"Comeon，then。"
　　"Oh，I'mnotgoing；it'stoowet。Shouldn'thaveacrimpleftifIwentoutsuchadayasthis；andIwanttolooknicewhenPollycomes。"
　　"Youdon'texpectmetogoandbringhomeastrangegirlalone，doyou？"
　　AndTomlookedasmuchalarmedasifhissisterhadproposedtohimtoescortthewildwomanofAustralia。
　　"OfcourseIdo。It'syourplacetogoandgether；andifyouwasn'tabear，you'dlikeit。"
　　"Well，Icallthatmean!IsupposedI'dgottogo；butyousaidyou'dgo，too。Catchmebotheringaboutyourfriendsanothertime!No，sir!"AndTomrosefromthesofawithanairofindignantresolution，theimpressiveeffectofwhichwassomewhatdamagedbyatousledhead，andthehunchedappearanceofhisgarmentsgenerally。
　　"Now，don'tbecross；andI'llgetmammatoletyouhavethathorridNedMiller，thatyouaresofondof，comeandmakeyouavisitafterPolly'sgone，"saidFanny，hopingtosoothehisruffledfeelings。
　　"Howlongisshegoingtostay？"demandedTom，makinghistoiletbyapromiscuousshake。
　　"Amonthortwo，maybe。She'seversonice；andIshallkeepheraslongasshe'shappy。"
　　"Shewon'tstaylongthen，ifIcanhelpit，"mutteredTom，whoregardedgirlsasaveryunnecessaryportionofcreation。Boysoffourteenareapttothinkso，andperhapsitisawisearrangement；for，beingfondofturningsomersaults，theyhaveanopportunityofindulginginagoodone，metaphoricallyspeaking，when，threeorfouryearslater，theybecometheabjectslavesof"thosebotheringgirls。"
　　"Lookhere!howamIgoingtoknowthecreature？Ineversawher，andsheneversawme。You'llhavetocometoo，Fan，"headded，pausingonhiswaytothedoor，arrestedbytheawfulideathathemighthavetoaddressseveralstrangegirlsbeforehegottherightone。
　　"You'llfindhereasyenough；she'llprobablybestandingroundlookingforus。Idaresayshe'llknowyou，thoughI'mnotthere，becauseI'vedescribedyoutoher。"
　　"Guessshewon't，then；"andTomgaveahastysmoothtohiscurlypateandaglanceatthemirror，feelingsurethathissisterhadn'tdonehimjustice。Sistersneverdo，as"wefellows"knowtoowell。
　　"Dogoalong，oryou'llbetoolate；andthen，whatwillPollythinkofme？"criedFanny，withtheimpatientpokewhichispeculiarlyaggravatingtomasculinedignity。
　　"She'llthinkyoucaredmoreaboutyourfrizzlesthanyourfriends，andshe'llbeaboutright，too。"
　　Feelingthathesaidratheraneatandcuttingthing，Tomsaunteredleisurelyaway，perfectlyconsciousthatitwaslate，butbentonnotbeinghurriedwhileinsight，thoughheranhimselfoffhislegstomakeupforitafterward。
　　"IfIwasthePresident，I'dmakealawtoshutupallboystilltheyweregrown；fortheycertainlyarethemostprovokingtoadsintheworld，"
　　saidFanny，asshewatchedtheslouchyfigureofherbrotherstrollingdownthestreet。Shemighthavechangedhermind，however，ifshehadfollowedhim，forassoonasheturnedthecorner，hiswholeaspectaltered；hishandscameoutofhispockets，hestoppedwhistling，buttonedhisjacket，gavehiscapapull，andwentoffatagreatpace。
　　Thetrainwasjustinwhenhereachedthestation，pantinglikearace-horse，andasredasalobsterwiththewindandtherun。
　　"Supposeshe'llwearatop-knotandathingumbob，likeeveryoneelse；
　　andhowevershallIknowher？ToobadofFantomakemecomealone!"thoughtTom，ashestoodwatchingthecrowdstreamthroughthedepot，andfeelingratherdauntedatthearrayofyoungladieswhopassed。Asnoneofthemseemedlookingforanyone，hedidnotaccostthem，buteyedeachnewbatchwiththeairofamartyr。"That'sher，"hesaidtohimself，ashepresentlycaughtsightofagirlingorgeousarray，standingwithherhandsfolded，andaverysmallhatperchedonthetopofaverylarge"chig-non，"asTompronouncedit。"IsupposeI'vegottospeaktoher，soheregoes；"
　　and，nervinghimselftothetask，Tomslowlyapproachedthedamsel，wholookedasifthewindhadblownherclothesintorags，suchaflappingofsashes，scallops，ruffles，curls，andfeatherswasthere。
　　"Isay，ifyouplease，isyournamePollyMilton？"meeklyaskedTom，pausingbeforethebreezystranger。
　　"No，itisn't，"answeredtheyounglady，withacoolstarethatutterlyquenchedhim。
　　"Whereinthunderisshe？"growledTom，walkingoffinhighdudgeon。
　　Thequicktapoffeetbehindhimmadehimturnintimetoseeafresh-facedlittlegirlrunningdownthelongstation，andlookingasifsheratherlikedit。Asshesmiled，andwavedherbagathim，hestoppedandwaitedforher，sayingtohimself，"Hullo!Iwonderifthat'sPolly？"
　　Upcamethelittlegirl，withherhandout，andahalf-shy，half-merrylookinherblueeyes，asshesaid，inquiringly，"ThisisTom，isn'tit？"
　　"Yes。Howdidyouknow？"andTomgotovertheordealofhand-shakingwithoutthinkingofit，hewassosurprised。
　　"Oh，Fantoldmeyou'dgotcurlyhair，andafunnynose，andkeptwhistling，andworeagraycappulledoveryoureyes；soIknewyoudirectly。"AndPollynoddedathiminthemostfriendlymanner，havingpolitelyrefrainedfromcallingthehair"red，"thenose"apug，"andthecap"old，"­；allofwhichfactsFannyhadcarefullyimpresseduponhermemory。
　　"Whereareyourtrunks？"askedTom，ashewasremindedofhisdutybyherhandinghimthebag，whichhehadnotofferedtotake。
　　"Fathertoldmenottowaitforanyone，elseI'dlosemychanceofahack；soIgavemychecktoaman，andthereheiswithmytrunk；"andPollywalkedoffafterheronemodestpieceofbaggage，followedbyTom，whofeltatrifledepressedbyhisownremissnessinpoliteattentions。
　　"Sheisn'tabitofayounglady，thankgoodness!Fandidn'ttellmeshewaspretty。Don'tlooklikecitygirls，noractlike'em，neither，"
　　hethought，trudgingintherear，andeyeingwithfavorthebrowncurlsbobbingalonginfront。
　　Asthecarriagedroveoff，Pollygavealittlebounceonthespringyseat，andlaughedlikeadelightedchild。"Idoliketorideinthesenicehacks，andseeallthefinethings，andhaveagoodtime，don'tyou？"shesaid，composingherselfthenextminute，asifitsuddenlyoccurredtoherthatshewasgoinga-visiting。
　　"Notmuch，"saidTom，notmindingwhathesaid，forthefactthathewasshutupwiththestrangegirlsuddenlyoppressedhissoul。
　　"How'sFan？Whydidn'tshecome，too？"askedPolly，tryingtolookdemure，whilehereyesdancedinspiteofher。
　　"Afraidofspoilinghercrinkles；"andTomsmiled，forthisbasebetrayalofconfidencemadehimfeelhisownmanagain。
　　"YouandIdon'tminddampness。I'mmuchobligedtoyouforcomingtotakecareofme。"
　　ItwaskindofPollytosaythat，andTomfeltit；forhisredcropwasatenderpoint，andtobeassociatedwithPolly'sprettybrowncurlsseemedtolessenitscopperyglow。Thenhehadn'tdoneanythingforherbutcarrythebagafewsteps；yet，shethankedhim。Hefeltgrateful，andinaburstofconfidence，offeredahandfulofpeanuts，forhispocketswerealwayssuppliedwiththisagreeabledelicacy，andhemightbetracedanywherebythetrailofshellsheleftbehindhim。
　　Assoonashehaddoneit，herememberedthatFannyconsideredthemvulgar，andfeltthathehaddisgracedhisfamily。Sohestuckhisheadoutofthewindow，andkeptittheresolong，thatPollyaskedifanythingwasthematter。"Pooh!whocaresforacountrifiedlittlethinglikeher，"
　　saidTommanfullytohimself；andthenthespiritofmischiefenteredinandtookpossessionofhim。
　　"He'sprettydrunk；butIguesshecanholdhishorses，"repliedthisevil-mindedboy，withanairofcalmresignation。
　　"Isthemantipsy？Oh，dear!let'sgetout!Arethehorsesbad？It'sverysteephere；doyouthinkit'ssafe？"criedpoorPolly，makingacockedhatofherlittlebeaver，bythrustingitoutofthehalf-openwindowonherside。
　　"There'splentyoffolkstopickusupifanythinghappens；butperhapsitwouldbesaferifIgotoutandsatwiththeman；"andTomquitebeamedwiththebrilliancyofthissuddenmodeofrelief。
　　"Oh，do，ifyouain'tafraid!Motherwouldbesoanxiousifanythingshouldhappentome，sofaraway!"criedPolly，muchdistressed。
　　"Don'tyoubeworried。I'llmanagetheoldchap，andthehorsestoo；"
　　andopeningthedoor，Tomvanishedaloft，leavingpoorvictimizedPollytoquakeinside，whileheplacidlyrevelledinfreedomandpeanutsoutside，withthestaidolddriver。
　　Fannycameflyingdowntomeether"darlingPolly，"asTompresentedher，withthegracefulremark，"I'vegother!"andtheairofadauntlesshunter，producingthetrophiesofhisskill。Pollywasinstantlywhiskedupstairs；andhavingdancedadouble-shuffleonthedoor-mat，Tomretiredtothedining-room，torestoreexhaustednaturewithhalfadozencookies。
　　"Ain'tyoutiredtodeath？Don'tyouwanttoliedown？"saidFanny，sittingonthesideofthebedinPolly'sroom，andchatteringhard，whilesheexaminedeverythingherfriendhadon。
　　"Notabit。Ihadanicetimecoming，andnotrouble，exceptthetipsycoachman；butTomgotoutandkepthiminorder，soIwasn'tmuchfrightened，"
　　answeredinnocentPolly，takingoffherrough-and-readycoat，andtheplainhatwithoutabitofafeather。
　　"Fiddlestick!hewasn'ttipsy；andTomonlydidittogetoutoftheway。Hecan'tbeargirls，"saidFanny，withasuperiorair。
　　"Can'the？Why，Ithoughthewasverypleasantandkind!"andPollyopenedhereyeswithasurprisedexpression。
　　"He'sanawfulboy，mydear；andifyouhaveanythingtodowithhim，he'lltormentyoutodeath。Boysareallhorrid；buthe'sthehorridestoneIeversaw。"
　　Fannywenttoafashionableschool，wheretheyoungladiesweresobusywiththeirFrench，German，andItalian，thattherewasnotimeforgoodEnglish。Feelingherconfidencemuchshakenintheyouth，Pollyprivatelyresolvedtolethimalone，andchangedtheconversation，bysaying，asshelookedadmiringlyaboutthelarge，handsomeroom，"Howsplendiditis!Ineversleptinabedwithcurtainsbefore，orhadsuchafinetoilet-tableasthis。"
　　"I'mgladyoulikeit；butdon't，formercysake，saysuchthingsbeforetheothergirls!"repliedFanny，wishingPollywouldwearear-rings，aseveryoneelsedid。
　　"Whynot？"askedthecountrymouseofthecitymouse，wonderingwhatharmtherewasinlikingotherpeople'sprettythings，andsayingso。
　　"Oh，theylaughateverythingtheleastbitodd，andthatisn'tpleasant。"
　　Fannydidn'tsay"countrified，"butshemeantit，andPollyfeltuncomfortable。
　　Sosheshookoutherlittleblacksilkapronwithathoughtfulface，andresolvednottoalludetoherownhome，ifshecouldhelpit。
　　"I'msopoorly，mammasaysIneedn'tgotoschoolregularly，whileyouarehere，­；onlytwoorthreetimesaweek，justtokeepupmymusicandFrench。Youcangotoo，ifyoulike；papasaidso。Do，it'ssuchfun!"
　　criedFanny，quitesurprisingherfriendbythisunexpectedfondnessforschool。
　　"Ishouldbeafraid，ifallthegirlsdressasfinelyasyoudo，andknowasmuch，"saidPolly，beginningtofeelshyatthethought。
　　"La，child!youneedn'tmindthat。I'lltakecareofyou，andfixyouup，soyouwon'tlookodd。"
　　"AmIodd？"askedPolly，struckbythewordandhopingitdidn'tmeananythingverybad。
　　"Youareadear，andeversomuchprettierthanyouwerelastsummer，onlyyou'vebeenbroughtupdifferentlyfromus；soyourwaysain'tlikeours，yousee，"beganFanny，findingitratherhardtoexplain。
　　"Howdifferent？"askedPollyagain，forshelikedtounderstandthings。
　　"Well，youdresslikealittlegirl，foronething。"
　　"Iamalittlegirl；sowhyshouldn'tI？"andPollylookedathersimplebluemerinofrock，stoutboots，andshorthair，withapuzzledair。
　　"Youarefourteen；andweconsiderourselvesyoungladiesatthatage，"continuedFanny，surveying，withcomplacency，thepileofhaironthetopofherhead，withafringeoffuzzroundherforehead，andawavylockstreamingdownherback；likewise，herscarlet-and-blacksuit，withitsbigsash，littlepannier，brightbuttons，points，rosettes，­；and，heavenknowswhat。Therewasalocketonherneck，earringstinklinginherears，watchandchainatherbelt，andseveralringsonapairofhandsthatwouldhavebeenimprovedbysoapandwater。
　　Polly'seyewentfromonelittlefiguretotheother，andshethoughtthatFannylookedtheoddestofthetwo；forPollylivedinaquietcountrytown，andknewverylittleofcityfashions。Shewasratherimpressedbytheeleganceabouther，neverhavingseenFanny'shomebefore，astheygotacquaintedwhileFannypaidavisittoafriendwholivednearPolly。
　　Butshedidn'tletthecontrastbetweenherselfandFantroubleher；forinaminuteshelaughedandsaid，contentedly，"Mymotherlikesmetodresssimply，andIdon'tmind。Ishouldn'tknowwhattodoriggedupasyouare。Don'tyoueverforgettoliftyoursashandfixthosepuffythingswhenyousitdown？"
　　BeforeFannycouldanswer，ascreamfrombelowmadebothlisten。"It'sonlyMaud；shefussesalldaylong，"beganFanny；andthewordswerehardlyoutofhermouth，whenthedoorwasthrownopen，andalittlegirl，ofsixorseven，cameroaringin。ShestoppedatsightofPolly，staredaminute，thentookupherroarjustwheresheleftit，andcastherselfintoFanny'slap，exclaimingwrathfully，"Tom'slaughingatme!Makehimstop!"
　　"Whatdidyoudotosethimgoing？Don'tscreamso，you'llfrightenPolly!"andFangavethecherubashake，whichproducedanexplanation。
　　"Ionlysaidwehadcoldcweamattheparty，lastnight，andhelaughed!"
　　"Ice-cream，child!"andFannyfollowedTom'sreprehensibleexample。
　　"Idon'tcare!itwascold；andIwarmedmineatthewegister，andthenitwasnice；only，WillyBlissspiltitonmynewGabwielle!"
　　andMaudwailedagainoverheraccumulatedwoes。
　　"DogotoKaty!You'reascrossasalittlebearto-day!"saidFanny，pushingheraway。
　　"Katydon'tamooseme；andImustbeamoosed，'causeI'mfwactious；
　　mammasaidIwas!"sobbedMaud，evidentlylaboringunderthedelusionthatfractiousnesswassomeinterestingmalady。
　　"Comedownandhavedinner；thatwillamuseyou；"andFannygotup，plumingherselfasabirddoesbeforeitsflight。
　　Pollyhopedthe"dreadfulboy"wouldnotbepresent；buthewas，andstaredatheralldinner-time，inamosttryingmanner。Mr。Shaw，abusy-lookinggentleman，said，"Howdoyoudo，mydear？Hopeyou'llenjoyyourself；"
　　andthenappearedtoforgetherentirely。Mrs。Shaw，apale，nervouswoman，greetedherlittleguestkindly，andtookcarethatshewantedfornothing。
　　MadamShaw，aquietoldlady，withanimposingcap，exclaimedonseeingPolly，"Blessmyheart!theimageofhermother­；asweetwoman­；howisshe，dear？"andkeptpeeringatthenew-comeroverherglasses，till，betweenMadamandTom，poorPollylostherappetite。
　　Fannychattedlikeamagpie，andMaudfidgeted，tillTomproposedtoputherunderthebigdish-cover，whichproducedsuchanexplosion，thattheyoungladywasbornescreamingaway，bythemuch-enduringKaty。Itwasaltogetheranuncomfortabledinner，andPollywasverygladwhenitwasover。Theyallwentabouttheirownaffairs；andafterdoingthehonorsofthehouse，Fanwascalledtothedressmaker，leavingPollytoamuseherselfinthegreatdrawing-room。
　　Pollywasgladtobealoneforafewminutes；and，havingexaminedalltheprettythingsabouther，begantowalkupanddownoverthesoft，flowerycarpet，hummingtoherself，asthedaylightfaded，andonlytheruddyglowofthefirefilledtheroom。PresentlyMadamcameslowlyin，andsatdowninherarm-chair，saying，"That'safineoldtune；singittome，mydear。
　　Ihaven'thearditthismanyaday。"
　　Pollydidn'tliketosingbeforestrangers，forshehadhadnoteachingbutsuchasherbusymothercouldgiveher；butshehadbeentaughttheutmostrespectforoldpeople，andhavingnoreasonforrefusing，shedirectlywenttothepiano，anddidasshewasbid。
　　"That'sthesortofmusicit'sapleasuretohear。Singsomemore，dear，"saidMadam，inhergentleway，whenshehaddone。
　　Pleasedwiththispraise，Pollysangawayinafreshlittlevoice，thatwentstraighttothelistener'sheartandnestledthere。ThesweetoldtunesthatoneisnevertiredofwereallPolly'sstore；andherfavoriteswereScotchairs，suchas，"Yellow-HairedLaddie，""Jocko'Hazeldean，"
　　"DownamongtheHeather，"and"BirksofAberfeldie。"Themoreshesung，thebettershedidit；andwhenshewoundupwith"AHealthtoKingCharlie，"
　　theroomquiterungwiththestirringmusicmadebythebigpianoandthelittlemaid。
　　"ByGeorge，that'sajollytune!Singitagain，please，"criedTom'svoice；andtherewasTom'sredheadbobbingupoverthehighbackofthechairwherehehadhiddenhimself。
　　ItgavePollyquiteaturn，forshethoughtnoonewashearingherbuttheoldladydozingbythefire。"Ican'tsinganymore；I'mtired，"shesaid，andwalkedawaytoMadamintheotherroom。Theredheadvanishedlikeameteor，forPolly'stonehadbeendecidedlycool。
　　Theoldladyputoutherhand，anddrawingPollytoherknee，lookedintoherfacewithsuchkindeyes，thatPollyforgottheimpressivecap，andsmiledatherconfidingly；forshesawthathersimplemusichadpleasedherlistener，andshefeltgladtoknowit。
　　"Youmustn'tmindmystaring，dear，"saidMadam，softlypinchingherrosycheek。"Ihaven'tseenalittlegirlforsolong，itdoesmyoldeyesgoodtolookatyou。"
　　Pollythoughtthataveryoddspeech，andcouldn'thelpsaying，"Aren'tFanandMaudlittlegirls，too？"
　　"Oh，dear，no!notwhatIcalllittlegirls。Fanhasbeenayoungladythistwoyears，andMaudisaspoiledbaby。Yourmother'saverysensiblewoman，mychild。"
　　"Whataveryqueeroldlady!"thoughtPolly；butshesaid"Yes'm"respectfully，andlookedatthefire。
　　"Youdon'tunderstandwhatImean，doyou？"askedMadam，stillholdingherbythechin。
　　"No'm；notquite。"
　　"Well，dear，I'lltellyou。Inmyday，childrenoffourteenandfifteendidn'tdressintheheightofthefashion；gotoparties，asnearlylikethoseofgrownpeopleasit'spossibletomakethem；leadidle，giddy，unhealthylives，andgetblasé；attwenty。Wewerelittlefolkstilleighteenorso；workedandstudied，dressedandplayed，likechildren；honoredourparents；andourdaysweremuchlongerinthelandthannow，itseemsto，me。"
　　TheoldladyappearedtoforgetPollyattheendofherspeech；forshesatpattingtheplumplittlehandthatlayinherown，andlookingupatafadedpictureofanoldgentlemanwitharuffledshirtandaqueue。
　　"Washeyourfather，Madam？
　　"Yes，dear；myhonoredfather。Ididuphisfrillstothedayofhisdeath；andthefirstmoneyIeverearnedwasfivedollarswhichheofferedasaprizetowhicheverofhissixgirlswouldlaythehandsomestdarninhissilkstockings。"
　　"Howproudyoumusthavebeen!"criedPolly，leaningontheoldlady'skneewithaninterestedface。
　　"Yes，andwealllearnedtomakebread，andcook，andworelittlechintzgowns，andwereasgayandheartyaskittens。Alllivedtobegrandmothersandfathers；andI'mthelast，­；seventy，nextbirthday，mydear，andnotwornoutyet；thoughdaughterShawisaninvalidatforty。"
　　"That'sthewayIwasbroughtup，andthat'swhyFancallsmeold-fashioned，Isuppose。Tellmoreaboutyourpapa，please；Ilikeit，"saidPolly。
　　"Say'father。'Wenevercalledhimpapa；andifoneofmybrothershadaddressedhimas'governor，'asboysdonow，Ireallythinkhe'dhavehimcutoffwithashilling。"
　　Madamraisedhervoiceinsayingthis，andnoddedsignificantly；butamildsnorefromtheotherroomseemedtoassureherthatitwasawasteofshottofireinthatdirection。
　　Beforeshecouldcontinue，incameFannywiththejoyfulnewsthatClaraBirdhadinvitedthembothtogotothetheatrewithherthatveryevening，andwouldcallforthematseveno'clock。Pollywassoexcitedbythissuddenplungeintothedissipationsofcitylife，thatsheflewaboutlikeadistractedbutterfly，andhardlyknewwhathappened，tillshefoundherselfseatedbeforethegreatgreencurtaininthebrillianttheatre。OldMr。
　　Birdsatononeside，Fannyontheother，andbothletheralone，forwhichshewasverygrateful，asherwholeattentionwassoabsorbedinthescenearoundher，thatshecouldn'ttalk。
　　Pollyhadneverbeenmuchtothetheatre；andthefewplaysshehadseenwerethegoodoldfairytales，dramatizedtosuityoungbeholders，­；lively，bright，andfulloftheharmlessnonsensewhichbringsthelaughwithouttheblush。Thatnightshesawoneofthenewspectacleswhichhavelatelybecometherage，andrunforhundredsofnights，dazzling，exciting，anddemoralizingthespectatorbyeveryallurementFrenchingenuitycaninvent，andAmericanprodigalityexecute。Nevermindwhatitsnamewas，itwasverygorgeous，veryvulgar，andveryfashionable；so，ofcourse，itwasmuchadmired，andeveryonewenttoseeit。Atfirst，Pollythoughtshehadgotintofairy-land，andsawonlythesparklingcreatureswhodancedandsunginaworldoflightandbeauty；but，presently，shebegantolistentothesongsandconversation，andthentheillusionvanished；forthelovelyphantomssangnegromelodies，talkedslang，andwereadisgracetothegoodold-fashionedelveswhomsheknewandlovedsowell。
　　Ourlittlegirlwastooinnocenttounderstandhalfthejokes，andoftenwonderedwhatpeoplewerelaughingat；but，asthefirstenchantmentsubsided，Pollybegantofeeluncomfortable，tobesurehermotherwouldn'tliketohaveherthere，andtowishshehadn'tcome。Somehow，thingsseemedtogetworseandworse，astheplaywenton；foroursmallspectatorwasbeingrapidlyenlightenedbythegossipgoingonallabouther，aswellasbyherownquickeyesandgirlishinstincts。Whenfour-and-twentygirls，dressedasjockeys，cameprancingontothestage，crackingtheirwhips，stampingtheheelsoftheirtopboots，andwinkingattheaudience，Pollydidnotthinkitatallfunny，butlookeddisgusted，andwasgladwhentheyweregone；butwhenanothersetappearedinacostumeconsistingofgauzewings，andabitofgoldfringeroundthewaist，poorunfashionablePollydidn'tknowwhattodo；forshefeltbothfrightenedandindignant，andsatwithhereyesonherplay-bill，andhercheeksgettinghotterandhottereveryminute。
　　"Whatareyoublushingsofor？"askedFanny，asthepaintedsylphsvanished。
　　"I'msoashamedofthosegirls，"whisperedPolly，takingalongbreathofrelief。
　　"Youlittlegoose，­；it'sjustthewayitwasdoneinParis，andthedancingissplendid。Itseemsqueeratfirst；butyou'llgetusedtoit，asIdid。"
　　"I'llnevercomeagain，"saidPolly，decidedly；forherinnocentnaturerebelledagainstthespectacle，which，asyet，gavehermorepainthanpleasure。Shedidnotknowhoweasyitwasto"getusedtoit，"asFannydid；anditwaswellforherthatthetemptationwasnotoftenoffered。
　　Shecouldnotexplainthefeeling；butshewasgladwhentheplaywasdone，andtheyweresafeathome，wherekindgrandmawaswaitingtoseethemcomfortablyintobed。
　　"Didyouhaveagoodtime，dear？"sheasked，lookingatPolly'sfeverishcheeksandexcitedeyes。
　　"Idon'twishtoberude，butIdidn't，"answeredPolly。"Someofitwassplendid；butagooddealofitmademewanttogoundertheseat。
　　Peopleseemedtolikeit，butIdon'tthinkitwasproper。"
　　AsPollyfreedhermind，andemphasizedheropinionwithadecidedrapofthebootshehadjusttakenoff，Fannylaughed，andsaid，whileshepirouettedabouttheroom，likeMademoiselleTherese，"Pollywasshocked，grandma。Hereyeswereasbigassaucers。herfaceasredasmysash，andonceIthoughtshewasgoingtocry。Someofitwasratherqueer；
　　but，ofcourse，itwasproper，oralloursetwouldn'tgo。IheardMrs。
　　SmythePerkinssay，'Itwascharming；solikedearParis；'andshehaslivedabroad；so，ofcourse，sheknowswhatiswhat。"
　　"Idon'tcareifshehas。Iknowitwasn'tproperforlittlegirlstosee，orIshouldn'thavebeensoashamed!"criedsturdyPolly，perplexed，butnotconvinced，evenbyMrs。SmythePerkins。
　　"Ithinkyouareright，mydear；butyouhavelivedinthecountry，andhaven'tyetlearnedthatmodestyhasgoneoutoffashion。"Andwithagood-nightkiss，grandmaleftPollytodreamdreadfullyofdancinginjockeycostume，onagreatstage；whileTomplayedabigdrumintheorchestra；
　　andtheaudienceallworethefacesofherfatherandmother，lookingsorrowfullyather，witheyeslikesaucers，andfacesasredasFanny'ssash。ChapterII。ChapterII。CHAPTERIINEWFASHIONS"I'Mgoingtoschoolthismorning；socomeupandgetready，"saidFanny，adayortwoafter，assheleftthelatebreakfast-table。
　　"Youlookverynice；whathaveyougottodo？"askedPolly，followingherintothehall。
　　"Prinkhalfanhour，andputonherwad，"answeredtheirreverentTom，whosepreparationsforschoolconsistedinflinginghiscapontohishead，andstrappingupseveralbigbooks，thatlookedasiftheyweresometimesusedasweaponsofdefence。
　　"Whatisawad？"askedPolly，whileFannymarchedupwithoutdeigninganyreply。
　　"Somebody'shaironthetopofherheadintheplacewhereitoughtnottobe；"andTomwentwhistlingawaywithanairofsublimeindifferenceastothestateofhisown"curlypow。"
　　"Whymustyoubesofinetogotoschool？"askedPolly，watchingFanarrangethelittlefrizzlesonherforehead，andsettlethevariousstreamersandfestoonsbelongingtoherdress。
　　"Allthegirlsdo；andit'sproper，foryouneverknowwhoyoumaymeet。I'mgoingtowalk，aftermylessons，soIwishyou'dwearyourbesthatandsack，"answeredFanny，tryingtostickherownhatonatananglewhichdefiedallthelawsofgravitation。
　　"Iwill，ifyoudon'tthinkthisisniceenough。Iliketheotherbest，becauseithasafeather；butthisiswarmer，soIweariteveryday。"
　　AndPollyranintoherownroom，toprinkalso，fearingthatherfriendmightbeashamedofherplaincostume。"Won'tyourhandsbecoldinkidgloves？"shesaid，astheywentdownthesnowystreet，withanorthwindblowingintheirfaces。
　　"Yes，horridcold；butmymuffissobig，Iwon'tcarryit。Mammawon'thaveitcutup，andmyermineonemustbekeptforbest；"andFannysmoothedherBismarkkidswithaninjuredair。
　　"Isupposemygraysquirreliseversomuchtoobig；butit'sniceandcosy，andyoumaywarmyourhandsinitifyouwantto，"saidPolly，surveyinghernewwoollengloveswithadissatisfiedlook，thoughshehadthoughtthemquiteelegantbefore。
　　"PerhapsIwill，byandby。Now，Polly，don'tyoubeshy。I'llonlyintroducetwoorthreeofthegirls；andyouneedn'tmindoldMonsieurabit，orreadifyoudon'twantto。Weshallbeintheanteroom；soyou'llonlyseeaboutadozen，andtheywillbesobusy，theywon'tmindyoumuch。"
　　"IguessIwon'tread，butsitandlookon。Iliketowatchpeople，everythingissonewandqueerhere。"
　　ButPollydidfeelandlookveryshy，whenshewasusheredintoaroomfullofyoungladies，astheyseemedtoher，allverymuchdressed，alltalkingtogether，andallturningtoexaminethenew-comerwithacoolstarewhichseemedtobeasmuchthefashionaseye-glasses。TheynoddedaffablywhenFannyintroducedher，saidsomethingcivil，andmaderoomforheratthetableroundwhichtheysatwaitingforMonsieur。SeveralofthemorefrolicsomewereimitatingtheGrecianBend，somewereputtingtheirheadstogetheroverlittlenotes，nearlyallwereeatingconfectionery，andtheentiretwelvechatteredlikemagpies。Beingpolitelysuppliedwithcaramels，Pollysatlookingandlistening，feelingveryyoungandcountrifiedamongtheseelegantyoungladies。
　　"Girls，doyouknowthatCarriehasgoneabroad？Therehasbeensomuchtalk，herfathercouldn'tbearit，andtookthewholefamilyoff。Isn'tthatgay？"saidonelivelydamsel，whohadjustcomein。
　　"Ishouldthinkthey'dbettergo。Mymammasays，ifI'dbeengoingtothatschool，she'dhavetakenmestraightaway，"answeredanothergirl，withanimportantair。
　　"CarrieranawaywithanItalianmusic-teacher，anditgotintothepapers，andmadeagreatstir，"explainedthefirstspeakertoPolly，wholookedmystified。
　　"Howdreadful!"criedPolly。
　　"Ithinkitwasfun。Shewasonlysixteen，andhewasperfectlysplendid；andshehasplentyofmoney，andeveryonetalkedaboutit；andwhenshewentanywhere，peoplelooked，youknow，andshelikedit；butherpapaisanoldpoke，sohe'ssentthemallaway。It'stoobad，forshewasthejolliestthingIeverknew。"
　　PollyhadnothingtosaytolivelyMissBelle；butFannyobserved，"I
　　liketoreadaboutsuchthings；butit'ssoinconvenienttohaveithappenrighthere，becauseitmakesitharderforus。Iwishyoucouldhaveheardmypapagoon。Hethreatenedtosendamaidtoschoolwithmeeveryday，astheydoinNewYork，tobesureIcomeallright。Didyouever？"
　　"That'sbecauseitcameoutthatCarrieusedtoforgeexcusesinhermamma'sname，andgopromenadingwithherOreste，whentheythoughthersafeatschool。Oh，wasn'tsheaslyminx？"criedBelle，asifsheratheradmiredthetrick。
　　"Ithinkalittlefunisallright；andthere'snoneedofmakingatalk，if，nowandthen，someonedoesrunofflikeCarrie。Boysdoastheylike；andIdon'tseewhygirlsneedtobekeptsodreadfullyclose。
　　I'dliketoseeanybodywatchingandguardingme!"addedanotherdashingyounglady。
　　"Itwouldtakeapolicemantodothat，Trix，oralittlemaninatallhat，"saidFanny，slyly，whichcausedagenerallaugh，andmadeBeatricetossherheadcoquettishly。
　　"Oh，haveyouread'ThePhantomBride'？It'sperfectlythrilling!There'saregularrushforitatthelibrary；butsomeprefer'BreakingaButterfly。'
　　Whichdoyoulikebest？"askedapalegirlofPolly，inoneofthemomentarylullswhichoccurred。
　　"Ihaven'treadeither。"
　　"Youmust，then。IadoreGuyLivingston'sbooks，andYates's。'Ouida's'
　　aremydelight，onlytheyaresolong，IgetwornoutbeforeI'mthrough。"
　　"Ihaven'treadanythingbutoneoftheMuhlbachnovelssinceIcame。
　　Ilikethose，becausethereishistoryinthem，"saidPolly，gladtohaveawordtosayforherself。
　　"Thosearewellenoughforimprovingreading；butIlikerealexcitingnovels；don'tyou？"
　　Pollywassparedthemortificationofowningthatshehadneverreadany，bytheappearanceofMousieur，agray-headedoldFrenchman，whowentthroughhistaskwiththeresignedairofonewhowasusedtobeingthevictimofgigglingschool-girls。Theyoungladiesgabbledoverthelesson，wroteanexercise，andreadalittleFrenchhistory。Butitdidnotseemtomakemuchimpressionuponthem，thoughMonsieurwasveryreadytoexplain；
　　andPollyquiteblushedforherfriend，when，onbeingaskedwhatfamousFrenchmanfoughtinourRevolution，sheansweredLamartine，insteadofLafayette。
　　Thehourwassoonover；andwhenFanhadtakenamusiclessoninanotherroom，whilePollylookedon，itwastimeforrecess。Theyoungergirlswalkedupanddownthecourt，arminarm，eatingbreadanbutter；othersstayedintheschool-roomtoreadandgossip；butBelle，Trix，andFannywenttolunchatafashionableice-creamsaloonnearby，andPollymeeklyfollowed，notdaringtohintattheginger-breadgrandmahadputinherpocketforluncheon。Sothehonest，browncookiescrumbledawayinobscurity，whilePollytriedtosatisfyherheartyappetiteononeiceandthreemacaroons。
　　Thegirlsseemedingreatspirits，particularlyaftertheywerejoinedbyashortgentlemanwithsuchayoungfacethatPollywouldhavecalledhimaboy，ifhehadnotwornatallbeaver。Escortedbythisimpressiveyouth，Fannyleftherunfortunatefriendstoreturntoschool，andwenttowalk，asshecalledaslowpromenadedownthemostcrowdedstreets。