"Nowdon'tbeaffected，Polly，butjusttellme，likeadear，hasn'theproposed？"
　　"No，hehasn't。"
　　"Don'tyouthinkhemeansto？"
　　"Idon'tthinkhe'lleversayawordtome。"
　　"Well，Iamsurprised!"AndFannydrewalongbreath，asifaloadwasoffhermind。Thensheaddedinachangedtone:
　　"Butdon'tyoulovehim，Polly？"
　　"No。"
　　"Truly？"
　　"Truly，Fan。"
　　Neitherspokeforaminute，buttheheartofoneofthembeatjoyfullyandtheduskhidaveryhappyface。
　　"Don'tyouthinkhecaredforyou，dear？"askedFanny，presently。"I
　　don'tmeantobeprying，butIreallythoughthedid。"
　　"That'snotformetosay，butifitisso，it'sonlyapassingfancyandhe'llsoongetoverit。"
　　"Dotellmeallaboutit；I'msointerested，andIknowsomethinghashappened，Ihearitinyourvoice，forIcan'tseeyourface。"
　　"DoyourememberthetalkweoncehadafterreadingoneofMissEdgeworth'sstoriesaboutnotlettingone'sloverscometoadeclarationifonedidn'tlovethem？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Andyougirlssaiditwasn'tproper，andIsaiditwashonest，anyway。
　　Well，IalwaysmeanttotryitifIgotachance，andIhave。Mindyou，Idon'tsayMr。Sydneylovedme，forheneversaidso，andneverwill，now，butIdidfancyheratherlikedmeandmightdomoreifIdidn'tshowhimthatitwasofnouse。"
　　"Andyoudid？"criedFanny，muchexcited。
　　"Ijustgavehimahintandhetookit。Hemeanttogoawaybeforethat，sodon'tthinkhisheartisbroken，ormindwhatsillytattlerssay。I
　　didn'tlikehismeetingmesomuchandtoldhimsobygoinganotherway。
　　Heunderstood，andbeingagentleman，madenofuss。IdaresayhethoughtIwasavaingoose，andlaughedatmeformypains，likeChurchillin'Helen。'
　　"
　　"No，hewouldn't；He'dlikeitandrespectyoufordoingit。But，Polly，itwouldhavebeenagrandthingforyou。"
　　"Ican'tsellmyselfforanestablishment。"
　　"Mercy!Whatanidea!"
　　"Well，that'stheplainEnglishofhalfyourfashionablematches。I
　　'm'odd，'youknow，andprefertobeanindependentspinsterandteachmusicallmydays。"
　　"Ah，butyouwon't。Youweremadeforanice，happyhomeofyourown，andIhopeyou'llgetit，Polly，dear，"saidFannywarmly，feelingsogratefultoPolly，thatshefoundithardnottopouroutallhersecretatonce。
　　"IhopeImay；butIdoubtit，"answeredPollyinatonethatmadeFannywonderifshe，too，knewwhatheartachemeant。
　　"Somethingtroublesyou，Polly，whatisit？Confideinme，asIdoinyou，"saidFannytenderly，forallthecoldnessshehadtriedtohidefromPolly，hadmeltedinthesuddensunshinethathadcometoher。
　　"Doyoualways？"askedherfriend，leaningforwardwithanirresistibledesiretowinbacktheold-timeloveandconfidence，tooprecioustobeexchangedforalittlebriefexcitementorthebarrenhonorof"baggingabird，"touseTrix'selegantexpression。Fannyunderstooditthen，andthrewherselfintoPolly'sarms，crying，withashowerofgratefultears；­；
　　"Oh，mydear!mydear!didyoudoitformysake？"
　　AndPollyheldherclose，sayinginthattendervoiceofhers，­；
　　"Ididn'tmeantoletaloverpartthispairoffriendsifIcouldhelpit。"ChapterXV。ChapterXV。CHAPTERXVBREAKERSAHEADGOINGintotheShaws'oneevening，PollyfoundMaudsittingonthestairs，withatroubledface。
　　"Oh，Polly，I'msogladyou'vecome!"criedthelittlegirl，runningtohugher。
　　"What'sthematter，deary？"
　　"Idon'tknow；somethingdreadfulmusthavehappened，formammaandFanarecryingtogetherupstairs，papaisshutupinthelibrary，andTomisragingroundlikeabear，inthedining-room。"
　　"Iguessitisn'tanythingverybad。Perhapsmammaissickerthanusual，orpapaworriedaboutbusiness，orTominsomenewscrape。Don'tlooksofrightened，Maudie，butcomeintotheparlorandseewhatI'vegotforyou，"saidPolly，feelingthattherewastroubleofsomesortintheair，buttryingtocheerthechild，forherlittlefacewasfullofasorrowfulanxiety，thatwenttoPolly'sheart。
　　"Idon'tthinkIcanlikeanythingtillIknowwhatthematteris，"answeredMaud。"It'ssomethinghorrid，I'msure，forwhenpapacamehome，hewentuptomamma'sroom，andtalkedeversolong，andmammacriedveryloud，andwhenItriedtogoin，Fanwouldn'tletme，andshelookedscaredandstrange。Iwantedtogotopapawhenhecamedown，butthedoorwaslocked，andhesaid，'Notnow，mylittlegirl，'andthenIsatherewaitingtoseewhatwouldhappen，andTomcamehome。ButwhenIrantotellhim，hesaid，'Goaway，anddon'tbother，'andjusttookmebytheshouldersandputmeout。Oh，dear!everythingissoqueerandhorrid，Idon'tknowwhattodo。"
　　Maudbegantocry，andPollysatdownonthestairsbesideher，tryingtocomforther，whileherownthoughtswerefullofavaguefear。Allatoncethedining-roomdooropened，andTom'sheadappeared。AsingleglanceshowedPollythatsomethingwasthematter，forthecareandelegancewhichusuallymarkedhisappearancewereentirelywanting。Histiewasunderoneear，hishairinatoss，thecherishedmoustachehadaneglectedair，andhisfaceanexpressionbothexcited，ashamed，anddistressed；
　　evenhisvoicebetrayeddisturbance，forinsteadoftheaffablegreetingheusuallybestowedupontheyounglady，heseemedtohavefallenbackintotheblufftoneofhisboyishdays，andallhesaidwas，­；
　　"Hullo，Polly。"
　　"Howdoyoudo？"answeredPolly。
　　"I'minadevilofamess，thankyou；sendthatchickenupstairs，andcomeinandhearaboutit。"hesaid，asifhehadbeenlongingtotellsomeone，andwelcomedprudentPollyasaspecialprovidence。
　　"Goup，deary，andamuseyourselfwiththisbook，andthesegingersnapsthatImadeforyou，there'sagoodchild，"whisperedPolly，asMaudrubbedawayhertears，andstaredatTomwithround，inquisitiveeyes。
　　"You'lltellmeallaboutit，byandby，won'tyou？"shewhispered，preparingtoobey。
　　"IfImay，"answeredPolly。
　　Mauddepartedwithunexpecteddocility，andPollywentintothedining-room，whereTomwaswanderingaboutinarestlessway。Ifhehadbeen"raginglikeabear，"Pollywouldn'thavecared，shewassopleasedthathewantedher，andsogladtobeaconfidante，assheusedtobeinthehappyolddays，thatshewouldjoyfullyhavefacedamuchmoreformidablepersonthanrecklessTom。
　　"Now，then，whatisit？"shesaid，comingstraighttothepoint。
　　"Guess。"
　　"You'vekilledyourhorseracing。"
　　"Worsethanthat。"
　　"Youaresuspendedagain。"
　　"Worsethanthat。"
　　"Trixhasrunawaywithsomebody，"criedPolly，withagasp。
　　"Worsestill。"
　　"Oh，Tom，youhaven'thorsewhippedorshotanyone？"
　　"CameprettynearblowingmyownbrainsoutbutyouseeIdidn't。"
　　"Ican'tguess；tellme，quick。"
　　"Well，I'mexpelled。"
　　Tompausedontherugashegavetheanswer，andlookedatPollytoseehowshetookit。Tohissurprisesheseemedalmostrelieved，andafteraminutesilence，said，soberly，­；
　　"That'sbad，verybad；butitmighthavebeenworse。"
　　"Itisworse；"andTomwalkedawayagainwithadespairingsortofgroan。
　　"Don'tknockthechairsabout，butcomeandsitdown，andtellmequietly。"
　　"Can'tdoit。"
　　"Well，goon，then。Areyoutrulyexpelled？Can'titbemadeup？Whatdidyoudo？"
　　"It'satruebillthistime。IjusthadarowwiththeChapelwatchman，andknockedhimdown。Ifitwasafirstoffence，Imighthavegotoff；
　　butyouseeI'vehadnoendofnarrowescapes，andthiswasmylastchance；
　　I'velostit，andnowthere'llbethedickenstopay。Iknewitwasallupwithme，soIdidn'twaittobeturnedout，butjusttookmyselfoff。"
　　"Whatwillyourfathersay？"
　　"Itwillcomehardonthegovernor，buttheworstofitis­；"thereTomstopped，andstoodaminuteinthemiddleoftheroomwithhisheaddown，asifhedidn'tfinditeasytotellevenkindlittlePolly。Thenoutcamethetruthallinabreath，justasheusedtoboltouthisboyishmisdemeanors，andthenbackupagainstthewallreadytotaketheconsequences。
　　"Ioweanawfullotofmoneythatthegovernordon'tknowabout。"
　　"Oh，Tom，howcouldyou？"
　　"I'vebeenanextravagantrascal，Iknowit，andI'mthunderingsorry，butthatdon'thelpafellow，I'vegottotellthedearoldbuffer，andthere'swhereitcuts。"
　　AtanothertimePollywouldhavelaughedatthecontrastbetweenTom'sfaceandhislanguage，buttherewasasincereremorse，whichmadeeventhedreadfulword"buffer"rathertouchingthanotherwise。
　　"Hewillbeveryangry，Idaresay；buthe'llhelpyou，won'the？Healwaysdoes，Fansays。"
　　"That'stheworstofit，yousee。He'spaidupsooften，thatthelasttimehesaidhispatiencecouldn'tstandit，norhispocketeither，andifIgotintoanymorescrapesofthatsort，ImustgetoutasIcould。
　　ImeanttobeassteadyasBunkerHillMonument；buthereIamagain，worsethanever，forlastquarterIdidn'tsayanythingtofather，hewassobotheredbythelossofthoseshipsjustthen，sothingshavemountedupconfoundedly。"
　　"Whathaveyoudonewithallyourmoney？"
　　"HangedifIknow。"
　　"Can'tyoupayitanyway？"
　　"Don'tseehow，asIhaven'tacentofmyown，andnowayofgettingit，unlessItrygambling。"
　　"Oh，mercy，no!Sellyourhorse，"criedPolly，afteraminuteofdeepmeditation。
　　"Ihave；buthedidn'tbringhalfIgaveforhim。Ilamedhimlastwinter，andthebeggarwon'tgetoverit。"
　　"Andthatdidn'tpayupthedebts？"
　　"Onlyaboutahalfof'em。"
　　"Why，Tom，howmuchdoyouowe？"
　　"Ihavedodgedfiguringituptillyesterday；thenthingsweresodesperate，IthoughtImightaswellfacethetruth，soIoverhauledmyaccounts，andthere'stheresult。"
　　Tomthrewablotted，crumpledpaperintoPolly'slap，andtrampedupanddownagain，fasterthanever。Pollytookonelookatthetotalandclaspedherhands，fortoherinexperiencedeyesitlookedappalling。
　　"Tidylittlesum，isn'tit？"askedTom，whocouldn'tbearthesilence，orthestartled，grievedlookinPolly'seyes。
　　"It'sawful!Idon'twonderyoudreadtellingyourfather。"
　　"I'dratherbeshot。Isay，Polly，supposewebreakittohimeasy!"
　　addedTom，afteranotherturn。
　　"Howdoyoumean？"
　　"Why，supposeFan，or，betterstill，yougoandsortofpavetheway。
　　Ican'tbeartocomedownonhimwiththewholetruthatonce。"
　　"Soyou'dliketohavemegoandtellhimforyou？"Polly'slipcurledalittleasshesaidthat，andshegaveTomalookthatwouldhaveshownhimhowblueeyescanflash，ifhehadseenit。Buthewasatthewindow，anddidn'tturn，ashesaidslowly，­；
　　"Well，yousee，he'ssofondofyou；weallconfideinyou；andyouaresolikeoneofthefamily，thatitseemsquitenatural。JusttellhimI'mexpelled，youknow，andasmuchmoreasyoulike；thenI'llcomein，andwe'llhaveitout。"
　　Pollyroseandwenttothedoorwithoutaword。Indoingso，Tomcaughtaglimpseofherface，andsaid，hastily，­；
　　"Don'tyouthinkitwouldbeagoodplan？"
　　"No，Idon't。"
　　"Whynot？Don'tyouthinkhe'dratherhaveittoldhimnicelybyyou，thanblurtedoutasIalwaysdoblurtthings？"
　　"Iknowhe'dratherhavehissongotohimandtellthetruth，likeaman，insteadofsendingagirltodowhatheisafraidtodohimself。"
　　IfPollyhadsuddenlyboxedhisears，Tomcouldn'thavelookedmoretakenabackthanbythatburst。Helookedatherexcitedface，seemedtounderstandthemeaningofit，andrememberedallatoncethathewastryingtohidebehindagirl。Heturnedscarlet，saidshortly，"Comeback，Polly，"andwalkedstraightoutoftheroom，lookingasifgoingtoinstantexecution，forpoorTomhadbeentaughttofearhisfather，andhadnotentirelyoutgrownthedread。
　　Pollysatdown，lookingbothsatisfiedandtroubled。"IhopeIdidright，"
　　shesaidtoherself，"Icouldn'tbeartohavehimshirkandseemcowardly。
　　Heisn't，onlyhedidn'tthinkhowitseemedtome，andIdon'twonderhewasalittleafraid，Mr。Shawissoseverewiththepoorfellow。Oh，dear，whatshouldwedoifWillgotintosuchscrapes。Thankgoodness，he'spoor，andcan't；I'msogladofthat!"
　　Thenshesatsilentbesidethehalf-opendoor，hearingthemurmurofTom'svoiceacrossthehall，andhoping，withallherheart，thathewouldn'thaveaveryhardtime。Heseemedtotellhisstoryrapidlyandsteadily，withoutinterruption，totheend；thenPollyheardMr。Shaw'sdeepervoicesayafewwords，atwhichTomutteredaloudexclamation，asiftakenbysurprise。Pollycouldn'tdistinguishaword，soshekeptherseat，wonderinganxiouslywhatwasgoingonbetweenthetwomen。AsuddenpauseseemedtofollowTom'sejaculation，thenMr。Shawtalkedalongtimeinalow，earnesttone，sodifferentfromtheangryonePollyhadexpectedtohear，thatitmadehernervous，forMr。Shawusually"blewTomupfirst，andforgavehimafterward，"asMaudsaid。PresentlyTom'svoicewasheard，apparentlyaskingeagerquestions，towhichbriefrepliesweregiven。Thenadeadsilencefellupontheroom，andnothingwasheardbutthespringrainsoftlyfallingoutofdoors。Allofasuddensheheardamovement，andTom'svoicesayaudibly，­；
　　"LetmebringPolly；"andheappeared，lookingsopaleandmiserablethatPollywasfrightened。
　　"Goandsaysomethingtohim；Ican't；pooroldfather，ifI'donlyknown，"andtoPolly'sutterdismay，Tomthrewhimselfintoachair，andlaidhisheaddownonthetable，asifhehadgotablowthatwastoomuchforhim。
　　"Oh，Tom，whatisit？"criedPolly，hurryingtohim，fulloffearsshedarednotspeak。
　　Withoutlookingup，Tomanswered，inasmotheredvoice，"Failed；allgonetosmash；andto-morroweveryonewillknowit。"
　　PollyheldontothebackofTom'schair，foraminute，forthenewstookherbreathaway，andshefeltasiftheworldwascomingtoanend，"failed"wassuchavaguelydreadfulwordtoher。
　　"Isitverybad？"sheasked，softly，feelingasifanythingwasbetterthantostandstillandseeTomsowretched。
　　"Yes；hemeanstogiveupeverything。He'sdonehisbest；butitcan'tbestavedoffanylonger，andit'sallupwithhim。"
　　"Oh，IwishIhadamilliontogivehim!"criedPolly，claspingherhands，withthetearsrunningdownhercheeks。"Howdoeshebearit，Tom？"
　　"Likeaman，Polly；andI'mproudofhim，"saidTom，lookingup，allredandexcitedwiththeemotionshewastryingtokeepunder。"Everythinghasbeenagainsthim，andhehasfoughtallalonetostandthepressure，butit'stoomuchforhim，andhe'sgivenin。It'sanhonorablefailure，mindyou，andnoonecansayawordagainsthim。I'dliketosee'emtryit!"andTomclenchedhishands，asifitwouldbeanimmenserelieftohimtothrashhalfadozenaspersersofhisfather'shonestname。
　　"Ofcoursetheycan't!ThisiswhatpoorMaudtroubledabout。HehadtoldyourmotherandFanbeforeyoucame，andthatiswhytheyaresounhappy，Isuppose。"
　　"Theyaresafeenough。Fatherhasn'ttouchedmother'smoney；he'couldn'trobhisgirls，'hesaid，andthat'sallsafefor'em。Isn'theatrump，Polly？"AndTom'sfaceshonewithpride，evenwhilehislipswouldtwitchwithatendererfeeling。
　　"IfIcouldonlydoanythingtohelp，"criedPolly，oppressedwithherownpowerlessness。
　　"Youcan。Goandbegoodtohim；youknowhow；heneedsitenough，allalonethere。Ican'tdoit，forI'monlyacurseinsteadofacomforttohim。"
　　"Howdidhetakeyournews？"askedPolly，who，foratime，hadforgottenthelessertroubleinthegreater。
　　"Likealamb；forwhenI'ddone，heonlysaid，'Mypoorlad，wemustbearwithoneanother。'andthentoldhisstory。"
　　"I'mgladhewaskind，"beganPolly，inasoothingtone；butTomcriedout，remorsefully，­；
　　"That'swhatknocksmeover!JustwhenIoughttobeaprideandaproptohim，Ibringhimmydebtsanddisgrace，andheneversaysawordofblame。It'snouse，Ican'tstandit!"andTom'sheadwentdownagainwithsomethingverylikeasob，thatwouldcomeinspiteofmanfuleffortstokeepitback，forthepoorfellowhadthewarmestheartthateverwas，andallthefinewaistcoatsoutsidecouldn'tspoilit。
　　ThatsoundgavePollymorepainthanthenewsofadozenfailuresandexpulsions，anditwasasimpossibleforhertoresistputtingherhandtenderlyonthebenthead，asitwasforhertohelpnoticingwithpleasurehowbrownthelittlecurlsweregrowing，andhowsofttheywere。Inspiteofhersorrow，sheenjoyedthatminuteverymuch，forshewasabornconsoler，and，itishardlynecessaryformetoadd，lovedthisreprehensibleTomwithallherheart。Itwasaveryfoolishthingforhertodo，shequiteagreedtothat；shecouldn'tunderstandit，explainit，orhelpit；sheonlyfeltthatshedidcareforhimverymuch，inspiteofhisfaults，hisindifference，andhisengagement。Yousee，shelearnedtolovehimonesummer，whenhemadethemavisit。ThatwasbeforeTrixcaughthim；
　　andwhensheheardthatpieceofnews，Pollycouldn'tunlovehimallatonce，thoughshetriedveryhard，aswasherduty。Thatengagementwassuchafarce，thatsheneverhadmuchfaithinit，sosheputherloveawayinacornerofherheart，andtriedtoforgetit，hopingitwouldeitherdie，orhavearighttolive。Itdidn'tmakeherverymiserable，becausepatience，work，andcommon-senselentherahand，andhopewouldkeeppoppingupitsbrightfacefromthebottomofherPandora-boxoftroubles。
　　Nowandthen，whenanyonesaidTrixwouldn'tjiltTom，orthatTomdidcareforTrixmorethanheshould，Pollyhadapang，andthoughtshecouldn'tpossiblybearit。Butshealwaysfoundshecould，andsocametotheconclusionthatitwasamercifulprovisionofnaturethatgirls'heartscouldstandsomuch，andtheirappetitescontinuegood，whenunrequitedlovewasstarving。
　　Now，shecouldnothelpyearningoverthisfaulty，well-belovedscapegraceTom，orhelpthinking，withalittlethrillofhope，"IfTrixonlycaredforhismoney，shemaycasthimoffnowhe'slostit；butI'lllovehimallthebetterbecausehe'spoor。"Withthisfeelingwarmatherheart，Idon'twonderthatPolly'shandhadasoothingeffect，andthatafteraheaveortwo，Tom'sshoulderswerequiet，andcertainsmotheredsniffssuggestedthathewouldbeallrightagain，ifhecouldonlywipehiseyeswithoutanyone'sseeinghimdoit。
　　Pollyseemedtodivinehiswish，andtuckingalittle，cleanhandkerchiefintooneofhishalf-openhands，shesaid，"I'mgoingtoyourfather，now，"andwithafarewellsmooth，socomfortingthatTomwishedshe'ddoitagain，shewentaway。
　　Asshepausedaminuteinthehalltosteadyherself，Maudcalledherfromabove，andthinkingthatthewomenmightneedhermorethanthemen，sheranuptofindFannywaitingforherinherownroom。
　　"Mamma'sasleep，quitewornout，poordear，sowecantalkinherewithouttroublingher，"saidFanny，receivingherfriendsoquietly，thatPollywasamazed。
　　"Letmecome，too，Iwon'tmakeanyfuss；it'ssodreadfultobeshutouteverywhere，andhavepeoplecryingandtalking，andlockedup，andInotknowwhatitmeans，"saidMaud，beseechingly。
　　"Youdoknow，now；I'vetoldher，Polly，"saidFan，astheysatdowntogether，andMaudperchedherselfonthebed，sothatshemightretireamongthepillowsifherfeelingsweretoomuchforher。
　　"I'mgladyoutakeitsowell，dear；Iwasafraiditmightupsetyou，"
　　saidPolly，seeingnowthatinspiteofherquietmanner，Fan'seyeshadanexcitedlook，andhercheeksafeverishcolor。
　　"Ishallgroanandmoanbyandby，Idaresay，butatfirstitsortofdazedme，andnowitbeginstoexciteme。Ioughttobefullofsorrowforpoorpapa，andIamtrulysorry，but，wickedasitmayseem，it'safact，Polly，thatI'mhalfgladit'shappened，forittakesmeoutofmyself，andgivesmesomethingtodo。"
　　Fanny'seyesfellandhercolorroseasshespoke，butPollyunderstoodwhyshewantedtoforgetherself，andputherarmroundherwithamoretendersympathythanFannyguessed。
　　"Perhapsthingsarenotasbadastheyseem；Idon'tknowmuchaboutsuchmatters，butI'veseenpeoplewhohavefailed，andtheyseemedjustascomfortableasbefore，"saidPolly。
　　"Itwon'tbesowithus，forpapameanstogiveupeverything，andnothaveawordsaidagainsthim。Mamma'slittlepropertyissettleduponher，andhasn'tbeenrisked。Thattouchedhersomuch!ShedreadspovertyevenmorethanIdo，butshebeggedhimtotakeitifitwouldhelphim。Thatpleasedhim，buthesaidnothingwouldinducehimtodoit，foritwouldn'thelpmuch，andwashardlyenoughtokeephercomfortable。"
　　"Doyouknowwhathemeanstodo？"askedPolly，anxiously。
　　"Hesaidhisplanswerenotmade，buthemeanttogointothelittlehousethatbelongedtograndma，assoonashecould，foritwasn'thonestforabankrupttokeepupanestablishmentlikethis。"
　　"Ishan'tmindthatatall，Ilikethelittlehouse'causeit'sgotagarden，andthere'sacunningroomwithathree-corneredclosetinitthatIalwayswanted。Ifthat'sall，Idon'tthinkbankruptingissoverybad，"saidMaud，takingacheerfulviewofthings。
　　"Ah，justwaittillthecarriagegoesandtheniceclothesandtheservants，andwehavetoscratchalongaswecan。You'llchangeyourmindthen，poorchild，"saidFanny，whoseideasoffailureweredecidedlytragical。
　　"Willtheytakeallmythingsaway？"criedMaud，indismay。
　　"Idaresay；Idon'tknowwhatweareallowedtokeep；butnotmuch，Ifancy，"andFanlookedasifstrunguptosacrificeeverythingshepossessed。
　　"Theyshan'thavemynewear-rings，­；I'llhide'em，­；andmybestdress，andmygoldsmellingbottle。Oh，oh，oh!Ithinkit'smeantotakealittlegirl'sthingsaway!"AndMauddivedamongthepillowstosmotherawailofanguishattheprospectofbeingbereftofhertreasures。
　　Pollysoonluredheroutagain，byassurancesthatshewouldn'tbeutterlydespoiled，andpromisestotryandsoftenthehardheartsofherfather'screditors，iftheear-ringsandthesmelling-bottlewereattached。
　　"Iwonderifweshallbeabletokeeponeservant，justtillwelearnhowtodothework，"saidFanny，lookingatherwhitehands，withasigh。
　　ButMaudclappedhers，andgaveajoyfulbounce，asshecried，­；
　　"NowIcanlearntocook!Ilovesotobeateggs!I'llhaveanapron，withabibtoit，likePolly's，andafeatherduster，andsweepthestairs，maybe，withmyheadtiedup，likeKaty。Oh，whatfun!"
　　"Don'tlaughather，ordiscourageher；letherfindcomfortinbibsanddust-pans，ifshecan，"whisperedPollytoFan，whileMaudtookajoyful"header"amongthepillows，andcameupsmilingandblowzy，forshelovedhouse-work，andoftengotlecturedforstolenvisitstothekitchen，andsurreptitioussweepingsanddustingswhenthecoastwasclear。
　　"Mammaissofeeble，Ishallhavetokeephouse，Isuppose，andyoumustshowmehow，Polly，"saidFan。
　　"Goodpractice，ma'am，asyou'llfindoutsomeday，"answeredPolly，laughingsignificantly。
　　Fannysmiled，thengrewbothgraveandsad。"Thischangeseverything；
　　theoldsetwilldropme，aswedidtheMertonswhentheirfatherfailed，andmy'prospects，'aswesay，arequiteruined。"
　　"Idon'tbelieveit；yourrealfriendswon'tdropyou，andyou'llfindoutwhichthetrueonesarenow。Iknowonefriendwhowillbekinderthanever。"
　　"Oh，Polly，doyouthinkso？"andFanny'seyessoftenedwithsuddentears。
　　"Iknowwhoshemeans，"criedMaud，alwayseagertofindoutthings。
　　"It'sherself；Pollywon'tmindifwearepoor，'causeshelikesbeggars。"
　　"Isthatwhoyoumeant？"askedFan，wistfully。
　　"No，it'samuchbetteranddearerfriendthanIam，"saidPolly，pinchingFanny'scheek，asitreddenedprettilyunderhereyes。"You'llneverguess，Maud，soIwouldn'ttry，butbeplanningwhatyouwillputinyourcunning，three-corneredcloset，whenyougetit。"
　　Havinggotridof"MissPaulinaPry，"asTomcalledMaud，whowasimmediatelyabsorbedbyhercupboard，theoldergirlssoberlydiscussedthesuddenchangewhichhadcome，andPollywassurprisedtoseewhatunexpectedstrengthandsenseFannyshowed。Pollywastoounconsciousofthechangewhichlovehadmadeinherselftounderstandatfirstthecauseofherfriend'snewpatienceandfortitude；butsherejoicedoverit，andfeltthatherprophecywouldyetbefulfilled。PresentlyMaudemergedfromhernewcloset，bringingasomewhatstartlingideawithher。
　　"Dobankruptingmen"Maudlikedthatnewword"alwayshavefits？"
　　"Mercy，no!Whatputthatintoyourhead，child？"criedPolly。
　　"Why，Mr。Mertondid；andIwasthinkingperhapspapahadgotonedownthere，anditkindoffrightenedme。"
　　"Mr。Merton'swasabad，disgracefulfailure，andIdon'twonderhehadafit。Oursisn't，andpapawon'tdoanythingofthatsort，youmaybesure，"saidFanny，withasproudanairasif"ourfailure"wasratheranhonorthanotherwise。
　　"Don'tyouthinkyouandMaudhadbettergodownandseehim？"askedPolly。
　　"Perhapshewouldn'tlikeit；andIdon'tknowwhattosay，either，"
　　beganFan；butPollysaid，eagerly，­；
　　"Iknowhewouldlikeit。Nevermindwhatyousay；justgo，andshowhimthatyoudon'tdoubtorblamehimforthis，butlovehimallthemore，andarereadyandgladtohelphimbearthetrouble。"
　　"I'mgoing，Iain'tafraid；I'lljusthughim，andsayI'meversogladwearegoingtothelittlehouse，"criedMaud，scramblingoffthebed，andrunningdownstairs。
　　"Comewithme，Polly，andtellmewhattodo，"saidFanny，drawingherfriendafterher。
　　"You'llknowwhattodowhenyouseehim，betterthanIcantellyou，"
　　answeredPolly，readilyyielding，forsheknewtheyconsideredher"quiteoneofthefamily，"asTomsaid。
　　AtthestudydoortheyfoundMaud，whosecouragehadgivenout，forMr。Merton'sfitratherhauntedher。Pollyopenedthedoor；andtheminuteFannysawherfather，shedidknowwhattodo。Thefirewaslow，thegasdim，andMr。Shawwassittinginhiseasy-chair，hisgrayheadinbothhishands，lookinglonely，old，andboweddownwithcare。FannygavePollyonelook，thenwentandtookthegrayheadinbothherarms，saying，withatenderquiverinhervoice，­；
　　"Fatherdear，we'vecometohelpyoubearit"
　　Mr。Shawlookedup，andseeinginhisdaughter'sfacesomethingthatneverhadbeentherebefore，puthisarmabouther，andleanedhistiredheadagainsther，asif，whenleastexpected，hehadfoundtheconsolationhemostneeded。Inthatminute，Fannyfelt，withmingledjoyandself-reproach，whatadaughtermightbetoherfather；andPolly，thinkingoffeeble，selfishMrs。Shaw，asleepupstairs，sawwithsuddenclearnesswhatawifeshouldbetoherhusband，­；ahelpmeet，notaburden。Touchedbytheseunusualdemonstrations，Maudcreptquietlytoherfather'sknee，andwhispered，withagreattearshiningonherlittlepugnose，­；
　　"Papa，wedon'tminditmuch，andI'mgoingtohelpFankeephouseforyou；I'dliketodoit，truly。"
　　Mr。Shaw'sotherarmwentroundthechild，andforaminutenoonesaidanything，forPollyhadslippedbehindhischair，thatnothingshoulddisturbthethree，whowerelearningfrommisfortunehowmuchtheylovedoneanother。
　　PresentlyMr。Shawsteadiedhimselfandasked，­；
　　"Whereismyotherdaughter，where'smyPolly？"
　　Shewasthereatonce；gavehimoneofthequietkissesthathadmorethanusualtendernessinit，forshelovedtohearhimsay"myotherdaughter，"
　　andthenshewhispered，­；
　　"Don'tyouwantTom，too？"
　　"OfcourseIdo；whereisthepoorfellow？"
　　"I'llbringhim；"andPollydepartedwithmostobligingalacrity。
　　Butinthehallshepausedaminutetopeepintotheglassandseeifshewasallright，forsomehowshewasmoreanxioustolookneatandprettytoTominhishouroftroublethanshehadeverbeeninhisprosperousdays。Inliftingherarmstoperkupthebowatherthroatsheknockedahatoffthebracket。Now，ashinyblackbeaverisnotanobjectexactlycalculatedtoinspiretenderorromanticsentiments，onewouldfancy，butthatparticular"stovepipe"seemedtotouchPollytotheheart，forshecaughtitup，asifitsfallsuggestedagreaterone，smoothedoutaslightdint，asifitwassymbolicalofthehardknocksitsowner'sheadwasnowindangerofreceiving，andstoodlookingatitwithasmuchpityandrespect，asifithadbeenthecrownofadisinheritedprince。Girlswilldosuchfoolishlittlethings，andthoughwelaughatthem，Ithinkwelikethemthebetterforit，afterall。
　　RichardwashimselfagainwhenPollyentered，forthehandkerchiefhaddisappeared，hisheadwaserect，hisfacewassteady，andhiswholeairhadadoggedcomposurewhichseemedtosaytofate，"Hitaway，I'mready。"
　　HedidnothearPollycomein，forhewaslookingfixedlyatthefirewitheyesthatevidentlysawaverydifferentfuturetherefromthatwhichitusedtoshowhim；butwhenshesaid，"Tom，dear，yourfatherwantsyou，"
　　hegotupatonce，heldouthishandtoher，saying，"Cometoo，wecan'tgetonwithoutyou，"andtookherbackintothestudywithhim。
　　Thentheyhadalongtalk，forthefamilytroublesseemedtowarmandstrengthenthefamilyaffectionandconfidence，andastheyoungpeoplelistenedwhileMr。Shawtoldthemasmuchofhisbusinessperplexitiesastheycouldunderstand，everyoneofthemblamedhimorherselfforgoingonsogaylyandblindly，whilethestormwasgathering，andthepoormanwaslefttomeetitallalone。Now，however，thethunder-claphadcome，andafterthefirstalarm，findingtheywerenotkilled，theybegantodiscoveracertainhalf-anxious，half-pleasantexcitementintalkingitover，encouragingoneanother，andfeelingunusuallyfriendly，aspeopledowhenasuddenshowerdrivestwoorthreetotheshelterofoneumbrella。
　　Itwasasobertalk，butnotallsad，forMr。Shawfeltinexpressiblycomfortedbyhischildren'sunexpectedsympathy，andthey，tryingtotakethedownfallcheerfullyforhissake，founditeasiertobearthemselves。
　　Theyevenlaughedoccasionally，forthegirls，intheirignorance，askedqueerquestions；Tommadeludicrouslyunbusiness-likepropositions；andMaudgavethemoneheartypeal，thatdidaworldofgood，bypensivelyremarking，whentheplansforthefuturehadbeenexplainedtoher，­；
　　"I'msorelieved；forwhenpapasaidwemustgiveupeverything，andmammacalledusallbeggars，IdidthinkI'dgottogoroundaskingforcoldvittles，withabigbasket，andanoldshawlovermyhead。IsaidonceI'dlikethat，butI'mafraidIshouldn't，forIcan'tbearIndiancakeandcoldpotatoes，­；that'swhatthepoorchildrenalwaysseemtoget，­；andIshouldhatetohaveGraceandtherestseemescuffingroundthebackgates。"
　　"Mylittlegirlshallnevercometothat，ifIcanhelpit，"saidMr。
　　Shaw，holdingherclose，withalookthatmadeMaudadd，asshelaidhercheekagainsthisown，­；
　　"ButI'ddoit，father，ifyouaskedmeto，forItrulywanttohelp。"
　　"SodoI!"criedFanny，wonderingatthesameminutehowitwouldseemtowearturnedsilks，andcleanhergloves。
　　Tomsaidnothing，butdrewtowardhimapaperoffigureswhichhisfatherhaddrawnup，andspeedilyreducedhimselftothevergeofdistractionbytryingtounderstandthem，inhisardentdesiretoprovehiswillingnesstoputhisshouldertothewheel。
　　"Weshallpullthrough，children，sodon'tborrowtrouble，onlybereadyfordiscomfortsandannoyances。Putyourprideinyourpockets，andrememberpovertyisn'tdisgraceful，butdishonestyis。"
　　PollyhadalwayslovedkindMr。Shaw，butnowsherespectedhimheartily，andfeltthatshehadnotdonehimjusticewhenshesometimesthoughtthatheonlycaredformakingmoney。
　　"Ishouldn'twonderifthiswasagoodthingforthewholefamily，thoughitdon'tlookso。Mrs。Shawwilltakeitthehardest，butitmaystirherup，soshewillforgethernerves，andbeasbusyandhappyasmotheris，"saidPollytoherself，inahopefulmood，forpovertywasanoldfriend，andshehadlearnedlongagonottofearit，buttotakeitsbitteranditssweet，andmakethebestofboth。
　　Whentheypartedforthenight，Pollyslippedawayfirst，toleavethemfree，yetcouldn'thelplingeringoutsidetoseehowtenderlythegirlspartedfromtheirfather。Tomhadn'tawordtosayforhimself，formendon'tkiss，caress，orcrywhentheyfeelmost，andallhecoulddotoexpresshissympathyandpenitence，wastowringhisfather'shandwithafacefullofrespect，regret，andaffection，andthenboltupstairsasifthefurieswereafterhim，astheywere，inamildandmodernform。ChapterXVI。ChapterXVI。CHAPTERXVIADRESSPARADETHEweeksthatfollowedtaughttheShaws，asmanyotherfamilieshavebeentaught，howrapidlyrichestaketothemselveswingsandflyaway，whentheyoncebegintogo。Mr。Shawcarriedouthisplanswithanenergyandpatiencethatworkedwonders，andtouchedtheheartsofhishardestcreditors。
　　Thebighousewasgivenupassoonaspossibleandthelittlehousetaken；
　　beingmadecomfortablewiththefurnitureMadamlefttherewhenshewenttolivewithherson。Theold-fashionedthingshadbeenletwiththehouse，andnowseemedalmostlikeagiftfromGrandma，doublypreciousinthesetroubloustimes。Attheauction，severalpersonstriedtoshowthefamilythat，thoughtheyhadlosttheirfortune，friendsstillremained，foronebidinFanny'spiano，andsentittoher；anothersecuredcertainluxuriousarticlesforMrs。Shaw'scomfort；andathirdsavedsuchofMr。Shaw'sbooksashevaluedmost，forhehadkepthiswordandgivenupeverything，withthemostpunctiliousintegrity。Sothelittlehousewasnotbare，butmadepleasanttotheireyesbythesewaifsfromthewreck，broughtthembythetideofsympathyandgood-willwhichsoonsetin。
　　Everybodywhoknewthemhastenedtocall，manyfromarealregard，butmorefrommerecuriosityto"seehowtheytookit。"Thiswasoneofthehardestthingstheyhadtobear，andTomusedstronglanguagemorethanonce，whensomefineladycametocondole，andwentawaytogossip。Polly'shopesofMrs。Shawweredisappointed，formisfortunedidnothaveabracingeffect。Shetooktoherbedatonce，receivedherfriendsintearsandapoint-lacecap，andcheeredherfamilybyplaintivelyinquiringwhenshewastobetakentothealmshouse。ThiswashardforFanny；butafteranintervalofdespair，shecametotheconclusionthatunderthecircumstancesitwasthebestthinghermothercouldhavedone，andwithsomethingofherfather'senergy，Fannyshoulderedthenewburden，feelingthatatlastnecessityhadgivenherwhatshehadlongneeded，somethingtodo。
　　ThepoorgirlknewasmuchofhouseholdaffairsasSnip；butprideandtheresolution"tostandbyFather，"keptuphercourage，andsheworkedawaywithfeverishactivityatwhatevertaskcamefirsttill，justasstrengthandheartwereabouttofail，orderbegantoemergefromchaosandthevisionofahomemadehappyandcomfortablebyherskillandcarecametorepayandsustainher。
　　Maud，beingrelievedfromthefearofback-doorbeggary，soonbecamereconciledtobankruptcy；thoughtitratheragoodjoke，onthewhole，forchildrenlikenovelty，anddon'tcaremuchforMrs。Grundy。Sheregardedthenewabodeasababyhouseonalargescale，whereshewasallowedtoplayherpartinthemostsatisfactorymanner。Fromthemomentwhen，ontakingpossessionofthecovetedroom，sheopenedthedoorsofthethree-corneredcloset，andfoundalittlekettlejustlikePolly's，standingthere，shefeltthatagoodtimewascomingforherandfelltodustingfurniture，washingcups，andmakingtoast，thehappiest，fussiestlittlehousewifeinthecity。ForMaudinheritedthenotablegiftsofhergrandmother，andwouldhavemadeacapitalfarmer'sdaughter，inspiteofhercitybreeding。
　　Pollycameandwentthroughallthesechanges，faithful，helpful，andascheeryasshecouldbewhenherfriendswereintrouble。Thepartsseemedreversednow，anditwasPollywhogave，Fannywhoreceived；forwhereeverythingseemedstrangeandnewtoFan，Pollywasquiteathome，andeveryoneoftheunfashionabledomesticaccomplishmentsnowcameintoplay，tothecomfortoftheShaws，andthegreatsatisfactionofPolly。Shecouldnotdoenoughtoprovehergratitudeforformerfavors，andwenttoilingandmoilingabout，feelingthatthehardest，mostdisagreeabletaskswereherespecialduty。Inthemovingnothingsuitedherbetterthantotrotupanddown，luggingheavythings，topoundherfingersblackandbluenailingcarpetsandcurtains，andthedayshenearlybrokehernecktumblingdownthecellarstairs，inhereagernesstoseethatMrs。Shaw'swinewasrightlystored，shefeltthatshewasonlypayingherdebts，andtoldTomshelikedit，whenhepickedheruplookingasgrimyasachimney-sweep。
　　"Youcanturnyourhandtoanything，youclevergirl，sodocomeandgivemesomeadvice，forIaminthedepthsofdespair，"saidFannywhenthe"maid-of-all-work"asPollycalledherself，foundaleisurehour。
　　"Whatisit？Mothsinthefurs，asmokychimney，orsmall-poxnextdoor？"
　　askedPolly，astheyenteredFan'sroom，whereMaudwastryingonoldbonnetsbeforethelooking-glass。
　　"ActuallyIhavenothingtowear，"beganFanimpressively；"I'vebeentoobusytothinkorcaretillnow，buthereitisnearlyMayandIhavehardlyadecentragtomyback。Usually，youknow，IjustgotoMrs。O'GradyandtellherwhatIwant；shemakesmyspringwardrobe，Papapaysthebill，andthereIam。NowI'velookedintothematter，andIdeclaretoyou，Polly，I'mfrightenedtoseehowmuchitcoststodressme。"
　　"NotsomuchassomegirlsIknow，"saidPollyencouragingly。
　　"Perhapsnot，forIhaveaconscience，andtasteiseconomysometimes；
　　butreally，Polly，Ihaven'tthehearttoaskPapaforacentjustnow，andyetImusthaveclothes。Youaresuchageniusforplanningandworkingwonders，thatIthrowmyselfuponyouandask，'HowshallImakeaspringwardrobeoutofnothing？'"
　　"Letmeseethe'nothing'beforeIadvise。Bringouteveryragyou'vegot，andwe'llseewhatcanbedone，"saidPolly，lookingasifsheenjoyedtheprospect，forshehadagreatdealofthatfemininefacultywhichwecall"knack，"andmuchpracticehadincreasedit。
　　Fannybroughtouther"rags"andwasastonishedtoseehowmanyshehad，forchair，sofa，bed，andbureauwerecovered，andstillMaud，whowasburrowingintheclosets，keptcrying，"Here'sanother。"
　　"There'sadiscouragingheapofrubbishforyou!"saidFan，assheaddedafadedmuslintothelastpile。
　　"Now，tomeyour'rubbish'looksveryencouraging，becausethereisgoodmaterialthere，andnotmuchworn-outfinery，­；that'smydetestation，foryoucan'tdoanythingwithit。Letmesee，fivebonnets。Putthewinteronesawaytillautumn，ripupthesummerones，andoutofthreeoldoneswe'llgetaprettynewone，ifmyeyesdon'tdeceiveme。"
　　"I'llrip，andthendoletmeseeyoumakeabonnet，itmustbesointeresting，"saidMaud，whippingoutherscissorsandeagerlybeginningtoreduceashabbylittlebonnettoitsoriginalelements。
　　"Nowthedresses，"continuedPolly，whohadrapidlysortedoutthepiles。
　　"Willyouhavethegoodnesstolookatthis？"saidFan，holdingupagraystreetsuitfadedpastcure。
　　Pollywhiskeditwrongsideout，andshowingtheclean，brightfabric，said，withatriumphantwave，­；
　　"Beholdyournewsuit；freshtrimmingandlessofitwillfinishyouoffassmartasever。"
　　"Ineverworeaturneddressinmylife；doyousupposepeoplewillknowit？"saidFandoubtfully。
　　"Whatiftheydo？Itwon'thurtyou。Notoneinahundredwilleverthinkanythingaboutyourdress，exceptthatitispretty。I'vewornturnedanddyedgownsallmydays，anditdon'tseemtohavealienatedmyfriends，orinjuredmyconstitution。"
　　"Thatithasn't；I'magoose，Polly，andI'llgetoverthefeelingthatit'ssortofdisgracefultobepoorandhavetoeconomize。We'llturnthegray，andI'llwearitbravely。"
　　"Thenitwillbemorebecomingthanever。Oh，here'stheprettyvioletsilk。Thatwillmakealovelysuit，"criedPolly，goingonwiththereview。
　　"Don'tseehowtwodraggledskirtsandastainedwaistcanbetransformedintoawholerig，"saidFan，sittingonthebed，withhergarmentsstrewnaboutherinvariousattitudesoflimpdespondency。
　　"Well，ma'am，myplanisthis，"beganPolly，imitatingMrs。O'Grady'simportanttone，andbadgrammar:"Goresisout，andplaitsisin；therefore，asthetopofthisskirtisquitefresh，wewilltakeofftheruffles，turnitupsidedown，andleaveitplain。Theupperskirtwillbemadescanter，andfinishedwithafrill；thenthewaistcanberefreshedwiththebestpartsofthesewideflounces，andoutofthosenewbitswewillconcoctahat。TheblacklaceMaudhasjusttakenoffthegreenonewilldotoedgetheviolet，andwithyournicesilkmantillayouarecomplete，don'tyousee？"
　　"Idon'tquiteseeityet，butIhavefirmfaiththatIshallintime，andconsidermycallingcostumefinished，"saidFanny，gettingmoreandmoreinterestedasshesawhercondemnedwardrobecomingoutfreshagainunderPolly'smagicknack。
　　"Therearetwo；thenthatpiqué；isallright，ifyoucutthetailoffthejacketandchangethetrimmingabit。Themuslinsonlyneedmendinganddoinguptolookaswellasever；yououghtnottoputthemawaytornandsoiled，mychild。Thetwoblacksilkswillbegoodstand-bysforyears。IfIwereyou，I'dhaveacoupleofneat，prettyprintsforhome-wear，andthenIdon'tseewhyyouaren'tfixedwellenoughforourshortseason。"
　　"Can'tIdoanythingwiththisbarege？It'soneofmyfavoritedresses，andIhatetogiveitup。"
　　"Youworethatthoroughlyout，andit'sonlyfitfortherag-bag。Yes，itwasveryprettyandbecoming，Iremember，butitsdayisover。"
　　Fannyletthedresslieinherlapaminuteassheabsentlypickedatthefringe，smilingtoherselfoverthehappytimewhensheworeitlastandSydneysaidsheonlyneededcowslipsinherlaptolooklikespring。
　　Presentlyshefoldeditupandputitawaywithasigh，butitneverwentintotherag-bag，andmysentimentalreaderscanunderstandwhatsavedit。
　　"Theballdresseshadbetterbeputnicelyawaytillnextyear，"beganPolly，comingtoarainbow­；coloredheap。
　　"Mydayisover，Ishallneverusethemagain。Dowhatyoulikewiththem，"saidFancalmly。
　　"Didyoueversellyourcast-offfinery，asmanyladiesdo？"askedPolly。
　　"Never；Idon'tlikethefashion。Igiveitaway，orletMaudhaveitfortableaux。"
　　"IwonderifyouwouldmindmytellingyousomethingBelleproposed？"
　　"Ifit'sanoffertobuymyclothes，Ishouldmind，"answeredFanny，sharply。
　　"ThenIwon't，"andPollyretiredbehindacloudofarsenic-greengauze，whichmadeherlookasifshehadthecholera。
　　"Ifshewantedtobuythathorridnew'gooseberry-coloredgown，'asTomcallsit，I'dletherhaveitcheap，"putinMaud，whowasofapracticalturn。
　　"Doesshewantit，Polly？"askedFan，whosecuriositygotthebetterofherpride。
　　"Well，shemerelyaskedmeifIthoughtyou'dbemortallyoffended，ifsheofferedtotakeitoffyourhands，asyou'dneverwornit。Youdon'tlikeit，andinanotherseasonitwillbealloutoffashion，"saidPollyfromherverdantretreat。
　　"Whatdidyousay？"
　　"Isawshemeantitkindly，soIsaidI'dask。Nowbetweenourselves，Fan，thepriceofthatdresswouldgiveyouallyou'llwantforyourspringfixings，that'soneconsideration；thenhere'sanother，whichmayhavesomeweightwithyou，"addedPollyslyly。"TrixtoldBelleshewasgoingtoaskyouforthedress，asyouwouldn'tcaretowearitnow。ThatmadeBellefireup，andsayitwasameanthingtodowithoutofferingsomereturnforacostlythinglikethat；andthenBellesaid，inherbluntway，'I'llgiveFanallshepaidforit，andmore，too，ifitwillbeanyhelptoher。Idon'tcareforthedress，butI'dliketoslipalittlemoneyintoherpocket，forIknowsheneedsitandistoogoodtoaskdearMr。Shawforanythingshecangetonwithout。'"
　　"Didshesaythat？I'llgiveherthedress，andnottakeapennyforit，"criedFan，flushingupwithmingledangertowardTrixandgratitudetoBelle。
　　"Thatwon'tsuither；youletmemanageit，anddon'tfeelanyshameoranxietyaboutit。YoudidmanyakindandgenerousthingforBellewhenyouhadthepower，andyoulikedtodoit；nowletherpayherdebts，andhavethesamepleasure。"
　　"Ifshelooksatitinthatway，itmakesadifference。PerhapsI'dbetter­；themoneywouldbeanimmensehelp­；onlyIdon'tquiteliketotakeit。"
　　"Kingsandqueensselltheirjewelswhentimesarehardortheygetturnedofftheirthrones，andnoonethinksitanythingamiss，sowhyneedyou？It'sjustalittletransactionbetweentwofriendswhoexchangethingstheydon'twantforthingswhichtheydo，andI'ddoitifIwereyou。"
　　"We'llseeaboutit，"saidFan，privatelyresolvingtotakePolly'sadvice。
　　"IfIhadlotsofthingslikeFan，I'dhaveanauctionandgetallIcouldforthem。Whydon'tyou？"askedMaud，beginningonherthirdbonnet。