"Iain'tacoward。"
　　"Yes，youare。You'reafraidofwhatfolkswillsay；ain'tyou，now？"
　　Pollyknewshewas，andheldherpeace，thoughshelongedtospeak；
　　buthowcouldshe？
　　"Ah，Iknewyou'dbackout。"AndTomwalkedawaywithanairofscornthatcutPollytotheheart。
　　"It'stoobad!Justashewasgrowingkindtome，andIwasgoingtohaveagoodtime，it'sallspoiltbyFan'snonsense。Mrs。Shawdon'tlikeit，norgrandmaeither，Idaresay。There'llbeafussifIgo，andFanwillplagueme；soI'llgiveitup，andletTomthinkI'mafraid。Oh，dear!Ineverdidseesuchridiculouspeople。"
　　Pollyshutherdoorhard，andfeltreadytocrywithvexation，thatherpleasureshouldbespoiltbysuchasillyidea；for，ofallthesillyfreaksofthisfastage，thatoflittlepeopleplayingatloveisaboutthesilliest。Pollyhadbeentaughtthatitwasaveryseriousandsacredthing；and，accordingtohernotions，itwasfarmoreimpropertoflirtwithoneboythantocoastwithadozen。Shehadbeenmuchamazed，onlythedaybefore，tohearMaudsaytohermother，"Mamma，mustIhaveabeau？
　　Thegirlsalldo，andsayIoughttohaveFweddyLovell；butIdon'tlikehimaswellasHawryFiske。"
　　"Oh，yes；I'dhavealittlesweetheart，dear，it'ssocunning，"answeredMrs。Shaw。AndMaudannouncedsoonafterthatshewasengagedto"Fweddy，'causeHawryslappedher"whensheproposedthematch。
　　Pollylaughedwiththerestatthetime；butwhenshethoughtofitafterward，andwonderedwhatherownmotherwouldhavesaid，iflittleKittyhadputsuchaquestion，shedidn'tfinditcunningorfunny，butridiculousandunnatural。Shefeltsonowaboutherself；andwhenherfirstpetulancewasover，resolvedtogiveupcoastingandeverythingelse，ratherthanhaveanynonsensewithTom，who，thankstohisneglectededucation，wasasignorantasherselfofthecharmsofthisnewamusementforschool-children。
　　SoPollytriedtoconsoleherselfbyjumpingropeintheback-yard，andplayingtagwithMaudinthedrying-room，whereshelikewisegavelessonsin"nas-gim-nics，"asMaudcalledit，whichdidthatlittlepersongood。
　　Fannycameupsometimestoteachthemanewdancingstep，andmorethanoncewasbetrayedintoagameofromps，forwhichshewasnonetheworse。
　　ButTomturnedacoldshouldertoPolly，andmadeitevident，byhiscavaliermannerthathereallydidn'tthinkher"worthasixpence。"
　　AnotherthingthattroubledPollywasherclothes，for，thoughnoonesaidanything，sheknewtheywereveryplain；andnowandthenshewishedthatherblueandmousecoloredmerinoswererathermoretrimmed，hersasheshadbiggerbows，andherlittlerufflesmorelaceonthem。Shesighedforalocket，and，forthefirsttimeinherlife，thoughtseriouslyofturningupherprettycurlsandputtingona"wad。"Shekeptthesediscontentstoherself，however，aftershehadwrittentoaskhermotherifshemighthaveherbestdressalteredlikeFanny's，andreceivedthisreply:
　　"No，dear；thedressisproperandbecomingasitis，andtheoldfashionofsimplicitythebestforallofus。Idon'twantmyPollytobelovedforherclothes，butforherself；soweartheplainfrocksmothertooksuchpleasureinmakingforyou，andletthepanniersgo。Theleastofushavesomeinfluenceinthisbigworld；andperhapsmylittlegirlcandosomegoodbyshowingothersthatacontentedheartandahappyfacearebetterornamentsthananyPariscangiveher。Youwantalocket，deary；
　　soIsendonethatmymothergavemeyearsago。Youwillfindfather'sfaceononeside，mineontheother；andwhenthingstroubleyou，justlookatyourtalisman，andIthinkthesunshinewillcomebackagain。"
　　Ofcourseitdid，forthebestofallmagicwasshutupinthequaintlittlecasethatPollyworeinsideherfrock，andkissedsotenderlyeachnightandmorning。Thethoughtthat，insignificantasshewas，sheyetmightdosomegood，madeherverycarefulofheractsandwords，andsoanxioustokeepheadcontentedandfacehappy，thatsheforgotherclothes，andmadeothersdothesame。Shedidnotknowit，butthatgoodoldfashionofsimplicitymadetheplaingownspretty，andthegraceofunconsciousnessbeautifiedtheirlittlewearerwiththecharmthatmakesgirlhoodsweetesttothosewhotrulyloveandreverenceit。OnetemptationPollyhadalreadyyieldedtobeforethelettercame，andrepentedheartilyofafterward。
　　"Polly，Iwishyou'dletmecallyouMarie，"saidFannyoneday，astheywereshoppingtogether。
　　"YoumaycallmeMary，ifyoulike；butIwon'thaveanyieputontomyname。I'mPollyathomeandI'mfondofbeingcalledso；butMarieisFrenchifiedandsilly。"
　　"Ispellmyownnamewithanie，andsodoallthegirls。"
　　"AndwhatajumbleofNetties，Nellies，Hatties，andSalliesthereis。
　　How'Pollie'wouldlookspeltso!"
　　"Well，nevermind；thatwasn'twhatIbegantosay。There'sonethingyoumusthave，andthatis，bronzeboots，"saidFan，impressively。
　　"WhymustI，whenI'vegotenoughwithout？"
　　"Becauseit'sthefashiontohavethem，andyoucan'tbefinishedoffproperlywithout。I'mgoingtogetapair，andsomustyou。"
　　"Don'ttheycostagreatdeal？"
　　"Eightorninedollars，Ibelieve。Ihaveminecharged；butitdon'tmatterifyouhaven'tgotthemoney。Icanlendyousome。"
　　"I'vegottendollarstodowhatIlikewith；butit'smeanttogetsomepresentsforthechildren。"AndPollytookoutherpurseinanundecidedway。
　　"Youcanmakepresentseasyenough。Grandmaknowsallsortsofnicecontrivances。They'lldojustaswell；andthenyoucangetyourboots。"
　　"Well；I'lllookatthem，"saidPolly，followingFannyintothestore，feelingratherrichandimportanttobeshoppinginthiselegantmanner。
　　"Aren'ttheylovely？Yourfootisperfectlydivineinthatboot，Polly。
　　Getthemformyparty；you'lldancelikeafairy，"whisperedFan。
　　Pollysurveyedthedainty，shiningbootwiththescallopedtop，thejauntyheel，andthedelicatetoe，thoughtherfootdidlookverywellinit，andafteralittlepause，saidshewouldhavethem。Itwasallverydelightfultillshegothome，andwasalone；then，onlookingintoherpurse，shesawonedollarandthelistofthingsshemeanttogetformotherandthechildren。Howmeanthedollarlookedallalone!andhowlongthelistgrewwhentherewasnothingtobuythearticles。
　　"Ican'tmakeskatesforNed，noradeskforWill；andthosearewhattheyhavesettheirheartsupon。Father'sbookandmother'scollarareimpossiblenow；andI'maselfishthingtogoandspendallmymoneyformyself。HowcouldIdoit？"AndPollyeyedthenewbootsreproachfully，astheystoodinthefirstpositionasifreadyfortheparty。"Theyarelovely；butIdon'tbelievetheywillfeelgood，forIshallbethinkingaboutmylostpresentsallthetime，"sighedPolly，pushingtheenticingbootsoutofsight。"I'llgoandaskgrandmawhatIcando；forifI'vegottomakesomethingforeveryone，Imustbeginrightaway，orIshan'tgetdone；"andoffshebustled，gladtoforgetherremorseinhardwork。
　　Grandmaprovedequaltotheemergency，andplannedsomethingforeveryone，supplyingmaterials，taste，andskillinthemostdelightfulmanner。
　　Pollyfeltmuchcomforted；butwhileshebegantoknitaprettypairofwhitebed-socks，tobetiedwithrose-coloredribbons，forhermother，shethoughtsomeverysoberthoughtsuponthesubjectoftemptation；andifanyonehadaskedherjustthenwhatmadehersigh，asifsomethinglayheavyonherconscience，shewouldhaveanswered，"Bronzeboots。"ChapterIV。ChapterIV。CHAPTERIVLITTLETHINGS"IT'Ssowainy，Ican'tgoout，andevwybodyissocwosstheywon'tplaywithme，"saidMaud，whenPollyfoundherfrettingonthestairs，andpausedtoaskthecauseofherwails。
　　"I'llplaywithyou；onlydon'tscreamandwakeyourmother。Whatshallweplay？"
　　"Idon'tknow；I'mtiredofevwything，'causemytoysareallbwoken，andmydollsareallsickbutClawa，"moanedMaud，givingajerktotheParisdollwhichsheheldupsidedownbyoneleginthemostunmaternalmanner。
　　"I'mgoingtodressadollyformylittlesister；wouldn'tyouliketoseemedoit？"askedPolly，persuasively，hopingtobeguilethecrosschildandfinishherownworkatthesametime。
　　"No，Ishouldn't，'causeshe'lllooknicerthanmyClawa。Herclotheswon'tcomeoff；andTomspoilt'emplayingballwithherintheyard。"
　　"Wouldn'tyouliketoriptheseclothesoff，andhavemeshowyouhowtomakesomenewones，soyoucandressandundressClaraasmuchasyoulike？"
　　"Yes；Ilovetocut。"AndMaud's，facebrightened；fordestructivenessisoneoftheearliesttraitsofchildhood，andrippingwasMaud'sdelight。
　　Establishingthemselvesinthedeserteddining-room，thechildrenfelltowork；andwhenFannydiscoveredthem，MaudwaslaughingwithallherheartatpoorClara，who，denudedofherfinery，wascuttingupallsortsofcapersinthehandsofhermerrylittlemistress。
　　"Ishouldthinkyou'dbeashamedtoplaywithdolls，Polly。Ihaven'ttouchedonethiseversolong，"saidFanny，lookingdownwithasuperiorair。
　　"Iain'tashamed，foritkeepsMaudhappy，andwillpleasemysisterKitty；andIthinksewingisbetterthanprinkingorreadingsillynovels，so，now。"AndPollystitchedawaywitharesoluteair，forsheandFannyhadhadalittletiff；becausePollywouldn'tletherfrienddoupherhair"likeotherfolks，"andboreherears。
　　"Don'tbecross，dear，butcomeanddosomethingnice，it'ssodullto-day，"saidFanny，anxioustobefriendsagain，foritwasdoublydullwithoutPolly。
　　"Can't；I'mbusy。"
　　"Youalwaysarebusy。Ineversawsuchagirl。Whatintheworlddoyoufindtodoallthetime？"askedFanny，watchingwithinterestthesetofthelittleredmerinofrockPollywasputtingontoherdoll。
　　"Lotsofthings；butIliketobelazysometimesasmuchasyoudo；
　　justlieonthesofa，andreadfairystories，orthinkaboutnothing。Wouldyouhaveawhite-muslinapronorablacksilk？"addedPolly，surveyingherworkwithsatisfaction。
　　"Muslin，withpocketsandtinybluebows。I'llshowyouhow。"Andforgettingherhateandcontemptfordolls，downsatFanny，soongettingasmuchabsorbedaseitheroftheothers。
　　Thedulldaybrightenedwonderfullyafterthat，andthetimeflewpleasantly，astonguesandneedleswenttogether。Grandmapeepedin，andsmiledatthebusygroup，saying，"Sewaway，mydears；dolliesaresafecompanions，andneedleworkanaccomplishmentthat'ssadlyneglectednowadays。Smallstitches，Maud；neatbuttonholes，Fan；cutcarefully，Polly，anddon'twasteyourcloth。Takepains；andthebestneedlewomanshallhaveaprettybitofwhitesatinforadoll'sbonnet。"
　　Fannyexertedherself，andwontheprize，forPollyhelpedMaud，andneglectedherownwork；butshedidn'tcaremuch，forMr。Shawsaid，lookingatthethreebrightfacesatthetea-table，"IguessPollyhasbeenmakingsunshineforyouto-day。"
　　"No，indeed，sir，Ihaven'tdoneanything，onlydressMaud'sdoll。"
　　AndPollydidn'tthinkshehaddonemuch；butitwasoneofthelittlethingswhicharealwayswaitingtobedoneinthisworldofours，whererainydayscomesooften，wherespiritsgetoutoftune，anddutywon'tgohandinhandwithpleasure。Littlethingsofthissortareespeciallygoodworkforlittlepeople；akindlittlethought，anunselfishlittleact，acheerylittleword，aresosweetandcomfortable，thatnoonecanfailtofeeltheirbeautyandlovethegiver，nomatterhowsmalltheyare。Mothersdoadealofthissortofthing，unseen，unthanked，butfeltandrememberedlongafterward，andneverlost，forthisisthesimplemagicthatbindsheartstogether，andkeepshomehappy。Pollyhadlearnedthissecret。
　　Shelovedtodothe"littlethings"thatothersdidnotsee，orweretoobusytostopfor；andwhiledoingthem，withoutathoughtofthanks，shemadesunshineforherselfaswellasothers。Therewassomuchloveinherownhome，thatshequicklyfeltthewantofitinFanny's，andpuzzledherselftofindoutwhythesepeoplewerenotkindandpatienttooneanother。
　　Shedidnottrytosettlethequestion，butdidherbesttoloveandserveandbearwitheach，andthegoodwill，thegentleheart，thehelpfulwaysandsimplemannersofourPollymadeherdeartoeveryone，forthesevirtues，eveninalittlechild，arelovelyandattractive。
　　Mr。Shawwasverykindtoher，forhelikedhermodest，respectfulmanners；
　　andPollywassogratefulforhismanyfavors，thatshesoonforgotherfear，andshowedheraffectioninallsortsofconfidinglittleways，whichpleasedhimextremely。Sheusedtowalkacrosstheparkwithhimwhenhewenttohisofficeinthemorning，talkingbusilyalltheway，andsaying"Good-by"withanodandasmilewhentheypartedatthegreatgate。Atfirst，Mr。Shawdidnotcaremuchaboutit；butsoonhemissedherifshedidnotcome，andfoundthatsomethingfreshandpleasantseemedtobrightenallhisday，ifasmall，gray-coatedfigure，withanintelligentface，amerryvoice，andalittlehandslippedconfidinglyintohis，wentwithhimthroughthewintrypark。Cominghomelate，helikedtoseeacurly，brownheadwatchingatthewindow；tofindhisslippersready，hispaperinitsplace，andapairofwillingfeet，eagertowaituponhim。"IwishmyFannywasmorelikeher，"heoftensaidtohimself，ashewatchedthegirls，whiletheythoughthimdeepinpoliticsorthestateofthemoneymarket。PoorMr。Shawhadbeensobusygettingrich，thathehadnotfoundtimetoteachhischildrentolovehim；hewasmoreatleisurenow，andashisboyandgirlsgrewup，hemissedsomething。Pollywasunconsciouslyshowinghimwhatitwas，andmakingchild-lovesosweet，thathefelthecouldnotdowithoutitanymore，yetdidn'tquiteknowhowtowintheconfidenceofthechildren，whohadalwaysfoundhimbusy，indifferent，andabsentminded。
　　Asthegirlsweregoingtobedonenight，Pollykissedgrandma，asusual，andFannylaughedather，saying，"Whatababyyouare!Wearetoooldforsuchthingsnow。"
　　"Idon'tthinkpeopleeveraretoooldtokisstheirfathersandmothers，"wasthequickanswer。
　　"Right，mylittlePolly；"andMr。Shawstretchedouthishandtoherwithsuchakindlylook，thatFannystaredsurprised，andthensaid，shyly，"Ithoughtyoudidn'tcareaboutit，father。"
　　"Ido，mydear:"AndMr。ShawputouttheotherhandtoFanny，whogavehimadaughterlykiss，quiteforgettingeverythingbutthetenderfeelingthatsprungupinherheartattherenewalofthechildishcustomwhichweneverneedoutgrow。
　　Mrs。Shawwasanervous，fussyinvalid，whowantedsomethingeveryfiveminutes；soPollyfoundplentyofsmallthingstodoforheranddid，themsocheerfully，thatthepoorladylovedtohavethequiet，helpfulchildnear，towaituponher，readtoher，runerrands，orhandthesevendifferentshawlswhichwerecontinuallybeingputonoroff。
　　Grandma，too，wasgladtofindwillinghandsandfeettoserveher；
　　andPollypassedmanyhappyhoursinthequaintrooms，learningallsortsofprettyarts，andlisteningtopleasantchat，neverdreaminghowmuchsunshineshebroughttothesolitaryoldlady。
　　TomwasPolly'srockaheadforalongtime，becausehewasalwaysbreakingoutinanewplace，andoneneverknewwheretofindhim。Hetormentedyetamusedher；waskindoneday，andabearthenext；attimesshefanciedhewasnevergoingtobebadagain，andthenextthingsheknewhewasdeepinmischief，andhootedattheideaofrepentanceandreformation。
　　Pollygavehimupasahardcase；butwassointhehabitofhelpinganyonewhoseemedintrouble，thatshewasgoodtohimsimplybecauseshecouldn'thelpit。
　　"What'sthematter？Isyourlessontoohardforyou？"sheaskedoneevening，asagroanmadeherlookacrossthetabletowhereTomsatscowlingoverapileofdilapidatedbooks，withhishandsinhishair，asifhisheadwasindangerofflyingasunderwiththetremendousefforthewasmaking。
　　"Hard!Guessitis。WhatinthunderdoIcareabouttheoldCarthaginians？
　　Reguluswasn'tbad；butI'msickofhim!"AndTomdealt"Harkness'sLatinReader"athump，whichexpressedhisfeelingsbetterthanwords。
　　"IlikeLatin，andusedtogetonwellwhenIstudieditwithJimmy。
　　PerhapsIcanhelpyoualittlebit，"saidPolly，asTomwipedhishotfaceandrefreshedhimselfwithapeanut。
　　"You？pooh!girls'Latindon'tamounttomuchanyway，"wasthegratefulreply。
　　ButPollywasusedtohimnow，and，nothingdaunted，tookalookatthegrimypageinthemiddleofwhichTomhadstuck。Shereaditsowell，thattheyounggentlemanstoppedmunchingtoregardherwithrespectfulastonishment，andwhenshestopped，hesaid，suspiciously，"Youareaslyone，Polly，tostudyupsoyoucanshowoffbeforeme。Butitwon'tdo，ma'am；turnoveradozenpages，andtryagain。"
　　Pollyobeyed，anddidevenbetterthanbefore，saying，asshelookedup，withalaugh，"I'vebeenthroughthewholebook；soyouwon'tcatchmethatway，Tom。"
　　"Isay，howcameyoutoknowsuchalot？"askedTom，muchimpressed。
　　"IstudiedwithJimmy，andkeptupwithhim，forfatherletusbetogetherinallourlessons。Itwassonice，andwelearnedsofast!"
　　"TellmeaboutJimmy。He'syourbrother，isn'the？"
　　"Yes；buthe'sdead，youknow。I'lltellabouthimsomeothertime；
　　yououghttostudynow，andperhapsIcanhelpyou，"saidPolly，withalittlequiverofthelips。
　　"Shouldn'twonderifyoucould。"AndTomspreadthebookbetweenthemwithagraveandbusiness-likeair，forhefeltthatPollyhadgotthebetterofhim，anditbehoovedhimtodohisbestforthehonorofhissex。Hewentatthelessonwithawill，andsoonflounderedoutofhisdifficulties，forPollygavehimalifthereandthere，andtheywentonswimmingly，tilltheycametosomerulestobelearned。Pollyhadforgottenthem，sothey，bothcommittedthemtomemory；­；Tom，withhandsinhispockets，rockedtoandfro，mutteringrapidly，whilePollytwistedthelittlecurlonherforeheadandstaredatthewall，gabblingwithallhermight。
　　"Done!"criedTom，presently。
　　"Done!"echoedPolly；andthentheyheardeachotherrecitetillbothwereperfect"That'sprettygoodfun，"saidTom，joyfully，tossingpoorHarknessaway，andfeelingthatthepleasantexcitementofcompanionshipcouldlendacharmeventoLatinGrammar。
　　"Now，ma'am，we'lltakeaturnatalgibbera。IlikethatasmuchasIhateLatin。"
　　Pollyacceptedtheinvitation，andsoonownedthatTomcouldbeatherhere。Thisfactrestoredhisequnimity；buthedidn'tcrowoverher，farfromit；forhehelpedherwithapaternalpatiencethatmadehereyestwinklewithsuppressedfun，ashesoberlyexplainedandillustrated，unconsciouslyimitatingDominieDeane，tillPollyfounditdifficulttokeepfromlaughinginhisface。
　　"Youmayhaveanothergoatitany，timeyoulike，"generouslyremarkedTom，asheshiedthealgebraaftertheLatinReader。
　　"I'llcomeeveryevening，then。I'dliketo，forIhaven'tstudiedabitsinceIcame。Youshalltryandmakemelikealgebra，andI'lltryandmakeyoulikeLatin，willyou？"
　　"Oh，I'dlikeitwellenough，iftherewasanyoneexplainittome。
　　OldDeaneputsusthroughdouble-quick，anddon'tgiveafellowtimetoaskquestionswhenweread。"
　　"Askyourfather；heknows。"
　　"Don'tbelievehedoes；shouldn'tdaretobotherhim，ifhedid。"
　　"Whynot？"
　　"He'dpullmyears，andcallmea'stupid，'ortellmenottoworryhim。"
　　"Idon'tthinkhewould。He'sverykindtome，andIasklotsofquestions。"
　　"Helikesyoubetterthanhedoesme。"
　　"Now，Tom!­；it'swrongofyoutosayso。Ofcoursehelovesyoueversomuchmorethanhedoesme，"criedPolly，reprovingly。
　　"Whydon'theshowitthen？"mutteredTom，withahalf-wistful，half-defiantglancetowardthelibrarydoor，whichstoodajar。
　　"Youactso，howcanhe？"askedPolly，afterapause，inwhichsheputTom'squestiontoherself，andcouldfindnobetterreplythantheoneshegavehim。
　　"Whydon'thegivememyvelocipede？Hesaid，ifIdidwellatschoolforamonth，Ishouldhaveit；andI'vebeenpeggingawaylikefuryformostsixweeks，andhedon'tdoathingaboutit。Thegirlsgettheirduds，becausetheytease。Iwon'tdothatanyway；butyoudon'tcatchmestudyingmyselftodeath，andnopayforit。"
　　"Itistoobad；butyououghttodoitbecauseit'sright，andnevermindbeingpaid，"beganPolly，tryingtobemoral，butsecretlysympathizingheartilywithpoorTom。
　　"Don'tyoupreach，Polly。Ifthegovernortookanynoticeofme，andcaredhowIgoton，Iwouldn'tmindthepresentssomuch；buthedon'tcareahang，andneverevenaskedifIdidwelllastdeclamationday，whenI'dgoneandlearned'TheBattleofLakeRegillus，'becausehesaidhelikedit。"
　　"Oh，Tom!Didyousaythat？It'ssplendid!JimandIusedtosayHoratiustogether，anditwassuchfun。Dospeakyourpiecetome，Idosolike'Macaulay'sLays。'"
　　"It'sdreadfullong，"beganTom；buthisfacebrightened，forPolly'sinterestsoothedhisinjuredfeelings，andhewasgladtoprovehiselocutionarypowers。Hebeganwithoutmuchspirit；butsoonthemartialringofthelinesfiredhim，andbeforeheknewit，hewasonhislegsthunderingawayingrandstyle，whilePollylistenedwithkindlingfaceandabsorbedattention。
　　Tomdiddeclaimwell，forhequiteforgothimself，anddeliveredthestirringballadwithanenergythatmadePollyflushandtinglewithadmirationanddelight，andquiteelectrifiedasecondlistener，whohadheardallthatwenton，andwatchedthelittlescenefrombehindhisnewspaper。
　　AsTompaused，breathless，andPollyclappedherhandsenthusiastically，thesoundwasloudlyechoedfrombehindhim。Bothwhirledround，andtherewasMr。Shaw，standinginthedoorway，applaudingwithallhismight。
　　Tomlookedmuchabashed，andsaidnotaword；PollyrantoMr。Shaw，anddancedbeforehim，saying，eagerly，"Wasn'titsplendid？Didn'thedowell？Mayn'thehavehisvelocipedenow？"
　　"Capital，Tom；you'llbeanoratoryet。Learnanotherpiecelikethat，andI'llcomeandhearyouspeakit。Areyoureadyforyourvelocipede，hey？"
　　Pollywasright；andTomownedthat"thegovernor"waskind，didlikehimandhadn'tentirelyforgottenhispromise。Theboyturnedredwithpleasure，andpickedatthebuttonsonhisjacket，whilelisteningtothisunexpectedpraise；butwhenhespoke，helookedstraightupinhisfather'sface，whilehisownshonewithpleasure，asheanswered，inonebreath，"Thankee，sir。I'lldoit，sir。GuessIam，sir!"
　　"Verygood；thenlookoutforyournewhorsetomorrow，sir。"AndMr。
　　Shawstrokedthefuzzyredheadwithakindhand，feelingafatherlypleasureintheconvictionthattherewassomethinginhisboyafterall。
　　Tomgothisvelocipedenextday，nameditBlackAuster，inmemoryofthehorsein"TheBattleofLakeRegillus，"andcametogriefassoonashebegantoridehisnewsteed。
　　"Comeoutandseemegoit，"whisperedTomtoPolly，afterthreedays'
　　practiceinthestreet，forhehadalreadylearnedtorideintherink。
　　PollyandMaudwillinglywent，andwatchedhisstruggles，withdeepinterest，tillhegotanupset，whichnearlyputanendtohisvelocipedingforever。
　　"Hi，there!Auster'scoming!"shoutedTom，ascamerattlingdownthelong，steepstreetoutsidethepark。
　　Theysteppedaside，andhewhizzedby，armsandlegsgoinglikemad，withthegeneralappearanceofarunawayengine。Itwouldhavebeenatriumphantdescent，ifabigdoghadnotbouncedsuddenlythroughoneoftheopenings，andsentthewholeconcernhelter-skelterintothegutter。Pollylaughedassherantoviewtheruin。forTomlayflatonhisbackwiththevelocipedeatophim，whilethebigdogbarkedwildly，andhismasterscoldedhimforhisawkwardness。ButwhenshesawTom'sface，Pollywasfrightened，forthecolorhadallgoneoutofit，hiseyeslookedstrangeanddizzy，anddropsofbloodbegantotricklefromagreatcutonhisforehead。Themansawit，too，andhadhimupinaminute；buthecouldn'tstand，andstaredabouthiminadazedsortofway，ashesatonthecurbstone，whilePollyheldherhandkerchieftohisforehead，andpatheticallybeggedtoknowifhewaskilled。
　　"Don'tscaremother，­；I'mallright。Gotupset，didn'tI？"heasked，presently，eyeingtheprostratevelocipedewithmoreanxietyaboutitsdamagesthanhisown。
　　"Iknewyou'dhurtyourselfwiththathorridthingjustletitbe，andcomehome，foryourheadbleedsdreadfully，andeverybodyislookingatus，"whisperedPolly，tryingtotiethelittlehandkerchiefovertheuglycut。
　　"Comeon，then。Jove!howqueermyheadfeels!Giveusaboost，please。
　　Stophowling，Maud，andcomehome。Youbringthemachine，andI'llpayyou，Pat。"Ashespoke，TomslowlypickedhimselfandsteadyinghimselfbyPolly'sshoulder，issuedcommands，andtheprocessionfellintoline。
　　First，thebigdog，barkingatintervals；thenthegood-naturedIrishman，trundling"thatdivilofawhirligig，"ashedisrespectfullycalledtheidolizedvelocipede；thenthewoundedhero，supportedbythehelpfulPolly；
　　andMaudbroughtuptherearintears，bearingTom'scap。
　　Unfortunately，Mrs。Shawwasoutdrivingwithgrandma，andFannywasmakingcalls；sothattherewasnoonebutPollytostandbyTom，fortheparlor-maidturnedfaintatthesightofblood，andthechamber-maidlostherwitsintheflurry。Itwasabadcut，andmustbesewedupatonce，thedoctorsaid，assoonashecame。"Somebodymustholdhishead；"headded，ashethreadedhisqueerlittleneedle。
　　"I'llkeepstill，butifanybodymustholdme，letPolly。Youain'tafraid，areyou？"askedTom，withimploringlook，forhedidn'tliketheideaofbeingsewedabit。
　　Pollywasjustgoingtoshrinkaway，saying，"OhIcan't!"whensherememberedthatTomoncecalledheracoward。Herewasachancetoprovethatshewasn't；besides，poorTomhadnooneelsetohelphim；soshecameuptothesofawherehelay，andnoddedreassuringly，assheputasoftlittlehandoneithersideofthedamagedhead。
　　"Youareatrump，Polly，"whisperedTom。Thenhesethisteeth，clenchedhishands，layquitestill，andboreitlikeaman。Itwasalloverinaminuteortwo，andwhenhehadhadaglassofwine，andwasnicelysettledonhisbed，hefeltprettycomfortable，inspiteofthepaininhishead；
　　andbeingorderedtokeepquiet，hesaid，"Thankyoueversomuch，Polly，"
　　andwatchedherwithagratefulfaceasshecreptaway。
　　Hehadtokeepthehouseforaweek，andlaidaboutlookingveryinterestingwithagreatblackpatchonhisforehead。Everyone'pettedhim；'forthedoctorsaid，thatiftheblowhadbeenaninchnearerthetemple，itwouldhavebeenfatal，andthethoughtoflosinghimsosuddenlymadebluffoldTomverypreciousallatonce。Hisfatheraskedhimhowhewasadozentimesaday；hismothertalkedcontinuallyof"thatdearboy'snarrowescape"；
　　andgrandmacockeredhimupwitheverydelicacyshecouldinvent；andthegirlswaitedonhimlikedevotedslaves。Thisnewtreatmenthadanexcellenteffect；forwhenneglectedTomgotoverhisfirstamazementatthischangeofbase，heblossomedoutdelightfully，assickpeopledosometimes，andsurprisedhisfamilybybeingunexpectedlypatient，grateful，andamiable。
　　Nobodyeverknewhowmuchgooditdidhim；forboysseldomhaveconfidencesofthissortexceptwiththeirmothers，andMrs。Shawhadneverfoundthekeytoherson'sheart。Butalittleseedwassowedthenthattookroot，andthoughitgrewveryslowly，itcametosomethingintheend。PerhapsPollyhelpeditalittle。Eveningwashishardesttime，forwantofexercisemadehimasrestlessandnervousasitwaspossibleforaheartyladtobeonsuchashortnotice。
　　Hecouldn'tsleepsothegirlsamusedhim；­；Fannyplayedandreadaloud；Pollysung，andtoldstories；anddidthelattersowell，thatitgottobearegularthingforhertobeginassoonastwilightcame，andTomwassettledinhisfavoriteplaceongrandma'ssofa。
　　"Fireaway，Polly，"saidtheyoungsultan，oneevening，ashislittleScheherazadesatdowninherlowchair，afterstirringupthefiretilltheroomwasbrightandcosy。
　　"Idon'tfeellikestoriesto-night，Tom。I'vetoldallIknow，andcan'tmakeupanymore，"answeredPolly，leaningherheadonherhandwithasorrowfullookthatTomhadneverseenbefore。Hewatchedheraminute，andthenasked，curiously，"Whatwereyouthinkingabout，justnow，whenyousatstaringatthefire，andgettingsobererandsoberereveryminute？
　　"IwasthinkingaboutJimmy。"
　　"Wouldyoumindtellingabouthim？Youknow，yousaidyouwouldsometime；butdon't，ifyou'drathernot，"saidTom，loweringhisroughvoicerespectfully。
　　"Iliketotalkabouthim；butthereisn'tmuchtotell，"beganPolly，gratefulforhisinterest。"SittingherewithyouremindedmeofthewayIusedtositwithhimwhenhewassick。Weusedtohavesuchhappytimes，andit'ssopleasanttothinkaboutthemnow。"
　　"Hewasawfullygood，wasn'the？"
　　"No，hewasn't；buthetriedtobe，andmothersaysthatishalfthebattle。Weusedtogettiredoftrying；butwekeptmakingresolutions，andworkinghardtokeep'em。Idon'tthinkIgotonmuch；butJimmydid，andeveryonelovedhim。"
　　"Didn'tyoueversquabble，aswedo？"
　　"Yes，indeed，sometimes；butwecouldn'tstaymad，andalwaysmadeitupagainassoonaswecould。Jimmyusedtocomeroundfirst，andsay，'Allserene，Polly，'sokindandjolly，thatIcouldn'thelplaughingandbeingfriendsrightaway。"
　　"Didhenotknowalot？"
　　"Yes，Ithinkhedid，forhelikedtostudy，andwantedtogeton，sohecouldhelpfather。Peopleusedtocallhimafineboy，andIfeltsoproudtohearit；buttheydidn'tknowhalfhowwisehewas，becausehedidn'tshowoffabit。Isupposesistersalwaysaregrandoftheirbrothers；
　　butIdon'tbelievemanygirlshadasmuchrighttobeasIhad。"
　　"Mostgirlsdon'tcaretwopinsabouttheirbrothers；sothatshowsyoudon'tknowmuchaboutit。"
　　"Well，theyoughtto，iftheydon't；andtheywouldiftheboyswereaskindtothemasJimmywastome。"
　　"Why，whatdidhedo？"
　　"Lovedmedearly，andwasn'tashamedtoshowit，"criedPolly，withasobinhervoice，thatmadeheranswerveryeloquent。
　　"Whatmadehimdie，Polly？"askedTom，soberly，afterlittlepause。
　　"Hegothurtcoasting，lastwinter；buthenevertoldwhichboydidit，andheonlylivedaweek。Ihelpedtakecareofhim；andhewassopatient，Iusedtowonderathim，forhewasindreadfulpainalltime。
　　Hegavemehisbooks，andhisdog，andhisspeckledhens，andhisbigknife，andsaid，'Good-by，Polly，'­；andkissedmethelastthing­；andthen­；O
　　Jimmy!Jimmy!Ifheonlycouldcomeback!"
　　PoorPolly'seyeshadbeengettingfullerandfuller，lipstremblingmoreandmore，asshewenton；whenshecametothat"good-by，"shecouldn'tgetanyfurther，butcoveredupherface，andcriedasherheartwouldbreak。Tomwasfullofsympathy，butdidn'tknowhowtoshowit；sohesatshakingupthecamphorbottle，andtryingtothinkofsomethingproperandcomfortabletosay，whenFannycametotherescue，andcuddledPollyinherarms，withsoothinglittlepatsandwhispersandkisses，tillthetearsstopped，andPollysaid，she"didn'tmeanto，andwouldn'tanymore。I'vebeenthinkingaboutmydearboyalltheevening，forTomremindsmeofhim，"sheadded，withasigh。
　　"Me？HowcanI，whenIain'tabitlikehim？"criedTom，amazed。
　　"Butyouareinsomeways。"
　　"WishIwas；butIcan'tbe，forhewasgood，youknow。"
　　"Soareyou，whenyouchoose。Hasn'thebeengoodandpatient，anddon'tweallliketopethimwhenhe'sclever，Fan？"'saidPolly，whoseheartwasstillachingforherbrother，andreadyforhissaketofindvirtuesevenintormentingTom。