An Old Ashioned Girl LouisaMay Alcott

8/19/2019 An Old Ashioned Girl LouisaMay Alcott

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An Old-fashioned Girl by Louisa May AlcottTable of Contents

Chapter I. Polly Arrives

Chapter II. New Fashions

Chapter III. Polly's Troubles

Chapter IV. Little Things

Chapter V. Srapes

Chapter VI. !ran"#aChapter VII. !oo"$%y

Chapter VIII. Si& ears Afterwar"

Chapter I(. Lessons

Chapter (. %rothers an" Sisters

Chapter (I. Nee"les an" Tongues

Chapter (II. Forbi""en Fruit

Chapter (III. The Sunny Si"e

Chapter (IV. Nippe" in the %u"

Chapter (V. %rea)ers Ahea"

Chapter (VI. A *ress Para"e

Chapter (VII. Playing !ran"#other

Chapter (VIII. The +o#an +ho *i" Not *are

Chapter (I(. To#'s Suess

Chapter I. Polly Arrives

,It's ti#e to go to the station- To#.,

,Co#e on- then.,

,h- I'# not going/ it's too wet. Shoul" n't have a ri#p left if I went out suh a "ay as this/

an" I want to loo) nie when Polly o#es.,,ou "on't e&pet #e to go an" bring ho#e a strange girl alone- "o you0, An" To# loo)e"

as #uh alar#e" as if his sister ha" propose" to hi# to esort the wil" wo#an of Australia.

,f ourse I "o. It's your plae to go an" get her/ an" if you was n't a bear- you'" li)e it.,

,+ell- I all that #ean1 I suppose" I'" got to go/ but you sai" you '" go- too. Cath #e

bothering about your frien"s another ti#e1 No- sir1 , An" To# rose fro# the sofa with an air of

in"ignant resolution- the i#pressive effet of whih was so#ewhat "a#age" by a tousle" hea"-

an" the hunhe" appearane of his gar#ents generally.

,Now- "on't be ross/ an" I'll get #a##a to let you have that horri" Ne" 2iller- that you are

so fon" of- o#e an" #a)e you a visit after Polly's gone-, sai" Fanny- hoping to soothe hisruffle" feelings.

,3ow long is she going to stay0, "e#an"e" To#- #a)ing his toilet by a pro#isuous sha)e.

,A #onth or two- #aybe. She's ever so nie/ an" I shall )eep her as long as she's happy.,

,She won't stay long then- if I an help it-, #uttere" To#- who regar"e" girls as a very

unneessary portion of reation. %oys of fourteen are apt to thin) so- an" perhaps it is a wise

arrange#ent/ for- being fon" of turning so#ersaults- they have an opportunity of in"ulging in a

goo" one- #etaphorially spea)ing- when- three or four years later- they beo#e the ab4et

slaves of ,those bothering girls.,

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,Loo) here1 how a# I going to )now the reature0 I never saw her- an" she never saw #e.

ou'll have to o#e too- Fan-, he a""e"- pausing on his way to the "oor- arreste" by the awful

i"ea that he #ight have to a""ress several strange girls before he got the right one.

,ou'll fin" her easy enough/ she'll probably be stan"ing roun" loo)ing for us. I "are say

she'll )now you- though I'# not there- beause I've "esribe" you to her.,

,!uess she won't- then/, an" To# gave a hasty s#ooth to his urly pate an" a glane at the

#irror- feeling sure that his sister ha" n't "one hi# 4ustie. Sisters never "o- as ,we fellows,

)now too well.,*o go along- or you'll be too late/ an" then- what will Polly thin) of #e0, rie" Fanny- with

the i#patient po)e whih is peuliarly aggravating to #asuline "ignity.

,She'll thin) you are" #ore about your fri55les than your frien"s- an" she'll be about right-

too.,

Feeling that he sai" rather a neat an" utting thing- To# sauntere" leisurely away- perfetly

onsious that it was late- but bent on not being hurrie" while in sight- though he ran hi#self off

his legs to #a)e up for it afterwar".

,If I was the Presi"ent- I'" #a)e a law to shut up all boys till they were grown/ for they

ertainly are the #ost provo)ing toa"s in the worl"-, sai" Fanny- as she wathe" the slouhy

figure of her brother strolling "own the street. She #ight have hange" her #in"- however- ifshe ha" followe" hi#- for as soon as he turne" the orner- his whole aspet altere"/ his han"s

a#e out of his po)ets- he stoppe" whistling- buttone" his 4a)et- gave his ap a pull- an" went

off at a great pae.

The train was 4ust in when he reahe" the station- panting li)e a rae$horse- an" as re" as a

lobster with the win" an" the run.

,Suppose she'll wear a top$)not an" a thingu#bob- li)e every one else/ an" however shall I

)now her0 Too ba" of Fan to #a)e #e o#e alone1, thought To#- as he stoo" wathing the

row" strea# through the "epot- an" feeling rather "aunte" at the array of young la"ies who

passe". As none of the# see#e" loo)ing for any one- he "i" not aost the#- but eye" eah new bath with the air of a #artyr. ,That's her-, he sai" to hi#self- as he presently aught sight of a

girl in gorgeous array- stan"ing with her han"s fol"e"- an" a very s#all hat perhe" on the top

of a very large ,hig$non-, as To# pronoune" it. ,I suppose I've got to spea) to her- so here

goes/, an"- nerving hi#self to the tas)- To# slowly approahe" the "a#sel- who loo)e" as if

the win" ha" blown her lothes into rags- suh a flapping of sashes- sallops- ruffles- urls- an"

feathers was there.

,I say- if you please- is your na#e Polly 2ilton0, #ee)ly as)e" To#- pausing before the

bree5y stranger.

,No- it is n't-, answere" the young la"y- with a ool stare that utterly 6uenhe" hi#.

,+here in thun"er is she0, growle" To#- wal)ing off in high "u"geon. The 6ui) tap of feet behin" hi# #a"e hi# turn in ti#e to see a fresh$fae" little girl running "own the long station-

an" loo)ing as if she rather li)e" it. As she s#ile"- an" wave" her bag at hi#- he stoppe" an"

waite" for her- saying to hi#self- ,3ullo1 I won"er if that's Polly0,

7p a#e the little girl- with her han" out- an" a half$shy- half$#erry loo) in her blue eyes- as

she sai"- in6uiringly- ,This is To#- is n't it0,

,es. 3ow "i" you )now0, an" To# got over the or"eal of han"$sha)ing without thin)ing of

it- he was so surprise".

,h- Fan tol" #e you'" got urly hair- an" a funny nose- an" )ept whistling- an" wore a gray

ap pulle" over your eyes/ so I )new you "iretly., An" Polly no""e" at hi# in the #ost



frien"ly #anner- having politely refraine" fro# alling the hair ,re"-, the nose ,a pug-, an" the

ap ,ol"-, all of whih fats Fanny ha" arefully i#presse" upon her #e#ory.

,+here are your trun)s0, as)e" To#- as he was re#in"e" of his "uty by her han"ing hi# the

bag- whih he ha" not offere" to ta)e.

,Father tol" #e not to wait for any one- else I'" lose #y hane of a ha)/ so I gave #y

he) to a #an- an" there he is with #y trun)/, an" Polly wal)e" off after her one #o"est piee

of baggage- followe" by To#- who felt a trifle "epresse" by his own re#issness in polite

attentions. ,She is n't a bit of a young la"y- than) goo"ness1 Fan "i" n't tell #e she was pretty.*on't loo) li)e ity girls- nor at li)e'e#- neither-, he thought- tru"ging in the rear- an" eyeing

with favor the brown urls bobbing along in front.

As the arriage "rove off- Polly gave a little boune on the springy seat- an" laughe" li)e a

"elighte" hil". ,I "o li)e to ri"e in these nie ha)s- an" see all the fine things- an" have a goo"

ti#e- "on't you0, she sai"- o#posing herself the ne&t #inute- as if it su""enly ourre" to her

that she was going a$visiting.

,Not #uh-, sai" To#- not #in"ing what he sai"- for the fat that he was shut up with the

strange girl su""enly oppresse" his soul.

,3ow's Fan0 +hy "i" n't she o#e- too0, as)e" Polly- trying to loo) "e#ure- while her eyes

"ane" in spite of her.,Afrai" of spoiling her rin)les/, an" To# s#ile"- for this base betrayal of onfi"ene #a"e

hi# feel his own #an again.

,ou an" I "on't #in" "a#pness. I'# #uh oblige" to you for o#ing to ta)e are of #e.,

It was )in" of Polly to say that- an" To# felt it/ for his re" rop was a ten"er point- an" to be

assoiate" with Polly's pretty brown urls see#e" to lessen its oppery glow. Then he ha" n't

"one anything for her but arry the bag a few steps/ yet- she than)e" hi#. 3e felt grateful- an"

in a burst of onfi"ene- offere" a han"ful of peanuts- for his po)ets were always supplie" with

this agreeable "eliay- an" he #ight be trae" anywhere by the trail of shells he left behin"

hi#.As soon as he ha" "one it- he re#e#bere" that Fanny onsi"ere" the# vulgar- an" felt that

he ha" "isgrae" his fa#ily. So he stu) his hea" out of the win"ow- an" )ept it there so long-

that Polly as)e" if anything was the #atter. ,Pooh1 who ares for a ountrifie" little thing li)e

her-, sai" To# #anfully to hi#self/ an" then the spirit of #ishief entere" in an" too)

possession of hi#.

,3e's pretty "run)/ but I guess he an hol" his horses-, replie" this evil$#in"e" boy- with an

air of al# resignation.

,Is the #an tipsy0 h- "ear1 let's get out1 Are the horses ba"0 It's very steep here/ "o you

thin) it's safe0, rie" poor Polly- #a)ing a o)e" hat of her little beaver- by thrusting it out of

the half$open win"ow on her si"e.,There's plenty of fol)s to pi) us up if anything happens/ but perhaps it woul" be safer if I

got out an" sat with the #an/, an" To# 6uite bea#e" with the brilliany of this su""en #o"e of

relief.

,h- "o- if you ain't afrai"1 2other woul" be so an&ious if anything shoul" happen to #e- so

far away1, rie" Polly- #uh "istresse".

,*on't you be worrie". I'll #anage the ol" hap- an" the horses too/, an" opening the "oor-

To# vanishe" aloft- leaving poor viti#i5e" Polly to 6ua)e insi"e- while he plai"ly revelle" in

free"o# an" peanuts outsi"e- with the stai" ol" "river.



Fanny a#e flying "own to #eet her ,"arling Polly-, as To# presente" herwith the graeful

re#ar)- ,I've got her1, an" the air of a "auntless hunter- pro"uing the trophies of his s)ill. Polly

was instantly whis)e" up stairs/ an" having "ane" a "ouble$shuffle on the "oor$#at- To#

retire" to the "ining$roo#- to restore e&hauste" nature with half a "o5en oo)ies.

,Ain't you tire" to "eath0 *on't you want to lie "own0, sai" Fanny- sitting on the si"e of the

be" in Polly's roo#- an" hattering har"- while she e&a#ine" everything her frien" ha" on.

,Not a bit. I ha" a nie ti#e o#ing- an" no trouble- e&ept the tipsy oah#an/ but To# got

out an" )ept hi# in or"er- so I was n't #uh frightene"-, answere" innoent Polly- ta)ing off herrough$an"$rea"y oat- an" the plain hat without a bit of a feather.

,Fi""lesti)1 he was n't tipsy/ an" To# only "i" it to get out of the way. 3e an't bear girls-,

sai" Fanny- with a superior air.

,Can't he0 +hy- I thought he was very pleasant an" )in"1, an" Polly opene" her eyes with a

surprise" e&pression.

,3e's an awful boy- #y "ear/ an" if you have anything to "o with hi#- he'll tor#ent you to

"eath. %oys are all horri"/ but he's the horri"est one I ever saw.,

Fanny went to a fashionable shool- where the young la"ies were so busy with their Frenh-

!er#an- an" Italian- that there was no ti#e for goo" 8nglish. Feeling her onfi"ene #uh

sha)en in the youth- Polly privately resolve" to let hi# alone- an" hange" the onversation- bysaying- as she loo)e" a"#iringly about the large- han"so#e roo#- ,3ow splen"i" it is1 I never

slept in a be" with urtains before- or ha" suh a fine toilet$table as this.,

,I'# gla" you li)e it/ but "on't- for #ery sa)e- say suh things before the other girls1,

replie" Fanny- wishing Polly woul" wear ear$rings- as every one else "i".

,+hy not0, as)e" the ountry #ouse of the ity #ouse- won"ering what har# there was in

li)ing other people's pretty things- an" saying so. ,h- they laugh at everything the least bit o""-

an" that is n't pleasant., Fanny "i" n't say ,ountrifie"-, but she #eant it- an" Polly felt

uno#fortable. So she shoo) out her little bla) sil) apron with a thoughtful fae- an" resolve"

not to allu"e to her own ho#e- if she oul" help it.,I'# so poorly- #a##a says I nee" n't go to shool regularly- while you are here- only two or

three ti#es a wee)- 4ust to )eep up #y #usi an" Frenh. ou an go too- if you li)e/ papa sai"

so. *o- it's suh fun1, rie" Fanny- 6uite surprising her frien" by this une&pete" fon"ness for

shool.

,I shoul" be afrai"- if all the girls "ress as finely as you "o- an" )now as #uh-, sai" Polly-

beginning to feel shy at the thought.

,La- hil"1 you nee" n't #in" that. I'll ta)e are of youan" fi& you up- so you won't loo)

o"".,

,A# I o""0, as)e" Polly- stru) by the wor" an" hoping it "i" n't #ean anything very ba".

,ou are a "ear- an" ever so #uh prettier than you were last su##er- only you've been brought up "ifferently fro# us/ so your ways ain't li)e ours- you see-, began Fanny- fin"ing it

rather har" to e&plain.

,3ow "ifferent0, as)e" Polly again- for she li)e" to un"erstan" things.

,+ell- you "ress li)e a little girl- for one thing.,

,I a# a little girl/ so why shoul" n't I0, an" Polly loo)e" at her si#ple blue #erino fro)-

stout boots- an" short hair- with a pu55le" air.

,ou are fourteen/ an" we onsi"er ourselves young la"ies at that age-, ontinue" Fanny-

surveying- with o#plaeny- the pile of hair on the top of her hea"- with a fringe of fu55 roun"

her forehea"- an" a wavy lo) strea#ing "own her ba)/ li)ewise- her sarlet$an"$bla) suit-



with its big sash- little pannier- bright buttons- points- rosettes- an"- heaven )nows what. There

was a lo)et on her ne)- earrings tin)ling in her ears- wath an" hain at her belt- an" several

rings on a pair of han"s that woul" have been i#prove" by soap an" water.

Polly's eye went fro# one little figure to the other- an" she thought that Fanny loo)e" the

o""est of the two/ for Polly live" in a 6uiet ountry town- an" )new very little of ity fashions.

She was rather i#presse" by the elegane about her- never having seen Fanny's ho#e before- as

they got a6uainte" while Fanny pai" a visit to a frien" who live" near Polly. %ut she "i" n't let

the ontrast between herself an" Fan trouble her/ for in a #inute she laughe" an" sai"-ontente"ly- ,2y #other li)es #e to "ress si#ply- an" I "on't #in". I shoul" n't )now what to

"o rigge" up as you are. *on't you ever forget to lift your sash an" fi& those puffy things when

you sit "own0 ,

%efore Fanny oul" answer- a srea# fro# below #a"e both listen. ,It's only 2au"/ she

fusses all "ay long-, began Fanny/ an" the wor"s were har"ly out of her #outh- when the "oor

was thrown open- an" a little girl- of si& or seven- a#e roaring in. She stoppe" at sight of Polly

stare" a #inute- then too) up her roar 4ust where she left it- an" ast herself into Fanny's lap-

e&lai#ing wrathfully- ,To#'s laughing at #e1 2a)e hi# stop1,

,+hat "i" you "o to set hi# going0 *on't srea# so- you'll frighten Polly1, an" Fan gave the

herub a sha)e- whih pro"ue" an e&planation.,I only sai" we ha" ol" wea# at the party- last night- an" he laughe"1,

,Ie$rea#- hil"1, an" Fanny followe" To#'s reprehensible e&a#ple.

,I "on't are1 it was ol"/ an" I war#e" #ine at the wegister- an" then it was nie/ only-

+illy %liss spilt it on #y new !abwielle1, an" 2au" waile" again over her au#ulate" woes.

,*o go to 9aty1 ou're as ross as a little bear to$"ay1, sai" Fanny- pushing her away.

,9aty "on't a#oose #e/ an" I #ust be a#oose"-'ause I'# fwatious/ #a##a sai" I was1,

sobbe" 2au"- evi"ently laboring un"er the "elusion that fratiousness was so#e interesting

#ala"y.

,Co#e "own an" have "inner/ that will a#use you/, an" Fanny got up- plu#ing herself as a bir" "oes before its flight.

Polly hope" the ,"rea"ful boy, woul" not be present/ but he was- an" stare" at her all

"inner$ti#e- in a #ost trying #anner. 2r. Shaw- a busy$loo)ing gentle#an- sai"-, 3ow "o you

"o- #y "ear0 3ope you'll en4oy yourself/, an" then appeare" to forget her entirely. 2rs. Shaw- a

pale- nervous wo#an- greete" her little guest )in"ly- an" too) are that she wante" for nothing.

2a"a# Shaw- a 6uiet ol" la"y- with an i#posing ap- e&lai#e" on seeing Polly- ,%less #y

heart1 the i#age of her #other a sweet wo#an how is she- "ear0, an" )ept peering at the new$

o#er over her glasses- till- between 2a"a# an" To#- poor Polly lost her appetite.

Fanny hatte" li)e a #agpie- an" 2au" fi"gete"- till To# propose" to put her un"er the big

"ish$over- whih pro"ue" suh an e&plosion- that the young la"y was borne srea#ing away- by the #uh$en"uring 9aty. It was altogether an uno#fortable "inner- an" Polly was very gla"

when it was over. They all went about their own affairs/ an" after "oing the honors of the house-

Fan was alle" to the "ress#a)er- leaving Polly to a#use herself in the great "rawing$roo#.

Polly was gla" to be alone for a few #inutes/ an"- having e&a#ine" all the pretty things

about her- began to wal) up an" "own over the soft- flowery arpet- hu##ing to herself- as the

"aylight fa"e"- an" only the ru""y glow of the fire fille" the roo#. Presently 2a"a# a#e

slowly in- an" sat "own in her ar#$hair- saying- ,That's a fine ol" tune/ sing it to #e- #y "ear.

I have n't hear" it this #any a "ay., Polly "i" n't li)e to sing before strangers- for she ha" ha" no

teahing but suh as her busy #other oul" give her/ but she ha" been taught the ut#ost respet



for ol" people- an" having no reason for refusing- she "iretly went to the piano- an" "i" as she

was bi".

,That's the sort of #usi it's a pleasure to hear. Sing so#e #ore- "ear-, sai" 2a"a#- in her

gentle way- when she ha" "one.

Please" with this praise- Polly sang away in a fresh little voie- that went straight to the

listener's heart an" nestle" there. The sweet ol" tunes that one is never tire" of were all Polly's

store/ an" her favorites were Soth airs- suh as- ,ellow$3aire" La""ie-, ,:o) o' 3a5el"ean-,

,*own a#ong the 3eather-, an" ,%ir)s of Aberfel"ie., The #ore she sung- the better she "i" it/an" when she woun" up with ,A 3ealth to 9ing Charlie-, the roo# 6uite rung with the stirring

#usi #a"e by the big piano an" the little #ai".

,%y !eorge- that's a 4olly tune1 Sing it again- please-, rie" To#'s voie/ an" there was

To#'s re" hea" bobbing up over the high ba) of the hair where he ha" hi""en hi#self.

It gave Polly 6uite a turn- for she thought no one was hearing her but the ol" la"y "o5ing by

the fire. ,I an't sing any #ore/ I'# tire"-, she sai"- an" wal)e" away to 2a"a# in the other

roo#. The re" hea" vanishe" li)e a #eteor- for Polly's tone ha" been "ei"e"ly ool.

The ol" la"y put out her han"- an" "rawing Polly to her )nee- loo)e" into her fae with suh

)in" eyes- that Polly forgot the i#pressive ap- an" s#ile" at her onfi"ingly/ for she saw that

her si#ple #usi ha" please" her listener- an" she felt gla" to )now it.,ou #ust n't #in" #y staring- "ear-, sai" 2a"a#- softly pinhing her rosy hee). ,I have

n't seen a little girl for so long- it "oes #y ol" eyes goo" to loo) at you.,

Polly thought that a very o"" speeh- an" oul" n't help saying- ,Are n't Fan an" 2au" little

girls- too0,

,h- "ear- no1 not what I all little girls. Fan has been a young la"y this two years- an" 2au"

is a spoile" baby. our #other's a very sensible wo#an- #y hil".,

,+hat a very 6ueer ol" la"y1, thought Polly/ but she sai" ,es'#, respetfully- an" loo)e" at

the fire.

,ou "on't un"erstan" what I #ean- "o you0, as)e" 2a"a#- still hol"ing her by the hin.,No'#/ not 6uite.,

,+ell- "ear- I'll tell you. In #y "ay- hil"ren of fourteen an" fifteen "i" n't "ress in the height

of the fashion/ go to parties- as nearly li)e those of grown people as it's possible to #a)e the#/

lea" i"le- gi""y- unhealthy lives- an" get blas- at twenty. +e were little fol)s till eighteen or so/

wor)e" an" stu"ie"- "resse" an" playe"- li)e hil"ren/ honore" our parents/ an" our "ays were

#uh longer in the lan" than now- it see#s to- #e.,

The ol" la"y appeare" to forget Polly at the en" of her speeh/ for she sat patting the plu#p

little han" that lay in her own- an" loo)ing up at a fa"e" piture of an ol" gentle#an with a

ruffle" shirt an" a 6ueue.

,+as he your father- 2a"a#0,es- "ear/ #y honore" father. I "i" up his frills to the "ay of his "eath/ an" the first #oney I

ever earne" was five "ollars whih he offere" as a pri5e to whihever of his si& girls woul" lay

the han"so#est "arn in his sil) sto)ings.,

,3ow prou" you #ust have been1, rie" Polly- leaning on the ol" la"y's )nee with an

intereste" fae.

,es- an" we all learne" to #a)e brea"- an" oo)- an" wore little hint5 gowns- an" were as

gay an" hearty as )ittens. All live" to be gran"#others an" fathers/ an" I'# the last- seventy

ne&t birth"ay- #y "ear- an" not worn out yet/ though "aughter Shaw is an invali" at forty.,



,That's the way I was brought up- an" that's why Fan alls #e ol"$fashione"- I suppose. Tell

#ore about your papa- please/ I li)e it-, sai" Polly.

,Say'father.' +e never alle" hi# papa/ an" if one of #y brothers ha" a""resse" hi#

as'governor-' as boys "o now- I really thin) he '" have hi# ut off with a shilling.,

2a"a# raise" her voie in saying this- an" no""e" signifiantly/ but a #il" snore fro# the

other roo# see#e" to assure her that it was a waste of shot to fire in that "iretion.

%efore she oul" ontinue- in a#e Fanny with the 4oyful news that Clara %ir" ha" invite"

the# both to go to the theatre with her that very evening- an" woul" all for the# at seveno'lo). Polly was so e&ite" by this su""en plunge into the "issipations of ity life- that she

flew about li)e a "istrate" butterfly- an" har"ly )new what happene"- till she foun" herself

seate" before the great green urtain in the brilliant theatre. l" 2r. %ir" sat on one si"e- Fanny

on the other- an" both let her alone- for whih she was very grateful- as her whole attention was

so absorbe" in the sene aroun" her- that she oul" n't tal).

Polly ha" never been #uh to the theatre/ an" the few plays she ha" seen were the goo" ol"

fairy tales- "ra#ati5e" to suit young behol"ers- lively- bright- an" full of the har#less nonsense

whih brings the laugh without the blush. That night she saw one of the new spetales whih

have lately beo#e the rage- an" run for hun"re"s of nights- "a55ling- e&iting- an"

"e#orali5ing the spetator by every allure#ent Frenh ingenuity an invent- an" A#erian pro"igality e&eute. Never #in" what its na#e was- it was very gorgeous- very vulgar- an" very

fashionable/ so- of ourse- it was #uh a"#ire"- an" every one went to see it. At first- Polly

thought she ha" got into fairy$lan"- an" saw only the spar)ling reatures who "ane" an" sung

in a worl" of light an" beauty/ but- presently- she began to listen to the songs an" onversation-

an" then the illusion vanishe"/ for the lovely phanto#s sang negro #elo"ies- tal)e" slang- an"

were a "isgrae to the goo" ol"$fashione" elves who# she )new an" love" so well.

ur little girl was too innoent to un"erstan" half the 4o)es- an" often won"ere" what people

were laughing at/ butas the first enhant#ent subsi"e"- Polly began to feel uno#fortable- to

be sure her #other woul" n't li)e to have her there- an" to wish she ha" n't o#e. So#ehowthings see#e" to get worse an" worse- as the play went on/ for our s#all spetator was being

rapi"ly enlightene" by the gossip going on all about her- as well as by her own 6ui) eyes an"

girlish instints. +hen four$an"$twenty girls- "resse" as 4o)eys- a#e praning on to the stage-

ra)ing their whips- sta#ping the heels of their topboots- an" win)ing at the au"iene- Polly

"i" not thin) it at all funny- but loo)e" "isguste"- an" was gla" when they were gone/ but when

another set appeare" in a ostu#e onsisting of gau5e wings- an" a bit of gol" fringe roun" the

waist- poor unfashionable Polly "i" n't )now what to "o/ for she felt both frightene" an"

in"ignant- an" sat with her eyes on her play$bill- an" her hee)s getting hotter an" hotter every

#inute.

,+hat are you blushing so for0, as)e" Fanny- as the painte" sylphs vanishe".,I'# so asha#e" of those girls-, whispere" Polly- ta)ing a long breath of relief.

,ou little goose- it's 4ust the way it was "one in Paris- an" the "aning is splen"i". It see#s

6ueer at first/ but you'll get use" to it- as I "i".,

,I'll never o#e again-, sai" Polly- "ei"e"ly/ for her innoent nature rebelle" against the

spetale- whih- as yet- gave her #ore pain than pleasure. She "i" not )now how easy it was to

,get use" to it-, as Fanny "i"/ an" it was well for her that the te#ptation was not often offere".

She oul" not e&plain the feeling/ but she was gla" when the play was "one- an" they were safe

at ho#e- where )in" gran"#a was waiting to see the# o#fortably into be".



,*i" you have a goo" ti#e- "ear0, she as)e"- loo)ing at Polly's feverish hee)s an" e&ite"

eyes.

,I "on't wish to be ru"e- but I "i" n't-, answere" Polly. ,So#e of it was splen"i"/ but a goo"

"eal of it #a"e #e want to go un"er the seat. People see#e" to li)e it- but I "on't thin) it was

proper.,

As Polly free" her #in"- an" e#phasi5e" her opinion with a "ei"e" rap of the boot she ha"

4ust ta)en off- Fanny laughe"- an" sai"- while she pirouette" about the roo#- li)e 2a"e#oiselle

Therese- ,Polly was sho)e"- gran"#a. 3er eyes were as big as sauers. her fae as re" as #ysash- an" one I thought she was going to ry. So#e of it was rather 6ueer/ but- of ourse- it was

proper- or all our set woul" n't go. I hear" 2rs. S#ythe Per)ins say-'It was har#ing/ so li)e

"ear Paris/' an" she has live" abroa"/ so- of ourse- she )nows what is what.,

,I "on't are if she has. I )now it was n't proper for little girls to see- or I shoul" n't have been

so asha#e"1, rie" stur"y Polly- perple&e"- but not onvine"- even by 2rs. S#ythe Per)ins.

,I thin) you are right- #y "ear/ but you have live" in the ountry- an" have n't yet learne"

that #o"esty has gone out of fashion., An" with a goo"$night )iss- gran"#a left Polly to "rea#

"rea"fully of "aning in 4o)ey ostu#e- on a great stage/ while To# playe" a big "ru# in the

orhestra/ an" the au"iene all wore the faes of her father an" #other- loo)ing sorrowfully at

herwith eyes li)e sauers- an" faes as re" as Fanny's sash.Chapter II. New Fashions

,I'# going to shool this #orning/ so o#e up an" get rea"y-, sai" Fanny- a "ay or two after

as she left the late brea)fast$table.

,ou loo) very nie/ what have you got to "o0, as)e" Polly- following her into the hall.

,Prin) half an hour- an" put on her wa"-, answere" the irreverent To#- whose preparations

for shool onsiste" in flinging his ap on to his hea"- an" strapping up several big boo)s- that

loo)e" as if they were so#eti#es use" as weapons of "efene.

,+hat is a wa"0, as)e" Polly- while Fanny #arhe" up without "eigning any reply.,So#ebo"y's hair on the top of her hea" in the plae where it ought not to be/, an" To#

went whistling away with an air of subli#e in"ifferene as to the state of his own ,urly pow.,

,+hy #ust you be so fine to go to shool0, as)e" Polly- wathing Fan arrange the little

fri55les on her forehea"- an" settle the various strea#ers an" festoons belonging to her "ress.

,All the girls "o/ an" it's proper- for you never )now who you #ay #eet. I'# going to wal)-

after #y lessons- so I wish you'" wear your best hat an" sa)-, answere" Fanny- trying to sti)

her own hat on at an angle whih "efie" all the laws of gravitation.

,I will- if you "on't thin) this is nie enough. I li)e the other best- beause it has a feather/

but this is war#er- so I wear it every "ay., An" Polly ran into her own roo#- to prin) also-

fearing that her frien" #ight be asha#e" of her plain ostu#e. ,+on't your han"s be ol" in )i"gloves0, she sai"- as they went "own the snowy street- with a north win" blowing in their faes.

,es- horri" ol"/ but #y #uff is so big- I won't arry it. 2a##a won't have it ut up- an"

#y er#ine one #ust be )ept for best/, an" Fanny s#oothe" her %is#ar) )i"s with an in4ure"

air.

,I suppose #y gray s6uirrel is ever so #uh too big/ but it's nie an" osy- an" you #ay

war# your han"s in it if you want to-, sai" Polly- surveying her new woollen gloves with a

"issatisfie" loo)- though she ha" thought the# 6uite elegant before.

,Perhaps I will- by an" by. Now- Polly- "on't you be shy. I'll only intro"ue two or three of

the girls/ an" you nee" n't #in" ol" 2onsieur a bit- or rea" if you "on't want to. +e shall be in



the anteroo#/ so you'll only see about a "o5en- an" they will be so busy- they won't #in" you

#uh.,

,I guess I won't rea"- but sit an" loo) on. I li)e to wath people- everything is so new an"

6ueer here.,

%ut Polly "i" feel an" loo) very shy- when she was ushere" into a roo# full of young la"ies-

as they see#e" to her- all very #uh "resse"- all tal)ing together- an" all turning to e&a#ine the

new$o#er with a ool stare whih see#e" to be as #uh the fashion as eye$glasses. They

no""e" affably when Fanny intro"ue" her- sai" so#ething ivil- an" #a"e roo# for her at thetable roun" whih they sat waiting for 2onsieur. Several of the #ore froliso#e were i#itating

the !reian %en"- so#e were putting their hea"s together over little notes- nearly all were

eating onfetionery- an" the entire twelve hattere" li)e #agpies. %eing politely supplie" with

ara#els- Polly sat loo)ing an" listening- feeling very young an" ountrifie" a#ong these

elegant young la"ies.

,!irls- "o you )now that Carrie has gone abroa"0 There has been so #uh tal)- her father

oul" n't bear it- an" too) the whole fa#ily off. Is n't that gay0, sai" one lively "a#sel- who ha"

4ust o#e in.

,I shoul" thin) they'" better go. 2y #a##a says- if I'" been going to that shool- she'" have

ta)en #e straight away-, answere" another girl- with an i#portant air.,Carrie ran away with an Italian #usi$teaher- an" it got into the papers- an" #a"e a great

stir-, e&plaine" the first spea)er to Polly- who loo)e" #ystifie".

,3ow "rea"ful1, rie" Polly.

,I thin) it was fun. She was only si&teen- an" he was perfetly splen"i"/ an" she has plenty

of #oney - an" every one tal)e" about it/ an" when she went anywhere- people loo)e"- you

)now- an" she li)e" it/ but her papa is an ol" po)e- so he's sent the# all away. It's too ba"- for

she was the 4olliest thing I ever )new.,

Polly ha" nothing to say to lively 2iss %elle/ but Fanny observe"- ,I li)e to rea" about suh

things/ but it's so inonvenient to have it happen right here- beause it #a)es it har"er for us. Iwish you oul" have hear" #y papa go on. 3e threatene" to sen" a #ai" to shool with #e

every "ay- as they "o in New or)- to be sure I o#e all right. *i" you ever0, ,That's beause it

a#e out that Carrie use" to forge e&uses in her #a##a's na#e- an" go pro#ena"ing with her

reste- when they thought her safe at shool. h- was n't she a sly #in&0, rie" %elle- as if she

rather a"#ire" the tri).

,I thin) a little fun is all right/ an" there's no nee" of #a)ing a tal)- if- now an" then- so#e

one "oes run off li)e Carrie. %oys "o as they li)e/ an" I "on't see why girls nee" to be )ept so

"rea"fully lose. I'" li)e to see anybo"y wathing an" guar"ing #e1, a""e" another "ashing

young la"y.

,It woul" ta)e a polie#an to "o that- Tri&- or a little #an in a tall hat-, sai" Fanny- slyly-whih ause" a general laugh- an" #a"e %eatrie toss her hea" o6uettishly.

,h- have you rea"'The Phanto# %ri"e'0 It's perfetly thrilling1 There's a regular rush for it

at the library/ but so#e prefer '%rea)ing a %utterfly.' +hih "o you li)e best0, as)e" a pale girl

of Polly- in one of the #o#entary lulls whih ourre".

,I have n't rea" either.,

,ou #ust- then. I a"ore !uy Livingston's boo)s- an" ates's. 'ui"a's' are #y "elight- only

they are so long- I get worn out before I'# through.,

,I have n't rea" anything but one of the 2uhlbah novels sine I a#e. I li)e those- beause

there is history in the#-, sai" Polly- gla" to have a wor" to say for herself.





,Those are well enough for i#proving rea"ing/ but I li)e real e&iting novels/ "on't you0,

Polly was spare" the #ortifiation of owning that she ha" never rea" any- by the appearane

of 2ousieur- a gray$hea"e" ol" Frenh#an- who went through his tas) with the resigne" air of

one who was use" to being the viti# of giggling shool$girls. The young la"ies gabble" over

the lesson- wrote an e&erise- an" rea" a little Frenh history. %ut it "i" not see# to #a)e #uh

i#pression upon the#- though 2onsieur was very rea"y to e&plain/ an" Polly 6uite blushe" for

her frien"- when- on being as)e" what fa#ous Frenh#an fought in our ;evolution- she

answere" La#artine- instea" of Lafayette.The hour was soon over/ an" when Fan ha" ta)en a #usi lesson in another roo#- while

Polly loo)e" on- it was ti#e for reess. The younger girls wal)e" up an" "own the ourt- ar# in

ar#- eating brea" an butter/ others staye" in the shool$roo# to rea" an" gossip/ but %elle- Tri&-

an" Fanny went to lunh at a fashionable ie$rea# saloon near by- an" Polly #ee)ly followe"-

not "aring to hint at the ginger$brea" gran"#a ha" put in her po)et for lunheon. So the

honest- brown oo)ies ru#ble" away in obsurity- while Polly trie" to satisfy her hearty

appetite on one ie an" three #aaroons.

The girls see#e" in great spirits- partiularly after they were 4oine" by a short gentle#an

with suh a young fae that Polly woul" have alle" hi# a boy- if he ha" not worn a tall beaver

8sorte" by this i#pressive youth- Fanny left her unfortunate frien"s to return to shool- an"went to wal)- as she alle" a slow pro#ena"e "own the #ost row"e" streets. Polly "isreetly

fell behin"- an" a#use" herself loo)ing into shop$win"ows- till Fanny- #in"ful of her #anners-

even at suh an interesting ti#e- too) her into a piture gallery- an" ba"e her en4oy the wor)s of

art while they reste". be"ient Polly went through the roo# several ti#es- apparently

e&a#ining the pitures with the interest of a onnoisseur- an" trying not to hear the #il" prattle

of the pair on the roun" seat. %ut she oul" n't help won"ering what Fan foun" so absorbing in

an aount of a reent !er#an- an" why she nee" pro#ise so sole#nly not to forget the onert

that afternoon.

+hen Fanny rose at last- Polly's tire" fae reproahe" her/ an" ta)ing a hasty leave of thes#all gentle#an- she turne" ho#ewar"- saying- onfi"entially- as she put one han" in Polly's

#uff- ,Now- #y "ear- you #ust n't say a wor" about Fran) 2oore- or papa will ta)e #y hea"

off. I "on't are a bit for hi#- an" he li)es Tri&/ only they have 6uarrelle"- an" he wants to #a)e

her #a" by flirting a little with #e. I sol"e" hi# well- an" he pro#ise" to #a)e up with her.

+e all go to the afternoon onerts- an" have a gay ti#e- an" %elle an" Tri& are to be there to$

"ay/ so 4ust )eep 6uiet- an" everything will be all right.,

,I'# afrai" it won't-, began Polly- who- not being use" to serets- foun" it very har" to )eep

even a s#all one.

,*on't worry- hil". It's none of our business/ so we an go an" en4oy the #usi- an" if other

people flirt- it won't be our fault-, sai" Fanny- i#patiently.,f ourse not/ but- then- if your father "on't li)e you to "o so- ought you to go0,

,I tell #a##a- an" she "on't are. Papa is fussy- an" gran"#a #a)es a stir about every

blesse" thing I "o. ou will hol" your tongue- won't you0,

,es/ I truly will/ I never tell tales., An" Polly )ept her wor"- feeling sure Fan "i" n't #ean

to "eeive her father- sine she tol" her #other everything.

,+ho are you going with0, as)e" 2rs. Shaw- when Fanny #entione" that it was onert$

"ay- 4ust before three o'lo).



,nly Polly/ she li)es #usi- an" it was so stor#y I oul" n't go last wee)- you )now-,

answere" Fan/ a""ing- as they left the house again- ,If any one #eets us on the way- I an't help

it- an I0,

,ou an tell the# not to- an't you0,

,That's ru"e. *ear #e1 here's %elle's brother !us he always goes. Is #y hair all right- an" #y

hat0

%efore Polly oul" answer- 2r. !us 4oine" the# as a #atter of ourse- an" Polly soon foun"

herself trotting on behin"- feeling that things were not ,all right-, though she "i" n't )now howto #en" the#. %eing fon" of #usi- she ignorantly suppose" that every one else went for that

alone- an" was #uh "isturbe" by the whispering that went on a#ong the young people roun"

her. %elle an" Tri& were there in full "ress/ an"- in the pauses between "ifferent piees- 2essrs.

Fran) an" !us- with several other ,splen"i" fellows-, regale" the young la"ies with ollege

gossip- an" bits of news full of interest- to 4u"ge fro# the lose attention pai" to their elo6uent

re#ar)s. Polly regar"e" these noble beings with awe- an" they reogni5e" her e&istene with

the on"esension of their se&/ but they evi"ently onsi"ere" her only ,a 6uiet little thing-, an"

fin"ing her not up to soiety tal)- blan"ly ignore" the pretty hil"- an" "evote" the#selves to

the young la"ies. Fortunately for Polly- she forgot all about the# in her en4oy#ent of the fine

#usi- whih she felt rather than un"erstoo"- an" sat listening with suh a happy fae- thatseveral true #usi$lovers wathe" her s#ilingly- for her heart gave a blithe welo#e to the

#elo"y whih put the little instru#ent in tune. It was "us) when they went out- an" Polly was

#uh relieve" to fin" the arriage waiting for the#- beause playing thir" fi""le was not to her

taste- an" she ha" ha" enough of it for one "ay.

,I'# gla" those #en are gone/ they "i" worry #e so tal)ing- when I wante" to hear-, sai"

Polly- as they rolle" away.

,+hih "i" you li)e best0, as)e" Fanny- with a langui" air of superiority.

,The plain one- who "i" n't say #uh/ he pi)e" up #y #uff when it tu#ble" "own- an"

too) are of #e in the row"/ the others "i" n't #in" anything about #e.,,They thought you were a little girl- I suppose.,

,2y #other says a real gentle#an is as polite to a little girl as to a wo#an/ so I li)e 2r.

Sy"ney best- beause he was )in" to #e.,

,+hat a sharp hil" you are- Polly. I shoul" n't have thought you'" #in" things li)e that-,

sai" Fanny- beginning to un"erstan" that there #ay be a goo" "eal of wo#anliness even in a

little girl.

,I'# use" to goo" #anners- though I "o live in the ountry-, replie" Polly- rather war#ly- for

she "i" n't li)e to be patroni5e" even by her frien"s.

,!ran"#a says your #other is a perfet la"y- an" you are 4ust li)e her/ so "on't get in a

passion with those poor fellows- an" I'll see that they behave better ne&t ti#e. To# has no#anners at all- an" you "on't o#plain of hi#-, a""e" Fan- with a laugh.

,I "on't are if he has n't/ he's a boy- an" ats li)e one- an" I an get on with hi# a great "eal

better than I an with those #en.,

Fanny was 4ust going to ta)e Polly to tas) for saying ,those #en, in suh a "isrespetful

tone- when both were startle" by a s#othere" ,Co)$a$"oo"le$"oo1, fro# un"er the opposite

seat.

,It's To#1, rie" Fanny/ an" with the wor"s out tu#ble" that inorrigible boy- re" in the

fae- an" breathless with suppresse" laughter. Seating hi#self- he surveye" the girls as if well



satisfie" with the suess of his pran)- an" waiting to be ongratulate" upon it. ,*i" you hear

what we were saying0, "e#an"e" Fanny- uneasily.

,h- "i" n't I- every wor"0, An" To# e&ulte" over the# visibly.

,*i" you ever see suh a provo)ing toa"- Polly0 Now- I suppose you'll go an" tell papa a

great story.,

,P'r'aps I shall- an" p'r'aps I shan't. 3ow Polly "i" hop when I rowe"1 I hear" her s6ueal-

an" saw her u""le up her feet.,

,An" you hear" us praise your #anners- "i" n't you0, as)e" Polly- slyly.,es- an" you li)e"'e#/ so I won't tell on you-, sai" To#- with a re$assuring no".

,There's nothing to tell.,

,Ain't there- though0 +hat "o you suppose the governor will say to you girls going on so

with those "an"ies0 I saw you.,

,+hat has the !overnor of 2assahusetts to "o with us0, as)e" Polly- trying to loo) as if

she #eant what she sai".

,Pooh1 you )now who I #ean/ so you nee" n't try to ath #e up- as gran"#a "oes.,

,To#- I'll #a)e a bargain with you-, rie" Fanny- eagerly. ,It was n't #y fault that !us an"

Fran) were there- an" I oul" n't help their spea)ing to #e. I "o as well as I an- an" papa nee"

n't be angry/ for I behave ever so #uh better than so#e of the girls. *on't I- Polly0,,%argain0, observe" To#- with an eye to business.

,If you won't go an" #a)e a fuss- telling what you'" no right to hear it was so #ean to hi"e

an" listen/ I shoul" thin) you'" be asha#e" of it1 I'll help you tease for your veloipe"e- an"

won't say a wor" against it- when #a##a an" granny beg papa not to let you have it.,

,+ill you0, an" To# pause" to onsi"er the offer in all its bearings.

,es- an" Polly will help/ won't you0,

,I'" rather not have anything to "o with it/ but I'll be 6uiet- an" not "o any har#.,

,+hy won't you0, as)e" To#- uriously.

,%eause it see#s li)e "eeiving.,,+ell- papa nee" n't be so fussy-, sai" Fan- petulantly.

,After hearing about that Carrie- an" the rest- I "on't won"er he is fussy. +hy "on't you tell

right out- an" not "o it any #ore- if he "on't want you to0, sai" Polly- persuasively.

,*o you go an" tell your father an" #other everything right out0,

,es- I "o/ an" it saves ever so #uh trouble.,

,Ain't you afrai" of the#0,

,f ourse I'# not. It's har" to tell so#eti#es/ but it's so o#fortable when it's over.,

,Let's1, was To#'s brief a"vie.

,2ery #e1 what a fuss about nothing1, sai" Fanny- rea"y to ry with ve&ation.

,T is n't nothing. ou )now you are forbi""en to go gallivanting roun" with those haps- an"that's the reason you're in a pu)er now. I won't #a)e any bargain- an" I will tell-, returne"

To#- sei5e" with a su""en fit of #oral fir#ness.

,+ill you if I pro#ise never- never to "o so any #ore0, as)e" Fanny- #ee)ly/ for when

Tho#as too) #atters into his own han"s- his sister usually sub#itte" in spite of herself.

,I'll thin) about it/ an" if you behave- #aybe I won't "o it at all. I an wath you better than

papa an/ so- if you try it again- it's all up with you- #iss-, sai" To#- fin"ing it i#possible to

resist the pleasure of tyranni5ing a little when he got the hane.

,She won't/ "on't plague her any #ore- an" she will be goo" to you when you get into

srapes-, answere" Polly- with her ar# roun" Fan.



,I never "o/ an" if I "i"- I shoul" n't as) a girl to help #e out.,

,+hy not0 I'" as) you in a #inute- if I was in trouble-, sai" Polly- in her onfi"ing way.

,+oul" you0 +ell- I'" put you through- as sure as #y na#e's To# Shaw. Now- then- "on't

slip- Polly-, an" 2r. Tho#as helpe" the# out with unusual politeness- for that frien"ly little

speeh gratifie" hi#. 3e felt that one person appreiate" hi#/ an" it ha" a goo" effet upon

#anners an" te#per #a"e rough an" belligerent by onstant snubbing an" opposition.

After tea that evening- Fanny propose" that Polly shoul" show her how to #a)e #olasses

an"y- as it was oo)'s holi"ay- an" the oast woul" be lear. 3oping to propitiate her tor#entorFan invite" To# to 4oin in the revel- an" Polly begge" that 2au" #ight sit up an" see the fun/

so all four "esen"e" to the big )ithen- ar#e" with aprons- ha##ers- spoons- an" pans- an"

Polly assu#e" o##an" of the fores. To# was set to ra)ing nuts- an" 2au" to pi)ing out

the #eats- for the an"y was to be ,tip$top., Fan waite" on Polly oo)- who hovere" over the

)ettle of boiling #olasses till her fae was the olor of a peony. ,Now- put in the nuts-, she sai"

at last/ an" To# e#ptie" his plate into the foa#y syrup- while the others wathe" with "eep

interest the #ysterious onotion of this well$belove" sweet#eat. ,I pour it into the buttere"

pan- you see- an" it ools- an" then we an eat it-, e&plaine" Polly- suiting the ation to the

wor".

,+hy- it's all full of shells1, e&lai#e" 2au"- peering into the pan.,h- thun"er1 I #ust have put'e# in by #ista)e- an" ate up the #eats without thin)ing-, sai"

To#- trying to oneal his naughty satisfation- as the girls hung over the pan with faes full of

"isappoint#ent an" "espair.

,ou "i" it on purpose- you horri" boy1 I'll never let you have anything to "o with #y fun

again1, rie" Fan- in a passion- trying to ath an" sha)e hi#- while he "o"ge" an" hu)le" in

high glee.

2au" began to wail over her lost "elight- an" Polly gravely po)e" at the #ess- whih was

6uite spoilt. %ut her attention was spee"ily "iverte" by the s6uabble going on in the orner/ for

Fanny- forgetful of her young$la"yis# an" her si&teen years- ha" bo&e" To#'s ears- an" To#-resenting the insult- ha" foribly seate" her in the oal$ho"- where he hel" her with one han"

while he returne" the o#pli#ent with the other. %oth were very angry- an" )ept twitting one

another with every aggravation they oul" invent- as they sol"e" an" suffle"- presenting a

#ost unlovely spetale.

Polly was not a #o"el girl by any #eans- an" ha" her little pets an" te#pers li)e the rest of

us/ but she "i" n't fight- srea#- an" s6uabble with her brothers an" sisters in this "isgraeful

way- an" was #uh surprise" to see her elegant frien" in suh a passion. ,h- "on't1 Please-

"on't1 ou'll hurt her- To#1 Let hi# go- Fanny1 It's no #atter about the an"y/ we an #a)e

so#e #ore1, rie" Polly- trying to part the#- an" loo)ing so "istresse"- that they stoppe"

asha#e"- an" in a #inute sorry that she shoul" see suh a "isplay of te#per.,I ain't going to be hustle" roun"/ so you'" better let #e alone- Fan-, sai" To#- "rawing off

with a threatening wag of the hea"- a""ing- in a "ifferent tone- ,I only put the shells in for fun-

Polly. ou oo) another )ettleful- an" I'll pi) you so#e #eats all fair. +ill you0,

,It's pretty hot wor)- an" it's a pity to waste things/ but I'll try again- if you want #e to-, sai"

Polly- with a patient sigh- for her ar#s were tire" an" her fae uno#fortably hot.

,+e "on't want you/ get away1, sai" 2au"- sha)ing a sti)y spoon at hi#.

,9eep 6uiet- ry$baby. I'# going to stay an" help/ #ay n't I- Polly0,

,%ears li)e sweet things- so you want so#e an"y- I guess. +here is the #olasses0 +e've

use" up all there was in the 4ug-, sai" Polly- goo"$nature"ly- beginning again.



,*own ellar/ I'll get it/, an" ta)ing the la#p an" 4ug- To# "eparte"- bent on "oing his "uty

now li)e a saint.

The #o#ent his light vanishe"- Fanny bolte" the "oor- saying- spitefully- ,Now- we are safe

fro# any #ore tri)s. Let hi# thu#p an" all- it only serves hi# right/ an" when the an"y is

"one- we 'll let the rasal out.,

,3ow an we #a)e it without #olasses0, as)e" Polly- thin)ing that woul" settle the #atter.

,There's plenty in the store$roo#. No/ you shan't let hi# up till I '# rea"y. 3e's got to learn

that I'# not to be sha)en by a little hit li)e hi#. 2a)e your an"y- an" let hi# alone- or I'll goan" tell papa- an" then To# will get a leture.,

Polly thought it was n't fair/ but 2au" la#ore" for her an"y- an" fin"ing she oul" "o

nothing to appease Fan- Polly "evote" her #in" to her oo)ery till the nuts were safely in- an" a

nie panful set in the yar" to ool. A few bangs at the lo)e" "oor- a few threats of vengeane

fro# the prisoner- suh as setting the house on fire- "rin)ing up the wine- an" #ashing the 4elly$

pots- an" then all was so 6uiet that the girls forgot hi# in the e&iting risis of their wor).

,3e an't possibly get out anywhere- an" as soon we've ut up the an"y- we'll unbolt the

"oor an" run. Co#e an" get a nie "ish to put it in-, sai" Fan- when Polly propose" to go halves

with To#- lest he shoul" o#e bursting in so#ehow- an" sei5e the whole.

+hen they a#e "own with the "ish in whih to set forth their treat- an" opene" the ba)$"oor to fin" it- i#agine their "is#ay on "isovering that it was gone- pan- an"y- an" all- utterly

an" #ysteriously gone1

A general la#ent arose- when a areful ru##age left no hopes/ for the fates ha" evi"ently

"eree" at an"y was not to prosper on this unpropitious night.

,The hot pan has #elte" an" sun) in the snow perhaps-, sai" Fanny- "igging into the "rift

where it was left.

,Those ol" ats have got it- I guess-, suggeste" 2au"- too #uh overwhel#e" by this

seon" blow to howl as usual.

,The gate is n't lo)e"- an" so#e beggar has stolen it. I hope it will "o hi# goo"-, a""e"Polly- turning fro# her e&ploring e&pe"ition.

,If To# oul" get out- I shoul" thin) he'" arrie" it off/ but not being a rat- he an't go

through the bits of win"ows/ so it was n't hi#-, sai" Fanny- "isonsolately- for she began to

thin) this "ouble loss a punish#ent for letting angry passions rise- ,Let's open the "oor an" tell

hi# about it-, propose" Polly.

,3e'll row over us. No/ we'll open it an" go to be"- an" he an o#e out when he li)es.

Provo)ing boy1 if he ha" n't plague" us sowe shoul" have ha" a nie ti#e.,

7nbolting the ellar "oor- the girls announe" to the invisible aptive that they were through-

an" then "eparte" #uh "epresse". 3alf$way up the seon" flight- they all stoppe" as su""enly

as if they ha" seen a ghost/ for loo)ing over the banisters was To#'s fae- ro)y buttriu#phant- an" in either han" a 4un) of an"y- whih he wave" above the# as he vanishe"-

with the tantali5ing re#ar)- ,*on't you wish you ha" so#e0,

,3ow in the worl" "i" he get out0, rie" Fanny- stea"ying herself after a start that nearly

sent all three tu#bling "own stairs.

,Coal$hole1, answere" a spetral voie fro# the gloo# above.

,!oo" graious1 3e #ust have po)e" up the over- li#be" into the street- stole the an"y-

an" snea)e" in at the she"$win"ow while we were loo)ing for it.,

,Cats got it- "i" n't they0, 4eere" the voie in a tone that #a"e Polly sit "own an" laugh till

she oul" n't laugh any longer.



,:ust give 2au" a bit- she's so "isappointe". Fan an" I are si) of it- an" so will you be- if

you eat it all-, alle" Polly- when she got her breath.

,!o to be"- 2au"ie- an" loo) un"er your pillow when you get there-, was the oraular reply

that a#e "own to the#- as To#'s "oor lose" after a 4ubilant solo on the tin pan.

The girls went to be" tire" out/ an" 2au" slu#bere" plai"ly- hugging the sti)y bun"le-

foun" where #olasses an"y is not often "isovere". Polly was very tire"- an" soon fell asleep/

but Fanny- who slept with her- lay awa)e longer than usual- thin)ing about her troubles- for her

hea" ahe"- an" the "issatisfation that follows anger woul" not let her rest with the tran6uillitythat #a"e the rosy fae in the little roun" nightap suh a pleasant sight to see as it lay besi"e

her. The gas was turne" "own- but Fanny saw a figure in a gray wrapper reep by her "oor- an"

presently return- pausing to loo) in. ,+ho is it0, she rie"- so lou" that Polly wo)e.

,nly #e- "ear-, answere" gran"#a's #il" voie. ,Poor To# has got a "rea"ful toothahe-

an" I a#e "own to fin" so#e reosote for hi#. 3e tol" #e not to tell you/ but I an't fin" the

bottle- an" "on't want to "isturb #a##a.,

,It's in #y loset. l" To# will pay for his tri) this ti#e-, sai" Fanny- in a satisfie" tone.

,I thought he'" get enough of our an"y-, laughe" Polly/ an" then they fell asleep- leaving

To# to the "elights of toothahe an" the ten"er #eries of )in" ol" gran"#a.

Chapter III. Polly's Troubles

Polly soon foun" that she was in a new worl"- a worl" where the #anners an" usto#s were

so "ifferent fro# the si#ple ways at ho#e- that she felt li)e a stranger in a strange lan"- an"

often wishe" that she ha" not o#e. In the first plae- she ha" nothing to "o but lounge an"

gossip- rea" novels- para"e the streets- an" "ress/ an" before a wee) was gone- she was as

heartily si) of all this- as a healthy person woul" be who atte#pte" to live on onfetionery.

Fanny li)e" it- beause she was use" to it- an" ha" never )nown anything better/ but Polly ha"-

an" often felt li)e a little woo"$bir" shut up in a gil"e" age. Nevertheless- she was #uhi#presse" by the lu&uries all about her- en4oye" the#- wishe" she owne" the#- an" won"ere"

why the Shaws were not a happier fa#ily. She was not wise enough to )now where the trouble

lay/ she "i" not atte#pt to say whih of the two lives was the right one/ she only )new whih

she li)e" best- an" suppose" it was #erely another of her ,ol"$fashione", ways.

Fanny's frien"s "i" not interest her #uh/ she was rather afrai" of the#- they see#e" so

#uh ol"er an" wiser than herself- even those younger in years. They tal)e" about things of

whih she )new nothing an" when Fanny trie" to e&plain- she "i" n't fin" the# interesting/

in"ee"- so#e of the# rather sho)e" an" pu55le" her/ so the girls let her alone- being ivil

when they #et- but evi"ently feeling that she was too ,o"", to belong to their set. Then she

turne" to 2au" for o#panionship- for her own little sister was e&ellent o#pany- an" Pollylove" her "early. %ut 2iss 2au" was #uh absorbe" in her own affairs- for she belonge" to a

,set, also/ an" these #ites of five an" si& ha" their ,#usials-, their parties- reeptions- an"

pro#ena"es- as well as their el"ers/ an"- the hief i"ea of their little lives see#e" to be to ape

the fashionable follies they shoul" have been too innoent to un"erstan". 2au" ha" her tiny

ar"$ase- an" pai" alls- ,li)e #a##a an" Fan,/ her bo& of "ainty gloves- her 4ewel$"rawer-

her ri#ping$pins- as fine an" faniful a war"robe as a Paris "oll- an" a Frenh #ai" to "ress

her. Polly oul" n't get on with her at first- for 2au" "i" n't see# li)e a hil"- an" often

orrete" Polly in her onversation an" #anners- though little #a"e#oiselle's own were

anything but perfet. Now an" then- when 2au" felt poorly- or ha" a ,fwatious, turn- for she



ha" ,nerves, as well as #a##a- she woul" go to Polly to ,be a#oose"-, for her gentle ways

an" )in" forbearane soothe" the little fine la"y better than anything else. Polly en4oye" these

ti#es- an" tol" stories- playe" ga#es- or went out wal)ing- 4ust as 2au" li)e"- slowly an"

surely winning the hil"'s heart- an" relieving the whole house of the young tyrant who rule" it.

To# soon got over staring at Polly- an" at first "i" not ta)e #uh notie of her- for- in his

opinion- ,girls "i" n't a#ount to #uh- anyway,/ an"- onsi"ering- the style of girl he )new

#ost about- Polly 6uite agree" with hi#. 3e oasionally refreshe" hi#self by teasing her- to

see how she'" stan" it- an" ause" Polly #uh anguish of spirit- for she never )new where hewoul" ta)e her ne&t. 3e boune" out at her fro# behin" "oors- booe" at her in "ar) entries-

luthe" her feet as she went up stairs- startle" her by shrill whistles right in her ear- or su""en

twea)s of the hair as he passe" her in the street/ an" as sure as there was o#pany to "inner- he

fi&e" his roun" eyes on her- an" never too) the# off till she was re"ue" to a piteous state of

onfusion an" "istress. She use" to beg hi# not to plague her/ but he sai" he "i" it for her goo"/

she was too shy- an" nee"e" toughening li)e the other girls. In vain she proteste" that she "i" n't

want to be li)e the other girls in that respet/ he only laughe" in her fae- stu) his re" hair

straight up all over his hea"- an" glare" at her- till she fle" in "is#ay.

et Polly rather li)e" To#- for she soon saw that he was neglete"- hustle" out of the way-

an" left to get on pretty #uh by hi#self. She often won"ere" why his #other "i" n't pet hi# asshe "i" the girls/ why his father or"ere" hi# about as if he was a born rebel- an" too) so little

interest in his only son. Fanny onsi"ere" hi# a bear- an" was asha#e" of hi#/ but never trie"

to polish hi# up a bit/ an" 2au" an" he live" together li)e a at an" "og who "i" not belong to

a ,happy fa#ily., !ran"#a was the only one who stoo" by poor ol" To#/ an" Polly #ore than

one "isovere" hi# "oing so#ething )in" for 2a"a#- an" see#ing very #uh asha#e" when

it was foun" out. 3e was n't respetful at all/ he alle" her ,the ol" la"y-, an" tol" her he ,woul"

n't be fusse" over,/ but when anything was the #atter- he always went to ,the ol" la"y-, an"

was very grateful for the ,fussing., Polly li)e" hi# for this- an" often wante" to spea) of it/ but

she ha" a feeling that it woul" n't "o- for in praising their affetion- she was reproahing otherswith neglet/ so she hel" her tongue- an" thought about it all the #ore. !ran"#a was rather

neglete"- too- an" perhaps that is the reason why To# an" she were suh goo" frien"s. She

was even #ore ol"$fashione" than Polly/ but people "i" n't see# to #in" it so #uh in her- as

her "ay was suppose" to be over- an" nothing was e&pete" of her but to )eep out of

everybo"y's way- an" to be han"so#ely "resse" when she appeare" ,before people., !ran"#a

le" a 6uiet- solitary life in her own roo#s- full of ol" furniture- pitures- boo)s- an" relis of a

past for whih no one are" but herself. 3er son went up every evening for a little all- was very

)in" to her- an" saw that she wante" nothing #oney oul" buy/ but he was a busy #an- so

intent on getting rih that he ha" no ti#e to en4oy what he alrea"y possesse". 2a"a# never

o#plaine"- interfere"- or suggeste"/ but there was a sa" sort of 6uietu"e about her- a wistfulloo) in her fa"e" eyes- as if she wante" so#ething whih #oney oul" not buy- an" when

hil"ren were near- she hovere" about the#- evi"ently longing to u""le an" aress the# as

only gran"#others an. Polly felt this/ an" as she #isse" the ho#e$petting- gla"ly showe" that

she li)e" to see the 6uiet ol" fae brighten- as she entere" the solitary roo#- where few hil"ren

a#e- e&ept the phanto#s of little sons an" "aughters- who- to the #otherly heart that love"

the#- never fa"e" or grew up. Polly wishe" the hil"ren woul" be )in"er to gran"#a/ but it was

not for her to tell the# so- although it trouble" her a goo" "eal- an" she oul" only try to #a)e

up for it by being as "utiful an" affetionate as if their gran"#a was her own.





Another thing that "isturbe" Polly was the want of e&erise. To "ress up an" para"e ertain

streets for an hour every "ay- to stan" tal)ing in "oorways- or "rive out in a fine arriage- was

not the sort of e&erise she li)e"- an" Fan woul" ta)e no other. In"ee"- she was so sho)e"-

when Polly- one "ay- propose" a run "own the #all- that her frien" never "are" suggest suh a

thing again. At ho#e- Polly ran an" ro"e- oaste" an" s)ate"- 4u#pe" rope an" ra)e" hay-

wor)e" in her gar"en an" rowe" her boat/ so no won"er she longe" for so#ething #ore lively

than a "aily pro#ena"e with a flo) of gi""y girls- who tilte" along in high$heele" boots- an"

ostu#es whih #a"e Polly asha#e" to be seen with so#e of the#. So she use" to slip outalone so#eti#es- when Fanny was absorbe" in novels- o#pany- or #illinery- an" get fine bris)

wal)s roun" the par)- on the unfashionable si"e- where the babies too) their airings/ or she went

insi"e- to wath the boys oasting- an" to wish she oul" oast too- as she "i" at ho#e. She

never went far- an" always a#e ba) rosy an" gay.

ne afternoon- 4ust before "inner- she felt so tire" of "oing nothing- that she slippe" out for a

run. It ha" been a "ull "ay/ but the sun was visible now- setting brightly below the lou"s. It was

ol" but still an" Polly trotte" "own the s#ooth- snow$overe" #all hu##ing to herself- an"

trying not to feel ho#esi). The oasters were at it with all their #ight- an" she wathe" the#-

till her longing to 4oin the fun grew irresistible. n the hill- so#e little girls were playing with

their sle"s- real little girls- in war# hoo"s an" oats- rubber boots an" #ittens- an" Polly felt"rawn towar" the# in spite of her fear of Fan.

,I want to go "own- but I "ars n't- it's so steep-, sai" one of these ,o##on hil"ren-, as

2au" alle" the#.

,If you'll len" #e your sle"- an" sit in #y lap- I'll ta)e you "own all nie-, answere" Polly- in

a onfi"ential tone.

The little girls too) a loo) at her- see#e" satisfie"- an" aepte" her offer. Polly loo)e"

arefully roun" to see that no fashionable eye behel" the awful "ee"- an" fin"ing all safe- settle"

her freight- an" spun away "own hill- feeling all over the "elightso#e e&ite#ent of swift

#otion whih #a)es oasting suh a favorite pasti#e with the #ore sensible portion of thehil"$worl". ne after another- she too) the little girls "own the hill an" "ragge" the# up again-

while they regar"e" her in the light of a gray$oate" angel- "esen"e" for their e&press benefit.

Polly was 4ust finishing off with one "eliious ,go, all by herself- when she hear" a fa#iliar

whistle behin" her- an" before she oul" get off- up a#e To#- loo)ing as #uh astonishe" as if

he ha" foun" her #ounte"- on an elephant.

,3ullo- Polly1 +hat'll Fan say to you0, was his polishe" salutation.

,*on't )now- an" "on't are. Coasting is no har#/ I li)e it- an" I'# going to "o it- now I've

got a hane/ so lear the lul$la1, An" away went in"epen"ent Polly- with her hair blowing in

the win"- an" an e&pression of genuine en4oy#ent- whih a very re" nose "i" n't "a#age in the

least.,!oo" for you- Polly1, An" asting hi#self upon his sle"- with the #ost re)less "isregar"

for his ribs- off whi55e" To# after her- an" a#e alongsi"e 4ust as she reine" up ,!eneral

!rant, on the broa" path below. ,h- won't you get it when we go ho#e0, rie" the young

gentle#an- even before he hange" his graeful attitu"e.

,I shan't- if you "on't go an" tell/ but of ourse you will-, a""e" Polly- sitting still- while an

an&ious e&pression began to steal over her happy fae.

,I 4ust won't- then-, returne" To#- with the natural perversity of his tribe.

,If they as) #e- I shall tell- of ourse/ if they "on't as)- I thin) there's no har# in )eeping

still. I shoul" n't have "one it- if I ha" n't )nown #y #other was willing/ but I "on't wish to



trouble your #other by telling of it. *o you thin) it was very "rea"ful of #e0, as)e" Polly-

loo)ing at hi#.

,I thin) it was "ownright 4olly/ an" I won't tell- if you "on't want #e to. Now- o#e up an"

have another-, sai" To#- heartily.

,:ust one #ore/ the little girls want to go- this is their sle".,

,Let'e# ta)e it- it is n't goo" for #uh/ an" you o#e on #ine. 2a5eppa's a stunner/ you see

if he is n't.,

So Polly tu)e" herself up in front- To# hung on behin" in so#e #ysterious #anner- an"2a5eppa prove" that he fully #erite" his #aster's sinere if inelegant praise. They got on

apitally now- for To# was in his proper sphere- an" showe" his best si"e- being ivil an" gay

in the bluff boy$fashion that was natural to hi#/ while Polly forgot to be shy- an" li)e" this sort

of ,toughening, #uh better than the other. They laughe" an" tal)e"- an" )ept ta)ing ,4ust one

#ore-, till the sunshine was all gone- an" the lo)s stru) "inner$ti#e.

,+e shall be late/ let's run-, sai" Polly- as they a#e into the path after the last oast.

,ou 4ust sit still- an" I'll get you ho#e in a 4iffy/, an" before she oul" unpa) herself- To#

trotte" off with her at a fine pae.

,3ere's a pair of hee)s1 I wish you'" get a olor li)e this- Fanny-, sai" 2r. Shaw- as Polly

a#e into the "ining$roo# after s#oothing her hair.,our nose is as re" as that ranberry saue-, answere" Fan- o#ing out of the big hair

where she ha" been urle" up for an hour or two- "eep in ,La"y Au"ley's Seret.,

,So it is-, sai" Polly- shutting one eye to loo) at the offen"ing feature. ,Never #in"/ I've ha"

a goo" ti#e- anyway-, she a""e"- giving a little prane in her hair.

,I "on't see #uh fun in these ol" runs you are so fon" of ta)ing-, sai" Fanny- with a yawn

an" a shiver.

,Perhaps you woul" if you trie" it/, an" Polly laughe" as she glane" at To#.

,*i" you go alone- "ear0, as)e" gran"#a- patting the rosy hee) besi"e her.

,es'#/ but I #et To#- an" we a#e ho#e together., Polly's eyes twin)le" when she sai"that- an" To# ho)e" in his soup.

,Tho#as- leave the table1, o##an"e" 2r. Shaw- as his inorrigible son gurgle" an" gaspe"

behin" his nap)in.

,Please "on't sen" hi# away- sir. I #a"e hi# laugh-, sai" Polly- penitently.

,+hat's the 4o)e0, as)e" Fanny- wa)ing up at last.

,I shoul" n't thin) you'" #a)e hi# laugh- when he's always #a)ing you wy-, observe"

2au"- who ha" 4ust o#e in.

,+hat have you been "oing now- sir0, "e#an"e" 2r. Shaw- as To# e#erge"- re" an"

sole#n- fro# his brief obsurity.

,Nothing but oast-, he sai"- gruffly- for papa was always leturing hi#- an" letting the girls"o 4ust as they li)e".

,So's Polly/ I saw her. 2e an" %lanhe were o#ing ho#e 4ust now- an" we saw her an"

To# wi"ing "own the hill on his sle"- an" then he "wagge" her ever so far1, rie" 2au"- with

her #outh full.

,ou "i" n't0, an" Fanny "roppe" her for) with a san"ali5e" fae.

,es- I "i"- an" li)e" it ever so #uh-, answere" Polly- loo)ing an&ious but resolute.

,*i" any one see you0, rie" Fanny.

,nly so#e little girls- an" To#.,



,It was horri"ly i#proper/ an" To# ought to have tol" you so- if you "i" n't )now any better

I shoul" be #ortifie" to "eath if any of #y frien"s saw you-, a""e" Fan- #uh "isturbe".

,Now- "on't you sol". It's no har#- an" Polly shall oast if she wants to/ #ay n't she-

gran"#a0, rie" To#- gallantly o#ing to the resue- an" seuring a powerful ally.

,2y #other lets #e/ an" if I "on't go a#ong the boys- I an't see what har# there is in it-,

sai" Polly- before 2a"a# oul" spea).

,People "o #any things in the ountry that are not proper here-, began 2rs. Shaw- in her

reproving tone.,Let the hil" "o it if she li)es- an" ta)e 2au" with her. I shoul" be gla" to have one hearty

girl in #y house-, interrupte" 2r. Shaw- an" that was the en" of it.

,Than) you- sir-, sai" Polly- gratefully- an" no""e" at To#- who telegraphe" ba) ,All

right1, an" fell upon his "inner with the appetite of a young wolf.

,h- you sly$boots1 you're getting up a flirtation with To#- are you0, whispere" Fanny to

her frien"- as if #uh a#use".

,+hat1, an" Polly loo)e" so surprise" an" in"ignant- that Fanny was asha#e" of herself-

an" hange" the sub4et by telling her #other she nee"e" so#e new gloves.

Polly was very 6uiet after that- an" the #inute "inner was over- she left the roo# to go an"

have a 6uiet ,thin), about the whole #atter. %efore she got half$way up stairs- she saw To#o#ing after- an" i##e"iately sat "own to guar" her feet. 3e laughe"- an" sai"- as he perhe"

hi#self on the post of the banisters- ,I won't grab you- honor bright. I 4ust wante" to say- if

you'll o#e out to$#orrow so#e ti#e- we'll have a goo" oast.,

,No-, sai" Polly- ,I an't o#e.,

,+hy not0 Are you #a"0 I "i" n't tell., An" To# loo)e" a#a5e" at the hange whih ha"

o#e over her.

,No/ you )ept your wor"- an" stoo" by #e li)e a goo" boy. I'# not #a"- either/ but I "on't

#ean to oast any #ore. our #other "on't li)e it.,

,That is n't the reason- I )now. ou no""e" to #e after she'" free" her #in"- an" you #eantto go then. Co#e- now- what is it0,

,I shan't tell you/ but I'# not going-, was Polly's "eter#ine" answer.

,+ell- I "i" thin) you ha" #ore sense than #ost girls/ but you have n't- an" I woul" n't give

a si&pene for you.,

,That's polite-, sai" Polly- getting ruffle".

,+ell- I hate owar"s.,

,I ain't a owar".,

,es- you are. ou're afrai" of what fol)s will say/ ain't you- now0,

Polly )new she was- an" hel" her peae- though she longe" to spea)/ but how oul" she0

,Ah- I )new you'" ba) out., An" To# wal)e" away with an air of sorn that ut Polly to theheart.

,It's too ba"1 :ust as he was growing )in" to #e- an" I was going to have a goo" ti#e- it's all

spoilt by Fan's nonsense. 2rs. Shaw "on't li)e it- nor gran"#a either- I "are say. There'll be a

fuss if I goan" Fan will plague #e/ so I'll give it up- an" let To# thin) I '# afrai". h- "ear1 I

never "i" see suh ri"iulous people.,

Polly shut her "oor har"- an" felt rea"y to ry with ve&ation- that her pleasure shoul" be

spoilt by suh a silly i"ea/ for- of all the silly frea)s of this fast age- that of little people playing

at love is about the silliest. Polly ha" been taught that it was a very serious an" sare" thing/

an"- aor"ing to her notions- it was far #ore i#proper to flirt with one boy than to oast with a



"o5en. She ha" been #uh a#a5e"- only the "ay before- to hear 2au" say to her #other-

,2a##a- #ust I have a beau0 The girls all "o- an" say I ought to have Fwe""y Lovell/ but I

"on't li)e hi# as well as 3awry Fis)e.,

,h- yes/ I'" have a little sweetheart- "ear- it's so unning-, answere" 2rs. Shaw. An" 2au"

announe" soon after that she was engage" to ,Fwe""y-'ause 3awry slappe" her, when she

propose" the #ath.

Polly laughe" with the rest at the ti#e/ but when she thought of it afterwar"- an" won"ere"

what her own #other woul" have sai"- if little 9itty ha" put suh a 6uestion- she "i" n't fin" itunning or funny- but ri"iulous an" unnatural. She felt so now about herself/ an" when her first

petulane was over- resolve" to give up oasting an" everything else- rather than have any

nonsense with To#- who- than)s to his neglete" e"uation- was as ignorant as herself of the

har#s of this new a#use#ent for shool$hil"ren. So Polly trie" to onsole herself by 4u#ping

rope in the ba)$yar"- an" playing tag with 2au" in the "rying$roo#- where she li)ewise gave

lessons in ,nas$gi#$nis-, as 2au" alle" it- whih "i" that little person goo". Fanny a#e up

so#eti#es to teah the# a new "aning step- an" #ore than one was betraye" into a ga#e of

ro#ps- for whih she was none the worse. %ut To# turne" a ol" shoul"er to Polly- an" #a"e it

evi"ent- by his avalier #anner that he really "i" n't thin) her ,worth a si&pene.,

Another thing that trouble" Polly was her lothes- for- though no one sai" anything- she)new they were very plain/ an" now an" then she wishe" that her blue an" #ouse olore"

#erinos were rather #ore tri##e"- her sashes ha" bigger bows- an" her little ruffles #ore lae

on the#. She sighe" for a lo)et- an"- for the first ti#e in her life- thought seriously of turning

up her pretty urls an" putting on a ,wa"., She )ept these "isontents to herself- however- after

she ha" written to as) her #other if she #ight have her best "ress altere" li)e Fanny's- an"

reeive" this reply< ,No- "ear/ the "ress is proper an" beo#ing as it is- an" the ol" fashion of

si#pliity the best for all of us. I "on't want #y Polly to be love" for her lothes- but for herself/

so wear the plain fro)s #other too) suh pleasure in #a)ing for youan" let the panniers go.

The least of us have so#e influene in this big worl"/ an" perhaps #y little girl an "o so#egoo" by showing others that a ontente" heart an" a happy fae are better orna#ents than any

Paris an give her. ou want a lo)et- "eary/ so I sen" one that #y #other gave #e years ago.

ou will fin" father's fae on one si"e- #ine on the other/ an" when things trouble you- 4ust

loo) at your talis#an- an" I thin) the sunshine will o#e ba) again.,

f ourse it "i"- for the best of all #agi was shut up in the 6uaint little ase that Polly wore

insi"e her fro)- an" )isse" so ten"erly eah night an" #orning. The thought that- insignifiant

as she was- she yet #ight "o so#e goo"- #a"e her very areful of her ats an" wor"s- an" so

an&ious to )eep hea" ontente" an" fae happy- that she forgot her lothes- an" #a"e others "o

the sa#e. She "i" not )now it- but that goo" ol" fashion of si#pliity #a"e the plain gowns

pretty- an" the grae of unonsiousness beautifie" their little wearer with the har# that #a)esgirlhoo" sweetest to those who truly love an" reverene it. ne te#ptation Polly ha" alrea"y

yiel"e" to before the letter a#e- an" repente" heartily of afterwar".

,Polly- I wish you'" let #e all you 2arie-, sai" Fanny one "ay- as they were shopping

together.

,ou #ay all #e 2ary- if you li)e/ but I won't have any ie put on to #y na#e. I'# Polly at

ho#e an" I'# fon" of being alle" so/ but 2arie is Frenhifie" an" silly.,

,I spell #y own na#e with an ie- an" so "o all the girls.,

,An" what a 4u#ble of Netties- Nellies- 3atties- an" Sallies there is. 3ow'Pollie' woul" loo)

spelt so1,



,+ell- never #in"/ that was n't what I began to say. There's one thing you #ust have- an"

that is- bron5e boots-, sai" Fan- i#pressively.

,+hy #ust I- when I've got enough without0,

,%eause it's the fashion to have the#- an" you an't be finishe" off properly without. I'#

going to get a pair- an" so #ust you.,

,*on't they ost a great "eal0,

,8ight or nine "ollars- I believe. I have #ine harge"/ but it "on't #atter if you have n't got

the #oney . I an len" you so#e.,,I've got ten "ollars to "o what I li)e with/ but it's #eant to get so#e presents for the

hil"ren., An" Polly too) out her purse in an un"ei"e" way.

,ou an #a)e presents easy enough. !ran"#a )nows all sorts of nie ontrivanes. They'll

"o 4ust as well/ an" then you an get your boots.,

,+ell/ I'll loo) at the#-, sai" Polly- following Fanny into the store- feeling rather rih an"

i#portant to be shopping in this elegant #anner.

,Are n't they lovely0 our foot is perfetly "ivine in that boot- Polly. !et the# for #y party/

you'll "ane li)e a fairy-, whispere" Fan.

Polly surveye" the "ainty- shining boot with the sallope" top- the 4aunty heel- an" the

"eliate toe- thought her foot "i" loo) very well in it- an" after a little pause- sai" she woul"have the#. It was all very "elightful till she got ho#e- an" was alone/ then- on loo)ing into her

purse- she saw one "ollar an" the list of things she #eant to get for #other an" the hil"ren.

3ow #ean the "ollar loo)e" all alone1 an" how long the list grew when there was nothing to

buy the artiles.

,I an't #a)e s)ates for Ne"- nor a "es) for +ill/ an" those are what they have set their

hearts upon. Father's boo) an" #other's ollar are i#possible now/ an" I'# a selfish thing to go

an" spen" all #y #oney for #yself. 3ow oul" I "o it0, An" Polly eye" the new boots

reproahfully- as they stoo" in the first position as if rea"y for the party. ,They are lovely/ but I

"on't believe they will feel goo"- for I shall be thin)ing about #y lost presents all the ti#e-,sighe" Polly- pushing the entiing boots out of sight. ,I'll go an" as) gran"#a what I an "o/ for

if I've got to #a)e so#ething for every one- I #ust begin right away- or I shan't get "one/, an"

off she bustle"- gla" to forget her re#orse in har" wor).

!ran"#a prove" e6ual to the e#ergeny- an" planne" so#ething for every one- supplying

#aterials- taste- an" s)ill in the #ost "elightful #anner. Polly felt #uh o#forte"/ but while

she began to )nit a pretty pair of white be"$so)s- to be tie" with rose$olore" ribbons- for her

#other- she thought so#e very sober thoughts upon the sub4et of te#ptation/ an" if any one

ha" as)e" her 4ust then what #a"e her sigh- as if so#ething lay heavy on her onsiene- she

woul" have answere"- ,%ron5e boots.,

Chapter IV. Little Things

,It's so wainy- I an't go out- an" evwybo"y is so woss they won't play with #e-, sai"

2au"- when Polly foun" her fretting on the stairs- an" pause" to as) the ause of her wails.

,I'll play with you/ only "on't srea# an" wa)e your #other. +hat shall we play0,

,I "on't )now/ I'# tire" of evwything-'ause #y toys are all bwo)en- an" #y "olls are all

si) but Clawa-, #oane" 2au"- giving a 4er) to the Paris "oll whih she hel" upsi"e "own by

one leg in the #ost un#aternal #anner.

,I'# going to "ress a "olly for #y little sister/ woul" n't you li)e to see #e "o it0, as)e"

Polly- persuasively- hoping to beguile the ross hil" an" finish her own wor) at the sa#e ti#e.









,No- I shoul" n't-'ause she'll loo) nier than #y Clawa. 3er lothes won't o#e off/ an"

To# spoilt'e# playing ball with her in the yar".,

,+oul" n't you li)e to rip these lothes off- an" have #e show you how to #a)e so#e new

ones- so you an "ress an" un"ress Clara as #uh as you li)e0,

,es/ I love to ut., An" 2au"'s- fae brightene"/ for "estrutiveness is one of the earliest

traits of hil"hoo"- an" ripping was 2au"'s "elight.

8stablishing the#selves in the "eserte" "ining$roo#- the hil"ren fell to wor)/ an" when

Fanny "isovere" the#- 2au" was laughing with all her heart at poor Clara- who- "enu"e" ofher finery- was utting up all sorts of apers in the han"s of her #erry little #istress.

,I shoul" thin) you'" be asha#e" to play with "olls- Polly. I have n't touhe" one this ever so

long-, sai" Fanny- loo)ing "own with a superior air.

,I ain't asha#e"- for it )eeps 2au" happy- an" will please #y sister 9itty/ an" I thin) sewing

is better than prin)ing or rea"ing silly novels- so- now., An" Polly stithe" away with a resolute

air- for she an" Fanny ha" ha" a little tiff/ beause Polly woul" n't let her frien" "o up her hair

,li)e other fol)s-, an" bore her ears.

,*on't be ross- "ear- but o#e an" "o so#ething nie- it's so "ull to$"ay-, sai" Fanny-

an&ious to be frien"s again- for it was "oubly "ull without Polly.

,Can't/ I'# busy.,,ou always are busy. I never saw suh a girl. +hat in the worl" "o you fin" to "o all the

ti#e0, as)e" Fanny- wathing with interest the set of the little re" #erino fro) Polly was

putting on to her "oll.

,Lots of things/ but I li)e to be la5y so#eti#es as #uh as you "o/ 4ust lie on the sofa- an"

rea" fairy stories- or thin) about nothing. +oul" you have a white$#uslin apron or a bla)

sil)0, a""e" Polly- surveying her wor) with satisfation.

,2uslin- with po)ets an" tiny blue bows. I'll show you how., An" forgetting her hate an"

onte#pt for "olls- "own sat Fanny- soon getting as #uh absorbe" as either of the others.

The "ull "ay brightene" won"erfully after that- an" the ti#e flew pleasantly- as tongues an"nee"les went together. !ran"#a peepe" in- an" s#ile" at the busy group- saying- ,Sew away-

#y "ears/ "ollies are safe o#panions- an" nee"lewor) an ao#plish#ent that's sa"ly

neglete" nowa"ays. S#all stithes- 2au"/ neat buttonholes- Fan/ ut arefully- Polly- an" "on't

waste your loth. Ta)e pains/ an" the best nee"lewo#an shall have a pretty bit of white satin for

a "oll's bonnet.,

Fanny e&erte" herself- an" won the pri5e- for Polly helpe" 2au"- an" neglete" her own

wor)/ but she "i" n't are #uh- for 2r. Shaw sai"- loo)ing at the three bright faes at the tea$

table- ,I guess Polly has been #a)ing sunshine for you to$"ay., ,No- in"ee"- sir- I have n't "one

anything- only "ress 2au"'s "oll.,

An" Polly "i" n't thin) she ha" "one #uh/ but it was one of the little things whih arealways waiting to be "one in this worl" of ours- where rainy "ays o#e so often- where spirits

get out of tune- an" "uty won't go han" in han" with pleasure. Little things of this sort are

espeially goo" wor) for little people/ a )in" little thought- an unselfish little at- a heery little

wor"- are so sweet an" o#fortable- that no one an fail to feel their beauty an" love the giver-

no #atter how s#all they are. 2others "o a "eal of this sort of thing- unseen- unthan)e"- but felt

an" re#e#bere" long afterwar"- an" never lost- for this is the si#ple #agi that bin"s hearts

together- an" )eeps ho#e happy. Polly ha" learne" this seret.

She love" to "o the ,little things, that others "i" not see- or were too busy to stop for/ an"

while "oing the#- without a thought of than)s- she #a"e sunshine for herself as well as others.



There was so #uh love in her own ho#e- that she 6ui)ly felt the want of it in Fanny's- an"

pu55le" herself to fin" out why these people were not )in" an" patient to one another. She "i"

not try to settle the 6uestion- but "i" her best to love an" serve an" bear with eah- an" the goo"

will- the gentle heart- the helpful ways an" si#ple #anners of our Polly #a"e her "ear to every

one- for these virtues- even in a little hil"- are lovely an" attrative.

2r. Shaw was very )in" to her- for he li)e" her #o"est- respetful #anners/ an" Polly was

so grateful for his #any favors- that she soon forgot her fear- an" showe" her affetion in all

sorts of onfi"ing little ways- whih please" hi# e&tre#ely. She use" to wal) aross the par)with hi# when he went to his offie in the #orning- tal)ing busily all the way- an" saying

,!oo"$by, with a no" an" a s#ile when they parte" at the great gate. At first- 2r. Shaw "i" not

are #uh about it/ but soon he #isse" her if she "i" not o#e- an" foun" that so#ething fresh

an" pleasant see#e" to brighten all his "ay- if a s#all- gray$oate" figure- with an intelligent

fae- a #erry voie- an" a little han" slippe" onfi"ingly into his- went with hi# through the

wintry par). Co#ing ho#e late- he li)e" to see a urly- brown hea" wathing at the win"ow/ to

fin" his slippers rea"y- his paper in its plae- an" a pair of willing feet- eager to wait upon hi#.

,I wish #y Fanny was #ore li)e her-, he often sai" to hi#self- as he wathe" the girls- while

they thought hi# "eep in politis or the state of the #oney #ar)et. Poor 2r. Shaw ha" been so

busy getting rih- that he ha" not foun" ti#e to teah his hil"ren to love hi#/ he was #ore atleisure now- an" as his boy an" girls grew up- he #isse" so#ething. Polly was unonsiously

showing hi# what it was- an" #a)ing hil"$love so sweet- that he felt he oul" not "o without it

any #ore- yet "i" n't 6uite )now how to win the onfi"ene of the hil"ren- who ha" always

foun" hi# busy- in"ifferent- an" absent#in"e".

As the girls were going to be" one night- Polly )isse" gran"#a- as usual- an" Fanny laughe"

at her- saying- ,+hat a baby you are1 +e are too ol" for suh things now.,

,I "on't thin) people ever are too ol" to )iss their fathers an" #others-, was the 6ui)

answer.

,;ight- #y little Polly/, an" 2r. Shaw strethe" out his han" to her with suh a )in"ly loo)-that Fanny stare" surprise"- an" then sai"- shyly- ,I thought you "i" n't are about it- father., ,I

"o- #y "ear<, An" 2r. Shaw put out the other han" to Fanny- who gave hi# a "aughterly )iss-

6uite forgetting everything but the ten"er feeling that sprung up in her heart at the renewal of

the hil"ish usto# whih we never nee" outgrow.

2rs. Shaw was a nervous- fussy invali"- who wante" so#ething every five #inutes/ so Polly

foun" plenty of s#all things to "o for her an" "i"- the# so heerfully- that the poor la"y love"

to have the 6uiet- helpful hil" near- to wait upon her- rea" to her- run erran"s- or han" the seven

"ifferent shawls whih were ontinually being put on or off.

!ran"#a- too- was gla" to fin" willing han"s an" feet to serve her/ an" Polly passe" #any

happy hours in the 6uaint roo#s- learning all sorts of pretty arts- an" listening to pleasant hat-never "rea#ing how #uh sunshine she brought to the solitary ol" la"y.

To# was Polly's ro) ahea" for a long ti#e- beause he was always brea)ing out in a new

plae- an" one never )new where to fin" hi#. 3e tor#ente" yet a#use" her/ was )in" one "ay-

an" a bear the ne&t/ at ti#es she fanie" he was never going to be ba" again- an" the ne&t thing

she )new he was "eep in #ishief- an" hoote" at the i"ea of repentane an" refor#ation. Polly

gave hi# up as a har" ase/ but was so in the habit of helping any one who see#e" in trouble-

that she was goo" to hi# si#ply beause she oul" n't help it.

,+hat's the #atter0 Is your lesson too har" for you0, she as)e" one evening- as a groan

#a"e her loo) aross the table to where To# sat sowling over a pile of "ilapi"ate" boo)s- with



his han"s in his hair- as if his hea" was in "anger of flying asun"er with the tre#en"ous effort

he was #a)ing.

,3ar"1 !uess it is. +hat in thun"er "o I are about the ol" Carthaginians0 ;egulus was n't

ba"/ but I'# si) of hi#1, An" To# "ealt ,3ar)ness's Latin ;ea"er, a thu#p- whih e&presse"

his feelings better than wor"s.

,I li)e Latin- an" use" to get on well when I stu"ie" it with :i##y. Perhaps I an help you a

little bit-, sai" Polly- as To# wipe" his hot fae an" refreshe" hi#self with a peanut.

,ou0 pooh1 girls' Latin "on't a#ount to #uh anyway-, was the grateful reply.%ut Polly was use" to hi# now- an"- nothing "aunte"- too) a loo) at the gri#y page in the

#i""le of whih To# ha" stu). She rea" it so well- that the young gentle#an stoppe"

#unhing to regar" her with respetful astonish#ent- an" when she stoppe"- he sai"-

suspiiously- ,ou are a sly one- Polly- to stu"y up so you an show off before #e. %ut it won't

"o- #a'a#/ turn over a "o5en pages- an" try again.,

Polly obeye"- an" "i" even better than before- saying- as she loo)e" up- with a laugh- ,I've

been through the whole boo)/ so you won't ath #e that way- To#.,

,I say- how a#e you to )now suh a lot0, as)e" To#- #uh i#presse".

,I stu"ie" with :i##y- an" )ept up with hi#- for father let us be together in all our lessons.

It was so nie- an" we learne" so fast1,,Tell #e about :i##y. 3e's your brother- is n't he0,

,es/ but he's "ea"- you )now. I'll tell about hi# so#e other ti#e/ you ought to stu"y now-

an" perhaps I an help you-, sai" Polly- with a little 6uiver of the lips.

,Shoul" n't won"er if you oul"., An" To# sprea" the boo) between the# with a grave an"

business$li)e air- for he felt that Polly ha" got the better of hi#- an" it behoove" hi# to "o his

best for the honor of his se&. 3e went at the lesson with a will- an" soon floun"ere" out of his

"iffiulties- for Polly gave hi# a lift here an" there- an" they went on swi##ingly- till they

a#e to so#e rules to be learne". Polly ha" forgotten the#- so they- both o##itte" the# to

#e#ory/ To#- with han"s in his po)ets- ro)e" to an" fro- #uttering rapi"ly- while Pollytwiste" the little url on her forehea" an" stare" at the wall- gabbling with all her #ight.

,*one1, rie" To#- presently.

,*one1, ehoe" Polly/ an" then they hear" eah other reite till both were perfet ,That's

pretty goo" fun-, sai" To#- 4oyfully- tossing poor 3ar)ness away- an" feeling that the pleasant

e&ite#ent of o#panionship oul" len" a har# even to Latin !ra##ar.

,Now- #a'a#- we'll ta)e a turn at algibbera. I li)e that as #uh as I hate Latin.,

Polly aepte" the invitation- an" soon owne" that To# oul" beat her here. This fat

restore" his e6uni#ity/ but he "i" n't row over her- far fro# it/ for he helpe" her with a

paternal patiene that #a"e her eyes twin)le with suppresse" fun- as he soberly e&plaine" an"

illustrate"- unonsiously i#itating *o#inie *eane- till Polly foun" it "iffiult to )eep fro#laughing in his fae.

,ou #ay have another go at it any- ti#e you li)e-, generously re#ar)e" To#- as he shie"

the algebra after the Latin ;ea"er.

,I'll o#e every evening- then. I'" li)e to- for I have n't stu"ie" a bit sine I a#e. ou shall

try an" #a)e #e li)e algebra- an" I'll try an" #a)e you li)e Latin- will you0,

,h- I'" li)e it well enough- if there was any one e&plain it to #e. l" *eane puts us through

"ouble$6ui)- an" "on't give a fellow ti#e to as) 6uestions when we rea".,

,As) your father/ he )nows.,

,*on't believe he "oes/ shoul" n't "are to bother hi#- if he "i".,



,+hy not0,

,3e'" pull #y ears- an" all #e a'stupi"-' or tell #e not to worry hi#.,

,I "on't thin) he woul". 3e's very )in" to #e- an" I as) lots of 6uestions.,

,3e li)es you better than he "oes #e.,

,Now- To#1 it's wrong of you to say so. f ourse he loves you ever so #uh #ore than he

"oes #e-, rie" Polly- reprovingly.

,+hy "on't he show it then0, #uttere" To#- with a half$wistful- half$"efiant glane towar"

the library "oor- whih stoo" a4ar.,ou at so- how an he0, as)e" Polly- after a pause- in whih she put To#'s 6uestion to

herself- an" oul" fin" no better reply than the one she gave hi#.

,+hy "on't he give #e #y veloipe"e0 3e sai"- if I "i" well at shool for a #onth- I shoul"

have it/ an" I've been pegging away li)e fury for #ost si& wee)s- an" he "on't "o a thing about

it. The girls get their "u"s- beause they tease. I won't "o that anyway/ but you "on't ath #e

stu"ying #yself to "eath- an" no pay for it.,

,It is too ba"/ but you ought to "o it beause it's right- an" never #in" being pai"-, began

Polly- trying to be #oral- but seretly sy#pathi5ing heartily with poor To#.

,*on't you preah- Polly. If the governor too) any notie of #e- an" are" how I got on- I

woul" n't #in" the presents so #uh/ but he "on't are a hang- an" never even as)e" if I "i"well last "ela#ation "ay- when I'" gone an" learne"'The %attle of La)e ;egillus-' beause he

sai" he li)e" it.,

,h- To#1 *i" you say that0 It's splen"i"1 :i# an" I use" to say 3oratius together- an" it

was suh fun. *o spea) your piee to #e- I "o so li)e'2aaulay's Lays.',

,It's "rea"ful long-, began To#/ but his fae brightene"- for Polly's interest soothe" his

in4ure" feelings- an" he was gla" to prove his eloutionary powers. 3e began without #uh

spirit/ but soon the #artial ring of the lines fire" hi#- an" before he )new it- he was on his legs

thun"ering away in gran" style- while Polly listene" with )in"ling fae an" absorbe" attention.

To# "i" "elai# wellfor he 6uite forgot hi#self- an" "elivere" the stirring balla" with anenergy that #a"e Polly flush an" tingle with a"#iration an" "elight- an" 6uite eletrifie" a

seon" listener- who ha" hear" all that went on- an" wathe" the little sene fro# behin" his

newspaper.

As To# pause"- breathless- an" Polly lappe" her han"s enthusiastially- the soun" was

lou"ly ehoe" fro# behin" hi#. %oth whirle" roun"- an" there was 2r. Shaw- stan"ing in the

"oorway- applau"ing with all his #ight.

To# loo)e" #uh abashe"- an" sai" not a wor"/ Polly ran to 2r. Shaw- an" "ane" before

hi#- saying- eagerly- ,+as n't it splen"i"0 *i" n't he "o well0 2ay n't he have his veloipe"e

now0,

,Capital- To#/ you'll be an orator yet. Learn another piee li)e that- an" I'll o#e an" hearyou spea) it. Are you rea"y for your veloipe"e- hey0,

Polly was right/ an" To# owne" that ,the governor, was )in"- "i" li)e hi# an" ha" n't

entirely forgotten his pro#ise. The boy turne" re" with pleasure- an" pi)e" at the buttons on

his 4a)et- while listening to this une&pete" praise/ but when he spo)e- he loo)e" straight up in

his father's fae- while his own shone with pleasure- as he answere"- in one breath- ,Than)ee-

sir. I'll "o it- sir. !uess I a#- sir1,

,Very goo"/ then loo) out for your new horse to#orrow- sir., An" 2r. Shaw stro)e" the

fu55y re" hea" with a )in" han"- feeling a fatherly pleasure in the onvition that there was

so#ething in his boy after all.



To# got his veloipe"e ne&t "ay- na#e" it %la) Auster- in #e#ory of the horse in ,The

%attle of La)e ;egillus-, an" a#e to grief as soon as he began to ri"e his new stee".

,Co#e out an" see #e go it-, whispere" To# to Polly- after three "ays' pratie in the street-

for he ha" alrea"y learne" to ri"e in the rin).

Polly an" 2au" willingly went- an" wathe" his struggles- with "eep interest- till he got an

upset- whih nearly put an en" to his veloipe"ing forever.

,3i- there1 Auster's o#ing1, shoute" To#- as a#e rattling "own the long- steep street

outsi"e the par).They steppe" asi"e- an" he whi55e" by- ar#s an" legs going li)e #a"- with the general

appearane of a runaway engine. It woul" have been a triu#phant "esent- if a big "og ha" not

boune" su""enly through one of the openings- an" sent the whole onern helter$s)elter into

the gutter. Polly laughe" as she ran to view the ruin. for To# lay flat on his ba) with the

veloipe"e atop hi#- while the big "og bar)e" wil"ly- an" his #aster sol"e" hi# for his

aw)war"ness. %ut when she saw To#'s fae- Polly was frightene"- for the olor ha" all gone out

of it- his eyes loo)e" strange an" "i55y- an" "rops of bloo" began to tri)le fro# a great ut on

his forehea". The #an saw it- too- an" ha" hi# up in a #inute/ but he oul" n't stan"- an" stare"

about hi# in a "a5e" sort of way- as he sat on the urbstone- while Polly hel" her han")erhief

to his forehea"- an" pathetially begge" to )now if he was )ille".,*on't sare #other- I'# all right. !ot upset- "i" n't I0, he as)e"- presently- eyeing the

prostrate veloipe"e with #ore an&iety about its "a#ages than his own.

,I )new you'" hurt yourself with that horri" thing 4ust let it bean" o#e ho#e- for your

hea" blee"s "rea"fully- an" everybo"y is loo)ing at us-, whispere" Polly- trying to tie the little

han")erhief over the ugly ut.

,Co#e on- then. :ove1 how 6ueer #y hea" feels1 !ive us a boost- please. Stop howling-

2au"- an" o#e ho#e. ou bring the #ahine- an" I'll pay you- Pat., As he spo)e- To# slowly

pi)e" hi#self an" stea"ying hi#self by Polly's shoul"er- issue" o##an"s- an" the proession

fell into line. First- the big "og- bar)ing at intervals/ then the goo"$nature" Irish#an- trun"ling,that "ivil of a whirligig-, as he "isrespetfully alle" the i"oli5e" veloipe"e/ then the woun"e"

hero- supporte" by the helpful Polly/ an" 2au" brought up the rear in tears- bearing To#'s ap.

7nfortunately- 2rs. Shaw was out "riving with gran"#a- an" Fanny was #a)ing alls/ so

that there was no one but Polly to stan" by To#- for the parlor$#ai" turne" faint at the sight of

bloo"- an" the ha#ber$#ai" lost her wits in the flurry. It was a ba" ut- an" #ust be sewe" up

at one- the "otor sai"- as soon as he a#e. ,So#ebo"y #ust hol" his hea"/, he a""e"- as he

threa"e" his 6ueer little nee"le.

,I'll )eep still- but if anybo"y #ust hol" #e- let Polly. ou ain't afrai"- are you0, as)e" To#-

with i#ploring loo)- for he "i" n't li)e the i"ea of being sewe" a bit.

Polly was 4ust going to shrin) away- saying- ,h I an't1, when she re#e#bere" that To#one alle" her a owar". 3ere was a hane to prove that she was n't/ besi"es- poor To# ha"

no one else to help hi#/ so she a#e up to the sofa where he lay- an" no""e" reassuringly- as

she put a soft little han" on either si"e of the "a#age" hea".

,ou are a tru#p- Polly-, whispere" To#. Then he set his teeth- lenhe" his han"s- lay 6uite

still- an" bore it li)e a #an. It was all over in a #inute or two- an" when he ha" ha" a glass of

wine- an" was niely settle" on his be"- he felt pretty o#fortable- in spite of the pain in his

hea"/ an" being or"ere" to )eep 6uiet- he sai"- ,Than) you ever so #uh- Polly-, an" wathe"

her with a grateful fae as she rept away.



3e ha" to )eep the house for a wee)- an" lai" about loo)ing very interesting with a great

bla) path on his forehea". 8very one 'pette" hi#/' for the "otor sai"- that if the blow ha"

been an inh nearer the te#ple- it woul" have been fatal- an" the thought of losing hi# so

su""enly #a"e bluff ol" To# very preious all at one. 3is father as)e" hi# how he was a

"o5en ti#es a "ay/ his #other tal)e" ontinually of ,that "ear boy's narrow esape,/ an"

gran"#a o)ere" hi# up with every "eliay she oul" invent/ an" the girls waite" on hi# li)e

"evote" slaves. This new treat#ent ha" an e&ellent effet/ for when neglete" To# got over his

first a#a5e#ent at this hange of base- he blosso#e" out "elightfully- as si) people "oso#eti#es- an" surprise" his fa#ily by being une&pete"ly patient- grateful- an" a#iable

Nobo"y ever )new how #uh goo" it "i" hi#/ for boys sel"o# have onfi"enes of this sort

e&ept with their #others- an" 2rs. Shaw ha" never foun" the )ey to her son's heart. %ut a little

see" was sowe" then that too) root- an" though it grew very slowly- it a#e to so#ething in the

en". Perhaps Polly helpe" it a little. 8vening was his har"est ti#e- for want of e&erise #a"e

hi# as restless an" nervous as it was possible for a hearty la" to be on suh a short notie.

3e oul" n't sleep so the girls a#use" hi#/ Fanny playe" an" rea" alou"/ Polly sung- an"

tol" stories/ an" "i" the latter so well- that it got to be a regular thing for her to begin as soon as

twilight a#e- an" To# was settle" in his favorite plae on gran"#a's sofa.

,Fire away- Polly-, sai" the young sultan- one evening- as his little Shehera5a"e sat "own inher low hair- after stirring up the fire till the roo# was bright an" osy.

,I "on't feel li)e stories to$night- To#. I've tol" all I )now- an" an't #a)e up any #ore-,

answere" Polly- leaning her hea" on her han" with a sorrowful loo) that To# ha" never seen

before. 3e wathe" her a #inute- an" then as)e"- uriously- ,+hat were you thin)ing about

4ust now- when you sat staring at the fire- an" getting soberer an" soberer every #inute0

,I was thin)ing about :i##y.,

,+oul" you #in" telling about hi#0 ou )now- you sai" you woul" so#e ti#e/ but "on't- if

you'" rather not-, sai" To#- lowering his rough voie respetfully.

,I li)e to tal) about hi#/ but there is n't #uh to tell-, began Polly- grateful for his interest.,Sitting here with you re#in"e" #e of the way I use" to sit with hi# when he was si). +e

use" to have suh happy ti#es- an" it's so pleasant to thin) about the# now.,

,3e was awfully goo"- was n't he0,

,No- he was n't/ but he trie" to bean" #other says that is half the battle. +e use" to get tire"

of trying/ but we )ept #a)ing resolutions- an" wor)ing har" to )eep'e#. I "on't thin) I got on

#uh/ but :i##y "i"- an" every one love" hi#.,

,*i" n't you ever s6uabble- as we "o0,

,es- in"ee"- so#eti#es/ but we oul" n't stay #a"- an" always #a"e it up again as soon as

we oul". :i##y use" to o#e roun" first- an" say-'All serene- Polly-' so )in" an" 4olly- that I

oul" n't help laughing an" being frien"s right away.,,*i" he not )now a lot0,

,es- I thin) he "i"- for he li)e" to stu"y- an" wante" to get on- so he oul" help father.

People use" to all hi# a fine boy- an" I felt so prou" to hear it/ but they "i" n't )now half how

wise he was- beause he "i" n't show off a bit. I suppose sisters always are gran" of their

brothers/ but I "on't believe #any girls ha" as #uh right to be as I ha".,

,2ost girls "on't are two pins about their brothers/ so that shows you "on't )now #uh

about it.,

,+ell- they ought to- if they "on't/ an" they woul" if the boys were as )in" to the# as :i##y

was to #e.,



,+hy- what "i" he "o0,

,Love" #e "early- an" was n't asha#e" to show it-, rie" Polly- with a sob in her voie- that

#a"e her answer very elo6uent.

,+hat #a"e hi# "ie- Polly0, as)e" To#- soberly- after little pause.

,3e got hurt oasting- last winter/ but he never tol" whih boy "i" it- an" he only live" a

wee). I helpe" ta)e are of hi#/ an" he was so patient- I use" to won"er at hi#- for he was in

"rea"ful pain all ti#e. 3e gave #e his boo)s- an" his "og- an" his spe)le" hens- an" his big

)nife- an" sai"-'!oo"$by- Polly-' an" )isse" #e the last thing an" then :i##y1 :i##y1 If heonly oul" o#e ba)1,

Poor Polly's eyes ha" been getting fuller an" fuller- lips tre#bling #ore an" #ore- as she

went on/ when she a#e to that ,goo"$by-, she oul" n't get any further- but overe" up her

fae- an" rie" as her heart woul" brea). To# was full of sy#pathy- but "i" n't )now how to

show it/ so he sat sha)ing up the a#phor bottle- an" trying to thin) of so#ething proper an"

o#fortable to say- when Fanny a#e to the resue- an" u""le" Polly in her ar#s- with

soothing little pats an" whispers an" )isses- till the tears stoppe"- an" Polly sai"- she ,"i" n't

#ean to- an" woul" n't any #ore. I've been thin)ing about #y "ear boy all the evening- for To#

re#in"s #e of hi#-, she a""e"- with a sigh.

,2e0 3ow an I- when I ain't a bit li)e hi#0, rie" To#- a#a5e".,%ut you are in so#e ways.,

,+ish I was/ but I an't be- for he was goo"- you )now.,

,So are you- when you hoose. 3as n't he been goo" an" patient- an" "on't we all li)e to pet

hi# when he's lever- Fan0,' sai" Polly- whose heart was still ahing for her brother- an" rea"y

for his sa)e to fin" virtues even in tor#enting To#.

,es/ I "on't )now the boy lately/ but he'll be as ba" as ever when he's well-, returne" Fanny

who ha" n't #uh faith in si)$be" repentanes.

,2uh you )now about it-, growle" To#- lying "own again- for he ha" sat bolt upright when

Polly #a"e the astoun"ing "elaration that he was li)e the well$belove" :i##y. That si#plelittle history ha" #a"e a "eep i#pression on To#- an" the tearful en"ing touhe" the ten"er spot

that #ost boys hi"e so arefully. It is very pleasant to be love" an" a"#ire"- very sweet to thin)

we shall be #isse" an" #ourne" when we "ie/ an" To# was sei5e" with a su""en "esire to

i#itate this boy- who ha" n't "one anything won"erful- yet was so "ear to his sister- that she

rie" for hi# a whole year after he was "ea"/ so stu"ious an" lever- the people alle" hi# ,a

fine fellow,/ an" so an&ious to be goo"- that he )ept on trying- till he was better even than Polly

who# To# privately onsi"ere" a #o"el of virtue- as girls go.

,I 4ust wish I ha" a sister li)e you-, he bro)e out- all of a su""en.

,An" I 4ust wish I ha" a brother li)e :i#-, rie" Fanny- for she felt the reproah in To#'s

wor"s- an" )new she "eserve" it.,I shoul" n't thin) you'" envy anybo"y- for you've got one another-, sai" Polly- with suh a

wistful loo)- that it su""enly set To# an" Fanny to won"ering why they "i" n't have better

ti#es together- an" en4oy the#selves- as Polly an" :i# "i".

,Fan "on't are for anybo"y but herself-, sai" To#.

,To# is suh a bear-, retorte" Fanny.

,I woul" n't say suh things- for if anything shoul" happen to either of you- the other one

woul" feel so sorry. 8very ross wor" I ever sai" to :i##y o#es ba) now- an" #a)es #e

wish I ha" n't.,



Two great tears rolle" "own Polly's hee)s- an" were 6uietly wipe" away/ but I thin) they

watere" that sweet senti#ent- alle" fraternal love- whih till now ha" been neglete" in the

hearts of this brother an" sister. They "i" n't say anything then- or #a)e any plans- or onfess

any faults/ but when they parte" for the night- Fanny gave the woun"e" hea" a gentle pat =To#

never woul" have forgiven her if she ha" )isse" hi#>- an" sai"- in a whisper- ,I hope you'll have

a goo" sleep- To##y- "ear.,

An" To# no""e" ba) at herwith a hearty ,Sa#e to you- Fan.,

That was all/ but it #eant a goo" "eal- for the voies were )in"- an" the eyes #et full of thataffetion whih #a)es wor"s of little onse6uene. Polly saw it/ an" though she "i" n't )now

that she ha" #a"e the sunshine- it shone ba) upon her so pleasantly- that she fell happily

asleep- though her :i##y was n't there to say ,goo"$night.,

Chapter V. Srapes

After being unusually goo"- hil"ren are apt to turn short roun" an" refresh the#selves by

ating li)e Sanho. For a wee) after To#'s #ishap- the young fol)s were 6uite angeli- so #uh

so that gran"#a sai" she was afrai" ,so#ething was going to happen to the#., The "ear ol"

la"y nee" n't have felt an&ious- for suh e&essive virtue "oes n't last long enough to lea" to

translation- e&ept with little prigs in the goo"y story$boo)s/ an" no sooner was To# on his legsagain- when the whole party went astray- an" #uh tribulation was the onse6uene.

It all began with ,Polly's stupi"ity-, as Fan sai" afterwar". :ust as Polly ran "own to #eet

2r. Shaw one evening- an" was helping hi# off with his oat- the bell rang- an" a fine bou6uet

of hothouse flowers was left in Polly's han"s- for she never oul" learn ity ways- an" opene"

the "oor herself.

,3ey1 what's this0 2y little Polly is beginning early- after all-, sai" 2r. Shaw- laughing- as

he wathe" the girl's fae "i#ple an" flush- as she s#elt the lovely nosegay- an" glane" at a

note half hi""en in the heliotrope.

Now- if Polly ha" n't been ,stupi"-, as Fan sai"- she woul" have ha" her wits about her- an"let it pass/ but- you see- Polly was an honest little soul an" it never ourre" to her that there

was any nee" of oneal#ent- so she answere" in her straightforwar" way- ,h- they ain't for

#e- sir/ they are for Fan/ fro# 2r. Fran)- I guess. She'll be so please".,

,That puppy sen"s her things of this sort- "oes he0, An" 2r. Shaw loo)e" far fro# please"

as he pulle" out the note- an" oolly opene" it.

Polly ha" her "oubts about Fan's approval of that ,sort of thing-, but "are" not say a wor"

an" stoo" thin)ing how she use" to show her father the funny valentines the boys sent her- an"

how they laughe" over the# together. %ut 2r. Shaw "i" not laugh when he ha" rea" the

senti#ental verses ao#panying the bou6uet- an" his fae 6uite sare" Polly- as he as)e"-

angrily- ,3ow long has this nonsense been going on0,,In"ee"- sir- I "on't )now. Fan "oes n't #ean any har#. I wish I ha" n't sai" anything1,

sta##ere" Polly- re#e#bering the pro#ise given to Fanny the "ay of the onert. She ha"

forgotten all about it an" ha" beo#e austo#e" to see the ,big boys-, as she alle" 2r. Fran)

an" his frien"s- with the girls on all oasions. Now- it su""enly ourre" to her that 2r. Shaw

"i" n't li)e suh a#use#ents- an" ha" forbi""en Fan to in"ulge in the#. ,h- "ear1 how #a"

she will be. +ell- I an't help it. !irls shoul" n't have serets fro# their fathers- then there

woul" n't be any fuss-, thought Polly- as she wathe" 2r. Shaw twist up the pin) note an" po)e

it ba) a#ong the flowers whih he too) fro# her- saying- shortly- ,Sen" Fanny to #e in the

library.,



,Now you've "one it- you stupi" thing1, rie" Fanny- both angry an" "is#aye"- when Polly

"elivere" the #essage.

,+hy- what else oul" I "o0, as)e" Polly- #uh "isturbe".

,Let hi# thin) the bou6uet was for you/ then there'" have been no trouble.,

,%ut that woul" have been "oing a lie- whih is #ost as ba" as telling one.,

,*on't be a goose. ou've got #e into a srape- an" you ought to help #e out.,

,I will if I an/ but I won't tell lies for anybo"y1, rie" Polly- getting e&ite".

,Nobo"y wants you to 4ust hol"- your tongue- an" let #e #anage.,,Then I'" better not go "own-, began Polly- when a stern voie fro# below alle"- li)e

%luebear"- ,Are you o#ing "own0,

,es- sir-, answere" a #ee) voie/ an" Fanny luthe" Polly- whispering- ,ou #ust o#e/

I'# frightene" out of #y wits when he spea)s li)e that. Stan" by #e- Polly/ there's a "ear.,

,I will-, whispere" ,sister Ann,/ an" "own they went with fluttering hearts.

2r. Shaw stoo" on the rug- loo)ing rather gri#/ the bou6uet lay on the table- an" besi"e it a

note- "irete" to ,Fran) 2oore- 8s6.-, in a very "ei"e" han"- with a fiere$loo)ing flourish

after the ,8s6., Pointing to this i#pressive epistle- 2r. Shaw sai"- )nitting his bla) eyebrows

as he loo)e" at Fanny- ,I'# going to put a stop to this nonsense at one/ an" if I see any #ore of

it- I'll sen" you to shool in a Cana"ian onvent.,This awful threat 6uite too) Polly's breath away/ but Fanny ha" hear" it before- an" having a

te#per of her own- sai"- pertly- ,I'# sure I have n't "one anything so very "rea"ful. I an't help

it if the boys sen" #e philopena presents- as they "o to the other girls.,

,There was nothing about philopenas in the note. %ut that's not the 6uestion. I forbi" you to

have anything to "o with this 2oore. 3e's not a boy- but a fast fellow- an" I won't have hi#

about. ou )new this- an" yet "isobeye" #e.,

,I har"ly ever see hi#-, began Fanny.

,Is that true0, as)e" 2r. Shaw- turning su""enly to Polly.

,h- please- sir- "on't as) #e. I pro#ise" I woul" n't that is Fanny will tell you-, rie" Polly-6uite re" with "istress at the pre"ia#ent she was in.

,No #atter about your pro#ise/ tell #e all you )now of this absur" affair. It will "o Fanny

#ore goo" than har#., An" 2r. Shaw sat "own loo)ing #ore a#iable- for Polly's "is#ay

touhe" hi#.

,2ay I0, she whispere" to Fanny.

,I "on't are-, answere" Fan- loo)ing both angry an" asha#e"- as she stoo" sullenly tying

)nots in her han")erhief.

So Polly tol"- with #uh relutane an" #uh 6uestioning- all she )new of the wal)s- the

lunhes- the #eetings- an" the notes. It was n't #uh- an" evi"ently less serious than 2r. Shaw

e&pete"/ for- as he listene"- his eyebrows s#oothe" the#selves out- an" #ore than one hislips twithe" as if he wante" to laugh- for after all- it was rather o#ial to see how the young

people ape" their el"ers- playing the new$fashione" ga#e- 6uite unonsious of its real beauty

power- an" sare"ness.

,h- please- sir- "on't bla#e Fan #uh- for she truly is n't half as silly as Tri& an" the other-

girls. She woul" n't go sleigh$ri"ing- though 2r. Fran) tease"- an" she wante" to ever so #uh.

She's sorry- I )now- an" won't forget what you say any #ore- if you'll forgive her this one-,

rie" Polly- very earnestly- when the foolish little story was tol".



,I "on't see how I an help it- when you plea" so well for her. Co#e here- Fan- an" #in" this

one thing/ "rop all this nonsense- an" atten" to your boo)s- or off you go/ an" Cana"a is no 4o)e

in winter ti#e- let #e tell you.,

As he spo)e- 2r. Shaw stro)e" his sul)y "aughter's hee)- hoping to see so#e sign of regret/

but Fanny felt in4ure"- an" woul" n't show that she was sorry- so she only sai"- pettishly- ,I

suppose I an have #y flowers- now the fuss is over.,

,They are going straight ba) where they a#e fro#- with a line fro# #e- whih will )eep

that puppy fro# ever sen"ing you any #ore., ;inging the bell- 2r- Shaw "espathe" theunfortunate posy- an" then turne" to Polly- saying- )in"ly but gravely- ,Set this silly hil" of

#ine a goo" e&a#ple an" "o your best for her- won't you0,

,2e0 +hat an I "o- sir0, as)e" Polly- loo)ing rea"y- but 6uite ignorant how to begin.

,2a)e her as li)e yourself as possible- #y "ear/ nothing woul" please #e better. Now go-

an" let us hear no #ore of this folly.,

They went without a wor"- an" 2r. Shaw hear" no #ore of the affair/ but poor Polly "i"- for

Fan sol"e" her- till Polly thought seriously of pa)ing up an" going ho#e ne&t "ay. I really

have n't the heart to relate the "rea"ful letures she got- the snubs she suffere"- or the ol"

shoul"ers turne" upon her for several "ays after this. Polly's heart was full- but she tol" no one-

an" bore her trouble silently- feeling her frien"'s ingratitu"e an" in4ustie "eeply.To# foun" out what the #atter was- an" si"e" with Polly- whih proee"ing le" to srape

nu#ber two.

,+here's Fan0, as)e" the young gentle#an- strolling into his sister's roo#- where Polly lay

on the sofa- trying to forget her troubles in an interesting boo).

,*own stairs- seeing o#pany.,

,+hy "i" n't you go- too0,

,I "on't li)e Tri&- an" I "on't )now her fine New or) frien"s.,

,*on't want to- neither- why "on't you say0,

,Not polite.,,+ho ares0 I say- Polly- o#e an" have so#e fun.,

,I'" rather rea".,

,That is n't polite.,

Polly laughe"- an" turne" a page. To# whistle" a #inute- then sighe" "eeply- an" put his

han" to his forehea"- whih the bla) plaster still a"orne".

,*oes your hea" ahe0, as)e" Polly.

,Awfully.,

,%etter lie "own- then.,

,Can't/ I'# fi"gety. an" want to be'a#oose"' as Pug says.,

,:ust wait till I finish #y hapter- an" then I'll o#e-, sai" pitiful Polly.,All right-, returne" the per4ure" boy- who ha" "isovere" that a bro)en hea" was so#eti#es

#ore useful than a whole one- an" e&ulting in his base stratage#- he rove" about the roo#- till

Fan's bureau arreste" hi#. It was overe" with all sorts of finery- for she ha" "resse" in a hurry-

an" left everything topsy$turvy. A well$on"ute" boy woul" have let things alone- or a #oral

brother woul" have put things to rights/ being neither- To# ru##age" to his hearts ontent- till

Fan's "rawers loo)e" as if so#e one ha" been #a)ing hay in the#. 3e trie" the effet of ear$

rings- ribbons- an" ollars/ woun" up the wath- though it was n't ti#e/ burnt his in6uisitive

nose with s#elling$salts/ "eluge" his gri#y han")erhief with Fan's best ologne/ anointe" his

urly rop with her hair$oil/ pow"ere" his fae with her violet$pow"er/ an" finishe" off by



pinning on a bunh of false ringlets- whih Fanny trie"- to )eep a profoun" seret. The ravages

o##itte" by this ba" boy are beyon" the power of language to "esribe- as he revelle" in the

interesting "rawers- bo&es- an" ases- whih hel" his sister's treasures.

+hen the urls ha" been put on- with #uh pri)ing of fingers- an" a blue ribbon a""e"- . la

Fan- he surveye" hi#self with satisfation- an" onsi"ere" the effet so fine- that he was

inspire" to try a still greater #eta#orphosis. The "ress Fan ha" ta)en off lay on a hair- an" into

it got To#- hu)ling with suppresse" laughter- for Polly was absorbe"- an" the be"$urtains hi"

his ini6uity. Fan's best velvet 4a)et an" hat- er#ine #uff- an" a sofa$pillow for pannierfinishe" off the ostu#e- an" tripping along with elbows out- To# appeare" before the a#a5e"

Polly 4ust as the hapter en"e". She en4oye" the 4o)e so heartily- that To# forgot onse6uenes-

an" propose" going "own into the parlor to surprise- the girls.

,!oo"ness- no1 Fanny never woul" forgive us if you showe" her urls an" things to those

people. There are gentle#en a#ong the#- an" it woul" n't be proper-, sai" Polly- alar#e" at the

i"ea.

,All the #ore fun. Fan has n't treate" you well- an" it will serve her right if you intro"ue #e

as your "ear frien"- 2iss Shaw. Co#e on- it will be a 4olly lar).,

,I woul" n't for the worl"/ it woul" be so #ean. Ta)e'e# off- To#- an" I'll play anything else

you li)e.,,I ain't going to "ress up for nothing/ I loo) so lovely- so#eone #ust a"#ire #e. Ta)e #e

"own- Polly- an" see if they "on't all #e'a sweet reature.' ,

To# loo)e" so unutterably ri"iulous as he tosse" his urls an" prane"- that Polly went off

into another gale of #erri#ent/ but even while she laughe"- she resolve" not to let hi# #ortify

his sister.

,Now- then- get out of the way if you won't o#e/ I'# going "own-, sai" To#.

,No- you're not.,

,3ow will you help it- 2iss Pri#0,

,So., An" Polly lo)e" the "oor- put the )ey in her po)et- an" no""e" at hi# "efiantly.To# was a pepper$pot as to te#per- an" anything li)e opposition always ha" a ba" effet.

Forgetting his ostu#e- he stro"e up to Polly- saying- with a threatening wag of the- hea"-

,None of that. I won't stan" it.,

,Pro#ise not to plague Fan- an" I'll let you out.,

,+on't pro#ise anything. !ive #e that )ey- or I'll #a)e you.,

,Now- To#- "on't be savage. I only want to )eep you out of a srape- for Fan will be raging

if you go. Ta)e off her things- an" I 'll give up.,

To# vouhsafe" no reply- but #arhe" to the other "oor- whih was fast- as Polly )new-

loo)e" out of the three$story win"ow- an" fin"ing no esape possible- a#e ba) with a

wrathful fae. ,+ill you give #e that )ey0,,No- I won't-, sai" Polly- valiantly.

,I'# stronger than you are/ so you'" better han" over.,

,I )now you are/ but it's owar"ly for a great boy li)e you to rob a girl.,

,I "on't want to hurt you/ but- by !eorge1 I won't stan" this1,

To# pause" as Polly spo)e- evi"ently asha#e" of hi#self/ but his te#per was up- an" he

woul" n't give in. If Polly ha" rie" a little 4ust here- he woul" have yiel"e"/ unfortunately she

giggle"- for To#'s fiere attitu"e was suh a funny ontrast to his "ress that she oul" n't help it.

That settle" the #atter. No girl that ever live" shoul" giggle at hi#- #uh less lo) hi# up li)e

a s#all hil". +ithout a wor"- he #a"e a grab at Polly's ar#- for the han" hol"ing the )ey was



still in her- po)et. +ith her other han" she luthe" her fro)- an" for a #inute hel" on stoutly

%ut To#'s strong fingers were irresistible/ rip went the po)et- out a#e the han"- an" with a

ry of pain fro# Polly- the )ey fell on the floor.

,It's your own fault if you're hurt. I "i" n't #ean to-, #uttere" To#- as he hastily "eparte"-

leaving Polly to groan over her spraine" wrist. 3e went "own- but not into the parlor- for

so#ehow the 4o)e see#e" to have lost its relish/ so he #a"e the girls in the )ithen laugh- an"

then rept up the ba) way- hoping to #a)e it all right with Polly. %ut she ha" gone to

gran"#a's roo#- for- though the ol" la"y was out- it see#e" a refuge. 3e ha" 4ust ti#e to getthings in or"er- when Fanny a#e up- rosser than ever/ for Tri& ha" been telling her of all sorts

of fun in whih she #ight have ha" a share- if Polly ha" hel" her tongue.

,+here is she0, as)e" Fan- wishing to vent her ve&ation on her frien".

,2oping in her roo#- I suppose-, replie" To#- who was "isovere" rea"ing stu"iously.

Now- while this ha" been happening- 2au" ha" been getting into hot water also/ for when

her #ai" left her- to see a frien" below- 2iss 2au" para"e" into Polly's roo#- an" solae"

herself with #ishief. In an evil hour Polly ha" let her play boat in her big trun)- whih stoo"

e#pty. Sine then Polly ha" store" so#e of her #ost private treasures in the upper tray- so that

she #ight feel sure they were safe fro# all eyes. She ha" forgotten to lo) the trun)- an" when

2au" raise" the li" to begin her voyage- several ob4ets of interest #et her eyes. She was "eepin her researhes when Fan a#e in an" loo)e" over her shoul"er- feeling too ross with Polly

to hi"e 2au".

As Polly ha" no #oney for presents- she ha" e&erte" her ingenuity to "evise all sorts of gifts-

hoping by 6uantity to atone for any shorto#ings in 6uality. So#e of her atte#pts were

suessful- others were failures/ but she )ept the# all- fine or funny- )nowing the hil"ren at

ho#e woul" en4oy anything new. So#e of 2au"'s ast$off toys ha" been neatly #en"e" for

9itty/ so#e of Fan's ol" ribbons an" laes were onverte" into "olls' finery/ an" To#'s little

figures- whittle" out of woo" in i"le #inutes- were lai" away to show +ill what oul" be "one

with a )nife.,+hat rubbish1, sai" Fanny.

,?ueer girl- is n't she0, a""e" To#- who ha" followe" to see what was going on.

,*on't you laugh at Polly's things. She #a)es nier "olls than you- Fan/ an" she an wite an"

"war ever so #uh better than To#-, rie" 2au". ,3ow "o you )now0 I never saw her "raw-,

sai" To#.

,3ere's a boo) with lots of pitures in it. I an't wea" the witing/ but the pitures are so

funny.,

8ager to "isplay her frien"'s ao#plish#ents- 2au" pulle" out a fat little boo)- #ar)e"

,Polly's :ournal-, an" sprea" it in her lap.

,nly the pitures/ no har# in ta)ing a loo) at'e#-, sai" To#.,:ust one peep-, answere" Fanny/ an" the ne&t #inute both were laughing at a "roll s)eth

of To# in the gutter- with the big "og howling over hi#- an" the veloipe"e running away. Very

rough an" faulty- but so funny- that it was evi"ent Polly's sense of hu#or was strong. A few

pages farther ba) a#e Fanny an" 2r. Fran)- ariature"/ then gran"#a- arefully "one/ To#

reiting his battle$piee/ 2r. Shaw an" Polly in the par)/ 2au" being borne away by 9aty/ an"

all the shool$girls turne" into ri"iule with an unsparing han".

,Sly little puss- to #a)e fun of us behin" our ba)s-, sai" Fan- rather nettle" by Polly's 6uiet

retaliation for #any slights fro# herself an" frien"s.



,She "oes "raw well-, sai" To#- loo)ing ritially at the s)eth of a boy with a pleasant

fae- roun" who# Polly ha" "rawn rays li)e the sun- an" un"er whih was written- ,2y "ear

:i##y.,

,ou woul" n't a"#ire her- if you )new what she wrote here about you-, sai" Fanny- whose

eyes ha" straye" to the written page opposite- an" lingere" there long enough to rea" so#ething

that e&ite" her uriosity.

,+hat is it0, as)e" To#- forgetting his honorable resolves for a #inute.

,She says-'I try to li)e To#- an" when he is pleasant we "o very well/ but he "on't stay solong. 3e gets ross an" rough- an" "isrespetful to his father an" #other- an" plagues us girls-

an" is so horri" I al#ost hate hi#. It's very wrong- but I an't help it.' 3ow "o you li)e that0,

as)e" Fanny.

,!o ahea"- an" see how she o#es "own on you- #a'a#-, retorte" To#- who ha" rea" on a

bit.

,*oes she0, An" Fanny ontinue"- rapi"ly< ,As for Fan- I "on't thin) we an be frien"s any

#ore/ for she tol" her father a lie- an" won't forgive #e for not "oing so too. I use" to thin) her

a very fine girl/ but I "on't now. If she woul" be as she was when I first )new her- I shoul" love

her 4ust the sa#e/ but she is n't )in" to #e/ an" though she is always tal)ing about politeness- I

"on't thin) it is polite to treat o#pany as she "oes #e. She thin)s I a# o"" an" ountrifie"- an"I "are say I a#/ but I shoul" n't laugh at a girl's lothes beause she was poor- or )eep her out of

the way beause she "i" n't "o 4ust as other girls "o here. I see her #a)e fun of #e- an" I an't

feel as I "i"/ an" I'" go ho#e- only it woul" see# ungrateful to 2r. Shaw an" gran"#a- an" I "o

love the# "early.,

,I say- Fan- you've got it now. Shut the boo) an" o#e away-, rie" To#- en4oying this

broa"si"e i##ensely- but feeling guilty- as well he #ight.

,:ust one bit #ore-, whispere" Fanny- turning on a page or two- an" stopping at a leaf that

was blurre" here an" there as if tears ha" "roppe" on it.

,Sun"ay #orning- early. Nobo"y is up to spoil #y 6uiet ti#e- an" I #ust. write #y 4ournal-for I've been so ba" lately- I oul" n't bear to "o it. I'# gla" #y visit is #ost "one- for things

worry #e here- an" there is n't any one to help #e get right when I get wrong. I use" to envy

Fanny/ but I "on't now- for her father an" #other "on't ta)e are of her as #ine "o of #e. She is

afrai" of her father- an" #a)es her #other "o as she li)es. I'# gla" I a#e though- for I see

#oney "on't give people everything/ but I'" li)e a little all the sa#e- for it is so o#fortable to

buy nie things. I rea" over #y 4ournal 4ust now- an" I'# afrai" it's not a goo" one/ for I have

sai" all sorts of things about the people here- an" it is n't )in". I shoul" tear it out- only I

pro#ise" to )eep #y "iary- an" I want to tal) over things that pu55le #e with #other. I see now

that it is #y fault a goo" "eal/ for I have n't been half as patient- an" pleasant as I ought to be. I

will truly try for the rest of the ti#e- an" be as goo" an" grateful as I an/ for I want the# to li)e#e- though I'# only 'an ol"$fashione" ountry girl.',

That last sentene #a"e Fanny shut the boo)- with a fae full of self$reproah/ for she ha"

sai" those wor"s herself- in a fit of petulane- an" Polly ha" #a"e no answer- though her eyes

fille" an" her hee)s burne". Fan opene" her lips to say so#ething- but not a soun" followe"-

for there stoo" Polly loo)ing at the# with an e&pression they ha" never seen before.

,+hat are you "oing with #y things0, she "e#an"e"- in a low tone- while her eyes )in"le"

an" her olor hange".

,2au" showe" us a boo) she foun"- an" we were 4ust loo)ing at the pitures-, began Fanny-

"ropping it as if it burnt her fingers.



,An" rea"ing #y 4ournal- an" laughing at #y presents- an" then putting the bla#e on 2au".

It's the #eanest thing I ever saw/ an" I 'll never forgive you as long as I live1,

Polly sai"- this all in one in"ignant breath- an" then as if afrai" of saying too #uh- ran out

of the roo# with suh a loo) of #ingle" onte#pt- grief- an" anger- that the three ulprits stoo"

"u#b with sha#e. To# ha" n't even a whistle at his o##an"/ 2au" was so sare" at gentle

Polly's outbrea)- that she sat as still as a #ouse/ while Fanny- onsiene stri)en- lai" ba) the

poor little presents with a respetful han"- for so#ehow the thought of Polly's poverty a#e

over her as it never ha" "one before/ an" these o""s an" en"s- so arefully treasure" up forthose at ho#e- touhe" Fanny- an" grew beautiful in her eyes. As she lai" by the little boo)- the

onfessions in it reproahe" her #ore sharply that any wor"s Polly oul" have spo)en/ for she

ha" laughe" at her frien"- ha" slighte" her so#eti#es- an" been unforgiving for an innoent

offene. That last page- where Polly too) the bla#e on herself- an" pro#ise" to ,truly try, to be

#ore )in" an" patient- went to Fanny's heart- #elting all the ol"ness away- an" she oul" only

lay her hea" on the trun)- sobbing- ,It was n't Polly's fault/ it was all #ine.,

To#- still re" with sha#e at being aught in suh a srape- left Fanny to her tears- an" went

#anfully away to fin" the in4ure" Polly- an" onfess his #anifol" transgressions. %ut Polly

oul" n't be foun". 3e searhe" high an" low in every roo#- yet no sign of the girt appeare"-

an" To# began to get an&ious. ,She an't have run away ho#e- an she0, he sai" to hi#self- ashe pause" before the hat$tree. There was the little roun" hat- an" To# gave it a re#orseful

s#ooth- re#e#bering how #any ti#es he ha" twea)e" it half off- or po)e" it over poor Polly's

eyes. ,2aybe she's gone "own to the offie- to tell pa.'T is n't a bit li)e her- though. Anyway- I'll

ta)e a loo) roun" the orner.,

8ager to get his boots- To# pulle" open the "oor of a "ar) loset un"er the stairs- an" nearly

tu#ble" over ba)war" with surprise/ for there- on the floor- with her hea" pillowe" on a pair of

rubbers- lay Polly in an attitu"e of "espair. This #ournful spetale sent To#'s penitent speeh

straight out of his hea"- an" with an astonishe" ,3ullo1, he stoo" an" stare" in i#pressive

silene. Polly was n't rying- an" lay so still- that To# began to thin) she #ight be in a fit or afaint- an" bent an&iously "own to inspet the patheti bunh. A gli#pse of wet eyelashes- a

roun" hee) re""er than usual- an" lips parte" by 6ui)- breathing- relieve" his #in" upon that

point/ so- ta)ing ourage- he sat "own on the boot$4a)- an" begge" par"on li)e a #an.

Now- Polly was very angry- an" I thin) she ha" a right to be/ but she was not resentful- an"

after the first flash was over- she soon began to feel better about it. It was n't easy to forgive/

butas she listene" to To#'s honest voie- getting gruff with re#orse now an" then- she oul"

n't har"en her heart against hi#- or refuse to #a)e up when he so fran)ly owne" that it ,was

onfoun"e" #ean to rea" her boo) that way., She li)e" his o#ing an" begging par"on at one/

it was a han"so#e thing to "o/ she appreiate" it- an" forgave hi# in her heart so#e ti#e before

she "i" with her lips/ for- to tell the truth- Polly ha" a spie of girlish #alie- an" rather li)e" tosee "o#ineering To# eat hu#ble$pie- 4ust enough to "o hi# goo"- you )now. She felt that

atone#ent was proper- an" onsi"ere" it no #ore than 4ust that Fan shoul" "renh a

han")erhief or two with repentant tears- an" that To# shoul" sit on a very uno#fortable seat

an" all hi#self har" na#es for five or ten #inutes before she relente".

,Co#e- now- "o say a wor" to a fellow. I'# getting the worst of it- anyway/ for there's Fan-

rying her eyes out upstairs- an" here are you stowe" away in a "ar) loset as "u#b as a fish-

an" nobo"y but #e to bring you both roun". I'" have ut over to the S#ythes an" got #a ho#e

to fi& things- only it loo)e" li)e ba)ing out of the srape/ so I "i" n't-, sai" To#- as a last

appeal.



Polly was gla" to hear that Fan was rying. It woul" "o her goo"/ but she oul" n't help

softening to To#- who "i" see# in a pre"ia#ent between two weeping "a#sels. A little s#ile

began to "i#ple the hee) that was n't hi""en- an" then a han" a#e slowly out fro# un"er the

urly hea"- an" was strethe" towar" hi# silently. To# was 4ust going to give it a hearty sha)e-

when he saw a re" #ar) on the wrist- an" )new what #a"e it. 3is fae hange"- an" he too) the

hubby han" so gently- that Polly peepe" to see what it #eant.

,+ill you forgive that- too0, he as)e"- in a whisper- stro)ing the re" wrist.

,es- it "on't hurt #uh now., An" Polly "rew her han" away- sorry he ha" seen it.,I was a beast- that's what I was1, sai" To#- in a tone of great "isgust. An" 4ust at that

aw)war" #inute "own tu#ble" his father's ol" beaver over his hea" an" fae- putting a o#ial

6uenher on his self$reproahes. f ourse- neither oul" help laughing at that/ an" when he

e#erge"- Polly was sitting up- loo)ing as #uh better for her shower as he "i" for his

#o#entary elipse.

,Fan feels "rea"fully. +ill you )iss an" be frien"s- if I trot her "own0, as)e" To#

re#e#bering his fellow$sinner.

,I'll go to her., An" Polly whis)e" out of the loset as su""enly as she ha" whis)e" in-

leaving To# sitting on the boot$4a)- with a ra"iant ountenane.

3ow the girls #a"e it up no one ever )new. %ut after #uh tal)ing an" rying- )issing an"laughing- the breah was heale"- an" peae "elare". A slight ha5e still lingere" in the air after

the stor#- for Fanny was very hu#ble an" ten"er that evening/ To# a trifle pensive- but

"istressingly polite- an" Polly #agnani#ously frien"ly to every one/ for generous natures li)e

to forgive- an" Polly en4oye" the petting after the insult- li)e a very hu#an girl.

As she was brushing her hair at be"ti#e there a#e a tap on her "oor an"- opening it- she

behel" nothing but a tall bla) bottle- with a strip of re" flannel tie" roun" it li)e a ravat- an" a

o)e"$hat note on the or). Insi"e were these lines- written in a sprawling han" with very

bla) in)<

*8A; PLL- py"ill"o) is first$rate for sprains. ou put a lot on the flannel an" "o upyour wrist- an" I guess it will be all right in the #orning. +ill you o#e a sleigh$ri"e

to#orrow0 I'# awful sorry I hurt you.

T2

Chapter VI. !ran"#a

+here's Polly0, as)e" Fan one snowy afternoon- as she a#e into the "ining$roo# where

To# was reposing on the sofa with his boots in the air- absorbe" in one of those "elightful

boo)s in whih boys are ast away on "esert islan"s- where every )nown fruit- vegetable an"

flower is in its pri#e all the year roun"/ or- lost in boun"less forests- where the young heroes

have thrilling a"ventures- )ill i#possible beasts- an"- when the author's invention gives out-su""enly fin" their way ho#e- la"en with tiger s)ins- ta#e buffaloes an" other pleasing trophies

of their prowess.

,*un no-, was To#'s brief reply- for he was 4ust esaping fro# an alligator of the largest

si5e.

,*o put "own that stupi" boo)- an" let's "o so#ething-, sai" Fanny- after a listless stroll

roun" the roo#.

,3i- they've got hi#1, was the only answer vouhsafe" by the absorbe" rea"er.

,+here's Polly0, as)e" 2au"- 4oining the party with her han"s full of paper "olls all

suffering for ball$"resses.



,*o get along- an" "on't bother #e-, rie" To# e&asperate" at the interruption.

,Then tell us where she is. I'# sure you )now- for she was "own here a little while ago-, sai"

Fanny.

,7p in gran"#a's roo#- #aybe.,

,Provo)ing thing1 you )new it all the ti#e- an" "i" n't tell- 4ust to plague us-, sol"e" 2au".

%ut To# was now un"er water stabbing his alligator- an" too) no notie of the in"ignant

"eparture of the young la"ies.

,Polly's always po)ing up in gran"#a's roo#. I "on't see what fun there is in it-, sai" Fannyas they went up stairs.

,Polly's a verwy 6ueer girl- an" gwan"#a pets her a gweat "eal #ore than she "oes #e-,

observe" 2au"- with an in4ure" air.

,Let's pee) an" see what they are "oing-, whispere" Fan- pausing at the half$open "oor.

!ran"#a was sitting before a 6uaint ol" abinet- the "oors of whih stoo" wi"e open-

showing gli#pses of the fa"e" relis treasure" there. n a stool- at the ol" la"y's feet- sat Polly-

loo)ing up with intent fae an" eager eyes- 6uite absorbe" in the history of a high$heele"

broa"e shoe whih lay in her lap.

,+ell- #y "ear-, gran"#a was saying- ,she ha" it on the very "ay that 7nle :oe a#e in as

she sat at wor)- an" sai"-'*olly- we #ust be #arrie" at one.''Very well- :oe-' says Aunt *olly-an" "own she went to the parlor- where the #inister was waiting- never stopping to hange the

"i#ity "ress she wore- an" was atually #arrie" with her sissors an" pin$ball at her si"e- an"

her thi#ble on. That was in war ti#es- @@B- #y "ear- an" 7nle :oe was in the ar#y- so he ha"

to goan" he too) that very little pin$ball with hi#. 3ere it is with the #ar) of a bullet through

it- for he always sai" his *olly's ushion save" his life.,

,3ow interesting that is1, rie" Polly- as she e&a#ine" the fa"e" ushion with the hole in it.

,+hy- gran"#a- you never tol" #e that story-, sai" Fanny- hurrying in- fin"ing the prospet

was a pleasant one for a stor#y afternoon.

,ou never as)e" #e to tell you anything- #y "ear- so I )ept #y ol" stories to #yself-,answere" gran"#a- 6uietly.

,Tell so#e now- please. 2ay we stay an" see the funny things0, sai" Fan an" 2au"- eyeing

the open abinet with interest.

,If Polly li)es/ she is #y o#pany- an" I a# trying to entertain her- for I love to have her

o#e-, sai" gran"#a- with her ol"$ti#e politeness.

,h- yes1 "o let the# stay an" hear the stories. I've often tol" the# what goo" ti#es we have

up here- an" tease" the# to o#e- but they thin) it's too 6uiet. Now- sit "own- girls- an" let

gran"#a go on. ou see I pi) out so#ething in the abinet that loo)s interesting- an" then she

tells #e about it-, sai" Polly- eager to inlu"e the girls in her pleasures- an" gla" to get the#

intereste" in gran"#a's re#inisenes- for Polly )new how happy it #a"e the lonely ol" la"y tolive over her past- an" to have the hil"ren roun" her.

,3ere are three "rawers that have not been opene" yet/ eah ta)e one- an" hoose so#ething

fro# it for #e to tell about-, sai" 2a"a#- 6uite e&ite" at the unusual interest in her treasures.

So the girls eah opene" a "rawer an" turne" over the ontents till they foun" so#ething

they wante" to )now about. 2au" was rea"y first- an" hol"ing up an o""ly shape" linen bag-

with a big blue F e#broi"ere" on it- "e#an"e" her story. !ran"#a s#ile" as she s#oothe" the

ol" thing ten"erly- an" began her story with evi"ent pleasure.

,2y sister Nelly an" I went to visit an aunt of ours- when we were little girls- but we "i" n't

have a very goo" ti#e- for she was e&tre#ely strit. ne afternoon- when she ha" gone out to



tea- an" ol" *ebby- the #ai"- was asleep in her roo#- we sat on the "oor$step- feeling ho#esi)

an" rea"y for any thing to a#use us.

,'+hat shall we "o0' sai" Nelly.

,:ust as she spo)e- a ripe plu# "roppe" boune on the grass before us- as if answering her

6uestion. It was all the plu#'s fault- for if it ha" n't fallen at that #inute- I never shoul" have ha"

the thought whih poppe" into #y #ishievous #in".

,'Let's have as #any as we want- an" plague Aunt %etsey- to pay her for being so ross-' I

sai"- giving Nelly half the great purple plu#.,'It woul" be "rea"ful naughty-' began Nelly-'but I guess we will-' she a""e"- as the sweet

#outhful slippe" "own her throat.

,'*ebby's asleep. Co#e on- then- an" help #e sha)e-' I sai"- getting up- eager for the fun.

,+e shoo) an" shoo) till we got re" in the fae- but not one "roppe"- for the tree was large-

an" our little ar#s were not strong enough to stir the boughs. Then we threw stones- but only

one green an" one half$ripe one a#e "own- an" #y last stone bro)e the she" win"ow- so there

was an en" of that.

,'It's as provo)ing as Aunt %etsey herself-' sai" Nelly- as we sat "own- out of breath.

,'I wish the win" woul" o#e an" blow'e# "own for us-' pante" I- staring up at the plu#s

with longing eyes.,'If wishing woul" "o any goo"- I shoul" wish'e# in #y lap at one-' a""e" Nelly.

,'ou #ight as well wish'e# in your #outh an" "one with it- if you are too la5y to pi)'e#

up. If the la""er was n't too heavy we oul" try that-' sai" I- "eter#ine" to have the#.

,'ou )now we an't stir it- so what is the use of tal)ing about it0 ou propose" getting the

plu#s- now let's see you "o it-' answere" Nelly- rather rossly- for she ha" bitten the green plu#

an" it pu)ere" her #outh.

,'+ait a #inute- an" you will see #e "o it-' rie" I- as a new thought a#e into #y naughty

hea".

,'+hat are you ta)ing your shoes an" so)s off for0 ou an't li#b the tree- Fan.' ,'*on'tas) 6uestions- but be rea"y to pi)'e# up when they fall- 2iss La5ybones.' ,+ith this

#ysterious speeh I pattere" into the house bare$foote" an" full of #y plan. 7p stairs I went to

a win"ow opening on the she" roof. ut I got- an" reeping arefully along till I a#e near the

tree- I stoo" up- an" su""enly rowe" li)e the little rooster. Nelly loo)e" up- an" stare"- an"

laughe"- an" lappe" her han"s when she saw what I was going to "o.

,'I'# afrai" you'll slip an" get hurt.' ,'*on't are if I "o/ I'll have those plu#s if I brea) #y

ne) "oing it-' an" half sli"ing- half wal)ing I went "own the sloping roof- till the boughs of the

tree were within #y reah.

,3urrah1, rie" Nelly- "aning "own below- as #y first sha)e sent a "o5en plu#s rattling

roun" her.,'3urrah1, rie" I- letting go one branh an" trying to reah another. %ut as I "i" so #y foot

slippe"- I trie" to ath so#ething to hol" by- but foun" nothing- an" with a ry- "own I fell- li)e

a very big plu# on the grass below.

,Fortunately the she" was low- the grass was thi) an" the tree bro)e #y fall- but I got a ba"

bu#p an" a terrible sha)ing. Nelly thought I was )ille"- an" began to ry with her #outh full.

%ut I pi)e" #yself up in a #inute- for I was use" to suh tu#bles/ an" "i" n't #in" the pain

half as #uh as the loss of the plu#s.



,'3ush1 *ebby will hear an" spoil all the fun. I sai" I'" get'e# an" I have. See what lots have

o#e "own with #e.' ,So there ha"- for #y fall shoo) the tree al#ost as #uh as it "i" #e- an"

the green an" purple fruit lay all about us.

,%y the ti#e the bu#p on #y forehea" ha" swelle" as big as a nut- our aprons were half full-

an" we sat "own to en4oy ourselves. %ut we "i" n't. "ear- no1 for #any of the plu#s were not

ripe- so#e were hurt by the bir"s- so#e rushe" in falling- an" #any as har" as stones. Nelly

got stung by a wasp- #y hea" began to ahe- an" we sat loo)ing at one another rather "is#ally-

when Nelly ha" a bright i"ea.,'Let's oo)'e#- then they'll be goo"- an" we an put so#e away in our little pails for to$

#orrow.' ,'That will be splen"i"1 There's a fire in the )ithen- *ebby always leaves the )ettle

on- an" we an use her sauepan- an" I )now where the sugar is- an" we'll have a gran" ti#e.'

,In we went- an" fell to wor) very 6uietly. It was a large- open fire$plae- with the oals niely

overe" up- an" the big )ettle si##ering on the hoo). +e ra)e" open the fire- put on the

sauepan- an" in it the best of our plu#s- with water enough to spoil the#. %ut we "i" n't )now

that- an" felt very i#portant as we sat waiting for it to boil- eah ar#e" with a big spoon- while

the sugar bo& stoo" between us rea"y to be use".

,3ow slow they were- to be sure1 I never )new suh obstinate things- for they woul" n't

soften- though they "ane" about in the boiling water- an" bobbe" against the over as if theywere "oing their best.

,The sun began to get low- we were afrai" *ebby woul" o#e "own- an" still those "rea"ful

plu#s woul" n't loo) li)e saue. At last they began to burst- the water got a lovely purple- we

put lots of sugar in- an" )ept tasting till our aprons an" faes were re"- an" our lips burnt with

the hot spoons.

,'There's too #uh 4uie-' sai" Nelly- sha)ing her hea" wisely.'It ought to be thi) an" nie

li)e #a##a's.' ,'I'll pour off so#e of the 4uie- an" we an "rin) it-' sai" I- feeling that I'" #a"e

a #ista)e in #y oo)ing.

,So Nelly got a bowl- an" I got a towel an" lifte" the big sauepan arefully off. It washeavy an" hot- an" I was a little afrai" of it- but "i" n't li)e to say so. :ust as I began to pour-

*ebby su""enly alle" fro# the top of the stairs-'Chil"ren- what un"er the sun are you "oing0'

,It startle" us both. Nelly "roppe" the bowl an" ran. I "roppe" the sauepan an" "i" n't run- for

a part of the hot 4uie splashe" upon #y bare feet- an" an)les- an" #a"e #e srea# with

"rea"ful pain.

,*own rushe" *ebby to fin" #e "aning about the )ithen with a great bu#p on #y

forehea"- a big spoon in #y han"- an" a pair of bright purple feet. The plu#s were lying all

over the hearth- the sauepan in the #i""le of the roo#- the basin was bro)en- an" the sugar

swi##ing about as if the bowl ha" turne" itself over trying to sweeten our #ess for us.

,*ebby was very goo" to #e- for she never stoppe" to sol"- but lai" #e "own on the ol"sofa- an" boun" up #y poor little feet with oil an" otton wool. Nelly- seeing #e lie white an"

wea)- thought I was "ying- an" went over to the neighbor's for Aunt %etsey- an" burst in upon

the ol" la"ies sitting pri#ly at- their tea- rying- "istrate"ly- ,'h- Aunt %etsey- o#e 6ui)1 for

the sauepan fell off the she"- an" Fan's feet are all boile" purple1' ,Nobo"y laughe" at this

funny #essage- an" Aunt %etsey ran all the way ho#e with a #uffin in her han" an" her ball in

her po)et- though the )nitting was left behin".

,I suffere" a great "eal- but I was n't sorry afterwar"- for I learne" to love Aunt %etsey- who

nurse" #e ten"erly- an" see#e" to forget her strit ways in her an&iety for #e.



,This bag was #a"e for #y speial o#fort- an" hung on the sofa where I lay all those

weary "ays. Aunt )ept it full of pretty pathwor) or- what I li)e" better- ginger$nuts- an"

pepper#int "rops- to a#use #e- though she "i" n't approve of osseting hil"ren up- any #ore

than I "o now.,

,I li)e that vewy well- an" I wish I oul" have been there-, was 2au"'s on"esen"ing

re#ar)- as she put ba) the little bag- after a areful peep insi"e- as if she hope" to fin" an

anient ginger$nut- or a well$preserve" pepper#int "rop still lingering in so#e orner.

,+e ha" plu#s enough that autu#n- but "i" n't see# to are #uh about the#- after all- forour pran) bea#e a househol" 4o)e- an"- for years- we never saw the fruit- but Nelly woul"

loo) at #e with a funny fae- an" whisper-'Purple sto)ings- Fan1' ,

,Than) you- #a'a#-, sai" Polly. ,Now- Fan- your turn ne&t.,

,+ell- I've a bun"le of ol" letters- an" I'" li)e to )now if there is any story about the#-,

answere" Fanny- hoping so#e ro#ane #ight be fortho#ing.

!ran"#a turne" over the little pa)et tie" up with a fa"e" pin) ribbon/ a "o5en yellow notes

written on rough- thi) paper- with re" wafers still a"hering to the fol"s- showing plainly that

they were written before the "ay of initial note$paper an" self$sealing envelopes.

,They are not love$letters- "eary- but notes fro# #y #ates after I left 2iss Cotton's

boar"ing$shool. I "on't thin) there is any story about the#-, an" gran"#a turne" the# overwith spetales before the "i# eyes- so young an" bright when they first rea" the very sa#e

notes.

Fanny was about to say- ,I'll hoose again-, when gran"#a began to laugh so heartily that

the girls felt sure she ha" aught so#e #erry ol" #e#ory whih woul" a#use the#.

,%less #y heart- I have n't thought of that froli this forty years. Poor- "ear- gi""y Sally

Po#roy- an" she's a great$gran"#other now1, rie" the ol" la"y- after rea"ing one of the notes-

an" learing the #ist off her glasses.

,Now- please tell about her/ I )now it's so#ething funny to #a)e you laugh so-, sai" Polly

an" Fan together.,+ell- it was "roll- an" I'# gla" I re#e#bere" it for it's 4ust the story to tell you young

things.

,It was years ago-, began gran"#a- bris)ly- ,an" teahers were very #uh striter than they

are now. The girls at 2iss Cotton's were not allowe" lights in their roo#s after nine o'lo)-

never went out alone- an" were e&pete" to behave li)e #o"els of propriety fro# #orning till

night.

,As you #ay i#agine- ten young girls- full of spirits an" fun- foun" these rules har" to )eep-

an" #a"e up for goo" behavior in publi by all sorts of frolis in private.

,2iss Cotton an" her brother sat in the ba) parlor after shool was over- an" the young

la"ies were sent to be". 2r. :ohn was very "eaf- an" 2iss Prisilla very near$sighte"- twoonvenient afflitions for the girls on so#e oasions- but one they prove" 6uite the reverse- as

you shall hear.

,+e ha" been very pri# for a wee)- an" our bottle" up spirits oul" no longer be ontaine"/

so we plane" a revel after our own hearts- an" set our wits to wor) to e&eute it.

,The first obstale was sur#ounte" in this way. As none of us oul" get out alone- we

resolve" to lower Sally fro# the win"ow- for she was light an" s#all- an" very s#art.

,+ith our o#bine" po)et$#oney she was to buy nuts an" an"y- a)e an" fruit- pie- an" a

an"leso that we #ight have a light- after %etsey too) ours away as usual. ,+e were to "ar)en



the win"ow of the inner ha#ber- set a wath in the little entry- light up- an" then for a goo"

ti#e.

,At eight o'lo) on the appointe" evening- several of us professe" great weariness- an"

went to our roo#- leaving the rest sewing virtuously with 2iss Cotton- who rea" 3annah

2ore's Sare" *ra#as alou"- in a way that fitte" the listeners for be" as well as a "ose of opiu#

woul" have "one.

,I a# sorry to say I was one of the ringlea"ers/ an" as soon as we got up stairs- pro"ue" the

rope provi"e" for the purpose- an" invite" Sally to be lowere". It was an ol"$fashione" house-sloping "own behin"- an" the loset win"ow hosen by us was not #any feet fro# the groun".

,It was a su##er evening- so that at eight o'lo) it was still light/ but we were not afrai" of

being seen- for the street was a lonely one- an" our only neighbors two ol" la"ies- who put

"own their urtains at sunset- an" never loo)e" out till #orning.

,Sally ha" been bribe" by pro#ises of as #any'goo"ies' as she oul" eat- an" being a regular

#a"ap- she was rea"y for anything.

,Tying the rope roun" her waist she rept out- an" we let her safely "own- sent a big bas)et

after her- an" saw her slip roun" the o#er in #y big sun bonnet an" another girl's shawl- so

that she shoul" not be reogni5e".

,Then we put our night$gowns over our "resses- an" were lai" peaefully in be" when%etsey a#e up- earlier than usual/ for it was evi"ent that 2iss Cotton felt a little suspiious at

our su""en weariness.

,For half an hour we lay laughing an" whispering- as we waite" for the signal fro# Sally. At

last we hear" a ri)et hirp shrilly un"er the win"ow- an" flying up- saw a little figure below in

the twilight.

,'- 6ui)1 6ui)1' rie" Sally- panting with haste.'*raw up the bas)et an" then get #e infor

I saw 2r. Cotton in the #ar)et- an" ran all the way ho#e- so that I #ight get in before he a#e.

,7p a#e the heavy bas)et- bu#ping an" sraping on the way- an" s#elling- - so nie1 *own

went the rope- an" with a long pull- a strong pull- an" a pull all together- we hoiste" poor Sallyhalf$way up to the win"ow- when- sa" to tell- the rope slippe" an" "own she fell- only being

save" fro# bro)en bones by the hay$o) un"er the win"ow.

,'3e's o#ing1 he's o#ing1 pull #e up- for #ery sa)e1' rie" Sally- sra#bling to her

feet unhurt- but a goo" "eal sha)en.

,+e saw a "ar) figure approahing- an" "ragge" her in with #ore bu#ping an" sraping-

an" e#brae" her with rapture- for we ha" 4ust esape" being "etete" by 2r. :ohn- whose eyes

were as sharp as his ears were "ull.

,+e hear" the front$"oor shut- then a #ur#ur of voies- an" then %etsey's heavy step

o#ing up stairs.

,7n"er the be" went the bas)et- an" into the be"s went the onspirators- an" nothing oul"have been #ore "eorous than the appearane of the roo# when %etsey poppe" her hea" in.

,'2aster's an ol" fi"get to sen" #e travelling up again- 4ust beause he fanie" he saw

so#ething a#iss at the win"ow. Nothing but a urtain flapping- or a sha""er- for the poor "ears

is sleeping li)e la#bs.' ,+e hear" her say this to herself- an" a general titter agitate" the white

overlets as she "eparte".

,Sally was in high feather at the suess of her e&ploit- an" "ane" about li)e an elf- as she

put her night$gown on over her fro)- brai"e" her hair in funny little tails all over her hea"- an"

fastene" the great re" pin$ushion on her boso# for a breastpin in honor of the feast.



,The other girls went to their roo#s as agree" upon- an" all was soon "ar) an" still up stairs-

while 2iss Cotton began to en4oy herself below- as she always "i" when'her young harges'

were safely "ispose" of.

,Then ghosts began to wal)- an" the #ie suttle" ba) to their holes in alar#- for white

figures gli"e" fro# roo# to roo#- till all were asse#ble" in the little ha#ber.

,The wath was set at the entry "oor- the signal agree" upon- the an"le lighte"- an" the feast

sprea" forth upon a newspaper on the be"- with the overlet arrange" so that it oul" be

whis)e" over the refresh#ents at a #o#ent's notie.,3ow goo" everything was- to be sure1 I "on't thin) I've eaten any pies sine that ha" suh a

"eliious flavor as those bro)en ones- eaten hastily- in that little oven of a roo#- with Sally

#a)ing 4o)es an" the others en4oying stolen sweets with true girlish relish. f ourse it was

very wi)e"- but I #ust tell the truth.

,+e were 4ust beginning on the a)e when the lou" srathing of a rat "isturbe" us.

,'The signal1 fly1 run1 hi"e1 3ush- "on't laugh1' rie" several voies- an" we suttle" into be"

as rapi"ly an" noiselessly as possible- with our #ouths an" han"s full.

,A long pause- bro)en by #ore srathing/ but as no one a#e- we "ei"e" on sen"ing to

in6uire what it #eant. I went an" foun" 2ary- the pi)et guar" half asleep- an" longing for her

share of the feast.,'It was a real rat/ I've not #a"e a soun". *o go an" finish/ I'# tire" of this-' sai" 2ary-

slapping away at the #os6uitoes.

,%a) I hurrie" with the goo" news. 8very one flew up- bris)ly. +e lighte" the an"le again-

an" returne" to our revel. The refresh#ents were so#ewhat in4ure" by Sally's bouning in

a#ong the#- bit we "i" n't are- an" soon finishe" the a)e.

,'Now let's have the nuts-' I sai"- groping for the paper bag.

,'They are al#on"s an" peanuts- so we an ra) the# with our teeth. %e sure you get the

bag by the right en"-' sai" Sally.

,'I )now what I'# about-' an" to show her that it was all right- I gave the bag a little sha)e-when out flew the nuts- rattling li)e a hail$stor# all over the unarpete" floor.

,'Now you've "one it-' rie" Sally- as 2ary srathe" li)e a #a" rat- an" a "oor rea)e"

below- for 2iss Cotton was not "eaf.

,Suh a flurry as we were in1 ut went the an"lean" eah one rushe" away with as #uh

of the feast as she oul" sei5e in her haste. Sally "ive" into her be"- re)lessly "e#olishing the

last piean" sattering the an"y far an" wi"e.

,Poor 2ary was nearly aught for 2iss Cotton was 6ui)er than %etsey- an" our guar" ha"

to run for her life.

,ur roo# was the first- an" was in goo" or"er- though the two flushe" faes on the pillows

were rather suspiious. 2iss Cotton stoo" staring about her- loo)ing so funny- without her ap-that #y be"fellow woul" have gone off in a fit of laughter- if I ha" not pinhe" her warningly.

,'oung la"ies- what is this unsee#ly noise0' ,No answer fro# us but a faint snore. 2iss

Cotton #arhe" into the ne&t roo#- put the sa#e 6uestion an" reeive" the sa#e reply.

,In the thir" ha#ber lay Sally- an" we tre#ble" as the ol" la"y went in. Sitting up- we

peepe" an" listene" breathlessly.

,'Sarah- I o##an" you to tell #e what this all #eans0' ,%ut Sally only sighe" in her sleep-

an" #uttere"- wi)e"ly-'2a- ta)e #e ho#e. I'# starve" at Cotton's.' ,'2ery on #e1 is the hil"

going to have a fever0' rie" the ol" la"y- who "i" not observe the tell tale nuts at her feet.



,'So "ull- so strit1 ta)e #e ho#e1' #oane" Sally- tossing her ar#s an" gurgling- li)e a

naughty little gypsy.

,That last bit of ating upset the whole onern- for as she tosse" her ar#s she showe" the

big re" ushion on her breast. Near$sighte" as she was- that ri"iulous ob4et oul" not esape

2iss Cotton- neither "i" the orange that rolle" out fro# the pillow- nor the boots appearing at

the foot of the be".

,+ith su""en energy the ol" la"y plu)e" off the over- an" there lay Sally with her hair

"resse" . la Topsy- her absur" breast$pin an" her "usty boots- a#ong papers of an"y- bits of piean" a)e- oranges an" apples- an" a an"le upsi"e "own burning a hole in the sheet.

,At the soun" of 2iss Cotton's horrifie" e&la#ation Sally wo)e up- an" began laughing so

#errily that none of us oul" resist following her e&a#ple- an" the roo#s rang with #erri#ent

far #any #inutes. I really "on't )now when we shoul" have stoppe" if Sally ha" not got ho)e"

with the nut she ha" in her #outh- an" so frightene" us nearly out of our wits.,

,+hat bea#e of the things- an" how were you punishe"0, as)e" Fan- in the #i""le of her

laughter.

,The re#ains of the feast went to the pig- an" we were )ept on brea" an" water for three

"ays.,

,*i" that ure you0,,h- "ear- no1 we ha" half a "o5en other frolis that very su##er/ an" although I annot

help laughing at the re#e#brane of this- you #ust not thin)- hil"- that I approve of suh

on"ut- or e&use it. No- no- #y "ear- far fro# it.,

,I all that a- tip$top story1 *rive on- gran"#a- an" tell one about boys-, bro)e in a new

voie- an" there was To# astri"e of a hair listening an" laughing with all his #ight- for his

boo) ha" o#e to an en"- an" he ha" 4oine" the party unobserve".

,+ait for your turn- To##y. Now- Polly- "ear- what will you have0, sai" gran"#a- loo)ing-

so lively an" happy- that it was very evi"ent ,re#inising, "i" her goo".

,Let #ine o#e last- an" tell one for To# ne&t-, sai" Polly- loo)ing roun"- an" be)oninghi# nearer.

3e a#e an" sat hi#self ross$legge" on the floor- before the lower "rawer of the abinet-

whih gran"#a opene" for hi#- saying- with a benign stro)e of the urly hea"- ,There- "ear-

that's where I )eep the little #e#orials of #y brother :a). Poor la"- he was lost at sea- you

)now. +ell- hoose anything you li)e- an" I'll try to re#e#ber a story about it.,

To# #a"e a rapi" ru##age- an" fishe" up a little bro)en pistol.

,There- that's the hap for #e1 +ish it was n't spoilt- then we'" have fun popping away at the

ats in the yar". Now- then- gran"#a.,

,I re#e#ber one of :a)'s pran)s- when that was use" with great effet-, sai" gran"#a- after

a thoughtful pause- "uring whih To# tease" the girls by snapping the lo) of the pistol in theirfaes.

,ne upon a ti#e-, ontinue" 2a"a#- #uh flattere" by the row of intereste" faes before

her- ,#y father went away on business- leaving #other- aunt- an" us girls to :a)'s are. Very

prou" he was- to be sure- of the responsibility- an" the first thing he "i" was to loa" that pistol

an" )eep it by his be"- in our great worri#ent- for we feare" he'" )ill hi#self with it. For a

wee) all went well/ then we were startle" by the news that robbers were about. All sorts of

stories flew through the town =we were living in the ountry then>/ so#e sai" that ertain houses

were #ar)e" with a bla) ross- an" those were always robbe"/ others- that there was a boy in

the gang- for win"ows- so s#all that they were onsi"ere" safe- were entere" by so#e little



rogue. At one plae the thieves ha" a supper- an" left ha# an" a)e in the front yar". 2rs. :ones

foun" 2rs. S#ith's shawl in her orhar"- with a ha##er an" an un)nown teapot near it. ne

#an reporte" that so#e one tappe" at his win"ow- in the night- saying- softly-'Is anyone here0

an" when he loo)e" out- two #en were seen to run "own the roa".

,+e live" 4ust out of town- in a lonely plae/ the house was ol"- with onvenient little ba)

win"ows- an" five outsi"e "oors. :a) was the only #an about the plae- an" he was barely

thirteen. 2other an" aunt were very ti#i"- an" the hil"ren weren't ol" enough to be of any use-

so :a) an" I were the ho#e$guar"- an" vowe" to "efen" the fa#ily #anfully.,,!oo" for you1 3ope the fellows a#e1, rie" To#- har#e" with this opening.

,ne "ay- an ill$loo)ing #an a#e in an" as)e" for foo"-, ontinue" gran"#a- with a

#ysterious no"/ ,an" while he ate- I saw hi# glane sharply about fro# the woo"en buttons on

the ba)$"oors- to the silver urn an" tan)ar"s on the "ining$roo# si"eboar". A strong suspiion

too) possession of #e- an" I wathe" hi# as a at "oes a #ouse.

,'3e a#e to e&a#ine the pre#ises- I'# sure of it- but we will be rea"y for hi#-' I sai"-

fierely- as I tol" the fa#ily about hi#.

,This fany haunte" us all- an" our preparations were very funny. 2other borrowe" a rattle-

an" )ept it un"er her pillow. Aunt too) a big bell to be" with her/ the hil"ren ha" little Tip- the

terrier- to sleep in their roo#/ while :a) an" I #ounte" guar"- he with the pistol- an" I with ahathet- for I "i" n't li)e fire$ar#s. %i""y- who slept in the atti- pratise" getting out on the

she" roof- so that she #ight run away at the first alar#. 8very night we arrange" pit$falls for the

robbers- an" all file" up to be"- bearing plate- #oney- weapons- an" things to barria"e with- as

if we live" in war ti#es.

,+e waite" a wee) an" no one a#e- so we began to feel rather slighte"- for other people

got'a sare-' as To# says- an" after all our preparations we really felt a trifle "isappointe" that

we ha" ha" no hane to show our ourage. At last a bla) #ar) was foun" upon our "oor- an"

a great pani ensue"- for we felt that now our ti#e ha" o#e.

,That night we put a tub of water at the botto# of the ba)$stairs- an" a pile of tin pans at thetop of the front stairs- so that any atte#pt to o#e up woul" pro"ue a splash or a rattle. %ells

were hung on "oor han"les- sti)s of woo" pile" up in "ar) orners for robbers to fall over- an"

the fa#ily retire"- all ar#e" an" all provi"e" with la#ps an" #athes.

,:a) an" I left our "oors open- an" )ept as)ing one another if we "i" n't hear so#ething- till

he fell asleep. I was wa)eful an" lay listening to the ri)ets till the lo) stru) twelve/ then I

got "rowsy- an" was 4ust "ropping off when the soun" of steps outsi"e wo)e #e up staring wi"e

awa)e. Creeping to the win"ow I was in ti#e to see by the "i# #oonlight a sha"ow gli"e roun"

the orner an" "isappear. A 6ueer little thrill went over #e- but I resolve" to )eep 6uiet till I was

sure so#ething was wrong- for I ha" given so #any false alar#s- I "i" n't want :a) to laugh at

#e again. Popping #y hea" out of the "oor- I listene"- an" presently hear" a sraping soun"near the she".

,'There they are/ but I won't rouse the house till the bell rings or the pans fall. The rogues

an't go far without a latter of so#e sort- an" if we oul" only ath one of the# we shoul" get

the rewar" an" a "eal of glory-' I sai" to #yself- grasping #y hathet fir#ly.

,A "oor lose" softly below- an" a step a#e reeping towar"s the ba)$stairs. Sure now of

#y prey- I was 4ust about to srea#':a)1' when so#ething went splash into the tub at the foot

of the ba)$stairs.



,In a #inute every one was awa)e an" up- for :a) fire" his pistol before he was half out of

be"- an" roare"'Fire1' so lou" it rouse" the house. 2other sprung her rattle- aunt rang her bell-

:ip bar)e" li)e #a"- an" we all srea#e"- while fro# below a#e up a regular Irish howl.

,So#e one brought a la#p- an" we peepe" an&iously "own- to see our own stupi" %i""y

sitting in the tub wringing her han"s an" wailing "is#ally.

,'h- #urther- an" it's )ilt I a#1 The saints be about us1 how iver "i" I o#e forninst this

say iv wather- 4ust rapin in 6uiet afther a bit iv sthroll wi" 2i)e 2ahoney- #e own b'y- that's to

#arry #e intirely- o#e Saint Patri)'s "ay ni&t.' ,+e laughe" so we oul" har"ly fish the poorthing up- or listen while she e&plaine" that she ha" slippe" out of her win"ow for a wor" with

2i)e- an" foun" it fastene" when she wante" to o#e ba)- so she ha" sat on the roof- trying to

"isover the ause of this #ysterious barring out- till she was tire"- when she prowle" roun" the

house till she foun" a ellar win"ow unfastene"- after all our are- an" got in 6uite leverly- she

thought/ but the tub was a new arrange#ent whih she )new nothing about/ an" when she fell

into the'say-' she was bewil"ere" an" oul" only howl.

,This was not all the "a#age either- for aunt fainte" with the fright- #other ut her han" with

a bro)en la#p- the hil"ren too) ol" hopping about on the wet stairs- :ip bar)e" hi#self si)- I

spraine" #y an)lean" :a) not only s#ashe" a loo)ing$glass with his bullets- but spoilt his

pistol by the heavy harge put in it. After the "a#ages were repaire" an" the flurry was wellover- :a) onfesse" that he ha" #ar)e" the "oor for fun- an" shut %i""y out as a punish#ent

for'gallivanting-' of whih he "i" n't approve. Suh a rogue as that boy was1' ,

,%ut "i" n't the robbers ever o#e0, rie" To#- en4oying the 4o)e- but feeling "efrau"e" of

the fight.

,Never- #y "ear/ but we ha" our'sare-' an" teste" our ourage- an" that was a great

satisfation- of ourse-, answere" gran"#a- plai"ly.

,+ell- I thin) you were the bravest of the lot. I'" li)e to have seen you flourishing roun"

there with your hathet-, a""e" To#- a"#iringly- an" the ol" la"y loo)e" as #uh please" with

the o#pli#ent as if she ha" been a girl.,I hoose this-, sai" Polly- hol"ing up a long white )i" glove- shrun)en an" yellow with

ti#e- but loo)ing as if it ha" a history.

,Ah- that now has a story worth telling1, rie" gran"#a/ a""ing- prou"ly- ,Treat that ol"

glove respetfully- #y hil"ren- for Lafayette's honore" han" has touhe" it.,

,h- gran"#a- "i" you wear it0 *i" you see hi#0 *o tell us all about it- an" that will be the

best of the whole-, rie" Polly- who love" history- an" )new a goo" "eal about the gallant

Frenh#an an" his brave life.

!ran"#a love" to tell this story- an" always assu#e" her #ost i#posing air to "o honor to

her the#e. *rawing herself up- therefore- she fol"e" her han"s- an" after two or three little

,he#s-, began with an absent loo)- as if her eyes behel" a far$away ti#e- whih brightene" asshe ga5e".

,The first visit of Lafayette was before #y ti#e- of ourse- but I hear" so #uh about it fro#

#y gran"father that I really felt as if I '" seen it all. ur Aunt 3ano) live" in the !overnor's

house- on %eaon 3ill- at that ti#e., 3ere the ol" la"y bri"le" up still #ore- for she was very

prou" of ,our aunt., ,Ah- #y "ears- those were the goo" ol" ti#es1, she ontinue"- with a sigh.

,Suh "inners an" tea parties- suh "a#as) table loths an" fine plate- suh soli"- han"so#e

furniture an" elegant arriages/ aunt's was line" with re" sil) velvet- an" when the oah was

ta)en away fro# her at the !overnor's "eath- she 4ust rippe" out the lining. an" we girls ha"

speners #a"e of it. *ear heart- how well I re#e#ber playing in aunt's great gar"en- an"



hasing :a) up an" "own those win"ing stairs/ an" #y blesse" father- in his plu#$olore" oat

an" )nee bu)les- an" the 6ueue I use" to tie up for hi# every "ay- han"ing aunt in to "inner-

loo)ing so "ignifie" an" splen"i".,

!ran"#a see#e" to forget her story for a #inute- an" beo#e a little girl again- a#ong the

play#ates "ea" an" gone so #any years. Polly #otione" the others to be 6uiet- an" no one

spo)e till the ol" la"y- with a long sigh- a#e ba) to the present- an" went on.

,+ell- as I was saying- the !overnor wante" to give a brea)fast to the Frenh offiers- an"

2a"a#- who was a hospitable soul- got up a splen"i" one for the#. %ut by so#e #ista)e- orai"ent- it was "isovere" at the last #inute that there was no #il).

,A great "eal was nee"e"- an" very little oul" be bought or borrowe"- so "espair fell upon

the oo)s an" #ai"s- an" the great brea)fast woul" have been a failure- if 2a"a#- with the

presene of #in" of her se&- ha" not su""enly bethought herself of the ows fee"ing on the

Co##on.

,To be sure- they belonge" to her neighbors- an" there was no ti#e to as) leave- but it was a

national affair/ our allies #ust be fe"/ an" feeling sure that her patrioti frien"s woul" gla"ly lay

their ows on the altar of their ountry- 2a"a# 3ano) overe" herself with glory- by al#ly

issuing the o##an"-'2il)'e#1' ,It was "one- to the great astonish#ent of the ows- an" the

entire satisfation of the guests- a#ong who# was Lafayette.,This #il)ing feat was suh a goo" 4o)e- that no one see#s to have re#e#bere" #uh about

the great #an- though one of his offiers- a ount- signali5e" hi#self by getting very tipsy- an"

going to be" with his boots an" spurs on- whih ause" the "estrution of aunt's best yellow

"a#as) overlet- for the restless sleeper )i)e" it into rags by #orning.

,Aunt value" it very #uh- even in its tattere" on"ition- an" )ept it a long while- as a

#e#orial of her "istinguishe" guests.

,The ti#e when I saw Lafayette was in @B- an" there were no tipsy ounts then. 7nle

3ano) =a sweet #an- #y "ears- though so#e all hi# #ean now$a$"ays> was "ea"- an" aunt

ha" #arrie" Captain Sott.,It was not at all the thing for her to "o/ however- that's neither here nor there. She was

living in Fe"eral Street at the ti#e- a #ost aristorati street then- hil"ren- an" we live" lose

by.

,l" :osiah ?uiny was #ayor of the ity- an" he sent aunt wor" that the 2ar6uis Lafayette

wishe" to pay his respets to her.

,f ourse she was "elighte"- an" we all flew about to #a)e rea"y for hi#. Aunt was an ol"

la"y- but she #a"e a gran" toilet- an" was as an&ious to loo) well as any girl.,

,+hat "i" she wear0, as)e" Fan- with interest.

,She wore a steel$olore" satin- tri##e" with bla) lae- an" on her ap was pinne" a

Lafayette ba"ge of white satin.,I never shall forget how b$e$a$utifully she loo)e" as she sat in state on the front parlor

sophy- right un"er a great portrait of her first husban"/ an" on either si"e of her sat 2a"a#

Storer an" 2a"a# +illia#s- elegant to behol"- in their stiff sil)s- rih lae- an" stately turbans.

+e "on't see suh splen"i" ol" la"ies now$a$"ays ,

,I thin) we "o so#eti#es-, sai" Polly- slyly.

!ran"#a shoo) her hea"- but it please" her very #uh to be a"#ire"- for she ha" been a

beauty in her "ay.



,+e girls ha" "resse" the house with flowers/ ol" 2r. Cooli"ge sent in a lothes$bas)et full.

:oe :oy provi"e" the ba"ges- an" aunt got out so#e of the ;evolutionary wine fro# the ol"

%eaon Street ellar.

,I wore #y green an" white pal#yrine- #y hair bowe" high- the beautiful leg$o'$#utton

sleeves that were so beo#ing- an" these very gloves.

,+ell- by$an"$by the !eneral- esorte" by the 2ayor- "rove up. *ear #e- I see hi# now1 a

little ol" #an in nan)een trousers an" vest- a long blue oat an" ruffle" shirt- leaning on his

ane- for he was la#e- an" s#iling an" bowing li)e a true Frenh#an.,As he approahe"- the three ol" la"ies rose- an" ourtesie" with the ut#ost "ignity

Lafayette bowe" first to the !overnor's piture- then to the !overnor's wi"ow- an" )isse" her

han".

,That was "roll/ for on the ba) of her glove was sta#pe" Lafayette's li)eness- an" the

gallant ol" gentle#an )isse" his own fae.

,Then so#e of the young la"ies were presente"- an"- as if to esape any further self$

salutations- the #ar6uis )isse" the pretty girls on the hee).

,es- #y "ears- here is 4ust the spot where the "ear ol" #an salute" #e. I'# 6uite as prou" of

it now as I was then- for he was a brave- goo" #an- an" helpe" us in our trouble.

,3e "i" not stay long- but we were very #erry- "rin)ing his health- reeiving hiso#pli#ents- an" en4oying the honor he "i" us.

,*own in the street there was a row"- of ourse- an" when he left they wante" to ta)e out

the horses an" "rag hi# ho#e in triu#ph. %ut he "i" n't wish it/ an" while that affair was being

arrange"- we girls ha" been pelting hi# with the flowers whih we tore fro# the vases- the

walls- an" our own top)nots- to satter over hi#.

,3e li)e" that- an" laughe"- an" wave" his han" to us- while we ran- an" pelte"- an" begge"

hi# to o#e again.

,+e young fol)s 6uite lost our hea"s that night- an" I have n't a very lear i"ea of how I got

ho#e. The last thing I re#e#ber was hanging out of the win"ow with a flo) of girls- wathingthe arriage roll away- while the row" heere" as if they were #a".

,%less #y heart- it see#s as if I hear"'e# now1'3urrah for Lafayette an" 2ayor ?uiny1

3urrah for 2a"a# 3ano) an" the pretty girls1 3urrah for Col. 2ay1''Three heers for

%oston1 Now- then1 3urrah1 3urrah1 3urrah1' ,

An" here the ol" la"y stoppe"- out of breath- with her ap as)ew- her spetales on the en"

of her nose- an" her )nitting #uh the worse for being wave" enthusiastially in the air- while

she hung over the ar# of her hair- shrilly heering an i#aginary Lafayette. The girls lappe"

their han"s- an" To# hurrahe" with all his #ight- saying- when he got his breath- ,Lafayette

was a regular ol" tru#p/ I always li)e" hi#.,

,2y "ear1 what a "isrespetful way to spea) of that great #an-, sai" gran"#a- sho)e" atoung A#eria's irreverene.

,+ell- he was a tru#p- anyway- so why not all hi# one0, as)e" To#- feeling that the

ob4etionable wor" was all that oul" be "esire".

,+hat 6ueer gloves you wore then-, interrupte" Fanny- who ha" been trying on the #uh$

honore" glove- an" fin"ing it a tight fit.

,2uh better an" heaper than we have now-, returne" gran"#a- rea"y to "efen" ,the goo"

ol" ti#es, against every insinuation. ,ou are an e&travagant set now$a$"ays- an" I really "on't

)now what you are o#ing to. %y the way- I've got so#ewhere two letters written by two young



la"ies- one in @@D- an" the other in @E. The ontrast between the two will a#use you- I

thin).,

After a little searh- gran"#a pro"ue" an ol" portfolio- an" seleting the papers- rea" the

following letter- written by Anne %oleyn before her #arriage to 3enry VIII- an" now in the

possession of a elebrate" anti6uarian<

*8A; 2A;- I have been in town al#ost a #onth- yet I annot say I have foun" anything

in Lon"on e&tre#ely agreeable. +e rise so late in the #orning- sel"o# before si& o'lo)- an"

sit up so late at night- being sarely in be" before ten- that I a# 6uite si) of it/ an" was it notfor the abun"ane of fine things I a# every "ay getting I shoul" be i#patient of returning into

the ountry.

2y in"ulgent #other bought #e- yester"ay- at a #erhant's in Cheapsi"e- three new shifts-

that ost fourteen pene an ell- an" I a# to have a pair of new stuff shoes- for #y Lor" of

Norfol)'s ball- whih will be three shillings.

The irregular life I have le" sine #y o#ing to this plae has 6uite "estroye" #y appetite.

ou )now I oul" #anage a poun" of baon an" a tan)ar" of goo" ale for #y brea)fast- in the

ountry- but in Lon"on I fin" it "iffiult to get through half the 6uantity- though I #ust own I a#

generally eager enough for the "inner hour- whih is here "elaye" till twelve- in your polite

soiety.I playe" at hot o)les- last night- at #y Lor" of Leiester's. The Lor" of Surrey was there- a

very elegant young #an- who sung a song of his own o#position- on the ,Lor" of 9il"are's

*aughter., It was #uh approve"- an" #y brother whispere" #e that the fair !eral"ine- for so

#y Lor" of Surrey alls his sweetheart- is the finest wo#an of the age. I shoul" be gla" to see

her- for I hear she is goo" as she is beautiful.

Pray ta)e are of the poultry "uring #y absene. Poor things1 I always fe" the# #yself/ an"

if 2argery has )nitte" #e the ri#son worste" #ittens- I shoul" be gla" if they were sent up the

first opportunity.

A"ieu- "ear 2ary. I a# 4ust going to #ass- an" you shall spee"ily have the prayers- as youhave now the )in"est love of your own ANN8 %L8N.

,7p before si&- an" thin) it late to go to be" at ten1 +hat a ountrifie" thing Anne #ust have

been. %aon an" ale for brea)fast- an" "inner at twelve/ how very 6ueer to live so1, rie"

Fanny. ,Lor" Surrey an" Lor" Leiester soun" fine- but hot o)les- an" re" #ittens- an" shoes

for three shillings- are horri".,

,I li)e it-, sai" Polly- thoughtfully- ,an" I'# gla" poor Anne ha" a little fun before her

troubles began. 2ay I opy that letter so#e ti#e- gran"#a0,

,es- "ear- an" welo#e. Now- here's the other- by a #o"ern girl on her first visit to Lon"on

This will suit you better- Fan-, an" gran"#a rea" what a frien" ha" sent her as a pen"ant to

Anne's little piture of Lon"on life long ago<2 *8A;8ST CNSTANC8- After three #onths of intense e&ite#ent I snath a leisure

#o#ent to tell you how #uh I en4oy #y first visit to Lon"on. 3aving been e"uate" abroa"- it

really see#s li)e o#ing to a strange ity. At first the s#o)e- "irt an" noise were very

"isagreeable- but I soon got use" to these things- an" now fin" all I see perfetly har#ing.

+e plunge" at one into a whirl of gayety an" I have ha" no ti#e to thin) of anything but

pleasure. It is the height of the season- an" every hour is engage" either in going to balls-

onerts- theatres- ftes an" hurh- or in preparing for the#. +e often go to two or three parties

in an evening- an" sel"o# get ho#e till #orning- so of ourse we "on't rise till noon ne&t "ay



This leaves very little ti#e for our "rives- shopping- an" alls before "inner at eight- an" then

the evening gayeties begin again.

At a ball at La"y ;ussell's last night- I saw the Prine of +ales- an" "ane" in the set with

hi#. 3e is growing stout- an" loo)s "issipate". I was "isappointe" in hi#- for neither in

appearane nor onversation was he at all prinely. I was intro"ue" to a very brilliant an"

"elightful young gentle#an fro# A#eria. I was har#e" with hi#- an" rather surprise" to

learn that he wrote the poe#s whih were so #uh a"#ire" last season- also that he is the son of

a rih tailor. 3ow o"" these A#erians are- with their #oney- an" talent- an" in"epen"ene1 #y "ear- I #ust not forget to tell you the great event of #y first season. I a# to be

presente" at the ne&t *rawing ;oo#1 Thin) how absorbe" I #ust be in preparation for this

gran" affair. 2a##a is resolve" that I shall "o her re"it- an" we have spent the last two wee)s

"riving about fro# #illiners to #antua$#a)ers- fro# #erhants to 4ewellers. I a# to wear white

satin an" plu#es- pearls an" roses. 2y "ress will ost a hun"re" poun"s or #ore- an" is very

elegant.

2y ousins an" frien"s lavish lovely things upon #e- an" you will open your

unsophistiate" eyes when I "isplay #y sil)s an" laes- trin)ets an" Frenh hats- not to #ention

billet "eu&- photographs- an" other relis of a young belle's first season.

ou as) if I ever thin) of ho#e. I really have n't ti#e- but I "o so#eti#es long a little for the6uiet- the pure air an" the girlish a#use#ents I use" to en4oy so #uh. ne gets pale- an" ol"-

an" sa"ly fagge" out- with all this "issipation- pleasant as it is. I feel 6uite blas- alrea"y.

If you oul" sen" #e the rosy hee)s- bright eyes- an" gay spirits I always ha" at ho#e- I'"

than) you. As you annot "o that- please sen" #e a bottle of :une rain water- for #y #ai" tells

#e it is better than any os#eti for the o#ple&ion- an" #ine is getting ruine" by late hours.

I fany so#e fruit off our own trees woul" suit #e- for I have no appetite- an" #a##a is

6uite "esol-e about #e. ne annot live on Frenh oo)ery without "yspepsia- an" one an get

nothing si#ple here- for foo"- li)e everything else- is regulate" by the fashion.

A"ieu- #a hSre- I #ust "ress for hurh. I only wish you oul" see #y new hat an" go with#e- for Lor" ;o)ingha# pro#ise" to be there.

A"ieu- yours eternally- FL;8NC8.

,es- I "o li)e that better- an" I wish I ha" been in this girl's plae- "on't you- Polly0, sai"

Fan- as gran"#a too) off her glasses.

,I shoul" love to go to Lon"on- an" have a goo" ti#e- but I "on't thin) I shoul" are about

spen"ing ever so #uh #oney- or going to Court. 2aybe I #ight when I got there- for I "o li)e

fun an" splen"or-, a""e" honest Polly- feeling that pleasure was a very te#pting thing.

,!ran"#a loo)s tire"/ let's go an" play in the "wying$woo#-, sai" 2au"- who foun" the

onversation getting beyon" her "epth.

,Let us all )iss an" than) gran"#a- for a#using us so niely- before we go-, whispere"Polly. 2au" an" Fanny agree"- an" gran"#a loo)e" so gratifie" by their than)s- that To#

followe" suit- #erely waiting till ,those girls, were out of sight- to give the ol" la"y a hearty

hug- an" a )iss on the very hee) Lafayette ha" salute".

+hen he reahe" the play$roo# Polly was sitting in the swing- saying- very earnestly- ,I

always tol" you it was nie up in gran"#a's roo#- an" now you see it is. I wish you'" go

oftener/ she a"#ires to have youan" li)es to tell stories an" "o pleasant things- only she thin)s

you "on't are for her 6uiet sort of fun. I "o- anyway- an" I thin) she's the )in"est- best ol" la"y

that ever live"- an" I love her "early1,



,I "i" n't say she was n't- only ol" people are sort of te"ious an" fussy- so I )eep out of their

way-, sai" Fanny.

,+ell- you ought not to- an" you #iss lots of pleasant ti#es. 2y #other says we ought to be

)in" an" patient an" respetful to all ol" fol)s 4ust beause they are ol"- an" I always #ean to

be.,

,our #other's everlastingly preahing-, #uttere" Fan- nettle" by the onsiousness of her

own shorto#ings with regar" to gran"#a.

,She "on't preah1, rie" Polly- firing up li)e a flash/ ,she only e&plains things to us- an"helps us be goo"- an" never sol"s- an" I '" rather have her than any other #other in the worl"-

though she "on't wear velvet loa)s an" splen"i" bonnets- so now1,

,!o it- Polly1, alle" To#- who was graefully hanging hea" "ownwar" fro# the bar put up

for his speial benefit.

,Polly's #a"1 Polly's #a"1, sung 2au"- s)ipping rope roun" the roo#.

,If 2r. Sy"ney oul" see you now he woul" n't thin) you suh an angel any #ore-, a""e"

Fanny- tossing a bean$bag an" her hea" at the sa#e ti#e.

Polly was #a"- her fae was very re"- her eyes very bright an" her lips twithe"- but she

hel" her tongue an" began to swing as har" as she oul"- fearing to say so#ething she woul" be

sorry for afterwar". For a few #inutes no one spo)e- To# whistle" an" 2au" hu##e" but Fanan" Polly were eah soberly thin)ing of so#ething- for they ha" reahe" an age when hil"ren-

girls espeially- begin to observe- ontrast- an" speulate upon the wor"s- ats- #anners- an"

loo)s of those about the#. A goo" "eal of thin)ing goes on in the hea"s of these shrew" little

fol)s- an" the el"ers shoul" #in" their ways- for they get ritiise" pretty sharply an" i#itate"

very losely.

Two little things ha" happene" that "ay- an" the influene of a few wor"s- a areless ation-

was still wor)ing in the ative #in"s of the girls.

2r. Sy"ney ha" alle"- an" while Fanny was tal)ing with hi# she saw his eye rest on Polly-

who sat apart wathing the faes roun" her with the #o"est- intelligent loo) whih #any foun"so attrative. At that #inute 2a"a# Shaw a#e in- an" stoppe" to spea) to the little girl. Polly

rose at one- an" re#aine" stan"ing till the ol" la"y passe" on.

,Are you laughing at Polly's pri# ways0, Fanny ha" as)e"- as she saw 2r. Sy"ney s#ile.

,No- I a# a"#iring 2iss Polly's fine #anners-, he answere" in a grave- respetful tone-

whih ha" i#presse" Fanny very #uh- for 2r. Sy"ney was onsi"ere" by all the girls as a

#o"el of goo" bree"ing- an" that in"esribable so#ething whih they alle" ,elegane.,

Fanny wishe" she ha" "one that little thing- an" won that approving loo)- for she value" the

young #an's goo" opinion- beause it was so har" to win- by her set at least. So- when Polly

tal)e" about ol" people- it realle" this sene an" #a"e Fan ross.

Polly was re#e#bering how- when 2rs. Shaw a#e ho#e that "ay in her fine visitingostu#e- an" 2au" ran to welo#e her with unusual affetion- she gathere" up her lustrous sil)

an" pushe" the little girl away saying- i#patiently- ,*on't touh #e- hil"- your han"s are

"irty., Then the thought ha" o#e to Polly that the velvet loa) "i" n't over a right #otherly

heart- that the fretful fae un"er the no""ing purple plu#es was not a ten"er #otherly fae- an"

that the han"s in the "eliate pri#rose gloves ha" put away so#ething very sweet an" preious.

She thought of another wo#an- whose "ress never was too fine for little wet hee)s to lie

against- or loving little ar#s to press/ whose fae- in spite of #any lines an" the gray hairs

above itwas never sour or unsy#patheti when hil"ren's eyes turne" towar"s it/ an" whose

han"s never were too busy- too full or too nie to welo#e an" serve the little sons an"



"aughters who freely brought their s#all hopes an" fears- sins an" sorrows- to her- who "ealt

out 4ustie an" #ery with suh wise love. ,Ah- that's a #other1, thought Polly- as the #e#ory

a#e war# into her heart- #a)ing her feel very rih- an" pity 2au" for being so poor.

This it was that ause" suh su""en in"ignation at Fanny's "rea"ful speeh- an" this it was

that #a"e 6ui)$te#pere" Polly try to al# her wrath before she use" towar" Fanny's #other

the "isrespetful tone she so resente" towar" her own. As the swing a#e "own after so#e

"o5en 6ui) 4ourneys to an" fro- Polly see#e" to have foun" a s#ile so#ewhere up aloft- for

she loo)e" towar" Fan- saying pleasantly- as she pause" a little in her airy e&erise- ,I'# not#a" now- shall I o#e an" toss with you0,

,No- I'll o#e an" swing with you-, answere" Fanny- 6ui) to feel the generous spirit of her

frien".

,ou are an angel- an" I'll never be so ru"e again-, she a""e"- as Polly's ar# a#e roun" her

an" half the seat was gla"ly offere".

,No- I ain't/ but if I ever get at all li)e one- it will be'#other's preahing' that "i" it-, sai"

Polly- with a happy laugh.

,!oo" for you- Polly Peae#a)er-, rie" To#- 6uoting his father- an" giving the# a gran"

push as the #ost appropriate way of e&pressing his approbation of the senti#ent.

Nothing #ore was sai"/ but fro# that "ay there slowly rept into the fa#ily #ore respet forgran"#a- #ore forbearane with her infir#ities- #ore interest in her little stories- an" #any a

pleasant gossip "i" the "ear ol" la"y en4oy with the hil"ren as they gathere" roun" her fire-

solitary so long.

Chapter VII. !oo"$%y

,h- "ear1 2ust you really go ho#e Satur"ay0, sai" Fan- so#e "ays after what To# alle"

the ,gran" sri##age.,

,I really #ust/ for I only a#e to stay a #onth an" here I've been nearly si& wee)s-,answere" Polly- feeling as if she ha" been absent a year.

,2a)e it two #onths an" stay over Christ#as. Co#e- "o- now-, urge" To#- heartily.

,ou are very )in"/ but I woul" n't #iss Christ#as at ho#e for anything. %esi"es- #other

says they an't possibly "o without #e.,

,Neither an we. Can't you tease your #other- an" #a)e up your #in" to stay0, began Fan.

,Polly never teases. She says it's selfish/ an" I "on't "o it now #uh-, put in 2au"- with a

virtuous air.

,*on't you bother Polly. She'" rather goan" I "on't won"er. Let's be 4ust as 4olly as we an

while she stays- an" finish up with your party- Fan-, sai" To#- in a tone that settle" the #atter.

Polly ha" e&pete" to be very happy in getting rea"y for the party/ but when the ti#e a#e-she was "isappointe"/ for so#ehow that naughty thing alle" envy too) possession of her- an"

spoile" her pleasure. %efore she left ho#e- she thought her new white #uslin "ress- with its

fresh blue ribbons- the #ost elegant an" proper ostu#e she oul" have/ but now- when she saw

Fanny's pin) sil)- with a white tarlatan tuni- an" innu#erable puffings- bows- an" strea#ers-

her own si#ple little toilet lost all its har#s in her eyes- an" loo)e" very babyish an" ol"$

fashione".

8ven 2au" was #uh better "resse" than herself- an" loo)e" very splen"i" in her herry$

olore" an" white suit- with a sash so big she oul" har"ly arry it- an" little white boots with

re" buttons. They both ha" ne)laes an" braelets- ear$rings an" broohes/ but Polly ha" no



orna#ent- e&ept the plain lo)et on a bit of blue velvet. 3er sash was only a wi"e ribbon- tie"

in a si#ple bow- an" nothing but a blue snoo" in the pretty urls. 3er only o#fort was the

)nowle"ge that the #o"est tu)er "rawn up roun" the plu#p shoul"ers was real lae- an" that

her bron5e boots ost nine "ollars.

Poor Polly- with all her efforts to be ontente"- an" not to #in" loo)ing unli)e other people-

foun" it har" wor) to )eep her fae bright an" her voie happy that night. No one "rea#e" what

was going an un"er the #uslin fro)- till gran"#a's wise ol" eyes spie" out the little sha"ow on

Polly's spirits- an" guesse" the ause of it. +hen "resse"- the three girls went up to showthe#selves to the el"ers- who were in gran"#a's roo#- where To# was being helpe" into an

agoni5ingly stiff ollar.

2au" prane" li)e a s#all peao)- an" Fan #a"e a splen"i" ourtesy as every one turne"

to survey the#/ but Polly stoo" still- an" her eyes went fro# fae to fae- with an an&ious-

wistful air- whih see#e" to say- ,I )now I'# not right/ but I hope I "on't loo) very ba".,

!ran"#a rea" the loo) in a #inute/ an" when Fanny sai"- with a satisfie" s#ile- ,3ow "o

we loo)0, she answere"- "rawing Polly towar" her so )in"ly.

,Very li)e the fashion$plates you got the patterns of your "resses fro#. %ut this little

ostu#e suits #e best.,

,*o you really thin) I loo) nie0, an" Polly's fae brightene"- for she value" the ol" la"y'sopinion very #uh.

,es- #y "ear/ you loo) 4ust as I li)e to see a hil" of your age loo). +hat partiularly

pleases #e is that you have )ept your pro#ise to your #other- an" have n't let anyone persua"e

you to wear borrowe" finery. oung things li)e you "on't nee" any orna#ents but those you

wear to$night- youth- health- intelligene- an" #o"esty.,

As she spo)e- gran"#a gave a ten"er )iss that #a"e Polly glow li)e a rose- an" for a #inute

she forgot that there were suh things as pin) sil) an" oral ear$rings in the worl". She only

sai"- ,Than) you- #a'a#-, an" heartily returne" the )iss/ but the wor"s "i" her goo"- an" her

plain "ress loo)e" har#ing all of a su""en.,Polly's so pretty- it "on't #atter what she wears-, observe" To#- surveying her over his

ollar with an air of al# approval.

,She has n't got any bwetelles to her "wess- an" I have-, sai" 2au"- settling her ruffle"

ban"s over her shoul"ers- whih loo)e" li)e herry$olore" wings on a stout little herub.

,I "i" wish she'" 4ust wear #y blue set- ribbon is so very plain/ butas To# says- it "on't

#uh #atter/, an" Fanny gave an effetive touh to the blue bow above Polly's left te#ple.

,She #ight wear flowers/ they always suit young girls-, sai" 2rs. Shaw- privately thin)ing

that her own "aughters loo)e" #uh the best- yet onsious that bloo#ing Polly ha" the #ost

attrative fae. ,%less #e1 I forgot #y posies in a"#iring the belles. 3an" the# out- To#/, an"

2r. Shaw no""e" towar" an interesting loo)ing bo& that stoo" on the table.Sei5ing the# wrong si"e$up- To# pro"ue" three little bou6uets- all "ifferent in olor- si5e-

an" onstrution.

,+hy- papa1 how very )in" of you-, rie" Fanny- who ha" not "are" to reeive even a

geraniu# leaf sine the late srape.

,our father use" to be a very gallant young gentle#an- one upon a ti#e-, sai" 2rs. Shaw-

with a si#per.

,Ah- To#- it's a goo" sign when you fin" ti#e to thin) of giving pleasure to your little girls1,

An" gran"#a patte" her son's bal" hea" as if he was n't #ore than eighteen.



Tho#as :r. ha" given a so#ewhat sornful sniff at first/ but when gran"#a praise" his

father- the young #an thought better of the #atter- an" regar"e" the flowers with #ore respet-

as he as)e"- ,+hih is for whih0,

,!uess-, sai" 2r. Shaw- please" that his unusual "e#onstration ha" pro"ue" suh an effet.

The largest was a regular hothouse bou6uet- of tea$rosebu"s- sentless heath- an" s#ila&/ the

seon" was 4ust a han"ful of sweet$peas an" #ignonette- with a few heerful pansies- an" one

fragrant little rose in the #i""le/ the thir"- a s#all posy of sarlet verbenas- white feverfew- an"

green leaves.,Not har" to guess. The s#art one for Fan- the sweet one for Polly- an" the gay one for Pug.

Now- then- ath hol"- girls., An" To# proee"e" to "eliver the nosegays- with as #uh grae

as oul" be e&pete" fro# a youth in a new suit of lothes an" very tight boots.

,That finishes you off 4ust right- an" is a very pretty attention of papa's. Now run "own- for

the bell has rung/ an" re#e#ber- not to "ane too often- Fan/ be as 6uiet as you an- To#/ an".

2au"- "on't eat too #uh supper. !ran"#a will atten" to things- for #y poor nerves won't allow

#e to o#e "own.,

+ith that- 2rs. Shaw "is#isse" the#- an" the four "esen"e" to reeive the first bath of

visitors- several little girls who ha" been as)e" for the e&press purpose of )eeping 2au" out of

her sister's way. To# ha" li)ewise been propitiate"- by being allowe" to bring his three boso#frien"s- who went by the shool$boy na#es of ;u#ple- Sherry- an" Spi"er.

,They will "o to #a)e up sets- as gentle#en are sare/ an" the party is for Polly- so I #ust

have so#e young fol)s on her aount-, sai" Fanny- when sen"ing out her invitations.

f ourse- the boys a#e early- an" stoo" about in orners- loo)ing as if they ha" #ore ar#s

an" legs than they )new what to "o with. To# "i" his best to be a goo" host/ but ere#ony

oppresse" his spirits- an" he was fore" to struggle #anfully with the wil" "esire to propose a

ga#e of leap$frog- for the long "rawing$roo#s- leare" for "aning- te#pte" hi# sorely.

Polly sat where she was tol"- an" suffere" bashful agonies as Fan intro"ue" very fine young

la"ies an" very stiff young gentle#en- who all sai" about the sa#e ivil things- an" thenappeare" to forget all about her. +hen the first "ane was alle"- Fanny ornere" To#- who ha"

been "o"ging her- for he )new what she wante"- an" sai"- in an earnest whisper< ,Now- To#

you #ust "ane this with Polly. ou are the young gentle#an of the house- an" it's only proper

that you shoul" as) your o#pany first.,

,Polly "on't are for #anners. I hate "aning/ "on't )now how. Let go #y 4a)et- an" "on't

bother- or I'll ut away altogether-, growle" To#- "aunte" by the awful prospet of opening the

ball with Polly.

,I'll never forgive you if you "o. Co#e- be lever- an" help #e- there's a "ear. ou )now we

both were "rea"fully ru"e to Polly- an" agree" that we'" be as )in" an" ivil to her as ever we

oul". I shall )eep #y wor"- an" see that she is n't slighte" at #y party- for I want her to love#e- an" go ho#e feeling all right.,

This artful speeh #a"e an i#pression on the rebellious Tho#as- who glane" at Polly's

happy fae- re#e#bere" his pro#ise- an"- with a groan- resolve" to "o his "uty.

,+ell- I'll ta)e her/ but I shall o#e to grief- for I "on't )now anything about your ol"

"anes.,

,es- you "o. I've taught you the steps a "o5en ti#es. I'# going to begin with a re"owa-

beause the girls li)e it- an" it's better fun than s6uare "anes. Now- put on your gloves- an" go

an" as) Polly li)e a gentle#an.,



,h- thun"er1, #uttere" To#. An" having split the "eteste" gloves in "ragging the# on- he

nerve" hi#self for the effort- wal)e" up to Polly- #a"e a stiff bow- stu) out his elbow- an"

sai"- sole#nly- ,2ay I have the pleasure- 2iss 2ilton0,

3e "i" it as #uh li)e the big fellows as he oul"- an" e&pete" that Polly woul" be

i#presse". %ut she was n't a bit/ for after a surprise" loo) she laughe" in his fae- an" too) hi#

by the han"- saying- heartily- ,f ourse you #ay/ but "on't be a goose- To##y.,

,+ell- Fan tol" #e to be elegant- so I trie" to-, whispere" To#- a""ing- as he luthe" his

partner with a so#ewhat "esperate air- ,3ol" on tight- an" we'll get through so#ehow.,The #usi stru) up- an" away they went/ To# hopping one way an" Polly the other- in a

#ost ungraeful #anner.

,9eep ti#e to the #usi-, gaspe" Polly.

,Can't/ never oul"-, returne" To#.

,9eep step with #e- then- an" "on't trea" on #y toes-, plea"e" Polly.

,Never #in"/ )eep bobbing- an" we'll o#e right by an" by-, #uttere" To#- giving his

unfortunate partner a su""en whis)- whih nearly lan"e" both on the floor.

%ut they "i" not ,get right by an" by,/ for To#- In his franti efforts to "o his "uty- nearly

annihilate" poor Polly. 3e tra#pe"- he bobbe"- he s)ate"- he twirle" her to the right- "ragge"

her to the left- ba)e" her up against people an" furniture- tro" on her feet- ru#ple" her "ress-an" #a"e a spetale of hi#self generally. Polly was #uh "isturbe"/ but as everyone else was

flying about also- she bore it as long as she oul"- )nowing that To# ha" #a"e a #artyr of

hi#self- an" feeling grateful to hi# for the sarifie.

,h- "o stop now/ this is "rea"ful1, rie" Polly- breathlessly- after a few wil" turns.

,Is n't it0, sai" To#- wiping his re" fae with suh an air of intense relief- that Polly ha" not

the heart to sol" hi#- but sai"- ,Than) you-, an" "roppe" into a hair e&hauste".

,I )now I've #a"e a guy of #yself/ but Fan insiste" on it- for fear you'" be offen"e" if I "i"

n't go the first "ane with you-, sai" To#- re#orsefully- wathing Polly as she settle" the bow

of her rushe" sash- whih To# ha" use" as a sort of han"le by whih to turn an" twist her/ ,Ian "o the Laners tip$top/ but you won't ever want to "ane with #e any #ore-, he a""e"- as

he began to fan her so violently- that her hair flew about as if in a gale of win".

,es- I will. I'" li)e to/ an" you shall put your na#e "own here on the sti)s of #y fan.

That's the way- Tri& says- when you "on't have a ball$boo).,

Loo)ing #uh gratifie"- To# pro"ue" the stu#p of a lea"$penil- an" wrote his na#e with

a flourish- saying- as he gave it ba)- ,Now I'# going to get Sherry- or so#e of the fellows that

"o the re"owa well- so you an have a real goo" go before the #usi stops.,

ff went To#/ but before he oul" ath any eligible partner- Polly was provi"e" with the

best "aner in the roo#. 2r. Sy"ney ha" seen an" hear" the whole thing/ an" though he ha"

laughe" 6uietly- he li)e" honest To# an" goo"$nature" Polly all the better for their si#pliityPolly's foot was )eeping ti#e to the lively #usi- an" her eyes were fi&e" wistfully on the

s#oothly$gli"ing ouples before her- when 2r. Sy"ney a#e to her- saying- in the pleasant yet

respetful way she li)e" so #uh- ,2iss Polly- an you give #e a turn0,

,h- yes/ I'# "ying for another., An" Polly 4u#pe" up- with both han"s out- an" suh a

grateful fae- that 2r. Sy"ney resolve" she shoul" have as #any turns as she li)e".

This ti#e all went well/ an" To#- returning fro# an unsuessful searh- was a#a5e" to

behol" Polly irling graefully about the roo#- gui"e" by a #ost ao#plishe" partner.

,Ah- that's so#ething li)e-, he thought- as he wathe" the bron5e boots retreating an"

a"vaning in perfet ti#e to the #usi. ,*on't see how Sy"ney "oes the steering so well/ but it



#ust be fun/ an"- by :upiter1 I'll learn it1, a""e" Shaw- :r.- with an e#phati gesture whih burst

the last button off his gloves.

Polly en4oye" herself till the #usi stoppe"/ an" before she ha" ti#e to than) 2r- Sy"ney as

war#ly as she wishe"- To# a#e up to say- with his #ost lor"ly air- ,ou "ane splen"i"ly-

Polly. Now- you 4ust show #e any one you li)e the loo)s of- an" I'll get hi# for you- no #atter

who he is.,

,I "on't want any of the gentle#en/ they are so stiff- an" "on't are to "ane with #e/ but I

li)e those boys over there- an" I'll "ane with any of the# if they are willing-, sai" Polly- after asurvey.

,I'll trot out the whole lot., An" To# gla"ly brought up his frien"s- who all a"#ire" Polly

i##ensely- an" were prou" to be hosen instea" of the ,big fellows.,

There was no sitting still for Polly after that- for the la"s )ept her going at a great pae/ an"

she was so happy- she never saw or suspete" how #any little #anoeuvres- heart$burnings-

"isplays of vanity- affetation- an" nonsense were going on all roun" her. She love" "aning-

an" entere" into the gayety of the sene with a heartiness that was pleasant to see. 3er eyes

shone- her fae glowe"- her lips s#ile"- an" the brown urls wave" in the air- as she "ane"-

with a heart as light as her feet.

,Are you en4oying yourself- Polly0, as)e" 2r. Shaw- who loo)e" in- now an" then- to reportto gran"#a that all was going well.

,h- suh a splen"i" ti#e1, rie" Polly- with an enthusiasti little gesture- as she hass-e"

into the orner where he stoo".

,She is a regular belle a#ong the boys-, sai" Fanny- as she pro#ena"e" by.

,They are so )in" in as)ing #e an" I'# not afrai" of the#-, e&plaine" Polly- praning-

si#ply beause she oul" n't )eep still.

,So you are afrai" of the young gentle#en- hey0, an" 2r. Shaw hel" her by one url.

,All but 2r. Sy"ney. 3e "on't put on airs an" tal) nonsense/ an"- oh1 he "oes'"ane li)e an

angel-' as Tri& says.,,Papa- I wish you'" o#e an" walt5 with #e. Fan tol" #e not to go near her-'ause #y we"

"wess #a)es her pin) one loo) ugly/ an" To# won't/ an" I want to "we"fully.,

,I've forgotten how- 2au"ie. As) Polly/ she'll spin you roun" li)e a teetotu#., ,2r. Sy"ney's

na#e is "own for that-, answere" Polly- loo)ing at her fan with a pretty little air of i#portane.,

%ut I guess he woul" n't #in" #y ta)ing poor 2au" instea". She has n't "ane" har"ly any- an"

I've ha" #ore than #y share. +oul" it be very i#proper to hange #y #in"0, An" Polly loo)e"

up at her tall partner with eye whih plainly showe" that the hange was a sarifie.

,Not a bit. !ive the little "ear a goo" walt5- an" we will loo) on-, answere" 2r. Sy"ney-

with a no" an" s#ile.

,That is a refreshing little piee of nature-, sai" 2r. Shaw- as Polly an" 2au" whirle" away.,She will #a)e a har#ing little wo#an- if she is n't spoilt.,

,No "anger of that. She has got a sensible #other.,

,I thought so., An" Sy"ney sighe"- for he ha" lately lost his own goo" #other.

+hen supper was announe"- Polly happene" to be tal)ing- or trying to tal)- to one of the

,po)y, gentle#en who# Fan ha" intro"ue". 3e too) 2iss 2ilton "own- of ourse- put her in a

orner- an" having serve" her to a "ab of ie an" one #aaroon- he "evote" hi#self to his own

supper with suh interest- that Polly woul" have fare" ba"ly- if To# ha" not o#e an" resue"

her.



,I've been loo)ing everywhere for you. Co#e with #e- an" "on't sit starving here-, sai"

To#- with a sornful loo) fro# her e#pty plate to that of her rereant esort- whih was pile"

with goo" things.

Following her gui"e- Polly was ta)en to the big hina loset- opening fro# the "ining$roo#

to the )ithen- an" here she foun" a 4ovial little party feasting at ease. 2au" an" her boso#

frien"- ,!wae-, were seate" on tin a)e$bo&es/ Sherry an" Spi"er a"orne" the refrigerator/

while To# an" ;u#ple forage" for the party.

3ere's fun-, sai" Polly- as she was reeive" with a lash of spoons an" a waving of nap)ins.,ou 4ust perh on that ra)er$)eg- an" I'll see that you get enough-, sai" To#- putting a

"u#bwaiter before her- an" issuing his or"ers with a fine air of authority.

,+e are a ban" of robbers in our ave- an" I'# the aptain/ an" we pith into the fol)s

passing by- an" go out an" bring ho#e plun"er. Now- ;u#ple- you go an" arry off a bas)et of

a)e- an" I'll wath here till 9aty o#es by with a fresh lot of oysters/ Polly #ust have so#e.

Sherry- ut into the )ithen- an" bring a up of offee. Spi"er- srape up the sala"- an" po)e the

"ish through the sli"e for #ore. 8at away- Polly- an" #y #en will be ba) with supplies in a

4iffy.,

Suh fun as they ha" in that loset/ suh "aring robberies of 4elly$pots an" a)e$bo&es/ suh

suessful rai"s into the "ining$roo# an" )ithen/ suh base assaults upon poor 9aty an" theolore" waiter- who "i" his best- but was helpless in the han"s of the robber hor"e. A very

har#less little revel/ for no wine was allowe"- an" the gallant ban" were so busy s)ir#ishing to

supply the la"ies- that they ha" not ti#e to eat too #uh. No one #isse" the#/ an" when they

e#erge"- the feast was over- e&ept for a few voraious young gentle#en- who still lingere"

a#ong the ruins.

,That's the way they always "o/ po)e the girls in orners- give'e# 4ust one taste of

so#ething- an" then go an" stuff li)e pigs-, whispere" To#- with a superior air- forgetting

ertain private ban6uets of his own- after o#pany ha" "eparte".

The rest of the evening was to be "evote" to the !er#an/ an"- as Polly )new nothing aboutit- she establishe" herself in a win"ow reess to wath the #ysteries. For a ti#e she en4oye" it-

for it was all new to her- an" the various pretty "evies were very har#ing/ but- by an" by- that

bitter wee"- envy- roppe" up again- an" she oul" not feel happy to be left out in the ol"-

while the other girls were getting gay tissue$paper suits- "roll bonbons- flowers- ribbons- an" all

#anner of tasteful trifles in whih girlish souls "elight. 8veryone was absorbe"/ 2r. Sy"ney

was "aning/ To# an" his frien"s were "isussing base$ball on the stairs/ an" 2au"'s set ha"

returne" to the library to play.

Polly trie" to on6uer the ba" feeling/ but it worrie" her- till she re#e#bere" so#ething her

#other one sai" to her- ,+hen you feel out of sorts- try to #a)e so#e one else happy- an" you

will soon be so yourself.,,I will try it-, thought Polly- an" loo)e" roun" to see what she oul" "o. Soun"s of strife in

the library le" her to enter. 2au" an" the young la"ies were sitting on the sofa- tal)ing about

eah other's lothes- as they ha" seen their #a##as "o.

,+as your "ress i#porte"0, as)e" !rae.

,No/ was yours0, returne" %lanhe.

,es/ an" it ost oh- ever so #uh.,

,I "on't thin) it is as pretty as 2au"'s.,

,2ine was #a"e in New or)-, sai" 2iss Shaw- s#oothing her s)irts o#plaently.



,I an't "ress #uh now- you )now-'ause #a##a's in bla) for so#ebo"y-, observe" 2iss

Alie Lovett- feeling the i#portane whih afflition onferre" upon her when it too) the for#

of a 4et ne)lae.

,+ell- I "on't are if #y "ress is n't i#porte"/ #y ousin ha" three )in"s of wine at her

party/ so- now-, sai" %lanhe.

,*i" she0, An" all the little girls loo)e" "eeply i#presse"- till 2au" observe"- with a funny

i#itation of her father's #anner- ,2y papa sai" it was san$"ill$us/ for so#e of the little boys

got tipsy- an" ha" to be too)e" ho#e. 3e woul" n't let us have any wine/ an" gwan"#a sai" itwas vewy i#pwoper for hil"wen to "o so.,

,2y #other says your #other's oup- is n't half so stylish as ours-, put in Alie.

,es- it is- too. It's all line" with gween sil)- an" that's nier than ol" we" loth-, rie"

2au"- ruffling up li)e an insulte" hi)en.

,+ell- #y brother "on't wear a horri" ol" ap- an" he's got nie hair. I woul" n't have a

brother li)e To#. 3e's horri" ru"e- #y sister says-, retorte" Alie.

,3e is n't. our brother is a pig.,

,ou're a fib1,

,So are you1,

3ere- I regret to say- 2iss Shaw slappe" 2iss Lovett- who pro#ptly returne" theo#pli#ent- an" both began to ry.

Polly- who ha" pause" to listen to the e"ifying hat- parte" the belligerents- an" fin"ing the

poor things tire"- ross- an" sleepy- yet unable to go ho#e till sent for- propose" to play ga#es.

The young la"ies onsente"- an" ,Puss in the orner, prove" a peae#a)er. Presently- in a#e

the boys/ an" being e&iles fro# the !er#an- gla"ly 4oine" in the ga#es- whih soon were lively

enough to wa)e the sleepiest. ,%lin"$#an's$buff, was in full swing when 2r. Shaw peepe" in-

an" seeing Polly flying about with ban"$age" eyes- 4oine" in the fun to pu55le her. 3e got

aught "iretly/ an" great #erri#ent was ause" by Polly's bewil"er#ent- for she oul" n't

guess who he was- till she felt the bal" spot on his hea".This froli put every one in suh spirits- that Polly forgot her trouble- an" the little girls

)isse" eah other goo"$night as affetionately as if suh things as i#porte" fro)s- oup-s- an"

rival brothers "i" n't e&ist ,+ell- Polly- "o you li)e parties0, as)e" Fan when the last guest was

gone.

,Very #uh/ but I "on't thin) it woul" be goo" for #e to go to #any-, answere" Polly-

slowly.

,+hy not0,

,I shoul" n't en4oy the# if I "i" n't have a fine "ress- an" "ane all the ti#e- an" be a"#ire"-

an" all the rest of it.,

,I "i" n't )now you are" for suh things-, rie" Fanny- surprise".,Neither "i" I till to$night/ but I "o/ an" as I an't have'e#- it's lu)y I'# going ho#e

to#orrow.,

,h- "ear1 So you are1 +hat shall I "o without #y'sweet P.-' as Sy"ney alls you0, sighe"

Fanny- bearing Polly away to be u""le".

8very one ehoe" the e&la#ation ne&t "ay/ an" #any loving eyes followe" the little figure

in the "rab fro) as it went 6uietly about- "oing for the last ti#e the s#all servies whih woul"

help to #a)e its absene )eenly felt. Polly was to go "iretly after an early "inner- an" having

pa)e" her trun)- all but one tray- she was tol" to go an" ta)e a run while gran"#a finishe".

Polly suspete" that so#e pleasant surprise was going to be put in/ for Fan "i" n't offer to go



with her- 2au" )ept "o"ging about with so#ething un"er her apron- an" To# ha" 4ust whis)e"

into his #other's roo# in a #ysterious #anner. So Polly too) the hint an" went away- re4oiing

in the thought of the un)nown treasures she was to arry ho#e.

2r. Shaw ha" not sai" he shoul" o#e ho#e so early- but Polly thought he #ight- an" went

to #eet hi#. 2r. Shaw "i" n't e&pet to see Polly- for he ha" left her very busy- an" now a light

snow was falling/ butas he turne" into the #all there was the roun" hat- an" un"er it the bright

fae- loo)ing all the rosier for being pow"ere" with snow$fla)es- as Polly a#e running to #eet

hi#.,There won't be any one to help the ol" gentle#an safely ho#e to$#orrow-, he sai"- as Polly

too) his han" in both hers with an affetionate s6uee5e.

,es- there will/ see if there is n't-, rie" Polly- no""ing an" s#iling- for Fan ha" onfi"e" to

her that she #eant to try it after her frien" ha" gone.

,I'# gla" of it. %ut- #y "ear- I want you to pro#ise that you will o#e an" #a)e us a visit

every winter- a goo" long one-, sai" 2r. Shaw- patting the blue #ittens fol"e" roun" his han".

,If they an spare #e fro# ho#e- I'" love to o#e "early.,

,They #ust len" you for a little while- beause you "o us all goo"- an" we nee" you.,

,*o I0 I "on't see how/ but I'# gla" to hear you say so-, rie" Polly- #uh touhe".

,I an't tell you how- e&atly/ but you brought so#ething into #y house that #a)es itwar#er an" pleasanter- an" won't 6uite vanish- I hope- when you go away- #y hil".,

Polly ha" never hear" 2r. Shaw spea) li)e that before- an" "i" n't )now what to say- she felt

so prou" an" happy at this proof of the truth of her #other's wor"s- when she sai" that ,even a

little girl oul" e&ert an influene- an" "o so#e goo" in this big- busy worl"., She only gave her

frien" a grateful loo) sweeter than any wor"s- an" they went on together- han" in han"- through

the ,soft$falling snow.,

If Polly oul" have seen what went into that top tray- she woul" have been entirely

overo#e/ for Fanny ha" tol" gran"#a about the poor little presents she ha" one laughe" at-

an" they ha" all lai" their hea"s together to provi"e so#ething really fine an" appropriate forevery #e#ber of the 2ilton fa#ily. Suh a #ine of rihes1 an" so #uh goo"$will- affetion-

an" )in"ly forethought was pa)e" away in the te#pting bun"les- that no one oul" feel

offen"e"- but woul" fin" an unusual har# about the pretty gifts that #a"e the# "oubly

welo#e. I only )now that if Polly ha" suspete" that a little wath was ti)ing away in a little

ase- with her na#e on it- insi"e that trun)- she never oul" have left it lo)e" as gran"#a

a"vise"- or have eaten her "inner so 6uietly. As it was- her heart was very full- an" the tears rose

to her eyes #ore than one- everyone was so )in"- an" so sorry to have her go.

To# "i" n't nee" any urging to play esort now/ an" both Fan an" 2au" insiste" on going

too. 2rs. Shaw forgot her nerves- an" put up so#e gingerbrea" with her own han"s/ 2r. Shaw

)isse" Polly as if she ha" been his "earest "aughter/ an" gran"#a hel" her lose- whispering ina tre#ulous tone- ,2y little o#fort- o#e again soon,/ while 9aty wave" her apron fro# the

nursery win"ow- rying- as they "rove- away- ,The saints bless ye- 2iss Polly- "ear- an" sin" ye

the best of lu)s1,

%ut the rowning 4o)e of all was To#'s goo"$by- for- when Polly was fairly settle" in the ar-

the last ,All aboar"1, uttere"- an" the train in #otion- To# su""enly pro"ue" a )nobby little

bun"lean" thrusting it in at the win"ow- while he hung on in so#e brea)ne) fashion- sai"-

with a "roll #i&ture of fun an" feeling in his fae- ,It's horri"/ but you wante" it- so I put it in to

#a)e you laugh. !oo"$by- Polly/ goo"$by- goo"$by1,



The last a"ieu was a trifle hus)y- an" To# vanishe" as it was uttere"- leaving Polly to laugh

over his parting souvenir till the tears ran "own her hee)s. It was a paper bag of peanuts- an"

po)e" "own at the very botto# a photograph of To#. It was ,horri"-, for he loo)e" as if ta)en

by a flash of lightning- so bla)- wil"- an" staring was it/ but Polly li)e" it- an" whenever she

felt a little pensive at parting with her frien"s- she too) a peanut- or a peep at To#'s funny

piture- whih #a"e her #erry again.

So the short 4ourney a#e blithely to an en"- an" in the twilight she saw a group of loving

faes at the "oor of a hu#ble little house- whih was #ore beautiful than any palae in her eyes-for it was ho#e.

Chapter VIII. Si& ears Afterwar"

,+hat "o you thin) Polly is going to "o this winter0, e&lai#e" Fanny- loo)ing up fro# the

letter she ha" been eagerly rea"ing.

,!oing to "eliver letures on +o#an's ;ights-, sai" the young gentle#an who was arefully

e&a#ining his lu&uriant rop of "ei"e"ly auburn hair- as he lounge" with both elbows on the

hi#ney$piee.

,!oing to set her ap for so#e young #inister an" #arry hi# in the spring-, a""e" 2rs.

Shaw- whose #in" ran a goo" "eal upon #ath$#a)ing 4ust now.,I thin) she is going to stay at ho#e- an" "o all the wor)-'ause servants ost so #uh/ it

woul" be 4ust li)e her-, observe" 2au"- who oul" pronoune the letter ; now.

,It's #y opinion she is going to open a shool- or so#ething of that sort- to help those

brothers of hers along-, sai" 2r. Shaw- who ha" put "own his paper at the soun" of Polly's

na#e.

,8very one of you wrong- though papa o#es nearest the truth-, rie" Fanny/ ,she is going

to give #usi lessons- an" support herself- so that +ill #ay go to ollege. 3e is the stu"ious

one- an" Polly is very prou" of hi#. Ne"- the other brother- has a business talent- an" "on't are

for boo)s- so he has gone out +est- an" will #a)e his own way anywhere. Polly says she is n'tnee"e" at ho#e now- the fa#ily is so s#all- an" 9itty an ta)e her plae niely/ so she is

atually going to earn her own living- an" han" over her share of the fa#ily ino#e to +ill.

+hat a #artyr that girl "oes #a)e of herself-, an" Fanny loo)e" as sole#n as if Polly ha"

propose" so#e awful self$sarifie.

,She is a sensible- brave$hearte" girl- an" I respet her for "oing it-, sai" 2r. Shaw-

e#phatially. ,ne never )nows what #ay happen- an" it "oes no har# for young people to

learn to be in"epen"ent.,

,If she is as pretty as she was last ti#e I saw her- she'll get pupils fast enough. I woul" n't

#in" ta)ing lessons #yself-, was the graious observation of Shaw- :r.- as he turne" fro# the

#irror- with the soothing ertainty that his ob4etionable hair atually was growing "ar)er.,She woul" n't ta)e you at any prie-, sai" Fanny- re#e#bering Polly's loo) of

"isappoint#ent an" "isapproval when she a#e on her last visit an" foun" hi# an un#ista)able

"an"y.

,ou 4ust wait an" see-, was the plai" reply.

,If Polly "oes arry out her plan- I wish 2au" to ta)e lessons of her/ Fanny an "o as she

li)es- but it woul" please #e very #uh to have one of #y girls sing as Polly sings. It suits ol"

people better than your opera things- an" #other use" to en4oy it so #uh.,





As he spo)e- 2r. Shaw's eye turne" towar" the o#er of the fire where gran"#a use" to sit.

The easy$hair was e#pty now- the )in" ol" fae was gone- an" nothing but a very ten"er

#e#ory re#aine".

,I'" li)e to learn- papa- an" Polly is a splen"i" teaher- I )now/ she 's always so patient- an"

#a)es everything so pleasant. I "o hope she will get sholars enough to begin right away-, sai"

2au".

,+hen is she o#ing0, as)e" 2rs. Shaw- 6uite willing to help Polly- but privately resolving

that 2au" shoul" be finishe" off by the #ost fashionable #aster in the ity.,She "oes n't say. She than)s #e for as)ing her here- as usual- but says she shall go right to

wor) an" ha" better begin with her own little roo# at one. +on't it see# strange to have Polly

in town- an" yet not with us0,

,+e'll get her so#ehow. The little roo# will ost so#ething- an" she an stay with us 4ust as

well as not- even if she "oes teah. Tell her I say so-, sai" 2r. Shaw.

,She won't o#e- I )now/ for if she un"erta)es to be in"epen"ent- she'll "o it in the #ost

thorough #anner-, answere" Fanny- an" 2rs. Shaw sinerely hope" she woul". It was all very

well to patroni5e the little #usi$teaher- but it was not so pleasant to have her settle" in the

fa#ily.

,I shall "o what I an for her a#ong #y frien"s- an" I "are say she will get on very well withyoung pupils to begin with. If she starts right- puts her ter#s high enough- an" gets a few goo"

na#es to give her the entr-e into our first fa#ilies- I "on't "oubt she will "o niely- for I #ust

say Polly has the #anners of a la"y-, observe" 2rs. Shaw.

,She's a #ighty ta)ing little bo"y- an" I'# gla" she's to be in town- though I'" li)e it better if

she "i" n't bother about teahing- but 4ust staye" here an" en4oye" herself-, sai" To#- la5ily.

,I've no "oubt she woul" feel highly honore" to be allowe" to "evote her ti#e to your

a#use#ent/ but she an't affor" e&pensive lu&uries- an" she "on't approve of flirting- so you

will have to let her go her own way- an" refresh herself with suh gli#pses of you as her

engage#ents per#it-, answere" Fanny- in the sarasti tone whih was be o#ing habitual toher.

,ou are getting to be a regular ol" #ai"- Fan/ as sharp as a le#on- an" twie as sour-,

returne" To#- loo)ing "own at her with an air of al# superiority.

,*o be 6uiet- hil"ren/ you )now I an't bear anything li)e ontention. 2au"- give #e #y

Shetlan" shawl- an" put a ushion at #y ba).,

As 2au" obeye" her #other- with a reproving loo) at her erring brother an" sister- a pause

followe"- for whih every one see#e" grateful. They were sitting about the fire after "inner- an"

all loo)e" as if a little sunshine woul" "o the# goo". It ha" been a "ull Nove#ber "ay- but all

of a su""en the lou"s lifte"- an" a bright ray shot into the roo#. 8very one turne" involuntarily

to welo#e it- an" every one rie" out- ,+hy- Polly1, for there on the threshol" stoo" a bright$fae" girl- s#iling as if there was no suh thing as Nove#ber weather in the worl".

,ou "ear thing- when "i" you o#e0, rie" Fanny- )issing both the bloo#ing he)s with

real affetion- while the rest hovere" near- waiting for a hane.

,I a#e yester"ay- an" have been getting #y nest in or"er/ but I oul" n't )eep away any

longer- so I ran up to say'3ow "o you "o0', answere" Polly- in the heery voie that "i" one's

heart goo" to hear.

,2y Polly always brings the sunshine with her-, an" 2r. Shaw hel" out his han"s to his little

frien"- for she was his favorite still.



It was goo" to see her put both ar#s about his ne)- an" give hi# a ten"er )iss- that sai" a

great "eal- for gran"#a ha" "ie" sine Polly #et hi# last an" she longe" to o#fort hi#- seeing

how gray an" ol" he ha" grown.

If To# ha" ha" any thoughts of following his father's e&a#ple- so#ething in Polly's #anner

#a"e hi# hange his #in"- an" sha)e han"s with a hearty ,I'# very gla" to see you- Polly-,

a""ing to hi#self- as he loo)e" at the fae in the #o"est little bonnet< ,Prettier than ever- by

:ove1,

There was so#ething #ore than #ere prettiness in Polly's fae- though To# ha" not learne"to see it yet. The blue eyes were lear an" stea"y- the fresh #outh fran) an" sweet- the white

hin was a very fir# one in spite of the "i#ple- an" the s#ooth forehea" un"er the little urls

ha" a broa"- benevolent arh/ while all about the fae were those un#ista)able lines an" urves

whih an #a)e even a plain ountenane o#ely- by breathing into it the beauty of a lovely

harater. Polly ha" grown up- but she ha" no #ore style now than in the "ays of the roun" hat

an" rough oat- for she was all in gray- li)e a young ?ua)eress- with no orna#ent but a blue

bow at the throat an" another in the hair. et the plain suit bea#e her e&ellently- an" one

never thought of the "ress- loo)ing at the ative figure that wore it- for the free"o# of her

hil"hoo" gave to Polly that goo" gift- health- an" every #ove#ent was full of the vigor- grae-

an" ease- whih nothing else an so surely bestow. A happy soul in a healthy bo"y is a rare sightin these "ays- when "otors flourish an" every one is ill- an" this pleasant union was the har#

whih Polly possesse" without )nowing it.

,It "oes see# so goo" to have you here again-, sai" 2au"- u""ling Polly's ol" han"- as she

sat at her feet- when she was fairly establishe" between Fanny an" 2r. Shaw- while To# leane"

on the ba) of his #other's hair- an" en4oye" the prospet.

,3ow "o you get on0 +hen "o you begin0 +here is your nest0 Now tell all about it-, began

Fanny- who was full of uriosity about the new plan.

,I shall get on very well- I thin)- for I've got twelve sholars to begin with- all able to pay a

goo" prie- an" I shall give #y first lesson on 2on"ay.,,*on't you "rea" it0, as)e" Fanny.

,Not #uh/ why shoul" I0, answere" Polly- stoutly.

,+ell- I "on't )now/ it's a new thing- an" #ust be a little bit har" at first-, sta##ere" Fanny-

not li)ing to say that wor)ing for one's living see#e" a "rea"ful har"ship to her.

,It will be tireso#e- of ourse- but I shall get use" to it/ I shall li)e the e&erise- an" the new

people an" plaes I #ust see will a#use #e. Then the in"epen"ene will be "elightful- an" if I

an save a little to help 9itty along with- that will be best of all.,

Polly's fae shone as if the prospet was full of pleasure instea" of wor)- an" the hearty goo"

will with whih she un"ertoo) the new tas)- see#e" to "ignify her hu#ble hopes an" plans- an"

#a)e the# interesting in the sight of others.,+ho have you got for pupils0, as)e" 2rs. Shaw- forgetting her nerves for a #inute.

Polly na#e" her list- an" too) a seret satisfation in seeing the i#pression whih ertain

na#es #a"e upon her hearers.

,3ow in the worl" "i" you get the *avenports an" the !reys- #y "ear0, sai" 2rs. Shaw-

sitting eret in her surprise.

,2rs. *avenport an" #other are relations- you )now.,

,ou never tol" us that before1, ,The *avenports have been away so#e years- an" I forgot

all about the#. %ut when I was #a)ing #y plan- I )new I #ust have a goo" na#e or two to set



#e going- so I 4ust wrote an" as)e" 2rs. *. if she woul" help #e. She a#e an" saw us an"

was very )in"- an" has got these pupils for #e- li)e a "ear- goo" wo#an as she is.,

,+here "i" you learn so #uh worl"ly wis"o#- Polly0, as)e" 2r. Shaw- as his wife fell

ba) in her hair- an" too) out her salts- as if this "isovery ha" been too #uh for her.

,I learnt it here- sir-, answere" Polly- laughing. ,I use" to thin) patronage an" things of that

sort very "isagreeable an" not worth having- but I've got wiser- an" to a ertain e&tent I'# gla"

to use whatever a"vantages I have in #y power- if they an be honestly got.,

,+hy "i" n't you let us help you in the beginning0 +e shoul" have been very gla" to- I'#sure-, put in 2rs. Shaw- who 6uite burne" to be )nown as a 4oint patroness with 2rs

*avenport.

,I )now you woul"- but you have all been so )in" to #e I "i" n't want to trouble you with

#y little plans till the first steps were ta)en. %esi"es- I "i" n't )now as you woul" li)e to

reo##en" #e as a teaher- though you li)e #e well enough as plain Polly.,

,2y "ear- of ourse I woul"- an" we want you to ta)e 2au" at one- an" teah her your

sweet songs. She has a fine voie- an" is really suffering for a teaher.,

A slight s#ile passe" over Polly's fae as she returne" her than)s for the new pupil- for she

re#e#bere" a ti#e when 2rs. Shaw onsi"ere" her ,sweet songs, 6uite unfit for a fashionable

young la"y's repertoire. ,+here is your roo#0, as)e" 2au".,2y ol" frien" 2iss 2ills has ta)en #e in- an" I a# niely settle". 2other "i" n't li)e the

i"ea of #y going to a strange boar"ing$house- so 2iss 2ills )in"ly #a"e a plae for #e. ou

)now she lets her roo#s without boar"- but she is going to give #e #y "inners- an" I'# to get

#y own brea)fast an" tea- 6uite in"epen"ently. I li)e that way- an" it's very little trouble- #y

habits are so si#ple/ a bowl of brea" an" #il) night an" #orning- with ba)e" apples or

so#ething of that sort- is all I want- an" I an have it when I li)e.,

,Is your roo# o#fortably furnishe"0 Can't we len" you anything- #y "ear0 An easy$hair

now- or a little ouh- so neessary when one o#es in tire"-, sai" 2rs. Shaw- ta)ing unusual

interest in the affair.,Than) you- but I "on't nee" anything- for I brought all sorts of ho#e o#forts with #e. h-

Fan- you ought to have seen #y triu#phal entry into the ity- sitting a#ong #y goo"s an"

hattels- in a far#er's art., Polly's laugh was so infetious that every one s#ile" an" forgot to

be sho)e" at her perfor#ane. ,es-, she a""e"- ,I )ept wishing I oul" #eet you- 4ust to see

your horrifie" fae when you saw #e sitting on #y little sofa- with bo&es an" bun"les all roun"

#e- a bir"$age on one si"e- a fishing bas)et- with a )itten's hea" popping in an" out of the hole

on the other si"e- an" 4olly ol" 2r. %rown- in his blue fro)- perhe" on a )eg of apples in front.

It was a lovely bright "ay- an" I en4oye" the ri"e i##ensely- for we ha" all sorts of a"ventures.,

,h- tell about it-, begge" 2au"- when the general laugh at Polly's piture ha" subsi"e".

,+ell- in the first plae- we forgot #y ivy- an" 9itty a#e running after #e- with it. Then westarte" again- but were soon stoppe" by a great shouting- an" there was +ill raing "own the

hill- waving a pillow in one han" an" a s6uash pie in the other. 3ow we "i" laugh when he

a#e up an" e&plaine" that our neighbor- ol" 2rs. *o""- ha" sent in a hop$pillow for #e- in

ase of hea"ahe- an" a pie to begin house$)eeping with. She see#e" so "isappointe" at being

too late that +ill pro#ise" to get the# to #e- if he ran all the way to town. The pillow was

easily "ispose" of- but that pie1 I "o believe it was stowe" in every part of the wagon- an" never

stai" anywhere. I foun" it in #y lap- then on the floor- ne&t- upsi"e "own a#ong the boo)s- then

4ust on the point of oasting off a trun) into the roa"- an" at last it lan"e" in #y ro)ing$hair.

Suh a re#ar)able pie as it was- too- for in spite of all its wan"erings- it never got spilt or



bro)en- an" we finally ate it for lunh- in or"er to be left in peae. Ne&t- #y )itty got away- an"

I ha" a hase over walls an" broo)s before I got her- while 2r. %rown sat sha)ing with fun- to

see #e run. +e finishe" off by having the boo)$shelves tu#ble on our hea"s as we went "own a

hill- an" losing #y hair off behin"- as we went up a hill. A shout #a"e us pause- an"- loo)ing

ba)- there was the poor little hair ro)ing all by itself in the #i""le of the roa"- while a s#all

boy sat on the fene an" whoope". It was great fun- I "o assure you.,

Polly ha" run on in her lively way- not beause she thought her a"ventures a#ounte" to

#uh- but fro# a wish to heer up her frien"s- who ha" stru) her as loo)ing rather "ull an" outof sorts- espeially 2r. Shaw/ an" when she saw hi# lean ba) in his hair with the ol" hearty

laugh- she was satisfie"- an" blesse" the unlu)y pie for a#using hi#.

,h- Polly- you "o tell suh interesting things1, sighe" 2au"- wiping her eyes.

,I wish I'" #et you- I'" have given you three heers an" a tiger- for it #ust have been an

i#posing spetale-, sai" To#.

,No- you woul" n't/ you'" have whis)e" roun" the o#er when you saw #e o#ing or have

stare" straight before you- utterly unonsious of the young wo#an in the baggage wagon.,

Polly laughe" in his fae 4ust as she use" to "o- when she sai" that- an"- in spite of the "oubt

ast upon his ourtesy- To# rather li)e" it- though he ha" nothing to say for hi#self but a

reproahful- ,Now- Polly- that's too ba".,,True- nevertheless. ou #ust o#e an" see #y pets- 2au"- for #y at an" bir" live

together as happily as brother an" sister-, sai" Polly- turning to 2au"- who "evoure" every

wor" she sai".

,That's not saying #uh for the#-, #uttere" To#- feeling that Polly ought to a""ress #ore

of her onversation to hi#.

,Polly )nows what she's tal)ing about/ her brothers appreiate their sisters-, observe" Fanny

in her sharp tone.

,An" Polly appreiates her brothers- "on't forget to a"" that- #a'a#-, answere" To#.

,*i" I tell you that +ill was going to ollege0, bro)e in Polly- to avert the rising stor#.,3ope he'll en4oy hi#self-, observe" To#- with the air of a #an who ha" passe" through all

the #ysteries- an" reahe" that state of subli#e in"ifferene whih 4uniors see# to pri"e

the#selves upon.

,I thin) he will- he is so fon" of stu"y- an" is so an&ious to i#prove every opportunity. I only

hope he won't overwor) an" get si)- as so #any boys "o-, sai" si#ple Polly- with suh a

respetful belief in the eager thirst for )nowle"ge of ollegians as a lass- that To# regar"e" the

"elu"e" girl with a s#ile of lofty pity- fro# the heights of his vast an" varie" e&periene.

,!uess he won't hurt hi#self. I'll see that he "on't stu"y too har"., An" To#'s eyes twin)le"

as they use" to "o- when he planne" his boyish pran)s.

,I'# afrai" you an't be truste" as a gui"e- if various ru#ors I've hear" are true-, sai" Polly-loo)ing up at hi# with a wistful e&pression- that ause" his fae to assu#e the sobriety of an

owl's.

,%ase slan"ers/ I'# as stea"y as a lo)- an orna#ent to #y lass- an" a #o"el young #an-

ain't I- #other0, An" To# patte" her thin hee) with a aressing han"- sure of one fir# frien" in

her/ for when he ease" to be a haru#$saru# boy- 2rs. Shaw began to ta)e great pri"e in her

son- an" he- #issing gran"#a- trie" to fill her plae with his feeble #other.

,es- "ear- you are all I oul" as)-, an" 2rs. Shaw loo)e" up at hi# with suh affetion an"

onfi"ene in her eyes- that Polly gave To# the first approving loo) she ha" vouhsafe" hi#

sine she a#e.



+hy To# shoul" loo) trouble" an" turn grave all at one- she oul" n't un"erstan"- but she

li)e" to see hi# stro)e his #other's hee) so softly- as he stoo" with his hea" resting on the high

ba) of her hair- for Polly fanie" that he felt a #an's pity for her wea)ness- an" was learning a

son's patient love for a #other who ha" ha" #uh to bear with hi#.

,I'# so gla" you are going to be here all winter- for we are to be very gay- an" I shall en4oy

ta)ing you roun" with #e-, began Fanny- forgetting Polly's plan for a #o#ent.

Polly shoo) her hea" "ei"e"ly. ,It soun"s very nie- but it an't be "one- Fan- for I've o#e

to wor)- not play/ to save- not spen"/ an" parties will be 6uite out of the 6uestion for #e.,,ou "on't inten" to wor) all the ti#e- without a bit of fun- I hope-, rie" Fanny- "is#aye" at

the i"ea.

,I #ean to "o what I've un"erta)en- an" not to be te#pte" away fro# #y purpose by

anything. I shoul" n't be fit to give lessons if I was up late- shoul" I0 An" how far woul" #y

earnings go towar"s "ress- arriages- an" all the little e&penses whih woul" o#e if I set up for

a young la"y in soiety0 I an't "o both- an" I'# not going to try- but I an pi) up bits of fun as

I go along- an" be ontente" with free onerts an" letures- seeing you pretty often- an" every

Sun"ay +ill is to spen" with #e- so I shall have 6uite as #uh "issipation as is goo" for #e.,

,If you "on't o#e to #y parties- I'll never forgive you-, sai" Fanny- as Polly pause"- while

To# hu)le" inwar"ly at the i"ea of alling visits fro# a brother ,"issipation.,,Any s#all party- where it will "o to wear a plain bla) sil)- I an o#e to/ but the big ones

#ust n't be thought of- than) you.,

It was har#ing to see the resolution of Polly's fae when she sai" that/ for she )new her

wea)ness- an" beyon" that bla) sil) she ha" "eter#ine" not to go. Fanny sai" no #ore- for she

felt 6uite sure that Polly woul" relent when the ti#e a#e- an" she planne" to give her a pretty

"ress for a Christ#as present- so that one e&use shoul" be re#ove".

,I say- Polly- won't you give so#e of us fellows #usi lessons0 So#ebo"y wants #e to play-

an" I'" rather learn of you than any Senor Twan)y"illo-, sai" To#- who "i" n't fin" the

onversation interesting.,h- yes/ if any of you boys honestly want to learn- an" will behave yourselves- I'll ta)e you/

but I shall harge e&tra-, answere" Polly- with a wi)e" spar)le of the eye- though her fae was

6uite sober- an" her tone "elightfully business$li)e.

,+hy- Polly- To# is n't a boy/ he's twenty- an" he says I #ust treat hi# with respet.

%esi"es- he's engage"- an" "oes put on suh airs-, bro)e in 2au" who regar"e" her brother as a

venerable being.

,+ho is the little girl0, as)e" Polly ta)ing the news as a 4o)e.

,Tri&/ why- "i" n't you )now it0, answere" 2au"- as if it ha" been an event of national

i#portane.

,No1 is it true- Fan0, an" Polly turne" to her frien" with a fae full of surprise- while To#stru) an i#posing attitu"e- an" affete" absene of #in".

,I forgot to tell you in #y last letter/ it's 4ust out- an" we "on't li)e it very well-, observe"

Fanny- who woul" have preferre" to be engage" first herself.

,It's a very nie thing- an" I a# perfetly satisfie"-, announe" 2rs. Shaw- rousing fro# a

slight "o5e.

,Polly loo)s as if she "i" n't believe it. 3ave n't I the appearane of 'the happiest #an alive'0,

as)e" To#- won"ering if it oul" be pity whih he saw in the stea"y eyes fi&e" on hi#.

,No- I "on't thin) you have-, she sai"- slowly.



,3ow the "eue shoul" a #an loo)- then0, rie" To#- rather nettle" at her sober reeption of

the gran" news.

,As if he ha" learne" to are for so#e one a great "eal #ore than for hi#self-, answere"

Polly- with su""en olor in her hee)s- an" a su""en softening of the voie- as her eyes turne"

away fro# To#- who was the piture of a o#plaent "an"y- fro# the top#ost url of his

auburn hea" to the tips of his aristorati boots.

,To##y's 6uenhe"/ I agree with you- Polly/ I never li)e" Tri&- an" I hope it's only a boy$

an"$girl fany- that will soon "ie a natural "eath-, sai" 2r. Shaw- who see#e" to fin" it "iffiultto help falling into a brown stu"y- in spite of the lively hatter going on about hi#.

Shaw- :r.- being highly inense" at the "isrespetful #anner in whih his engage#ent was

treate"- trie" to assu#e a superb air of in"ifferene- an" fin"ing that a "ei"e" failure- was

about to stroll out of the roo# with a o#prehensive no"- when his #other alle" after hi#<

,+here are you going- "ear0,

,To see Tri&- of ourse. !oo"$by- Polly-, an" 2r. Tho#as "eparte"- hoping that by the

s)illful hange of tone- fro# ar"ent i#patiene to on"esen"ing oolness- he ha" i#presse"

one hearer at least with the fat that he regar"e" Tri& as the star of his e&istene- an" Polly as a

presu#ing little hit.

If he oul" have hear" her laugh- an" Fanny's re#ar)s- his wrath woul" have boile" over/fortunately he was spare" the trial- an" went away hoping that the o6uetries of his Tri& woul"

#a)e hi# forget Polly's loo) when she answere" his 6uestion.

,2y "ear- that boy is the #ost "elu"e" reature you ever saw-, began Fanny- as soon as the

front "oor bange". ,%elle an" Tri& both trie" to ath hi#- an" the slyest got hi#/ for- in spite of

his airs- he is as soft$hearte" as a baby. ou see Tri& has bro)en off two engage#ents alrea"y-

an" the thir" ti#e she got 4ilte" herself. Suh a fuss as she #a"e1 I "elare- it really was absur".

%ut I "o thin) she felt it very #uh- for she woul" n't go out at all- an" got thin- an" pale- an"

blue- an" was really 6uite touhing. I pitie" her- an" ha" her here a goo" "eal- an" To# too) her

part/ he always "oes stan" up for the rushe" ones- an" that's goo" of hi#- I allow. +ell- she "i"the forsa)en very prettily/ let To# a#use her- an" le" hi# on till the poor fellow lost his wits-

an" fin"ing her rying one "ay =about her hat- whih was n't beo#ing>- he thought she was

#ourning for 2r. %an)s- an" so- to o#fort her- the goose propose". That was all she wante"/

she snappe" hi# up at one- an" there he is in a nie srape/ for sine her engage#ent she is as

gay as ever- flirts awfully with any one who o#es along- an" )eeps To# in a fu#e all the ti#e

I really "on't thin) he ares for her half as #uh as he #a)es believe- but he'll stan" by her

through thi) an" thin- rather than "o as %an)s "i".,

,Poor To#1, was all Polly sai"- when Fan ha" poure" the story into her ear- as they sat

whispering in the sofa orner.

,2y only onsolation is that Tri& will brea) off the affair before spring/ she always "oes- sothat she #ay be free for the su##er a#paign. It won't hurt To#- but I hate to have hi# #a)e a

fool of hi#self out of pity- for he is #ore of a #an than he see#s- an" I "on't want any one to

plague hi#.,

,No one but yourself-, sai" Polly- s#iling.

,+ell- that's all fair/ he is a tor#ent so#eti#es- but I'# rather fon" of hi# in spite of it. I get

so tire" of the other fellows- they are suh absur" things an" when To# is in his goo" #oo" he

is very nie an" 6uite refreshing.,

,I'# gla" to hear it-, sai" Polly- #a)ing a #ental note of the fat.



,es- an" when gran"#a was ill he was perfetly "evote". I "i" n't )now the boy ha" so

#uh gentleness in hi#. 3e too) her "eath sa"ly to heart- for- though he "i" n't say #uh- he

was very grave an" stea"y for a long ti#e. I trie" to o#fort hi#- an" we ha" two or three real

sweet little tal)s together- an" see#e" to get a6uainte" for the first ti#e. It was very nie- but it

"i" n't last/ goo" ti#es never "o with us. +e soon got ba) into the ol" way- an" now we hetor

one another 4ust as before.,

Fanny sighe"- then yawne"- an" fell into her usual listless attitu"e- as if the brief e&ite#ent

of Polly's o#ing ha" begun to subsi"e.,+al) ho#e with #e an" see #y funny little roo#. It's bright now- an" the air will "o you

goo". Co#e- both of youan" have a froli as we use" to-, sai" Polly- for the re" sunset now

burning in the west see#e" to invite the# out.

They agree"- an" soon the three were wal)ing bris)ly away to Polly's new ho#e- in a 6uiet

street- where a few ol" trees rustle" in the su##er- an" the #orning sun shone pleasantly in

winter ti#e.

,The way into #y parlor Is up a win"ing stair.,

sang Polly- running up two flights of broa"- ol"$fashione" steps- an" opening the "oor of a

ba) roo#- out of whih strea#e" the welo#e glow of firelight.

,These are #y pets- 2au"-, she a""e"- pausing on the threshol"- an" be)oning the girls toloo) in 6uietly.

n the rug- lu&uriously bas)ing in the war#th- lay a gray )itten- an" lose by- #e"itatively

roosting on one leg- stoo" a plu#p anary- who o)e" his bright eye at the new$o#ers- gave a

lou" hirp as if to wa)e his o#ra"e- an" then flew straight to Polly's shoul"er- where he bro)e

into a 4oyful song to welo#e his #istress ho#e.

,Allow #e to intro"ue #y fa#ily-, sai" Polly/ ,this noisy little hap the boys na#e"

Nio"e#us/ an" this "o5y at is alle" Ashputtel- beause the 4oy of her life is to get a#ong the

in"ers. Now- ta)e off your things- an" let #e "o the honors- for you are to stop to tea- an" the

arriage is to o#e for you at eight. I arrange" it with your #other while you were up$stairs.,,I want to see everything-, sai" 2au"- when the hats were off- an" the han"s war#e".

,So you shall/ for I thin) #y house)eeping arrange#ents will a#use you.,

Then Polly showe" her )ing"o#- an" the three ha" a #erry ti#e over it. The big piano too)

up so #uh roo# there was no plae for a be"/ but Polly prou"ly "isplaye" the resoures of her

hint5$overe" ouh- for the ba) let "own- the seat lifte" up- an" insi"e were all the pillows

an" blan)ets. ,So onvenient- you see- an" yet out of the way in the "ayti#e- for two or three of

#y pupils o#e to #e-, e&plaine" Polly.

Then there was a bright "rugget over the fa"e" arpet- the little ro)ing$hair an" sewing$

table stoo" at one win"ow- the ivy ran all over the other- an" hi" the ban6ueting perfor#anes

whih went on in that orner. %oo)$shelves hung over the sofa- a piture or two on the walls-an" a great vase of autu#n leaves an" grasses beautifie" the low hi#ney$piee. It was a very

hu#ble little roo#- but Polly ha" "one her best to #a)e it pleasant- an" it alrea"y ha" a ho#e$

li)e loo)- with the heery fire- an" the househol" pets hirping an" purring onfi"ingly on the

rug.

,3ow nie it is1, e&lai#e" 2au"- as she e#erge" fro# the big loset where Polly )ept her

stores. ,Suh a unning tea)ettle an" sauepan- an" a tte$.$tte set- an" lots of goo" things to

eat. *o have toast for tea- Polly- an" let #e #a)e it with the new toasting for)/ it's suh fun to

play oo).,



Fanny was not so enthusiasti as her sister- for her eyes saw #any traes of what see#e" li)e

poverty to her/ but Polly was so gay- so satisfie" with her s#all establish#ent- so full of happy

hopes an" plans- that her frien" ha" not the heart to fin" a fault or suggest an i#prove#ent- an"

sat where she was tol"- laughing an" tal)ing while the others got tea.

,This will be a ountry supper- girls-, sai" Polly- bustling about. ,3ere is real rea#- brown

brea"- ho#e$#a"e a)e- an" honey fro# #y own beehives. 2other fitte" #e out with suh a

supply- I '# gla" to have a party- for I an't eat it all 6ui) enough. %utter the toast- 2au"ie- an"

put that little over over it. Tell #e when the )ettle boils- an" "on't step on Nio"e#us-whatever you "o.,

,+hat a apital house$)eeper you will #a)e so#e "ay-, sai" Fanny- as she wathe" Polly

sprea" her table with a neatness an" "espath whih was pleasant to behol".

,es- it's goo" pratie-, laughe" Polly- filling her tiny teapot- an" ta)ing her plae behin"

the tray- with a #atronly air- whih was the best 4o)e of the whole.

,This is the #ost "eliious party I ever went to-, observe" 2au"- with her #outh full of

honey- when the feast was well un"er way. ,I "o wish I oul" have a nie roo# li)e this- an" a

at an" a bir" that woul" n't eat eah other up- an" a "ear little tea)ettle- an" #a)e 4ust as #uh

toast as I li)e.,

Suh a peal of laughter greete" 2au"'s pensive aspiration- that 2iss 2ills s#ile" over hersolitary up of tea- an" little Ni) burst into a perfet estasy of song- as he sat on the sugar$

bowl helping hi#self.

,I "on't are for the toast an" the )ettle- but I "o envy you your goo" spirits- Polly-, sai"

Fanny- as the #erri#ent subsi"e". ,I'# so tire" of everybo"y an" everything- it see#s

so#eti#es as if I shoul" "ie of ennui. *on't you ever feel so0,

,Things worry #e so#eti#es- but I 4ust ath up a broo# an" sweep- or wash har"- or wal)-

or go at so#ething with all #y #ight- an" I usually fin" that by the ti#e I get through the worry

is gone- or I've got ourage enough to bear it without gru#bling-, answere" Polly- utting the

brown loaf energetially.,I an't "o those things- you )now/ there's no nee" of it- an" I "on't thin) they'" ure #y

worrying-, sai" Fanny- langui"ly fee"ing Ashputtel- who sat "eorously besi"e her- at the table-

win)ing at the rea# pot.

,A little poverty woul" "o you goo"- Fan/ 4ust enough neessity to )eep you busy till you

fin" how goo" wor) is/ an" when you one learn that- you won't o#plain of ennui any #ore-,

returne" Polly- who ha" ta)en )in"ly the har" lesson whih twenty years of heerful poverty

ha" taught her.

,2ery- no- I shoul" hate that/ but I wish so#e one woul" invent a new a#use#ent for rih

people. I'# "ea" si) of parties- an" flirtations- trying to out$"ress #y neighbors- an" going the

sa#e roun" year after year- li)e a s6uirrel in a age.,Fanny's tone was bitter as well as "isontente"- her fae sa" as well as listless- an" Polly ha"

an instintive feeling that so#e trouble- #ore real than any she ha" ever )nown before- was

lying heavy at her frien"'s heart. That was not the ti#e to spea) of it- but Polly resolve" to stan"

rea"y to offer sy#pathy- if nothing #ore- whenever the onfi"ential #inute a#e/ an" her

#anner was so )in"- so o#fortable- that Fanny felt its silent #agi- grew #ore heerful in the

6uiet at#osphere of that little roo#- an" when they sai" goo"$night- after an ol"$ti#e gossip by

the fire- she )isse" her hostess war#ly- saying- with a grateful loo)- ,Polly- "ear- I shall o#e

often- you "o #e so #uh goo".,



Chapter I(. Lessons

The first few wee)s were har" ones- for Polly ha" not yet outgrown her natural shyness an"

going a#ong so #any strangers ause" her fre6uent panis. %ut her purpose gave her ourage

an" when the ie was one bro)en- her little pupils 6ui)ly learne" to love her. The novelty

soon wore off- an" though she thought she was prepare" for "ru"gery- she foun" it very te"ious

to go on "oing the sa#e thing "ay after "ay. Then she was lonely- for +ill oul" only o#e

one a wee)- her leisure hours were Fanny's busiest- an" the ,bits of pleasure, were so few an"far between that they only tantali5e" her. 8ven her s#all house)eeping lost its har#s- for Polly

was a soial reature- an" the solitary #eals were often sa" ones. Ashputtel an" Ni) "i" their

best to heer her- but they too- see#e" to pine for ountry free"o# an" ho#e at#osphere. Poor

Puttel- after ga5ing wistfully out of the win"ow at the gaunt ity ats s)ul)ing about the yar"-

woul" retire to the rug- an" url herself up as if all hope of fin"ing ongenial soiety ha" faile"/

while little Ni) woul" sing till he vibrate" on his perh- without reeiving any response e&ept

an in6uisitive hirp fro# the pert sparrows- who see#e" to twit hi# with his aptivity. es- by

the ti#e the little tea)ettle ha" lost its brightness- Polly ha" "ei"e" that getting one's living was

no 4o)e- an" #any of her brilliant hopes ha" share" the fate of the little )ettle.

If one oul" only #a)e the sarifie all at one- an" "one with it- then it woul" see# easier/ but to )eep up a "aily sarifie of one's wishes- tastes- an" pleasures- is rather a har" tas)-

espeially when one is pretty- young- an" gay. Lessons all "ay- a highly instrutive leture-

boo)s over a solitary fire- or #usi with no au"iene but a sleepy at an" a bir" with his hea"

tu)e" un"er his wing- for evening entertain#ent- was not e&atly what #ight be alle" festive/

so- in spite of her brave resolutions- Polly "i" long for a little fun so#eti#es- an" after saying

virtuously to herself at nine< ,es- it is #uh wiser an" better for #e to go to be" early- an" be

rea"y for wor) to#orrow-, she woul" lie awa)e hearing the arriages roll to an" fro- an"

i#agining the gay girls insi"e- going to party- opera- or play- till 2rs. *o""'s hop pillow #ight

as well have been stuffe" with nettles- for any sleep it brought- or any use it was- e&ept to athan" hi"e the tears that "roppe" on it when Polly's heart was very full.

Another thorn that woun"e" our Polly in her first atte#pt to #a)e her way through the

thi)et that always bars a wo#an's progress- was the "isovery that wor)ing for a living shuts a

goo" #any "oors in one's fae even in "e#orati A#eria. As Fanny's guest she ha" been- in

spite of poverty- )in"ly reeive" wherever her frien" too) her- both as hil" an" wo#an. Now-

things were hange"/ the )in"ly people patroni5e"- the areless forgot all about her- an" even

Fanny- with all her affetion- felt that Polly the #usi teaher woul" not be welo#e in #any

plaes where Polly the young la"y ha" been aepte" as ,2iss Shaw's frien".,

So#e of the girls still no""e" a#iably- but never invite" her to visit the#/ others #erely

"roppe" their eyeli"s- an" went by without spea)ing- while a goo" #any ignore" her as entirelyas if she ha" been invisible. These things hurt Polly #ore than she woul" onfess- for at ho#e

every one wor)e"- an" every one was respete" for it. She trie" not to are- but girls feel little

slights )eenly- an" #ore than one Polly was severely te#pte" to give up her plan- an" run

away to the safe shelter at ho#e.

Fanny never faile" to as) her to every sort of festivity in the Shaw #ansion/ but after a few

trials- Polly fir#ly "eline" everything but infor#al visits when the fa#ily were alone. She

soon foun" that even the new bla) sil) was n't fine enough for Fanny's s#allest party- an"-

after reeiving a few of the e&pressive glanes by whih wo#en onvey their opinion of their

neighbor's toilet- an" overhearing a 4o)e or two ,about that inevitable "ress-, an" ,the little



bla)bir"-, Polly fol"e" away the one treasure" fro)- saying- with a ho)e in her voie< ,I'll

wear it for +ill- he li)es it- an" lothes an't hange his love for #e.,

I a# afrai" the wholeso#e sweetness of Polly's nature was getting a little soure" by these

troubles/ but before lasting har# was "one- she reeive"- fro# an une&pete" soure- so#e of

the real help whih teahes young people how to bear these s#all rosses- by showing the# the

heavier ones they have esape"- an" by giving the# an i"ea of the higher pleasures one #ay

earn in the goo"- ol"$fashione" ways that )eep hearts sweet- hea"s sane- han"s busy.

8verybo"y has their "ays of #isfortune li)e little ;osa#on"- an" Polly was beginning tothin) she ha" #ore than her share. ne of these en"e" in a way whih influene" her whole life-

an" so we will reor" it. It began early/ for the har"$hearte" little grate woul" n't behave itself

till she ha" use" up a ruinous 6uantity of )in"lings. Then she sal"e" poor Puttel by upsetting

her offee$pot/ an" instea" of a leisurely- osy #eal- ha" to hurry away uno#fortably- for

everything went wrong even to the o#ing off of both bonnet strings in the last "rea"ful

sra#ble. %eing late- she of ourse forgot her #usi- an" hurrying ba) for it- fell into a pu""le-

whih appe" the li#a& of her "espair.

Suh a trying #orning as that was1 Polly felt out of tune herself- an" all the pianos see#e" to

nee" a tuner as #uh as she "i". The pupils were unusually stupi"- an" two of the# announe"

that their #a##a was going to ta)e the# to the South- whither she was su""enly alle". Thiswas a blow- for they ha" 4ust begun- an" Polly ha" n't the fae to sen" in a bill for a whole

6uarter- though her plans an" alulations were sa"ly "isturbe" by the failure of that su#.

Tru"ging ho#e to "inner- tire" an" "isappointe"- poor Polly reeive" another blow- whih

hurt her #ore than the loss of all her pupils. As she went hurrying along with a big #usi boo)

in one han" an" a paper bag of rolls for tea in the other- she saw To# an" Tri& o#ing. As she

wathe" the# while they slowly approahe"- loo)ing so gay an" han"so#e an" happy- it

see#e" to Polly as if all the sunshine an" goo" wal)ing was on their si"e of the street- all the

wintry win" an" #u" on hers. Longing to see a frien"ly fae an" reeive a )in" wor"- she

rosse" over- #eaning to no" an" s#ile at least. Tri& saw her first- an" su""enly bea#eabsorbe" in the "istant hori5on. To# apparently "i" not see her- for his eyes were fi&e" on a fine

horse 4ust praning by. Polly thought that he ha" seen her- an" approahe" with a urious little

flutter at her heart- for if To# ut her she felt that her up woul" be full.

n they a#e- Tri& intent on the view- To# staring at the han"so#e horse- an" Polly- with

re" he)s- e&petant eyes- an" the brown bun"le- in full sight. ne "rea"ful #inute as they

a#e parallel- an" no one spo)e or bowe"- then it was all over- an" Polly went on- feeling as if

so#e one ha" slappe" her in the fae. ,She woul" n't have believe" it of To#/ it was all the

"oings of that horri" Tri&/ well- she woul" n't trouble hi# any #ore- if he was suh a snob as to

be asha#e" of her 4ust beause she arrie" bun"les an" wor)e" for her brea"., She luthe" the

paper bag fierely as she sai" this to herself- then her eyes fille"- an" her lips tre#ble"- as shea""e"- ,3ow oul" he "o it- before her- too0,

Now To# was 6uite guiltless of this offene- an" ha" always no""e" to Polly when they

#et/ but it so happene" he ha" always been alone till now- an" that was why it ut so "eeply-

espeially as Polly never ha" approve" of Tri&. %efore she oul" lear her eyes or stea"y her

fae- a gentle#an #et her- lifte" his hat- s#ile"- an" sai" pleasantly- ,!oo" #orning- 2iss

Polly- I'# gla" to #eet you., Then- with a su""en hange of voie an" #anner- he a""e"- ,I beg

par"on is anything the #atter an I be of servie0,

It was very aw)war"- but it oul" n't be helpe"- an" all Polly oul" "o was to tell the truth

an" #a)e the best of it.



,It's very silly- but it hurts #e to be ut by #y ol" frien"s. I shall get use" to it presently- I

"are say.,

2r. Sy"ney glane" ba)- reogni5e" the ouple behin" the#- an" turne" roun" with a

"isguste" e&pression. Polly was fu#bling for her han")erhief- an" without a wor" he too) both

boo) an" bun"le fro# her- a little bit of )in"ness that #eant a goo" "eal 4ust then. Polly felt it-

an" it "i" her goo"/ hastily wiping the traitorous eyes- she laughe" an" sai" heerfully- ,There-

I'# all right again/ than) you- "on't trouble yourself with #y parels.,

,No trouble- I assure youan" this boo) re#in"s #e of what I was about to say. 3ave you anhour to spare for #y little niee0 3er #other wants her to begin- an" "esire" #e to #a)e the

in6uiry.,

,*i" she- really0, an" Polly loo)e" up at hi#- as if she suspete" hi# of inventing the whole

thing- out of )in"ness.

2r. Sy"ney s#ile"- an" ta)ing a note fro# his po)et- presente" it- saying- with a

reproahful loo)- ,%ehol" the proof of #y truth- an" never "oubt again.,

Polly begge" par"on- rea" the note fro# the little girl's #other- whih was to have been left

at her roo# if she was absent- an" gave the bearer a very grateful loo) as she aepte" this

welo#e a""ition to her pupils. +ell please" at the suess of his #ission- Sy"ney artfully le"

the onversation to #usi- an" for a ti#e Polly forgot her woes- tal)ing enthusiastially on herfavorite the#e. As she relai#e" her boo) an" bag- at her own "oor- she sai"- in her honest way

,Than) you very #uh for trying to #a)e #e forget #y foolish little troubles.,

,Then let #e say one thing #ore/ though appearanes are against hi#- I "on't believe To#

Shaw saw you. 2iss Tri& is e6ual to that sort of thing- but it is n't li)e To#- for with all his

foppery he is a goo" fellow at heart.,

As 2r. Sy"ney sai" this- Polly hel" out her han" with a hearty ,Than) you for that., The

young #an shoo) the little han" in the gray woollen glove- gave her e&atly the sa#e bow

whih he "i" the 3onorable 2rs. *avenport- an" went away- leaving Polly to wal) up stairs an"

a""ress Puttel with the peuliar re#ar)- ,ou are a true gentle#an1 so )in" to say that aboutTo#. I'll thin) it's so- anyway/ an" won't I teah 2innie in #y very best style1,

Puttel purre"- Ni) hirpe" approvingly- an" Polly ate her "inner with a better appetite than

she ha" e&pete". %ut at the botto# of her heart there was a sore spot still- an" the afternoon

lessons "ragge" "is#ally. It was "us) when she got ho#e- an" as she sat in the firelight eating

her brea" an" #il)- several tears be"ewe" the little rolls- an" even the ho#e honey ha" a bitter

taste.

,Now this won't "o-, she bro)e out all at one/ ,this is silly an" wi)e"- an" an't be

allowe". I'll try the ol" plan an" put #yself right by "oing so#e little )in"ness to so#ebo"y.

Now what shall it be0 - I )now1 Fan is going to a party to$night/ I'll run up an" help her "ress/

she li)es to have #e- an" I en4oy seeing the pretty things. es- an" I'll ta)e her two or threelusters of #y "aphne- it 's so sweet.,

7p got Polly- an" ta)ing her little posy- trotte" away to the Shaws'- "eter#ine" to be happy

an" ontente" in spite of Tri& an" har" wor).

She foun" Fanny en"uring tor#ent un"er the han"s of the hair$"resser- who was "oing his

best to spoil her hair- an" "istort her hea" with a #ass of urls- brai"s- fri55les- an" puffs/ for

though I "isreetly refrain fro# any partiular "esription- still- 4u"ging fro# the present

fashions- I thin) one #ay venture to pre"it that si& years hene they woul" be so#ething

frightful.



,3ow )in" of you- Polly/ I was 4ust wishing you were here to arrange #y flowers. These

lovely "aphnes will give o"or to #y a#ellias- an" you were a "ear to bring the#. There's #y

"ress/ how "o you li)e it0, sai" Fanny- har"ly "aring to lift her eyes fro# un"er the yellow

tower on her hea".

,It's regularly splen"i"/ but how "o you ever get into it0, answere" Polly- surveying with

girlish interest the lou" of pin) an" white lae that lay upon the be".

,It's fearfully an" won"erfully #a"e- but "istratingly beo#ing- as you shall see. Tri&

thin)s I'# going to wear blue- so she has got a green one- an" tol" %elle it woul" spoil the effetof #ine- as we are #uh together- of ourse. +as n't that sweet of her0 %elle a#e an" tol" #e

inti#e- an" I 4ust got pin)- so #y a#iable sister- that is to be- won't suee" in her pretty little

plot.,

,I guess she has been rea"ing the life of :osephine. ou )now she #a"e a pretty la"y- of

who# she was 4ealous- sit besi"e her on a green sofa- whih set off her own white "ress an"

spoilt the blue one of her guest-, answere" Polly- busy with the flowers.

,Tri& never rea"s anything/ you are the one to pi) up lever little stories. I'll re#e#ber an"

use this one. A# I "one0 es- that is har#ing- is n't it- Polly0, an" Fan rose to inspet the

suess of 2onsieur's long labor.

,ou )now I "on't appreiate a stylish oiffure as I ought- so I li)e your hair in the ol" way best. %ut this is'the thing-' I suppose- an" not a wor" #ust be sai".,

,f ourse it is. +hy- hil"- I have fri55e" an" burnt #y hair so that I loo) li)e an ol"

#ania with it in its natural state- an" have to repair "a#ages as well as I an. Now put the

flowers 4ust here-, an" Fanny lai" a pin) a#ellia in a nest of fu55- an" stu) a spray of "aphne

straight up at the ba) of her hea".

,- Fan- "on't- it loo)s horri"ly so1, rie" Polly- longing to a"" a little beauty to her frien"'s

sallow fae by a graeful a"4ust#ent of the flowers.

,Can't help it- that's the way- an" so it #ust be-, answere" Fan- planting another sprig half$

way up the tower.Polly groane" an" offere" no #ore suggestions as the wor) went on/ but when Fan was

finishe" fro# top to toe- she a"#ire" all she honestly oul"- an" trie" to )eep her thoughts to

herself. %ut her fran) fae betraye" her- for Fanny turne" on her su""enly- saying- ,ou #ay as

well free your #in"- Polly- for I see by your eyes that so#ething "on't suit.,

,I was only thin)ing of what gran"#a one sai"- that #o"esty ha" gone out of fashion-,

answere" Polly- glaning at the waist of her frien"'s "ress- whih onsiste" of a belt- a bit of

lae- an" a pair of shoul"er straps.

Fanny laughe" goo"$nature"ly- saying- as she laspe" her ne)lae- ,If I ha" suh shoul"ers

as yours- I shoul" n't are what the fashion was. Now "on't preah- but put #y loa) on niely-

an" o#e along- for I'# to #eet To# an" Tri&- an" pro#ise" to be there early.,Polly was to be left at ho#e after "epositing Fan at %elle's.

,I feel as if I was going #yself-, she sai"- as they rolle" along.

,I wish you were- an" you woul" be- Polly- if you weren't suh a resolute thing. I've tease"-

an" begge"- an" offere" anything I have if you'll only brea) your absur" vow- an" o#e an"

en4oy yourself.,

,Than) you/ but I won't- so "on't trouble your )in" heart about #e/ I'# all right-, sai" Polly-

stoutly.

%ut when they "rew up before the lighte" house- an" she foun" herself in the #i"st of the

pleasant stir of festivity- the o#ing an" going of arriages- the gli#pses of bright olors- for#s



an" faes- the bursts of #usi- an" a general at#osphere of gayety- Polly felt that she was n't all

right- an" as she "rove away for a "ull evening in her lonely little roo#- she 4ust rie" as

heartily as any hil" "enie" a sti) of an"y.

,It's "rea"ful wi)e" of #e- but I an't help it-, she sobbe" to herself- in the orner of the

arriage. ,That #usi sets #e all in a twitter- an" I shoul" have loo)e" nie in Fan's blue

tarlatan- an" I )now I oul" behave as well as any one- an" have lots of partners- though I'# not

in that set. h- 4ust one goo" gallop with 2r. Sy"ney or To#1 No- To# woul" n't as) #e there-

an" I woul" n't aept if he "i". h- #e1 oh- #e1 I wish I was as ol" an" ho#ely- an" goo" an"happy- as 2iss 2ills1,

So Polly #a"e her #oan- an" by the ti#e she got ho#e- was 4ust in the #oo" to go to be"

an" ry herself to sleep- as girls have a way of "oing when their s#all afflition beo#es

unbearable.

%ut Polly "i" n't get a hane to be #iserable very long- for as she went up stairs feeling li)e

the #ost in4ure" girl in the worl"- she aught a gli#pse of 2iss 2ills- sewing away with suh a

bright fae that she oul" n't resist stopping for a wor" or two.

,Sit "own- #y "ear- I'# gla" to see you- but e&use #e if I go on with #y wor)- as I'# in a

"riving hurry to get these things "one to$night-, sai" the bris) little la"y- with a s#ile an" a no"-

as she too) a new nee"leful of threa"- an" ran up a sea# as if for a wager.,Let #e help you- then/ I'# la5y an" ross- an" it will "o #e goo"-, sai" Polly- sitting "own

with the resigne" feeling. ,+ell- if I an't be happy- I an be useful- perhaps.,

,Than) you- #y "ear/ yes- you an 4ust he# the s)irt while I put in the sleeves- an" that will

be a great lift.,

Polly put on her thi#ble in silene- but as 2iss 2ills sprea" the white flannel over her lap-

she e&lai#e"- ,+hy- it loo)s li)e a shrou"1 Is it one0,

,No- "ear- than) !o"- it is n't- but it #ight have been- if we ha" n't save" the poor little

soul-, rie" 2iss 2ills- with a su""en brightening of the fae- whih #a"e it beautiful in spite

of the stiff gray url that bobbe" on eah te#ple- the want of teeth- an" a roo)e" nose.,+ill you tell #e about it0 I li)e to hear your a"ventures an" goo" wor)s so #uh-, sai"

Polly- rea"y to be a#use" by anything that #a"e her forget herself.

,Ah- #y "ear- it's a very o##on story- an" that's the sa""est part of it. I'll tell you all about

it- for I thin) you #ay be able to help #e. Last night I wathe" with poor 2ary Floy". She's

"ying of onsu#ption- you )now-, began 2iss 2ills- as her ni#ble fingers flew- an" her )in"

ol" fae bea#e" over the wor)- as if she put a blessing in with every stith. ,2ary was very

low- but about #i"night fell asleep- an" I was trying to )eep things 6uiet- when 2rs. Finn she's

the wo#an of the house a#e an" be)one" #e out- with a sare" fae.'Little :ane has )ille"

herself- an" I "on't )now what to "o-' she sai"- lea"ing #e up to the atti.,

,+ho was little :ane0, bro)e in Polly- "ropping her wor).,I only )new her as a pale- shy young girl who went in an" out- an" sel"o# spo)e to any

one. 2rs. Finn tol" #e she was poor- but a busy- honest- little thing- who "i" n't #i& with the

other fol)s- but live" an" wor)e" alone.'She has loo)e" so "own$hearte" an" pale for a wee)

that I thought she was si)- an" as)e" her about it-' sai" 2rs. Finn-'but she than)e" #e in her

bashful way- an" sai" she was pretty well- so I let her alone. %ut to$night- as I went up late to

be"- I was )in" of i#presse" to loo) in an" see how the poor thing "i"- for she ha" n't left her

roo# all "ay. I "i" loo) in- an" here's what I foun".' As 2rs. Finn en"e" she opene" the "oor of

the ba) atti- an" I saw about as sa" a sight as these ol" eyes ever loo)e" at.,

,- what0, rie" Polly- pale now with interest.



,A bare roo#- ol" as a barn- an" on the be" a little "ea"- white fae that al#ost bro)e #y

heart- it was so thin- so patient- an" so young. n the table was a bottle half full of lau"anu#-

an ol" po)et$boo)- an" a letter. ;ea" that- #y "ear an" "on't thin) har" of little :ane.,

Polly too) the bit of paper 2iss 2ills gave her- an" rea" these wor"s<

*8A; 2;S. FINN- Please forgive #e for the trouble I #a)e you- but I "on't see any other

way. I an't get wor) that pays enough to )eep #e/ the *r. says I an't be well unless I rest. I

hate to be a bur"en- so I'# going away not to trouble anybo"y any#ore. I've sol" #y things to

pay what I owe you. Please let #e be as I a#- an" "on't let people o#e an" loo) at #e. I hopeit is n't very wi)e"- but there "on't see# any roo# for #e in the worl"- an" I '# not afrai" to

"ie now- though I shoul" be if I staye" an" got ba" beause I ha" n't strength to )eep right. !ive

#y love to the baby- an" so goo"$by- goo"$by.

:AN8 %;ANT.

,- 2iss 2ills- how "rea"ful1, rie" Polly- with her eyes so full she oul" har"ly rea" the

little letter.

,Not so "rea"ful as it #ight have been- but a bitter- sa" thing to see that hil"- only

seventeen- lying there in her little lean- ol" night$gown- waiting for "eath to o#e an" ta)e her

beause'there "i" n't see# to be any roo# for her in the worl".' Ah- well- we save" her- for it

was n't too late- than) heaven- an" the first thing she sai" was-'h- why "i" you bring #e ba)0I've been nursing her all "ay- hearing her story- an" trying to show her that there is roo# an" a

welo#e for her. 3er #other "ie" a year ago- an" sine then she has been struggling along

alone. She is one of the ti#i"- innoent- hu#ble reatures who an't push their way- an" so get

put asi"e an" forgotten. She has trie" all sorts of poorly pai" wor)- oul" n't live on it "eently-

got "isourage"- si)- frightene"- an" oul" see no refuge fro# the big- ba" worl" but to get out

of it while she was n't afrai" to "ie. A very ol" story- #y "ear- new an" "rea"ful as it see#s to

youan" I thin) it won't "o you any har# to see an" help this little girl- who has gone through

"ar) plaes that you are never li)e to )now.,

,I will/ in"ee"- I will "o all I an1 +here is she now0, as)e" Polly- touhe" to the heart bythe story- so si#ple yet so sa".

,There-, an" 2iss 2ills pointe" to the "oor of her own little be"roo#. ,She was well

enough to be #ove" to$night- so I brought her ho#e an" lai" her safely in #y be". Poor little

soul1 she loo)e" about her for a #inute- then the lost loo) went away- an" she gave a great sigh-

an" too) #y han" in both her thin bits of ones- an" sai"-'- #a'a#- I feel as if I'" been born into

a new worl". 3elp #e to begin again- an" I'll "o better.' So I tol" her she was #y hil" now- an"

#ight rest here- sure of a ho#e as long as I ha" one.,

As 2iss 2ills spo)e in her #otherly tone- an" ast a prou" an" happy loo) towar" the war#

an" 6uiet nest in whih she ha" sheltere" this frien"less little sparrow- feeling sure that !o"

#eant her to )eep it fro# falling to the groun"- Polly put both ar#s about her ne)- an" )isse"her withere" hee) with as #uh loving reverene as if she ha" been a splen"i" saint- for in the

li)eness of this plain ol" #ai" she saw the lovely harity that blesses an" saves the worl".

,3ow goo" you are1 *ear 2iss 2ills- tell #e what to "o- let #e help you- I'# rea"y for

anything-, sai" Polly- very hu#bly- for her own troubles loo)e" so s#all an" foolish besi"e the

stern har"ships whih ha" nearly ha" so tragial an en"- that she felt heartily asha#e" of

herself- an" 6uite burne" to atone for the#.

2iss- 2ills stoppe" to stro)e the fresh hee) opposite- to s#ile- an" say- ,Then- Polly- I

thin) I'll as) you to go in an" say a frien"ly wor" to #y little girl. The sight of you will "o her

goo"/ an" you have 4ust the right way of o#forting people- without #a)ing a fuss.,



,3ave I0, sai" Polly- loo)ing #uh gratifie" by the wor"s.

,es- "ear- you've the gift of sy#pathy- an" the rare art of showing it without offen"ing. I

woul" n't let #any girls in to see #y poor :enny- beause they'" only flutter an" worry her/ but

you 'll )now what to "o/ so goan" ta)e this wrapper with you/ it's "one now- than)s to your

ni#ble fingers.,

Polly threw the war# gar#ent over her ar#- feeling a thrill of gratitu"e that it was to wrap a

living girl in- an" not to hi"e away a young heart that ha" grown ol" too soon. Pushing open

the "oor- she went 6uietly into the "i#ly lighte" roo#- an" on the pillow saw a fae that "rewher to it with an irresistible power- for it was touhe" by a sole#n sha"ow that #a"e its youth

patheti. As she pause" at the be"si"e- thin)ing the girl asleep- a pair of hollow- "ar) eyes

opene" wi"e- an" loo)e" up at her/ startle" at first- then softening with pleasure- at sight of the

bonny fae before the#- an" then a hu#ble- beseehing e&pression fille" the#- as if as)ing

par"on for the rash at nearly o##itte"- an" pity for the har" fate that pro#pte" it. Polly rea"

the language of these eyes- an" answere" their #ute prayer with a si#ple elo6uene that sai"

#ore than any wor"s for she 4ust stoope" "own an" )isse" the poor hil"- with her own eyes

full- an" lips that tre#ble" with the sy#pathy she oul" not tell. :enny put both ar#s about her

ne)- an" began to she" the 6uiet tears that so refresh an" o#fort heavy hearts when a ten"er

touh unseals the fountain where they lie.,8verybo"y is so )in"-, she sobbe"-, an" I was so wi)e"- I "on't "eserve it.,

,h- yes- you "o/ "on't thin) of that- but rest an" let us pet you. The ol" life was too har" for

suh a little thing as youan" we are going to try an" #a)e the new one ever so #uh easier an"

happier-, sai" Polly- forgetting everything e&ept that this was a girl li)e herself- who nee"e"

heartening up.

,*o you live here0, as)e" :enny- when her tears were wipe" away- still linging to the new$

foun" frien".

,es- 2iss 2ills lets #e have a little roo# up stairs- an" there I have #y at an" bir"- #y

piano an" #y posy pots- an" live li)e a 6ueen. ou #ust o#e up an" see #e to$#orrow if youare able. I '# often lonely- for there are no young people in the house to play with #e-,

answere" Polly- s#iling hospitably.

,*o you sew0, as)e" :enny.

,No- I'# a #usi teaher- an" trot roun" giving lessons all "ay.,

,3ow beautiful it soun"s- an" how happy you #ust be- so strong an" pretty- an" able to go

roun" #a)ing #usi all the ti#e-, sighe" :enny- loo)ing with respetful a"#iration at the

plu#p- fir# han" hel" in both her thin an" feeble ones.

It "i" soun" pleasant even to Polly's ears- an" she felt su""enly so rih- an" so ontente"-

that she see#e" a "ifferent reature fro# the silly girl who rie" beause she oul" n't go to the

party. It passe" through her #in" li)e a flash- the ontrast between her life- an" that of the wanreature lying before her- an" she felt as if she oul" not give enough out of her abun"ane to

this nee"y little sister- who ha" nothing in the wi"e worl" but the life 4ust save" to her. That

#inute "i" #ore for Polly than #any ser#ons- or the wisest boo)s- for it brought her fae to

fae with bitter truths- showe" her the "ar) si"e of life- an" see#e" to blow away her little

vanities- her frivolous "esires- li)e a wintry win"- that left a wholeso#e at#osphere behin".

Sitting on the be"si"e- Polly listene" while :ane tol" the story- whih was so new to her listener

that every wor" san) "eep into her heart- an" never was forgotten.

,Now you #ust go to sleep. *on't ry nor thin)- nor "o anything but rest. That will please

2iss 2ills best. I'll leave the "oors open- an" play you a lullaby that you an't resist. !oo"



night- "ear., An" with another )iss- Polly went away to sit in the "ar)ness of her own roo#-

playing her softest airs till the tire" eyes below were shut- an" little :ane see#e" to float away

on a sea of pleasant soun"s- into the happier life whih ha" 4ust "awne" for her.

Polly ha" fully inten"e" to be very #iserable- an" ry herself to sleep/ but when she lay

"own at last- her pillow see#e" very soft- her little roo# very lovely- with the fire$light

fli)ering on all the ho#e$li)e ob4ets- an" her new$blown roses breathing her a sweet goo"$

night. She no longer felt an in4ure"- har"$wor)ing- unhappy Polly- but as if 6uite bur"ene" with

blessings- for whih she was n't half grateful enough. She ha" hear" of poverty an" suffering- inthe vague- far$off way- whih is all that #any girls- safe in happy ho#es- ever )now of it/ but

now she ha" seen it- in a shape whih she oul" feel an" un"erstan"- an" life grew #ore earnest

to her fro# that #inute. So #uh to "o in the great- busy worl"- an" she ha" "one so little.

+here shoul" she begin0 Then- li)e an answer a#e little :enny's wor"s- now ta)ing a-'new

signifiane' to Polly's #in"- ,To be strong- an" beautiful- an" go roun" #a)ing #usi all the

ti#e., es- she oul" "o that/ an" with a very earnest prayer- Polly as)e" for the strength of an

upright soul- the beauty of a ten"er heart- the power to #a)e her life a sweet an" stirring song-

helpful while it laste"- re#e#bere" when it "ie".

Little :ane's last thought ha" been to wish with all her #ight- that ,!o" woul" bless the "ear-

)in" girl up there- an" give her all she as)e"., I thin) both prayers- although too hu#ble to be put in wor"s- went up together- for in the fulness of ti#e they were beautifully answere".

Chapter (. %rothers an" Sisters

Polly's happiest "ay was Sun"ay- for +ill never faile" to spen" it with her. Instea" of

sleeping later than usual that #orning- she was always up bright an" early- flying roun" to get

rea"y for her guest- for +ill a#e to brea)fast- an" they #a"e a long "ay of it. +ill onsi"ere"

his sister the best an" prettiest girl going- an" Polly- )nowing well that a ti#e woul" o#e when

he woul" fin" a better an" a prettier- was grateful for his goo" opinion- an" trie" to "eserve it.

So she #a"e her roo# an" herself as neat an" inviting as possible- an" always ran to #eet hi#with a bright fae an" a #otherly greeting- when he a#e tra#ping in- ru""y- bris)- an"

bea#ing- with the brown loaf an" the little pot of beans fro# the ba)e$house near by.

They li)e" a goo" ountry brea)fast- an" nothing gave Polly #ore satisfation than to see

her big boy lear the "ishes- e#pty the little offee$pot- an" then sit an" laugh at her aross the

ravage" table. Another pleasure was to let hi# help lear away- as they use" to "o at ho#e-

while the peals of laughter that always ao#panie" this perfor#ane "i" 2iss 2ills' heart

goo" to hear- for the roo# was so s#all an" +ill so big that he see#e" to be everywhere at

one- an" Polly an" Puttel were ontinually "o"ging his long ar#s an" legs. Then they use" to

inspet the flower pots- pay Ni) a visit- an" have a little #usi as a goo" beginning for the "ay

after whih they went to hurh an" "ine" with 2iss 2ills- who onsi"ere" +ill ,an e&ellentyoung #an., If the afternoon was fair- they too) a long wal) together over the bri"ges into the

ountry- or about the ity streets full of Sabbath 6uietu"e. 2ost people #eeting the# woul"

have seen only an aw)war" young #an- with a boy's fae atop of his tall bo"y- an" a 6uietly

"resse"- fresh fae" little wo#an hanging on his ar#/ but a few people- with eyes to rea"

ro#anes an" pleasant histories everywhere- foun" so#ething very attrative in this ouple- an"

s#ile" as they passe"- won"ering if they were young- lovers- or ountry ousins ,loo)ing

roun".,

If the "ay was stor#y- they staye" at ho#e- rea"ing- writing letters- tal)ing over their affairs-

an" giving eah other goo" a"vie/ for- though +ill was nearly three years younger than Polly-



he oul" n't for the life of hi# help assu#ing a#usingly venerable airs- when he bea#e a

Fresh#an. In the twilight he ha" a goo" lounge on the sofa- an" Polly sung to hi#- whih

arrange#ent he partiularly en4oye"- it was so ,osy an" ho#ey., At nine o'lo)- Polly pa)e"

his bag with lean lothes- niely #en"e"- suh re#nants of the festive tea as were

transportable- an" )isse" hi# ,goo"$night-, with #any in4untions to #uffle up his throat going

over the bri"ge- an" be sure that his feet were "ry an" war# when he went to be". All of whih

+ill laughe" at- aepte" graiously- an" "i" n't obey/ but he li)e" it- an" tru"ge" away for

another wee)'s wor)- reste"- heere"- an" strengthene" by that 6uiet- happy "ay with Polly- forhe ha" been brought up to believe in ho#e influenes- an" this brother an" sister love" one

another "early- an" were not asha#e" to own it.

ne other person en4oye" the hu#ble pleasures of these Sun"ays 6uite as #uh as Polly an"

+ill. 2au" use" to beg to o#e to tea- an" Polly- gla" to "o anything for those who ha" "one a

goo" "eal for her- #a"e a point of alling for the little girl as they a#e ho#e fro# their wal)-

or sen"ing +ill to esort her in the arriage- whih 2au" always #anage" to seure if ba"

weather threatene" to 6uenh her hopes. To# an" Fanny laughe" at her fany- but she "i" not

tire of it- for the hil" was lonely- an" foun" so#ething in that little roo# whih the great house

oul" not give her.

2au" was twelve now/ a pale- plain hil"- with sharp- intelligent eyes- an" a busy little#in"- that "i" a goo" "eal #ore thin)ing than anybo"y i#agine". She was 4ust at the

unattrative- fi"gety age when no one )new what to "o with her- an" so let her fu#ble her way

up as she oul"- fin"ing pleasure in o"" things- an" living #uh alone- for she "i" not go to

shool- beause her shoul"ers were growing roun"- an" 2rs. Shaw woul" not ,allow her figure

to be spoile"., That suite" 2au" e&ellently/ an" whenever her father spo)e of sen"ing her

again- or getting a governess- she was sei5e" with ba" hea"ahes- a pain in her ba)- or

wea)ness of the eyes- at whih 2r. Shaw laughe"- but let her holi"ay go on. Nobo"y see#e" to

are #uh for plain- pug$nose" little 2au"ie/ her father was busy- her #other nervous an" si)-

Fanny absorbe" in her own affairs- an" To# regar"e" her as #ost young #en "o their youngersisters- as a person born for his a#use#ent an" onveniene- nothing #ore. 2au" a"#ire" To#

with all her heart- an" #a"e a little slave of herself to hi#- feeling well repai" if he #erely sai"-

,Than) you- hi)en-, or "i" n't pinh her nose- or nip her ear- as he ha" a way of "oing- ,4ust

as if I was a "oll- or a "og- an" ha" n't got any feelings-, she so#eti#es sai" to Fanny- when

so#e servie or sarifie ha" been aepte" without gratitu"e or respet. It never ourre" to

To#- when 2au" sat wathing hi# with her fae full of wistfulness- that she wante" to be

pette" as #uh as ever he "i" in his neglete" boyhoo"- or that when he alle" her ,Pug, before

people- her little feelings were as "eeply woun"e" as his use" to be- when the boys alle" hi#

,Carrots., 3e was fon" of her in his fashion- but he "i" n't ta)e the trouble to show it- so 2au"

worshippe" hi# afar off- afrai" to betray the affetion that no rebuff oul" )ill or ool.ne snowy Sun"ay afternoon To# lay on the sofa in his favorite attitu"e- rea"ing

,Pen"ennis, for the fourth ti#e- an" s#o)ing li)e a hi#ney as he "i" so. 2au" stoo" at the

win"ow wathing the falling fla)es with an an&ious ountenane- an" presently a great sigh

bro)e fro# her.

,*on't "o that again- hi)en- or you'll blow #e away. +hat's the #atter0, as)e" To#-

throwing "own his boo) with a yawn that threatene" "isloation.

,I'# afrai" I an't go to Polly's-, answere" 2au"- "isonsolately.

,f ourse you an't/ it's snowing har"- an" father won't be ho#e with the arriage till this

evening. +hat are you always utting off to Polly's for0,





,I li)e it/ we have suh nie ti#es- an" +ill is there- an" we ba)e little 4ohnny$a)es in the

ba)er before the fire- an" they sing- an" it is so pleasant.,

,+arbling 4ohnny$a)es #ust be interesting. Co#e an" tell #e all about it.,

,No- you'll only laugh at #e.,

,I give you #y wor" I won't- if I an help it/ but I really a# "ying of uriosity to )now what

you "o "own there. ou li)e to hear serets- so tell #e yours- an" I'll be as "u#b as an oyster.,

,It is n't a seret- an" you woul" n't are for it. *o you want another pillow0, she a""e"- as

To# gave his a thu#p.,This will "o/ but why you wo#en always sti) tassels an" fringe all over a sofa$ushion- to

tease an" ti)le a fellow- is what I "on't un"erstan".,

,ne thing that Polly "oes Sun"ay nights- is to ta)e +ill's hea" in her lap- an" s#ooth his

forehea". It rests hi# after stu"ying so har"- she says. If you "on't li)e the pillow- I oul" "o

that for you- 'ause you loo) as if you were #ore tire" of stu"ying than +ill-, sai" 2au"- with

so#e hesitation- but an evi"ent "esire to be useful an" agreeable.

,+ell- I "on't are if you "o try it- for I a# onfoun"e"ly tire"., An" To# laughe"- as he

realle" the froli he ha" been on the night before.

2au" establishe" herself with great satisfation- an" To# owne" that a sil) apron was nier

than a fu55y ushion.,*o you li)e it0, she as)e"- after a few stro)es over the hot forehea"- whih she thought was

fevere" by intense appliation to !ree) an" Latin.

,Not ba"/ play away-, was the graious reply- as To# shut his eyes- an" lay so still that

2au" was har#e" at the suess of her atte#pt. Presently- she sai"- softly- ,To#- are you

asleep0,

,:ust turning the o#er.,

,%efore you get 6uite roun" woul" you please tell #e what a Publi A"#onition is0,

,+hat "o you want to )now for0, "e#an"e" To#- opening his eyes very wi"e.

,I hear" +ill tal)ing about Publis an" Privates- an" I #eant to as) hi#- but I forgot.,,+hat "i" he say0,

,I "on't re#e#ber/ it was about so#ebo"y who ut prayers- an" got a Private- an" ha" "one

all sorts of ba" things- an" ha" one or two Publis. I "i" n't hear the na#e an" "i" n't are/ I

only wante" to )now what the wor"s #eant.,

,So +ill tells tales- "oes he0, an" To#'s forehea" wrin)le" with a frown.

,No- he "i" n't/ Polly )new about it an" as)e" hi#.,

,+ill's a'"ig-', growle" To#- shutting his eyes again- as if nothing #ore oul" be sai" of the

"elin6uent +illia#.

,I "on't are if he is/ I li)e hi# very #uh- an" so "oes Polly.,

,3appy Fresh1, sai" To#- with a o#ial groan.,ou nee" n't sniff at hi#- for he is nie- an" treats #e with respet-, rie" 2au"- with an

energy that #a"e To# laugh in her fae.

,3e's goo" to Polly always- an" puts on her loa) for her- an" says '#y "ear-' an" )isses

her'goo"night-' an" "on't thin) it's silly- an" I wish I ha" a brother 4ust li)e hi#- yes- I "o1, An"

2au" showe" signs of woe- for her "isappoint#ent about going was very great.

,%less #y boots1 what's the hi)en ruffling up her little feathers an" pe)ing at #e for0 Is

that the way Polly soothes the best of brothers0, sai" To#- still laughing.

,h- I forgot1 there- I won't ry/ but I "o want to go-, an" 2au" swallowe" her tears- an"

began to stro)e again.



Now To#'s horse an" sleigh were in the stable- for he #eant to "rive out to College that

evening- but he "i" n't ta)e 2au"'s hint. It was less trouble to lie still- an" say in a oniliatory

tone- ,Tell #e so#e #ore about this goo" boy- it's very interesting.,

,No- I shan't- but I'll tell about Puttel's playing on the piano-, sai" 2au"- an&ious to effae

the #e#ory of her #o#entary wea)ness. ,Polly points to the right )ey with a little sti)- an"

Puttel sits on the stool an" pats eah )ey as it's touhe"- an" it #a)es a tune. It 's so funny to see

her- an" Ni) perhes on the ra) an" sings as if he'" )ill hi#self.,

,Very thrilling-, sai" To#- in a sleepy tone.2au" felt that her onversation was not as interesting as she hope"- an" trie" again.

,Polly thin)s you are han"so#er than 2r. Sy"ney.,

,2uh oblige".,

,I as)e" whih she thought ha" the niest fae- an" she sai" yours was the han"so#est- an"

his the best.,

,*oes he ever go there0, as)e" a sharp voie behin" the#/ an" loo)ing roun" 2au" saw

Fanny in the big hair- oo)ing her feet over the register.

,I never saw hi# there/ he sent up so#e boo)s one "ay- an" +ill tease" her about it.,

,+hat "i" she "o0, "e#an"e" Fanny. ,h- she shoo) hi#.,

,+hat a spetale1, an" To# loo)e" as if he woul" have en4oye" seeing it- but Fanny's faegrew so forbi""ing- that To#'s little "og- who was approahing to welo#e her- put his tail

between his legs an" fle" un"er the table.

,Then there is n't any'Spar)ing Sun"ay night'0, sung To#- who appeare" to have wa)e" up

again.

,f ourse not. Polly is n't going to #arry anybo"y/ she's going to )eep house for +ill when

he's a #inister- I hear" her say so-, rie" 2au"- with i#portane.

,+hat a fate for pretty Polly1, e4aulate" To#.

,She li)es it- an" I'# sure I shoul" thin) she woul"/ it's beautiful to hear'e# plan it all out.,

,Any #ore gossip to retail- Pug0, as)e" To# a #inute after- as 2au" see#e" absorbe" invisions of the- future.

,3e tol" a funny story about blowing up one of the professors. ou never tol" us- so I

suppose you "i" n't )now it. So#e ba" fellow put a torpe"o- or so#e sort of pow"er thing-

un"er the hair- an" it went off in the #i"st of the lesson- an" the poor #an flew up- frightene"

#ost to piees- an" the boys ran with pails of water to put the fire out. %ut the thing that #a"e

+ill laugh #ost was- that the very fellow who "i" it got his trousers burnt trying to put out the

fire- an" he as)e" the is it Faulty or Presi"ent0 ,

,8ither will "o-, #ur#ure" To#- who was sha)ing with suppresse" laughter.

,+ell- he as)e"'e# to give hi# so#e new ones- an" they "i" give hi# #oney enough- for a

nie pair/ but he got so#e heap ones- with horri" great stripes on'e#- an" always wore'e# tothat partiular lass-'whih was one too #any for the fellows-' +ill sai"- an" with the rest of the

#oney he ha" a punh party. +as n't it "rea"ful0,

,Awful1, An" To# e&plo"e" into a great laugh- that #a"e Fanny over her ears- an" the little

"og bar) wil"ly.

,*i" you )now that ba" boy0, as)e" innoent 2au".

,Slightly-, gaspe" To#- in whose war"robe at ollege those i"ential trousers were hanging

at that #o#ent.

,*on't #a)e suh a noise- #y hea" ahes "rea"fully-, sai" Fanny- fretfully.

,!irls' hea"s always "o ahe-, answere" To#- subsi"ing fro# a roar into a hu)le.



,+hat pleasure you boys an fin" in suh ungentle#anly things- I "on't see-, sai" Fanny-

who was evi"ently out of sorts.

,As #uh a #ystery to you as it is to us- how you girls an li)e to gabble an" prin) fro# one

wee)'s en" to the other-, retorte" To#.

There was a pause after this little passage$at$ar#s- but Fan wante" to be a#use"- for ti#e

hung heavily on her han"s- so she as)e"- in a #ore a#iable tone- ,3ow's Tri&0,

,As sweet as ever-, answere" To#- gruffly.

,*i" she sol" you- as usual0,,She 4ust "i".,

,+hat was the #atter0,

,+ell- I'll leave it to you if this is n't unreasonable< she won't "ane with #e herself- yet "on't

li)e #e to go it with anybo"y else. I sai"- I thought- if a fellow too) a girl to a party- she ought

to "ane with hi# one- at least- espeially if they were engage". She sai" that was the very

reason why she shoul" n't "o it/ so- at the last hop- I let her alone- an" ha" a gay ti#e with %elle

an" to$"ay Tri& gave it to #e hot an" heavy- o#ing ho#e fro# hurh.,

,If you go an" engage yourself to a girl li)e that- I "on't )now what you an e&pet. *i" she

wear her Paris hat to$"ay0, a""e" Fan- with su""en interest in her voie.

,She wore so#e sort of a blue thing- with a onfoun"e" bir" of Para"ise in it- that )eptwhis)ing into #y fae every ti#e she turne" her hea".,

,2en never )now a pretty thing when they see it. That hat is perfetly lovely.,

,They )now a la"y when they see her- an" Tri& "on't loo) li)e one/ I an't say where the

trouble is- but there's too #uh fuss an" feathers for #y taste. ou are twie as stylish- yet you

never loo) lou" or fast.,

Touhe" by this unusual o#pli#ent- Fanny "rew her hair nearer as she replie" with

o#plaeny- ,es- I flatter #yself I "o )now how to "ress well. Tri& never "i"/ she's fon" of

gay olors- an" generally loo)s li)e a wal)ing rainbow.,

,Can't you give her a hint0 Tell her not to wear blue gloves anyway- she )nows I hate'e#.,,I've "one #y best for your sa)e- To#- but she is a perverse reature- an" "on't #in" a wor"

I say- even about things #uh #ore ob4etionable than blue gloves.,

,2au"ie- run an" bring #e #y other igar ase- it's lying roun" so#ewhere.,

2au" went/ an" as soon as the "oor was shut- To# rose on his elbow- saying in a autiously

lowere" voie- ,Fan- "oes Tri& paint0,

,es- an" "raws too-, answere" Fanny- with a sly laugh.

,Co#e- you )now what I #ean/ I've a right to as) an" you ought to tell-, sai" To#- soberly-

for he was beginning to fin" that being engage" was not un#itigate" bliss.

,+hat #a)es you thin) she "oes0,

,+ell- between ourselves-, sai" To#- loo)ing a little sheepish- but an&ious to set his #in" atrest- ,she never will let #e )iss her on her hee)- nothing but an unsatisfatory pe) at her lips.

Then the other "ay- as I too) a bit of heliotrope out of a vase to put in #y button$hole- I whis)e"

a "rop of water into her fae/ I was going to wipe it off- but she pushe" #y han" away- an" ran

to the glass- where she arefully "abbe" it "ry- an" a#e ba) with one hee) re""er than the

other. I "i" n't say anything- but I ha" #y suspiions. Co#e now- "oes she0,

,es- she "oes/ but "on't say a wor" to her- for she'll never forgive #y telling if she )new it.,

,I "on't are for that/ I "on't li)e it- an" I won't have it-, sai" To#- "ei"e"ly.

,ou an't help yourself. 3alf the girls "o it- either paint or pow"er- "ar)en their lashes with

burnt hair$pins- or ta)e ologne on lu#ps of sugar or bella"onna to #a)e their eyes bright.



Clara trie" arseni for her o#ple&ion- but her #other stoppe" it-, sai" Fanny- betraying the

serets of the prison$house in the basest #anner.

,I )new you girls were a set of hu#bugs- an" very pretty ones- too- so#e of you- but I an't

say I li)e to see you painte" up li)e a lot of atresses-, sai" To#- with an air of "isgust.

,I "on't "o anything of the sort- or nee" it- but Tri& "oes/ an" having hosen her- you #ust

abi"e your hoie- for better or worse.,

,It has n't o#e to that yet-, #uttere" To#- as he lay "own again with a rebellious air.

2au"'s return put an en" to these onfi"enes- though To# e&ite" her uriosity by as)ingthe #ysterious 6uestion- ,I say- Fan- is Polly up to that sort of thing0,

,No- she thin)s it's awful. +hen she gets pale an" "ragge" out she will probably hange her

#in".,

,I "oubt it-, sai" To#.

,Polly says it is n't proper to tal) serets before people who ain't in 'e#-, observe" 2au"-

with "ignity.

,*o- for #ery sa)e- stop tal)ing about Polly- I'# si) to "eath of it-, rie" Fanny

snappishly.

,3ullo1, an" To# sat up to ta)e a survey. ,I thought you were boso# frien"s- an" as spoony

as ever.,,+ell- I a# fon" of Polly- but I get tire" of hearing 2au" sing her praises everlastingly. Now

"on't go an" repeat that- hatterbo&.,

,2y goo"ness- is n't she ross0, whispere" 2au" to To#.

,As two sti)s/ let her be. There's the bell/ see who it is- Pug-, answere" To#- as a tingle

bro)e the silene of the house.

2au" went to peep over the banisters- an" a#e flying ba) in a rapture.

,It's +ill o#e for #e1 Can't I go0 It "on't snow har"- an" I'll bun"le up- an" you an sen"

for #e when papa o#es.,

,I "on't are what you "o-, answere" Fan- who was in a very ba" te#per.+ithout waiting for any other per#ission- 2au" rushe" away to get rea"y. +ill woul" n't

o#e up- he was so snowy- an" Fanny was gla"- beause with her he was bashful- aw)war"-

an" silent- so To# went "own an" entertaine" hi# with 2au"'s report. They were very goo"

frien"s- but le" entirely "ifferent lives- +ill being a ,"ig-, an" To# a ,bir"-, or- in plain

8nglish- one was a har" stu"ent- an" the other a 4olly young gentle#an. To# ha" rather

patroni5e" +ill- who "i" n't li)e it- an" showe" that he "i" n't by refusing to borrow #oney of

hi#- or aept any of his invitations to 4oin the lubs an" soieties to whih To# belonge". So

Shaw let 2ilton alone- an" he got on very well in his own way- "ogge"ly sti)ing to his boo)s-

an" resisting all te#ptations but those of ertain libraries- athleti ga#es- an" suh ine&pensive

pleasures as were within his #eans/ for this benighte" youth ha" not yet "isovere" that ollegenowa"ays is a plae in whih to ,s)y$lar)-, not to stu"y.

+hen 2au" a#e "own an" trotte" ontente"ly away- hol"ing +ill's han"- To# wathe"

the# out of sight- an" then strolle" about the house whistling an" thin)ing- till he went to sleep

in his father's ar#$hair- for want of so#ething better to "o. 3e awo)e to the 4oys of a solitary

tea- for his #other never a#e "own- an" Fanny shut herself an" her hea"ahe up in her own

roo#.

,+ell- this is heerful-, he sai"- as the lo) stru) eight- an" his fourth igar a#e to an

en". ,Tri& is #a"- an" Fan in the "u#ps- so I'll ta)e #yself off. !uess I'll go roun" to Polly's-



an" as) +ill to "rive out with #e- an" save hi# the wal)- poor hap. 2ight bring 2i"get ho#e

it will please her- an" there's no )nowing when the governor will be ba).,

+ith these thoughts in his hea"- To# leisurely got un"er way- an" left his horse at a

neighboring stable- for he #eant to #a)e a little all- an" see what it was 2au" en4oye" so

#uh.

,Polly is hol"ing forth-, he sai" to hi#self- as he went 6uietly up stairs- an" the stea"y

#ur#ur of a pleasant voie a#e "own to hi#. To# laughe" at Polly's earnest way of tal)ing

when she was intereste" in anything. %ut he li)e" it beause it was so "ifferent fro# theo6uettish latter of #ost of the girls with who# he tal)e". oung #en often laugh at the

sensible girls who# they seretly respet- an" affet to a"#ire the silly ones who# they seretly

"espise- beause earnestness- intelligene- an" wo#anly "ignity are not the fashion.

The "oor was a4ar- an" pausing in the "ar) entry To# too) a survey before he went in. The

prospet was not "a55ling- but ho#e$li)e an" pleasant. The light of a bright fire fille" the little

roo#- an" "own on a stool before it was 2au" ten"ing Puttel- an" wathing with "eep interest

the roasting of an apple inten"e" for her speial benefit. n the ouh lounge" +ill- his

thoughtful eyes fi&e" on Polly- who- while she tal)e"- s#oothe" the broa" forehea" of her

,yellow$haire" la""ie, in a way that To# thought an i##ense i#prove#ent on 2au"'s

perfor#ane. They ha" evi"ently been buil"ing astles in the air- for Polly was saying in her#ost i#pressive #anner- ,+ell- whatever you "o- +ill- "on't have a great- ostly hurh that

ta)es so #uh #oney to buil" an" support it that you have nothing to give away. I li)e the plain-

ol"$fashione" hurhes- built for use- not show- where people #et for hearty praying an"

preahing- an" where everybo"y #a"e their own #usi instea" of listening to opera singers- as

we "o now. I "on't are if the ol" hurhes were bare an" ol"- an" the seats har"- there was real

piety in the#- an" the sinerity of it was felt in the lives of the people. I "on't want a religion

that I put away with #y Sun"ay lothes- an" "on't ta)e out till the "ay o#es roun" again/ I

want so#ething to see an" feel an" live by "ay$by$"ay- an" I hope you'll be one of the true

#inisters- who an teah by preept an" e&a#ple- how to get an" )eep it.,,I hope I shall be- Polly- but you )now they say that in fa#ilies- if there is a boy who an't "o

anything else- they #a)e a #inister of hi#. I so#eti#es thin) I ain't goo" for #uh- an" that

see#s to #e the reason why I shoul" n't even try to be a #inister-, sai" +ill- s#iling- yet

loo)ing as if with all his hu#ility he "i" have faith in the aspirations that a#e to hi# in his

best #o#ents.

,So#e one sai" that very thing to father one- an" I re#e#ber he answere"-'I a# gla" to

give #y best an" brightest son to the servie of !o".' ,

,*i" he say that0, an" +ill's olor rose- for the big- boo)$loving fellow was as sensitive as a

girl to the praise of those "earest to hi#.

,es-, sai" Polly- unonsiously giving the strongest sti#ulus to her brother's hope an"ourage. ,es- an" he a""e"-'I shall let #y boys follow the gui"e that is in the#- an" only as) of

the# to use their gifts onsientiously- an" be honest- useful #en.' ,

,So we will1 Ne" is "oing well out +est- an" I'# har" at it here. If father "oes his best to

give us the hane we eah want- the least we an "o is to wor) with a will.,

,+hatever you "o- you an't help wor)ing with a +ill-, rie" To#- who ha" been so

intereste"- that he forgot he was playing eaves"ropper.

Polly flew up- loo)ing so please" an" surprise"- that To# reproahe" hi#self for not having

alle" oftener.





,Father woul" n't have anything #ove"- an" To# sits up there so#eti#es/ it #a)es hi# feel

goo"- he says-, sai" 2au"- who ha" a talent for betraying trifles whih people preferre" shoul"

not be #entione" in publi.

,ou'" better hurry up your apple- for if it is n't "one pretty soon- you'll have to leave it-

Pug-, sai" To#- loo)ing annoye".

,3ow is Fan0, as)e" Polly- with tat.

,+ell- Fan is rather un"er the weather/ says she's "yspepti- whih #eans ross.,

,She is ross- but she's si) too- for I foun" her rying one "ay- an" she sai" nobo"y are"about her- an" she #ight as well be "ea"-, a""e" 2au"- having turne" her apple with ten"er

are.

,+e #ust try to heer her up- a#ong us. If I was n't so busy I'" li)e to "evote #yself to her-

she has "one so #uh for #e-, sai" Polly- gratefully.

,I wish you oul". I an't un"erstan" her- for she ats li)e a weathero)- an" I never )now

how I'# going to fin" her. I hate to have her #ope so- but- upon #y life- I "on't )now what to

"o-, sai" To#/ but as he uttere" the wor"s- so#ething was suggeste" by the sight before hi#

Chairs were few- an" Polly ha" ta)en half of +ill's when they "rew roun" the fire. Now she was

leaning against hi#- in a osy- onfi"ing way- "elightful to behol"- while +ill's strong ar# went

roun" her with a proteting air- whih sai"- as plainly as any wor"s- that this big brother an"s#all sister )new how to love an" help one another. It was a pleasant little piture- all the

pleasanter for its unonsiousness- an" To# foun" it both suggestive an" agreeable.

,Poor ol" Fan- she "on't get #uh petting/ #aybe that's what she wants. I'll try it an" see- for

she stan"s by #e li)e a tru#p. If she was a rosy- osy little wo#an- li)e Polly- it woul" o#e

easier- though-, thought To#- as he #e"itatively ate his last nut- feeling that fraternal affetion

oul" not be very "iffiult of "e#onstration- to brothers blesse" with pretty- goo"$te#pere"

sisters.

,I tol" To# about the ba" fellow who blew up the professor- an" he sai" he )new hi#-

slightly/ an" I was so relieve"- beause I ha" a )in" of a feeling that it was To# hi#self- youan" +ill laughe" so about it.,

2au" ha" a 6ueer way of going on with her own thoughts- an" su""enly o#ing out with

whatever lay upper#ost- regar"less of ti#e- plae- or o#pany. As this re#ar) fell fro# her-

there was a general s#ile- an" Polly sai"- with #o) sole#nity- ,It was a sa" thing- an" I've no

"oubt that #isgui"e" young #an is very sorry for it now.,

,3e loo)e" perfetly bowe" "own with re#orse last ti#e I saw hi#-, sai" +ill- regar"ing

To# with eyes full of fun- for +ill was a boy as well as a boo)wor#- an" relishe" a 4o)e as well

as satter$braine" To#.

,3e always is re#orseful after a srape- I've un"erstoo"- for he is n't a very ba" fellow- only

his spirits are one too #any for hi#- an" he is n't as fon" of his boo) as another fellow I )now.,,I'# afrai" he'll he e&pelle" if he "on't #in"-, sai" Polly- warningly.

,Shoul" n't won"er if he washe's suh an unlu)y "og-, answere" To#- rather soberly.

,I hope he'll re#e#ber that his frien"s will be very #uh "isappointe" if he is. 3e #ight

#a)e the# so prou" an" happy/ that I guess he will- for he is n't half as thoughtless as he #a)es

hi#self out-, sai" Polly- loo)ing aross at To# with suh frien"ly eyes that he was 6uite

touhe"- though of ourse he "i" n't show it.

,Than) you- Polly/ he #ay pull through- but I have #y "oubts. Now ol" #an- let us'pu"'

along/ it's getting late for the hi)en-, he a""e"- relapsing into the graeful "ition with whih

a lassial e"uation gifts its fortunate possessor.



Ta)ing a"vantage of the #o#ent while +ill was wrestling with his boots in the loset- an"

2au" was absorbe" in pa)ing her apple into a large bas)et- Polly sai" to To# in a low tone-

,Than) you very #uh- for being so )in" to +ill.,

,%less your heart- I have n't "one anything/ he's suh a prou" fellow he won't let #e-,

answere" To#.

,%ut you "o in #any little ways/ to$night- for e&a#ple. *o you thin) I "on't )now that the

suit of lothes he's 4ust got woul" have ost a goo" "eal #ore- if your tailor ha" n't #a"e the#0

3e's only a boy- an" "on't un"erstan" things yet/ but I )now your way of helping prou" people/so that they "on't fin" it out- an" I "o than) you- To#- so #uh.,

,h- o#e- Polly- that won't "o. +hat "o you )now about tailors an" ollege #atters0, sai"

To#- loo)ing as #uh onfuse" as if she ha" foun" hi# out in so#ething reprehensible.

,I "on't )now #uh- an" that's the reason why I'# grateful for your )in"ness to +ill. I "on't

are what stories they tell about you- I'# sure- you won't lea" hi# into trouble- but )eep hi#

straight- for #y sa)e. ou )now I've lost one brother- an" +ill ta)es :i##y's plae to #e now.,

The tears in Polly's eyes as she sai" that #a"e To# vow a tre#en"ous vow within hi#self to

stan" by +ill through thi) an" thin- an" ,)eep hi# straight for Polly's sa)e,/ feeling all the

ti#e how ill$fitte" he was for suh a tas).

,I'll "o #y best-, he sai"- heartily- as he presse" the han" Polly gave hi#- with a loo) whihassure" her that he felt the appeal to his honor- an" that heneforth the ountry la" was safe

fro# all the te#ptations To# oul" have offere" hi#.

,There1 now I shall give that to #a##a to ta)e her pills in/ it's 4ust what she li)es- an" it

pleases her to be thought of-, sai" 2au"- surveying her gift with o#plaeny- as she put on her

things.

,ou're a goo" little soul- to re#e#ber poor #u#- sai" To#- with an approving no".

,+ell- she was so please" with the grapes you brought her- I thought I'" try so#ething- an"

#aybe she'" say'Than) you- "arling-' to #e too. *o you thin) she will0, whispere" 2au"- with

the wistful loo) so often seen on her little plain fae.,See if she "on't/, an" to 2au"'s great surprise To# "i" n't laugh at her pro4et.

,!oo" night- "ear/ ta)e are of yourself- an" )eep your #uffler roun" your #outh going

over the bri"ge- or you'll be as hoarse as a row to$#orrow-, sai" Polly- as she )isse" her

brother- who returne" it without loo)ing as if he thought it ,girl's nonsense, Then the three pile"

into the sleigh an" "rove off- leave Polly no""ing on the "oorstep.

2au" foun" the "rive altogether too short- but was onsole" by the pro#ise of a longer one

if the sleighing laste" till ne&t Satur"ay< an" when To# ran up to bi" his #other goo"$by- an"

give her a hint about 2au"'s gift- she staye" below to say- at the last #inute- in unonsious

i#itation of Polly.

,!oo" night/ ta)e are of yourself- #y "ear.,To# laughe"- an" was about to pinh the #uh en"uring little nose/ butas if the wor"s

re#in"e" hi# of so#ething- he gave her a )iss instea"- a piee of forbearane whih al#ost

too) 2au"'s breath away with surprise an" gratifiation.

It was rather a silent "rive- for +ill obe"iently )ept his #uffler up- an" To# fell into a brown

stu"y.

3e was not #uh given to refletion- but oasionally in"ulge" when so#ething gave hi# a

turn in that "iretion- an" at suh ti#es he was as sober an" sinere as oul" be "esire". Any

one #ight have leture" hi# for an hour without "oing as #uh goo" as that little all an" the

hat that grew out of it- for- though nothing very wise or witty was sai"- #any things were



suggeste"- an" every one )nows that persuasive influenes are better than any a#ount of

#orali5ing. Neither Polly nor +ill trie" to "o anything of the sort- an" that was the har# of it.

Nobo"y li)es to be tal)e" to- but nobo"y an resist the elo6uene of unonsious preahing

+ith all his thoughtlessness- To# was 6ui) to see an" feel these things- an" was not spoilt

enough yet to laugh at the#. The sight of +ill an" Polly's si#ple affetion for one another

re#in"e" hi# of a neglete" "uty so pleasantly- that he oul" not forget it. Tal)ing of early "ays

#a"e hi# wish he oul" go ba) an" start again- "oing better. !ran"#a's na#e realle" the

ten"er #e#ory that always "i" hi# goo"- an" the thought that Polly truste" her "earest brotherto his are stirre" up a #anful "esire to "eserve the onfi"ene. Tortures woul" n't have "rawn a

wor" of all this fro# hi#- but it ha" its effet- for boys "on't leave their hearts an" onsienes

behin" the# when they enter ollege- an" little things of this sort "o #uh to )eep both fro#

being "a#age" by the four years' sri##age whih begins the battle of life for #ost of the#.

Chapter (I. Nee"les an" Tongues

*ear Polly- The Sewing Cirle #eets at our house this P. 2. This is in your line- so "o o#e

an" help #e through. I shall "epen" on you.

ours ever- FAN.

,%a" news- #y "ear0, as)e" 2iss 2ills- who ha" 4ust han"e" the note to Polly as she a#ein one noon- a few wee)s after :enny's arrival.

Polly tol" her what it was- a""ing- ,I suppose I ought to go an" help Fanny- but I an't say I

want to. The girls tal) about things I have nothing to "o with- an" I "on't fin" their gossip very

a#using. I'# an outsi"er- an" they only aept #e on Fan's aount/ so I sit in a orner an" sew

while they hatter an" laugh.,

,+oul" n't it be a goo" hane to say a wor" for :enny0 She wants wor)- an" these young

la"ies probably have 6uantities "one so#ewhere. :enny "oes fine wor) e&6uisitely- an" begins

to feel an&ious to be earning so#ething. I "on't want her to feel "epen"ent an" unhappy- an" a

little well$pai" sewing woul" be all she nee"s to "o niely. I an get it for her by running roun"to #y frien"s- but I really have n't the ti#e- till I get the 2ullers off. They are paupers here- but

out +est they an ta)e are of the#selves- so I 've begge" the #oney to sen" the#- an" as

soon as I an get the# so#e lothes- off they go. That's the way to help people help

the#selves-, an" 2iss 2ills lashe" her big sissors energetially- as she ut out a little re"

flannel shirt.

,I )now it is- an" I want to help- but I "on't )now where to begin-, sai" Polly- feeling 6uite

oppresse" with the i##ensity of the wor).

,+e an't any of us "o all we woul" li)e- but we an "o our best for every ase that o#es to

us- an" that helps a#a5ingly. %egin with :enny- #y "ear/ tell those girls about her- an" if I'# not

#uh #ista)en- you will fin" the# rea"y to help- for half the ti#e it is n't har"ness of heart- butignorane or thoughtlessness on the part of the rih- that #a)es the# see# so areless of the

poor.,

,To tell the truth- I'# afrai" of being laughe" at- if I try to tal) seriously about suh things to

the girls-, sai" Polly- fran)ly.

,ou believe that'suh things' are true0 ou are sinere in your wish to help better the#- an"

you respet those who wor) for that en"0,

,es- I "o.,

,Then- #y "ear- an't you bear a little ri"iule for the sa)e of a goo" ause0 ou sai"

yester"ay that you were going to #a)e it a priniple of your life- to help up your se& as far an"





as fast as you oul". It "i" #y heart goo" to hear you say it- for I was sure that in ti#e you

woul" )eep your wor". %ut- Polly- a priniple that an't bear being laughe" at- frowne" on- an"

ol"$shoul"ere"- is n't worthy of the na#e.,

,I want to be strong$#in"e" in the real sense of the wor"- but I "on't li)e to be alle" so by

people who "on't un"erstan" #y #eaning/ an" I shall be if I try to #a)e the girls thin) soberly

about anything sensible or philanthropi. They all #e ol"$fashione" now- an" I'" rather be

thought that- though it is n't pleasant- than be set "own as a ra#pant wo#an's rights refor#er-,

sai" Polly- in whose #e#ory #any laughs- an" snubs- an" saras#s still lingere"- forgiven butnot forgotten.

,This love an" thought an" are for those wea)er- poorer- or worse than ourselves- whih we

all Christian harity- is a very ol" fashion- #y "ear. It began eighteen hun"re" years ago- an"

only those who honestly follow the beautiful e&a#ple set us then- learn how to get genuine

happiness out of life. I'# not a'ra#pant wo#an's rights refor#er-', a""e" 2iss 2ills- with a

s#ile at Polly's sober fae/ ,but I thin) that wo#en an "o a great "eal for eah other- if they

will only stop fearing what'people will thin)-' an" ta)e a hearty interest in whatever is going to

fit their sisters an" the#selves to "eserve an" en4oy the rights !o" gave the#. There are so

#any ways in whih this an be "one- that I won"er they "on't see an" i#prove the#. I "on't

as) you to go an" #a)e speehes- only a few have the gift for that- but I "o want every girl an"wo#an to feel this "uty- an" #a)e any little sarifie of ti#e or feeling that #ay be as)e" of

the#- beause there is so #uh to "o- an" no one an "o it as well as ourselves- if we only thin)

so.,

,I'll try1, sai" Polly- influene" #ore by her "esire to )eep 2iss 2ills' goo" opinion than

any love of self$sarifie for her se&. It was rather a har" thing to as) of a shy- sensitive girl- an"

the )in" ol" la"y )new it- for in spite of the gray hair an" withere" fae- her heart was very

young- an" her own girlish trials not forgotten. %ut she )new also that Polly ha" #ore influene

over others than she herself suspete"- si#ply beause of her an"i"- upright nature/ an" that

while she trie" to help others- she was serving herself in a way that woul" i#prove heart an"soul #ore than any #ere soial suess she #ight gain by following the rules of fashionable

life- whih "rill the harater out of girls till they are as #uh ali)e as pins in a paper- an" have

about as #uh true sense an" senti#ent in their little hea"s. There was goo" stuff in Polly-

unspoile" as yet- an" 2iss 2ills was only ating out her priniple of wo#en helping eah other

The wise ol" la"y saw that Polly ha" reahe" that point where the girl su""enly bloo#s into a

wo#an- as)ing so#ething #ore substantial than pleasure to satisfy the new aspirations that are

born/ a ti#e as preious an" i#portant to the after$life- as the hour when the apple blosso#s

fall- an" the young fruit waits for the ele#ents to ripen or "estroy the harvest.

Polly "i" not )now this- an" was fortunate in possessing a frien" who )new what influenes

woul" serve her best- an" who oul" give her what all wo#en shoul" "esire to give eah other-the e&a#ple of a sweet- goo" life- #ore elo6uent an" powerful than any wor"s/ for this is a right

no one an "eny us.

Polly turne" the #atter over in her #in" as she "resse"- while :enny playe" waiting #ai"-

little "rea#ing what this new frien" was #eaning to "o for her- if she "are".

,Is it going to be a tea$party- 2iss0, as)e" :enny- as the bla) sil) went rustling on- to her

great a"#iration- for she onsi"ere" Polly a beauty.

,+ell- no- I thin) it will probably be a leture-, answere" Polly- laughing- for :enny's

grateful servie an" affetionate eyes onfir#e" the purpose whih 2iss 2ills' little ho#ily ha"

suggeste".



As she entere" the Shaws' parlor an hour or two later- an appalling array of well$"resse" girls

appeare"- eah provi"e" with a "ainty retiule- bas)et- or bag- an" eah tongue going a goo"

"eal faster than the nee"le- while the white fingers stithe" sleeves in upsi"e "own- put flannel

4a)ets together hin" part before- or gobble" button$holes with the best intentions in life.

,ou are a "ear to o#e so early. 3ere's a nie plae for you between %elle an" 2iss

Per)ins- an" here's a sweet little "ress to #a)e- unless you li)e so#ething else better-, sai"

Fanny- reeiving her frien" with war#th an" plaing her where she thought she woul" en4oy

herself.,Than) you- I'll ta)e an unbleahe" otton shirt if you have suh a thing- for it is li)ely to be

nee"e" before a a#bri fro)-, replie" Polly- subsi"ing into her o#er as 6ui)ly as possible-

for at least si& eye$glasses were up- an" she "i" n't en4oy being stare" at.

2iss Per)ins- a grave- ol"$loo)ing young la"y- with an aristorati nose- bowe" politely-

an" then went on with her wor)- whih "isplaye" two "ia#on" rings to great a"vantage. %elle-

being of the "e#onstrative sort- s#ile" an" no""e"- "rew up her hair- an" began a whispere"

aount of Tri&'s last 6uarrel with To#. Polly listene" with interest while she sewe" "iligently-

oasionally per#itting her eyes to stu"y the elegant intriaies of 2iss Per)ins' "ress- for that

young la"y sat li)e a statue- 6uir)ing her "eliate fingers- an" ao#plishing about two stithes

a #inute.In the #i"st of %elle's story- a #ore e&iting bit of gossip aught her ear- an" she plunge"

into the onversation going on aross the table- leaving Polly free to listen an" a"#ire the wit-

wis"o#- an" haritable spirit of the ao#plishe" young la"ies about her. There was a perfet

%abel of tongues- but out of the onfusion Polly gathere" sraps of fashionable intelligene

whih so#ewhat lessene" her respet for the "wellers in high plaes. ne fair reature asserte"

that :oe So#ebo"y too) so #uh ha#pagne at the last !er#an- that he ha" to be got away- an"

sent ho#e with two servants. Another "ivulge" the awful fat that Carrie P.'s we""ing presents

were half of the# hire" for the oasion. A thir" irulate" a whisper to the effet that though

2rs. %u)#inster wore a thousan"$"ollar loa)- her boys were not allowe" but one sheet totheir be"s. An" a fourth young gossip assure" the o#pany that a ertain person never ha"

offere" hi#self to a ertain other person- though the report was in"ustriously sprea" by

intereste" parties. This latter re#ar) ause" suh a la#or that Fanny alle" the #eeting to

or"er in a #ost unparlia#entary fashion.

,!irls1 girls1 you really #ust tal) less an" sew #ore- or our soiety will be "isgrae". *o

you )now our branh sent in less wor) than any of the others. last #onth- an" 2rs. Fit5 !eorge

sai"- she "i" n't see how fifteen young la"ies oul" #anage to "o so little0,

,+e "on't tal) a bit #ore than the ol" la"ies "o. I 4ust wish you oul" have hear" the# go on

last ti#e. The way they get so #uh "one- is- they ta)e wor) ho#e- an" #a)e their sea#stresses

"o it- an" then they ta)e re"it for vast in"ustry-, sai" %elle- who always spo)e her #in" withhar#ing an"or.

,That re#in"s #e that #a##a says they want as #any things as we an #a)e- for it's a har"

winter- an" the poor are suffering very #uh. *o any of you wish to ta)e artiles ho#e- to "o at

o"" ti#es0, sai" Fan- who was presi"ent of this energeti *oras Soiety.

,2ery- no1 It ta)es all #y leisure ti#e to #en" #y gloves an" refresh #y "resses-,

answere" %elle.

,I thin) if we #eet one a wee)- it is all that shoul" be e&pete" of us- with our other

engage#ents. Poor people always o#plain that the winter is a har" one- an" never are



satisfie"-, re#ar)e" 2iss Per)ins- #a)ing her "ia#on"s spar)le as she sewe" buttons on the

wrong si"e of a pin) alio apron- whih woul" har"ly survive one washing.

,Nobo"y an as) #e to "o any #ore- if they re#e#ber all I've got to atten" to before

su##er-, sai" Tri&- with an i#portant air. ,I've got three wo#en har" at wor)- an" want

another- but everyone is so busy- an" as) suh abo#inable pries- that I'# in "espair- an" shall

have to ta)e hol" #yself- I'# afrai".,

,There's a hane for :ane-, thought Polly- but ha" n't ourage ,to spea) out lou" in

#eeting-, 4ust then- an" resolve" to as) Tri& for wor)- in private.,Pries are high- but you forget how #uh #ore it osts to live now than it use" to "o.

2a##a never allows us to beat "own wor)wo#en- but wishes us to pay the# well- an"

eono#i5e in so#e other way- if we #ust-, sai" 8##a *avenport- a 6uiet- bright$eye" girl-

who was alle" ,o"" , a#ong the young la"ies- beause she "resse" si#ply- when her father

was a #illionaire.

,:ust hear that girl tal) about eono#y1 I beg your par"on- she's so#e relation of yours- I

believe1, sai" %elle- in a low tone.

,Very "istant/ but I'# prou" of it/ for with her- eono#y "oes n't #ean sri#ping in one

plae to #a)e a show in another. If every one woul" follow the *avenports' e&a#ple

wor)wo#en woul" n't starve- or servants be suh a trouble. 8##a is the plainest "resse" girl inthe roo#- ne&t to #e- yet any one an see she is a true gentlewo#an-, sai" Polly- war#ly.

,An" you are another-, answere" %elle- who ha" always love" Polly- in her satter$braine"

way.

,3ush1 Tri& has the floor.,

,If they spent their wages properly- I shoul" n't #in" so #uh- but they thin) they #ust be as

fine as anybo"y- an" "ress so well that it is har" to tell #istress fro# #ai". +hy our oo) got a

bonnet 4ust li)e #ine =the #aterials were heaper- but the effet was the sa#e>- an" ha" the

i#pertinene to wear it before #y fae. I forbi" it- an" she left- of ourse- whih #a"e papa so

ross he woul" n't give #e the a#el's hair shawl he pro#ise" this year.,,It's perfetly sha#eful1, sai" 2iss Per)ins- as Tri& pause" out of breath. ,Servants ought to

be #a"e to "ress li)e servants- as they "o abroa"/ then we shoul" have no #ore trouble-,

observe" 2iss Per)ins- who ha" 4ust #a"e the gran" tour- an" ha" brought ho#e a Frenh

#ai".

,Per)y "on't pratise as she preahes-, whispere" %elle to Polly- as 2iss P. bea#e absorbe"

in the hat of her other neighbors. ,She pays her ha#ber girl with ol" finery/ an" the other "ay

when %etsey was out para"ing in her #issis's ast$off purple plush suit- 2r. Curtis thought she

was #a"e#oiselle- an" bowe" to her. 3e is as blin" as a bat- but reogni5e" the "ress- an"

pulle" off his hat to it in the #ost elegant style. Per)y a"ores hi#- an" was #a" enough to beat

%etsey when she tol" the story an" giggle" over it. %etsey is 6uite as stylish an" ever so #uh prettier than Per)y- an" she )nows it- whih is an aggravation.,

Polly oul" n't help laughing- but grew sober a #inute after- as Tri& sai"- pettishly- ,+ell- I'#

si) of hearing about beggars/ I believe half of the# are hu#bugs- an" if we let the# alone

they'" go to wor) an" ta)e are of the#selves. There's altogether too #uh fuss #a"e about

harity. I "o wish we oul" be left in peae.,

,There an't be too #uh harity1, burst out Polly- forgetting her shyness all at one.

,h- in"ee"1 +ell- I ta)e the liberty to "iffer fro# you-, returne" Tri&- putting up her glass-

an" bestowing upon Polly her #ost ,toploftial stare-, as the girls alle" it.



I regret to say that Polly never oul" tal) with or be near Tri& without feeling irritate" an"

o#bative. She trie" to on6uer this feeling- but she oul" n't- an" when Tri& put on airs- Polly

felt an intense "esire to bo& her ears. That eye$glass was her espeial aversion- for Tri& was no

#ore near$sighte" than herself- but preten"e" to be beause it was the fashion- an" at ti#es use"

the innoent glass as a weapon with whih to put "own any one who presu#e" to set

the#selves up. The superilious glane whih ao#panie" her ironially polite speeh rouse"

Polly- who answere" with su""en olor an" the )in"ling of the eyes that always betraye" a

perturbe" spirit- ,I "on't thin) #any of us woul" en4oy that selfish sort of peae- while littlehil"ren starve- an" girls no ol"er than us )ill the#selves beause their "rea"ful poverty leaves

the# no hoie but sin or "eath.,

A su""en lull too) plae- for- though Polly- "i" not raise her voie- it was full of in"ignant

e#otion- an" the #ost frivolous girl there felt a little thrill of sy#pathy/ for the #ost utterly

fashionable life "oes not )ill the heart out of wo#en- till years of selfish pleasure have passe"

over their hea"s. Tri& was asha#e" of herself/ but she felt the sa#e antagonis# towar" Polly-

that Polly "i" towar" her/ an"- being less generous- too) satisfation in plaguing her. Polly "i"

not )now that the seret of this was the fat that To# often hel" her up as a #o"el for his fian-e

to follow- whih ause" that young la"y to "isli)e her #ore than ever.

,3alf the awful stories in the papers are #a"e up for a sensation- an" it's absur" to believethe#- unless one li)es to be harrowe" up. I "on't/ an" as for peae- I'# not li)ely to get #uh-

while I have To# to loo) after-, sai" Tri&- with an aggravating laugh.

Polly's nee"le snappe" in two- but she "i" not #in" it- as she sai"- with a loo) that silene"

even sharp$tongue" Tri&- ,I an't help believing what #y own eyes an" ears have seen an"

hear". ou lea" suh safe an" happy lives- you an't i#agine the #isery that is all roun" you/

but if you oul" get a gli#pse of it- it woul" #a)e your hearts ahe- as it has #ine.,

,*o you suffer fro# heartahe0 So#e one hinte" as #uh to #e- but you loo)e" so well- I

oul" n't believe it.,

Now that was ruel in Tri&- #ore ruel than any one guesse"/ but girls' tongues an "ealwoun"s as sharp an" su""en as the slen"er stiletto Spanish wo#en wear in their hair- an" Polly

turne" pale- as those wor"s stabbe" her. %elle saw it- an" rushe" to the resue with #ore goo"$

will than wis"o#.

,Nobo"y ever ause" you of having any heart to ahe with. Polly an" I are not ol" enough

yet to get tough an" ool- an" we are still silly enough to pity unhappy people- To# Shaw

espeially-, a""e" %elle- un"er her breath.

That was a two$e"ge" thrust- for Tri& was "ei"e"ly an ol" girl- an" To# was generally

regar"e" as a hapless viti#. Tri& turne" re"/ but before she oul" loa" an" fire again- 8##a

*avenport- who labore" un"er the "elusion that this sort of s)ir#ishing was ill$nature"- an"

therefore ill$bre"- spo)e up in her pleasant way- ,Spea)ing of pitying the poor- I always won"erwhy it is that we all li)e to rea" an" ry over their troubles in boo)s- but when we have the real

thing before us- we thin) it is uninteresting an" "isagreeable.,

,It's the genius that gets into the boo)s- whih #a)es us li)e the poverty- I fany. %ut I "on't

6uite agree that the real thing is n't interesting. I thin) it woul" be- if we )new how to loo) at

an" feel it-, sai" Polly- very 6uietly- as she pushe" her hair out of the arti irle of 2iss

Per)ins- into the te#perate one of frien"ly 8##a.

,%ut how shall we learn that0 I "on't see what we girls an "o- #ore than we "o now. +e

have n't #uh #oney for suh things- shoul" n't )now how to use it if we ha"/ an" it is n't

proper for us to go po)ing into "irty plaes- to hunt up the nee"y.'!oing about "oing goo"- in



pony phaetons-' as so#ebo"y says- #ay suee" in 8nglan"- but it won't wor) here-, sai"

Fanny- who ha" begun- lately- to thin) a goo" "eal of so#e one besi"e herself- an" so foun" her

interest in her fellow$beings inreasing "aily.

,+e an't "o #uh- perhaps- 4ust yet/ but still there are things left un"one that naturally fall

to us. I )now a house-, sai" Polly- sewing busily as she tal)e"- ,where every servant who enters

it beo#es an ob4et of interest to the #istress an" her "aughters. These wo#en are taught goo"

habits- boo)s are put where they an get the#- sensible a#use#ents are planne" for the#

so#eti#es- an" they soon feel that they are not onsi"ere" #ere srubs- to "o as #uh wor) as possible- for as little #oney as possible- but helpers in the fa#ily- who are love" an" respete"

in proportion to their faithfulness. This la"y feels her "uty to the#- owns it- an" "oes it- as

onsientiously as she wants the# to "o theirs by her/ an" that is the way it ought to be- I

thin).,

As Polly pause"- several )een eyes "isovere" that 8##a's hee)s were very re"- an" saw a

s#ile lur)ing in the orners of the #outh that trie" to loo) "e#ure- whih tol" the# who Polly

#eant.

,*o the %i""ies all turn out saints in that well regulate" fa#ily0, as)e" the irrepressible

Tri&.

,No/ few of us "o that- even in the parlor/ but every one of the %i""ies is better for beingthere- whether they are grateful or not. I ought not to have #entione" this- perhaps- but I wante"

to show you one thing that we girls an "o. +e all o#plain about ba" servants- #ost as #uh

as if we were house$)eepers ourselves/ but it never ours to us to try an" #en" the #atter- by

getting up a better spirit between #istress an" #ai". Then there's another thing we an "o-,

a""e" Polly- war#ing up. ,2ost of us fin" #oney enough for our little vanities an" pleasures-

but feel "rea"fully poor when we o#e to pay for wor)- sewing espeially. Coul" n't we give up

a few of the vanities- an" pay the sea#stresses better0,

,I "elare I will1, rie" %elle- whose onsiene su""enly wo)e- an" s#ote her for beating

"own the wo#an who "i" her plain sewing- in or"er that she #ight have an e&tra floune on anew "ress. ,%elle has got a virtuous fit/ pity it won't last a wee)-, sai" Tri&.

,+ait an" see-, retorte" %elle- resolving that it shoul" last- 4ust to "isappoint ,that spiteful

#in&/, as she sweetly alle" her ol" shool$#ate.

,Now we shall behol" %elle galloping away at a great pae- on her new hobby. I shoul" n't

be surprise" to hear of her preahing in the 4ail- a"opting a nie "irty little orphan- or passing

roun" trats at a +o#an's ;ights #eeting-, sai" Tri&- who never oul" forgive %elle for having

a lovely o#ple&ion- an" so #uh hair of her own that she never patroni5e" either rats- #ie-

waterfalls- swithes- or puff$o#bs.

,+ell- I #ight "o worse/ an" I thin)- of the two- I'" rather a#use #yself so- than as so#e

young la"ies "o- who get into the papers for their pran)s-, returne" %elle- with a #oral air.,Suppose we have a little reess- an" rest while Polly plays to us. +ill you- Polly0 It will "o

us goo"/ they all want to hear youan" begge" I'" as).,

,Then I will- with pleasure,/ an" Polly went to the piano with suh obliging rea"iness- that

several reproahful glanes fell upon Tri&- who "i" n't nee" her glass to see the#.

Polly was never too sa"- perturbe"- or la5y to sing- for it was al#ost as easy to her as

breathing- an" see#e" the #ost natural outlet for her e#otions. For a #inute her han"s

wan"ere" over the )eys- as if unertain what to play/ then- falling into a sa"- sweet strain- she

sang ,The %ri"ge of Sighs., Polly "i" n't )now why she hose it- but the instint see#e" to have

been a true one- for- ol" as the song was- it went straight to the hearts of the hearers- an" Polly



sung it better than she ever ha" before- for now the #e#ory of little :ane lent it a ten"er pathos

whih no art oul" give. It "i" the# all goo"- for #usi is a beautiful #agiian- an" few an

resist its power. The girls were touhe" by the appeal/ Polly was lifte" out of herself- an" when

she turne" roun"- the softene" loo) on all the faes tol" her that for the #o#ent foolish

"ifferenes an" frivolous beliefs were forgotten in the one wo#anly senti#ent of pity for the

wrongs an" woes of whih the listeners' happy lives were ignorant.

,That song always #a)es #e ry- an" feel as if I ha" no right to be so o#fortable-, sai"

%elle- openly wiping her eyes on a rash towel.,Fortunately suh ases are very rare-, sai" another young la"y- who sel"o# rea" the

newspapers.

,I wish they were- but I'# afrai" they are not/ for only three wee)s ago- I saw a girl younger

than any of us- an" no worse- who trie" to "estroy herself si#ply beause she was so

"isourage"- si)- an" poor-, sai" Polly.

,*o tell about her-, rie" %elle- eagerly.

Feeling that the song ha" pave" the way for the story- an" given her ourage to tell it- Polly

"i" tell it- an" #ust have "one it wellfor the girls stoppe" wor) to listen- an" when she en"e"-

other eyes besi"e war#$hearte" %elle's were wet. Tri& loo)e" 6uite sub"ue"/ 2iss Per)ins

thawe" to suh a "egree- that so#ething glittere" on her han" as she bent over the pin) pinaforeagain- better an" brighter than her biggest "ia#on"/ 8##a got up an" went to Polly with a fae

full of affetionate respet- while Fanny- #ove" by a su""en i#pulse- aught up a ostly evres

plate that stoo" on the etagere- an" laying a five$"ollar bill in it- passe" it roun"- 6uoting Polly's

wor"s- ,!irls- I )now you'll li)e to help poor little :enny 'begin again- an" "o better this ti#e.' ,

It was goo" to see how 6ui)ly the pretty purses were out- how generously eah gave of its

abun"anean" what hearty applause bro)e fro# the girls- as %elle lai" "own her gol" thi#ble-

saying with an April fae- ,There- ta)e that/ I never have any #oney- so#ehow it won't stay

with #e- but I an't let the plate pass #e this ti#e.,

+hen Fanny brought the ontributions to Polly- she 4ust gathere" it up in her two han"s withsuh a gla"- grateful fae- the girls wishe" they ha" ha" #ore to give.

,I an't than) you enough-, she sai"- with an elo6uent little ho)e in her voie. ,This will

help :enny very #uh/ but the way in whih it was "one will "o her #ore goo" than "ouble the

#oney- beause it will prove to her that she is n't without frien"s- an" #a)e her feel that there is

a plae in the worl" for her. Let her wor) for you in return for this/ she "on't as) al#s- she only

wants e#ploy#ent an" a little )in"ness- an" the best harity we an bestow is to see that she

has both.,

,I'll give her as #uh sewing as she wants- an" she an stay at our house while she "oes it- if

she nee"s a ho#e-, sai" Tri&- in a spas# of benevolene.

,She "oes n't nee" a ho#e- than) you/ 2iss 2ills has given half of hers- an" onsi"ers :aneher hil"-, answere" Polly- with prou" satisfation in the fat.

,+hat an ol" "ear1, rie" %elle.

,I want to )now her. 2ay I0, whispere" 8##a.

,h- yes/ I'# gla" to #a)e her )nown to any one. She is a 6uiet little ol" la"y- but she "oes

one heaps of goo"- an" shows you how to be haritable in the wisest way.,

,*o tell us about it. I'# sure I want to "o #y "uty- but it's suh a #u""le- I "on't )now how-,

sai" %elle.

Then- 6uite naturally- the onversation fell upon the great wor) that none shoul" be too busy

to thin) of- an" whih few are too young or too poor to help on with their #ite. The faes grew



#ore earnest- the fingers flew faster- as the 6ui) young hearts an" brains too) in the new fats-

i"eas- an" plans that grew out of the true stories- the sensible hints- the suessful efforts whih

Polly tol" the#- fresh fro# the lips of 2iss 2ills/ for- of late- Polly ha" tal)e" #uh with the

goo" la"y- an" learne" 6ui)ly the lessons her unselfish life onveye". The girls foun" this

#ore interesting than gossip- partly owing to its novelty- "oubtless/ but the enthusias# was

sinere while it laste"- an" "i" the# goo". 2any of the# forgot all about it in a wee)- but

Polly's effort was not lost- for 8##a- %elle- an" Fanny re#aine" fir# frien"s to :ane- so )in"ly

helping her that the poor hil" felt as if she ha" in"ee" been born again- into a new an" happyworl".

Not till long afterwar" "i" Polly see how #uh goo" this little effort ha" "one her- for the

first s#all sarifie of this sort lea"s the way to others- an" a single han"'s turn given heartily to

the worl"'s great wor) helps one a#a5ingly with one's own s#all tas)s. Polly foun" this out as

her life slowly grew easier an" brighter- an" the beautiful law of o#pensation gave her better

purposes an" pleasures than any she ha" lost. The parents of so#e of her pupils were persons of

real refine#ent- an" suh are always 6ui) to pereive the #ar)s of ulture in others- no #atter

where they fin" the#. These- attrate" first by Polly's heerful fae- #o"est #anners- an"

faithful wor)- soon foun" in her so#ething #ore than a goo" teaher/ they foun" a real talent

for #usi- an eager "esire for helpful opportunities- an" a heart grateful for the )in"ly sy#pathythat #a)es rough plaes s#ooth. Fortunately those who have the s)ill to "etet these traits also

possess the spirit to appreiate an" often the power to serve an" "evelop the#. In ways so

"eliate that the #ost sensitive pri"e oul" not resent the favor- these true gentlefol) showe"

Polly their respet an" regar"- put #any pleasures in her way- an" when they pai" her for her

wor)- gave her also the hearty than)s that ta)es away all sense of "egra"ation even fro# the

hu#blest servie- for #oney so earne" an" pai" sweetens the "aily brea" it buys- an" #a)es the

#utual obligation a #utual benefit an" pleasure.

A few suh patrons "i" #uh for Polly- an" the #usi she gave the# ha" an un"ertone of

gratitu"e that left blithe ehoes in those great houses- whih #oney oul" not buy.Then- as her butterfly a6uaintanes "eserte" her- she foun" her way into a hive of frien"ly

bees- who welo#e" her- an" showe" her how to fin" the honey that )eeps life sweet an"

wholeso#e. Through 2iss 2ills- who was the ounsellor an" o#forter of several- Polly a#e

to )now a little sisterhoo" of busy- happy- in"epen"ent girls- who eah ha" a purpose to e&eute-

a talent to "evelop- an a#bition to ahieve- an" brought to the wor) patiene an" perseverane-

hope an" ourage. 3ere Polly foun" her plae at one- for in this little worl" love an" liberty

prevaile"/ talent- energy- an" harater too) the first ran)/ #oney - fashion- an" position were

literally nowhere/ for here- as in the big worl" outsi"e- genius see#e" to blosso# best when

poverty was hea" gar"ener. oung teahers- "oing #uh wor) for little pay/ young artists

trying to penil- paint- or arve their way to ;o#e/ young writers- burning to "istinguishthe#selves/ young singers- "rea#ing of triu#phs- great as those of :enny Lin"/ an" so#e who

trie" to on6uer in"epen"ene- ar#e" only with a nee"le- li)e poor :ane. All these helpe" Polly

as unonsiously as she helpe" the#- for purpose an" priniple are the best teahers we an

have- an" the want of the# #a)es half the wo#en of A#eria what they are- restless- ai#less-

frivolous- an" si).

To outsi"ers that was a very har"$wor)ing an" uneventful winter to Polly. She thought so

herself/ but as spring a#e on- the see" of new virtues- plante" in the winter ti#e- an" ripene"

by the sunshine of en"eavor- began to bu" in Polly's nature- betraying their presene to others







by the a""e" strength an" sweetness of her harater- long before she herself "isovere" these

2ay flowers that ha" blosso#e" for her un"erneath the snow.

Chapter (II. Forbi""en Fruit

,I'# perfetly ahing for so#e fun-, sai" Polly to herself as she opene" her win"ow one

#orning an" the sunshine an" frosty air set her bloo" "aning an" her eyes spar)ling with

youth- health- an" overflowing spirits. ,I really #ust brea) out so#ewhere an" have a goo"ti#e. It's 6uite i#possible to )eep stea"y any longer. Now what will I "o0, Polly sprin)le"

ru#bs to the "oves- who a#e "aily to be fe"- an" while she wathe" the glea#ing ne)s an"

rosy feet- she ra)e" her brain to "evise so#e unusually "elightful way of en4oying herself- for

she really ha" bottle" up her spirits so long- they were in a state of unontrollable effervesene.

,I'll go to the opera-, she su""enly announe" to the "oves. ,It's e&pensive- I )now- but it's

re#ar)ably goo"- an" #usi is suh a treat to #e. es- I'll get two ti)ets as heap as I an- sen"

a note to +ill- poor la"- he nee"s fun as #uh as I "o- an" we'll go an" have a nie ti#e in so#e

orner- as Charles La#b an" his sister use" to.,

+ith that Polly sla##e" "own the win"ow- to the "is#ay of her gentle little pensioners- an"

began to fly about with great energy- singing an" tal)ing to herself as if it was i#possible to)eep 6uiet. She starte" early to her first lesson that she #ight have ti#e to buy the ti)ets-

hoping- as she put a five$"ollar bill into her purse- that they woul" n't be very high- for she felt

that she was not in a #oo" to resist te#ptation. %ut she was spare" any struggle- for when she

reahe" the plae- the ti)et offie was blo)e" up by eager purhasers an" the "isappointe"

faes that turne" away tol" Polly there was no hope for her.

,+ell- I "on't are- I'll go so#ewhere- for I will have #y fun-, she sai" with great

"eter#ination- for "isappoint#ent only see#e" to whet her appetite. %ut the playbills showe"

her nothing inviting an" she was fore" to go away to her wor) with the #oney burning her

po)et an" all #anner of wil" she#es floating in her hea". At noon- instea" of going ho#e to"inner- she went an" too) an ie- trying to feet very gay an" festive all by herself. It was rather a

failure- however- an" after a tour of the piture shops she went to give 2au" a lesson- feeling

that it was very har" to 6uenh her longings- an" subsi"e into a pri# little #usi teaher.

Fortunately she "i" not have to "o violene to her feelings very long- for the first thing

Fanny sai" to her was< ,Can you go0,

,+here0,

,*i" n't you get #y note0,

,I "i" n't go ho#e to "inner.,

,To# wants us to go to the opera to$night an" , Fan got no further- for Polly uttere" a ry of

rapture an" laspe" her han"s.,!o0 f ourse I will. I've been "ying to go all "ay- trie" to get ti)ets this #orning an"

oul" n't- been fu#ing about it ever sine- an" now oh- how splen"i"1, An" Polly oul" not

restrain an estati s)ip- for this burst of 4oy rather upset her.

,+ell- you o#e to tea- an" we'll "ress together- an" go all o#fortable with To#- who is in

a heavenly fra#e of #in" to$"ay.,

,I #ust run ho#e an" get #y things-, sai" Polly- resolving on the spot to buy the niest pair

of gloves the ity affor"e".

,ou shall have #y white loa) an" any other little rigging you want. To##y li)es to have

his la"ies a re"it to hi#- you )now-, sai" Fanny- "eparting to ta)e a beauty sleep.





Polly instantly "ei"e" that she woul" n't borrow %e)y's best bonnet- as she at first

inten"e"- but get a new one- for in her present e&ite" state- no e&travagane see#e" too

pro"igal in honor of this gran" oasion. I a# afrai" that 2au"'s lesson was not as thorough as

it shoul" have been- for Polly's hea" was suh a haos of bonnets- gloves- opera$loa)s an"

fans- that 2au" blun"ere" through- #ur"ering ti#e an" tune at her own sweet will. The instant

it was over Polly rushe" away an" bought not only the )i"s but a bonnet fra#e- a bit of illusion-

an" a pin) rape rose- whih ha" te#pte" her for wee)s in a ertain shop win"ow- then ho#e

an" to wor) with all the s)ill an" spee" of a "istrate" #illiner.,I'# rushing #a"ly into e&pense- I'# afrai"- but the fit is on #e an" I'll eat brea" an" water

for a wee) to #a)e up for it. I #ust loo) nie- for To# sel"o# ta)es #e an" ought to be

gratifie" when he "oes. I want to "o li)e other girls- 4ust for one- an" en4oy #yself without

thin)ing about right an" wrong. Now a bit of pin) ribbon to tie it with- an" I shall be "one in

ti#e to "o up #y best ollar-, she sai"- turning her bo&es topsy$turvy for the neessary ribbon in

that "elightful flurry whih young la"ies feel on suh oasions.

It is #y private opinion that the little shifts an" struggles we poor girls have to un"ergo

beforehan" give a peuliar relish to our fun when we get it. This fat will aount for the

rapturous #oo" in whih Polly foun" herself when- after #a)ing her bonnet- washing an"

ironing her best set- bla)ing her boots an" #en"ing her fan- she at last- li)e Consuelo- ,put ona little "ress of bla) sil), an"- with the s#aller a"orn#ents pinne" up in a paper- starte" for the

Shaws'- fin"ing it "iffiult to wal) "eorously when her heart was "aning in her boso#.

2au" happene" to be playing a re"owa up in the parlor- an" Polly a#e praning into the

roo# so evi"ently spoiling for a "ane that To#- who was there- foun" it i#possible to resist

athing her about the waist- an" putting her through the #ost intriate evolutions till 2au"'s

fingers gave out.

,That was splen"i"1 h- To#- than) you so #uh for as)ing #e to$night. I feel 4ust li)e

having a regular goo" ti#e-, rie" Polly- when she stoppe"- with her hat hanging roun" her

ne) an" her hair loo)ing as if she ha" been out in a high win".,!la" of it. I felt so #yself an" thought we'" have a 4olly little party all in the fa#ily-, sai"

To#- loo)ing #uh gratifie" at her "elight.

,Is Tri& si)0, as)e" Polly.

,!one to New or) for a wee).,

,Ah- when the at's away the #ie will play.,

,8&atly. Co#e an" have another turn.,

%efore they oul" start- however- the awful spetale of a little "og trotting out of the roo#

with a paper parel in his #outh- #a"e Polly lasp her han"s with the "espairing ry< ,2y

bonnet1 h- #y bonnet1,

,+here0 what0 whih0, An" To# loo)e" about hi#- bewil"ere".,Snip's got it. Save it1 save it1,

,I will1, An" To# gave hase with #ore vigor than "isretion.

Snip- evi"ently regar"ing it as a ga#e got up for his speial benefit- en4oye" the rae

i##ensely an" sa#pere" all over the house- sha)ing the preious parel li)e a rat while his

#aster ran an" whistle"- o##an"e" an" oa&e"- in vain. Polly followe"- onsu#e" with

an&iety- an" 2au" laughe" till 2rs. Shaw sent "own to )now who was in hysteris. A piteous

yelp fro# the lower regions at last announe" that the thief was apture"- an" To# appeare"

bearing Snip by the nape of the ne) in one han" an" Polly's herishe" bonnet in the other.



,The little sa#p was 4ust going to worry it when I grabbe" hi#. I '# afrai" he has eaten one

of your gloves. I an't fin" it- an" this one is pretty well hewe" up-, sai" To#- bereaving Snip

of the torn )i"- to whih he still pertinaiously lung.

,Serves #e right-, sai" Polly with a groan. ,I'" no business to get a new pair- but I wante" to

be e&tra gorgeous to$night- an" this is #y punish#ent for suh #a" e&travagane.,

,+as there anything else0, as)e" To#.

,nly #y best uffs an" ollar. ou'll probably fin" the# in the oal$bin-, sai" Polly- with

the al#ness of "espair.,I saw so#e little white things on the "ining$roo# floor as I rae" through. !o get the#-

2au"- an" we'll repair "a#ages-, sai" To#- shutting the ulprit into the boot loset- where he

plai"ly rolle" hi#self up an" went to sleep.

,They ain't hurt a bit-, prolai#e" 2au"- restoring the lost treasures.

,Neither is #y bonnet- for whih I'# "eeply grateful-, sai" Polly- who ha" been e&a#ining it

with a soliitu"e whih #a"e To#'s eyes twin)le.

,So a# I- for it stri)es #e that is an uno##only'nobby' little affair-, he sai" approvingly

To# ha" a wea)ness for pale pin) roses- an" perhaps Polly )new it.

,I'# afrai" it's too gay-, sai" Polly- with a "ubious loo).

,Not a bit. Sort of bri"al- you )now. 2ust be beo#ing. Put it on an" let's see.,,I woul" n't for the worl"- with #y hair all tu#bling "own. *on't loo) at #e till I'#

respetable- an" "on't tell any one how I've been ating. I thin) I #ust be a little ra5y to$night-,

sai" Polly- gathering up her resue" finery an" preparing to go an" fin" Fan.

,Lunay is #ighty beo#ing- Polly. Try it again-, answere" To#- wathing her as she went

laughing away- loo)ing all the prettier for her "ishevel#ent. ,*ress that girl up- an" she'" be a

raving- tearing beauty-, a""e" To# to 2au" in a lower tone as he loo) her into the parlor un"er

his ar#.

Polly hear" it an" instantly resolve" to be as ,raving an" as tearing, as her #eans woul"

allow- ,4ust for one night-, she sai" as she peepe" over the banisters- gla" to see that the "anean" the rae ha" ta)en the ,ban"$bo&y, air out of To#'s elegant array.

I "eeply regret being oblige" to sho) the eyes an" ears of suh of #y rea"ers as have a

pre4u"ie in favor of pure 8nglish by e&pressions li)e the above- but- having rashly un"erta)en

to write a little story about oung A#eria- for oung A#eria- I feel boun" to "epit #y

honore" patrons as faithfully as #y li#ite" powers per#it. therwise- I #ust e&pet the

rushing ritiis#- ,+ell- I "are say it's all very pri# an" proper- but it is n't a bit li)e us-, an"

never hope to arrive at the "istintion of fin"ing the overs of ,An l"$Fashione" !irl, the

"irtiest in the library.

The frien"s ha" a soial ,up o' tea, upstairs- whih Polly onsi"ere" the height of lu&ury

an" then eah too) a #irror an" proee"e" to prin) to her heart's ontent. The earnestness withwhih Polly #a"e her toilet that night was "elightful to behol". Feeling in a "aring #oo"- she

release" her pretty hair fro# the brai"s in whih she usually wore it an" per#itte" the urls to

"isplay the#selves in all their brown abun"ane- espeially several "angerous little ones about

the te#ples an" forehea". The putting on of the resue" ollar an" uffs was a tas) whih

absorbe" her whole #in". So was the settling of a #inute bit of ourt$plaster 4ust to the left of

the "i#ple in her hin- an unusual piee of o6uetry in whih Polly woul" not have in"ulge"- if

an al#ost invisible srath ha" not given her an e&use for "oing it. The white- "own$tri##e"

loa)- with ertain i#posing orna#ents on the hoo"- was assu#e" with beo#ing gravity an"

"rape" with #uh a"vaning an" retreating before the glass- as its wearer pratise" the true





She ertainly "i"- for she was tal)ing an" laughing in the gayest #anner with Fran) while

Sy"ney was overtly surveying Polly as if he "i" n't 6uite un"erstan" how the gray grub got so

su""enly transfor#e" into a white butterfly. It is a well$)nown fat that "ress plays a very

i#portant part in the lives of #ost wo#en an" even the #ost sensible annot help owning

so#eti#es how #uh happiness they owe to a beo#ing gown- graefully arrange" hair- or a

bonnet whih brings out the best points in their faes an" puts the# in a goo" hu#or. A great

#an was one hear" to say that what first attrate" hi# to his well$belove" wife was seeing her

in a white #uslin "ress with a blue shawl on the hair behin" her. The "ress aught his eye- an"-stopping to a"#ire that- the wearer's intelligent onversation intereste" his #in"- an" in ti#e-

the wo#an's sweetness won his heart. It is not the finest "ress whih "oes the #ost e&eution- I

fany- but that whih best interprets in"ivi"ual taste an" harater. +ise people un"erstan" this

an" everybo"y is #ore influene" by it than they )now- perhaps. Polly was not very wise- but

she felt that every one about her foun" so#ething #ore attrative than usual in her an"

#o"estly attribute" To#'s "evotion- Sy"ney's interest- an" Fran)'s un"isguise" a"#iration- to

the new bonnet or- #ore li)ely- to that "elightful o#bination of ash#ere- sil)- an" swan's$

"own- whih- li)e Charity's #antle- see#e" to over a #ultitu"e of sins in other people's eyes

an" e&alt the little #usi teaher to the ran) of a young la"y.

Polly soffe" at this sort of thing so#eti#es- but to$night she aepte" it without a #ur#urrather en4oye" it in fat- let her braelets shine before the eyes of all #en- an" felt that it was

goo" to see# o#ely in their sight. She forgot one thing- however< that her own happy spirits

gave the rowning har# to a piture whih every one li)e" to see a blithe young girl en4oying

herself with all her heart. The #usi an" the light- ostu#e an" o#pany- e&ite" Polly an"

#a"e #any things possible whih at #ost ti#es she woul" never have thought of saying or

"oing. She "i" not #ean to flirt- but so#ehow ,it flirte" itself, an" she oul" n't help it- for-

one starte"- it was har" to stop- with To# goa"ing her on- an" Sy"ney loo)ing at her with that

new interest in his eyes. Polly's flirting was suh a very #il" i#itation of the fashionable thing

that Tri& G Co. woul" not have reogni5e" it- but it "i" very well for a beginner- an" Pollyun"erstoo" that night wherein the fasination of it lay- for she felt as if she ha" foun" a new gift

all of a su""en- an" was learning how to use it- )nowing that it was "angerous- yet fin"ing its

hief har# in that very fat.

To# "i" n't )now what to #a)e of her at first- though he thought the hange uno##only

beo#ing an" finally "ei"e" that Polly ha" ta)en his a"vie an" was ,setting her ap for Sy"-,

as he graefully e&presse" it. Sy"ney- being a #o"est #an- thought nothing of the )in"- but

si#ply fanie" that little Polly was growing up to be a very har#ing wo#an. 3e ha" )nown

her sine her first visit an" ha" always li)e" the hil"/ this winter he ha" been intereste" in the

suess of her plans an" ha" "one what he oul" to help the#- but he never thought of failing in

love with Polly till that night. Then he began to feel that he ha" not fully appreiate" his youngfrien"/ that she was suh a bright an" lovable girl- it was a pity she shoul" not always be gay

an" pretty- an" en4oy herself/ that she woul" #a)e a apital wife for so#ebo"y- an" perhaps it

was about ti#e to thin) of ,settling-, as his sister often sai". These thoughts a#e an" went as

he wathe" the white figure in front- felt the enhant#ent of the #usi- an" foun" everybo"y

unusually blithe an" beautiful. 3e ha" hear" the opera #any ti#es- but it ha" never see#e" so

fine before- perhaps beause he ha" never happene" to have ha" an ingenuous young fae so

near hi# in whih the varying e#otions born of the #usi- an" the ro#ane it portraye"- a#e

an" went so elo6uently that it was i#possible to help rea"ing the#. Polly "i" not )now that this



was why he leane" "own so often to spea) to herwith an e&pression whih she "i" not

un"erstan" but li)e" very #uh nevertheless.

,*on't shut your eyes- Polly. They are so full of #ishief to$night- I li)e to see the#-, sai"

To#- after i"ly won"ering for a #inute if she )new how long an" urly her lashes were.

,I "on't wish to loo) affete"- but the #usi tells the story so #uh better than the ating that

I "on't are to loo) on half the ti#e-, answere" Polly- hoping To# woul" n't see the tears she

ha" so leverly suppresse".

,Now I li)e the ating best. The #usi is all very fine- I )now- but it "oes see# so absur" for people to go roun" telling tre#en"ous serets at the top of their voies. I an't get use" to it.,

,That's beause you've #ore o##on$sense than ro#ane. I "on't #in" the absur"ity- an"

6uite long to go an" o#fort that poor girl with the bro)en heart-, sai" Polly with a sigh as the

urtain fell on a #ost affeting tableau.

,+hat's$his$na#e is a great 4a) not to see that she a"ores hi#. In real life we fellows ain't

suh bats as all that-, observe" To#- who ha" "ei"e" opinions on #any sub4ets that he )new

very little about- an" e&presse" the# with great an"or.

A urious s#ile passe" over Polly's fae an" she put up her glass to hi"e her eyes- as she

sai"< ,I thin) you are bats so#eti#es- but wo#en are taught to wear #as)s- an" that aounts

for it- I suppose.,,I "on't agree. There's preious little #as)ing nowa"ays/ wish there was a little #ore

so#eti#es-, a""e" To#- thin)ing of several bloo#ing "a#sels whose beseehing eyes ha"

begge" hi# not to leave the# to wither on the parent ste#.

,I hope not- but I guess there's a goo" "eal #ore than any one woul" suspet.,

,+hat an you )now about bro)en hearts an" blighte" beings0, as)e" Sy"ney- s#iling at the

girl's pensive tone.

Polly glane" up at hi# an" her fae "i#ple" an" shone again- as she answere"- laughing<

,Not #uh/ #y ti#e is to o#e.,

,I an't i#agine you wal)ing about the worl" with your ba) hair "own- bewailing a har"$hearte" lover-, sai" To#.

,Neither an I. That woul" n't be #y way.,

,No/ 2iss Polly woul" let oneal#ent prey on her "a#as) hee)s an" still s#ile on in the

novel fashion- or turn sister of harity an" nurse the heartless lover through s#all$po&- or so#e

other ontagious "isease- an" "ie seraphially- leaving hi# to the agonies of re#orse an" tar"y

love.,

Polly gave Sy"ney an in"ignant loo) as he sai" that in a slow satirial way that nettle" her

very #uh- for she hate" to be thought senti#ental.

,That's not #y way either-, she sai" "ei"e"ly. ,I'" try to outlive it- an" if I oul" n't- I'" try

to be the better for it. *isappoint#ent nee" n't #a)e a wo#an a fool.,,Nor an ol" #ai"- if she's pretty an" goo". ;e#e#ber that- an" "on't visit the sins of one

blo)hea" on all the rest of #an)in"-, sai" To#- laughing at her earnestness.

,I "on't thin) there is the slightest possibility of 2iss Polly's being either-, a""e" Sy"ney

with a loo) whih #a"e it evi"ent that oneal#ent ha" not seriously "a#age" Polly's "a#as)

hee) as yet.

,There's Clara %ir". I have n't seen her but one sine she was #arrie". 3ow pretty she

loo)s1, an" Polly retire" behin" the big glass again- thin)ing the hat was beo#ing rather

personal.



,Now- there's a girl who trie" a "ifferent ure for unre6uite" affetion fro# any you #ention

People say she was fon" of %elle's brother. 3e "i" n't reiproate but went off to In"ia to spoil

his onstitution- so Clara #arrie" a #an twenty years ol"er than she is an" onsoles herself by

being the best$"resse" wo#an in the ity.,

,That aounts for it-, sai" Polly- when To#'s long whisper en"e".

,For what0,

,The tire" loo) in her eyes.,

,I "on't see it-, sai" To#- after a survey through the glass.,*i" n't e&pet you woul".,

,I see what you #ean. A goo" #any wo#en have it nowa"ays-, sai" Sy"ney over Polly's

shoul"er.

,+hat's she tire" of0 The ol" gentle#an0, as)e" To#.

,An" herself-, a""e" Polly.

,ou've been rea"ing Frenh novels- I )now you have. That's 4ust the way the heroines go

on-, rie" To#.

,I have n't rea" one- but it's evi"ent you have- young #an- an" you '" better stop.,

,I "on't are for'e#/ only "o it to )eep up #y Frenh. %ut how a#e you to be so wise-

#a'a#0,,bservation- sir. I li)e to wath faes- an" I sel"o# see a grown$up one that loo)s perfetly

happy.,

,True for you- Polly/ no #ore you "o- now I thin) of it. I "on't )now but one that always

loo)s so- an" there it is.,

,+here0, as)e" Polly- with interest.

,Loo) straight before you an" you'll see it.,

Polly "i" loo)- but all she saw was her own fae in the little #irror of the fan whih To#

hel" up an" peepe" over with a laugh in his eyes.

,*o I loo) happy0 I'# gla" of that-, An" Polly surveye" herself with are.%oth young #en thought it was girlish vanity an" s#ile" at its naive "isplay- but Polly was

loo)ing for so#ething "eeper than beauty an" was gla" not to fin" it.

,;ather a pleasant little prospet- hey- Polly0,

,2y bonnet is straight- an" that's all I are about. *i" you ever see a piture of %eau

%ru##el0, as)e" Polly 6ui)ly.

,No.,

,+ell- there he is- #o"erni5e"., An" turning the fan- she showe" hi# hi#self.

,Any #ore portraits in your gallery0, as)e" Sy"ney- as if he li)e" to share all the nonsense

going.

,ne #ore.,,+hat "o you all it0,

,The portrait of a gentle#an., An" the little glass reflete" a gratifie" fae for the spae of

two seon"s.

,Than) you. I'# gla" I "on't "isgrae #y na#e-, sai" Sy"ney- loo)ing "own into the #erry

blue eyes that than)e" hi# silently for #any of the s#all )in"nesses that wo#en never an

forget.

,Very goo"- Polly- you are getting on fast-, whispere" To#- patting his yellow )i"s

approvingly.

,%e 6uiet1 *ear #e- how war# it is1, An" Polly gave hi# a frown that "elighte" his soul.



,Co#e out an" have an ie- we shall have ti#e.,

,Fan is so absorbe"- I oul" n't thin) of "isturbing her-, sai" Polly- fanying that her frien"

was en4oying the evening as #uh as she was a great #ista)e- by the way- for Fan was ating

for effet- an" though she longe" to turn an" 4oin the#- woul" n't "o it- unless a ertain person

showe" signs of #issing her. 3e "i" n't- an" Fanny hatte" on- raging inwar"ly over her

"isappoint#ent- an" won"ering how Polly oul" be so gay an" selfish.

It was "eliious to see the little airs Polly put on- for she felt as if she were so#ebo"y else-

an" ating a part. She leane" ba)- as if 6uite oppresse" by the heat- per#itte" Sy"ney to fanher- an" pai" hi# for the servie by giving hi# a flower fro# her bou6uet- proee"ings whih

a#use" To# i##ensely- even while it pi6ue" hi# a little to be treate" li)e an ol" frien" who

"i" n't ount.

,!o in an" win- Polly/ I'll give you #y blessing-, he whispere"- as the urtain rose again.

,It's only part of the fun- so "on't you laugh- you "isrespetful boy-, she whispere" ba) in a

tone never use" towar" Sy"ney.

To# "i" n't 6uite li)e the "ifferent way in whih she treate" the#- an" the wor" ,boy,

"isturbe" his "ignity- for he was al#ost twenty$one an" Polly ought to treat hi# with #ore

respet. Sy"ney at the sa#e #o#ent was wishing he was in To#'s plae young- o#ely- an"

suh a fa#iliar frien" that Polly woul" sol" an" leture hi# in the "elightful way she "i" To#/while Polly forgot the# both when the #usi began an" left the# a#ple ti#e to loo) at her an"

thin) about the#selves.

+hile they waite" to get out when all was over Polly hear" Fan whisper to To#< ,+hat "o

you thin) Tri& will say to this0,

,+hat "o you #ean0,

,+hy- the way you've been going on to$night.,

,*on't )now- an" "on't are/ it's only Polly.,

,That's the very thing. She an't bear P.,

,+ell- I an/ an" I "on't see why I shoul" n't en4oy #yself as well as Tri&.,,ou'll get to en4oying yourself too #uh if you are n't areful. Polly's wa)e" up.,

,I'# gla" of it- an" so's Sy".,

,I only spo)e for your goo".,

,*on't trouble yourself about #e/ I get leturing enough in another 6uarter an" an't stan"

any #ore. Co#e- Polly.,

She too) the ar# he offere" her- but her heart was sore an" angry- for that phrase- ,It's only

Polly-, hurt her sa"ly. ,As if I was n't anybo"y- ha" n't any feelings- an" was only #a"e to

a#use or wor) for people1 Fan an" To# are both #ista)en an" I'll show the# that Polly is

awa)e-, she thought- in"ignantly. ,+hy shoul" n't I en4oy #yself as well as the rest0 %esi"es-

it's only To#-, she a""e" with a bitter s#ile as she thought of Tri&.,Are you tire"- Polly0, as)e" To#- ben"ing "own to loo) into her fae.

,es- of being nobo"y.,

,Ah- but you ain't nobo"y- you're Polly- an" you oul" n't better that if you trie" ever so

har"., sai" To#- war#ly- for he really was fon" of Polly- an" felt uno##only so 4ust then.

,I'# gla" you thin) so- anyway. It's so pleasant to be li)e"., An" she loo)e" up with her fae

6uite bright again.

,I always "i" li)e you- "on't you )now- ever sine that first visit.,

,%ut you tease" #e sha#efully- for all that.,

,So I "i"- but I "on't now.,



Polly "i" not answer- an" To# as)e"- with #ore an&iety than the oasion re6uire"< ,*o I-

Polly0,

,Not in the sa#e way- To#-, she answere" in a tone that "i" n't soun" 6uite natural.

,+ell- I never will again.,

,es- you will- you an't help it., An" Polly's eye glane" at Sy"ney- who was in front with

Fan.

To# laughe"- an" "rew Polly loser as the row" presse"- saying- with #o) ten"erness<

,*i" n't she li)e to be haffe" about her sweethearts0 +ell- she shan't be if I an help it. Poor"ear- "i" she get her little bonnet )no)e" into a o)e" hat an" her little te#per rile" at the

sa#e ti#e0,

Polly oul" n't help laughing- an"- in spite of the rush- en4oye" the slow 4ourney fro# seat

to arriage- for To# too) suh e&ellent are of her- she was rather sorry when it was over.

They ha" a #erry little supper after they got ho#e- an" Polly gave the# a burles6ue opera

that onvulse" her hearers- for her spirits rose again an" she was "eter#ine" to get the last "rop

of fun before she went ba) to her hu#"ru# life again.

,I've ha" a regularly splen"i" ti#e- an" than) you ever so #uh-, she sai" when the ,goo"$

nights, were being e&hange".

,So have I. Let's go an" "o it again to$#orrow-, sai" To#- hol"ing the han" fro# whih heha" helpe" to pull a refratory glove.

,Not for a long while- please. Too #uh pleasure woul" soon spoil #e-, answere" Polly-

sha)ing her hea".

,I "on't believe it. !oo"$night-'sweet 2istress 2ilton-' as Sy" alle" you. Sleep li)e an

angel- an" "on't "rea# of I forgot- no teasing allowe"., An" To# too) hi#self off with a

theatrial farewell.

,Now it's all over an" "one with-, thought Polly as she fell asleep after a long vigil. %ut it

was not- an" Polly's fun ost #ore than the prie of gloves an" bonnet- for- having nibble" at

forbi""en fruit- she ha" to pay the penalty. She only #eant to have a goo" ti#e- an" there wasno har# in that- but unfortunately she yiel"e" to the various s#all te#ptations that beset pretty

young girls an" "i" #ore #ishief to others than to herself. Fanny's frien"ship grew ooler after

that night. To# )ept wishing Tri& was half as satisfatory as Polly- an" 2r. Sy"ney began to

buil" astles that ha" no foun"ation.

Chapter (III. The Sunny Si"e

,I've won the wager- To#.,

,*i" n't )now there was one.,

,*on't you re#e#ber you sai" Polly woul" be tire" of her teahing an" give it up in three

#onths- an" I sai" she woul" n't0,,+ell- is n't she0,

,Not a bit of it. I thought she was at one ti#e- an" e&pete" every "ay to have her o#e in

with a long fae- an" say she oul" n't stan" it. %ut so#ehow- lately- she is always bright an"

happy- see#s to li)e her wor)- an" "on't have the tire"- worrie" loo) she use" to at first. The

three #onths are out- so pay up- To##y.,

,All right- what will you have0,

,ou #ay #a)e it gloves. I always nee" the#- an" papa loo)s sober when I want #oney .,

There was a #inute's pause as Fan returne" to her pratising- an" To# relapse" into the

reverie he was en4oying seate" astri"e of a hair- with his hin on his fol"e" ar#s.





,See#s to #e Polly "on't o#e here as often as she use" to-, he sai"- presently.

,No- she see#s to be very busy/ got so#e new frien"s- I believe- ol" la"ies- sewing$girls-

an" things of that sort. I #iss her- but )now she'll get tire" of being goo"y- an" will o#e ba)

to #e before long.,

,*on't be too sure of that- #a'a#., So#ething in To#'s tone #a"e Fan turn roun"- an" as)-

,+hat "o you #ean0,

,+ell- it stri)es #e that Sy"ney is one of Polly's new frien"s. 3ave n't you observe" that she

is uno##only 4olly- an" "on't that sort of thing aount for it0,,Nonsense1, sai" Fanny- sharply.

,3ope it is-, oolly returne" To#.

,+hat put it into your hea"0, "e#an"e" Fanny- twirling roun" again so that her fae was

hi""en.

,h- well- I )eep #eeting Sy" an" Polly irulating in the sa#e "iretions/ she loo)s as if

she ha" foun" so#ething uno##only nie- an" he loo)s as if all reation was getting Pollyfie"

pretty rapi"ly. +on"er you have n't observe" it.,

,I have.,

It was To#'s turn to loo) surprise" now- for Fanny's voie soun"e" strange to hi#. 3e

loo)e" at her stea"ily for a #inute- but saw only a rosy ear an" a bent hea". A lou" passe" overhis fae- an" he leane" his hin on his ar# again with a "espon"ent whistle- as he sai" to

hi#self- ,Poor Fan1 %oth of us in a srape at one.,

,*on't you thin) it woul" be a goo" thing0, as)e" Fanny- after playing a bar or two- very

ba"ly.

,es- for Sy".,

,Not for Polly0 +hy- he's rih- an" lever- an" better than #ost of you goo"$for$nothing

fellows. +hat an the girl e&pet0,

,Can't say- but I "on't fany the #ath #yself.,

,*on't be a "og in the #anger- To#., ,%less your little heart- I only ta)e a brotherly sort ofinterest in Polly. She's a apital girl- an" she ought to #arry a #issionary- or one of your

refor#er fellows- an" be a shining light of so#e sort. I "on't thin) setting up for a fine la"y

woul" suit her.,

,I thin) it woul"- an" I hope she'll have the hane-, sai" Fanny- evi"ently #a)ing an effort

to spea) )in"ly.

,!oo" for you- Fan1, an" To# gave an e#phati no"- as if her wor"s #eant #ore than she

suspete" ,2in" you-, he a""e"- ,I "on't )now anything- an" only fanie" there #ight be so#e

little flirtation going on. %ut I "are say it's nothing.,

,Ti#e will show., Then Fan began to sing- an" To#'s horse a#e- so he "eparte" with the

very unusual "e#onstration of a gentle pat on the hea"- as he sai" )in"ly- ,That's right- #y "ear)eep 4olly., It was n't an elegant way of e&pressing sy#pathy- but it was hearty- an" Fan than)e"

hi# for it- though she only sai"- ,*on't brea) your ne)- To##y.,

+hen he was gone- Fan's song en"e" as su""enly as it began- an" she sat thin)ing- with

varying e&pressions of "oubt an" trouble passing rapi"ly aross her fae.

,+ell- I an't "o anything but wait1, she sai"- at last- sla##ing the #usi$boo) together with

a "esperate loo). ,es- I an-, she a""e"- a #inute after- ,it's Polly's holi"ay. I an go an" see

her- an" if there is anything in it I shall fin" it out.,





Fanny "roppe" her fae into her han"s- with a little shiver- as she sai" that/ then got up-

loo)ing as pale an" resolute as if going to #eet so#e "rea"ful "oo#- an" putting on her things-

went away to Polly's as fast as her "ignity woul" allow.

Satur"ay #orning was Polly's learing$up "ay- an" Fan foun" her with a han")erhief tie"

over her hea"- an" a big apron on- 4ust putting the last touhes to the ti"y little roo#- whih was

as fresh an" bright as water- air- an" a pair of han"s oul" #a)e it.

,All rea"y for o#pany. I'll 4ust whis) off #y regi#entals- an" Polly- the #ai"- beo#es

Polly- the #issis. It was lovely of you to o#e early/ ta)e off your things. Another new bonnet0you e&travagant wreth1 3ow is your #other an" 2au"ie0 It's a nie "ay- an" we'll have a wal)-

won't we0,

%y the ti#e Polly's welo#e was uttere"- she ha" got Fan on the little sofa besi"e her- an"

was s#iling at her in suh an infetious #anner- that Fan oul" n't help s#iling ba).

,I a#e to see what you have been "oing with yourself lately. ou "on't o#e an" report-

an" I got an&ious about you-, sai" Fanny- loo)ing into the lear eyes before her.

,I've been so busy/ an" I )new you woul" n't are to hear about #y "oings- for they are n't

the sort you li)e-, answere" Polly.

,our lessons "i" n't use to ta)e up all your ti#e. It's #y private opinion that you are ta)ing

as well as giving lessons- #iss-, sai" Fan- putting on a playfully stern air- to hi"e her realan&iety.

,es- I a#-, answere" Polly- soberly.

,In what0 Love0,

A 6ui) olor a#e to Polly's hee)s- as she laughe"- an" sai"- loo)ing away- ,No

frien"ship an" goo" wor)s.,

,h- in"ee"1 2ay I as) who is your teaher0,

,I've #ore than one/ but 2iss 2ills is hea" teaher.,

,She instruts in goo" wor)s/ who gives the frien"ship lessons0,

,Suh pleasant girls1 I wish you )new the#- Fan. So lever- an" energeti- an" )in"- an"happy- it always "oes #e goo" to see the#-, rie" Polly- with a fae full of enthusias#.

,Is that all0, An" Fan gave her a urious loo) of #ingle" "isappoint#ent an" relief.

,There- I tol" you #y "oings woul" not interest youan" they "on't/ they soun" flat an"

prosy after your brilliant a"ventures. Let 's hange the sub4et-, sai" Polly- loo)ing relieve"

herself.

,*ear #e- whih of our sweethearts sen"s us "ainty bou6uets of violets so early in the

#orning0, as)e" Fanny- su""enly spying the purple luster in a graeful little vase on the piano.

,3e sen"s #e one every wee)/ he )nows I love the# so-, an" Polly's eyes turne" that way

full of pri"e an" pleasure.

,I'" no i"ea he was so "evote"-, sai" Fanny- stooping to s#ell the flowers- an" at the sa#eti#e rea" a ar" that lay near the#.

,ou nee" n't plague #e about it- now you )now it. I never spea) of our fon"ness for one

another- beause suh things see# silly to other people. +ill is n't all that :i##y was to #e/ but

he tries to bean" I love hi# "early for it.,

,+ill0, Fanny's voie 6uite startle" Polly- it was so sharp an" su""en- an" her fae grew re"

an" pale all in a #inute- as she upset the little vase with the start she gave.

,es- of ourse/ who "i" you thin) I #eant0, as)e" Polly- sopping up the water before it

"a#age" her piano.



,Never #in"/ I thought you #ight be having a 6uiet little flirtation with so#ebo"y. I feel

responsible- you )now- beause I tol" your #other I'" loo) after you. The flowers are all right.

2y hea" ahes so- I har"ly )now what I'# "oing this #orning.,

Fanny spo)e fast- an" laughe" uno#fortably- as she went ba) to the sofa- won"ering if

Polly ha" tol" her a lie. Polly see#e" to guess at her thoughts as she saw the ar"- an" turning

towar" her- she hel" it up- saying- with a onsious loo) in her eyes- ,ou thought 2r. Sy"ney

sent the#0 +ell- you are #ista)en- an" the ne&t ti#e you want to )now anything- please as)

straight out. I li)e it better than tal)ing at ross purposes.,,Now- #y "ear- "on't be angry/ I was only teasing you in fun. To# too) it into his foolish

hea" that so#ething was going on- an" I felt a natural interest- you )now.,

,To#1 +hat "oes he )now or are about #y affairs0, "e#an"e" Polly.

,3e #et you two in the street pretty often- an" being in a senti#ental #oo" hi#self- got up a

ro#ane for you an" Sy"ney.,

,I'# #uh oblige" to hi# for his interest- but it's 6uite waste"- than) you.,

Fan's ne&t proee"ing gave her frien" another surprise- for- being rather asha#e" of herself-

very #uh relieve"- an" 6uite at a loss what to say- she too) refuge in an hysterial fit of tears-

whih hange" Polly's anger into ten"erness at one.

,Is that the trouble she has been hi"ing all winter0 Poor "ear- I wish I'" )nown it sooner-,thought Polly- as she trie" to soothe her with o#fortable pats- sniffs of ologne an"

sy#pathi5ing re#ar)s upon the sub4et of hea"ahe- arefully ignoring that other fe#inine

afflition- the heartahe.

,There- I feel better. I've been nee"ing a goo" ry for so#e ti#e- an" now I shall be all right.

Never #in" it- Polly- I'# nervous an" tire"/ I've "ane" too #uh lately- an" "yspepsia #a)es

#e blue/, an" Fanny wipe" her eyes an" laughe".

,f ourse it "oes/ you nee" rest an" petting- an" here I've been sol"ing you- when I ought

to have been e&tra )in". Now tell #e what I an "o for you-, sai" Polly- with a re#orseful fae.

,Tal) to #e- an" tell #e all about yourself. ou "on't see# to have as #any worries as other people. +hat's the seret- Polly0, An" Fan loo)e" up with wet eyes- an" a wistful fae at Polly

who was putting little "abs of ologne all over her hea".

,+ell-, sai" Polly- slowly- ,I 4ust try to loo) on the bright si"e of things/ that helps one

a#a5ingly. +hy- you've no i"ea how #uh goo"ness an" sunshine you an get out of the #ost

unpro#ising things- if you #a)e the best of the#.,

,I "on't )now how-, sai" Fan- "espon"ently.

,ou an learn/ I "i". I use" to roa) an" fret "rea"fully- an" get so unhappy- I was n't fit for

anything. I "o it still #ore than I ought- but I try not to- an" it gets easier- I fin". !et a$top of

your troubles- an" then they are half ure"- 2iss 2ills says.,

,8verything is so ontrary an" provo)ing-, sai" Fanny- petulantly.,Now what in the worl" have you to fret about0, as)e" Polly- rather an&iously.

,?uantities of things-, began Fan- an" then stoppe"- for so#ehow she felt asha#e" to own

that she was afflite" beause she oul" n't have a new set of furs- go to Paris in the spring- an"

#a)e 2r. Sy"ney love her. She hunte" up so#ething #ore presentable- an" sai" in a "espairing

tone- ,+ell- #other is very poorly- To# an" Tri& 6uarrel all the ti#e- 2au" gets #ore an" #ore

wilful every "ay- an" papa is worrie" about his affairs.,

,A sa" state of things- but nothing very "esperate. Can't you len" a han" anywhere0 That

#ight "o goo" all roun".,

,No/ I have n't the talent for #anaging people- but I see what ought to be "one.,



,+ell- "on't wail about it/ )eep yourself happy- if you an/ it will help other people to see

you heerful.,

,:ust what To# sai"-'9eep 4olly'/ but- "ear #e- how an one- when everything is so stupi"

an" tireso#e0,

,If ever a girl nee"e" wor)- it's you1, rie" Polly. ,ou began to be a young la"y so early

that you are tire" of everything at twenty$two. I wish you'" go at so#ething- then you'" fin"

how #uh talent an" energy you really ha".,

,I )now ever so #any girls who are 4ust li)e #e- si) to "eath of fashionable life but "on't)now what to ta)e in its plae. I'" li)e to travel/ but papa says he an't affor" it- so I an only

"rag about an" get on as I #ay.,

,I pity you rih girls so #uh- you have so #any opportunities- an" "on't see# to )now how

to use the#1 I suppose I shoul" "o 4ust the sa#e in your plae- but it see#s now as if I oul" be

very happy an" useful with plenty of #oney.,

,ou are that without it. There- I won't roa) any #ore. Let us go an" ta)e a goo" wal)- an"

"on't you tell any one how I a#e an" rie" li)e a baby.,

,Never1, sai" Polly- putting on her bonnet.

,I ought to go an" #a)e alls-, sai" Fanny- ,but I "on't feel now as if I ever wante" to see

any of the girls again. *rea"ful state of #in"- is n't it0,,Suppose you o#e an" see so#e of #y frien"s instea"1 They are not fine or ere#onious-

but lively- o""- an" pleasant. Co#e- it will a#use you.,

,I will-, rie" Fanny- whose spirits see#e" i#prove" by the shower. ,Nie little ol" la"y- is

n't she0, a""e" Fan- as she aught sight of 2iss 2ills- on their way out- sitting at a table pile"

with wor)- an" sewing away with an energy that #a"e the gray urls vibrate.

,Saint 2ehitable- I all her. Now- there is a rih wo#an who )new how to get happiness out

of her #oney-, sai" Polly- as they wal)e" away. ,She was poor till she was nearly fifty/ then a

o#fortable fortune was left her- an" she )new 4ust how to use it. That house was given her- but

instea" of living in it all alone- she fille" it with poor gentlefol)s who nee"e" neat- respetableho#es- but oul" n't get anything o#fortable for their little #oney. I'# one of the#- an" I

)now the worth of what she "oes for #e. Two ol" wi"ow la"ies live below #e- several stu"ents

overhea"- poor 2rs. 9ean an" her la#e boy have the ba) parlor- an" :enny the little be"roo#

ne&t 2iss 2ills. 8ah pays what they an/ that's in"epen"ent- an" #a)es us feel better but that

"ear wo#an "oes a thousan" things that #oney an't pay for- an" we feel her influene all

through the house. I'" rather be #arrie"- an" have a ho#e of #y own/ but ne&t to that- I shoul"

li)e to be an ol" #ai" li)e 2iss 2ills.,

Polly's sober fae an" e#phati tone #a"e Fanny laugh- an" at the heery soun" a young girl

pushing a baby$arriage loo)e" roun" an" s#ile".

+hat lovely eyes1, whispere" Fanny.es- that's little :ane-, returne" Polly- a""ing- when she ha" passe"- with a no" an" a frien"ly

,*on't get tire"- :enny-, ,we help one another at our house- an" every fine #orning :enny ta)es

:ohnny 9ean out when she goes for her own wal). That gives his #other ti#e to rest- "oes both

the hil"ren goo"- an" )eeps things neighborly. 2iss 2ills suggeste" it- an" :enny is so gla" to

"o anything for anybo"y- it's a pleasure to let her.,

,I've hear" of 2iss 2ills before. %ut I shoul" thin) she woul" get tire" to "eath- sitting there

#a)ing hoo"s an" pettioats "ay after "ay-, sai" Fanny- after thin)ing over :enny's story for a

few #inutes- for seeing the girl see#e" to bring it nearer- an" #a)e it #ore real to her.



,%ut she "on't sit there all the ti#e. People o#e to her with their troubles- an" she goes to

the# with all sorts of help- fro# soap an" soup- to shrou"s for the "ea" an" o#fort for the

living. I go with her so#eti#es- an" it is #ore e&iting than any play- to see an" hear the lives

an" stories of the poor.,

,3ow an you bear the "rea"ful sights an" soun"s- the ba" air- an" the poverty that an't be

ure"0,

,%ut it is n't all "rea"ful. There are goo" an" lovely things a#ong the#- if one only has eyes

to see the#. It #a)es #e grateful an" ontente"- shows #e how rih I a#- an" )eeps #e rea"yto "o all I an for these poor souls.,

,2y goo" Polly1, an" Fanny gave her frien"s ar# an affetionate s6uee5e- won"ering if it

was this alone that ha" wor)e" the hange in Polly.

,ou have seen two of #y new frien"s- 2iss 2ills an" :enny- now I'll show you two #ore-,

sai" Polly- presently- as they reahe" a "oor- an" she le" the way up several flights of publi

stairs. ,;ebea :effrey is a regularly splen"i" girl- full of talent/ she won't let us all it genius/

she will be fa#ous so#e "ay- I )now- she is so #o"est- an" yet so intent on her wor). Li55ie

S#all is an engraver- an" "esigns the #ost "elightful little pitures. %e)y an" she live together-

an" ta)e are of one another in true *a#on an" Pythias style. This stu"io is their ho#e- they

wor)- eat- sleep- an" live here- going halves in everything. They are all alone in the worl"- butas happy an" in"epen"ent as bir"s/ real frien"s- who# nothing will part.,

,Let a lover o#e between the#- an" their frien"ship won't last long-, sai" Fanny.

,I thin) it will. Ta)e a loo) at the#- an" you'll hange your #in"-, answere" Polly- tapping

at a "oor- on whih two #o"est ar"s were ta)e".

,Co#e in1, sai" a voie- an" obeying- Fanny foun" herself in a large- 6ueerly furnishe"

roo#- lighte" fro# above- an" oupie" by two girls. ne stoo" before a great lay figure- in a

orner. This one was tall- with a strong fae- )een eyes- short- urly hair- an" a fine hea". Fanny

was stru) at one by this fae an" figure- though the one was not han"so#e- an" the other half

hi""en by a great pinafore overe" with lay. At a table where the light was learest- sat a frail$loo)ing girl- with a thin fae- big eyes- an" pale hair- a "rea#y- absorbe" little person- who bent

over a blo)- s)illfully wiel"ing her tools.

,%e)y an" %ess- how "o you "o0 This is #y frien"- Fanny Shaw. +e are out on a ra#page/

so go on with your wor)- an" let us la5y ones loo) on an" a"#ire.,

As Polly spo)e- both girls loo)e" up an" no""e"- s#ilingly/ %ess gave Fan the one easy$

hair/ %e)y too) an artisti survey of the new$o#er- with eyes that see#e" to see everything/

then eah went on with her wor)- an" all began to tal).

,ou are 4ust what I want- Polly. Pull up your sleeve- an" give #e an ar# while you sit/ the

#usles here are n't right- an" you've got 4ust what I want-, sai" %e)y- slapping the roun" ar#

of the statue- at whih Fan was ga5ing with awe.,3ow "o you get on0, as)e" Polly- throwing off her loa)- an" rolling up her sleeves- as if

going to washing.

,Slowly. The i"ea is wor)ing itself lear- an" I follow as fast as #y han"s an. Is the fae

better- "o you thin)0, sai" %e)y- ta)ing off a wet loth- an" showing the hea" of the statue.

,3ow beautiful it is1, rie" Fanny- staring at it with inrease" respet.

,+hat "oes it #ean to you0, as)e" ;ebea- turning to her with a su""en shine in her )een

eyes.



,I "on't )now whether it is #eant for a saint or a #use- a go""ess or a fate/ but to #e it is

only a beautiful wo#an- bigger- lovelier- an" #ore i#posing than any wo#an I ever saw-,

answere" Fanny- slowly- trying to e&press the i#pression the statue #a"e upon her.

;ebea s#ile" brightly- an" %ess loo)e" roun" to no" approvingly- but Polly lappe" her

han"s- an" sai"- ,+ell "one- Fan1 I "i" n't thin) you'" get the i"ea so well- but you have- an" I

'# prou" of your insight. Now I'll tell you- for %e)y will let #e- sine you have pai" her the

o#pli#ent of un"erstan"ing her wor). So#e ti#e ago we got into a fa#ous tal) about what

wo#en shoul" bean" %e)y sai" she'" show us her i"ea of the o#ing wo#an. There she is- asyou say- bigger- lovelier- an" #ore i#posing than any we see nowa"ays/ an" at the sa#e ti#e-

she is a true wo#an. See what a fine forehea"- yet the #outh is both fir# an" ten"er- as if it

oul" say strong- wise things- as well as teah hil"ren an" )iss babies. +e oul" n't "ei"e

what to put in the han"s as the #ost appropriate sy#bol. +hat "o you say0,

,!ive her a septre< she woul" #a)e a fine 6ueen-, answere" Fanny.

,No- we have ha" enough of that/ wo#en have been alle" 6ueens a long ti#e- but the

)ing"o# given the# is n't worth ruling-, answere" ;ebea.

,I "on't thin) it is nowa"ays-, sai" Fanny- with a tire" sort of sigh.

,Put a #an's han" in hers to help her along- then-, sai" Polly- whose happy fortune it ha"

been to fin" frien"s an" helpers in father an" brothers.,No/ #y wo#an is to stan" alone- an" help herself-, sai" ;ebea- "ei"e"ly.

,She's to be strong$#in"e"- is she0, an" Fanny's lip urle" a little as she uttere" the #isuse"

wor"s.

,es- strong$#in"e"- strong$hearte"- strong$soule"- an" strong$bo"ie"/ that is why I #a"e

her larger than the #iserable- pinhe"$up wo#an of our "ay. Strength an" beauty #ust go

together. *on't you thin) these broa" shoul"ers an bear bur"ens without brea)ing "own- these

han"s wor) well- these eyes see learly- an" these lips "o so#ething besi"es si#per an"

gossip0,

Fanny was silent/ but a voie fro# %ess's orner sai"- ,Put a hil" in her ar#s- %e)y.,,Not that even- for she is to be so#ething #ore than a nurse.,

,!ive her a ballot$bo&-, rie" a new voie- an" turning roun"- they saw an o""$loo)ing

wo#an perhe" on a sofa behin" the#.

,Than) you for the suggestion- 9ate. I'll put that with the other sy#bols at her feet/ for I'#

going to have nee"le- pen- palette- an" broo# so#ewhere- to suggest the various talents she

owns- an" the ballot$bo& will show that she has earne" the right to use the#. 3ow goes it0, an"

;ebea offere" a lay$"aube" han"- whih the new$o#er or"ially shoo).

,!reat news- girls1 Anna is going to Italy1, rie" 9ate- tossing up her bonnet li)e a shool$

boy.

,h- how splen"i"1 +ho ta)es her0 3as she ha" a fortune left her0 Tell all about it-,e&lai#e" the girls- gathering roun" the spea)er.

,es- it is splen"i"/ 4ust one of the beautiful things that "oes everybo"y heaps of goo"- it is

so generous an" so "eserve". ou )now Anna has been longing to go/ wor)ing an" hoping for a

hane- an" never getting it- till all of a su""en 2iss %urton is inspire" to invite the girl to go

with her for several years to Italy. Thin) of the lu) of that "ear soul- the a"vantages she'll have-

the goo" it will "o her- an"- best of all- the lovely way in whih it o#es to her. 2iss %urton

wants- her as a frien"- as)s nothing of her but her o#pany- an" Anna will go through fire an"

water for her- of ourse. Now- is n't that fine0,



It was goo" to see how heartily these girls sy#pathi5e" in their o#ra"e's goo" fortune.

Polly "ane" all over the roo#- %ess an" %e)y hugge" one another- an" 9ate laughe" with her

eyes full- while even Fanny felt a glow of- pri"e an" pleasure at the )in" at.

,+ho is that0, she whispere" to Polly- who ha" subsi"e" into a orner.

,+hy- it Is 9ate 9ing- the authoress. %less #e- how ru"e not to intro"ue you1 3ere- #y

9ing- is an a"#irer of yours- Fanny Shaw- an" #y well belove" frien"-, rie" Polly- presenting

Fan- who regar"e" the shabby young wo#an with as #uh respet- as if she ha" been arraye" in

velvet an" er#ine/ for 9ate ha" written a suessful boo) by ai"ent- an" happene" to be thefashion- 4ust then.

,It's ti#e for lunh- girls- an" I brought #ine along with #e- it's so #uh 4ollier to eat in

sisterhoo". Let's lub together- an" have a revel-, sai" 9ate- pro"uing a bag of oranges- an"

several big- plu##y buns.

,+e've got sar"ines- ra)ers- an" heese-, sai" %ess- learing off a table with all spee".

,+ait a bit- an" I'll a"" #y share-, rie" Polly- an" athing up her loa)- she ran off to the

groery store near by.

,ou'll be sho)e" at our perfor#anes- 2iss Shaw- but you an all it a pini- an" never

tell what "rea"ful things you saw us "o-, sai" ;ebea- polishing a paint )nife by rubbing it up

an" "own in a pot of ivy- while 9ate sprea" forth the feast in several o"" plates- an" a flat shellor two.

,Let us have offee to finish off with/ put on the pot- %ess- an" s)i# the #il)-, a""e" %e)y

as she pro"ue" ups- #ugs- an" a 6ueer little vase- to supply "rin)ing vessels for the party.

,3ere's nuts- a pot of 4a#- an" so#e a)e. Fan li)es sweet things- an" we want to be elegant

when we have o#pany-, sai" Polly- flying in again- an" "epositing her share on the table.

,Now- then- fall to- la"ies- an" help yourselves. Never #in" if the hina "on't hol" out/ ta)e

the sar"ines by their little tails- an" wipe your fingers on #y brown$paper nap)ins-, sai" 9ate-

setting the e&a#ple with suh a relish- that the others followe" it in a gale of #erri#ent.

Fanny ha" been to #any elegant lunhes- but never en4oye" one #ore than that "roll piniin the stu"io/ for there was a free"o# about it that was har#ing- an artisti flavor to

everything- an" suh a spirit of goo"$will an" gayety- that she felt at ho#e at one. As they ate-

the others tal)e" an" she listene"- fin"ing it as interesting as any ro#ane to hear these young

wo#en "isuss their plans- a#bitions- suesses- an" "efeats. It was a new worl" to her- an"

they see#e" a "ifferent rae of reatures fro# the girls whose lives were spent in "ress- gossip-

pleasure- or ennui. They were girls still- full of spirits fun- an" youth/ but below the light$

hearte"ness eah herishe" a purpose- whih see#e" to ennoble her wo#anhoo"- to give her a

ertain power- a sustaining satisfation- a "aily sti#ulus- that le" her on to "aily effort- an" in

ti#e to so#e suess in iru#stane or harater- whih was worth all the patiene- hope- an"

labor of her life.Fanny was 4ust then in the #oo" to feel the beauty of this- for the sinerest e#otion she ha"

ever )nown was beginning to #a)e her "issatisfie" with herself- an" the ai#less life she le".

,2en #ust respet suh girls as these-, she thought/ ,yes- an" love the# too- for in spite of their

in"epen"ene- they are wo#anly. I wish I ha" a talent to live for- if it woul" "o as #uh for #e

as it "oes for the#. It is this sort of thing that is i#proving Polly- that #a)es her soiety

interesting to Sy"ney- an" herself so "ear to every one. 2oney an't buy these things for #e-

an" I want the# very #uh.,

As these thoughts were passing through her #in"- Fanny was hearing all sorts of topis

"isusse" with fe#inine enthusias# an" fran)ness. Art- #orals- politis- soiety- boo)s



religion- house)eeping- "ress- an" eono#y- for the #in"s an" tongues rove" fro# sub4et to

sub4et with youthful rapi"ity- an" see#e" to get so#ething fro# the "ryest an" the "ullest.

,3ow "oes the new boo) o#e on0, as)e" Polly- su)ing her orange in publi with a

o#posure whih woul" have san"ali5e" the goo" la"ies of ,Cranfor".,

,%etter than it "eserves. 2y hil"ren- beware of popularity/ it is a "elusion an" a snare/ it

puffeth up the heart of #an- an" espeially of wo#an/ it blin"eth the eyes to faults/ it e&alteth

un"uly the hu#ble powers of the viti#/ it is apt to be apriious- an" 4ust as one gets to li)ing

the taste of this into&iating "raught- it su""enly faileth- an" one is left gasping- li)e a fish outof water-, an" 9ate e#phasi5e" her speeh by spearing a sar"ine with a pen)nife- an" eating it

with a groan.

,It won't hurt you #uh- I guess/ you have wor)e" an" waite" so long- a large "ose will "o

you goo"-, sai" ;ebea- giving her a generous spoonful of 4a#- as if eager to a"" as #uh

sweetness as possible to a life that ha" not been an easy one.

,+hen are you an" %e)y going to "issolve partnership0, as)e" Polly- eager for news of all.

,Never1 !eorge )nows he an't have one without the other- an" has not suggeste" suh a

thing as parting us. There is always roo# in #y house for %e)y- an" she lets #e "o as she

woul" if she was in #y plae-, answere" %ess- with a loo) whih her frien" answere" by a

s#ile.,The lover won't separate this pair of frien"s- you see-, whispere" Polly to Fan. ,%ess is to

be #arrie" in the spring- an" %e)y is to live with her.,

,%y the way- Polly- I've got so#e ti)ets for you. People are always sen"ing #e suh things-

an" as I "on't are for the#- I'# gla" to #a)e the# over to you young an" gi""y infants. There

are passes for the statuary e&hibition- %e)y shall have those- here are the onert ti)ets for

you- #y #usial girl/ an" that is for a ourse of letures on literature- whih I'll )eep for

#yself.,

As 9ate "ealt out the olore" ar"s to the grateful girls- Fanny too) a goo" loo) at her-

won"ering if the ti#e woul" ever o#e when wo#en oul" earn a little #oney an" suesswithout paying suh a heavy prie for the#/ for 9ate loo)e" si)- tire"- an" too early ol". Then

her eye went to the unfinishe" statue- an" she sai"- i#pulsively- ,I hope you'll put that in

#arble- an" show us what we ought to be.,

,I wish I oul"1, An" an intense "esire shone in ;ebea's fae- as she saw her faulty wor)-

an" felt how fair her #o"el was.

For a #inute- the five young wo#en sat silent loo)ing up at the beautiful- strong figure

before the#- eah longing to see it "one- an" eah unonsious that she was helping- by her

in"ivi"ual effort an" e&periene- to bring the "ay when their noblest i"eal of wo#anhoo"

shoul" be e#bo"ie" in flesh an" bloo"- not lay.

The ity bells rung one- an" Polly starte" up.,I #ust go- for I pro#ise" a neighbor of #ine a lesson at two.,

,I thought this was a holi"ay-, sai" Fanny.

,So it is- but this is a little labor of love- an" "oes n't spoil the "ay at all. The hil" has talent-

loves #usi- an" nee"s help. I an't give her #oney - but I an teah her/ so I "o- an" she is the

#ost pro#ising pupil I have. 3elp one another- is part of the religion of our sisterhoo"- Fan.,

,I #ust put you in a story- Polly. I want a heroine- an" you will "o-, sai" 9ate.

,2e1 why- there never was suh a hu#"ru#- unro#anti thing as I a#-, rie" Polly- a#a5e".

,I've boo)e" you- nevertheless- so in you go/ but you #ay a"" as #uh ro#ane as you li)e-

it's ti#e you "i".,







,I'# rea"y for it when it o#es- but it an't be fore"- you )now-, an" Polly blushe" an"

s#ile" as if so#e little spie of that "elightful thing ha" stolen into her life- for all its prosai

see#ing.

Fanny was a#use" to see that the girls "i" not )iss at parting- but shoo) han"s in a 6uiet-

frien"ly fashion- loo)ing at one another with eyes that sai" #ore than the #ost ,gushing,

wor"s.

,I li)e your frien"s very #uh- Polly. I was afrai" I shoul" fin" the# #annish an" rough- or

senti#ental an" oneite". %ut they are si#ple- sensible reatures- full of talent- an" all sorts offine things. I a"#ire an" respet the#- an" want to go again- if I #ay.,

,h- Fan- I a# so gla"1 I hope" you'" li)e the#- I )new they'" "o you goo"- an" I'll ta)e you

any ti#e- for you stoo" the test better than I e&pete". %e)y as)e" #e to bring you again- an"

she sel"o# "oes that for fashionable young la"ies- let #e tell you.,

,I want to be ever so #uh better- an" I thin) you an" they #ight show #e how-, sai" Fanny

with a traitorous tre#ble in her voie.

,+e'll show you the sunny si"e of poverty an" wor)- an" that is a useful lesson for any one-

2iss 2ills says-, answere" Polly- hoping that Fan woul" learn how #uh the poor an teah the

rih- an" what helpful frien"s girls #ay be to one another.

Chapter (IV. Nippe" in the %u"

n the evening of Fan's visit- Polly sat "own before her fire with a resolute an" thoughtful

aspet. She pulle" her hair "own- turne" her s)irt ba)- put her feet on the fen"er- an" too)

Puttel into her lap- all of whih arrange#ents signifie" that so#ething very i#portant ha" got to

be thought over an" settle". Polly "i" not solilo6ui5e alou"- as heroines on the stage an" in

boo)s have a way of "oing- but the onversation she hel" with herself was very #uh li)e this<

,I'# afrai" there is so#ething in it. I've trie" to thin) it's nothing but vanity or i#agination- yet Ian't help seeing a "ifferene- an" feeling as if I ought not to preten" that I "on't. I )now it's

onsi"ere" proper for girls to shut their eyes an" let things o#e to a risis no #atter how #uh

#ishief is "one. %ut I "on't thin) it's "oing as we'" be "one by- an" it see#s a great "eal #ore

honest to show a #an that you "on't love hi# before he has entirely lost his heart. The girls

laughe" at #e when I sai" so- an" they "elare" that it woul" be a very i#proper thing to "o-

but I've observe" that they "on't hesitate to snub'ineligible parties-' as they all poor- very

young- or unpopular #en. It's all right then- but when a nie person o#es it's part of the fun to

let hi# go on to the very en"- whether the girls are for hi# or not. The #ore proposals- the

#ore re"it. Fan says Tri& always as)s when she o#es ho#e after the su##er

e&ursions-'3ow #any bir"s have you bagge"0' as if #en were partri"ges. +hat wi)e"reatures we are1 so#e of us at least. I won"er why suh a love of on6uest was put into us0

2other says a great "eal of it is owing to ba" e"uation nowa"ays- but so#e girls see# born for

the e&press purpose of #a)ing trouble an" woul" #anage to "o it if they live" in a howling

wil"erness. I'# afrai" I've got a spie of it- an" if I ha" the hane- shoul" be as ba" as any of

the#. I've trie" it an" li)e" it- an" #aybe this is the onse6uene of that night's fun.,

3ere Polly leane" ba) an" loo)e" up at the little #irror over the hi#ney$piee- whih was

hung so that it reflete" the faes of those about the fire. In it Polly saw a pair of telltale eyes

loo)ing out fro# a tangle of bright brown hair- hee)s that flushe" an" "i#ple" su""enly as the

fresh #outh s#ile" with an e&pression of onsious power- half prou"- half asha#e"- an" as



pretty to see as the o6uettish gesture with whih she s#oothe" ba) her urls an" flourishe" a

white han". For a #inute she regar"e" the pleasant piture while visions of girlish ro#anes

an" triu#phs "ane" through her hea"- then she shoo) her hair all over her fae an" pushe" her

hair out of range of the #irror- saying- with a "roll #i&ture of self$reproah an" self$approval

in her tone/ ,h- Puttel- Puttel- what a fool I a#1,

Puss appeare" to en"orse the senti#ent by a lou" purr an" a graeful wave of her tail- an"

Polly returne" to the sub4et fro# whih these little vanities ha" beguile" her.

,:ust suppose it is true- that he "oes as) #e- an" I say yes1 +hat a stir it woul" #a)e- an"what fun it woul" be to see the faes of the girls when it a#e out1 They all thin) a great "eal of

hi# beause he is so har" to please- an" al#ost any of the# woul" feel i##ensely flattere" if

he li)e" the#- whether they hose to #arry hi# or not. Tri& has trie" for years to fasinate hi#-

an" he an't bear her- an" I'# so gla"1 +hat a spiteful thing I a#. +ell- I an't help it- she "oes

aggravate #e so1, An" Polly gave the at suh a twea) of the ear that Puttel boune" out of her

lap in high "u"geon.

,It "on't "o to thin) of her- an" I won't1, sai" Polly to herself- setting her lips with a gri#

loo) that was not at all beo#ing. ,+hat an easy life I shoul" have plenty of #oney - 6uantities

of frien"s- all sorts of pleasures- an" no wor)- no poverty- no ol" shoul"ers or pathe" boots. I

oul" "o so #uh for all at ho#e how I shoul" en4oy that1, An" Polly let her thoughts revel inthe lu&urious future her fany painte". It was a very bright piture- but so#ething see#e" a#iss

with it- for presently she sighe" an" shoo) her hea"- thin)ing sorrowfully- ,Ah- but I "on't love

hi#- an" I'# afrai" I never an as I ought1 3e's very goo"- an" generous- an" wise- an" woul"

be )in"- I )now- but so#ehow I an't i#agine spen"ing #y life with hi#/ I'# so afrai" I shoul"

get tire" of hi#- an" then what shoul" I "o0 Polly Sy"ney "on't soun" well- an" 2rs. Arthur

Sy"ney "on't see# to fit #e a bit. +on"er how it woul" see# to all hi#'Arthur'0, An" Polly

sai" it un"er her breath- with a loo) over her shoul"er to be sure no one hear" it. ,It's a pretty

na#e- but rather too fine- an" I shoul" n't "are to say 'Sy"-' as his sister "oes. I li)e short- plain-

ho#e$li)e na#es- suh as +ill- Ne"- or To#. No- no- I an never are for hi#- an" it's no use totry1, The e&la#ation bro)e fro# Polly as if a su""en trouble ha" sei5e" her- an" laying her

hea" "own on her )nees- she sat #otionless for #any #inutes.

+hen she loo)e" upher fae wore an e&pression whih no one ha" ever seen on it before/ a

loo) of #ingle" pain an" patiene- as if so#e loss ha" o#e to her- an" left the bitterness of

regret behin".

,I won't thin) of #yself- or try to #en" one #ista)e by #a)ing another-, she sai" with a

heavy sigh. ,I'll "o what I an for Fan- an" not stan" between her an" a hane of happiness.

Let #e see- how an I begin0 I won't wal) with hi# any #ore/ I'll "o"ge an" go roun"about

ways- so that we an't #eet. I never ha" #uh faith in the re#ar)able oini"ene of his always

happening ho#e to "inner 4ust as I go to give the ;oths their lesson. The fat is- I li)e to #eethi#- I a# gla" to be seen with hi#- an" put on airs- I "are say- li)e a vain goose as I a#. +ell- I

won't "o it any #ore- an" that will spare Fan one afflition. Poor "ear- how I #ust have worrie"

her all this ti#e- an" never guesse" it. She has n't been 6uite as )in" as ever/ but when she got

sharp- I fanie" it was "yspepsia. h- #e1 I wish the other trouble oul" be ure" as easily as

this.,

3ere puss showe" an a#iable "esire to forgive an" forget- an" Polly too) her up- saying

alou"< ,Puttel- when #issis abuses you- play it's "yspepsia- an" "on't bear #alie- beause it's a

very trying "isease- #y "ear.,





Then- going ba) to her thoughts- she ra#ble" on again/ ,If he "oes n't ta)e that hint- I will

give hi# a stronger one- for I will not have #atters o#e to a risis- though I an't "eny that #y

wi)e" vanity strongly te#pts #e to try an"'bag a bir"' 4ust for the e&ite#ent an" re"it of the

thing. Polly- I'# asha#e" of you1 +hat woul" your blesse" #other say to hear suh e&pressions

fro# you0 I'" write an" tell her all the worry- only it woul" n't "o any goo"- an" woul" only

trouble her. I've no right to tell Fan's serets- an" I'# asha#e" to tell #ine. No- I'll leave #other

in peae- an" fight it out alone. I "o thin) Fan woul" suit hi# e&ellently by an" by. 3e has

)nown her all her life- an" has a goo" influene over her. Love woul" "o so #uh towar"#a)ing her what she #ight be/ it's a sha#e to have the hane lost 4ust beause he happens to

see #e. I shoul" thin) she'" hate #e/ but I 'll show her that she nee" n't- an" "o all I an to help

her/ for she has been so goo" to #e nothing shall ever #a)e #e forget that. It is a "eliate an"

"angerous tas)- but I guess I an #anage it/ at any rate I'll try- an" have nothing to reproah

#yself with if things "o go'ontrary.' ,

+hat Polly thought of- as she lay ba) in her hair- with her eyes shut- an" a hopeless loo)

on her fae- is none of our business- though we #ight feel a wish to )now what ause" a tear to

gather slowly fro# ti#e to ti#e un"er her lashes- an" roll "own on Puttel's ?ua)er$olore" oat

+as it regret for the on6uest she relin6uishe"- was it sy#pathy for her frien"- or was it an

unontrollable overflow of feeling as she rea" so#e sa" or ten"er passage of the little ro#anewhih she )ept hi""en away in her own heart0

n 2on"ay- Polly began the ,"eliate an" "angerous tas)., Instea" of going to her pupils by

way of the par) an" the pleasant streets a"4oining- she too) a roun"about route through ba)

streets- an" thus esape" 2r. Sy"ney- who- as usual- a#e ho#e to "inner very early that "ay

an" loo)e" "isappointe" beause he nowhere saw the bright fae in the #o"est bonnet. Polly

)ept this up for a wee)- an" by arefully avoi"ing the Shaws' house "uring alling hours- she

saw nothing of 2r. Sy"ney- who- of ourse- "i" n't visit her at 2iss 2ills'. 2innie happene" to

be poorly that wee) an" too) no lesson- so 7nle Sy" was "eprive" of his last hope- an" loo)e"

as if his allowane of sunshine ha" been su""enly ut off. Now- as Polly was by no #eans a perfet reature- I a# free to onfess that the ol"

te#ptation assaile" her #ore than one that wee)- for- when the first e&ite#ent of the "o"ging

refor# ha" subsi"e"- she #isse" the pleasant little interviews that use" to put a ertain flavor of

ro#ane into her "ull- har"$wor)ing "ays. She li)e" 2r. Sy"ney very #uh- for he ha" always

been )in" an" frien"ly sine the early ti#es when he ha" treate" the little girl with a ourtesy

whih the young wo#an gratefully re#e#bere". I "on't thin) it was his wealth

ao#plish#ents- or position that #ost attrate" Polly- though these "oubtless possesse" a

greater influene than she suspete". It was that in"esribable so#ething whih wo#en are

6ui) to see an" feel in #en who have been blesse" with wise an" goo" #others. This ha" an

espeial har# to Polly- for she soon foun" that this si"e of his harater was not shown toevery one. +ith #ost girls- he was very li)e the other young #en of his set- e&ept perhaps in a

ertain grae of #anner whih was as natural to hi# as his respet for all wo#an)in". %ut with

Fanny an" Polly he showe" the "o#esti traits an" virtues whih are #ore engaging to

wo#anly wo#en than any a#ount of ool intellet or worl"ly wis"o#.

Polly ha" seen a goo" "eal of hi# "uring her visits at the Shaws'- where he was inti#ate-

owing to the frien"ship between 2a"a# an" his #other/ but she ha" never thought of hi# as a

possible lover for either Fanny or herself beause he was si& or eight years ol"er than they- an"

still so#eti#es assu#e" the part of a venerable #entor- as in the early "ays. Lately this ha"

hange"- espeially towar"s Polly- an" it flattere" her #ore than she woul" onfess even to



herself. She )new he a"#ire" her one talent- respete" her in"epen"ene- an" en4oye" her

soiety/ but when so#ething war#er an" #ore flattering than a"#iration- respet- or pleasure

rept into his #anner- she oul" not help seeing that one of the goo" gifts of this life was "aily

o#ing #ore an" #ore within her reah- an" began to as) herself if she oul" honestly reeive

the gift- an" rewar" the giver.

At first she trie" to thin) she oul"- but unfortunately hearts are so ,ontrary, that they won't

be obe"ient to reason- will- or even gratitu"e. Polly felt a very or"ial frien"ship for 2r

Sy"ney- but not one partile of the love whih is the only oin in whih love an be truly pai".Then she too) a fany into her hea" that she ought to aept this piee of goo" fortune for the

sa)e of the fa#ily- an" forget herself. %ut this false i"ea of self$sarifie "i" not satisfy- for she

was not a fashionable girl traine" to believe that her first "uty was to #a)e ,a goo" #ath, an"

never #in" the onse6uenes- though they ren"ere" her #iserable for life. Polly's ree" was

very si#ple< ,If I "on't love hi#- I ought not to #arry hi#- espeially when I "o love so#ebo"y

else- though everything is against #e., If she ha" rea" as #any Frenh novels as so#e young

la"ies- she #ight have onsi"ere" it interesting to #arry un"er the iru#stanes an" suffer a

seret anguish to #a)e her a ro#anti viti#. %ut Polly's e"uation ha" been neglete"- an"

after a goo" "eal of natural in"eision she "i" what #ost wo#en "o in suh ases- thought she

woul" ,wait an" see.,The "isovery of Fanny's seret see#e" to show her so#ething to "o- for if the ,wait an"

see, "eision was #a)ing her frien" unhappy- it #ust be hange" as soon as possible. This

finishe" Polly's in"eision- an" after that night she never allowe" herself to "well upon the

pleasant te#ptation whih a#e in a guise partiularly attrative to a young girl with a spie of

the ol" 8ve in her o#position. So "ay after "ay she tru"ge" through the "ull ba) streets-

longing for the sunny par)- the fae that always brightene" when it saw her o#ing- an" #ost

of all the hane of #eeting well- it was n't Tri&.

+hen Satur"ay a#e- Polly starte" as usual for a visit to %e)y an" %ess- but oul" n't resist

stopping at the Shaws' to leave a little parel for Fan- though it was alling ti#e. As she steppe"in- #eaning to run up for a wor" if Fanny shoul" hane to be alone- two hats on the hall table

arreste" her.

,+ho is here- 9aty0,

,nly 2r. Sy"ney an" 2aster To#. +on't you stop a bit- 2iss Polly0,

,Not this #orning- I'# rather in a hurry., An" away went Polly as if a "o5en eager pupils

were la#oring for her presene. %ut as the "oor shut behin" her she felt so left out in the ol"-

that her eyes fille"- an" when Nep- To#'s great Newfoun"lan"- a#e blun"ering after her- she

stoppe" an" hugge" his shaggy hea"- saying softly- as she loo)e" into the brown- benevolent

eyes- full of al#ost hu#an sy#pathy< ,Now- go ba)- ol" "ear- you #ust n't follow #e. h-

Nep- it's so har" to put love away when you want it very #uh an" it is n't right to ta)e it., Afoolish little speeh to #a)e to a "og- but you see Polly was only a ten"er$hearte" girl- trying to

"o her "uty.

,Sine he is safe with Fanny- I #ay venture to wal) where I li)e. It 's suh a lovely "ay- all

the babies will be out- an" it always "oes #e goo" to see the#-, thought Polly- turning into the

wi"e- sunny street- where +est 8n"$"o# pro#ena"e" at that hour.

The babies were out in full fore- loo)ing as gay an" "eliate an" sweet as the snow$"rops-

hyainths- an" "affo"ils on the ban)s whene the snow ha" #elte". %ut so#ehow the babies "i"

n't "o Polly the goo" she e&pete"- though they s#ile" at her fro# their arriages- an" )isse"

their hubby han"s as she passe" the#- for Polly ha" the sort of fae that babies love. ne tiny



reature in blue plush was asting "espairing glanes after a very s#all lor" of reation who

was wal)ing away with a to""ling belle in white- while a seon" young gentle#an in gorgeous

purple gaiters was en"eavoring to onsole the "eserte" "a#sel.

,Ta)e hol" of 2aster Charley's han"- 2iss 2a#ie- an" wal) pretty- li)e +illy an" Flossy-,

sai" the #ai".

,No- no- I want to "o wi" +illy- an" he won't let #e. *o'way- Tarley- I "on't lite you-, rie"

little %lue$bonnet- asting "own her er#ine #uff an" sobbing in a #irosopi han")erhief-

the threa"$lae e"ging on whih oul" n't #itigate her woe- as it #ight have "one that of anol"er sufferer.

,+illy li)es Flossy best- so stop rying an" o#e right along- you naughty hil".,

As poor little *i"o was 4er)e" away by the unsy#patheti #ai"- an" Purple$gaiters essaye"

in vain to plea" his ause- Polly sai" to herself- with a s#ile an" a sigh/ ,3ow early the ol"

story begins1,

It see#e" as if the spring weather ha" brought out all #anner of ten"er things besi"e fresh

grass an" the first "an"elions- for as she went "own the street Polly )ept seeing "ifferent phases

of the sweet ol" story whih she was trying to forget.

At a street orner- a bla)$eye" shool$boy was parting fro# a rosy$fae" shool$girl- whose

#usi roll he was relutantly surren"ering.,*on't you forget- now-, sai" the boy- loo)ing bashfully into the bright eyes that "ane" with

pleasure as the girl blushe" an" s#ile"- an" answere" reproahfully/ ,+hy- of ourse I shan't1,

,That little ro#ane runs s#oothly so far/ I hope it #ay to the en"-, sai" Polly heartily as

she wathe" the la" tra#p away- whistling as blithely as if his pleasurable e#otions #ust fin" a

vent- or en"anger the buttons on the roun" 4a)et/ while the girl prane" on her own "oorstep-

as if pratising for the 4oyful "ane whih she ha" pro#ise" not to forget.

A little farther on Polly passe" a newly engage" ouple who# she )new- wal)ing ar# in ar#

for the first ti#e- both wearing that prou" yet onsious loo) whih is so "elightful to behol"

upon the ountenanes of these te#porarily glorifie" beings.,3ow happy they see#/ oh- "ear1, sai" Polly- an" tru"ge" on- won"ering if her turn woul"

ever o#e an" fearing that it was i#possible.

A gli#pse of a #otherly$loo)ing la"y entering a "oor- reeive" by a flo) of pretty hil"ren-

who ast the#selves upon #a##a an" her parels with ries of rapture- "i" Polly goo"/ an"

when- a #inute after she passe" a gray ol" ouple wal)ing plai"ly together in the sunshine- she

felt better still- an" was gla" to see suh a happy en"ing to the ro#ane she ha" rea" all "own

the street.

As if the #ishievous little go" wishe" to ta)e Polly at a "isa"vantage- or perhaps to give her

another hane- 4ust at that instant 2r. Sy"ney appeare" at her si"e. 3ow he got there was never

very lear to Polly- but there he was- flushe"- an" a little out of breath- but loo)ing so gla" tosee her that she ha" n't the heart to be stiff an" ool- as she ha" fully inten"e" to be when they

#et.

,Very war#- is n't it0, he sai" when he ha" sha)en han"s an" fallen into step- 4ust in the ol"

way.

,ou see# to fin" it so., An" Polly laughe"- with a su""en spar)le in her eyes. She really

oul" n't help it- it was so pleasant to see hi# again- 4ust when she was feeling so lonely.

,3ave you given up teahing the ;oths0, as)e" Sy"ney- hanging the sub4et.

,No.,

,*o you go as usual0,







woul" be great fun to be a beggar$girl- to go roun" with a bas)et- it #ust be so interesting to see

what you'" get.,

,2innie sai" the other "ay she wishe" she was a pigeon so she oul" pa""le in the pu""les

an" not fuss about rubbers.,

,%y the way- when is her unle o#ing ba)0, as)e" Fanny- who oul" n't wait any longer

an" 4oyfully sei5e" the opening Polly #a"e for her.

,I'# sure I "on't )now.,

,Nor are- I suppose- you har"$hearte" thing.,,+hy- Fan- what "o you #ean0,

,I'# not blin"- #y "ear- neither is To#- an" when a young gentle#an uts a all abruptly

short- an" raes after a young la"y- an" is seen hol"ing her han" at the 6uietest orner of the

par)- an" then goes travelling all of a su""en- we )now what it #eans if you "on't.,

,+ho got up that nie i"ea- I shoul" li)e to )now0, "e#an"e" Polly- as Fanny stoppe" for

breath.

,Now "on't be affete"- Polly- but 4ust tell #e- li)e a "ear- has n't he propose"0,

,No- he has n't.,

,*on't you thin) he #eans to0,

,I "on't thin) he'll ever say a wor" to #e.,,+ell- I a# surprise"1, An" Fanny "rew a long breath- as if a loa" was off her #in". Then

she a""e" in a hange" tone< ,%ut "on't you love hi#- Polly0,

,No.,

,Truly0,

,Truly- Fan.,

Neither spo)e for a #inute- but the heart of one of the# beat 4oyfully an" the "us) hi" a very

happy fae.

,*on't you thin) he are" for you- "ear0, as)e" Fanny- presently. ,I "on't #ean to be prying-

but I really thought he "i".,,That's not for #e to say- but if it is so- it's only a passing fany an" he'll soon get over it.,

,*o tell #e all about it/ I'# so intereste"- an" I )now so#ething has happene"- I hear it in

your voie- for I an't see your fae.,

,*o you re#e#ber the tal) we one ha" after rea"ing one of 2iss 8"geworth's stories about

not letting one's lovers o#e to a "elaration if one "i" n't love the#0,

,es.,

,An" you girls sai" it was n't proper- an" I sai" it was honest- anyway. +ell- I always #eant

to try it if I got a hane- an" I have. 2in" you- I "on't say 2r. Sy"ney love" #e- for he never

sai" so- an" never will- now- but I "i" fany he rather li)e" #e an" #ight "o #ore if I "i" n't

show hi# that it was of no use.,,An" you "i"0, rie" Fanny- #uh e&ite".

,I 4ust gave hi# a hint an" he too) it. 3e #eant to go away before that- so "on't thin) his

heart is bro)en- or #in" what silly tattlers say. I "i" n't li)e his #eeting #e so #uh an" tol"

hi# so by going another way. 3e un"erstoo"- an" being a gentle#an- #a"e no fuss. I "are say

he thought I was a vain goose- an" laughe" at #e for #y pains- li)e Churhill in'3elen.' ,

,No- he woul" n't/ 3e'" li)e it an" respet you for "oing it. %ut- Polly- it woul" have been a

gran" thing for you.,

,I an't sell #yself for an establish#ent.,

,2ery1 +hat an i"ea1,



,+ell- that's the plain 8nglish of half your fashionable #athes. I '#'o""-' you )now- an"

prefer to be an in"epen"ent spinster an" teah #usi all #y "ays.,

,Ah- but you won't. ou were #a"e for a nie- happy ho#e of your own- an" I hope you'll

get it- Polly- "ear-, sai" Fanny war#ly- feeling so grateful to Polly- that she foun" it har" not to

pour out all her seret at one.

,I hope I #ay/ but I "oubt it-, answere" Polly in a tone that #a"e Fanny won"er if she- too-

)new what heartahe #eant.

,So#ething troubles you- Polly- what is it0 Confi"e in #e- as I "o in you-, sai" Fannyten"erly- for all the ol"ness she ha" trie" to hi"e fro# Polly- ha" #elte" in the su""en sunshine

that ha" o#e to her.

,*o you always0, as)e" her frien"- leaning forwar" with an irresistible "esire to win ba)

the ol"$ti#e love an" onfi"ene- too preious to be e&hange" for a little brief e&ite#ent or

the barren honor of ,bagging a bir"-, to use Tri&'s elegant e&pression. Fanny un"erstoo" it then-

an" threw herself into Polly's ar#s- rying- with a shower of grateful tears/ ,h- #y "ear1 #y

"ear1 "i" you "o it for #y sa)e0,

An" Polly hel" her lose- saying in that ten"er voie of hers- ,I "i" n't #ean to let a lover

part this pair of frien"s if I oul" help it.,

Chapter (V. %rea)ers Ahea"

!oing into the Shaws' one evening- Polly foun" 2au" sitting on the stairs- with a trouble"

fae.

,h- Polly- I'# so gla" you've o#e1, rie" the little girl- running to hug her.

,+hat's the #atter- "eary0,

,I "on't )now/ so#ething "rea"ful #ust have happene"- for #a##a an" Fan are rying

together upstairs- papa is shut up in the library- an" To# is raging roun" li)e a bear- in the

"ining$roo#.,

,I guess it is n't anything very ba". Perhaps #a##a is si)er than usual- or papa worrie"about business- or To# in so#e new srape. *on't loo) so frightene"- 2au"ie- but o#e into

the parlor an" see what I've got for you-, sai" Polly- feeling that there was trouble of so#e sort

in the air- but trying to heer the hil"- for her little fae was full of a sorrowful an&iety- that

went to Polly's heart.

,I "on't thin) I an li)e anything till I )now what the #atter is-, answere" 2au". ,It's

so#ething horri"- I'# sure- for when papa a#e ho#e- he went up to #a##a's roo#- an"

tal)e" ever so long- an" #a##a rie" very lou"- an" when I trie" to go in- Fan woul" n't let #e-

an" she loo)e" sare" an" strange. I wante" to go to papa when he a#e "own- but the "oor

was lo)e"- an" he sai"- 'Not now- #y little girl-' an" then I sat here waiting to see what woul"

happen- an" To# a#e ho#e. %ut when I ran to tell hi#- he sai"-'!o away- an" "on't bother-'an" 4ust too) #e by the shoul"ers an" put #e out. h- "ear1 everything is so 6ueer an" horri"- I

"on't )now what to "o.,

2au" began to ry- an" Polly sat "own on the stairs besi"e her- trying to o#fort her- while

her own thoughts were full of a vague fear. All at one the "ining$roo# "oor opene"- an" To#'s

hea" appeare". A single glane showe" Polly that so#ething was the #atter- for the are an"

elegane whih usually #ar)e" his appearane were entirely wanting. 3is tie was un"er one ear

his hair in a toss- the herishe" #oustahe ha" a neglete" air- an" his fae an e&pression both

e&ite"- asha#e"- an" "istresse"/ even his voie betraye" "isturbane- for instea" of the affable



greeting he usually bestowe" upon the young la"y- he see#e" to have fallen ba) into the bluff

tone of his boyish "ays- an" all he sai" was- ,3ullo- Polly.,

,3ow "o you "o0, answere" Polly.

,I'# in a "evil of a #ess- than) you/ sen" that hi)en up stairs- an" o#e in an" hear about

it., he sai"- as if he ha" been longing to tell so#e one- an" welo#e" pru"ent Polly as a speial

provi"ene.

,!o up- "eary- an" a#use yourself with this boo)- an" these ginger snaps that I #a"e for

you- there's a goo" hil"-, whispere" Polly- as 2au" rubbe" away her tears- an" stare" at To#with roun"- in6uisitive eyes.

,ou'll tell #e all about it- by an" by- won't you0, she whispere"- preparing to obey.

,If I #ay-, answere" Polly.

2au" "eparte" with une&pete" "oility- an" Polly went into the "ining$roo#- where To#

was wan"ering about in a restless way. If he ha" been ,raging li)e a bear-, Polly woul" n't have

are"- she was so please" that he wante" her- an" so gla" to be a onfi"ante- as she use" to be in

the happy ol" "ays- that she woul" 4oyfully have fae" a #uh #ore for#i"able person than

re)less To#.

,Now- then- what is it0, she sai"- o#ing straight to the point.

,!uess.,,ou've )ille" your horse raing.,

,+orse than that.,

,ou are suspen"e" again.,

,+orse than that.,

,Tri& has run away with so#ebo"y-, rie" Polly- with a gasp.

,+orse still.,

,h- To#- you have n't horse whippe" or shot any one0,

,Ca#e pretty near blowing #y own brains out but you see I "i" n't.,

,I an't guess/ tell #e- 6ui).,,+ell- I'# e&pelle".,

To# pause" on the rug as he gave the answer- an" loo)e" at Polly to see how she too) it. To

his surprise she see#e" al#ost relieve"- an" after a #inute silene- sai"- soberly- ,That's ba"-

very ba"/ but it #ight have been worse.,

,It is worse/, an" To# wal)e" away again with a "espairing sort of groan.

,*on't )no) the hairs about- but o#e an" sit "own- an" tell #e 6uietly.,

,Can't "o it.,

,+ell- go on- then. Are you truly e&pelle"0 Can't it be #a"e up0 +hat "i" you "o0,

,It's a true bill this ti#e. I 4ust ha" a row with the Chapel wath#an- an" )no)e" hi# "own.

If it was a first offene- I #ight have got off/ but you see I've ha" no en" of narrow esapes- an"this was #y last hane/ I've lost it- an" now there'll be the "i)ens to pay. I )new it was all up

with #e- so I "i" n't wait to be turne" out- but 4ust too) #yself off.,

,+hat will your father say0,

,It will o#e har" on the governor- but the worst of it is , there To# stoppe"- an" stoo" a

#inute in the #i""le of the roo# with his hea" "own- as if he "i" n't fin" it easy to tell even

)in" little Polly. Then out a#e the truth all in a breath- 4ust as he use" to bolt out his boyish

#is"e#eanors- an" then ba) up against the wall rea"y to ta)e the onse6uenes.

,I owe an awful lot of #oney that the governor "on't )now about.,

,h- To#- how oul" you0,



,I've been an e&travagant rasal- I )now it- an" I'# thun"ering sorry- but that "on't help a

fellow- I've got to tell the "ear ol" buffer- an" there's where it uts.,

At another ti#e Polly woul" have laughe" at the ontrast between To#'s fae an" his

language- but there was a sinere re#orse- whih #a"e even the "rea"ful wor" ,buffer, rather

touhing than otherwise.

,3e will be very angry- I "are say/ but he'll help you- won't he0 3e always "oes- Fan says.,

,That's the worst of it- you see. 3e's pai" up so often- that the last ti#e he sai" his patiene

oul" n't stan" it- nor his po)et either- an" if I got into any #ore srapes of that sort- I #ust getout as I oul". I #eant to be as stea"y as %un)er 3ill 2onu#ent/ but here I a# again- worse

than ever- for last 6uarter I "i" n't say anything to father- he was so bothere" by the loss of those

ships 4ust then- so things have #ounte" up onfoun"e"ly.,

,+hat have you "one with all your #oney0,

,3ange" if I )now.,

,Can't you pay it anyway0,

,*on't see how- as I have n't a ent of #y own- an" no way of getting it- unless I try

ga#bling.,

,h- #ery- no1 Sell your horse-, rie" Polly- after a #inute of "eep #e"itation.

,I have/ but he "i" n't bring half I gave for hi#. I la#e" hi# last winter- an" the beggar won'tget over it.,

,An" that "i" n't pay up the "ebts0,

,nly about a half of'e#.,

,+hy- To#- how #uh "o you owe0,

,I have "o"ge" figuring it up till yester"ay/ then things were so "esperate- I thought I #ight

as well fae the truth- so I overhaule" #y aounts- an" there's the result.,

To# threw a blotte"- ru#ple" paper into Polly's lap- an" tra#pe" up an" "own again- faster

than ever. Polly too) one loo) at the total an" laspe" her han"s- for to her ine&periene" eyes it

loo)e" appalling.,Ti"y little su#- is n't it0, as)e" To#- who oul" n't bear the silene- or the startle"- grieve"

loo) in Polly's eyes.

,It's awful1 I "on't won"er you "rea" telling your father.,

,I'" rather be shot. I say- Polly- suppose we brea) it to hi# easy1, a""e" To#- after another

turn.

,3ow "o you #ean0,

,+hy- suppose Fan- or- better still- you go an" sort of pave the way. I an't bear to o#e

"own on hi# with the whole truth at one.,

,So you'" li)e to have #e go an" tell hi# for you0, Polly's lip urle" a little as she sai" that-

an" she gave To# a loo) that woul" have shown hi# how blue eyes an flash- if he ha" seen it.%ut he was at the win"ow- an" "i" n't turn- as he sai" slowly- ,+ell- you see- he's so fon" of

you/ we all onfi"e in you/ an" you are so li)e one of the fa#ily- that it see#s 6uite natural. :ust

tell hi# I'# e&pelle"- you )now- an" as #uh #ore as you li)e/ then I'll o#e in- an" we'll have

it out.,

Polly rose an" went to the "oor without a wor". In "oing so- To# aught a gli#pse of her

fae- an" sai"- hastily- ,*on't you thin) it woul" be a goo" plan0,

,No- I "on't.,

,+hy not0 *on't you thin) he'" rather have it tol" hi# niely by you- than blurte" out as I

always "o blurt things0,



,I )now he'" rather have his son go to hi# an" tell the truth- li)e a #an- instea" of sen"ing a

girl to "o what he is afrai" to "o hi#self.,

If Polly ha" su""enly bo&e" his ears- To# oul" n't have loo)e" #ore ta)en aba) than by

that burst. 3e loo)e" at her e&ite" fae- see#e" to un"erstan" the #eaning of it- an"

re#e#bere" all at one that he was trying to hi"e behin" a girl. 3e turne" sarlet- sai" shortly-

,Co#e ba)- Polly-, an" wal)e" straight out of the roo#- loo)ing as if going to instant

e&eution- for poor To# ha" been taught to fear his father- an" ha" not entirely outgrown the

"rea".Polly sat "own- loo)ing both satisfie" an" trouble". ,I hope I "i" right-, she sai" to herself-

,I oul" n't bear to have hi# shir) an" see# owar"ly. 3e is n't- only he "i" n't thin) how it

see#e" to #e- an" I "on't won"er he was a little afrai"- 2r. Shaw is so severe with the poor

fellow. h- "ear- what shoul" we "o if +ill got into suh srapes. Than) goo"ness- he's poor

an" an't/ I'# so gla" of that1,

Then she sat silent besi"e the half$open "oor- hearing the #ur#ur of To#'s voie aross the

hall- an" hoping- with all her heart- that he woul" n't have a very har" ti#e. 3e see#e" to tell

his story rapi"ly an" stea"ily- without interruption- to the en"/ then Polly hear" 2r. Shaw's

"eeper voie say a few wor"s- at whih To# uttere" a lou" e&la#ation- as if ta)en by surprise.

Polly oul" n't "istinguish a wor"- so she )ept her seat- won"ering an&iously what was going on between the two #en. A su""en pause see#e" to follow To#'s e4aulation- then 2r. Shaw

tal)e" a long ti#e in a low- earnest tone- so "ifferent fro# the angry one Polly ha" e&pete" to

hear- that it #a"e her nervous- for 2r. Shaw usually ,blew To# up first- an" forgave hi#

afterwar"-, as 2au" sai". Presently To#'s voie was hear"- apparently as)ing eager 6uestions-

to whih brief replies were given. Then a "ea" silene fell upon the roo#- an" nothing was

hear" but the spring rain softly falling out of "oors. All of a su""en she hear" a #ove#ent- an"

To#'s voie say au"ibly- ,Let #e bring Polly/, an" he appeare"- loo)ing so pale an" #iserable

that Polly was frightene".

,!o an" say so#ething to hi#/ I an't/ poor ol" father- if I'" only )nown-, an" to Polly'sutter "is#ay- To# threw hi#self into a hair- an" lai" his hea" "own on the table- as if he ha"

got a blow that was too #uh for hi#.

,h- To#- what is it0, rie" Polly- hurrying to hi#- full of fears she "are" not spea).

+ithout loo)ing up- To# answere"- in a s#othere" voie- ,Faile"/ all gone to s#ash/ an" to$

#orrow every one will )now it.,

Polly hel" on to the ba) of To#'s hair- for a #inute- for the news too) her breath away- an"

she felt as if the worl" was o#ing to an en"- ,faile", was suh a vaguely "rea"ful wor" to her.

,Is it very ba"0, she as)e"- softly- feeling as if anything was better than to stan" still an" see

To# so wrethe".

,es/ he #eans to give up everything. 3e's "one his best/ but it an't be stave" off anylonger- an" it's all up with hi#.,

,h- I wish I ha" a #illion to give hi#1, rie" Polly- lasping her han"s- with the tears

running "own her hee)s. ,3ow "oes he bear it- To#0,

,Li)e a #an- Polly/ an" I'# prou" of hi#-, sai" To#- loo)ing up- all re" an" e&ite" with the

e#otions he was trying to )eep un"er. ,8verything has been against hi#- an" he has fought all

alone to stan" the pressure- but it's too #uh for hi#- an" he's given in. It 's an honorable

failure- #in" youan" no one an say a wor" against hi#. I'" li)e to see'e# try it1, an" To#

lenhe" his han"s- as if it woul" be an i##ense relief to hi# to thrash half a "o5en aspersers

of his father's honest na#e.



,f ourse they an't1 This is what poor 2au" trouble" about. 3e ha" tol" your #other an"

Fan before you a#e- an" that is why they are so unhappy- I suppose.,

,They are safe enough. Father has n't touhe" #other's #oney/ he 'oul" n't rob his girls-' he

sai"- an" that's all safe for'e#. Is n't he a tru#p- Polly0, An" To#'s fae shone with pri"e- even

while his lips woul" twith with a ten"erer feeling.

,If I oul" only "o anything to help-, rie" Polly- oppresse" with her own powerlessness.

,ou an. !o an" be goo" to hi#/ you )now how/ he nee"s it enough- all alone there. I an't

"o it- for I'# only a urse instea" of a o#fort to hi#.,,3ow "i" he ta)e your news0, as)e" Polly- who- for a ti#e- ha" forgotten the lesser trouble

in the greater.

,Li)e a la#b/ for when I'" "one- he only sai"-'2y poor la"- we #ust bear with one another.'

an" then tol" his story.,

,I'# gla" he was )in"-, began Polly- in a soothing tone/ but To# rie" out- re#orsefully-

,That's what )no)s #e over1 :ust when I ought to be a pri"e an" a prop to hi#- I bring hi# #y

"ebts an" "isgrae- an" he never says a wor" of bla#e. It's no use- I an't stan" it1, an" To#'s

hea" went "own again with so#ething very li)e a sob- that woul" o#e in spite of #anful

efforts to )eep it ba)- for the poor fellow ha" the war#est heart that ever was- an" all the fine

waistoats outsi"e oul" n't spoil it.That soun" gave Polly #ore pain than the news of a "o5en failures an" e&pulsions- an" it

was as i#possible for her to resist putting her han" ten"erly on the bent hea"- as it was for her

to help notiing with pleasure how brown the little urls were growing- an" how soft they were.

In spite of her sorrow- she en4oye" that #inute very #uh- for she was a born onsoler- an"- it is

har"ly neessary for #e to a""- love" this reprehensible To# with all her heart. It was a very

foolish thing for her to "o- she 6uite agree" to that/ she oul" n't un"erstan" it- e&plain it- or

help it/ she only felt that she "i" are for hi# very #uh- in spite of his faults- his in"ifferene-

an" his engage#ent. ou see- she learne" to love hi# one su##er- when he #a"e the# a visit.

That was before Tri& aught hi#/ an" when she hear" that piee of news- Polly oul" n't unlovehi# all at one- though she trie" very har"- as was her "uty. That engage#ent was suh a fare-

that she never ha" #uh faith in it- so she put her love away in a orner of her heart- an" trie" to

forget it- hoping it woul" either "ie- or have a right to live. It "i" n't #a)e her very #iserable-

beause patiene- wor)- an" o##on$sense lent her a han"- an" hope woul" )eep popping up

its bright fae fro# the botto# of her Pan"ora$bo& of troubles. Now an" then- when any one

sai" Tri& woul" n't 4ilt To#- or that To# "i" are for Tri& #ore than he shoul"- Polly ha" a

pang- an" thought she oul" n't possibly bear it. %ut she always foun" she oul"- an" so a#e to

the onlusion that it was a #eriful provision of nature that girls' hearts oul" stan" so #uh-

an" their appetites ontinue goo"- when unre6uite" love was starving.

Now- she oul" not help yearning over this faulty- well$belove" sapegrae To#- or helpthin)ing- with a little thrill of hope- ,If Tri& only are" for his #oney- she #ay ast hi# off now

he's lost it/ but I'll love hi# all the better beause he's poor., +ith this feeling war# at her heart-

I "on't won"er that Polly's han" ha" a soothing effet- an" that after a heave or two- To#'s

shoul"ers were 6uiet- an" ertain s#othere" sniffs suggeste" that he woul" be all right again- if

he oul" only wipe his eyes without any one's seeing hi# "o it.

Polly see#e" to "ivine his wish- an" tu)ing a little- lean han")erhief into one of his half$

open han"s- she sai"- ,I'# going to your father- now-, an" with a farewell s#ooth- so

o#forting that To# wishe" she'" "o it again- she went away.



As she pause" a #inute in the hall to stea"y herself- 2au" alle" her fro# above- an"

thin)ing that the wo#en #ight nee" her #ore than the #en- she ran up to fin" Fanny waiting

for her in her own roo#.

,2a##a's asleep- 6uite worn out- poor "ear- so we an tal) in here without troubling her-,

sai" Fanny- reeiving her frien" so 6uietly- that Polly was a#a5e".

,Let #e o#e- too- I won't #a)e any fuss/ it's so "rea"ful to be shut out everywhere- an"

have people rying an" tal)ing- an" lo)e" up- an" I not )now what it #eans-, sai" 2au"-

beseehingly.,ou "o )now- now/ I've tol" her- Polly-, sai" Fan- as they sat "own together- an" 2au"

perhe" herself on the be"- so that she #ight retire a#ong the pillows if her feelings were too

#uh for her.

,I'# gla" you ta)e it so well- "ear/ I was afrai" it #ight upset you-, sai" Polly- seeing now

that in spite of her 6uiet #anner- Fan's eyes ha" an e&ite" loo)- an" her hee)s a feverish olor.

,I shall groan an" #oan by an" by- I "are say- but at first it sort of "a5e" #e- an" now it

begins to e&ite #e. I ought to be full of sorrow for poor papa- an" I a# truly sorry- but- wi)e"

as it #ay see#- it's a fat- Polly- that I'# half gla" it's happene"- for it ta)es #e out of #yself-

an" gives #e so#ething to "o.,

Fanny's eyes fell an" her olor rose as she spo)e- but Polly un"erstoo" why she wante" toforget herself- an" put her ar# roun" her with a #ore ten"er sy#pathy than Fanny guesse".

,Perhaps things are not as ba" as they see#/ I "on't )now #uh about suh #atters- but I've

seen people who have faile"- an" they see#e" 4ust as o#fortable as before-, sai" Polly.

,It won't be so with us- for papa #eans to give up everything- an" not have a wor" sai"

against hi#. 2a##a's little property is settle" upon her- an" has n't been ris)e". That touhe"

her so #uh1 She "rea"s poverty even #ore than I "o- but she begge" hi# to ta)e it if it woul"

help hi#. That please" hi#- but he sai" nothing woul" in"ue hi# to "o it- for it woul" n't help

#uh- an" was har"ly enough to )eep her o#fortable.,

,*o you )now what he #eans to "o0, as)e" Polly- an&iously.,3e sai" his plans were not #a"e- but he #eant to go into the little house that belonge" to

gran"#a- as soon as he oul"- for it was n't honest for a ban)rupt to )eep up an establish#ent

li)e this.,

,I shan't #in" that at all- I li)e the little house'ause it's got a gar"en- an" there's a unning

roo# with a three$ornere" loset in it that I always wante". If that's all- I "on't thin)

ban)rupting is so very ba"-, sai" 2au"- ta)ing a heerful view of things.

,Ah- 4ust wait till the arriage goes an" the nie lothes an" the servants- an" we have to

srath along as we an. ou'll hange your #in" then- poor hil"-, sai" Fanny- whose i"eas of

failure were "ei"e"ly tragial.

,+ill they ta)e all #y things away0, rie" 2au"- in "is#ay.,I "are say/ I "on't )now what we are allowe" to )eep/ but not #uh- I fany-, an" Fan

loo)e" as if strung up to sarifie everything she possesse".

,They shan't have #y new ear$rings- I'll hi"e'e#- an" #y best "ress- an" #y gol" s#elling

bottle. h- oh- oh1 I thin) it's #ean to ta)e a little girl's things away1, An" 2au" "ive" a#ong

the pillows to s#other a wail of anguish at the prospet of being bereft of her treasures.

Polly soon lure" her out again- by assuranes that she woul" n't be utterly "espoile"- an"

pro#ises to try an" soften the har" hearts of her father's re"itors- if the ear$rings an" the

s#elling$bottle were attahe".



,I won"er if we shall be able to )eep one servant- 4ust till we learn how to "o the wor)-, sai"

Fanny- loo)ing at her white han"s- with a sigh.

%ut 2au" lappe" hers- an" gave a 4oyful boune- as she rie"- ,Now I an learn to oo)1 I

love so to beat eggs1 I'll have an apron- with a bib to it- li)e Polly's- an" a feather "uster- an"

sweep the stairs- #aybe- with #y hea" tie" up- li)e 9aty. h- what fun1,

,*on't laugh at her- or "isourage her/ let her fin" o#fort in bibs an" "ust$pans- if she an-,

whispere" Polly to Fan- while 2au" too) a 4oyful ,hea"er, a#ong the pillows- an" a#e up

s#iling an" blow5y- for she love" house$wor)- an" often got leture" for stolen visits to the)ithen- an" surreptitious sweepings an" "ustings when the oast was lear.

,2a##a is so feeble- I shall have to )eep house- I suppose- an" you #ust show #e how-

Polly-, sai" Fan.

,!oo" pratie- #a'a#- as you'll fin" out so#e "ay-, answere" Polly- laughing signifiantly.

Fanny s#ile"- then grew both grave an" sa". ,This hanges everything/ the ol" set will "rop

#e- as we "i" the 2ertons when their father faile"- an" #y'prospets-' as we say- are 6uite

ruine".,

,I "on't believe it/ your real frien"s won't "rop youan" you'll fin" out whih the true ones

are now. I )now one frien" who will be )in"er than ever.,

,h- Polly- "o you thin) so0, an" Fanny's eyes softene" with su""en tears.,I )now who she #eans-, rie" 2au"- always eager to fin" out things. ,It's herself/ Polly

won't #in" if we are poor-'ause she li)es beggars.,

,Is that who you #eant0, as)e" Fan- wistfully.

,No- it's a #uh better an" "earer frien" than I a#-, sai" Polly- pinhing Fanny's hee)- as it

re""ene" prettily un"er her eyes. ,ou'll never guess- 2au"- so I woul" n't try- but be planning

what you will put in your unning- three$ornere" loset- when you get it.,

3aving got ri" of ,2iss Paulina Pry-, as To# alle" 2au"- who was i##e"iately absorbe"

by her upboar"- the ol"er girls soberly "isusse" the su""en hange whih ha" o#e- an"

Polly was surprise" to see what une&pete" strength an" sense Fanny showe". Polly was toounonsious of the hange whih love ha" #a"e in herself to un"erstan" at first the ause of her

frien"'s new patiene an" fortitu"e/ but she re4oie" over it- an" felt that her prophey woul" yet

be fulfille". Presently 2au" e#erge" fro# her new loset- bringing a so#ewhat startling i"ea

with her.

,*o ban)rupting #en, =2au" li)e" that new wor"> ,always have fits0,

,2ery- no1 +hat put that into your hea"- hil"0, rie" Polly.

,+hy- 2r. 2erton "i"/ an" I was thin)ing perhaps papa ha" got one "own there- an" it )in"

of frightene" #e.,

,2r. 2erton's was a ba"- "isgraeful failure- an" I "on't won"er he ha" a fit. urs is n't- an"

papa won't "o anything of that sort- you #ay be sure-, sai" Fanny- with as prou" an air as if ,ourfailure, was rather an honor than otherwise.

,*on't you thin) you an" 2au" ha" better go "own an" see hi#0, as)e" Polly.

,Perhaps he woul" n't li)e it/ an" I "on't )now what to say- either-, began Fan/ but Polly

sai"- eagerly- ,I )now he woul" li)e it. Never #in" what you say/ 4ust goan" show hi# that

you "on't "oubt or bla#e hi# for this- but love hi# all the #ore- an" are rea"y an" gla" to help

hi# bear the trouble.,

,I'# going- I ain't afrai"/ I'll 4ust hug hi#- an" say I'# ever so gla" we are going to the little

house-, rie" 2au"- sra#bling off the be"- an" running "own stairs.

,Co#e with #e- Polly- an" tell #e what to "o-, sai" Fanny- "rawing her frien" after her.



,ou'll )now what to "o when you see hi#- better than I an tell you-, answere" Polly-

rea"ily yiel"ing- for she )new they onsi"ere" her ,6uite one of the fa#ily-, as To# sai".

At the stu"y "oor they foun" 2au"- whose ourage ha" given out- for 2r. 2erton's fit rather

haunte" her. Polly opene" the "oor/ an" the #inute Fanny saw her father- she "i" )now what to

"o. The fire was low- the gas "i#- an" 2r. Shaw was sitting in his easy$hair- his gray hea" in

both his han"s- loo)ing lonely- ol"- an" bowe" "own with are. Fanny gave Polly one loo)- then

went an" too) the gray hea" in both her ar#s- saying- with a ten"er 6uiver in her voie- ,Father

"ear- we've o#e to help you bear it,2r. Shaw loo)e" up- an" seeing in his "aughter's fae so#ething that never ha" been there

before- put his ar# about her- an" leane" his tire" hea" against her- as if- when least e&pete"

he ha" foun" the onsolation he #ost nee"e". In that #inute- Fanny felt- with #ingle" 4oy an"

self$reproah- what a "aughter #ight be to her father/ an" Polly- thin)ing of feeble- selfish 2rs.

Shaw- asleep up stairs- saw with su""en learness what a wife shoul" be to her husban"- a

help#eet- not a bur"en. Touhe" by these unusual "e#onstrations- 2au" rept 6uietly to her

father's )nee- an" whispere"- with a great tear shining on her little pug nose- ,Papa- we "on't

#in" it #uh- an" I'# going to help Fan )eep house for you/ I'" li)e to "o it- truly.,

2r. Shaw's other ar# went roun" the hil"- an" for a #inute no one sai" anything- for Polly

ha" slippe" behin" his hair- that nothing shoul" "isturb the three- who were learning fro##isfortune how #uh they love" one another. Presently 2r. Shaw stea"ie" hi#self an" as)e"-

,+here is #y other "aughter- where's #y Polly0,

She was there at one/ gave hi# one of the 6uiet )isses that ha" #ore than usual ten"erness

in it- for she love" to hear hi# say ,#y other "aughter-, an" then she whispere"- ,*on't you

want To#- too0,

,f ourse I "o/ where is the poor fellow0,

,I'll bring hi#/, an" Polly "eparte" with #ost obliging alarity.

%ut in the hall she pause" a #inute to peep into the glass an" see if she was all right- for

so#ehow she was #ore an&ious to loo) neat an" pretty to To# in his hour of trouble than sheha" ever been in his prosperous "ays. In lifting her ar#s to per) up the bow at her throat she

)no)e" a hat off the bra)et. Now- a shiny bla) beaver is not an ob4et e&atly alulate" to

inspire ten"er or ro#anti senti#ents- one woul" fany- but that partiular ,stove pipe, see#e"

to touh Polly to the heart- for she aught it up- as if its fall suggeste" a greater one- s#oothe"

out a slight "int- as if it was sy#bolial of the har" )no)s its owner's hea" was now in "anger

of reeiving- an" stoo" loo)ing at it with as #uh pity an" respet- as if it ha" been the rown of

a "isinherite" prine. !irls will "o suh foolish little things- an" though we laugh at the#- I

thin) we li)e the# the better for it- after all.

;ihar" was hi#self again when Polly entere"- for the han")erhief ha" "isappeare"- his

hea" was eret- his fae was stea"y- an" his whole air ha" a "ogge" o#posure whih see#e" tosay to fate- ,3it away- I'# rea"y., 3e "i" not hear Polly o#e infor he was loo)ing fi&e"ly at

the fire with eyes that evi"ently saw a very "ifferent future there fro# that whih it use" to

show hi#/ but when she sai"- ,To#- "ear- your father wants you-, he got up at one- hel" out

his han" to her- saying- ,Co#e too- we an't get on without you-, an" too) her ba) into the

stu"y with hi#.

Then they ha" a long tal)- for the fa#ily troubles see#e" to war# an" strengthen the fa#ily

affetion an" onfi"ene- an" as the young people listene" while 2r. Shaw tol" the# as #uh

of his business perple&ities as they oul" un"erstan"- every one of the# bla#e" hi# or herself

for going on so gayly an" blin"ly- while the stor# was gathering- an" the poor #an was left to



#eet it all alone. Now- however- the thun"er$lap ha" o#e- an" after the first alar#- fin"ing

they were not )ille"- they began to "isover a ertain half$an&ious- half$pleasant e&ite#ent in

tal)ing it over- enouraging one another- an" feeling unusually frien"ly- as people "o when a

su""en shower "rives two or three to the shelter of one u#brella.

It was a sober tal)- but not all sa"- for 2r. Shaw felt ine&pressibly o#forte" by his

hil"ren's une&pete" sy#pathy- an" they- trying to ta)e the "ownfall heerfully for his sa)e-

foun" it easier to bear the#selves. They even laughe" oasionally- for the girls- in their

ignorane- as)e" 6ueer 6uestions/ To# #a"e lu"irously unbusiness$li)e propositions/ an"2au" gave the# one hearty peal- that "i" a worl" of goo"- by pensively re#ar)ing- when the

plans for the future ha" been e&plaine" to her- ,I'# so relieve"/ for when papa sai" we #ust

give up everything- an" #a##a alle" us all beggars- I "i" thin) I'" got to go roun" as)ing for

ol" vittles- with a big bas)et- an" an ol" shawl over #y hea". I sai" one I'" li)e that- but I'#

afrai" I shoul" n't- for I an't bear In"ian a)e an" ol" potatoes- that's what the poor hil"ren

always see# to get- an" I shoul" hate to have !rae an" the rest see #e suffing roun" the ba)

gates.,

,2y little girl shall never o#e to that- if I an help it-, sai" 2r. Shaw- hol"ing her lose-

with a loo) that #a"e 2au" a""- as she lai" her hee) against his own- ,%ut I'" "o it- father- if

you as)e" #e to- for I truly want to help.,,So "o I1, rie" Fanny- won"ering at the sa#e #inute how it woul" see# to wear turne"

sil)s- an" lean her gloves.

To# sai" nothing- but "rew towar" hi# a paper of figures whih his father ha" "rawn up-

an" spee"ily re"ue" hi#self to the verge of "istration by trying to un"erstan" the#- in his

ar"ent "esire to prove his willingness to put his shoul"er to the wheel.

,+e shall pull through- hil"ren- so "on't borrow trouble- only be rea"y for "iso#forts an"

annoyanes. Put your pri"e in your po)ets- an" re#e#ber poverty is n't "isgraeful- but

"ishonesty is.,

Polly ha" always love" )in" 2r. Shaw- but now she respete" hi# heartily- an" felt that sheha" not "one hi# 4ustie when she so#eti#es thought that he only are" for #a)ing #oney .

,I shoul" n't won"er if this was a goo" thing for the whole fa#ily- though it "on't loo) so.

2rs. Shaw will ta)e it the har"est- but it #ay stir her up- so she will forget her nerves- an" be as

busy an" happy as #other is-, sai" Polly to herself- in a hopeful #oo"- for poverty was an ol"

frien"- an" she ha" learne" long ago not to fear it- but to ta)e its bitter an" its sweet- an" #a)e

the best of both.

+hen they parte" for the night- Polly slippe" away first- to leave the# free- yet oul" n't

help lingering outsi"e to see how ten"erly the girls parte" fro# their father. To# ha" n't a wor"

to say for hi#self- for #en "on't )iss- aress- or ry when they feel #ost- an" all he oul" "o to

e&press his sy#pathy an" penitene- was to wring his father's han" with a fae full of respet-regret- an" affetion- an" then bolt up stairs as if the furies were after hi#- as they were- in a

#il" an" #o"ern for#.

Chapter (VI. A *ress Para"e

The wee)s that followe" taught the Shaws- as #any other fa#ilies have been taught- how

rapi"ly rihes ta)e to the#selves wings an" fly away- when they one begin to go. 2r. Shaw

arrie" out his plans with an energy an" patiene that wor)e" won"ers- an" touhe" the hearts

of his har"est re"itors. The big house was given up as soon as possible an" the little house

ta)en/ being #a"e o#fortable with the furniture 2a"a# left there when she went to live with





her son. The ol"$fashione" things ha" been let with the house- an" now see#e" al#ost li)e a

gift fro# !ran"#a- "oubly preious in these troublous ti#es. At the aution- several persons

trie" to show the fa#ily that- though they ha" lost their fortune- frien"s still re#aine"- for one

bi" in Fanny's piano- an" sent it to her/ another seure" ertain lu&urious artiles for 2rs.

Shaw's o#fort/ an" a thir" save" suh of 2r. Shaw's boo)s as he value" #ost- for he ha" )ept

his wor" an" given up everything- with the #ost puntilious integrity. So the little house was

not bare- but #a"e pleasant to their eyes by these waifs fro# the wre)- brought the# by the

ti"e of sy#pathy an" goo"$will whih soon set in. 8verybo"y who )new the# hastene" to all-#any fro# a real regar"- but #ore fro# #ere uriosity to ,see how they too) it., This was one

of the har"est things they ha" to bear- an" To# use" strong language #ore than one- when

so#e fine la"y a#e to on"ole- an" went away to gossip. Polly's hopes of 2rs. Shaw were

"isappointe"- for #isfortune "i" not have a braing effet. She too) to her be" at one- reeive"

her frien"s in tears an" a point$lae ap- an" heere" her fa#ily by plaintively in6uiring when

she was to be ta)en to the al#shouse. This was har" for Fanny/ but after an interval of "espair-

she a#e to the onlusion that un"er the iru#stanes it was the best thing her #other oul"

have "one- an" with so#ething of her father's energy- Fanny shoul"ere" the new bur"en- feeling

that at last neessity ha" given her what she ha" long nee"e"- so#ething to "o.

The poor girl )new as #uh of househol" affairs as Snip/ but pri"e an" the resolution ,tostan" by Father-, )ept up her ourage- an" she wor)e" away with feverish ativity at whatever

tas) a#e first till- 4ust as strength an" heart were about to fail- or"er began to e#erge fro#

haos an" the vision of a ho#e #a"e happy an" o#fortable by her s)ill an" are a#e to repay

an" sustain her.

2au"- being relieve" fro# the fear of ba)$"oor beggary- soon bea#e reonile" to

ban)rupty/ thought it rather a goo" 4o)e- on the whole- for hil"ren li)e novelty- an" "on't are

#uh for 2rs. !run"y. She regar"e" the new abo"e as a baby house on a large sale- where she

was allowe" to play her part in the #ost satisfatory #anner. Fro# the #o#ent when- on ta)ing

possession of the ovete" roo#- she opene" the "oors of the three$ornere" loset- an" foun" alittle )ettle 4ust li)e Polly's- stan"ing there- she felt that a goo" ti#e was o#ing for her an" fell

to "usting furniture- washing ups- an" #a)ing toast- the happiest- fussiest little housewife in

the ity. For 2au" inherite" the notable gifts of her gran"#other- an" woul" have #a"e a

apital far#er's "aughter- in spite of her ity bree"ing.

Polly a#e an" went through all these hanges- faithful- helpful- an" as heery as she oul"

be when her frien"s were in trouble. The parts see#e" reverse" now- an" it was Polly who gave

Fanny who reeive"/ for where everything see#e" strange an" new to Fan- Polly was 6uite at

ho#e- an" every one of the unfashionable "o#esti ao#plish#ents now a#e into play- to

the o#fort of the Shaws- an" the great satisfation of Polly. She oul" not "o enough to prove

her gratitu"e for for#er favors- an" went toiling an" #oiling about- feeling that the har"est-#ost "isagreeable tas)s were her espeial "uty. In the #oving nothing suite" her better than to

trot up an" "own- lugging heavy things- to poun" her fingers bla) an" blue nailing arpets an"

urtains- an" the "ay she nearly bro)e her ne) tu#bling "own the ellar stairs- in her eagerness

to see that 2rs. Shaw's wine was rightly store"- she felt that she was only paying her "ebts- an"

tol" To# she li)e" it- when he pi)e" her up loo)ing as gri#y as a hi#ney$sweep.

,ou an turn your han" to anything- you lever girl- so "o o#e an" give #e so#e a"vie-

for I a# in the "epths of "espair-, sai" Fanny when the ,#ai"$of$all$wor), as Polly alle"

herself- foun" a leisure hour.





,+hat is it0 2oths in the furs- a s#o)y hi#ney- or s#all$po& ne&t "oor0, as)e" Polly- as

they entere" Fan's roo#- where 2au" was trying on ol" bonnets before the loo)ing$glass.

,Atually I have nothing to wear-, began Fan i#pressively/ ,I've been too busy to thin) or

are till now- but here it is nearly 2ay an" I have har"ly a "eent rag to #y ba). 7sually- you

)now- I 4ust go to 2rs. '!ra"y an" tell her what I want/ she #a)es #y spring war"robe- Papa

pays the bill- an" there I a#. Now I've loo)e" into the #atter- an" I "elare to you- Polly- I'#

frightene" to see how #uh it osts to "ress #e.,

,Not so #uh as so#e girls I )now-, sai" Polly enouragingly.,Perhaps notfor I have a onsiene- an" taste is eono#y so#eti#es/ but really- Polly- I

have n't the heart to as) Papa for a ent 4ust now- an" yet I #ust have lothes. ou are suh a

genius for planning an" wor)ing won"ers- that I throw #yself upon you an" as)-'3ow shall I

#a)e a spring war"robe out of nothing0' ,

,Let #e see the'nothing' before I a"vise. %ring out every rag you 've got- an" we'll see what

an be "one-, sai" Polly- loo)ing as if she en4oye" the prospet- for she ha" a great "eal of that

fe#inine faulty whih we all ,)na)-, an" #uh pratie ha" inrease" it.

Fanny brought out her ,rags, an" was astonishe" to see how #any she ha"- for hair- sofa-

be"- an" bureau were overe"- an" still 2au"- who was burrowing in the losets- )ept rying

,3ere's another.,,There's a "isouraging heap of rubbish for you1, sai" Fan- as she a""e" a fa"e" #uslin to

the last pile.

,Now- to #e your'rubbish' loo)s very enouraging- beause there is goo" #aterial there- an"

not #uh worn$out finery- that's #y "etestation- for you an't "o anything with it. Let #e see-

five bonnets. Put the winter ones away till autu#n- rip up the su##er ones- an" out of three ol"

ones we'll get a pretty new one- if #y eyes "on't "eeive #e.,

,I'll rip- an" then "o let #e see you #a)e a bonnet- it #ust be so interesting-, sai" 2au"-

whipping out her sissors an" eagerly beginning to re"ue a shabby little bonnet to its original

ele#ents. ,Now the "resses-, ontinue" Polly- who ha" rapi"ly sorte" out the piles.,+ill you have the goo"ness to loo) at this0, sai" Fan- hol"ing up a gray street suit fa"e"

past ure.

Polly whis)e" it wrong si"e out- an" showing the lean- bright fabri- sai"- with a

triu#phant wave- ,%ehol" your new suit/ fresh tri##ing an" less of it will finish you off as

s#art as ever.,

,I never wore a turne" "ress in #y life/ "o you suppose people will )now it0, sai" Fan

"oubtfully.

,+hat if they "o0 It won't hurt you. Not one in a hun"re" will ever thin) anything about

your "ress- e&ept that it is pretty. I've worn turne" an" "ye" gowns all #y "ays- an" it "on't

see# to have alienate" #y frien"s- or in4ure" #y onstitution.,,That it has n't/ I'# a goose- Polly- an" I'll get over the feeling that it's sort of "isgraeful to

be poor an" have to eono#i5e. +e'll turn the gray- an" I'll wear it bravely.,

,Then it will be #ore beo#ing than ever. h- here's the pretty violet sil). That will #a)e a

lovely suit-, rie" Polly- going on with the review.

,*on't see how two "raggle" s)irts an" a staine" waist an be transfor#e" into a whole rig-,

sai" Fan- sitting on the be"- with her gar#ents strewn about her in various attitu"es of li#p

"espon"eny.

,+ell- #a'a#- #y plan is this-, began Polly- i#itating 2rs. '!ra"y's i#portant tone- an"

ba" gra##ar< ,!ores is out- an" plaits is in/ therefore- as the top of this s)irt is 6uite fresh- we



will ta)e off the ruffles- turn it upsi"e "own- an" leave it plain. The upper s)irt will be #a"e

santer- an" finishe" with a frill/ then the waist an be refreshe" with the best parts of these

wi"e flounes- an" out of those new bits we will onot a hat. The bla) lae 2au" has 4ust

ta)en off the green one will "o to e"ge the violet- an" with your nie sil) #antilla you are

o#plete- "on't you see0,

,I "on't 6uite see it yet- but I have fir# faith that I shall in ti#e- an" onsi"er #y alling

ostu#e finishe"-, sai" Fanny- getting #ore an" #ore intereste" as she saw her on"e#ne"

war"robe o#ing out fresh again un"er Polly's #agi )na).,There are two/ then that pi6u- is all right- if you ut the tail off the 4a)et an" hange the

tri##ing a bit. The #uslins only nee" #en"ing an" "oing up to loo) as well as ever/ you ought

not to put the# away torn an" soile"- #y hil". The two bla) sil)s will be goo" stan"$bys for

years. If I were you- I'" have a ouple of neat- pretty prints for ho#e$wear- an" then I "on't see

why you are n't fi&e" well enough for our short season.,

,Can't I "o anything with this barege0 It's one of #y favorite "resses- an" I hate to give it

up.,

,ou wore that thoroughly out- an" it's only fit for the rag$bag. es- it was very pretty an"

beo#ing- I re#e#ber- but its "ay is over.,

Fanny let the "ress lie in her lap a #inute as she absently pi)e" at the fringe- s#iling toherself over the happy ti#e when she wore it last an" Sy"ney sai" she only nee"e" owslips in

her lap to loo) li)e spring. Presently she fol"e" it up an" put it away with a sigh- but it never

went into the rag$bag- an" #y senti#ental rea"ers an un"erstan" what save" it.

,The ball "resses ha" better be put niely away till ne&t year-, began Polly- o#ing to a

rainbow olore" heap.

,2y "ay is over- I shall never use the# again. *o what you li)e with the#-, sai" Fan al#ly.

,*i" you ever sell your ast$off finery- as #any la"ies "o0, as)e" Polly.

,Never/ I "on't li)e the fashion. I give it away- or let 2au" have it for tableau&.,

,I won"er if you woul" #in" #y telling you so#ething %elle propose"0,,If it's an offer to buy #y lothes- I shoul" #in"-, answere" Fanny- sharply.

,Then I won't-, an" Polly retire" behin" a lou" of arseni$green gau5e- whih #a"e her

loo) as if she ha" the holera.

,If she wante" to buy that horri" new'gooseberry$olore" gown-' as To# alls it- I'" let her

have it heap-, put in 2au"- who was of a pratial turn.

,*oes she want it- Polly0, as)e" Fan- whose uriosity got the better of her pri"e.

,+ell- she #erely as)e" #e if I thought you'" be #ortally offen"e"- if she offere" to ta)e it

off your han"s- as you'" never worn it. ou "on't li)e it- an" in another season it will be all out

of fashion-, sai" Polly fro# her ver"ant retreat.

,+hat "i" you say0,,I saw she #eant it )in"ly- so I sai" I'" as). Now between ourselves- Fan- the prie of that

"ress woul" give you all you'll want for your spring fi&ings- that's one onsi"eration/ then here's

another- whih #ay have so#e weight with you-, a""e" Polly slyly. ,Tri& tol" %elle she was

going to as) you for the "ress- as you woul" n't are to wear it now. That #a"e %elle fire up-

an" say it was a #ean thing to "o without offering so#e return for a ostly thing li)e that/ an"

then %elle sai"- in her blunt way-'I'll give Fan all she pai" for it- an" #ore- too- if it will be any

help to her. I "on't are for the "ress- but I'" li)e to slip a little #oney into her po)et- for I

)now she nee"s it an" is too goo" to as) "ear 2r. Shaw for anything she an get on without.' ,



,*i" she say that0 I'll give her the "ress- an" not ta)e a penny for it-, rie" Fan- flushing up

with #ingle" anger towar" Tri& an" gratitu"e to %elle.

,That won't suit her/ you let #e #anage it- an" "on't feel any sha#e or an&iety about it. ou

"i" #any a )in" an" generous thing for %elle when you ha" the power- an" you li)e" to "o it/

now let her pay her "ebts- an" have the sa#e pleasure.,

,If she loo)s at it in that way- it #a)es a "ifferene. Perhaps I'" better the #oney woul" be

an i##ense help only I "on't 6uite li)e to ta)e it.,

,9ings an" 6ueens sell their 4ewels when ti#es are har" or they get turne" off their thrones-an" no one thin)s it anything a#iss- so why nee" you0 It's 4ust a little transation between two

frien"s who e&hange things they "on't want for things whih they "o- an" I'" "o it if I were

you.,

,+e'll see about it-, sai" Fan- privately resolving to ta)e Polly's a"vie.

,If I ha" lots of things li)e Fan- I'" have an aution an" get all I oul" for the#. +hy "on't

you0, as)e" 2au"- beginning on her thir" bonnet.

,+e will-, sai" Polly- an" #ounting a hair- she put up- bi" in- an" )no)e" "own Fan's

entire war"robe to an i#aginary group of frien"s- with suh "roll i#itations of eah one that the

roo# rang with laughter.

,That's enough nonsense/ now we'll return to business-, sai" Polly- "esen"ing breathless butsatisfie" with the effet of her fun.

,These white #uslins an" pretty sil)s will )eep for years- so I shoul" lay the# by till they

are nee"e". It will save buying- an" you an go to your sto) any ti#e an" #a)e over what you

want. That's the way 2other "oes/ we've always ha" things sent us fro# riher frien"s- an"

whatever was n't proper for us to wear at the ti#e- 2other put away to be use" when we nee"e"

it. Suh funny bun"les as we use" to have so#eti#es- o"" shoes- bonnets without rowns-

sto)ings without heels or toes- an" ol" finery of all sorts. +e use" to rush when a bun"le a#e-

an" sit roun" while 2other opene" it. The boys always #a"e fun of the things- though they

were as grateful- really- as any of us. +ill #a"e a verse one "ay whih we thought pretty wellfor a little hap< 'To poor ountry fol)s +ho have n't any lothes- ;ih fol)s- to relieve the#-

Sen" ol" lae gowns an" satin bows.',

,I thin) that +ill is going to be as nie a poet as 2r. Sha)espeare-, re#ar)e" 2au" in a tone

of serious onvition.

,3e is alrea"y a 2ilton/ but I "on't believe he will ever be anything but a poet in na#e-, sai"

Polly- wor)ing away while she tal)e".

,*i" n't your #other ever let you wear the nie things that a#e0, as)e" 2au".

,No- she thought it was n't the thing for a poor #inister's girls to go flourishing about in

seon"$han" finery- so she "i" what I'# "oing now- put away what woul" be useful an" proper

for us by an" by- an" let us play with the shabby- sil) bonnets an" "irty- floune" gowns. Suhfun as we use" to have up in our big garret1 I re#e#ber one "ay we'" been playing have a ball-

an" were all rigge" up- even the boys. So#e new neighbors a#e to all- an" e&presse" a wish

to see us- having been tol" that we were pattern hil"ren. 2other alle" us- but we ha" para"e"

out into the gar"en- after our ball- an" were having a onert- as we sat about on the abbages

for green satin seats- so we "i" n't hear the all- an" 4ust as the o#pany was going- a great

noise arreste" the# on the "oorstep- an" roun" the orner of the house rattle" Ne" in full

ostu#e- wheeling 9itty in a barrow- while :i##y- +ill- an" I ran srea#ing after- loo)ing li)e

%e"la#ites/ for we were playing that La"y Fit5 Per)ins ha" fainte"- an" was being borne ho#e





,It will be "one in ti#e- an" the "ress li)ewise- so loo) your prettiest- an" aept #y

blessing-, ontinue" Polly- seeing that Fan li)e" her raillery.

,Ti#e for what0, as)e" Paulina Pry.

,our we""ing- "ear-, sweetly answere" Fan- for Polly's pleasant hints an" pre"itions put

her in a har#ing hu#or- an" even #a"e ol" lothes of little onse6uene.

2au" gave an inre"ulous sniff- an" won"ere" why ,big girls nee" to be so "rea"ful

#ysterious about their ol" serets.,

,This sil) re#in"s #e of 9itty's perfor#ane last su##er. A little he)e" sil) was sent inour spring bun"le fro# 2rs. *avenport- an" 2other sai" 9it #ight have it if she oul" #a)e it

"o. So I washe" it niely- an" we fusse" an" planne"- but it a#e short by half of one sleeve. I

gave it up- but 9it went to wor) an" #athe" every srap that was left so neatly that she got out

the half sleeve- put it on the un"er si"e- an" no one was the wiser. 3ow #any piees "o you

thin) she put in- 2au"0,

,Fifty-, was the wise reply.

,No- only ten- but that was pretty well for a fourteen$year$ol" "ress#a)er. ou ought to have

seen the little with laugh in her sleeve when any one a"#ire" the "ress- for she wore it all

su##er an" loo)e" as pretty as a pin) in it. Suh things are great fun when you get use" to

the#/ besi"es- ontriving sharpens your wits- an" #a)es you feel as if you ha" #ore han"s than#ost people.,

,I thin) we'll get a far# near your house/ I shoul" li)e to )now 9itty-, sai" 2au"- feeling a

urious interest in a girl who #a"e suh peuliar pathwor).

,The "ress$para"e is over- an" I'# ever so #uh oblige" to you- Polly- for helping #e

through- an" showing #e how to #a)e the best of things. I hope in ti#e to have as #any han"s

as you-, sai" Fan gratefully- when the si#ple bonnet was "one an" everything planne" out

rea"y to be finishe".

,I hope you will soon have two goo"- strong ones besi"e your own- #y "ear-, answere"

Polly- as she vanishe"- with a parting twin)le that )ept Fan's fae bright all "ay.

Chapter (VII. Playing !ran"#other

I thin) To# ha" the har"est ti#e of all- for besi"es the fa#ily troubles- he ha" #any of his

own to perple& an" harass hi#. College srapes were soon forgotten in greater afflitions/ but

there were plenty of tongues to bla#e ,that e&travagant "og-, an" plenty of hea"s to wag

o#inously over propheies of the goo" ti#e To# Shaw woul" now #a)e on the roa" to ruin. As

reporters flourish in this ountry- of ourse To# soon hear" all the frien"ly ritiis#s passe"

upon hi# an" his areer- an" he suffere" #ore than anybo"y guesse"/ for the truth that was at

the botto# of the gossip fille" hi# with the sharp regret an" i#potent wrath against hi#self aswell as others- whih "rives #any a prou" fellow- so plae"- to "estrution- or the effort that

re"ee#s boyish folly- an" #a)es a #an of hi#.

Now that he ha" lost his heritage- To# see#e" to see for the first ti#e how goo"ly it ha"

been- how rih in power- pleasure- an" graious opportunities. 3e felt its worth even while he

a)nowle"ge"- with the sense of 4ustie that is strong in #anly #en- how little he "eserve" a

gift whih he ha" so #isuse". 3e broo"e" over this a goo" "eal- for- li)e the bat in the fable- he

"i" n't see# to fin" any plae in the new life whih ha" begun for all. 9nowing nothing of

business- he was not of #uh use to his father- though he trie" to bean" generally en"e" by

feeling that he was a hin"rane- not a help. *o#esti affairs were e6ually out of his line- an" the



girls- #ore fran) than their father- "i" not hesitate to tell hi# he was in the way when he offere"

to len" a han" anywhere. After the first e&ite#ent was over- an" he ha" ti#e to thin)- heart an"

energy see#e" to "ie out- re#orse got hol" of hi#- an"- as generous- thoughtless natures are apt

to "o when su""enly onfronte" with onsiene- he e&aggerate" his faults an" follies into sins

of the "eepest "ye- an" fanie" he was regar"e" by others as a villain an" an outast. Pri"e an"

penitene #a"e hi# shrin) out of sight as #uh as possible- for he oul" not bear pity- even

when silently e&presse" by a frien"ly han" or a )in"ly eye. 3e staye" at ho#e a goo" "eal- an"

loafe" about with a #elanholy an" neglete" air- vanishe" when anyone a#e- tal)e" verylittle- an" was either pathetially hu#ble or tragially ross. 3e wante" to "o so#ething- but

nothing see#e" to appear/ an" while he waite" to get his poise after the "ownfall- he was so

very #iserable that I'# afrai"- if it ha" not been for one thing- #y poor To# woul" have got

"esperate- an" been a failure. %ut when he see#e" #ost useless- outast- an" forlorn- he

"isovere" that one person nee"e" hi#- one person never foun" hi# in the way- one person

always welo#e" an" lung to hi# with the strongest affetion of a very feeble nature. This

"epen"ene of his #other's was To#'s salvation at that risis of his life/ an" the gossips- who

sai" softly to one another over their #uffins an" tea. ,It really woul" be a relief to that whole

fa#ily if poor- "ear 2rs. Shaw oul" be ahe#1 #erifully re#ove"-, "i" not )now that the

invali"'s wea)- i"le han"s were unonsiously )eeping the son safe in that 6uiet roo#- whereshe gave hi# all that she ha" to give- #other$love- till he too) heart again- an" fae" the worl"

rea"y to fight his battles #anfully.

,*ear- "ear1 how ol" an" bent poor father "oes loo). I hope he won't forget to or"er #y

sweetbrea"-, sighe" 2rs. Shaw one "ay- as she wathe" her husban" slowly going "own the

street.

To#- who stoo" by her- i"ly spinning the urtain tassel- followe" the fa#iliar figure with his

eye- an" seeing how gray the hair ha" grown- how areworn the flori" fae- an" how li)e a

weary ol" #an his one strong- han"so#e father wal)e"- he was s#itten by a new pang of self$

reproah- an" with his usual i#petuosity set about repairing the o#ission as soon as he"isovere" it.

,I'll see to your sweetbrea"- #u#. !oo"$by- ba) to "inner-, an" with a hasty )iss- To# was

off.

3e "i" n't )now e&atly what he #eant to "o- but it ha" su""enly o#e over hi#- that he was

hi"ing fro# the stor#- an" letting his father #eet it alone/ for the ol" #an went to his offie

every "ay with the regularity of a #ahine- that woul" go its usual roun" until it stoppe"- while

the young #an staye" at ho#e with the wo#en- an" let his #other o#fort hi#.

,3e has a right to be asha#e" of #e- but I at as if I was asha#e" of hi#/ "are say people

thin) so. I'll show the# that I ain't/ yes- by the powers- I will1, an" To# "rew on his gloves with

the air of a #an about to #eet an" on6uer an ene#y.,3ave an ar#- sir0 If you "on't #in" I'll wal) "own with you. Little o##ission for #other-

nie "ay- is n't it0,

To# rather bro)e "own at the en" of his speeh- for the loo) of please" surprise with whih

his father greete" hi#- the alarity with whih he aepte" an" leane" on the strong ar# offere"

hi#- prove" that the "aily wal)s ha" been solitary an" "oubtless sa" ones. I thin) 2r. Shaw

un"erstoo" the real #eaning of that little at of respet- an" felt better for the hopeful hange it

see#e" to foretell. %ut he too) it 6uietly- an" leaving his fae to spea) for hi#- #erely sai"-

,Than)y- To#/ yes- #other will en4oy her "inner twie as #uh if you or"er it.,



Then they began to tal) business with all their #ight- as if they feare" that so#e trae of

senti#ent #ight "isgrae their #asuline "ignity. %ut it #a"e no "ifferene whether they

"isusse" lawsuits or love- #ortgages or #others- the feeling was all right an" they )new it- so

2r. Shaw wal)e" straighter than usual- an" To# felt that he was in his proper plae again. The

wal) was not without its trials- however/ for while it "i" To#'s heart goo" to see the or"ial

respet pai" to his father- it trie" his patiene sorely to see also in6uisitive or "isapproving

glanes fi&e" upon hi#self when hats were lifte" to his father- an" to hear the hearty ,!oo" "ay

2r. Shaw-, "rop into a ool or areless- ,That's the son/ it's har" on hi#. +il" fellow- "o hi#goo".,

,!rante"/ but you nee" n't hit a #an when he's "own-, #uttere" To# to hi#self- feeling

every #o#ent a stronger "esire to "o so#ething that shoul" silene everybo"y. ,I'" ut away to

Australia if it was n't for #other/ anything- anywhere to get out of the way of people who )now

#e. I never an right #yself here- with all the fellows wathing- an" laying wagers whether I

sin) or swi#. 3ang !ree) an" Latin1 wish I'" learne" a tra"e- an" ha" so#ething to fall ba)

upon. 3ave n't a blesse" thing now- but "eent Frenh an" #y fists. +on"er if ol" %ell "on't

want a ler) for the Paris branh of the business0 That woul" n't be ba"/ faith- I 'll try it.,

An" when To# ha" lan"e" his father safely at the offie- to the great e"ifiation of all

behol"ers- he srewe" up his ourage- an" went to prefer his re6uest- feeling that the prospet brightene" a little. %ut 2r. %ell was not in a goo" hu#or- an" only gave To# a severe leture

on the error of his ways- whih sent hi# ho#e #uh "epresse"- an" ause" the hori5on to lower

again.

As he roa#e" about the house that afternoon- trying to alulate how #uh an Australian

outfit woul" ost- the soun" of lively voies an" lattering spoons attrate" hi# to the )ithen.

There he foun" Polly giving 2au" lessons in oo)ery/ for the ,new help, not being a high$

prie" artile- oul" not be "epen"e" on for "esserts- an" 2rs. Shaw woul" have felt as if the

wolf was at the "oor if there was not ,a sweet "ish, at "inner. 2au" ha" a genius for oo)ing-

an" Fanny hate" it- so that little person was in her glory- stu"ying reeipt boo)s- an" ta)inglessons whenever Polly oul" give the#.

,!raious #e- To#- "on't o#e now/ we are awful busy1 2en "on't belong in )ithens-,

rie" 2au"- as her brother appeare" in the "oorway.

,Coul" n't thin) what you were about. 2u# is asleep- an" Fan out- so I loafe" "own to see if

there was any fun afoot-, sai" To#- lingering- as if the prospet was agreeable. 3e was a soial

fellow- an" very grateful 4ust then to any one who helpe" hi# to forget his worries for a ti#e.

Polly )new this- felt that his soiety woul" not be a great afflition to herself at least- an"

whispering to 2au"- ,3e won't )now-, she a""e"- alou"- ,Co#e in if you li)e- an" stir this a)e

for #e/ it nee"s a strong han"- an" #ine are tire". There- put on that apron to )eep you ti"y- sit

here- an" ta)e it easy.,,I use" to help gran"#a bat up a)e- an" rather li)e" it- if I re#e#ber right-, sai" To#-

letting Polly tie a he)e" apron on hi#- put a big bowl into his han"s- an" settle hi# near the

table- where 2au" was pi)ing raisins- an" she herself stirring busily about a#ong spie$bo&es-

rolling$pins- an" butter$pots.

,ou "o it beautifully- To#. I'll give you a onun"ru# to lighten your labor< +hy are ba"

boys li)e a)e0, as)e" Polly- an&ious to heer hi# up.

,%eause a goo" beating #a)es the# better. I "oubt that #yself- though-, answere" To#-

nearly )no)ing the botto# of the bowl out with his energeti "e#onstrations- for it really was a

relief to "o so#ething.



,%right boy1 here's a plu# for you-, an" Polly threw a plu#p raisin into his #outh.

,Put in lots- won't you0 I'# rather fon" of plu#$a)e-, observe" To#- li)ening hi#self to

3erules with the "istaff- an" fin"ing his e#ploy#ent pleasant- if not lassial.

,I always "o- if I an/ there's nothing I li)e better than to shovel in sugar an" spie- an" #a)e

nie- plu##y a)e for people. It's one of the few things I have a gift for.,

,ou've hit it this ti#e- Polly/ you ertainly have a gift for putting a goo" "eal of both

artiles into your own an" other people's lives- whih is lu)y- as- we all have to eat that sort of

a)e- whether we li)e it or not-, observe" To#- so soberly that Polly opene" her eyes- an"2au" e&lai#e"- ,I "o believe he's preahing.,

,Feel as if I oul" so#eti#es-, ontinue" To#/ then his eye fell upon the "i#ples in Polly's

elbows- an" he a""e"- with a laugh- ,That's #ore in your line- #a'a#/ an't you give us a

ser#on0,

,A short one. Life- #y brethren- is li)e plu#$a)e-, began Polly- i#pressively fol"ing her

floury han"s. ,In so#e the plu#s are all on the top- an" we eat the# gayly- till we su""enly fin"

they are gone. In others the plu#s sin) to the botto#- an" we loo) for the# in vain as we go on-

an" often o#e to the# when it is too late to en4oy the#. %ut in the well$#a"e a)e- the plu#s

are wisely sattere" all through- an" every #outhful is a pleasure. +e #a)e our own a)es- in a

great #easure- therefore let us loo) to it- #y brethren- that they are #i&e" aor"ing to the bestreeipt- ba)e" in a well regulate" oven- an" gratefully eaten with a te#perate appetite.,

,!oo"1 goo"1, rie" To#- applau"ing with the woo"en spoon. ,That's a #o"el ser#on-

Polly- short- sweet- sensible- an" not a bit sleepy. I'# one of your parish- an" will see that you

get your 'elery puntooal-' as ol" *eaon 2orse use" to say.,

,'Than) you- brother- #y wants is few- an" ravens surser than they use" to be-' as "ear ol"

Parson 2iller use" to answer. Now- 2au"- bring on the itron/, an" Polly began to put the a)e

together in what see#e" a #ost areless an" haoti #anner- while To# an" 2au" wathe"

with absorbing interest till it was safely in the oven.

,Now #a)e your ustar"s- "ear/ To# #ay li)e to beat the eggs for you/ it see#s to have agoo" effet upon his onstitution.,

,First$rate/ han"'e# along-, an" To# s#oothe" his apron with a heerful air. ,%y the way-

Sy"'s got ba). I #et hi# yester"ay- an" he treate" #e li)e a #an an" a brother-, he a""e"- as if

an&ious to ontribute to the pleasures of the hour.

,I'# so gla"1, rie" Polly- lapping her han"s- regar"less of the egg she hel"- whih "roppe"

an" s#ashe" on the floor at her feet. ,Careless thing1 Pi) it up- 2au"- I'll get so#e #ore/, an"

Polly whis)e" out of the roo#- gla" of an e&use to run an" tell Fan- who ha" 4ust o#e in- lest-

hearing the news in publi- she #ight be startle" out of the well$bre" o#posure with whih

young la"ies are e&pete" to reeive ti"ings- even of the #ost vital i#portane.

,ou )now all about history- "on't you0, as)e" 2au"- su""enly.,Not 6uite-, #o"estly answere" To#.

,I 4ust want to )now if there really was a #an na#e" Sir Philip- in the ti#e of ?ueen

8li5abeth.,

,ou #ean Sir Philip Si"ney0 es- he live" then an" a fine ol" fellow he was too.,

,There/ I )new the girls "i" n't #ean hi#-, rie" 2au"- with a hop that sent the itron

flying.

,+hat #ishief are you up to now- you little #agpie0,

,I shan't tell you what they sai"- beause I "on't re#e#ber #uh of it/ but I hear" Polly an"

Fan tal)ing about so#e one "rea"ful #ysterious- an" when I as)e" who it was- Fan sai"-'Sir



Philip.' 3o1 she nee" n't thin) I believe it1 I saw'e# laugh- an" blush- an" po)e one another- an"

I )new it was n't about any ol" ?ueen 8li5abeth #an-, rie" 2au"- turning up her nose as far as

that so#ewhat li#ite" feature woul" go.

,Loo) here- you are letting ats out of the bag. Never #in"- I thought so. They "on't tell us

their serets- but we are so sharp- we an't help fin"ing the# out- an we0, sai" To#- loo)ing so

#uh intereste"- that 2au" oul" n't resist airing her )nowle"ge a little.

,+ell- I "are say- it is n't proper for you to )now- but I a# ol" enough now to be tol"

anything- an" those girls better #in" what they say- for I'# not a stupi" hit- li)e %lanhe. I 4ustwish you oul" have hear" the# go on. I'# sure there's so#ething very nie about 2r. Sy"ney-

they loo)e" so please" when they whispere" an" giggle" on the be"- an" thought I was ripping

bonnets- an" "i" n't hear a wor".,

,+hih loo)e" #ost please"0, as)e" To#- investigating the )ithen boiler with "eep

interest.

,+ell-'pears to #e Polly "i"/ she tal)e" #ost- an" loo)e" funny an" very happy all the ti#e.

Fan laughe" a goo" "eal- but I guess Polly is the loveress-, replie" 2au"- after a #o#ent's

refletion.

,3ol" your tongue/ she's o#ing1, an" To# began to pu#p as if the house was on fire.

*own a#e Polly- with heightene" olor- bright eyes- an" not a single egg. To# too) a 6ui)loo) at her over his shoul"er- an" pause" as if the fire was su""enly e&tinguishe". So#ething in

his fae #a"e Polly feel a little guilty- so she fell to grating nut#eg- with a vigor whih #a"e

re" hee)s the #ost natural thing in life. 2au"- the traitor- sat "e#urely at wor)- loo)ing very

li)e what To# ha" alle" her- a #agpie with #ishief in its hea". Polly felt a hange in the

at#osphere- but #erely thought To# was tire"- so she graiously "is#isse" hi# with a sti) of

inna#on- as she ha" nothing else 4ust then to lay upon the shrine. ,Fan's got the boo)s an"

#aps you wante". !o an" rest now. I'# #uh oblige"/ here's your wages- %ri"get.,

,!oo" lu) to your #esses-, answere" To#- as he wal)e" away #e"itatively runhing his

inna#on- an" loo)ing as if he "i" not fin" it as spiy as usual. 3e got his boo)s- but "i" notrea" the#/ for- shutting hi#self up in the little roo# alle" ,To#'s "en-, he 4ust sat "own an"

broo"e".

+hen he a#e "own to brea)fast the ne&t #orning- he was greete" with a general ,3appy

birth"ay- To#1, an" at his plae lay gifts fro# every #e#ber of the fa#ily/ not as ostly as

for#erly- perhaps- but infinitely "earer- as to)ens of the love that ha" outlive" the hange- an"

only grown the war#er for the test of #isfortune. In his present state of #in"- To# felt as if he

"i" not "eserve a blesse" thing/ so when every one e&erte" the#selves to #a)e it a happy "ay

for hi#- he un"erstoo" what it #eans ,to be nearly )ille" with )in"ness-, an" sternly resolve"

to be an honor to his fa#ily- or perish in the atte#pt. 8vening brought Polly to what she alle" a

,festive tea-, an" when they gathere" roun" the table- another gift appeare"- whih- though notof a senti#ental nature- touhe" To# #ore than all the rest. It was a #ost "eletable a)e- with

a nosegay atop- an" roun" it on the snowy frosting there ran a pin) insription- 4ust as it ha"

been every year sine To# oul" re#e#ber.

,Na#e- age- an" "ate- li)e a nie white to#bstone-, observe" 2au"- o#plaently- at whih

funereal re#ar)- 2rs. Shaw- who was "own in honor of the "ay- "roppe" her nap)in- an"

"e#an"e" her salts.

,+hose "oing is that0, as)e" To#- surveying the gift with satisfation/ for it realle" the

happier birth"ays- whih see#e" very far away now.



,I "i" n't )now what to give you- for you've got everything a #an wants- an" I was in "espair

till I re#e#bere" that "ear gran"#a always #a"e you a little a)e li)e that- an" that you one

sai" it woul" n't be a happy birth"ay without it. So I trie" to #a)e it 4ust li)e hers- an" I "o hope

it will prove a goo"- sweet- plu##y one.,

,Than) you-, was all To# sai"- as he s#ile" at the giver- but Polly )new that her present ha"

please" hi# #ore than the #ost elegant trifle she oul" have #a"e.

,It ought to be goo"- for you beat it up yourself- To#-, rie"- 2au". ,It was so funny to see

you wor)ing away- an" never guessing who the a)e was for. I perfetly tre#ble" every ti#eyou opene" your #outh- for fear you'" as) so#e 6uestion about it. That was the reason Polly

preahe" an" I )ept tal)ing when she was gone.,

,Very stupi" of #e/ but I forgot all about to$"ay. Suppose we ut it/ I "on't see# to are for

anything else-, sai" To#- feeling no appetite- but boun" to "o 4ustie to that a)e- if he fell a

viti# to his gratitu"e.

,I hope the plu#s won't all be at the botto#-, sai" Polly- as she rose to "o the honors of the

a)e- by universal appoint#ent.

,I've ha" a goo" #any at the top alrea"y- you )now-, answere" To#- wathing the operation

with as #uh interest as if he ha" faith in the o#en.

Cutting arefully- slie after slie fell apart/ eah fir# an" "ar)- spiy an" rih- un"er thefrosty ri#e above/ an" laying a speially large piee in one of gran"#a's 6uaint little hina

plates- Polly a""e" the flowers an" han"e" it to To#- with a loo) that sai" a goo" "eal- for

seeing that he re#e#bere" her ser#on- she was gla" to fin" that her allegory hel" goo"- in one

sense at least. To#'s fae brightene" as he too) it- an" after an inspetion whih a#use" the

others very #uh he loo)e" up- saying- with an air of relief- ,Plu#s all through/ I'# gla" I ha" a

han" in it- but Polly "eserves the re"it- an" #ust wear the posy-, an" turning to her- he put the

rose into her hair with #ore gallantry than taste- for a thorn pri)e" her hea"- the leaves ti)le"

her ear- an" the flower was upsi"e "own.

Fanny laughe" at his want of s)ill- but Polly woul" n't have it altere"- an" everybo"y fell toeating a)e- as if in"igestion was one of the lost arts. They ha" a lively tea- an" were getting on

fa#ously afterwar"- when two letters were brought for To#- who glane" at one- an" retire"

rather preipitately to his "en- leaving 2au" onsu#e" with uriosity- an" the ol"er girls

slightly e&ite"- for Fan thought she reogni5e" the han"writing on one- an" Polly- on the other.

ne half an hour an" then another elapse"- an" To# "i" not return. 2r. Shaw went out- 2rs.

Shaw retire" to her roo# esorte" by 2au"- an" the two girls sat together won"ering if

anything "rea"ful ha" happene". All of a su""en a voie alle"- ,Polly1, an" that young la"y

starte" out of her hair- as if the soun" ha" been a thun"er$lap.

,*o run1 I'# perfetly fainting to )now what the #atter is-, sai" Fan.

,ou'" better go-, began Polly- wishing to obey- yet feeling a little shy.,3e "on't want #e/ besi"es- I oul" n't say a wor" for #yself if that letter was fro# Sy"ney-,

rie" Fanny- hustling her frien" towar"s the "oor- in a great flutter.

Polly went without another wor"- but she wore a uriously an&ious loo)- an" stoppe" on the

threshol" of the "en- as if a little afrai" of its oupant. To# was sitting in his favorite attitu"e-

astri"e of a hair- with his ar#s fol"e" an" his hin on the top rail/ not an elegant posture- but

the only one in whih- he sai"- he oul" thin) well.

,*i" you want #e- To#0,

,es. Co#e in- please- an" "on't loo) sare"/ I only want to show you a present I've ha"- an"

as) your a"vie about aepting it.,



,+hy- To#- you loo) as if you ha" been )no)e" "own1, e&lai#e" Polly- forgetting all

about herself- as she saw his fae when he rose an" turne" to #eet her.

,I have/ regularly floore"/ but I'# up again- an" stea"ier than ever. :ust you rea" that- an"

tell #e what you thin) of it.,

To# snathe" a letter off the table- put it into her han"s- an" began to wal) up an" "own the

little roo#- li)e a veritable bear in its age. As Polly rea" that short note- all the olor went out

of her fae- an" her eyes began to )in"le. +hen she a#e to the en"- she stoo" a #inute- as if

too in"ignant to spea)- then gave the paper a nervous sort of ru#ple an" "roppe" it on thefloor- saying- all in one breath- ,I thin) she is a #erenary- heartless- ungrateful girl1 That's what

I thin).,

,h- the "eue1 I "i" n't #ean to show that one/ it's the other., An" To# too) up a seon"

paper- loo)ing half angry- half asha#e" at his own #ista)e. ,I "on't are- though/ every one will

)now to$#orrow/ an" perhaps you'll be goo" enough to )eep the girls fro# bothering #e with

6uestions an" gabble-, he a""e"- as if- on seon" thoughts- he was relieve" to have the

o##uniation #a"e to Polly first.

,I "on't won"er you loo)e" upset. If the other letter is as ba"- I'" better have a hair before I

rea" it-, sai" Polly- feeling that she began to tre#ble with e&ite#ent.

,It's a #illion ti#es better- but it )no)e" #e worse than the other/ )in"ness always "oes.,To# stoppe" short there- an" stoo" a #inute turning the letter about in his han" as if it

ontaine" a sweet whih neutrali5e" the bitter in that s#aller note- an" touhe" hi# very #uh.

Then he "rew up an ar#hair- an" be)oning Polly to ta)e it- sai" in a sober- stea"y tone- that

surprise" her greatly- ,+henever I was in a 6uan"ary- I use" to go an" onsult gran"#a- an" she

always ha" so#ething sensible or o#fortable to say to #e. She's gone now- but so#ehow-

Polly- you see# to ta)e her plae. +oul" you #in" sitting in her hair- an" letting #e tell you

two or three things- as +ill "oes0,

2in" it0 Polly felt that To# ha" pai" her the highest an" #ost beautiful o#pli#ent he

oul" have "evise". She ha" often longe" to "o it- for- being brought up in the #ost affetionatean" fran) relations with her brothers- she ha" early learne" what it ta)es #ost wo#en so#e

ti#e to "isover- that se& "oes not #a)e nearly as #uh "ifferene in hearts an" souls as we

fany. :oy an" sorrow- love an" fear- life an" "eath bring so #any of the sa#e nee"s to all- that

the won"er is we "o not un"erstan" eah other better- but wait till ti#es of tribulation teah us

that hu#an nature is very #uh the sa#e in #en an" wo#en. Than)s to this )nowle"ge- Polly

un"erstoo" To# in a way that surprise" an" won hi#. She )new that he wante" wo#anly

sy#pathy- an" that she oul" give it to hi#- beause she was not afrai" to streth her han"

aross the barrier whih our artifiial e"uation puts between boys an" girls- an" to say to hi#

in all goo" faith- ,If I an help you- let #e.,

Ten #inutes sooner Polly oul" have "one this al#ost as easily to To# as to +ill- but in thatten #inutes so#ething ha" happene" whih #a"e this "iffiult. ;ea"ing that Tri& ha" given

To# ba) his free"o# hange" #any things to Polly- an" ause" her to shrin) fro# his

onfi"ene- beause she felt as if it woul" be har"er now to )eep self out of sight/ for- spite of

#ai"en #o"esty- love an" hope woul" wa)e an" sing at the goo" news. Slowly she sat "own-

an" hesitatingly she sai"- with her eyes on the groun"- an" a very hu#ble voie- ,I'll "o #y

best- but I an't fill gran"#a's plae- or give you any wise- goo" a"vie. I wish I oul"1,

,ou'll "o it better than any one else. Tal) troubles #other- father has enough to thin) of

without any of #y worries. Fan is a goo" soul- but she is n't pratial- an" we always get into a



snarl if we try to wor) together- so who have I but #y other sister- Polly0 The pleasure that

letter will give you #ay #a)e up for #y boring you.,

As he spo)e- To# lai" the other paper in her lap- an" went off to the win"ow- as if to leave

her free to en4oy it unseen/ but he oul" not help a glane now an" then- an" as Polly's fae

brightene"- his own fell.

,h- To#- that's a birth"ay present worth having- for it's so beautifully given I "on't see how

you an refuse it. Arthur Sy"ney is a real noble#an1, rie" Polly- loo)ing up at last- with her

fat glowing- an" her eyes full of "elight.,So he is1 I "on't )now another #an living- e&ept father- who woul" have "one suh a thing

or who I oul" bring #yself to ta)e it fro#. *o you see- he's not only pai" the onfoun"e"

"ebts- but has "one it in #y na#e- to spare #e all he oul"0,

,I see- it's li)e hi#/ an" I thin) he #ust be very happy to be able to "o suh a thing.,

,It is an i##ense weight off #y shoul"ers- for so#e of those #en oul" n't affor" to wait till

I'" begge"- borrowe"- or earne" the #oney. Sy"ney an wait- but he won't long- if I )now

#yself., ,ou won't ta)e it as a gift- then0,

,+oul" you0,

,No.,

,Then "on't thin) I will. I'# a pretty poor affair- Polly- but I'# not #ean enough to "o that-while I've got a onsiene an" a pair of han"s.,

A rough speeh- but it please" Polly better than the s#oothest To# ha" ever #a"e in her

hearing- for so#ething in his fae an" voie tol" her that the frien"ly at ha" rouse" a nobler

senti#ent than gratitu"e- #a)ing the anelle" obligations of the boy- "ebts of honor to the

#an.

,+hat will you "o- To#0,

,I'll tell you/ #ay I sit here0, An" To# too) the low footstool that always stoo" near

gran"#a's ol" hair. ,I've ha" so #any plans in #y hea" lately- that so#eti#es it see#s as if it

woul" split-, ontinue" the poor fellow- rubbing his tire" forehea"- as if to polish up his wits.,I've thought seriously of going to California- Australia- or so#e out$of$the$way plae- where

#en get rih in a hurry.,

,h- no1, rie" Polly- putting out her han" as it to )eep hi#- an" then snathing it ba) again

before he oul" turn roun".

,It woul" be har" on #other an" the girls- I suppose/ besi"es- I "on't 6uite li)e it #yself/

loo)s as if I shir)e" an" ran away.,

,So it "oes-, sai" Polly- "ei"e"ly.

,+ell- you see I "on't see# to fin" anything to "o unless I turn ler)- an" I "on't thin) that

woul" suit. The fat is- I oul" n't stan" it here- where I'# )nown. It woul" be easier to srath

gravel on a railroa"- with a gang of Pa""ies- than to sell pins to #y frien"s an" neighbors. False pri"e- I "are say- but it's the truth- an" there's no use in "o"ging.,

,Not a bit- an" I 6uite agree with you.,

,That's o#fortable. Now I'# o#ing to the point where I speially want your a"vie- Polly.

ester"ay I hear" you telling Fan about your brother Ne"/ how well he got on/ how he li)e" his

business- an" wante" +ill to o#e an" ta)e so#e plae near hi#. ou thought I was rea"ing-

but I hear"/ an" it stru) #e that perhaps I oul" get a hane out +est so#ewhere. +hat "o

you thin)0,

,If you really #ean wor)- I )now you oul"-, answere" Polly- 6ui)ly- as all sorts of plans

an" pro4ets went sweeping through her #in". ,I wish you oul" be with Ne"/ you'" get on



together- I '# sure/ an" he'" be so gla" to "o anything he oul". I'll write an" as)- straight away

if you want #e to.,

,Suppose you "o/ 4ust for infor#ation- you )now- then I shall have so#ething to go upon. I

want to have a feasible plan all rea"y- before I spea) to father. There's nothing so onvining to

business #en as fats- you )now.,

Polly oul" not help s#iling at To#'s new tone- it see#e" so strange to hear hi# tal)ing

about anything but horses an" tailors- "aning an" girls. She li)e" it- however- as #uh as she

"i" the sober e&pression of his fae- an" the way he ha" lately of swinging his ar#s about- as ifhe wante" to "o so#ething energeti with the#.

,That will be wise. *o you thin) your father will li)e this plan0,

,Pretty sure be will. ester"ay- when I tol" hi# I #ust go at so#ething right off- he

sai"-'Anything honest- To#- an" "on't forget that your father began the worl" as a shop$boy.'

ou )new that- "i" n't you0,

,es- he tol" #e the story one- an" I always li)e" to hear it- beause it was pleasant to see

how well he ha" suee"e".,

,I never "i" li)e the story- a little bit asha#e"- I'# afrai"/ but when we tal)e" it over last

night- it stru) #e in a new light- an" I un"erstoo" why father too) the failure so well- an"

see#s so ontente" with this poorish plae. It is only beginning again- he says/ an" havingwor)e" his way up one- he feels as if he oul" again. I "elare to you- Polly- that sort of

onfi"ene in hi#self- an" energy an" ourage in a #an of his years- #a)es #e love an" respet

the "ear ol" gentle#an as I never "i" before.,

,I'# so gla" to hear you say that- To#1 I've so#eti#es thought you "i" n't 6uite appreiate

your father- any #ore than he )new how #uh of a #an you were.,

,Never was till to$"ay- you )now-, sai" To#- laughing- yet loo)ing as if he felt the "ignity of

his one an" twenty years. ,""- is n't it- how people live together ever so long- an" "on't see#

to fin" one another out- till so#ething o#es to "o it for the#. Perhaps this s#ash$up was sent

to intro"ue #e to #y own father.,,There's philosophy for you-, sai" Polly- s#iling- even while she felt as if a"versity was

going to "o #ore for To# than years of prosperity.

They both sat 6uiet for a #inute- Polly in the big hair loo)ing at hi# with a new respet in

her eyes- To# on the stool near by slowly tearing up a fol"e" paper he ha" absently ta)en fro#

the floor while he tal)e".

,*i" this surprise you0, he as)e"- as a little white shower fluttere" fro# his han"s.

,No.,

,+ell- it "i" #e/ for you )now as soon as we a#e to grief I offere" to release Tri& fro# the

engage#ent- an" she woul" n't let #e-, ontinue" To#- as if- having begun the sub4et- he

wishe" to e&plain it thoroughly.,That surprise" #e-, sai" Polly.

,So it "i" #e- for Fan always insiste" it was the #oney an" not the #an she are" for. 3er

first answer please" #e very #uh- for I "i" not e&pet it- an" nothing touhes a fellow #ore

than to have a wo#an stan" by hi# through thi) an" thin.,

,She "on't see# to have "one it.,

,Fan was right. Tri& only waite" to see how ba" things really were- or rather her #other "i".

She's as ool- har"- an" worl"ly #in"e" an ol" soul as I ever saw- an" Tri& is boun" to obey.

She gets roun" it very neatly in her note-'I won't be a bur"en-''will sarifie her hopes-''an"



always re#ain #y war# frien"-' but the truth is- To# Shaw rih was worth #a)ing #uh of- but

To# Shaw poor is in the way- an" #ay go to the "evil as fast as he li)es.,

,+ell- he is n't going1, rie" Polly- "efiantly- for her wrath burne" hotly against Tri&- though

she blesse" her for setting the bon"#an free.

,Ca#e within an ae of it-, #uttere" To# to hi#self/ a""ing alou"- in a tone of al#

resignation that assure" Polly his heart woul" not be bro)en though his engage#ent was- ,It

never rains but it pours-'speially in har" ti#es- but when a #an is "own- a rap or two #ore

"on't #atter #uh- I suppose. It's the first blow that hurts #ost.,,!la" to see you ta)e the last blow so well., There was an ironial little twang to that

speeh- an" Polly oul" n't help it. To# olore" up an" loo)e" hurt for a #inute- then see#e" to

right hi#self with a shrug- an" sai"- in his outspo)en way- ,To tell the honest truth- Polly- it was

not a very har" one. I've ha" a feeling for so#e ti#e that Tri& an" I were not suite" to one

another- an" it #ight be wiser to stop short. %ut she "i" not or woul" not see it/ an" I was not

going to ba) out- an" leave her to wear any #ore willows- so here we are. I "on't bear #alie-

but hope she'll "o better- an" not be "isappointe" again- upon #y wor" I "o.,

,That's very goo" of you- 6uite Sy"neyes6ue- an" noble-, sai" Polly- feeling rather ill at

ease- an" wishing she oul" hi"e herself behin" a ap an" spetales- if she was to play

!ran"#a to this onfi"ing youth.,It will be all plain sailing for Sy"- I fany-, observe" To#- getting up as if the little ri)et

su""enly ease" to be o#fortable.

,I hope so-, #ur#ure" Polly- won"ering what was o#ing ne&t.

,3e "eserves the very best of everything- an" I pray the Lor" he #ay get it-, a""e" To#-

po)ing the fire in a "estrutive #anner.

Polly #a"e no answer- fearing to pay too #uh- for she )new Fan ha" #a"e no onfi"ant of

To#- an" she guar"e" her frien"'s seret as 4ealously as her own. ,ou'll write to Ne" to$

#orrow- will you0 I'll ta)e anything he's got- for I want to be off-, sai" To#- asting "own the

po)er- an" turning roun" with a resolute air whih was lost on Polly- who sat twirling the rosethat ha" fallen into her lap.

,I'll write to$night. +oul" you li)e #e to tell the girls about Tri& an" Sy"ney0, she as)e" as

she rose- feeling that the ounil was over.

,I wish you woul". I "on't )now how to than) you for all you've "one for #e/ I wish to

heaven I "i"-, sai" To#- hol"ing out his han" with a loo) that Polly thought a great "eal too

grateful for the little she ha" "one.

As she gave hi# her han"- an" loo)e" up at hi# with those onfi"ing eyes of hers- To#'s

gratitu"e see#e" to fly to his hea"- for- without the slightest warning- he stoope" "own an"

)isse" her- a proee"ing whih startle" Polly so that he reovere" hi#self at one- an" retreate"

into his "en with the inoherent apology- ,I beg par"on oul" n't help it gran"#a always let #eon #y birth"ay.,

+hile Polly too) refuge up stairs- forgetting all about Fan- as she sat in the "ar) with her

fae hi""en- won"ering why she was n't very angry- an" resolving never again to in"ulge in the

"elightful but "angerous pasti#e of playing gran"#other.

Chapter (VIII. The +o#an +ho *i" Not *are

Polly wrote enthusiastially- Ne" answere" satisfatorily- an" after #uh orrespon"ing-

tal)ing- an" planning- it was "ei"e" that To# shoul" go +est. Never #in" what the business

was/ it suffies to say that it was a goo" beginning for a young #an li)e To#- who- having been



born an" bre" in the #ost onservative lass of the #ost oneite" ity in New 8nglan"- nee"e"

4ust the healthy- hearty- soial influenes of the +est to wi"en his views an" #a)e a #an of

hi#.

f ourse there was #uh la#entation a#ong the wo#en- but every one felt it was the best

thing for hi#/ so while they sighe" they sewe"- pa)e" visions of a brilliant future away with

his new po)et han")erhiefs- an" re4oie" that the way was open before hi# even in the at of

be"ewing his boots with tears. Sy"ney stoo" by hi# to the last- ,li)e a #an an" a brother,

=whih e&pression of To#'s gave Fanny infinite satisfation>- an" +ill felt entirely onsole" for Ne"'s "isappoint#ent at his refusal to go an" 4oin hi#- sine To# was to ta)e the plae Ne" ha"

)ept for hi#.

Fortunately every one was so busy with the neessary preparations that there was no ti#e for

ro#ane of any sort- an" the four young people wor)e" together as soberly an" sensibly as if all

sorts of e#otions were not bottle" up in their respetive hearts. %ut in spite of the silene- the

wor)- an" the hurry- I thin) they a#e to )now one another better in that busy little spae of

ti#e than in all the years that ha" gone before- for the best an" bravest in eah was up an"

stirring- an" the s#all house was as full of the #agnetis# of love an" frien"ship- self$sarifie

an" enthusias#- as the worl" outsi"e was full of spring sunshine an" enhant#ent. Pity that the

en" shoul" o#e so soon- but the hour "i" its wor) an" went its way- leaving a learerat#osphere behin"- though the young fol)s "i" not see it then- for their eyes were "i# beause

of the partings that #ust be.

To# was off to the +est/ Polly went ho#e for the su##er/ 2au" was ta)en to the seasi"e

with %elle/ an" Fanny left alone to wrestle with house)eeping- ,help-, an" heartahe. If it ha"

not been for two things- I fear she never woul" have stoo" a su##er in town- but Sy"ney often

alle"- till his vaation a#e- an" a volu#inous orrespon"ene with Polly beguile" the long

"ays. To# wrote one a wee) to his #other- but the letters were short an" not very satisfatory-

for #en never "o tell the interesting little things that wo#en best li)e to hear. Fanny forwar"e"

her bits of news to Polly. Polly sent ba) all the e&trats fro# Ne"'s letters onerning To#- an" by putting the two reports together- they gaine" the o#fortable assurane that To# was well- in

goo" spirits- har" at wor)- an" intent on o#ing out strong in spite of all obstales.

Polly ha" a 6uiet su##er at ho#e- resting an" getting rea"y in #in" an" bo"y for another

winter's wor)- for in the autu#n she trie" her plan again- to the satisfation of her pupils an" the

great 4oy of her frien"s. She never sai" #uh of herself in her letters- an" Fanny's first

e&la#ation when they #et again- was an an&ious ,+hy- Polly- "ear1 3ave you been si) an"

never tol" #e0,

,No- I'# only tire"- ha" a goo" "eal to "o lately- an" the "ull weather #a)es #e 4ust a trifle

blue. I shall soon brighten up when I get to #y wor) again-, answere" Polly- bustling about to

put away her things.,ou "on't loo) a bit natural. +hat have you been "oing to your preious little self0,

persiste" Fanny- trouble" by the hange- yet fin"ing it har" to say wherein it lay.

Polly "i" not loo) si)- though her hee)s were thinner an" her olor paler than for#erly-

but she see#e" spiritless- an" there was a tire" loo) in her eyes that went to Fanny's heart.

,I'# all right enough- as you'll see when I'# in or"er. I'# proper gla" to fin" you loo)ing so

well an" happy. *oes all go s#oothly- Fan0, as)e" Polly- beginning to brush her hair

in"ustriously.

,Answer #e one 6uestion first-, sai" Fanny- loo)ing as if a su""en fear ha" o#e over her.

,Tell #e- truly- have you never repente" of your hint to Sy"ney0,



,Never1, rie" Polly- throwing ba) the brown veil behin" whih she ha" half hi""en her

fae at first.

,n your honor- as an honest girl0,

,n #y honor- as anything you please. +hy "o you suspet #e of it0, "e#an"e" Polly-

al#ost angrily.

,%eause so#ething is wrong with you. It's no use to "eny it- for you've got the loo) I use"

to see in that very glass on #y own fae when I thought he are" for you. Forgive #e- Polly- but

I an't help saying it- for it is there- an" I want to be as true to you as you were to #e if I an.,Fanny's fae was full of agitation- an" she spo)e fast an" fran)ly- for she was trying to be

generous an" foun" it very har". Polly un"erstoo" now an" put her fear at rest by saying al#ost

passionately- ,I tell you I "on't love hi#1 If he was the only #an in the worl"- I woul" n't #arry

hi#- beause I "on't want to.,

The last three wor"s were a""e" in a "ifferent tone- for Polly ha" he)e" herself there with

a half$frightene" loo) an" turne" away to hi"e her fae behin" her hair again.

,Then if it's not hi#- it's so#e one else. ou've got a seret- Polly- an" I shoul" thin) you

#ight tell it- as you )now #ine-, sai" Fanny- unable to rest till everything was tol"- for Polly's

#anner trouble" her.

There was no answer to her 6uestion- but she was satisfie" an" putting her ar# roun" herfrien"- she sai"- in her #ost persuasive tone- ,2y preious Polly- "o I )now hi#0,

,ou have seen hi#.,

,An" is he very wise- goo"- an" splen"i"- "ear0,

,No.,

,3e ought to be if you love hi#. I hope he is n't ba"0, rie" Fan- an&iously- still hol"ing

Polly- who )ept her hea" obstinately turne".

,I'# suite"- that's enough.,

,h- please 4ust tell #e one thing #ore. *on't he love ba) again0,

,No. Now "on't say another wor"- I an't bear it1, an" Polly "rew herself away- as she spo)ein a "esperate sort of tone.

,I won't- but now I'# not afrai" to tell you that I thin)- I hope- I "o believe that Sy"ney ares

a little for #e. 3e's been very )in" to us all- an" lately he has see#e" to li)e to see #e always

when he o#es an" #iss #e if I'# gone. I "i" n't "are to hope anything- till Papa observe"

so#ething in his #anner- an" tease" #e about it. I try not to "eeive #yself- but it "oes see# as

if there was a hane of happiness for #e.,

,Than) heaven for that1, rie" Polly- with the heartiest satisfation in her voie. ,Now o#e

an" tell #e all about it-, she a""e"- sitting "own on the ouh with the air of one who has

esape" a great peril.

,I've got so#e notes an" things I want to as) your opinion about- if they really #eananything- you )now-, sai" Fanny- getting out a bun"le of papers fro# the in#ost reesses of her

"es). ,There's a photograph of To#- a#e in his last letter. !oo"- is n't it0 3e loo)s ol"er- but

that's the bear" an" the rough oat- I suppose. *ear ol" fellow- he is "oing so well I really begin

to feel 6uite prou" of hi#.,

Fan tosse" her the photograph- an" went on ru##aging for a ertain note. She "i" not see

Polly ath up the piture an" loo) at it with hungry eyes- but she "i" hear so#ething in the low

tone in whih Polly sai"- ,It "on't "o hi# 4ustie-, an" glaning over her shoul"er- Fan's 6ui)

eye aught a gli#pse of the truth- though Polly was half turne" away fro# her. +ithout



stopping to thin)- Fan "roppe" her letters- too) Polly by the shoul"ers- an" rie" in a tone full

of astonish#ent- ,Polly- is it To#0,

Poor Polly was so ta)en by surprise- that she ha" not a wor" to say. None were nee"e"/ her

telltale fae answere" for her- as well as the i#pulse whih #a"e her hi"e her hea" in the sofa

ushion- li)e a foolish ostrih when the hunters are after it.

,h- Polly- I a# so gla"1 I never thought of it you are so goo"- an" he's suh a wil" boy- I

an't believe it but it is so "ear of you to are for hi#.,

,Coul" n't help it trie" not to but it was so har" you )now- Fan- you )now-, sai" a stifle"voie fro# the "epths of the very fu55y ushion whih To# ha" one on"e#ne".

The last wor"s- an" the appealing han" outstrethe" to her- tol" Fanny the seret of her

frien"'s ten"er sy#pathy for her own love troubles- an" see#e" so patheti- that she too) Polly

in her ar#s- an" rie" over her- in the fon"- foolish way girls have of "oing when their hearts

are full- an" tears an say #ore than tongues. The silene never lasts long- however- for the

fe#inine "esire to ,tal) it over, usually gets the better of the "eepest e#otion. So presently the

girls were har" at it- Polly very hu#ble an" "ownast- Fanny e&ite" an" overflowing with

uriosity an" "elight.

,;eally #y sister1 ou "ear thing- how heavenly that will be-, she rie".

,It never will be-, answere" Polly in a tone of al# "espair.,+hat will prevent it0,

,2aria %ailey-, was the tragi reply.

,+hat "o you #ean0 Is she the +estern girl0 She shan't have To#/ I'll )ill her first1,

,Too late- let #e tell you is that "oor shut- an" 2au" safe0,

Fanny reonnoitere"- an" returning- listene" breathlessly- while Polly poure" into her ear the

bitter seret whih was preying on her soul.

,3as n't he #entione" 2aria in his letters0,

,ne or twie- but sort of 4o)ingly- an" I thought it was only so#e little flirtation. 3e an't

have ti#e for #uh of that fun- he's so busy.,,Ne" writes goo"- gossipy letters I taught hi# how an" he tells #e all that's going on. +hen

he'" spo)en of this girl several ti#es =they boar" with her #other- you )now>- I as)e" about her

6uite arelessly- an" he tol" #e she was pretty- goo"- an" well e"uate"- an" he thought To#

was rather s#itten. That was a blow- for you see- Fan- sine Tri& bro)e the engage#ent- an" it

was n't wrong to thin) of To#- I let #yself hope- 4ust a little- an" was so happy1 Now I #ust

give it up- an" now I see how #uh I hope"- an" what a "rea"ful loss it's going to be.,

Two great tears rolle" "own Polly's hee)s- an" Fanny wipe" the# away- feeling an intense

"esire to go +est by the ne&t train- wither 2aria %ailey with a single loo)- an" bring To# ba)

as a gift to Polly.

,It was so stupi" of #e not to guess before. %ut you see To# always see#s so li)e a boy- an"you are #ore wo#anly for your age than any girl I )now- so I never thought of your aring for

hi# in that way. I )new you were very goo" to hi#- you are to every one- #y preious/ an" I

)new that he was fon" of you as he is of #e- fon"er if anything- beause he thin)s you are

perfet/ but still I never "rea#e" of his loving you as #ore than a "ear frien".,

,3e "oes n't-, sighe" Polly.

,+ell- he ought/ an" if I oul" get hol" of hi#- he shoul"1,

Polly luthe" Fan at that- an" hel" her tight- saying sternly- ,If you ever breathe a wor"-

"rop a hint- loo) a loo) that will tell hi# or any one else about #e- I'll yes- as sure as #y na#e

is 2ary 2ilton I'll prolai# fro# the housetops that you li)e Ar , Polly got no further- for Fan's



han" was on her #outh- an" Fan's alar#e" voie vehe#ently proteste"- ,I won't1 I pro#ise

sole#nly I'll never say a wor" to a #ortal reature. *on't be so fiere- Polly/ you 6uite frighten

#e.,

,It's ba" enough to love so#e one who "on't love you- but to have the# tol" of it is perfetly

awful. It #a)es #e wil" 4ust to thin) of it. h- Fan- I'# getting so ill$te#pere" an" envious an"

wi)e"- I "on't )now what will happen to #e.,

,I'# not afrai" for you- #y "ear- an" I "o believe things will go right- beause you are so

goo" to every one. 3ow To# oul" help a"oring you I "on't see. I )now he woul" if he ha"staye" at ho#e longer after he got ri" of Tri&. It woul" be the #a)ing of hi#/ but though he is

#y brother- I "on't thin) he's goo" enough for you- Polly- an" I "on't 6uite see how you an are

for hi# so #uh- when you #ight have ha" a person so infinitely superior.,

,I "on't want a'superior' person/ he'" tire #e if he was li)e A. S. %esi"es- I "o thin) To# is

superior to hi# in #any things. +ell- you nee" n't stare/ I )now he is- or will be. 3e's so

"ifferent- an" very young- an" has lots of faults- I )now- but I li)e hi# all the better for it- an"

he's honest an" brave- an" has got a big- war# heart- an" I'" rather have hi# are for #e than

the wisest- best- #ost ao#plishe" #an in the worl"- si#ply beause I love hi#1,

If To# oul" only have seen Polly's fae when she sai" that1 It was so ten"er- earnest- an"

"efiant- that Fanny forgot the "efene of her own lover in a"#iration of Polly's loyalty to hers/for this faithful- all absorbing love was a new revelation to Fanny- who was use" to hearing her

frien"s boast of two or three lovers a year- an" alulate their respetive values- with al#ost as

#uh oolness as the young #en "isusse" the fortunes of the girls they wishe" for- but ,oul"

not affor" to #arry., She ha" thought her love for Sy"ney very ro#anti- beause she "i" not

really are whether he was rih or poor- though she never "are" to say so- even to Polly- for fear

of being laughe" at. She began to see now what true love was- an" to feel that the senti#ent

whih she oul" not on6uer was a treasure to be aepte" with reverene- an" herishe" with

"evotion.

,I "on't )now when I began to love To#- but I foun" out that I "i" last winter- an" was as#uh surprise" as you are-, ontinue" Polly- as if gla" to unbur"en her heart. ,I "i" n't approve

of hi# at all. I thought he was e&travagant- re)less- an" "an"ifie". I was very #uh

"isappointe" when he hose Tri&- an" the #ore I thought an" saw of it- the worse I felt- for To#

was too goo" for her- an" I hate" to see her "o so little for hi#- when she #ight have "one so

#uh/ beause he is one of the #en who an be le" by their affetions- an" the wo#an he

#arries an #a)e or #ar hi#.,

,That's true1, rie" Fan- as Polly pause" to loo) at the piture- whih appeare" to regar" her

with a grave- stea"y loo)- whih see#e" rather to belie her assertions.

,I "on't #ean that he's wea) or ba". If he was- I shoul" hate hi#/ but he "oes nee" so#e one

to love hi# very #uh- an" #a)e hi# happy- as a goo" wo#an best )nows how-, sai" Polly- asif answering the #ute language of To#'s fae.

,I hope 2aria %ailey is all he thin)s her-, she a""e"- softly- ,for I oul" n't bear to have hi#

"isappointe" again.,

,I "are say he "on't are a fig for her- an" you are only borrowing trouble. +hat "o you say

Ne" answere" when you as)e" about this inonvenient girl0, sai" Fanny turning hopeful all at

one.

Polly repeate" it- an" a""e"- ,I as)e" hi# in another letter if he "i" n't a"#ire 2iss %. as

#uh as To#- an" he wrote ba) that she was'a nie girl-' but he ha" no ti#e for nonsense- an" I

nee" n't get #y white )i"s rea"y for so#e years yet- unless to "ane at To#'s we""ing. Sine



then he has n't #entione" 2aria- so I was sure there was so#ething serious going on- an" being

in To#'s onfi"ene- he )ept 6uiet.,

,It "oes loo) ba". Suppose I say a wor" to To#- 4ust in6uire after his heart in a general way-

you )now- an" give hi# a hane to tell #e- if there is anything to tell., ,I'# willing- but you

#ust let #e see the letter. I an't trust you not to hint or say too #uh.,

,ou shall. I'll )eep #y pro#ise in spite of everything- but it will be har" to see things going

wrong when a wor" woul" set it right.,

,ou )now what will happen if you "o-, an" Polly loo)e" so threatening that Fan tre#ble" before her- "isovering that the gentlest girls when rouse" are #ore i#pressive than any shrew/

for even turtle "oves pe) gallantly to "efen" their nests.

,If it is true about 2aria- what shall we "o0, sai" Fanny after a pause.

,%ear it/ People always "o bear things- so#ehow-, answere" Polly- loo)ing as if sentene

ha" been passe" upon her.

,%ut if it is n't0, rie" Fan- unable to en"ure the sight.

,Then I shall wait., An" Polly's fae hange" so beautifully that Fan hugge" her on the spot-

fervently wishing that 2aria %ailey never ha" been born.

Then the onversation turne" to lover nu#ber two- an" after a long onfabulation- Polly

gave it as her fir# belief that A. S. ha" forgotten 2. 2.- an" was rapi"ly fin"ing onsolation inthe regar" of F. S. +ith this satisfatory "eision the ounil en"e" after the ratifiation of a

Loyal League- by whih the frien"s ple"ge" the#selves to stan" staunhly by one another

through the trials of the o#ing year.

It was a very "ifferent winter fro# the last for both the girls. Fanny applie" herself to her

"uties with re"ouble" ar"or- for ,A. S., was a "o#esti #an- an" a"#ire" housewifely

ao#plish#ents. If Fanny wante" to show hi# what she oul" "o towar" #a)ing a pleasant

ho#e- she ertainly suee"e" better than she suspete"- for in spite of #any failures an"

"isourage#ents behin" the senes- the little house bea#e a #ost attrative plae- to 2r.

Sy"ney at least- for he was #ore the house$frien" than ever- an" see#e" "eter#ine" to provethat hange of fortune #a"e no "ifferene to hi#.

Fanny ha" been afrai" that Polly's return #ight en"anger her hopes- but Sy"ney #et Polly

with the ol" frien"liness- an" very soon onvine" her that the nipping in the bu" proess ha"

been effetual- for being ta)en early- the sprouting affetion ha" "ie" easy- an" left roo# for an

ol"er frien"ship to blosso# into a happier love.

Fanny see#e" gla" of this- an" Polly soon set her heart at rest by proving that she ha" no

wish to try her power. She )ept #uh at ho#e when the "ay's wor) was "one- fin"ing it

pleasanter to sit "rea#ing over boo) or sewing alone- than to e&ert herself even to go to the

Shaws'.

,Fan "on't nee" #e- an" Sy"ney "on't are whether I o#e or not- so I'll )eep out of theway-, she woul" say- as if to e&use her see#ing in"olene.

Polly was not at all li)e herself that winter- an" those nearest to her saw an" won"ere" at it

#ost. +ill got very an&ious- she was so 6uiet- pale an" spiritless- an" "istrate" poor Polly by

his affetionate stupi"ity- till she o#plete" his bewil"er#ent by getting ross an" sol"ing hi#.

So he onsole" hi#self with 2au"- who- now being in her teens- assu#e" "ignifie" airs- an"

or"ere" hi# about in a style that affor"e" hi# ontinue" a#use#ent an" e#ploy#ent.

+estern news ontinue" vague- for Fan's general in6uiries pro"ue" only provo)ingly

unsatisfatory replies fro# To#- who sang the praises of ,the beautiful 2iss %ailey-, an"

professe" to be onsu#e" by a hopeless passion for so#ebo"y- in suh half$o#i- half$tragi



ter#s- that the girls oul" not "ei"e whether it was ,all that boy's #ishief-, or only a loa) to

hi"e the "rea"ful truth.

,+e'll have it out of hi# when he o#es ho#e in the spring-, sai" Fanny to Polly- as they

o#pare" the letters of their brothers- an" agree" that ,#en were the #ost uno##uniative

an" provo)ing ani#als un"er the sun., For Ne" was so absorbe" in business that he ignore" the

whole %ailey 6uestion an" left the# in utter "ar)ness.

3unger of any sort is a har" thing to bear- espeially when the sufferer has a youthful

appetite- an" Polly was )ept on suh a short allowane of happiness for si& #onths- that she got6uite thin an" interesting/ an" often- when she saw how big her eyes were getting- an" how

plainly the veins on her te#ples showe"- in"ulge" the pensive thought that perhaps spring

"an"elions #ight blosso# o'er her grave. She ha" no intention of "ying till To#'s visit was over

however- an" as the ti#e "rew near- she went through suh alternations of hope an" fear- an"

live" in suh a state of feverish e&ite#ent- that spirits an" olor a#e ba)- an" she saw that

the interesting pallor she ha" ounte" on woul" be an entire failure.

2ay a#e at last- an" with it a burst of sunshine whih heere" even poor Polly's #uh$

en"uring heart. Fanny a#e wal)ing in upon her one "ay- loo)ing as if she brought ti"ings of

suh great 4oy that she har"ly )new how to tell the#.

,Prepare yourself so#ebo"y is engage"1, she sai"- in a sole#n tone- that #a"e Polly put upher han" as if to war" off an e&pete" blow. ,No- "on't loo) li)e that- #y poor "ear/ it is n't

To#- it's I1,

f ourse there was a rapture- followe" by one of the "eliiously onfi"ential tal)s whih

boso# frien"s en4oy- intersperse" with tears an" )isses- s#iles an" sighs.

,h- Polly- though I've waite" an" hope" so long I oul" n't believe it when it a#e- an"

"on't "eserve it/ but I will1 for the )nowle"ge that he loves #e see#s to #a)e everything

possible-, sai" Fanny- with an e&pression whih #a"e her really beautiful- for the first ti#e in

her life.

,ou happy girl1, sighe" Polly- then s#ile" an" a""e"- ,I thin) you "eserve all that's o#eto you- for you have truly trie" to be worthy of it- an" whether it ever a#e or not that woul"

have been a thing to be prou" of.,

,3e says that is what #a"e hi# love #e-, answere" Fanny- never alling her lover by his

na#e- but #a)ing the little personal pronoun a very sweet wor" by the tone in whih she uttere"

it. ,3e was "isappointe" in #e last year- he tol" #e- but you sai" goo" things about #e an"

though he "i" n't are #uh then- yet when he lost youan" a#e ba) to #e- he foun" that you

were not altogether #ista)en- an" he has wathe" #e all this winter- learning to respet an"

love #e better every "ay. h- Polly- when he sai" that- I oul" n't bear it- beause in spite of all

#y trying- I '# still so wea) an" poor an" silly.,

,+e "on't thin) so/ an" I )now you'll be all he hopes to fin" you- for he's 4ust the husban"you ought to have.,

,Than) you all the #ore- then- for not )eeping hi# yourself-, sai" Fanny- laughing the ol"

blithe laugh again.

,That was only a slight aberration of his/ he )new better all the ti#e. It was your white loa)

an" #y i"ioti behavior the night we went to the opera that put the i"ea into his hea"-, sai"

Polly- feeling as if the events of that evening ha" happene" so#e twenty years ago- when she

was a gi""y young thing- fon" of gay bonnets an" girlish pran)s.



,I'# not going to tell To# a wor" about it- but )eep it for a surprise till he o#es. 3e will be

here ne&t wee)- an" then we'll have a gran" learing up of #ysteries-, sai" Fan- evi"ently

feeling that the #illenniu# was at han".

,Perhaps-, sai" Polly- as her heart fluttere" an" then sun)- for this was a ase where she

oul" "o nothing but hope- an" )eep her han"s busy with +ill's new set of shirts.

There is a goo" "eal #ore of this sort of silent suffering than the worl" suspets- for the

,wo#en who "are, are few- the wo#en who ,stan" an" wait, are #any. %ut if wor)$bas)ets

were gifte" with powers of speeh- they oul" tell stories #ore true an" ten"er than any werea". For wo#en often sew the trage"y or o#e"y of life into their wor) as they sit apparently

safe an" serene at ho#e- yet are thin)ing "eeply- living whole heart$histories- an" praying

fervent prayers while they e#broi"er pretty trifles or "o the wee)ly #en"ing.

Chapter (I(. To#'s Suess

,Co#e- Philan"er- let us be a #arhing- 8very one his true love a searhing-,

+oul" be the #ost appropriate #otto for this hapter- beause- inti#i"ate" by the threats-

"enuniations- an" o#plaints showere" upon #e in onse6uene of ta)ing the liberty to en" a

ertain story as I li)e"- I now yiel" to the a#iable "esire of giving satisfation- an"- at the ris)of outraging all the unities- inten" to pair off everybo"y I an lay #y han"s on.

asionally a #atri#onial epi"e#i appears- espeially towar" spring- "evastating soiety-

thinning the ran)s of bahelor"o#- an" leaving #others la#enting for their fairest "aughters.

That spring the "isease bro)e out with great violene in the Shaw irle- ausing paternal hea"s

#uh bewil"er#ent- as one ase after another appeare" with alar#ing rapi"ity. Fanny- as we

have seen- was stri)en first- an" har"ly ha" she been arrie" safely through the risis- when

To# returne" to swell the list of viti#s. As Fanny was out a goo" "eal with her Arthur- who

was sure that e&erise was neessary for the onvalesent- Polly went every "ay to see 2rs.

Shaw- who foun" herself lonely- though #uh better than usual- for the engage#ent ha" a finereffet upon her onstitution than any toni she ever trie". So#e three "ays after Fan's 4oyful all

Polly was startle" on entering the Shaws' "oor- by 2au"- who a#e tu#bling "own stairs-

sen"ing an avalanhe of wor"s before her- ,3e's o#e before he sai" he shoul" to surprise us1

3e's up in #a##a's roo#- an" was 4ust saying-'3ow's Polly0' when I hear" you o#e- in your

reep$#ouse way- an" you #ust go right up. 3e loo)s so funny with whis)ers- but he's ever so

nie- real big an" brown- an" he swung #e right up when he )isse" #e. Never #in" your

bonnet- I an't wait.,

An" pouning upon Polly- 2au" "ragge" her away li)e a apture" ship towe" by a noisy

little stea#$tug.

,The sooner it's over the better for #e-, was the only thought Polly ha" ti#e for before she plunge" into the roo# above- propelle" by 2au"- who rie" triu#phantly- ,There he is1 Ain't he

splen"i"0,

For a #inute- everything "ane" before Polly's eyes- as a han" shoo) hers war#ly- an" a

gruffish voie sai" heartily- ,3ow are you- Polly0, Then she slippe" into a hair besi"e 2rs.

Shaw- hoping that her reply ha" been all right an" proper- for she ha" not the least i"ea what she

sai".

Things got stea"y again "iretly- an" while 2au" e&patiate" on the great surprise- Polly

venture" to loo) at To#- feeling gla" that her ba) was towar" the light- an" his was not. It was

not a large roo#- an" To# see#e" to fill it entirely/ not that he ha" grown so very #uh- e&ept



broa"er in the shoul"ers- but there was a bris)- genial- free$an"$easy air about hi#- suggestive

of a stirring- out$of$"oor life- with people who )ept their eyes wi"e open- an" were not very

partiular what they "i" with their ar#s an" legs. The rough$an"$rea"y travelling suit- stout

boots- brown fae- an" #anly bear"- hange" hi# so #uh- that Polly oul" fin" sarely a

trae of elegant To# Shaw in the hearty$loo)ing young #an who stoo" with one foot on a hair-

while he tal)e" business to his father in a sensible way- whih "elighte" the ol" gentle#an.

Polly li)e" the hange i##ensely- an" sat listening to the state of +estern tra"e with as #uh

interest as if it ha" been the #ost thrilling ro#ane- for- as he tal)e"- To# )ept loo)ing at herwith a no" or a s#ile so li)e ol" ti#es- that for a little while- she forgot 2aria %ailey- an" was

in bliss.

%y an" by Fanny a#e flying in- an" gave To# a greater surprise than his ha" been. 3e ha"

not the least suspiion of what ha" been going on at ho#e- for Fan ha" sai" to herself- with

girlish #alie- ,If he "on't hoose to tell #e his serets- I'# not going to tell #ine-, an" ha" sai"

nothing about Sy"ney- e&ept an oasional allusion to his being often there- an" very )in".

Therefore- when she announe" her engage#ent- To# loo)e" so staggere" for a #inute- that

Fan thought he "i" n't li)e it/ but after the first surprise passe"- he showe" suh an affetionate

satisfation- that she was both touhe" an" flattere".

,+hat "o you thin) of this perfor#ane0, as)e" To#- wheeling roun" to Polly- who still sat by 2rs. Shaw- in the sha"ow of the be"$urtains.

,I li)e it very #uh-, she sai" in suh a hearty tone- that To# oul" not "oubt the

genuineness of her pleasure.

,!la" of that. 3ope you'll be as well please" with another engage#ent that's o#ing out

before long,/ an" with an o"" laugh- To# arrie" Sy"ney off to his "en- leaving the girls to

telegraph to one another the awful #essage- ,It is 2aria %ailey.,

3ow she #anage" to get through that evening- Polly never )new- yet it was not a long one-

for at eight o'lo) she slippe" out of the roo#- #eaning to run ho#e alone- an" not o#pel any

one to serve as esort. %ut she "i" not suee"- for as she stoo" war#ing her rubbers at the"ining$roo# fire- won"ering pensively as she "i" so if 2aria %ailey ha" s#all feet- an" if To#

ever put her rubbers on for her- the little overshoes were ta)en out of her han"s- an" To#'s voie

sai"- reproahfully- ,*i" you really #ean to run away- an" not let #e go ho#e with you0,

,I'# not afrai"/ I "i" n't want to ta)e you away-, began Polly- seretly hoping that she "i" n't

loo) too please".

,%ut I li)e to be ta)en away. +hy- it's a whole year sine I went ho#e with you/ "o you

re#e#ber that0, sai" To#- flapping the rubbers about without any signs of haste.

,*oes it see# long0,

,8verlasting1,

Polly #eant to say that 6uite easily- an" s#ile inre"ulously at his answer/ but in spite of theo6uettish little rose$olore" hoo" she wore- an" whih she )new was very beo#ing- she "i"

not loo) or spea) gayly- an" To# saw so#ething in the altere" fae that #a"e hi# say hastily-

,I'# afrai" you've been "oing too #uh this winter/ you loo) tire" out- Polly.,

,h- no1 it suits #e to be very busy-, an" she began to "rag on her gloves as if to prove it.

,%ut it "oes n't suit #e to have you get thin an" pale- you )now.,

Polly loo)e" up to than) hi#- but never "i"- for there was so#ething "eeper than gratitu"e in

the honest blue eyes- that oul" not hi"e the truth entirely. To# saw it- flushe" all over his

brown fae- an" "ropping the rubbers with a rash- too) her han"s- saying- in his ol" i#petuous

way- ,Polly- I want to tell you so#ething1,



,es- I )now- we've been e&peting it. I hope you'll be very happy- To#/, an" Polly shoo)

his han"s with a s#ile that was #ore patheti than a floo" of tears.

,+hat1, rie" To#- loo)ing as if he thought she ha" lost her #in".

,Ne" tol" us all about her/ he thought it woul" be so- an" when you spo)e of another

engage#ent- we )new you #eant your own.,

,%ut I "i" n't1 Ne"'s the #an/ he tol" #e to tell you. It's 4ust settle".,

,Is it 2aria0, rie" Polly- hol"ing on to a hair as if to be prepare" for anything.

,f ourse. +ho else shoul" it be0,,3e "i" n't say you tal)e" about her #ost an" so we thought , sta##ere" Polly- falling into

a su""en flutter.

,That I was in love0 +ell- I a#- but not with her.,

,h1, an" Polly aught her breath as if a "ash of ol" water ha" fallen on her- for the #ore

in earnest To# grew- the blunter he bea#e.

,*o you want to )now the na#e of the girl I've love" for #ore than a year0 +ell- it's Polly1,

As he spo)e- To# strethe" out his ar#s to herwith the sort of #ute elo6uene that annot be

resiste"- an" Polly went straight into the#- without a wor".

Never #in" what happene" for a little bit. Love senes- if genuine- are in"esribable/ for to

those who have enate" the#- the #ost elaborate "esription see#s ta#e- an" to those whohave not- the si#plest piture see#s over"one. So ro#aners ha" better let i#agination paint for

the# that whih is above all art- an" leave their lovers to the#selves "uring the happiest

#inutes of their lives.

%efore long- To# an" Polly were sitting si"e by si"e- en4oying the blissful state of #in"

whih usually follows the first step out of our wor)$a$"ay worl"- into the glorifie" region

wherein lovers rapturously e&ist for a #onth or two. To# 4ust sat an" loo)e" at Polly as if he

foun" it "iffiult to believe that the winter of his "isontent ha" en"e" in this glorious spring

%ut Polly- being a true wo#an- as)e" 6uestions- even while she laughe" an" rie" for 4oy.

,Now- To#- how oul" I )now you love" #e when you went away an" never sai" a wor"0,she began- in a ten"erly reproahful tone- thin)ing of the har" year she ha" spent.

,An" how oul" I have the ourage to say a wor"- when I ha" nothing on the fae of the

earth to offer you but #y worthless self0, answere" To#- war#ly.

,That was all I wante"1, whispere" Polly- in a tone whih ause" hi# to feel that the rae of

angels was not entirely e&tint.

,I've always been fon" of you- #y Polly- but I never reali5e" how fon" till 4ust before I went

away. I was n't free- you )now- an" besi"es I ha" a strong i#pression that you li)e" Sy"ney in

spite of the "a#per whih Fan hinte" you gave hi# last winter. 3e's suh a apital fellow- I

really "on't see how you oul" help it.,

,It is strange/ I "on't un"erstan" it #yself/ but wo#en are 6ueer reatures- an" there's noaounting for their tastes-, sai" Polly- with a sly loo)- whih To# fully appreiate".

,ou were so goo" to #e those last "ays- that I a#e very near spea)ing out- but oul" n't

bear to see# to be offering you a poor- "isgrae" sort of fellow- who# Tri& woul" n't have- an"

no one see#e" to thin) worth #uh.'No-' I sai" to #yself-'Polly ought to have the best/ if Sy"

an get her- let hi#- an" I won't say a wor". I 'll try to be better worthy her frien"ship- anyway/

an" perhaps- when I've prove" that I an "o so#ething- an" a# not asha#e" to wor)- then- if

Polly is free- I shan't be afrai" to try #y hane.' So I hel" #y tongue- wor)e" li)e a horse-

satisfie" #yself an" others that I oul" get #y living honestly- an" then a#e ho#e to see if

there was any hope for #e.,





,That's the rose you put in the birth"ay a)e- an" ne&t wee) we'll have a fresh one in another

4olly little a)e whih you'll #a)e #e/ you left it on the floor of #y "en the night we tal)e"

there- an" I 've )ept it ever sine. There's love an" ro#ane for you1,

Polly touhe" the little reli- treasure" for a year- an" s#ile" to rea" the wor"s ,2y Polly's

rose-, sribble" un"er the ru#bling leaves.

,I "i" n't )now you oul" be so senti#ental-, she sai"- loo)ing so please" that he "i" not

regret onfessing his folly.

,I never was till I love" you- #y "ear- an" I'# not very ba" yet- for I "on't wear #y posyne&t #y heart- but where I an see it every "ay- an" so never forget for who# I a# wor)ing.

Shoul" n't won"er if that bit of nonsense ha" )ept #e eono#ial- honest- an" har" at it- for I

never opene" #y po)et$boo) that I "i" n't thin) of you.,

,That's lovely- To#-, an" Polly foun" it so touhing that she felt for her han")erhief/ but

To# too) it away- an" #a"e her laugh instea" of ry- by saying- in a whee"leso#e tone- ,I "on't

believe you "i" as #uh- for all your ro#ane. *i" you- now0,

,If you won't laugh- I'll show you #y treasures. I began first- an" I 've worn the# longest.,

As she spo)e- Polly "rew out the ol" lo)et- opene" it- an" showe" the piture To# gave her

in the bag of peanuts ut s#all an" fitte" in on one si"e on the other was a url of re""ish hair

an" a bla) button. 3ow To# laughe" when he saw the#1,ou "on't #ean you've )ept that frightful guy of a boy all this ti#e0 Polly1 Polly1 you are

the #ost faithful'loveress-' as 2au" says- that was ever )nown.,

,*on't flatter yourself that I've worn it all these years- sir/ I only put it in last spring beause

I "i" n't "are to as) for one of the new ones. The button a#e off the ol" oat you insiste" on

wearing after the failure- as if it was your "uty to loo) as shabby as possible- an" the url I stole

fro# 2au". Are n't we silly0,

3e "i" not see# to thin) so- an" after a short pause for refresh#ents- Polly turne" serious-

an" sai" an&iously- ,+hen #ust you go ba) to your har" wor)0,

,In a wee) or two/ but it won't see# "ru"gery now- for you'll write every "ay- an" I shall feelthat I'# wor)ing to get a ho#e for you. That will give #e a forty$#an$power- an" I'll pay up #y

"ebts an" get a goo" start- an" then Ne" an" I will be #arrie" an" go into partnership- an" we'll

all be the happiest- busiest people in the +est.,

,It soun"s "elightful/ but won't it ta)e a long ti#e- To#0,

,nly a few years- an" we nee" n't wait a #inute after Sy" is pai"- if you "on't #in"

beginning rather low "own- Polly.,

,I'" rather wor) up with you- than sit i"le while you toil away all alone. That's the way father

an" #other "i"- an" I thin) they were very happy in spite of the poverty an" har" wor).,

,Then we'll "o it by another year- for I #ust get #ore salary before I ta)e you away fro# a

goo" ho#e here. I wish- oh- Polly- how I wish I ha" a half of the #oney I've waste"- to #a)eyou o#fortable- now.,

,Never #in"- I "on't want it/ I'" rather have less- an" )now you earne" it all yourself-, rie"

Polly- as To# stru) his han" on his )nee with an aute pang of regret at the power he ha" lost.

,It's li)e you to say it- an" I won't waste any wor"s bewailing #yself- beause I was a fool.

+e will wor) up together- #y brave Polly- an" you shall yet be prou" of your husban"- though

he is 'poor To# Shaw.' ,

She was as sure of that as if an orale ha" foretol" it- an" was not "eeive"/ for the loving

heart that ha" always seen- believe"- an" trie" to strengthen all goo" i#pulses in To#- was well

repai" for its instintive trust by the happiness of the years to o#e.





,es-, she sai"- hopefully- ,I )now you will suee"- for the best thing a #an an have- is

wor) with a purpose in it- an" the will to "o it heartily.,

,There is one better thing- Polly-, answere" To#- turning her fae up a little- that he #ight

see his inspiration shining in her eyes.

,+hat is it- "ear0,

,A goo" wo#an to love an" help hi# all his life- as you will #e- please !o".,

,8ven though she is ol"$fashione"-, whispere" Polly- with happy eyes- the brighter for their

tears- as she loo)e" up at the young #an- who- through her- ha" aught a gli#pse of the truestsuess- an" was not asha#e" to owe it to love an" labor- two beautiful ol" fashions that began

long ago- with the first pair in 8"en.

Lest any of #y young rea"ers who have honore" 2au" with their interest shoul" suffer the

pangs of unsatisfie" uriosity as to her future- I will a"" for their benefit that she "i" not #arry

+ill- but re#aine" a busy- lively spinster all her "ays- an" )ept house for her father in the #ost

"elightful #anner.

+ill's #inisterial "rea# a#e to pass in the ourse of ti#e- however- an" a gentle- bright$

eye" la"y rule" over the parsonage- who# the reveren" +illia# alle" his ,little :ane.,

Farther into futurity even this rash pen "ares not proee"- but pauses here- onlu"ing in the

wor"s of the "ear ol" fairy tales- ,An" so they were #arrie"- an" all live" happily till they"ie".,

Documents

An Old Ashioned Girl LouisaMay Alcott