"WhatafateforprettyPolly!"ejaculatedTom。
　　"Shelikesit，andI'msureIshouldthinkshewould；it'sbeautifultohear'emplanitallout。"
　　"Anymoregossiptoretail，Pug？"askedTomaminuteafter，asMaudseemedabsorbedinvisionsofthe，future。
　　"Hetoldafunnystoryaboutblowinguponeoftheprofessors。Younevertoldus，soIsupposeyoudidn'tknowit。Somebadfellowputatorpedo，orsomesortofpowderthing，underthechair，anditwentoffinthemidstofthelesson，andthepoormanflewup，frightenedmosttopieces，andtheboysranwithpailsofwatertoputthefireout。ButthethingthatmadeWilllaughmostwas，thattheveryfellowwhodiditgothistrousersburnttryingtoputoutthefire，andheaskedthe­；isitFacultyorPresident？"
　　"Eitherwilldo，"murmuredTom，whowasshakingwithsuppressedlaughter。
　　"Well，heasked'emtogivehimsomenewones，andtheydidgivehimmoneyenough，foranicepair；buthegotsomecheapones，withhorridgreatstripeson'em，andalwayswore'emtothatparticularclass，'whichwasonetoomanyforthefellows，'Willsaid，andwiththerestofthemoneyhehadapunchparty。Wasn'titdreadful？"
　　"Awful!"AndTomexplodedintoagreatlaugh，thatmadeFannycoverherears，andthelittledogbarkwildly。
　　"Didyouknowthatbadboy？"askedinnocentMaud。
　　"Slightly，"gaspedTom，inwhosewardrobeatcollegethoseidenticaltrouserswerehangingatthatmoment。
　　"Don'tmakesuchanoise，myheadachesdreadfully，"saidFanny，fretfully。
　　"Girls'headsalwaysdoache，"answeredTom，subsidingfromaroarintoachuckle。
　　"Whatpleasureyouboyscanfindinsuchungentlemanlythings，Idon'tsee，"saidFanny，whowasevidentlyoutofsorts。
　　"Asmuchamysterytoyouasitistous，howyougirlscanliketogabbleandprinkfromoneweek'sendtotheother，"retortedTom。
　　Therewasapauseafterthislittlepassage-at-arms，butFanwantedtobeamused，fortimehungheavilyonherhands，sosheasked，inamoreamiabletone，"How'sTrix？"
　　"Assweetasever，"answeredTom，gruffly。
　　"Didshescoldyou，asusual？"
　　"Shejustdid。"
　　"Whatwasthematter？"
　　"Well，I'llleaveittoyouifthisisn'tunreasonable:shewon'tdancewithmeherself，yetdon'tlikemetogoitwithanybodyelse。I
　　said，Ithought，ifafellowtookagirltoaparty，sheoughttodancewithhimonce，atleast，especiallyiftheywereengaged。Shesaidthatwastheveryreasonwhysheshouldn'tdoit；so，atthelasthop，Iletheralone，andhadagaytimewithBelle，andto-dayTrixgaveittomehotandheavy，cominghomefromchurch。"
　　"Ifyougoandengageyourselftoagirllikethat，Idon'tknowwhatyoucanexpect。DidshewearherParishatto-day？"addedFan，withsuddeninterestinhervoice。
　　"Sheworesomesortofabluething，withaconfoundedbirdofParadiseinit，thatkeptwhiskingintomyfaceeverytimesheturnedherhead。"
　　"Menneverknowaprettythingwhentheyseeit。Thathatisperfectlylovely。"
　　"Theyknowaladywhentheyseeher，andTrixdon'tlooklikeone；I
　　can'tsaywherethetroubleis，butthere'stoomuchfussandfeathersformytaste。Youaretwiceasstylish，yetyouneverlookloudorfast。"
　　Touchedbythisunusualcompliment，Fannydrewherchairnearerassherepliedwithcomplacency，­；
　　"Yes，IflattermyselfIdoknowhowtodresswell。Trixneverdid；she'sfondofgaycolors，andgenerallylookslikeawalkingrainbow。"
　　"Can'tyougiveherahint？Tellhernottowearblueglovesanyway，sheknowsIhate'em。"
　　"I'vedonemybestforyoursake，Tom，butsheisaperversecreature，anddon'tmindawordIsay，evenaboutthingsmuchmoreobjectionablethanbluegloves。"
　　"Maudie，runandbringmemyothercigarcase，it'slyingroundsomewhere。"
　　Maudwent；andassoonasthedoorwasshut，Tomroseonhiselbow，sayinginacautiouslyloweredvoice，­；
　　"Fan，doesTrixpaint？"
　　"Yes，anddrawstoo，"answeredFanny，withaslylaugh。
　　"Come，youknowwhatImean；I'vearighttoaskandyououghttotell，"
　　saidTom，soberly，forhewasbeginningtofindthatbeingengagedwasnotunmitigatedbliss。
　　"Whatmakesyouthinkshedoes？"
　　"Well，betweenourselves，"saidTom，lookingalittlesheepish，butanxioustosethismindatrest，"sheneverwillletmekissheronhercheek，nothingbutanunsatisfactorypeckatherlips。Thentheotherday，asItookabitofheliotropeoutofavasetoputinmybutton-hole，I
　　whiskedadropofwaterintoherface；Iwasgoingtowipeitoff，butshepushedmyhandaway，andrantotheglass，whereshecarefullydabbeditdry，andcamebackwithonecheekredderthantheother。Ididn'tsayanything，butIhadmysuspicions。Comenow，doesshe？"
　　"Yes，shedoes；butdon'tsayawordtoher，forshe'llneverforgivemytellingifsheknewit。"
　　"Idon'tcareforthat；Idon'tlikeit，andIwon'thaveit，"saidTom，decidedly。
　　"Youcan'thelpyourself。Halfthegirlsdoit，eitherpaintorpowder，darkentheirlasheswithburnthair-pins，ortakecologneonlumpsofsugarorbelladonnatomaketheireyesbright。Claratriedarsenicforhercomplexion，buthermotherstoppedit，"saidFanny，betrayingthesecretsoftheprison-houseinthebasestmanner。
　　"Iknewyougirlswereasetofhumbugs，andveryprettyones，too，someofyou，butIcan'tsayIliketoseeyoupainteduplikealotofactresses，"saidTom，withanairofdisgust。
　　"Idon'tdoanythingofthesort，orneedit，butTrixdoes；
　　andhavingchosenher，youmustabideyourchoice，forbetterorworse。"
　　"Ithasn'tcometothatyet，"mutteredTom，ashelaydownagainwitharebelliousair。
　　Maud'sreturnputanendtotheseconfidences，thoughTomexcitedhercuriositybyaskingthemysteriousquestion，"Isay，Fan，isPollyuptothatsortofthing？"
　　"No，shethinksit'sawful。Whenshegetspaleanddraggedoutshewillprobablychangehermind。"
　　"Idoubtit，"saidTom。
　　"Pollysaysitisn'tpropertotalksecretsbeforepeoplewhoain'tin'em，"observedMaud，withdignity。
　　"Do，formercysake，stoptalkingaboutPolly，I'msicktodeathofit，"criedFanny，snappishly。
　　"Hullo!"andTomsatuptotakeasurvey。"Ithoughtyouwerebosomfriends，andasspoonyasever。"
　　"Well，IamfondofPolly，butIgettiredofhearingMaudsingherpraiseseverlastingly。Nowdon'tgoandrepeatthat，chatterbox。"
　　"Mygoodness，isn'tshecross？"whisperedMaudtoTom。
　　"Astwosticks；letherbe。There'sthebell；seewhoitis，Pug，"
　　answeredTom，asatinglebrokethesilenceofthehouse。
　　Maudwenttopeepoverthebanisters，andcameflyingbackinarapture。
　　"It'sWillcomeforme!Can'tIgo？Itdon'tsnowhard，andI'llbundleup，andyoucansendformewhenpapacomes。"
　　"Idon'tcarewhatyoudo，"answeredFan，whowasinaverybadtemper。
　　Withoutwaitingforanyotherpermission，Maudrushedawaytogetready。
　　Willwouldn'tcomeup，hewassosnowy，andFannywasglad，becausewithherhewasbashful，awkward，andsilent，soTomwentdownandentertainedhimwithMaud'sreport。Theywereverygoodfriends，butledentirelydifferentlives，Willbeinga"dig，"andToma"bird，"or，inplainEnglish，onewasahardstudent，andtheotherajollyyounggentleman。TomhadratherpatronizedWill，whodidn'tlikeit，andshowedthathedidn'tbyrefusingtoborrowmoneyofhim，oracceptanyofhisinvitationstojointheclubsandsocietiestowhichTombelonged。SoShawletMiltonalone，andhegotonverywellinhisownway，doggedlystickingtohisbooks，andresistingalltemptationsbutthoseofcertainlibraries，athleticgames，andsuchinexpensivepleasuresaswerewithinhismeans；forthisbenightedyouthhadnotyetdiscoveredthatcollegenowadaysisaplaceinwhichto"sky-lark，"
　　nottostudy。
　　WhenMaudcamedownandtrottedcontentedlyaway，holdingWill'shand，Tomwatchedthemoutofsight，andthenstrolledaboutthehousewhistlingandthinking，tillhewenttosleepinhisfather'sarm-chair，forwantofsomethingbettertodo。Heawoketothejoysofasolitarytea，forhismothernevercamedown，andFannyshutherselfandherheadacheupinherownroom。
　　"Well，thisischeerful，"hesaid，astheclockstruckeight，andhisfourthcigarcametoanend。"Trixismad，andFaninthedumps，soI'lltakemyselfoff。GuessI'llgoroundtoPolly's，andaskWilltodriveoutwithme，andsavehimthewalk，poorchap。MightbringMidgethome，itwillpleaseher，andthere'snoknowingwhenthegovernorwillbeback。"
　　Withthesethoughtsinhishead，Tomleisurelygotunderway，andlefthishorseataneighboringstable，forhemeanttomakealittlecall，andseewhatitwasMaudenjoyedsomuch。
　　"Pollyisholdingforth，"hesaidtohimself，ashewentquietlyupstairs，andthesteadymurmurofapleasantvoicecamedowntohim。TomlaughedatPolly'searnestwayoftalkingwhenshewasinterestedinanything。
　　Buthelikeditbecauseitwassodifferentfromthecoquettishclatterofmostofthegirlswithwhomhetalked。Youngmenoftenlaughatthesensiblegirlswhomtheysecretlyrespect，andaffecttoadmirethesillyoneswhomtheysecretlydespise，becauseearnestness，intelligence，andwomanlydignityarenotthefashion。
　　Thedoorwasajar，andpausinginthedarkentryTomtookasurveybeforehewentin。Theprospectwasnotdazzling，buthome-likeandpleasant。
　　Thelightofabrightfirefilledthelittleroom，anddownonastoolbeforeitwasMaudtendingPuttel，andwatchingwithdeepinteresttheroastingofanappleintendedforherspecialbenefit。OnthecouchloungedWill，histhoughtfuleyesfixedonPolly，who，whileshetalked，smoothedthebroadforeheadofher"yellow-hairedladdie"inawaythatTomthoughtanimmenseimprovementonMaud'sperformance。Theyhadevidentlybeenbuildingcastlesintheair，forPollywassayinginhermostimpressivemanner，"Well，whateveryoudo，Will，don'thaveagreat，costlychurchthattakessomuchmoneytobuildandsupportitthatyouhavenothingtogiveaway。Iliketheplain，old-fashionedchurches，builtforuse，notshow，wherepeoplemetforheartyprayingandpreaching，andwhereeverybodymadetheirownmusicinsteadoflisteningtooperasingers，aswedonow。
　　Idon'tcareiftheoldchurcheswerebareandcold，andtheseatshard，therewasrealpietyinthem，andthesincerityofitwasfeltinthelivesofthepeople。Idon'twantareligionthatIputawaywithmySundayclothes，anddon'ttakeouttillthedaycomesroundagain；Iwantsomethingtoseeandfeelandlivebyday-by-day，andIhopeyou'llbeoneofthetrueministers，whocanteachbypreceptandexample，howtogetandkeepit。"
　　"IhopeIshallbe，Polly，butyouknowtheysaythatinfamilies，ifthereisaboywhocan'tdoanythingelse，theymakeaministerofhim。
　　IsometimesthinkIain'tgoodformuch，andthatseemstomethereasonwhyIshouldn'teventrytobeaminister，"saidWill，smiling，yetlookingasifwithallhishumilityhedidhavefaithintheaspirationsthatcametohiminhisbestmoments。
　　"Someonesaidthatverythingtofatheronce，andIrememberheanswered，'IamgladtogivemybestandbrightestsontotheserviceofGod。'"
　　"Didhesaythat？"andWill'scolorrose，forthebig，book-lovingfellowwasassensitiveasagirltothepraiseofthosedearesttohim。
　　"Yes，"saidPolly，unconsciouslygivingthestrongeststimulustoherbrother'shopeandcourage。"Yes，andheadded，'Ishallletmyboysfollowtheguidethatisinthem，andonlyaskofthemtousetheirgiftsconscientiously，andbehonest，usefulmen。'"
　　"Sowewill!NedisdoingwelloutWest，andI'mhardatithere。Iffatherdoeshisbesttogiveusthechanceweeachwant，theleastwecandoistoworkwithawill。"
　　"Whateveryoudo，youcan'thelpworkingwithaWill，"criedTom，whohadbeensointerested，thatheforgothewasplayingeavesdropper。
　　Pollyflewup，lookingsopleasedandsurprised，thatTomreproachedhimselffornothavingcalledoftener。
　　"I'vecomeforMaud，"heannounced，inapaternaltone，whichmadethatyoungladyopenhereyes。
　　"Ican'tgotillmyappleisdone；besides，itisn'tnineyet，andWillisgoingtotakemealong，whenhegoes。I'dratherhavehim。"
　　"I'mgoingtotakeyoubothinthecutter。Thestormisover，butitisheavywalking，soyou'lldriveoutwithme，oldman？"saidTom，withanodatWill。
　　"Ofcoursehewill；andthankyouverymuch。I'vebeentryingtokeephimallnight；MissMillsalwaysmanagestofindacornerforstraypeople，butheinsistsongoing，soastogettoworkearlyto-morrow，"saidPolly，delightedtoseethatTomwastakingoffhiscoat，asifhemeanttowaitforMaud'sapple，whichPollyblessedforbeingsoslowtocook。
　　Puttingherguestintothebestchair，Pollysatdownandbeamedathimwithsuchhospitablesatisfaction，thatTomwentupseveralpegsinhisownestimation。
　　"Youdon'tcomeveryoften，soweareratherover-poweredwhenyoudohonorus，"shesaid，demurely。
　　"Well，you，knowwefellowsaresobusy，wehaven'tmuchtimetoenjoyourselves，"answeredTom。
　　"Ahem!"saidWill，loudly。
　　"Takeatroche，"saidTom。
　　Thentheybothburstoutlaughing，andPolly，fullyunderstandingthejoke，joinedthem，saying，"Herearesomepeanuts，Tom；doenjoyyourselfwhileyoucan。"
　　"NowIcallthatadelicatecompliment!"AndTom，whohadnotlosthisearlyrelishforthissortofrefreshment，thoughheseldomindulgedhispassionnowadays，becausepeanutsareconsideredvulgar，felltocrackingandmunchingwithgreatsatisfaction。
　　"DoyourememberthefirstvisitImadeatyourhouse，howyougavemepeanuts，comingfromthedepot，andfrightenedmeoutofmywits，pretendingthecoachmanwastipsy？"askedPolly。
　　"OfcourseIdo，andhowwecoastedoneday，"answeredTom，laughing。
　　"Yes，andthevelocipede；you'vegotthescarofthatyet，Isee。"
　　"Irememberhowyoustoodbymewhileitwassewedup；thatwasveryplucky，Polly。"
　　"Iwasdreadfullyafraid，butIrememberIwantedtoseemverybrave，becauseyou'dcalledmeacoward。"
　　"DidI？Oughttohavebeenashamedofmyself。Iusedtoroughyoushamefully，Polly，andyouweresogood-natured，youletmedoit。"
　　"Couldn'thelpmyself，"laughedPolly。"Ididusetothinkyouwereanawfulboy，butseemstomeIratherlikedit。"
　　"Shehadsomuchofitathome，shegotusedtoit，"putinWill，pullingthelittlecurlbehindPolly'sear。
　　"YouboysneverteasedmeasTomdid，that'sthereasonitamusedme，Isuppose；noveltyhathcharms，youknow。"
　　"GrandmausedtolectureTomforplaguingyou，Polly，andheusedtosayhe'dbeatip-topboy，buthewasn't，"observedMaud，withavenerableair。
　　"Dearoldgrandma；shedidherbest，butI'mabadlot，"saidTom，withashakeoftheheadandasoberface。
　　"Italwaysseemsasifshemustbeupinherrooms，andIcan'tgetusedtofindingthemempty，"addedPolly，softly。
　　"Fatherwouldn'thaveanythingmoved，andTomsitsuptheresometimes；
　　itmakeshimfeelgood，hesays，"saidMaud，whohadatalentforbetrayingtrifleswhichpeoplepreferredshouldnotbementionedinpublic。
　　"You'dbetterhurryupyourapple，forifitisn'tdoneprettysoon，you'llhavetoleaveit，Pug，"saidTom，lookingannoyed。
　　"HowisFan？"askedPolly，withtact。
　　"Well，Fanisratherundertheweather；saysshe'sdyspeptic，whichmeanscross。"
　　"Sheiscross，butshe'ssicktoo，forIfoundhercryingoneday，andshesaidnobodycaredabouther，andshemightaswellbedead，"addedMaud，havingturnedherapplewithtendercare。
　　"Wemusttrytocheerherup，amongus。IfIwasn'tsobusyI'dliketodevotemyselftoher，shehasdonesomuchforme，"saidPolly，gratefully。
　　"Iwishyoucould。Ican'tunderstandher，forsheactslikeaweathercock，andIneverknowhowI'mgoingtofindher。Ihatetohavehermopeso，but，uponmylife，Idon'tknowwhattodo，"saidTom；butasheutteredthewords，somethingwassuggestedbythesightbeforehim。Chairswerefew，andPollyhadtakenhalfofWill'swhentheydrewroundthefire。
　　Nowshewasleaningagainsthim，inacosy，confidingway，delightfultobehold，whileWill'sstrongarmwentroundherwithaprotectingair，whichsaid，asplainlyasanywords，thatthisbigbrotherandsmallsisterknewhowtoloveandhelponeanother。Itwasapleasantlittlepicture，allthepleasanterforitsunconsciousness，andTomfounditbothsuggestiveandagreeable。
　　"PooroldFan，shedon'tgetmuchpetting；maybethat'swhatshewants。
　　I'lltryitandsee，forshestandsbymelikeatrump。Ifshewasarosy，cosylittlewoman，likePolly，itwouldcomeeasier，though，"thoughtTom，ashemeditativelyatehislastnut，feelingthatfraternalaffectioncouldnotbeverydifficultofdemonstration，tobrothersblessedwithpretty，good-temperedsisters。
　　"ItoldTomaboutthebadfellowwhoblewuptheprofessor，andhesaidheknewhim，slightly；andIwassorelieved，becauseIhadakindofafeelingthatitwasTomhimself，youandWilllaughedsoaboutit。"
　　Maudhadaqueerwayofgoingonwithherownthoughts，andsuddenlycomingoutwithwhateverlayuppermost，regardlessoftime，place，orcompany。
　　Asthisremarkfellfromher，therewasageneralsmile，andPollysaid，withmocksolemnity，­；
　　"Itwasasadthing，andI'venodoubtthatmisguidedyoungmanisverysorryforitnow。"
　　"HelookedperfectlyboweddownwithremorselasttimeIsawhim，"saidWill，regardingTomwitheyesfulloffun，forWillwasaboyaswellasabookworm，andrelishedajokeaswellasscatter-brainedTom。
　　"Healwaysisremorsefulafterascrape，I'veunderstood，forheisn'taverybadfellow，onlyhisspiritsareonetoomanyforhim，andheisn'tasfondofhisbookasanotherfellowIknow。"
　　"I'mafraidhe'llheexpelledifhedon'tmind，"saidPolly，warningly。
　　"Shouldn'twonderifhewas，he'ssuchanunluckydog，"answeredTom，rathersoberly。
　　"Ihopehe'llrememberthathisfriendswillbeverymuchdisappointedifheis。Hemightmakethemsoproudandhappy；thatIguesshewill，forheisn'thalfasthoughtlessashemakeshimselfout，"saidPolly，lookingacrossatTomwithsuchfriendlyeyesthathewasquitetouched，thoughofcoursehedidn'tshowit。
　　"Thankyou，Polly；hemaypullthrough，butIhavemydoubts。Nowoldman，letus'pud'along；it'sgettinglateforthechicken，"headded，relapsingintothegracefuldictionwithwhichaclassicaleducationgiftsitsfortunatepossessor。
　　TakingadvantageofthemomentwhileWillwaswrestlingwithhisbootsinthecloset，andMaudwasabsorbedinpackingherappleintoalargebasket，PollysaidtoTominalowtone，­；
　　"Thankyouverymuch，forbeingsokindtoWill。"
　　"Blessyourheart，Ihaven'tdoneanything；he'ssuchaproudfellowhewon'tletme，"answeredTom。
　　"Butyoudoinmanylittleways；to-night，forexample。DoyouthinkIdon'tknowthatthesuitofclotheshe'sjustgotwouldhavecostagooddealmore，ifyourtailorhadn'tmadethem？He'sonlyaboy，anddon'tunderstandthingsyet；butIknowyourwayofhelpingproudpeople；
　　sothattheydon'tfinditout，andIdothankyou，Tom，somuch。"
　　"Oh，come，Polly，thatwon'tdo。Whatdoyouknowabouttailorsandcollegematters？"saidTom，lookingasmuchconfusedasifshehadfoundhimoutinsomethingreprehensible。
　　"Idon'tknowmuch，andthat'sthereasonwhyI'mgratefulforyourkindnesstoWill。Idon'tcarewhatstoriestheytellaboutyou，I'msure，youwon'tleadhimintotrouble，butkeephimstraight，formysake。YouknowI'velostonebrother，andWilltakesJimmy'splacetomenow。"
　　ThetearsinPolly'seyesasshesaidthatmadeTomvowatremendousvowwithinhimselftostandbyWillthroughthickandthin，and"keephimstraightforPolly'ssake"；feelingallthetimehowill-fittedhewasforsuchatask。
　　"I'lldomybest，"hesaid，heartily，ashepressedthehandPollygavehim，withalookwhichassuredherthathefelttheappealtohishonor，andthathenceforththecountryladwassafefromallthetemptationsTomcouldhaveofferedhim。
　　"There!nowIshallgivethattomammatotakeherpillsin；it'sjustwhatshelikes，anditpleaseshertobethoughtof，"saidMaud，surveyinghergiftwithcomplacency，assheputonherthings。
　　"You'reagoodlittlesoul，torememberpoormum，saidTom，withanapprovingnod。
　　"Well，shewassopleasedwiththegrapesyoubroughther，IthoughtI'dtrysomething，andmaybeshe'dsay'Thankyou，darling，'tometoo。
　　Doyouthinkshewill？"whisperedMaud，withthewistfullooksooftenseenonherlittleplainface。
　　"Seeifshedon't；"andtoMaud'sgreatsurpriseTomdidn'tlaughatherproject。
　　"Goodnight，dear；takecareofyourself，andkeepyourmufflerroundyourmouthgoingoverthebridge，oryou'llbeashoarseasacrowto-morrow，"
　　saidPolly，asshekissedherbrother，whoreturneditwithoutlookingasifhethoughtit"girl'snonsense"Thenthethreepiledintothesleighanddroveoff，leavePollynoddingonthedoorstep。
　　Maudfoundthedrivealtogethertooshort，butwasconsoledbythepromiseofalongeroneifthesleighinglastedtillnextSaturday:andwhenTomranuptobidhismothergood-by，andgiveherahintaboutMaud'sgift，shestayedbelowtosay，atthelastminute，inunconsciousimitationofPolly。
　　"Goodnight；takecareofyourself，mydear。"
　　Tomlaughed，andwasabouttopinchthemuchenduringlittlenose；but，asifthewordsremindedhimofsomething，hegaveherakissinstead，apieceofforbearancewhichalmosttookMaud'sbreathawaywithsurpriseandgratification。
　　Itwasratherasilentdrive，forWillobedientlykepthismufflerup，andTomfellintoabrownstudy。
　　Hewasnotmuchgiventoreflection，butoccasionallyindulgedwhensomethinggavehimaturninthatdirection，andatsuchtimeshewasassoberandsincereascouldbedesired。Anyonemighthavelecturedhimforanhourwithoutdoingasmuchgoodasthatlittlecallandthechatthatgrewoutofit，for，thoughnothingverywiseorwittywassaid，manythingsweresuggested，andeveryoneknowsthatpersuasiveinfluencesarebetterthananyamountofmoralizing。NeitherPollynorWilltriedtodoanythingofthesort，andthatwasthecharmofit。Nobodylikestobetalkedto，butnobodycanresisttheeloquenceofunconsciouspreaching。
　　Withallhisthoughtlessness，Tomwasquicktoseeandfeelthesethings，andwasnotspoiltenoughyettolaughatthem。ThesightofWillandPolly'ssimpleaffectionforoneanotherremindedhimofaneglecteddutysopleasantly，thathecouldnotforgetit。Talkingofearlydaysmadehimwishhecouldgobackandstartagain，doingbetter。Grandma'snamerecalledthetendermemorythatalwaysdidhimgood，andthethoughtthatPollytrustedherdearestbrothertohiscarestirredupamanfuldesiretodeservetheconfidence。
　　Tortureswouldn'thavedrawnawordofallthisfromhim，butithaditseffect，forboysdon'tleavetheirheartsandconsciencesbehindthemwhentheyentercollege，andlittlethingsofthissortdomuchtokeepbothfrombeingdamagedbythefouryears'scrimmagewhichbeginsthebattleoflifeformostofthem。ChapterXI。ChapterXI。CHAPTERXINEEDLESANDTONGUES
　　DEARPOLLY，­；TheSewingCirclemeetsatourhousethisP。M。Thisisinyourline，sodocomeandhelpmethrough。Ishalldependonyou。Yoursever，FAN。
　　"Badnews，mydear？"askedMissMills，whohadjusthandedthenotetoPollyasshecameinonenoon，afewweeksafterJenny'sarrival。
　　Pollytoldherwhatitwas，adding，"IsupposeIoughttogoandhelpFanny，butIcan'tsayIwantto。ThegirlstalkaboutthingsIhavenothingtodowith，andIdon'tfindtheirgossipveryamusing。I'manoutsider，andtheyonlyacceptmeonFan'saccount；soIsitinacornerandsew，whiletheychatterandlaugh。"
　　"Wouldn'titbeagoodchancetosayawordforJenny？Shewantswork，andtheseyoungladiesprobablyhavequantitiesdonesomewhere。Jennydoesfineworkexquisitely，andbeginstofeelanxioustobeearningsomething。
　　Idon'twanthertofeeldependentandunhappy，andalittlewell-paidsewingwouldbeallsheneedstodonicely。Icangetitforherbyrunningroundtomyfriends，butIreallyhaven'tthetime，tillIgettheMullersoff。Theyarepaupershere，butoutWesttheycantakecareofthemselves，soI'vebeggedthemoneytosendthem，andassoonasIcangetthemsomeclothes，offtheygo。That'sthewaytohelppeoplehelpthemselves，"
　　andMissMillsclashedherbigscissorsenergetically，asshecutoutalittleredflannelshirt。
　　"Iknowitis，andIwanttohelp，butIdon'tknowwheretobegin，"
　　saidPolly，feelingquiteoppressedwiththeimmensityofthework。
　　"Wecan'tanyofusdoallwewouldlike，butwecandoourbestforeverycasethatcomestous，andthathelpsamazingly。BeginwithJenny，mydear；tellthosegirlsabouther，andifI'mnotmuchmistaken，youwillfindthemreadytohelp，forhalfthetimeitisn'thardnessofheart，butignoranceorthoughtlessnessonthepartoftherich，thatmakesthemseemsocarelessofthepoor。"
　　"Totellthetruth，I'mafraidofbeinglaughedat，ifItrytotalkseriouslyaboutsuchthingstothegirls，"saidPolly，frankly。
　　"Youbelievethat'suchthings'aretrue？Youaresincereinyourwishtohelpbetterthem，andyourespectthosewhoworkforthatend？"
　　"Yes，Ido。"
　　"Then，mydear，can'tyoubearalittleridiculeforthesakeofagoodcause？Yousaidyesterdaythatyouweregoingtomakeitaprincipleofyourlife，tohelpupyoursexasfarandasfastasyoucould。Itdidmyheartgoodtohearyousayit，forIwassurethatintimeyouwouldkeepyourword。But，Polly，aprinciplethatcan'tbearbeinglaughedat，frownedon，andcold-shouldered，isn'tworthyofthename。"
　　"Iwanttobestrong-mindedintherealsenseoftheword，butIdon'tliketobecalledsobypeoplewhodon'tunderstandmymeaning；
　　andIshallbeifItrytomakethegirlsthinksoberlyaboutanythingsensibleorphilanthropic。Theycallmeold-fashionednow，andI'dratherbethoughtthat，thoughitisn'tpleasant，thanbesetdownasarampantwoman'srightsreformer，"saidPolly，inwhosememorymanylaughs，andsnubs，andsarcasmsstilllingered，forgivenbutnotforgotten。
　　"Thisloveandthoughtandcareforthoseweaker，poorer，orworsethanourselves，whichwecallChristiancharity，isaveryoldfashion，mydear。
　　Itbeganeighteenhundredyearsago，andonlythosewhohonestlyfollowthebeautifulexamplesetusthen，learnhowtogetgenuinehappinessoutoflife。I'mnota'rampantwoman'srightsreformer，'"addedMissMills，withasmileatPolly'ssoberface；"butIthinkthatwomencandoagreatdealforeachother，iftheywillonlystopfearingwhat'peoplewillthink，'andtakeaheartyinterestinwhateverisgoingtofittheirsistersandthemselvestodeserveandenjoytherightsGodgavethem。Therearesomanywaysinwhichthiscanbedone，thatIwondertheydon'tseeandimprovethem。Idon'taskyoutogoandmakespeeches，onlyafewhavethegiftforthat，butIdowanteverygirlandwomantofeelthisduty，andmakeanylittlesacrificeoftimeorfeelingthatmaybeaskedofthem，becausethereissomuchtodo，andnoonecandoitaswellasourselves，ifweonlythinkso。"
　　"I'lltry!"saidPolly，influencedmorebyherdesiretokeepMissMills'goodopinionthananyloveofself-sacrificeforhersex。Itwasratherahardthingtoaskofashy，sensitivegirl，andthekindoldladyknewit，forinspiteofthegrayhairandwitheredface，herheartwasveryyoung，andherowngirlishtrialsnotforgotten。ButsheknewalsothatPollyhadmoreinfluenceoverothersthansheherselfsuspected，simplybecauseofhercandid，uprightnature；andthatwhileshetriedtohelpothers，shewasservingherselfinawaythatwouldimproveheartandsoulmorethananymeresocialsuccessshemightgainbyfollowingtherulesoffashionablelife，whichdrillthecharacteroutofgirlstilltheyareasmuchalikeaspinsinapaper，andhaveaboutasmuchtruesenseandsentimentintheirlittleheads。TherewasgoodstuffinPolly，unspoiledasyet，andMissMillswasonlyactingoutherprincipleofwomenhelpingeachother。ThewiseoldladysawthatPollyhadreachedthatpointwherethegirlsuddenlybloomsintoawoman，askingsomethingmoresubstantialthanpleasuretosatisfythenewaspirationsthatareborn；atimeaspreciousandimportanttotheafter-life，asthehourwhentheappleblossomsfall，andtheyoungfruitwaitsfortheelementstoripenordestroytheharvest。
　　Pollydidnotknowthis，andwasfortunateinpossessingafriendwhoknewwhatinfluenceswouldserveherbest，andwhocouldgiveherwhatallwomenshoulddesiretogiveeachother，theexampleofasweet，goodlife，moreeloquentandpowerfulthananywords；forthisisarightnoonecandenyus。
　　Pollyturnedthematteroverinhermindasshedressed，whileJennyplayedwaitingmaid，littledreamingwhatthisnewfriendwasmeaningtodoforher，ifshedared。
　　"Isitgoingtobeatea-party，Miss？"askedJenny，astheblacksilkwentrustlingon，tohergreatadmiration，forsheconsideredPollyabeauty。
　　"Well，no，Ithinkitwillprobablybealecture，"answeredPolly，laughing，forJenny'sgratefulserviceandaffectionateeyesconfirmedthepurposewhichMissMills'littlehomilyhadsuggested。
　　AssheenteredtheShaws'parloranhourortwolater，anappallingarrayofwell-dressedgirlsappeared，eachprovidedwithadaintyreticule，basket，orbag，andeachtonguegoingagooddealfasterthantheneedle，whilethewhitefingersstitchedsleevesinupsidedown，putflanneljacketstogetherhindpartbefore，orgobbledbutton-holeswiththebestintentionsinlife。
　　"Youareadeartocomesoearly。Here'saniceplaceforyoubetweenBelleandMissPerkins，andhere'sasweetlittledresstomake，unlessyoulikesomethingelsebetter，"saidFanny，receivingherfriendwithwarmthandplacingherwhereshethoughtshewouldenjoyherself。
　　"Thankyou，I'lltakeanunbleachedcottonshirtifyouhavesuchathing，foritislikelytobeneededbeforeacambricfrock，"repliedPolly，subsidingintohercomerasquicklyaspossible，foratleastsixeye-glasseswereup，andshedidn'tenjoybeingstaredat。
　　MissPerkins，agrave，cold-lookingyounglady，withanaristocraticnose，bowedpolitely，andthenwentonwithherwork，whichdisplayedtwodiamondringstogreatadvantage。Belle，beingofthedemonstrativesort，smiledandnodded，drewupherchair，andbeganawhisperedaccountofTrix'slastquarrelwithTom。Pollylistenedwithinterestwhilesheseweddiligently，occasionallypermittinghereyestostudytheelegantintricaciesofMissPerkins'dress，forthatyoungladysatlikeastatue，quirkingherdelicatefingers，andaccomplishingabouttwostitchesaminute。
　　InthemidstofBelle'sstory，amoreexcitingbitofgossipcaughtherear，andsheplungedintotheconversationgoingonacrossthetable，leavingPollyfreetolistenandadmirethewit，wisdom，andcharitablespiritoftheaccomplishedyoungladiesabouther。TherewasaperfectBabeloftongues，butoutoftheconfusionPollygatheredscrapsoffashionableintelligencewhichsomewhatlessenedherrespectforthedwellersinhighplaces。OnefaircreatureassertedthatJoeSomebodytooksomuchchampagneatthelastGerman，thathehadtobegotaway，andsenthomewithtwoservants。AnotherdivulgedtheawfulfactthatCarrieP。'sweddingpresentswerehalfofthemhiredfortheoccasion。AthirdcirculatedawhispertotheeffectthatthoughMrs。Buckminsterworeathousand-dollarcloak，herboyswerenotallowedbutonesheettotheirbeds。Andafourthyounggossipassuredthecompanythatacertainpersonneverhadofferedhimselftoacertainotherperson，thoughthereportwasindustriouslyspreadbyinterestedparties。ThislatterremarkcausedsuchaclamorthatFannycalledthemeetingtoorderinamostunparliamentaryfashion。
　　"Girls!girls!youreallymusttalklessandsewmore，oroursocietywillbedisgraced。Doyouknowourbranchsentinlessworkthananyoftheothers。lastmonth，andMrs。FitzGeorgesaid，shedidn'tseehowfifteenyoungladiescouldmanagetodosolittle？"
　　"Wedon'ttalkabitmorethantheoldladiesdo。Ijustwishyoucouldhaveheardthemgoon，lasttime。Thewaytheygetsomuchdone，is，theytakeworkhome，andmaketheirseamstressesdoit，andthentheytakecreditforvastindustry，"saidBelle，whoalwaysspokehermindwithcharmingcandor。
　　"Thatremindsmethatmammasaystheywantasmanythingsaswecanmake，forit'sahardwinter，andthepooraresufferingverymuch。Doanyofyouwishtotakearticleshome，todoatoddtimes？"saidFan，whowaspresidentofthisenergeticDorcasSociety。
　　"Mercy，no!Ittakesallmyleisuretimetomendmyglovesandrefreshmydresses，"answeredBelle。
　　"Ithinkifwemeetonceaweek，itisallthatshouldbeexpectedofus，withourotherengagements。Poorpeoplealwayscomplainthatthewinterisahardone，andneveraresatisfied，"remarkedMissPerkins，makingherdiamondssparkleasshesewedbuttonsonthewrongsideofapinkcalicoapron，whichwouldhardlysurviveonewashing。
　　"Nobodycanaskmetodoanymore，iftheyrememberallI'vegottoattendtobeforesummer，"saidTrix，withanimportantair。"I'vegotthreewomenhardatwork，andwantanother，buteveryoneissobusy，andasksuchabominableprices，thatI'mindespair，andshallhavetotakeholdmyself，I'mafraid。"
　　"There'sachanceforJane，"thoughtPolly，buthadn'tcourage"tospeakoutloudinmeeting，"justthen，andresolvedtoaskTrixforwork，inprivate。
　　"Pricesarehigh，butyouforgethowmuchmoreitcoststolivenowthanitusedtodo。Mammaneverallowsustobeatdownworkwomen，butwishesustopaythemwell，andeconomizeinsomeotherway，ifwemust，"
　　saidEmmaDavenport，aquiet，bright-eyedgirl，whowascalled"odd"amongtheyoungladies，becauseshedressedsimply，whenherfatherwasamillionaire。
　　"Justhearthatgirltalkabouteconomy!Ibegyourpardon，she'ssomerelationofyours，Ibelieve!"saidBelle，inalowtone。
　　"Verydistant；butI'mproudofit；forwithher，economydoesn'tmeanscrimpinginoneplacetomakeashowinanother。IfeveryonewouldfollowtheDavenports'example，workwomenwouldn'tstarve，orservantsbesuchatrouble。Emmaistheplainestdressedgirlintheroom，nexttome，yetanyonecanseesheisatruegentlewoman，"saidPolly，warmly。
　　"Andyouareanother，"answeredBelle，whohadalwayslovedPolly，inherscatter-brainedway。
　　"Hush!Trixhasthefloor。"
　　"Iftheyspenttheirwagesproperly，Ishouldn'tmindsomuch，buttheythinktheymustbeasfineasanybody，anddresssowellthatitishardtotellmistressfrommaid。Whyourcookgotabonnetjustlikeminethematerialswerecheaper，buttheeffectwasthesame，andhadtheimpertinencetowearitbeforemyface。Iforbidit，andsheleft，ofcourse，whichmadepapasocrosshewouldn'tgivemethecamel'shairshawlhepromisedthisyear。"
　　"It'sperfectlyshameful!"saidMissPerkins，asTrixpausedoutofbreath。"Servantsoughttobemadetodresslikeservants，astheydoabroad；
　　thenweshouldhavenomoretrouble，"observedMissPerkins，whohadjustmadethegrandtour，andhadbroughthomeaFrenchmaid。
　　"Perkydon'tpractiseasshepreaches，"whisperedBelletoPolly，asMissP。becameabsorbedinthechatofherotherneighbors。"Shepaysherchambergirlwitholdfinery；andtheotherday，whenBetseywasoutparadinginhermissis'scast-offpurpleplushsuit，Mr。Curtisthoughtshewasmademoiselle，andbowedtoher。Heisasblindasabat，butrecognizedthedress，andpulledoffhishattoitinthemostelegantstyle。Perkyadoreshim，andwasmadenoughtobeatBetseywhenshetoldthestoryandgiggledoverit。BetseyisquiteasstylishandeversomuchprettierthanPerky，andsheknowsit，whichisanaggravation。"
　　Pollycouldn'thelplaughing，butgrewsoberaminuteafter，asTrixsaid，pettishly，­；
　　"Well，I'msickofhearingaboutbeggars；Ibelievehalfofthemarehumbugs，andifweletthemalonethey'dgotoworkandtakecareofthemselves。There'saltogethertoomuchfussmadeaboutcharity。I
　　dowishwecouldbeleftinpeace。"
　　"Therecan'tbetoomuchcharity!"burstoutPolly，forgettinghershynessallatonce。
　　"Oh，indeed!Well，Itakethelibertytodifferfromyou，"returnedTrix，puttingupherglass，andbestowinguponPollyhermost"toplofticalstare，"asthegirlscalledit。
　　IregrettosaythatPollynevercouldtalkwithorbenearTrixwithoutfeelingirritatedandcombative。Shetriedtoconquerthisfeeling，butshecouldn't，andwhenTrixputonairs，Pollyfeltanintensedesiretoboxherears。Thateye-glasswasherespecialaversion，forTrixwasnomorenear-sightedthanherself，butpretendedtobebecauseitwasthefashion，andattimesusedtheinnocentglassasaweaponwithwhichtoputdownanyonewhopresumedtosetthemselvesup。ThesuperciliousglancewhichaccompaniedherironicallypolitespeechrousedPolly，whoansweredwithsuddencolorandthekindlingoftheeyesthatalwaysbetrayedaperturbedspirit，­；
　　"Idon'tthinkmanyofuswouldenjoythatselfishsortofpeace，whilelittlechildrenstarve，andgirlsnoolderthanuskillthemselvesbecausetheirdreadfulpovertyleavesthemnochoicebutsinordeath。"
　　Asuddenlulltookplace，for，thoughPolly，didnotraisehervoice，itwasfullofindignantemotion，andthemostfrivolousgirltherefeltalittlethrillofsympathy；forthemostutterlyfashionablelifedoesnotkilltheheartoutofwomen，tillyearsofselfishpleasurehavepassedovertheirheads。Trixwasashamedofherself；butshefeltthesameantagonismtowardPolly，thatPollydidtowardher；and，beinglessgenerous，tooksatisfactioninplaguingher。PollydidnotknowthatthesecretofthiswasthefactthatTomoftenheldherupasamodelforhisfiancé；etofollow，whichcausedthatyoungladytodislikehermorethanever。
　　"Halftheawfulstoriesinthepapersaremadeupforasensation，andit'sabsurdtobelievethem，unlessonelikestobeharrowedup。Idon't；
　　andasforpeace，I'mnotlikelytogetmuch，whileIhaveTomtolookafter，"saidTrix，withanaggravatinglaugh。
　　Polly'sneedlesnappedintwo，butshedidnotmindit，asshesaid，withalookthatsilencedevensharp-tonguedTrix，­；
　　"Ican'thelpbelievingwhatmyowneyesandearshaveseenandheard。Youleadsuchsafeandhappylives，youcan'timaginethemiserythatisallroundyou；butifyoucouldgetaglimpseofit，itwouldmakeyourheartsache，asithasmine。"
　　"Doyousufferfromheartache？Someonehintedasmuchtome，butyoulookedsowell，Icouldn'tbelieveit。"
　　NowthatwascruelinTrix，morecruelthananyoneguessed；butgirls'
　　tonguescandealwoundsassharpandsuddenastheslenderstilettoSpanishwomenwearintheirhair，andPollyturnedpale，asthosewordsstabbedher。Bellesawit，andrushedtotherescuewithmoregood-willthanwisdom。
　　"Nobodyeveraccusedyouofhavinganyhearttoachewith。PollyandIarenotoldenoughyettogettoughandcool，andwearestillsillyenoughtopityunhappypeople，TomShawespecially，"addedBelle，underherbreath。
　　Thatwasatwo-edgedthrust，forTrixwasdecidedlyanoldgirl，andTomwasgenerallyregardedasahaplessvictim。Trixturnedred；butbeforeshecouldloadandfireagain，EmmaDavenport，wholaboredunderthedelusionthatthissortofskirmishingwasill-natured，andthereforeill-bred，spokeupinherpleasantway，­；
　　"Speakingofpityingthepoor，Ialwayswonderwhyitisthatweallliketoreadandcryovertheirtroublesinbooks，butwhenwehavetherealthingbeforeus，wethinkitisuninterestinganddisagreeable。"
　　"It'sthegeniusthatgetsintothebooks，whichmakesuslikethepoverty，Ifancy。ButIdon'tquiteagreethattherealthingisn'tinteresting。
　　Ithinkitwouldbe，ifweknewhowtolookatandfeelit，"saidPolly，veryquietly，asshepushedherchairoutofthearcticcircleofMissPerkins，intothetemperateoneoffriendlyEmma。
　　"Buthowshallwelearnthat？Idon'tseewhatwegirlscando，morethanwedonow。Wehaven'tmuchmoneyforsuchthings，shouldn'tknowhowtouseitifwehad；anditisn'tproperforustogopokingintodirtyplaces，tohuntuptheneedy。'Goingaboutdoinggood，inponyphaetons，'
　　assomebodysays，maysucceedinEngland，butitwon'tworkhere，"saidFanny，whohadbegun，lately，tothinkagooddealofsomeonebesideherself，andsofoundherinterestinherfellow-beingsincreasingdaily。
　　"Wecan'tdomuch，perhaps，justyet；butstilltherearethingsleftundonethatnaturallyfalltous。Iknowahouse，"saidPolly，sewingbusilyasshetalked，"whereeveryservantwhoentersitbecomesanobjectofinteresttothemistressandherdaughters。Thesewomenaretaughtgoodhabits，booksareputwheretheycangetthem，sensibleamusementsareplannedforthemsometimes，andtheysoonfeelthattheyarenotconsideredmerescrubs，todoasmuchworkaspossible，foraslittlemoneyaspossible，buthelpersinthefamily，whoarelovedandrespectedinproportiontotheirfaithfulness。Thisladyfeelsherdutytothem，ownsit，anddoesit，asconscientiouslyasshewantsthemtodotheirsbyher；andthatisthewayitoughttobe，Ithink。"
　　AsPollypaused，severalkeeneyesdiscoveredthatEmma'scheekswereveryred，andsawasmilelurkinginthecornersofthemouththattriedtolookdemure，whichtoldthemwhoPollymeant。
　　"DotheBiddiesallturnoutsaintsinthatwellregulatedfamily？"
　　askedtheirrepressibleTrix。
　　"No；fewofusdothat，evenintheparlor；buteveryoneoftheBiddiesisbetterforbeingthere，whethertheyaregratefulornot。Ioughtnottohavementionedthis，perhaps，butIwantedtoshowyouonethingthatwegirlscando。Weallcomplainaboutbadservants，mostasmuchasifwewerehouse-keepersourselves；butitneveroccurstoustotryandmendthematter，bygettingupabetterspiritbetweenmistressandmaid。Thenthere'sanotherthingwecando，"addedPolly，warmingup。"Mostofusfindmoneyenoughforourlittlevanitiesandpleasures，butfeeldreadfullypoorwhenwecometopayforwork，sewingespecially。Couldn'twegiveupafewofthevanities，andpaytheseamstressesbetter？"
　　"IdeclareIwill!"criedBelle，whoseconsciencesuddenlywoke，andsmoteherforbeatingdownthewomanwhodidherplainsewing，inorderthatshemighthaveanextraflounceonanewdress。
　　"Bellehasgotavirtuousfit；pityitwon'tlastaweek，"saidTrix。
　　"Waitandsee，"retortedBelle，resolvingthatitshouldlast，justtodisappoint"thatspitefulminx；"asshesweetlycalledheroldschool-mate。
　　"NowweshallbeholdBellegallopingawayatagreatpace，onhernewhobby。Ishouldn'tbesurprisedtohearofherpreachinginthejail，adoptinganicedirtylittleorphan，orpassingroundtractsataWoman'sRightsmeeting，"saidTrix，whonevercouldforgiveBelleforhavingalovelycomplexion，andsomuchhairofherownthatsheneverpatronizedeitherrats，mice，waterfalls，switches，orpuff-combs。
　　"Well，Imightdoworse；andIthink，ofthetwo，I'dratheramusemyselfso，thanassomeyoungladiesdo，whogetintothepapersfortheirpranks，"returnedBelle，withamoralair。
　　"Supposewehavealittlerecess，andrestwhilePollyplaystous。
　　Willyou，Polly？Itwilldousgood；theyallwanttohearyou，andbeggedI'dask。"
　　"ThenIwill，withpleasure"；andPollywenttothepianowithsuchobligingreadiness，thatseveralreproachfulglancesfelluponTrix，whodidn'tneedherglasstoseethem。
　　Pollywasnevertoosad，perturbed，orlazytosing，foritwasalmostaseasytoherasbreathing，andseemedthemostnaturaloutletforheremotions。Foraminuteherhandswanderedoverthekeys，asifuncertainwhattoplay；then，fallingintoasad，sweetstrain，shesang"TheBridgeofSighs。"Pollydidn'tknowwhyshechoseit，buttheinstinctseemedtohavebeenatrueone，for，oldasthesongwas，itwentstraighttotheheartsofthehearers，andPollysungitbetterthansheeverhadbefore，fornowthememoryoflittleJanelentitatenderpathoswhichnoartcouldgive。Itdidthemallgood，formusicisabeautifulmagician，andfewcanresistitspower。Thegirlsweretouchedbytheappeal；Pollywasliftedoutofherself，andwhensheturnedround，thesoftenedlookonallthefacestoldherthatforthemomentfoolishdifferencesandfrivolousbeliefswereforgottenintheonewomanlysentimentofpityforthewrongsandwoesofwhichthelisteners'happyliveswereignorant。
　　"Thatsongalwaysmakesmecry，andfeelasifIhadnorighttobesocomfortable，"saidBelle，openlywipinghereyesonacrashtowel。
　　"Fortunatelysuchcasesareveryrare，"saidanotheryounglady，whoseldomreadthenewspapers。
　　"Iwishtheywere，butI'mafraidtheyarenot；foronlythreeweeksago，Isawagirlyoungerthananyofus，andnoworse，whotriedtodestroyherselfsimplybecauseshewassodiscouraged，sick，andpoor，"saidPolly。
　　"Dotellabouther，"criedBelle，eagerly。
　　Feelingthatthesonghadpavedthewayforthestory，andgivenhercouragetotellit，Pollydidtellit，andmusthavedoneitwell，forthegirlsstoppedworktolisten，andwhensheended，othereyesbesidewarm-heartedBelle'swerewet。Trixlookedquitesubdued；MissPerkinsthawedtosuchadegree，thatsomethingglitteredonherhandasshebentoverthepinkpinaforeagain，betterandbrighterthanherbiggestdiamond；
　　EmmagotupandwenttoPollywithafacefullofaffectionaterespect，whileFanny，movedbyasuddenimpulse，caughtupacostlySè；vresplatethatstoodontheetagè；re，andlayingafive-dollarbillinit，passeditround，quotingPolly'swords，­；
　　"Girls，Iknowyou'llliketohelppoorlittleJenny'beginagain，anddobetterthistime。'"
　　Itwasgoodtoseehowquicklytheprettypurseswereout，howgenerouslyeachgaveofitsabundance，andwhatheartyapplausebrokefromthegirls，asBellelaiddownhergoldthimble，sayingwithanAprilface，­；
　　"There，takethat；Ineverhaveanymoney，somehowitwon'tstaywithme，butIcan'tlettheplatepassmethistime。"
　　WhenFannybroughtthecontributionstoPolly，shejustgathereditupinhertwohandswithsuchaglad，gratefulface，thegirlswishedtheyhadhadmoretogive。
　　"Ican'tthankyouenough，"shesaid，withaneloquentlittlechokeinhervoice。"ThiswillhelpJennyverymuch；butthewayinwhichitwasdonewilldohermoregoodthandoublethemoney，becauseitwillprovetoherthatsheisn'twithoutfriends，andmakeherfeelthatthereisaplaceintheworldforher。Letherworkforyouinreturnforthis；
　　shedon'taskalms，sheonlywantsemploymentandalittlekindness，andthebestcharitywecanbestowistoseethatshehasboth。"
　　"I'llgiveherasmuchsewingasshewants，andshecanstayatourhousewhileshedoesit，ifsheneedsahome，"saidTrix，inaspasmofbenevolence。
　　"Shedoesn'tneedahome，thankyou；MissMillshasgivenhalfofhers，andconsidersJaneherchild，"answeredPolly，withproudsatisfactioninthefact。
　　"Whatanolddear!"criedBelle。
　　"Iwanttoknowher。MayI？"whisperedEmma。
　　"Oh，yes；I'mgladtomakeherknowntoanyone。Sheisaquietlittleoldlady，butshedoesoneheapsofgood，andshowsyouhowtobecharitableinthewisestway。"
　　"Dotellusaboutit。I'msureIwanttodomyduty，butit'ssuchamuddle，Idon'tknowhow，"saidBelle。