/ but never trie"
to polish hi# up a bit/ an" 2au" an" he live" together li)e a at an" "og who "i" not belong to
a ,happy fa#ily., !ran"#a was the only one who stoo" by poor ol" To#/ an" Polly #ore than
one "isovere" hi# "oing so#ething )in" for 2a"a#- an" see#ing very #uh asha#e" when
it was foun" out. 3e was n't respetful at all/ he alle" her ,the ol" la"y-, an" tol" her he ,woul"
n't be fusse" over,/ but when anything was the #atter- he always went to ,the ol" la"y-, an"
was very grateful for the ,fussing., Polly li)e" hi# for this- an" often wante" to spea) of it/ but
she ha" a feeling that it woul" n't "o- for in praising their affetion- she was reproahing otherswith neglet/ so she hel" her tongue- an" thought about it all the #ore. !ran"#a was rather
neglete"- too- an" perhaps that is the reason why To# an" she were suh goo" frien"s. She
was even #ore ol"$fashione" than Polly/ but people "i" n't see# to #in" it so #uh in her- as
her "ay was suppose" to be over- an" nothing was e&pete" of her but to )eep out of
everybo"y's way- an" to be han"so#ely "resse" when she appeare" ,before people., !ran"#a
le" a 6uiet- solitary life in her own roo#s- full of ol" furniture- pitures- boo)s- an" relis of a
past for whih no one are" but herself. 3er son went up every evening for a little all- was very
)in" to her- an" saw that she wante" nothing #oney oul" buy/ but he was a busy #an- so
intent on getting rih that he ha" no ti#e to en4oy what he alrea"y possesse". 2a"a# never
o#plaine"- interfere"- or suggeste"/ but there was a sa" sort of 6uietu"e about her- a wistfulloo) in her fa"e" eyes- as if she wante" so#ething whih #oney oul" not buy- an" when
hil"ren were near- she hovere" about the#- evi"ently longing to u""le an" aress the# as
only gran"#others an. Polly felt this/ an" as she #isse" the ho#e$petting- gla"ly showe" that
she li)e" to see the 6uiet ol" fae brighten- as she entere" the solitary roo#- where few hil"ren
a#e- e&ept the phanto#s of little sons an" "aughters- who- to the #otherly heart that love"
the#- never fa"e" or grew up. Polly wishe" the hil"ren woul" be )in"er to gran"#a/ but it was
not for her to tell the# so- although it trouble" her a goo" "eal- an" she oul" only try to #a)e
up for it by being as "utiful an" affetionate as if their gran"#a was her own.
Another thing that "isturbe" Polly was the want of e&erise. To "ress up an" para"e ertain
streets for an hour every "ay- to stan" tal)ing in "oorways- or "rive out in a fine arriage- was
not the sort of e&erise she li)e"- an" Fan woul" ta)e no other. In"ee"- she was so sho)e"-
when Polly- one "ay- propose" a run "own the #all- that her frien" never "are" suggest suh a
thing again. At ho#e- Polly ran an" ro"e- oaste" an" s)ate"- 4u#pe" rope an" ra)e" hay-
wor)e" in her gar"en an" rowe" her boat/ so no won"er she longe" for so#ething #ore lively
than a "aily pro#ena"e with a flo) of gi""y girls- who tilte" along in high$heele" boots- an"
ostu#es whih #a"e Polly asha#e" to be seen with so#e of the#. So she use" to slip outalone so#eti#es- when Fanny was absorbe" in novels- o#pany- or #illinery- an" get fine bris)
wal)s roun" the par)- on the unfashionable si"e- where the babies too) their airings/ or she went
insi"e- to wath the boys oasting- an" to wish she oul" oast too- as she "i" at ho#e. She
never went far- an" always a#e ba) rosy an" gay.
ne afternoon- 4ust before "inner- she felt so tire" of "oing nothing- that she slippe" out for a
run. It ha" been a "ull "ay/ but the sun was visible now- setting brightly below the lou"s. It was
ol" but still an" Polly trotte" "own the s#ooth- snow$overe" #all hu##ing to herself- an"
trying not to feel ho#esi). The oasters were at it with all their #ight- an" she wathe" the#-
till her longing to 4oin the fun grew irresistible. n the hill- so#e little girls were playing with
their sle"s- real little girls- in war# hoo"s an" oats- rubber boots an" #ittens- an" Polly felt"rawn towar" the# in spite of her fear of Fan.
,I want to go "own- but I "ars n't- it's so steep-, sai" one of these ,o##on hil"ren-, as
2au" alle" the#.
,If you'll len" #e your sle"- an" sit in #y lap- I'll ta)e you "own all nie-, answere" Polly- in
a onfi"ential tone.
The little girls too) a loo) at her- see#e" satisfie"- an" aepte" her offer. Polly loo)e"
arefully roun" to see that no fashionable eye behel" the awful "ee"- an" fin"ing all safe- settle"
her freight- an" spun away "own hill- feeling all over the "elightso#e e&ite#ent of swift
#otion whih #a)es oasting suh a favorite pasti#e with the #ore sensible portion of thehil"$worl". ne after another- she too) the little girls "own the hill an" "ragge" the# up again-
while they regar"e" her in the light of a gray$oate" angel- "esen"e" for their e&press benefit.
Polly was 4ust finishing off with one "eliious ,go, all by herself- when she hear" a fa#iliar
whistle behin" her- an" before she oul" get off- up a#e To#- loo)ing as #uh astonishe" as if
he ha" foun" her #ounte"- on an elephant.
,3ullo- Polly1 +hat'll Fan say to you0, was his polishe" salutation.
,*on't )now- an" "on't are. Coasting is no har#/ I li)e it- an" I'# going to "o it- now I've
got a hane/ so lear the lul$la1, An" away went in"epen"ent Polly- with her hair blowing in
the win"- an" an e&pression of genuine en4oy#ent- whih a very re" nose "i" n't "a#age in the
least.,!oo" for you- Polly1, An" asting hi#self upon his sle"- with the #ost re)less "isregar"
for his ribs- off whi55e" To# after her- an" a#e alongsi"e 4ust as she reine" up ,!eneral
!rant, on the broa" path below. ,h- won't you get it when we go ho#e0, rie" the young
gentle#an- even before he hange" his graeful attitu"e.
,I shan't- if you "on't go an" tell/ but of ourse you will-, a""e" Polly- sitting still- while an
an&ious e&pression began to steal over her happy fae.
,I 4ust won't- then-, returne" To#- with the natural perversity of his tribe.
,If they as) #e- I shall tell- of ourse/ if they "on't as)- I thin) there's no har# in )eeping
still. I shoul" n't have "one it- if I ha" n't )nown #y #other was willing/ but I "on't wish to
trouble your #other by telling of it. *o you thin) it was very "rea"ful of #e0, as)e" Polly-
loo)ing at hi#.
,I thin) it was "ownright 4olly/ an" I won't tell- if you "on't want #e to. Now- o#e up an"
have another-, sai" To#- heartily.
,:ust one #ore/ the little girls want to go- this is their sle".,
,Let'e# ta)e it- it is n't goo" for #uh/ an" you o#e on #ine. 2a5eppa's a stunner/ you see
if he is n't.,
So Polly tu)e" herself up in front- To# hung on behin" in so#e #ysterious #anner- an"2a5eppa prove" that he fully #erite" his #aster's sinere if inelegant praise. They got on
apitally now- for To# was in his proper sphere- an" showe" his best si"e- being ivil an" gay
in the bluff boy$fashion that was natural to hi#/ while Polly forgot to be shy- an" li)e" this sort
of ,toughening, #uh better than the other. They laughe" an" tal)e"- an" )ept ta)ing ,4ust one
#ore-, till the sunshine was all gone- an" the lo)s stru) "inner$ti#e.
,+e shall be late/ let's run-, sai" Polly- as they a#e into the path after the last oast.
,ou 4ust sit still- an" I'll get you ho#e in a 4iffy/, an" before she oul" unpa) herself- To#
trotte" off with her at a fine pae.
,3ere's a pair of hee)s1 I wish you'" get a olor li)e this- Fanny-, sai" 2r. Shaw- as Polly
a#e into the "ining$roo# after s#oothing her hair.,our nose is as re" as that ranberry saue-, answere" Fan- o#ing out of the big hair
where she ha" been urle" up for an hour or two- "eep in ,La"y Au"ley's Seret.,
,So it is-, sai" Polly- shutting one eye to loo) at the offen"ing feature. ,Never #in"/ I've ha"
a goo" ti#e- anyway-, she a""e"- giving a little prane in her hair.
,I "on't see #uh fun in these ol" runs you are so fon" of ta)ing-, sai" Fanny- with a yawn
an" a shiver.
,Perhaps you woul" if you trie" it/, an" Polly laughe" as she glane" at To#.
,*i" you go alone- "ear0, as)e" gran"#a- patting the rosy hee) besi"e her.
,es'#/ but I #et To#- an" we a#e ho#e together., Polly's eyes twin)le" when she sai"that- an" To# ho)e" in his soup.
,Tho#as- leave the table1, o##an"e" 2r. Shaw- as his inorrigible son gurgle" an" gaspe"
,It was horri"ly i#proper/ an" To# ought to have tol" you so- if you "i" n't )now any better
I shoul" be #ortifie" to "eath if any of #y frien"s saw you-, a""e" Fan- #uh "isturbe".
,Now- "on't you sol". It's no har#- an" Polly shall oast if she wants to/ #ay n't she-
gran"#a0, rie" To#- gallantly o#ing to the resue- an" seuring a powerful ally.
,2y #other lets #e/ an" if I "on't go a#ong the boys- I an't see what har# there is in it-,
sai" Polly- before 2a"a# oul" spea).
,People "o #any things in the ountry that are not proper here-, began 2rs. Shaw- in her
reproving tone.,Let the hil" "o it if she li)es- an" ta)e 2au" with her. I shoul" be gla" to have one hearty
girl in #y house-, interrupte" 2r. Shaw- an" that was the en" of it.
,Than) you- sir-, sai" Polly- gratefully- an" no""e" at To#- who telegraphe" ba) ,All
right1, an" fell upon his "inner with the appetite of a young wolf.
,h- you sly$boots1 you're getting up a flirtation with To#- are you0, whispere" Fanny to
her frien"- as if #uh a#use".
,+hat1, an" Polly loo)e" so surprise" an" in"ignant- that Fanny was asha#e" of herself-
an" hange" the sub4et by telling her #other she nee"e" so#e new gloves.
Polly was very 6uiet after that- an" the #inute "inner was over- she left the roo# to go an"
have a 6uiet ,thin), about the whole #atter. %efore she got half$way up stairs- she saw To#o#ing after- an" i##e"iately sat "own to guar" her feet. 3e laughe"- an" sai"- as he perhe"
hi#self on the post of the banisters- ,I won't grab you- honor bright. I 4ust wante" to say- if
you'll o#e out to$#orrow so#e ti#e- we'll have a goo" oast.,
,No-, sai" Polly- ,I an't o#e.,
,+hy not0 Are you #a"0 I "i" n't tell., An" To# loo)e" a#a5e" at the hange whih ha"
o#e over her.
,No/ you )ept your wor"- an" stoo" by #e li)e a goo" boy. I'# not #a"- either/ but I "on't
#ean to oast any #ore. our #other "on't li)e it.,
,That is n't the reason- I )now. ou no""e" to #e after she'" free" her #in"- an" you #eantto go then. Co#e- now- what is it0,
,I shan't tell you/ but I'# not going-, was Polly's "eter#ine" answer.
,+ell- I "i" thin) you ha" #ore sense than #ost girls/ but you have n't- an" I woul" n't give
a si&pene for you.,
,That's polite-, sai" Polly- getting ruffle".
,+ell- I hate owar"s.,
,I ain't a owar".,
,es- you are. ou're afrai" of what fol)s will say/ ain't you- now0,
Polly )new she was- an" hel" her peae- though she longe" to spea)/ but how oul" she0
,Ah- I )new you'" ba) out., An" To# wal)e" away with an air of sorn that ut Polly to theheart.
,It's too ba"1 :ust as he was growing )in" to #e- an" I was going to have a goo" ti#e- it's all
spoilt by Fan's nonsense. 2rs. Shaw "on't li)e it- nor gran"#a either- I "are say. There'll be a
fuss if I go- an" Fan will plague #e/ so I'll give it up- an" let To# thin) I '# afrai". h- "ear1 I
never "i" see suh ri"iulous people.,
Polly shut her "oor har"- an" felt rea"y to ry with ve&ation- that her pleasure shoul" be
spoilt by suh a silly i"ea/ for- of all the silly frea)s of this fast age- that of little people playing
at love is about the silliest. Polly ha" been taught that it was a very serious an" sare" thing/
an"- aor"ing to her notions- it was far #ore i#proper to flirt with one boy than to oast with a
"o5en. She ha" been #uh a#a5e"- only the "ay before- to hear 2au" say to her #other-
,2a##a- #ust I have a beau0 The girls all "o- an" say I ought to have Fwe""y Lovell/ but I
"on't li)e hi# as well as 3awry Fis)e.,
,h- yes/ I'" have a little sweetheart- "ear- it's so unning-, answere" 2rs. Shaw. An" 2au"
announe" soon after that she was engage" to ,Fwe""y-'ause 3awry slappe" her, when she
propose" the #ath.
Polly laughe" with the rest at the ti#e/ but when she thought of it afterwar"- an" won"ere"
what her own #other woul" have sai"- if little 9itty ha" put suh a 6uestion- she "i" n't fin" itunning or funny- but ri"iulous an" unnatural. She felt so now about herself/ an" when her first
petulane was over- resolve" to give up oasting an" everything else- rather than have any
nonsense with To#- who- than)s to his neglete" e"uation- was as ignorant as herself of the
har#s of this new a#use#ent for shool$hil"ren. So Polly trie" to onsole herself by 4u#ping
rope in the ba)$yar"- an" playing tag with 2au" in the "rying$roo#- where she li)ewise gave
lessons in ,nas$gi#$nis-, as 2au" alle" it- whih "i" that little person goo". Fanny a#e up
so#eti#es to teah the# a new "aning step- an" #ore than one was betraye" into a ga#e of
ro#ps- for whih she was none the worse. %ut To# turne" a ol" shoul"er to Polly- an" #a"e it
evi"ent- by his avalier #anner that he really "i" n't thin) her ,worth a si&pene.,
Another thing that trouble" Polly was her lothes- for- though no one sai" anything- she)new they were very plain/ an" now an" then she wishe" that her blue an" #ouse olore"
#erinos were rather #ore tri##e"- her sashes ha" bigger bows- an" her little ruffles #ore lae
on the#. She sighe" for a lo)et- an"- for the first ti#e in her life- thought seriously of turning
up her pretty urls an" putting on a ,wa"., She )ept these "isontents to herself- however- after
she ha" written to as) her #other if she #ight have her best "ress altere" li)e Fanny's- an"
reeive" this reply< ,No- "ear/ the "ress is proper an" beo#ing as it is- an" the ol" fashion of
si#pliity the best for all of us. I "on't want #y Polly to be love" for her lothes- but for herself/
so wear the plain fro)s #other too) suh pleasure in #a)ing for you- an" let the panniers go.
The least of us have so#e influene in this big worl"/ an" perhaps #y little girl an "o so#egoo" by showing others that a ontente" heart an" a happy fae are better orna#ents than any
Paris an give her. ou want a lo)et- "eary/ so I sen" one that #y #other gave #e years ago.
ou will fin" father's fae on one si"e- #ine on the other/ an" when things trouble you- 4ust
loo) at your talis#an- an" I thin) the sunshine will o#e ba) again.,
f ourse it "i"- for the best of all #agi was shut up in the 6uaint little ase that Polly wore
insi"e her fro)- an" )isse" so ten"erly eah night an" #orning. The thought that- insignifiant
as she was- she yet #ight "o so#e goo"- #a"e her very areful of her ats an" wor"s- an" so
an&ious to )eep hea" ontente" an" fae happy- that she forgot her lothes- an" #a"e others "o
the sa#e. She "i" not )now it- but that goo" ol" fashion of si#pliity #a"e the plain gowns
pretty- an" the grae of unonsiousness beautifie" their little wearer with the har# that #a)esgirlhoo" sweetest to those who truly love an" reverene it. ne te#ptation Polly ha" alrea"y
yiel"e" to before the letter a#e- an" repente" heartily of afterwar".
,Polly- I wish you'" let #e all you 2arie-, sai" Fanny one "ay- as they were shopping
together.
,ou #ay all #e 2ary- if you li)e/ but I won't have any ie put on to #y na#e. I'# Polly at
ho#e an" I'# fon" of being alle" so/ but 2arie is Frenhifie" an" silly.,
,I spell #y own na#e with an ie- an" so "o all the girls.,
,An" what a 4u#ble of Netties- Nellies- 3atties- an" Sallies there is. 3ow'Pollie' woul" loo)
,+ell- never #in"/ that was n't what I began to say. There's one thing you #ust have- an"
that is- bron5e boots-, sai" Fan- i#pressively.
,+hy #ust I- when I've got enough without0,
,%eause it's the fashion to have the#- an" you an't be finishe" off properly without. I'#
going to get a pair- an" so #ust you.,
,*on't they ost a great "eal0,
,8ight or nine "ollars- I believe. I have #ine harge"/ but it "on't #atter if you have n't got
the #oney . I an len" you so#e.,,I've got ten "ollars to "o what I li)e with/ but it's #eant to get so#e presents for the
hil"ren., An" Polly too) out her purse in an un"ei"e" way.
,ou an #a)e presents easy enough. !ran"#a )nows all sorts of nie ontrivanes. They'll
"o 4ust as well/ an" then you an get your boots.,
,+ell/ I'll loo) at the#-, sai" Polly- following Fanny into the store- feeling rather rih an"
i#portant to be shopping in this elegant #anner.
,Are n't they lovely0 our foot is perfetly "ivine in that boot- Polly. !et the# for #y party/
you'll "ane li)e a fairy-, whispere" Fan.
Polly surveye" the "ainty- shining boot with the sallope" top- the 4aunty heel- an" the
"eliate toe- thought her foot "i" loo) very well in it- an" after a little pause- sai" she woul"have the#. It was all very "elightful till she got ho#e- an" was alone/ then- on loo)ing into her
purse- she saw one "ollar an" the list of things she #eant to get for #other an" the hil"ren.
3ow #ean the "ollar loo)e" all alone1 an" how long the list grew when there was nothing to
buy the artiles.
,I an't #a)e s)ates for Ne"- nor a "es) for +ill/ an" those are what they have set their
hearts upon. Father's boo) an" #other's ollar are i#possible now/ an" I'# a selfish thing to go
an" spen" all #y #oney for #yself. 3ow oul" I "o it0, An" Polly eye" the new boots
reproahfully- as they stoo" in the first position as if rea"y for the party. ,They are lovely/ but I
"on't believe they will feel goo"- for I shall be thin)ing about #y lost presents all the ti#e-,sighe" Polly- pushing the entiing boots out of sight. ,I'll go an" as) gran"#a what I an "o/ for
if I've got to #a)e so#ething for every one- I #ust begin right away- or I shan't get "one/, an"
off she bustle"- gla" to forget her re#orse in har" wor).
!ran"#a prove" e6ual to the e#ergeny- an" planne" so#ething for every one- supplying
#aterials- taste- an" s)ill in the #ost "elightful #anner. Polly felt #uh o#forte"/ but while
she began to )nit a pretty pair of white be"$so)s- to be tie" with rose$olore" ribbons- for her
#other- she thought so#e very sober thoughts upon the sub4et of te#ptation/ an" if any one
ha" as)e" her 4ust then what #a"e her sigh- as if so#ething lay heavy on her onsiene- she
woul" have answere"- ,%ron5e boots.,
Chapter IV. Little Things
,It's so wainy- I an't go out- an" evwybo"y is so woss they won't play with #e-, sai"
2au"- when Polly foun" her fretting on the stairs- an" pause" to as) the ause of her wails.
,I'll play with you/ only "on't srea# an" wa)e your #other. +hat shall we play0,
,I "on't )now/ I'# tire" of evwything-'ause #y toys are all bwo)en- an" #y "olls are all
si) but Clawa-, #oane" 2au"- giving a 4er) to the Paris "oll whih she hel" upsi"e "own by
one leg in the #ost un#aternal #anner.
,I'# going to "ress a "olly for #y little sister/ woul" n't you li)e to see #e "o it0, as)e"
Polly- persuasively- hoping to beguile the ross hil" an" finish her own wor) at the sa#e ti#e.
,No- I shoul" n't-'ause she'll loo) nier than #y Clawa. 3er lothes won't o#e off/ an"
To# spoilt'e# playing ball with her in the yar".,
,+oul" n't you li)e to rip these lothes off- an" have #e show you how to #a)e so#e new
ones- so you an "ress an" un"ress Clara as #uh as you li)e0,
,es/ I love to ut., An" 2au"'s- fae brightene"/ for "estrutiveness is one of the earliest
traits of hil"hoo"- an" ripping was 2au"'s "elight.
8stablishing the#selves in the "eserte" "ining$roo#- the hil"ren fell to wor)/ an" when
Fanny "isovere" the#- 2au" was laughing with all her heart at poor Clara- who- "enu"e" ofher finery- was utting up all sorts of apers in the han"s of her #erry little #istress.
,I shoul" thin) you'" be asha#e" to play with "olls- Polly. I have n't touhe" one this ever so
long-, sai" Fanny- loo)ing "own with a superior air.
,I ain't asha#e"- for it )eeps 2au" happy- an" will please #y sister 9itty/ an" I thin) sewing
is better than prin)ing or rea"ing silly novels- so- now., An" Polly stithe" away with a resolute
air- for she an" Fanny ha" ha" a little tiff/ beause Polly woul" n't let her frien" "o up her hair
,li)e other fol)s-, an" bore her ears.
,*on't be ross- "ear- but o#e an" "o so#ething nie- it's so "ull to$"ay-, sai" Fanny-
an&ious to be frien"s again- for it was "oubly "ull without Polly.
,Can't/ I'# busy.,,ou always are busy. I never saw suh a girl. +hat in the worl" "o you fin" to "o all the
ti#e0, as)e" Fanny- wathing with interest the set of the little re" #erino fro) Polly was
putting on to her "oll.
,Lots of things/ but I li)e to be la5y so#eti#es as #uh as you "o/ 4ust lie on the sofa- an"
rea" fairy stories- or thin) about nothing. +oul" you have a white$#uslin apron or a bla)
sil)0, a""e" Polly- surveying her wor) with satisfation.
,2uslin- with po)ets an" tiny blue bows. I'll show you how., An" forgetting her hate an"
onte#pt for "olls- "own sat Fanny- soon getting as #uh absorbe" as either of the others.
The "ull "ay brightene" won"erfully after that- an" the ti#e flew pleasantly- as tongues an"nee"les went together. !ran"#a peepe" in- an" s#ile" at the busy group- saying- ,Sew away-
#y "ears/ "ollies are safe o#panions- an" nee"lewor) an ao#plish#ent that's sa"ly
waste your loth. Ta)e pains/ an" the best nee"lewo#an shall have a pretty bit of white satin for
a "oll's bonnet.,
Fanny e&erte" herself- an" won the pri5e- for Polly helpe" 2au"- an" neglete" her own
wor)/ but she "i" n't are #uh- for 2r. Shaw sai"- loo)ing at the three bright faes at the tea$
table- ,I guess Polly has been #a)ing sunshine for you to$"ay., ,No- in"ee"- sir- I have n't "one
anything- only "ress 2au"'s "oll.,
An" Polly "i" n't thin) she ha" "one #uh/ but it was one of the little things whih arealways waiting to be "one in this worl" of ours- where rainy "ays o#e so often- where spirits
get out of tune- an" "uty won't go han" in han" with pleasure. Little things of this sort are
espeially goo" wor) for little people/ a )in" little thought- an unselfish little at- a heery little
wor"- are so sweet an" o#fortable- that no one an fail to feel their beauty an" love the giver-
no #atter how s#all they are. 2others "o a "eal of this sort of thing- unseen- unthan)e"- but felt
an" re#e#bere" long afterwar"- an" never lost- for this is the si#ple #agi that bin"s hearts
together- an" )eeps ho#e happy. Polly ha" learne" this seret.
She love" to "o the ,little things, that others "i" not see- or were too busy to stop for/ an"
while "oing the#- without a thought of than)s- she #a"e sunshine for herself as well as others.
There was so #uh love in her own ho#e- that she 6ui)ly felt the want of it in Fanny's- an"
pu55le" herself to fin" out why these people were not )in" an" patient to one another. She "i"
not try to settle the 6uestion- but "i" her best to love an" serve an" bear with eah- an" the goo"
will- the gentle heart- the helpful ways an" si#ple #anners of our Polly #a"e her "ear to every
one- for these virtues- even in a little hil"- are lovely an" attrative.
2r. Shaw was very )in" to her- for he li)e" her #o"est- respetful #anners/ an" Polly was
so grateful for his #any favors- that she soon forgot her fear- an" showe" her affetion in all
sorts of onfi"ing little ways- whih please" hi# e&tre#ely. She use" to wal) aross the par)with hi# when he went to his offie in the #orning- tal)ing busily all the way- an" saying
,!oo"$by, with a no" an" a s#ile when they parte" at the great gate. At first- 2r. Shaw "i" not
are #uh about it/ but soon he #isse" her if she "i" not o#e- an" foun" that so#ething fresh
an" pleasant see#e" to brighten all his "ay- if a s#all- gray$oate" figure- with an intelligent
fae- a #erry voie- an" a little han" slippe" onfi"ingly into his- went with hi# through the
wintry par). Co#ing ho#e late- he li)e" to see a urly- brown hea" wathing at the win"ow/ to
fin" his slippers rea"y- his paper in its plae- an" a pair of willing feet- eager to wait upon hi#.
,I wish #y Fanny was #ore li)e her-, he often sai" to hi#self- as he wathe" the girls- while
they thought hi# "eep in politis or the state of the #oney #ar)et. Poor 2r. Shaw ha" been so
busy getting rih- that he ha" not foun" ti#e to teah his hil"ren to love hi#/ he was #ore atleisure now- an" as his boy an" girls grew up- he #isse" so#ething. Polly was unonsiously
showing hi# what it was- an" #a)ing hil"$love so sweet- that he felt he oul" not "o without it
any #ore- yet "i" n't 6uite )now how to win the onfi"ene of the hil"ren- who ha" always
foun" hi# busy- in"ifferent- an" absent#in"e".
As the girls were going to be" one night- Polly )isse" gran"#a- as usual- an" Fanny laughe"
at her- saying- ,+hat a baby you are1 +e are too ol" for suh things now.,
,I "on't thin) people ever are too ol" to )iss their fathers an" #others-, was the 6ui)
answer.
,;ight- #y little Polly/, an" 2r. Shaw strethe" out his han" to her with suh a )in"ly loo)-that Fanny stare" surprise"- an" then sai"- shyly- ,I thought you "i" n't are about it- father., ,I
"o- #y "ear<, An" 2r. Shaw put out the other han" to Fanny- who gave hi# a "aughterly )iss-
6uite forgetting everything but the ten"er feeling that sprung up in her heart at the renewal of
the hil"ish usto# whih we never nee" outgrow.
2rs. Shaw was a nervous- fussy invali"- who wante" so#ething every five #inutes/ so Polly
foun" plenty of s#all things to "o for her an" "i"- the# so heerfully- that the poor la"y love"
to have the 6uiet- helpful hil" near- to wait upon her- rea" to her- run erran"s- or han" the seven
"ifferent shawls whih were ontinually being put on or off.
!ran"#a- too- was gla" to fin" willing han"s an" feet to serve her/ an" Polly passe" #any
happy hours in the 6uaint roo#s- learning all sorts of pretty arts- an" listening to pleasant hat-never "rea#ing how #uh sunshine she brought to the solitary ol" la"y.
To# was Polly's ro) ahea" for a long ti#e- beause he was always brea)ing out in a new
plae- an" one never )new where to fin" hi#. 3e tor#ente" yet a#use" her/ was )in" one "ay-
an" a bear the ne&t/ at ti#es she fanie" he was never going to be ba" again- an" the ne&t thing
she )new he was "eep in #ishief- an" hoote" at the i"ea of repentane an" refor#ation. Polly
gave hi# up as a har" ase/ but was so in the habit of helping any one who see#e" in trouble-
that she was goo" to hi# si#ply beause she oul" n't help it.
,+hat's the #atter0 Is your lesson too har" for you0, she as)e" one evening- as a groan
#a"e her loo) aross the table to where To# sat sowling over a pile of "ilapi"ate" boo)s- with
his han"s in his hair- as if his hea" was in "anger of flying asun"er with the tre#en"ous effort
he was #a)ing.
,3ar"1 !uess it is. +hat in thun"er "o I are about the ol" Carthaginians0 ;egulus was n't
ba"/ but I'# si) of hi#1, An" To# "ealt ,3ar)ness's Latin ;ea"er, a thu#p- whih e&presse"
his feelings better than wor"s.
,I li)e Latin- an" use" to get on well when I stu"ie" it with :i##y. Perhaps I an help you a
little bit-, sai" Polly- as To# wipe" his hot fae an" refreshe" hi#self with a peanut.
,ou0 pooh1 girls' Latin "on't a#ount to #uh anyway-, was the grateful reply.%ut Polly was use" to hi# now- an"- nothing "aunte"- too) a loo) at the gri#y page in the
#i""le of whih To# ha" stu). She rea" it so well- that the young gentle#an stoppe"
#unhing to regar" her with respetful astonish#ent- an" when she stoppe"- he sai"-
suspiiously- ,ou are a sly one- Polly- to stu"y up so you an show off before #e. %ut it won't
"o- #a'a#/ turn over a "o5en pages- an" try again.,
Polly obeye"- an" "i" even better than before- saying- as she loo)e" up- with a laugh- ,I've
been through the whole boo)/ so you won't ath #e that way- To#.,
,I say- how a#e you to )now suh a lot0, as)e" To#- #uh i#presse".
,I stu"ie" with :i##y- an" )ept up with hi#- for father let us be together in all our lessons.
It was so nie- an" we learne" so fast1,,Tell #e about :i##y. 3e's your brother- is n't he0,
,es/ but he's "ea"- you )now. I'll tell about hi# so#e other ti#e/ you ought to stu"y now-
an" perhaps I an help you-, sai" Polly- with a little 6uiver of the lips.
,Shoul" n't won"er if you oul"., An" To# sprea" the boo) between the# with a grave an"
business$li)e air- for he felt that Polly ha" got the better of hi#- an" it behoove" hi# to "o his
best for the honor of his se&. 3e went at the lesson with a will- an" soon floun"ere" out of his
"iffiulties- for Polly gave hi# a lift here an" there- an" they went on swi##ingly- till they
a#e to so#e rules to be learne". Polly ha" forgotten the#- so they- both o##itte" the# to
#e#ory/ To#- with han"s in his po)ets- ro)e" to an" fro- #uttering rapi"ly- while Pollytwiste" the little url on her forehea" an" stare" at the wall- gabbling with all her #ight.
,*one1, rie" To#- presently.
,*one1, ehoe" Polly/ an" then they hear" eah other reite till both were perfet ,That's
pretty goo" fun-, sai" To#- 4oyfully- tossing poor 3ar)ness away- an" feeling that the pleasant
e&ite#ent of o#panionship oul" len" a har# even to Latin !ra##ar.
,Now- #a'a#- we'll ta)e a turn at algibbera. I li)e that as #uh as I hate Latin.,
Polly aepte" the invitation- an" soon owne" that To# oul" beat her here. This fat
restore" his e6uni#ity/ but he "i" n't row over her- far fro# it/ for he helpe" her with a
paternal patiene that #a"e her eyes twin)le with suppresse" fun- as he soberly e&plaine" an"
illustrate"- unonsiously i#itating *o#inie *eane- till Polly foun" it "iffiult to )eep fro#laughing in his fae.
,ou #ay have another go at it any- ti#e you li)e-, generously re#ar)e" To#- as he shie"
the algebra after the Latin ;ea"er.
,I'll o#e every evening- then. I'" li)e to- for I have n't stu"ie" a bit sine I a#e. ou shall
try an" #a)e #e li)e algebra- an" I'll try an" #a)e you li)e Latin- will you0,
,h- I'" li)e it well enough- if there was any one e&plain it to #e. l" *eane puts us through
"ouble$6ui)- an" "on't give a fellow ti#e to as) 6uestions when we rea".,
,As) your father/ he )nows.,
,*on't believe he "oes/ shoul" n't "are to bother hi#- if he "i".,
,3e'" pull #y ears- an" all #e a'stupi"-' or tell #e not to worry hi#.,
,I "on't thin) he woul". 3e's very )in" to #e- an" I as) lots of 6uestions.,
,3e li)es you better than he "oes #e.,
,Now- To#1 it's wrong of you to say so. f ourse he loves you ever so #uh #ore than he
"oes #e-, rie" Polly- reprovingly.
,+hy "on't he show it then0, #uttere" To#- with a half$wistful- half$"efiant glane towar"
the library "oor- whih stoo" a4ar.,ou at so- how an he0, as)e" Polly- after a pause- in whih she put To#'s 6uestion to
herself- an" oul" fin" no better reply than the one she gave hi#.
,+hy "on't he give #e #y veloipe"e0 3e sai"- if I "i" well at shool for a #onth- I shoul"
have it/ an" I've been pegging away li)e fury for #ost si& wee)s- an" he "on't "o a thing about
it. The girls get their "u"s- beause they tease. I won't "o that anyway/ but you "on't ath #e
stu"ying #yself to "eath- an" no pay for it.,
,It is too ba"/ but you ought to "o it beause it's right- an" never #in" being pai"-, began
Polly- trying to be #oral- but seretly sy#pathi5ing heartily with poor To#.
,*on't you preah- Polly. If the governor too) any notie of #e- an" are" how I got on- I
woul" n't #in" the presents so #uh/ but he "on't are a hang- an" never even as)e" if I "i"well last "ela#ation "ay- when I'" gone an" learne"'The %attle of La)e ;egillus-' beause he
sai" he li)e" it.,
,h- To#1 *i" you say that0 It's splen"i"1 :i# an" I use" to say 3oratius together- an" it
was suh fun. *o spea) your piee to #e- I "o so li)e'2aaulay's Lays.',
,It's "rea"ful long-, began To#/ but his fae brightene"- for Polly's interest soothe" his
in4ure" feelings- an" he was gla" to prove his eloutionary powers. 3e began without #uh
spirit/ but soon the #artial ring of the lines fire" hi#- an" before he )new it- he was on his legs
thun"ering away in gran" style- while Polly listene" with )in"ling fae an" absorbe" attention.
To# "i" "elai# well- for he 6uite forgot hi#self- an" "elivere" the stirring balla" with anenergy that #a"e Polly flush an" tingle with a"#iration an" "elight- an" 6uite eletrifie" a
seon" listener- who ha" hear" all that went on- an" wathe" the little sene fro# behin" his
newspaper.
As To# pause"- breathless- an" Polly lappe" her han"s enthusiastially- the soun" was
lou"ly ehoe" fro# behin" hi#. %oth whirle" roun"- an" there was 2r. Shaw- stan"ing in the
"oorway- applau"ing with all his #ight.
To# loo)e" #uh abashe"- an" sai" not a wor"/ Polly ran to 2r. Shaw- an" "ane" before
hi#- saying- eagerly- ,+as n't it splen"i"0 *i" n't he "o well0 2ay n't he have his veloipe"e
now0,
,Capital- To#/ you'll be an orator yet. Learn another piee li)e that- an" I'll o#e an" hearyou spea) it. Are you rea"y for your veloipe"e- hey0,
Polly was right/ an" To# owne" that ,the governor, was )in"- "i" li)e hi# an" ha" n't
entirely forgotten his pro#ise. The boy turne" re" with pleasure- an" pi)e" at the buttons on
his 4a)et- while listening to this une&pete" praise/ but when he spo)e- he loo)e" straight up in
his father's fae- while his own shone with pleasure- as he answere"- in one breath- ,Than)ee-
sir. I'll "o it- sir. !uess I a#- sir1,
,Very goo"/ then loo) out for your new horse to#orrow- sir., An" 2r. Shaw stro)e" the
fu55y re" hea" with a )in" han"- feeling a fatherly pleasure in the onvition that there was
To# got his veloipe"e ne&t "ay- na#e" it %la) Auster- in #e#ory of the horse in ,The
%attle of La)e ;egillus-, an" a#e to grief as soon as he began to ri"e his new stee".
,Co#e out an" see #e go it-, whispere" To# to Polly- after three "ays' pratie in the street-
for he ha" alrea"y learne" to ri"e in the rin).
Polly an" 2au" willingly went- an" wathe" his struggles- with "eep interest- till he got an
upset- whih nearly put an en" to his veloipe"ing forever.
,3i- there1 Auster's o#ing1, shoute" To#- as a#e rattling "own the long- steep street
outsi"e the par).They steppe" asi"e- an" he whi55e" by- ar#s an" legs going li)e #a"- with the general
appearane of a runaway engine. It woul" have been a triu#phant "esent- if a big "og ha" not
boune" su""enly through one of the openings- an" sent the whole onern helter$s)elter into
the gutter. Polly laughe" as she ran to view the ruin. for To# lay flat on his ba) with the
veloipe"e atop hi#- while the big "og bar)e" wil"ly- an" his #aster sol"e" hi# for his
aw)war"ness. %ut when she saw To#'s fae- Polly was frightene"- for the olor ha" all gone out
of it- his eyes loo)e" strange an" "i55y- an" "rops of bloo" began to tri)le fro# a great ut on
his forehea". The #an saw it- too- an" ha" hi# up in a #inute/ but he oul" n't stan"- an" stare"
about hi# in a "a5e" sort of way- as he sat on the urbstone- while Polly hel" her han")erhief
to his forehea"- an" pathetially begge" to )now if he was )ille".,*on't sare #other- I'# all right. !ot upset- "i" n't I0, he as)e"- presently- eyeing the
prostrate veloipe"e with #ore an&iety about its "a#ages than his own.
,I )new you'" hurt yourself with that horri" thing 4ust let it be- an" o#e ho#e- for your
hea" blee"s "rea"fully- an" everybo"y is loo)ing at us-, whispere" Polly- trying to tie the little
han")erhief over the ugly ut.
,Co#e on- then. :ove1 how 6ueer #y hea" feels1 !ive us a boost- please. Stop howling-
2au"- an" o#e ho#e. ou bring the #ahine- an" I'll pay you- Pat., As he spo)e- To# slowly
pi)e" hi#self an" stea"ying hi#self by Polly's shoul"er- issue" o##an"s- an" the proession
fell into line. First- the big "og- bar)ing at intervals/ then the goo"$nature" Irish#an- trun"ling,that "ivil of a whirligig-, as he "isrespetfully alle" the i"oli5e" veloipe"e/ then the woun"e"
hero- supporte" by the helpful Polly/ an" 2au" brought up the rear in tears- bearing To#'s ap.
7nfortunately- 2rs. Shaw was out "riving with gran"#a- an" Fanny was #a)ing alls/ so
that there was no one but Polly to stan" by To#- for the parlor$#ai" turne" faint at the sight of
bloo"- an" the ha#ber$#ai" lost her wits in the flurry. It was a ba" ut- an" #ust be sewe" up
at one- the "otor sai"- as soon as he a#e. ,So#ebo"y #ust hol" his hea"/, he a""e"- as he
threa"e" his 6ueer little nee"le.
,I'll )eep still- but if anybo"y #ust hol" #e- let Polly. ou ain't afrai"- are you0, as)e" To#-
with i#ploring loo)- for he "i" n't li)e the i"ea of being sewe" a bit.
Polly was 4ust going to shrin) away- saying- ,h I an't1, when she re#e#bere" that To#one alle" her a owar". 3ere was a hane to prove that she was n't/ besi"es- poor To# ha"
no one else to help hi#/ so she a#e up to the sofa where he lay- an" no""e" reassuringly- as
she put a soft little han" on either si"e of the "a#age" hea".
,ou are a tru#p- Polly-, whispere" To#. Then he set his teeth- lenhe" his han"s- lay 6uite
still- an" bore it li)e a #an. It was all over in a #inute or two- an" when he ha" ha" a glass of
wine- an" was niely settle" on his be"- he felt pretty o#fortable- in spite of the pain in his
hea"/ an" being or"ere" to )eep 6uiet- he sai"- ,Than) you ever so #uh- Polly-, an" wathe"
3e ha" to )eep the house for a wee)- an" lai" about loo)ing very interesting with a great
bla) path on his forehea". 8very one 'pette" hi#/' for the "otor sai"- that if the blow ha"
been an inh nearer the te#ple- it woul" have been fatal- an" the thought of losing hi# so
su""enly #a"e bluff ol" To# very preious all at one. 3is father as)e" hi# how he was a
"o5en ti#es a "ay/ his #other tal)e" ontinually of ,that "ear boy's narrow esape,/ an"
gran"#a o)ere" hi# up with every "eliay she oul" invent/ an" the girls waite" on hi# li)e
"evote" slaves. This new treat#ent ha" an e&ellent effet/ for when neglete" To# got over his
first a#a5e#ent at this hange of base- he blosso#e" out "elightfully- as si) people "oso#eti#es- an" surprise" his fa#ily by being une&pete"ly patient- grateful- an" a#iable
Nobo"y ever )new how #uh goo" it "i" hi#/ for boys sel"o# have onfi"enes of this sort
e&ept with their #others- an" 2rs. Shaw ha" never foun" the )ey to her son's heart. %ut a little
see" was sowe" then that too) root- an" though it grew very slowly- it a#e to so#ething in the
en". Perhaps Polly helpe" it a little. 8vening was his har"est ti#e- for want of e&erise #a"e
hi# as restless an" nervous as it was possible for a hearty la" to be on suh a short notie.
3e oul" n't sleep so the girls a#use" hi#/ Fanny playe" an" rea" alou"/ Polly sung- an"
tol" stories/ an" "i" the latter so well- that it got to be a regular thing for her to begin as soon as
twilight a#e- an" To# was settle" in his favorite plae on gran"#a's sofa.
,Fire away- Polly-, sai" the young sultan- one evening- as his little Shehera5a"e sat "own inher low hair- after stirring up the fire till the roo# was bright an" osy.
,I "on't feel li)e stories to$night- To#. I've tol" all I )now- an" an't #a)e up any #ore-,
answere" Polly- leaning her hea" on her han" with a sorrowful loo) that To# ha" never seen
before. 3e wathe" her a #inute- an" then as)e"- uriously- ,+hat were you thin)ing about
4ust now- when you sat staring at the fire- an" getting soberer an" soberer every #inute0
,I was thin)ing about :i##y.,
,+oul" you #in" telling about hi#0 ou )now- you sai" you woul" so#e ti#e/ but "on't- if
you'" rather not-, sai" To#- lowering his rough voie respetfully.
,I li)e to tal) about hi#/ but there is n't #uh to tell-, began Polly- grateful for his interest.,Sitting here with you re#in"e" #e of the way I use" to sit with hi# when he was si). +e
use" to have suh happy ti#es- an" it's so pleasant to thin) about the# now.,
,3e was awfully goo"- was n't he0,
,No- he was n't/ but he trie" to be- an" #other says that is half the battle. +e use" to get tire"
of trying/ but we )ept #a)ing resolutions- an" wor)ing har" to )eep'e#. I "on't thin) I got on
#uh/ but :i##y "i"- an" every one love" hi#.,
,*i" n't you ever s6uabble- as we "o0,
,es- in"ee"- so#eti#es/ but we oul" n't stay #a"- an" always #a"e it up again as soon as
we oul". :i##y use" to o#e roun" first- an" say-'All serene- Polly-' so )in" an" 4olly- that I
oul" n't help laughing an" being frien"s right away.,,*i" he not )now a lot0,
,es- I thin) he "i"- for he li)e" to stu"y- an" wante" to get on- so he oul" help father.
People use" to all hi# a fine boy- an" I felt so prou" to hear it/ but they "i" n't )now half how
wise he was- beause he "i" n't show off a bit. I suppose sisters always are gran" of their
brothers/ but I "on't believe #any girls ha" as #uh right to be as I ha".,
,2ost girls "on't are two pins about their brothers/ so that shows you "on't )now #uh
about it.,
,+ell- they ought to- if they "on't/ an" they woul" if the boys were as )in" to the# as :i##y
,Love" #e "early- an" was n't asha#e" to show it-, rie" Polly- with a sob in her voie- that
#a"e her answer very elo6uent.
,+hat #a"e hi# "ie- Polly0, as)e" To#- soberly- after little pause.
,3e got hurt oasting- last winter/ but he never tol" whih boy "i" it- an" he only live" a
wee). I helpe" ta)e are of hi#/ an" he was so patient- I use" to won"er at hi#- for he was in
"rea"ful pain all ti#e. 3e gave #e his boo)s- an" his "og- an" his spe)le" hens- an" his big
)nife- an" sai"-'!oo"$by- Polly-' an" )isse" #e the last thing an" then :i##y1 :i##y1 If heonly oul" o#e ba)1,
Poor Polly's eyes ha" been getting fuller an" fuller- lips tre#bling #ore an" #ore- as she
went on/ when she a#e to that ,goo"$by-, she oul" n't get any further- but overe" up her
fae- an" rie" as her heart woul" brea). To# was full of sy#pathy- but "i" n't )now how to
show it/ so he sat sha)ing up the a#phor bottle- an" trying to thin) of so#ething proper an"
o#fortable to say- when Fanny a#e to the resue- an" u""le" Polly in her ar#s- with
soothing little pats an" whispers an" )isses- till the tears stoppe"- an" Polly sai"- she ,"i" n't
#ean to- an" woul" n't any #ore. I've been thin)ing about #y "ear boy all the evening- for To#
re#in"s #e of hi#-, she a""e"- with a sigh.
,2e0 3ow an I- when I ain't a bit li)e hi#0, rie" To#- a#a5e".,%ut you are in so#e ways.,
,+ish I was/ but I an't be- for he was goo"- you )now.,
,So are you- when you hoose. 3as n't he been goo" an" patient- an" "on't we all li)e to pet
hi# when he's lever- Fan0,' sai" Polly- whose heart was still ahing for her brother- an" rea"y
for his sa)e to fin" virtues even in tor#enting To#.
,es/ I "on't )now the boy lately/ but he'll be as ba" as ever when he's well-, returne" Fanny
who ha" n't #uh faith in si)$be" repentanes.
,2uh you )now about it-, growle" To#- lying "own again- for he ha" sat bolt upright when
Polly #a"e the astoun"ing "elaration that he was li)e the well$belove" :i##y. That si#plelittle history ha" #a"e a "eep i#pression on To#- an" the tearful en"ing touhe" the ten"er spot
that #ost boys hi"e so arefully. It is very pleasant to be love" an" a"#ire"- very sweet to thin)
we shall be #isse" an" #ourne" when we "ie/ an" To# was sei5e" with a su""en "esire to
i#itate this boy- who ha" n't "one anything won"erful- yet was so "ear to his sister- that she
rie" for hi# a whole year after he was "ea"/ so stu"ious an" lever- the people alle" hi# ,a
fine fellow,/ an" so an&ious to be goo"- that he )ept on trying- till he was better even than Polly
who# To# privately onsi"ere" a #o"el of virtue- as girls go.
,I 4ust wish I ha" a sister li)e you-, he bro)e out- all of a su""en.
,An" I 4ust wish I ha" a brother li)e :i#-, rie" Fanny- for she felt the reproah in To#'s
wor"s- an" )new she "eserve" it.,I shoul" n't thin) you'" envy anybo"y- for you've got one another-, sai" Polly- with suh a
wistful loo)- that it su""enly set To# an" Fanny to won"ering why they "i" n't have better
ti#es together- an" en4oy the#selves- as Polly an" :i# "i".
,Fan "on't are for anybo"y but herself-, sai" To#.
,To# is suh a bear-, retorte" Fanny.
,I woul" n't say suh things- for if anything shoul" happen to either of you- the other one
woul" feel so sorry. 8very ross wor" I ever sai" to :i##y o#es ba) now- an" #a)es #e
Two great tears rolle" "own Polly's hee)s- an" were 6uietly wipe" away/ but I thin) they
watere" that sweet senti#ent- alle" fraternal love- whih till now ha" been neglete" in the
hearts of this brother an" sister. They "i" n't say anything then- or #a)e any plans- or onfess
any faults/ but when they parte" for the night- Fanny gave the woun"e" hea" a gentle pat =To#
never woul" have forgiven her if she ha" )isse" hi#>- an" sai"- in a whisper- ,I hope you'll have
a goo" sleep- To##y- "ear.,
An" To# no""e" ba) at her- with a hearty ,Sa#e to you- Fan.,
That was all/ but it #eant a goo" "eal- for the voies were )in"- an" the eyes #et full of thataffetion whih #a)es wor"s of little onse6uene. Polly saw it/ an" though she "i" n't )now
that she ha" #a"e the sunshine- it shone ba) upon her so pleasantly- that she fell happily
asleep- though her :i##y was n't there to say ,goo"$night.,
Chapter V. Srapes
After being unusually goo"- hil"ren are apt to turn short roun" an" refresh the#selves by
ating li)e Sanho. For a wee) after To#'s #ishap- the young fol)s were 6uite angeli- so #uh
so that gran"#a sai" she was afrai" ,so#ething was going to happen to the#., The "ear ol"
la"y nee" n't have felt an&ious- for suh e&essive virtue "oes n't last long enough to lea" to
translation- e&ept with little prigs in the goo"y story$boo)s/ an" no sooner was To# on his legsagain- when the whole party went astray- an" #uh tribulation was the onse6uene.
It all began with ,Polly's stupi"ity-, as Fan sai" afterwar". :ust as Polly ran "own to #eet
2r. Shaw one evening- an" was helping hi# off with his oat- the bell rang- an" a fine bou6uet
of hothouse flowers was left in Polly's han"s- for she never oul" learn ity ways- an" opene"
the "oor herself.
,3ey1 what's this0 2y little Polly is beginning early- after all-, sai" 2r. Shaw- laughing- as
he wathe" the girl's fae "i#ple an" flush- as she s#elt the lovely nosegay- an" glane" at a
note half hi""en in the heliotrope.
Now- if Polly ha" n't been ,stupi"-, as Fan sai"- she woul" have ha" her wits about her- an"let it pass/ but- you see- Polly was an honest little soul an" it never ourre" to her that there
was any nee" of oneal#ent- so she answere" in her straightforwar" way- ,h- they ain't for
#e- sir/ they are for Fan/ fro# 2r. Fran)- I guess. She'll be so please".,
,That puppy sen"s her things of this sort- "oes he0, An" 2r. Shaw loo)e" far fro# please"
as he pulle" out the note- an" oolly opene" it.
Polly ha" her "oubts about Fan's approval of that ,sort of thing-, but "are" not say a wor"
an" stoo" thin)ing how she use" to show her father the funny valentines the boys sent her- an"
how they laughe" over the# together. %ut 2r. Shaw "i" not laugh when he ha" rea" the
senti#ental verses ao#panying the bou6uet- an" his fae 6uite sare" Polly- as he as)e"-
angrily- ,3ow long has this nonsense been going on0,,In"ee"- sir- I "on't )now. Fan "oes n't #ean any har#. I wish I ha" n't sai" anything1,
sta##ere" Polly- re#e#bering the pro#ise given to Fanny the "ay of the onert. She ha"
forgotten all about it an" ha" beo#e austo#e" to see the ,big boys-, as she alle" 2r. Fran)
an" his frien"s- with the girls on all oasions. Now- it su""enly ourre" to her that 2r. Shaw
"i" n't li)e suh a#use#ents- an" ha" forbi""en Fan to in"ulge in the#. ,h- "ear1 how #a"
she will be. +ell- I an't help it. !irls shoul" n't have serets fro# their fathers- then there
woul" n't be any fuss-, thought Polly- as she wathe" 2r. Shaw twist up the pin) note an" po)e
it ba) a#ong the flowers whih he too) fro# her- saying- shortly- ,Sen" Fanny to #e in the
I'# frightene" out of #y wits when he spea)s li)e that. Stan" by #e- Polly/ there's a "ear.,
,I will-, whispere" ,sister Ann,/ an" "own they went with fluttering hearts.
2r. Shaw stoo" on the rug- loo)ing rather gri#/ the bou6uet lay on the table- an" besi"e it a
note- "irete" to ,Fran) 2oore- 8s6.-, in a very "ei"e" han"- with a fiere$loo)ing flourish
after the ,8s6., Pointing to this i#pressive epistle- 2r. Shaw sai"- )nitting his bla) eyebrows
as he loo)e" at Fanny- ,I'# going to put a stop to this nonsense at one/ an" if I see any #ore of
it- I'll sen" you to shool in a Cana"ian onvent.,This awful threat 6uite too) Polly's breath away/ but Fanny ha" hear" it before- an" having a
te#per of her own- sai"- pertly- ,I'# sure I have n't "one anything so very "rea"ful. I an't help
it if the boys sen" #e philopena presents- as they "o to the other girls.,
,There was nothing about philopenas in the note. %ut that's not the 6uestion. I forbi" you to
have anything to "o with this 2oore. 3e's not a boy- but a fast fellow- an" I won't have hi#
about. ou )new this- an" yet "isobeye" #e.,
,I har"ly ever see hi#-, began Fanny.
,Is that true0, as)e" 2r. Shaw- turning su""enly to Polly.
,h- please- sir- "on't as) #e. I pro#ise" I woul" n't that is Fanny will tell you-, rie" Polly-6uite re" with "istress at the pre"ia#ent she was in.
,No #atter about your pro#ise/ tell #e all you )now of this absur" affair. It will "o Fanny
#ore goo" than har#., An" 2r. Shaw sat "own loo)ing #ore a#iable- for Polly's "is#ay
touhe" hi#.
,2ay I0, she whispere" to Fanny.
,I "on't are-, answere" Fan- loo)ing both angry an" asha#e"- as she stoo" sullenly tying
)nots in her han")erhief.
So Polly tol"- with #uh relutane an" #uh 6uestioning- all she )new of the wal)s- the
lunhes- the #eetings- an" the notes. It was n't #uh- an" evi"ently less serious than 2r. Shaw
e&pete"/ for- as he listene"- his eyebrows s#oothe" the#selves out- an" #ore than one hislips twithe" as if he wante" to laugh- for after all- it was rather o#ial to see how the young
people ape" their el"ers- playing the new$fashione" ga#e- 6uite unonsious of its real beauty
power- an" sare"ness.
,h- please- sir- "on't bla#e Fan #uh- for she truly is n't half as silly as Tri& an" the other-
girls. She woul" n't go sleigh$ri"ing- though 2r. Fran) tease"- an" she wante" to ever so #uh.
She's sorry- I )now- an" won't forget what you say any #ore- if you'll forgive her this one-,
rie" Polly- very earnestly- when the foolish little story was tol".
,I "on't see how I an help it- when you plea" so well for her. Co#e here- Fan- an" #in" this
one thing/ "rop all this nonsense- an" atten" to your boo)s- or off you go/ an" Cana"a is no 4o)e
in winter ti#e- let #e tell you.,
As he spo)e- 2r. Shaw stro)e" his sul)y "aughter's hee)- hoping to see so#e sign of regret/
but Fanny felt in4ure"- an" woul" n't show that she was sorry- so she only sai"- pettishly- ,I
suppose I an have #y flowers- now the fuss is over.,
,They are going straight ba) where they a#e fro#- with a line fro# #e- whih will )eep
that puppy fro# ever sen"ing you any #ore., ;inging the bell- 2r- Shaw "espathe" theunfortunate posy- an" then turne" to Polly- saying- )in"ly but gravely- ,Set this silly hil" of
#ine a goo" e&a#ple an" "o your best for her- won't you0,
,2e0 +hat an I "o- sir0, as)e" Polly- loo)ing rea"y- but 6uite ignorant how to begin.
,2a)e her as li)e yourself as possible- #y "ear/ nothing woul" please #e better. Now go-
an" let us hear no #ore of this folly.,
They went without a wor"- an" 2r. Shaw hear" no #ore of the affair/ but poor Polly "i"- for
Fan sol"e" her- till Polly thought seriously of pa)ing up an" going ho#e ne&t "ay. I really
have n't the heart to relate the "rea"ful letures she got- the snubs she suffere"- or the ol"
shoul"ers turne" upon her for several "ays after this. Polly's heart was full- but she tol" no one-
an" bore her trouble silently- feeling her frien"'s ingratitu"e an" in4ustie "eeply.To# foun" out what the #atter was- an" si"e" with Polly- whih proee"ing le" to srape
nu#ber two.
,+here's Fan0, as)e" the young gentle#an- strolling into his sister's roo#- where Polly lay
on the sofa- trying to forget her troubles in an interesting boo).
,*own stairs- seeing o#pany.,
,+hy "i" n't you go- too0,
,I "on't li)e Tri&- an" I "on't )now her fine New or) frien"s.,
,*on't want to- neither- why "on't you say0,
,Not polite.,,+ho ares0 I say- Polly- o#e an" have so#e fun.,
,I'" rather rea".,
,That is n't polite.,
Polly laughe"- an" turne" a page. To# whistle" a #inute- then sighe" "eeply- an" put his
han" to his forehea"- whih the bla) plaster still a"orne".
,*oes your hea" ahe0, as)e" Polly.
,Awfully.,
,%etter lie "own- then.,
,Can't/ I'# fi"gety. an" want to be'a#oose"' as Pug says.,
,:ust wait till I finish #y hapter- an" then I'll o#e-, sai" pitiful Polly.,All right-, returne" the per4ure" boy- who ha" "isovere" that a bro)en hea" was so#eti#es
#ore useful than a whole one- an" e&ulting in his base stratage#- he rove" about the roo#- till
Fan's bureau arreste" hi#. It was overe" with all sorts of finery- for she ha" "resse" in a hurry-
an" left everything topsy$turvy. A well$on"ute" boy woul" have let things alone- or a #oral
brother woul" have put things to rights/ being neither- To# ru##age" to his hearts ontent- till
Fan's "rawers loo)e" as if so#e one ha" been #a)ing hay in the#. 3e trie" the effet of ear$
rings- ribbons- an" ollars/ woun" up the wath- though it was n't ti#e/ burnt his in6uisitive
nose with s#elling$salts/ "eluge" his gri#y han")erhief with Fan's best ologne/ anointe" his
urly rop with her hair$oil/ pow"ere" his fae with her violet$pow"er/ an" finishe" off by
pinning on a bunh of false ringlets- whih Fanny trie"- to )eep a profoun" seret. The ravages
o##itte" by this ba" boy are beyon" the power of language to "esribe- as he revelle" in the
interesting "rawers- bo&es- an" ases- whih hel" his sister's treasures.
+hen the urls ha" been put on- with #uh pri)ing of fingers- an" a blue ribbon a""e"- . la
Fan- he surveye" hi#self with satisfation- an" onsi"ere" the effet so fine- that he was
inspire" to try a still greater #eta#orphosis. The "ress Fan ha" ta)en off lay on a hair- an" into
it got To#- hu)ling with suppresse" laughter- for Polly was absorbe"- an" the be"$urtains hi"
his ini6uity. Fan's best velvet 4a)et an" hat- er#ine #uff- an" a sofa$pillow for pannierfinishe" off the ostu#e- an" tripping along with elbows out- To# appeare" before the a#a5e"
Polly 4ust as the hapter en"e". She en4oye" the 4o)e so heartily- that To# forgot onse6uenes-
an" propose" going "own into the parlor to surprise- the girls.
,!oo"ness- no1 Fanny never woul" forgive us if you showe" her urls an" things to those
people. There are gentle#en a#ong the#- an" it woul" n't be proper-, sai" Polly- alar#e" at the
i"ea.
,All the #ore fun. Fan has n't treate" you well- an" it will serve her right if you intro"ue #e
as your "ear frien"- 2iss Shaw. Co#e on- it will be a 4olly lar).,
,I woul" n't for the worl"/ it woul" be so #ean. Ta)e'e# off- To#- an" I'll play anything else
you li)e.,,I ain't going to "ress up for nothing/ I loo) so lovely- so#eone #ust a"#ire #e. Ta)e #e
"own- Polly- an" see if they "on't all #e'a sweet reature.' ,
To# loo)e" so unutterably ri"iulous as he tosse" his urls an" prane"- that Polly went off
into another gale of #erri#ent/ but even while she laughe"- she resolve" not to let hi# #ortify
his sister.
,Now- then- get out of the way if you won't o#e/ I'# going "own-, sai" To#.
,No- you're not.,
,3ow will you help it- 2iss Pri#0,
,So., An" Polly lo)e" the "oor- put the )ey in her po)et- an" no""e" at hi# "efiantly.To# was a pepper$pot as to te#per- an" anything li)e opposition always ha" a ba" effet.
Forgetting his ostu#e- he stro"e up to Polly- saying- with a threatening wag of the- hea"-
,None of that. I won't stan" it.,
,Pro#ise not to plague Fan- an" I'll let you out.,
,+on't pro#ise anything. !ive #e that )ey- or I'll #a)e you.,
,Now- To#- "on't be savage. I only want to )eep you out of a srape- for Fan will be raging
if you go. Ta)e off her things- an" I 'll give up.,
To# vouhsafe" no reply- but #arhe" to the other "oor- whih was fast- as Polly )new-
loo)e" out of the three$story win"ow- an" fin"ing no esape possible- a#e ba) with a
wrathful fae. ,+ill you give #e that )ey0,,No- I won't-, sai" Polly- valiantly.
,I'# stronger than you are/ so you'" better han" over.,
,I )now you are/ but it's owar"ly for a great boy li)e you to rob a girl.,
,I "on't want to hurt you/ but- by !eorge1 I won't stan" this1,
To# pause" as Polly spo)e- evi"ently asha#e" of hi#self/ but his te#per was up- an" he
woul" n't give in. If Polly ha" rie" a little 4ust here- he woul" have yiel"e"/ unfortunately she
giggle"- for To#'s fiere attitu"e was suh a funny ontrast to his "ress that she oul" n't help it.
That settle" the #atter. No girl that ever live" shoul" giggle at hi#- #uh less lo) hi# up li)e
a s#all hil". +ithout a wor"- he #a"e a grab at Polly's ar#- for the han" hol"ing the )ey was
still in her- po)et. +ith her other han" she luthe" her fro)- an" for a #inute hel" on stoutly
%ut To#'s strong fingers were irresistible/ rip went the po)et- out a#e the han"- an" with a
ry of pain fro# Polly- the )ey fell on the floor.
,It's your own fault if you're hurt. I "i" n't #ean to-, #uttere" To#- as he hastily "eparte"-
leaving Polly to groan over her spraine" wrist. 3e went "own- but not into the parlor- for
so#ehow the 4o)e see#e" to have lost its relish/ so he #a"e the girls in the )ithen laugh- an"
then rept up the ba) way- hoping to #a)e it all right with Polly. %ut she ha" gone to
gran"#a's roo#- for- though the ol" la"y was out- it see#e" a refuge. 3e ha" 4ust ti#e to getthings in or"er- when Fanny a#e up- rosser than ever/ for Tri& ha" been telling her of all sorts
of fun in whih she #ight have ha" a share- if Polly ha" hel" her tongue.
,+here is she0, as)e" Fan- wishing to vent her ve&ation on her frien".
,2oping in her roo#- I suppose-, replie" To#- who was "isovere" rea"ing stu"iously.
Now- while this ha" been happening- 2au" ha" been getting into hot water also/ for when
her #ai" left her- to see a frien" below- 2iss 2au" para"e" into Polly's roo#- an" solae"
herself with #ishief. In an evil hour Polly ha" let her play boat in her big trun)- whih stoo"
e#pty. Sine then Polly ha" store" so#e of her #ost private treasures in the upper tray- so that
she #ight feel sure they were safe fro# all eyes. She ha" forgotten to lo) the trun)- an" when
2au" raise" the li" to begin her voyage- several ob4ets of interest #et her eyes. She was "eepin her researhes when Fan a#e in an" loo)e" over her shoul"er- feeling too ross with Polly
to hi"e 2au".
As Polly ha" no #oney for presents- she ha" e&erte" her ingenuity to "evise all sorts of gifts-
hoping by 6uantity to atone for any shorto#ings in 6uality. So#e of her atte#pts were
suessful- others were failures/ but she )ept the# all- fine or funny- )nowing the hil"ren at
ho#e woul" en4oy anything new. So#e of 2au"'s ast$off toys ha" been neatly #en"e" for
9itty/ so#e of Fan's ol" ribbons an" laes were onverte" into "olls' finery/ an" To#'s little
figures- whittle" out of woo" in i"le #inutes- were lai" away to show +ill what oul" be "one
with a )nife.,+hat rubbish1, sai" Fanny.
,?ueer girl- is n't she0, a""e" To#- who ha" followe" to see what was going on.
,*on't you laugh at Polly's things. She #a)es nier "olls than you- Fan/ an" she an wite an"
"war ever so #uh better than To#-, rie" 2au". ,3ow "o you )now0 I never saw her "raw-,
sai" To#.
,3ere's a boo) with lots of pitures in it. I an't wea" the witing/ but the pitures are so
funny.,
8ager to "isplay her frien"'s ao#plish#ents- 2au" pulle" out a fat little boo)- #ar)e"
,Polly's :ournal-, an" sprea" it in her lap.
,nly the pitures/ no har# in ta)ing a loo) at'e#-, sai" To#.,:ust one peep-, answere" Fanny/ an" the ne&t #inute both were laughing at a "roll s)eth
of To# in the gutter- with the big "og howling over hi#- an" the veloipe"e running away. Very
rough an" faulty- but so funny- that it was evi"ent Polly's sense of hu#or was strong. A few
,She "oes "raw well-, sai" To#- loo)ing ritially at the s)eth of a boy with a pleasant
fae- roun" who# Polly ha" "rawn rays li)e the sun- an" un"er whih was written- ,2y "ear
:i##y.,
,ou woul" n't a"#ire her- if you )new what she wrote here about you-, sai" Fanny- whose
eyes ha" straye" to the written page opposite- an" lingere" there long enough to rea" so#ething
that e&ite" her uriosity.
,+hat is it0, as)e" To#- forgetting his honorable resolves for a #inute.
,She says-'I try to li)e To#- an" when he is pleasant we "o very well/ but he "on't stay solong. 3e gets ross an" rough- an" "isrespetful to his father an" #other- an" plagues us girls-
an" is so horri" I al#ost hate hi#. It's very wrong- but I an't help it.' 3ow "o you li)e that0,
as)e" Fanny.
,!o ahea"- an" see how she o#es "own on you- #a'a#-, retorte" To#- who ha" rea" on a
bit.
,*oes she0, An" Fanny ontinue"- rapi"ly< ,As for Fan- I "on't thin) we an be frien"s any
#ore/ for she tol" her father a lie- an" won't forgive #e for not "oing so too. I use" to thin) her
a very fine girl/ but I "on't now. If she woul" be as she was when I first )new her- I shoul" love
her 4ust the sa#e/ but she is n't )in" to #e/ an" though she is always tal)ing about politeness- I
"on't thin) it is polite to treat o#pany as she "oes #e. She thin)s I a# o"" an" ountrifie"- an"I "are say I a#/ but I shoul" n't laugh at a girl's lothes beause she was poor- or )eep her out of
the way beause she "i" n't "o 4ust as other girls "o here. I see her #a)e fun of #e- an" I an't
feel as I "i"/ an" I'" go ho#e- only it woul" see# ungrateful to 2r. Shaw an" gran"#a- an" I "o
love the# "early.,
,I say- Fan- you've got it now. Shut the boo) an" o#e away-, rie" To#- en4oying this
broa"si"e i##ensely- but feeling guilty- as well he #ight.
,:ust one bit #ore-, whispere" Fanny- turning on a page or two- an" stopping at a leaf that
was blurre" here an" there as if tears ha" "roppe" on it.
,Sun"ay #orning- early. Nobo"y is up to spoil #y 6uiet ti#e- an" I #ust. write #y 4ournal-for I've been so ba" lately- I oul" n't bear to "o it. I'# gla" #y visit is #ost "one- for things
worry #e here- an" there is n't any one to help #e get right when I get wrong. I use" to envy
Fanny/ but I "on't now- for her father an" #other "on't ta)e are of her as #ine "o of #e. She is
afrai" of her father- an" #a)es her #other "o as she li)es. I'# gla" I a#e though- for I see
#oney "on't give people everything/ but I'" li)e a little all the sa#e- for it is so o#fortable to
buy nie things. I rea" over #y 4ournal 4ust now- an" I'# afrai" it's not a goo" one/ for I have
sai" all sorts of things about the people here- an" it is n't )in". I shoul" tear it out- only I
pro#ise" to )eep #y "iary- an" I want to tal) over things that pu55le #e with #other. I see now
that it is #y fault a goo" "eal/ for I have n't been half as patient- an" pleasant as I ought to be. I
will truly try for the rest of the ti#e- an" be as goo" an" grateful as I an/ for I want the# to li)e#e- though I'# only 'an ol"$fashione" ountry girl.',
That last sentene #a"e Fanny shut the boo)- with a fae full of self$reproah/ for she ha"
sai" those wor"s herself- in a fit of petulane- an" Polly ha" #a"e no answer- though her eyes
fille" an" her hee)s burne". Fan opene" her lips to say so#ething- but not a soun" followe"-
for there stoo" Polly loo)ing at the# with an e&pression they ha" never seen before.
,+hat are you "oing with #y things0, she "e#an"e"- in a low tone- while her eyes )in"le"
an" her olor hange".
,2au" showe" us a boo) she foun"- an" we were 4ust loo)ing at the pitures-, began Fanny-
,An" rea"ing #y 4ournal- an" laughing at #y presents- an" then putting the bla#e on 2au".
It's the #eanest thing I ever saw/ an" I 'll never forgive you as long as I live1,
Polly sai"- this all in one in"ignant breath- an" then as if afrai" of saying too #uh- ran out
of the roo# with suh a loo) of #ingle" onte#pt- grief- an" anger- that the three ulprits stoo"
"u#b with sha#e. To# ha" n't even a whistle at his o##an"/ 2au" was so sare" at gentle
Polly's outbrea)- that she sat as still as a #ouse/ while Fanny- onsiene stri)en- lai" ba) the
poor little presents with a respetful han"- for so#ehow the thought of Polly's poverty a#e
over her as it never ha" "one before/ an" these o""s an" en"s- so arefully treasure" up forthose at ho#e- touhe" Fanny- an" grew beautiful in her eyes. As she lai" by the little boo)- the
onfessions in it reproahe" her #ore sharply that any wor"s Polly oul" have spo)en/ for she
ha" laughe" at her frien"- ha" slighte" her so#eti#es- an" been unforgiving for an innoent
offene. That last page- where Polly too) the bla#e on herself- an" pro#ise" to ,truly try, to be
#ore )in" an" patient- went to Fanny's heart- #elting all the ol"ness away- an" she oul" only
lay her hea" on the trun)- sobbing- ,It was n't Polly's fault/ it was all #ine.,
To#- still re" with sha#e at being aught in suh a srape- left Fanny to her tears- an" went
#anfully away to fin" the in4ure" Polly- an" onfess his #anifol" transgressions. %ut Polly
oul" n't be foun". 3e searhe" high an" low in every roo#- yet no sign of the girt appeare"-
an" To# began to get an&ious. ,She an't have run away ho#e- an she0, he sai" to hi#self- ashe pause" before the hat$tree. There was the little roun" hat- an" To# gave it a re#orseful
s#ooth- re#e#bering how #any ti#es he ha" twea)e" it half off- or po)e" it over poor Polly's
eyes. ,2aybe she's gone "own to the offie- to tell pa.'T is n't a bit li)e her- though. Anyway- I'll
ta)e a loo) roun" the orner.,
8ager to get his boots- To# pulle" open the "oor of a "ar) loset un"er the stairs- an" nearly
tu#ble" over ba)war" with surprise/ for there- on the floor- with her hea" pillowe" on a pair of
rubbers- lay Polly in an attitu"e of "espair. This #ournful spetale sent To#'s penitent speeh
straight out of his hea"- an" with an astonishe" ,3ullo1, he stoo" an" stare" in i#pressive
silene. Polly was n't rying- an" lay so still- that To# began to thin) she #ight be in a fit or afaint- an" bent an&iously "own to inspet the patheti bunh. A gli#pse of wet eyelashes- a
roun" hee) re""er than usual- an" lips parte" by 6ui)- breathing- relieve" his #in" upon that
point/ so- ta)ing ourage- he sat "own on the boot$4a)- an" begge" par"on li)e a #an.
Now- Polly was very angry- an" I thin) she ha" a right to be/ but she was not resentful- an"
after the first flash was over- she soon began to feel better about it. It was n't easy to forgive/
but- as she listene" to To#'s honest voie- getting gruff with re#orse now an" then- she oul"
n't har"en her heart against hi#- or refuse to #a)e up when he so fran)ly owne" that it ,was
onfoun"e" #ean to rea" her boo) that way., She li)e" his o#ing an" begging par"on at one/
it was a han"so#e thing to "o/ she appreiate" it- an" forgave hi# in her heart so#e ti#e before
she "i" with her lips/ for- to tell the truth- Polly ha" a spie of girlish #alie- an" rather li)e" tosee "o#ineering To# eat hu#ble$pie- 4ust enough to "o hi# goo"- you )now. She felt that
atone#ent was proper- an" onsi"ere" it no #ore than 4ust that Fan shoul" "renh a
han")erhief or two with repentant tears- an" that To# shoul" sit on a very uno#fortable seat
an" all hi#self har" na#es for five or ten #inutes before she relente".
,Co#e- now- "o say a wor" to a fellow. I'# getting the worst of it- anyway/ for there's Fan-
rying her eyes out upstairs- an" here are you stowe" away in a "ar) loset as "u#b as a fish-
an" nobo"y but #e to bring you both roun". I'" have ut over to the S#ythes an" got #a ho#e
to fi& things- only it loo)e" li)e ba)ing out of the srape/ so I "i" n't-, sai" To#- as a last
Polly was gla" to hear that Fan was rying. It woul" "o her goo"/ but she oul" n't help
softening to To#- who "i" see# in a pre"ia#ent between two weeping "a#sels. A little s#ile
began to "i#ple the hee) that was n't hi""en- an" then a han" a#e slowly out fro# un"er the
urly hea"- an" was strethe" towar" hi# silently. To# was 4ust going to give it a hearty sha)e-
when he saw a re" #ar) on the wrist- an" )new what #a"e it. 3is fae hange"- an" he too) the
hubby han" so gently- that Polly peepe" to see what it #eant.
,+ill you forgive that- too0, he as)e"- in a whisper- stro)ing the re" wrist.
,es- it "on't hurt #uh now., An" Polly "rew her han" away- sorry he ha" seen it.,I was a beast- that's what I was1, sai" To#- in a tone of great "isgust. An" 4ust at that
aw)war" #inute "own tu#ble" his father's ol" beaver over his hea" an" fae- putting a o#ial
6uenher on his self$reproahes. f ourse- neither oul" help laughing at that/ an" when he
e#erge"- Polly was sitting up- loo)ing as #uh better for her shower as he "i" for his
#o#entary elipse.
,Fan feels "rea"fully. +ill you )iss an" be frien"s- if I trot her "own0, as)e" To#
re#e#bering his fellow$sinner.
,I'll go to her., An" Polly whis)e" out of the loset as su""enly as she ha" whis)e" in-
leaving To# sitting on the boot$4a)- with a ra"iant ountenane.
3ow the girls #a"e it up no one ever )new. %ut after #uh tal)ing an" rying- )issing an"laughing- the breah was heale"- an" peae "elare". A slight ha5e still lingere" in the air after
the stor#- for Fanny was very hu#ble an" ten"er that evening/ To# a trifle pensive- but
"istressingly polite- an" Polly #agnani#ously frien"ly to every one/ for generous natures li)e
to forgive- an" Polly en4oye" the petting after the insult- li)e a very hu#an girl.
As she was brushing her hair at be"ti#e there a#e a tap on her "oor an"- opening it- she
behel" nothing but a tall bla) bottle- with a strip of re" flannel tie" roun" it li)e a ravat- an" a
o)e"$hat note on the or). Insi"e were these lines- written in a sprawling han" with very
bla) in)<
*8A; PLL- py"ill"o) is first$rate for sprains. ou put a lot on the flannel an" "o upyour wrist- an" I guess it will be all right in the #orning. +ill you o#e a sleigh$ri"e
to#orrow0 I'# awful sorry I hurt you.
T2
Chapter VI. !ran"#a
+here's Polly0, as)e" Fan one snowy afternoon- as she a#e into the "ining$roo# where
To# was reposing on the sofa with his boots in the air- absorbe" in one of those "elightful
boo)s in whih boys are ast away on "esert islan"s- where every )nown fruit- vegetable an"
flower is in its pri#e all the year roun"/ or- lost in boun"less forests- where the young heroes
have thrilling a"ventures- )ill i#possible beasts- an"- when the author's invention gives out-su""enly fin" their way ho#e- la"en with tiger s)ins- ta#e buffaloes an" other pleasing trophies
of their prowess.
,*un no-, was To#'s brief reply- for he was 4ust esaping fro# an alligator of the largest
si5e.
,*o put "own that stupi" boo)- an" let's "o so#ething-, sai" Fanny- after a listless stroll
roun" the roo#.
,3i- they've got hi#1, was the only answer vouhsafe" by the absorbe" rea"er.
,+here's Polly0, as)e" 2au"- 4oining the party with her han"s full of paper "olls all
,*o get along- an" "on't bother #e-, rie" To# e&asperate" at the interruption.
,Then tell us where she is. I'# sure you )now- for she was "own here a little while ago-, sai"
Fanny.
,7p in gran"#a's roo#- #aybe.,
,Provo)ing thing1 you )new it all the ti#e- an" "i" n't tell- 4ust to plague us-, sol"e" 2au".
%ut To# was now un"er water stabbing his alligator- an" too) no notie of the in"ignant
"eparture of the young la"ies.
,Polly's always po)ing up in gran"#a's roo#. I "on't see what fun there is in it-, sai" Fannyas they went up stairs.
,Polly's a verwy 6ueer girl- an" gwan"#a pets her a gweat "eal #ore than she "oes #e-,
observe" 2au"- with an in4ure" air.
,Let's pee) an" see what they are "oing-, whispere" Fan- pausing at the half$open "oor.
!ran"#a was sitting before a 6uaint ol" abinet- the "oors of whih stoo" wi"e open-
showing gli#pses of the fa"e" relis treasure" there. n a stool- at the ol" la"y's feet- sat Polly-
loo)ing up with intent fae an" eager eyes- 6uite absorbe" in the history of a high$heele"
broa"e shoe whih lay in her lap.
,+ell- #y "ear-, gran"#a was saying- ,she ha" it on the very "ay that 7nle :oe a#e in as
she sat at wor)- an" sai"-'*olly- we #ust be #arrie" at one.''Very well- :oe-' says Aunt *olly-an" "own she went to the parlor- where the #inister was waiting- never stopping to hange the
"i#ity "ress she wore- an" was atually #arrie" with her sissors an" pin$ball at her si"e- an"
her thi#ble on. That was in war ti#es- @@B- #y "ear- an" 7nle :oe was in the ar#y- so he ha"
to go- an" he too) that very little pin$ball with hi#. 3ere it is with the #ar) of a bullet through
it- for he always sai" his *olly's ushion save" his life.,
,3ow interesting that is1, rie" Polly- as she e&a#ine" the fa"e" ushion with the hole in it.
,+hy- gran"#a- you never tol" #e that story-, sai" Fanny- hurrying in- fin"ing the prospet
was a pleasant one for a stor#y afternoon.
,ou never as)e" #e to tell you anything- #y "ear- so I )ept #y ol" stories to #yself-,answere" gran"#a- 6uietly.
,Tell so#e now- please. 2ay we stay an" see the funny things0, sai" Fan an" 2au"- eyeing
the open abinet with interest.
,If Polly li)es/ she is #y o#pany- an" I a# trying to entertain her- for I love to have her
o#e-, sai" gran"#a- with her ol"$ti#e politeness.
,h- yes1 "o let the# stay an" hear the stories. I've often tol" the# what goo" ti#es we have
up here- an" tease" the# to o#e- but they thin) it's too 6uiet. Now- sit "own- girls- an" let
gran"#a go on. ou see I pi) out so#ething in the abinet that loo)s interesting- an" then she
tells #e about it-, sai" Polly- eager to inlu"e the girls in her pleasures- an" gla" to get the#
intereste" in gran"#a's re#inisenes- for Polly )new how happy it #a"e the lonely ol" la"y tolive over her past- an" to have the hil"ren roun" her.
,3ere are three "rawers that have not been opene" yet/ eah ta)e one- an" hoose so#ething
fro# it for #e to tell about-, sai" 2a"a#- 6uite e&ite" at the unusual interest in her treasures.
So the girls eah opene" a "rawer an" turne" over the ontents till they foun" so#ething
they wante" to )now about. 2au" was rea"y first- an" hol"ing up an o""ly shape" linen bag-
with a big blue F e#broi"ere" on it- "e#an"e" her story. !ran"#a s#ile" as she s#oothe" the
ol" thing ten"erly- an" began her story with evi"ent pleasure.
,2y sister Nelly an" I went to visit an aunt of ours- when we were little girls- but we "i" n't
have a very goo" ti#e- for she was e&tre#ely strit. ne afternoon- when she ha" gone out to
tea- an" ol" *ebby- the #ai"- was asleep in her roo#- we sat on the "oor$step- feeling ho#esi)
an" rea"y for any thing to a#use us.
,'+hat shall we "o0' sai" Nelly.
,:ust as she spo)e- a ripe plu# "roppe" boune on the grass before us- as if answering her
6uestion. It was all the plu#'s fault- for if it ha" n't fallen at that #inute- I never shoul" have ha"
the thought whih poppe" into #y #ishievous #in".
,'Let's have as #any as we want- an" plague Aunt %etsey- to pay her for being so ross-' I
sai"- giving Nelly half the great purple plu#.,'It woul" be "rea"ful naughty-' began Nelly-'but I guess we will-' she a""e"- as the sweet
#outhful slippe" "own her throat.
,'*ebby's asleep. Co#e on- then- an" help #e sha)e-' I sai"- getting up- eager for the fun.
,+e shoo) an" shoo) till we got re" in the fae- but not one "roppe"- for the tree was large-
an" our little ar#s were not strong enough to stir the boughs. Then we threw stones- but only
one green an" one half$ripe one a#e "own- an" #y last stone bro)e the she" win"ow- so there
was an en" of that.
,'It's as provo)ing as Aunt %etsey herself-' sai" Nelly- as we sat "own- out of breath.
,'I wish the win" woul" o#e an" blow'e# "own for us-' pante" I- staring up at the plu#s
with longing eyes.,'If wishing woul" "o any goo"- I shoul" wish'e# in #y lap at one-' a""e" Nelly.
,'ou #ight as well wish'e# in your #outh an" "one with it- if you are too la5y to pi)'e#
up. If the la""er was n't too heavy we oul" try that-' sai" I- "eter#ine" to have the#.
,'ou )now we an't stir it- so what is the use of tal)ing about it0 ou propose" getting the
plu#s- now let's see you "o it-' answere" Nelly- rather rossly- for she ha" bitten the green plu#
an" it pu)ere" her #outh.
,'+ait a #inute- an" you will see #e "o it-' rie" I- as a new thought a#e into #y naughty
hea".
,'+hat are you ta)ing your shoes an" so)s off for0 ou an't li#b the tree- Fan.' ,'*on'tas) 6uestions- but be rea"y to pi)'e# up when they fall- 2iss La5ybones.' ,+ith this
#ysterious speeh I pattere" into the house bare$foote" an" full of #y plan. 7p stairs I went to
a win"ow opening on the she" roof. ut I got- an" reeping arefully along till I a#e near the
tree- I stoo" up- an" su""enly rowe" li)e the little rooster. Nelly loo)e" up- an" stare"- an"
laughe"- an" lappe" her han"s when she saw what I was going to "o.
,'I'# afrai" you'll slip an" get hurt.' ,'*on't are if I "o/ I'll have those plu#s if I brea) #y
ne) "oing it-' an" half sli"ing- half wal)ing I went "own the sloping roof- till the boughs of the
tree were within #y reah.
,3urrah1, rie" Nelly- "aning "own below- as #y first sha)e sent a "o5en plu#s rattling
roun" her.,'3urrah1, rie" I- letting go one branh an" trying to reah another. %ut as I "i" so #y foot
slippe"- I trie" to ath so#ething to hol" by- but foun" nothing- an" with a ry- "own I fell- li)e
a very big plu# on the grass below.
,Fortunately the she" was low- the grass was thi) an" the tree bro)e #y fall- but I got a ba"
bu#p an" a terrible sha)ing. Nelly thought I was )ille"- an" began to ry with her #outh full.
%ut I pi)e" #yself up in a #inute- for I was use" to suh tu#bles/ an" "i" n't #in" the pain
,'3ush1 *ebby will hear an" spoil all the fun. I sai" I'" get'e# an" I have. See what lots have
o#e "own with #e.' ,So there ha"- for #y fall shoo) the tree al#ost as #uh as it "i" #e- an"
the green an" purple fruit lay all about us.
,%y the ti#e the bu#p on #y forehea" ha" swelle" as big as a nut- our aprons were half full-
an" we sat "own to en4oy ourselves. %ut we "i" n't. "ear- no1 for #any of the plu#s were not
ripe- so#e were hurt by the bir"s- so#e rushe" in falling- an" #any as har" as stones. Nelly
got stung by a wasp- #y hea" began to ahe- an" we sat loo)ing at one another rather "is#ally-
when Nelly ha" a bright i"ea.,'Let's oo)'e#- then they'll be goo"- an" we an put so#e away in our little pails for to$
#orrow.' ,'That will be splen"i"1 There's a fire in the )ithen- *ebby always leaves the )ettle
on- an" we an use her sauepan- an" I )now where the sugar is- an" we'll have a gran" ti#e.'
,In we went- an" fell to wor) very 6uietly. It was a large- open fire$plae- with the oals niely
overe" up- an" the big )ettle si##ering on the hoo). +e ra)e" open the fire- put on the
sauepan- an" in it the best of our plu#s- with water enough to spoil the#. %ut we "i" n't )now
that- an" felt very i#portant as we sat waiting for it to boil- eah ar#e" with a big spoon- while
the sugar bo& stoo" between us rea"y to be use".
,3ow slow they were- to be sure1 I never )new suh obstinate things- for they woul" n't
soften- though they "ane" about in the boiling water- an" bobbe" against the over as if theywere "oing their best.
,The sun began to get low- we were afrai" *ebby woul" o#e "own- an" still those "rea"ful
plu#s woul" n't loo) li)e saue. At last they began to burst- the water got a lovely purple- we
put lots of sugar in- an" )ept tasting till our aprons an" faes were re"- an" our lips burnt with
the hot spoons.
,'There's too #uh 4uie-' sai" Nelly- sha)ing her hea" wisely.'It ought to be thi) an" nie
li)e #a##a's.' ,'I'll pour off so#e of the 4uie- an" we an "rin) it-' sai" I- feeling that I'" #a"e
a #ista)e in #y oo)ing.
,So Nelly got a bowl- an" I got a towel an" lifte" the big sauepan arefully off. It washeavy an" hot- an" I was a little afrai" of it- but "i" n't li)e to say so. :ust as I began to pour-
*ebby su""enly alle" fro# the top of the stairs-'Chil"ren- what un"er the sun are you "oing0'
,It startle" us both. Nelly "roppe" the bowl an" ran. I "roppe" the sauepan an" "i" n't run- for
a part of the hot 4uie splashe" upon #y bare feet- an" an)les- an" #a"e #e srea# with
"rea"ful pain.
,*own rushe" *ebby to fin" #e "aning about the )ithen with a great bu#p on #y
forehea"- a big spoon in #y han"- an" a pair of bright purple feet. The plu#s were lying all
over the hearth- the sauepan in the #i""le of the roo#- the basin was bro)en- an" the sugar
swi##ing about as if the bowl ha" turne" itself over trying to sweeten our #ess for us.
,*ebby was very goo" to #e- for she never stoppe" to sol"- but lai" #e "own on the ol"sofa- an" boun" up #y poor little feet with oil an" otton wool. Nelly- seeing #e lie white an"
wea)- thought I was "ying- an" went over to the neighbor's for Aunt %etsey- an" burst in upon
the ol" la"ies sitting pri#ly at- their tea- rying- "istrate"ly- ,'h- Aunt %etsey- o#e 6ui)1 for
the sauepan fell off the she"- an" Fan's feet are all boile" purple1' ,Nobo"y laughe" at this
funny #essage- an" Aunt %etsey ran all the way ho#e with a #uffin in her han" an" her ball in
her po)et- though the )nitting was left behin".
,I suffere" a great "eal- but I was n't sorry afterwar"- for I learne" to love Aunt %etsey- who
nurse" #e ten"erly- an" see#e" to forget her strit ways in her an&iety for #e.
,This bag was #a"e for #y speial o#fort- an" hung on the sofa where I lay all those
weary "ays. Aunt )ept it full of pretty pathwor) or- what I li)e" better- ginger$nuts- an"
pepper#int "rops- to a#use #e- though she "i" n't approve of osseting hil"ren up- any #ore
than I "o now.,
,I li)e that vewy well- an" I wish I oul" have been there-, was 2au"'s on"esen"ing
re#ar)- as she put ba) the little bag- after a areful peep insi"e- as if she hope" to fin" an
anient ginger$nut- or a well$preserve" pepper#int "rop still lingering in so#e orner.
,+e ha" plu#s enough that autu#n- but "i" n't see# to are #uh about the#- after all- forour pran) bea#e a househol" 4o)e- an"- for years- we never saw the fruit- but Nelly woul"
loo) at #e with a funny fae- an" whisper-'Purple sto)ings- Fan1' ,
,Than) you- #a'a#-, sai" Polly. ,Now- Fan- your turn ne&t.,
,+ell- I've a bun"le of ol" letters- an" I'" li)e to )now if there is any story about the#-,
answere" Fanny- hoping so#e ro#ane #ight be fortho#ing.
!ran"#a turne" over the little pa)et tie" up with a fa"e" pin) ribbon/ a "o5en yellow notes
written on rough- thi) paper- with re" wafers still a"hering to the fol"s- showing plainly that
they were written before the "ay of initial note$paper an" self$sealing envelopes.
,They are not love$letters- "eary- but notes fro# #y #ates after I left 2iss Cotton's
boar"ing$shool. I "on't thin) there is any story about the#-, an" gran"#a turne" the# overwith spetales before the "i# eyes- so young an" bright when they first rea" the very sa#e
notes.
Fanny was about to say- ,I'll hoose again-, when gran"#a began to laugh so heartily that
the girls felt sure she ha" aught so#e #erry ol" #e#ory whih woul" a#use the#.
,%less #y heart- I have n't thought of that froli this forty years. Poor- "ear- gi""y Sally
Po#roy- an" she's a great$gran"#other now1, rie" the ol" la"y- after rea"ing one of the notes-
an" learing the #ist off her glasses.
,Now- please tell about her/ I )now it's so#ething funny to #a)e you laugh so-, sai" Polly
an" Fan together.,+ell- it was "roll- an" I'# gla" I re#e#bere" it for it's 4ust the story to tell you young
things.
,It was years ago-, began gran"#a- bris)ly- ,an" teahers were very #uh striter than they
are now. The girls at 2iss Cotton's were not allowe" lights in their roo#s after nine o'lo)-
never went out alone- an" were e&pete" to behave li)e #o"els of propriety fro# #orning till
night.
,As you #ay i#agine- ten young girls- full of spirits an" fun- foun" these rules har" to )eep-
an" #a"e up for goo" behavior in publi by all sorts of frolis in private.
,2iss Cotton an" her brother sat in the ba) parlor after shool was over- an" the young
la"ies were sent to be". 2r. :ohn was very "eaf- an" 2iss Prisilla very near$sighte"- twoonvenient afflitions for the girls on so#e oasions- but one they prove" 6uite the reverse- as
you shall hear.
,+e ha" been very pri# for a wee)- an" our bottle" up spirits oul" no longer be ontaine"/
so we plane" a revel after our own hearts- an" set our wits to wor) to e&eute it.
,The first obstale was sur#ounte" in this way. As none of us oul" get out alone- we
resolve" to lower Sally fro# the win"ow- for she was light an" s#all- an" very s#art.
,+ith our o#bine" po)et$#oney she was to buy nuts an" an"y- a)e an" fruit- pie- an" a
an"le- so that we #ight have a light- after %etsey too) ours away as usual. ,+e were to "ar)en
the win"ow of the inner ha#ber- set a wath in the little entry- light up- an" then for a goo"
ti#e.
,At eight o'lo) on the appointe" evening- several of us professe" great weariness- an"
went to our roo#- leaving the rest sewing virtuously with 2iss Cotton- who rea" 3annah
2ore's Sare" *ra#as alou"- in a way that fitte" the listeners for be" as well as a "ose of opiu#
woul" have "one.
,I a# sorry to say I was one of the ringlea"ers/ an" as soon as we got up stairs- pro"ue" the
rope provi"e" for the purpose- an" invite" Sally to be lowere". It was an ol"$fashione" house-sloping "own behin"- an" the loset win"ow hosen by us was not #any feet fro# the groun".
,It was a su##er evening- so that at eight o'lo) it was still light/ but we were not afrai" of
being seen- for the street was a lonely one- an" our only neighbors two ol" la"ies- who put
"own their urtains at sunset- an" never loo)e" out till #orning.
,Sally ha" been bribe" by pro#ises of as #any'goo"ies' as she oul" eat- an" being a regular
#a"ap- she was rea"y for anything.
,Tying the rope roun" her waist she rept out- an" we let her safely "own- sent a big bas)et
after her- an" saw her slip roun" the o#er in #y big sun bonnet an" another girl's shawl- so
that she shoul" not be reogni5e".
,Then we put our night$gowns over our "resses- an" were lai" peaefully in be" when%etsey a#e up- earlier than usual/ for it was evi"ent that 2iss Cotton felt a little suspiious at
our su""en weariness.
,For half an hour we lay laughing an" whispering- as we waite" for the signal fro# Sally. At
last we hear" a ri)et hirp shrilly un"er the win"ow- an" flying up- saw a little figure below in
the twilight.
,'- 6ui)1 6ui)1' rie" Sally- panting with haste.'*raw up the bas)et an" then get #e in- for
I saw 2r. Cotton in the #ar)et- an" ran all the way ho#e- so that I #ight get in before he a#e.
,7p a#e the heavy bas)et- bu#ping an" sraping on the way- an" s#elling- - so nie1 *own
went the rope- an" with a long pull- a strong pull- an" a pull all together- we hoiste" poor Sallyhalf$way up to the win"ow- when- sa" to tell- the rope slippe" an" "own she fell- only being
save" fro# bro)en bones by the hay$o) un"er the win"ow.
,'3e's o#ing1 he's o#ing1 pull #e up- for #ery sa)e1' rie" Sally- sra#bling to her
feet unhurt- but a goo" "eal sha)en.
,+e saw a "ar) figure approahing- an" "ragge" her in with #ore bu#ping an" sraping-
an" e#brae" her with rapture- for we ha" 4ust esape" being "etete" by 2r. :ohn- whose eyes
were as sharp as his ears were "ull.
,+e hear" the front$"oor shut- then a #ur#ur of voies- an" then %etsey's heavy step
o#ing up stairs.
,7n"er the be" went the bas)et- an" into the be"s went the onspirators- an" nothing oul"have been #ore "eorous than the appearane of the roo# when %etsey poppe" her hea" in.
,'2aster's an ol" fi"get to sen" #e travelling up again- 4ust beause he fanie" he saw
so#ething a#iss at the win"ow. Nothing but a urtain flapping- or a sha""er- for the poor "ears
is sleeping li)e la#bs.' ,+e hear" her say this to herself- an" a general titter agitate" the white
overlets as she "eparte".
,Sally was in high feather at the suess of her e&ploit- an" "ane" about li)e an elf- as she
put her night$gown on over her fro)- brai"e" her hair in funny little tails all over her hea"- an"
fastene" the great re" pin$ushion on her boso# for a breastpin in honor of the feast.
,The other girls went to their roo#s as agree" upon- an" all was soon "ar) an" still up stairs-
while 2iss Cotton began to en4oy herself below- as she always "i" when'her young harges'
were safely "ispose" of.
,Then ghosts began to wal)- an" the #ie suttle" ba) to their holes in alar#- for white
figures gli"e" fro# roo# to roo#- till all were asse#ble" in the little ha#ber.
,The wath was set at the entry "oor- the signal agree" upon- the an"le lighte"- an" the feast
sprea" forth upon a newspaper on the be"- with the overlet arrange" so that it oul" be
whis)e" over the refresh#ents at a #o#ent's notie.,3ow goo" everything was- to be sure1 I "on't thin) I've eaten any pies sine that ha" suh a
"eliious flavor as those bro)en ones- eaten hastily- in that little oven of a roo#- with Sally
#a)ing 4o)es an" the others en4oying stolen sweets with true girlish relish. f ourse it was
very wi)e"- but I #ust tell the truth.
,+e were 4ust beginning on the a)e when the lou" srathing of a rat "isturbe" us.
,'The signal1 fly1 run1 hi"e1 3ush- "on't laugh1' rie" several voies- an" we suttle" into be"
as rapi"ly an" noiselessly as possible- with our #ouths an" han"s full.
,A long pause- bro)en by #ore srathing/ but as no one a#e- we "ei"e" on sen"ing to
in6uire what it #eant. I went an" foun" 2ary- the pi)et guar" half asleep- an" longing for her
share of the feast.,'It was a real rat/ I've not #a"e a soun". *o go an" finish/ I'# tire" of this-' sai" 2ary-
slapping away at the #os6uitoes.
,%a) I hurrie" with the goo" news. 8very one flew up- bris)ly. +e lighte" the an"le again-
an" returne" to our revel. The refresh#ents were so#ewhat in4ure" by Sally's bouning in
a#ong the#- bit we "i" n't are- an" soon finishe" the a)e.
,'Now let's have the nuts-' I sai"- groping for the paper bag.
,'They are al#on"s an" peanuts- so we an ra) the# with our teeth. %e sure you get the
bag by the right en"-' sai" Sally.
,'I )now what I'# about-' an" to show her that it was all right- I gave the bag a little sha)e-when out flew the nuts- rattling li)e a hail$stor# all over the unarpete" floor.
,'Now you've "one it-' rie" Sally- as 2ary srathe" li)e a #a" rat- an" a "oor rea)e"
below- for 2iss Cotton was not "eaf.
,Suh a flurry as we were in1 ut went the an"le- an" eah one rushe" away with as #uh
of the feast as she oul" sei5e in her haste. Sally "ive" into her be"- re)lessly "e#olishing the
last pie- an" sattering the an"y far an" wi"e.
,Poor 2ary was nearly aught for 2iss Cotton was 6ui)er than %etsey- an" our guar" ha"
to run for her life.
,ur roo# was the first- an" was in goo" or"er- though the two flushe" faes on the pillows
were rather suspiious. 2iss Cotton stoo" staring about her- loo)ing so funny- without her ap-that #y be"fellow woul" have gone off in a fit of laughter- if I ha" not pinhe" her warningly.
,'oung la"ies- what is this unsee#ly noise0' ,No answer fro# us but a faint snore. 2iss
Cotton #arhe" into the ne&t roo#- put the sa#e 6uestion an" reeive" the sa#e reply.
,In the thir" ha#ber lay Sally- an" we tre#ble" as the ol" la"y went in. Sitting up- we
peepe" an" listene" breathlessly.
,'Sarah- I o##an" you to tell #e what this all #eans0' ,%ut Sally only sighe" in her sleep-
an" #uttere"- wi)e"ly-'2a- ta)e #e ho#e. I'# starve" at Cotton's.' ,'2ery on #e1 is the hil"
going to have a fever0' rie" the ol" la"y- who "i" not observe the tell tale nuts at her feet.
,'So "ull- so strit1 ta)e #e ho#e1' #oane" Sally- tossing her ar#s an" gurgling- li)e a
naughty little gypsy.
,That last bit of ating upset the whole onern- for as she tosse" her ar#s she showe" the
big re" ushion on her breast. Near$sighte" as she was- that ri"iulous ob4et oul" not esape
2iss Cotton- neither "i" the orange that rolle" out fro# the pillow- nor the boots appearing at
the foot of the be".
,+ith su""en energy the ol" la"y plu)e" off the over- an" there lay Sally with her hair
"resse" . la Topsy- her absur" breast$pin an" her "usty boots- a#ong papers of an"y- bits of piean" a)e- oranges an" apples- an" a an"le upsi"e "own burning a hole in the sheet.
,At the soun" of 2iss Cotton's horrifie" e&la#ation Sally wo)e up- an" began laughing so
#errily that none of us oul" resist following her e&a#ple- an" the roo#s rang with #erri#ent
far #any #inutes. I really "on't )now when we shoul" have stoppe" if Sally ha" not got ho)e"
with the nut she ha" in her #outh- an" so frightene" us nearly out of our wits.,
,+hat bea#e of the things- an" how were you punishe"0, as)e" Fan- in the #i""le of her
laughter.
,The re#ains of the feast went to the pig- an" we were )ept on brea" an" water for three
"ays.,
,*i" that ure you0,,h- "ear- no1 we ha" half a "o5en other frolis that very su##er/ an" although I annot
help laughing at the re#e#brane of this- you #ust not thin)- hil"- that I approve of suh
on"ut- or e&use it. No- no- #y "ear- far fro# it.,
,I all that a- tip$top story1 *rive on- gran"#a- an" tell one about boys-, bro)e in a new
voie- an" there was To# astri"e of a hair listening an" laughing with all his #ight- for his
boo) ha" o#e to an en"- an" he ha" 4oine" the party unobserve".
,+ait for your turn- To##y. Now- Polly- "ear- what will you have0, sai" gran"#a- loo)ing-
so lively an" happy- that it was very evi"ent ,re#inising, "i" her goo".
,Let #ine o#e last- an" tell one for To# ne&t-, sai" Polly- loo)ing roun"- an" be)oninghi# nearer.
3e a#e an" sat hi#self ross$legge" on the floor- before the lower "rawer of the abinet-
whih gran"#a opene" for hi#- saying- with a benign stro)e of the urly hea"- ,There- "ear-
that's where I )eep the little #e#orials of #y brother :a). Poor la"- he was lost at sea- you
)now. +ell- hoose anything you li)e- an" I'll try to re#e#ber a story about it.,
To# #a"e a rapi" ru##age- an" fishe" up a little bro)en pistol.
,There- that's the hap for #e1 +ish it was n't spoilt- then we'" have fun popping away at the
ats in the yar". Now- then- gran"#a.,
,I re#e#ber one of :a)'s pran)s- when that was use" with great effet-, sai" gran"#a- after
a thoughtful pause- "uring whih To# tease" the girls by snapping the lo) of the pistol in theirfaes.
,ne upon a ti#e-, ontinue" 2a"a#- #uh flattere" by the row of intereste" faes before
her- ,#y father went away on business- leaving #other- aunt- an" us girls to :a)'s are. Very
prou" he was- to be sure- of the responsibility- an" the first thing he "i" was to loa" that pistol
an" )eep it by his be"- in our great worri#ent- for we feare" he'" )ill hi#self with it. For a
wee) all went well/ then we were startle" by the news that robbers were about. All sorts of
stories flew through the town =we were living in the ountry then>/ so#e sai" that ertain houses
were #ar)e" with a bla) ross- an" those were always robbe"/ others- that there was a boy in
the gang- for win"ows- so s#all that they were onsi"ere" safe- were entere" by so#e little
rogue. At one plae the thieves ha" a supper- an" left ha# an" a)e in the front yar". 2rs. :ones
foun" 2rs. S#ith's shawl in her orhar"- with a ha##er an" an un)nown teapot near it. ne
#an reporte" that so#e one tappe" at his win"ow- in the night- saying- softly-'Is anyone here0
an" when he loo)e" out- two #en were seen to run "own the roa".
,+e live" 4ust out of town- in a lonely plae/ the house was ol"- with onvenient little ba)
win"ows- an" five outsi"e "oors. :a) was the only #an about the plae- an" he was barely
thirteen. 2other an" aunt were very ti#i"- an" the hil"ren weren't ol" enough to be of any use-
so :a) an" I were the ho#e$guar"- an" vowe" to "efen" the fa#ily #anfully.,,!oo" for you1 3ope the fellows a#e1, rie" To#- har#e" with this opening.
,ne "ay- an ill$loo)ing #an a#e in an" as)e" for foo"-, ontinue" gran"#a- with a
#ysterious no"/ ,an" while he ate- I saw hi# glane sharply about fro# the woo"en buttons on
the ba)$"oors- to the silver urn an" tan)ar"s on the "ining$roo# si"eboar". A strong suspiion
too) possession of #e- an" I wathe" hi# as a at "oes a #ouse.
,'3e a#e to e&a#ine the pre#ises- I'# sure of it- but we will be rea"y for hi#-' I sai"-
fierely- as I tol" the fa#ily about hi#.
,This fany haunte" us all- an" our preparations were very funny. 2other borrowe" a rattle-
an" )ept it un"er her pillow. Aunt too) a big bell to be" with her/ the hil"ren ha" little Tip- the
terrier- to sleep in their roo#/ while :a) an" I #ounte" guar"- he with the pistol- an" I with ahathet- for I "i" n't li)e fire$ar#s. %i""y- who slept in the atti- pratise" getting out on the
she" roof- so that she #ight run away at the first alar#. 8very night we arrange" pit$falls for the
robbers- an" all file" up to be"- bearing plate- #oney- weapons- an" things to barria"e with- as
if we live" in war ti#es.
,+e waite" a wee) an" no one a#e- so we began to feel rather slighte"- for other people
got'a sare-' as To# says- an" after all our preparations we really felt a trifle "isappointe" that
we ha" ha" no hane to show our ourage. At last a bla) #ar) was foun" upon our "oor- an"
a great pani ensue"- for we felt that now our ti#e ha" o#e.
,That night we put a tub of water at the botto# of the ba)$stairs- an" a pile of tin pans at thetop of the front stairs- so that any atte#pt to o#e up woul" pro"ue a splash or a rattle. %ells
were hung on "oor han"les- sti)s of woo" pile" up in "ar) orners for robbers to fall over- an"
the fa#ily retire"- all ar#e" an" all provi"e" with la#ps an" #athes.
,:a) an" I left our "oors open- an" )ept as)ing one another if we "i" n't hear so#ething- till
he fell asleep. I was wa)eful an" lay listening to the ri)ets till the lo) stru) twelve/ then I
got "rowsy- an" was 4ust "ropping off when the soun" of steps outsi"e wo)e #e up staring wi"e
awa)e. Creeping to the win"ow I was in ti#e to see by the "i# #oonlight a sha"ow gli"e roun"
the orner an" "isappear. A 6ueer little thrill went over #e- but I resolve" to )eep 6uiet till I was
sure so#ething was wrong- for I ha" given so #any false alar#s- I "i" n't want :a) to laugh at
#e again. Popping #y hea" out of the "oor- I listene"- an" presently hear" a sraping soun"near the she".
,'There they are/ but I won't rouse the house till the bell rings or the pans fall. The rogues
an't go far without a latter of so#e sort- an" if we oul" only ath one of the# we shoul" get
the rewar" an" a "eal of glory-' I sai" to #yself- grasping #y hathet fir#ly.
,A "oor lose" softly below- an" a step a#e reeping towar"s the ba)$stairs. Sure now of
#y prey- I was 4ust about to srea#':a)1' when so#ething went splash into the tub at the foot
,In a #inute every one was awa)e an" up- for :a) fire" his pistol before he was half out of
be"- an" roare"'Fire1' so lou" it rouse" the house. 2other sprung her rattle- aunt rang her bell-
:ip bar)e" li)e #a"- an" we all srea#e"- while fro# below a#e up a regular Irish howl.
,So#e one brought a la#p- an" we peepe" an&iously "own- to see our own stupi" %i""y
sitting in the tub wringing her han"s an" wailing "is#ally.
,'h- #urther- an" it's )ilt I a#1 The saints be about us1 how iver "i" I o#e forninst this
say iv wather- 4ust rapin in 6uiet afther a bit iv sthroll wi" 2i)e 2ahoney- #e own b'y- that's to
#arry #e intirely- o#e Saint Patri)'s "ay ni&t.' ,+e laughe" so we oul" har"ly fish the poorthing up- or listen while she e&plaine" that she ha" slippe" out of her win"ow for a wor" with
2i)e- an" foun" it fastene" when she wante" to o#e ba)- so she ha" sat on the roof- trying to
"isover the ause of this #ysterious barring out- till she was tire"- when she prowle" roun" the
house till she foun" a ellar win"ow unfastene"- after all our are- an" got in 6uite leverly- she
thought/ but the tub was a new arrange#ent whih she )new nothing about/ an" when she fell
into the'say-' she was bewil"ere" an" oul" only howl.
,This was not all the "a#age either- for aunt fainte" with the fright- #other ut her han" with
a bro)en la#p- the hil"ren too) ol" hopping about on the wet stairs- :ip bar)e" hi#self si)- I
spraine" #y an)le- an" :a) not only s#ashe" a loo)ing$glass with his bullets- but spoilt his
pistol by the heavy harge put in it. After the "a#ages were repaire" an" the flurry was wellover- :a) onfesse" that he ha" #ar)e" the "oor for fun- an" shut %i""y out as a punish#ent
for'gallivanting-' of whih he "i" n't approve. Suh a rogue as that boy was1' ,
,%ut "i" n't the robbers ever o#e0, rie" To#- en4oying the 4o)e- but feeling "efrau"e" of
the fight.
,Never- #y "ear/ but we ha" our'sare-' an" teste" our ourage- an" that was a great
satisfation- of ourse-, answere" gran"#a- plai"ly.
,+ell- I thin) you were the bravest of the lot. I'" li)e to have seen you flourishing roun"
there with your hathet-, a""e" To#- a"#iringly- an" the ol" la"y loo)e" as #uh please" with
the o#pli#ent as if she ha" been a girl.,I hoose this-, sai" Polly- hol"ing up a long white )i" glove- shrun)en an" yellow with
ti#e- but loo)ing as if it ha" a history.
,Ah- that now has a story worth telling1, rie" gran"#a/ a""ing- prou"ly- ,Treat that ol"
glove respetfully- #y hil"ren- for Lafayette's honore" han" has touhe" it.,
,h- gran"#a- "i" you wear it0 *i" you see hi#0 *o tell us all about it- an" that will be the
best of the whole-, rie" Polly- who love" history- an" )new a goo" "eal about the gallant
Frenh#an an" his brave life.
!ran"#a love" to tell this story- an" always assu#e" her #ost i#posing air to "o honor to
her the#e. *rawing herself up- therefore- she fol"e" her han"s- an" after two or three little
,he#s-, began with an absent loo)- as if her eyes behel" a far$away ti#e- whih brightene" asshe ga5e".
,The first visit of Lafayette was before #y ti#e- of ourse- but I hear" so #uh about it fro#
#y gran"father that I really felt as if I '" seen it all. ur Aunt 3ano) live" in the !overnor's
house- on %eaon 3ill- at that ti#e., 3ere the ol" la"y bri"le" up still #ore- for she was very
prou" of ,our aunt., ,Ah- #y "ears- those were the goo" ol" ti#es1, she ontinue"- with a sigh.
hasing :a) up an" "own those win"ing stairs/ an" #y blesse" father- in his plu#$olore" oat
an" )nee bu)les- an" the 6ueue I use" to tie up for hi# every "ay- han"ing aunt in to "inner-
loo)ing so "ignifie" an" splen"i".,
!ran"#a see#e" to forget her story for a #inute- an" beo#e a little girl again- a#ong the
play#ates "ea" an" gone so #any years. Polly #otione" the others to be 6uiet- an" no one
spo)e till the ol" la"y- with a long sigh- a#e ba) to the present- an" went on.
,+ell- as I was saying- the !overnor wante" to give a brea)fast to the Frenh offiers- an"
2a"a#- who was a hospitable soul- got up a splen"i" one for the#. %ut by so#e #ista)e- orai"ent- it was "isovere" at the last #inute that there was no #il).
,A great "eal was nee"e"- an" very little oul" be bought or borrowe"- so "espair fell upon
the oo)s an" #ai"s- an" the great brea)fast woul" have been a failure- if 2a"a#- with the
presene of #in" of her se&- ha" not su""enly bethought herself of the ows fee"ing on the
Co##on.
,To be sure- they belonge" to her neighbors- an" there was no ti#e to as) leave- but it was a
national affair/ our allies #ust be fe"/ an" feeling sure that her patrioti frien"s woul" gla"ly lay
their ows on the altar of their ountry- 2a"a# 3ano) overe" herself with glory- by al#ly
issuing the o##an"-'2il)'e#1' ,It was "one- to the great astonish#ent of the ows- an" the
entire satisfation of the guests- a#ong who# was Lafayette.,This #il)ing feat was suh a goo" 4o)e- that no one see#s to have re#e#bere" #uh about
the great #an- though one of his offiers- a ount- signali5e" hi#self by getting very tipsy- an"
going to be" with his boots an" spurs on- whih ause" the "estrution of aunt's best yellow
"a#as) overlet- for the restless sleeper )i)e" it into rags by #orning.
,Aunt value" it very #uh- even in its tattere" on"ition- an" )ept it a long while- as a
#e#orial of her "istinguishe" guests.
,The ti#e when I saw Lafayette was in @B- an" there were no tipsy ounts then. 7nle
3ano) =a sweet #an- #y "ears- though so#e all hi# #ean now$a$"ays> was "ea"- an" aunt
ha" #arrie" Captain Sott.,It was not at all the thing for her to "o/ however- that's neither here nor there. She was
living in Fe"eral Street at the ti#e- a #ost aristorati street then- hil"ren- an" we live" lose
by.
,l" :osiah ?uiny was #ayor of the ity- an" he sent aunt wor" that the 2ar6uis Lafayette
wishe" to pay his respets to her.
,f ourse she was "elighte"- an" we all flew about to #a)e rea"y for hi#. Aunt was an ol"
la"y- but she #a"e a gran" toilet- an" was as an&ious to loo) well as any girl.,
,+hat "i" she wear0, as)e" Fan- with interest.
,She wore a steel$olore" satin- tri##e" with bla) lae- an" on her ap was pinne" a
Lafayette ba"ge of white satin.,I never shall forget how b$e$a$utifully she loo)e" as she sat in state on the front parlor
sophy- right un"er a great portrait of her first husban"/ an" on either si"e of her sat 2a"a#
Storer an" 2a"a# +illia#s- elegant to behol"- in their stiff sil)s- rih lae- an" stately turbans.
+e "on't see suh splen"i" ol" la"ies now$a$"ays ,
,I thin) we "o so#eti#es-, sai" Polly- slyly.
!ran"#a shoo) her hea"- but it please" her very #uh to be a"#ire"- for she ha" been a
,+e girls ha" "resse" the house with flowers/ ol" 2r. Cooli"ge sent in a lothes$bas)et full.
:oe :oy provi"e" the ba"ges- an" aunt got out so#e of the ;evolutionary wine fro# the ol"
%eaon Street ellar.
,I wore #y green an" white pal#yrine- #y hair bowe" high- the beautiful leg$o'$#utton
sleeves that were so beo#ing- an" these very gloves.
,+ell- by$an"$by the !eneral- esorte" by the 2ayor- "rove up. *ear #e- I see hi# now1 a
little ol" #an in nan)een trousers an" vest- a long blue oat an" ruffle" shirt- leaning on his
ane- for he was la#e- an" s#iling an" bowing li)e a true Frenh#an.,As he approahe"- the three ol" la"ies rose- an" ourtesie" with the ut#ost "ignity
Lafayette bowe" first to the !overnor's piture- then to the !overnor's wi"ow- an" )isse" her
han".
,That was "roll/ for on the ba) of her glove was sta#pe" Lafayette's li)eness- an" the
gallant ol" gentle#an )isse" his own fae.
,Then so#e of the young la"ies were presente"- an"- as if to esape any further self$
salutations- the #ar6uis )isse" the pretty girls on the hee).
,es- #y "ears- here is 4ust the spot where the "ear ol" #an salute" #e. I'# 6uite as prou" of
it now as I was then- for he was a brave- goo" #an- an" helpe" us in our trouble.
,3e "i" not stay long- but we were very #erry- "rin)ing his health- reeiving hiso#pli#ents- an" en4oying the honor he "i" us.
,*own in the street there was a row"- of ourse- an" when he left they wante" to ta)e out
the horses an" "rag hi# ho#e in triu#ph. %ut he "i" n't wish it/ an" while that affair was being
arrange"- we girls ha" been pelting hi# with the flowers whih we tore fro# the vases- the
walls- an" our own top)nots- to satter over hi#.
,3e li)e" that- an" laughe"- an" wave" his han" to us- while we ran- an" pelte"- an" begge"
hi# to o#e again.
,+e young fol)s 6uite lost our hea"s that night- an" I have n't a very lear i"ea of how I got
ho#e. The last thing I re#e#ber was hanging out of the win"ow with a flo) of girls- wathingthe arriage roll away- while the row" heere" as if they were #a".
,%less #y heart- it see#s as if I hear"'e# now1'3urrah for Lafayette an" 2ayor ?uiny1
3urrah for 2a"a# 3ano) an" the pretty girls1 3urrah for Col. 2ay1''Three heers for
%oston1 Now- then1 3urrah1 3urrah1 3urrah1' ,
An" here the ol" la"y stoppe"- out of breath- with her ap as)ew- her spetales on the en"
of her nose- an" her )nitting #uh the worse for being wave" enthusiastially in the air- while
she hung over the ar# of her hair- shrilly heering an i#aginary Lafayette. The girls lappe"
their han"s- an" To# hurrahe" with all his #ight- saying- when he got his breath- ,Lafayette
was a regular ol" tru#p/ I always li)e" hi#.,
,2y "ear1 what a "isrespetful way to spea) of that great #an-, sai" gran"#a- sho)e" atoung A#eria's irreverene.
,+ell- he was a tru#p- anyway- so why not all hi# one0, as)e" To#- feeling that the
ob4etionable wor" was all that oul" be "esire".
,+hat 6ueer gloves you wore then-, interrupte" Fanny- who ha" been trying on the #uh$
honore" glove- an" fin"ing it a tight fit.
,2uh better an" heaper than we have now-, returne" gran"#a- rea"y to "efen" ,the goo"
ol" ti#es, against every insinuation. ,ou are an e&travagant set now$a$"ays- an" I really "on't
)now what you are o#ing to. %y the way- I've got so#ewhere two letters written by two young
la"ies- one in @@D- an" the other in @E. The ontrast between the two will a#use you- I
thin).,
After a little searh- gran"#a pro"ue" an ol" portfolio- an" seleting the papers- rea" the
following letter- written by Anne %oleyn before her #arriage to 3enry VIII- an" now in the
possession of a elebrate" anti6uarian<
*8A; 2A;- I have been in town al#ost a #onth- yet I annot say I have foun" anything
in Lon"on e&tre#ely agreeable. +e rise so late in the #orning- sel"o# before si& o'lo)- an"
sit up so late at night- being sarely in be" before ten- that I a# 6uite si) of it/ an" was it notfor the abun"ane of fine things I a# every "ay getting I shoul" be i#patient of returning into
the ountry.
2y in"ulgent #other bought #e- yester"ay- at a #erhant's in Cheapsi"e- three new shifts-
that ost fourteen pene an ell- an" I a# to have a pair of new stuff shoes- for #y Lor" of
Norfol)'s ball- whih will be three shillings.
The irregular life I have le" sine #y o#ing to this plae has 6uite "estroye" #y appetite.
ou )now I oul" #anage a poun" of baon an" a tan)ar" of goo" ale for #y brea)fast- in the
ountry- but in Lon"on I fin" it "iffiult to get through half the 6uantity- though I #ust own I a#
generally eager enough for the "inner hour- whih is here "elaye" till twelve- in your polite
soiety.I playe" at hot o)les- last night- at #y Lor" of Leiester's. The Lor" of Surrey was there- a
very elegant young #an- who sung a song of his own o#position- on the ,Lor" of 9il"are's
*aughter., It was #uh approve"- an" #y brother whispere" #e that the fair !eral"ine- for so
#y Lor" of Surrey alls his sweetheart- is the finest wo#an of the age. I shoul" be gla" to see
her- for I hear she is goo" as she is beautiful.
Pray ta)e are of the poultry "uring #y absene. Poor things1 I always fe" the# #yself/ an"
if 2argery has )nitte" #e the ri#son worste" #ittens- I shoul" be gla" if they were sent up the
first opportunity.
A"ieu- "ear 2ary. I a# 4ust going to #ass- an" you shall spee"ily have the prayers- as youhave now the )in"est love of your own ANN8 %L8N.
,7p before si&- an" thin) it late to go to be" at ten1 +hat a ountrifie" thing Anne #ust have
been. %aon an" ale for brea)fast- an" "inner at twelve/ how very 6ueer to live so1, rie"
Fanny. ,Lor" Surrey an" Lor" Leiester soun" fine- but hot o)les- an" re" #ittens- an" shoes
for three shillings- are horri".,
,I li)e it-, sai" Polly- thoughtfully- ,an" I'# gla" poor Anne ha" a little fun before her
troubles began. 2ay I opy that letter so#e ti#e- gran"#a0,
,es- "ear- an" welo#e. Now- here's the other- by a #o"ern girl on her first visit to Lon"on
This will suit you better- Fan-, an" gran"#a rea" what a frien" ha" sent her as a pen"ant to
Anne's little piture of Lon"on life long ago<2 *8A;8ST CNSTANC8- After three #onths of intense e&ite#ent I snath a leisure
#o#ent to tell you how #uh I en4oy #y first visit to Lon"on. 3aving been e"uate" abroa"- it
really see#s li)e o#ing to a strange ity. At first the s#o)e- "irt an" noise were very
"isagreeable- but I soon got use" to these things- an" now fin" all I see perfetly har#ing.
+e plunge" at one into a whirl of gayety an" I have ha" no ti#e to thin) of anything but
pleasure. It is the height of the season- an" every hour is engage" either in going to balls-
onerts- theatres- ftes an" hurh- or in preparing for the#. +e often go to two or three parties
in an evening- an" sel"o# get ho#e till #orning- so of ourse we "on't rise till noon ne&t "ay
This leaves very little ti#e for our "rives- shopping- an" alls before "inner at eight- an" then
the evening gayeties begin again.
At a ball at La"y ;ussell's last night- I saw the Prine of +ales- an" "ane" in the set with
hi#. 3e is growing stout- an" loo)s "issipate". I was "isappointe" in hi#- for neither in
appearane nor onversation was he at all prinely. I was intro"ue" to a very brilliant an"
"elightful young gentle#an fro# A#eria. I was har#e" with hi#- an" rather surprise" to
learn that he wrote the poe#s whih were so #uh a"#ire" last season- also that he is the son of
a rih tailor. 3ow o"" these A#erians are- with their #oney- an" talent- an" in"epen"ene1 #y "ear- I #ust not forget to tell you the great event of #y first season. I a# to be
presente" at the ne&t *rawing ;oo#1 Thin) how absorbe" I #ust be in preparation for this
gran" affair. 2a##a is resolve" that I shall "o her re"it- an" we have spent the last two wee)s
"riving about fro# #illiners to #antua$#a)ers- fro# #erhants to 4ewellers. I a# to wear white
satin an" plu#es- pearls an" roses. 2y "ress will ost a hun"re" poun"s or #ore- an" is very
elegant.
2y ousins an" frien"s lavish lovely things upon #e- an" you will open your
unsophistiate" eyes when I "isplay #y sil)s an" laes- trin)ets an" Frenh hats- not to #ention
billet "eu&- photographs- an" other relis of a young belle's first season.
ou as) if I ever thin) of ho#e. I really have n't ti#e- but I "o so#eti#es long a little for the6uiet- the pure air an" the girlish a#use#ents I use" to en4oy so #uh. ne gets pale- an" ol"-
an" sa"ly fagge" out- with all this "issipation- pleasant as it is. I feel 6uite blas- alrea"y.
If you oul" sen" #e the rosy hee)s- bright eyes- an" gay spirits I always ha" at ho#e- I'"
than) you. As you annot "o that- please sen" #e a bottle of :une rain water- for #y #ai" tells
#e it is better than any os#eti for the o#ple&ion- an" #ine is getting ruine" by late hours.
I fany so#e fruit off our own trees woul" suit #e- for I have no appetite- an" #a##a is
6uite "esol-e about #e. ne annot live on Frenh oo)ery without "yspepsia- an" one an get
nothing si#ple here- for foo"- li)e everything else- is regulate" by the fashion.
A"ieu- #a hSre- I #ust "ress for hurh. I only wish you oul" see #y new hat an" go with#e- for Lor" ;o)ingha# pro#ise" to be there.
A"ieu- yours eternally- FL;8NC8.
,es- I "o li)e that better- an" I wish I ha" been in this girl's plae- "on't you- Polly0, sai"
Fan- as gran"#a too) off her glasses.
,I shoul" love to go to Lon"on- an" have a goo" ti#e- but I "on't thin) I shoul" are about
spen"ing ever so #uh #oney- or going to Court. 2aybe I #ight when I got there- for I "o li)e
fun an" splen"or-, a""e" honest Polly- feeling that pleasure was a very te#pting thing.
,!ran"#a loo)s tire"/ let's go an" play in the "wying$woo#-, sai" 2au"- who foun" the
onversation getting beyon" her "epth.
,Let us all )iss an" than) gran"#a- for a#using us so niely- before we go-, whispere"Polly. 2au" an" Fanny agree"- an" gran"#a loo)e" so gratifie" by their than)s- that To#
followe" suit- #erely waiting till ,those girls, were out of sight- to give the ol" la"y a hearty
hug- an" a )iss on the very hee) Lafayette ha" salute".
+hen he reahe" the play$roo# Polly was sitting in the swing- saying- very earnestly- ,I
always tol" you it was nie up in gran"#a's roo#- an" now you see it is. I wish you'" go
oftener/ she a"#ires to have you- an" li)es to tell stories an" "o pleasant things- only she thin)s
you "on't are for her 6uiet sort of fun. I "o- anyway- an" I thin) she's the )in"est- best ol" la"y
,I "i" n't say she was n't- only ol" people are sort of te"ious an" fussy- so I )eep out of their
way-, sai" Fanny.
,+ell- you ought not to- an" you #iss lots of pleasant ti#es. 2y #other says we ought to be
)in" an" patient an" respetful to all ol" fol)s 4ust beause they are ol"- an" I always #ean to
be.,
,our #other's everlastingly preahing-, #uttere" Fan- nettle" by the onsiousness of her
own shorto#ings with regar" to gran"#a.
,She "on't preah1, rie" Polly- firing up li)e a flash/ ,she only e&plains things to us- an"helps us be goo"- an" never sol"s- an" I '" rather have her than any other #other in the worl"-
though she "on't wear velvet loa)s an" splen"i" bonnets- so now1,
,!o it- Polly1, alle" To#- who was graefully hanging hea" "ownwar" fro# the bar put up
,If 2r. Sy"ney oul" see you now he woul" n't thin) you suh an angel any #ore-, a""e"
Fanny- tossing a bean$bag an" her hea" at the sa#e ti#e.
Polly was #a"- her fae was very re"- her eyes very bright an" her lips twithe"- but she
hel" her tongue an" began to swing as har" as she oul"- fearing to say so#ething she woul" be
sorry for afterwar". For a few #inutes no one spo)e- To# whistle" an" 2au" hu##e" but Fanan" Polly were eah soberly thin)ing of so#ething- for they ha" reahe" an age when hil"ren-
girls espeially- begin to observe- ontrast- an" speulate upon the wor"s- ats- #anners- an"
loo)s of those about the#. A goo" "eal of thin)ing goes on in the hea"s of these shrew" little
fol)s- an" the el"ers shoul" #in" their ways- for they get ritiise" pretty sharply an" i#itate"
very losely.
Two little things ha" happene" that "ay- an" the influene of a few wor"s- a areless ation-
was still wor)ing in the ative #in"s of the girls.
2r. Sy"ney ha" alle"- an" while Fanny was tal)ing with hi# she saw his eye rest on Polly-
who sat apart wathing the faes roun" her with the #o"est- intelligent loo) whih #any foun"so attrative. At that #inute 2a"a# Shaw a#e in- an" stoppe" to spea) to the little girl. Polly
rose at one- an" re#aine" stan"ing till the ol" la"y passe" on.
,Are you laughing at Polly's pri# ways0, Fanny ha" as)e"- as she saw 2r. Sy"ney s#ile.
,No- I a# a"#iring 2iss Polly's fine #anners-, he answere" in a grave- respetful tone-
whih ha" i#presse" Fanny very #uh- for 2r. Sy"ney was onsi"ere" by all the girls as a
#o"el of goo" bree"ing- an" that in"esribable so#ething whih they alle" ,elegane.,
Fanny wishe" she ha" "one that little thing- an" won that approving loo)- for she value" the
young #an's goo" opinion- beause it was so har" to win- by her set at least. So- when Polly
tal)e" about ol" people- it realle" this sene an" #a"e Fan ross.
Polly was re#e#bering how- when 2rs. Shaw a#e ho#e that "ay in her fine visitingostu#e- an" 2au" ran to welo#e her with unusual affetion- she gathere" up her lustrous sil)
an" pushe" the little girl away saying- i#patiently- ,*on't touh #e- hil"- your han"s are
"irty., Then the thought ha" o#e to Polly that the velvet loa) "i" n't over a right #otherly
heart- that the fretful fae un"er the no""ing purple plu#es was not a ten"er #otherly fae- an"
that the han"s in the "eliate pri#rose gloves ha" put away so#ething very sweet an" preious.
She thought of another wo#an- whose "ress never was too fine for little wet hee)s to lie
against- or loving little ar#s to press/ whose fae- in spite of #any lines an" the gray hairs
above it- was never sour or unsy#patheti when hil"ren's eyes turne" towar"s it/ an" whose
han"s never were too busy- too full or too nie to welo#e an" serve the little sons an"
"aughters who freely brought their s#all hopes an" fears- sins an" sorrows- to her- who "ealt
out 4ustie an" #ery with suh wise love. ,Ah- that's a #other1, thought Polly- as the #e#ory
a#e war# into her heart- #a)ing her feel very rih- an" pity 2au" for being so poor.
This it was that ause" suh su""en in"ignation at Fanny's "rea"ful speeh- an" this it was
that #a"e 6ui)$te#pere" Polly try to al# her wrath before she use" towar" Fanny's #other
the "isrespetful tone she so resente" towar" her own. As the swing a#e "own after so#e
"o5en 6ui) 4ourneys to an" fro- Polly see#e" to have foun" a s#ile so#ewhere up aloft- for
she loo)e" towar" Fan- saying pleasantly- as she pause" a little in her airy e&erise- ,I'# not#a" now- shall I o#e an" toss with you0,
,No- I'll o#e an" swing with you-, answere" Fanny- 6ui) to feel the generous spirit of her
frien".
,ou are an angel- an" I'll never be so ru"e again-, she a""e"- as Polly's ar# a#e roun" her
an" half the seat was gla"ly offere".
,No- I ain't/ but if I ever get at all li)e one- it will be'#other's preahing' that "i" it-, sai"
Polly- with a happy laugh.
,!oo" for you- Polly Peae#a)er-, rie" To#- 6uoting his father- an" giving the# a gran"
push as the #ost appropriate way of e&pressing his approbation of the senti#ent.
Nothing #ore was sai"/ but fro# that "ay there slowly rept into the fa#ily #ore respet forgran"#a- #ore forbearane with her infir#ities- #ore interest in her little stories- an" #any a
pleasant gossip "i" the "ear ol" la"y en4oy with the hil"ren as they gathere" roun" her fire-
solitary so long.
Chapter VII. !oo"$%y
,h- "ear1 2ust you really go ho#e Satur"ay0, sai" Fan- so#e "ays after what To# alle"
the ,gran" sri##age.,
,I really #ust/ for I only a#e to stay a #onth an" here I've been nearly si& wee)s-,answere" Polly- feeling as if she ha" been absent a year.
,2a)e it two #onths an" stay over Christ#as. Co#e- "o- now-, urge" To#- heartily.
,ou are very )in"/ but I woul" n't #iss Christ#as at ho#e for anything. %esi"es- #other
says they an't possibly "o without #e.,
,Neither an we. Can't you tease your #other- an" #a)e up your #in" to stay0, began Fan.
,Polly never teases. She says it's selfish/ an" I "on't "o it now #uh-, put in 2au"- with a
virtuous air.
,*on't you bother Polly. She'" rather go- an" I "on't won"er. Let's be 4ust as 4olly as we an
while she stays- an" finish up with your party- Fan-, sai" To#- in a tone that settle" the #atter.
Polly ha" e&pete" to be very happy in getting rea"y for the party/ but when the ti#e a#e-she was "isappointe"/ for so#ehow that naughty thing alle" envy too) possession of her- an"
spoile" her pleasure. %efore she left ho#e- she thought her new white #uslin "ress- with its
fresh blue ribbons- the #ost elegant an" proper ostu#e she oul" have/ but now- when she saw
Fanny's pin) sil)- with a white tarlatan tuni- an" innu#erable puffings- bows- an" strea#ers-
her own si#ple little toilet lost all its har#s in her eyes- an" loo)e" very babyish an" ol"$
fashione".
8ven 2au" was #uh better "resse" than herself- an" loo)e" very splen"i" in her herry$
olore" an" white suit- with a sash so big she oul" har"ly arry it- an" little white boots with
re" buttons. They both ha" ne)laes an" braelets- ear$rings an" broohes/ but Polly ha" no
orna#ent- e&ept the plain lo)et on a bit of blue velvet. 3er sash was only a wi"e ribbon- tie"
in a si#ple bow- an" nothing but a blue snoo" in the pretty urls. 3er only o#fort was the
)nowle"ge that the #o"est tu)er "rawn up roun" the plu#p shoul"ers was real lae- an" that
her bron5e boots ost nine "ollars.
Poor Polly- with all her efforts to be ontente"- an" not to #in" loo)ing unli)e other people-
foun" it har" wor) to )eep her fae bright an" her voie happy that night. No one "rea#e" what
was going an un"er the #uslin fro)- till gran"#a's wise ol" eyes spie" out the little sha"ow on
Polly's spirits- an" guesse" the ause of it. +hen "resse"- the three girls went up to showthe#selves to the el"ers- who were in gran"#a's roo#- where To# was being helpe" into an
agoni5ingly stiff ollar.
2au" prane" li)e a s#all peao)- an" Fan #a"e a splen"i" ourtesy as every one turne"
to survey the#/ but Polly stoo" still- an" her eyes went fro# fae to fae- with an an&ious-
wistful air- whih see#e" to say- ,I )now I'# not right/ but I hope I "on't loo) very ba".,
!ran"#a rea" the loo) in a #inute/ an" when Fanny sai"- with a satisfie" s#ile- ,3ow "o
we loo)0, she answere"- "rawing Polly towar" her so )in"ly.
,Very li)e the fashion$plates you got the patterns of your "resses fro#. %ut this little
ostu#e suits #e best.,
,*o you really thin) I loo) nie0, an" Polly's fae brightene"- for she value" the ol" la"y'sopinion very #uh.
,es- #y "ear/ you loo) 4ust as I li)e to see a hil" of your age loo). +hat partiularly
pleases #e is that you have )ept your pro#ise to your #other- an" have n't let anyone persua"e
you to wear borrowe" finery. oung things li)e you "on't nee" any orna#ents but those you
As she spo)e- gran"#a gave a ten"er )iss that #a"e Polly glow li)e a rose- an" for a #inute
she forgot that there were suh things as pin) sil) an" oral ear$rings in the worl". She only
sai"- ,Than) you- #a'a#-, an" heartily returne" the )iss/ but the wor"s "i" her goo"- an" her
plain "ress loo)e" har#ing all of a su""en.,Polly's so pretty- it "on't #atter what she wears-, observe" To#- surveying her over his
ollar with an air of al# approval.
,She has n't got any bwetelles to her "wess- an" I have-, sai" 2au"- settling her ruffle"
ban"s over her shoul"ers- whih loo)e" li)e herry$olore" wings on a stout little herub.
,I "i" wish she'" 4ust wear #y blue set- ribbon is so very plain/ but- as To# says- it "on't
#uh #atter/, an" Fanny gave an effetive touh to the blue bow above Polly's left te#ple.
,She #ight wear flowers/ they always suit young girls-, sai" 2rs. Shaw- privately thin)ing
that her own "aughters loo)e" #uh the best- yet onsious that bloo#ing Polly ha" the #ost
attrative fae. ,%less #e1 I forgot #y posies in a"#iring the belles. 3an" the# out- To#/, an"
2r. Shaw no""e" towar" an interesting loo)ing bo& that stoo" on the table.Sei5ing the# wrong si"e$up- To# pro"ue" three little bou6uets- all "ifferent in olor- si5e-
an" onstrution.
,+hy- papa1 how very )in" of you-, rie" Fanny- who ha" not "are" to reeive even a
geraniu# leaf sine the late srape.
,our father use" to be a very gallant young gentle#an- one upon a ti#e-, sai" 2rs. Shaw-
with a si#per.
,Ah- To#- it's a goo" sign when you fin" ti#e to thin) of giving pleasure to your little girls1,
An" gran"#a patte" her son's bal" hea" as if he was n't #ore than eighteen.
Tho#as :r. ha" given a so#ewhat sornful sniff at first/ but when gran"#a praise" his
father- the young #an thought better of the #atter- an" regar"e" the flowers with #ore respet-
as he as)e"- ,+hih is for whih0,
,!uess-, sai" 2r. Shaw- please" that his unusual "e#onstration ha" pro"ue" suh an effet.
The largest was a regular hothouse bou6uet- of tea$rosebu"s- sentless heath- an" s#ila&/ the
seon" was 4ust a han"ful of sweet$peas an" #ignonette- with a few heerful pansies- an" one
fragrant little rose in the #i""le/ the thir"- a s#all posy of sarlet verbenas- white feverfew- an"
green leaves.,Not har" to guess. The s#art one for Fan- the sweet one for Polly- an" the gay one for Pug.
Now- then- ath hol"- girls., An" To# proee"e" to "eliver the nosegays- with as #uh grae
as oul" be e&pete" fro# a youth in a new suit of lothes an" very tight boots.
,That finishes you off 4ust right- an" is a very pretty attention of papa's. Now run "own- for
the bell has rung/ an" re#e#ber- not to "ane too often- Fan/ be as 6uiet as you an- To#/ an".
2au"- "on't eat too #uh supper. !ran"#a will atten" to things- for #y poor nerves won't allow
#e to o#e "own.,
+ith that- 2rs. Shaw "is#isse" the#- an" the four "esen"e" to reeive the first bath of
visitors- several little girls who ha" been as)e" for the e&press purpose of )eeping 2au" out of
her sister's way. To# ha" li)ewise been propitiate"- by being allowe" to bring his three boso#frien"s- who went by the shool$boy na#es of ;u#ple- Sherry- an" Spi"er.
,They will "o to #a)e up sets- as gentle#en are sare/ an" the party is for Polly- so I #ust
have so#e young fol)s on her aount-, sai" Fanny- when sen"ing out her invitations.
f ourse- the boys a#e early- an" stoo" about in orners- loo)ing as if they ha" #ore ar#s
an" legs than they )new what to "o with. To# "i" his best to be a goo" host/ but ere#ony
oppresse" his spirits- an" he was fore" to struggle #anfully with the wil" "esire to propose a
ga#e of leap$frog- for the long "rawing$roo#s- leare" for "aning- te#pte" hi# sorely.
Polly sat where she was tol"- an" suffere" bashful agonies as Fan intro"ue" very fine young
la"ies an" very stiff young gentle#en- who all sai" about the sa#e ivil things- an" thenappeare" to forget all about her. +hen the first "ane was alle"- Fanny ornere" To#- who ha"
been "o"ging her- for he )new what she wante"- an" sai"- in an earnest whisper< ,Now- To#
you #ust "ane this with Polly. ou are the young gentle#an of the house- an" it's only proper
that you shoul" as) your o#pany first.,
,Polly "on't are for #anners. I hate "aning/ "on't )now how. Let go #y 4a)et- an" "on't
bother- or I'll ut away altogether-, growle" To#- "aunte" by the awful prospet of opening the
ball with Polly.
,I'll never forgive you if you "o. Co#e- be lever- an" help #e- there's a "ear. ou )now we
both were "rea"fully ru"e to Polly- an" agree" that we'" be as )in" an" ivil to her as ever we
oul". I shall )eep #y wor"- an" see that she is n't slighte" at #y party- for I want her to love#e- an" go ho#e feeling all right.,
This artful speeh #a"e an i#pression on the rebellious Tho#as- who glane" at Polly's
happy fae- re#e#bere" his pro#ise- an"- with a groan- resolve" to "o his "uty.
,+ell- I'll ta)e her/ but I shall o#e to grief- for I "on't )now anything about your ol"
"anes.,
,es- you "o. I've taught you the steps a "o5en ti#es. I'# going to begin with a re"owa-
beause the girls li)e it- an" it's better fun than s6uare "anes. Now- put on your gloves- an" go
,h- thun"er1, #uttere" To#. An" having split the "eteste" gloves in "ragging the# on- he
nerve" hi#self for the effort- wal)e" up to Polly- #a"e a stiff bow- stu) out his elbow- an"
sai"- sole#nly- ,2ay I have the pleasure- 2iss 2ilton0,
3e "i" it as #uh li)e the big fellows as he oul"- an" e&pete" that Polly woul" be
i#presse". %ut she was n't a bit/ for after a surprise" loo) she laughe" in his fae- an" too) hi#
by the han"- saying- heartily- ,f ourse you #ay/ but "on't be a goose- To##y.,
,+ell- Fan tol" #e to be elegant- so I trie" to-, whispere" To#- a""ing- as he luthe" his
partner with a so#ewhat "esperate air- ,3ol" on tight- an" we'll get through so#ehow.,The #usi stru) up- an" away they went/ To# hopping one way an" Polly the other- in a
#ost ungraeful #anner.
,9eep ti#e to the #usi-, gaspe" Polly.
,Can't/ never oul"-, returne" To#.
,9eep step with #e- then- an" "on't trea" on #y toes-, plea"e" Polly.
,Never #in"/ )eep bobbing- an" we'll o#e right by an" by-, #uttere" To#- giving his
unfortunate partner a su""en whis)- whih nearly lan"e" both on the floor.
%ut they "i" not ,get right by an" by,/ for To#- In his franti efforts to "o his "uty- nearly
annihilate" poor Polly. 3e tra#pe"- he bobbe"- he s)ate"- he twirle" her to the right- "ragge"
her to the left- ba)e" her up against people an" furniture- tro" on her feet- ru#ple" her "ress-an" #a"e a spetale of hi#self generally. Polly was #uh "isturbe"/ but as everyone else was
flying about also- she bore it as long as she oul"- )nowing that To# ha" #a"e a #artyr of
hi#self- an" feeling grateful to hi# for the sarifie.
,h- "o stop now/ this is "rea"ful1, rie" Polly- breathlessly- after a few wil" turns.
,Is n't it0, sai" To#- wiping his re" fae with suh an air of intense relief- that Polly ha" not
the heart to sol" hi#- but sai"- ,Than) you-, an" "roppe" into a hair e&hauste".
,I )now I've #a"e a guy of #yself/ but Fan insiste" on it- for fear you'" be offen"e" if I "i"
n't go the first "ane with you-, sai" To#- re#orsefully- wathing Polly as she settle" the bow
of her rushe" sash- whih To# ha" use" as a sort of han"le by whih to turn an" twist her/ ,Ian "o the Laners tip$top/ but you won't ever want to "ane with #e any #ore-, he a""e"- as
he began to fan her so violently- that her hair flew about as if in a gale of win".
,es- I will. I'" li)e to/ an" you shall put your na#e "own here on the sti)s of #y fan.
That's the way- Tri& says- when you "on't have a ball$boo).,
Loo)ing #uh gratifie"- To# pro"ue" the stu#p of a lea"$penil- an" wrote his na#e with
a flourish- saying- as he gave it ba)- ,Now I'# going to get Sherry- or so#e of the fellows that
"o the re"owa well- so you an have a real goo" go before the #usi stops.,
ff went To#/ but before he oul" ath any eligible partner- Polly was provi"e" with the
best "aner in the roo#. 2r. Sy"ney ha" seen an" hear" the whole thing/ an" though he ha"
laughe" 6uietly- he li)e" honest To# an" goo"$nature" Polly all the better for their si#pliityPolly's foot was )eeping ti#e to the lively #usi- an" her eyes were fi&e" wistfully on the
s#oothly$gli"ing ouples before her- when 2r. Sy"ney a#e to her- saying- in the pleasant yet
respetful way she li)e" so #uh- ,2iss Polly- an you give #e a turn0,
,h- yes/ I'# "ying for another., An" Polly 4u#pe" up- with both han"s out- an" suh a
grateful fae- that 2r. Sy"ney resolve" she shoul" have as #any turns as she li)e".
This ti#e all went well/ an" To#- returning fro# an unsuessful searh- was a#a5e" to
behol" Polly irling graefully about the roo#- gui"e" by a #ost ao#plishe" partner.
,Ah- that's so#ething li)e-, he thought- as he wathe" the bron5e boots retreating an"
a"vaning in perfet ti#e to the #usi. ,*on't see how Sy"ney "oes the steering so well/ but it
#ust be fun/ an"- by :upiter1 I'll learn it1, a""e" Shaw- :r.- with an e#phati gesture whih burst
the last button off his gloves.
Polly en4oye" herself till the #usi stoppe"/ an" before she ha" ti#e to than) 2r- Sy"ney as
war#ly as she wishe"- To# a#e up to say- with his #ost lor"ly air- ,ou "ane splen"i"ly-
Polly. Now- you 4ust show #e any one you li)e the loo)s of- an" I'll get hi# for you- no #atter
who he is.,
,I "on't want any of the gentle#en/ they are so stiff- an" "on't are to "ane with #e/ but I
li)e those boys over there- an" I'll "ane with any of the# if they are willing-, sai" Polly- after asurvey.
,I'll trot out the whole lot., An" To# gla"ly brought up his frien"s- who all a"#ire" Polly
i##ensely- an" were prou" to be hosen instea" of the ,big fellows.,
There was no sitting still for Polly after that- for the la"s )ept her going at a great pae/ an"
she was so happy- she never saw or suspete" how #any little #anoeuvres- heart$burnings-
"isplays of vanity- affetation- an" nonsense were going on all roun" her. She love" "aning-
an" entere" into the gayety of the sene with a heartiness that was pleasant to see. 3er eyes
shone- her fae glowe"- her lips s#ile"- an" the brown urls wave" in the air- as she "ane"-
with a heart as light as her feet.
,Are you en4oying yourself- Polly0, as)e" 2r. Shaw- who loo)e" in- now an" then- to reportto gran"#a that all was going well.
,h- suh a splen"i" ti#e1, rie" Polly- with an enthusiasti little gesture- as she hass-e"
into the orner where he stoo".
,She is a regular belle a#ong the boys-, sai" Fanny- as she pro#ena"e" by.
,They are so )in" in as)ing #e an" I'# not afrai" of the#-, e&plaine" Polly- praning-
si#ply beause she oul" n't )eep still.
,So you are afrai" of the young gentle#en- hey0, an" 2r. Shaw hel" her by one url.
,All but 2r. Sy"ney. 3e "on't put on airs an" tal) nonsense/ an"- oh1 he "oes'"ane li)e an
angel-' as Tri& says.,,Papa- I wish you'" o#e an" walt5 with #e. Fan tol" #e not to go near her-'ause #y we"
"wess #a)es her pin) one loo) ugly/ an" To# won't/ an" I want to "we"fully.,
,I've forgotten how- 2au"ie. As) Polly/ she'll spin you roun" li)e a teetotu#., ,2r. Sy"ney's
na#e is "own for that-, answere" Polly- loo)ing at her fan with a pretty little air of i#portane.,
%ut I guess he woul" n't #in" #y ta)ing poor 2au" instea". She has n't "ane" har"ly any- an"
I've ha" #ore than #y share. +oul" it be very i#proper to hange #y #in"0, An" Polly loo)e"
up at her tall partner with eye whih plainly showe" that the hange was a sarifie.
,Not a bit. !ive the little "ear a goo" walt5- an" we will loo) on-, answere" 2r. Sy"ney-
with a no" an" s#ile.
,That is a refreshing little piee of nature-, sai" 2r. Shaw- as Polly an" 2au" whirle" away.,She will #a)e a har#ing little wo#an- if she is n't spoilt.,
,No "anger of that. She has got a sensible #other.,
,I thought so., An" Sy"ney sighe"- for he ha" lately lost his own goo" #other.
+hen supper was announe"- Polly happene" to be tal)ing- or trying to tal)- to one of the
,po)y, gentle#en who# Fan ha" intro"ue". 3e too) 2iss 2ilton "own- of ourse- put her in a
orner- an" having serve" her to a "ab of ie an" one #aaroon- he "evote" hi#self to his own
supper with suh interest- that Polly woul" have fare" ba"ly- if To# ha" not o#e an" resue"
,I've been loo)ing everywhere for you. Co#e with #e- an" "on't sit starving here-, sai"
To#- with a sornful loo) fro# her e#pty plate to that of her rereant esort- whih was pile"
with goo" things.
Following her gui"e- Polly was ta)en to the big hina loset- opening fro# the "ining$roo#
to the )ithen- an" here she foun" a 4ovial little party feasting at ease. 2au" an" her boso#
frien"- ,!wae-, were seate" on tin a)e$bo&es/ Sherry an" Spi"er a"orne" the refrigerator/
while To# an" ;u#ple forage" for the party.
3ere's fun-, sai" Polly- as she was reeive" with a lash of spoons an" a waving of nap)ins.,ou 4ust perh on that ra)er$)eg- an" I'll see that you get enough-, sai" To#- putting a
"u#bwaiter before her- an" issuing his or"ers with a fine air of authority.
,+e are a ban" of robbers in our ave- an" I'# the aptain/ an" we pith into the fol)s
passing by- an" go out an" bring ho#e plun"er. Now- ;u#ple- you go an" arry off a bas)et of
a)e- an" I'll wath here till 9aty o#es by with a fresh lot of oysters/ Polly #ust have so#e.
Sherry- ut into the )ithen- an" bring a up of offee. Spi"er- srape up the sala"- an" po)e the
"ish through the sli"e for #ore. 8at away- Polly- an" #y #en will be ba) with supplies in a
4iffy.,
Suh fun as they ha" in that loset/ suh "aring robberies of 4elly$pots an" a)e$bo&es/ suh
suessful rai"s into the "ining$roo# an" )ithen/ suh base assaults upon poor 9aty an" theolore" waiter- who "i" his best- but was helpless in the han"s of the robber hor"e. A very
har#less little revel/ for no wine was allowe"- an" the gallant ban" were so busy s)ir#ishing to
supply the la"ies- that they ha" not ti#e to eat too #uh. No one #isse" the#/ an" when they
e#erge"- the feast was over- e&ept for a few voraious young gentle#en- who still lingere"
a#ong the ruins.
,That's the way they always "o/ po)e the girls in orners- give'e# 4ust one taste of
so#ething- an" then go an" stuff li)e pigs-, whispere" To#- with a superior air- forgetting
ertain private ban6uets of his own- after o#pany ha" "eparte".
The rest of the evening was to be "evote" to the !er#an/ an"- as Polly )new nothing aboutit- she establishe" herself in a win"ow reess to wath the #ysteries. For a ti#e she en4oye" it-
for it was all new to her- an" the various pretty "evies were very har#ing/ but- by an" by- that
bitter wee"- envy- roppe" up again- an" she oul" not feel happy to be left out in the ol"-
while the other girls were getting gay tissue$paper suits- "roll bonbons- flowers- ribbons- an" all
#anner of tasteful trifles in whih girlish souls "elight. 8veryone was absorbe"/ 2r. Sy"ney
was "aning/ To# an" his frien"s were "isussing base$ball on the stairs/ an" 2au"'s set ha"
returne" to the library to play.
Polly trie" to on6uer the ba" feeling/ but it worrie" her- till she re#e#bere" so#ething her
#other one sai" to her- ,+hen you feel out of sorts- try to #a)e so#e one else happy- an" you
will soon be so yourself.,,I will try it-, thought Polly- an" loo)e" roun" to see what she oul" "o. Soun"s of strife in
the library le" her to enter. 2au" an" the young la"ies were sitting on the sofa- tal)ing about
eah other's lothes- as they ha" seen their #a##as "o.
,+as your "ress i#porte"0, as)e" !rae.
,No/ was yours0, returne" %lanhe.
,es/ an" it ost oh- ever so #uh.,
,I "on't thin) it is as pretty as 2au"'s.,
,2ine was #a"e in New or)-, sai" 2iss Shaw- s#oothing her s)irts o#plaently.
3ere- I regret to say- 2iss Shaw slappe" 2iss Lovett- who pro#ptly returne" theo#pli#ent- an" both began to ry.
Polly- who ha" pause" to listen to the e"ifying hat- parte" the belligerents- an" fin"ing the
poor things tire"- ross- an" sleepy- yet unable to go ho#e till sent for- propose" to play ga#es.
The young la"ies onsente"- an" ,Puss in the orner, prove" a peae#a)er. Presently- in a#e
the boys/ an" being e&iles fro# the !er#an- gla"ly 4oine" in the ga#es- whih soon were lively
enough to wa)e the sleepiest. ,%lin"$#an's$buff, was in full swing when 2r. Shaw peepe" in-
an" seeing Polly flying about with ban"$age" eyes- 4oine" in the fun to pu55le her. 3e got
aught "iretly/ an" great #erri#ent was ause" by Polly's bewil"er#ent- for she oul" n't
guess who he was- till she felt the bal" spot on his hea".This froli put every one in suh spirits- that Polly forgot her trouble- an" the little girls
)isse" eah other goo"$night as affetionately as if suh things as i#porte" fro)s- oup-s- an"
rival brothers "i" n't e&ist ,+ell- Polly- "o you li)e parties0, as)e" Fan when the last guest was
gone.
,Very #uh/ but I "on't thin) it woul" be goo" for #e to go to #any-, answere" Polly-
slowly.
,+hy not0,
,I shoul" n't en4oy the# if I "i" n't have a fine "ress- an" "ane all the ti#e- an" be a"#ire"-
an" all the rest of it.,
,I "i" n't )now you are" for suh things-, rie" Fanny- surprise".,Neither "i" I till to$night/ but I "o/ an" as I an't have'e#- it's lu)y I'# going ho#e
to#orrow.,
,h- "ear1 So you are1 +hat shall I "o without #y'sweet P.-' as Sy"ney alls you0, sighe"
Fanny- bearing Polly away to be u""le".
8very one ehoe" the e&la#ation ne&t "ay/ an" #any loving eyes followe" the little figure
in the "rab fro) as it went 6uietly about- "oing for the last ti#e the s#all servies whih woul"
help to #a)e its absene )eenly felt. Polly was to go "iretly after an early "inner- an" having
pa)e" her trun)- all but one tray- she was tol" to go an" ta)e a run while gran"#a finishe".
Polly suspete" that so#e pleasant surprise was going to be put in/ for Fan "i" n't offer to go
with her- 2au" )ept "o"ging about with so#ething un"er her apron- an" To# ha" 4ust whis)e"
into his #other's roo# in a #ysterious #anner. So Polly too) the hint an" went away- re4oiing
in the thought of the un)nown treasures she was to arry ho#e.
2r. Shaw ha" not sai" he shoul" o#e ho#e so early- but Polly thought he #ight- an" went
to #eet hi#. 2r. Shaw "i" n't e&pet to see Polly- for he ha" left her very busy- an" now a light
snow was falling/ but- as he turne" into the #all there was the roun" hat- an" un"er it the bright
fae- loo)ing all the rosier for being pow"ere" with snow$fla)es- as Polly a#e running to #eet
hi#.,There won't be any one to help the ol" gentle#an safely ho#e to$#orrow-, he sai"- as Polly
too) his han" in both hers with an affetionate s6uee5e.
,es- there will/ see if there is n't-, rie" Polly- no""ing an" s#iling- for Fan ha" onfi"e" to
her that she #eant to try it after her frien" ha" gone.
,I'# gla" of it. %ut- #y "ear- I want you to pro#ise that you will o#e an" #a)e us a visit
every winter- a goo" long one-, sai" 2r. Shaw- patting the blue #ittens fol"e" roun" his han".
,If they an spare #e fro# ho#e- I'" love to o#e "early.,
,They #ust len" you for a little while- beause you "o us all goo"- an" we nee" you.,
,*o I0 I "on't see how/ but I'# gla" to hear you say so-, rie" Polly- #uh touhe".
,I an't tell you how- e&atly/ but you brought so#ething into #y house that #a)es itwar#er an" pleasanter- an" won't 6uite vanish- I hope- when you go away- #y hil".,
Polly ha" never hear" 2r. Shaw spea) li)e that before- an" "i" n't )now what to say- she felt
so prou" an" happy at this proof of the truth of her #other's wor"s- when she sai" that ,even a
little girl oul" e&ert an influene- an" "o so#e goo" in this big- busy worl"., She only gave her
frien" a grateful loo) sweeter than any wor"s- an" they went on together- han" in han"- through
the ,soft$falling snow.,
If Polly oul" have seen what went into that top tray- she woul" have been entirely
overo#e/ for Fanny ha" tol" gran"#a about the poor little presents she ha" one laughe" at-
an" they ha" all lai" their hea"s together to provi"e so#ething really fine an" appropriate forevery #e#ber of the 2ilton fa#ily. Suh a #ine of rihes1 an" so #uh goo"$will- affetion-
an" )in"ly forethought was pa)e" away in the te#pting bun"les- that no one oul" feel
offen"e"- but woul" fin" an unusual har# about the pretty gifts that #a"e the# "oubly
welo#e. I only )now that if Polly ha" suspete" that a little wath was ti)ing away in a little
ase- with her na#e on it- insi"e that trun)- she never oul" have left it lo)e" as gran"#a
a"vise"- or have eaten her "inner so 6uietly. As it was- her heart was very full- an" the tears rose
to her eyes #ore than one- everyone was so )in"- an" so sorry to have her go.
To# "i" n't nee" any urging to play esort now/ an" both Fan an" 2au" insiste" on going
too. 2rs. Shaw forgot her nerves- an" put up so#e gingerbrea" with her own han"s/ 2r. Shaw
)isse" Polly as if she ha" been his "earest "aughter/ an" gran"#a hel" her lose- whispering ina tre#ulous tone- ,2y little o#fort- o#e again soon,/ while 9aty wave" her apron fro# the
nursery win"ow- rying- as they "rove- away- ,The saints bless ye- 2iss Polly- "ear- an" sin" ye
the best of lu)s1,
%ut the rowning 4o)e of all was To#'s goo"$by- for- when Polly was fairly settle" in the ar-
the last ,All aboar"1, uttere"- an" the train in #otion- To# su""enly pro"ue" a )nobby little
bun"le- an" thrusting it in at the win"ow- while he hung on in so#e brea)ne) fashion- sai"-
with a "roll #i&ture of fun an" feeling in his fae- ,It's horri"/ but you wante" it- so I put it in to
#a)e you laugh. !oo"$by- Polly/ goo"$by- goo"$by1,
The last a"ieu was a trifle hus)y- an" To# vanishe" as it was uttere"- leaving Polly to laugh
over his parting souvenir till the tears ran "own her hee)s. It was a paper bag of peanuts- an"
po)e" "own at the very botto# a photograph of To#. It was ,horri"-, for he loo)e" as if ta)en
by a flash of lightning- so bla)- wil"- an" staring was it/ but Polly li)e" it- an" whenever she
felt a little pensive at parting with her frien"s- she too) a peanut- or a peep at To#'s funny
piture- whih #a"e her #erry again.
So the short 4ourney a#e blithely to an en"- an" in the twilight she saw a group of loving
faes at the "oor of a hu#ble little house- whih was #ore beautiful than any palae in her eyes-for it was ho#e.
Chapter VIII. Si& ears Afterwar"
,+hat "o you thin) Polly is going to "o this winter0, e&lai#e" Fanny- loo)ing up fro# the
letter she ha" been eagerly rea"ing.
,!oing to "eliver letures on +o#an's ;ights-, sai" the young gentle#an who was arefully
e&a#ining his lu&uriant rop of "ei"e"ly auburn hair- as he lounge" with both elbows on the
hi#ney$piee.
,!oing to set her ap for so#e young #inister an" #arry hi# in the spring-, a""e" 2rs.
Shaw- whose #in" ran a goo" "eal upon #ath$#a)ing 4ust now.,I thin) she is going to stay at ho#e- an" "o all the wor)-'ause servants ost so #uh/ it
woul" be 4ust li)e her-, observe" 2au"- who oul" pronoune the letter ; now.
,It's #y opinion she is going to open a shool- or so#ething of that sort- to help those
brothers of hers along-, sai" 2r. Shaw- who ha" put "own his paper at the soun" of Polly's
na#e.
,8very one of you wrong- though papa o#es nearest the truth-, rie" Fanny/ ,she is going
to give #usi lessons- an" support herself- so that +ill #ay go to ollege. 3e is the stu"ious
one- an" Polly is very prou" of hi#. Ne"- the other brother- has a business talent- an" "on't are
for boo)s- so he has gone out +est- an" will #a)e his own way anywhere. Polly says she is n'tnee"e" at ho#e now- the fa#ily is so s#all- an" 9itty an ta)e her plae niely/ so she is
atually going to earn her own living- an" han" over her share of the fa#ily ino#e to +ill.
+hat a #artyr that girl "oes #a)e of herself-, an" Fanny loo)e" as sole#n as if Polly ha"
propose" so#e awful self$sarifie.
,She is a sensible- brave$hearte" girl- an" I respet her for "oing it-, sai" 2r. Shaw-
e#phatially. ,ne never )nows what #ay happen- an" it "oes no har# for young people to
learn to be in"epen"ent.,
,If she is as pretty as she was last ti#e I saw her- she'll get pupils fast enough. I woul" n't
#in" ta)ing lessons #yself-, was the graious observation of Shaw- :r.- as he turne" fro# the
#irror- with the soothing ertainty that his ob4etionable hair atually was growing "ar)er.,She woul" n't ta)e you at any prie-, sai" Fanny- re#e#bering Polly's loo) of
"isappoint#ent an" "isapproval when she a#e on her last visit an" foun" hi# an un#ista)able
"an"y.
,ou 4ust wait an" see-, was the plai" reply.
,If Polly "oes arry out her plan- I wish 2au" to ta)e lessons of her/ Fanny an "o as she
li)es- but it woul" please #e very #uh to have one of #y girls sing as Polly sings. It suits ol"
people better than your opera things- an" #other use" to en4oy it so #uh.,
As he spo)e- 2r. Shaw's eye turne" towar" the o#er of the fire where gran"#a use" to sit.
The easy$hair was e#pty now- the )in" ol" fae was gone- an" nothing but a very ten"er
#e#ory re#aine".
,I'" li)e to learn- papa- an" Polly is a splen"i" teaher- I )now/ she 's always so patient- an"
#a)es everything so pleasant. I "o hope she will get sholars enough to begin right away-, sai"
2au".
,+hen is she o#ing0, as)e" 2rs. Shaw- 6uite willing to help Polly- but privately resolving
that 2au" shoul" be finishe" off by the #ost fashionable #aster in the ity.,She "oes n't say. She than)s #e for as)ing her here- as usual- but says she shall go right to
wor) an" ha" better begin with her own little roo# at one. +on't it see# strange to have Polly
in town- an" yet not with us0,
,+e'll get her so#ehow. The little roo# will ost so#ething- an" she an stay with us 4ust as
well as not- even if she "oes teah. Tell her I say so-, sai" 2r. Shaw.
,She won't o#e- I )now/ for if she un"erta)es to be in"epen"ent- she'll "o it in the #ost
thorough #anner-, answere" Fanny- an" 2rs. Shaw sinerely hope" she woul". It was all very
well to patroni5e the little #usi$teaher- but it was not so pleasant to have her settle" in the
fa#ily.
,I shall "o what I an for her a#ong #y frien"s- an" I "are say she will get on very well withyoung pupils to begin with. If she starts right- puts her ter#s high enough- an" gets a few goo"
na#es to give her the entr-e into our first fa#ilies- I "on't "oubt she will "o niely- for I #ust
say Polly has the #anners of a la"y-, observe" 2rs. Shaw.
,She's a #ighty ta)ing little bo"y- an" I'# gla" she's to be in town- though I'" li)e it better if
she "i" n't bother about teahing- but 4ust staye" here an" en4oye" herself-, sai" To#- la5ily.
,I've no "oubt she woul" feel highly honore" to be allowe" to "evote her ti#e to your
a#use#ent/ but she an't affor" e&pensive lu&uries- an" she "on't approve of flirting- so you
will have to let her go her own way- an" refresh herself with suh gli#pses of you as her
engage#ents per#it-, answere" Fanny- in the sarasti tone whih was be o#ing habitual toher.
,ou are getting to be a regular ol" #ai"- Fan/ as sharp as a le#on- an" twie as sour-,
returne" To#- loo)ing "own at her with an air of al# superiority.
,*o be 6uiet- hil"ren/ you )now I an't bear anything li)e ontention. 2au"- give #e #y
Shetlan" shawl- an" put a ushion at #y ba).,
As 2au" obeye" her #other- with a reproving loo) at her erring brother an" sister- a pause
followe"- for whih every one see#e" grateful. They were sitting about the fire after "inner- an"
all loo)e" as if a little sunshine woul" "o the# goo". It ha" been a "ull Nove#ber "ay- but all
of a su""en the lou"s lifte"- an" a bright ray shot into the roo#. 8very one turne" involuntarily
to welo#e it- an" every one rie" out- ,+hy- Polly1, for there on the threshol" stoo" a bright$fae" girl- s#iling as if there was no suh thing as Nove#ber weather in the worl".
,ou "ear thing- when "i" you o#e0, rie" Fanny- )issing both the bloo#ing he)s with
real affetion- while the rest hovere" near- waiting for a hane.
,I a#e yester"ay- an" have been getting #y nest in or"er/ but I oul" n't )eep away any
longer- so I ran up to say'3ow "o you "o0', answere" Polly- in the heery voie that "i" one's
heart goo" to hear.
,2y Polly always brings the sunshine with her-, an" 2r. Shaw hel" out his han"s to his little
It was goo" to see her put both ar#s about his ne)- an" give hi# a ten"er )iss- that sai" a
great "eal- for gran"#a ha" "ie" sine Polly #et hi# last an" she longe" to o#fort hi#- seeing
how gray an" ol" he ha" grown.
If To# ha" ha" any thoughts of following his father's e&a#ple- so#ething in Polly's #anner
#a"e hi# hange his #in"- an" sha)e han"s with a hearty ,I'# very gla" to see you- Polly-,
a""ing to hi#self- as he loo)e" at the fae in the #o"est little bonnet< ,Prettier than ever- by
:ove1,
There was so#ething #ore than #ere prettiness in Polly's fae- though To# ha" not learne"to see it yet. The blue eyes were lear an" stea"y- the fresh #outh fran) an" sweet- the white
hin was a very fir# one in spite of the "i#ple- an" the s#ooth forehea" un"er the little urls
ha" a broa"- benevolent arh/ while all about the fae were those un#ista)able lines an" urves
whih an #a)e even a plain ountenane o#ely- by breathing into it the beauty of a lovely
harater. Polly ha" grown up- but she ha" no #ore style now than in the "ays of the roun" hat
an" rough oat- for she was all in gray- li)e a young ?ua)eress- with no orna#ent but a blue
bow at the throat an" another in the hair. et the plain suit bea#e her e&ellently- an" one
never thought of the "ress- loo)ing at the ative figure that wore it- for the free"o# of her
hil"hoo" gave to Polly that goo" gift- health- an" every #ove#ent was full of the vigor- grae-
an" ease- whih nothing else an so surely bestow. A happy soul in a healthy bo"y is a rare sightin these "ays- when "otors flourish an" every one is ill- an" this pleasant union was the har#
whih Polly possesse" without )nowing it.
,It "oes see# so goo" to have you here again-, sai" 2au"- u""ling Polly's ol" han"- as she
sat at her feet- when she was fairly establishe" between Fanny an" 2r. Shaw- while To# leane"
on the ba) of his #other's hair- an" en4oye" the prospet.
,3ow "o you get on0 +hen "o you begin0 +here is your nest0 Now tell all about it-, began
Fanny- who was full of uriosity about the new plan.
,I shall get on very well- I thin)- for I've got twelve sholars to begin with- all able to pay a
goo" prie- an" I shall give #y first lesson on 2on"ay.,,*on't you "rea" it0, as)e" Fanny.
,Not #uh/ why shoul" I0, answere" Polly- stoutly.
,+ell- I "on't )now/ it's a new thing- an" #ust be a little bit har" at first-, sta##ere" Fanny-
not li)ing to say that wor)ing for one's living see#e" a "rea"ful har"ship to her.
,It will be tireso#e- of ourse- but I shall get use" to it/ I shall li)e the e&erise- an" the new
people an" plaes I #ust see will a#use #e. Then the in"epen"ene will be "elightful- an" if I
an save a little to help 9itty along with- that will be best of all.,
Polly's fae shone as if the prospet was full of pleasure instea" of wor)- an" the hearty goo"
will with whih she un"ertoo) the new tas)- see#e" to "ignify her hu#ble hopes an" plans- an"
#a)e the# interesting in the sight of others.,+ho have you got for pupils0, as)e" 2rs. Shaw- forgetting her nerves for a #inute.
Polly na#e" her list- an" too) a seret satisfation in seeing the i#pression whih ertain
na#es #a"e upon her hearers.
,3ow in the worl" "i" you get the *avenports an" the !reys- #y "ear0, sai" 2rs. Shaw-
sitting eret in her surprise.
,2rs. *avenport an" #other are relations- you )now.,
,ou never tol" us that before1, ,The *avenports have been away so#e years- an" I forgot
all about the#. %ut when I was #a)ing #y plan- I )new I #ust have a goo" na#e or two to set
#e going- so I 4ust wrote an" as)e" 2rs. *. if she woul" help #e. She a#e an" saw us an"
was very )in"- an" has got these pupils for #e- li)e a "ear- goo" wo#an as she is.,
,+here "i" you learn so #uh worl"ly wis"o#- Polly0, as)e" 2r. Shaw- as his wife fell
ba) in her hair- an" too) out her salts- as if this "isovery ha" been too #uh for her.
,I learnt it here- sir-, answere" Polly- laughing. ,I use" to thin) patronage an" things of that
sort very "isagreeable an" not worth having- but I've got wiser- an" to a ertain e&tent I'# gla"
to use whatever a"vantages I have in #y power- if they an be honestly got.,
,+hy "i" n't you let us help you in the beginning0 +e shoul" have been very gla" to- I'#sure-, put in 2rs. Shaw- who 6uite burne" to be )nown as a 4oint patroness with 2rs
*avenport.
,I )now you woul"- but you have all been so )in" to #e I "i" n't want to trouble you with
#y little plans till the first steps were ta)en. %esi"es- I "i" n't )now as you woul" li)e to
reo##en" #e as a teaher- though you li)e #e well enough as plain Polly.,
,2y "ear- of ourse I woul"- an" we want you to ta)e 2au" at one- an" teah her your
sweet songs. She has a fine voie- an" is really suffering for a teaher.,
A slight s#ile passe" over Polly's fae as she returne" her than)s for the new pupil- for she
re#e#bere" a ti#e when 2rs. Shaw onsi"ere" her ,sweet songs, 6uite unfit for a fashionable
young la"y's repertoire. ,+here is your roo#0, as)e" 2au".,2y ol" frien" 2iss 2ills has ta)en #e in- an" I a# niely settle". 2other "i" n't li)e the
i"ea of #y going to a strange boar"ing$house- so 2iss 2ills )in"ly #a"e a plae for #e. ou
)now she lets her roo#s without boar"- but she is going to give #e #y "inners- an" I'# to get
#y own brea)fast an" tea- 6uite in"epen"ently. I li)e that way- an" it's very little trouble- #y
habits are so si#ple/ a bowl of brea" an" #il) night an" #orning- with ba)e" apples or
so#ething of that sort- is all I want- an" I an have it when I li)e.,
,Is your roo# o#fortably furnishe"0 Can't we len" you anything- #y "ear0 An easy$hair
now- or a little ouh- so neessary when one o#es in tire"-, sai" 2rs. Shaw- ta)ing unusual
interest in the affair.,Than) you- but I "on't nee" anything- for I brought all sorts of ho#e o#forts with #e. h-
Fan- you ought to have seen #y triu#phal entry into the ity- sitting a#ong #y goo"s an"
hattels- in a far#er's art., Polly's laugh was so infetious that every one s#ile" an" forgot to
be sho)e" at her perfor#ane. ,es-, she a""e"- ,I )ept wishing I oul" #eet you- 4ust to see
your horrifie" fae when you saw #e sitting on #y little sofa- with bo&es an" bun"les all roun"
#e- a bir"$age on one si"e- a fishing bas)et- with a )itten's hea" popping in an" out of the hole
on the other si"e- an" 4olly ol" 2r. %rown- in his blue fro)- perhe" on a )eg of apples in front.
It was a lovely bright "ay- an" I en4oye" the ri"e i##ensely- for we ha" all sorts of a"ventures.,
,h- tell about it-, begge" 2au"- when the general laugh at Polly's piture ha" subsi"e".
,+ell- in the first plae- we forgot #y ivy- an" 9itty a#e running after #e- with it. Then westarte" again- but were soon stoppe" by a great shouting- an" there was +ill raing "own the
hill- waving a pillow in one han" an" a s6uash pie in the other. 3ow we "i" laugh when he
a#e up an" e&plaine" that our neighbor- ol" 2rs. *o""- ha" sent in a hop$pillow for #e- in
ase of hea"ahe- an" a pie to begin house$)eeping with. She see#e" so "isappointe" at being
too late that +ill pro#ise" to get the# to #e- if he ran all the way to town. The pillow was
easily "ispose" of- but that pie1 I "o believe it was stowe" in every part of the wagon- an" never
stai" anywhere. I foun" it in #y lap- then on the floor- ne&t- upsi"e "own a#ong the boo)s- then
4ust on the point of oasting off a trun) into the roa"- an" at last it lan"e" in #y ro)ing$hair.
Suh a re#ar)able pie as it was- too- for in spite of all its wan"erings- it never got spilt or
bro)en- an" we finally ate it for lunh- in or"er to be left in peae. Ne&t- #y )itty got away- an"
I ha" a hase over walls an" broo)s before I got her- while 2r. %rown sat sha)ing with fun- to
see #e run. +e finishe" off by having the boo)$shelves tu#ble on our hea"s as we went "own a
hill- an" losing #y hair off behin"- as we went up a hill. A shout #a"e us pause- an"- loo)ing
ba)- there was the poor little hair ro)ing all by itself in the #i""le of the roa"- while a s#all
boy sat on the fene an" whoope". It was great fun- I "o assure you.,
Polly ha" run on in her lively way- not beause she thought her a"ventures a#ounte" to
#uh- but fro# a wish to heer up her frien"s- who ha" stru) her as loo)ing rather "ull an" outof sorts- espeially 2r. Shaw/ an" when she saw hi# lean ba) in his hair with the ol" hearty
laugh- she was satisfie"- an" blesse" the unlu)y pie for a#using hi#.
,h- Polly- you "o tell suh interesting things1, sighe" 2au"- wiping her eyes.
,I wish I'" #et you- I'" have given you three heers an" a tiger- for it #ust have been an
i#posing spetale-, sai" To#.
,No- you woul" n't/ you'" have whis)e" roun" the o#er when you saw #e o#ing or have
stare" straight before you- utterly unonsious of the young wo#an in the baggage wagon.,
Polly laughe" in his fae 4ust as she use" to "o- when she sai" that- an"- in spite of the "oubt
ast upon his ourtesy- To# rather li)e" it- though he ha" nothing to say for hi#self but a
reproahful- ,Now- Polly- that's too ba".,,True- nevertheless. ou #ust o#e an" see #y pets- 2au"- for #y at an" bir" live
together as happily as brother an" sister-, sai" Polly- turning to 2au"- who "evoure" every
wor" she sai".
,That's not saying #uh for the#-, #uttere" To#- feeling that Polly ought to a""ress #ore
of her onversation to hi#.
,Polly )nows what she's tal)ing about/ her brothers appreiate their sisters-, observe" Fanny
in her sharp tone.
,An" Polly appreiates her brothers- "on't forget to a"" that- #a'a#-, answere" To#.
,*i" I tell you that +ill was going to ollege0, bro)e in Polly- to avert the rising stor#.,3ope he'll en4oy hi#self-, observe" To#- with the air of a #an who ha" passe" through all
the #ysteries- an" reahe" that state of subli#e in"ifferene whih 4uniors see# to pri"e
the#selves upon.
,I thin) he will- he is so fon" of stu"y- an" is so an&ious to i#prove every opportunity. I only
hope he won't overwor) an" get si)- as so #any boys "o-, sai" si#ple Polly- with suh a
respetful belief in the eager thirst for )nowle"ge of ollegians as a lass- that To# regar"e" the
"elu"e" girl with a s#ile of lofty pity- fro# the heights of his vast an" varie" e&periene.
,!uess he won't hurt hi#self. I'll see that he "on't stu"y too har"., An" To#'s eyes twin)le"
as they use" to "o- when he planne" his boyish pran)s.
,I'# afrai" you an't be truste" as a gui"e- if various ru#ors I've hear" are true-, sai" Polly-loo)ing up at hi# with a wistful e&pression- that ause" his fae to assu#e the sobriety of an
owl's.
,%ase slan"ers/ I'# as stea"y as a lo)- an orna#ent to #y lass- an" a #o"el young #an-
ain't I- #other0, An" To# patte" her thin hee) with a aressing han"- sure of one fir# frien" in
her/ for when he ease" to be a haru#$saru# boy- 2rs. Shaw began to ta)e great pri"e in her
son- an" he- #issing gran"#a- trie" to fill her plae with his feeble #other.
,es- "ear- you are all I oul" as)-, an" 2rs. Shaw loo)e" up at hi# with suh affetion an"
onfi"ene in her eyes- that Polly gave To# the first approving loo) she ha" vouhsafe" hi#
+hy To# shoul" loo) trouble" an" turn grave all at one- she oul" n't un"erstan"- but she
li)e" to see hi# stro)e his #other's hee) so softly- as he stoo" with his hea" resting on the high
ba) of her hair- for Polly fanie" that he felt a #an's pity for her wea)ness- an" was learning a
son's patient love for a #other who ha" ha" #uh to bear with hi#.
,I'# so gla" you are going to be here all winter- for we are to be very gay- an" I shall en4oy
ta)ing you roun" with #e-, began Fanny- forgetting Polly's plan for a #o#ent.
Polly shoo) her hea" "ei"e"ly. ,It soun"s very nie- but it an't be "one- Fan- for I've o#e
to wor)- not play/ to save- not spen"/ an" parties will be 6uite out of the 6uestion for #e.,,ou "on't inten" to wor) all the ti#e- without a bit of fun- I hope-, rie" Fanny- "is#aye" at
the i"ea.
,I #ean to "o what I've un"erta)en- an" not to be te#pte" away fro# #y purpose by
anything. I shoul" n't be fit to give lessons if I was up late- shoul" I0 An" how far woul" #y
earnings go towar"s "ress- arriages- an" all the little e&penses whih woul" o#e if I set up for
a young la"y in soiety0 I an't "o both- an" I'# not going to try- but I an pi) up bits of fun as
I go along- an" be ontente" with free onerts an" letures- seeing you pretty often- an" every
Sun"ay +ill is to spen" with #e- so I shall have 6uite as #uh "issipation as is goo" for #e.,
,If you "on't o#e to #y parties- I'll never forgive you-, sai" Fanny- as Polly pause"- while
To# hu)le" inwar"ly at the i"ea of alling visits fro# a brother ,"issipation.,,Any s#all party- where it will "o to wear a plain bla) sil)- I an o#e to/ but the big ones
#ust n't be thought of- than) you.,
It was har#ing to see the resolution of Polly's fae when she sai" that/ for she )new her
wea)ness- an" beyon" that bla) sil) she ha" "eter#ine" not to go. Fanny sai" no #ore- for she
felt 6uite sure that Polly woul" relent when the ti#e a#e- an" she planne" to give her a pretty
"ress for a Christ#as present- so that one e&use shoul" be re#ove".
,I say- Polly- won't you give so#e of us fellows #usi lessons0 So#ebo"y wants #e to play-
an" I'" rather learn of you than any Senor Twan)y"illo-, sai" To#- who "i" n't fin" the
onversation interesting.,h- yes/ if any of you boys honestly want to learn- an" will behave yourselves- I'll ta)e you/
but I shall harge e&tra-, answere" Polly- with a wi)e" spar)le of the eye- though her fae was
6uite sober- an" her tone "elightfully business$li)e.
,+hy- Polly- To# is n't a boy/ he's twenty- an" he says I #ust treat hi# with respet.
%esi"es- he's engage"- an" "oes put on suh airs-, bro)e in 2au" who regar"e" her brother as a
venerable being.
,+ho is the little girl0, as)e" Polly ta)ing the news as a 4o)e.
,Tri&/ why- "i" n't you )now it0, answere" 2au"- as if it ha" been an event of national
i#portane.
,No1 is it true- Fan0, an" Polly turne" to her frien" with a fae full of surprise- while To#stru) an i#posing attitu"e- an" affete" absene of #in".
,I forgot to tell you in #y last letter/ it's 4ust out- an" we "on't li)e it very well-, observe"
Fanny- who woul" have preferre" to be engage" first herself.
,It's a very nie thing- an" I a# perfetly satisfie"-, announe" 2rs. Shaw- rousing fro# a
slight "o5e.
,Polly loo)s as if she "i" n't believe it. 3ave n't I the appearane of 'the happiest #an alive'0,
as)e" To#- won"ering if it oul" be pity whih he saw in the stea"y eyes fi&e" on hi#.
,3ow the "eue shoul" a #an loo)- then0, rie" To#- rather nettle" at her sober reeption of
the gran" news.
,As if he ha" learne" to are for so#e one a great "eal #ore than for hi#self-, answere"
Polly- with su""en olor in her hee)s- an" a su""en softening of the voie- as her eyes turne"
away fro# To#- who was the piture of a o#plaent "an"y- fro# the top#ost url of his
auburn hea" to the tips of his aristorati boots.
,To##y's 6uenhe"/ I agree with you- Polly/ I never li)e" Tri&- an" I hope it's only a boy$
an"$girl fany- that will soon "ie a natural "eath-, sai" 2r. Shaw- who see#e" to fin" it "iffiultto help falling into a brown stu"y- in spite of the lively hatter going on about hi#.
Shaw- :r.- being highly inense" at the "isrespetful #anner in whih his engage#ent was
treate"- trie" to assu#e a superb air of in"ifferene- an" fin"ing that a "ei"e" failure- was
about to stroll out of the roo# with a o#prehensive no"- when his #other alle" after hi#<
,+here are you going- "ear0,
,To see Tri&- of ourse. !oo"$by- Polly-, an" 2r. Tho#as "eparte"- hoping that by the
s)illful hange of tone- fro# ar"ent i#patiene to on"esen"ing oolness- he ha" i#presse"
one hearer at least with the fat that he regar"e" Tri& as the star of his e&istene- an" Polly as a
presu#ing little hit.
If he oul" have hear" her laugh- an" Fanny's re#ar)s- his wrath woul" have boile" over/fortunately he was spare" the trial- an" went away hoping that the o6uetries of his Tri& woul"
#a)e hi# forget Polly's loo) when she answere" his 6uestion.
,2y "ear- that boy is the #ost "elu"e" reature you ever saw-, began Fanny- as soon as the
front "oor bange". ,%elle an" Tri& both trie" to ath hi#- an" the slyest got hi#/ for- in spite of
his airs- he is as soft$hearte" as a baby. ou see Tri& has bro)en off two engage#ents alrea"y-
an" the thir" ti#e she got 4ilte" herself. Suh a fuss as she #a"e1 I "elare- it really was absur".
%ut I "o thin) she felt it very #uh- for she woul" n't go out at all- an" got thin- an" pale- an"
blue- an" was really 6uite touhing. I pitie" her- an" ha" her here a goo" "eal- an" To# too) her
part/ he always "oes stan" up for the rushe" ones- an" that's goo" of hi#- I allow. +ell- she "i"the forsa)en very prettily/ let To# a#use her- an" le" hi# on till the poor fellow lost his wits-
an" fin"ing her rying one "ay =about her hat- whih was n't beo#ing>- he thought she was
#ourning for 2r. %an)s- an" so- to o#fort her- the goose propose". That was all she wante"/
she snappe" hi# up at one- an" there he is in a nie srape/ for sine her engage#ent she is as
gay as ever- flirts awfully with any one who o#es along- an" )eeps To# in a fu#e all the ti#e
I really "on't thin) he ares for her half as #uh as he #a)es believe- but he'll stan" by her
through thi) an" thin- rather than "o as %an)s "i".,
,Poor To#1, was all Polly sai"- when Fan ha" poure" the story into her ear- as they sat
whispering in the sofa orner.
,2y only onsolation is that Tri& will brea) off the affair before spring/ she always "oes- sothat she #ay be free for the su##er a#paign. It won't hurt To#- but I hate to have hi# #a)e a
fool of hi#self out of pity- for he is #ore of a #an than he see#s- an" I "on't want any one to
plague hi#.,
,No one but yourself-, sai" Polly- s#iling.
,+ell- that's all fair/ he is a tor#ent so#eti#es- but I'# rather fon" of hi# in spite of it. I get
so tire" of the other fellows- they are suh absur" things an" when To# is in his goo" #oo" he
is very nie an" 6uite refreshing.,
,I'# gla" to hear it-, sai" Polly- #a)ing a #ental note of the fat.
,es- an" when gran"#a was ill he was perfetly "evote". I "i" n't )now the boy ha" so
#uh gentleness in hi#. 3e too) her "eath sa"ly to heart- for- though he "i" n't say #uh- he
was very grave an" stea"y for a long ti#e. I trie" to o#fort hi#- an" we ha" two or three real
sweet little tal)s together- an" see#e" to get a6uainte" for the first ti#e. It was very nie- but it
"i" n't last/ goo" ti#es never "o with us. +e soon got ba) into the ol" way- an" now we hetor
one another 4ust as before.,
Fanny sighe"- then yawne"- an" fell into her usual listless attitu"e- as if the brief e&ite#ent
of Polly's o#ing ha" begun to subsi"e.,+al) ho#e with #e an" see #y funny little roo#. It's bright now- an" the air will "o you
goo". Co#e- both of you- an" have a froli as we use" to-, sai" Polly- for the re" sunset now
burning in the west see#e" to invite the# out.
They agree"- an" soon the three were wal)ing bris)ly away to Polly's new ho#e- in a 6uiet
street- where a few ol" trees rustle" in the su##er- an" the #orning sun shone pleasantly in
winter ti#e.
,The way into #y parlor Is up a win"ing stair.,
sang Polly- running up two flights of broa"- ol"$fashione" steps- an" opening the "oor of a
ba) roo#- out of whih strea#e" the welo#e glow of firelight.
,These are #y pets- 2au"-, she a""e"- pausing on the threshol"- an" be)oning the girls toloo) in 6uietly.
n the rug- lu&uriously bas)ing in the war#th- lay a gray )itten- an" lose by- #e"itatively
roosting on one leg- stoo" a plu#p anary- who o)e" his bright eye at the new$o#ers- gave a
lou" hirp as if to wa)e his o#ra"e- an" then flew straight to Polly's shoul"er- where he bro)e
into a 4oyful song to welo#e his #istress ho#e.
,Allow #e to intro"ue #y fa#ily-, sai" Polly/ ,this noisy little hap the boys na#e"
Nio"e#us/ an" this "o5y at is alle" Ashputtel- beause the 4oy of her life is to get a#ong the
in"ers. Now- ta)e off your things- an" let #e "o the honors- for you are to stop to tea- an" the
arriage is to o#e for you at eight. I arrange" it with your #other while you were up$stairs.,,I want to see everything-, sai" 2au"- when the hats were off- an" the han"s war#e".
,So you shall/ for I thin) #y house)eeping arrange#ents will a#use you.,
Then Polly showe" her )ing"o#- an" the three ha" a #erry ti#e over it. The big piano too)
up so #uh roo# there was no plae for a be"/ but Polly prou"ly "isplaye" the resoures of her
hint5$overe" ouh- for the ba) let "own- the seat lifte" up- an" insi"e were all the pillows
an" blan)ets. ,So onvenient- you see- an" yet out of the way in the "ayti#e- for two or three of
#y pupils o#e to #e-, e&plaine" Polly.
Then there was a bright "rugget over the fa"e" arpet- the little ro)ing$hair an" sewing$
table stoo" at one win"ow- the ivy ran all over the other- an" hi" the ban6ueting perfor#anes
whih went on in that orner. %oo)$shelves hung over the sofa- a piture or two on the walls-an" a great vase of autu#n leaves an" grasses beautifie" the low hi#ney$piee. It was a very
hu#ble little roo#- but Polly ha" "one her best to #a)e it pleasant- an" it alrea"y ha" a ho#e$
li)e loo)- with the heery fire- an" the househol" pets hirping an" purring onfi"ingly on the
rug.
,3ow nie it is1, e&lai#e" 2au"- as she e#erge" fro# the big loset where Polly )ept her
stores. ,Suh a unning tea)ettle an" sauepan- an" a tte$.$tte set- an" lots of goo" things to
eat. *o have toast for tea- Polly- an" let #e #a)e it with the new toasting for)/ it's suh fun to
Fanny was not so enthusiasti as her sister- for her eyes saw #any traes of what see#e" li)e
poverty to her/ but Polly was so gay- so satisfie" with her s#all establish#ent- so full of happy
hopes an" plans- that her frien" ha" not the heart to fin" a fault or suggest an i#prove#ent- an"
sat where she was tol"- laughing an" tal)ing while the others got tea.
,This will be a ountry supper- girls-, sai" Polly- bustling about. ,3ere is real rea#- brown
brea"- ho#e$#a"e a)e- an" honey fro# #y own beehives. 2other fitte" #e out with suh a
supply- I '# gla" to have a party- for I an't eat it all 6ui) enough. %utter the toast- 2au"ie- an"
put that little over over it. Tell #e when the )ettle boils- an" "on't step on Nio"e#us-whatever you "o.,
,+hat a apital house$)eeper you will #a)e so#e "ay-, sai" Fanny- as she wathe" Polly
sprea" her table with a neatness an" "espath whih was pleasant to behol".
,es- it's goo" pratie-, laughe" Polly- filling her tiny teapot- an" ta)ing her plae behin"
the tray- with a #atronly air- whih was the best 4o)e of the whole.
,This is the #ost "eliious party I ever went to-, observe" 2au"- with her #outh full of
honey- when the feast was well un"er way. ,I "o wish I oul" have a nie roo# li)e this- an" a
at an" a bir" that woul" n't eat eah other up- an" a "ear little tea)ettle- an" #a)e 4ust as #uh
toast as I li)e.,
Suh a peal of laughter greete" 2au"'s pensive aspiration- that 2iss 2ills s#ile" over hersolitary up of tea- an" little Ni) burst into a perfet estasy of song- as he sat on the sugar$
bowl helping hi#self.
,I "on't are for the toast an" the )ettle- but I "o envy you your goo" spirits- Polly-, sai"
Fanny- as the #erri#ent subsi"e". ,I'# so tire" of everybo"y an" everything- it see#s
so#eti#es as if I shoul" "ie of ennui. *on't you ever feel so0,
,Things worry #e so#eti#es- but I 4ust ath up a broo# an" sweep- or wash har"- or wal)-
or go at so#ething with all #y #ight- an" I usually fin" that by the ti#e I get through the worry
is gone- or I've got ourage enough to bear it without gru#bling-, answere" Polly- utting the
brown loaf energetially.,I an't "o those things- you )now/ there's no nee" of it- an" I "on't thin) they'" ure #y
worrying-, sai" Fanny- langui"ly fee"ing Ashputtel- who sat "eorously besi"e her- at the table-
win)ing at the rea# pot.
,A little poverty woul" "o you goo"- Fan/ 4ust enough neessity to )eep you busy till you
fin" how goo" wor) is/ an" when you one learn that- you won't o#plain of ennui any #ore-,
returne" Polly- who ha" ta)en )in"ly the har" lesson whih twenty years of heerful poverty
ha" taught her.
,2ery- no- I shoul" hate that/ but I wish so#e one woul" invent a new a#use#ent for rih
people. I'# "ea" si) of parties- an" flirtations- trying to out$"ress #y neighbors- an" going the
sa#e roun" year after year- li)e a s6uirrel in a age.,Fanny's tone was bitter as well as "isontente"- her fae sa" as well as listless- an" Polly ha"
an instintive feeling that so#e trouble- #ore real than any she ha" ever )nown before- was
lying heavy at her frien"'s heart. That was not the ti#e to spea) of it- but Polly resolve" to stan"
rea"y to offer sy#pathy- if nothing #ore- whenever the onfi"ential #inute a#e/ an" her
#anner was so )in"- so o#fortable- that Fanny felt its silent #agi- grew #ore heerful in the
6uiet at#osphere of that little roo#- an" when they sai" goo"$night- after an ol"$ti#e gossip by
the fire- she )isse" her hostess war#ly- saying- with a grateful loo)- ,Polly- "ear- I shall o#e
The first few wee)s were har" ones- for Polly ha" not yet outgrown her natural shyness an"
going a#ong so #any strangers ause" her fre6uent panis. %ut her purpose gave her ourage
an" when the ie was one bro)en- her little pupils 6ui)ly learne" to love her. The novelty
soon wore off- an" though she thought she was prepare" for "ru"gery- she foun" it very te"ious
to go on "oing the sa#e thing "ay after "ay. Then she was lonely- for +ill oul" only o#e
one a wee)- her leisure hours were Fanny's busiest- an" the ,bits of pleasure, were so few an"far between that they only tantali5e" her. 8ven her s#all house)eeping lost its har#s- for Polly
was a soial reature- an" the solitary #eals were often sa" ones. Ashputtel an" Ni) "i" their
best to heer her- but they too- see#e" to pine for ountry free"o# an" ho#e at#osphere. Poor
Puttel- after ga5ing wistfully out of the win"ow at the gaunt ity ats s)ul)ing about the yar"-
woul" retire to the rug- an" url herself up as if all hope of fin"ing ongenial soiety ha" faile"/
while little Ni) woul" sing till he vibrate" on his perh- without reeiving any response e&ept
an in6uisitive hirp fro# the pert sparrows- who see#e" to twit hi# with his aptivity. es- by
the ti#e the little tea)ettle ha" lost its brightness- Polly ha" "ei"e" that getting one's living was
no 4o)e- an" #any of her brilliant hopes ha" share" the fate of the little )ettle.
If one oul" only #a)e the sarifie all at one- an" "one with it- then it woul" see# easier/ but to )eep up a "aily sarifie of one's wishes- tastes- an" pleasures- is rather a har" tas)-
espeially when one is pretty- young- an" gay. Lessons all "ay- a highly instrutive leture-
boo)s over a solitary fire- or #usi with no au"iene but a sleepy at an" a bir" with his hea"
tu)e" un"er his wing- for evening entertain#ent- was not e&atly what #ight be alle" festive/
so- in spite of her brave resolutions- Polly "i" long for a little fun so#eti#es- an" after saying
virtuously to herself at nine< ,es- it is #uh wiser an" better for #e to go to be" early- an" be
rea"y for wor) to#orrow-, she woul" lie awa)e hearing the arriages roll to an" fro- an"
i#agining the gay girls insi"e- going to party- opera- or play- till 2rs. *o""'s hop pillow #ight
as well have been stuffe" with nettles- for any sleep it brought- or any use it was- e&ept to athan" hi"e the tears that "roppe" on it when Polly's heart was very full.
Another thorn that woun"e" our Polly in her first atte#pt to #a)e her way through the
thi)et that always bars a wo#an's progress- was the "isovery that wor)ing for a living shuts a
goo" #any "oors in one's fae even in "e#orati A#eria. As Fanny's guest she ha" been- in
spite of poverty- )in"ly reeive" wherever her frien" too) her- both as hil" an" wo#an. Now-
things were hange"/ the )in"ly people patroni5e"- the areless forgot all about her- an" even
Fanny- with all her affetion- felt that Polly the #usi teaher woul" not be welo#e in #any
plaes where Polly the young la"y ha" been aepte" as ,2iss Shaw's frien".,
So#e of the girls still no""e" a#iably- but never invite" her to visit the#/ others #erely
"roppe" their eyeli"s- an" went by without spea)ing- while a goo" #any ignore" her as entirelyas if she ha" been invisible. These things hurt Polly #ore than she woul" onfess- for at ho#e
every one wor)e"- an" every one was respete" for it. She trie" not to are- but girls feel little
slights )eenly- an" #ore than one Polly was severely te#pte" to give up her plan- an" run
away to the safe shelter at ho#e.
Fanny never faile" to as) her to every sort of festivity in the Shaw #ansion/ but after a few
trials- Polly fir#ly "eline" everything but infor#al visits when the fa#ily were alone. She
soon foun" that even the new bla) sil) was n't fine enough for Fanny's s#allest party- an"-
after reeiving a few of the e&pressive glanes by whih wo#en onvey their opinion of their
neighbor's toilet- an" overhearing a 4o)e or two ,about that inevitable "ress-, an" ,the little
bla)bir"-, Polly fol"e" away the one treasure" fro)- saying- with a ho)e in her voie< ,I'll
wear it for +ill- he li)es it- an" lothes an't hange his love for #e.,
I a# afrai" the wholeso#e sweetness of Polly's nature was getting a little soure" by these
troubles/ but before lasting har# was "one- she reeive"- fro# an une&pete" soure- so#e of
the real help whih teahes young people how to bear these s#all rosses- by showing the# the
heavier ones they have esape"- an" by giving the# an i"ea of the higher pleasures one #ay
earn in the goo"- ol"$fashione" ways that )eep hearts sweet- hea"s sane- han"s busy.
8verybo"y has their "ays of #isfortune li)e little ;osa#on"- an" Polly was beginning tothin) she ha" #ore than her share. ne of these en"e" in a way whih influene" her whole life-
an" so we will reor" it. It began early/ for the har"$hearte" little grate woul" n't behave itself
till she ha" use" up a ruinous 6uantity of )in"lings. Then she sal"e" poor Puttel by upsetting
her offee$pot/ an" instea" of a leisurely- osy #eal- ha" to hurry away uno#fortably- for
everything went wrong even to the o#ing off of both bonnet strings in the last "rea"ful
sra#ble. %eing late- she of ourse forgot her #usi- an" hurrying ba) for it- fell into a pu""le-
whih appe" the li#a& of her "espair.
Suh a trying #orning as that was1 Polly felt out of tune herself- an" all the pianos see#e" to
nee" a tuner as #uh as she "i". The pupils were unusually stupi"- an" two of the# announe"
that their #a##a was going to ta)e the# to the South- whither she was su""enly alle". Thiswas a blow- for they ha" 4ust begun- an" Polly ha" n't the fae to sen" in a bill for a whole
6uarter- though her plans an" alulations were sa"ly "isturbe" by the failure of that su#.
Tru"ging ho#e to "inner- tire" an" "isappointe"- poor Polly reeive" another blow- whih
hurt her #ore than the loss of all her pupils. As she went hurrying along with a big #usi boo)
in one han" an" a paper bag of rolls for tea in the other- she saw To# an" Tri& o#ing. As she
wathe" the# while they slowly approahe"- loo)ing so gay an" han"so#e an" happy- it
see#e" to Polly as if all the sunshine an" goo" wal)ing was on their si"e of the street- all the
wintry win" an" #u" on hers. Longing to see a frien"ly fae an" reeive a )in" wor"- she
rosse" over- #eaning to no" an" s#ile at least. Tri& saw her first- an" su""enly bea#eabsorbe" in the "istant hori5on. To# apparently "i" not see her- for his eyes were fi&e" on a fine
horse 4ust praning by. Polly thought that he ha" seen her- an" approahe" with a urious little
flutter at her heart- for if To# ut her she felt that her up woul" be full.
n they a#e- Tri& intent on the view- To# staring at the han"so#e horse- an" Polly- with
re" he)s- e&petant eyes- an" the brown bun"le- in full sight. ne "rea"ful #inute as they
a#e parallel- an" no one spo)e or bowe"- then it was all over- an" Polly went on- feeling as if
so#e one ha" slappe" her in the fae. ,She woul" n't have believe" it of To#/ it was all the
"oings of that horri" Tri&/ well- she woul" n't trouble hi# any #ore- if he was suh a snob as to
be asha#e" of her 4ust beause she arrie" bun"les an" wor)e" for her brea"., She luthe" the
paper bag fierely as she sai" this to herself- then her eyes fille"- an" her lips tre#ble"- as shea""e"- ,3ow oul" he "o it- before her- too0,
Now To# was 6uite guiltless of this offene- an" ha" always no""e" to Polly when they
#et/ but it so happene" he ha" always been alone till now- an" that was why it ut so "eeply-
espeially as Polly never ha" approve" of Tri&. %efore she oul" lear her eyes or stea"y her
fae- a gentle#an #et her- lifte" his hat- s#ile"- an" sai" pleasantly- ,!oo" #orning- 2iss
Polly- I'# gla" to #eet you., Then- with a su""en hange of voie an" #anner- he a""e"- ,I beg
par"on is anything the #atter an I be of servie0,
It was very aw)war"- but it oul" n't be helpe"- an" all Polly oul" "o was to tell the truth
,It's very silly- but it hurts #e to be ut by #y ol" frien"s. I shall get use" to it presently- I
"are say.,
2r. Sy"ney glane" ba)- reogni5e" the ouple behin" the#- an" turne" roun" with a
"isguste" e&pression. Polly was fu#bling for her han")erhief- an" without a wor" he too) both
boo) an" bun"le fro# her- a little bit of )in"ness that #eant a goo" "eal 4ust then. Polly felt it-
an" it "i" her goo"/ hastily wiping the traitorous eyes- she laughe" an" sai" heerfully- ,There-
I'# all right again/ than) you- "on't trouble yourself with #y parels.,
,No trouble- I assure you- an" this boo) re#in"s #e of what I was about to say. 3ave you anhour to spare for #y little niee0 3er #other wants her to begin- an" "esire" #e to #a)e the
in6uiry.,
,*i" she- really0, an" Polly loo)e" up at hi#- as if she suspete" hi# of inventing the whole
thing- out of )in"ness.
2r. Sy"ney s#ile"- an" ta)ing a note fro# his po)et- presente" it- saying- with a
reproahful loo)- ,%ehol" the proof of #y truth- an" never "oubt again.,
Polly begge" par"on- rea" the note fro# the little girl's #other- whih was to have been left
at her roo# if she was absent- an" gave the bearer a very grateful loo) as she aepte" this
welo#e a""ition to her pupils. +ell please" at the suess of his #ission- Sy"ney artfully le"
the onversation to #usi- an" for a ti#e Polly forgot her woes- tal)ing enthusiastially on herfavorite the#e. As she relai#e" her boo) an" bag- at her own "oor- she sai"- in her honest way
,Than) you very #uh for trying to #a)e #e forget #y foolish little troubles.,
,Then let #e say one thing #ore/ though appearanes are against hi#- I "on't believe To#
Shaw saw you. 2iss Tri& is e6ual to that sort of thing- but it is n't li)e To#- for with all his
foppery he is a goo" fellow at heart.,
As 2r. Sy"ney sai" this- Polly hel" out her han" with a hearty ,Than) you for that., The
young #an shoo) the little han" in the gray woollen glove- gave her e&atly the sa#e bow
whih he "i" the 3onorable 2rs. *avenport- an" went away- leaving Polly to wal) up stairs an"
a""ress Puttel with the peuliar re#ar)- ,ou are a true gentle#an1 so )in" to say that aboutTo#. I'll thin) it's so- anyway/ an" won't I teah 2innie in #y very best style1,
Puttel purre"- Ni) hirpe" approvingly- an" Polly ate her "inner with a better appetite than
she ha" e&pete". %ut at the botto# of her heart there was a sore spot still- an" the afternoon
lessons "ragge" "is#ally. It was "us) when she got ho#e- an" as she sat in the firelight eating
her brea" an" #il)- several tears be"ewe" the little rolls- an" even the ho#e honey ha" a bitter
taste.
,Now this won't "o-, she bro)e out all at one/ ,this is silly an" wi)e"- an" an't be
allowe". I'll try the ol" plan an" put #yself right by "oing so#e little )in"ness to so#ebo"y.
Now what shall it be0 - I )now1 Fan is going to a party to$night/ I'll run up an" help her "ress/
she li)es to have #e- an" I en4oy seeing the pretty things. es- an" I'll ta)e her two or threelusters of #y "aphne- it 's so sweet.,
7p got Polly- an" ta)ing her little posy- trotte" away to the Shaws'- "eter#ine" to be happy
an" ontente" in spite of Tri& an" har" wor).
She foun" Fanny en"uring tor#ent un"er the han"s of the hair$"resser- who was "oing his
best to spoil her hair- an" "istort her hea" with a #ass of urls- brai"s- fri55les- an" puffs/ for
though I "isreetly refrain fro# any partiular "esription- still- 4u"ging fro# the present
fashions- I thin) one #ay venture to pre"it that si& years hene they woul" be so#ething
,3ow )in" of you- Polly/ I was 4ust wishing you were here to arrange #y flowers. These
lovely "aphnes will give o"or to #y a#ellias- an" you were a "ear to bring the#. There's #y
"ress/ how "o you li)e it0, sai" Fanny- har"ly "aring to lift her eyes fro# un"er the yellow
tower on her hea".
,It's regularly splen"i"/ but how "o you ever get into it0, answere" Polly- surveying with
girlish interest the lou" of pin) an" white lae that lay upon the be".
,It's fearfully an" won"erfully #a"e- but "istratingly beo#ing- as you shall see. Tri&
thin)s I'# going to wear blue- so she has got a green one- an" tol" %elle it woul" spoil the effetof #ine- as we are #uh together- of ourse. +as n't that sweet of her0 %elle a#e an" tol" #e
in- ti#e- an" I 4ust got pin)- so #y a#iable sister- that is to be- won't suee" in her pretty little
plot.,
,I guess she has been rea"ing the life of :osephine. ou )now she #a"e a pretty la"y- of
who# she was 4ealous- sit besi"e her on a green sofa- whih set off her own white "ress an"
spoilt the blue one of her guest-, answere" Polly- busy with the flowers.
,Tri& never rea"s anything/ you are the one to pi) up lever little stories. I'll re#e#ber an"
use this one. A# I "one0 es- that is har#ing- is n't it- Polly0, an" Fan rose to inspet the
suess of 2onsieur's long labor.
,ou )now I "on't appreiate a stylish oiffure as I ought- so I li)e your hair in the ol" way best. %ut this is'the thing-' I suppose- an" not a wor" #ust be sai".,
,f ourse it is. +hy- hil"- I have fri55e" an" burnt #y hair so that I loo) li)e an ol"
#ania with it in its natural state- an" have to repair "a#ages as well as I an. Now put the
flowers 4ust here-, an" Fanny lai" a pin) a#ellia in a nest of fu55- an" stu) a spray of "aphne
straight up at the ba) of her hea".
,- Fan- "on't- it loo)s horri"ly so1, rie" Polly- longing to a"" a little beauty to her frien"'s
sallow fae by a graeful a"4ust#ent of the flowers.
,Can't help it- that's the way- an" so it #ust be-, answere" Fan- planting another sprig half$
way up the tower.Polly groane" an" offere" no #ore suggestions as the wor) went on/ but when Fan was
finishe" fro# top to toe- she a"#ire" all she honestly oul"- an" trie" to )eep her thoughts to
herself. %ut her fran) fae betraye" her- for Fanny turne" on her su""enly- saying- ,ou #ay as
well free your #in"- Polly- for I see by your eyes that so#ething "on't suit.,
,I was only thin)ing of what gran"#a one sai"- that #o"esty ha" gone out of fashion-,
answere" Polly- glaning at the waist of her frien"'s "ress- whih onsiste" of a belt- a bit of
lae- an" a pair of shoul"er straps.
Fanny laughe" goo"$nature"ly- saying- as she laspe" her ne)lae- ,If I ha" suh shoul"ers
as yours- I shoul" n't are what the fashion was. Now "on't preah- but put #y loa) on niely-
an" o#e along- for I'# to #eet To# an" Tri&- an" pro#ise" to be there early.,Polly was to be left at ho#e after "epositing Fan at %elle's.
,I feel as if I was going #yself-, she sai"- as they rolle" along.
,I wish you were- an" you woul" be- Polly- if you weren't suh a resolute thing. I've tease"-
an" begge"- an" offere" anything I have if you'll only brea) your absur" vow- an" o#e an"
en4oy yourself.,
,Than) you/ but I won't- so "on't trouble your )in" heart about #e/ I'# all right-, sai" Polly-
stoutly.
%ut when they "rew up before the lighte" house- an" she foun" herself in the #i"st of the
pleasant stir of festivity- the o#ing an" going of arriages- the gli#pses of bright olors- for#s
an" faes- the bursts of #usi- an" a general at#osphere of gayety- Polly felt that she was n't all
right- an" as she "rove away for a "ull evening in her lonely little roo#- she 4ust rie" as
heartily as any hil" "enie" a sti) of an"y.
,It's "rea"ful wi)e" of #e- but I an't help it-, she sobbe" to herself- in the orner of the
arriage. ,That #usi sets #e all in a twitter- an" I shoul" have loo)e" nie in Fan's blue
tarlatan- an" I )now I oul" behave as well as any one- an" have lots of partners- though I'# not
in that set. h- 4ust one goo" gallop with 2r. Sy"ney or To#1 No- To# woul" n't as) #e there-
an" I woul" n't aept if he "i". h- #e1 oh- #e1 I wish I was as ol" an" ho#ely- an" goo" an"happy- as 2iss 2ills1,
So Polly #a"e her #oan- an" by the ti#e she got ho#e- was 4ust in the #oo" to go to be"
an" ry herself to sleep- as girls have a way of "oing when their s#all afflition beo#es
unbearable.
%ut Polly "i" n't get a hane to be #iserable very long- for as she went up stairs feeling li)e
the #ost in4ure" girl in the worl"- she aught a gli#pse of 2iss 2ills- sewing away with suh a
bright fae that she oul" n't resist stopping for a wor" or two.
,Sit "own- #y "ear- I'# gla" to see you- but e&use #e if I go on with #y wor)- as I'# in a
"riving hurry to get these things "one to$night-, sai" the bris) little la"y- with a s#ile an" a no"-
as she too) a new nee"leful of threa"- an" ran up a sea# as if for a wager.,Let #e help you- then/ I'# la5y an" ross- an" it will "o #e goo"-, sai" Polly- sitting "own
with the resigne" feeling. ,+ell- if I an't be happy- I an be useful- perhaps.,
,Than) you- #y "ear/ yes- you an 4ust he# the s)irt while I put in the sleeves- an" that will
be a great lift.,
Polly put on her thi#ble in silene- but as 2iss 2ills sprea" the white flannel over her lap-
she e&lai#e"- ,+hy- it loo)s li)e a shrou"1 Is it one0,
,No- "ear- than) !o"- it is n't- but it #ight have been- if we ha" n't save" the poor little
soul-, rie" 2iss 2ills- with a su""en brightening of the fae- whih #a"e it beautiful in spite
of the stiff gray url that bobbe" on eah te#ple- the want of teeth- an" a roo)e" nose.,+ill you tell #e about it0 I li)e to hear your a"ventures an" goo" wor)s so #uh-, sai"
Polly- rea"y to be a#use" by anything that #a"e her forget herself.
,Ah- #y "ear- it's a very o##on story- an" that's the sa""est part of it. I'll tell you all about
it- for I thin) you #ay be able to help #e. Last night I wathe" with poor 2ary Floy". She's
"ying of onsu#ption- you )now-, began 2iss 2ills- as her ni#ble fingers flew- an" her )in"
ol" fae bea#e" over the wor)- as if she put a blessing in with every stith. ,2ary was very
low- but about #i"night fell asleep- an" I was trying to )eep things 6uiet- when 2rs. Finn she's
the wo#an of the house a#e an" be)one" #e out- with a sare" fae.'Little :ane has )ille"
herself- an" I "on't )now what to "o-' she sai"- lea"ing #e up to the atti.,
,+ho was little :ane0, bro)e in Polly- "ropping her wor).,I only )new her as a pale- shy young girl who went in an" out- an" sel"o# spo)e to any
one. 2rs. Finn tol" #e she was poor- but a busy- honest- little thing- who "i" n't #i& with the
other fol)s- but live" an" wor)e" alone.'She has loo)e" so "own$hearte" an" pale for a wee)
that I thought she was si)- an" as)e" her about it-' sai" 2rs. Finn-'but she than)e" #e in her
bashful way- an" sai" she was pretty well- so I let her alone. %ut to$night- as I went up late to
be"- I was )in" of i#presse" to loo) in an" see how the poor thing "i"- for she ha" n't left her
roo# all "ay. I "i" loo) in- an" here's what I foun".' As 2rs. Finn en"e" she opene" the "oor of
the ba) atti- an" I saw about as sa" a sight as these ol" eyes ever loo)e" at.,
,A bare roo#- ol" as a barn- an" on the be" a little "ea"- white fae that al#ost bro)e #y
heart- it was so thin- so patient- an" so young. n the table was a bottle half full of lau"anu#-
an ol" po)et$boo)- an" a letter. ;ea" that- #y "ear an" "on't thin) har" of little :ane.,
Polly too) the bit of paper 2iss 2ills gave her- an" rea" these wor"s<
*8A; 2;S. FINN- Please forgive #e for the trouble I #a)e you- but I "on't see any other
way. I an't get wor) that pays enough to )eep #e/ the *r. says I an't be well unless I rest. I
hate to be a bur"en- so I'# going away not to trouble anybo"y any#ore. I've sol" #y things to
pay what I owe you. Please let #e be as I a#- an" "on't let people o#e an" loo) at #e. I hopeit is n't very wi)e"- but there "on't see# any roo# for #e in the worl"- an" I '# not afrai" to
"ie now- though I shoul" be if I staye" an" got ba" beause I ha" n't strength to )eep right. !ive
#y love to the baby- an" so goo"$by- goo"$by.
:AN8 %;ANT.
,- 2iss 2ills- how "rea"ful1, rie" Polly- with her eyes so full she oul" har"ly rea" the
little letter.
,Not so "rea"ful as it #ight have been- but a bitter- sa" thing to see that hil"- only
seventeen- lying there in her little lean- ol" night$gown- waiting for "eath to o#e an" ta)e her
beause'there "i" n't see# to be any roo# for her in the worl".' Ah- well- we save" her- for it
was n't too late- than) heaven- an" the first thing she sai" was-'h- why "i" you bring #e ba)0I've been nursing her all "ay- hearing her story- an" trying to show her that there is roo# an" a
welo#e for her. 3er #other "ie" a year ago- an" sine then she has been struggling along
alone. She is one of the ti#i"- innoent- hu#ble reatures who an't push their way- an" so get
put asi"e an" forgotten. She has trie" all sorts of poorly pai" wor)- oul" n't live on it "eently-
got "isourage"- si)- frightene"- an" oul" see no refuge fro# the big- ba" worl" but to get out
of it while she was n't afrai" to "ie. A very ol" story- #y "ear- new an" "rea"ful as it see#s to
you- an" I thin) it won't "o you any har# to see an" help this little girl- who has gone through
"ar) plaes that you are never li)e to )now.,
,I will/ in"ee"- I will "o all I an1 +here is she now0, as)e" Polly- touhe" to the heart bythe story- so si#ple yet so sa".
,There-, an" 2iss 2ills pointe" to the "oor of her own little be"roo#. ,She was well
enough to be #ove" to$night- so I brought her ho#e an" lai" her safely in #y be". Poor little
soul1 she loo)e" about her for a #inute- then the lost loo) went away- an" she gave a great sigh-
an" too) #y han" in both her thin bits of ones- an" sai"-'- #a'a#- I feel as if I'" been born into
a new worl". 3elp #e to begin again- an" I'll "o better.' So I tol" her she was #y hil" now- an"
#ight rest here- sure of a ho#e as long as I ha" one.,
As 2iss 2ills spo)e in her #otherly tone- an" ast a prou" an" happy loo) towar" the war#
an" 6uiet nest in whih she ha" sheltere" this frien"less little sparrow- feeling sure that !o"
#eant her to )eep it fro# falling to the groun"- Polly put both ar#s about her ne)- an" )isse"her withere" hee) with as #uh loving reverene as if she ha" been a splen"i" saint- for in the
li)eness of this plain ol" #ai" she saw the lovely harity that blesses an" saves the worl".
,3ow goo" you are1 *ear 2iss 2ills- tell #e what to "o- let #e help you- I'# rea"y for
anything-, sai" Polly- very hu#bly- for her own troubles loo)e" so s#all an" foolish besi"e the
stern har"ships whih ha" nearly ha" so tragial an en"- that she felt heartily asha#e" of
herself- an" 6uite burne" to atone for the#.
2iss- 2ills stoppe" to stro)e the fresh hee) opposite- to s#ile- an" say- ,Then- Polly- I
thin) I'll as) you to go in an" say a frien"ly wor" to #y little girl. The sight of you will "o her
goo"/ an" you have 4ust the right way of o#forting people- without #a)ing a fuss.,
,3ave I0, sai" Polly- loo)ing #uh gratifie" by the wor"s.
,es- "ear- you've the gift of sy#pathy- an" the rare art of showing it without offen"ing. I
woul" n't let #any girls in to see #y poor :enny- beause they'" only flutter an" worry her/ but
you 'll )now what to "o/ so go- an" ta)e this wrapper with you/ it's "one now- than)s to your
ni#ble fingers.,
Polly threw the war# gar#ent over her ar#- feeling a thrill of gratitu"e that it was to wrap a
living girl in- an" not to hi"e away a young heart that ha" grown ol" too soon. Pushing open
the "oor- she went 6uietly into the "i#ly lighte" roo#- an" on the pillow saw a fae that "rewher to it with an irresistible power- for it was touhe" by a sole#n sha"ow that #a"e its youth
patheti. As she pause" at the be"si"e- thin)ing the girl asleep- a pair of hollow- "ar) eyes
opene" wi"e- an" loo)e" up at her/ startle" at first- then softening with pleasure- at sight of the
bonny fae before the#- an" then a hu#ble- beseehing e&pression fille" the#- as if as)ing
par"on for the rash at nearly o##itte"- an" pity for the har" fate that pro#pte" it. Polly rea"
the language of these eyes- an" answere" their #ute prayer with a si#ple elo6uene that sai"
#ore than any wor"s for she 4ust stoope" "own an" )isse" the poor hil"- with her own eyes
full- an" lips that tre#ble" with the sy#pathy she oul" not tell. :enny put both ar#s about her
ne)- an" began to she" the 6uiet tears that so refresh an" o#fort heavy hearts when a ten"er
touh unseals the fountain where they lie.,8verybo"y is so )in"-, she sobbe"-, an" I was so wi)e"- I "on't "eserve it.,
,h- yes- you "o/ "on't thin) of that- but rest an" let us pet you. The ol" life was too har" for
suh a little thing as you- an" we are going to try an" #a)e the new one ever so #uh easier an"
happier-, sai" Polly- forgetting everything e&ept that this was a girl li)e herself- who nee"e"
heartening up.
,*o you live here0, as)e" :enny- when her tears were wipe" away- still linging to the new$
foun" frien".
,es- 2iss 2ills lets #e have a little roo# up stairs- an" there I have #y at an" bir"- #y
piano an" #y posy pots- an" live li)e a 6ueen. ou #ust o#e up an" see #e to$#orrow if youare able. I '# often lonely- for there are no young people in the house to play with #e-,
answere" Polly- s#iling hospitably.
,*o you sew0, as)e" :enny.
,No- I'# a #usi teaher- an" trot roun" giving lessons all "ay.,
,3ow beautiful it soun"s- an" how happy you #ust be- so strong an" pretty- an" able to go
roun" #a)ing #usi all the ti#e-, sighe" :enny- loo)ing with respetful a"#iration at the
plu#p- fir# han" hel" in both her thin an" feeble ones.
It "i" soun" pleasant even to Polly's ears- an" she felt su""enly so rih- an" so ontente"-
that she see#e" a "ifferent reature fro# the silly girl who rie" beause she oul" n't go to the
party. It passe" through her #in" li)e a flash- the ontrast between her life- an" that of the wanreature lying before her- an" she felt as if she oul" not give enough out of her abun"ane to
this nee"y little sister- who ha" nothing in the wi"e worl" but the life 4ust save" to her. That
#inute "i" #ore for Polly than #any ser#ons- or the wisest boo)s- for it brought her fae to
fae with bitter truths- showe" her the "ar) si"e of life- an" see#e" to blow away her little
vanities- her frivolous "esires- li)e a wintry win"- that left a wholeso#e at#osphere behin".
Sitting on the be"si"e- Polly listene" while :ane tol" the story- whih was so new to her listener
that every wor" san) "eep into her heart- an" never was forgotten.
,Now you #ust go to sleep. *on't ry nor thin)- nor "o anything but rest. That will please
2iss 2ills best. I'll leave the "oors open- an" play you a lullaby that you an't resist. !oo"
night- "ear., An" with another )iss- Polly went away to sit in the "ar)ness of her own roo#-
playing her softest airs till the tire" eyes below were shut- an" little :ane see#e" to float away
on a sea of pleasant soun"s- into the happier life whih ha" 4ust "awne" for her.
Polly ha" fully inten"e" to be very #iserable- an" ry herself to sleep/ but when she lay
"own at last- her pillow see#e" very soft- her little roo# very lovely- with the fire$light
fli)ering on all the ho#e$li)e ob4ets- an" her new$blown roses breathing her a sweet goo"$
night. She no longer felt an in4ure"- har"$wor)ing- unhappy Polly- but as if 6uite bur"ene" with
blessings- for whih she was n't half grateful enough. She ha" hear" of poverty an" suffering- inthe vague- far$off way- whih is all that #any girls- safe in happy ho#es- ever )now of it/ but
now she ha" seen it- in a shape whih she oul" feel an" un"erstan"- an" life grew #ore earnest
to her fro# that #inute. So #uh to "o in the great- busy worl"- an" she ha" "one so little.
+here shoul" she begin0 Then- li)e an answer a#e little :enny's wor"s- now ta)ing a-'new
signifiane' to Polly's #in"- ,To be strong- an" beautiful- an" go roun" #a)ing #usi all the
ti#e., es- she oul" "o that/ an" with a very earnest prayer- Polly as)e" for the strength of an
upright soul- the beauty of a ten"er heart- the power to #a)e her life a sweet an" stirring song-
helpful while it laste"- re#e#bere" when it "ie".
Little :ane's last thought ha" been to wish with all her #ight- that ,!o" woul" bless the "ear-
)in" girl up there- an" give her all she as)e"., I thin) both prayers- although too hu#ble to be put in wor"s- went up together- for in the fulness of ti#e they were beautifully answere".
Chapter (. %rothers an" Sisters
Polly's happiest "ay was Sun"ay- for +ill never faile" to spen" it with her. Instea" of
sleeping later than usual that #orning- she was always up bright an" early- flying roun" to get
rea"y for her guest- for +ill a#e to brea)fast- an" they #a"e a long "ay of it. +ill onsi"ere"
his sister the best an" prettiest girl going- an" Polly- )nowing well that a ti#e woul" o#e when
he woul" fin" a better an" a prettier- was grateful for his goo" opinion- an" trie" to "eserve it.
So she #a"e her roo# an" herself as neat an" inviting as possible- an" always ran to #eet hi#with a bright fae an" a #otherly greeting- when he a#e tra#ping in- ru""y- bris)- an"
bea#ing- with the brown loaf an" the little pot of beans fro# the ba)e$house near by.
They li)e" a goo" ountry brea)fast- an" nothing gave Polly #ore satisfation than to see
her big boy lear the "ishes- e#pty the little offee$pot- an" then sit an" laugh at her aross the
ravage" table. Another pleasure was to let hi# help lear away- as they use" to "o at ho#e-
while the peals of laughter that always ao#panie" this perfor#ane "i" 2iss 2ills' heart
goo" to hear- for the roo# was so s#all an" +ill so big that he see#e" to be everywhere at
one- an" Polly an" Puttel were ontinually "o"ging his long ar#s an" legs. Then they use" to
inspet the flower pots- pay Ni) a visit- an" have a little #usi as a goo" beginning for the "ay
after whih they went to hurh an" "ine" with 2iss 2ills- who onsi"ere" +ill ,an e&ellentyoung #an., If the afternoon was fair- they too) a long wal) together over the bri"ges into the
ountry- or about the ity streets full of Sabbath 6uietu"e. 2ost people #eeting the# woul"
have seen only an aw)war" young #an- with a boy's fae atop of his tall bo"y- an" a 6uietly
"resse"- fresh fae" little wo#an hanging on his ar#/ but a few people- with eyes to rea"
ro#anes an" pleasant histories everywhere- foun" so#ething very attrative in this ouple- an"
s#ile" as they passe"- won"ering if they were young- lovers- or ountry ousins ,loo)ing
roun".,
If the "ay was stor#y- they staye" at ho#e- rea"ing- writing letters- tal)ing over their affairs-
an" giving eah other goo" a"vie/ for- though +ill was nearly three years younger than Polly-
he oul" n't for the life of hi# help assu#ing a#usingly venerable airs- when he bea#e a
Fresh#an. In the twilight he ha" a goo" lounge on the sofa- an" Polly sung to hi#- whih
arrange#ent he partiularly en4oye"- it was so ,osy an" ho#ey., At nine o'lo)- Polly pa)e"
his bag with lean lothes- niely #en"e"- suh re#nants of the festive tea as were
transportable- an" )isse" hi# ,goo"$night-, with #any in4untions to #uffle up his throat going
over the bri"ge- an" be sure that his feet were "ry an" war# when he went to be". All of whih
+ill laughe" at- aepte" graiously- an" "i" n't obey/ but he li)e" it- an" tru"ge" away for
another wee)'s wor)- reste"- heere"- an" strengthene" by that 6uiet- happy "ay with Polly- forhe ha" been brought up to believe in ho#e influenes- an" this brother an" sister love" one
another "early- an" were not asha#e" to own it.
ne other person en4oye" the hu#ble pleasures of these Sun"ays 6uite as #uh as Polly an"
+ill. 2au" use" to beg to o#e to tea- an" Polly- gla" to "o anything for those who ha" "one a
goo" "eal for her- #a"e a point of alling for the little girl as they a#e ho#e fro# their wal)-
or sen"ing +ill to esort her in the arriage- whih 2au" always #anage" to seure if ba"
weather threatene" to 6uenh her hopes. To# an" Fanny laughe" at her fany- but she "i" not
tire of it- for the hil" was lonely- an" foun" so#ething in that little roo# whih the great house
oul" not give her.
2au" was twelve now/ a pale- plain hil"- with sharp- intelligent eyes- an" a busy little#in"- that "i" a goo" "eal #ore thin)ing than anybo"y i#agine". She was 4ust at the
unattrative- fi"gety age when no one )new what to "o with her- an" so let her fu#ble her way
up as she oul"- fin"ing pleasure in o"" things- an" living #uh alone- for she "i" not go to
shool- beause her shoul"ers were growing roun"- an" 2rs. Shaw woul" not ,allow her figure
to be spoile"., That suite" 2au" e&ellently/ an" whenever her father spo)e of sen"ing her
again- or getting a governess- she was sei5e" with ba" hea"ahes- a pain in her ba)- or
wea)ness of the eyes- at whih 2r. Shaw laughe"- but let her holi"ay go on. Nobo"y see#e" to
are #uh for plain- pug$nose" little 2au"ie/ her father was busy- her #other nervous an" si)-
Fanny absorbe" in her own affairs- an" To# regar"e" her as #ost young #en "o their youngersisters- as a person born for his a#use#ent an" onveniene- nothing #ore. 2au" a"#ire" To#
with all her heart- an" #a"e a little slave of herself to hi#- feeling well repai" if he #erely sai"-
,Than) you- hi)en-, or "i" n't pinh her nose- or nip her ear- as he ha" a way of "oing- ,4ust
as if I was a "oll- or a "og- an" ha" n't got any feelings-, she so#eti#es sai" to Fanny- when
so#e servie or sarifie ha" been aepte" without gratitu"e or respet. It never ourre" to
To#- when 2au" sat wathing hi# with her fae full of wistfulness- that she wante" to be
pette" as #uh as ever he "i" in his neglete" boyhoo"- or that when he alle" her ,Pug, before
people- her little feelings were as "eeply woun"e" as his use" to be- when the boys alle" hi#
,Carrots., 3e was fon" of her in his fashion- but he "i" n't ta)e the trouble to show it- so 2au"
worshippe" hi# afar off- afrai" to betray the affetion that no rebuff oul" )ill or ool.ne snowy Sun"ay afternoon To# lay on the sofa in his favorite attitu"e- rea"ing
,Pen"ennis, for the fourth ti#e- an" s#o)ing li)e a hi#ney as he "i" so. 2au" stoo" at the
win"ow wathing the falling fla)es with an an&ious ountenane- an" presently a great sigh
bro)e fro# her.
,*on't "o that again- hi)en- or you'll blow #e away. +hat's the #atter0, as)e" To#-
throwing "own his boo) with a yawn that threatene" "isloation.
,I'# afrai" I an't go to Polly's-, answere" 2au"- "isonsolately.
,f ourse you an't/ it's snowing har"- an" father won't be ho#e with the arriage till this
evening. +hat are you always utting off to Polly's for0,
Now To#'s horse an" sleigh were in the stable- for he #eant to "rive out to College that
evening- but he "i" n't ta)e 2au"'s hint. It was less trouble to lie still- an" say in a oniliatory
tone- ,Tell #e so#e #ore about this goo" boy- it's very interesting.,
,No- I shan't- but I'll tell about Puttel's playing on the piano-, sai" 2au"- an&ious to effae
the #e#ory of her #o#entary wea)ness. ,Polly points to the right )ey with a little sti)- an"
Puttel sits on the stool an" pats eah )ey as it's touhe"- an" it #a)es a tune. It 's so funny to see
her- an" Ni) perhes on the ra) an" sings as if he'" )ill hi#self.,
,Very thrilling-, sai" To#- in a sleepy tone.2au" felt that her onversation was not as interesting as she hope"- an" trie" again.
,Polly thin)s you are han"so#er than 2r. Sy"ney.,
,2uh oblige".,
,I as)e" whih she thought ha" the niest fae- an" she sai" yours was the han"so#est- an"
his the best.,
,*oes he ever go there0, as)e" a sharp voie behin" the#/ an" loo)ing roun" 2au" saw
Fanny in the big hair- oo)ing her feet over the register.
,I never saw hi# there/ he sent up so#e boo)s one "ay- an" +ill tease" her about it.,
,+hat "i" she "o0, "e#an"e" Fanny. ,h- she shoo) hi#.,
,+hat a spetale1, an" To# loo)e" as if he woul" have en4oye" seeing it- but Fanny's faegrew so forbi""ing- that To#'s little "og- who was approahing to welo#e her- put his tail
between his legs an" fle" un"er the table.
,Then there is n't any'Spar)ing Sun"ay night'0, sung To#- who appeare" to have wa)e" up
again.
,f ourse not. Polly is n't going to #arry anybo"y/ she's going to )eep house for +ill when
he's a #inister- I hear" her say so-, rie" 2au"- with i#portane.
,+hat a fate for pretty Polly1, e4aulate" To#.
,She li)es it- an" I'# sure I shoul" thin) she woul"/ it's beautiful to hear'e# plan it all out.,
,Any #ore gossip to retail- Pug0, as)e" To# a #inute after- as 2au" see#e" absorbe" invisions of the- future.
,3e tol" a funny story about blowing up one of the professors. ou never tol" us- so I
suppose you "i" n't )now it. So#e ba" fellow put a torpe"o- or so#e sort of pow"er thing-
un"er the hair- an" it went off in the #i"st of the lesson- an" the poor #an flew up- frightene"
#ost to piees- an" the boys ran with pails of water to put the fire out. %ut the thing that #a"e
+ill laugh #ost was- that the very fellow who "i" it got his trousers burnt trying to put out the
fire- an" he as)e" the is it Faulty or Presi"ent0 ,
,8ither will "o-, #ur#ure" To#- who was sha)ing with suppresse" laughter.
,+ell- he as)e"'e# to give hi# so#e new ones- an" they "i" give hi# #oney enough- for a
nie pair/ but he got so#e heap ones- with horri" great stripes on'e#- an" always wore'e# tothat partiular lass-'whih was one too #any for the fellows-' +ill sai"- an" with the rest of the
#oney he ha" a punh party. +as n't it "rea"ful0,
,Awful1, An" To# e&plo"e" into a great laugh- that #a"e Fanny over her ears- an" the little
"og bar) wil"ly.
,*i" you )now that ba" boy0, as)e" innoent 2au".
,Slightly-, gaspe" To#- in whose war"robe at ollege those i"ential trousers were hanging
,+hat pleasure you boys an fin" in suh ungentle#anly things- I "on't see-, sai" Fanny-
who was evi"ently out of sorts.
,As #uh a #ystery to you as it is to us- how you girls an li)e to gabble an" prin) fro# one
wee)'s en" to the other-, retorte" To#.
There was a pause after this little passage$at$ar#s- but Fan wante" to be a#use"- for ti#e
hung heavily on her han"s- so she as)e"- in a #ore a#iable tone- ,3ow's Tri&0,
,As sweet as ever-, answere" To#- gruffly.
,*i" she sol" you- as usual0,,She 4ust "i".,
,+hat was the #atter0,
,+ell- I'll leave it to you if this is n't unreasonable< she won't "ane with #e herself- yet "on't
li)e #e to go it with anybo"y else. I sai"- I thought- if a fellow too) a girl to a party- she ought
to "ane with hi# one- at least- espeially if they were engage". She sai" that was the very
reason why she shoul" n't "o it/ so- at the last hop- I let her alone- an" ha" a gay ti#e with %elle
an" to$"ay Tri& gave it to #e hot an" heavy- o#ing ho#e fro# hurh.,
,If you go an" engage yourself to a girl li)e that- I "on't )now what you an e&pet. *i" she
wear her Paris hat to$"ay0, a""e" Fan- with su""en interest in her voie.
,She wore so#e sort of a blue thing- with a onfoun"e" bir" of Para"ise in it- that )eptwhis)ing into #y fae every ti#e she turne" her hea".,
,2en never )now a pretty thing when they see it. That hat is perfetly lovely.,
,They )now a la"y when they see her- an" Tri& "on't loo) li)e one/ I an't say where the
trouble is- but there's too #uh fuss an" feathers for #y taste. ou are twie as stylish- yet you
never loo) lou" or fast.,
Touhe" by this unusual o#pli#ent- Fanny "rew her hair nearer as she replie" with
o#plaeny- ,es- I flatter #yself I "o )now how to "ress well. Tri& never "i"/ she's fon" of
gay olors- an" generally loo)s li)e a wal)ing rainbow.,
,Can't you give her a hint0 Tell her not to wear blue gloves anyway- she )nows I hate'e#.,,I've "one #y best for your sa)e- To#- but she is a perverse reature- an" "on't #in" a wor"
I say- even about things #uh #ore ob4etionable than blue gloves.,
,2au"ie- run an" bring #e #y other igar ase- it's lying roun" so#ewhere.,
2au" went/ an" as soon as the "oor was shut- To# rose on his elbow- saying in a autiously
lowere" voie- ,Fan- "oes Tri& paint0,
,es- an" "raws too-, answere" Fanny- with a sly laugh.
,Co#e- you )now what I #ean/ I've a right to as) an" you ought to tell-, sai" To#- soberly-
for he was beginning to fin" that being engage" was not un#itigate" bliss.
,+hat #a)es you thin) she "oes0,
,+ell- between ourselves-, sai" To#- loo)ing a little sheepish- but an&ious to set his #in" atrest- ,she never will let #e )iss her on her hee)- nothing but an unsatisfatory pe) at her lips.
Then the other "ay- as I too) a bit of heliotrope out of a vase to put in #y button$hole- I whis)e"
a "rop of water into her fae/ I was going to wipe it off- but she pushe" #y han" away- an" ran
to the glass- where she arefully "abbe" it "ry- an" a#e ba) with one hee) re""er than the
other. I "i" n't say anything- but I ha" #y suspiions. Co#e now- "oes she0,
,es- she "oes/ but "on't say a wor" to her- for she'll never forgive #y telling if she )new it.,
,I "on't are for that/ I "on't li)e it- an" I won't have it-, sai" To#- "ei"e"ly.
,ou an't help yourself. 3alf the girls "o it- either paint or pow"er- "ar)en their lashes with
burnt hair$pins- or ta)e ologne on lu#ps of sugar or bella"onna to #a)e their eyes bright.
Clara trie" arseni for her o#ple&ion- but her #other stoppe" it-, sai" Fanny- betraying the
serets of the prison$house in the basest #anner.
,I )new you girls were a set of hu#bugs- an" very pretty ones- too- so#e of you- but I an't
say I li)e to see you painte" up li)e a lot of atresses-, sai" To#- with an air of "isgust.
,I "on't "o anything of the sort- or nee" it- but Tri& "oes/ an" having hosen her- you #ust
abi"e your hoie- for better or worse.,
,It has n't o#e to that yet-, #uttere" To#- as he lay "own again with a rebellious air.
2au"'s return put an en" to these onfi"enes- though To# e&ite" her uriosity by as)ingthe #ysterious 6uestion- ,I say- Fan- is Polly up to that sort of thing0,
,No- she thin)s it's awful. +hen she gets pale an" "ragge" out she will probably hange her
#in".,
,I "oubt it-, sai" To#.
,Polly says it is n't proper to tal) serets before people who ain't in 'e#-, observe" 2au"-
with "ignity.
,*o- for #ery sa)e- stop tal)ing about Polly- I'# si) to "eath of it-, rie" Fanny
snappishly.
,3ullo1, an" To# sat up to ta)e a survey. ,I thought you were boso# frien"s- an" as spoony
as ever.,,+ell- I a# fon" of Polly- but I get tire" of hearing 2au" sing her praises everlastingly. Now
"on't go an" repeat that- hatterbo&.,
,2y goo"ness- is n't she ross0, whispere" 2au" to To#.
,As two sti)s/ let her be. There's the bell/ see who it is- Pug-, answere" To#- as a tingle
bro)e the silene of the house.
2au" went to peep over the banisters- an" a#e flying ba) in a rapture.
,It's +ill o#e for #e1 Can't I go0 It "on't snow har"- an" I'll bun"le up- an" you an sen"
for #e when papa o#es.,
,I "on't are what you "o-, answere" Fan- who was in a very ba" te#per.+ithout waiting for any other per#ission- 2au" rushe" away to get rea"y. +ill woul" n't
o#e up- he was so snowy- an" Fanny was gla"- beause with her he was bashful- aw)war"-
an" silent- so To# went "own an" entertaine" hi# with 2au"'s report. They were very goo"
frien"s- but le" entirely "ifferent lives- +ill being a ,"ig-, an" To# a ,bir"-, or- in plain
8nglish- one was a har" stu"ent- an" the other a 4olly young gentle#an. To# ha" rather
patroni5e" +ill- who "i" n't li)e it- an" showe" that he "i" n't by refusing to borrow #oney of
hi#- or aept any of his invitations to 4oin the lubs an" soieties to whih To# belonge". So
Shaw let 2ilton alone- an" he got on very well in his own way- "ogge"ly sti)ing to his boo)s-
an" resisting all te#ptations but those of ertain libraries- athleti ga#es- an" suh ine&pensive
pleasures as were within his #eans/ for this benighte" youth ha" not yet "isovere" that ollegenowa"ays is a plae in whih to ,s)y$lar)-, not to stu"y.
an" as) +ill to "rive out with #e- an" save hi# the wal)- poor hap. 2ight bring 2i"get ho#e
it will please her- an" there's no )nowing when the governor will be ba).,
+ith these thoughts in his hea"- To# leisurely got un"er way- an" left his horse at a
neighboring stable- for he #eant to #a)e a little all- an" see what it was 2au" en4oye" so
#uh.
,Polly is hol"ing forth-, he sai" to hi#self- as he went 6uietly up stairs- an" the stea"y
#ur#ur of a pleasant voie a#e "own to hi#. To# laughe" at Polly's earnest way of tal)ing
when she was intereste" in anything. %ut he li)e" it beause it was so "ifferent fro# theo6uettish latter of #ost of the girls with who# he tal)e". oung #en often laugh at the
sensible girls who# they seretly respet- an" affet to a"#ire the silly ones who# they seretly
"espise- beause earnestness- intelligene- an" wo#anly "ignity are not the fashion.
The "oor was a4ar- an" pausing in the "ar) entry To# too) a survey before he went in. The
prospet was not "a55ling- but ho#e$li)e an" pleasant. The light of a bright fire fille" the little
roo#- an" "own on a stool before it was 2au" ten"ing Puttel- an" wathing with "eep interest
the roasting of an apple inten"e" for her speial benefit. n the ouh lounge" +ill- his
thoughtful eyes fi&e" on Polly- who- while she tal)e"- s#oothe" the broa" forehea" of her
,yellow$haire" la""ie, in a way that To# thought an i##ense i#prove#ent on 2au"'s
perfor#ane. They ha" evi"ently been buil"ing astles in the air- for Polly was saying in her#ost i#pressive #anner- ,+ell- whatever you "o- +ill- "on't have a great- ostly hurh that
ta)es so #uh #oney to buil" an" support it that you have nothing to give away. I li)e the plain-
ol"$fashione" hurhes- built for use- not show- where people #et for hearty praying an"
preahing- an" where everybo"y #a"e their own #usi instea" of listening to opera singers- as
we "o now. I "on't are if the ol" hurhes were bare an" ol"- an" the seats har"- there was real
piety in the#- an" the sinerity of it was felt in the lives of the people. I "on't want a religion
that I put away with #y Sun"ay lothes- an" "on't ta)e out till the "ay o#es roun" again/ I
want so#ething to see an" feel an" live by "ay$by$"ay- an" I hope you'll be one of the true
#inisters- who an teah by preept an" e&a#ple- how to get an" )eep it.,,I hope I shall be- Polly- but you )now they say that in fa#ilies- if there is a boy who an't "o
anything else- they #a)e a #inister of hi#. I so#eti#es thin) I ain't goo" for #uh- an" that
see#s to #e the reason why I shoul" n't even try to be a #inister-, sai" +ill- s#iling- yet
loo)ing as if with all his hu#ility he "i" have faith in the aspirations that a#e to hi# in his
best #o#ents.
,So#e one sai" that very thing to father one- an" I re#e#ber he answere"-'I a# gla" to
give #y best an" brightest son to the servie of !o".' ,
,*i" he say that0, an" +ill's olor rose- for the big- boo)$loving fellow was as sensitive as a
girl to the praise of those "earest to hi#.
,es-, sai" Polly- unonsiously giving the strongest sti#ulus to her brother's hope an"ourage. ,es- an" he a""e"-'I shall let #y boys follow the gui"e that is in the#- an" only as) of
the# to use their gifts onsientiously- an" be honest- useful #en.' ,
,So we will1 Ne" is "oing well out +est- an" I'# har" at it here. If father "oes his best to
give us the hane we eah want- the least we an "o is to wor) with a will.,
,+hatever you "o- you an't help wor)ing with a +ill-, rie" To#- who ha" been so
intereste"- that he forgot he was playing eaves"ropper.
Polly flew up- loo)ing so please" an" surprise"- that To# reproahe" hi#self for not having
,Father woul" n't have anything #ove"- an" To# sits up there so#eti#es/ it #a)es hi# feel
goo"- he says-, sai" 2au"- who ha" a talent for betraying trifles whih people preferre" shoul"
not be #entione" in publi.
,ou'" better hurry up your apple- for if it is n't "one pretty soon- you'll have to leave it-
Pug-, sai" To#- loo)ing annoye".
,3ow is Fan0, as)e" Polly- with tat.
,+ell- Fan is rather un"er the weather/ says she's "yspepti- whih #eans ross.,
,She is ross- but she's si) too- for I foun" her rying one "ay- an" she sai" nobo"y are"about her- an" she #ight as well be "ea"-, a""e" 2au"- having turne" her apple with ten"er
are.
,+e #ust try to heer her up- a#ong us. If I was n't so busy I'" li)e to "evote #yself to her-
she has "one so #uh for #e-, sai" Polly- gratefully.
,I wish you oul". I an't un"erstan" her- for she ats li)e a weathero)- an" I never )now
how I'# going to fin" her. I hate to have her #ope so- but- upon #y life- I "on't )now what to
"o-, sai" To#/ but as he uttere" the wor"s- so#ething was suggeste" by the sight before hi#
Chairs were few- an" Polly ha" ta)en half of +ill's when they "rew roun" the fire. Now she was
leaning against hi#- in a osy- onfi"ing way- "elightful to behol"- while +ill's strong ar# went
roun" her with a proteting air- whih sai"- as plainly as any wor"s- that this big brother an"s#all sister )new how to love an" help one another. It was a pleasant little piture- all the
pleasanter for its unonsiousness- an" To# foun" it both suggestive an" agreeable.
,Poor ol" Fan- she "on't get #uh petting/ #aybe that's what she wants. I'll try it an" see- for
she stan"s by #e li)e a tru#p. If she was a rosy- osy little wo#an- li)e Polly- it woul" o#e
easier- though-, thought To#- as he #e"itatively ate his last nut- feeling that fraternal affetion
oul" not be very "iffiult of "e#onstration- to brothers blesse" with pretty- goo"$te#pere"
sisters.
,I tol" To# about the ba" fellow who blew up the professor- an" he sai" he )new hi#-
slightly/ an" I was so relieve"- beause I ha" a )in" of a feeling that it was To# hi#self- youan" +ill laughe" so about it.,
2au" ha" a 6ueer way of going on with her own thoughts- an" su""enly o#ing out with
whatever lay upper#ost- regar"less of ti#e- plae- or o#pany. As this re#ar) fell fro# her-
there was a general s#ile- an" Polly sai"- with #o) sole#nity- ,It was a sa" thing- an" I've no
"oubt that #isgui"e" young #an is very sorry for it now.,
,3e loo)e" perfetly bowe" "own with re#orse last ti#e I saw hi#-, sai" +ill- regar"ing
To# with eyes full of fun- for +ill was a boy as well as a boo)wor#- an" relishe" a 4o)e as well
as satter$braine" To#.
,3e always is re#orseful after a srape- I've un"erstoo"- for he is n't a very ba" fellow- only
his spirits are one too #any for hi#- an" he is n't as fon" of his boo) as another fellow I )now.,,I'# afrai" he'll he e&pelle" if he "on't #in"-, sai" Polly- warningly.
,Shoul" n't won"er if he was- he's suh an unlu)y "og-, answere" To#- rather soberly.
,I hope he'll re#e#ber that his frien"s will be very #uh "isappointe" if he is. 3e #ight
#a)e the# so prou" an" happy/ that I guess he will- for he is n't half as thoughtless as he #a)es
hi#self out-, sai" Polly- loo)ing aross at To# with suh frien"ly eyes that he was 6uite
touhe"- though of ourse he "i" n't show it.
,Than) you- Polly/ he #ay pull through- but I have #y "oubts. Now ol" #an- let us'pu"'
along/ it's getting late for the hi)en-, he a""e"- relapsing into the graeful "ition with whih
Ta)ing a"vantage of the #o#ent while +ill was wrestling with his boots in the loset- an"
2au" was absorbe" in pa)ing her apple into a large bas)et- Polly sai" to To# in a low tone-
,Than) you very #uh- for being so )in" to +ill.,
,%less your heart- I have n't "one anything/ he's suh a prou" fellow he won't let #e-,
answere" To#.
,%ut you "o in #any little ways/ to$night- for e&a#ple. *o you thin) I "on't )now that the
suit of lothes he's 4ust got woul" have ost a goo" "eal #ore- if your tailor ha" n't #a"e the#0
3e's only a boy- an" "on't un"erstan" things yet/ but I )now your way of helping prou" people/so that they "on't fin" it out- an" I "o than) you- To#- so #uh.,
,h- o#e- Polly- that won't "o. +hat "o you )now about tailors an" ollege #atters0, sai"
To#- loo)ing as #uh onfuse" as if she ha" foun" hi# out in so#ething reprehensible.
,I "on't )now #uh- an" that's the reason why I'# grateful for your )in"ness to +ill. I "on't
are what stories they tell about you- I'# sure- you won't lea" hi# into trouble- but )eep hi#
straight- for #y sa)e. ou )now I've lost one brother- an" +ill ta)es :i##y's plae to #e now.,
The tears in Polly's eyes as she sai" that #a"e To# vow a tre#en"ous vow within hi#self to
stan" by +ill through thi) an" thin- an" ,)eep hi# straight for Polly's sa)e,/ feeling all the
ti#e how ill$fitte" he was for suh a tas).
,I'll "o #y best-, he sai"- heartily- as he presse" the han" Polly gave hi#- with a loo) whihassure" her that he felt the appeal to his honor- an" that heneforth the ountry la" was safe
fro# all the te#ptations To# oul" have offere" hi#.
,There1 now I shall give that to #a##a to ta)e her pills in/ it's 4ust what she li)es- an" it
pleases her to be thought of-, sai" 2au"- surveying her gift with o#plaeny- as she put on her
things.
,ou're a goo" little soul- to re#e#ber poor #u#- sai" To#- with an approving no".
,+ell- she was so please" with the grapes you brought her- I thought I'" try so#ething- an"
#aybe she'" say'Than) you- "arling-' to #e too. *o you thin) she will0, whispere" 2au"- with
the wistful loo) so often seen on her little plain fae.,See if she "on't/, an" to 2au"'s great surprise To# "i" n't laugh at her pro4et.
,!oo" night- "ear/ ta)e are of yourself- an" )eep your #uffler roun" your #outh going
over the bri"ge- or you'll be as hoarse as a row to$#orrow-, sai" Polly- as she )isse" her
brother- who returne" it without loo)ing as if he thought it ,girl's nonsense, Then the three pile"
into the sleigh an" "rove off- leave Polly no""ing on the "oorstep.
2au" foun" the "rive altogether too short- but was onsole" by the pro#ise of a longer one
if the sleighing laste" till ne&t Satur"ay< an" when To# ran up to bi" his #other goo"$by- an"
give her a hint about 2au"'s gift- she staye" below to say- at the last #inute- in unonsious
i#itation of Polly.
,!oo" night/ ta)e are of yourself- #y "ear.,To# laughe"- an" was about to pinh the #uh en"uring little nose/ but- as if the wor"s
re#in"e" hi# of so#ething- he gave her a )iss instea"- a piee of forbearane whih al#ost
too) 2au"'s breath away with surprise an" gratifiation.
It was rather a silent "rive- for +ill obe"iently )ept his #uffler up- an" To# fell into a brown
stu"y.
3e was not #uh given to refletion- but oasionally in"ulge" when so#ething gave hi# a
turn in that "iretion- an" at suh ti#es he was as sober an" sinere as oul" be "esire". Any
one #ight have leture" hi# for an hour without "oing as #uh goo" as that little all an" the
hat that grew out of it- for- though nothing very wise or witty was sai"- #any things were
suggeste"- an" every one )nows that persuasive influenes are better than any a#ount of
#orali5ing. Neither Polly nor +ill trie" to "o anything of the sort- an" that was the har# of it.
Nobo"y li)es to be tal)e" to- but nobo"y an resist the elo6uene of unonsious preahing
+ith all his thoughtlessness- To# was 6ui) to see an" feel these things- an" was not spoilt
enough yet to laugh at the#. The sight of +ill an" Polly's si#ple affetion for one another
re#in"e" hi# of a neglete" "uty so pleasantly- that he oul" not forget it. Tal)ing of early "ays
#a"e hi# wish he oul" go ba) an" start again- "oing better. !ran"#a's na#e realle" the
ten"er #e#ory that always "i" hi# goo"- an" the thought that Polly truste" her "earest brotherto his are stirre" up a #anful "esire to "eserve the onfi"ene. Tortures woul" n't have "rawn a
wor" of all this fro# hi#- but it ha" its effet- for boys "on't leave their hearts an" onsienes
behin" the# when they enter ollege- an" little things of this sort "o #uh to )eep both fro#
being "a#age" by the four years' sri##age whih begins the battle of life for #ost of the#.
Chapter (I. Nee"les an" Tongues
*ear Polly- The Sewing Cirle #eets at our house this P. 2. This is in your line- so "o o#e
an" help #e through. I shall "epen" on you.
ours ever- FAN.
,%a" news- #y "ear0, as)e" 2iss 2ills- who ha" 4ust han"e" the note to Polly as she a#ein one noon- a few wee)s after :enny's arrival.
Polly tol" her what it was- a""ing- ,I suppose I ought to go an" help Fanny- but I an't say I
want to. The girls tal) about things I have nothing to "o with- an" I "on't fin" their gossip very
a#using. I'# an outsi"er- an" they only aept #e on Fan's aount/ so I sit in a orner an" sew
while they hatter an" laugh.,
,+oul" n't it be a goo" hane to say a wor" for :enny0 She wants wor)- an" these young
la"ies probably have 6uantities "one so#ewhere. :enny "oes fine wor) e&6uisitely- an" begins
to feel an&ious to be earning so#ething. I "on't want her to feel "epen"ent an" unhappy- an" a
little well$pai" sewing woul" be all she nee"s to "o niely. I an get it for her by running roun"to #y frien"s- but I really have n't the ti#e- till I get the 2ullers off. They are paupers here- but
out +est they an ta)e are of the#selves- so I 've begge" the #oney to sen" the#- an" as
soon as I an get the# so#e lothes- off they go. That's the way to help people help
the#selves-, an" 2iss 2ills lashe" her big sissors energetially- as she ut out a little re"
flannel shirt.
,I )now it is- an" I want to help- but I "on't )now where to begin-, sai" Polly- feeling 6uite
oppresse" with the i##ensity of the wor).
,+e an't any of us "o all we woul" li)e- but we an "o our best for every ase that o#es to
us- an" that helps a#a5ingly. %egin with :enny- #y "ear/ tell those girls about her- an" if I'# not
#uh #ista)en- you will fin" the# rea"y to help- for half the ti#e it is n't har"ness of heart- butignorane or thoughtlessness on the part of the rih- that #a)es the# see# so areless of the
poor.,
,To tell the truth- I'# afrai" of being laughe" at- if I try to tal) seriously about suh things to
the girls-, sai" Polly- fran)ly.
,ou believe that'suh things' are true0 ou are sinere in your wish to help better the#- an"
you respet those who wor) for that en"0,
,es- I "o.,
,Then- #y "ear- an't you bear a little ri"iule for the sa)e of a goo" ause0 ou sai"
yester"ay that you were going to #a)e it a priniple of your life- to help up your se& as far an"
as fast as you oul". It "i" #y heart goo" to hear you say it- for I was sure that in ti#e you
woul" )eep your wor". %ut- Polly- a priniple that an't bear being laughe" at- frowne" on- an"
ol"$shoul"ere"- is n't worthy of the na#e.,
,I want to be strong$#in"e" in the real sense of the wor"- but I "on't li)e to be alle" so by
people who "on't un"erstan" #y #eaning/ an" I shall be if I try to #a)e the girls thin) soberly
about anything sensible or philanthropi. They all #e ol"$fashione" now- an" I'" rather be
thought that- though it is n't pleasant- than be set "own as a ra#pant wo#an's rights refor#er-,
sai" Polly- in whose #e#ory #any laughs- an" snubs- an" saras#s still lingere"- forgiven butnot forgotten.
,This love an" thought an" are for those wea)er- poorer- or worse than ourselves- whih we
all Christian harity- is a very ol" fashion- #y "ear. It began eighteen hun"re" years ago- an"
only those who honestly follow the beautiful e&a#ple set us then- learn how to get genuine
happiness out of life. I'# not a'ra#pant wo#an's rights refor#er-', a""e" 2iss 2ills- with a
s#ile at Polly's sober fae/ ,but I thin) that wo#en an "o a great "eal for eah other- if they
will only stop fearing what'people will thin)-' an" ta)e a hearty interest in whatever is going to
fit their sisters an" the#selves to "eserve an" en4oy the rights !o" gave the#. There are so
#any ways in whih this an be "one- that I won"er they "on't see an" i#prove the#. I "on't
as) you to go an" #a)e speehes- only a few have the gift for that- but I "o want every girl an"wo#an to feel this "uty- an" #a)e any little sarifie of ti#e or feeling that #ay be as)e" of
the#- beause there is so #uh to "o- an" no one an "o it as well as ourselves- if we only thin)
so.,
,I'll try1, sai" Polly- influene" #ore by her "esire to )eep 2iss 2ills' goo" opinion than
any love of self$sarifie for her se&. It was rather a har" thing to as) of a shy- sensitive girl- an"
the )in" ol" la"y )new it- for in spite of the gray hair an" withere" fae- her heart was very
young- an" her own girlish trials not forgotten. %ut she )new also that Polly ha" #ore influene
over others than she herself suspete"- si#ply beause of her an"i"- upright nature/ an" that
while she trie" to help others- she was serving herself in a way that woul" i#prove heart an"soul #ore than any #ere soial suess she #ight gain by following the rules of fashionable
life- whih "rill the harater out of girls till they are as #uh ali)e as pins in a paper- an" have
about as #uh true sense an" senti#ent in their little hea"s. There was goo" stuff in Polly-
unspoile" as yet- an" 2iss 2ills was only ating out her priniple of wo#en helping eah other
The wise ol" la"y saw that Polly ha" reahe" that point where the girl su""enly bloo#s into a
wo#an- as)ing so#ething #ore substantial than pleasure to satisfy the new aspirations that are
born/ a ti#e as preious an" i#portant to the after$life- as the hour when the apple blosso#s
fall- an" the young fruit waits for the ele#ents to ripen or "estroy the harvest.
Polly "i" not )now this- an" was fortunate in possessing a frien" who )new what influenes
woul" serve her best- an" who oul" give her what all wo#en shoul" "esire to give eah other-the e&a#ple of a sweet- goo" life- #ore elo6uent an" powerful than any wor"s/ for this is a right
no one an "eny us.
Polly turne" the #atter over in her #in" as she "resse"- while :enny playe" waiting #ai"-
little "rea#ing what this new frien" was #eaning to "o for her- if she "are".
,Is it going to be a tea$party- 2iss0, as)e" :enny- as the bla) sil) went rustling on- to her
great a"#iration- for she onsi"ere" Polly a beauty.
,+ell- no- I thin) it will probably be a leture-, answere" Polly- laughing- for :enny's
grateful servie an" affetionate eyes onfir#e" the purpose whih 2iss 2ills' little ho#ily ha"
As she entere" the Shaws' parlor an hour or two later- an appalling array of well$"resse" girls
appeare"- eah provi"e" with a "ainty retiule- bas)et- or bag- an" eah tongue going a goo"
"eal faster than the nee"le- while the white fingers stithe" sleeves in upsi"e "own- put flannel
4a)ets together hin" part before- or gobble" button$holes with the best intentions in life.
,ou are a "ear to o#e so early. 3ere's a nie plae for you between %elle an" 2iss
Per)ins- an" here's a sweet little "ress to #a)e- unless you li)e so#ething else better-, sai"
Fanny- reeiving her frien" with war#th an" plaing her where she thought she woul" en4oy
herself.,Than) you- I'll ta)e an unbleahe" otton shirt if you have suh a thing- for it is li)ely to be
nee"e" before a a#bri fro)-, replie" Polly- subsi"ing into her o#er as 6ui)ly as possible-
for at least si& eye$glasses were up- an" she "i" n't en4oy being stare" at.
2iss Per)ins- a grave- ol"$loo)ing young la"y- with an aristorati nose- bowe" politely-
an" then went on with her wor)- whih "isplaye" two "ia#on" rings to great a"vantage. %elle-
being of the "e#onstrative sort- s#ile" an" no""e"- "rew up her hair- an" began a whispere"
aount of Tri&'s last 6uarrel with To#. Polly listene" with interest while she sewe" "iligently-
oasionally per#itting her eyes to stu"y the elegant intriaies of 2iss Per)ins' "ress- for that
young la"y sat li)e a statue- 6uir)ing her "eliate fingers- an" ao#plishing about two stithes
a #inute.In the #i"st of %elle's story- a #ore e&iting bit of gossip aught her ear- an" she plunge"
into the onversation going on aross the table- leaving Polly free to listen an" a"#ire the wit-
wis"o#- an" haritable spirit of the ao#plishe" young la"ies about her. There was a perfet
%abel of tongues- but out of the onfusion Polly gathere" sraps of fashionable intelligene
whih so#ewhat lessene" her respet for the "wellers in high plaes. ne fair reature asserte"
that :oe So#ebo"y too) so #uh ha#pagne at the last !er#an- that he ha" to be got away- an"
sent ho#e with two servants. Another "ivulge" the awful fat that Carrie P.'s we""ing presents
were half of the# hire" for the oasion. A thir" irulate" a whisper to the effet that though
2rs. %u)#inster wore a thousan"$"ollar loa)- her boys were not allowe" but one sheet totheir be"s. An" a fourth young gossip assure" the o#pany that a ertain person never ha"
offere" hi#self to a ertain other person- though the report was in"ustriously sprea" by
intereste" parties. This latter re#ar) ause" suh a la#or that Fanny alle" the #eeting to
or"er in a #ost unparlia#entary fashion.
,!irls1 girls1 you really #ust tal) less an" sew #ore- or our soiety will be "isgrae". *o
you )now our branh sent in less wor) than any of the others. last #onth- an" 2rs. Fit5 !eorge
sai"- she "i" n't see how fifteen young la"ies oul" #anage to "o so little0,
,+e "on't tal) a bit #ore than the ol" la"ies "o. I 4ust wish you oul" have hear" the# go on
last ti#e. The way they get so #uh "one- is- they ta)e wor) ho#e- an" #a)e their sea#stresses
"o it- an" then they ta)e re"it for vast in"ustry-, sai" %elle- who always spo)e her #in" withhar#ing an"or.
,That re#in"s #e that #a##a says they want as #any things as we an #a)e- for it's a har"
winter- an" the poor are suffering very #uh. *o any of you wish to ta)e artiles ho#e- to "o at
o"" ti#es0, sai" Fan- who was presi"ent of this energeti *oras Soiety.
,2ery- no1 It ta)es all #y leisure ti#e to #en" #y gloves an" refresh #y "resses-,
answere" %elle.
,I thin) if we #eet one a wee)- it is all that shoul" be e&pete" of us- with our other
engage#ents. Poor people always o#plain that the winter is a har" one- an" never are
satisfie"-, re#ar)e" 2iss Per)ins- #a)ing her "ia#on"s spar)le as she sewe" buttons on the
wrong si"e of a pin) alio apron- whih woul" har"ly survive one washing.
,Nobo"y an as) #e to "o any #ore- if they re#e#ber all I've got to atten" to before
su##er-, sai" Tri&- with an i#portant air. ,I've got three wo#en har" at wor)- an" want
another- but everyone is so busy- an" as) suh abo#inable pries- that I'# in "espair- an" shall
have to ta)e hol" #yself- I'# afrai".,
,There's a hane for :ane-, thought Polly- but ha" n't ourage ,to spea) out lou" in
#eeting-, 4ust then- an" resolve" to as) Tri& for wor)- in private.,Pries are high- but you forget how #uh #ore it osts to live now than it use" to "o.
2a##a never allows us to beat "own wor)wo#en- but wishes us to pay the# well- an"
eono#i5e in so#e other way- if we #ust-, sai" 8##a *avenport- a 6uiet- bright$eye" girl-
who was alle" ,o"" , a#ong the young la"ies- beause she "resse" si#ply- when her father
was a #illionaire.
,:ust hear that girl tal) about eono#y1 I beg your par"on- she's so#e relation of yours- I
believe1, sai" %elle- in a low tone.
,Very "istant/ but I'# prou" of it/ for with her- eono#y "oes n't #ean sri#ping in one
plae to #a)e a show in another. If every one woul" follow the *avenports' e&a#ple
wor)wo#en woul" n't starve- or servants be suh a trouble. 8##a is the plainest "resse" girl inthe roo#- ne&t to #e- yet any one an see she is a true gentlewo#an-, sai" Polly- war#ly.
,An" you are another-, answere" %elle- who ha" always love" Polly- in her satter$braine"
way.
,3ush1 Tri& has the floor.,
,If they spent their wages properly- I shoul" n't #in" so #uh- but they thin) they #ust be as
fine as anybo"y- an" "ress so well that it is har" to tell #istress fro# #ai". +hy our oo) got a
bonnet 4ust li)e #ine =the #aterials were heaper- but the effet was the sa#e>- an" ha" the
i#pertinene to wear it before #y fae. I forbi" it- an" she left- of ourse- whih #a"e papa so
ross he woul" n't give #e the a#el's hair shawl he pro#ise" this year.,,It's perfetly sha#eful1, sai" 2iss Per)ins- as Tri& pause" out of breath. ,Servants ought to
be #a"e to "ress li)e servants- as they "o abroa"/ then we shoul" have no #ore trouble-,
observe" 2iss Per)ins- who ha" 4ust #a"e the gran" tour- an" ha" brought ho#e a Frenh
#ai".
,Per)y "on't pratise as she preahes-, whispere" %elle to Polly- as 2iss P. bea#e absorbe"
in the hat of her other neighbors. ,She pays her ha#ber girl with ol" finery/ an" the other "ay
when %etsey was out para"ing in her #issis's ast$off purple plush suit- 2r. Curtis thought she
was #a"e#oiselle- an" bowe" to her. 3e is as blin" as a bat- but reogni5e" the "ress- an"
pulle" off his hat to it in the #ost elegant style. Per)y a"ores hi#- an" was #a" enough to beat
%etsey when she tol" the story an" giggle" over it. %etsey is 6uite as stylish an" ever so #uh prettier than Per)y- an" she )nows it- whih is an aggravation.,
Polly oul" n't help laughing- but grew sober a #inute after- as Tri& sai"- pettishly- ,+ell- I'#
si) of hearing about beggars/ I believe half of the# are hu#bugs- an" if we let the# alone
they'" go to wor) an" ta)e are of the#selves. There's altogether too #uh fuss #a"e about
harity. I "o wish we oul" be left in peae.,
,There an't be too #uh harity1, burst out Polly- forgetting her shyness all at one.
,h- in"ee"1 +ell- I ta)e the liberty to "iffer fro# you-, returne" Tri&- putting up her glass-
an" bestowing upon Polly her #ost ,toploftial stare-, as the girls alle" it.
I regret to say that Polly never oul" tal) with or be near Tri& without feeling irritate" an"
o#bative. She trie" to on6uer this feeling- but she oul" n't- an" when Tri& put on airs- Polly
felt an intense "esire to bo& her ears. That eye$glass was her espeial aversion- for Tri& was no
#ore near$sighte" than herself- but preten"e" to be beause it was the fashion- an" at ti#es use"
the innoent glass as a weapon with whih to put "own any one who presu#e" to set
the#selves up. The superilious glane whih ao#panie" her ironially polite speeh rouse"
Polly- who answere" with su""en olor an" the )in"ling of the eyes that always betraye" a
perturbe" spirit- ,I "on't thin) #any of us woul" en4oy that selfish sort of peae- while littlehil"ren starve- an" girls no ol"er than us )ill the#selves beause their "rea"ful poverty leaves
the# no hoie but sin or "eath.,
A su""en lull too) plae- for- though Polly- "i" not raise her voie- it was full of in"ignant
e#otion- an" the #ost frivolous girl there felt a little thrill of sy#pathy/ for the #ost utterly
fashionable life "oes not )ill the heart out of wo#en- till years of selfish pleasure have passe"
over their hea"s. Tri& was asha#e" of herself/ but she felt the sa#e antagonis# towar" Polly-
that Polly "i" towar" her/ an"- being less generous- too) satisfation in plaguing her. Polly "i"
not )now that the seret of this was the fat that To# often hel" her up as a #o"el for his fian-e
to follow- whih ause" that young la"y to "isli)e her #ore than ever.
,3alf the awful stories in the papers are #a"e up for a sensation- an" it's absur" to believethe#- unless one li)es to be harrowe" up. I "on't/ an" as for peae- I'# not li)ely to get #uh-
while I have To# to loo) after-, sai" Tri&- with an aggravating laugh.
Polly's nee"le snappe" in two- but she "i" not #in" it- as she sai"- with a loo) that silene"
even sharp$tongue" Tri&- ,I an't help believing what #y own eyes an" ears have seen an"
hear". ou lea" suh safe an" happy lives- you an't i#agine the #isery that is all roun" you/
but if you oul" get a gli#pse of it- it woul" #a)e your hearts ahe- as it has #ine.,
,*o you suffer fro# heartahe0 So#e one hinte" as #uh to #e- but you loo)e" so well- I
oul" n't believe it.,
Now that was ruel in Tri&- #ore ruel than any one guesse"/ but girls' tongues an "ealwoun"s as sharp an" su""en as the slen"er stiletto Spanish wo#en wear in their hair- an" Polly
turne" pale- as those wor"s stabbe" her. %elle saw it- an" rushe" to the resue with #ore goo"$
will than wis"o#.
,Nobo"y ever ause" you of having any heart to ahe with. Polly an" I are not ol" enough
yet to get tough an" ool- an" we are still silly enough to pity unhappy people- To# Shaw
espeially-, a""e" %elle- un"er her breath.
That was a two$e"ge" thrust- for Tri& was "ei"e"ly an ol" girl- an" To# was generally
regar"e" as a hapless viti#. Tri& turne" re"/ but before she oul" loa" an" fire again- 8##a
*avenport- who labore" un"er the "elusion that this sort of s)ir#ishing was ill$nature"- an"
therefore ill$bre"- spo)e up in her pleasant way- ,Spea)ing of pitying the poor- I always won"erwhy it is that we all li)e to rea" an" ry over their troubles in boo)s- but when we have the real
thing before us- we thin) it is uninteresting an" "isagreeable.,
,It's the genius that gets into the boo)s- whih #a)es us li)e the poverty- I fany. %ut I "on't
6uite agree that the real thing is n't interesting. I thin) it woul" be- if we )new how to loo) at
an" feel it-, sai" Polly- very 6uietly- as she pushe" her hair out of the arti irle of 2iss
Per)ins- into the te#perate one of frien"ly 8##a.
,%ut how shall we learn that0 I "on't see what we girls an "o- #ore than we "o now. +e
have n't #uh #oney for suh things- shoul" n't )now how to use it if we ha"/ an" it is n't
proper for us to go po)ing into "irty plaes- to hunt up the nee"y.'!oing about "oing goo"- in
pony phaetons-' as so#ebo"y says- #ay suee" in 8nglan"- but it won't wor) here-, sai"
Fanny- who ha" begun- lately- to thin) a goo" "eal of so#e one besi"e herself- an" so foun" her
interest in her fellow$beings inreasing "aily.
,+e an't "o #uh- perhaps- 4ust yet/ but still there are things left un"one that naturally fall
to us. I )now a house-, sai" Polly- sewing busily as she tal)e"- ,where every servant who enters
it beo#es an ob4et of interest to the #istress an" her "aughters. These wo#en are taught goo"
habits- boo)s are put where they an get the#- sensible a#use#ents are planne" for the#
so#eti#es- an" they soon feel that they are not onsi"ere" #ere srubs- to "o as #uh wor) as possible- for as little #oney as possible- but helpers in the fa#ily- who are love" an" respete"
in proportion to their faithfulness. This la"y feels her "uty to the#- owns it- an" "oes it- as
onsientiously as she wants the# to "o theirs by her/ an" that is the way it ought to be- I
thin).,
As Polly pause"- several )een eyes "isovere" that 8##a's hee)s were very re"- an" saw a
s#ile lur)ing in the orners of the #outh that trie" to loo) "e#ure- whih tol" the# who Polly
#eant.
,*o the %i""ies all turn out saints in that well regulate" fa#ily0, as)e" the irrepressible
Tri&.
,No/ few of us "o that- even in the parlor/ but every one of the %i""ies is better for beingthere- whether they are grateful or not. I ought not to have #entione" this- perhaps- but I wante"
to show you one thing that we girls an "o. +e all o#plain about ba" servants- #ost as #uh
as if we were house$)eepers ourselves/ but it never ours to us to try an" #en" the #atter- by
getting up a better spirit between #istress an" #ai". Then there's another thing we an "o-,
a""e" Polly- war#ing up. ,2ost of us fin" #oney enough for our little vanities an" pleasures-
but feel "rea"fully poor when we o#e to pay for wor)- sewing espeially. Coul" n't we give up
a few of the vanities- an" pay the sea#stresses better0,
,I "elare I will1, rie" %elle- whose onsiene su""enly wo)e- an" s#ote her for beating
"own the wo#an who "i" her plain sewing- in or"er that she #ight have an e&tra floune on anew "ress. ,%elle has got a virtuous fit/ pity it won't last a wee)-, sai" Tri&.
,+ait an" see-, retorte" %elle- resolving that it shoul" last- 4ust to "isappoint ,that spiteful
#in&/, as she sweetly alle" her ol" shool$#ate.
,Now we shall behol" %elle galloping away at a great pae- on her new hobby. I shoul" n't
be surprise" to hear of her preahing in the 4ail- a"opting a nie "irty little orphan- or passing
roun" trats at a +o#an's ;ights #eeting-, sai" Tri&- who never oul" forgive %elle for having
a lovely o#ple&ion- an" so #uh hair of her own that she never patroni5e" either rats- #ie-
waterfalls- swithes- or puff$o#bs.
,+ell- I #ight "o worse/ an" I thin)- of the two- I'" rather a#use #yself so- than as so#e
young la"ies "o- who get into the papers for their pran)s-, returne" %elle- with a #oral air.,Suppose we have a little reess- an" rest while Polly plays to us. +ill you- Polly0 It will "o
us goo"/ they all want to hear you- an" begge" I'" as).,
,Then I will- with pleasure,/ an" Polly went to the piano with suh obliging rea"iness- that
several reproahful glanes fell upon Tri&- who "i" n't nee" her glass to see the#.
Polly was never too sa"- perturbe"- or la5y to sing- for it was al#ost as easy to her as
breathing- an" see#e" the #ost natural outlet for her e#otions. For a #inute her han"s
wan"ere" over the )eys- as if unertain what to play/ then- falling into a sa"- sweet strain- she
sang ,The %ri"ge of Sighs., Polly "i" n't )now why she hose it- but the instint see#e" to have
been a true one- for- ol" as the song was- it went straight to the hearts of the hearers- an" Polly
sung it better than she ever ha" before- for now the #e#ory of little :ane lent it a ten"er pathos
whih no art oul" give. It "i" the# all goo"- for #usi is a beautiful #agiian- an" few an
resist its power. The girls were touhe" by the appeal/ Polly was lifte" out of herself- an" when
she turne" roun"- the softene" loo) on all the faes tol" her that for the #o#ent foolish
"ifferenes an" frivolous beliefs were forgotten in the one wo#anly senti#ent of pity for the
wrongs an" woes of whih the listeners' happy lives were ignorant.
,That song always #a)es #e ry- an" feel as if I ha" no right to be so o#fortable-, sai"
%elle- openly wiping her eyes on a rash towel.,Fortunately suh ases are very rare-, sai" another young la"y- who sel"o# rea" the
newspapers.
,I wish they were- but I'# afrai" they are not/ for only three wee)s ago- I saw a girl younger
than any of us- an" no worse- who trie" to "estroy herself si#ply beause she was so
"isourage"- si)- an" poor-, sai" Polly.
,*o tell about her-, rie" %elle- eagerly.
Feeling that the song ha" pave" the way for the story- an" given her ourage to tell it- Polly
"i" tell it- an" #ust have "one it well- for the girls stoppe" wor) to listen- an" when she en"e"-
other eyes besi"e war#$hearte" %elle's were wet. Tri& loo)e" 6uite sub"ue"/ 2iss Per)ins
thawe" to suh a "egree- that so#ething glittere" on her han" as she bent over the pin) pinaforeagain- better an" brighter than her biggest "ia#on"/ 8##a got up an" went to Polly with a fae
full of affetionate respet- while Fanny- #ove" by a su""en i#pulse- aught up a ostly evres
plate that stoo" on the etagere- an" laying a five$"ollar bill in it- passe" it roun"- 6uoting Polly's
wor"s- ,!irls- I )now you'll li)e to help poor little :enny 'begin again- an" "o better this ti#e.' ,
It was goo" to see how 6ui)ly the pretty purses were out- how generously eah gave of its
abun"ane- an" what hearty applause bro)e fro# the girls- as %elle lai" "own her gol" thi#ble-
saying with an April fae- ,There- ta)e that/ I never have any #oney- so#ehow it won't stay
with #e- but I an't let the plate pass #e this ti#e.,
+hen Fanny brought the ontributions to Polly- she 4ust gathere" it up in her two han"s withsuh a gla"- grateful fae- the girls wishe" they ha" ha" #ore to give.
,I an't than) you enough-, she sai"- with an elo6uent little ho)e in her voie. ,This will
help :enny very #uh/ but the way in whih it was "one will "o her #ore goo" than "ouble the
#oney- beause it will prove to her that she is n't without frien"s- an" #a)e her feel that there is
a plae in the worl" for her. Let her wor) for you in return for this/ she "on't as) al#s- she only
wants e#ploy#ent an" a little )in"ness- an" the best harity we an bestow is to see that she
has both.,
,I'll give her as #uh sewing as she wants- an" she an stay at our house while she "oes it- if
she nee"s a ho#e-, sai" Tri&- in a spas# of benevolene.
,She "oes n't nee" a ho#e- than) you/ 2iss 2ills has given half of hers- an" onsi"ers :aneher hil"-, answere" Polly- with prou" satisfation in the fat.
,+hat an ol" "ear1, rie" %elle.
,I want to )now her. 2ay I0, whispere" 8##a.
,h- yes/ I'# gla" to #a)e her )nown to any one. She is a 6uiet little ol" la"y- but she "oes
one heaps of goo"- an" shows you how to be haritable in the wisest way.,
,*o tell us about it. I'# sure I want to "o #y "uty- but it's suh a #u""le- I "on't )now how-,
sai" %elle.
Then- 6uite naturally- the onversation fell upon the great wor) that none shoul" be too busy
to thin) of- an" whih few are too young or too poor to help on with their #ite. The faes grew
#ore earnest- the fingers flew faster- as the 6ui) young hearts an" brains too) in the new fats-
i"eas- an" plans that grew out of the true stories- the sensible hints- the suessful efforts whih
Polly tol" the#- fresh fro# the lips of 2iss 2ills/ for- of late- Polly ha" tal)e" #uh with the
goo" la"y- an" learne" 6ui)ly the lessons her unselfish life onveye". The girls foun" this
#ore interesting than gossip- partly owing to its novelty- "oubtless/ but the enthusias# was
sinere while it laste"- an" "i" the# goo". 2any of the# forgot all about it in a wee)- but
Polly's effort was not lost- for 8##a- %elle- an" Fanny re#aine" fir# frien"s to :ane- so )in"ly
helping her that the poor hil" felt as if she ha" in"ee" been born again- into a new an" happyworl".
Not till long afterwar" "i" Polly see how #uh goo" this little effort ha" "one her- for the
first s#all sarifie of this sort lea"s the way to others- an" a single han"'s turn given heartily to
the worl"'s great wor) helps one a#a5ingly with one's own s#all tas)s. Polly foun" this out as
her life slowly grew easier an" brighter- an" the beautiful law of o#pensation gave her better
purposes an" pleasures than any she ha" lost. The parents of so#e of her pupils were persons of
real refine#ent- an" suh are always 6ui) to pereive the #ar)s of ulture in others- no #atter
where they fin" the#. These- attrate" first by Polly's heerful fae- #o"est #anners- an"
faithful wor)- soon foun" in her so#ething #ore than a goo" teaher/ they foun" a real talent
for #usi- an eager "esire for helpful opportunities- an" a heart grateful for the )in"ly sy#pathythat #a)es rough plaes s#ooth. Fortunately those who have the s)ill to "etet these traits also
possess the spirit to appreiate an" often the power to serve an" "evelop the#. In ways so
"eliate that the #ost sensitive pri"e oul" not resent the favor- these true gentlefol) showe"
Polly their respet an" regar"- put #any pleasures in her way- an" when they pai" her for her
wor)- gave her also the hearty than)s that ta)es away all sense of "egra"ation even fro# the
hu#blest servie- for #oney so earne" an" pai" sweetens the "aily brea" it buys- an" #a)es the
#utual obligation a #utual benefit an" pleasure.
A few suh patrons "i" #uh for Polly- an" the #usi she gave the# ha" an un"ertone of
gratitu"e that left blithe ehoes in those great houses- whih #oney oul" not buy.Then- as her butterfly a6uaintanes "eserte" her- she foun" her way into a hive of frien"ly
bees- who welo#e" her- an" showe" her how to fin" the honey that )eeps life sweet an"
wholeso#e. Through 2iss 2ills- who was the ounsellor an" o#forter of several- Polly a#e
to )now a little sisterhoo" of busy- happy- in"epen"ent girls- who eah ha" a purpose to e&eute-
a talent to "evelop- an a#bition to ahieve- an" brought to the wor) patiene an" perseverane-
hope an" ourage. 3ere Polly foun" her plae at one- for in this little worl" love an" liberty
prevaile"/ talent- energy- an" harater too) the first ran)/ #oney - fashion- an" position were
literally nowhere/ for here- as in the big worl" outsi"e- genius see#e" to blosso# best when
poverty was hea" gar"ener. oung teahers- "oing #uh wor) for little pay/ young artists
trying to penil- paint- or arve their way to ;o#e/ young writers- burning to "istinguishthe#selves/ young singers- "rea#ing of triu#phs- great as those of :enny Lin"/ an" so#e who
trie" to on6uer in"epen"ene- ar#e" only with a nee"le- li)e poor :ane. All these helpe" Polly
as unonsiously as she helpe" the#- for purpose an" priniple are the best teahers we an
have- an" the want of the# #a)es half the wo#en of A#eria what they are- restless- ai#less-
frivolous- an" si).
To outsi"ers that was a very har"$wor)ing an" uneventful winter to Polly. She thought so
herself/ but as spring a#e on- the see" of new virtues- plante" in the winter ti#e- an" ripene"
by the sunshine of en"eavor- began to bu" in Polly's nature- betraying their presene to others
by the a""e" strength an" sweetness of her harater- long before she herself "isovere" these
2ay flowers that ha" blosso#e" for her un"erneath the snow.
Chapter (II. Forbi""en Fruit
,I'# perfetly ahing for so#e fun-, sai" Polly to herself as she opene" her win"ow one
#orning an" the sunshine an" frosty air set her bloo" "aning an" her eyes spar)ling with
youth- health- an" overflowing spirits. ,I really #ust brea) out so#ewhere an" have a goo"ti#e. It's 6uite i#possible to )eep stea"y any longer. Now what will I "o0, Polly sprin)le"
ru#bs to the "oves- who a#e "aily to be fe"- an" while she wathe" the glea#ing ne)s an"
rosy feet- she ra)e" her brain to "evise so#e unusually "elightful way of en4oying herself- for
she really ha" bottle" up her spirits so long- they were in a state of unontrollable effervesene.
,I'll go to the opera-, she su""enly announe" to the "oves. ,It's e&pensive- I )now- but it's
re#ar)ably goo"- an" #usi is suh a treat to #e. es- I'll get two ti)ets as heap as I an- sen"
a note to +ill- poor la"- he nee"s fun as #uh as I "o- an" we'll go an" have a nie ti#e in so#e
orner- as Charles La#b an" his sister use" to.,
+ith that Polly sla##e" "own the win"ow- to the "is#ay of her gentle little pensioners- an"
began to fly about with great energy- singing an" tal)ing to herself as if it was i#possible to)eep 6uiet. She starte" early to her first lesson that she #ight have ti#e to buy the ti)ets-
hoping- as she put a five$"ollar bill into her purse- that they woul" n't be very high- for she felt
that she was not in a #oo" to resist te#ptation. %ut she was spare" any struggle- for when she
reahe" the plae- the ti)et offie was blo)e" up by eager purhasers an" the "isappointe"
faes that turne" away tol" Polly there was no hope for her.
,+ell- I "on't are- I'll go so#ewhere- for I will have #y fun-, she sai" with great
"eter#ination- for "isappoint#ent only see#e" to whet her appetite. %ut the playbills showe"
her nothing inviting an" she was fore" to go away to her wor) with the #oney burning her
po)et an" all #anner of wil" she#es floating in her hea". At noon- instea" of going ho#e to"inner- she went an" too) an ie- trying to feet very gay an" festive all by herself. It was rather a
failure- however- an" after a tour of the piture shops she went to give 2au" a lesson- feeling
that it was very har" to 6uenh her longings- an" subsi"e into a pri# little #usi teaher.
Fortunately she "i" not have to "o violene to her feelings very long- for the first thing
Fanny sai" to her was< ,Can you go0,
,+here0,
,*i" n't you get #y note0,
,I "i" n't go ho#e to "inner.,
,To# wants us to go to the opera to$night an" , Fan got no further- for Polly uttere" a ry of
rapture an" laspe" her han"s.,!o0 f ourse I will. I've been "ying to go all "ay- trie" to get ti)ets this #orning an"
oul" n't- been fu#ing about it ever sine- an" now oh- how splen"i"1, An" Polly oul" not
restrain an estati s)ip- for this burst of 4oy rather upset her.
,+ell- you o#e to tea- an" we'll "ress together- an" go all o#fortable with To#- who is in
a heavenly fra#e of #in" to$"ay.,
,I #ust run ho#e an" get #y things-, sai" Polly- resolving on the spot to buy the niest pair
of gloves the ity affor"e".
,ou shall have #y white loa) an" any other little rigging you want. To##y li)es to have
his la"ies a re"it to hi#- you )now-, sai" Fanny- "eparting to ta)e a beauty sleep.
Polly instantly "ei"e" that she woul" n't borrow %e)y's best bonnet- as she at first
inten"e"- but get a new one- for in her present e&ite" state- no e&travagane see#e" too
pro"igal in honor of this gran" oasion. I a# afrai" that 2au"'s lesson was not as thorough as
it shoul" have been- for Polly's hea" was suh a haos of bonnets- gloves- opera$loa)s an"
fans- that 2au" blun"ere" through- #ur"ering ti#e an" tune at her own sweet will. The instant
it was over Polly rushe" away an" bought not only the )i"s but a bonnet fra#e- a bit of illusion-
an" a pin) rape rose- whih ha" te#pte" her for wee)s in a ertain shop win"ow- then ho#e
an" to wor) with all the s)ill an" spee" of a "istrate" #illiner.,I'# rushing #a"ly into e&pense- I'# afrai"- but the fit is on #e an" I'll eat brea" an" water
for a wee) to #a)e up for it. I #ust loo) nie- for To# sel"o# ta)es #e an" ought to be
gratifie" when he "oes. I want to "o li)e other girls- 4ust for one- an" en4oy #yself without
thin)ing about right an" wrong. Now a bit of pin) ribbon to tie it with- an" I shall be "one in
ti#e to "o up #y best ollar-, she sai"- turning her bo&es topsy$turvy for the neessary ribbon in
that "elightful flurry whih young la"ies feel on suh oasions.
It is #y private opinion that the little shifts an" struggles we poor girls have to un"ergo
beforehan" give a peuliar relish to our fun when we get it. This fat will aount for the
rapturous #oo" in whih Polly foun" herself when- after #a)ing her bonnet- washing an"
ironing her best set- bla)ing her boots an" #en"ing her fan- she at last- li)e Consuelo- ,put ona little "ress of bla) sil), an"- with the s#aller a"orn#ents pinne" up in a paper- starte" for the
Shaws'- fin"ing it "iffiult to wal) "eorously when her heart was "aning in her boso#.
2au" happene" to be playing a re"owa up in the parlor- an" Polly a#e praning into the
roo# so evi"ently spoiling for a "ane that To#- who was there- foun" it i#possible to resist
athing her about the waist- an" putting her through the #ost intriate evolutions till 2au"'s
fingers gave out.
,That was splen"i"1 h- To#- than) you so #uh for as)ing #e to$night. I feel 4ust li)e
having a regular goo" ti#e-, rie" Polly- when she stoppe"- with her hat hanging roun" her
ne) an" her hair loo)ing as if she ha" been out in a high win".,!la" of it. I felt so #yself an" thought we'" have a 4olly little party all in the fa#ily-, sai"
To#- loo)ing #uh gratifie" at her "elight.
,Is Tri& si)0, as)e" Polly.
,!one to New or) for a wee).,
,Ah- when the at's away the #ie will play.,
,8&atly. Co#e an" have another turn.,
%efore they oul" start- however- the awful spetale of a little "og trotting out of the roo#
with a paper parel in his #outh- #a"e Polly lasp her han"s with the "espairing ry< ,2y
bonnet1 h- #y bonnet1,
,+here0 what0 whih0, An" To# loo)e" about hi#- bewil"ere".,Snip's got it. Save it1 save it1,
,I will1, An" To# gave hase with #ore vigor than "isretion.
Snip- evi"ently regar"ing it as a ga#e got up for his speial benefit- en4oye" the rae
i##ensely an" sa#pere" all over the house- sha)ing the preious parel li)e a rat while his
#aster ran an" whistle"- o##an"e" an" oa&e"- in vain. Polly followe"- onsu#e" with
an&iety- an" 2au" laughe" till 2rs. Shaw sent "own to )now who was in hysteris. A piteous
yelp fro# the lower regions at last announe" that the thief was apture"- an" To# appeare"
bearing Snip by the nape of the ne) in one han" an" Polly's herishe" bonnet in the other.
,The little sa#p was 4ust going to worry it when I grabbe" hi#. I '# afrai" he has eaten one
of your gloves. I an't fin" it- an" this one is pretty well hewe" up-, sai" To#- bereaving Snip
of the torn )i"- to whih he still pertinaiously lung.
,Serves #e right-, sai" Polly with a groan. ,I'" no business to get a new pair- but I wante" to
be e&tra gorgeous to$night- an" this is #y punish#ent for suh #a" e&travagane.,
,+as there anything else0, as)e" To#.
,nly #y best uffs an" ollar. ou'll probably fin" the# in the oal$bin-, sai" Polly- with
the al#ness of "espair.,I saw so#e little white things on the "ining$roo# floor as I rae" through. !o get the#-
2au"- an" we'll repair "a#ages-, sai" To#- shutting the ulprit into the boot loset- where he
plai"ly rolle" hi#self up an" went to sleep.
,They ain't hurt a bit-, prolai#e" 2au"- restoring the lost treasures.
,Neither is #y bonnet- for whih I'# "eeply grateful-, sai" Polly- who ha" been e&a#ining it
with a soliitu"e whih #a"e To#'s eyes twin)le.
,So a# I- for it stri)es #e that is an uno##only'nobby' little affair-, he sai" approvingly
To# ha" a wea)ness for pale pin) roses- an" perhaps Polly )new it.
,I'# afrai" it's too gay-, sai" Polly- with a "ubious loo).
,Not a bit. Sort of bri"al- you )now. 2ust be beo#ing. Put it on an" let's see.,,I woul" n't for the worl"- with #y hair all tu#bling "own. *on't loo) at #e till I'#
respetable- an" "on't tell any one how I've been ating. I thin) I #ust be a little ra5y to$night-,
sai" Polly- gathering up her resue" finery an" preparing to go an" fin" Fan.
,Lunay is #ighty beo#ing- Polly. Try it again-, answere" To#- wathing her as she went
laughing away- loo)ing all the prettier for her "ishevel#ent. ,*ress that girl up- an" she'" be a
raving- tearing beauty-, a""e" To# to 2au" in a lower tone as he loo) her into the parlor un"er
his ar#.
Polly hear" it an" instantly resolve" to be as ,raving an" as tearing, as her #eans woul"
allow- ,4ust for one night-, she sai" as she peepe" over the banisters- gla" to see that the "anean" the rae ha" ta)en the ,ban"$bo&y, air out of To#'s elegant array.
I "eeply regret being oblige" to sho) the eyes an" ears of suh of #y rea"ers as have a
pre4u"ie in favor of pure 8nglish by e&pressions li)e the above- but- having rashly un"erta)en
to write a little story about oung A#eria- for oung A#eria- I feel boun" to "epit #y
honore" patrons as faithfully as #y li#ite" powers per#it. therwise- I #ust e&pet the
rushing ritiis#- ,+ell- I "are say it's all very pri# an" proper- but it is n't a bit li)e us-, an"
never hope to arrive at the "istintion of fin"ing the overs of ,An l"$Fashione" !irl, the
"irtiest in the library.
The frien"s ha" a soial ,up o' tea, upstairs- whih Polly onsi"ere" the height of lu&ury
an" then eah too) a #irror an" proee"e" to prin) to her heart's ontent. The earnestness withwhih Polly #a"e her toilet that night was "elightful to behol". Feeling in a "aring #oo"- she
release" her pretty hair fro# the brai"s in whih she usually wore it an" per#itte" the urls to
"isplay the#selves in all their brown abun"ane- espeially several "angerous little ones about
the te#ples an" forehea". The putting on of the resue" ollar an" uffs was a tas) whih
absorbe" her whole #in". So was the settling of a #inute bit of ourt$plaster 4ust to the left of
the "i#ple in her hin- an unusual piee of o6uetry in whih Polly woul" not have in"ulge"- if
an al#ost invisible srath ha" not given her an e&use for "oing it. The white- "own$tri##e"
loa)- with ertain i#posing orna#ents on the hoo"- was assu#e" with beo#ing gravity an"
"rape" with #uh a"vaning an" retreating before the glass- as its wearer pratise" the true
She ertainly "i"- for she was tal)ing an" laughing in the gayest #anner with Fran) while
Sy"ney was overtly surveying Polly as if he "i" n't 6uite un"erstan" how the gray grub got so
su""enly transfor#e" into a white butterfly. It is a well$)nown fat that "ress plays a very
i#portant part in the lives of #ost wo#en an" even the #ost sensible annot help owning
so#eti#es how #uh happiness they owe to a beo#ing gown- graefully arrange" hair- or a
bonnet whih brings out the best points in their faes an" puts the# in a goo" hu#or. A great
#an was one hear" to say that what first attrate" hi# to his well$belove" wife was seeing her
in a white #uslin "ress with a blue shawl on the hair behin" her. The "ress aught his eye- an"-stopping to a"#ire that- the wearer's intelligent onversation intereste" his #in"- an" in ti#e-
the wo#an's sweetness won his heart. It is not the finest "ress whih "oes the #ost e&eution- I
fany- but that whih best interprets in"ivi"ual taste an" harater. +ise people un"erstan" this
an" everybo"y is #ore influene" by it than they )now- perhaps. Polly was not very wise- but
she felt that every one about her foun" so#ething #ore attrative than usual in her an"
the new bonnet or- #ore li)ely- to that "elightful o#bination of ash#ere- sil)- an" swan's$
"own- whih- li)e Charity's #antle- see#e" to over a #ultitu"e of sins in other people's eyes
an" e&alt the little #usi teaher to the ran) of a young la"y.
Polly soffe" at this sort of thing so#eti#es- but to$night she aepte" it without a #ur#urrather en4oye" it in fat- let her braelets shine before the eyes of all #en- an" felt that it was
goo" to see# o#ely in their sight. She forgot one thing- however< that her own happy spirits
gave the rowning har# to a piture whih every one li)e" to see a blithe young girl en4oying
herself with all her heart. The #usi an" the light- ostu#e an" o#pany- e&ite" Polly an"
#a"e #any things possible whih at #ost ti#es she woul" never have thought of saying or
"oing. She "i" not #ean to flirt- but so#ehow ,it flirte" itself, an" she oul" n't help it- for-
one starte"- it was har" to stop- with To# goa"ing her on- an" Sy"ney loo)ing at her with that
new interest in his eyes. Polly's flirting was suh a very #il" i#itation of the fashionable thing
that Tri& G Co. woul" not have reogni5e" it- but it "i" very well for a beginner- an" Pollyun"erstoo" that night wherein the fasination of it lay- for she felt as if she ha" foun" a new gift
all of a su""en- an" was learning how to use it- )nowing that it was "angerous- yet fin"ing its
hief har# in that very fat.
To# "i" n't )now what to #a)e of her at first- though he thought the hange uno##only
beo#ing an" finally "ei"e" that Polly ha" ta)en his a"vie an" was ,setting her ap for Sy"-,
as he graefully e&presse" it. Sy"ney- being a #o"est #an- thought nothing of the )in"- but
si#ply fanie" that little Polly was growing up to be a very har#ing wo#an. 3e ha" )nown
her sine her first visit an" ha" always li)e" the hil"/ this winter he ha" been intereste" in the
suess of her plans an" ha" "one what he oul" to help the#- but he never thought of failing in
love with Polly till that night. Then he began to feel that he ha" not fully appreiate" his youngfrien"/ that she was suh a bright an" lovable girl- it was a pity she shoul" not always be gay
an" pretty- an" en4oy herself/ that she woul" #a)e a apital wife for so#ebo"y- an" perhaps it
was about ti#e to thin) of ,settling-, as his sister often sai". These thoughts a#e an" went as
he wathe" the white figure in front- felt the enhant#ent of the #usi- an" foun" everybo"y
unusually blithe an" beautiful. 3e ha" hear" the opera #any ti#es- but it ha" never see#e" so
fine before- perhaps beause he ha" never happene" to have ha" an ingenuous young fae so
near hi# in whih the varying e#otions born of the #usi- an" the ro#ane it portraye"- a#e
an" went so elo6uently that it was i#possible to help rea"ing the#. Polly "i" not )now that this
was why he leane" "own so often to spea) to her- with an e&pression whih she "i" not
un"erstan" but li)e" very #uh nevertheless.
,*on't shut your eyes- Polly. They are so full of #ishief to$night- I li)e to see the#-, sai"
To#- after i"ly won"ering for a #inute if she )new how long an" urly her lashes were.
,I "on't wish to loo) affete"- but the #usi tells the story so #uh better than the ating that
I "on't are to loo) on half the ti#e-, answere" Polly- hoping To# woul" n't see the tears she
ha" so leverly suppresse".
,Now I li)e the ating best. The #usi is all very fine- I )now- but it "oes see# so absur" for people to go roun" telling tre#en"ous serets at the top of their voies. I an't get use" to it.,
,That's beause you've #ore o##on$sense than ro#ane. I "on't #in" the absur"ity- an"
6uite long to go an" o#fort that poor girl with the bro)en heart-, sai" Polly with a sigh as the
urtain fell on a #ost affeting tableau.
,+hat's$his$na#e is a great 4a) not to see that she a"ores hi#. In real life we fellows ain't
suh bats as all that-, observe" To#- who ha" "ei"e" opinions on #any sub4ets that he )new
very little about- an" e&presse" the# with great an"or.
A urious s#ile passe" over Polly's fae an" she put up her glass to hi"e her eyes- as she
sai"< ,I thin) you are bats so#eti#es- but wo#en are taught to wear #as)s- an" that aounts
for it- I suppose.,,I "on't agree. There's preious little #as)ing nowa"ays/ wish there was a little #ore
so#eti#es-, a""e" To#- thin)ing of several bloo#ing "a#sels whose beseehing eyes ha"
begge" hi# not to leave the# to wither on the parent ste#.
,I hope not- but I guess there's a goo" "eal #ore than any one woul" suspet.,
,+hat an you )now about bro)en hearts an" blighte" beings0, as)e" Sy"ney- s#iling at the
girl's pensive tone.
Polly glane" up at hi# an" her fae "i#ple" an" shone again- as she answere"- laughing<
,Not #uh/ #y ti#e is to o#e.,
,I an't i#agine you wal)ing about the worl" with your ba) hair "own- bewailing a har"$hearte" lover-, sai" To#.
,Neither an I. That woul" n't be #y way.,
,No/ 2iss Polly woul" let oneal#ent prey on her "a#as) hee)s an" still s#ile on in the
novel fashion- or turn sister of harity an" nurse the heartless lover through s#all$po&- or so#e
other ontagious "isease- an" "ie seraphially- leaving hi# to the agonies of re#orse an" tar"y
love.,
Polly gave Sy"ney an in"ignant loo) as he sai" that in a slow satirial way that nettle" her
very #uh- for she hate" to be thought senti#ental.
,That's not #y way either-, she sai" "ei"e"ly. ,I'" try to outlive it- an" if I oul" n't- I'" try
to be the better for it. *isappoint#ent nee" n't #a)e a wo#an a fool.,,Nor an ol" #ai"- if she's pretty an" goo". ;e#e#ber that- an" "on't visit the sins of one
blo)hea" on all the rest of #an)in"-, sai" To#- laughing at her earnestness.
,I "on't thin) there is the slightest possibility of 2iss Polly's being either-, a""e" Sy"ney
with a loo) whih #a"e it evi"ent that oneal#ent ha" not seriously "a#age" Polly's "a#as)
hee) as yet.
,There's Clara %ir". I have n't seen her but one sine she was #arrie". 3ow pretty she
loo)s1, an" Polly retire" behin" the big glass again- thin)ing the hat was beo#ing rather
,Now- there's a girl who trie" a "ifferent ure for unre6uite" affetion fro# any you #ention
People say she was fon" of %elle's brother. 3e "i" n't reiproate but went off to In"ia to spoil
his onstitution- so Clara #arrie" a #an twenty years ol"er than she is an" onsoles herself by
being the best$"resse" wo#an in the ity.,
,That aounts for it-, sai" Polly- when To#'s long whisper en"e".
,For what0,
,The tire" loo) in her eyes.,
,I "on't see it-, sai" To#- after a survey through the glass.,*i" n't e&pet you woul".,
,I see what you #ean. A goo" #any wo#en have it nowa"ays-, sai" Sy"ney over Polly's
shoul"er.
,+hat's she tire" of0 The ol" gentle#an0, as)e" To#.
,An" herself-, a""e" Polly.
,ou've been rea"ing Frenh novels- I )now you have. That's 4ust the way the heroines go
on-, rie" To#.
,I have n't rea" one- but it's evi"ent you have- young #an- an" you '" better stop.,
,I "on't are for'e#/ only "o it to )eep up #y Frenh. %ut how a#e you to be so wise-
#a'a#0,,bservation- sir. I li)e to wath faes- an" I sel"o# see a grown$up one that loo)s perfetly
happy.,
,True for you- Polly/ no #ore you "o- now I thin) of it. I "on't )now but one that always
loo)s so- an" there it is.,
,+here0, as)e" Polly- with interest.
,Loo) straight before you an" you'll see it.,
Polly "i" loo)- but all she saw was her own fae in the little #irror of the fan whih To#
hel" up an" peepe" over with a laugh in his eyes.
,*o I loo) happy0 I'# gla" of that-, An" Polly surveye" herself with are.%oth young #en thought it was girlish vanity an" s#ile" at its naive "isplay- but Polly was
loo)ing for so#ething "eeper than beauty an" was gla" not to fin" it.
,;ather a pleasant little prospet- hey- Polly0,
,2y bonnet is straight- an" that's all I are about. *i" you ever see a piture of %eau
%ru##el0, as)e" Polly 6ui)ly.
,No.,
,+ell- there he is- #o"erni5e"., An" turning the fan- she showe" hi# hi#self.
,Any #ore portraits in your gallery0, as)e" Sy"ney- as if he li)e" to share all the nonsense
going.
,ne #ore.,,+hat "o you all it0,
,The portrait of a gentle#an., An" the little glass reflete" a gratifie" fae for the spae of
two seon"s.
,Than) you. I'# gla" I "on't "isgrae #y na#e-, sai" Sy"ney- loo)ing "own into the #erry
blue eyes that than)e" hi# silently for #any of the s#all )in"nesses that wo#en never an
forget.
,Very goo"- Polly- you are getting on fast-, whispere" To#- patting his yellow )i"s
approvingly.
,%e 6uiet1 *ear #e- how war# it is1, An" Polly gave hi# a frown that "elighte" his soul.
,Fan is so absorbe"- I oul" n't thin) of "isturbing her-, sai" Polly- fanying that her frien"
was en4oying the evening as #uh as she was a great #ista)e- by the way- for Fan was ating
for effet- an" though she longe" to turn an" 4oin the#- woul" n't "o it- unless a ertain person
showe" signs of #issing her. 3e "i" n't- an" Fanny hatte" on- raging inwar"ly over her
"isappoint#ent- an" won"ering how Polly oul" be so gay an" selfish.
It was "eliious to see the little airs Polly put on- for she felt as if she were so#ebo"y else-
an" ating a part. She leane" ba)- as if 6uite oppresse" by the heat- per#itte" Sy"ney to fanher- an" pai" hi# for the servie by giving hi# a flower fro# her bou6uet- proee"ings whih
a#use" To# i##ensely- even while it pi6ue" hi# a little to be treate" li)e an ol" frien" who
"i" n't ount.
,!o in an" win- Polly/ I'll give you #y blessing-, he whispere"- as the urtain rose again.
,It's only part of the fun- so "on't you laugh- you "isrespetful boy-, she whispere" ba) in a
tone never use" towar" Sy"ney.
To# "i" n't 6uite li)e the "ifferent way in whih she treate" the#- an" the wor" ,boy,
"isturbe" his "ignity- for he was al#ost twenty$one an" Polly ought to treat hi# with #ore
respet. Sy"ney at the sa#e #o#ent was wishing he was in To#'s plae young- o#ely- an"
suh a fa#iliar frien" that Polly woul" sol" an" leture hi# in the "elightful way she "i" To#/while Polly forgot the# both when the #usi began an" left the# a#ple ti#e to loo) at her an"
thin) about the#selves.
+hile they waite" to get out when all was over Polly hear" Fan whisper to To#< ,+hat "o
you thin) Tri& will say to this0,
,+hat "o you #ean0,
,+hy- the way you've been going on to$night.,
,*on't )now- an" "on't are/ it's only Polly.,
,That's the very thing. She an't bear P.,
,+ell- I an/ an" I "on't see why I shoul" n't en4oy #yself as well as Tri&.,,ou'll get to en4oying yourself too #uh if you are n't areful. Polly's wa)e" up.,
,I'# gla" of it- an" so's Sy".,
,I only spo)e for your goo".,
,*on't trouble yourself about #e/ I get leturing enough in another 6uarter an" an't stan"
any #ore. Co#e- Polly.,
She too) the ar# he offere" her- but her heart was sore an" angry- for that phrase- ,It's only
Polly-, hurt her sa"ly. ,As if I was n't anybo"y- ha" n't any feelings- an" was only #a"e to
a#use or wor) for people1 Fan an" To# are both #ista)en an" I'll show the# that Polly is
awa)e-, she thought- in"ignantly. ,+hy shoul" n't I en4oy #yself as well as the rest0 %esi"es-
it's only To#-, she a""e" with a bitter s#ile as she thought of Tri&.,Are you tire"- Polly0, as)e" To#- ben"ing "own to loo) into her fae.
,es- of being nobo"y.,
,Ah- but you ain't nobo"y- you're Polly- an" you oul" n't better that if you trie" ever so
har"., sai" To#- war#ly- for he really was fon" of Polly- an" felt uno##only so 4ust then.
,I'# gla" you thin) so- anyway. It's so pleasant to be li)e"., An" she loo)e" up with her fae
6uite bright again.
,I always "i" li)e you- "on't you )now- ever sine that first visit.,
Polly "i" not answer- an" To# as)e"- with #ore an&iety than the oasion re6uire"< ,*o I-
Polly0,
,Not in the sa#e way- To#-, she answere" in a tone that "i" n't soun" 6uite natural.
,+ell- I never will again.,
,es- you will- you an't help it., An" Polly's eye glane" at Sy"ney- who was in front with
Fan.
To# laughe"- an" "rew Polly loser as the row" presse"- saying- with #o) ten"erness<
,*i" n't she li)e to be haffe" about her sweethearts0 +ell- she shan't be if I an help it. Poor"ear- "i" she get her little bonnet )no)e" into a o)e" hat an" her little te#per rile" at the
sa#e ti#e0,
Polly oul" n't help laughing- an"- in spite of the rush- en4oye" the slow 4ourney fro# seat
to arriage- for To# too) suh e&ellent are of her- she was rather sorry when it was over.
They ha" a #erry little supper after they got ho#e- an" Polly gave the# a burles6ue opera
that onvulse" her hearers- for her spirits rose again an" she was "eter#ine" to get the last "rop
of fun before she went ba) to her hu#"ru# life again.
,I've ha" a regularly splen"i" ti#e- an" than) you ever so #uh-, she sai" when the ,goo"$
nights, were being e&hange".
,So have I. Let's go an" "o it again to$#orrow-, sai" To#- hol"ing the han" fro# whih heha" helpe" to pull a refratory glove.
,Not for a long while- please. Too #uh pleasure woul" soon spoil #e-, answere" Polly-
sha)ing her hea".
,I "on't believe it. !oo"$night-'sweet 2istress 2ilton-' as Sy" alle" you. Sleep li)e an
angel- an" "on't "rea# of I forgot- no teasing allowe"., An" To# too) hi#self off with a
theatrial farewell.
,Now it's all over an" "one with-, thought Polly as she fell asleep after a long vigil. %ut it
was not- an" Polly's fun ost #ore than the prie of gloves an" bonnet- for- having nibble" at
forbi""en fruit- she ha" to pay the penalty. She only #eant to have a goo" ti#e- an" there wasno har# in that- but unfortunately she yiel"e" to the various s#all te#ptations that beset pretty
young girls an" "i" #ore #ishief to others than to herself. Fanny's frien"ship grew ooler after
that night. To# )ept wishing Tri& was half as satisfatory as Polly- an" 2r. Sy"ney began to
buil" astles that ha" no foun"ation.
Chapter (III. The Sunny Si"e
,I've won the wager- To#.,
,*i" n't )now there was one.,
,*on't you re#e#ber you sai" Polly woul" be tire" of her teahing an" give it up in three
#onths- an" I sai" she woul" n't0,,+ell- is n't she0,
,Not a bit of it. I thought she was at one ti#e- an" e&pete" every "ay to have her o#e in
with a long fae- an" say she oul" n't stan" it. %ut so#ehow- lately- she is always bright an"
happy- see#s to li)e her wor)- an" "on't have the tire"- worrie" loo) she use" to at first. The
three #onths are out- so pay up- To##y.,
,All right- what will you have0,
,ou #ay #a)e it gloves. I always nee" the#- an" papa loo)s sober when I want #oney .,
There was a #inute's pause as Fan returne" to her pratising- an" To# relapse" into the
reverie he was en4oying seate" astri"e of a hair- with his hin on his fol"e" ar#s.
,See#s to #e Polly "on't o#e here as often as she use" to-, he sai"- presently.
,No- she see#s to be very busy/ got so#e new frien"s- I believe- ol" la"ies- sewing$girls-
an" things of that sort. I #iss her- but )now she'll get tire" of being goo"y- an" will o#e ba)
to #e before long.,
,*on't be too sure of that- #a'a#., So#ething in To#'s tone #a"e Fan turn roun"- an" as)-
,+hat "o you #ean0,
,+ell- it stri)es #e that Sy"ney is one of Polly's new frien"s. 3ave n't you observe" that she
is uno##only 4olly- an" "on't that sort of thing aount for it0,,Nonsense1, sai" Fanny- sharply.
,3ope it is-, oolly returne" To#.
,+hat put it into your hea"0, "e#an"e" Fanny- twirling roun" again so that her fae was
hi""en.
,h- well- I )eep #eeting Sy" an" Polly irulating in the sa#e "iretions/ she loo)s as if
she ha" foun" so#ething uno##only nie- an" he loo)s as if all reation was getting Pollyfie"
pretty rapi"ly. +on"er you have n't observe" it.,
,I have.,
It was To#'s turn to loo) surprise" now- for Fanny's voie soun"e" strange to hi#. 3e
loo)e" at her stea"ily for a #inute- but saw only a rosy ear an" a bent hea". A lou" passe" overhis fae- an" he leane" his hin on his ar# again with a "espon"ent whistle- as he sai" to
hi#self- ,Poor Fan1 %oth of us in a srape at one.,
,*on't you thin) it woul" be a goo" thing0, as)e" Fanny- after playing a bar or two- very
ba"ly.
,es- for Sy".,
,Not for Polly0 +hy- he's rih- an" lever- an" better than #ost of you goo"$for$nothing
fellows. +hat an the girl e&pet0,
,Can't say- but I "on't fany the #ath #yself.,
,*on't be a "og in the #anger- To#., ,%less your little heart- I only ta)e a brotherly sort ofinterest in Polly. She's a apital girl- an" she ought to #arry a #issionary- or one of your
refor#er fellows- an" be a shining light of so#e sort. I "on't thin) setting up for a fine la"y
woul" suit her.,
,I thin) it woul"- an" I hope she'll have the hane-, sai" Fanny- evi"ently #a)ing an effort
to spea) )in"ly.
,!oo" for you- Fan1, an" To# gave an e#phati no"- as if her wor"s #eant #ore than she
suspete" ,2in" you-, he a""e"- ,I "on't )now anything- an" only fanie" there #ight be so#e
little flirtation going on. %ut I "are say it's nothing.,
,Ti#e will show., Then Fan began to sing- an" To#'s horse a#e- so he "eparte" with the
very unusual "e#onstration of a gentle pat on the hea"- as he sai" )in"ly- ,That's right- #y "ear)eep 4olly., It was n't an elegant way of e&pressing sy#pathy- but it was hearty- an" Fan than)e"
hi# for it- though she only sai"- ,*on't brea) your ne)- To##y.,
+hen he was gone- Fan's song en"e" as su""enly as it began- an" she sat thin)ing- with
varying e&pressions of "oubt an" trouble passing rapi"ly aross her fae.
,+ell- I an't "o anything but wait1, she sai"- at last- sla##ing the #usi$boo) together with
a "esperate loo). ,es- I an-, she a""e"- a #inute after- ,it's Polly's holi"ay. I an go an" see
her- an" if there is anything in it I shall fin" it out.,
Fanny "roppe" her fae into her han"s- with a little shiver- as she sai" that/ then got up-
loo)ing as pale an" resolute as if going to #eet so#e "rea"ful "oo#- an" putting on her things-
went away to Polly's as fast as her "ignity woul" allow.
Satur"ay #orning was Polly's learing$up "ay- an" Fan foun" her with a han")erhief tie"
over her hea"- an" a big apron on- 4ust putting the last touhes to the ti"y little roo#- whih was
as fresh an" bright as water- air- an" a pair of han"s oul" #a)e it.
,All rea"y for o#pany. I'll 4ust whis) off #y regi#entals- an" Polly- the #ai"- beo#es
Polly- the #issis. It was lovely of you to o#e early/ ta)e off your things. Another new bonnet0you e&travagant wreth1 3ow is your #other an" 2au"ie0 It's a nie "ay- an" we'll have a wal)-
won't we0,
%y the ti#e Polly's welo#e was uttere"- she ha" got Fan on the little sofa besi"e her- an"
was s#iling at her in suh an infetious #anner- that Fan oul" n't help s#iling ba).
,I a#e to see what you have been "oing with yourself lately. ou "on't o#e an" report-
an" I got an&ious about you-, sai" Fanny- loo)ing into the lear eyes before her.
,I've been so busy/ an" I )new you woul" n't are to hear about #y "oings- for they are n't
the sort you li)e-, answere" Polly.
,our lessons "i" n't use to ta)e up all your ti#e. It's #y private opinion that you are ta)ing
as well as giving lessons- #iss-, sai" Fan- putting on a playfully stern air- to hi"e her realan&iety.
,es- I a#-, answere" Polly- soberly.
,In what0 Love0,
A 6ui) olor a#e to Polly's hee)s- as she laughe"- an" sai"- loo)ing away- ,No
frien"ship an" goo" wor)s.,
,h- in"ee"1 2ay I as) who is your teaher0,
,I've #ore than one/ but 2iss 2ills is hea" teaher.,
,She instruts in goo" wor)s/ who gives the frien"ship lessons0,
,Suh pleasant girls1 I wish you )new the#- Fan. So lever- an" energeti- an" )in"- an"happy- it always "oes #e goo" to see the#-, rie" Polly- with a fae full of enthusias#.
,Is that all0, An" Fan gave her a urious loo) of #ingle" "isappoint#ent an" relief.
,There- I tol" you #y "oings woul" not interest you- an" they "on't/ they soun" flat an"
prosy after your brilliant a"ventures. Let 's hange the sub4et-, sai" Polly- loo)ing relieve"
herself.
,*ear #e- whih of our sweethearts sen"s us "ainty bou6uets of violets so early in the
#orning0, as)e" Fanny- su""enly spying the purple luster in a graeful little vase on the piano.
,3e sen"s #e one every wee)/ he )nows I love the# so-, an" Polly's eyes turne" that way
full of pri"e an" pleasure.
,I'" no i"ea he was so "evote"-, sai" Fanny- stooping to s#ell the flowers- an" at the sa#eti#e rea" a ar" that lay near the#.
,ou nee" n't plague #e about it- now you )now it. I never spea) of our fon"ness for one
another- beause suh things see# silly to other people. +ill is n't all that :i##y was to #e/ but
he tries to be- an" I love hi# "early for it.,
,+ill0, Fanny's voie 6uite startle" Polly- it was so sharp an" su""en- an" her fae grew re"
an" pale all in a #inute- as she upset the little vase with the start she gave.
,es- of ourse/ who "i" you thin) I #eant0, as)e" Polly- sopping up the water before it
,Never #in"/ I thought you #ight be having a 6uiet little flirtation with so#ebo"y. I feel
responsible- you )now- beause I tol" your #other I'" loo) after you. The flowers are all right.
2y hea" ahes so- I har"ly )now what I'# "oing this #orning.,
Fanny spo)e fast- an" laughe" uno#fortably- as she went ba) to the sofa- won"ering if
Polly ha" tol" her a lie. Polly see#e" to guess at her thoughts as she saw the ar"- an" turning
towar" her- she hel" it up- saying- with a onsious loo) in her eyes- ,ou thought 2r. Sy"ney
sent the#0 +ell- you are #ista)en- an" the ne&t ti#e you want to )now anything- please as)
straight out. I li)e it better than tal)ing at ross purposes.,,Now- #y "ear- "on't be angry/ I was only teasing you in fun. To# too) it into his foolish
hea" that so#ething was going on- an" I felt a natural interest- you )now.,
,To#1 +hat "oes he )now or are about #y affairs0, "e#an"e" Polly.
,3e #et you two in the street pretty often- an" being in a senti#ental #oo" hi#self- got up a
ro#ane for you an" Sy"ney.,
,I'# #uh oblige" to hi# for his interest- but it's 6uite waste"- than) you.,
Fan's ne&t proee"ing gave her frien" another surprise- for- being rather asha#e" of herself-
very #uh relieve"- an" 6uite at a loss what to say- she too) refuge in an hysterial fit of tears-
whih hange" Polly's anger into ten"erness at one.
,Is that the trouble she has been hi"ing all winter0 Poor "ear- I wish I'" )nown it sooner-,thought Polly- as she trie" to soothe her with o#fortable pats- sniffs of ologne an"
sy#pathi5ing re#ar)s upon the sub4et of hea"ahe- arefully ignoring that other fe#inine
afflition- the heartahe.
,There- I feel better. I've been nee"ing a goo" ry for so#e ti#e- an" now I shall be all right.
Never #in" it- Polly- I'# nervous an" tire"/ I've "ane" too #uh lately- an" "yspepsia #a)es
#e blue/, an" Fanny wipe" her eyes an" laughe".
,f ourse it "oes/ you nee" rest an" petting- an" here I've been sol"ing you- when I ought
to have been e&tra )in". Now tell #e what I an "o for you-, sai" Polly- with a re#orseful fae.
,Tal) to #e- an" tell #e all about yourself. ou "on't see# to have as #any worries as other people. +hat's the seret- Polly0, An" Fan loo)e" up with wet eyes- an" a wistful fae at Polly
who was putting little "abs of ologne all over her hea".
,+ell-, sai" Polly- slowly- ,I 4ust try to loo) on the bright si"e of things/ that helps one
a#a5ingly. +hy- you've no i"ea how #uh goo"ness an" sunshine you an get out of the #ost
unpro#ising things- if you #a)e the best of the#.,
,I "on't )now how-, sai" Fan- "espon"ently.
,ou an learn/ I "i". I use" to roa) an" fret "rea"fully- an" get so unhappy- I was n't fit for
anything. I "o it still #ore than I ought- but I try not to- an" it gets easier- I fin". !et a$top of
your troubles- an" then they are half ure"- 2iss 2ills says.,
,8verything is so ontrary an" provo)ing-, sai" Fanny- petulantly.,Now what in the worl" have you to fret about0, as)e" Polly- rather an&iously.
,?uantities of things-, began Fan- an" then stoppe"- for so#ehow she felt asha#e" to own
that she was afflite" beause she oul" n't have a new set of furs- go to Paris in the spring- an"
#a)e 2r. Sy"ney love her. She hunte" up so#ething #ore presentable- an" sai" in a "espairing
tone- ,+ell- #other is very poorly- To# an" Tri& 6uarrel all the ti#e- 2au" gets #ore an" #ore
wilful every "ay- an" papa is worrie" about his affairs.,
,A sa" state of things- but nothing very "esperate. Can't you len" a han" anywhere0 That
#ight "o goo" all roun".,
,No/ I have n't the talent for #anaging people- but I see what ought to be "one.,
,+ell- "on't wail about it/ )eep yourself happy- if you an/ it will help other people to see
you heerful.,
,:ust what To# sai"-'9eep 4olly'/ but- "ear #e- how an one- when everything is so stupi"
an" tireso#e0,
,If ever a girl nee"e" wor)- it's you1, rie" Polly. ,ou began to be a young la"y so early
that you are tire" of everything at twenty$two. I wish you'" go at so#ething- then you'" fin"
how #uh talent an" energy you really ha".,
,I )now ever so #any girls who are 4ust li)e #e- si) to "eath of fashionable life but "on't)now what to ta)e in its plae. I'" li)e to travel/ but papa says he an't affor" it- so I an only
"rag about an" get on as I #ay.,
,I pity you rih girls so #uh- you have so #any opportunities- an" "on't see# to )now how
to use the#1 I suppose I shoul" "o 4ust the sa#e in your plae- but it see#s now as if I oul" be
very happy an" useful with plenty of #oney.,
,ou are that without it. There- I won't roa) any #ore. Let us go an" ta)e a goo" wal)- an"
"on't you tell any one how I a#e an" rie" li)e a baby.,
,Never1, sai" Polly- putting on her bonnet.
,I ought to go an" #a)e alls-, sai" Fanny- ,but I "on't feel now as if I ever wante" to see
any of the girls again. *rea"ful state of #in"- is n't it0,,Suppose you o#e an" see so#e of #y frien"s instea"1 They are not fine or ere#onious-
but lively- o""- an" pleasant. Co#e- it will a#use you.,
,I will-, rie" Fanny- whose spirits see#e" i#prove" by the shower. ,Nie little ol" la"y- is
n't she0, a""e" Fan- as she aught sight of 2iss 2ills- on their way out- sitting at a table pile"
with wor)- an" sewing away with an energy that #a"e the gray urls vibrate.
,Saint 2ehitable- I all her. Now- there is a rih wo#an who )new how to get happiness out
of her #oney-, sai" Polly- as they wal)e" away. ,She was poor till she was nearly fifty/ then a
o#fortable fortune was left her- an" she )new 4ust how to use it. That house was given her- but
instea" of living in it all alone- she fille" it with poor gentlefol)s who nee"e" neat- respetableho#es- but oul" n't get anything o#fortable for their little #oney. I'# one of the#- an" I
)now the worth of what she "oes for #e. Two ol" wi"ow la"ies live below #e- several stu"ents
overhea"- poor 2rs. 9ean an" her la#e boy have the ba) parlor- an" :enny the little be"roo#
ne&t 2iss 2ills. 8ah pays what they an/ that's in"epen"ent- an" #a)es us feel better but that
"ear wo#an "oes a thousan" things that #oney an't pay for- an" we feel her influene all
through the house. I'" rather be #arrie"- an" have a ho#e of #y own/ but ne&t to that- I shoul"
li)e to be an ol" #ai" li)e 2iss 2ills.,
Polly's sober fae an" e#phati tone #a"e Fanny laugh- an" at the heery soun" a young girl
pushing a baby$arriage loo)e" roun" an" s#ile".
+hat lovely eyes1, whispere" Fanny.es- that's little :ane-, returne" Polly- a""ing- when she ha" passe"- with a no" an" a frien"ly
,*on't get tire"- :enny-, ,we help one another at our house- an" every fine #orning :enny ta)es
:ohnny 9ean out when she goes for her own wal). That gives his #other ti#e to rest- "oes both
the hil"ren goo"- an" )eeps things neighborly. 2iss 2ills suggeste" it- an" :enny is so gla" to
"o anything for anybo"y- it's a pleasure to let her.,
,I've hear" of 2iss 2ills before. %ut I shoul" thin) she woul" get tire" to "eath- sitting there
#a)ing hoo"s an" pettioats "ay after "ay-, sai" Fanny- after thin)ing over :enny's story for a
few #inutes- for seeing the girl see#e" to bring it nearer- an" #a)e it #ore real to her.
,%ut she "on't sit there all the ti#e. People o#e to her with their troubles- an" she goes to
the# with all sorts of help- fro# soap an" soup- to shrou"s for the "ea" an" o#fort for the
living. I go with her so#eti#es- an" it is #ore e&iting than any play- to see an" hear the lives
an" stories of the poor.,
,3ow an you bear the "rea"ful sights an" soun"s- the ba" air- an" the poverty that an't be
ure"0,
,%ut it is n't all "rea"ful. There are goo" an" lovely things a#ong the#- if one only has eyes
to see the#. It #a)es #e grateful an" ontente"- shows #e how rih I a#- an" )eeps #e rea"yto "o all I an for these poor souls.,
,2y goo" Polly1, an" Fanny gave her frien"s ar# an affetionate s6uee5e- won"ering if it
was this alone that ha" wor)e" the hange in Polly.
,ou have seen two of #y new frien"s- 2iss 2ills an" :enny- now I'll show you two #ore-,
sai" Polly- presently- as they reahe" a "oor- an" she le" the way up several flights of publi
stairs. ,;ebea :effrey is a regularly splen"i" girl- full of talent/ she won't let us all it genius/
she will be fa#ous so#e "ay- I )now- she is so #o"est- an" yet so intent on her wor). Li55ie
S#all is an engraver- an" "esigns the #ost "elightful little pitures. %e)y an" she live together-
an" ta)e are of one another in true *a#on an" Pythias style. This stu"io is their ho#e- they
wor)- eat- sleep- an" live here- going halves in everything. They are all alone in the worl"- butas happy an" in"epen"ent as bir"s/ real frien"s- who# nothing will part.,
,Let a lover o#e between the#- an" their frien"ship won't last long-, sai" Fanny.
,I thin) it will. Ta)e a loo) at the#- an" you'll hange your #in"-, answere" Polly- tapping
at a "oor- on whih two #o"est ar"s were ta)e".
,Co#e in1, sai" a voie- an" obeying- Fanny foun" herself in a large- 6ueerly furnishe"
roo#- lighte" fro# above- an" oupie" by two girls. ne stoo" before a great lay figure- in a
orner. This one was tall- with a strong fae- )een eyes- short- urly hair- an" a fine hea". Fanny
was stru) at one by this fae an" figure- though the one was not han"so#e- an" the other half
hi""en by a great pinafore overe" with lay. At a table where the light was learest- sat a frail$loo)ing girl- with a thin fae- big eyes- an" pale hair- a "rea#y- absorbe" little person- who bent
over a blo)- s)illfully wiel"ing her tools.
,%e)y an" %ess- how "o you "o0 This is #y frien"- Fanny Shaw. +e are out on a ra#page/
so go on with your wor)- an" let us la5y ones loo) on an" a"#ire.,
As Polly spo)e- both girls loo)e" up an" no""e"- s#ilingly/ %ess gave Fan the one easy$
hair/ %e)y too) an artisti survey of the new$o#er- with eyes that see#e" to see everything/
then eah went on with her wor)- an" all began to tal).
,ou are 4ust what I want- Polly. Pull up your sleeve- an" give #e an ar# while you sit/ the
#usles here are n't right- an" you've got 4ust what I want-, sai" %e)y- slapping the roun" ar#
of the statue- at whih Fan was ga5ing with awe.,3ow "o you get on0, as)e" Polly- throwing off her loa)- an" rolling up her sleeves- as if
going to washing.
,Slowly. The i"ea is wor)ing itself lear- an" I follow as fast as #y han"s an. Is the fae
better- "o you thin)0, sai" %e)y- ta)ing off a wet loth- an" showing the hea" of the statue.
,3ow beautiful it is1, rie" Fanny- staring at it with inrease" respet.
,+hat "oes it #ean to you0, as)e" ;ebea- turning to her with a su""en shine in her )een
,I "on't )now whether it is #eant for a saint or a #use- a go""ess or a fate/ but to #e it is
only a beautiful wo#an- bigger- lovelier- an" #ore i#posing than any wo#an I ever saw-,
answere" Fanny- slowly- trying to e&press the i#pression the statue #a"e upon her.
;ebea s#ile" brightly- an" %ess loo)e" roun" to no" approvingly- but Polly lappe" her
han"s- an" sai"- ,+ell "one- Fan1 I "i" n't thin) you'" get the i"ea so well- but you have- an" I
'# prou" of your insight. Now I'll tell you- for %e)y will let #e- sine you have pai" her the
o#pli#ent of un"erstan"ing her wor). So#e ti#e ago we got into a fa#ous tal) about what
wo#en shoul" be- an" %e)y sai" she'" show us her i"ea of the o#ing wo#an. There she is- asyou say- bigger- lovelier- an" #ore i#posing than any we see nowa"ays/ an" at the sa#e ti#e-
she is a true wo#an. See what a fine forehea"- yet the #outh is both fir# an" ten"er- as if it
oul" say strong- wise things- as well as teah hil"ren an" )iss babies. +e oul" n't "ei"e
what to put in the han"s as the #ost appropriate sy#bol. +hat "o you say0,
,!ive her a septre< she woul" #a)e a fine 6ueen-, answere" Fanny.
,No- we have ha" enough of that/ wo#en have been alle" 6ueens a long ti#e- but the
)ing"o# given the# is n't worth ruling-, answere" ;ebea.
,I "on't thin) it is nowa"ays-, sai" Fanny- with a tire" sort of sigh.
,Put a #an's han" in hers to help her along- then-, sai" Polly- whose happy fortune it ha"
been to fin" frien"s an" helpers in father an" brothers.,No/ #y wo#an is to stan" alone- an" help herself-, sai" ;ebea- "ei"e"ly.
,She's to be strong$#in"e"- is she0, an" Fanny's lip urle" a little as she uttere" the #isuse"
wor"s.
,es- strong$#in"e"- strong$hearte"- strong$soule"- an" strong$bo"ie"/ that is why I #a"e
her larger than the #iserable- pinhe"$up wo#an of our "ay. Strength an" beauty #ust go
together. *on't you thin) these broa" shoul"ers an bear bur"ens without brea)ing "own- these
han"s wor) well- these eyes see learly- an" these lips "o so#ething besi"es si#per an"
gossip0,
Fanny was silent/ but a voie fro# %ess's orner sai"- ,Put a hil" in her ar#s- %e)y.,,Not that even- for she is to be so#ething #ore than a nurse.,
,!ive her a ballot$bo&-, rie" a new voie- an" turning roun"- they saw an o""$loo)ing
wo#an perhe" on a sofa behin" the#.
,Than) you for the suggestion- 9ate. I'll put that with the other sy#bols at her feet/ for I'#
going to have nee"le- pen- palette- an" broo# so#ewhere- to suggest the various talents she
owns- an" the ballot$bo& will show that she has earne" the right to use the#. 3ow goes it0, an"
;ebea offere" a lay$"aube" han"- whih the new$o#er or"ially shoo).
,!reat news- girls1 Anna is going to Italy1, rie" 9ate- tossing up her bonnet li)e a shool$
boy.
,h- how splen"i"1 +ho ta)es her0 3as she ha" a fortune left her0 Tell all about it-,e&lai#e" the girls- gathering roun" the spea)er.
,es- it is splen"i"/ 4ust one of the beautiful things that "oes everybo"y heaps of goo"- it is
so generous an" so "eserve". ou )now Anna has been longing to go/ wor)ing an" hoping for a
hane- an" never getting it- till all of a su""en 2iss %urton is inspire" to invite the girl to go
with her for several years to Italy. Thin) of the lu) of that "ear soul- the a"vantages she'll have-
the goo" it will "o her- an"- best of all- the lovely way in whih it o#es to her. 2iss %urton
wants- her as a frien"- as)s nothing of her but her o#pany- an" Anna will go through fire an"
It was goo" to see how heartily these girls sy#pathi5e" in their o#ra"e's goo" fortune.
Polly "ane" all over the roo#- %ess an" %e)y hugge" one another- an" 9ate laughe" with her
eyes full- while even Fanny felt a glow of- pri"e an" pleasure at the )in" at.
,+ho is that0, she whispere" to Polly- who ha" subsi"e" into a orner.
,+hy- it Is 9ate 9ing- the authoress. %less #e- how ru"e not to intro"ue you1 3ere- #y
9ing- is an a"#irer of yours- Fanny Shaw- an" #y well belove" frien"-, rie" Polly- presenting
Fan- who regar"e" the shabby young wo#an with as #uh respet- as if she ha" been arraye" in
velvet an" er#ine/ for 9ate ha" written a suessful boo) by ai"ent- an" happene" to be thefashion- 4ust then.
,It's ti#e for lunh- girls- an" I brought #ine along with #e- it's so #uh 4ollier to eat in
sisterhoo". Let's lub together- an" have a revel-, sai" 9ate- pro"uing a bag of oranges- an"
several big- plu##y buns.
,+e've got sar"ines- ra)ers- an" heese-, sai" %ess- learing off a table with all spee".
,+ait a bit- an" I'll a"" #y share-, rie" Polly- an" athing up her loa)- she ran off to the
groery store near by.
,ou'll be sho)e" at our perfor#anes- 2iss Shaw- but you an all it a pini- an" never
tell what "rea"ful things you saw us "o-, sai" ;ebea- polishing a paint )nife by rubbing it up
an" "own in a pot of ivy- while 9ate sprea" forth the feast in several o"" plates- an" a flat shellor two.
,Let us have offee to finish off with/ put on the pot- %ess- an" s)i# the #il)-, a""e" %e)y
as she pro"ue" ups- #ugs- an" a 6ueer little vase- to supply "rin)ing vessels for the party.
,3ere's nuts- a pot of 4a#- an" so#e a)e. Fan li)es sweet things- an" we want to be elegant
when we have o#pany-, sai" Polly- flying in again- an" "epositing her share on the table.
,Now- then- fall to- la"ies- an" help yourselves. Never #in" if the hina "on't hol" out/ ta)e
the sar"ines by their little tails- an" wipe your fingers on #y brown$paper nap)ins-, sai" 9ate-
setting the e&a#ple with suh a relish- that the others followe" it in a gale of #erri#ent.
Fanny ha" been to #any elegant lunhes- but never en4oye" one #ore than that "roll piniin the stu"io/ for there was a free"o# about it that was har#ing- an artisti flavor to
everything- an" suh a spirit of goo"$will an" gayety- that she felt at ho#e at one. As they ate-
the others tal)e" an" she listene"- fin"ing it as interesting as any ro#ane to hear these young
wo#en "isuss their plans- a#bitions- suesses- an" "efeats. It was a new worl" to her- an"
they see#e" a "ifferent rae of reatures fro# the girls whose lives were spent in "ress- gossip-
pleasure- or ennui. They were girls still- full of spirits fun- an" youth/ but below the light$
hearte"ness eah herishe" a purpose- whih see#e" to ennoble her wo#anhoo"- to give her a
ertain power- a sustaining satisfation- a "aily sti#ulus- that le" her on to "aily effort- an" in
ti#e to so#e suess in iru#stane or harater- whih was worth all the patiene- hope- an"
labor of her life.Fanny was 4ust then in the #oo" to feel the beauty of this- for the sinerest e#otion she ha"
ever )nown was beginning to #a)e her "issatisfie" with herself- an" the ai#less life she le".
,2en #ust respet suh girls as these-, she thought/ ,yes- an" love the# too- for in spite of their
in"epen"ene- they are wo#anly. I wish I ha" a talent to live for- if it woul" "o as #uh for #e
as it "oes for the#. It is this sort of thing that is i#proving Polly- that #a)es her soiety
interesting to Sy"ney- an" herself so "ear to every one. 2oney an't buy these things for #e-
an" I want the# very #uh.,
As these thoughts were passing through her #in"- Fanny was hearing all sorts of topis
religion- house)eeping- "ress- an" eono#y- for the #in"s an" tongues rove" fro# sub4et to
sub4et with youthful rapi"ity- an" see#e" to get so#ething fro# the "ryest an" the "ullest.
,3ow "oes the new boo) o#e on0, as)e" Polly- su)ing her orange in publi with a
o#posure whih woul" have san"ali5e" the goo" la"ies of ,Cranfor".,
,%etter than it "eserves. 2y hil"ren- beware of popularity/ it is a "elusion an" a snare/ it
puffeth up the heart of #an- an" espeially of wo#an/ it blin"eth the eyes to faults/ it e&alteth
un"uly the hu#ble powers of the viti#/ it is apt to be apriious- an" 4ust as one gets to li)ing
the taste of this into&iating "raught- it su""enly faileth- an" one is left gasping- li)e a fish outof water-, an" 9ate e#phasi5e" her speeh by spearing a sar"ine with a pen)nife- an" eating it
with a groan.
,It won't hurt you #uh- I guess/ you have wor)e" an" waite" so long- a large "ose will "o
you goo"-, sai" ;ebea- giving her a generous spoonful of 4a#- as if eager to a"" as #uh
sweetness as possible to a life that ha" not been an easy one.
,+hen are you an" %e)y going to "issolve partnership0, as)e" Polly- eager for news of all.
,Never1 !eorge )nows he an't have one without the other- an" has not suggeste" suh a
thing as parting us. There is always roo# in #y house for %e)y- an" she lets #e "o as she
woul" if she was in #y plae-, answere" %ess- with a loo) whih her frien" answere" by a
s#ile.,The lover won't separate this pair of frien"s- you see-, whispere" Polly to Fan. ,%ess is to
be #arrie" in the spring- an" %e)y is to live with her.,
,%y the way- Polly- I've got so#e ti)ets for you. People are always sen"ing #e suh things-
an" as I "on't are for the#- I'# gla" to #a)e the# over to you young an" gi""y infants. There
are passes for the statuary e&hibition- %e)y shall have those- here are the onert ti)ets for
you- #y #usial girl/ an" that is for a ourse of letures on literature- whih I'll )eep for
#yself.,
As 9ate "ealt out the olore" ar"s to the grateful girls- Fanny too) a goo" loo) at her-
won"ering if the ti#e woul" ever o#e when wo#en oul" earn a little #oney an" suesswithout paying suh a heavy prie for the#/ for 9ate loo)e" si)- tire"- an" too early ol". Then
her eye went to the unfinishe" statue- an" she sai"- i#pulsively- ,I hope you'll put that in
#arble- an" show us what we ought to be.,
,I wish I oul"1, An" an intense "esire shone in ;ebea's fae- as she saw her faulty wor)-
an" felt how fair her #o"el was.
For a #inute- the five young wo#en sat silent loo)ing up at the beautiful- strong figure
before the#- eah longing to see it "one- an" eah unonsious that she was helping- by her
in"ivi"ual effort an" e&periene- to bring the "ay when their noblest i"eal of wo#anhoo"
shoul" be e#bo"ie" in flesh an" bloo"- not lay.
The ity bells rung one- an" Polly starte" up.,I #ust go- for I pro#ise" a neighbor of #ine a lesson at two.,
,I thought this was a holi"ay-, sai" Fanny.
,So it is- but this is a little labor of love- an" "oes n't spoil the "ay at all. The hil" has talent-
loves #usi- an" nee"s help. I an't give her #oney - but I an teah her/ so I "o- an" she is the
#ost pro#ising pupil I have. 3elp one another- is part of the religion of our sisterhoo"- Fan.,
,I #ust put you in a story- Polly. I want a heroine- an" you will "o-, sai" 9ate.
,2e1 why- there never was suh a hu#"ru#- unro#anti thing as I a#-, rie" Polly- a#a5e".
,I've boo)e" you- nevertheless- so in you go/ but you #ay a"" as #uh ro#ane as you li)e-
,I'# rea"y for it when it o#es- but it an't be fore"- you )now-, an" Polly blushe" an"
s#ile" as if so#e little spie of that "elightful thing ha" stolen into her life- for all its prosai
see#ing.
Fanny was a#use" to see that the girls "i" not )iss at parting- but shoo) han"s in a 6uiet-
frien"ly fashion- loo)ing at one another with eyes that sai" #ore than the #ost ,gushing,
wor"s.
,I li)e your frien"s very #uh- Polly. I was afrai" I shoul" fin" the# #annish an" rough- or
senti#ental an" oneite". %ut they are si#ple- sensible reatures- full of talent- an" all sorts offine things. I a"#ire an" respet the#- an" want to go again- if I #ay.,
,h- Fan- I a# so gla"1 I hope" you'" li)e the#- I )new they'" "o you goo"- an" I'll ta)e you
any ti#e- for you stoo" the test better than I e&pete". %e)y as)e" #e to bring you again- an"
she sel"o# "oes that for fashionable young la"ies- let #e tell you.,
,I want to be ever so #uh better- an" I thin) you an" they #ight show #e how-, sai" Fanny
with a traitorous tre#ble in her voie.
,+e'll show you the sunny si"e of poverty an" wor)- an" that is a useful lesson for any one-
2iss 2ills says-, answere" Polly- hoping that Fan woul" learn how #uh the poor an teah the
rih- an" what helpful frien"s girls #ay be to one another.
Chapter (IV. Nippe" in the %u"
n the evening of Fan's visit- Polly sat "own before her fire with a resolute an" thoughtful
aspet. She pulle" her hair "own- turne" her s)irt ba)- put her feet on the fen"er- an" too)
Puttel into her lap- all of whih arrange#ents signifie" that so#ething very i#portant ha" got to
be thought over an" settle". Polly "i" not solilo6ui5e alou"- as heroines on the stage an" in
boo)s have a way of "oing- but the onversation she hel" with herself was very #uh li)e this<
,I'# afrai" there is so#ething in it. I've trie" to thin) it's nothing but vanity or i#agination- yet Ian't help seeing a "ifferene- an" feeling as if I ought not to preten" that I "on't. I )now it's
onsi"ere" proper for girls to shut their eyes an" let things o#e to a risis no #atter how #uh
#ishief is "one. %ut I "on't thin) it's "oing as we'" be "one by- an" it see#s a great "eal #ore
honest to show a #an that you "on't love hi# before he has entirely lost his heart. The girls
laughe" at #e when I sai" so- an" they "elare" that it woul" be a very i#proper thing to "o-
but I've observe" that they "on't hesitate to snub'ineligible parties-' as they all poor- very
young- or unpopular #en. It's all right then- but when a nie person o#es it's part of the fun to
let hi# go on to the very en"- whether the girls are for hi# or not. The #ore proposals- the
#ore re"it. Fan says Tri& always as)s when she o#es ho#e after the su##er
e&ursions-'3ow #any bir"s have you bagge"0' as if #en were partri"ges. +hat wi)e"reatures we are1 so#e of us at least. I won"er why suh a love of on6uest was put into us0
2other says a great "eal of it is owing to ba" e"uation nowa"ays- but so#e girls see# born for
the e&press purpose of #a)ing trouble an" woul" #anage to "o it if they live" in a howling
wil"erness. I'# afrai" I've got a spie of it- an" if I ha" the hane- shoul" be as ba" as any of
the#. I've trie" it an" li)e" it- an" #aybe this is the onse6uene of that night's fun.,
3ere Polly leane" ba) an" loo)e" up at the little #irror over the hi#ney$piee- whih was
hung so that it reflete" the faes of those about the fire. In it Polly saw a pair of telltale eyes
loo)ing out fro# a tangle of bright brown hair- hee)s that flushe" an" "i#ple" su""enly as the
fresh #outh s#ile" with an e&pression of onsious power- half prou"- half asha#e"- an" as
pretty to see as the o6uettish gesture with whih she s#oothe" ba) her urls an" flourishe" a
white han". For a #inute she regar"e" the pleasant piture while visions of girlish ro#anes
an" triu#phs "ane" through her hea"- then she shoo) her hair all over her fae an" pushe" her
hair out of range of the #irror- saying- with a "roll #i&ture of self$reproah an" self$approval
in her tone/ ,h- Puttel- Puttel- what a fool I a#1,
Puss appeare" to en"orse the senti#ent by a lou" purr an" a graeful wave of her tail- an"
Polly returne" to the sub4et fro# whih these little vanities ha" beguile" her.
,:ust suppose it is true- that he "oes as) #e- an" I say yes1 +hat a stir it woul" #a)e- an"what fun it woul" be to see the faes of the girls when it a#e out1 They all thin) a great "eal of
hi# beause he is so har" to please- an" al#ost any of the# woul" feel i##ensely flattere" if
he li)e" the#- whether they hose to #arry hi# or not. Tri& has trie" for years to fasinate hi#-
an" he an't bear her- an" I'# so gla"1 +hat a spiteful thing I a#. +ell- I an't help it- she "oes
aggravate #e so1, An" Polly gave the at suh a twea) of the ear that Puttel boune" out of her
lap in high "u"geon.
,It "on't "o to thin) of her- an" I won't1, sai" Polly to herself- setting her lips with a gri#
loo) that was not at all beo#ing. ,+hat an easy life I shoul" have plenty of #oney - 6uantities
of frien"s- all sorts of pleasures- an" no wor)- no poverty- no ol" shoul"ers or pathe" boots. I
oul" "o so #uh for all at ho#e how I shoul" en4oy that1, An" Polly let her thoughts revel inthe lu&urious future her fany painte". It was a very bright piture- but so#ething see#e" a#iss
with it- for presently she sighe" an" shoo) her hea"- thin)ing sorrowfully- ,Ah- but I "on't love
hi#- an" I'# afrai" I never an as I ought1 3e's very goo"- an" generous- an" wise- an" woul"
be )in"- I )now- but so#ehow I an't i#agine spen"ing #y life with hi#/ I'# so afrai" I shoul"
get tire" of hi#- an" then what shoul" I "o0 Polly Sy"ney "on't soun" well- an" 2rs. Arthur
Sy"ney "on't see# to fit #e a bit. +on"er how it woul" see# to all hi#'Arthur'0, An" Polly
sai" it un"er her breath- with a loo) over her shoul"er to be sure no one hear" it. ,It's a pretty
na#e- but rather too fine- an" I shoul" n't "are to say 'Sy"-' as his sister "oes. I li)e short- plain-
ho#e$li)e na#es- suh as +ill- Ne"- or To#. No- no- I an never are for hi#- an" it's no use totry1, The e&la#ation bro)e fro# Polly as if a su""en trouble ha" sei5e" her- an" laying her
hea" "own on her )nees- she sat #otionless for #any #inutes.
+hen she loo)e" up- her fae wore an e&pression whih no one ha" ever seen on it before/ a
loo) of #ingle" pain an" patiene- as if so#e loss ha" o#e to her- an" left the bitterness of
regret behin".
,I won't thin) of #yself- or try to #en" one #ista)e by #a)ing another-, she sai" with a
heavy sigh. ,I'll "o what I an for Fan- an" not stan" between her an" a hane of happiness.
Let #e see- how an I begin0 I won't wal) with hi# any #ore/ I'll "o"ge an" go roun"about
ways- so that we an't #eet. I never ha" #uh faith in the re#ar)able oini"ene of his always
happening ho#e to "inner 4ust as I go to give the ;oths their lesson. The fat is- I li)e to #eethi#- I a# gla" to be seen with hi#- an" put on airs- I "are say- li)e a vain goose as I a#. +ell- I
won't "o it any #ore- an" that will spare Fan one afflition. Poor "ear- how I #ust have worrie"
her all this ti#e- an" never guesse" it. She has n't been 6uite as )in" as ever/ but when she got
sharp- I fanie" it was "yspepsia. h- #e1 I wish the other trouble oul" be ure" as easily as
this.,
3ere puss showe" an a#iable "esire to forgive an" forget- an" Polly too) her up- saying
alou"< ,Puttel- when #issis abuses you- play it's "yspepsia- an" "on't bear #alie- beause it's a
Then- going ba) to her thoughts- she ra#ble" on again/ ,If he "oes n't ta)e that hint- I will
give hi# a stronger one- for I will not have #atters o#e to a risis- though I an't "eny that #y
wi)e" vanity strongly te#pts #e to try an"'bag a bir"' 4ust for the e&ite#ent an" re"it of the
thing. Polly- I'# asha#e" of you1 +hat woul" your blesse" #other say to hear suh e&pressions
fro# you0 I'" write an" tell her all the worry- only it woul" n't "o any goo"- an" woul" only
trouble her. I've no right to tell Fan's serets- an" I'# asha#e" to tell #ine. No- I'll leave #other
in peae- an" fight it out alone. I "o thin) Fan woul" suit hi# e&ellently by an" by. 3e has
)nown her all her life- an" has a goo" influene over her. Love woul" "o so #uh towar"#a)ing her what she #ight be/ it's a sha#e to have the hane lost 4ust beause he happens to
see #e. I shoul" thin) she'" hate #e/ but I 'll show her that she nee" n't- an" "o all I an to help
her/ for she has been so goo" to #e nothing shall ever #a)e #e forget that. It is a "eliate an"
"angerous tas)- but I guess I an #anage it/ at any rate I'll try- an" have nothing to reproah
#yself with if things "o go'ontrary.' ,
+hat Polly thought of- as she lay ba) in her hair- with her eyes shut- an" a hopeless loo)
on her fae- is none of our business- though we #ight feel a wish to )now what ause" a tear to
gather slowly fro# ti#e to ti#e un"er her lashes- an" roll "own on Puttel's ?ua)er$olore" oat
+as it regret for the on6uest she relin6uishe"- was it sy#pathy for her frien"- or was it an
unontrollable overflow of feeling as she rea" so#e sa" or ten"er passage of the little ro#anewhih she )ept hi""en away in her own heart0
n 2on"ay- Polly began the ,"eliate an" "angerous tas)., Instea" of going to her pupils by
way of the par) an" the pleasant streets a"4oining- she too) a roun"about route through ba)
streets- an" thus esape" 2r. Sy"ney- who- as usual- a#e ho#e to "inner very early that "ay
an" loo)e" "isappointe" beause he nowhere saw the bright fae in the #o"est bonnet. Polly
)ept this up for a wee)- an" by arefully avoi"ing the Shaws' house "uring alling hours- she
saw nothing of 2r. Sy"ney- who- of ourse- "i" n't visit her at 2iss 2ills'. 2innie happene" to
be poorly that wee) an" too) no lesson- so 7nle Sy" was "eprive" of his last hope- an" loo)e"
as if his allowane of sunshine ha" been su""enly ut off. Now- as Polly was by no #eans a perfet reature- I a# free to onfess that the ol"
te#ptation assaile" her #ore than one that wee)- for- when the first e&ite#ent of the "o"ging
refor# ha" subsi"e"- she #isse" the pleasant little interviews that use" to put a ertain flavor of
ro#ane into her "ull- har"$wor)ing "ays. She li)e" 2r. Sy"ney very #uh- for he ha" always
been )in" an" frien"ly sine the early ti#es when he ha" treate" the little girl with a ourtesy
whih the young wo#an gratefully re#e#bere". I "on't thin) it was his wealth
ao#plish#ents- or position that #ost attrate" Polly- though these "oubtless possesse" a
greater influene than she suspete". It was that in"esribable so#ething whih wo#en are
6ui) to see an" feel in #en who have been blesse" with wise an" goo" #others. This ha" an
espeial har# to Polly- for she soon foun" that this si"e of his harater was not shown toevery one. +ith #ost girls- he was very li)e the other young #en of his set- e&ept perhaps in a
ertain grae of #anner whih was as natural to hi# as his respet for all wo#an)in". %ut with
Fanny an" Polly he showe" the "o#esti traits an" virtues whih are #ore engaging to
wo#anly wo#en than any a#ount of ool intellet or worl"ly wis"o#.
Polly ha" seen a goo" "eal of hi# "uring her visits at the Shaws'- where he was inti#ate-
owing to the frien"ship between 2a"a# an" his #other/ but she ha" never thought of hi# as a
possible lover for either Fanny or herself beause he was si& or eight years ol"er than they- an"
still so#eti#es assu#e" the part of a venerable #entor- as in the early "ays. Lately this ha"
hange"- espeially towar"s Polly- an" it flattere" her #ore than she woul" onfess even to
herself. She )new he a"#ire" her one talent- respete" her in"epen"ene- an" en4oye" her
soiety/ but when so#ething war#er an" #ore flattering than a"#iration- respet- or pleasure
rept into his #anner- she oul" not help seeing that one of the goo" gifts of this life was "aily
o#ing #ore an" #ore within her reah- an" began to as) herself if she oul" honestly reeive
the gift- an" rewar" the giver.
At first she trie" to thin) she oul"- but unfortunately hearts are so ,ontrary, that they won't
be obe"ient to reason- will- or even gratitu"e. Polly felt a very or"ial frien"ship for 2r
Sy"ney- but not one partile of the love whih is the only oin in whih love an be truly pai".Then she too) a fany into her hea" that she ought to aept this piee of goo" fortune for the
sa)e of the fa#ily- an" forget herself. %ut this false i"ea of self$sarifie "i" not satisfy- for she
was not a fashionable girl traine" to believe that her first "uty was to #a)e ,a goo" #ath, an"
never #in" the onse6uenes- though they ren"ere" her #iserable for life. Polly's ree" was
very si#ple< ,If I "on't love hi#- I ought not to #arry hi#- espeially when I "o love so#ebo"y
else- though everything is against #e., If she ha" rea" as #any Frenh novels as so#e young
la"ies- she #ight have onsi"ere" it interesting to #arry un"er the iru#stanes an" suffer a
seret anguish to #a)e her a ro#anti viti#. %ut Polly's e"uation ha" been neglete"- an"
after a goo" "eal of natural in"eision she "i" what #ost wo#en "o in suh ases- thought she
woul" ,wait an" see.,The "isovery of Fanny's seret see#e" to show her so#ething to "o- for if the ,wait an"
see, "eision was #a)ing her frien" unhappy- it #ust be hange" as soon as possible. This
finishe" Polly's in"eision- an" after that night she never allowe" herself to "well upon the
pleasant te#ptation whih a#e in a guise partiularly attrative to a young girl with a spie of
the ol" 8ve in her o#position. So "ay after "ay she tru"ge" through the "ull ba) streets-
longing for the sunny par)- the fae that always brightene" when it saw her o#ing- an" #ost
of all the hane of #eeting well- it was n't Tri&.
+hen Satur"ay a#e- Polly starte" as usual for a visit to %e)y an" %ess- but oul" n't resist
stopping at the Shaws' to leave a little parel for Fan- though it was alling ti#e. As she steppe"in- #eaning to run up for a wor" if Fanny shoul" hane to be alone- two hats on the hall table
arreste" her.
,+ho is here- 9aty0,
,nly 2r. Sy"ney an" 2aster To#. +on't you stop a bit- 2iss Polly0,
,Not this #orning- I'# rather in a hurry., An" away went Polly as if a "o5en eager pupils
were la#oring for her presene. %ut as the "oor shut behin" her she felt so left out in the ol"-
that her eyes fille"- an" when Nep- To#'s great Newfoun"lan"- a#e blun"ering after her- she
stoppe" an" hugge" his shaggy hea"- saying softly- as she loo)e" into the brown- benevolent
eyes- full of al#ost hu#an sy#pathy< ,Now- go ba)- ol" "ear- you #ust n't follow #e. h-
Nep- it's so har" to put love away when you want it very #uh an" it is n't right to ta)e it., Afoolish little speeh to #a)e to a "og- but you see Polly was only a ten"er$hearte" girl- trying to
"o her "uty.
,Sine he is safe with Fanny- I #ay venture to wal) where I li)e. It 's suh a lovely "ay- all
the babies will be out- an" it always "oes #e goo" to see the#-, thought Polly- turning into the
wi"e- sunny street- where +est 8n"$"o# pro#ena"e" at that hour.
The babies were out in full fore- loo)ing as gay an" "eliate an" sweet as the snow$"rops-
hyainths- an" "affo"ils on the ban)s whene the snow ha" #elte". %ut so#ehow the babies "i"
n't "o Polly the goo" she e&pete"- though they s#ile" at her fro# their arriages- an" )isse"
their hubby han"s as she passe" the#- for Polly ha" the sort of fae that babies love. ne tiny
,No- no- I want to "o wi" +illy- an" he won't let #e. *o'way- Tarley- I "on't lite you-, rie"
little %lue$bonnet- asting "own her er#ine #uff an" sobbing in a #irosopi han")erhief-
the threa"$lae e"ging on whih oul" n't #itigate her woe- as it #ight have "one that of anol"er sufferer.
,+illy li)es Flossy best- so stop rying an" o#e right along- you naughty hil".,
As poor little *i"o was 4er)e" away by the unsy#patheti #ai"- an" Purple$gaiters essaye"
in vain to plea" his ause- Polly sai" to herself- with a s#ile an" a sigh/ ,3ow early the ol"
story begins1,
It see#e" as if the spring weather ha" brought out all #anner of ten"er things besi"e fresh
grass an" the first "an"elions- for as she went "own the street Polly )ept seeing "ifferent phases
of the sweet ol" story whih she was trying to forget.
At a street orner- a bla)$eye" shool$boy was parting fro# a rosy$fae" shool$girl- whose
#usi roll he was relutantly surren"ering.,*on't you forget- now-, sai" the boy- loo)ing bashfully into the bright eyes that "ane" with
pleasure as the girl blushe" an" s#ile"- an" answere" reproahfully/ ,+hy- of ourse I shan't1,
,That little ro#ane runs s#oothly so far/ I hope it #ay to the en"-, sai" Polly heartily as
she wathe" the la" tra#p away- whistling as blithely as if his pleasurable e#otions #ust fin" a
vent- or en"anger the buttons on the roun" 4a)et/ while the girl prane" on her own "oorstep-
as if pratising for the 4oyful "ane whih she ha" pro#ise" not to forget.
A little farther on Polly passe" a newly engage" ouple who# she )new- wal)ing ar# in ar#
for the first ti#e- both wearing that prou" yet onsious loo) whih is so "elightful to behol"
upon the ountenanes of these te#porarily glorifie" beings.,3ow happy they see#/ oh- "ear1, sai" Polly- an" tru"ge" on- won"ering if her turn woul"
ever o#e an" fearing that it was i#possible.
A gli#pse of a #otherly$loo)ing la"y entering a "oor- reeive" by a flo) of pretty hil"ren-
who ast the#selves upon #a##a an" her parels with ries of rapture- "i" Polly goo"/ an"
when- a #inute after she passe" a gray ol" ouple wal)ing plai"ly together in the sunshine- she
felt better still- an" was gla" to see suh a happy en"ing to the ro#ane she ha" rea" all "own
the street.
As if the #ishievous little go" wishe" to ta)e Polly at a "isa"vantage- or perhaps to give her
another hane- 4ust at that instant 2r. Sy"ney appeare" at her si"e. 3ow he got there was never
very lear to Polly- but there he was- flushe"- an" a little out of breath- but loo)ing so gla" tosee her that she ha" n't the heart to be stiff an" ool- as she ha" fully inten"e" to be when they
#et.
,Very war#- is n't it0, he sai" when he ha" sha)en han"s an" fallen into step- 4ust in the ol"
way.
,ou see# to fin" it so., An" Polly laughe"- with a su""en spar)le in her eyes. She really
oul" n't help it- it was so pleasant to see hi# again- 4ust when she was feeling so lonely.
,3ave you given up teahing the ;oths0, as)e" Sy"ney- hanging the sub4et.
,+ell- that's the plain 8nglish of half your fashionable #athes. I '#'o""-' you )now- an"
prefer to be an in"epen"ent spinster an" teah #usi all #y "ays.,
,Ah- but you won't. ou were #a"e for a nie- happy ho#e of your own- an" I hope you'll
get it- Polly- "ear-, sai" Fanny war#ly- feeling so grateful to Polly- that she foun" it har" not to
pour out all her seret at one.
,I hope I #ay/ but I "oubt it-, answere" Polly in a tone that #a"e Fanny won"er if she- too-
)new what heartahe #eant.
,So#ething troubles you- Polly- what is it0 Confi"e in #e- as I "o in you-, sai" Fannyten"erly- for all the ol"ness she ha" trie" to hi"e fro# Polly- ha" #elte" in the su""en sunshine
that ha" o#e to her.
,*o you always0, as)e" her frien"- leaning forwar" with an irresistible "esire to win ba)
the ol"$ti#e love an" onfi"ene- too preious to be e&hange" for a little brief e&ite#ent or
the barren honor of ,bagging a bir"-, to use Tri&'s elegant e&pression. Fanny un"erstoo" it then-
an" threw herself into Polly's ar#s- rying- with a shower of grateful tears/ ,h- #y "ear1 #y
"ear1 "i" you "o it for #y sa)e0,
An" Polly hel" her lose- saying in that ten"er voie of hers- ,I "i" n't #ean to let a lover
part this pair of frien"s if I oul" help it.,
Chapter (V. %rea)ers Ahea"
!oing into the Shaws' one evening- Polly foun" 2au" sitting on the stairs- with a trouble"
fae.
,h- Polly- I'# so gla" you've o#e1, rie" the little girl- running to hug her.
,+hat's the #atter- "eary0,
,I "on't )now/ so#ething "rea"ful #ust have happene"- for #a##a an" Fan are rying
together upstairs- papa is shut up in the library- an" To# is raging roun" li)e a bear- in the
"ining$roo#.,
,I guess it is n't anything very ba". Perhaps #a##a is si)er than usual- or papa worrie"about business- or To# in so#e new srape. *on't loo) so frightene"- 2au"ie- but o#e into
the parlor an" see what I've got for you-, sai" Polly- feeling that there was trouble of so#e sort
in the air- but trying to heer the hil"- for her little fae was full of a sorrowful an&iety- that
went to Polly's heart.
,I "on't thin) I an li)e anything till I )now what the #atter is-, answere" 2au". ,It's
so#ething horri"- I'# sure- for when papa a#e ho#e- he went up to #a##a's roo#- an"
tal)e" ever so long- an" #a##a rie" very lou"- an" when I trie" to go in- Fan woul" n't let #e-
an" she loo)e" sare" an" strange. I wante" to go to papa when he a#e "own- but the "oor
was lo)e"- an" he sai"- 'Not now- #y little girl-' an" then I sat here waiting to see what woul"
happen- an" To# a#e ho#e. %ut when I ran to tell hi#- he sai"-'!o away- an" "on't bother-'an" 4ust too) #e by the shoul"ers an" put #e out. h- "ear1 everything is so 6ueer an" horri"- I
"on't )now what to "o.,
2au" began to ry- an" Polly sat "own on the stairs besi"e her- trying to o#fort her- while
her own thoughts were full of a vague fear. All at one the "ining$roo# "oor opene"- an" To#'s
hea" appeare". A single glane showe" Polly that so#ething was the #atter- for the are an"
elegane whih usually #ar)e" his appearane were entirely wanting. 3is tie was un"er one ear
his hair in a toss- the herishe" #oustahe ha" a neglete" air- an" his fae an e&pression both
e&ite"- asha#e"- an" "istresse"/ even his voie betraye" "isturbane- for instea" of the affable
To# pause" on the rug as he gave the answer- an" loo)e" at Polly to see how she too) it. To
his surprise she see#e" al#ost relieve"- an" after a #inute silene- sai"- soberly- ,That's ba"-
very ba"/ but it #ight have been worse.,
,It is worse/, an" To# wal)e" away again with a "espairing sort of groan.
,*on't )no) the hairs about- but o#e an" sit "own- an" tell #e 6uietly.,
,Can't "o it.,
,+ell- go on- then. Are you truly e&pelle"0 Can't it be #a"e up0 +hat "i" you "o0,
,It's a true bill this ti#e. I 4ust ha" a row with the Chapel wath#an- an" )no)e" hi# "own.
If it was a first offene- I #ight have got off/ but you see I've ha" no en" of narrow esapes- an"this was #y last hane/ I've lost it- an" now there'll be the "i)ens to pay. I )new it was all up
with #e- so I "i" n't wait to be turne" out- but 4ust too) #yself off.,
,+hat will your father say0,
,It will o#e har" on the governor- but the worst of it is , there To# stoppe"- an" stoo" a
#inute in the #i""le of the roo# with his hea" "own- as if he "i" n't fin" it easy to tell even
)in" little Polly. Then out a#e the truth all in a breath- 4ust as he use" to bolt out his boyish
#is"e#eanors- an" then ba) up against the wall rea"y to ta)e the onse6uenes.
,I owe an awful lot of #oney that the governor "on't )now about.,
,I've been an e&travagant rasal- I )now it- an" I'# thun"ering sorry- but that "on't help a
fellow- I've got to tell the "ear ol" buffer- an" there's where it uts.,
At another ti#e Polly woul" have laughe" at the ontrast between To#'s fae an" his
language- but there was a sinere re#orse- whih #a"e even the "rea"ful wor" ,buffer, rather
touhing than otherwise.
,3e will be very angry- I "are say/ but he'll help you- won't he0 3e always "oes- Fan says.,
,That's the worst of it- you see. 3e's pai" up so often- that the last ti#e he sai" his patiene
oul" n't stan" it- nor his po)et either- an" if I got into any #ore srapes of that sort- I #ust getout as I oul". I #eant to be as stea"y as %un)er 3ill 2onu#ent/ but here I a# again- worse
than ever- for last 6uarter I "i" n't say anything to father- he was so bothere" by the loss of those
ships 4ust then- so things have #ounte" up onfoun"e"ly.,
,+hat have you "one with all your #oney0,
,3ange" if I )now.,
,Can't you pay it anyway0,
,*on't see how- as I have n't a ent of #y own- an" no way of getting it- unless I try
ga#bling.,
,h- #ery- no1 Sell your horse-, rie" Polly- after a #inute of "eep #e"itation.
,I have/ but he "i" n't bring half I gave for hi#. I la#e" hi# last winter- an" the beggar won'tget over it.,
,An" that "i" n't pay up the "ebts0,
,nly about a half of'e#.,
,+hy- To#- how #uh "o you owe0,
,I have "o"ge" figuring it up till yester"ay/ then things were so "esperate- I thought I #ight
as well fae the truth- so I overhaule" #y aounts- an" there's the result.,
To# threw a blotte"- ru#ple" paper into Polly's lap- an" tra#pe" up an" "own again- faster
than ever. Polly too) one loo) at the total an" laspe" her han"s- for to her ine&periene" eyes it
loo)e" appalling.,Ti"y little su#- is n't it0, as)e" To#- who oul" n't bear the silene- or the startle"- grieve"
loo) in Polly's eyes.
,It's awful1 I "on't won"er you "rea" telling your father.,
,I'" rather be shot. I say- Polly- suppose we brea) it to hi# easy1, a""e" To#- after another
turn.
,3ow "o you #ean0,
,+hy- suppose Fan- or- better still- you go an" sort of pave the way. I an't bear to o#e
"own on hi# with the whole truth at one.,
,So you'" li)e to have #e go an" tell hi# for you0, Polly's lip urle" a little as she sai" that-
an" she gave To# a loo) that woul" have shown hi# how blue eyes an flash- if he ha" seen it.%ut he was at the win"ow- an" "i" n't turn- as he sai" slowly- ,+ell- you see- he's so fon" of
you/ we all onfi"e in you/ an" you are so li)e one of the fa#ily- that it see#s 6uite natural. :ust
tell hi# I'# e&pelle"- you )now- an" as #uh #ore as you li)e/ then I'll o#e in- an" we'll have
it out.,
Polly rose an" went to the "oor without a wor". In "oing so- To# aught a gli#pse of her
fae- an" sai"- hastily- ,*on't you thin) it woul" be a goo" plan0,
,No- I "on't.,
,+hy not0 *on't you thin) he'" rather have it tol" hi# niely by you- than blurte" out as I
,I )now he'" rather have his son go to hi# an" tell the truth- li)e a #an- instea" of sen"ing a
girl to "o what he is afrai" to "o hi#self.,
If Polly ha" su""enly bo&e" his ears- To# oul" n't have loo)e" #ore ta)en aba) than by
that burst. 3e loo)e" at her e&ite" fae- see#e" to un"erstan" the #eaning of it- an"
re#e#bere" all at one that he was trying to hi"e behin" a girl. 3e turne" sarlet- sai" shortly-
,Co#e ba)- Polly-, an" wal)e" straight out of the roo#- loo)ing as if going to instant
e&eution- for poor To# ha" been taught to fear his father- an" ha" not entirely outgrown the
"rea".Polly sat "own- loo)ing both satisfie" an" trouble". ,I hope I "i" right-, she sai" to herself-
,I oul" n't bear to have hi# shir) an" see# owar"ly. 3e is n't- only he "i" n't thin) how it
see#e" to #e- an" I "on't won"er he was a little afrai"- 2r. Shaw is so severe with the poor
fellow. h- "ear- what shoul" we "o if +ill got into suh srapes. Than) goo"ness- he's poor
an" an't/ I'# so gla" of that1,
Then she sat silent besi"e the half$open "oor- hearing the #ur#ur of To#'s voie aross the
hall- an" hoping- with all her heart- that he woul" n't have a very har" ti#e. 3e see#e" to tell
his story rapi"ly an" stea"ily- without interruption- to the en"/ then Polly hear" 2r. Shaw's
"eeper voie say a few wor"s- at whih To# uttere" a lou" e&la#ation- as if ta)en by surprise.
Polly oul" n't "istinguish a wor"- so she )ept her seat- won"ering an&iously what was going on between the two #en. A su""en pause see#e" to follow To#'s e4aulation- then 2r. Shaw
tal)e" a long ti#e in a low- earnest tone- so "ifferent fro# the angry one Polly ha" e&pete" to
hear- that it #a"e her nervous- for 2r. Shaw usually ,blew To# up first- an" forgave hi#
afterwar"-, as 2au" sai". Presently To#'s voie was hear"- apparently as)ing eager 6uestions-
to whih brief replies were given. Then a "ea" silene fell upon the roo#- an" nothing was
hear" but the spring rain softly falling out of "oors. All of a su""en she hear" a #ove#ent- an"
To#'s voie say au"ibly- ,Let #e bring Polly/, an" he appeare"- loo)ing so pale an" #iserable
that Polly was frightene".
,!o an" say so#ething to hi#/ I an't/ poor ol" father- if I'" only )nown-, an" to Polly'sutter "is#ay- To# threw hi#self into a hair- an" lai" his hea" "own on the table- as if he ha"
got a blow that was too #uh for hi#.
,h- To#- what is it0, rie" Polly- hurrying to hi#- full of fears she "are" not spea).
+ithout loo)ing up- To# answere"- in a s#othere" voie- ,Faile"/ all gone to s#ash/ an" to$
#orrow every one will )now it.,
Polly hel" on to the ba) of To#'s hair- for a #inute- for the news too) her breath away- an"
she felt as if the worl" was o#ing to an en"- ,faile", was suh a vaguely "rea"ful wor" to her.
,Is it very ba"0, she as)e"- softly- feeling as if anything was better than to stan" still an" see
To# so wrethe".
,es/ he #eans to give up everything. 3e's "one his best/ but it an't be stave" off anylonger- an" it's all up with hi#.,
,h- I wish I ha" a #illion to give hi#1, rie" Polly- lasping her han"s- with the tears
running "own her hee)s. ,3ow "oes he bear it- To#0,
,Li)e a #an- Polly/ an" I'# prou" of hi#-, sai" To#- loo)ing up- all re" an" e&ite" with the
e#otions he was trying to )eep un"er. ,8verything has been against hi#- an" he has fought all
alone to stan" the pressure- but it's too #uh for hi#- an" he's given in. It 's an honorable
failure- #in" you- an" no one an say a wor" against hi#. I'" li)e to see'e# try it1, an" To#
lenhe" his han"s- as if it woul" be an i##ense relief to hi# to thrash half a "o5en aspersers
,f ourse they an't1 This is what poor 2au" trouble" about. 3e ha" tol" your #other an"
Fan before you a#e- an" that is why they are so unhappy- I suppose.,
,They are safe enough. Father has n't touhe" #other's #oney/ he 'oul" n't rob his girls-' he
sai"- an" that's all safe for'e#. Is n't he a tru#p- Polly0, An" To#'s fae shone with pri"e- even
while his lips woul" twith with a ten"erer feeling.
,If I oul" only "o anything to help-, rie" Polly- oppresse" with her own powerlessness.
,ou an. !o an" be goo" to hi#/ you )now how/ he nee"s it enough- all alone there. I an't
"o it- for I'# only a urse instea" of a o#fort to hi#.,,3ow "i" he ta)e your news0, as)e" Polly- who- for a ti#e- ha" forgotten the lesser trouble
in the greater.
,Li)e a la#b/ for when I'" "one- he only sai"-'2y poor la"- we #ust bear with one another.'
an" then tol" his story.,
,I'# gla" he was )in"-, began Polly- in a soothing tone/ but To# rie" out- re#orsefully-
,That's what )no)s #e over1 :ust when I ought to be a pri"e an" a prop to hi#- I bring hi# #y
"ebts an" "isgrae- an" he never says a wor" of bla#e. It's no use- I an't stan" it1, an" To#'s
hea" went "own again with so#ething very li)e a sob- that woul" o#e in spite of #anful
efforts to )eep it ba)- for the poor fellow ha" the war#est heart that ever was- an" all the fine
waistoats outsi"e oul" n't spoil it.That soun" gave Polly #ore pain than the news of a "o5en failures an" e&pulsions- an" it
was as i#possible for her to resist putting her han" ten"erly on the bent hea"- as it was for her
to help notiing with pleasure how brown the little urls were growing- an" how soft they were.
In spite of her sorrow- she en4oye" that #inute very #uh- for she was a born onsoler- an"- it is
har"ly neessary for #e to a""- love" this reprehensible To# with all her heart. It was a very
foolish thing for her to "o- she 6uite agree" to that/ she oul" n't un"erstan" it- e&plain it- or
help it/ she only felt that she "i" are for hi# very #uh- in spite of his faults- his in"ifferene-
an" his engage#ent. ou see- she learne" to love hi# one su##er- when he #a"e the# a visit.
That was before Tri& aught hi#/ an" when she hear" that piee of news- Polly oul" n't unlovehi# all at one- though she trie" very har"- as was her "uty. That engage#ent was suh a fare-
that she never ha" #uh faith in it- so she put her love away in a orner of her heart- an" trie" to
forget it- hoping it woul" either "ie- or have a right to live. It "i" n't #a)e her very #iserable-
beause patiene- wor)- an" o##on$sense lent her a han"- an" hope woul" )eep popping up
its bright fae fro# the botto# of her Pan"ora$bo& of troubles. Now an" then- when any one
sai" Tri& woul" n't 4ilt To#- or that To# "i" are for Tri& #ore than he shoul"- Polly ha" a
pang- an" thought she oul" n't possibly bear it. %ut she always foun" she oul"- an" so a#e to
the onlusion that it was a #eriful provision of nature that girls' hearts oul" stan" so #uh-
an" their appetites ontinue goo"- when unre6uite" love was starving.
Now- she oul" not help yearning over this faulty- well$belove" sapegrae To#- or helpthin)ing- with a little thrill of hope- ,If Tri& only are" for his #oney- she #ay ast hi# off now
he's lost it/ but I'll love hi# all the better beause he's poor., +ith this feeling war# at her heart-
I "on't won"er that Polly's han" ha" a soothing effet- an" that after a heave or two- To#'s
shoul"ers were 6uiet- an" ertain s#othere" sniffs suggeste" that he woul" be all right again- if
he oul" only wipe his eyes without any one's seeing hi# "o it.
Polly see#e" to "ivine his wish- an" tu)ing a little- lean han")erhief into one of his half$
open han"s- she sai"- ,I'# going to your father- now-, an" with a farewell s#ooth- so
o#forting that To# wishe" she'" "o it again- she went away.
As she pause" a #inute in the hall to stea"y herself- 2au" alle" her fro# above- an"
thin)ing that the wo#en #ight nee" her #ore than the #en- she ran up to fin" Fanny waiting
for her in her own roo#.
,2a##a's asleep- 6uite worn out- poor "ear- so we an tal) in here without troubling her-,
sai" Fanny- reeiving her frien" so 6uietly- that Polly was a#a5e".
,Let #e o#e- too- I won't #a)e any fuss/ it's so "rea"ful to be shut out everywhere- an"
have people rying an" tal)ing- an" lo)e" up- an" I not )now what it #eans-, sai" 2au"-
beseehingly.,ou "o )now- now/ I've tol" her- Polly-, sai" Fan- as they sat "own together- an" 2au"
perhe" herself on the be"- so that she #ight retire a#ong the pillows if her feelings were too
#uh for her.
,I'# gla" you ta)e it so well- "ear/ I was afrai" it #ight upset you-, sai" Polly- seeing now
that in spite of her 6uiet #anner- Fan's eyes ha" an e&ite" loo)- an" her hee)s a feverish olor.
,I shall groan an" #oan by an" by- I "are say- but at first it sort of "a5e" #e- an" now it
begins to e&ite #e. I ought to be full of sorrow for poor papa- an" I a# truly sorry- but- wi)e"
as it #ay see#- it's a fat- Polly- that I'# half gla" it's happene"- for it ta)es #e out of #yself-
an" gives #e so#ething to "o.,
Fanny's eyes fell an" her olor rose as she spo)e- but Polly un"erstoo" why she wante" toforget herself- an" put her ar# roun" her with a #ore ten"er sy#pathy than Fanny guesse".
,Perhaps things are not as ba" as they see#/ I "on't )now #uh about suh #atters- but I've
seen people who have faile"- an" they see#e" 4ust as o#fortable as before-, sai" Polly.
,It won't be so with us- for papa #eans to give up everything- an" not have a wor" sai"
against hi#. 2a##a's little property is settle" upon her- an" has n't been ris)e". That touhe"
her so #uh1 She "rea"s poverty even #ore than I "o- but she begge" hi# to ta)e it if it woul"
help hi#. That please" hi#- but he sai" nothing woul" in"ue hi# to "o it- for it woul" n't help
#uh- an" was har"ly enough to )eep her o#fortable.,
,*o you )now what he #eans to "o0, as)e" Polly- an&iously.,3e sai" his plans were not #a"e- but he #eant to go into the little house that belonge" to
gran"#a- as soon as he oul"- for it was n't honest for a ban)rupt to )eep up an establish#ent
li)e this.,
,I shan't #in" that at all- I li)e the little house'ause it's got a gar"en- an" there's a unning
roo# with a three$ornere" loset in it that I always wante". If that's all- I "on't thin)
ban)rupting is so very ba"-, sai" 2au"- ta)ing a heerful view of things.
,Ah- 4ust wait till the arriage goes an" the nie lothes an" the servants- an" we have to
srath along as we an. ou'll hange your #in" then- poor hil"-, sai" Fanny- whose i"eas of
failure were "ei"e"ly tragial.
,+ill they ta)e all #y things away0, rie" 2au"- in "is#ay.,I "are say/ I "on't )now what we are allowe" to )eep/ but not #uh- I fany-, an" Fan
loo)e" as if strung up to sarifie everything she possesse".
,They shan't have #y new ear$rings- I'll hi"e'e#- an" #y best "ress- an" #y gol" s#elling
bottle. h- oh- oh1 I thin) it's #ean to ta)e a little girl's things away1, An" 2au" "ive" a#ong
the pillows to s#other a wail of anguish at the prospet of being bereft of her treasures.
Polly soon lure" her out again- by assuranes that she woul" n't be utterly "espoile"- an"
pro#ises to try an" soften the har" hearts of her father's re"itors- if the ear$rings an" the
,I won"er if we shall be able to )eep one servant- 4ust till we learn how to "o the wor)-, sai"
Fanny- loo)ing at her white han"s- with a sigh.
%ut 2au" lappe" hers- an" gave a 4oyful boune- as she rie"- ,Now I an learn to oo)1 I
love so to beat eggs1 I'll have an apron- with a bib to it- li)e Polly's- an" a feather "uster- an"
sweep the stairs- #aybe- with #y hea" tie" up- li)e 9aty. h- what fun1,
,*on't laugh at her- or "isourage her/ let her fin" o#fort in bibs an" "ust$pans- if she an-,
whispere" Polly to Fan- while 2au" too) a 4oyful ,hea"er, a#ong the pillows- an" a#e up
s#iling an" blow5y- for she love" house$wor)- an" often got leture" for stolen visits to the)ithen- an" surreptitious sweepings an" "ustings when the oast was lear.
,2a##a is so feeble- I shall have to )eep house- I suppose- an" you #ust show #e how-
Polly-, sai" Fan.
,!oo" pratie- #a'a#- as you'll fin" out so#e "ay-, answere" Polly- laughing signifiantly.
Fanny s#ile"- then grew both grave an" sa". ,This hanges everything/ the ol" set will "rop
#e- as we "i" the 2ertons when their father faile"- an" #y'prospets-' as we say- are 6uite
ruine".,
,I "on't believe it/ your real frien"s won't "rop you- an" you'll fin" out whih the true ones
are now. I )now one frien" who will be )in"er than ever.,
,h- Polly- "o you thin) so0, an" Fanny's eyes softene" with su""en tears.,I )now who she #eans-, rie" 2au"- always eager to fin" out things. ,It's herself/ Polly
won't #in" if we are poor-'ause she li)es beggars.,
,Is that who you #eant0, as)e" Fan- wistfully.
,No- it's a #uh better an" "earer frien" than I a#-, sai" Polly- pinhing Fanny's hee)- as it
re""ene" prettily un"er her eyes. ,ou'll never guess- 2au"- so I woul" n't try- but be planning
what you will put in your unning- three$ornere" loset- when you get it.,
3aving got ri" of ,2iss Paulina Pry-, as To# alle" 2au"- who was i##e"iately absorbe"
by her upboar"- the ol"er girls soberly "isusse" the su""en hange whih ha" o#e- an"
Polly was surprise" to see what une&pete" strength an" sense Fanny showe". Polly was toounonsious of the hange whih love ha" #a"e in herself to un"erstan" at first the ause of her
frien"'s new patiene an" fortitu"e/ but she re4oie" over it- an" felt that her prophey woul" yet
be fulfille". Presently 2au" e#erge" fro# her new loset- bringing a so#ewhat startling i"ea
with her.
,*o ban)rupting #en, =2au" li)e" that new wor"> ,always have fits0,
,2ery- no1 +hat put that into your hea"- hil"0, rie" Polly.
,+hy- 2r. 2erton "i"/ an" I was thin)ing perhaps papa ha" got one "own there- an" it )in"
of frightene" #e.,
,2r. 2erton's was a ba"- "isgraeful failure- an" I "on't won"er he ha" a fit. urs is n't- an"
papa won't "o anything of that sort- you #ay be sure-, sai" Fanny- with as prou" an air as if ,ourfailure, was rather an honor than otherwise.
,*on't you thin) you an" 2au" ha" better go "own an" see hi#0, as)e" Polly.
,Perhaps he woul" n't li)e it/ an" I "on't )now what to say- either-, began Fan/ but Polly
sai"- eagerly- ,I )now he woul" li)e it. Never #in" what you say/ 4ust go- an" show hi# that
you "on't "oubt or bla#e hi# for this- but love hi# all the #ore- an" are rea"y an" gla" to help
hi# bear the trouble.,
,I'# going- I ain't afrai"/ I'll 4ust hug hi#- an" say I'# ever so gla" we are going to the little
house-, rie" 2au"- sra#bling off the be"- an" running "own stairs.
,Co#e with #e- Polly- an" tell #e what to "o-, sai" Fanny- "rawing her frien" after her.
,ou'll )now what to "o when you see hi#- better than I an tell you-, answere" Polly-
rea"ily yiel"ing- for she )new they onsi"ere" her ,6uite one of the fa#ily-, as To# sai".
At the stu"y "oor they foun" 2au"- whose ourage ha" given out- for 2r. 2erton's fit rather
haunte" her. Polly opene" the "oor/ an" the #inute Fanny saw her father- she "i" )now what to
"o. The fire was low- the gas "i#- an" 2r. Shaw was sitting in his easy$hair- his gray hea" in
both his han"s- loo)ing lonely- ol"- an" bowe" "own with are. Fanny gave Polly one loo)- then
went an" too) the gray hea" in both her ar#s- saying- with a ten"er 6uiver in her voie- ,Father
"ear- we've o#e to help you bear it,2r. Shaw loo)e" up- an" seeing in his "aughter's fae so#ething that never ha" been there
before- put his ar# about her- an" leane" his tire" hea" against her- as if- when least e&pete"
he ha" foun" the onsolation he #ost nee"e". In that #inute- Fanny felt- with #ingle" 4oy an"
self$reproah- what a "aughter #ight be to her father/ an" Polly- thin)ing of feeble- selfish 2rs.
Shaw- asleep up stairs- saw with su""en learness what a wife shoul" be to her husban"- a
help#eet- not a bur"en. Touhe" by these unusual "e#onstrations- 2au" rept 6uietly to her
father's )nee- an" whispere"- with a great tear shining on her little pug nose- ,Papa- we "on't
#in" it #uh- an" I'# going to help Fan )eep house for you/ I'" li)e to "o it- truly.,
2r. Shaw's other ar# went roun" the hil"- an" for a #inute no one sai" anything- for Polly
ha" slippe" behin" his hair- that nothing shoul" "isturb the three- who were learning fro##isfortune how #uh they love" one another. Presently 2r. Shaw stea"ie" hi#self an" as)e"-
,+here is #y other "aughter- where's #y Polly0,
She was there at one/ gave hi# one of the 6uiet )isses that ha" #ore than usual ten"erness
in it- for she love" to hear hi# say ,#y other "aughter-, an" then she whispere"- ,*on't you
want To#- too0,
,f ourse I "o/ where is the poor fellow0,
,I'll bring hi#/, an" Polly "eparte" with #ost obliging alarity.
%ut in the hall she pause" a #inute to peep into the glass an" see if she was all right- for
so#ehow she was #ore an&ious to loo) neat an" pretty to To# in his hour of trouble than sheha" ever been in his prosperous "ays. In lifting her ar#s to per) up the bow at her throat she
)no)e" a hat off the bra)et. Now- a shiny bla) beaver is not an ob4et e&atly alulate" to
inspire ten"er or ro#anti senti#ents- one woul" fany- but that partiular ,stove pipe, see#e"
to touh Polly to the heart- for she aught it up- as if its fall suggeste" a greater one- s#oothe"
out a slight "int- as if it was sy#bolial of the har" )no)s its owner's hea" was now in "anger
of reeiving- an" stoo" loo)ing at it with as #uh pity an" respet- as if it ha" been the rown of
a "isinherite" prine. !irls will "o suh foolish little things- an" though we laugh at the#- I
thin) we li)e the# the better for it- after all.
;ihar" was hi#self again when Polly entere"- for the han")erhief ha" "isappeare"- his
hea" was eret- his fae was stea"y- an" his whole air ha" a "ogge" o#posure whih see#e" tosay to fate- ,3it away- I'# rea"y., 3e "i" not hear Polly o#e in- for he was loo)ing fi&e"ly at
the fire with eyes that evi"ently saw a very "ifferent future there fro# that whih it use" to
show hi#/ but when she sai"- ,To#- "ear- your father wants you-, he got up at one- hel" out
his han" to her- saying- ,Co#e too- we an't get on without you-, an" too) her ba) into the
stu"y with hi#.
Then they ha" a long tal)- for the fa#ily troubles see#e" to war# an" strengthen the fa#ily
affetion an" onfi"ene- an" as the young people listene" while 2r. Shaw tol" the# as #uh
of his business perple&ities as they oul" un"erstan"- every one of the# bla#e" hi# or herself
for going on so gayly an" blin"ly- while the stor# was gathering- an" the poor #an was left to
#eet it all alone. Now- however- the thun"er$lap ha" o#e- an" after the first alar#- fin"ing
they were not )ille"- they began to "isover a ertain half$an&ious- half$pleasant e&ite#ent in
tal)ing it over- enouraging one another- an" feeling unusually frien"ly- as people "o when a
su""en shower "rives two or three to the shelter of one u#brella.
It was a sober tal)- but not all sa"- for 2r. Shaw felt ine&pressibly o#forte" by his
hil"ren's une&pete" sy#pathy- an" they- trying to ta)e the "ownfall heerfully for his sa)e-
foun" it easier to bear the#selves. They even laughe" oasionally- for the girls- in their
ignorane- as)e" 6ueer 6uestions/ To# #a"e lu"irously unbusiness$li)e propositions/ an"2au" gave the# one hearty peal- that "i" a worl" of goo"- by pensively re#ar)ing- when the
plans for the future ha" been e&plaine" to her- ,I'# so relieve"/ for when papa sai" we #ust
give up everything- an" #a##a alle" us all beggars- I "i" thin) I'" got to go roun" as)ing for
ol" vittles- with a big bas)et- an" an ol" shawl over #y hea". I sai" one I'" li)e that- but I'#
afrai" I shoul" n't- for I an't bear In"ian a)e an" ol" potatoes- that's what the poor hil"ren
always see# to get- an" I shoul" hate to have !rae an" the rest see #e suffing roun" the ba)
gates.,
,2y little girl shall never o#e to that- if I an help it-, sai" 2r. Shaw- hol"ing her lose-
with a loo) that #a"e 2au" a""- as she lai" her hee) against his own- ,%ut I'" "o it- father- if
you as)e" #e to- for I truly want to help.,,So "o I1, rie" Fanny- won"ering at the sa#e #inute how it woul" see# to wear turne"
sil)s- an" lean her gloves.
To# sai" nothing- but "rew towar" hi# a paper of figures whih his father ha" "rawn up-
an" spee"ily re"ue" hi#self to the verge of "istration by trying to un"erstan" the#- in his
ar"ent "esire to prove his willingness to put his shoul"er to the wheel.
,+e shall pull through- hil"ren- so "on't borrow trouble- only be rea"y for "iso#forts an"
annoyanes. Put your pri"e in your po)ets- an" re#e#ber poverty is n't "isgraeful- but
"ishonesty is.,
Polly ha" always love" )in" 2r. Shaw- but now she respete" hi# heartily- an" felt that sheha" not "one hi# 4ustie when she so#eti#es thought that he only are" for #a)ing #oney .
,I shoul" n't won"er if this was a goo" thing for the whole fa#ily- though it "on't loo) so.
2rs. Shaw will ta)e it the har"est- but it #ay stir her up- so she will forget her nerves- an" be as
busy an" happy as #other is-, sai" Polly to herself- in a hopeful #oo"- for poverty was an ol"
frien"- an" she ha" learne" long ago not to fear it- but to ta)e its bitter an" its sweet- an" #a)e
the best of both.
+hen they parte" for the night- Polly slippe" away first- to leave the# free- yet oul" n't
help lingering outsi"e to see how ten"erly the girls parte" fro# their father. To# ha" n't a wor"
to say for hi#self- for #en "on't )iss- aress- or ry when they feel #ost- an" all he oul" "o to
e&press his sy#pathy an" penitene- was to wring his father's han" with a fae full of respet-regret- an" affetion- an" then bolt up stairs as if the furies were after hi#- as they were- in a
#il" an" #o"ern for#.
Chapter (VI. A *ress Para"e
The wee)s that followe" taught the Shaws- as #any other fa#ilies have been taught- how
rapi"ly rihes ta)e to the#selves wings an" fly away- when they one begin to go. 2r. Shaw
arrie" out his plans with an energy an" patiene that wor)e" won"ers- an" touhe" the hearts
of his har"est re"itors. The big house was given up as soon as possible an" the little house
ta)en/ being #a"e o#fortable with the furniture 2a"a# left there when she went to live with
her son. The ol"$fashione" things ha" been let with the house- an" now see#e" al#ost li)e a
gift fro# !ran"#a- "oubly preious in these troublous ti#es. At the aution- several persons
trie" to show the fa#ily that- though they ha" lost their fortune- frien"s still re#aine"- for one
bi" in Fanny's piano- an" sent it to her/ another seure" ertain lu&urious artiles for 2rs.
Shaw's o#fort/ an" a thir" save" suh of 2r. Shaw's boo)s as he value" #ost- for he ha" )ept
his wor" an" given up everything- with the #ost puntilious integrity. So the little house was
not bare- but #a"e pleasant to their eyes by these waifs fro# the wre)- brought the# by the
ti"e of sy#pathy an" goo"$will whih soon set in. 8verybo"y who )new the# hastene" to all-#any fro# a real regar"- but #ore fro# #ere uriosity to ,see how they too) it., This was one
of the har"est things they ha" to bear- an" To# use" strong language #ore than one- when
so#e fine la"y a#e to on"ole- an" went away to gossip. Polly's hopes of 2rs. Shaw were
"isappointe"- for #isfortune "i" not have a braing effet. She too) to her be" at one- reeive"
her frien"s in tears an" a point$lae ap- an" heere" her fa#ily by plaintively in6uiring when
she was to be ta)en to the al#shouse. This was har" for Fanny/ but after an interval of "espair-
she a#e to the onlusion that un"er the iru#stanes it was the best thing her #other oul"
have "one- an" with so#ething of her father's energy- Fanny shoul"ere" the new bur"en- feeling
that at last neessity ha" given her what she ha" long nee"e"- so#ething to "o.
The poor girl )new as #uh of househol" affairs as Snip/ but pri"e an" the resolution ,tostan" by Father-, )ept up her ourage- an" she wor)e" away with feverish ativity at whatever
tas) a#e first till- 4ust as strength an" heart were about to fail- or"er began to e#erge fro#
haos an" the vision of a ho#e #a"e happy an" o#fortable by her s)ill an" are a#e to repay
an" sustain her.
2au"- being relieve" fro# the fear of ba)$"oor beggary- soon bea#e reonile" to
ban)rupty/ thought it rather a goo" 4o)e- on the whole- for hil"ren li)e novelty- an" "on't are
#uh for 2rs. !run"y. She regar"e" the new abo"e as a baby house on a large sale- where she
was allowe" to play her part in the #ost satisfatory #anner. Fro# the #o#ent when- on ta)ing
possession of the ovete" roo#- she opene" the "oors of the three$ornere" loset- an" foun" alittle )ettle 4ust li)e Polly's- stan"ing there- she felt that a goo" ti#e was o#ing for her an" fell
to "usting furniture- washing ups- an" #a)ing toast- the happiest- fussiest little housewife in
the ity. For 2au" inherite" the notable gifts of her gran"#other- an" woul" have #a"e a
apital far#er's "aughter- in spite of her ity bree"ing.
Polly a#e an" went through all these hanges- faithful- helpful- an" as heery as she oul"
be when her frien"s were in trouble. The parts see#e" reverse" now- an" it was Polly who gave
Fanny who reeive"/ for where everything see#e" strange an" new to Fan- Polly was 6uite at
ho#e- an" every one of the unfashionable "o#esti ao#plish#ents now a#e into play- to
the o#fort of the Shaws- an" the great satisfation of Polly. She oul" not "o enough to prove
her gratitu"e for for#er favors- an" went toiling an" #oiling about- feeling that the har"est-#ost "isagreeable tas)s were her espeial "uty. In the #oving nothing suite" her better than to
trot up an" "own- lugging heavy things- to poun" her fingers bla) an" blue nailing arpets an"
urtains- an" the "ay she nearly bro)e her ne) tu#bling "own the ellar stairs- in her eagerness
to see that 2rs. Shaw's wine was rightly store"- she felt that she was only paying her "ebts- an"
tol" To# she li)e" it- when he pi)e" her up loo)ing as gri#y as a hi#ney$sweep.
,ou an turn your han" to anything- you lever girl- so "o o#e an" give #e so#e a"vie-
for I a# in the "epths of "espair-, sai" Fanny when the ,#ai"$of$all$wor), as Polly alle"
,+hat is it0 2oths in the furs- a s#o)y hi#ney- or s#all$po& ne&t "oor0, as)e" Polly- as
they entere" Fan's roo#- where 2au" was trying on ol" bonnets before the loo)ing$glass.
,Atually I have nothing to wear-, began Fan i#pressively/ ,I've been too busy to thin) or
are till now- but here it is nearly 2ay an" I have har"ly a "eent rag to #y ba). 7sually- you
)now- I 4ust go to 2rs. '!ra"y an" tell her what I want/ she #a)es #y spring war"robe- Papa
pays the bill- an" there I a#. Now I've loo)e" into the #atter- an" I "elare to you- Polly- I'#
frightene" to see how #uh it osts to "ress #e.,
,Not so #uh as so#e girls I )now-, sai" Polly enouragingly.,Perhaps not- for I have a onsiene- an" taste is eono#y so#eti#es/ but really- Polly- I
have n't the heart to as) Papa for a ent 4ust now- an" yet I #ust have lothes. ou are suh a
genius for planning an" wor)ing won"ers- that I throw #yself upon you an" as)-'3ow shall I
#a)e a spring war"robe out of nothing0' ,
,Let #e see the'nothing' before I a"vise. %ring out every rag you 've got- an" we'll see what
an be "one-, sai" Polly- loo)ing as if she en4oye" the prospet- for she ha" a great "eal of that
fe#inine faulty whih we all ,)na)-, an" #uh pratie ha" inrease" it.
Fanny brought out her ,rags, an" was astonishe" to see how #any she ha"- for hair- sofa-
be"- an" bureau were overe"- an" still 2au"- who was burrowing in the losets- )ept rying
,3ere's another.,,There's a "isouraging heap of rubbish for you1, sai" Fan- as she a""e" a fa"e" #uslin to
the last pile.
,Now- to #e your'rubbish' loo)s very enouraging- beause there is goo" #aterial there- an"
not #uh worn$out finery- that's #y "etestation- for you an't "o anything with it. Let #e see-
five bonnets. Put the winter ones away till autu#n- rip up the su##er ones- an" out of three ol"
ones we'll get a pretty new one- if #y eyes "on't "eeive #e.,
,I'll rip- an" then "o let #e see you #a)e a bonnet- it #ust be so interesting-, sai" 2au"-
whipping out her sissors an" eagerly beginning to re"ue a shabby little bonnet to its original
ele#ents. ,Now the "resses-, ontinue" Polly- who ha" rapi"ly sorte" out the piles.,+ill you have the goo"ness to loo) at this0, sai" Fan- hol"ing up a gray street suit fa"e"
past ure.
Polly whis)e" it wrong si"e out- an" showing the lean- bright fabri- sai"- with a
triu#phant wave- ,%ehol" your new suit/ fresh tri##ing an" less of it will finish you off as
s#art as ever.,
,I never wore a turne" "ress in #y life/ "o you suppose people will )now it0, sai" Fan
"oubtfully.
,+hat if they "o0 It won't hurt you. Not one in a hun"re" will ever thin) anything about
your "ress- e&ept that it is pretty. I've worn turne" an" "ye" gowns all #y "ays- an" it "on't
see# to have alienate" #y frien"s- or in4ure" #y onstitution.,,That it has n't/ I'# a goose- Polly- an" I'll get over the feeling that it's sort of "isgraeful to
be poor an" have to eono#i5e. +e'll turn the gray- an" I'll wear it bravely.,
,Then it will be #ore beo#ing than ever. h- here's the pretty violet sil). That will #a)e a
lovely suit-, rie" Polly- going on with the review.
,*on't see how two "raggle" s)irts an" a staine" waist an be transfor#e" into a whole rig-,
sai" Fan- sitting on the be"- with her gar#ents strewn about her in various attitu"es of li#p
"espon"eny.
,+ell- #a'a#- #y plan is this-, began Polly- i#itating 2rs. '!ra"y's i#portant tone- an"
ba" gra##ar< ,!ores is out- an" plaits is in/ therefore- as the top of this s)irt is 6uite fresh- we
will ta)e off the ruffles- turn it upsi"e "own- an" leave it plain. The upper s)irt will be #a"e
santer- an" finishe" with a frill/ then the waist an be refreshe" with the best parts of these
wi"e flounes- an" out of those new bits we will onot a hat. The bla) lae 2au" has 4ust
ta)en off the green one will "o to e"ge the violet- an" with your nie sil) #antilla you are
o#plete- "on't you see0,
,I "on't 6uite see it yet- but I have fir# faith that I shall in ti#e- an" onsi"er #y alling
ostu#e finishe"-, sai" Fanny- getting #ore an" #ore intereste" as she saw her on"e#ne"
war"robe o#ing out fresh again un"er Polly's #agi )na).,There are two/ then that pi6u- is all right- if you ut the tail off the 4a)et an" hange the
tri##ing a bit. The #uslins only nee" #en"ing an" "oing up to loo) as well as ever/ you ought
not to put the# away torn an" soile"- #y hil". The two bla) sil)s will be goo" stan"$bys for
years. If I were you- I'" have a ouple of neat- pretty prints for ho#e$wear- an" then I "on't see
why you are n't fi&e" well enough for our short season.,
,Can't I "o anything with this barege0 It's one of #y favorite "resses- an" I hate to give it
up.,
,ou wore that thoroughly out- an" it's only fit for the rag$bag. es- it was very pretty an"
beo#ing- I re#e#ber- but its "ay is over.,
Fanny let the "ress lie in her lap a #inute as she absently pi)e" at the fringe- s#iling toherself over the happy ti#e when she wore it last an" Sy"ney sai" she only nee"e" owslips in
her lap to loo) li)e spring. Presently she fol"e" it up an" put it away with a sigh- but it never
went into the rag$bag- an" #y senti#ental rea"ers an un"erstan" what save" it.
,The ball "resses ha" better be put niely away till ne&t year-, began Polly- o#ing to a
rainbow olore" heap.
,2y "ay is over- I shall never use the# again. *o what you li)e with the#-, sai" Fan al#ly.
,*i" you ever sell your ast$off finery- as #any la"ies "o0, as)e" Polly.
,Never/ I "on't li)e the fashion. I give it away- or let 2au" have it for tableau&.,
,I won"er if you woul" #in" #y telling you so#ething %elle propose"0,,If it's an offer to buy #y lothes- I shoul" #in"-, answere" Fanny- sharply.
,Then I won't-, an" Polly retire" behin" a lou" of arseni$green gau5e- whih #a"e her
loo) as if she ha" the holera.
,If she wante" to buy that horri" new'gooseberry$olore" gown-' as To# alls it- I'" let her
have it heap-, put in 2au"- who was of a pratial turn.
,*oes she want it- Polly0, as)e" Fan- whose uriosity got the better of her pri"e.
,+ell- she #erely as)e" #e if I thought you'" be #ortally offen"e"- if she offere" to ta)e it
off your han"s- as you'" never worn it. ou "on't li)e it- an" in another season it will be all out
of fashion-, sai" Polly fro# her ver"ant retreat.
,+hat "i" you say0,,I saw she #eant it )in"ly- so I sai" I'" as). Now between ourselves- Fan- the prie of that
"ress woul" give you all you'll want for your spring fi&ings- that's one onsi"eration/ then here's
another- whih #ay have so#e weight with you-, a""e" Polly slyly. ,Tri& tol" %elle she was
going to as) you for the "ress- as you woul" n't are to wear it now. That #a"e %elle fire up-
an" say it was a #ean thing to "o without offering so#e return for a ostly thing li)e that/ an"
then %elle sai"- in her blunt way-'I'll give Fan all she pai" for it- an" #ore- too- if it will be any
help to her. I "on't are for the "ress- but I'" li)e to slip a little #oney into her po)et- for I
)now she nee"s it an" is too goo" to as) "ear 2r. Shaw for anything she an get on without.' ,
,*i" she say that0 I'll give her the "ress- an" not ta)e a penny for it-, rie" Fan- flushing up
with #ingle" anger towar" Tri& an" gratitu"e to %elle.
,That won't suit her/ you let #e #anage it- an" "on't feel any sha#e or an&iety about it. ou
"i" #any a )in" an" generous thing for %elle when you ha" the power- an" you li)e" to "o it/
now let her pay her "ebts- an" have the sa#e pleasure.,
,If she loo)s at it in that way- it #a)es a "ifferene. Perhaps I'" better the #oney woul" be
an i##ense help only I "on't 6uite li)e to ta)e it.,
,9ings an" 6ueens sell their 4ewels when ti#es are har" or they get turne" off their thrones-an" no one thin)s it anything a#iss- so why nee" you0 It's 4ust a little transation between two
frien"s who e&hange things they "on't want for things whih they "o- an" I'" "o it if I were
you.,
,+e'll see about it-, sai" Fan- privately resolving to ta)e Polly's a"vie.
,If I ha" lots of things li)e Fan- I'" have an aution an" get all I oul" for the#. +hy "on't
you0, as)e" 2au"- beginning on her thir" bonnet.
,+e will-, sai" Polly- an" #ounting a hair- she put up- bi" in- an" )no)e" "own Fan's
entire war"robe to an i#aginary group of frien"s- with suh "roll i#itations of eah one that the
roo# rang with laughter.
,That's enough nonsense/ now we'll return to business-, sai" Polly- "esen"ing breathless butsatisfie" with the effet of her fun.
,These white #uslins an" pretty sil)s will )eep for years- so I shoul" lay the# by till they
are nee"e". It will save buying- an" you an go to your sto) any ti#e an" #a)e over what you
want. That's the way 2other "oes/ we've always ha" things sent us fro# riher frien"s- an"
whatever was n't proper for us to wear at the ti#e- 2other put away to be use" when we nee"e"
it. Suh funny bun"les as we use" to have so#eti#es- o"" shoes- bonnets without rowns-
sto)ings without heels or toes- an" ol" finery of all sorts. +e use" to rush when a bun"le a#e-
an" sit roun" while 2other opene" it. The boys always #a"e fun of the things- though they
were as grateful- really- as any of us. +ill #a"e a verse one "ay whih we thought pretty wellfor a little hap< 'To poor ountry fol)s +ho have n't any lothes- ;ih fol)s- to relieve the#-
Sen" ol" lae gowns an" satin bows.',
,I thin) that +ill is going to be as nie a poet as 2r. Sha)espeare-, re#ar)e" 2au" in a tone
of serious onvition.
,3e is alrea"y a 2ilton/ but I "on't believe he will ever be anything but a poet in na#e-, sai"
Polly- wor)ing away while she tal)e".
,*i" n't your #other ever let you wear the nie things that a#e0, as)e" 2au".
,No- she thought it was n't the thing for a poor #inister's girls to go flourishing about in
seon"$han" finery- so she "i" what I'# "oing now- put away what woul" be useful an" proper
for us by an" by- an" let us play with the shabby- sil) bonnets an" "irty- floune" gowns. Suhfun as we use" to have up in our big garret1 I re#e#ber one "ay we'" been playing have a ball-
an" were all rigge" up- even the boys. So#e new neighbors a#e to all- an" e&presse" a wish
to see us- having been tol" that we were pattern hil"ren. 2other alle" us- but we ha" para"e"
out into the gar"en- after our ball- an" were having a onert- as we sat about on the abbages
for green satin seats- so we "i" n't hear the all- an" 4ust as the o#pany was going- a great
noise arreste" the# on the "oorstep- an" roun" the orner of the house rattle" Ne" in full
ostu#e- wheeling 9itty in a barrow- while :i##y- +ill- an" I ran srea#ing after- loo)ing li)e
%e"la#ites/ for we were playing that La"y Fit5 Per)ins ha" fainte"- an" was being borne ho#e
,It will be "one in ti#e- an" the "ress li)ewise- so loo) your prettiest- an" aept #y
blessing-, ontinue" Polly- seeing that Fan li)e" her raillery.
,Ti#e for what0, as)e" Paulina Pry.
,our we""ing- "ear-, sweetly answere" Fan- for Polly's pleasant hints an" pre"itions put
her in a har#ing hu#or- an" even #a"e ol" lothes of little onse6uene.
2au" gave an inre"ulous sniff- an" won"ere" why ,big girls nee" to be so "rea"ful
#ysterious about their ol" serets.,
,This sil) re#in"s #e of 9itty's perfor#ane last su##er. A little he)e" sil) was sent inour spring bun"le fro# 2rs. *avenport- an" 2other sai" 9it #ight have it if she oul" #a)e it
"o. So I washe" it niely- an" we fusse" an" planne"- but it a#e short by half of one sleeve. I
gave it up- but 9it went to wor) an" #athe" every srap that was left so neatly that she got out
the half sleeve- put it on the un"er si"e- an" no one was the wiser. 3ow #any piees "o you
thin) she put in- 2au"0,
,Fifty-, was the wise reply.
,No- only ten- but that was pretty well for a fourteen$year$ol" "ress#a)er. ou ought to have
seen the little with laugh in her sleeve when any one a"#ire" the "ress- for she wore it all
su##er an" loo)e" as pretty as a pin) in it. Suh things are great fun when you get use" to
the#/ besi"es- ontriving sharpens your wits- an" #a)es you feel as if you ha" #ore han"s than#ost people.,
,I thin) we'll get a far# near your house/ I shoul" li)e to )now 9itty-, sai" 2au"- feeling a
urious interest in a girl who #a"e suh peuliar pathwor).
,The "ress$para"e is over- an" I'# ever so #uh oblige" to you- Polly- for helping #e
through- an" showing #e how to #a)e the best of things. I hope in ti#e to have as #any han"s
as you-, sai" Fan gratefully- when the si#ple bonnet was "one an" everything planne" out
rea"y to be finishe".
,I hope you will soon have two goo"- strong ones besi"e your own- #y "ear-, answere"
Polly- as she vanishe"- with a parting twin)le that )ept Fan's fae bright all "ay.
Chapter (VII. Playing !ran"#other
I thin) To# ha" the har"est ti#e of all- for besi"es the fa#ily troubles- he ha" #any of his
own to perple& an" harass hi#. College srapes were soon forgotten in greater afflitions/ but
there were plenty of tongues to bla#e ,that e&travagant "og-, an" plenty of hea"s to wag
o#inously over propheies of the goo" ti#e To# Shaw woul" now #a)e on the roa" to ruin. As
reporters flourish in this ountry- of ourse To# soon hear" all the frien"ly ritiis#s passe"
upon hi# an" his areer- an" he suffere" #ore than anybo"y guesse"/ for the truth that was at
the botto# of the gossip fille" hi# with the sharp regret an" i#potent wrath against hi#self aswell as others- whih "rives #any a prou" fellow- so plae"- to "estrution- or the effort that
re"ee#s boyish folly- an" #a)es a #an of hi#.
Now that he ha" lost his heritage- To# see#e" to see for the first ti#e how goo"ly it ha"
been- how rih in power- pleasure- an" graious opportunities. 3e felt its worth even while he
a)nowle"ge"- with the sense of 4ustie that is strong in #anly #en- how little he "eserve" a
gift whih he ha" so #isuse". 3e broo"e" over this a goo" "eal- for- li)e the bat in the fable- he
"i" n't see# to fin" any plae in the new life whih ha" begun for all. 9nowing nothing of
business- he was not of #uh use to his father- though he trie" to be- an" generally en"e" by
feeling that he was a hin"rane- not a help. *o#esti affairs were e6ually out of his line- an" the
girls- #ore fran) than their father- "i" not hesitate to tell hi# he was in the way when he offere"
to len" a han" anywhere. After the first e&ite#ent was over- an" he ha" ti#e to thin)- heart an"
energy see#e" to "ie out- re#orse got hol" of hi#- an"- as generous- thoughtless natures are apt
to "o when su""enly onfronte" with onsiene- he e&aggerate" his faults an" follies into sins
of the "eepest "ye- an" fanie" he was regar"e" by others as a villain an" an outast. Pri"e an"
penitene #a"e hi# shrin) out of sight as #uh as possible- for he oul" not bear pity- even
when silently e&presse" by a frien"ly han" or a )in"ly eye. 3e staye" at ho#e a goo" "eal- an"
loafe" about with a #elanholy an" neglete" air- vanishe" when anyone a#e- tal)e" verylittle- an" was either pathetially hu#ble or tragially ross. 3e wante" to "o so#ething- but
nothing see#e" to appear/ an" while he waite" to get his poise after the "ownfall- he was so
very #iserable that I'# afrai"- if it ha" not been for one thing- #y poor To# woul" have got
"esperate- an" been a failure. %ut when he see#e" #ost useless- outast- an" forlorn- he
"isovere" that one person nee"e" hi#- one person never foun" hi# in the way- one person
always welo#e" an" lung to hi# with the strongest affetion of a very feeble nature. This
"epen"ene of his #other's was To#'s salvation at that risis of his life/ an" the gossips- who
sai" softly to one another over their #uffins an" tea. ,It really woul" be a relief to that whole
fa#ily if poor- "ear 2rs. Shaw oul" be ahe#1 #erifully re#ove"-, "i" not )now that the
invali"'s wea)- i"le han"s were unonsiously )eeping the son safe in that 6uiet roo#- whereshe gave hi# all that she ha" to give- #other$love- till he too) heart again- an" fae" the worl"
rea"y to fight his battles #anfully.
,*ear- "ear1 how ol" an" bent poor father "oes loo). I hope he won't forget to or"er #y
sweetbrea"-, sighe" 2rs. Shaw one "ay- as she wathe" her husban" slowly going "own the
street.
To#- who stoo" by her- i"ly spinning the urtain tassel- followe" the fa#iliar figure with his
eye- an" seeing how gray the hair ha" grown- how areworn the flori" fae- an" how li)e a
weary ol" #an his one strong- han"so#e father wal)e"- he was s#itten by a new pang of self$
reproah- an" with his usual i#petuosity set about repairing the o#ission as soon as he"isovere" it.
,I'll see to your sweetbrea"- #u#. !oo"$by- ba) to "inner-, an" with a hasty )iss- To# was
off.
3e "i" n't )now e&atly what he #eant to "o- but it ha" su""enly o#e over hi#- that he was
hi"ing fro# the stor#- an" letting his father #eet it alone/ for the ol" #an went to his offie
every "ay with the regularity of a #ahine- that woul" go its usual roun" until it stoppe"- while
the young #an staye" at ho#e with the wo#en- an" let his #other o#fort hi#.
,3e has a right to be asha#e" of #e- but I at as if I was asha#e" of hi#/ "are say people
thin) so. I'll show the# that I ain't/ yes- by the powers- I will1, an" To# "rew on his gloves with
the air of a #an about to #eet an" on6uer an ene#y.,3ave an ar#- sir0 If you "on't #in" I'll wal) "own with you. Little o##ission for #other-
nie "ay- is n't it0,
To# rather bro)e "own at the en" of his speeh- for the loo) of please" surprise with whih
his father greete" hi#- the alarity with whih he aepte" an" leane" on the strong ar# offere"
hi#- prove" that the "aily wal)s ha" been solitary an" "oubtless sa" ones. I thin) 2r. Shaw
un"erstoo" the real #eaning of that little at of respet- an" felt better for the hopeful hange it
see#e" to foretell. %ut he too) it 6uietly- an" leaving his fae to spea) for hi#- #erely sai"-
,Than)y- To#/ yes- #other will en4oy her "inner twie as #uh if you or"er it.,
Then they began to tal) business with all their #ight- as if they feare" that so#e trae of
senti#ent #ight "isgrae their #asuline "ignity. %ut it #a"e no "ifferene whether they
"isusse" lawsuits or love- #ortgages or #others- the feeling was all right an" they )new it- so
2r. Shaw wal)e" straighter than usual- an" To# felt that he was in his proper plae again. The
wal) was not without its trials- however/ for while it "i" To#'s heart goo" to see the or"ial
respet pai" to his father- it trie" his patiene sorely to see also in6uisitive or "isapproving
glanes fi&e" upon hi#self when hats were lifte" to his father- an" to hear the hearty ,!oo" "ay
2r. Shaw-, "rop into a ool or areless- ,That's the son/ it's har" on hi#. +il" fellow- "o hi#goo".,
,!rante"/ but you nee" n't hit a #an when he's "own-, #uttere" To# to hi#self- feeling
every #o#ent a stronger "esire to "o so#ething that shoul" silene everybo"y. ,I'" ut away to
Australia if it was n't for #other/ anything- anywhere to get out of the way of people who )now
#e. I never an right #yself here- with all the fellows wathing- an" laying wagers whether I
sin) or swi#. 3ang !ree) an" Latin1 wish I'" learne" a tra"e- an" ha" so#ething to fall ba)
upon. 3ave n't a blesse" thing now- but "eent Frenh an" #y fists. +on"er if ol" %ell "on't
want a ler) for the Paris branh of the business0 That woul" n't be ba"/ faith- I 'll try it.,
An" when To# ha" lan"e" his father safely at the offie- to the great e"ifiation of all
behol"ers- he srewe" up his ourage- an" went to prefer his re6uest- feeling that the prospet brightene" a little. %ut 2r. %ell was not in a goo" hu#or- an" only gave To# a severe leture
on the error of his ways- whih sent hi# ho#e #uh "epresse"- an" ause" the hori5on to lower
again.
As he roa#e" about the house that afternoon- trying to alulate how #uh an Australian
outfit woul" ost- the soun" of lively voies an" lattering spoons attrate" hi# to the )ithen.
There he foun" Polly giving 2au" lessons in oo)ery/ for the ,new help, not being a high$
prie" artile- oul" not be "epen"e" on for "esserts- an" 2rs. Shaw woul" have felt as if the
wolf was at the "oor if there was not ,a sweet "ish, at "inner. 2au" ha" a genius for oo)ing-
an" Fanny hate" it- so that little person was in her glory- stu"ying reeipt boo)s- an" ta)inglessons whenever Polly oul" give the#.
,!raious #e- To#- "on't o#e now/ we are awful busy1 2en "on't belong in )ithens-,
rie" 2au"- as her brother appeare" in the "oorway.
,Coul" n't thin) what you were about. 2u# is asleep- an" Fan out- so I loafe" "own to see if
there was any fun afoot-, sai" To#- lingering- as if the prospet was agreeable. 3e was a soial
fellow- an" very grateful 4ust then to any one who helpe" hi# to forget his worries for a ti#e.
Polly )new this- felt that his soiety woul" not be a great afflition to herself at least- an"
whispering to 2au"- ,3e won't )now-, she a""e"- alou"- ,Co#e in if you li)e- an" stir this a)e
for #e/ it nee"s a strong han"- an" #ine are tire". There- put on that apron to )eep you ti"y- sit
here- an" ta)e it easy.,,I use" to help gran"#a bat up a)e- an" rather li)e" it- if I re#e#ber right-, sai" To#-
letting Polly tie a he)e" apron on hi#- put a big bowl into his han"s- an" settle hi# near the
table- where 2au" was pi)ing raisins- an" she herself stirring busily about a#ong spie$bo&es-
rolling$pins- an" butter$pots.
,ou "o it beautifully- To#. I'll give you a onun"ru# to lighten your labor< +hy are ba"
boys li)e a)e0, as)e" Polly- an&ious to heer hi# up.
,%eause a goo" beating #a)es the# better. I "oubt that #yself- though-, answere" To#-
nearly )no)ing the botto# of the bowl out with his energeti "e#onstrations- for it really was a
,%right boy1 here's a plu# for you-, an" Polly threw a plu#p raisin into his #outh.
,Put in lots- won't you0 I'# rather fon" of plu#$a)e-, observe" To#- li)ening hi#self to
3erules with the "istaff- an" fin"ing his e#ploy#ent pleasant- if not lassial.
,I always "o- if I an/ there's nothing I li)e better than to shovel in sugar an" spie- an" #a)e
nie- plu##y a)e for people. It's one of the few things I have a gift for.,
,ou've hit it this ti#e- Polly/ you ertainly have a gift for putting a goo" "eal of both
artiles into your own an" other people's lives- whih is lu)y- as- we all have to eat that sort of
a)e- whether we li)e it or not-, observe" To#- so soberly that Polly opene" her eyes- an"2au" e&lai#e"- ,I "o believe he's preahing.,
,Feel as if I oul" so#eti#es-, ontinue" To#/ then his eye fell upon the "i#ples in Polly's
elbows- an" he a""e"- with a laugh- ,That's #ore in your line- #a'a#/ an't you give us a
ser#on0,
,A short one. Life- #y brethren- is li)e plu#$a)e-, began Polly- i#pressively fol"ing her
floury han"s. ,In so#e the plu#s are all on the top- an" we eat the# gayly- till we su""enly fin"
they are gone. In others the plu#s sin) to the botto#- an" we loo) for the# in vain as we go on-
an" often o#e to the# when it is too late to en4oy the#. %ut in the well$#a"e a)e- the plu#s
are wisely sattere" all through- an" every #outhful is a pleasure. +e #a)e our own a)es- in a
great #easure- therefore let us loo) to it- #y brethren- that they are #i&e" aor"ing to the bestreeipt- ba)e" in a well regulate" oven- an" gratefully eaten with a te#perate appetite.,
,!oo"1 goo"1, rie" To#- applau"ing with the woo"en spoon. ,That's a #o"el ser#on-
Polly- short- sweet- sensible- an" not a bit sleepy. I'# one of your parish- an" will see that you
get your 'elery puntooal-' as ol" *eaon 2orse use" to say.,
,'Than) you- brother- #y wants is few- an" ravens surser than they use" to be-' as "ear ol"
Parson 2iller use" to answer. Now- 2au"- bring on the itron/, an" Polly began to put the a)e
together in what see#e" a #ost areless an" haoti #anner- while To# an" 2au" wathe"
with absorbing interest till it was safely in the oven.
,Now #a)e your ustar"s- "ear/ To# #ay li)e to beat the eggs for you/ it see#s to have agoo" effet upon his onstitution.,
,First$rate/ han"'e# along-, an" To# s#oothe" his apron with a heerful air. ,%y the way-
Sy"'s got ba). I #et hi# yester"ay- an" he treate" #e li)e a #an an" a brother-, he a""e"- as if
an&ious to ontribute to the pleasures of the hour.
,I'# so gla"1, rie" Polly- lapping her han"s- regar"less of the egg she hel"- whih "roppe"
an" s#ashe" on the floor at her feet. ,Careless thing1 Pi) it up- 2au"- I'll get so#e #ore/, an"
Polly whis)e" out of the roo#- gla" of an e&use to run an" tell Fan- who ha" 4ust o#e in- lest-
hearing the news in publi- she #ight be startle" out of the well$bre" o#posure with whih
young la"ies are e&pete" to reeive ti"ings- even of the #ost vital i#portane.
,ou )now all about history- "on't you0, as)e" 2au"- su""enly.,Not 6uite-, #o"estly answere" To#.
,I 4ust want to )now if there really was a #an na#e" Sir Philip- in the ti#e of ?ueen
8li5abeth.,
,ou #ean Sir Philip Si"ney0 es- he live" then an" a fine ol" fellow he was too.,
,There/ I )new the girls "i" n't #ean hi#-, rie" 2au"- with a hop that sent the itron
flying.
,+hat #ishief are you up to now- you little #agpie0,
,I shan't tell you what they sai"- beause I "on't re#e#ber #uh of it/ but I hear" Polly an"
Fan tal)ing about so#e one "rea"ful #ysterious- an" when I as)e" who it was- Fan sai"-'Sir
Philip.' 3o1 she nee" n't thin) I believe it1 I saw'e# laugh- an" blush- an" po)e one another- an"
I )new it was n't about any ol" ?ueen 8li5abeth #an-, rie" 2au"- turning up her nose as far as
that so#ewhat li#ite" feature woul" go.
,Loo) here- you are letting ats out of the bag. Never #in"- I thought so. They "on't tell us
their serets- but we are so sharp- we an't help fin"ing the# out- an we0, sai" To#- loo)ing so
#uh intereste"- that 2au" oul" n't resist airing her )nowle"ge a little.
,+ell- I "are say- it is n't proper for you to )now- but I a# ol" enough now to be tol"
anything- an" those girls better #in" what they say- for I'# not a stupi" hit- li)e %lanhe. I 4ustwish you oul" have hear" the# go on. I'# sure there's so#ething very nie about 2r. Sy"ney-
they loo)e" so please" when they whispere" an" giggle" on the be"- an" thought I was ripping
bonnets- an" "i" n't hear a wor".,
,+hih loo)e" #ost please"0, as)e" To#- investigating the )ithen boiler with "eep
interest.
,+ell-'pears to #e Polly "i"/ she tal)e" #ost- an" loo)e" funny an" very happy all the ti#e.
Fan laughe" a goo" "eal- but I guess Polly is the loveress-, replie" 2au"- after a #o#ent's
refletion.
,3ol" your tongue/ she's o#ing1, an" To# began to pu#p as if the house was on fire.
*own a#e Polly- with heightene" olor- bright eyes- an" not a single egg. To# too) a 6ui)loo) at her over his shoul"er- an" pause" as if the fire was su""enly e&tinguishe". So#ething in
his fae #a"e Polly feel a little guilty- so she fell to grating nut#eg- with a vigor whih #a"e
re" hee)s the #ost natural thing in life. 2au"- the traitor- sat "e#urely at wor)- loo)ing very
li)e what To# ha" alle" her- a #agpie with #ishief in its hea". Polly felt a hange in the
at#osphere- but #erely thought To# was tire"- so she graiously "is#isse" hi# with a sti) of
inna#on- as she ha" nothing else 4ust then to lay upon the shrine. ,Fan's got the boo)s an"
#aps you wante". !o an" rest now. I'# #uh oblige"/ here's your wages- %ri"get.,
,!oo" lu) to your #esses-, answere" To#- as he wal)e" away #e"itatively runhing his
inna#on- an" loo)ing as if he "i" not fin" it as spiy as usual. 3e got his boo)s- but "i" notrea" the#/ for- shutting hi#self up in the little roo# alle" ,To#'s "en-, he 4ust sat "own an"
broo"e".
+hen he a#e "own to brea)fast the ne&t #orning- he was greete" with a general ,3appy
birth"ay- To#1, an" at his plae lay gifts fro# every #e#ber of the fa#ily/ not as ostly as
for#erly- perhaps- but infinitely "earer- as to)ens of the love that ha" outlive" the hange- an"
only grown the war#er for the test of #isfortune. In his present state of #in"- To# felt as if he
"i" not "eserve a blesse" thing/ so when every one e&erte" the#selves to #a)e it a happy "ay
for hi#- he un"erstoo" what it #eans ,to be nearly )ille" with )in"ness-, an" sternly resolve"
to be an honor to his fa#ily- or perish in the atte#pt. 8vening brought Polly to what she alle" a
,festive tea-, an" when they gathere" roun" the table- another gift appeare"- whih- though notof a senti#ental nature- touhe" To# #ore than all the rest. It was a #ost "eletable a)e- with
a nosegay atop- an" roun" it on the snowy frosting there ran a pin) insription- 4ust as it ha"
been every year sine To# oul" re#e#ber.
,Na#e- age- an" "ate- li)e a nie white to#bstone-, observe" 2au"- o#plaently- at whih
funereal re#ar)- 2rs. Shaw- who was "own in honor of the "ay- "roppe" her nap)in- an"
"e#an"e" her salts.
,+hose "oing is that0, as)e" To#- surveying the gift with satisfation/ for it realle" the
,I "i" n't )now what to give you- for you've got everything a #an wants- an" I was in "espair
till I re#e#bere" that "ear gran"#a always #a"e you a little a)e li)e that- an" that you one
sai" it woul" n't be a happy birth"ay without it. So I trie" to #a)e it 4ust li)e hers- an" I "o hope
it will prove a goo"- sweet- plu##y one.,
,Than) you-, was all To# sai"- as he s#ile" at the giver- but Polly )new that her present ha"
please" hi# #ore than the #ost elegant trifle she oul" have #a"e.
,It ought to be goo"- for you beat it up yourself- To#-, rie"- 2au". ,It was so funny to see
you wor)ing away- an" never guessing who the a)e was for. I perfetly tre#ble" every ti#eyou opene" your #outh- for fear you'" as) so#e 6uestion about it. That was the reason Polly
preahe" an" I )ept tal)ing when she was gone.,
,Very stupi" of #e/ but I forgot all about to$"ay. Suppose we ut it/ I "on't see# to are for
anything else-, sai" To#- feeling no appetite- but boun" to "o 4ustie to that a)e- if he fell a
viti# to his gratitu"e.
,I hope the plu#s won't all be at the botto#-, sai" Polly- as she rose to "o the honors of the
a)e- by universal appoint#ent.
,I've ha" a goo" #any at the top alrea"y- you )now-, answere" To#- wathing the operation
with as #uh interest as if he ha" faith in the o#en.
Cutting arefully- slie after slie fell apart/ eah fir# an" "ar)- spiy an" rih- un"er thefrosty ri#e above/ an" laying a speially large piee in one of gran"#a's 6uaint little hina
plates- Polly a""e" the flowers an" han"e" it to To#- with a loo) that sai" a goo" "eal- for
seeing that he re#e#bere" her ser#on- she was gla" to fin" that her allegory hel" goo"- in one
sense at least. To#'s fae brightene" as he too) it- an" after an inspetion whih a#use" the
others very #uh he loo)e" up- saying- with an air of relief- ,Plu#s all through/ I'# gla" I ha" a
han" in it- but Polly "eserves the re"it- an" #ust wear the posy-, an" turning to her- he put the
rose into her hair with #ore gallantry than taste- for a thorn pri)e" her hea"- the leaves ti)le"
her ear- an" the flower was upsi"e "own.
Fanny laughe" at his want of s)ill- but Polly woul" n't have it altere"- an" everybo"y fell toeating a)e- as if in"igestion was one of the lost arts. They ha" a lively tea- an" were getting on
fa#ously afterwar"- when two letters were brought for To#- who glane" at one- an" retire"
rather preipitately to his "en- leaving 2au" onsu#e" with uriosity- an" the ol"er girls
slightly e&ite"- for Fan thought she reogni5e" the han"writing on one- an" Polly- on the other.
ne half an hour an" then another elapse"- an" To# "i" not return. 2r. Shaw went out- 2rs.
Shaw retire" to her roo# esorte" by 2au"- an" the two girls sat together won"ering if
anything "rea"ful ha" happene". All of a su""en a voie alle"- ,Polly1, an" that young la"y
starte" out of her hair- as if the soun" ha" been a thun"er$lap.
,*o run1 I'# perfetly fainting to )now what the #atter is-, sai" Fan.
,ou'" better go-, began Polly- wishing to obey- yet feeling a little shy.,3e "on't want #e/ besi"es- I oul" n't say a wor" for #yself if that letter was fro# Sy"ney-,
rie" Fanny- hustling her frien" towar"s the "oor- in a great flutter.
Polly went without another wor"- but she wore a uriously an&ious loo)- an" stoppe" on the
threshol" of the "en- as if a little afrai" of its oupant. To# was sitting in his favorite attitu"e-
astri"e of a hair- with his ar#s fol"e" an" his hin on the top rail/ not an elegant posture- but
the only one in whih- he sai"- he oul" thin) well.
,*i" you want #e- To#0,
,es. Co#e in- please- an" "on't loo) sare"/ I only want to show you a present I've ha"- an"
,+hy- To#- you loo) as if you ha" been )no)e" "own1, e&lai#e" Polly- forgetting all
about herself- as she saw his fae when he rose an" turne" to #eet her.
,I have/ regularly floore"/ but I'# up again- an" stea"ier than ever. :ust you rea" that- an"
tell #e what you thin) of it.,
To# snathe" a letter off the table- put it into her han"s- an" began to wal) up an" "own the
little roo#- li)e a veritable bear in its age. As Polly rea" that short note- all the olor went out
of her fae- an" her eyes began to )in"le. +hen she a#e to the en"- she stoo" a #inute- as if
too in"ignant to spea)- then gave the paper a nervous sort of ru#ple an" "roppe" it on thefloor- saying- all in one breath- ,I thin) she is a #erenary- heartless- ungrateful girl1 That's what
I thin).,
,h- the "eue1 I "i" n't #ean to show that one/ it's the other., An" To# too) up a seon"
paper- loo)ing half angry- half asha#e" at his own #ista)e. ,I "on't are- though/ every one will
)now to$#orrow/ an" perhaps you'll be goo" enough to )eep the girls fro# bothering #e with
6uestions an" gabble-, he a""e"- as if- on seon" thoughts- he was relieve" to have the
o##uniation #a"e to Polly first.
,I "on't won"er you loo)e" upset. If the other letter is as ba"- I'" better have a hair before I
rea" it-, sai" Polly- feeling that she began to tre#ble with e&ite#ent.
,It's a #illion ti#es better- but it )no)e" #e worse than the other/ )in"ness always "oes.,To# stoppe" short there- an" stoo" a #inute turning the letter about in his han" as if it
ontaine" a sweet whih neutrali5e" the bitter in that s#aller note- an" touhe" hi# very #uh.
Then he "rew up an ar#hair- an" be)oning Polly to ta)e it- sai" in a sober- stea"y tone- that
surprise" her greatly- ,+henever I was in a 6uan"ary- I use" to go an" onsult gran"#a- an" she
always ha" so#ething sensible or o#fortable to say to #e. She's gone now- but so#ehow-
Polly- you see# to ta)e her plae. +oul" you #in" sitting in her hair- an" letting #e tell you
two or three things- as +ill "oes0,
2in" it0 Polly felt that To# ha" pai" her the highest an" #ost beautiful o#pli#ent he
oul" have "evise". She ha" often longe" to "o it- for- being brought up in the #ost affetionatean" fran) relations with her brothers- she ha" early learne" what it ta)es #ost wo#en so#e
ti#e to "isover- that se& "oes not #a)e nearly as #uh "ifferene in hearts an" souls as we
fany. :oy an" sorrow- love an" fear- life an" "eath bring so #any of the sa#e nee"s to all- that
the won"er is we "o not un"erstan" eah other better- but wait till ti#es of tribulation teah us
that hu#an nature is very #uh the sa#e in #en an" wo#en. Than)s to this )nowle"ge- Polly
un"erstoo" To# in a way that surprise" an" won hi#. She )new that he wante" wo#anly
sy#pathy- an" that she oul" give it to hi#- beause she was not afrai" to streth her han"
aross the barrier whih our artifiial e"uation puts between boys an" girls- an" to say to hi#
in all goo" faith- ,If I an help you- let #e.,
Ten #inutes sooner Polly oul" have "one this al#ost as easily to To# as to +ill- but in thatten #inutes so#ething ha" happene" whih #a"e this "iffiult. ;ea"ing that Tri& ha" given
To# ba) his free"o# hange" #any things to Polly- an" ause" her to shrin) fro# his
onfi"ene- beause she felt as if it woul" be har"er now to )eep self out of sight/ for- spite of
#ai"en #o"esty- love an" hope woul" wa)e an" sing at the goo" news. Slowly she sat "own-
an" hesitatingly she sai"- with her eyes on the groun"- an" a very hu#ble voie- ,I'll "o #y
best- but I an't fill gran"#a's plae- or give you any wise- goo" a"vie. I wish I oul"1,
,ou'll "o it better than any one else. Tal) troubles #other- father has enough to thin) of
without any of #y worries. Fan is a goo" soul- but she is n't pratial- an" we always get into a
snarl if we try to wor) together- so who have I but #y other sister- Polly0 The pleasure that
letter will give you #ay #a)e up for #y boring you.,
As he spo)e- To# lai" the other paper in her lap- an" went off to the win"ow- as if to leave
her free to en4oy it unseen/ but he oul" not help a glane now an" then- an" as Polly's fae
brightene"- his own fell.
,h- To#- that's a birth"ay present worth having- for it's so beautifully given I "on't see how
you an refuse it. Arthur Sy"ney is a real noble#an1, rie" Polly- loo)ing up at last- with her
fat glowing- an" her eyes full of "elight.,So he is1 I "on't )now another #an living- e&ept father- who woul" have "one suh a thing
or who I oul" bring #yself to ta)e it fro#. *o you see- he's not only pai" the onfoun"e"
"ebts- but has "one it in #y na#e- to spare #e all he oul"0,
,I see- it's li)e hi#/ an" I thin) he #ust be very happy to be able to "o suh a thing.,
,It is an i##ense weight off #y shoul"ers- for so#e of those #en oul" n't affor" to wait till
I'" begge"- borrowe"- or earne" the #oney. Sy"ney an wait- but he won't long- if I )now
#yself., ,ou won't ta)e it as a gift- then0,
,+oul" you0,
,No.,
,Then "on't thin) I will. I'# a pretty poor affair- Polly- but I'# not #ean enough to "o that-while I've got a onsiene an" a pair of han"s.,
A rough speeh- but it please" Polly better than the s#oothest To# ha" ever #a"e in her
hearing- for so#ething in his fae an" voie tol" her that the frien"ly at ha" rouse" a nobler
senti#ent than gratitu"e- #a)ing the anelle" obligations of the boy- "ebts of honor to the
#an.
,+hat will you "o- To#0,
,I'll tell you/ #ay I sit here0, An" To# too) the low footstool that always stoo" near
gran"#a's ol" hair. ,I've ha" so #any plans in #y hea" lately- that so#eti#es it see#s as if it
woul" split-, ontinue" the poor fellow- rubbing his tire" forehea"- as if to polish up his wits.,I've thought seriously of going to California- Australia- or so#e out$of$the$way plae- where
#en get rih in a hurry.,
,h- no1, rie" Polly- putting out her han" as it to )eep hi#- an" then snathing it ba) again
before he oul" turn roun".
,It woul" be har" on #other an" the girls- I suppose/ besi"es- I "on't 6uite li)e it #yself/
loo)s as if I shir)e" an" ran away.,
,So it "oes-, sai" Polly- "ei"e"ly.
,+ell- you see I "on't see# to fin" anything to "o unless I turn ler)- an" I "on't thin) that
woul" suit. The fat is- I oul" n't stan" it here- where I'# )nown. It woul" be easier to srath
gravel on a railroa"- with a gang of Pa""ies- than to sell pins to #y frien"s an" neighbors. False pri"e- I "are say- but it's the truth- an" there's no use in "o"ging.,
,Not a bit- an" I 6uite agree with you.,
,That's o#fortable. Now I'# o#ing to the point where I speially want your a"vie- Polly.
ester"ay I hear" you telling Fan about your brother Ne"/ how well he got on/ how he li)e" his
business- an" wante" +ill to o#e an" ta)e so#e plae near hi#. ou thought I was rea"ing-
but I hear"/ an" it stru) #e that perhaps I oul" get a hane out +est so#ewhere. +hat "o
you thin)0,
,If you really #ean wor)- I )now you oul"-, answere" Polly- 6ui)ly- as all sorts of plans
an" pro4ets went sweeping through her #in". ,I wish you oul" be with Ne"/ you'" get on
together- I '# sure/ an" he'" be so gla" to "o anything he oul". I'll write an" as)- straight away
if you want #e to.,
,Suppose you "o/ 4ust for infor#ation- you )now- then I shall have so#ething to go upon. I
want to have a feasible plan all rea"y- before I spea) to father. There's nothing so onvining to
business #en as fats- you )now.,
Polly oul" not help s#iling at To#'s new tone- it see#e" so strange to hear hi# tal)ing
about anything but horses an" tailors- "aning an" girls. She li)e" it- however- as #uh as she
"i" the sober e&pression of his fae- an" the way he ha" lately of swinging his ar#s about- as ifhe wante" to "o so#ething energeti with the#.
,That will be wise. *o you thin) your father will li)e this plan0,
,Pretty sure be will. ester"ay- when I tol" hi# I #ust go at so#ething right off- he
sai"-'Anything honest- To#- an" "on't forget that your father began the worl" as a shop$boy.'
ou )new that- "i" n't you0,
,es- he tol" #e the story one- an" I always li)e" to hear it- beause it was pleasant to see
how well he ha" suee"e".,
,I never "i" li)e the story- a little bit asha#e"- I'# afrai"/ but when we tal)e" it over last
night- it stru) #e in a new light- an" I un"erstoo" why father too) the failure so well- an"
see#s so ontente" with this poorish plae. It is only beginning again- he says/ an" havingwor)e" his way up one- he feels as if he oul" again. I "elare to you- Polly- that sort of
onfi"ene in hi#self- an" energy an" ourage in a #an of his years- #a)es #e love an" respet
the "ear ol" gentle#an as I never "i" before.,
,I'# so gla" to hear you say that- To#1 I've so#eti#es thought you "i" n't 6uite appreiate
your father- any #ore than he )new how #uh of a #an you were.,
,Never was till to$"ay- you )now-, sai" To#- laughing- yet loo)ing as if he felt the "ignity of
his one an" twenty years. ,""- is n't it- how people live together ever so long- an" "on't see#
to fin" one another out- till so#ething o#es to "o it for the#. Perhaps this s#ash$up was sent
to intro"ue #e to #y own father.,,There's philosophy for you-, sai" Polly- s#iling- even while she felt as if a"versity was
going to "o #ore for To# than years of prosperity.
They both sat 6uiet for a #inute- Polly in the big hair loo)ing at hi# with a new respet in
her eyes- To# on the stool near by slowly tearing up a fol"e" paper he ha" absently ta)en fro#
the floor while he tal)e".
,*i" this surprise you0, he as)e"- as a little white shower fluttere" fro# his han"s.
,No.,
,+ell- it "i" #e/ for you )now as soon as we a#e to grief I offere" to release Tri& fro# the
engage#ent- an" she woul" n't let #e-, ontinue" To#- as if- having begun the sub4et- he
wishe" to e&plain it thoroughly.,That surprise" #e-, sai" Polly.
,So it "i" #e- for Fan always insiste" it was the #oney an" not the #an she are" for. 3er
first answer please" #e very #uh- for I "i" not e&pet it- an" nothing touhes a fellow #ore
than to have a wo#an stan" by hi# through thi) an" thin.,
,She "on't see# to have "one it.,
,Fan was right. Tri& only waite" to see how ba" things really were- or rather her #other "i".
She's as ool- har"- an" worl"ly #in"e" an ol" soul as I ever saw- an" Tri& is boun" to obey.
She gets roun" it very neatly in her note-'I won't be a bur"en-''will sarifie her hopes-''an"
always re#ain #y war# frien"-' but the truth is- To# Shaw rih was worth #a)ing #uh of- but
To# Shaw poor is in the way- an" #ay go to the "evil as fast as he li)es.,
,+ell- he is n't going1, rie" Polly- "efiantly- for her wrath burne" hotly against Tri&- though
she blesse" her for setting the bon"#an free.
,Ca#e within an ae of it-, #uttere" To# to hi#self/ a""ing alou"- in a tone of al#
resignation that assure" Polly his heart woul" not be bro)en though his engage#ent was- ,It
never rains but it pours-'speially in har" ti#es- but when a #an is "own- a rap or two #ore
"on't #atter #uh- I suppose. It's the first blow that hurts #ost.,,!la" to see you ta)e the last blow so well., There was an ironial little twang to that
speeh- an" Polly oul" n't help it. To# olore" up an" loo)e" hurt for a #inute- then see#e" to
right hi#self with a shrug- an" sai"- in his outspo)en way- ,To tell the honest truth- Polly- it was
not a very har" one. I've ha" a feeling for so#e ti#e that Tri& an" I were not suite" to one
another- an" it #ight be wiser to stop short. %ut she "i" not or woul" not see it/ an" I was not
going to ba) out- an" leave her to wear any #ore willows- so here we are. I "on't bear #alie-
but hope she'll "o better- an" not be "isappointe" again- upon #y wor" I "o.,
,That's very goo" of you- 6uite Sy"neyes6ue- an" noble-, sai" Polly- feeling rather ill at
ease- an" wishing she oul" hi"e herself behin" a ap an" spetales- if she was to play
!ran"#a to this onfi"ing youth.,It will be all plain sailing for Sy"- I fany-, observe" To#- getting up as if the little ri)et
su""enly ease" to be o#fortable.
,I hope so-, #ur#ure" Polly- won"ering what was o#ing ne&t.
,3e "eserves the very best of everything- an" I pray the Lor" he #ay get it-, a""e" To#-
po)ing the fire in a "estrutive #anner.
Polly #a"e no answer- fearing to pay too #uh- for she )new Fan ha" #a"e no onfi"ant of
To#- an" she guar"e" her frien"'s seret as 4ealously as her own. ,ou'll write to Ne" to$
#orrow- will you0 I'll ta)e anything he's got- for I want to be off-, sai" To#- asting "own the
po)er- an" turning roun" with a resolute air whih was lost on Polly- who sat twirling the rosethat ha" fallen into her lap.
,I'll write to$night. +oul" you li)e #e to tell the girls about Tri& an" Sy"ney0, she as)e" as
she rose- feeling that the ounil was over.
,I wish you woul". I "on't )now how to than) you for all you've "one for #e/ I wish to
heaven I "i"-, sai" To#- hol"ing out his han" with a loo) that Polly thought a great "eal too
grateful for the little she ha" "one.
As she gave hi# her han"- an" loo)e" up at hi# with those onfi"ing eyes of hers- To#'s
gratitu"e see#e" to fly to his hea"- for- without the slightest warning- he stoope" "own an"
)isse" her- a proee"ing whih startle" Polly so that he reovere" hi#self at one- an" retreate"
into his "en with the inoherent apology- ,I beg par"on oul" n't help it gran"#a always let #eon #y birth"ay.,
+hile Polly too) refuge up stairs- forgetting all about Fan- as she sat in the "ar) with her
fae hi""en- won"ering why she was n't very angry- an" resolving never again to in"ulge in the
"elightful but "angerous pasti#e of playing gran"#other.
Chapter (VIII. The +o#an +ho *i" Not *are
Polly wrote enthusiastially- Ne" answere" satisfatorily- an" after #uh orrespon"ing-
tal)ing- an" planning- it was "ei"e" that To# shoul" go +est. Never #in" what the business
was/ it suffies to say that it was a goo" beginning for a young #an li)e To#- who- having been
born an" bre" in the #ost onservative lass of the #ost oneite" ity in New 8nglan"- nee"e"
4ust the healthy- hearty- soial influenes of the +est to wi"en his views an" #a)e a #an of
hi#.
f ourse there was #uh la#entation a#ong the wo#en- but every one felt it was the best
thing for hi#/ so while they sighe" they sewe"- pa)e" visions of a brilliant future away with
his new po)et han")erhiefs- an" re4oie" that the way was open before hi# even in the at of
be"ewing his boots with tears. Sy"ney stoo" by hi# to the last- ,li)e a #an an" a brother,
=whih e&pression of To#'s gave Fanny infinite satisfation>- an" +ill felt entirely onsole" for Ne"'s "isappoint#ent at his refusal to go an" 4oin hi#- sine To# was to ta)e the plae Ne" ha"
)ept for hi#.
Fortunately every one was so busy with the neessary preparations that there was no ti#e for
ro#ane of any sort- an" the four young people wor)e" together as soberly an" sensibly as if all
sorts of e#otions were not bottle" up in their respetive hearts. %ut in spite of the silene- the
wor)- an" the hurry- I thin) they a#e to )now one another better in that busy little spae of
ti#e than in all the years that ha" gone before- for the best an" bravest in eah was up an"
stirring- an" the s#all house was as full of the #agnetis# of love an" frien"ship- self$sarifie
an" enthusias#- as the worl" outsi"e was full of spring sunshine an" enhant#ent. Pity that the
en" shoul" o#e so soon- but the hour "i" its wor) an" went its way- leaving a learerat#osphere behin"- though the young fol)s "i" not see it then- for their eyes were "i# beause
of the partings that #ust be.
To# was off to the +est/ Polly went ho#e for the su##er/ 2au" was ta)en to the seasi"e
with %elle/ an" Fanny left alone to wrestle with house)eeping- ,help-, an" heartahe. If it ha"
not been for two things- I fear she never woul" have stoo" a su##er in town- but Sy"ney often
alle"- till his vaation a#e- an" a volu#inous orrespon"ene with Polly beguile" the long
"ays. To# wrote one a wee) to his #other- but the letters were short an" not very satisfatory-
for #en never "o tell the interesting little things that wo#en best li)e to hear. Fanny forwar"e"
her bits of news to Polly. Polly sent ba) all the e&trats fro# Ne"'s letters onerning To#- an" by putting the two reports together- they gaine" the o#fortable assurane that To# was well- in
goo" spirits- har" at wor)- an" intent on o#ing out strong in spite of all obstales.
Polly ha" a 6uiet su##er at ho#e- resting an" getting rea"y in #in" an" bo"y for another
winter's wor)- for in the autu#n she trie" her plan again- to the satisfation of her pupils an" the
great 4oy of her frien"s. She never sai" #uh of herself in her letters- an" Fanny's first
e&la#ation when they #et again- was an an&ious ,+hy- Polly- "ear1 3ave you been si) an"
never tol" #e0,
,No- I'# only tire"- ha" a goo" "eal to "o lately- an" the "ull weather #a)es #e 4ust a trifle
blue. I shall soon brighten up when I get to #y wor) again-, answere" Polly- bustling about to
put away her things.,ou "on't loo) a bit natural. +hat have you been "oing to your preious little self0,
persiste" Fanny- trouble" by the hange- yet fin"ing it har" to say wherein it lay.
Polly "i" not loo) si)- though her hee)s were thinner an" her olor paler than for#erly-
but she see#e" spiritless- an" there was a tire" loo) in her eyes that went to Fanny's heart.
,I'# all right enough- as you'll see when I'# in or"er. I'# proper gla" to fin" you loo)ing so
well an" happy. *oes all go s#oothly- Fan0, as)e" Polly- beginning to brush her hair
in"ustriously.
,Answer #e one 6uestion first-, sai" Fanny- loo)ing as if a su""en fear ha" o#e over her.
,Tell #e- truly- have you never repente" of your hint to Sy"ney0,
,Never1, rie" Polly- throwing ba) the brown veil behin" whih she ha" half hi""en her
fae at first.
,n your honor- as an honest girl0,
,n #y honor- as anything you please. +hy "o you suspet #e of it0, "e#an"e" Polly-
al#ost angrily.
,%eause so#ething is wrong with you. It's no use to "eny it- for you've got the loo) I use"
to see in that very glass on #y own fae when I thought he are" for you. Forgive #e- Polly- but
I an't help saying it- for it is there- an" I want to be as true to you as you were to #e if I an.,Fanny's fae was full of agitation- an" she spo)e fast an" fran)ly- for she was trying to be
generous an" foun" it very har". Polly un"erstoo" now an" put her fear at rest by saying al#ost
passionately- ,I tell you I "on't love hi#1 If he was the only #an in the worl"- I woul" n't #arry
hi#- beause I "on't want to.,
The last three wor"s were a""e" in a "ifferent tone- for Polly ha" he)e" herself there with
a half$frightene" loo) an" turne" away to hi"e her fae behin" her hair again.
,Then if it's not hi#- it's so#e one else. ou've got a seret- Polly- an" I shoul" thin) you
#ight tell it- as you )now #ine-, sai" Fanny- unable to rest till everything was tol"- for Polly's
#anner trouble" her.
There was no answer to her 6uestion- but she was satisfie" an" putting her ar# roun" herfrien"- she sai"- in her #ost persuasive tone- ,2y preious Polly- "o I )now hi#0,
,ou have seen hi#.,
,An" is he very wise- goo"- an" splen"i"- "ear0,
,No.,
,3e ought to be if you love hi#. I hope he is n't ba"0, rie" Fan- an&iously- still hol"ing
Polly- who )ept her hea" obstinately turne".
,I'# suite"- that's enough.,
,h- please 4ust tell #e one thing #ore. *on't he love ba) again0,
,No. Now "on't say another wor"- I an't bear it1, an" Polly "rew herself away- as she spo)ein a "esperate sort of tone.
,I won't- but now I'# not afrai" to tell you that I thin)- I hope- I "o believe that Sy"ney ares
a little for #e. 3e's been very )in" to us all- an" lately he has see#e" to li)e to see #e always
when he o#es an" #iss #e if I'# gone. I "i" n't "are to hope anything- till Papa observe"
so#ething in his #anner- an" tease" #e about it. I try not to "eeive #yself- but it "oes see# as
if there was a hane of happiness for #e.,
,Than) heaven for that1, rie" Polly- with the heartiest satisfation in her voie. ,Now o#e
an" tell #e all about it-, she a""e"- sitting "own on the ouh with the air of one who has
esape" a great peril.
,I've got so#e notes an" things I want to as) your opinion about- if they really #eananything- you )now-, sai" Fanny- getting out a bun"le of papers fro# the in#ost reesses of her
"es). ,There's a photograph of To#- a#e in his last letter. !oo"- is n't it0 3e loo)s ol"er- but
that's the bear" an" the rough oat- I suppose. *ear ol" fellow- he is "oing so well I really begin
to feel 6uite prou" of hi#.,
Fan tosse" her the photograph- an" went on ru##aging for a ertain note. She "i" not see
Polly ath up the piture an" loo) at it with hungry eyes- but she "i" hear so#ething in the low
tone in whih Polly sai"- ,It "on't "o hi# 4ustie-, an" glaning over her shoul"er- Fan's 6ui)
eye aught a gli#pse of the truth- though Polly was half turne" away fro# her. +ithout
stopping to thin)- Fan "roppe" her letters- too) Polly by the shoul"ers- an" rie" in a tone full
of astonish#ent- ,Polly- is it To#0,
Poor Polly was so ta)en by surprise- that she ha" not a wor" to say. None were nee"e"/ her
telltale fae answere" for her- as well as the i#pulse whih #a"e her hi"e her hea" in the sofa
ushion- li)e a foolish ostrih when the hunters are after it.
,h- Polly- I a# so gla"1 I never thought of it you are so goo"- an" he's suh a wil" boy- I
an't believe it but it is so "ear of you to are for hi#.,
,Coul" n't help it trie" not to but it was so har" you )now- Fan- you )now-, sai" a stifle"voie fro# the "epths of the very fu55y ushion whih To# ha" one on"e#ne".
The last wor"s- an" the appealing han" outstrethe" to her- tol" Fanny the seret of her
frien"'s ten"er sy#pathy for her own love troubles- an" see#e" so patheti- that she too) Polly
in her ar#s- an" rie" over her- in the fon"- foolish way girls have of "oing when their hearts
are full- an" tears an say #ore than tongues. The silene never lasts long- however- for the
fe#inine "esire to ,tal) it over, usually gets the better of the "eepest e#otion. So presently the
girls were har" at it- Polly very hu#ble an" "ownast- Fanny e&ite" an" overflowing with
uriosity an" "elight.
,;eally #y sister1 ou "ear thing- how heavenly that will be-, she rie".
,It never will be-, answere" Polly in a tone of al# "espair.,+hat will prevent it0,
,2aria %ailey-, was the tragi reply.
,+hat "o you #ean0 Is she the +estern girl0 She shan't have To#/ I'll )ill her first1,
,Too late- let #e tell you is that "oor shut- an" 2au" safe0,
Fanny reonnoitere"- an" returning- listene" breathlessly- while Polly poure" into her ear the
bitter seret whih was preying on her soul.
,3as n't he #entione" 2aria in his letters0,
,ne or twie- but sort of 4o)ingly- an" I thought it was only so#e little flirtation. 3e an't
have ti#e for #uh of that fun- he's so busy.,,Ne" writes goo"- gossipy letters I taught hi# how an" he tells #e all that's going on. +hen
he'" spo)en of this girl several ti#es =they boar" with her #other- you )now>- I as)e" about her
6uite arelessly- an" he tol" #e she was pretty- goo"- an" well e"uate"- an" he thought To#
was rather s#itten. That was a blow- for you see- Fan- sine Tri& bro)e the engage#ent- an" it
was n't wrong to thin) of To#- I let #yself hope- 4ust a little- an" was so happy1 Now I #ust
give it up- an" now I see how #uh I hope"- an" what a "rea"ful loss it's going to be.,
Two great tears rolle" "own Polly's hee)s- an" Fanny wipe" the# away- feeling an intense
"esire to go +est by the ne&t train- wither 2aria %ailey with a single loo)- an" bring To# ba)
as a gift to Polly.
,It was so stupi" of #e not to guess before. %ut you see To# always see#s so li)e a boy- an"you are #ore wo#anly for your age than any girl I )now- so I never thought of your aring for
hi# in that way. I )new you were very goo" to hi#- you are to every one- #y preious/ an" I
)new that he was fon" of you as he is of #e- fon"er if anything- beause he thin)s you are
perfet/ but still I never "rea#e" of his loving you as #ore than a "ear frien".,
,3e "oes n't-, sighe" Polly.
,+ell- he ought/ an" if I oul" get hol" of hi#- he shoul"1,
Polly luthe" Fan at that- an" hel" her tight- saying sternly- ,If you ever breathe a wor"-
"rop a hint- loo) a loo) that will tell hi# or any one else about #e- I'll yes- as sure as #y na#e
is 2ary 2ilton I'll prolai# fro# the housetops that you li)e Ar , Polly got no further- for Fan's
han" was on her #outh- an" Fan's alar#e" voie vehe#ently proteste"- ,I won't1 I pro#ise
sole#nly I'll never say a wor" to a #ortal reature. *on't be so fiere- Polly/ you 6uite frighten
#e.,
,It's ba" enough to love so#e one who "on't love you- but to have the# tol" of it is perfetly
awful. It #a)es #e wil" 4ust to thin) of it. h- Fan- I'# getting so ill$te#pere" an" envious an"
wi)e"- I "on't )now what will happen to #e.,
,I'# not afrai" for you- #y "ear- an" I "o believe things will go right- beause you are so
goo" to every one. 3ow To# oul" help a"oring you I "on't see. I )now he woul" if he ha"staye" at ho#e longer after he got ri" of Tri&. It woul" be the #a)ing of hi#/ but though he is
#y brother- I "on't thin) he's goo" enough for you- Polly- an" I "on't 6uite see how you an are
for hi# so #uh- when you #ight have ha" a person so infinitely superior.,
,I "on't want a'superior' person/ he'" tire #e if he was li)e A. S. %esi"es- I "o thin) To# is
superior to hi# in #any things. +ell- you nee" n't stare/ I )now he is- or will be. 3e's so
"ifferent- an" very young- an" has lots of faults- I )now- but I li)e hi# all the better for it- an"
he's honest an" brave- an" has got a big- war# heart- an" I'" rather have hi# are for #e than
the wisest- best- #ost ao#plishe" #an in the worl"- si#ply beause I love hi#1,
If To# oul" only have seen Polly's fae when she sai" that1 It was so ten"er- earnest- an"
"efiant- that Fanny forgot the "efene of her own lover in a"#iration of Polly's loyalty to hers/for this faithful- all absorbing love was a new revelation to Fanny- who was use" to hearing her
frien"s boast of two or three lovers a year- an" alulate their respetive values- with al#ost as
#uh oolness as the young #en "isusse" the fortunes of the girls they wishe" for- but ,oul"
not affor" to #arry., She ha" thought her love for Sy"ney very ro#anti- beause she "i" not
really are whether he was rih or poor- though she never "are" to say so- even to Polly- for fear
of being laughe" at. She began to see now what true love was- an" to feel that the senti#ent
whih she oul" not on6uer was a treasure to be aepte" with reverene- an" herishe" with
"evotion.
,I "on't )now when I began to love To#- but I foun" out that I "i" last winter- an" was as#uh surprise" as you are-, ontinue" Polly- as if gla" to unbur"en her heart. ,I "i" n't approve
of hi# at all. I thought he was e&travagant- re)less- an" "an"ifie". I was very #uh
"isappointe" when he hose Tri&- an" the #ore I thought an" saw of it- the worse I felt- for To#
was too goo" for her- an" I hate" to see her "o so little for hi#- when she #ight have "one so
#uh/ beause he is one of the #en who an be le" by their affetions- an" the wo#an he
#arries an #a)e or #ar hi#.,
,That's true1, rie" Fan- as Polly pause" to loo) at the piture- whih appeare" to regar" her
with a grave- stea"y loo)- whih see#e" rather to belie her assertions.
,I "on't #ean that he's wea) or ba". If he was- I shoul" hate hi#/ but he "oes nee" so#e one
to love hi# very #uh- an" #a)e hi# happy- as a goo" wo#an best )nows how-, sai" Polly- asif answering the #ute language of To#'s fae.
,I hope 2aria %ailey is all he thin)s her-, she a""e"- softly- ,for I oul" n't bear to have hi#
"isappointe" again.,
,I "are say he "on't are a fig for her- an" you are only borrowing trouble. +hat "o you say
Ne" answere" when you as)e" about this inonvenient girl0, sai" Fanny turning hopeful all at
one.
Polly repeate" it- an" a""e"- ,I as)e" hi# in another letter if he "i" n't a"#ire 2iss %. as
#uh as To#- an" he wrote ba) that she was'a nie girl-' but he ha" no ti#e for nonsense- an" I
nee" n't get #y white )i"s rea"y for so#e years yet- unless to "ane at To#'s we""ing. Sine
then he has n't #entione" 2aria- so I was sure there was so#ething serious going on- an" being
in To#'s onfi"ene- he )ept 6uiet.,
,It "oes loo) ba". Suppose I say a wor" to To#- 4ust in6uire after his heart in a general way-
you )now- an" give hi# a hane to tell #e- if there is anything to tell., ,I'# willing- but you
#ust let #e see the letter. I an't trust you not to hint or say too #uh.,
,ou shall. I'll )eep #y pro#ise in spite of everything- but it will be har" to see things going
wrong when a wor" woul" set it right.,
,ou )now what will happen if you "o-, an" Polly loo)e" so threatening that Fan tre#ble" before her- "isovering that the gentlest girls when rouse" are #ore i#pressive than any shrew/
for even turtle "oves pe) gallantly to "efen" their nests.
,If it is true about 2aria- what shall we "o0, sai" Fanny after a pause.
,%ear it/ People always "o bear things- so#ehow-, answere" Polly- loo)ing as if sentene
ha" been passe" upon her.
,%ut if it is n't0, rie" Fan- unable to en"ure the sight.
,Then I shall wait., An" Polly's fae hange" so beautifully that Fan hugge" her on the spot-
fervently wishing that 2aria %ailey never ha" been born.
Then the onversation turne" to lover nu#ber two- an" after a long onfabulation- Polly
gave it as her fir# belief that A. S. ha" forgotten 2. 2.- an" was rapi"ly fin"ing onsolation inthe regar" of F. S. +ith this satisfatory "eision the ounil en"e" after the ratifiation of a
Loyal League- by whih the frien"s ple"ge" the#selves to stan" staunhly by one another
through the trials of the o#ing year.
It was a very "ifferent winter fro# the last for both the girls. Fanny applie" herself to her
"uties with re"ouble" ar"or- for ,A. S., was a "o#esti #an- an" a"#ire" housewifely
ao#plish#ents. If Fanny wante" to show hi# what she oul" "o towar" #a)ing a pleasant
ho#e- she ertainly suee"e" better than she suspete"- for in spite of #any failures an"
"isourage#ents behin" the senes- the little house bea#e a #ost attrative plae- to 2r.
Sy"ney at least- for he was #ore the house$frien" than ever- an" see#e" "eter#ine" to provethat hange of fortune #a"e no "ifferene to hi#.
Fanny ha" been afrai" that Polly's return #ight en"anger her hopes- but Sy"ney #et Polly
with the ol" frien"liness- an" very soon onvine" her that the nipping in the bu" proess ha"
been effetual- for being ta)en early- the sprouting affetion ha" "ie" easy- an" left roo# for an
ol"er frien"ship to blosso# into a happier love.
Fanny see#e" gla" of this- an" Polly soon set her heart at rest by proving that she ha" no
wish to try her power. She )ept #uh at ho#e when the "ay's wor) was "one- fin"ing it
pleasanter to sit "rea#ing over boo) or sewing alone- than to e&ert herself even to go to the
Shaws'.
,Fan "on't nee" #e- an" Sy"ney "on't are whether I o#e or not- so I'll )eep out of theway-, she woul" say- as if to e&use her see#ing in"olene.
Polly was not at all li)e herself that winter- an" those nearest to her saw an" won"ere" at it
#ost. +ill got very an&ious- she was so 6uiet- pale an" spiritless- an" "istrate" poor Polly by
his affetionate stupi"ity- till she o#plete" his bewil"er#ent by getting ross an" sol"ing hi#.
So he onsole" hi#self with 2au"- who- now being in her teens- assu#e" "ignifie" airs- an"
or"ere" hi# about in a style that affor"e" hi# ontinue" a#use#ent an" e#ploy#ent.
+estern news ontinue" vague- for Fan's general in6uiries pro"ue" only provo)ingly
unsatisfatory replies fro# To#- who sang the praises of ,the beautiful 2iss %ailey-, an"
professe" to be onsu#e" by a hopeless passion for so#ebo"y- in suh half$o#i- half$tragi
ter#s- that the girls oul" not "ei"e whether it was ,all that boy's #ishief-, or only a loa) to
hi"e the "rea"ful truth.
,+e'll have it out of hi# when he o#es ho#e in the spring-, sai" Fanny to Polly- as they
o#pare" the letters of their brothers- an" agree" that ,#en were the #ost uno##uniative
an" provo)ing ani#als un"er the sun., For Ne" was so absorbe" in business that he ignore" the
whole %ailey 6uestion an" left the# in utter "ar)ness.
3unger of any sort is a har" thing to bear- espeially when the sufferer has a youthful
appetite- an" Polly was )ept on suh a short allowane of happiness for si& #onths- that she got6uite thin an" interesting/ an" often- when she saw how big her eyes were getting- an" how
plainly the veins on her te#ples showe"- in"ulge" the pensive thought that perhaps spring
"an"elions #ight blosso# o'er her grave. She ha" no intention of "ying till To#'s visit was over
however- an" as the ti#e "rew near- she went through suh alternations of hope an" fear- an"
live" in suh a state of feverish e&ite#ent- that spirits an" olor a#e ba)- an" she saw that
the interesting pallor she ha" ounte" on woul" be an entire failure.
2ay a#e at last- an" with it a burst of sunshine whih heere" even poor Polly's #uh$
en"uring heart. Fanny a#e wal)ing in upon her one "ay- loo)ing as if she brought ti"ings of
suh great 4oy that she har"ly )new how to tell the#.
,Prepare yourself so#ebo"y is engage"1, she sai"- in a sole#n tone- that #a"e Polly put upher han" as if to war" off an e&pete" blow. ,No- "on't loo) li)e that- #y poor "ear/ it is n't
To#- it's I1,
f ourse there was a rapture- followe" by one of the "eliiously onfi"ential tal)s whih
,h- Polly- though I've waite" an" hope" so long I oul" n't believe it when it a#e- an"
"on't "eserve it/ but I will1 for the )nowle"ge that he loves #e see#s to #a)e everything
possible-, sai" Fanny- with an e&pression whih #a"e her really beautiful- for the first ti#e in
her life.
,ou happy girl1, sighe" Polly- then s#ile" an" a""e"- ,I thin) you "eserve all that's o#eto you- for you have truly trie" to be worthy of it- an" whether it ever a#e or not that woul"
have been a thing to be prou" of.,
,3e says that is what #a"e hi# love #e-, answere" Fanny- never alling her lover by his
na#e- but #a)ing the little personal pronoun a very sweet wor" by the tone in whih she uttere"
it. ,3e was "isappointe" in #e last year- he tol" #e- but you sai" goo" things about #e an"
though he "i" n't are #uh then- yet when he lost you- an" a#e ba) to #e- he foun" that you
were not altogether #ista)en- an" he has wathe" #e all this winter- learning to respet an"
love #e better every "ay. h- Polly- when he sai" that- I oul" n't bear it- beause in spite of all
#y trying- I '# still so wea) an" poor an" silly.,
,+e "on't thin) so/ an" I )now you'll be all he hopes to fin" you- for he's 4ust the husban"you ought to have.,
,Than) you all the #ore- then- for not )eeping hi# yourself-, sai" Fanny- laughing the ol"
blithe laugh again.
,That was only a slight aberration of his/ he )new better all the ti#e. It was your white loa)
an" #y i"ioti behavior the night we went to the opera that put the i"ea into his hea"-, sai"
Polly- feeling as if the events of that evening ha" happene" so#e twenty years ago- when she
was a gi""y young thing- fon" of gay bonnets an" girlish pran)s.
,I'# not going to tell To# a wor" about it- but )eep it for a surprise till he o#es. 3e will be
here ne&t wee)- an" then we'll have a gran" learing up of #ysteries-, sai" Fan- evi"ently
feeling that the #illenniu# was at han".
,Perhaps-, sai" Polly- as her heart fluttere" an" then sun)- for this was a ase where she
oul" "o nothing but hope- an" )eep her han"s busy with +ill's new set of shirts.
There is a goo" "eal #ore of this sort of silent suffering than the worl" suspets- for the
,wo#en who "are, are few- the wo#en who ,stan" an" wait, are #any. %ut if wor)$bas)ets
were gifte" with powers of speeh- they oul" tell stories #ore true an" ten"er than any werea". For wo#en often sew the trage"y or o#e"y of life into their wor) as they sit apparently
safe an" serene at ho#e- yet are thin)ing "eeply- living whole heart$histories- an" praying
fervent prayers while they e#broi"er pretty trifles or "o the wee)ly #en"ing.
Chapter (I(. To#'s Suess
,Co#e- Philan"er- let us be a #arhing- 8very one his true love a searhing-,
+oul" be the #ost appropriate #otto for this hapter- beause- inti#i"ate" by the threats-
"enuniations- an" o#plaints showere" upon #e in onse6uene of ta)ing the liberty to en" a
ertain story as I li)e"- I now yiel" to the a#iable "esire of giving satisfation- an"- at the ris)of outraging all the unities- inten" to pair off everybo"y I an lay #y han"s on.
asionally a #atri#onial epi"e#i appears- espeially towar" spring- "evastating soiety-
thinning the ran)s of bahelor"o#- an" leaving #others la#enting for their fairest "aughters.
That spring the "isease bro)e out with great violene in the Shaw irle- ausing paternal hea"s
#uh bewil"er#ent- as one ase after another appeare" with alar#ing rapi"ity. Fanny- as we
have seen- was stri)en first- an" har"ly ha" she been arrie" safely through the risis- when
To# returne" to swell the list of viti#s. As Fanny was out a goo" "eal with her Arthur- who
was sure that e&erise was neessary for the onvalesent- Polly went every "ay to see 2rs.
Shaw- who foun" herself lonely- though #uh better than usual- for the engage#ent ha" a finereffet upon her onstitution than any toni she ever trie". So#e three "ays after Fan's 4oyful all
Polly was startle" on entering the Shaws' "oor- by 2au"- who a#e tu#bling "own stairs-
sen"ing an avalanhe of wor"s before her- ,3e's o#e before he sai" he shoul" to surprise us1
3e's up in #a##a's roo#- an" was 4ust saying-'3ow's Polly0' when I hear" you o#e- in your
reep$#ouse way- an" you #ust go right up. 3e loo)s so funny with whis)ers- but he's ever so
nie- real big an" brown- an" he swung #e right up when he )isse" #e. Never #in" your
bonnet- I an't wait.,
An" pouning upon Polly- 2au" "ragge" her away li)e a apture" ship towe" by a noisy
little stea#$tug.
,The sooner it's over the better for #e-, was the only thought Polly ha" ti#e for before she plunge" into the roo# above- propelle" by 2au"- who rie" triu#phantly- ,There he is1 Ain't he
splen"i"0,
For a #inute- everything "ane" before Polly's eyes- as a han" shoo) hers war#ly- an" a
gruffish voie sai" heartily- ,3ow are you- Polly0, Then she slippe" into a hair besi"e 2rs.
Shaw- hoping that her reply ha" been all right an" proper- for she ha" not the least i"ea what she
sai".
Things got stea"y again "iretly- an" while 2au" e&patiate" on the great surprise- Polly
venture" to loo) at To#- feeling gla" that her ba) was towar" the light- an" his was not. It was
not a large roo#- an" To# see#e" to fill it entirely/ not that he ha" grown so very #uh- e&ept
broa"er in the shoul"ers- but there was a bris)- genial- free$an"$easy air about hi#- suggestive
of a stirring- out$of$"oor life- with people who )ept their eyes wi"e open- an" were not very
partiular what they "i" with their ar#s an" legs. The rough$an"$rea"y travelling suit- stout
boots- brown fae- an" #anly bear"- hange" hi# so #uh- that Polly oul" fin" sarely a
trae of elegant To# Shaw in the hearty$loo)ing young #an who stoo" with one foot on a hair-
while he tal)e" business to his father in a sensible way- whih "elighte" the ol" gentle#an.
Polly li)e" the hange i##ensely- an" sat listening to the state of +estern tra"e with as #uh
interest as if it ha" been the #ost thrilling ro#ane- for- as he tal)e"- To# )ept loo)ing at herwith a no" or a s#ile so li)e ol" ti#es- that for a little while- she forgot 2aria %ailey- an" was
in bliss.
%y an" by Fanny a#e flying in- an" gave To# a greater surprise than his ha" been. 3e ha"
not the least suspiion of what ha" been going on at ho#e- for Fan ha" sai" to herself- with
girlish #alie- ,If he "on't hoose to tell #e his serets- I'# not going to tell #ine-, an" ha" sai"
nothing about Sy"ney- e&ept an oasional allusion to his being often there- an" very )in".
Therefore- when she announe" her engage#ent- To# loo)e" so staggere" for a #inute- that
Fan thought he "i" n't li)e it/ but after the first surprise passe"- he showe" suh an affetionate
satisfation- that she was both touhe" an" flattere".
,+hat "o you thin) of this perfor#ane0, as)e" To#- wheeling roun" to Polly- who still sat by 2rs. Shaw- in the sha"ow of the be"$urtains.
,I li)e it very #uh-, she sai" in suh a hearty tone- that To# oul" not "oubt the
genuineness of her pleasure.
,!la" of that. 3ope you'll be as well please" with another engage#ent that's o#ing out
before long,/ an" with an o"" laugh- To# arrie" Sy"ney off to his "en- leaving the girls to
telegraph to one another the awful #essage- ,It is 2aria %ailey.,
3ow she #anage" to get through that evening- Polly never )new- yet it was not a long one-
for at eight o'lo) she slippe" out of the roo#- #eaning to run ho#e alone- an" not o#pel any
one to serve as esort. %ut she "i" not suee"- for as she stoo" war#ing her rubbers at the"ining$roo# fire- won"ering pensively as she "i" so if 2aria %ailey ha" s#all feet- an" if To#
ever put her rubbers on for her- the little overshoes were ta)en out of her han"s- an" To#'s voie
sai"- reproahfully- ,*i" you really #ean to run away- an" not let #e go ho#e with you0,
,I'# not afrai"/ I "i" n't want to ta)e you away-, began Polly- seretly hoping that she "i" n't
loo) too please".
,%ut I li)e to be ta)en away. +hy- it's a whole year sine I went ho#e with you/ "o you
re#e#ber that0, sai" To#- flapping the rubbers about without any signs of haste.
,*oes it see# long0,
,8verlasting1,
Polly #eant to say that 6uite easily- an" s#ile inre"ulously at his answer/ but in spite of theo6uettish little rose$olore" hoo" she wore- an" whih she )new was very beo#ing- she "i"
not loo) or spea) gayly- an" To# saw so#ething in the altere" fae that #a"e hi# say hastily-
,I'# afrai" you've been "oing too #uh this winter/ you loo) tire" out- Polly.,
,h- no1 it suits #e to be very busy-, an" she began to "rag on her gloves as if to prove it.
,%ut it "oes n't suit #e to have you get thin an" pale- you )now.,
Polly loo)e" up to than) hi#- but never "i"- for there was so#ething "eeper than gratitu"e in
the honest blue eyes- that oul" not hi"e the truth entirely. To# saw it- flushe" all over his
brown fae- an" "ropping the rubbers with a rash- too) her han"s- saying- in his ol" i#petuous
,es- I )now- we've been e&peting it. I hope you'll be very happy- To#/, an" Polly shoo)
his han"s with a s#ile that was #ore patheti than a floo" of tears.
,+hat1, rie" To#- loo)ing as if he thought she ha" lost her #in".
,Ne" tol" us all about her/ he thought it woul" be so- an" when you spo)e of another
engage#ent- we )new you #eant your own.,
,%ut I "i" n't1 Ne"'s the #an/ he tol" #e to tell you. It's 4ust settle".,
,Is it 2aria0, rie" Polly- hol"ing on to a hair as if to be prepare" for anything.
,f ourse. +ho else shoul" it be0,,3e "i" n't say you tal)e" about her #ost an" so we thought , sta##ere" Polly- falling into
a su""en flutter.
,That I was in love0 +ell- I a#- but not with her.,
,h1, an" Polly aught her breath as if a "ash of ol" water ha" fallen on her- for the #ore
in earnest To# grew- the blunter he bea#e.
,*o you want to )now the na#e of the girl I've love" for #ore than a year0 +ell- it's Polly1,
As he spo)e- To# strethe" out his ar#s to her- with the sort of #ute elo6uene that annot be
resiste"- an" Polly went straight into the#- without a wor".
Never #in" what happene" for a little bit. Love senes- if genuine- are in"esribable/ for to
those who have enate" the#- the #ost elaborate "esription see#s ta#e- an" to those whohave not- the si#plest piture see#s over"one. So ro#aners ha" better let i#agination paint for
the# that whih is above all art- an" leave their lovers to the#selves "uring the happiest
#inutes of their lives.
%efore long- To# an" Polly were sitting si"e by si"e- en4oying the blissful state of #in"
whih usually follows the first step out of our wor)$a$"ay worl"- into the glorifie" region
wherein lovers rapturously e&ist for a #onth or two. To# 4ust sat an" loo)e" at Polly as if he
foun" it "iffiult to believe that the winter of his "isontent ha" en"e" in this glorious spring
%ut Polly- being a true wo#an- as)e" 6uestions- even while she laughe" an" rie" for 4oy.
,Now- To#- how oul" I )now you love" #e when you went away an" never sai" a wor"0,she began- in a ten"erly reproahful tone- thin)ing of the har" year she ha" spent.
,An" how oul" I have the ourage to say a wor"- when I ha" nothing on the fae of the
earth to offer you but #y worthless self0, answere" To#- war#ly.
,That was all I wante"1, whispere" Polly- in a tone whih ause" hi# to feel that the rae of
angels was not entirely e&tint.
,I've always been fon" of you- #y Polly- but I never reali5e" how fon" till 4ust before I went
away. I was n't free- you )now- an" besi"es I ha" a strong i#pression that you li)e" Sy"ney in
spite of the "a#per whih Fan hinte" you gave hi# last winter. 3e's suh a apital fellow- I
really "on't see how you oul" help it.,
,It is strange/ I "on't un"erstan" it #yself/ but wo#en are 6ueer reatures- an" there's noaounting for their tastes-, sai" Polly- with a sly loo)- whih To# fully appreiate".
,ou were so goo" to #e those last "ays- that I a#e very near spea)ing out- but oul" n't
bear to see# to be offering you a poor- "isgrae" sort of fellow- who# Tri& woul" n't have- an"
no one see#e" to thin) worth #uh.'No-' I sai" to #yself-'Polly ought to have the best/ if Sy"
an get her- let hi#- an" I won't say a wor". I 'll try to be better worthy her frien"ship- anyway/
an" perhaps- when I've prove" that I an "o so#ething- an" a# not asha#e" to wor)- then- if
Polly is free- I shan't be afrai" to try #y hane.' So I hel" #y tongue- wor)e" li)e a horse-
satisfie" #yself an" others that I oul" get #y living honestly- an" then a#e ho#e to see if
,That's the rose you put in the birth"ay a)e- an" ne&t wee) we'll have a fresh one in another
4olly little a)e whih you'll #a)e #e/ you left it on the floor of #y "en the night we tal)e"
there- an" I 've )ept it ever sine. There's love an" ro#ane for you1,
Polly touhe" the little reli- treasure" for a year- an" s#ile" to rea" the wor"s ,2y Polly's
rose-, sribble" un"er the ru#bling leaves.
,I "i" n't )now you oul" be so senti#ental-, she sai"- loo)ing so please" that he "i" not
regret onfessing his folly.
,I never was till I love" you- #y "ear- an" I'# not very ba" yet- for I "on't wear #y posyne&t #y heart- but where I an see it every "ay- an" so never forget for who# I a# wor)ing.
Shoul" n't won"er if that bit of nonsense ha" )ept #e eono#ial- honest- an" har" at it- for I
never opene" #y po)et$boo) that I "i" n't thin) of you.,
,That's lovely- To#-, an" Polly foun" it so touhing that she felt for her han")erhief/ but
To# too) it away- an" #a"e her laugh instea" of ry- by saying- in a whee"leso#e tone- ,I "on't
believe you "i" as #uh- for all your ro#ane. *i" you- now0,
,If you won't laugh- I'll show you #y treasures. I began first- an" I 've worn the# longest.,
As she spo)e- Polly "rew out the ol" lo)et- opene" it- an" showe" the piture To# gave her
in the bag of peanuts ut s#all an" fitte" in on one si"e on the other was a url of re""ish hair
an" a bla) button. 3ow To# laughe" when he saw the#1,ou "on't #ean you've )ept that frightful guy of a boy all this ti#e0 Polly1 Polly1 you are
the #ost faithful'loveress-' as 2au" says- that was ever )nown.,
,*on't flatter yourself that I've worn it all these years- sir/ I only put it in last spring beause
I "i" n't "are to as) for one of the new ones. The button a#e off the ol" oat you insiste" on
wearing after the failure- as if it was your "uty to loo) as shabby as possible- an" the url I stole
fro# 2au". Are n't we silly0,
3e "i" not see# to thin) so- an" after a short pause for refresh#ents- Polly turne" serious-
an" sai" an&iously- ,+hen #ust you go ba) to your har" wor)0,
,In a wee) or two/ but it won't see# "ru"gery now- for you'll write every "ay- an" I shall feelthat I'# wor)ing to get a ho#e for you. That will give #e a forty$#an$power- an" I'll pay up #y
"ebts an" get a goo" start- an" then Ne" an" I will be #arrie" an" go into partnership- an" we'll
all be the happiest- busiest people in the +est.,
,It soun"s "elightful/ but won't it ta)e a long ti#e- To#0,
,nly a few years- an" we nee" n't wait a #inute after Sy" is pai"- if you "on't #in"
beginning rather low "own- Polly.,
,I'" rather wor) up with you- than sit i"le while you toil away all alone. That's the way father
an" #other "i"- an" I thin) they were very happy in spite of the poverty an" har" wor).,
,Then we'll "o it by another year- for I #ust get #ore salary before I ta)e you away fro# a
goo" ho#e here. I wish- oh- Polly- how I wish I ha" a half of the #oney I've waste"- to #a)eyou o#fortable- now.,
,Never #in"- I "on't want it/ I'" rather have less- an" )now you earne" it all yourself-, rie"
Polly- as To# stru) his han" on his )nee with an aute pang of regret at the power he ha" lost.
,It's li)e you to say it- an" I won't waste any wor"s bewailing #yself- beause I was a fool.
+e will wor) up together- #y brave Polly- an" you shall yet be prou" of your husban"- though
he is 'poor To# Shaw.' ,
She was as sure of that as if an orale ha" foretol" it- an" was not "eeive"/ for the loving
heart that ha" always seen- believe"- an" trie" to strengthen all goo" i#pulses in To#- was well
repai" for its instintive trust by the happiness of the years to o#e.
,es-, she sai"- hopefully- ,I )now you will suee"- for the best thing a #an an have- is
wor) with a purpose in it- an" the will to "o it heartily.,
,There is one better thing- Polly-, answere" To#- turning her fae up a little- that he #ight
see his inspiration shining in her eyes.
,+hat is it- "ear0,
,A goo" wo#an to love an" help hi# all his life- as you will #e- please !o".,
,8ven though she is ol"$fashione"-, whispere" Polly- with happy eyes- the brighter for their
tears- as she loo)e" up at the young #an- who- through her- ha" aught a gli#pse of the truestsuess- an" was not asha#e" to owe it to love an" labor- two beautiful ol" fashions that began
long ago- with the first pair in 8"en.
Lest any of #y young rea"ers who have honore" 2au" with their interest shoul" suffer the
pangs of unsatisfie" uriosity as to her future- I will a"" for their benefit that she "i" not #arry
+ill- but re#aine" a busy- lively spinster all her "ays- an" )ept house for her father in the #ost
"elightful #anner.
+ill's #inisterial "rea# a#e to pass in the ourse of ti#e- however- an" a gentle- bright$
eye" la"y rule" over the parsonage- who# the reveren" +illia# alle" his ,little :ane.,
Farther into futurity even this rash pen "ares not proee"- but pauses here- onlu"ing in the
wor"s of the "ear ol" fairy tales- ,An" so they were #arrie"- an" all live" happily till they"ie".,