"'Let'scook'em，thenthey'llbegood，andwecanputsomeawayinourlittlepailsforto-morrow。'
　　"'Thatwillbesplendid!There'safireinthekitchen，Debbyalwaysleavesthekettleon，andwecanusehersaucepan，andIknowwherethesugaris，andwe'llhaveagrandtime。'
　　"Inwewent，andfelltoworkveryquietly。Itwasalarge，openfire-place，withthecoalsnicelycoveredup，andthebigkettlesimmeringonthehook。
　　Werakedopenthefire，putonthesaucepan，andinitthebestofourplums，withwaterenoughtospoilthem。Butwedidn'tknowthat，andfeltveryimportantaswesatwaitingforittoboil，eacharmedwithabigspoon，whilethesugarboxstoodbetweenusreadytobeused。
　　"Howslowtheywere，tobesure!Ineverknewsuchobstinatethings，fortheywouldn'tsoften，thoughtheydancedaboutintheboilingwater，andbobbedagainstthecoverasiftheyweredoingtheirbest。
　　"Thesunbegantogetlow，wewereafraidDebbywouldcomedown，andstillthosedreadfulplumswouldn'tlooklikesauce。Atlasttheybegantoburst，thewatergotalovelypurple，weputlotsofsugarin，andkepttastingtillourapronsandfaceswerered，andourlipsburntwiththehotspoons。
　　"'There'stoomuchjuice，'saidNelly，shakingherheadwisely。'Itoughttobethickandnicelikemamma's。'
　　"'I'llpouroffsomeofthejuice，andwecandrinkit，'saidI，feelingthatI'dmadeamistakeinmycooking。
　　"SoNellygotabowl，andIgotatowelandliftedthebigsaucepancarefullyoff。Itwasheavyandhot，andIwasalittleafraidofit，butdidn'tliketosayso。JustasIbegantopour，Debbysuddenlycalledfromthetopofthestairs，'Children，whatunderthesunareyoudoing？'
　　"Itstartledusboth。Nellydroppedthebowlandran。Idroppedthesaucepananddidn'trun，forapartofthehotjuicesplasheduponmybarefeet，andankles，andmademescreamwithdreadfulpain。
　　"DownrushedDebbytofindmedancingaboutthekitchenwithagreatbumponmyforehead，abigspooninmyhand，andapairofbrightpurplefeet。Theplumswerelyingalloverthehearth，thesaucepaninthemiddleoftheroom，thebasinwasbroken，andthesugarswimmingaboutasifthebowlhadturneditselfovertryingtosweetenourmessforus。
　　"Debbywasverygoodtome，forsheneverstoppedtoscold，butlaidmedownontheoldsofa，andboundupmypoorlittlefeetwithoilandcottonwool。Nelly，seeingmeliewhiteandweak，thoughtIwasdying，andwentovertotheneighbor'sforAuntBetsey，andburstinupontheoldladiessittingprimlyat，theirtea，crying，distractedly，"'Oh，AuntBetsey，comequick!forthesaucepanfellofftheshed，andFan'sfeetareallboiledpurple!'
　　"Nobodylaughedatthisfunnymessage，andAuntBetseyranallthewayhomewithamuffininherhandandherballinherpocket，thoughtheknittingwasleftbehind。
　　"Isufferedagreatdeal，butIwasn'tsorryafterward，forIlearnedtoloveAuntBetsey，whonursedmetenderly，andseemedtoforgetherstrictwaysinheranxietyforme。
　　"Thisbagwasmadeformyspecialcomfort，andhungonthesofawhereIlayallthosewearydays。Auntkeptitfullofprettypatchworkor，whatIlikedbetter，ginger-nuts，andpeppermintdrops，toamuseme，thoughshedidn'tapproveofcossetingchildrenup，anymorethanIdonow。"
　　"Ilikethatvewywell，andIwishIcouldhavebeenthere，"wasMaud'scondescendingremark，assheputbackthelittlebag，afteracarefulpeepinside，asifshehopedtofindanancientginger-nut，orawell-preservedpeppermintdropstilllingeringinsomecorner。
　　"Wehadplumsenoughthatautumn，butdidn'tseemtocaremuchaboutthem，afterall，forourprankbecameahouseholdjoke，and，foryears，weneversawthefruit，butNellywouldlookatmewithafunnyface，andwhisper，'Purplestockings，Fan!'"
　　"Thankyou，ma'am，"saidPolly。"Now，Fan，yourturnnext。"
　　"Well，I'veabundleofoldletters，andI'dliketoknowifthereisanystoryaboutthem，"answeredFanny，hopingsomeromancemightbeforthcoming。
　　Grandmaturnedoverthelittlepackettiedupwithafadedpinkribbon；
　　adozenyellownoteswrittenonrough，thickpaper，withredwafersstilladheringtothefolds，showingplainlythattheywerewrittenbeforethedayofinitialnote-paperandself-sealingenvelopes。
　　"Theyarenotlove-letters，deary，butnotesfrommymatesafterIleftMissCotton'sboarding-school。Idon'tthinkthereisanystoryaboutthem，"
　　andgrandmaturnedthemoverwithspectaclesbeforethedimeyes，soyoungandbrightwhentheyfirstreadtheverysamenotes。
　　Fannywasabouttosay，"I'llchooseagain，"whengrandmabegantolaughsoheartilythatthegirlsfeltsureshehadcaughtsomemerryoldmemorywhichwouldamusethem。
　　"Blessmyheart，Ihaven'tthoughtofthatfrolicthisfortyyears。
　　Poor，dear，giddySallyPomroy，andshe'sagreat-grandmothernow!"criedtheoldlady，afterreadingoneofthenotes，andclearingthemistoffherglasses。
　　"Now，pleasetellabouther；Iknowit'ssomethingfunnytomakeyoulaughso，"saidPollyandFantogether。
　　"Well，itwasdroll，andI'mgladIremembereditforit'sjustthestorytotellyouyoungthings。
　　"Itwasyearsago，"begangrandma，briskly，"andteacherswereverymuchstricterthantheyarenow。ThegirlsatMissCotton'swerenotallowedlightsintheirroomsafternineo'clock，neverwentoutalone，andwereexpectedtobehavelikemodelsofproprietyfrommorningtillnight。
　　"Asyoumayimagine，tenyounggirls，fullofspiritsandfun，foundtheseruleshardtokeep，andmadeupforgoodbehaviorinpublicbyallsortsoffrolicsinprivate。
　　"MissCottonandherbrothersatinthebackparlorafterschoolwasover，andtheyoungladiesweresenttobed。Mr。Johnwasverydeaf，andMissPriscillaverynear-sighted，twoconvenientafflictionsforthegirlsonsomeoccasions，butoncetheyprovedquitethereverse，asyoushallhear。
　　"Wehadbeenveryprimforaweek，andourbottledupspiritscouldnolongerbecontained；soweplanedarevelafterourownhearts，andsetourwitstoworktoexecuteit。
　　"Thefirstobstaclewassurmountedinthisway。Asnoneofuscouldgetoutalone，weresolvedtolowerSallyfromthewindow，forshewaslightandsmall，andverysmart。
　　"Withourcombinedpocket-moneyshewastobuynutsandcandy，cakeandfruit，pie，andacandle，sothatwemighthavealight，afterBetseytookoursawayasusual。
　　"Weweretodarkenthewindowoftheinnerchamber，setawatchinthelittleentry，lightup，andthenforagoodtime。
　　"Ateighto'clockontheappointedevening，severalofusprofessedgreatweariness，andwenttoourroom，leavingtherestsewingvirtuouslywithMissCotton，whoreadHannahMore'sSacredDramasaloud，inawaythatfittedthelistenersforbedaswellasadoseofopiumwouldhavedone。
　　"IamsorrytosayIwasoneoftheringleaders；andassoonaswegotupstairs，producedtheropeprovidedforthepurpose，andinvitedSallytobelowered。Itwasanold-fashionedhouse，slopingdownbehind，andtheclosetwindowchosenbyuswasnotmanyfeetfromtheground。
　　"Itwasasummerevening，sothatateighto'clockitwasstilllight；
　　butwewerenotafraidofbeingseen，forthestreetwasalonelyone，andouronlyneighborstwooldladies，whoputdowntheircurtainsatsunset，andneverlookedouttillmorning。
　　"Sallyhadbeenbribedbypromisesofasmany'goodies'asshecouldeat，andbeingaregularmadcap，shewasreadyforanything。
　　"Tyingtheroperoundherwaistshecreptout，andwelethersafelydown，sentabigbasketafterher，andsawhersliproundthecomerinmybigsunbonnetandanothergirl'sshawl，sothatsheshouldnotberecognized。
　　"Thenweputournight-gownsoverourdresses，andwerelaidpeacefullyinbedwhenBetseycameup，earlierthanusual；foritwasevidentthatMissCottonfeltalittlesuspiciousatoursuddenweariness。
　　"Forhalfanhourwelaylaughingandwhispering，aswewaitedforthesignalfromSally。Atlastweheardacricketchirpshrillyunderthewindow，andflyingup，sawalittlefigurebelowinthetwilight。
　　"'O，quick!quick!'criedSally，pantingwithhaste。'Drawupthebasketandthengetmein，forIsawMr。Cottoninthemarket，andranallthewayhome，sothatImightgetinbeforehecame。'
　　"Upcametheheavybasket，bumpingandscrapingontheway，andsmelling，O，sonice!Downwenttherope，andwithalongpull，astrongpull，andapullalltogether，wehoistedpoorSallyhalf-wayuptothewindow，when，sadtotell，theropeslippedanddownshefell，onlybeingsavedfrombrokenbonesbythehay-cockunderthewindow。
　　"'He'scoming!he'scoming!Opullmeup，formercysake!'criedSally，scramblingtoherfeetunhurt，butagooddealshaken。
　　"Wesawadarkfigureapproaching，anddraggedherinwithmorebumpingandscraping，andembracedherwithrapture，forwehadjustescapedbeingdetectedbyMr。John，whoseeyeswereassharpashisearsweredull。
　　"Weheardthefront-doorshut，thenamurmurofvoices，andthenBetsey'sheavystepcomingupstairs。
　　"Underthebedwentthebasket，andintothebedswenttheconspirators，andnothingcouldhavebeenmoredecorousthantheappearanceoftheroomwhenBetseypoppedherheadin。
　　"'Master'sanoldfidgettosendmetravellingupagain，justbecausehefanciedhesawsomethingamissatthewindow。Nothingbutacurtainflapping，orashadder，forthepoordearsissleepinglikelambs。'
　　"Weheardhersaythistoherself，andageneraltitteragitatedthewhitecoverletsasshedeparted。
　　"Sallywasinhighfeatheratthesuccessofherexploit，anddancedaboutlikeanelf，assheputhernight-gownonoverherfrock，braidedherhairinfunnylittletailsalloverherhead，andfastenedthegreatredpin-cushiononherbosomforabreastpininhonorofthefeast。
　　"Theothergirlswenttotheirroomsasagreedupon，andallwassoondarkandstillupstairs，whileMissCottonbegantoenjoyherselfbelow，asshealwaysdidwhen'heryoungcharges'weresafelydisposedof。
　　"Thenghostsbegantowalk，andthemicescuttledbacktotheirholesinalarm，forwhitefiguresglidedfromroomtoroom，tillallwereassembledinthelittlechamber。
　　"Thewatchwassetattheentrydoor，thesignalagreedupon，thecandlelighted，andthefeastspreadforthuponanewspaperonthebed，withthecoverletarrangedsothatitcouldbewhiskedovertherefreshmentsatamoment'snotice。
　　"Howgoodeverythingwas，tobesure!Idon'tthinkI'veeatenanypiessincethathadsuchadeliciousflavorasthosebrokenones，eatenhastily，inthatlittleovenofaroom，withSallymakingjokesandtheothersenjoyingstolensweetswithtruegirlishrelish。Ofcourseitwasverywicked，butImusttellthetruth。
　　"Wewerejustbeginningonthecakewhentheloudscratchingofaratdisturbedus。
　　"'Thesignal!fly!run!hide!Hush，don'tlaugh!'criedseveralvoices，andwescuttledintobedasrapidlyandnoiselesslyaspossible，withourmouthsandhandsfull。
　　"Alongpause，brokenbymorescratching；butasnoonecame，wedecidedonsendingtoinquirewhatitmeant。IwentandfoundMary，thepicketguardhalfasleep，andlongingforhershareofthefeast。
　　"'Itwasarealrat；I'venotmadeasound。Dogoandfinish；I'mtiredofthis，'saidMary，slappingawayatthemosquitoes。
　　"BackIhurriedwiththegoodnews。Everyoneflewup，briskly。Welightedthecandleagain，andreturnedtoourrevel。TherefreshmentsweresomewhatinjuredbySally'sbouncinginamongthem，bitwedidn'tcare，andsoonfinishedthecake。
　　"'Nowlet'shavethenuts，'Isaid，gropingforthepaperbag。
　　"'Theyarealmondsandpeanuts，sowecancrackthemwithourteeth。
　　Besureyougetthebagbytherightend，'saidSally。
　　"'IknowwhatI'mabout，'andtoshowherthatitwasallright，I
　　gavethebagalittleshake，whenoutflewthenuts，rattlinglikeahail-stormallovertheuncarpetedfloor。
　　"'Nowyou'vedoneit，'criedSally，asMaryscratchedlikeamadrat，andadoorcreakedbelow，forMissCottonwasnotdeaf。
　　"Suchaflurryaswewerein!Outwentthecandle，andeachonerushedawaywithasmuchofthefeastasshecouldseizeinherhaste。Sallydivedintoherbed，recklesslydemolishingthelastpie，andscatteringthecandyfarandwide。
　　"PoorMarywasnearlycaughtforMissCottonwasquickerthanBetsey，andourguardhadtorunforherlife。
　　"Ourroomwasthefirst，andwasingoodorder，thoughthetwoflushedfacesonthepillowswererathersuspicious。MissCottonstoodstaringabouther，lookingsofunny，withouthercap，thatmybedfellowwouldhavegoneoffinafitoflaughter，ifIhadnotpinchedherwarningly。
　　"'Youngladies，whatisthisunseemlynoise？'
　　"Noanswerfromusbutafaintsnore。MissCottonmarchedintothenextroom，putthesamequestionandreceivedthesamereply。
　　"InthethirdchamberlaySally，andwetrembledastheoldladywentin。Sittingup，wepeepedandlistenedbreathlessly。
　　"'Sarah，Icommandyoutotellmewhatthisallmeans？'
　　"ButSallyonlysighedinhersleep，andmuttered，wickedly，'Ma，takemehome。I'mstarvedatCotton's。'
　　"'Mercyonme!isthechildgoingtohaveafever？'criedtheoldlady，whodidnotobservethetelltalenutsatherfeet。
　　"'Sodull，sostrict!Otakemehome!'moanedSally，tossingherarmsandgurgling，likeanaughtylittlegypsy。
　　"Thatlastbitofactingupsetthewholeconcern，forasshetossedherarmssheshowedthebigredcushiononherbreast。Near-sightedasshewas，thatridiculousobjectcouldnotescapeMissCotton，neitherdidtheorangethatrolledoutfromthepillow，northebootsappearingatthefootofthebed。
　　"Withsuddenenergytheoldladypluckedoffthecover，andtherelaySallywithherhairdressedà；laTopsy，herabsurdbreast-pinandherdustyboots，amongpapersofcandy，bitsofpieandcake，orangesandapples，andacandleupsidedownburningaholeinthesheet。
　　"AtthesoundofMissCotton'shorrifiedexclamationSallywokeup，andbeganlaughingsomerrilythatnoneofuscouldresistfollowingherexample，andtheroomsrangwithmerrimentfarmanyminutes。Ireallydon'tknowwhenweshouldhavestoppedifSallyhadnotgotchokedwiththenutshehadinhermouth，andsofrightenedusnearlyoutofourwits。"
　　"Whatbecameofthethings，andhowwereyoupunished？"askedFan，inthemiddleofherlaughter。
　　"Theremainsofthefeastwenttothepig，andwewerekeptonbreadandwaterforthreedays。"
　　"Didthatcureyou？"
　　"Oh，dear，no!wehadhalfadozenotherfrolicsthatverysummer；andalthoughIcannothelplaughingattheremembranceofthis，youmustnotthink，child，thatIapproveofsuchconduct，orexcuseit。No，no，mydear，farfromit。"
　　"Icallthata，tip-topstory!Driveon，grandma，andtelloneaboutboys，"brokeinanewvoice，andtherewasTomastrideofachairlisteningandlaughingwithallhismight，forhisbookhadcometoanend，andhehadjoinedthepartyunobserved。
　　"Waitforyourturn，Tommy。Now，Polly，dear，whatwillyouhave？"saidgrandma，looking，solivelyandhappy，thatitwasveryevident"reminiscing"
　　didhergood。
　　"Letminecomelast，andtelloneforTomnext，"saidPolly，lookinground，andbeckoninghimnearer。
　　Hecameandsathimselfcross-leggedonthefloor，beforethelowerdrawerofthecabinet，whichgrandmaopenedforhim，saying，withabenignstrokeofthecurlyhead，"There，dear，that'swhereIkeepthelittlememorialsofmybrotherJack。Poorlad，hewaslostatsea，youknow。Well，chooseanythingyoulike，andI'lltrytorememberastoryaboutit。"
　　Tommadearapidrummage，andfishedupalittlebrokenpistol。
　　"There，that'sthechapforme!Wishitwasn'tspoilt，thenwe'dhavefunpoppingawayatthecatsintheyard。Now，then，grandma。"
　　"IrememberoneofJack'spranks，whenthatwasusedwithgreateffect，"
　　saidgrandma，afterathoughtfulpause，duringwhichTomteasedthegirlsbysnappingthelockofthepistolintheirfaces。
　　"Onceuponatime，"continuedMadam，muchflatteredbytherowofinterestedfacesbeforeher，"myfatherwentawayonbusiness，leavingmother，aunt，andusgirlstoJack'scare。Veryproudhewas，tobesure，oftheresponsibility，andthefirstthinghedidwastoloadthatpistolandkeepitbyhisbed，inourgreatworriment，forwefearedhe'dkillhimselfwithit。Foraweekallwentwell；thenwewerestartledbythenewsthatrobberswereabout。Allsortsofstoriesflewthroughthetownwewerelivinginthecountrythen；somesaidthatcertainhousesweremarkedwithablackcross，andthosewerealwaysrobbed；others，thattherewasaboyinthegang，forwindows，sosmallthattheywereconsideredsafe，wereenteredbysomelittlerogue。Atoneplacethethieveshadasupper，andlefthamandcakeinthefrontyard。Mrs。JonesfoundMrs。Smith'sshawlinherorchard，withahammerandanunknownteapotnearit。Onemanreportedthatsomeonetappedathiswindow，inthenight，saying，softly，'Isanyonehere？'
　　andwhenhelookedout，twomenwereseentorundowntheroad。
　　"Welivedjustoutoftown，inalonelyplace；thehousewasold，withconvenientlittlebackwindows，andfiveoutsidedoors。Jackwastheonlymanabouttheplace，andhewasbarelythirteen。Motherandauntwereverytimid，andthechildrenweren'toldenoughtobeofanyuse，soJackandIwerethehome-guard，andvowedtodefendthefamilymanfully。"
　　"Goodforyou!Hopethefellowscame!"criedTom，charmedwiththisopening。
　　"Oneday，anill-lookingmancameinandaskedforfood，"continuedgrandma，withamysteriousnod；"andwhileheate，Isawhimglancesharplyaboutfromthewoodenbuttonsontheback-doors，tothesilverurnandtankardsonthedining-roomsideboard。Astrongsuspiciontookpossessionofme，andIwatchedhimasacatdoesamouse。
　　"'Hecametoexaminethepremises，I'msureofit，butwewillbereadyforhim，'Isaid，fiercely，asItoldthefamilyabouthim。
　　"Thisfancyhauntedusall，andourpreparationswereveryfunny。Motherborrowedarattle，andkeptitunderherpillow。Aunttookabigbelltobedwithher；thechildrenhadlittleTip，theterrier，tosleepintheirroom；whileJackandImountedguard，hewiththepistol，andIwithahatchet，forIdidn'tlikefire-arms。Biddy，whosleptintheattic，practisedgettingoutontheshedroof，sothatshemightrunawayatthefirstalarm。
　　Everynightwearrangedpit-fallsfortherobbers，andallfileduptobed，bearingplate，money，weapons，andthingstobarricadewith，asifwelivedinwartimes。
　　"Wewaitedaweekandnoonecame，sowebegantofeelratherslighted，forotherpeoplegot'ascare，'asTomsays，andafterallourpreparationswereallyfeltatrifledisappointedthatwehadhadnochancetoshowourcourage。Atlastablackmarkwasfounduponourdoor，andagreatpanicensued，forwefeltthatnowourtimehadcome。
　　"Thatnightweputatubofwateratthebottomoftheback-stairs，andapileoftinpansatthetopofthefrontstairs，sothatanyattempttocomeupwouldproduceasplashorarattle。Bellswerehungondoorhandles，sticksofwoodpiledupindarkcornersforrobberstofallover，andthefamilyretired，allarmedandallprovidedwithlampsandmatches。
　　"JackandIleftourdoorsopen，andkeptaskingoneanotherifwedidn'thearsomething，tillhefellasleep。Iwaswakefulandlaylisteningtothecricketstilltheclockstrucktwelve；thenIgotdrowsy，andwasjustdroppingoffwhenthesoundofstepsoutsidewokemeupstaringwideawake。CreepingtothewindowIwasintimetoseebythedimmoonlightashadowglideroundthecorneranddisappear。Aqueerlittlethrillwentoverme，butIresolvedtokeepquiettillIwassuresomethingwaswrong，forIhadgivensomanyfalsealarms，Ididn'twantJacktolaughatmeagain。Poppingmyheadoutofthedoor，Ilistened，andpresentlyheardascrapingsoundneartheshed。
　　"'Theretheyare；butIwon'trousethehousetillthebellringsorthepansfall。Theroguescan'tgofarwithoutaclatterofsomesort，andifwecouldonlycatchoneofthemweshouldgettherewardandadealofglory，'Isaidtomyself，graspingmyhatchetfirmly。
　　"Adoorclosedsoftlybelow，andastepcamecreepingtowardstheback-stairs。
　　Surenowofmyprey，Iwasjustabouttoscream'Jack!'whensomethingwentsplashintothetubatthefootoftheback-stairs。
　　"Inaminuteeveryonewasawakeandup，forJackfiredhispistolbeforehewashalfoutofbed，androared'Fire!'solouditrousedthehouse。
　　Mothersprungherrattle，auntrangherbell，Jipbarkedlikemad，andweallscreamed，whilefrombelowcameuparegularIrishhowl。
　　"Someonebroughtalamp，andwepeepedanxiouslydown，toseeourownstupidBiddysittinginthetubwringingherhandsandwailingdismally。
　　"'Och，murther，andit'skiltIam!Thesaintsbeaboutus!howiverdidIcomeforninstthissayivwather，justcrapininquietaftherabitivsthrollwidMikeMahoney，meownb'y，that'stomarrymeintirely，comeSaintPatrick'sdaynixt。'
　　"Welaughedsowecouldhardlyfishthepoorthingup，orlistenwhilesheexplainedthatshehadslippedoutofherwindowforawordwithMike，andfounditfastenedwhenshewantedtocomeback，soshehadsatontheroof，tryingtodiscoverthecauseofthismysteriousbarringout，tillshewastired，whensheprowledroundthehousetillshefoundacellarwindowunfastened，afterallourcare，andgotinquitecleverly，shethought；
　　butthetubwasanewarrangementwhichsheknewnothingabout；andwhenshefellintothe'say，'shewasbewilderedandcouldonlyhowl。
　　"Thiswasnotallthedamageeither，forauntfaintedwiththefright，mothercutherhandwithabrokenlamp，thechildrentookcoldhoppingaboutonthewetstairs，Jipbarkedhimselfsick，Isprainedmyankle，andJacknotonlysmashedalooking-glasswithhisbullets，butspoilthispistolbytheheavychargeputinit。Afterthedamageswererepairedandtheflurrywaswellover，Jackconfessedthathehadmarkedthedoorforfun，andshutBiddyoutasapunishmentfor'gallivanting，'ofwhichhedidn'tapprove。Sucharogueasthatboywas!'"
　　"Butdidn'ttherobbersevercome？"criedTom，enjoyingthejoke，butfeelingdefraudedofthefight。
　　"Never，mydear；butwehadour'scare，'andtestedourcourage，andthatwasagreatsatisfaction，ofcourse，"answeredgrandma，placidly。
　　"Well，Ithinkyouwerethebravestofthelot。I'dliketohaveseenyouflourishingroundtherewithyourhatchet，"addedTom，admiringly，andtheoldladylookedasmuchpleasedwiththecomplimentasifshehadbeenagirl。
　　"Ichoosethis，"saidPolly，holdingupalongwhitekidglove，shrunkenandyellowwithtime，butlookingasifithadahistory。
　　"Ah，thatnowhasastoryworthtelling!"criedgrandma；adding，proudly，"Treatthatoldgloverespectfully，mychildren，forLafayette'shonoredhandhastouchedit。"
　　"Oh，grandma，didyouwearit？Didyouseehim？Dotellusallaboutit，andthatwillbethebestofthewhole，"criedPolly，wholovedhistory，andknewagooddealaboutthegallantFrenchmanandhisbravelife。
　　Grandmalovedtotellthisstory，andalwaysassumedhermostimposingairtodohonortohertheme。Drawingherselfup，therefore，shefoldedherhands，andaftertwoorthreelittle"hems，"beganwithanabsentlook，asifhereyesbeheldafar-awaytime，whichbrightenedasshegazed。
　　"ThefirstvisitofLafayettewasbeforemytime，ofcourse，butIheardsomuchaboutitfrommygrandfatherthatIreallyfeltasifI'dseenitall。OurAuntHancocklivedintheGovernor'shouse，onBeaconHill，atthattime。"Heretheoldladybridledupstillmore，forshewasveryproudof"ouraunt。""Ah，mydears，thosewerethegoodoldtimes!"shecontinued，withasigh。"Suchdinnersandteaparties，suchdamasktableclothsandfineplate，suchsolid，handsomefurnitureandelegantcarriages；
　　aunt'swaslinedwithredsilkvelvet，andwhenthecoachwastakenawayfromherattheGovernor'sdeath，shejustrippedoutthelining。andwegirlshadspencersmadeofit。Dearheart，howwellIrememberplayinginaunt'sgreatgarden，andchasingJackupanddownthosewindingstairs；
　　andmyblessedfather，inhisplum-coloredcoatandkneebuckles，andthequeueIusedtotieupforhimeveryday，handingauntintodinner，lookingsodignifiedandsplendid。"
　　Grandmaseemedtoforgetherstoryforaminute，andbecomealittlegirlagain，amongtheplaymatesdeadandgonesomanyyears。Pollymotionedtheotherstobequiet，andnoonespoketilltheoldlady，withalongsigh，camebacktothepresent，andwenton。
　　"Well，asIwassaying，theGovernorwantedtogiveabreakfasttotheFrenchofficers，andMadam，whowasahospitablesoul，gotupasplendidoneforthem。Butbysomemistake，oraccident，itwasdiscoveredatthelastminutethattherewasnomilk。
　　"Agreatdealwasneeded，andverylittlecouldbeboughtorborrowed，sodespairfelluponthecooksandmaids，andthegreatbreakfastwouldhavebeenafailure，ifMadam，withthepresenceofmindofhersex，hadnotsuddenlybethoughtherselfofthecowsfeedingontheCommon。
　　"Tobesure，theybelongedtoherneighbors，andtherewasnotimetoaskleave，butitwasanationalaffair；ouralliesmustbefed；
　　andfeelingsurethatherpatrioticfriendswouldgladlylaytheircowsonthealtaroftheircountry，MadamHancockcoveredherselfwithglory，bycalmlyissuingthecommand，'Milk'em!'
　　"Itwasdone，tothegreatastonishmentofthecows，andtheentiresatisfactionoftheguests，amongwhomwasLafayette。
　　"Thismilkingfeatwassuchagoodjoke，thatnooneseemstohaverememberedmuchaboutthegreatman，thoughoneofhisofficers，acount，signalizedhimselfbygettingverytipsy，andgoingtobedwithhisbootsandspurson，­；whichcausedthedestructionofaunt'sbestyellowdamaskcoverlet，fortherestlesssleeperkickeditintoragsbymorning。
　　"Auntvalueditverymuch，eveninitstatteredcondition，andkeptitalongwhile，asamemorialofherdistinguishedguests。
　　"ThetimewhenIsawLafayettewasin1825，andtherewerenotipsycountsthen。UncleHancockasweetman，mydears，thoughsomecallhimmeannow-a-dayswasdead，andaunthadmarriedCaptainScott。
　　"Itwasnotatallthethingforhertodo；however，that'sneitherherenorthere。ShewaslivinginFederalStreetatthetime，amostaristocraticstreetthen，children，andwelivedcloseby。
　　"OldJosiahQuincywasmayorofthecity，andhesentauntwordthattheMarquisLafayettewishedtopayhisrespectstoher。
　　"Ofcourseshewasdelighted，andweallflewabouttomakereadyforhim。Auntwasanoldlady，butshemadeagrandtoilet，andwasasanxioustolookwellasanygirl。"
　　"Whatdidshewear？"askedFan，withinterest。
　　"Sheworeasteel-coloredsatin，trimmedwithblacklace，andonhercapwaspinnedaLafayettebadgeofwhitesatin。
　　"Inevershallforgethowb-e-a-utifullyshelookedasshesatinstateonthefrontparlorsophy，rightunderagreatportraitofherfirsthusband；andoneithersideofhersatMadamStorerandMadamWilliams，eleganttobehold，intheirstiffsilks，richlace，andstatelyturbans。Wedon'tseesuchsplendidoldladiesnow-a-days­；"
　　"Ithinkwedosometimes，"saidPolly，slyly。
　　Grandmashookherhead，butitpleasedherverymuchtobeadmired，forshehadbeenabeautyinherday。
　　"Wegirlshaddressedthehousewithflowers；oldMr。Coolidgesentinaclothes-basketfull。JoeJoyprovidedthebadges，andauntgotoutsomeoftheRevolutionarywinefromtheoldBeaconStreetcellar。
　　"Iworemygreenandwhitepalmyrine，myhairbowedhigh，thebeautifulleg-o'-muttonsleevesthatweresobecoming，andtheseverygloves。
　　"Well，by-and-bytheGeneral，escortedbytheMayor，droveup。Dearme，Iseehimnow!­；alittleoldmaninnankeentrousersandvest，alongbluecoatandruffledshirt，leaningonhiscane，forhewaslame，andsmilingandbowinglikeatrueFrenchman。
　　"Asheapproached，thethreeoldladiesrose，andcourtesiedwiththeutmostdignity。LafayettebowedfirsttotheGovernor'spicture，thentotheGovernor'swidow，andkissedherhand。
　　"Thatwasdroll；foronthebackofherglovewasstampedLafayette'slikeness，andthegallantoldgentlemankissedhisownface。
　　"Thensomeoftheyoungladieswerepresented，and，asiftoescapeanyfurtherself-salutations，themarquiskissedtheprettygirlsonthecheek。
　　"Yes，mydears，hereisjustthespotwherethedearoldmansalutedme。I'mquiteasproudofitnowasIwasthen，forhewasabrave，goodman，andhelpedusinourtrouble。
　　"Hedidnotstaylong，butwewereverymerry，drinkinghishealth，receivinghiscompliments，andenjoyingthehonorhedidus。
　　"Downinthestreettherewasacrowd，ofcourse，andwhenhelefttheywantedtotakeoutthehorsesanddraghimhomeintriumph。Buthedidn'twishit；andwhilethataffairwasbeingarranged，wegirlshadbeenpeltinghimwiththeflowerswhichwetorefromthevases，thewalls，andourowntopknots，toscatteroverhim。
　　"Helikedthat，andlaughed，andwavedhishandtous，whileweran，andpelted，andbeggedhimtocomeagain。
　　"Weyoungfolksquitelostourheadsthatnight，andIhaven'taveryclearideaofhowIgothome。ThelastthingIrememberwashangingoutofthewindowwithaflockofgirls，watchingthecarriagerollaway，whilethecrowdcheeredasiftheyweremad。
　　"Blessmyheart，itseemsasifIheard'emnow!'HurrahforLafayetteandMayorQuincy!HurrahforMadamHancockandtheprettygirls!HurrahforCol。May!''ThreecheersforBoston!Now，then!Hurrah!Hurrah!Hurrah!'
　　"
　　Andheretheoldladystopped，outofbreath，withhercapaskew，herspectaclesontheendofhernose，andherknittingmuchtheworseforbeingwavedenthusiasticallyintheair，whileshehungoverthearmofherchair，shrillycheeringanimaginaryLafayette。Thegirlsclappedtheirhands，andTomhurrahedwithallhismight，saying，whenhegothisbreath，"Lafayettewasaregularoldtrump；Ialwayslikedhim。"
　　"Mydear!whatadisrespectfulwaytospeakofthatgreatman，"saidgrandma，shockedatYoungAmerica'sirreverence。
　　"Well，hewasatrump，anyway，sowhynotcallhimone？"askedTom，feelingthattheobjectionablewordwasallthatcouldbedesired。
　　"Whatqueerglovesyouworethen，"interruptedFanny，whohadbeentryingonthemuch-honoredglove，andfindingitatightfit。
　　"Muchbetterandcheaperthanwehavenow，"returnedgrandma，readytodefend"thegoodoldtimes"againsteveryinsinuation。"Youareanextravagantsetnow-a-days，andIreallydon'tknowwhatyouarecomingto。Bytheway，I'vegotsomewheretwoletterswrittenbytwoyoungladies，onein1517，andtheotherin1868。Thecontrastbetweenthetwowillamuseyou，Ithink。"
　　Afteralittlesearch，grandmaproducedanoldportfolio，andselectingthepapers，readthefollowingletter，writtenbyAnneBoleynbeforehermarriagetoHenryVIII，andnowinthepossessionofacelebratedantiquarian:­；
　　DEARMARY，­；Ihavebeenintownalmostamonth，yetIcannotsayIhavefoundanythinginLondonextremelyagreeable。Werisesolateinthemorning，­；seldombeforesixo'clock，­；andsitupsolateatnight，­；beingscarcelyinbedbeforeten，­；thatIamquitesickofit；andwasitnotfortheabundanceoffinethingsIameverydaygettingIshouldbeimpatientofreturningintothecountry。
　　Myindulgentmotherboughtme，yesterday，atamerchant'sinCheapside，threenewshifts，thatcostfourteenpenceanell，andIamtohaveapairofnewstuffshoes，formyLordofNorfolk'sball，whichwillbethreeshillings。
　　TheirregularlifeIhaveledsincemycomingtothisplacehasquitedestroyedmyappetite。YouknowIcouldmanageapoundofbaconandatankardofgoodaleformybreakfast，inthecountry，butinLondonIfinditdifficulttogetthroughhalfthequantity，thoughImustownIamgenerallyeagerenoughforthedinnerhour，whichisheredelayedtilltwelve，inyourpolitesociety。
　　Iplayedathotcockles，lastnight，atmyLordofLeicester's。TheLordofSurreywasthere，averyelegantyoungman，whosungasongofhisowncomposition，onthe"LordofKildare'sDaughter。"Itwasmuchapproved，andmybrotherwhisperedmethatthefairGeraldine，forsomyLordofSurreycallshissweetheart，isthefinestwomanoftheage。Ishouldbegladtoseeher，forIhearsheisgoodassheisbeautiful。
　　Praytakecareofthepoultryduringmyabsence。Poorthings!Ialwaysfedthemmyself；andifMargeryhasknittedmethecrimsonworstedmittens，Ishouldbegladiftheyweresentupthefirstopportunity。
　　Adieu，dearMary。Iamjustgoingtomass，andyoushallspeedilyhavetheprayers，asyouhavenowthekindestloveofyourownANNEBOLEYN。
　　"Upbeforesix，andthinkitlatetogotobedatten!WhatacountrifiedthingAnnemusthavebeen。Baconandaleforbreakfast，anddinnerattwelve；
　　howveryqueertoliveso!"criedFanny。"LordSurreyandLordLeicestersoundfine，buthotcockles，andredmittens，andshoesforthreeshillings，arehorrid。"
　　"Ilikeit，"saidPolly，thoughtfully，"andI'mgladpoorAnnehadalittlefunbeforehertroublesbegan。MayIcopythatlettersometime，grandma？"
　　"Yes，dear，andwelcome。Now，here'stheother，byamoderngirlonherfirstvisittoLondon。Thiswillsuityoubetter，Fan，"andgrandmareadwhatafriendhadsentherasapendanttoAnne'slittlepictureofLondonlifelongago:­；
　　MYDEARESTCONSTANCE，­；AfterthreemonthsofintenseexcitementI
　　snatchaleisuremomenttotellyouhowmuchIenjoymyfirstvisittoLondon。Havingbeeneducatedabroad，itreallyseemslikecomingtoastrangecity。Atfirstthesmoke，dirtandnoisewereverydisagreeable，butI
　　soongotusedtothesethings，andnowfindallIseeperfectlycharming。
　　WeplungedatonceintoawhirlofgayetyandIhavehadnotimetothinkofanythingbutpleasure。Itistheheightoftheseason，andeveryhourisengagedeitheringoingtoballs，concerts，theatres，fê；tesandchurch，orinpreparingforthem。Weoftengototwoorthreepartiesinanevening，andseldomgethometillmorning，soofcoursewedon'trisetillnoonnextday。Thisleavesverylittletimeforourdrives，shopping，andcallsbeforedinnerateight，andthentheeveninggayetiesbeginagain。
　　AtaballatLadyRussell'slastnight，IsawthePrinceofWales，anddancedinthesetwithhim。Heisgrowingstout，andlooksdissipated。
　　Iwasdisappointedinhim，forneitherinappearancenorconversationwasheatallprincely。IwasintroducedtoaverybrilliantanddelightfulyounggentlemanfromAmerica。Iwascharmedwithhim，andrathersurprisedtolearnthathewrotethepoemswhichweresomuchadmiredlastseason，alsothatheisthesonofarichtailor。HowoddtheseAmericansare，withtheirmoney，andtalent，andindependence!
　　Omydear，Imustnotforgettotellyouthegreateventofmyfirstseason。IamtobepresentedatthenextDrawingRoom!ThinkhowabsorbedImustbeinpreparationforthisgrandaffair。MammaisresolvedthatIshalldohercredit，andwehavespentthelasttwoweeksdrivingaboutfrommillinerstomantua-makers，frommerchantstojewellers。Iamtowearwhitesatinandplumes，pearlsandroses。Mydresswillcostahundredpoundsormore，andisveryelegant。
　　Mycousinsandfriendslavishlovelythingsuponme，andyouwillopenyourunsophisticatedeyeswhenIdisplaymysilksandlaces，trinketsandFrenchhats，nottomentionbilletdeux，photographs，andotherrelicsofayoungbelle'sfirstseason。
　　YouaskifIeverthinkofhome。Ireallyhaven'ttime，butIdosometimeslongalittleforthequiet，thepureairandthegirlishamusementsI
　　usedtoenjoysomuch。Onegetspale，andold，andsadlyfaggedout，withallthisdissipation，pleasantasitis。Ifeelquiteblasé；already。
　　Ifyoucouldsendmetherosycheeks，brighteyes，andgayspiritsI
　　alwayshadathome，I'dthankyou。Asyoucannotdothat，pleasesendmeabottleofJunerainwater，formymaidtellsmeitisbetterthananycosmeticforthecomplexion，andmineisgettingruinedbylatehours。
　　Ifancysomefruitoffourowntreeswouldsuitme，forIhavenoappetite，andmammaisquitedesolé；eaboutme。OnecannotliveonFrenchcookerywithoutdyspepsia，andonecangetnothingsimplehere，forfood，likeeverythingelse，isregulatedbythefashion。
　　Adieu，machè；re，Imustdressforchurch。Ionlywishyoucouldseemynewhatandgowithme，forLordRockinghampromisedtobethere。Adieu，yourseternally，FLORENCE。
　　"Yes，Idolikethatbetter，andIwishIhadbeeninthisgirl'splace，don'tyou，Polly？"saidFan，asgrandmatookoffherglasses。
　　"IshouldlovetogotoLondon，andhaveagoodtime，butIdon'tthinkIshouldcareaboutspendingeversomuchmoney，orgoingtoCourt。MaybeImightwhenIgotthere，forIdolikefunandsplendor，"addedhonestPolly，feelingthatpleasurewasaverytemptingthing。
　　"Grandmalookstired；let'sgoandplayinthedwying-woom，"saidMaud，whofoundtheconversationgettingbeyondherdepth。
　　"Letusallkissandthankgrandma，foramusingussonicely，beforewego，"whisperedPolly。MaudandFannyagreed，andgrandmalookedsogratifiedbytheirthanks，thatTomfollowedsuit，merelywaitingtill"thosegirls"
　　wereoutofsight，togivetheoldladyaheartyhug，andakissontheverycheekLafayettehadsaluted。
　　Whenhereachedtheplay-roomPollywassittingintheswing，saying，veryearnestly，"Ialwaystoldyouitwasniceupingrandma'sroom，andnowyouseeitis。Iwishyou'dgooftener；sheadmirestohaveyou，andlikestotellstoriesanddopleasantthings，onlyshethinksyoudon'tcareforherquietsortoffun。Ido，anyway，andIthinkshe'sthekindest，bestoldladythateverlived，andIloveherdearly!"
　　"Ididn'tsayshewasn't，onlyoldpeoplearesortoftediousandfussy，soIkeepoutoftheirway，"saidFanny。
　　"Well，yououghtnotto，andyoumisslotsofpleasanttimes。Mymothersaysweoughttobekindandpatientandrespectfultoalloldfolksjustbecausetheyareold，andIalwaysmeantobe。"
　　"Yourmother'severlastinglypreaching，"mutteredFan，nettledbytheconsciousnessofherownshortcomingswithregardtograndma。
　　"Shedon'tpreach!"criedPolly，firinguplikeaflash；"sheonlyexplainsthingstous，andhelpsusbegood，andneverscolds，andI'dratherhaveherthananyothermotherintheworld，thoughshedon'twearvelvetcloaksandsplendidbonnets，­；sonow!"
　　"Goit，Polly!"calledTom，whowasgracefullyhangingheaddownwardfromthebarputupforhisspecialbenefit。
　　"Polly'smad!Polly'smad!"sungMaud，skippingroperoundtheroom。
　　"IfMr。Sydneycouldseeyounowhewouldn'tthinkyousuchanangelanymore，"addedFanny，tossingabean-bagandherheadatthesametime。
　　Pollywasmad，herfacewasveryred，hereyesverybrightandherlipstwitched，butsheheldhertongueandbegantoswingashardasshecould，fearingtosaysomethingshewouldbesorryforafterward。Forafewminutesnoonespoke，TomwhistledandMaudhummedbutFanandPollywereeachsoberlythinkingofsomething，fortheyhadreachedanagewhenchildren，girlsespecially，begintoobserve，contrast，andspeculateuponthewords，acts，manners，andlooksofthoseaboutthem。Agooddealofthinkinggoesonintheheadsoftheseshrewdlittlefolks，andtheeldersshouldmindtheirways，fortheygetcriticisedprettysharplyandimitatedveryclosely。
　　Twolittlethingshadhappenedthatday，andtheinfluenceofafewwords，acarelessaction，wasstillworkingintheactivemindsofthegirls。
　　Mr。Sydneyhadcalled，andwhileFannywastalkingwithhimshesawhiseyerestonPolly，whosatapartwatchingthefacesroundherwiththemodest，intelligentlookwhichmanyfoundsoattractive。AtthatminuteMadamShawcamein，andstoppedtospeaktothelittlegirl。Pollyroseatonce，andremainedstandingtilltheoldladypassedon。
　　"AreyoulaughingatPolly'sprimways？"Fannyhadasked，asshesawMr。Sydneysmile。
　　"No，IamadmiringMissPolly'sfinemanners，"heansweredinagrave，respectfultone，whichhadimpressedFannyverymuch，forMr。Sydneywasconsideredbyallthegirlsasamodelofgoodbreeding，andthatindescribablesomethingwhichtheycalled"elegance。"