Then，quitenaturally，theconversationfelluponthegreatworkthatnoneshouldbetoobusytothinkof，andwhichfewaretooyoungortoopoortohelponwiththeirmite。Thefacesgrewmoreearnest，thefingersflewfaster，asthequickyoungheartsandbrainstookinthenewfacts，ideas，andplansthatgrewoutofthetruestories，thesensiblehints，thesuccessfuleffortswhichPollytoldthem，freshfromthelipsofMissMills；for，oflate，Pollyhadtalkedmuchwiththegoodlady，andlearnedquicklythelessonsherunselfishlifeconveyed。Thegirlsfoundthismoreinterestingthangossip，partlyowingtoitsnovelty，doubtless；buttheenthusiasmwassincerewhileitlasted，anddidthemgood。Manyofthemforgotallaboutitinaweek，butPolly'seffortwasnotlost，forEmma，Belle，andFannyremainedfirmfriendstoJane，sokindlyhelpingherthatthepoorchildfeltasifshehadindeedbeenbornagain，intoanewandhappyworld。
　　NottilllongafterwarddidPollyseehowmuchgoodthislittleefforthaddoneher，forthefirstsmallsacrificeofthissortleadsthewaytoothers，andasinglehand'sturngivenheartilytotheworld'sgreatworkhelpsoneamazinglywithone'sownsmalltasks。Pollyfoundthisoutasherlifeslowlygreweasierandbrighter，andthebeautifullawofcompensationgaveherbetterpurposesandpleasuresthananyshehadlost。Theparentsofsomeofherpupilswerepersonsofrealrefinement，andsucharealwaysquicktoperceivethemarksofcultureinothers，nomatterwheretheyfindthem。These，attractedfirstbyPolly'scheerfulface，modestmanners，andfaithfulwork，soonfoundinhersomethingmorethanagoodteacher；
　　theyfoundarealtalentformusic，aneagerdesireforhelpfulopportunities，andaheartgratefulforthekindlysympathythatmakesroughplacessmooth。
　　Fortunatelythosewhohavetheskilltodetectthesetraitsalsopossessthespirittoappreciateandoftenthepowertoserveanddevelopthem。
　　Inwayssodelicatethatthemostsensitivepridecouldnotresentthefavor，thesetruegentlefolkshowedPollytheirrespectandregard，putmanypleasuresinherway，andwhentheypaidherforherwork，gaveheralsotheheartythanksthattakesawayallsenseofdegradationevenfromthehumblestservice，formoneysoearnedandpaidsweetensthedailybreaditbuys，andmakesthemutualobligationamutualbenefitandpleasure。
　　AfewsuchpatronsdidmuchforPolly，andthemusicshegavethemhadanundertoneofgratitudethatleftblitheechoesinthosegreathouses，whichmoneycouldnotbuy。
　　Then，asherbutterflyacquaintancesdesertedher，shefoundherwayintoahiveoffriendlybees，whowelcomedher，andshowedherhowtofindthehoneythatkeepslifesweetandwholesome。ThroughMissMills，whowasthecounsellorandcomforterofseveral，Pollycametoknowalittlesisterhoodofbusy，happy，independentgirls，whoeachhadapurposetoexecute，atalenttodevelop，anambitiontoachieve，andbroughttotheworkpatienceandperseverance，hopeandcourage。HerePollyfoundherplaceatonce，forinthislittleworldloveandlibertyprevailed；talent，energy，andcharactertookthefirstrank；money，fashion，andpositionwereliterallynowhere；forhere，asinthebigworldoutside，geniusseemedtoblossombestwhenpovertywasheadgardener。Youngteachers，doingmuchworkforlittlepay；youngartists，tryingtopencil，paint，orcarvetheirwaytoRome；youngwriters，burningtodistinguishthemselves；youngsingers，dreamingoftriumphs，greatasthoseofJennyLind；andsomewhotriedtoconquerindependence，armedonlywithaneedle，likepoorJane。AllthesehelpedPollyasunconsciouslyasshehelpedthem，forpurposeandprinciplearethebestteacherswecanhave，andthewantofthemmakeshalfthewomenofAmericawhattheyare，restless，aimless，frivolous，andsick。
　　Tooutsidersthatwasaveryhard-workinganduneventfulwintertoPolly。
　　Shethoughtsoherself；butasspringcameon，theseedofnewvirtues，plantedinthewintertime，andripenedbythesunshineofendeavor，begantobudinPolly'snature，betrayingtheirpresencetoothersbytheaddedstrengthandsweetnessofhercharacter，longbeforesheherselfdiscoveredtheseMayflowersthathadblossomedforherunderneaththesnow。ChapterXII。ChapterXII。CHAPTERXIIFORBIDDENFRUIT"I'Mperfectlyachingforsomefun，"saidPollytoherselfassheopenedherwindowonemorningandthesunshineandfrostyairsetherblooddancingandhereyessparklingwithyouth，health，andoverflowingspirits。"I
　　reallymustbreakoutsomewhereandhaveagoodtime。It'squiteimpossibletokeepsteadyanylonger。NowwhatwillIdo？"Pollysprinkledcrumbstothedoves，whocamedailytobefed，andwhileshewatchedthegleamingnecksandrosyfeet，sherackedherbraintodevisesomeunusuallydelightfulwayofenjoyingherself，forshereallyhadbottledupherspiritssolong，theywereinastateofuncontrollableeffervescence。
　　"I'llgototheopera，"shesuddenlyannouncedtothedoves。"It'sexpensive，Iknow，butit'sremarkablygood，andmusicissuchatreattome。Yes，I'llgettwoticketsascheapasIcan，sendanotetoWill，­；poorlad，heneedsfunasmuchasIdo，­；andwe'llgoandhaveanicetimeinsomecorner，asCharlesLambandhissisterusedto。"
　　WiththatPollyslammeddownthewindow，tothedismayofhergentlelittlepensioners，andbegantoflyaboutwithgreatenergy，singingandtalkingtoherselfasifitwasimpossibletokeepquiet。Shestartedearlytoherfirstlessonthatshemighthavetimetobuythetickets，hoping，assheputafive-dollarbillintoherpurse，thattheywouldn'tbeveryhigh，forshefeltthatshewasnotinamoodtoresisttemptation。Butshewassparedanystruggle，forwhenshereachedtheplace，theticketofficewasblockedupbyeagerpurchasersandthedisappointedfacesthatturnedawaytoldPollytherewasnohopeforher。
　　"Well，Idon'tcare，I'llgosomewhere，forIwillhavemyfun，"shesaidwithgreatdetermination，fordisappointmentonlyseemedtowhetherappetite。Buttheplaybillsshowedhernothinginvitingandshewasforcedtogoawaytoherworkwiththemoneyburningherpocketandallmannerofwildschemesfloatinginherhead。Atnoon，insteadofgoinghometodinner，shewentandtookanice，tryingtofeetverygayandfestiveallbyherself。Itwasratherafailure，however，andafteratourofthepictureshopsshewenttogiveMaudalesson，feelingthatitwasveryhardtoquenchherlongings，andsubsideintoaprimlittlemusicteacher。
　　Fortunatelyshedidnothavetodoviolencetoherfeelingsverylong，forthefirstthingFannysaidtoherwas:­；
　　"Canyougo？"
　　"Where？"
　　"Didn'tyougetmynote？"
　　"Ididn'tgohometodinner。"
　　"Tomwantsustogototheoperato-nightand­；"Fangotnofurther，forPollyutteredacryofraptureandclaspedherhands。
　　"Go？OfcourseIwill。I'vebeendyingtogoallday，triedtogetticketsthismorningandcouldn't，beenfumingaboutiteversince，andnow­；oh，howsplendid!"AndPollycouldnotrestrainanecstaticskip，forthisburstofjoyratherupsether。
　　"Well，youcometotea，andwe'lldresstogether，andgoallcomfortablewithTom，whoisinaheavenlyframeofmindto-day。"
　　"Imustrunhomeandgetmythings，"saidPolly，resolvingonthespottobuythenicestpairofglovesthecityafforded。
　　"Youshallhavemywhitecloakandanyotherlittleriggingyouwant。
　　Tommylikestohavehisladiesacredittohim，youknow，"saidFanny，departingtotakeabeautysleep。
　　Pollyinstantlydecidedthatshewouldn'tborrowBecky'sbestbonnet，assheatfirstintended，butgetanewone，forinherpresentexcitedstate，noextravaganceseemedtooprodigalinhonorofthisgrandoccasion。
　　IamafraidthatMaud'slessonwasnotasthoroughasitshouldhavebeen，forPolly'sheadwassuchachaosofbonnets，gloves，opera-cloaksandfans，thatMaudblunderedthrough，murderingtimeandtuneatherownsweetwill。TheinstantitwasoverPollyrushedawayandboughtnotonlythekidsbutabonnetframe，abitofillusion，andapinkcraperose，whichhadtemptedherforweeksinacertainshopwindow，thenhomeandtoworkwithalltheskillandspeedofadistractedmilliner。
　　"I'mrushingmadlyintoexpense，I'mafraid，butthefitisonmeandI'lleatbreadandwaterforaweektomakeupforit。Imustlooknice，forTomseldomtakesmeandoughttobegratifiedwhenhedoes。
　　Iwanttodolikeothergirls，justforonce，andenjoymyselfwithoutthinkingaboutrightandwrong。Nowabitofpinkribbontotieitwith，andIshallbedoneintimetodoupmybestcollar，"shesaid，turningherboxestopsy-turvyforthenecessaryribboninthatdelightfulflurrywhichyoungladiesfeelonsuchoccasions。
　　Itismyprivateopinionthatthelittleshiftsandstruggleswepoorgirlshavetoundergobeforehandgiveapeculiarrelishtoourfunwhenwegetit。ThisfactwillaccountfortherapturousmoodinwhichPollyfoundherselfwhen，aftermakingherbonnet，washingandironingherbestset，blackingherbootsandmendingherfan，sheatlast，likeConsuelo，"putonalittledressofblacksilk"and，withthesmalleradornmentspinnedupinapaper，startedfortheShaws'，findingitdifficulttowalkdecorouslywhenherheartwasdancinginherbosom。
　　Maudhappenedtobeplayingaredowaupintheparlor，andPollycameprancingintotheroomsoevidentlyspoilingforadancethatTom，whowasthere，founditimpossibletoresistcatchingheraboutthewaist，andputtingherthroughthemostintricateevolutionstillMaud'sfingersgaveout。
　　"Thatwassplendid!Oh，Tom，thankyousomuchforaskingmeto-night。
　　Ifeeljustlikehavingaregulargoodtime，"criedPolly，whenshestopped，withherhathangingroundherneckandherhairlookingasifshehadbeenoutinahighwind。
　　"Gladofit。Ifeltsomyselfandthoughtwe'dhaveajollylittlepartyallinthefamily，"saidTom，lookingmuchgratifiedatherdelight。
　　"IsTrixsick？"askedPolly。
　　"GonetoNewYorkforaweek。"
　　"Ah，whenthecat'sawaythemicewillplay。"
　　"Exactly。Comeandhaveanotherturn。"
　　Beforetheycouldstart，however，theawfulspectacleofalittledogtrottingoutoftheroomwithapaperparcelinhismouth，madePollyclaspherhandswiththedespairingcry:­；
　　"Mybonnet!Oh，mybonnet!"
　　"Where？what？which？"AndTomlookedabouthim，bewildered。
　　"Snip'sgotit。Saveit!saveit!"
　　"Iwill!"AndTomgavechasewithmorevigorthandiscretion。
　　Snip，evidentlyregardingitasagamegotupforhisspecialbenefit，enjoyedtheraceimmenselyandscamperedalloverthehouse，shakingthepreciousparcellikearatwhilehismasterranandwhistled，commandedandcoaxed，invain。Pollyfollowed，consumedwithanxiety，andMaudlaughedtillMrs。Shawsentdowntoknowwhowasinhysterics。Apiteousyelpfromthelowerregionsatlastannouncedthatthethiefwascaptured，andTomappearedbearingSnipbythenapeoftheneckinonehandandPolly'scherishedbonnetintheother。
　　"ThelittlescampwasjustgoingtoworryitwhenIgrabbedhim。I'mafraidhehaseatenoneofyourgloves。Ican'tfindit，andthisoneisprettywellchewedup，"saidTom，bereavingSnipofthetornkid，towhichhestillpertinaciouslyclung。
　　"Servesmeright，"saidPollywithagroan。"I'dnobusinesstogetanewpair，butIwantedtobeextragorgeousto-night，andthisismypunishmentforsuchmadextravagance。"
　　"Wasthereanythingelse？"askedTom。
　　"Onlymybestcuffsandcollar。You'llprobablyfindtheminthecoal-bin，"
　　saidPolly，withthecalmnessofdespair。
　　"Isawsomelittlewhitethingsonthedining-roomfloorasIracedthrough。Gogetthem，Maud，andwe'llrepairdamages，"saidTom，shuttingtheculpritintothebootcloset，whereheplacidlyrolledhimselfupandwenttosleep。
　　"Theyain'thurtabit，"proclaimedMaud，restoringthelosttreasures。
　　"Neitherismybonnet，forwhichI'mdeeplygrateful，"saidPolly，whohadbeenexaminingitwithasolicitudewhichmadeTom'seyestwinkle。
　　"SoamI，foritstrikesmethatisanuncommonly'nobby'littleaffair，"
　　hesaidapprovingly。Tomhadaweaknessforpalepinkroses，andperhapsPollyknewit。
　　"I'mafraidit'stoogay，"saidPolly，withadubiouslook。
　　"Notabit。Sortofbridal，youknow。Mustbebecoming。Putitonandlet'ssee。"
　　"Iwouldn'tfortheworld，withmyhairalltumblingdown。Don'tlookatmetillI'mrespectable，anddon'ttellanyonehowI'vebeenacting。
　　IthinkImustbealittlecrazyto-night，"saidPolly，gatheringupherrescuedfineryandpreparingtogoandfindFan。
　　"Lunacyismightybecoming，Polly。Tryitagain，"answeredTom，watchingherasshewentlaughingaway，lookingalltheprettierforherdishevelment。
　　"Dressthatgirlup，andshe'dbearaving，tearingbeauty，"addedTomtoMaudinalowertoneashelookherintotheparlorunderhisarm。
　　Pollyhearditandinstantlyresolvedtobeas"ravingandastearing"
　　ashermeanswouldallow，"justforonenight，"shesaidasshepeepedoverthebanisters，gladtoseethatthedanceandtheracehadtakenthe"band-boxy"airoutofTom'selegantarray。
　　IdeeplyregretbeingobligedtoshocktheeyesandearsofsuchofmyreadersashaveaprejudiceinfavorofpureEnglishbyexpressionsliketheabove，but，havingrashlyundertakentowritealittlestoryaboutYoungAmerica，forYoungAmerica，Ifeelboundtodepictmyhonoredpatronsasfaithfullyasmylimitedpowerspermit。Otherwise，Imustexpectthecrushingcriticism，"Well，Idaresayit'sallveryprimandproper，butitisn'tabitlikeus，"andneverhopetoarriveatthedistinctionoffindingthecoversof"AnOld-FashionedGirl"thedirtiestinthelibrary。
　　Thefriendshadasocial"cupo'tea"upstairs，whichPollyconsideredtheheightofluxury，andtheneachtookamirrorandproceededtoprinktoherheart'scontent。TheearnestnesswithwhichPollymadehertoiletthatnightwasdelightfultobehold。Feelinginadaringmood，shereleasedherprettyhairfromthebraidsinwhichsheusuallyworeitandpermittedthecurlstodisplaythemselvesinalltheirbrownabundance，especiallyseveraldangerouslittleonesaboutthetemplesandforehead。Theputtingonoftherescuedcollarandcuffswasataskwhichabsorbedherwholemind。Sowasthesettlingofaminutebitofcourt-plasterjusttotheleftofthedimpleinherchin，anunusualpieceofcoquetryinwhichPollywouldnothaveindulged，ifanalmostinvisiblescratchhadnotgivenheranexcusefordoingit。Thewhite，down-trimmedcloak，withcertainimposingornamentsonthehood，wasassumedwithbecominggravityanddrapedwithmuchadvancingandretreatingbeforetheglass，asitswearerpractisedthetrueBostongait，elbowsback，shouldersforward，abendandaslide，occasionallyvariedbyaslightskip。Butwhenthatbonnetwenton，PollyactuallyheldherbreathtillitwassafelylandedandthepinkrosebloomedabovethesmoothwavesofhairwithwhatFannycalled"aravishingeffect。"
　　AtthissuccessfulstageofaffairsPollyfounditimpossibletoresisttheloanofapairofgoldbandsforthewristsandFanny'swhitefanwiththelittlemirrorinthemiddle。
　　"IcanputtheminmypocketifIfeeltoomuchdressed，"saidPollyasshesnappedonthebracelets，butafterawaveortwoofthefanshefeltthatitwouldbeimpossibletotakethemofftilltheeveningwasover，soenticingwastheirglitter。
　　Fannyalsolentherapairofthree-buttongloves，whichcompletedhercontent，andwhenTomgreetedherwithanapproving，"Here'sasightforgodsandmen!Why，Polly，you'regorgeous!"shefeltthather"fun"haddecidedlybegun。
　　"Wouldn'tPollymakealovelybride？"saidMaud，whowasrevolvingaboutthetwogirls，tryingtodecidewhethershewouldhaveablueorawhitecloakwhenshegrewupandwenttooperas。
　　"Faith，andshewould!Allowmetocongratulateyou，Mrs。Sydney，"addedTom，advancingwithhiswedding-receptionbowandawickedlookatFanny。
　　"Goaway!Howdareyou？"criedPolly，growingmuchredderthanherrose。
　　"Ifwearegoingtotheoperato-night，perhapswe'dbetterstart，asthecarriagehasbeenwaitingsometime，"observedFancoolly，andsailedoutoftheroominanunusuallyloftymanner。
　　"Don'tyoulikeit，Polly？"whisperedTom，astheywentdownstairstogether。
　　"Verymuch。"
　　"Thedeuceyoudo!"
　　"I'msofondofmusic，howcanIhelpit？
　　"I'mtalkingaboutSyd。"
　　"Well，I'mnot。"
　　"You'dbettertryforhim。"
　　"I'llthinkofit。"
　　"Oh，Polly，Polly，whatareyoucomingto？"
　　"Atumbleintothestreet，apparently，"answeredPollyassheslippedalittleonthestep，andTomstoppedinthemiddleofhislaughtopilothersafelyintothecarriage，whereFannywasalreadyseated。
　　"Here'srichness!"saidPollytoherselfassherolledaway，feelingasCinderellaprobablydidwhenthepumpkin-coachborehertothefirstball，onlyPollyhadtwoprincestothinkabout，andpoorCinderella，onthatoccasion，hadnotevenone。Fannydidn'tseeminclinedtotalkmuch，andTomwouldgooninsucharidiculousmannerthatPollytoldhimshewouldn'tlistenandbegantohumbitsoftheopera。Butsheheardeveryword，nevertheless，andresolvedtopayhimforhisimpertinenceassoonaspossiblebyshowinghimwhathehadlost。
　　Theirseatswereinthebalcony，andhardlyweretheysettled，when，byoneofthoseremarkablecoincidenceswhicharecontinuallyoccurringinouryouth，Mr。SydneyandFanny'soldfriendFrankMooretooktheirplacesjustbehindthem。
　　"Oh，youvillain!Youdiditonpurpose，"whisperedPollyassheturnedfromgreetingtheirneighborsandsawadrolllookonTom'sface。
　　"IgiveyoumywordIdidn't。It'sthelawofattraction，don'tyousee？"
　　"IfFanlikesit，Idon'tcare。"
　　"Shelooksresigned，Ithink。"
　　Shecertainlydid，forshewastalkingandlaughinginthegayestmannerwithFrankwhileSydneywascovertlysurveyingPollyasifhedidn'tquiteunderstandhowthegraygrubgotsosuddenlytransformedintoawhitebutterfly。
　　Itisawell-knownfactthatdressplaysaveryimportantpartinthelivesofmostwomenandeventhemostsensiblecannothelpowningsometimeshowmuchhappinesstheyowetoabecominggown，gracefullyarrangedhair，orabonnetwhichbringsoutthebestpointsintheirfacesandputstheminagoodhumor。Agreatmanwasonceheardtosaythatwhatfirstattractedhimtohiswell-belovedwifewasseeingherinawhitemuslindresswithablueshawlonthechairbehindher。Thedresscaughthiseye，and，stoppingtoadmirethat，thewearer'sintelligentconversationinterestedhismind，andintime，thewoman'ssweetnesswonhisheart。Itisnotthefinestdresswhichdoesthemostexecution，Ifancy，butthatwhichbestinterpretsindividualtasteandcharacter。Wisepeopleunderstandthis，andeverybodyismoreinfluencedbyitthantheyknow，perhaps。Pollywasnotverywise，butshefeltthateveryoneaboutherfoundsomethingmoreattractivethanusualinherandmodestlyattributedTom'sdevotion，Sydney'sinterest，andFrank'sundisguisedadmiration，tothenewbonnetor，morelikely，tothatdelightfulcombinationofcashmere，silk，andswan's-down，which，likeCharity'smantle，seemedtocoveramultitudeofsinsinotherpeople'seyesandexaltthelittlemusicteachertotherankofayounglady。
　　Pollyscoffedatthissortofthingsometimes，butto-nightsheaccepteditwithoutamurmur­；ratherenjoyeditinfact，letherbraceletsshinebeforetheeyesofallmen，andfeltthatitwasgoodtoseemcomelyintheirsight。Sheforgotonething，however:thatherownhappyspiritsgavethecrowningcharmtoapicturewhicheveryonelikedtosee­；ablitheyounggirlenjoyingherselfwithallherheart。Themusicandthelight，costumeandcompany，excitedPollyandmademanythingspossiblewhichatmosttimesshewouldneverhavethoughtofsayingordoing。Shedidnotmeantoflirt，butsomehow"itflirteditself"andshecouldn'thelpit，for，oncestarted，itwashardtostop，withTomgoadingheron，andSydneylookingatherwiththatnewinterestinhiseyes。Polly'sflirtingwassuchaverymildimitationofthefashionablethingthatTrix&；
　　Co。wouldnothaverecognizedit，butitdidverywellforabeginner，andPollyunderstoodthatnightwhereinthefascinationofitlay，forshefeltasifshehadfoundanewgiftallofasudden，andwaslearninghowtouseit，knowingthatitwasdangerous，yetfindingitschiefcharminthatveryfact。
　　Tomdidn'tknowwhattomakeofheratfirst，thoughhethoughtthechangeuncommonlybecomingandfinallydecidedthatPollyhadtakenhisadviceandwas"settinghercapforSyd，"ashegracefullyexpressedit。
　　Sydney，beingamodestman，thoughtnothingofthekind，butsimplyfanciedthatlittlePollywasgrowinguptobeaverycharmingwoman。Hehadknownhersinceherfirstvisitandhadalwayslikedthechild；thiswinterhehadbeeninterestedinthesuccessofherplansandhaddonewhathecouldtohelpthem，butheneverthoughtoffailinginlovewithPollytillthatnight。Thenhebegantofeelthathehadnotfullyappreciatedhisyoungfriend；thatshewassuchabrightandlovablegirl，itwasapitysheshouldnotalwaysbegayandpretty，andenjoyherself；thatshewouldmakeacapitalwifeforsomebody，andperhapsitwasabouttimetothinkof"settling，"ashissisteroftensaid。Thesethoughtscameandwentashewatchedthewhitefigureinfront，felttheenchantmentofthemusic，andfoundeverybodyunusuallyblitheandbeautiful。Hehadheardtheoperamanytimes，butithadneverseemedsofinebefore，perhapsbecausehehadneverhappenedtohavehadaningenuousyoungfacesonearhiminwhichthevaryingemotionsbornofthemusic，andtheromanceitportrayed，cameandwentsoeloquentlythatitwasimpossibletohelpreadingthem。Pollydidnotknowthatthiswaswhyheleaneddownsooftentospeaktoher，withanexpressionwhichshedidnotunderstandbutlikedverymuchnevertheless。
　　"Don'tshutyoureyes，Polly。Theyaresofullofmischiefto-night，Iliketoseethem，"saidTom，afteridlywonderingforaminuteifsheknewhowlongandcurlyherlasheswere。
　　"Idon'twishtolookaffected，butthemusictellsthestorysomuchbetterthantheactingthatIdon'tcaretolookonhalfthetime，"answeredPolly，hopingTomwouldn'tseethetearsshehadsocleverlysuppressed。
　　"NowIliketheactingbest。Themusicisallveryfine，Iknow，butitdoesseemsoabsurdforpeopletogoroundtellingtremendoussecretsatthetopoftheirvoices。Ican'tgetusedtoit。"
　　"That'sbecauseyou'vemorecommon-sensethanromance。Idon'tmindtheabsurdity，andquitelongtogoandcomfortthatpoorgirlwiththebrokenheart，"saidPollywithasighasthecurtainfellonamostaffectingtableau。
　　"What's-his-nameisagreatjacknottoseethatsheadoreshim。Inreallifewefellowsain'tsuchbatsasallthat，"observedTom，whohaddecidedopinionsonmanysubjectsthatheknewverylittleabout，andexpressedthemwithgreatcandor。
　　AcurioussmilepassedoverPolly'sfaceandsheputupherglasstohidehereyes，asshesaid:­；
　　"Ithinkyouarebatssometimes，butwomenaretaughttowearmasks，andthataccountsforit，Isuppose。"
　　"Idon'tagree。There'spreciouslittlemaskingnowadays；wishtherewasalittlemoresometimes，"addedTom，thinkingofseveralbloomingdamselswhosebeseechingeyeshadbeggedhimnottoleavethemtowitherontheparentstem。
　　"Ihopenot，butIguessthere'sagooddealmorethananyonewouldsuspect。"
　　"Whatcanyouknowaboutbrokenheartsandblightedbeings？"askedSydney，smilingatthegirl'spensivetone。
　　Pollyglancedupathimandherfacedimpledandshoneagain，assheanswered，laughing:­；
　　"Notmuch；mytimeistocome。"
　　"Ican'timagineyouwalkingabouttheworldwithyourbackhairdown，bewailingahard-heartedlover，"saidTom。
　　"NeithercanI。Thatwouldn'tbemyway。"
　　"No；MissPollywouldletconcealmentpreyonherdamaskcheeksandstillsmileoninthenovelfashion，orturnsisterofcharityandnursetheheartlessloverthroughsmall-pox，orsomeothercontagiousdisease，anddieseraphically，leavinghimtotheagoniesofremorseandtardylove。"
　　PollygaveSydneyanindignantlookashesaidthatinaslowsatiricalwaythatnettledherverymuch，forshehatedtobethoughtsentimental。
　　"That'snotmywayeither，"shesaiddecidedly。"I'dtrytooutliveit，andifIcouldn't，I'dtrytobethebetterforit。Disappointmentneedn'tmakeawomanafool。"
　　"Noranoldmaid，ifshe'sprettyandgood。Rememberthat，anddon'tvisitthesinsofoneblockheadonalltherestofmankind，"saidTom，laughingatherearnestness。
　　"Idon'tthinkthereistheslightestpossibilityofMissPolly'sbeingeither，"addedSydneywithalookwhichmadeitevidentthatconcealmenthadnotseriouslydamagedPolly'sdamaskcheekasyet。
　　"There'sClaraBird。Ihaven'tseenherbutoncesinceshewasmarried。
　　Howprettyshelooks!"andPollyretiredbehindthebigglassagain，thinkingthechatwasbecomingratherpersonal。
　　"Now，there'sagirlwhotriedadifferentcureforunrequitedaffectionfromanyyoumention。PeoplesayshewasfondofBelle'sbrother。Hedidn'treciprocatebutwentofftoIndiatospoilhisconstitution，soClaramarriedamantwentyyearsolderthansheisandconsolesherselfbybeingthebest-dressedwomaninthecity。"
　　"Thataccountsforit，"saidPolly，whenTom'slongwhisperended。
　　"Forwhat？"
　　"Thetiredlookinhereyes。"
　　"Idon'tseeit，"saidTom，afterasurveythroughtheglass。
　　"Didn'texpectyouwould。"
　　"Iseewhatyoumean。Agoodmanywomenhaveitnowadays，"saidSydneyoverPolly'sshoulder。
　　"What'sshetiredof？Theoldgentleman？"askedTom。
　　"Andherself，"addedPolly。
　　"You'vebeenreadingFrenchnovels，Iknowyouhave。That'sjustthewaytheheroinesgoon，"criedTom。
　　"Ihaven'treadone，butit'sevidentyouhave，youngman，andyou'dbetterstop。"
　　"Idon'tcarefor'em；onlydoittokeepupmyFrench。Buthowcameyoutobesowise，ma'am？"
　　"Observation，sir。Iliketowatchfaces，andIseldomseeagrown-uponethatlooksperfectlyhappy。"
　　"Trueforyou，Polly；nomoreyoudo，nowIthinkofit。Idon'tknowbutonethatalwayslooksso，andthereitis。"
　　"Where？"askedPolly，withinterest。
　　"Lookstraightbeforeyouandyou'llseeit。"
　　Pollydidlook，butallshesawwasherownfaceinthelittlemirrorofthefanwhichTomheldupandpeepedoverwithalaughinhiseyes。
　　"DoIlookhappy？I'mgladofthat，"AndPollysurveyedherselfwithcare。
　　Bothyoungmenthoughtitwasgirlishvanityandsmiledatitsnaivedisplay，butPollywaslookingforsomethingdeeperthanbeautyandwasgladnottofindit。
　　"Ratherapleasantlittleprospect，hey，Polly？"
　　"Mybonnetisstraight，andthat'sallIcareabout。DidyoueverseeapictureofBeauBrummel？"askedPollyquickly。
　　"No。"
　　"Well，thereheis，modernized。"Andturningthefan，sheshowedhimhimself。
　　"Anymoreportraitsinyourgallery？"askedSydney，asifhelikedtoshareallthenonsensegoing。
　　"Onemore。"
　　"Whatdoyoucallit？"
　　"Theportraitofagentleman。"Andthelittleglassreflectedagratifiedfaceforthespaceoftwoseconds。
　　"Thankyou。I'mgladIdon'tdisgracemyname，"saidSydney，lookingdownintothemerryblueeyesthatthankedhimsilentlyformanyofthesmallkindnessesthatwomennevercanforget。
　　"Verygood，Polly，youaregettingonfast，"whisperedTom，pattinghisyellowkidsapprovingly。
　　"Bequiet!Dearme，howwarmitis!"AndPollygavehimafrownthatdelightedhissoul。
　　"Comeoutandhaveanice，weshallhavetime。"
　　"Fanissoabsorbed，Icouldn'tthinkofdisturbingher，"saidPolly，fancyingthatherfriendwasenjoyingtheeveningasmuchasshewas­；agreatmistake，bytheway，forFanwasactingforeffect，andthoughshelongedtoturnandjointhem，wouldn'tdoit，unlessacertainpersonshowedsignsofmissingher。Hedidn't，andFannychattedon，raginginwardlyoverherdisappointment，andwonderinghowPollycouldbesogayandselfish。
　　ItwasdelicioustoseethelittleairsPollyputon，forshefeltasifsheweresomebodyelse，andactingapart。Sheleanedback，asifquiteoppressedbytheheat，permittedSydneytofanher，andpaidhimfortheservicebygivinghimaflowerfromherbouquet，proceedingswhichamusedTomimmensely，evenwhileitpiquedhimalittletobetreatedlikeanoldfriendwhodidn'tcount。
　　"Goinandwin，Polly；I'llgiveyoumyblessing，"hewhispered，asthecurtainroseagain。
　　"It'sonlypartofthefun，sodon'tyoulaugh，youdisrespectfulboy，"
　　shewhisperedbackinatoneneverusedtowardSydney。
　　Tomdidn'tquitelikethedifferentwayinwhichshetreatedthem，andtheword"boy"disturbedhisdignity，forhewasalmosttwenty-oneandPollyoughttotreathimwithmorerespect。SydneyatthesamemomentwaswishinghewasinTom'splace­；young，comely，andsuchafamiliarfriendthatPollywouldscoldandlecturehiminthedelightfulwayshedidTom；whilePollyforgotthembothwhenthemusicbeganandleftthemampletimetolookatherandthinkaboutthemselves。
　　WhiletheywaitedtogetoutwhenallwasoverPollyheardFanwhispertoTom:­；
　　"WhatdoyouthinkTrixwillsaytothis？"
　　"Whatdoyoumean？"
　　"Why，thewayyou'vebeengoingonto-night。"
　　"Don'tknow，anddon'tcare；it'sonlyPolly。"
　　"That'stheverything。Shecan'tbearP。"
　　"Well，Ican；andIdon'tseewhyIshouldn'tenjoymyselfaswellasTrix。"
　　"You'llgettoenjoyingyourselftoomuchifyouaren'tcareful。Polly'swakedup。"
　　"I'mgladofit，andso'sSyd。"
　　"Ionlyspokeforyourgood。"
　　"Don'ttroubleyourselfaboutme；Igetlecturingenoughinanotherquarterandcan'tstandanymore。Come，Polly。"
　　Shetookthearmheofferedher，butherheartwassoreandangry，forthatphrase，"It'sonlyPolly，"hurthersadly。"AsifIwasn'tanybody，hadn'tanyfeelings，andwasonlymadetoamuseorworkforpeople!FanandTomarebothmistakenandI'llshowthemthatPollyisawake，"
　　shethought，indignantly。"Whyshouldn'tIenjoymyselfaswellastherest？Besides，it'sonlyTom，"sheaddedwithabittersmileasshethoughtofTrix。
　　"Areyoutired，Polly？"askedTom，bendingdowntolookintoherface。
　　"Yes，ofbeingnobody。"
　　"Ah，butyouain'tnobody，you'rePolly，andyoucouldn'tbetterthatifyoutriedeversohard。"saidTom，warmly，forhereallywasfondofPolly，andfeltuncommonlysojustthen。
　　"I'mgladyouthinkso，anyway。It'ssopleasanttobeliked。"Andshelookedupwithherfacequitebrightagain。
　　"Ialwaysdidlikeyou，don'tyouknow，eversincethatfirstvisit。"
　　"Butyouteasedmeshamefully，forallthat。"
　　"SoIdid，butIdon'tnow。"
　　Pollydidnotanswer，andTomasked，withmoreanxietythantheoccasionrequired:
　　"DoI，Polly？"
　　"Notinthesameway，Tom，"sheansweredinatonethatdidn'tsoundquitenatural。
　　"Well，Ineverwillagain。"
　　"Yes，youwill，youcan'thelpit。"AndPolly'seyeglancedatSydney，whowasinfrontwithFan。
　　Tomlaughed，anddrewPollycloserasthecrowdpressed，saying，withmocktenderness:
　　"Didn'tsheliketobechaffedabouthersweethearts？Well，sheshan'tbeifIcanhelpit。Poordear，didshegetherlittlebonnetknockedintoacockedhatandherlittletemperriledatthesametime？"
　　Pollycouldn'thelplaughing，and，inspiteofthecrush，enjoyedtheslowjourneyfromseattocarriage，forTomtooksuchexcellentcareofher，shewasrathersorrywhenitwasover。
　　Theyhadamerrylittlesupperaftertheygothome，andPollygavethemaburlesqueoperathatconvulsedherhearers，forherspiritsroseagainandshewasdeterminedtogetthelastdropoffunbeforeshewentbacktoherhumdrumlifeagain。
　　"I'vehadaregularlysplendidtime，andthankyoueversomuch，"shesaidwhenthe"good-nights"werebeingexchanged。
　　"SohaveI。Let'sgoanddoitagainto-morrow，"saidTom，holdingthehandfromwhichhehadhelpedtopullarefractoryglove。
　　"Notforalongwhile，please。Toomuchpleasurewouldsoonspoilme，"
　　answeredPolly，shakingherhead。
　　"Idon'tbelieveit。Good-night，'sweetMistressMilton，'asSydcalledyou。Sleeplikeanangel，anddon'tdreamof­；Iforgot，noteasingallowed。"
　　AndTomtookhimselfoffwithatheatricalfarewell。
　　"Nowit'salloveranddonewith，"thoughtPollyasshefellasleepafteralongvigil。Butitwasnot，andPolly'sfuncostmorethanthepriceofglovesandbonnet，for，havingnibbledatforbiddenfruit，shehadtopaythepenalty。Sheonlymeanttohaveagoodtime，andtherewasnoharminthat，butunfortunatelysheyieldedtothevarioussmalltemptationsthatbesetprettyyounggirlsanddidmoremischieftoothersthantoherself。
　　Fanny'sfriendshipgrewcoolerafterthatnight。TomkeptwishingTrixwashalfassatisfactoryasPolly，andMr。Sydneybegantobuildcastlesthathadnofoundation。ChapterXIII。ChapterXIII。CHAPTERXIIITHESUNNYSIDE"I'VEwonthewager，Tom。"
　　"Didn'tknowtherewasone。"
　　"Don'tyourememberyousaidPollywouldbetiredofherteachingandgiveitupinthreemonths，andIsaidshewouldn't？"
　　"Well，isn'tshe？"
　　"Notabitofit。Ithoughtshewasatonetime，andexpectedeverydaytohavehercomeinwithalongface，andsayshecouldn'tstandit。
　　Butsomehow，lately，sheisalwaysbrightandhappy，seemstolikeherwork，anddon'thavethetired，worriedlooksheusedtoatfirst。Thethreemonthsareout，sopayup，Tommy。"
　　"Allright，whatwillyouhave？"
　　"Youmaymakeitgloves。Ialwaysneedthem，andpapalookssoberwhenIwantmoney。"
　　Therewasaminute'spauseasFanreturnedtoherpractising，andTomrelapsedintothereveriehewasenjoyingseatedastrideofachair，withhischinonhisfoldedarms。
　　"SeemstomePollydon'tcomehereasoftenassheusedto，"hesaid，presently。
　　"No，sheseemstobeverybusy；gotsomenewfriends，Ibelieve，­；oldladies，sewing-girls，andthingsofthatsort。Imissher，butknowshe'llgettiredofbeinggoody，andwillcomebacktomebeforelong。"
　　"Don'tbetoosureofthat，ma'am。"SomethinginTom'stonemadeFanturnround，andask，­；
　　"Whatdoyoumean？"
　　"Well，itstrikesmethatSydneyisoneofPolly'snewfriends。Haven'tyouobservedthatsheisuncommonlyjolly，anddon'tthatsortofthingaccountforit？"
　　"Nonsense!"saidFanny，sharply。
　　"Hopeitis，"coollyreturnedTom。
　　"Whatputitintoyourhead？"demandedFanny，twirlingroundagainsothatherfacewashidden。
　　"Oh，well，IkeepmeetingSydandPollycirculatinginthesamedirections；
　　shelooksasifshehadfoundsomethinguncommonlynice，andhelooksasifallcreationwasgettingPollyfiedprettyrapidly。Wonderyouhaven'tobservedit。"
　　"Ihave。"
　　ItwasTom'sturntolooksurprisednow，forFanny'svoicesoundedstrangetohim。Helookedathersteadilyforaminute，butsawonlyarosyearandabenthead。Acloudpassedoverhisface，andheleanedhischinonhisarmagainwithadespondentwhistle，ashesaidtohimself，­；
　　"PoorFan!Bothofusinascrapeatonce。"
　　"Don'tyouthinkitwouldbeagoodthing？"askedFanny，afterplayingabarortwo，verybadly。
　　"Yes，forSyd。"
　　"NotforPolly？Why，he'srich，andclever，andbetterthanmostofyougood-for-nothingfellows。Whatcanthegirlexpect？"
　　"Can'tsay，butIdon'tfancythematchmyself。"
　　"Don'tbeadoginthemanger，Tom。"
　　"Blessyourlittleheart，IonlytakeabrotherlysortofinterestinPolly。She'sacapitalgirl，andsheoughttomarryamissionary，oroneofyourreformerfellows，andbeashininglightofsomesort。Idon'tthinksettingupforafineladywouldsuither。"
　　"Ithinkitwould，andIhopeshe'llhavethechance，"saidFanny，evidentlymakinganefforttospeakkindly。
　　"Goodforyou，Fan!"andTomgaveanemphaticnod，asifherwordsmeantmorethanshesuspected"Mindyou，"headded，"Idon'tknowanything，andonlyfanciedtheremightbesomelittleflirtationgoingon。ButIdaresayit'snothing。"
　　"Timewillshow。"ThenFanbegantosing，andTom'shorsecame，sohedepartedwiththeveryunusualdemonstrationofagentlepatonthehead，ashesaidkindly，­；
　　"That'sright，mydear，keepjolly。"Itwasn'tanelegantwayofexpressingsympathy，butitwashearty，andFanthankedhimforit，thoughsheonlysaid，­；
　　"Don'tbreakyourneck，Tommy。"
　　Whenhewasgone，Fan'ssongendedassuddenlyasitbegan，andshesatthinking，withvaryingexpressionsofdoubtandtroublepassingrapidlyacrossherface。
　　"Well，Ican'tdoanythingbutwait!"shesaid，atlast，slammingthemusic-booktogetherwithadesperatelook。"Yes，Ican，"sheadded，aminuteafter，"it'sPolly'sholiday。Icangoandseeher，andifthereisanythinginitIshallfinditout。"
　　Fannydroppedherfaceintoherhands，withalittleshiver，asshesaidthat；thengotup，lookingaspaleandresoluteasifgoingtomeetsomedreadfuldoom，andputtingonherthings，wentawaytoPolly'sasfastasherdignitywouldallow。
　　SaturdaymorningwasPolly'sclearing-upday，andFanfoundherwithahandkerchieftiedoverherhead，andabigapronon，justputtingthelasttouchestothetidylittleroom，whichwasasfreshandbrightaswater，air，andapairofhandscouldmakeit。
　　"Allreadyforcompany。I'lljustwhiskoffmyregimentals，andPolly，themaid，becomesPolly，themissis。Itwaslovelyofyoutocomeearly；
　　takeoffyourthings。Anothernewbonnet？youextravagantwretch!HowisyourmotherandMaudie？It'saniceday，andwe'llhaveawalk，won'twe？"
　　BythetimePolly'swelcomewasuttered，shehadgotFanonthelittlesofabesideher，andwassmilingatherinsuchaninfectiousmanner，thatFancouldn'thelpsmilingback。
　　"Icametoseewhatyouhavebeendoingwithyourselflately。Youdon'tcomeandreport，andIgotanxiousaboutyou，"saidFanny，lookingintothecleareyesbeforeher。
　　"I'vebeensobusy；andIknewyouwouldn'tcaretohearaboutmydoings，fortheyaren'tthesortyoulike，"answeredPolly。
　　"Yourlessonsdidn'tusetotakeupallyourtime。It'smyprivateopinionthatyouaretakingaswellasgivinglessons，miss，"saidFan，puttingonaplayfullysternair，tohideherrealanxiety。
　　"Yes，Iam，"answeredPolly，soberly。
　　"Inwhat？Love？"
　　AquickcolorcametoPolly'scheeks，asshelaughed，andsaid，lookingaway，"No；friendshipandgoodworks。"
　　"Oh，indeed!MayIaskwhoisyourteacher？"
　　"I'vemorethanone；butMissMillsisheadteacher。"
　　"Sheinstructsingoodworks；whogivesthefriendshiplessons？"
　　"Suchpleasantgirls!Iwishyouknewthem，Fan。Soclever，andenergetic，andkind，andhappy，italwaysdoesmegoodtoseethem，"criedPolly，withafacefullofenthusiasm。
　　"Isthatall？"AndFangaveheracuriouslookofmingleddisappointmentandrelief。
　　"There，Itoldyoumydoingswouldnotinterestyou，andtheydon't；
　　theysoundflatandprosyafteryourbrilliantadventures。Let'schangethesubject，"saidPolly，lookingrelievedherself。
　　"Dearme，whichofoursweetheartssendsusdaintybouquetsofvioletssoearlyinthemorning？"askedFanny，suddenlyspyingthepurpleclusterinagracefullittlevaseonthepiano。
　　"Hesendsmeoneeveryweek；heknowsIlovethemso，"andPolly'seyesturnedthatwayfullofprideandpleasure。
　　"I'dnoideahewassodevoted，"saidFanny，stoopingtosmelltheflowers，andatthesametimereadacardthatlaynearthem。
　　"Youneedn'tplaguemeaboutit，nowyouknowit。Ineverspeakofourfondnessforoneanother，becausesuchthingsseemsillytootherpeople。
　　Willisn'tallthatJimmywastome；buthetriestobe，andIlovehimdearlyforit。"
　　"Will？"Fanny'svoicequitestartledPolly，itwassosharpandsudden，andherfacegrewredandpaleallinaminute，assheupsetthelittlevasewiththestartshegave。
　　"Yes，ofcourse；whodidyouthinkImeant？"askedPolly，soppingupthewaterbeforeitdamagedherpiano。
　　"Nevermind；Ithoughtyoumightbehavingaquietlittleflirtationwithsomebody。Ifeelresponsible，youknow，becauseItoldyourmotherI'dlookafteryou。Theflowersareallright。Myheadachesso，IhardlyknowwhatI'mdoingthismorning。"
　　Fannyspokefast，andlaugheduncomfortably，asshewentbacktothesofa，wonderingifPollyhadtoldheralie。Pollyseemedtoguessatherthoughtsasshesawthecard，andturningtowardher，shehelditup，saying，withaconsciouslookinhereyes，­；
　　"YouthoughtMr。Sydneysentthem？Well，youaremistaken，andthenexttimeyouwanttoknowanything，pleaseaskstraightout。Ilikeitbetterthantalkingatcrosspurposes。"
　　"Now，mydear，don'tbeangry；Iwasonlyteasingyouinfun。Tomtookitintohisfoolishheadthatsomethingwasgoingon，andIfeltanaturalinterest，youknow。"
　　"Tom!Whatdoesheknoworcareaboutmyaffairs？"demandedPolly。
　　"Hemetyoutwointhestreetprettyoften，andbeinginasentimentalmoodhimself，gotuparomanceforyouandSydney。"
　　"I'mmuchobligedtohimforhisinterest，butit'squitewasted，thankyou。"
　　Fan'snextproceedinggaveherfriendanothersurprise，for，beingratherashamedofherself，verymuchrelieved，andquiteatalosswhattosay，shetookrefugeinanhystericalfitoftears，whichchangedPolly'sangerintotendernessatonce。
　　"Isthatthetroubleshehasbeenhidingallwinter？Poordear，IwishI'dknownitsooner，"thoughtPolly，asshetriedtosootheherwithcomfortablepats，sniffsofcologneandsympathizingremarksuponthesubjectofheadache，carefullyignoringthatotherfeminineaffliction，theheartache。
　　"There，Ifeelbetter。I'vebeenneedingagoodcryforsometime，andnowIshallbeallright。Nevermindit，Polly，I'mnervousandtired；
　　I'vedancedtoomuchlately，anddyspepsiamakesmeblue；"andFannywipedhereyesandlaughed。
　　"Ofcourseitdoes；youneedrestandpetting，andhereI'vebeenscoldingyou，whenIoughttohavebeenextrakind。NowtellmewhatIcandoforyou，"saidPolly，witharemorsefulface。
　　"Talktome，andtellmeallaboutyourself。Youdon'tseemtohaveasmanyworriesasotherpeople。What'sthesecret，Polly？"AndFanlookedupwithweteyes，andawistfulfaceatPolly，whowasputtinglittledabsofcolognealloverherhead。
　　"Well，"saidPolly，slowly，"Ijusttrytolookonthebrightsideofthings；thathelpsoneamazingly。Why，you'venoideahowmuchgoodnessandsunshineyoucangetoutofthemostunpromisingthings，ifyoumakethebestofthem。"
　　"Idon'tknowhow，"saidFan，despondently。
　　"Youcanlearn；Idid。Iusedtocroakandfretdreadfully，andgetsounhappy，Iwasn'tfitforanything。IdoitstillmorethanIought，butItrynotto，anditgetseasier，Ifind。Geta-topofyourtroubles，andthentheyarehalfcured，MissMillssays。"