"Everythingissocontraryandprovoking，"saidFanny，petulantly。
　　"Nowwhatintheworldhaveyoutofretabout？"askedPolly，ratheranxiously。
　　"Quantitiesofthings，"beganFan，andthenstopped，forsomehowshefeltashamedtoownthatshewasafflictedbecauseshecouldn'thaveanewsetoffurs，gotoParisinthespring，andmakeMr。Sydneyloveher。
　　Shehuntedupsomethingmorepresentable，andsaidinadespairingtone，­；
　　"Well，motherisverypoorly，TomandTrixquarrelallthetime，Maudgetsmoreandmorewilfuleveryday，andpapaisworriedabouthisaffairs。"
　　"Asadstateofthings，butnothingverydesperate。Can'tyoulendahandanywhere？Thatmightdogoodallround。"
　　"No；Ihaven'tthetalentformanagingpeople，butIseewhatoughttobedone。"
　　"Well，don'twailaboutit；keepyourselfhappy，ifyoucan；
　　itwillhelpotherpeopletoseeyoucheerful。"
　　"JustwhatTomsaid，'Keepjolly'；but，dearme，howcanone，wheneverythingissostupidandtiresome？"
　　"Ifeveragirlneededwork，it'syou!"criedPolly。"Youbegantobeayoungladysoearly，thatyouaretiredofeverythingattwenty-two。
　　Iwishyou'dgoatsomething，thenyou'dfindhowmuchtalentandenergyyoureallyhad。"
　　"Iknoweversomanygirlswhoarejustlikeme，sicktodeathoffashionablelifebutdon'tknowwhattotakeinitsplace。I'dliketotravel；butpapasayshecan'taffordit，soIcanonlydragaboutandgetonasI
　　may。"
　　"Ipityyourichgirlssomuch，youhavesomanyopportunities，anddon'tseemtoknowhowtousethem!IsupposeIshoulddojustthesameinyourplace，butitseemsnowasifIcouldbeveryhappyandusefulwithplentyofmoney。"
　　"Youarethatwithoutit。There，Iwon'tcroakanymore。Letusgoandtakeagoodwalk，anddon'tyoutellanyonehowIcameandcriedlikeababy。"
　　"Never!"saidPolly，puttingonherbonnet。
　　"Ioughttogoandmakecalls，"saidFanny，"butIdon'tfeelnowasifIeverwantedtoseeanyofthegirlsagain。Dreadfulstateofmind，isn'tit？"
　　"Supposeyoucomeandseesomeofmyfriendsinstead!Theyarenotfineorceremonious，butlively，odd，andpleasant。Come，itwillamuseyou。"
　　"Iwill，"criedFanny，whosespiritsseemedimprovedbytheshower。
　　"Nicelittleoldlady，isn'tshe？"addedFan，asshecaughtsightofMissMills，ontheirwayout，sittingatatablepiledwithwork，andsewingawaywithanenergythatmadethegraycurlsvibrate。
　　"SaintMehitable，Icallher。Now，thereisarichwomanwhoknewhowtogethappinessoutofhermoney，"saidPolly，astheywalkedaway。"Shewaspoortillshewasnearlyfifty；thenacomfortablefortunewaslefther，andsheknewjusthowtouseit。Thathousewasgivenher，butinsteadoflivinginitallalone，shefilleditwithpoorgentlefolkswhoneededneat，respectablehomes，butcouldn'tgetanythingcomfortablefortheirlittlemoney。I'moneofthem，andIknowtheworthofwhatshedoesforme。Twooldwidowladieslivebelowme，severalstudentsoverhead，poorMrs。Keanandherlameboyhavethebackparlor，andJennythelittlebedroomnextMissMills。Eachpayswhattheycan；that'sindependent，andmakesusfeelbetterbutthatdearwomandoesathousandthingsthatmoneycan'tpayfor，andwefeelherinfluenceallthroughthehouse。I'dratherbemarried，andhaveahomeofmyown；butnexttothat，IshouldliketobeanoldmaidlikeMissMills。"
　　Polly'ssoberfaceandemphatictonemadeFannylaugh，andatthecheerysoundayounggirlpushingababy-carriagelookedroundandsmiled。
　　Whatlovelyeyes!"whisperedFanny。
　　Yes，that'slittleJane，"returnedPolly，adding，whenshehadpassed，withanodandafriendly"Don'tgettired，Jenny，""wehelponeanotheratourhouse，andeveryfinemorningJennytakesJohnnyKeanoutwhenshegoesforherownwalk。Thatgiveshismothertimetorest，doesboththechildrengood，andkeepsthingsneighborly。MissMillssuggestedit，andJennyissogladtodoanythingforanybody，it'sapleasuretolether。"
　　"I'veheardofMissMillsbefore。ButIshouldthinkshewouldgettiredtodeath，sittingtheremakinghoodsandpetticoatsdayafterday，"
　　saidFanny，afterthinkingoverJenny'sstoryforafewminutes，forseeingthegirlseemedtobringitnearer，andmakeitmorerealtoher。
　　"Butshedon'tsitthereallthetime。Peoplecometoherwiththeirtroubles，andshegoestothemwithallsortsofhelp，fromsoapandsoup，toshroudsforthedeadandcomfortfortheliving。Igowithhersometimes，anditismoreexcitingthananyplay，toseeandhearthelivesandstoriesofthepoor。"
　　"Howcanyoubearthedreadfulsightsandsounds，thebadair，andthepovertythatcan'tbecured？"
　　"Butitisn'talldreadful。Therearegoodandlovelythingsamongthem，ifoneonlyhaseyestoseethem。Itmakesmegratefulandcontented，showsmehowrichIam，andkeepsmereadytodoallIcanforthesepoorsouls。"
　　"MygoodPolly!"andFannygaveherfriendsarmanaffectionatesqueeze，wonderingifitwasthisalonethathadworkedthechangeinPolly。
　　"Youhaveseentwoofmynewfriends，MissMillsandJenny，nowI'llshowyoutwomore，"saidPolly，presently，astheyreachedadoor，andsheledthewayupseveralflightsofpublicstairs。"RebeccaJeffreyisaregularlysplendidgirl，fulloftalent；shewon'tletuscallitgenius；
　　shewillbefamoussomeday，Iknow，sheissomodest，andyetsointentonherwork。LizzieSmallisanengraver，anddesignsthemostdelightfullittlepictures。Beckyandshelivetogether，andtakecareofoneanotherintrueDamonandPythiasstyle。Thisstudioistheirhome，­；theywork，eat，sleep，andlivehere，goinghalvesineverything。Theyareallaloneintheworld，butashappyandindependentasbirds；realfriends，whomnothingwillpart。"
　　"Letalovercomebetweenthem，andtheirfriendshipwon'tlastlong，"
　　saidFanny。
　　"Ithinkitwill。Takealookatthem，andyou'llchangeyourmind，"
　　answeredPolly，tappingatadoor，onwhichtwomodestcardsweretacked。
　　"Comein!"saidavoice，andobeying，Fannyfoundherselfinalarge，queerlyfurnishedroom，lightedfromabove，andoccupiedbytwogirls。
　　Onestoodbeforeagreatclayfigure，inacorner。Thisonewastall，withastrongface，keeneyes，short，curlyhair，andafinehead。Fannywasstruckatoncebythisfaceandfigure，thoughtheonewasnothandsome，andtheotherhalfhiddenbyagreatpinaforecoveredwithclay。Atatablewherethelightwasclearest，satafrail-lookinggirl，withathinface，bigeyes，andpalehair，­；adreamy，absorbedlittleperson，whobentoverablock，skillfullywieldinghertools。
　　"BeckyandBess，howdoyoudo？Thisismyfriend，FannyShaw。Weareoutonarampage；sogoonwithyourwork，andletuslazyoneslookonandadmire。"
　　AsPollyspoke，bothgirlslookedupandnodded，smilingly；BessgaveFantheoneeasy-chair；Beckytookanartisticsurveyofthenew-comer，witheyesthatseemedtoseeeverything；theneachwentonwithherwork，andallbegantotalk。
　　"YouarejustwhatIwant，Polly。Pullupyoursleeve，andgivemeanarmwhileyousit；themusclesherearen'tright，andyou'vegotjustwhatIwant，"saidBecky，slappingtheroundarmofthestatue，atwhichFanwasgazingwithawe。
　　"Howdoyougeton？"askedPolly，throwingoffhercloak，androllinguphersleeves，asifgoingtowashing。
　　"Slowly。Theideaisworkingitselfclear，andIfollowasfastasmyhandscan。Isthefacebetter，doyouthink？"saidBecky，takingoffawetcloth，andshowingtheheadofthestatue。
　　"Howbeautifulitis!"criedFanny，staringatitwithincreasedrespect。
　　"Whatdoesitmeantoyou？"askedRebecca，turningtoherwithasuddenshineinherkeeneyes。
　　"Idon'tknowwhetheritismeantforasaintoramuse，agoddessorafate；buttomeitisonlyabeautifulwoman，bigger，lovelier，andmoreimposingthananywomanIeversaw，"answeredFanny，slowly，tryingtoexpresstheimpressionthestatuemadeuponher。
　　Rebeccasmiledbrightly，andBesslookedroundtonodapprovingly，butPollyclappedherhands，andsaid，­；
　　"Welldone，Fan!Ididn'tthinkyou'dgettheideasowell，butyouhave，andI'mproudofyourinsight。NowI'lltellyou，forBeckywillletme，sinceyouhavepaidherthecomplimentofunderstandingherwork。Sometimeagowegotintoafamoustalkaboutwhatwomenshouldbe，andBeckysaidshe'dshowusherideaofthecomingwoman。Theresheis，asyousay，bigger，lovelier，andmoreimposingthananyweseenowadays；
　　andatthesametime，sheisatruewoman。Seewhatafineforehead，yetthemouthisbothfirmandtender，asifitcouldsaystrong，wisethings，aswellasteachchildrenandkissbabies。Wecouldn'tdecidewhattoputinthehandsasthemostappropriatesymbol。Whatdoyousay？"
　　"Giveherasceptre:shewouldmakeafinequeen，"answeredFanny。
　　"No，wehavehadenoughofthat；womenhavebeencalledqueensalongtime，butthekingdomgiventhemisn'tworthruling，"answeredRebecca。
　　"Idon'tthinkitisnowadays，"saidFanny，withatiredsortofsigh。
　　"Putaman'shandinherstohelpheralong，then，"saidPolly，whosehappyfortuneithadbeentofindfriendsandhelpersinfatherandbrothers。
　　"No；mywomanistostandalone，andhelpherself，"saidRebecca，decidedly。
　　"She'stobestrong-minded，isshe？"­；andFanny'slipcurledalittleassheutteredthemisusedwords。
　　"Yes，strong-minded，strong-hearted，strong-souled，andstrong-bodied；
　　thatiswhyImadeherlargerthanthemiserable，pinched-upwomanofourday。Strengthandbeautymustgotogether。Don'tyouthinkthesebroadshoulderscanbearburdenswithoutbreakingdown，thesehandsworkwell，theseeyesseeclearly，andtheselipsdosomethingbesidessimperandgossip？"
　　Fannywassilent；butavoicefromBess'scornersaid，­；
　　"Putachildinherarms，Becky。"
　　"Notthateven，forsheistobesomethingmorethananurse。"
　　"Giveheraballot-box，"criedanewvoice，andturninground，theysawanodd-lookingwomanperchedonasofabehindthem。
　　"Thankyouforthesuggestion，Kate。I'llputthatwiththeothersymbolsatherfeet；forI'mgoingtohaveneedle，pen，palette，andbroomsomewhere，tosuggestthevarioustalentssheowns，andtheballot-boxwillshowthatshehasearnedtherighttousethem。Howgoesit？"andRebeccaofferedaclay-daubedhand，whichthenew-comercordiallyshook。
　　"Greatnews，girls!AnnaisgoingtoItaly!"criedKate，tossingupherbonnetlikeaschool-boy。
　　"Oh，howsplendid!Whotakesher？Hasshehadafortunelefther？Tellallaboutit，"exclaimedthegirls，gatheringroundthespeaker。
　　"Yes，itissplendid；justoneofthebeautifulthingsthatdoeseverybodyheapsofgood，itissogenerousandsodeserved。YouknowAnnahasbeenlongingtogo；workingandhopingforachance，andnevergettingit，tillallofasuddenMissBurtonisinspiredtoinvitethegirltogowithherforseveralyearstoItaly。Thinkoftheluckofthatdearsoul，theadvantagesshe'llhave，thegooditwilldoher，and，bestofall，thelovelywayinwhichitcomestoher。MissBurtonwants，herasafriend，asksnothingofherbuthercompany，andAnnawillgothroughfireandwaterforher，ofcourse。Now，isn'tthatfine？"
　　Itwasgoodtoseehowheartilythesegirlssympathizedintheircomrade'sgoodfortune。Pollydancedallovertheroom，BessandBeckyhuggedoneanother，andKatelaughedwithhereyesfull，whileevenFannyfeltaglowof，prideandpleasureatthekindact。
　　"Whoisthat？"shewhisperedtoPolly，whohadsubsidedintoacorner。
　　"Why，itIsKateKing，theauthoress。Blessme，howrudenottointroduceyou!Here，myKing，isanadmirerofyours，FannyShaw，andmywellbelovedfriend，"criedPolly，presentingFan，whoregardedtheshabbyyoungwomanwithasmuchrespect，asifshehadbeenarrayedinvelvetandermine；
　　forKatehadwrittenasuccessfulbookbyaccident，andhappenedtobethefashion，justthen。
　　"It'stimeforlunch，girls，andIbroughtminealongwithme，it'ssomuchjolliertoeatinsisterhood。Let'sclubtogether，andhavearevel，"saidKate，producingabagoforanges，andseveralbig，plummybuns。
　　"We'vegotsardines，crackers，andcheese，"saidBess，clearingoffatablewithallspeed。
　　"Waitabit，andI'lladdmyshare，"criedPolly，andcatchinguphercloak，sheranofftothegrocerystorenearby。
　　"You'llbeshockedatourperformances，MissShaw，butyoucancallitapicnic，andnevertellwhatdreadfulthingsyousawusdo，"saidRebecca，polishingapaintknifebyrubbingitupanddowninapotofivy，whileKatespreadforththefeastinseveraloddplates，andaflatshellortwo。
　　"Letushavecoffeetofinishoffwith；putonthepot，Bess，andskimthemilk，"addedBecky，assheproducedcups，mugs，andaqueerlittlevase，tosupplydrinkingvesselsfortheparty。
　　"Here'snuts，apotofjam，andsomecake。Fanlikessweetthings，andwewanttobeelegantwhenwehavecompany，"saidPolly，flyinginagain，anddepositinghershareonthetable。
　　"Now，then，fallto，ladies，andhelpyourselves。Nevermindifthechinadon'tholdout；takethesardinesbytheirlittletails，andwipeyourfingersonmybrown-papernapkins，"saidKate，settingtheexamplewithsucharelish，thattheothersfolloweditinagaleofmerriment。
　　Fannyhadbeentomanyelegantlunches，butneverenjoyedonemorethanthatdrollpicnicinthestudio；fortherewasafreedomaboutitthatwascharming，anartisticflavortoeverything，andsuchaspiritofgood-willandgayety，thatshefeltathomeatonce。Astheyate，theotherstalkedandshelistened，findingitasinterestingasanyromancetoheartheseyoungwomendiscusstheirplans，ambitions，successes，anddefeats。Itwasanewworldtoher，andtheyseemedadifferentraceofcreaturesfromthegirlswhoseliveswerespentindress，gossip，pleasure，orennui。Theyweregirlsstill，fullofspiritsfun，andyouth；butbelowthelight-heartednesseachcherishedapurpose，whichseemedtoennobleherwomanhood，togiveheracertainpower，asustainingsatisfaction，adailystimulus，thatledherontodailyeffort，andintimetosomesuccessincircumstanceorcharacter，whichwasworthallthepatience，hope，andlaborofherlife。
　　Fannywasjusttheninthemoodtofeelthebeautyofthis，forthesincerestemotionshehadeverknownwasbeginningtomakeherdissatisfiedwithherself，andtheaimlesslifesheled。"Menmustrespectsuchgirlsasthese，"shethought；"yes，andlovethemtoo，forinspiteoftheirindependence，theyarewomanly。IwishIhadatalenttolivefor，ifitwoulddoasmuchformeasitdoesforthem。ItisthissortofthingthatisimprovingPolly，thatmakeshersocietyinterestingtoSydney，andherselfsodeartoeveryone。Moneycan'tbuythesethingsforme，andIwantthemverymuch。"
　　Asthesethoughtswerepassingthroughhermind，Fannywashearingallsortsoftopicsdiscussedwithfeminineenthusiasmandfrankness。Art，morals，politics，society，books，religion，housekeeping，dress，andeconomy，forthemindsandtonguesrovedfromsubjecttosubjectwithyouthfulrapidity，andseemedtogetsomethingfromthedryestandthedullest。
　　"Howdoesthenewbookcomeon？"askedPolly，suckingherorangeinpublicwithacomposurewhichwouldhavescandalizedthegoodladiesof"Cranford。"
　　"Betterthanitdeserves。Mychildren，bewareofpopularity；itisadelusionandasnare；itpuffethuptheheartofman，andespeciallyofwoman；itblindeththeeyestofaults；itexaltethundulythehumblepowersofthevictim；itisapttobecapricious，andjustasonegetstolikingthetasteofthisintoxicatingdraught，itsuddenlyfaileth，andoneisleftgasping，likeafishoutofwater，"andKateemphasizedherspeechbyspearingasardinewithapenknife，andeatingitwithagroan。
　　"Itwon'thurtyoumuch，Iguess；youhaveworkedandwaitedsolong，alargedosewilldoyougood，"saidRebecca，givingheragenerousspoonfulofjam，asifeagertoaddasmuchsweetnessaspossibletoalifethathadnotbeenaneasyone。
　　"WhenareyouandBeckygoingtodissolvepartnership？"askedPolly，eagerfornewsofall。
　　"Never!Georgeknowshecan'thaveonewithouttheother，andhasnotsuggestedsuchathingaspartingus。ThereisalwaysroominmyhouseforBecky，andsheletsmedoasshewouldifshewasinmyplace，"answeredBess，withalookwhichherfriendansweredbyasmile。
　　"Theloverwon'tseparatethispairoffriends，yousee，"whisperedPollytoFan。"Bessistobemarriedinthespring，andBeckyistolivewithher。"
　　"Bytheway，Polly，I'vegotsometicketsforyou。Peoplearealwayssendingmesuchthings，andasIdon'tcareforthem，I'mgladtomakethemovertoyouyoungandgiddyinfants。Therearepassesforthestatuaryexhibition，Beckyshallhavethose，herearetheconcertticketsforyou，mymusicalgirl；andthatisforacourseoflecturesonliterature，whichI'llkeepformyself。"
　　AsKatedealtoutthecoloredcardstothegratefulgirls，Fannytookagoodlookather，wonderingifthetimewouldevercomewhenwomencouldearnalittlemoneyandsuccess，withoutpayingsuchaheavypriceforthem；forKatelookedsick，tired，andtooearlyold。Thenhereyewenttotheunfinishedstatue，andshesaid，impulsively，­；
　　"Ihopeyou'llputthatinmarble，andshowuswhatweoughttobe。"
　　"IwishIcould!"AndanintensedesireshoneinRebecca'sface，asshesawherfaultywork，andfelthowfairhermodelwas。
　　Foraminute，thefiveyoungwomensatsilentlookingupatthebeautiful，strongfigurebeforethem，eachlongingtoseeitdone，andeachunconsciousthatshewashelping，byherindividualeffortandexperience，tobringthedaywhentheirnoblestidealofwomanhoodshouldbeembodiedinfleshandblood，notclay。
　　Thecitybellsrungone，andPollystartedup。
　　"Imustgo，forIpromisedaneighborofminealessonattwo。"
　　"Ithoughtthiswasaholiday，"saidFanny。
　　"Soitis，butthisisalittlelaboroflove，anddoesn'tspoilthedayatall。Thechildhastalent，lovesmusic，andneedshelp。Ican'tgivehermoney，butIcanteachher；soIdo，andsheisthemostpromisingpupilIhave。Helponeanother，ispartofthereligionofoursisterhood，Fan。"
　　"Imustputyouinastory，Polly。Iwantaheroine，andyouwilldo，"
　　saidKate。
　　"Me!why，thereneverwassuchahumdrum，unromanticthingasIam，"
　　criedPolly，amazed。
　　"I'vebookedyou，nevertheless，soinyougo；butyoumayaddasmuchromanceasyoulike，it'stimeyoudid。"
　　"I'mreadyforitwhenitcomes，butitcan'tbeforced，youknow，"
　　andPollyblushedandsmiledasifsomelittlespiceofthatdelightfulthinghadstolenintoherlife，forallitsprosaicseeming。
　　Fannywasamusedtoseethatthegirlsdidnotkissatparting，butshookhandsinaquiet，friendlyfashion，lookingatoneanotherwitheyesthatsaidmorethanthemost"gushing"words。
　　"Ilikeyourfriendsverymuch，Polly。IwasafraidIshouldfindthemmannishandrough，orsentimentalandconceited。Buttheyaresimple，sensiblecreatures，fulloftalent，andallsortsoffinethings。Iadmireandrespectthem，andwanttogoagain，ifImay。"
　　"Oh，Fan，Iamsoglad!Ihopedyou'dlikethem，Iknewthey'ddoyougood，andI'lltakeyouanytime，foryoustoodthetestbetterthanIexpected。Beckyaskedmetobringyouagain，andsheseldomdoesthatforfashionableyoungladies，letmetellyou。"
　　"Iwanttobeeversomuchbetter，andIthinkyouandtheymightshowmehow，"saidFanny，withatraitoroustrembleinhervoice。
　　"We'llshowyouthesunnysideofpovertyandwork，andthatisausefullessonforanyone，MissMillssays，"answeredPolly，hopingthatFanwouldlearnhowmuchthepoorcanteachtherich，andwhathelpfulfriendsgirlsmaybetooneanother。ChapterXIV。ChapterXIV。CHAPTERXIVNIPPEDINTHEBUDONtheeveningofFan'svisit，Pollysatdownbeforeherfirewitharesoluteandthoughtfulaspect。Shepulledherhairdown，turnedherskirtback，putherfeetonthefender，andtookPuttelintoherlap，allofwhicharrangementssignifiedthatsomethingveryimportanthadgottobethoughtoverandsettled。Pollydidnotsoliloquizealoud，asheroinesonthestageandinbookshaveawayofdoing，buttheconversationsheheldwithherselfwasverymuchlikethis:­；
　　"I'mafraidthereissomethinginit。I'vetriedtothinkit'snothingbutvanityorimagination，yetIcan'thelpseeingadifference，andfeelingasifIoughtnottopretendthatIdon't。Iknowit'sconsideredproperforgirlstoshuttheireyesandletthingscometoacrisisnomatterhowmuchmischiefisdone。ButIdon'tthinkit'sdoingaswe'dbedoneby，anditseemsagreatdealmorehonesttoshowamanthatyoudon'tlovehimbeforehehasentirelylosthisheart。ThegirlslaughedatmewhenIsaidso，andtheydeclaredthatitwouldbeaveryimproperthingtodo，butI'veobservedthattheydon'thesitatetosnub'ineligibleparties，'astheycallpoor，veryyoung，orunpopularmen。
　　It'sallrightthen，butwhenanicepersoncomesit'spartofthefuntolethimgoontotheveryend，whetherthegirlscareforhimornot。
　　Themoreproposals，themorecredit。FansaysTrixalwaysaskswhenshecomeshomeafterthesummerexcursions，'Howmanybirdshaveyoubagged？'
　　asifmenwerepartridges。Whatwickedcreaturesweare!someofusatleast。Iwonderwhysuchaloveofconquestwasputintous？Mothersaysagreatdealofitisowingtobadeducationnowadays，butsomegirlsseembornfortheexpresspurposeofmakingtroubleandwouldmanagetodoitiftheylivedinahowlingwilderness。I'mafraidI'vegotaspiceofit，andifIhadthechance，shouldbeasbadasanyofthem。I'vetrieditandlikedit，andmaybethisistheconsequenceofthatnight'sfun。"
　　HerePollyleanedbackandlookedupatthelittlemirroroverthechimney-piece，whichwashungsothatitreflectedthefacesofthoseaboutthefire。
　　InitPollysawapairoftelltaleeyeslookingoutfromatangleofbrightbrownhair，cheeksthatflushedanddimpledsuddenlyasthefreshmouthsmiledwithanexpressionofconsciouspower，halfproud，halfashamed，andasprettytoseeasthecoquettishgesturewithwhichshesmoothedbackhercurlsandflourishedawhitehand。Foraminutesheregardedthepleasantpicturewhilevisionsofgirlishromancesandtriumphsdancedthroughherhead，thensheshookherhairalloverherfaceandpushedherchairoutofrangeofthemirror，saying，withadrollmixtureofself-reproachandself-approvalinhertone；­；
　　"Oh，Puttel，Puttel，whatafoolIam!"
　　Pussappearedtoendorsethesentimentbyaloudpurrandagracefulwaveofhertail，andPollyreturnedtothesubjectfromwhichtheselittlevanitieshadbeguiledher。
　　"Justsupposeitistrue，thathedoesaskme，andIsayyes!Whatastiritwouldmake，andwhatfunitwouldbetoseethefacesofthegirlswhenitcameout!Theyallthinkagreatdealofhimbecauseheissohardtoplease，andalmostanyofthemwouldfeelimmenselyflatteredifhelikedthem，whethertheychosetomarryhimornot。Trixhastriedforyearstofascinatehim，andhecan'tbearher，andI'msoglad!WhataspitefulthingIam。Well，Ican'thelpit，shedoesaggravatemeso!"
　　AndPollygavethecatsuchatweakoftheearthatPuttelbouncedoutofherlapinhighdudgeon。
　　"Itdon'tdotothinkofher，andIwon't!"saidPollytoherself，settingherlipswithagrimlookthatwasnotatallbecoming。"WhataneasylifeIshouldhave­；plentyofmoney，quantitiesoffriends，allsortsofpleasures，andnowork，nopoverty，nocoldshouldersorpatchedboots。
　　Icoulddosomuchforallathome­；howIshouldenjoythat!"AndPollyletherthoughtsrevelintheluxuriousfutureherfancypainted。Itwasaverybrightpicture，butsomethingseemedamisswithit，forpresentlyshesighedandshookherhead，thinkingsorrowfully，"Ah，butIdon'tlovehim，andI'mafraidInevercanasIought!He'sverygood，andgenerous，andwise，andwouldbekind，Iknow，butsomehowIcan'timaginespendingmylifewithhim；I'msoafraidIshouldgettiredofhim，andthenwhatshouldIdo？PollySydneydon'tsoundwell，andMrs。ArthurSydneydon'tseemtofitmeabit。Wonderhowitwouldseemtocallhim'Arthur'？"AndPollysaiditunderherbreath，withalookoverhershouldertobesurenooneheardit。"It'saprettyname，butrathertoofine，andIshouldn'tdaretosay'Syd，'ashissisterdoes。Ilikeshort，plain，home-likenames，suchasWill，Ned，orTom。No，no，Icannevercareforhim，andit'snousetotry!"TheexclamationbrokefromPollyasifasuddentroublehadseizedher，andlayingherheaddownonherknees，shesatmotionlessformanyminutes。
　　Whenshelookedup，herfaceworeanexpressionwhichnoonehadeverseenonitbefore；alookofmingledpainandpatience，asifsomelosshadcometoher，andleftthebitternessofregretbehind。
　　"Iwon'tthinkofmyself，ortrytomendonemistakebymakinganother，"
　　shesaidwithaheavysigh。"I'lldowhatIcanforFan，andnotstandbetweenherandachanceofhappiness。Letmesee，howcanIbegin？Iwon'twalkwithhimanymore；I'lldodgeandgoroundaboutways，sothatwecan'tmeet。IneverhadmuchfaithintheremarkablecoincidenceofhisalwayshappeninghometodinnerjustasIgotogivetheRothstheirlesson。
　　Thefactis，Iliketomeethim，Iamgladtobeseenwithhim，andputonairs，Idaresay，likeavaingooseasIam。Well，Iwon'tdoitanymore，andthatwillspareFanoneaffliction。Poordear，howImusthaveworriedherallthistime，andneverguessedit。Shehasn'tbeenquiteaskindasever；butwhenshegotsharp，Ifancieditwasdyspepsia。Oh，me!Iwishtheothertroublecouldbecuredaseasilyasthis。"
　　Herepussshowedanamiabledesiretoforgiveandforget，andPollytookherup，sayingaloud:­；
　　"Puttel，whenmissisabusesyou，playit'sdyspepsia，anddon'tbearmalice，becauseit'saverytryingdisease，mydear。"
　　Then，goingbacktoherthoughts，sherambledonagain；­；
　　"Ifhedoesn'ttakethathint，Iwillgivehimastrongerone，forIwillnothavematterscometoacrisis，thoughIcan'tdenythatmywickedvanitystronglytemptsmetotryand'bagabird'justfortheexcitementandcreditofthething。Polly，I'mashamedofyou!Whatwouldyourblessedmothersaytohearsuchexpressionsfromyou？I'dwriteandtellheralltheworry，onlyitwouldn'tdoanygood，andwouldonlytroubleher。I'venorighttotellFan'ssecrets，andI'mashamedtotellmine。No，I'llleavemotherinpeace，andfightitoutalone。IdothinkFanwouldsuithimexcellentlybyandby。Hehasknownherallherlife，andhasagoodinfluenceoverher。Lovewoulddosomuchtowardmakingherwhatshemightbe；it'sashametohavethechancelostjustbecausehehappenstoseeme。Ishouldthinkshe'dhateme；butI'llshowherthatsheneedn't，anddoallIcantohelpher；forshehasbeensogoodtomenothingshallevermakemeforgetthat。Itisadelicateanddangeroustask，butIguessIcanmanageit；atanyrateI'lltry，andhavenothingtoreproachmyselfwithifthingsdogo'contrary。'"
　　WhatPollythoughtof，asshelaybackinherchair，withhereyesshut，andahopelesslookonherface，isnoneofourbusiness，thoughwemightfeelawishtoknowwhatcausedateartogatherslowlyfromtimetotimeunderherlashes，androlldownonPuttel'sQuaker-coloredcoat。Wasitregretfortheconquestsherelinquished，wasitsympathyforherfriend，orwasitanuncontrollableoverflowoffeelingasshereadsomesadortenderpassageofthelittleromancewhichshekepthiddenawayinherownheart？
　　OnMonday，Pollybeganthe"delicateanddangeroustask。"Insteadofgoingtoherpupilsbywayoftheparkandthepleasantstreetsadjoining，shetookaroundaboutroutethroughbackstreets，andthusescapedMr。
　　Sydney，who，asusual，camehometodinnerveryearlythatdayandlookeddisappointedbecausehenowheresawthebrightfaceinthemodestbonnet。
　　Pollykeptthisupforaweek，andbycarefullyavoidingtheShaws'houseduringcallinghours，shesawnothingofMr。Sydney，who，ofcourse，didn'tvisitheratMissMills'。Minniehappenedtobepoorlythatweekandtooknolesson，soUncleSydwasdeprivedofhislasthope，andlookedasifhisallowanceofsunshinehadbeensuddenlycutoff。
　　Now，asPollywasbynomeansaperfectcreature，Iamfreetoconfessthattheoldtemptationassailedhermorethanoncethatweek，for，whenthefirstexcitementofthedodgingreformhadsubsided，shemissedthepleasantlittleinterviewsthatusedtoputacertainflavorofromanceintoherdull，hard-workingdays。ShelikedMr。Sydneyverymuch，forhehadalwaysbeenkindandfriendlysincetheearlytimeswhenhehadtreatedthelittlegirlwithacourtesywhichtheyoungwomangratefullyremembered。
　　Idon'tthinkitwashiswealth，accomplishments，orpositionthatmostattractedPolly，thoughthesedoubtlesspossessedagreaterinfluencethanshesuspected。Itwasthatindescribablesomethingwhichwomenarequicktoseeandfeelinmenwhohavebeenblessedwithwiseandgoodmothers。
　　ThishadanespecialcharmtoPolly，forshesoonfoundthatthissideofhischaracterwasnotshowntoeveryone。Withmostgirls，hewasveryliketheotheryoungmenofhisset，exceptperhapsinacertaingraceofmannerwhichwasasnaturaltohimashisrespectforallwomankind。
　　ButwithFannyandPollyheshowedthedomestictraitsandvirtueswhicharemoreengagingtowomanlywomenthananyamountofcoolintellectorworldlywisdom。
　　PollyhadseenagooddealofhimduringhervisitsattheShaws'，wherehewasintimate，owingtothefriendshipbetweenMadamandhismother；
　　butshehadneverthoughtofhimasapossibleloverforeitherFannyorherselfbecausehewassixoreightyearsolderthanthey，andstillsometimesassumedthepartofavenerablementor，asintheearlydays。Latelythishadchanged，especiallytowardsPolly，anditflatteredhermorethanshewouldconfesseventoherself。Sheknewheadmiredheronetalent，respectedherindependence，andenjoyedhersociety；butwhensomethingwarmerandmoreflatteringthanadmiration，respect，orpleasurecreptintohismanner，shecouldnothelpseeingthatoneofthegoodgiftsofthislifewasdailycomingmoreandmorewithinherreach，andbegantoaskherselfifshecouldhonestlyreceivethegift，andrewardthegiver。
　　Atfirstshetriedtothinkshecould，butunfortunatelyheartsareso"contrary"thattheywon'tbeobedienttoreason，will，orevengratitude。
　　PollyfeltaverycordialfriendshipforMr。Sydney，butnotoneparticleofthelovewhichistheonlycoininwhichlovecanbetrulypaid。Thenshetookafancyintoherheadthatsheoughttoacceptthispieceofgoodfortuneforthesakeofthefamily，andforgetherself。Butthisfalseideaofself-sacrificedidnotsatisfy，forshewasnotafashionablegirltrainedtobelievethatherfirstdutywastomake"agoodmatch"andnevermindtheconsequences，thoughtheyrenderedhermiserableforlife。Polly'screedwasverysimple:"IfIdon'tlovehim，Ioughtnottomarryhim，especiallywhenIdolovesomebodyelse，thougheverythingisagainstme。"
　　IfshehadreadasmanyFrenchnovelsassomeyoungladies，shemighthaveconsidereditinterestingtomarryunderthecircumstancesandsufferasecretanguishtomakeheraromanticvictim。ButPolly'seducationhadbeenneglected，andafteragooddealofnaturalindecisionshedidwhatmostwomendoinsuchcases，thoughtshewould"waitandsee。"
　　ThediscoveryofFanny'ssecretseemedtoshowhersomethingtodo，forifthe"waitandsee"decisionwasmakingherfriendunhappy，itmustbechangedassoonaspossible。ThisfinishedPolly'sindecision，andafterthatnightsheneverallowedherselftodwelluponthepleasanttemptationwhichcameinaguiseparticularlyattractivetoayounggirlwithaspiceoftheoldEveinhercomposition。Sodayafterdayshetrudgedthroughthedullbackstreets，longingforthesunnypark，thefacethatalwaysbrightenedwhenitsawhercoming，andmostofallthechanceofmeeting­；well，itwasn'tTrix。
　　WhenSaturdaycame，PollystartedasusualforavisittoBeckyandBess，butcouldn'tresiststoppingattheShaws'toleavealittleparcelforFan，thoughitwascallingtime。Asshesteppedin，meaningtorunupforawordifFannyshouldchancetobealone，twohatsonthehalltablearrestedher。
　　"Whoishere，Katy？"
　　"OnlyMr。SydneyandMasterTom。Won'tyoustopabit，MissPolly？"
　　"Notthismorning，I'mratherinahurry。"AndawaywentPollyasifadozeneagerpupilswereclamoringforherpresence。Butasthedoorshutbehindhershefeltsoleftoutinthecold，thathereyesfilled，andwhenNep，Tom'sgreatNewfoundland，cameblunderingafterher，shestoppedandhuggedhisshaggyhead，sayingsoftly，asshelookedintothebrown，benevolenteyes，fullofalmosthumansympathy:­；
　　"Now，goback，olddear，youmustn'tfollowme。Oh，Nep，it'ssohardtoputloveawaywhenyouwantitverymuchanditisn'trighttotakeit。"
　　Afoolishlittlespeechtomaketoadog，butyouseePollywasonlyatender-heartedgirl，tryingtodoherduty。
　　"SinceheissafewithFanny，ImayventuretowalkwhereIlike。It'ssuchalovelyday，allthebabieswillbeout，anditalwaysdoesmegoodtoseethem，"thoughtPolly，turningintothewide，sunnystreet，whereWestEnd-dompromenadedatthathour。
　　Thebabieswereoutinfullforce，lookingasgayanddelicateandsweetasthesnow-drops，hyacinths，anddaffodilsonthebankswhencethesnowhadmelted。Butsomehowthebabiesdidn'tdoPollythegoodsheexpected，thoughtheysmiledatherfromtheircarriages，andkissedtheirchubbyhandsasshepassedthem，forPollyhadthesortoffacethatbabieslove。Onetinycreatureinblueplushwascastingdespairingglancesafteraverysmalllordofcreationwhowaswalkingawaywithatoddlingbelleinwhite，whileasecondyounggentlemaningorgeouspurplegaiterswasendeavoringtoconsolethedeserteddamsel。
　　"TakeholdofMasterCharley'shand，MissMamie，andwalkpretty，likeWillyandFlossy，"saidthemaid。
　　"No，no，IwanttodowidWilly，andhewon'tletme。Do'way，Tarley，Idon'tliteyou，"criedlittleBlue-bonnet，castingdownhererminemuffandsobbinginamicroscopichandkerchief，thethread-laceedgingonwhichcouldn'tmitigateherwoe，asitmighthavedonethatofanoldersufferer。
　　"WillylikesFlossybest，sostopcryingandcomerightalong，younaughtychild。"
　　AspoorlittleDidowasjerkedawaybytheunsympatheticmaid，andPurple-gaitersessayedinvaintopleadhiscause，Pollysaidtoherself，withasmileandasigh；­；
　　"Howearlytheoldstorybegins!"
　　Itseemedasifthespringweatherhadbroughtoutallmanneroftenderthingsbesidefreshgrassandthefirstdandelions，forasshewentdownthestreetPollykeptseeingdifferentphasesofthesweetoldstorywhichshewastryingtoforget。
　　Atastreetcorner，ablack-eyedschool-boywaspartingfromarosy-facedschool-girl，whosemusicrollhewasreluctantlysurrendering。
　　"Don'tyouforget，now，"saidtheboy，lookingbashfullyintothebrighteyesthatdancedwithpleasureasthegirlblushedandsmiled，andansweredreproachfully；­；
　　"Why，ofcourseIshan't!"
　　"Thatlittleromancerunssmoothlysofar；Ihopeitmaytotheend，"
　　saidPollyheartilyasshewatchedtheladtrampaway，whistlingasblithelyasifhispleasurableemotionsmustfindavent，orendangerthebuttonsontheroundjacket；whilethegirlprancedonherowndoorstep，asifpractisingforthejoyfuldancewhichshehadpromisednottoforget。
　　AlittlefartheronPollypassedanewlyengagedcouplewhomsheknew，walkingarminarmforthefirsttime，bothwearingthatproudyetconsciouslookwhichissodelightfultobeholduponthecountenancesofthesetemporarilyglorifiedbeings。
　　"Howhappytheyseem；oh，dear!"saidPolly，andtrudgedon，wonderingifherturnwouldevercomeandfearingthatitwasimpossible。
　　Aglimpseofamotherly-lookingladyenteringadoor，receivedbyaflockofprettychildren，whocastthemselvesuponmammaandherparcelswithcriesofrapture，didPollygood；andwhen，aminuteaftershepassedagrayoldcouplewalkingplacidlytogetherinthesunshine，shefeltbetterstill，andwasgladtoseesuchahappyendingtotheromanceshehadreadalldownthestreet。
　　AsifthemischievouslittlegodwishedtotakePollyatadisadvantage，orperhapstogiveheranotherchance，justatthatinstantMr。Sydneyappearedatherside。HowhegottherewasneververycleartoPolly，buttherehewas，flushed，andalittleoutofbreath，butlookingsogladtoseeherthatshehadn'tthehearttobestiffandcool，asshehadfullyintendedtobewhentheymet。
　　"Verywarm，isn'tit？"hesaidwhenhehadshakenhandsandfallenintostep，justintheoldway。
　　"Youseemtofinditso。"AndPollylaughed，withasuddensparkleinhereyes。Shereallycouldn'thelpit，itwassopleasanttoseehimagain，justwhenshewasfeelingsolonely。
　　"HaveyougivenupteachingtheRoths？"askedSydney，changingthesubject。
　　"No。"
　　"Doyougoasusual？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Well，it'samysterytomehowyougetthere。"
　　"Asmuchasitistomehowyougotheresosuddenly。"
　　"IsawyoufromtheShaws'windowandtookthelibertyofrunningafteryoubythebackstreet，"hesaid，laughing。
　　"ThatisthewayIgettotheRoths，"answeredPolly。Shedidnotmeantotell，buthisfranknesswassoagreeablesheforgotherself。
　　"It'snotnearlysopleasantorsoshortforyouasthepark。"
　　"Iknowit，butpeoplesometimesgettiredofoldwaysandliketotrynewones。"
　　Pollydidn'tsaythatquitenaturally，andSydneygaveheraquicklook，asheasked；­；
　　"Doyougettiredofoldfriends，too，MissPolly？"
　　"Notoften；but­；"Andthereshestuck，forthefearofbeingungratefulorunkindmadeheralmosthopethathewouldn'ttakethehintwhichshehadbeencarefullypreparingforhim。
　　Therewasadreadfullittlepause，whichPollybrokebysayingabruptly；­；
　　"HowisFan？"
　　"Dashing，asever。DoyouknowI'mratherdisappointedinFanny，forshedon'tseemtoimprovewithheryears，"saidSydney，asifheacceptedthediversionandwasgladofit。
　　"Ah，youneverseeheratherbest。Sheputsonthatdashingairbeforepeopletohideherrealself。ButIknowherbetter；andIassureyouthatshedoesimprove；shetriestomendherfaults，thoughshewon'townit，andwillsurpriseyousomeday，bytheamountofheartandsenseandgoodnessshehasgot。"
　　Pollyspokeheartilynow，andSydneylookedatherasifFanny'sdefenderpleasedhimmorethanFanny'sdefence。
　　"I'mverygladtohearit，andwillinglytakeyourwordforit。Everybodyshowsyoutheirgoodside，Ithink，andthatiswhyyoufindtheworldsuchapleasantplace。"
　　"Oh，butIdon't!Itoftenseemslikeaveryhardanddismalplace，andIcroakovermytrialslikeanungratefulraven。"
　　"Can'twemakethetrialslighterforyou？"
　　Thevoicethatputthequestionwassoverykind，thatPollydarednotlookup，becausesheknewwhattheeyesweresilentlysaying。
　　"Thankyou，no。Idon'tgetmoretribulationthanisgoodforme，I
　　fancy，andweareapttomakemistakeswhenwetrytododgetroubles。"
　　"Orpeople，"addedSydneyinatonethatmadePollycoloruptoherforehead。
　　"Howlovelytheparklooks，"shesaid，ingreatconfusion。
　　"Yes，it'sthepleasantestwalkwehave；don'tyouthinkso？"askedtheartfulyoungman，layingatrap，intowhichPollyimmediatelyfell。
　　"Yes，indeed!It'salwayssorefreshingtometoseealittlebitofthecountry，asitwere，especiallyatthisseason。"
　　Oh，Polly，Polly，whatastupidspeechtomake，whenyouhadjustgivenhimtounderstandthatyouweretiredofthepark!Notbeingafooloracox-comb，Sydneyputthisandthattogether，andtakingvarioustriflesintotheaccount，hehadbythistimecometotheconclusionthatPollyhadheardthesamebitsofgossipthathehad，whichlinkedtheirnamestogether，thatshedidn'tlikeit，andtriedtoshowshedidn'tinthisway。Hewasquickertotakeahintthanshehadexpected，andbeingbothproudandgenerous，resolvedtosettlethematteratonce，forPolly'ssakeaswellashisown。So，whenshemadeherlastbrilliantremark，hesaidquietly，watchingherfacekeenlyallthewhile；­；
　　"Ithoughtso；well，I'mgoingoutoftownonbusinessforseveralweeks，soyoucanenjoyyour'littlebitofcountry'withoutbeingannoyedbyme。"
　　"Annoyed？Oh，no!"criedPollyearnestly；thenstoppedshort，notknowingwhattosayforherself。
　　Shethoughtshehadagooddealofthecoquetteinher，andI'venodoubtthatwithtimeandtrainingshewouldhavebecomeaverydangerouslittleperson，butnowshewasfartootransparentandstraightforwardbynatureeventotellawhiteliecleverly。Sydneyknewthis，andlikedherforit，buthetookadvantageofit，neverthelessbyaskingsuddenly；­；
　　"Honestly，now，wouldn'tyougotheoldwayandenjoyitasmuchasever，ifIwasn'tanywhereabouttosetthebusybodiesgossiping？"
　　"Yes，"saidPolly，beforeshecouldstopherself，andthencouldhavebittenhertongueoutforbeingsorude。Anotherawfulpauseseemedimpending，butjustatthatmomentahorsemanclatteredbywithasmileandasalute，whichcausedPollytoexclaim，"Oh，there'sTom!"withatoneandalookthatsilencedthewordshoveringonSydney'slips，andcausedhimtoholdouthishandwithalookwhichmadePolly'sheartflutterthenandachewithpityforagoodwhileafterward，thoughheonlysaid，"Goodby，Polly。"
　　Hewasgonebeforeshecoulddoanythingbutlookupathimwitharemorsefulface，andshewalkedon，feelingthatthefirstandperhapstheonlylovershewouldeverhave，hadreadhisanswerandaccepteditinsilence。Shedidnotknowwhatelsehehadread，andcomfortedherselfwiththethoughtthathedidnotcareforherverymuch，sincehetookthefirstrebuffsoquickly。
　　PollydidnotreturntoherfavoritewalktillshelearnedfromMinniethat"Uncle"hadreallylefttown，andthenshefoundthathisfriendlycompanyandconversationwaswhathadmadethewaysopleasantafterall。
　　Shesighedovertheperversityofthingsingeneral，andcroakedalittleoverhertrialsinparticular，butonthewholegotoverherlossbetterthansheexpected，forsoonshehadothersorrowsbesideherowntocomfort，andsuchworkdoesabodymoregoodthanfloodsofregretfultears，orhoursofsentimentallamentation。
　　SheshunnedFannyforadayortwo，butgainednothingbyit，forthatyounglady，hearingofSydney'ssuddendeparture，couldnotresttillshediscoveredthecauseofit，andwalkedinuponPollyoneafternoonjustwhentheduskmadeitapropitioushourfortenderconfidences。
　　"Whathaveyoubeendoingwithyourselflately？"askedFanny，composingherself，withherbacktowardtherapidlywaninglight。
　　"Waggingtoandfroasusual。What'sthenewswithyou？"answeredPolly，feelingthatsomethingwascomingandrathergladtohaveitoveranddonewith。
　　"Nothingparticular。TrixtreatsTomshamefully，andhebearsitlikealamb。Itellhimtobreakhisengagement，andnotbeworriedso；buthewon't，becauseshehasbeenjiltedonceandhethinksit'ssuchameanthingtodo。"
　　"Perhapsshe'lljilthim。"
　　"I'venodoubtshewill，ifanythingbettercomesalong。ButTrixisgettingpassé；e，andIshouldn'twonderifshekepthimtohisword，justoutofperversity，ifnothingelse。"
　　"PoorTom，whatafate!"saidPollywithwhatwasmeanttobeacomicalgroan；butitsoundedsotragicalthatshesawitwouldn'tpass，andhastenedtohidethefailurebysaying，withalaugh，"IfyoucallTrixpassé；eattwenty-three，whatshallweallbeattwenty-five？"
　　"Utterlydonewith，andlaidupontheshelf。Ifeelsoalready，forIdon'tgethalftheattentionIusedtohave，andtheothernightIheardMaudandGracewonderingwhythoseoldgirls'didn'tstayathome，andgivethemachance。'"
　　"HowisMaudie？"
　　"Prettywell，butsheworriesmebyherqueertastesandnotions。Shelovestogointothekitchenandmess，shehatestostudy，andsaidrightbeforetheVincentsthatsheshouldthinkitwouldbegreatfuntobeabeggar-girl，togoroundwithabasket，itmustbesointerestingtoseewhatyou'dget。"
　　"Minniesaidtheotherdayshewishedshewasapigeonsoshecouldpaddleinthepuddlesandnotfussaboutrubbers。"
　　"Bytheway，whenisherunclecomingback？"askedFanny，whocouldn'twaitanylongerandjoyfullyseizedtheopeningPollymadeforher。
　　"I'msureIdon'tknow。"
　　"Norcare，Isuppose，youhard-heartedthing。"
　　"Why，Fan，whatdoyoumean？"
　　"I'mnotblind，mydear，neitherisTom，andwhenayounggentlemancutsacallabruptlyshort，andracesafterayounglady，andisseenholdingherhandatthequietestcornerofthepark，andthengoestravellingallofasudden，weknowwhatitmeansifyoudon't。"
　　"Whogotupthatniceidea，Ishouldliketoknow？"demandedPolly，asFannystoppedforbreath。