"No，youwouldn't；you'dhavewhiskedroundthecomerwhenyousawmecomingorhavestaredstraightbeforeyou，utterlyunconsciousoftheyoungwomaninthebaggagewagon。"
　　Pollylaughedinhisfacejustassheusedtodo，whenshesaidthat，and，inspiteofthedoubtcastuponhiscourtesy，Tomratherlikedit，thoughhehadnothingtosayforhimselfbutareproachful，­；
　　"Now，Polly，that'stoobad。"
　　"True，nevertheless。Youmustcomeandseemypets，Maud，formycatandbirdlivetogetherashappilyasbrotherandsister，"saidPolly，turningtoMaud，whodevouredeverywordshesaid。
　　"That'snotsayingmuchforthem，"mutteredTom，feelingthatPollyoughttoaddressmoreofherconversationtohim。
　　"Pollyknowswhatshe'stalkingabout；herbrothersappreciatetheirsisters，"observedFanny，inhersharptone。
　　"AndPollyappreciatesherbrothers，don'tforgettoaddthat，ma'am，"answeredTom。
　　"DidItellyouthatWillwasgoingtocollege？"brokeinPolly，toaverttherisingstorm。
　　"Hopehe'llenjoyhimself，"observedTom，withtheairofamanwhohadpassedthroughallthemysteries，andreachedthatstateofsublimeindifferencewhichjuniorsseemtopridethemselvesupon。
　　"Ithinkhewill，heissofondofstudy，andissoanxioustoimproveeveryopportunity。Ionlyhopehewon'toverworkandgetsick，assomanyboysdo，"saidsimplePolly，withsucharespectfulbeliefintheeagerthirstforknowledgeofcollegiansasaclass，thatTomregardedthedeludedgirlwithasmileofloftypity，fromtheheightsofhisvastandvariedexperience。
　　"Guesshewon'thurthimself。I'llseethathedon'tstudytoohard。"
　　AndTom'seyestwinkledastheyusedtodo，whenheplannedhisboyishpranks。
　　"I'mafraidyoucan'tbetrustedasaguide，ifvariousrumorsI'veheardaretrue，"saidPolly，lookingupathimwithawistfulexpression，thatcausedhisfacetoassumethesobrietyofanowl's。
　　"Baseslanders；I'massteadyasaclock，anornamenttomyclass，andamodelyoungman，ain'tI，mother？"AndTompattedherthincheekwithacaressinghand，sureofonefirmfriendinher；forwhenheceasedtobeaharum-scarumboy，Mrs。Shawbegantotakegreatprideinherson，andhe，missinggrandma，triedtofillherplacewithhisfeeblemother。
　　"Yes，dear，youareallIcouldask，"andMrs。Shawlookedupathimwithsuchaffectionandconfidenceinhereyes，thatPollygaveTomthefirstapprovinglookshehadvouchsafedhimsinceshecame。
　　WhyTomshouldlooktroubledandturngraveallatonce，shecouldn'tunderstand，butshelikedtoseehimstrokehismother'scheeksosoftly，ashestoodwithhisheadrestingonthehighbackofherchair，forPollyfanciedthathefeltaman'spityforherweakness，andwaslearningason'spatientloveforamotherwhohadhadmuchtobearwithhim。
　　"I'msogladyouaregoingtobehereallwinter，forwearetobeverygay，andIshallenjoytakingyouroundwithme，"beganFanny，forgettingPolly'splanforamoment。
　　Pollyshookherheaddecidedly。"Itsoundsverynice，butitcan'tbedone，Fan，forI'vecometowork，notplay；tosave，notspend；andpartieswillbequiteoutofthequestionforme。"
　　"Youdon'tintendtoworkallthetime，withoutabitoffun，Ihope，"
　　criedFanny，dismayedattheidea。
　　"ImeantodowhatI'veundertaken，andnottobetemptedawayfrommypurposebyanything。Ishouldn'tbefittogivelessonsifIwasuplate，shouldI？Andhowfarwouldmyearningsgotowardsdress，carriages，andallthelittleexpenseswhichwouldcomeifIsetupforayoungladyinsociety？Ican'tdoboth，andI'mnotgoingtotry，butIcanpickupbitsoffunasIgoalong，andbecontentedwithfreeconcertsandlectures，seeingyouprettyoften，andeverySundayWillistospendwithme，soIshallhavequiteasmuchdissipationasisgoodforme。"
　　"Ifyoudon'tcometomyparties，I'llneverforgiveyou，"saidFanny，asPollypaused，whileTomchuckledinwardlyattheideaofcallingvisitsfromabrother"dissipation。"
　　"Anysmallparty，whereitwilldotowearaplainblacksilk，Icancometo；butthebigonesmustn'tbethoughtof，thankyou。"
　　ItwascharmingtoseetheresolutionofPolly'sfacewhenshesaidthat；forsheknewherweakness，andbeyondthatblacksilkshehaddeterminednottogo。Fannysaidnomore，forshefeltquitesurethatPollywouldrelentwhenthetimecame，andsheplannedtogiveheraprettydressforaChristmaspresent，sothatoneexcuseshouldberemoved。
　　"Isay，Polly，won'tyougivesomeofusfellowsmusiclessons？Somebodywantsmetoplay，andI'dratherlearnofyouthananySenorTwankydillo，"
　　saidTom，whodidn'tfindtheconversationinteresting。
　　"Oh，yes；ifanyofyouboyshonestlywanttolearn，andwillbehaveyourselves，I'lltakeyou；butIshallchargeextra，"answeredPolly，withawickedsparkleoftheeye，thoughherfacewasquitesober，andhertonedelightfullybusiness-like。
　　"Why，Polly，Tomisn'taboy；he'stwenty，andhesaysImusttreathimwithrespect。Besides，he'sengaged，anddoesputonsuchairs，"brokeinMaudwhoregardedherbrotherasavenerablebeing。
　　"Whoisthelittlegirl？"askedPollytakingthenewsasajoke。
　　"Trix；why，didn'tyouknowit？"answeredMaud，asifithadbeenaneventofnationalimportance。
　　"No!isittrue，Fan？"andPollyturnedtoherfriendwithafacefullofsurprise，whileTomstruckanimposingattitude，andaffectedabsenceofmind。
　　"Iforgottotellyouinmylastletter；it'sjustout，andwedon'tlikeitverywell，"observedFanny，whowouldhavepreferredtobeengagedfirstherself。
　　"It'saverynicething，andIamperfectlysatisfied，"announcedMrs。Shaw，rousingfromaslightdoze。
　　"Pollylooksasifshedidn'tbelieveit。Haven'tItheappearanceof'thehappiestmanalive'？"askedTom，wonderingifitcouldbepitywhichhesawinthesteadyeyesfixedonhim。
　　"No，Idon'tthinkyouhave，"shesaid，slowly。
　　"Howthedeuceshouldamanlook，then？"criedTom，rathernettledathersoberreceptionofthegrandnews。
　　"Asifhehadlearnedtocareforsomeoneagreatdealmorethanforhimself，"answeredPolly，withsuddencolorinhercheeks，andasuddensofteningofthevoice，ashereyesturnedawayfromTom，whowasthepictureofacomplacentdandy，fromthetopmostcurlofhisauburnheadtothetipsofhisaristocraticboots。
　　"Tommy'squenched；Iagreewithyou，Polly；IneverlikedTrix，andIhopeit'sonlyaboy-and-girlfancy，thatwillsoondieanaturaldeath，"
　　saidMr。Shaw，whoseemedtofinditdifficulttohelpfallingintoabrownstudy，inspiteofthelivelychattergoingonabouthim。
　　Shaw，Jr。，beinghighlyincensedatthedisrespectfulmannerinwhichhisengagementwastreated，triedtoassumeasuperbairofindifference，andfindingthatadecidedfailure，wasabouttostrolloutoftheroomwithacomprehensivenod，whenhismothercalledafterhim:
　　"Whereareyougoing，dear？"
　　"ToseeTrix，ofcourse。Good-by，Polly，"andMr。Thomasdeparted，hopingthatbytheskillfulchangeoftone，fromardentimpatiencetocondescendingcoolness，hehadimpressedoneheareratleastwiththefactthatheregardedTrixasthestarofhisexistence，andPollyasapresuminglittlechit。
　　Ifhecouldhaveheardherlaugh，andFanny'sremarks，hiswrathwouldhaveboiledover；fortunatelyhewassparedthetrial，andwentawayhopingthatthecoquetriesofhisTrixwouldmakehimforgetPolly'slookwhensheansweredhisquestion。
　　"Mydear，thatboyisthemostdeludedcreatureyoueversaw，"beganFanny，assoonasthefrontdoorbanged。"BelleandTrixbothtriedtocatchhim，andtheslyestgothim；for，inspiteofhisairs，heisassoft-heartedasababy。YouseeTrixhasbrokenofftwoengagementsalready，andthethirdtimeshegotjiltedherself。Suchafussasshemade!Ideclare，itreallywasabsurd。ButIdothinkshefeltitverymuch，forshewouldn'tgooutatall，andgotthin，andpale，andblue，andwasreallyquitetouching。Ipitiedher，andhadherhereagooddeal，andTomtookherpart；healwaysdoesstandupforthecrushedones，andthat'sgoodofhim，Iallow。Well，shedidtheforsakenveryprettily；letTomamuseher，andledhimontillthepoorfellowlosthiswits，andfindinghercryingonedayaboutherhat，whichwasn'tbecoming，hethoughtshewasmourningforMr。Banks，andso，tocomforther，thegooseproposed。Thatwasallshewanted；shesnappedhimupatonce，andthereheisinanicescrape；
　　forsinceherengagementsheisasgayasever，flirtsawfullywithanyonewhocomesalong，andkeepsTominafumeallthetime。Ireallydon'tthinkhecaresforherhalfasmuchashemakesbelieve，buthe'llstandbyherthroughthickandthin，ratherthandoasBanksdid。"
　　"PoorTom!"wasallPollysaid，whenFanhadpouredthestoryintoherear，astheysatwhisperinginthesofacorner。
　　"MyonlyconsolationisthatTrixwillbreakofftheaffairbeforespring；
　　shealwaysdoes，sothatshemaybefreeforthesummercampaign。Itwon'thurtTom，butIhatetohavehimmakeafoolofhimselfoutofpity，forheismoreofamanthanheseems，andIdon'twantanyonetoplaguehim。"
　　"Noonebutyourself，"saidPolly，smiling。
　　"Well，that'sallfair；heisatormentsometimes，butI'mratherfondofhiminspiteofit。Igetsotiredoftheotherfellows，theyaresuchabsurdthingsandwhenTomisinhisgoodmoodheisveryniceandquiterefreshing。"
　　"I'mgladtohearit，"saidPolly，makingamentalnoteofthefact。
　　"Yes，andwhengrandmawasillhewasperfectlydevoted。Ididn'tknowtheboyhadsomuchgentlenessinhim。Hetookherdeathsadlytoheart，for，thoughhedidn'tsaymuch，hewasverygraveandsteadyforalongtime。Itriedtocomforthim，andwehadtwoorthreerealsweetlittletalkstogether，andseemedtogetacquaintedforthefirsttime。Itwasverynice，butitdidn'tlast；goodtimesneverdowithus。Wesoongotbackintotheoldway，andnowwehectoroneanotherjustasbefore。"
　　Fannysighed，thenyawned，andfellintoherusuallistlessattitude，asifthebriefexcitementofPolly'scominghadbeguntosubside。
　　"Walkhomewithmeandseemyfunnylittleroom。It'sbrightnow，andtheairwilldoyougood。Come，bothofyou，andhaveafrolicasweusedto，"saidPolly，fortheredsunsetnowburninginthewestseemedtoinvitethemout。
　　Theyagreed，andsoonthethreewerewalkingbrisklyawaytoPolly'snewhome，inaquietstreet，whereafewoldtreesrustledinthesummer，andthemorningsunshonepleasantlyinwintertime。"ThewayintomyparlorIsupawindingstair。"sangPolly，runninguptwoflightsofbroad，old-fashionedsteps，andopeningthedoorofabackroom，outofwhichstreamedthewelcomeglowoffirelight。
　　"Thesearemypets，Maud，"sheadded，pausingonthethreshold，andbeckoningthegirlstolookinquietly。
　　Ontherug，luxuriouslybaskinginthewarmth，layagraykitten，andcloseby，meditativelyroostingononeleg，stoodaplumpcanary，whocockedhisbrighteyeatthenew-comers，gavealoudchirpasiftowakehiscomrade，andthenflewstraighttoPolly'sshoulder，wherehebrokeintoajoyfulsongtowelcomehismistresshome。
　　"Allowmetointroducemyfamily，"saidPolly；"thisnoisylittlechaptheboysnamedNicodemus；andthisdozycatiscalledAshputtel，becausethejoyofherlifeistogetamongthecinders。Now，takeoffyourthings，andletmedothehonors，foryouaretostoptotea，andthecarriageistocomeforyouateight。Iarrangeditwithyourmotherwhileyouwereup-stairs。"
　　"Iwanttoseeeverything，"saidMaud，whenthehatswereoff，andthehandswarmed。
　　"Soyoushall；forIthinkmyhousekeepingarrangementswillamuseyou。"
　　ThenPollyshowedherkingdom，andthethreehadamerrytimeoverit。
　　Thebigpianotookupsomuchroomtherewasnoplaceforabed；butPollyproudlydisplayedtheresourcesofherchintz-coveredcouch，forthebackletdown，theseatliftedup，andinsidewereallthepillowsandblankets。
　　"Soconvenient，yousee，andyetoutofthewayinthedaytime，fortwoorthreeofmypupilscometome，"explainedPolly。
　　Thentherewasabrightdruggetoverthefadedcarpet，thelittlerocking-chairandsewing-tablestoodatonewindow，theivyranallovertheother，andhidthebanquetingperformanceswhichwentoninthatcorner。Book-shelveshungoverthesofa，apictureortwoonthewalls，andagreatvaseofautumnleavesandgrassesbeautifiedthelowchimney-piece。Itwasaveryhumblelittleroom，butPollyhaddoneherbesttomakeitpleasant，anditalreadyhadahome-likelook，withthecheeryfire，andthehouseholdpetschirpingandpurringconfidinglyontherug。
　　"Howniceitis!"exclaimedMaud，assheemergedfromthebigclosetwherePollykeptherstores。"Suchacunningteakettleandsaucepan，andatê；te-à；-tê；teset，andlotsofgoodthingstoeat。Dohavetoastfortea，Polly，andletmemakeitwiththenewtoastingfork；it'ssuchfuntoplaycook。"
　　Fannywasnotsoenthusiasticashersister，forhereyessawmanytracesofwhatseemedlikepovertytoher；butPollywassogay，sosatisfiedwithhersmallestablishment，sofullofhappyhopesandplans，thatherfriendhadnotthehearttofindafaultorsuggestanimprovement，andsatwhereshewastold，laughingandtalkingwhiletheothersgottea。
　　"Thiswillbeacountrysupper，girls，"saidPolly，bustlingabout。
　　"Hereisrealcream，brownbread，home-madecake，andhoneyfrommyownbeehives。Motherfittedmeoutwithsuchasupply，I'mgladtohaveaparty，forIcan'teatitallquickenough。Butterthetoast，Maudie，andputthatlittlecoveroverit。Tellmewhenthekettleboils，anddon'tsteponNicodemus，whateveryoudo。"
　　"Whatacapitalhouse-keeperyouwillmakesomeday，"saidFanny，asshewatchedPollyspreadhertablewithaneatnessanddespatchwhichwaspleasanttobehold。
　　"Yes，it'sgoodpractice，"laughedPolly，fillinghertinyteapot，andtakingherplacebehindthetray，withamatronlyair，whichwasthebestjokeofthewhole。
　　"ThisisthemostdeliciouspartyIeverwentto，"observedMaud，withhermouthfullofhoney，whenthefeastwaswellunderway。"IdowishIcouldhaveaniceroomlikethis，andacatandabirdthatwouldn'teateachotherup，andadearlittleteakettle，andmakejustasmuchtoastasIlike。"
　　SuchapealoflaughtergreetedMaud'spensiveaspiration，thatMissMillssmiledoverhersolitarycupoftea，andlittleNickburstintoaperfectecstasyofsong，ashesatonthesugar-bowlhelpinghimself。
　　"Idon'tcareforthetoastandthekettle，butIdoenvyyouyourgoodspirits，Polly，"saidFanny，asthemerrimentsubsided。"I'msotiredofeverybodyandeverything，itseemssometimesasifIshoulddieofennui。Don'tyoueverfeelso？"
　　"Thingsworrymesometimes，butIjustcatchupabroomandsweep，orwashhard，orwalk，orgoatsomethingwithallmymight，andIusuallyfindthatbythetimeIgetthroughtheworryisgone，orI'vegotcourageenoughtobearitwithoutgrumbling，"answeredPolly，cuttingthebrownloafenergetically。
　　"Ican'tdothosethings，youknow；there'snoneedofit，andIdon'tthinkthey'dcuremyworrying，"saidFanny，languidlyfeedingAshputtel，whosatdecorouslybesideher，atthetable，winkingatthecreampot。
　　"Alittlepovertywoulddoyougood，Fan；justenoughnecessitytokeepyoubusytillyoufindhowgoodworkis；andwhenyouoncelearnthat，youwon'tcomplainofennuianymore，"returnedPolly，whohadtakenkindlythehardlessonwhichtwentyyearsofcheerfulpovertyhadtaughther。
　　"Mercy，no，Ishouldhatethat；butIwishsomeonewouldinventanewamusementforrichpeople。I'mdeadsickofparties，andflirtations，tryingtoout-dressmyneighbors，andgoingthesameroundyearafteryear，likeasquirrelinacage。"
　　Fanny'stonewasbitteraswellasdiscontented，herfacesadaswellaslistless，andPollyhadaninstinctivefeelingthatsometrouble，morerealthananyshehadeverknownbefore，waslyingheavyatherfriend'sheart。Thatwasnotthetimetospeakofit，butPollyresolvedtostandreadytooffersympathy，ifnothingmore，whenevertheconfidentialminutecame；andhermannerwassokind，socomfortable，thatFannyfeltitssilentmagic，grewmorecheerfulinthequietatmosphereofthatlittleroom，andwhentheysaidgood-night，afteranold-timegossipbythefire，shekissedherhostesswarmly，saying，withagratefullook，­；
　　"Polly，dear，Ishallcomeoften，youdomesomuchgood。"ChapterIX。ChapterIX。CHAPTERIXLESSONSTHEfirstfewweekswerehardones，forPollyhadnotyetoutgrownhernaturalshynessandgoingamongsomanystrangerscausedherfrequentpanics。
　　Butherpurposegavehercourage，andwhentheicewasoncebroken，herlittlepupilsquicklylearnedtoloveher。Thenoveltysoonworeoff，andthoughshethoughtshewaspreparedfordrudgery，shefounditverytedioustogoondoingthesamethingdayafterday。Thenshewaslonely，forWillcouldonlycomeonceaweek，herleisurehourswereFanny'sbusiest，andthe"bitsofpleasure"weresofewandfarbetweenthattheyonlytantalizedher。Evenhersmallhousekeepinglostitscharms，forPollywasasocialcreature，andthesolitarymealswereoftensadones。AshputtelandNickdidtheirbesttocheerher，buttheytoo，seemedtopineforcountryfreedomandhomeatmosphere。PoorPuttel，aftergazingwistfullyoutofthewindowatthegauntcitycatsskulkingabouttheyard，wouldretiretotherug，andcurlherselfupasifallhopeoffindingcongenialsocietyhadfailed；
　　whilelittleNickwouldsingtillhevibratedonhisperch，withoutreceivinganyresponseexceptaninquisitivechirpfromthepertsparrows，whoseemedtotwithimwithhiscaptivity。Yes，bythetimethelittleteakettlehadlostitsbrightness，Pollyhaddecidedthatgettingone'slivingwasnojoke，andmanyofherbrillianthopeshadsharedthefateofthelittlekettle。
　　Ifonecouldonlymakethesacrificeallatonce，anddonewithit，thenitwouldseemeasier；buttokeepupadailysacrificeofone'swishes，tastes，andpleasures，isratherahardtask，especiallywhenoneispretty，young，andgay。Lessonsallday，ahighlyinstructivelecture，booksoverasolitaryfire，ormusicwithnoaudiencebutasleepycatandabirdwithhisheadtuckedunderhiswing，foreveningentertainment，wasnotexactlywhatmightbecalledfestive；so，inspiteofherbraveresolutions，Pollydidlongforalittlefunsometimes，andaftersayingvirtuouslytoherselfatnine:"Yes，itismuchwiserandbetterformetogotobedearly，andbereadyforworktomorrow，"shewouldlieawakehearingthecarriagesrolltoandfro，andimaginingthegaygirlsinside，goingtoparty，opera，orplay，tillMrs。Dodd'shoppillowmightaswellhavebeenstuffedwithnettles，foranysleepitbrought，oranyuseitwas，excepttocatchandhidethetearsthatdroppedonitwhenPolly'sheartwasveryfull。
　　AnotherthornthatwoundedourPollyinherfirstattempttomakeherwaythroughthethicketthatalwaysbarsawoman'sprogress，wasthediscoverythatworkingforalivingshutsagoodmanydoorsinone'sfaceevenindemocraticAmerica。AsFanny'sguestshehadbeen，inspiteofpoverty，kindlyreceivedwhereverherfriendtookher，bothaschildandwoman。
　　Now，thingswerechanged；thekindlypeoplepatronized，thecarelessforgotallabouther，andevenFanny，withallheraffection，feltthatPollythemusicteacherwouldnotbewelcomeinmanyplaceswherePollytheyoungladyhadbeenacceptedas"MissShaw'sfriend。"
　　Someofthegirlsstillnoddedamiably，butneverinvitedhertovisitthem；othersmerelydroppedtheireyelids，andwentbywithoutspeaking，whileagoodmanyignoredherasentirelyasifshehadbeeninvisible。
　　ThesethingshurtPollymorethanshewouldconfess，forathomeeveryoneworked，andeveryonewasrespectedforit。Shetriednottocare，butgirlsfeellittleslightskeenly，andmorethanoncePollywasseverelytemptedtogiveupherplan，andrunawaytothesafeshelterathome。
　　FannyneverfailedtoaskhertoeverysortoffestivityintheShawmansion；butafterafewtrials，Pollyfirmlydeclinedeverythingbutinformalvisitswhenthefamilywerealone。Shesoonfoundthateventhenewblacksilkwasn'tfineenoughforFanny'ssmallestparty，and，afterreceivingafewoftheexpressiveglancesbywhichwomenconveytheiropinionoftheirneighbor'stoilet，andoverhearingajokeortwo"aboutthatinevitabledress，"and"thelittleblackbird，"Pollyfoldedawaytheoncetreasuredfrock，saying，withachokeinhervoice:­；
　　"I'llwearitforWill，helikesit，andclothescan'tchangehisloveforme。"
　　IamafraidthewholesomesweetnessofPolly'snaturewasgettingalittlesouredbythesetroubles；butbeforelastingharmwasdone，shereceived，fromanunexpectedsource，someoftherealhelpwhichteachesyoungpeoplehowtobearthesesmallcrosses，byshowingthemtheheavieronestheyhaveescaped，andbygivingthemanideaofthehigherpleasuresonemayearninthegood，old-fashionedwaysthatkeepheartssweet，headssane，handsbusy。
　　EverybodyhastheirdaysofmisfortunelikelittleRosamond，andPollywasbeginningtothinkshehadmorethanhershare。Oneoftheseendedinawaywhichinfluencedherwholelife，andsowewillrecordit。Itbeganearly；forthehard-heartedlittlegratewouldn'tbehaveitselftillshehaduseduparuinousquantityofkindlings。ThenshescaldedpoorPuttelbyupsettinghercoffee-pot；andinsteadofaleisurely，cosymeal，hadtohurryawayuncomfortably，foreverythingwentwrongeventothecomingoffofbothbonnetstringsinthelastdreadfulscramble。Beinglate，sheofcourseforgothermusic，andhurryingbackforit，fellintoapuddle，whichcappedtheclimaxofherdespair。
　　Suchatryingmorningasthatwas!Pollyfeltoutoftuneherself，andallthepianosseemedtoneedatunerasmuchasshedid。Thepupilswereunusuallystupid，andtwoofthemannouncedthattheirmammawasgoingtotakethemtotheSouth，whithershewassuddenlycalled。Thiswasablow，fortheyhadjustbegun，andPollyhadn'tthefacetosendinabillforawholequarter，thoughherplansandcalculationsweresadlydisturbedbythefailureofthatsum。
　　Trudginghometodinner，tiredanddisappointed，poorPollyreceivedanotherblow，whichhurthermorethanthelossofallherpupils。Asshewenthurryingalongwithabigmusicbookinonehandandapaperbagofrollsforteaintheother，shesawTomandTrixcoming。Asshewatchedthemwhiletheyslowlyapproached，lookingsogayandhandsomeandhappy，itseemedtoPollyasifallthesunshineandgoodwalkingwasontheirsideofthestreet，allthewintrywindandmudonhers。Longingtoseeafriendlyfaceandreceiveakindword，shecrossedover，meaningtonodandsmileatleast。Trixsawherfirst，andsuddenlybecameabsorbedinthedistanthorizon。Tomapparentlydidnotseeher，forhiseyeswerefixedonafinehorsejustprancingby。Pollythoughtthathehadseenher，andapproachedwithacuriouslittleflutteratherheart，forifTomcuthershefeltthathercupwouldbefull。
　　Ontheycame，Trixintentontheview，Tomstaringatthehandsomehorse，andPolly，withredchecks，expectanteyes，andthebrownbundle，infullsight。Onedreadfulminuteastheycameparallel，andnoonespokeorbowed，­；thenitwasallover，andPollywenton，feelingasifsomeonehadslappedherintheface。"Shewouldn'thavebelieveditofTom；itwasallthedoingsofthathorridTrix；well，shewouldn'ttroublehimanymore，ifhewassuchasnobastobeashamedofherjustbecauseshecarriedbundlesandworkedforherbread。"Sheclutchedthepaperbagfiercelyasshesaidthistoherself，thenhereyesfilled，andherlipstrembled，assheadded，"Howcouldhedoit，beforeher，too？"
　　NowTomwasquiteguiltlessofthisoffence，andhadalwaysnoddedtoPollywhentheymet；butitsohappenedhehadalwaysbeenalonetillnow，andthatwaswhyitcutsodeeply，especiallyasPollyneverhadapprovedofTrix。Beforeshecouldclearhereyesorsteadyherface，agentlemanmether，liftedhishat，smiled，andsaidpleasantly，­；
　　"Goodmorning，MissPolly，I'mgladtomeetyou。"Then，withasuddenchangeofvoiceandmanner，headded，"Ibegpardon­；isanythingthematter­；canIbeofservice？"
　　Itwasveryawkward，butitcouldn'tbehelped，andallPollycoulddowastotellthetruthandmakethebestofit。
　　"It'sverysilly，butithurtsmetobecutbymyoldfriends。Ishallgetusedtoitpresently，Idaresay。"
　　Mr。Sydneyglancedback，recognizedthecouplebehindthem，andturnedroundwithadisgustedexpression。Pollywasfumblingforherhandkerchief，andwithoutawordhetookbothbookandbundlefromher，alittlebitofkindnessthatmeantagooddealjustthen。Pollyfeltit，anditdidhergood；hastilywipingthetraitorouseyes，shelaughedandsaidcheerfully，­；
　　"There，I'mallrightagain；thankyou，don'ttroubleyourselfwithmyparcels。"
　　"Notrouble，Iassureyou，andthisbookremindsmeofwhatIwasabouttosay。Haveyouanhourtospareformylittleniece？Hermotherwantshertobegin，anddesiredmetomaketheinquiry。"
　　"Didshe，really？"andPollylookedupathim，asifshesuspectedhimofinventingthewholething，outofkindness。
　　Mr。Sydneysmiled，andtakinganotefromhispocket，presentedit，saying，withareproachfullook，­；"Beholdtheproofofmytruth，andneverdoubtagain。"
　　Pollybeggedpardon，readthenotefromthelittlegirl'smother，whichwastohavebeenleftatherroomifshewasabsent，andgavethebeareraverygratefullookassheacceptedthiswelcomeadditiontoherpupils。
　　Wellpleasedatthesuccessofhismission，Sydneyartfullyledtheconversationtomusic，andforatimePollyforgotherwoes，talkingenthusiasticallyonherfavoritetheme。Asshereclaimedherbookandbag，atherowndoor，shesaid，inherhonestway，­；
　　"Thankyouverymuchfortryingtomakemeforgetmyfoolishlittletroubles。"
　　"Thenletmesayonethingmore；thoughappearancesareagainsthim，Idon'tbelieveTomShawsawyou。MissTrixisequaltothatsortofthing，butitisn'tlikeTom，forwithallhisfopperyheisagoodfellowatheart。"
　　AsMr。Sydneysaidthis，Pollyheldoutherhandwithahearty"Thankyouforthat。"Theyoungmanshookthelittlehandinthegraywoollenglove，gaveherexactlythesamebowwhichhedidtheHonorableMrs。Davenport，andwentaway，leavingPollytowalkupstairsandaddressPuttelwiththepeculiarremark，­；
　　"Youareatruegentleman!sokindtosaythataboutTom。I'llthinkit'sso，anyway；andwon'tIteachMinnieinmyverybeststyle!"
　　Puttelpurred，Nickchirpedapprovingly，andPollyateherdinnerwithabetterappetitethanshehadexpected。Butatthebottomofherhearttherewasasorespotstill，andtheafternoonlessonsdraggeddismally。
　　Itwasduskwhenshegothome，andasshesatinthefirelighteatingherbreadandmilk，severaltearsbedewedthelittlerolls，andeventhehomehoneyhadabittertaste。
　　"Nowthiswon'tdo，"shebrokeoutallatonce；"thisissillyandwicked，andcan'tbeallowed。I'lltrytheoldplanandputmyselfrightbydoingsomelittlekindnesstosomebody。Nowwhatshallitbe？O，Iknow!Fanisgoingtoapartyto-night；I'llrunupandhelpherdress；shelikestohaveme，andIenjoyseeingtheprettythings。Yes，andI'lltakehertwoorthreeclustersofmydaphne，it'ssosweet。"
　　UpgotPolly，andtakingherlittleposy，trottedawaytotheShaws'，determinedtobehappyandcontentedinspiteofTrixandhardwork。
　　ShefoundFannyenduringtormentunderthehandsofthehair-dresser，whowasdoinghisbesttospoilherhair，anddistortherheadwithamassofcurls，braids，frizzles，andpuffs；forthoughIdiscreetlyrefrainfromanyparticulardescription，still，judgingfromthepresentfashions，Ithinkonemayventuretopredictthatsixyearshencetheywouldbesomethingfrightful。
　　"Howkindofyou，Polly；Iwasjustwishingyouwereheretoarrangemyflowers。Theselovelydaphneswillgiveodortomycamellias，andyouwereadeartobringthem。There'smydress；howdoyoulikeit？"saidFanny，hardlydaringtolifthereyesfromundertheyellowtoweronherhead。
　　"It'sregularlysplendid；buthowdoyouevergetintoit？"answeredPolly，surveyingwithgirlishinterestthecloudofpinkandwhitelacethatlayuponthebed。
　　"It'sfearfullyandwonderfullymade，butdistractinglybecoming，asyoushallsee。TrixthinksI'mgoingtowearblue，soshehasgotagreenone，andtoldBelleitwouldspoiltheeffectofmine，aswearemuchtogether，ofcourse。Wasn'tthatsweetofher？Bellecameandtoldmein，time，andIjustgotpink，somyamiablesister，thatistobe，won'tsucceedinherprettylittleplot。"
　　"IguessshehasbeenreadingthelifeofJosephine。Youknowshemadeaprettylady，ofwhomshewasjealous，sitbesideheronagreensofa，whichsetoffherownwhitedressandspoilttheblueoneofherguest，"
　　answeredPolly，busywiththeflowers。
　　"Trixneverreadsanything；youaretheonetopickupcleverlittlestories。I'llrememberandusethisone。AmIdone？Yes，thatischarming，isn'tit，Polly？"andFanrosetoinspectthesuccessofMonsieur'slonglabor。
　　"YouknowIdon'tappreciateastylishcoiffureasIought，soIlikeyourhairintheoldwaybest。Butthisis'thething，'Isuppose，andnotawordmustbesaid。"
　　"Ofcourseitis。Why，child，IhavefrizzedandburntmyhairsothatIlooklikeanoldmaniacwithitinitsnaturalstate，andhavetorepairdamagesaswellasIcan。Nowputtheflowersjusthere，"andFannylaidapinkcamelliainanestoffuzz，andstuckasprayofdaphnestraightupatthebackofherhead。
　　"O，Fan，don't，itlookshorridlyso!"criedPolly，longingtoaddalittlebeautytoherfriend'ssallowfacebyagracefuladjustmentoftheflowers。
　　"Can'thelpit，that'stheway，andsoitmustbe，"answeredFan，plantinganothersprighalf-wayupthetower。
　　Pollygroanedandofferednomoresuggestionsastheworkwenton；butwhenFanwasfinishedfromtoptotoe，sheadmiredallshehonestlycould，andtriedtokeepherthoughtstoherself。Butherfrankfacebetrayedher，forFannyturnedonhersuddenly，saying，­；
　　"Youmayaswellfreeyourmind，Polly，forIseebyyoureyesthatsomethingdon'tsuit。"
　　"Iwasonlythinkingofwhatgrandmaoncesaid，thatmodestyhadgoneoutoffashion，"answeredPolly，glancingatthewaistofherfriend'sdress，whichconsistedofabelt，abitoflace，andapairofshoulderstraps。
　　Fannylaughedgood-naturedly，saying，assheclaspedhernecklace，"IfIhadsuchshouldersasyours，Ishouldn'tcarewhatthefashionwas。
　　Nowdon'tpreach，butputmycloakonnicely，andcomealong，forI'mtomeetTomandTrix，andpromisedtobethereearly。"
　　PollywastobeleftathomeafterdepositingFanatBelle's。
　　"IfeelasifIwasgoingmyself，"shesaid，astheyrolledalong。
　　"Iwishyouwere，andyouwouldbe，Polly，ifyouweren'tsucharesolutething。I'veteased，andbegged，andofferedanythingIhaveifyou'llonlybreakyourabsurdvow，andcomeandenjoyyourself。"
　　"Thankyou；butIwon't，sodon'ttroubleyourkindheartaboutme；
　　I'mallright，"saidPolly，stoutly。
　　Butwhentheydrewupbeforethelightedhouse，andshefoundherselfinthemidstofthepleasantstiroffestivity，thecomingandgoingofcarriages，theglimpsesofbrightcolors，forms，andfaces，theburstsofmusic，andageneralatmosphereofgayety，Pollyfeltthatshewasn'tallright，andasshedroveawayforadulleveninginherlonelylittleroom，shejustcriedasheartilyasanychilddeniedastickofcandy。
　　"It'sdreadfulwickedofme，butIcan'thelpit，"shesobbedtoherself，inthecornerofthecarriage。"Thatmusicsetsmeallinatwitter，andIshouldhavelookedniceinFan'sbluetarlatan，andIknowIcouldbehaveaswellasanyone，andhavelotsofpartners，thoughI'mnotinthatset。Oh，justonegoodgallopwithMr。SydneyorTom!No，Tomwouldn'taskmethere，andIwouldn'tacceptifhedid。Oh，me!oh，me!IwishIwasasoldandhomely，andgoodandhappy，asMissMills!"
　　SoPollymadehermoan，andbythetimeshegothome，wasjustinthemoodtogotobedandcryherselftosleep，asgirlshaveawayofdoingwhentheirsmallafflictionbecomesunbearable。
　　ButPollydidn'tgetachancetobemiserableverylong，forasshewentupstairsfeelinglikethemostinjuredgirlintheworld，shecaughtaglimpseofMissMills，sewingawaywithsuchabrightfacethatshecouldn'tresiststoppingforawordortwo。
　　"Sitdown，mydear，I'mgladtoseeyou，butexcusemeifIgoonwithmywork，asI'minadrivinghurrytogetthesethingsdoneto-night，"
　　saidthebrisklittlelady，withasmileandanod，asshetookanewneedlefulofthread，andranupaseamasifforawager。
　　"Letmehelpyou，then；I'mlazyandcross，anditwilldomegood，"
　　saidPolly，sittingdownwiththeresignedfeeling。"Well，ifIcan'tbehappy，Icanbeuseful，perhaps。"
　　"Thankyou，mydear；yes，youcanjusthemtheskirtwhileIputinthesleeves，andthatwillbeagreatlift。"
　　Pollyputonherthimbleinsilence，butasMissMillsspreadthewhiteflanneloverherlap，sheexclaimed，"Why，itlookslikeashroud!Isitone？"
　　"No，dear，thankGod，itisn't，butitmighthavebeen，ifwehadn'tsavedthepoorlittlesoul，"criedMissMills，withasuddenbrighteningoftheface，whichmadeitbeautifulinspiteofthestiffgraycurlthatbobbedoneachtemple，thewantofteeth，andacrookednose。
　　"Willyoutellmeaboutit？Iliketohearyouradventuresandgoodworkssomuch，"saidPolly，readytobeamusedbyanythingthatmadeherforgetherself。
　　"Ah，mydear，it'saverycommonstory，andthat'sthesaddestpartofit。I'lltellyouallaboutit，forIthinkyoumaybeabletohelpme。LastnightIwatchedwithpoorMaryFloyd。She'sdyingofconsumption，youknow，"beganMissMills，ashernimblefingersflew，andherkindoldfacebeamedoverthework，asifsheputablessinginwitheverystitch。
　　"Marywasverylow，butaboutmidnightfellasleep，andIwastryingtokeepthingsquiet，whenMrs。Finn­；she'sthewomanofthehouse­；cameandbeckonedmeout，withascaredface。'LittleJanehaskilledherself，andIdon'tknowwhattodo，'shesaid，leadingmeuptotheattic。"
　　"WhowaslittleJane？"brokeinPolly，droppingherwork。
　　"Ionlyknewherasapale，shyyounggirlwhowentinandout，andseldomspoketoanyone。Mrs。Finntoldmeshewaspoor，butabusy，honest，littlething，whodidn'tmixwiththeotherfolks，butlivedandworkedalone。'Shehaslookedsodown-heartedandpaleforaweek，thatIthoughtshewassick，andaskedheraboutit，'saidMrs。Finn，'butshethankedmeinherbashfulway，andsaidshewasprettywell，soIletheralone。
　　Butto-night，asIwentuplatetobed，Iwaskindofimpressedtolookinandseehowthepoorthingdid，forshehadn'tleftherroomallday。
　　Ididlookin，andhere'swhatIfound。'AsMrs。Finnendedsheopenedthedoorofthebackattic，andIsawaboutassadasightastheseoldeyeseverlookedat。"
　　"O，what？"criedPolly，palenowwithinterest。
　　"Abareroom，coldasabarn，andonthebedalittledead，whitefacethatalmostbrokemyheart，itwassothin，sopatient，andsoyoung。Onthetablewasabottlehalffulloflaudanum，anoldpocket-book，andaletter。Readthat，mydearanddon'tthinkhardoflittleJane。"
　　PollytookthebitofpaperMissMillsgaveher，andreadthesewords:
　　DEARMRS。FINN，­；PleaseforgivemeforthetroubleImakeyou，butIdon'tseeanyotherway。Ican'tgetworkthatpaysenoughtokeepme；
　　theDr。saysIcan'tbewellunlessIrest。Ihatetobeaburden，soI
　　'mgoingawaynottotroubleanybodyanymore。I'vesoldmythingstopaywhatIoweyou。PleaseletmebeasIam，anddon'tletpeoplecomeandlookatme。Ihopeitisn'tverywicked，buttheredon'tseemanyroomformeintheworld，andI'mnotafraidtodienow，thoughIshouldbeifIstayedandgotbadbecauseIhadn'tstrengthtokeepright。Givemylovetothebaby，andsogood-by，good-by。JANEBRYANT。
　　"O，MissMills，howdreadful!"criedPolly，withhereyessofullshecouldhardlyreadthelittleletter。
　　"Notsodreadfulasitmighthavebeen，butabitter，sadthingtoseethatchild，onlyseventeen，lyingthereinherlittleclean，oldnight-gown，waitingfordeathtocomeandtakeher，because'theredidn'tseemtobeanyroomforherintheworld。'Ah，well，wesavedher，foritwasn'ttoolate，thankheaven，andthefirstthingshesaidwas，'Oh，whydidyoubringmeback？'I'vebeennursingherallday，hearingherstory，andtryingtoshowherthatthereisroomandawelcomeforher。Hermotherdiedayearago，andsincethenshehasbeenstrugglingalongalone。Sheisoneofthetimid，innocent，humblecreatureswhocan'tpushtheirway，andsogetputasideandforgotten。Shehastriedallsortsofpoorlypaidwork，couldn'tliveonitdecently，gotdiscouraged，sick，frightened，andcouldseenorefugefromthebig，badworldbuttogetoutofitwhileshewasn'tafraidtodie。Averyoldstory，mydear，newanddreadfulasitseemstoyou，andIthinkitwon'tdoyouanyharmtoseeandhelpthislittlegirl，whohasgonethroughdarkplacesthatyouareneverliketoknow。"
　　"Iwill；indeed，IwilldoallIcan!Whereisshenow？"askedPolly，touchedtotheheartbythestory，sosimpleyetsosad。
　　"There，"andMissMillspointedtothedoorofherownlittlebedroom。
　　"Shewaswellenoughtobemovedto-night，soIbroughtherhomeandlaidhersafelyinmybed。Poorlittlesoul!shelookedaboutherforaminute，thenthelostlookwentaway，andshegaveagreatsigh，andtookmyhandinbothherthinbitsofones，andsaid，'O，ma'am，IfeelasifI'dbeenbornintoanewworld。Helpmetobeginagain，andI'lldobetter。'SoItoldhershewasmychildnow，andmightresthere，sureofahomeaslongasIhadone。"
　　AsMissMillsspokeinhermotherlytone，andcastaproudandhappylooktowardthewarmandquietnestinwhichshehadshelteredthisfriendlesslittlesparrow，feelingsurethatGodmeanthertokeepitfromfallingtotheground，Pollyputbotharmsaboutherneck，andkissedherwitheredcheekwithasmuchlovingreverenceasifshehadbeenasplendidsaint，forinthelikenessofthisplainoldmaidshesawthelovelycharitythatblessesandsavestheworld。
　　"Howgoodyouare!DearMissMills，tellmewhattodo，letmehelpyou，I'mreadyforanything，"saidPolly，veryhumbly，forherowntroubleslookedsosmallandfoolishbesidethesternhardshipswhichhadnearlyhadsotragicalanend，thatshefeltheartilyashamedofherself，andquiteburnedtoatoneforthem。
　　Miss，Millsstoppedtostrokethefreshcheekopposite，tosmile，andsay，­；
　　"Then，Polly，IthinkI'llaskyoutogoinandsayafriendlywordtomylittlegirl。Thesightofyouwilldohergood；andyouhavejusttherightwayofcomfortingpeople，withoutmakingafuss。"
　　"HaveI？"saidPolly，lookingmuchgratifiedbythewords。
　　"Yes，dear，you'vethegiftofsympathy，andtherareartofshowingitwithoutoffending。Iwouldn'tletmanygirlsintoseemypoorJenny，becausethey'donlyflutterandworryher；butyou'llknowwhattodo；
　　sogo，andtakethiswrapperwithyou；it'sdonenow，thankstoyournimblefingers。"
　　Pollythrewthewarmgarmentoverherarm，feelingathrillofgratitudethatitwastowrapalivinggirlin，andnottohideawayayoungheartthathadgrowncoldtoosoon。Pushingopenthedoor，shewentquietlyintothedimlylightedroom，andonthepillowsawafacethatdrewhertoitwithanirresistiblepower，foritwastouchedbyasolemnshadowthatmadeitsyouthpathetic。Asshepausedatthebedside，thinkingthegirlasleep，apairofhollow，darkeyesopenedwide，andlookedupather；
　　startledatfirst，thensofteningwithpleasure，atsightofthebonnyfacebeforethem，andthenahumble，beseechingexpressionfilledthem，asifaskingpardonfortherashactnearlycommitted，andpityforthehardfatethatpromptedit。Pollyreadthelanguageoftheseeyes，andansweredtheirmuteprayerwithasimpleeloquencethatsaidmorethananywordsforshejuststoopeddownandkissedthepoorchild，withherowneyesfull，andlipsthattrembledwiththesympathyshecouldnottell。
　　Jennyputbotharmsaboutherneck，andbegantoshedthequiettearsthatsorefreshandcomfortheavyheartswhenatendertouchunsealsthefountainwheretheylie。
　　"Everybodyissokind，"shesobbed，"andIwassowicked，Idon'tdeserveit。"
　　"Oh，yes，youdo；don'tthinkofthat，butrestandletuspetyou。
　　Theoldlifewastoohardforsuchalittlethingasyou，andwearegoingtotryandmakethenewoneeversomucheasierandhappier，"saidPolly，forgettingeverythingexceptthatthiswasagirllikeherself，whoneededhearteningup。
　　"Doyoulivehere？"askedJenny，whenhertearswerewipedaway，stillclingingtothenew-foundfriend。
　　"Yes，MissMillsletsmehavealittleroomupstairs，andthereIhavemycatandbird，mypianoandmyposypots，andlivelikeaqueen。Youmustcomeupandseemeto-morrowifyouareable。I'moftenlonely，fortherearenoyoungpeopleinthehousetoplaywithme，"answeredPolly，smilinghospitably。
　　"Doyousew？"askedJenny。
　　"No，I'mamusicteacher，andtrotroundgivinglessonsallday。"
　　"Howbeautifulitsounds，andhowhappyyoumustbe，sostrongandpretty，andabletogoroundmakingmusicallthetime，"sighedJenny，lookingwithrespectfuladmirationattheplump，firmhandheldinbothherthinandfeebleones。
　　ItdidsoundpleasanteventoPolly'sears，andshefeltsuddenlysorich，andsocontented，thatsheseemedadifferentcreaturefromthesillygirlwhocriedbecauseshecouldn'tgototheparty。Itpassedthroughhermindlikeaflash，thecontrastbetweenherlife，andthatofthewancreaturelyingbeforeher，andshefeltasifshecouldnotgiveenoughoutofherabundancetothisneedylittlesister，whohadnothinginthewideworldbutthelifejustsavedtoher。ThatminutedidmoreforPollythanmanysermons，orthewisestbooks，foritbroughtherfacetofacewithbittertruths，showedherthedarksideoflife，andseemedtoblowawayherlittlevanities，herfrivolousdesires，likeawintrywind，thatleftawholesomeatmospherebehind。Sittingonthebedside，PollylistenedwhileJanetoldthestory，whichwassonewtoherlistener，thateverywordsankdeepintoherheart，andneverwasforgotten。
　　"Nowyoumustgotosleep。Don'tcrynorthink，nordoanythingbutrest。ThatwillpleaseMissMillsbest。I'llleavethedoorsopen，andplayyoualullabythatyoucan'tresist。Goodnight，dear。"Andwithanotherkiss，Pollywentawaytositinthedarknessofherownroom，playinghersoftestairstillthetiredeyesbelowwereshut，andlittleJaneseemedtofloatawayonaseaofpleasantsounds，intothehappierlifewhichhadjustdawnedforher。
　　Pollyhadfullyintendedtobeverymiserable，andcryherselftosleep；
　　butwhenshelaydownatlast，herpillowseemedverysoft，herlittleroomverylovely，withthefire-lightflickeringonallthehome-likeobjects，andhernew-blownrosesbreathingherasweetgood-night。Shenolongerfeltaninjured，hard-working，unhappyPolly，butasifquiteburdenedwithblessings，forwhichshewasn'thalfgratefulenough。Shehadheardofpovertyandsuffering，inthevague，far-offway，whichisallthatmanygirls，safeinhappyhomes，everknowofit；butnowshehadseenit，inashapewhichshecouldfeelandunderstand，andlifegrewmoreearnesttoherfromthatminute。Somuchtodointhegreat，busyworld，andshehaddonesolittle。Whereshouldshebegin？Then，likeananswercamelittleJenny'swords，nowtakinga，'newsignificance'toPolly'smind，"Tobestrong，andbeautiful，andgoroundmakingmusicallthetime。"
　　Yes，shecoulddothat；andwithaveryearnestprayer，Pollyaskedforthestrengthofanuprightsoul，thebeautyofatenderheart，thepowertomakeherlifeasweetandstirringsong，helpfulwhileitlasted，rememberedwhenitdied。
　　LittleJane'slastthoughthadbeentowishwithallhermight，that"Godwouldblessthedear，kindgirlupthere，andgiveherallsheasked。"
　　Ithinkbothprayers，althoughtoohumbletobeputinwords，wentuptogether，forinthefulnessoftimetheywerebeautifullyanswered。ChapterX。ChapterX。CHAPTERXBROTHERSANDSISTERSPOLLY'ShappiestdaywasSunday，forWillneverfailedtospenditwithher。Insteadofsleepinglaterthanusualthatmorning，shewasalwaysupbrightandearly，flyingroundtogetreadyforherguest，forWillcametobreakfast，andtheymadealongdayofit。Willconsideredhissisterthebestandprettiestgirlgoing，andPolly，knowingwellthatatimewouldcomewhenhewouldfindabetterandaprettier，wasgratefulforhisgoodopinion，andtriedtodeserveit。Soshemadeherroomandherselfasneatandinvitingaspossible，andalwaysrantomeethimwithabrightfaceandamotherlygreeting，whenhecametrampingin，ruddy，brisk，andbeaming，withthebrownloafandthelittlepotofbeansfromthebake-housenearby。
　　Theylikedagoodcountrybreakfast，andnothinggavePollymoresatisfactionthantoseeherbigboyclearthedishes，emptythelittlecoffee-pot，andthensitandlaughatheracrosstheravagedtable。Anotherpleasurewastolethimhelpclearaway，astheyusedtodoathome，whilethepealsoflaughterthatalwaysaccompaniedthisperformancedidMissMills'heartgoodtohear，fortheroomwassosmallandWillsobigthatheseemedtobeeverywhereatonce，andPollyandPuttelwerecontinuallydodginghislongarmsandlegs。Thentheyusedtoinspecttheflowerpots，payNickavisit，andhavealittlemusicasagoodbeginningfortheday，afterwhichtheywenttochurchanddinedwithMissMills，whoconsideredWill"anexcellentyoungman。"Iftheafternoonwasfair，theytookalongwalktogetheroverthebridgesintothecountry，oraboutthecitystreetsfullofSabbathquietude。Mostpeoplemeetingthemwouldhaveseenonlyanawkwardyoungman，withaboy'sfaceatopofhistallbody，andaquietlydressed，freshfacedlittlewomanhangingonhisarm；butafewpeople，witheyestoreadromancesandpleasanthistorieseverywhere，foundsomethingveryattractiveinthiscouple，andsmiledastheypassed，wonderingiftheywereyoung，lovers，orcountrycousins"lookinground。"
　　Ifthedaywasstormy，theystayedathome，reading，writingletters，talkingovertheiraffairs，andgivingeachothergoodadvice；for，thoughWillwasnearlythreeyearsyoungerthanPolly，hecouldn'tforthelifeofhimhelpassumingamusinglyvenerableairs，whenhebecameaFreshman。
　　Inthetwilighthehadagoodloungeonthesofa，andPollysungtohim，whicharrangementheparticularlyenjoyed，itwasso"cosyandhomey。"
　　Atnineo'clock，Pollypackedhisbagwithcleanclothes，nicelymended，suchremnantsofthefestiveteaasweretransportable，andkissedhim"good-night，"withmanyinjunctionstomuffleuphisthroatgoingoverthebridge，andbesurethathisfeetweredryandwarmwhenhewenttobed。AllofwhichWilllaughedat，acceptedgraciously，anddidn'tobey；
　　buthelikedit，andtrudgedawayforanotherweek'swork，rested，cheered，andstrengthenedbythatquiet，happydaywithPolly，forhehadbeenbroughtuptobelieveinhomeinfluences，andthisbrotherandsisterlovedoneanotherdearly，andwerenotashamedtoownit。
　　OneotherpersonenjoyedthehumblepleasuresoftheseSundaysquiteasmuchasPollyandWill。Maudusedtobegtocometotea，andPolly，gladtodoanythingforthosewhohaddoneagooddealforher，madeapointofcallingforthelittlegirlastheycamehomefromtheirwalk，orsendingWilltoescortherinthecarriage，whichMaudalwaysmanagedtosecureifbadweatherthreatenedtoquenchherhopes。TomandFannylaughedatherfancy，butshedidnottireofit，forthechildwaslonely，andfoundsomethinginthatlittleroomwhichthegreathousecouldnotgiveher。
　　Maudwastwelvenow；apale，plainchild，withsharp，intelligenteyes，andabusylittlemind，thatdidagooddealmorethinkingthananybodyimagined。Shewasjustattheunattractive，fidgetyagewhennooneknewwhattodowithher，andsoletherfumbleherwayupasshecould，findingpleasureinoddthings，andlivingmuchalone，forshedidnotgotoschool，becausehershouldersweregrowinground，andMrs。Shawwouldnot"allowherfiguretobespoiled。"ThatsuitedMaudexcellently；andwheneverherfatherspokeofsendingheragain，orgettingagoverness，shewasseizedwithbadheadaches，apaininherback，orweaknessoftheeyes，atwhichMr。Shawlaughed，butletherholidaygoon。Nobodyseemedtocaremuchforplain，pug-nosedlittleMaudie；herfatherwasbusy，hermothernervousandsick，Fannyabsorbedinherownaffairs，andTomregardedherasmostyoungmendotheiryoungersisters，asapersonbornforhisamusementandconvenience，nothingmore。MaudadmiredTomwithallherheart，andmadealittleslaveofherselftohim，feelingwellrepaidifhemerelysaid，"Thankyou，chicken，"ordidn'tpinchhernose，ornipherear，ashehadawayofdoing，"justasifIwasadoll，oradog，andhadn'tgotanyfeelings，"shesometimessaidtoFanny，whensomeserviceorsacrificehadbeenacceptedwithoutgratitudeorrespect。ItneveroccurredtoTom，whenMaudsatwatchinghimwithherfacefullofwistfulness，thatshewantedtobepettedasmuchaseverhedidinhisneglectedboyhood，orthatwhenhecalledher"Pug"beforepeople，herlittlefeelingswereasdeeplywoundedashisusedtobe，whentheboyscalledhim"Carrots。"Hewasfondofherinhisfashion，buthedidn'ttakethetroubletoshowit，soMaudworshippedhimafaroff，afraidtobetraytheaffectionthatnorebuffcouldkillorcool。
　　OnesnowySundayafternoonTomlayonthesofainhisfavoriteattitude，reading"Pendennis"forthefourthtime，andsmokinglikeachimneyashedidso。Maudstoodatthewindowwatchingthefallingflakeswithananxiouscountenance，andpresentlyagreatsighbrokefromher。
　　"Don'tdothatagain，chicken，oryou'llblowmeaway。What'sthematter？"
　　askedTom，throwingdownhisbookwithayawnthatthreateneddislocation。
　　"I'mafraidIcan'tgotoPolly's，"answeredMaud，disconsolately。
　　"Ofcourseyoucan't；it'ssnowinghard，andfatherwon'tbehomewiththecarriagetillthisevening。WhatareyoualwayscuttingofftoPolly'sfor？"
　　"Ilikeit；wehavesuchnicetimes，andWillisthere，andwebakelittlejohnny-cakesinthebakerbeforethefire，andtheysing，anditissopleasant。"
　　"Warblingjohnny-cakesmustbeinteresting。Comeandtellmeallaboutit。"
　　"No，you'llonlylaughatme。"
　　"IgiveyoumywordIwon't，ifIcanhelpit；butIreallyamdyingofcuriositytoknowwhatyoudodownthere。Youliketohearsecrets，sotellmeyours，andI'llbeasdumbasanoyster。"
　　"Itisn'tasecret，andyouwouldn'tcareforit。Doyouwantanotherpillow？"sheadded，asTomgavehisathump。
　　"Thiswilldo；butwhyyouwomenalwayssticktasselsandfringealloverasofa-cushion，toteaseandtickleafellow，iswhatIdon'tunderstand。"
　　"OnethingthatPollydoesSundaynights，istotakeWill'sheadinherlap，andsmoothhisforehead。Itrestshimafterstudyingsohard，shesays。Ifyoudon'tlikethepillow，Icoulddothatforyou，'causeyoulookasifyouweremoretiredofstudyingthanWill，"saidMaud，withsomehesitation，butanevidentdesiretobeusefulandagreeable。
　　"Well，Idon'tcareifyoudotryit，forIamconfoundedlytired。"
　　AndTomlaughed，asherecalledthefrolichehadbeenonthenightbefore。
　　Maudestablishedherselfwithgreatsatisfaction，andTomownedthatasilkapronwasnicerthanafuzzycushion。
　　"Doyoulikeit？"sheasked，afterafewstrokesoverthehotforehead，whichshethoughtwasfeveredbyintenseapplicationtoGreekandLatin。
　　"Notbad；playaway，"wasthegraciousreply，asTomshuthiseyes，andlaysostillthatMaudwascharmedatthesuccessofherattempt。Presently，shesaid，softly，­；
　　"Tom，areyouasleep？"
　　"Justturningthecomer。"
　　"BeforeyougetquiteroundwouldyoupleasetellmewhataPublicAdmonitionis？"
　　"Whatdoyouwanttoknowfor？"demandedTom，openinghiseyesverywide。
　　"IheardWilltalkingaboutPublicsandPrivates，andImeanttoaskhim，butIforgot。"
　　"Whatdidhesay？"
　　"Idon'tremember；itwasaboutsomebodywhocutprayers，andgotaPrivate，andhaddoneallsortsofbadthings，andhadoneortwoPublics。
　　Ididn'thearthenameanddidn'tcare；Ionlywantedtoknowwhatthewordsmeant。"
　　"SoWilltellstales，doeshe？"andTom'sforeheadwrinkledwithafrown。
　　"No，hedidn't；Pollyknewaboutitandaskedhim。"
　　"Will'sa'dig，'"growledTom，shuttinghiseyesagain，asifnothingmorecouldbesaidofthedelinquentWilliam。
　　"Idon'tcareifheis；Ilikehimverymuch，andsodoesPolly。"
　　"HappyFresh!"saidTom，withacomicalgroan。
　　"Youneedn'tsniffathim，forheisnice，andtreatsmewithrespect，"criedMaud，withanenergythatmadeTomlaughinherface。
　　"He'sgoodtoPollyalways，andputsonhercloakforher，andsays'mydear，'andkissesher'goodnight，'anddon'tthinkit'ssilly，andIwishIhadabrotherjustlikehim，yes，Ido!"AndMaudshowedsignsofwoe，forherdisappointmentaboutgoingwasverygreat。
　　"Blessmyboots!what'sthechickenrufflingupherlittlefeathersandpeckingatmefor？IsthatthewayPollysoothesthebestofbrothers？"
　　saidTom，stilllaughing。
　　"Oh，Iforgot!there，Iwon'tcry；butIdowanttogo，"andMaudswallowedhertears，andbegantostrokeagain。
　　NowTom'shorseandsleighwereinthestable，forhemeanttodriveouttoCollegethatevening，buthedidn'ttakeMaud'shint。Itwaslesstroubletoliestill，andsayinaconciliatorytone，­；
　　"Tellmesomemoreaboutthisgoodboy，it'sveryinteresting。"
　　"No，Ishan't，butI'lltellaboutPuttel'splayingonthepiano，"
　　saidMaud，anxioustoeffacethememoryofhermomentaryweakness。"Pollypointstotherightkeywithalittlestick，andPuttelsitsonthestoolandpatseachkeyasit'stouched，anditmakesatune。It'ssofunnytoseeher，andNickperchesontherackandsingsasifhe'dkillhimself。"
　　"Verythrilling，"saidTom，inasleepytone。
　　Maudfeltthatherconversationwasnotasinterestingasshehoped，andtriedagain。
　　"PollythinksyouarehandsomerthanMr。Sydney。"
　　"Muchobliged。"
　　"Iaskedwhichshethoughthadthenicestface，andshesaidyourswasthehandsomest，andhisthebest。"
　　"Doesheevergothere？"askedasharpvoicebehindthem；andlookingroundMaudsawFannyinthebigchair，cookingherfeetovertheregister。
　　"Ineversawhimthere；hesentupsomebooksoneday，andWillteasedheraboutit。"
　　"Whatdidshedo？"demandedFanny。
　　"Oh，sheshookhim。"
　　"Whataspectacle!"andTomlookedasifhewouldhaveenjoyedseeingit，butFanny'sfacegrewsoforbidding，thatTom'slittledog，whowasapproachingtowelcomeher，puthistailbetweenhislegsandfledunderthetable。
　　"Thenthereisn'tany'SparkingSundaynight'？"sungTom，whoappearedtohavewakedupagain。
　　"Ofcoursenot。Pollyisn'tgoingtomarryanybody；she'sgoingtokeephouseforWillwhenhe'saminister，Iheardhersayso，"criedMaud，withimportance。