"Wewill，"saidPolly，andmountingachair，sheputup，bidin，andknockeddownFan'sentirewardrobetoanimaginarygroupoffriends，withsuchdrollimitationsofeachonethattheroomrangwithlaughter。
　　"That'senoughnonsense；nowwe'llreturntobusiness，"saidPolly，descendingbreathlessbutsatisfiedwiththeeffectofherfun。
　　"Thesewhitemuslinsandprettysilkswillkeepforyears，soIshouldlaythembytilltheyareneeded。Itwillsavebuying，andyoucangotoyourstockanytimeandmakeoverwhatyouwant。That'sthewayMotherdoes；we'vealwayshadthingssentusfromricherfriends，andwhateverwasn'tproperforustowearatthetime，Motherputawaytobeusedwhenweneededit。Suchfunnybundlesasweusedtohavesometimes，­；oddshoes，bonnetswithoutcrowns，stockingswithoutheelsortoes，andoldfineryofallsorts。Weusedtorushwhenabundlecame，andsitroundwhileMotheropenedit。Theboysalwaysmadefunofthethings，thoughtheywereasgrateful，really，asanyofus。Willmadeaverseonedaywhichwethoughtprettywellforalittlechap:­；'TopoorcountryfolksWhohaven'tanyclothes，Richfolks，torelievethem，Sendoldlacegownsandsatinbows。'""IthinkthatWillisgoingtobeasniceapoetasMr。Shakespeare，"remarkedMaudinatoneofseriousconviction。
　　"HeisalreadyaMilton；butIdon'tbelievehewilleverbeanythingbutapoetinname，"saidPolly，workingawaywhileshetalked。
　　"Didn'tyourmothereverletyouwearthenicethingsthatcame？"askedMaud。
　　"No，shethoughtitwasn'tthethingforapoorminister'sgirlstogoflourishingaboutinsecond-handfinery，soshedidwhatI'mdoingnow，putawaywhatwouldbeusefulandproperforusbyandby，andletusplaywiththeshabby，silkbonnetsanddirty，flouncedgowns。Suchfunasweusedtohaveupinourbiggarret!Irememberonedaywe'dbeenplayinghaveaball，andwereallriggedup，eventheboys。Somenewneighborscametocall，andexpressedawishtoseeus，havingbeentoldthatwewerepatternchildren。Mothercalledus，butwehadparadedoutintothegarden，afterourball，andwerehavingaconcert，aswesataboutonthecabbagesforgreensatinseats，sowedidn'thearthecall，andjustasthecompanywasgoing，agreatnoisearrestedthemonthedoorstep，androundthecornerofthehouserattledNedinfullcostume，wheelingKittyinabarrow，whileJimmy，Will，andIranscreamingafter，lookinglikeBedlamites；forwewereplayingthatLadyFitzPerkinshadfainted，andwasbeingbornehomesenselessinacab。Ithoughtmotherwouldkillherselfwithlaughing；andyoucanimaginewhatafineimpressionthestrangersreceivedofthemodelchildren。"
　　Maudwassotickledwiththisyouthfulprankthatsheunguardedlysatdowntolaughontheedgeofanopentrunk，immediatelydoubledup，fellin，andwaswithdifficultyextricated。
　　"Peopleinthecountryhavegreatdealnicertimesthanwedo。Ineverrodeinawheelbarrow，Ineversatoncabbages，andIdon'tthinkit'sfair，"shesaidwithaninjuredexpression。"Youneedn'tsaveanyoldsilkgownsforme；Idon'tmeantobeafineladywhenIgrowup，I
　　'mgoingtobeafarmer'swife，andmakebutterandcheese，andhavetenchildren，andraisepigs，"sheaddedinoneenthusiasticburst。
　　"Idobelieveshewillifshecanfindafarmeranywhere，"saidFanny。
　　"Oh，I'mgoingtohaveWill；Iaskedhimandhesaid，'Allright。'
　　He'sgoingtopreachSundays，andworkonthefarmtherestofthetime。
　　Well，heis，soyouneedn'tlaugh，forwe'vemadeallourplans，"saidMaudwithcomicaldignityasshetriedtheeffectofanoldwhitebonnet，wonderingiffarmers'wivescouldwearostrichfeatherswhentheywenttomeeting。
　　"Blessedinnocence!Don'tyouwishyouwereachild，anddaredtellwhatyouwant？"murmuredFanny。
　　"IwishIhadseenWill'sfacewhenMaudproposed，"answeredPolly，withanodwhichansweredherfriend'sspeechbetterthanherwords。
　　"Anynewsofanybody？"whisperedFan，affectingtoexamineasleevewithcare。
　　"StillattheSouth；don'tthinklateeventshavebeenreportedyet；
　　thataccountsforabsence，"answeredPolly。
　　"IthinkSirPhilipwashitharderthanwassupposed，"saidFan。
　　"Idoubtit，buttimecureswoundsofthatsortamazingquick。"
　　"Wishitdid!"
　　"WhoisSirPhilip？"demandedMaud，prickingupherears。
　　"AfamousmanwholivedinthetimeofQueenElizabeth，"answeredFan，withalookatPolly。
　　"Oh!"AndMaudseemedsatisfied，butthesharpchildhadhersuspicionsnevertheless。
　　"TherewillbeanimmensedealofworkinallthisfixingoverandI
　　hatetosew，"saidFanny，todivertacertainperson'sthoughts。
　　"JennyandIaregoingtohelp。Weareyourdebtors，aswellasBelle，anddemandtheprivilegeofpayingup。Blessings，likecurses，comehometoroost，Fan。"
　　"Minecomehomeagooddealbiggerthantheywent，"answeredFanny，lookingpleasedthatlittlefavorsshouldbesofaithfullyremembered。
　　"Theinterestonthatsortofinvestmentrollsupbeautifully，youknow。
　　NowripthatdressforJennytoputinorder，andI'lltossyouupabonnetinlessthannotime，"saidPolly，determinedtohavethingsgosmoothly，forsheknewFan'sfeelingshadbeenagooddealtriedlately，inmanyways。
　　"Imusthavesomethingtomatchmydress，andblueinside，"saidFanny，bringingoutherribbonboxes。
　　"Anythingyoulike，mydear；whenitcomestobonnets，Iamusuallyinspired。Ihaveit!Thereweare!Andnothingcouldbenicer，"criedPolly，makingadiveamongthesilksFanwasturningoverwithalostexpression。
　　"Thisbitofsilver-grayisallIask，here'senoughforakillingbonnet，andthoseforget-me-notsarebothprettyandappropriate。"
　　"Youwretch，bestill!"criedFanny，asPollylookedupatherwithawickedlaughinhereyes。
　　"Itwillbedoneintime，andthedresslikewise，solookyourprettiest，andacceptmyblessing，"continuedPolly，seeingthatFanlikedherraillery。
　　"Timeforwhat？"askedPaulinaPry。
　　"Yourwedding，dear，"sweetlyansweredFan，forPolly'spleasanthintsandpredictionsputherinacharminghumor，andevenmadeoldclothesoflittleconsequence。
　　Maudgaveanincreduloussniff，andwonderedwhy"biggirlsneedtobesodreadfulmysteriousabouttheiroldsecrets。"
　　"ThissilkremindsmeofKitty'sperformancelastsummer。AlittlecheckedsilkwassentinourspringbundlefromMrs。Davenport，andMothersaidKitmighthaveitifshecouldmakeitdo。SoIwasheditnicely，andwefussedandplanned，butitcameshortbyhalfofonesleeve。Igaveitup，butKitwenttoworkandmatchedeveryscrapthatwasleftsoneatlythatshegotoutthehalfsleeve，putitontheunderside，andnoonewasthewiser。Howmanypiecesdoyouthinksheputin，Maud？"
　　"Fifty，"wasthewisereply。
　　"No，onlyten，butthatwasprettywellforafourteen-year-olddressmaker。
　　Yououghttohaveseenthelittlewitchlaughinhersleevewhenanyoneadmiredthedress，forsheworeitallsummerandlookedasprettyasapinkinit。Suchthingsaregreatfunwhenyougetusedtothem；besides，contrivingsharpensyourwits，andmakesyoufeelasifyouhadmorehandsthanmostpeople。"
　　"Ithinkwe'llgetafarmnearyourhouse；IshouldliketoknowKitty，"
　　saidMaud，feelingacuriousinterestinagirlwhomadesuchpeculiarpatchwork。
　　"Thedress-paradeisover，andI'meversomuchobligedtoyou，Polly，forhelpingmethrough，andshowingmehowtomakethebestofthings。
　　Ihopeintimetohaveasmanyhandsasyou，"saidFangratefully，whenthesimplebonnetwasdoneandeverythingplannedoutreadytobefinished。
　　"Ihopeyouwillsoonhavetwogood，strongonesbesideyourown，mydear，"answeredPolly，asshevanished，withapartingtwinklethatkeptFan'sfacebrightallday。ChapterXVII。ChapterXVII。CHAPTERXVIIPLAYINGGRANDMOTHERITHINKTomhadthehardesttimeofall，forbesidesthefamilytroubles，hehadmanyofhisowntoperplexandharasshim。Collegescrapesweresoonforgotteningreaterafflictions；buttherewereplentyoftonguestoblame"thatextravagantdog，"andplentyofheadstowagominouslyoverpropheciesofthegoodtimeTomShawwouldnowmakeontheroadtoruin。
　　Asreportersflourishinthiscountry，ofcourseTomsoonheardallthefriendlycriticismspasseduponhimandhiscareer，andhesufferedmorethananybodyguessed；forthetruththatwasatthebottomofthegossipfilledhimwiththesharpregretandimpotentwrathagainsthimselfaswellasothers，whichdrivesmanyaproudfellow，soplaced，todestruction，ortheeffortthatredeemsboyishfolly，andmakesamanofhim。
　　Nowthathehadlosthisheritage，Tomseemedtoseeforthefirsttimehowgoodlyithadbeen，howrichinpower，pleasure，andgraciousopportunities。
　　Hefeltitsworthevenwhileheacknowledged，withthesenseofjusticethatisstronginmanlymen，howlittlehedeservedagiftwhichhehadsomisused。Hebroodedoverthisagooddeal，for，likethebatinthefable，hedidn'tseemtofindanyplaceinthenewlifewhichhadbegunforall。Knowingnothingofbusiness，hewasnotofmuchusetohisfather，thoughhetriedtobe，andgenerallyendedbyfeelingthathewasahindrance，notahelp。Domesticaffairswereequallyoutofhisline，andthegirls，morefrankthantheirfather，didnothesitatetotellhimhewasinthewaywhenheofferedtolendahandanywhere。Afterthefirstexcitementwasover，andhehadtimetothink，heartandenergyseemedtodieout，remorsegotholdofhim，and，asgenerous，thoughtlessnaturesareapttodowhensuddenlyconfrontedwithconscience，heexaggeratedhisfaultsandfolliesintosinsofthedeepestdye，andfanciedhewasregardedbyothersasavillainandanoutcast。Prideandpenitencemadehimshrinkoutofsightasmuchaspossible，forhecouldnotbearpity，evenwhensilentlyexpressedbyafriendlyhandorakindlyeye。Hestayedathomeagooddeal，andloafedaboutwithamelancholyandneglectedair，vanishedwhenanyonecame，talkedverylittle，andwaseitherpatheticallyhumbleortragicallycross。Hewantedtodosomething，butnothingseemedtoappear；
　　andwhilehewaitedtogethispoiseafterthedownfall，hewassoverymiserablethatI'mafraid，ifithadnotbeenforonething，mypoorTomwouldhavegotdesperate，andbeenafailure。Butwhenheseemedmostuseless，outcast，andforlorn，hediscoveredthatonepersonneededhim，onepersonneverfoundhimintheway，onepersonalwayswelcomedandclungtohimwiththestrongestaffectionofaveryfeeblenature。Thisdependenceofhismother'swasTom'ssalvationatthatcrisisofhislife；andthegossips，whosaidsoftlytooneanotherovertheirmuffinsandtea。"Itreallywouldbearelieftothatwholefamilyifpoor，dearMrs。Shawcouldbe­；ahem!­；mercifullyremoved，"didnotknowthattheinvalid'sweak，idlehandswereunconsciouslykeepingthesonsafeinthatquietroom，whereshegavehimallthatshehadtogive，mother-love，tillhetookheartagain，andfacedtheworldreadytofighthisbattlesmanfully。
　　"Dear，dear!howoldandbentpoorfatherdoeslook。Ihopehewon'tforgettoordermysweetbread，"sighedMrs。Shawoneday，asshewatchedherhusbandslowlygoingdownthestreet。
　　Tom，whostoodbyher，idlyspinningthecurtaintassel，followedthefamiliarfigurewithhiseye，andseeinghowgraythehairhadgrown，howcarewornthefloridface，andhowlikeawearyoldmanhisoncestrong，handsomefatherwalked，hewassmittenbyanewpangofself-reproach，andwithhisusualimpetuositysetaboutrepairingtheomissionassoonashediscoveredit。
　　"I'llseetoyoursweetbread，mum。Good-by，backtodinner，"andwithahastykiss，Tomwasoff。
　　Hedidn'tknowexactlywhathemeanttodo，butithadsuddenlycomeoverhim，thathewashidingfromthestorm，andlettinghisfathermeetitalone；fortheoldmanwenttohisofficeeverydaywiththeregularityofamachine，thatwouldgoitsusualrounduntilitstopped，whiletheyoungmanstayedathomewiththewomen，andlethismothercomforthim。
　　"Hehasarighttobeashamedofme，butIactasifIwasashamedofhim；daresaypeoplethinkso。I'llshowthemthatIain't；yes，bythepowers，Iwill!"andTomdrewonhisgloveswiththeairofamanabouttomeetandconqueranenemy。
　　"Haveanarm，sir？Ifyoudon'tmindI'llwalkdownwithyou。Littlecommissionformother，­；niceday，isn'tit？"
　　Tomratherbrokedownattheendofhisspeech，forthelookofpleasedsurprisewithwhichhisfathergreetedhim，thealacritywithwhichheacceptedandleanedonthestrongarmofferedhim，provedthatthedailywalkshadbeensolitaryanddoubtlesssadones。IthinkMr。Shawunderstoodtherealmeaningofthatlittleactofrespect，andfeltbetterforthehopefulchangeitseemedtoforetell。Buthetookitquietly，andleavinghisfacetospeakforhim，merelysaid，­；
　　"Thanky，Tom；yes，motherwillenjoyherdinnertwiceasmuchifyouorderit。"
　　Thentheybegantotalkbusinesswithalltheirmight，asiftheyfearedthatsometraceofsentimentmightdisgracetheirmasculinedignity。Butitmadenodifferencewhethertheydiscussedlawsuitsorlove，mortgagesormothers，thefeelingwasallrightandtheyknewit，soMr。Shawwalkedstraighterthanusual，andTomfeltthathewasinhisproperplaceagain。
　　Thewalkwasnotwithoutitstrials，however；forwhileitdidTom'sheartgoodtoseethecordialrespectpaidtohisfather，ittriedhispatiencesorelytoseealsoinquisitiveordisapprovingglancesfixeduponhimselfwhenhatswereliftedtohisfather，andtohearthehearty"Goodday，Mr。Shaw，"dropintoacoolorcareless，"That'stheson；it'shardonhim。Wildfellow，dohimgood。"
　　"Granted；butyouneedn'thitamanwhenhe'sdown，"mutteredTomtohimself，feelingeverymomentastrongerdesiretodosomethingthatshouldsilenceeverybody。"I'dcutawaytoAustraliaifitwasn'tformother；anything，anywheretogetoutofthewayofpeoplewhoknowme。
　　Inevercanrightmyselfhere，withallthefellowswatching，andlayingwagerswhetherIsinkorswim。HangGreekandLatin!wishI'dlearnedatrade，andhadsomethingtofallbackupon。Haven'tablessedthingnow，butdecentFrenchandmyfists。WonderifoldBelldon'twantaclerkfortheParisbranchofthebusiness？Thatwouldn'tbebad；faith，I'lltryit。"
　　AndwhenTomhadlandedhisfathersafelyattheoffice，tothegreatedificationofallbeholders，hescreweduphiscourage，andwenttopreferhisrequest，feelingthattheprospectbrightenedalittle。ButMr。Bellwasnotinagoodhumor，andonlygaveTomaseverelectureontheerrorofhisways，whichsenthimhomemuchdepressed，andcausedthehorizontoloweragain。
　　Asheroamedaboutthehousethatafternoon，tryingtocalculatehowmuchanAustralianoutfitwouldcost，thesoundoflivelyvoicesandclatteringspoonsattractedhimtothekitchen。TherehefoundPollygivingMaudlessonsincookery；forthe"newhelp"notbeingahigh-pricedarticle，couldnotbedependedonfordesserts，andMrs。Shawwouldhavefeltasifthewolfwasatthedooriftherewasnot"asweetdish"atdinner。Maudhadageniusforcooking，andFannyhatedit，sothatlittlepersonwasinherglory，studyingreceiptbooks，andtakinglessonswheneverPollycouldgivethem。
　　"Graciousme，Tom，don'tcomenow；weareawfulbusy!Mendon'tbelonginkitchens，"criedMaud，asherbrotherappearedinthedoorway。
　　"Couldn'tthinkwhatyouwereabout。Mumisasleep，andFanout，soIloafeddowntoseeiftherewasanyfunafoot，"saidTom，lingering，asiftheprospectwasagreeable。Hewasasocialfellow，andverygratefuljustthentoanyonewhohelpedhimtoforgethisworriesforatime。Pollyknewthis，feltthathissocietywouldnotbeagreatafflictiontoherselfatleast，andwhisperingtoMaud，"Hewon'tknow，"sheadded，aloud，­；
　　"Comeinifyoulike，andstirthiscakeforme；itneedsastronghand，andminearetired。There，putonthataprontokeepyoutidy，sithere，andtakeiteasy。"
　　"Iusedtohelpgrandmabatupcake，andratherlikedit，ifIrememberright，"saidTom，lettingPollytieacheckedaprononhim，putabigbowlintohishands，andsettlehimnearthetable，whereMaudwaspickingraisins，andsheherselfstirringbusilyaboutamongspice-boxes，rolling-pins，andbutter-pots。
　　"Youdoitbeautifully，Tom。I'llgiveyouaconundrumtolightenyourlabor:Whyarebadboyslikecake？"askedPolly，anxioustocheerhimup。
　　"Becauseagoodbeatingmakesthembetter。Idoubtthatmyself，though，"
　　answeredTom，nearlyknockingthebottomofthebowloutwithhisenergeticdemonstrations，foritreallywasarelieftodosomething。
　　"Brightboy!here'saplumforyou，"andPollythrewaplumpraisinintohismouth。
　　"Putinlots，won'tyou？I'mratherfondofplum-cake，"observedTom，likeninghimselftoHerculeswiththedistaff，andfindinghisemploymentpleasant，ifnotclassical。
　　"Ialwaysdo，ifIcan；there'snothingIlikebetterthantoshovelinsugarandspice，andmakenice，plummycakeforpeople。It'soneofthefewthingsIhaveagiftfor。"
　　"You'vehititthistime，Polly；youcertainlyhaveagiftforputtingagooddealofbotharticlesintoyourownandotherpeople'slives，whichislucky，as，weallhavetoeatthatsortofcake，whetherwelikeitornot，"observedTom，sosoberlythatPollyopenedhereyes，andMaudexclaimed，­；
　　"Idobelievehe'spreaching。"
　　"FeelasifIcouldsometimes，"continuedTom；thenhiseyefelluponthedimplesinPolly'selbows，andheadded，withalaugh，"That'smoreinyourline，ma'am；can'tyougiveusasermon？"
　　"Ashortone。Life，mybrethren，islikeplum-cake，"beganPolly，impressivelyfoldingherflouryhands。"Insometheplumsareallonthetop，andweeatthemgayly，tillwesuddenlyfindtheyaregone。Inotherstheplumssinktothebottom，andwelookfortheminvainaswegoon，andoftencometothemwhenitistoolatetoenjoythem。Butinthewell-madecake，theplumsarewiselyscatteredallthrough，andeverymouthfulisapleasure。
　　Wemakeourowncakes，inagreatmeasure，thereforeletuslooktoit，mybrethren，thattheyaremixedaccordingtothebestreceipt，bakedinawellregulatedoven，andgratefullyeatenwithatemperateappetite。"
　　"Good!good!"criedTom，applaudingwiththewoodenspoon。"That'samodelsermon，Polly，­；short，sweet，sensible，andnotabitsleepy。
　　I'moneofyourparish，andwillseethatyougetyour'celerypunctooal，'
　　asoldDeaconMorseusedtosay。"
　　"'Thankyou，brother，mywantsisfew，andravensscurserthantheyusedtobe，'asdearoldParsonMillerusedtoanswer。Now，Maud，bringonthecitron；"andPollybegantoputthecaketogetherinwhatseemedamostcarelessandchaoticmanner，whileTomandMaudwatchedwithabsorbinginteresttillitwassafelyintheoven。
　　"Nowmakeyourcustards，dear；Tommayliketobeattheeggsforyou；
　　itseemstohaveagoodeffectuponhisconstitution。"
　　"First-rate；hand'emalong，"andTomsmoothedhisapronwithacheerfulair。"Bytheway，Syd'sgotback。Imethimyesterday，andhetreatedmelikeamanandabrother，"headded，asifanxioustocontributetothepleasuresofthehour。
　　"I'msoglad!"criedPolly，clappingherhands，regardlessoftheeggsheheld，whichdroppedandsmashedontheflooratherfeet。"Carelessthing!Pickitup，Maud，I'llgetsomemore；"andPollywhiskedoutoftheroom，gladofanexcusetorunandtellFan，whohadjustcomein，lest，hearingthenewsinpublic，shemightbestartledoutofthewell-bredcomposurewithwhichyoungladiesareexpectedtoreceivetidings，evenofthemostvitalimportance。
　　"Youknowallabouthistory，don'tyou？"askedMaud，suddenly。
　　"Notquite，"modestlyansweredTom。
　　"IjustwanttoknowiftherereallywasamannamedSirPhilip，inthetimeofQueenElizabeth。"
　　"YoumeanSirPhilipSidney？Yes，helivedthenandafineoldfellowhewastoo。"
　　"There；Iknewthegirlsdidn'tmeanhim，"criedMaud，withachopthatsentthecitronflying。
　　"Whatmischiefareyouuptonow，youlittlemagpie？"
　　"Ishan'ttellyouwhattheysaid，becauseIdon'tremembermuchofit；butIheardPollyandFantalkingaboutsomeonedreadfulmysterious，andwhenIaskedwhoitwas，Fansaid，'SirPhilip。'Ho!sheneedn'tthinkIbelieveit!Isaw'emlaugh，andblush，andpokeoneanother，andIknewitwasn'taboutanyoldQueenElizabethman，"criedMaud，turninguphernoseasfarasthatsomewhatlimitedfeaturewouldgo。
　　"Lookhere，youarelettingcatsoutofthebag。Nevermind，Ithoughtso。Theydon'ttellustheirsecrets，butwearesosharp，wecan'thelpfindingthemout，canwe？"saidTom，lookingsomuchinterested，thatMaudcouldn'tresistairingherknowledgealittle。
　　"Well，Idaresay，itisn'tproperforyoutoknow，butIamoldenoughnowtobetoldanything，andthosegirlsbettermindwhattheysay，forI'mnotastupidchit，likeBlanche。Ijustwishyoucouldhaveheardthemgoon。I'msurethere'ssomethingveryniceaboutMr。
　　Sydney，theylookedsopleasedwhentheywhisperedandgiggledonthebed，andthoughtIwasrippingbonnets，anddidn'thearaword。"
　　"Whichlookedmostpleased？"askedTom，investigatingthekitchenboilerwithdeepinterest。
　　"Well，'pearstomePollydid；shetalkedmost，andlookedfunnyandveryhappyallthetime。Fanlaughedagooddeal，butIguessPollyistheloveress，"repliedMaud，afteramoment'sreflection。
　　"Holdyourtongue；she'scoming!"andTombegantopumpasifthehousewasonfire。
　　DowncamePolly，withheightenedcolor，brighteyes，andnotasingleegg。Tomtookaquicklookatheroverhisshoulder，andpausedasifthefirewassuddenlyextinguished。SomethinginhisfacemadePollyfeelalittleguilty，soshefelltogratingnutmeg，withavigorwhichmaderedcheeksthemostnaturalthinginlife。Maud，thetraitor，satdemurelyatwork，lookingverylikewhatTomhadcalledher，amagpiewithmischiefinitshead。Pollyfeltachangeintheatmosphere，butmerelythoughtTomwastired，soshegraciouslydismissedhimwithastickofcinnamon，asshehadnothingelsejustthentolayupontheshrine。
　　"Fan'sgotthebooksandmapsyouwanted。Goandrestnow。I'mmuchobliged；here'syourwages，Bridget。"
　　"Goodlucktoyourmesses，"answeredTom，ashewalkedawaymeditativelycrunchinghiscinnamon，andlookingasifhedidnotfinditasspicyasusual。Hegothisbooks，butdidnotreadthem；for，shuttinghimselfupinthelittleroomcalled"Tom'sden，"hejustsatdownandbrooded。
　　Whenhecamedowntobreakfastthenextmorning，hewasgreetedwithageneral"Happybirthday，Tom!"andathisplacelaygiftsfromeverymemberofthefamily；notascostlyasformerly，perhaps，butinfinitelydearer，astokensofthelovethathadoutlivedthechange，andonlygrownthewarmerforthetestofmisfortune。Inhispresentstateofmind，Tomfeltasifhedidnotdeserveablessedthing；sowheneveryoneexertedthemselvestomakeitahappydayforhim，heunderstoodwhatitmeans"tobenearlykilledwithkindness，"andsternlyresolvedtobeanhonortohisfamily，orperishintheattempt。EveningbroughtPollytowhatshecalleda"festivetea，"andwhentheygatheredroundthetable，anothergiftappeared，which，thoughnotofasentimentalnature，touchedTommorethanalltherest。Itwasamostdelectablecake，withanosegayatop，androunditonthesnowyfrostingthereranapinkinscription，justasithadbeeneveryyearsinceTomcouldremember。
　　"Name，age，anddate，likeanicewhitetombstone，"observedMaud，complacently，atwhichfunerealremark，Mrs。Shaw，whowasdowninhonoroftheday，droppedhernapkin，anddemandedhersalts。
　　"Whosedoingisthat？"askedTom，surveyingthegiftwithsatisfaction；
　　foritrecalledthehappierbirthdays，whichseemedveryfarawaynow。
　　"Ididn'tknowwhattogiveyou，foryou'vegoteverythingamanwants，andIwasindespairtillIrememberedthatdeargrandmaalwaysmadeyoualittlecakelikethat，andthatyouoncesaiditwouldn'tbeahappybirthdaywithoutit。SoItriedtomakeitjustlikehers，andIdohopeitwillproveagood，sweet，plummyone。"
　　"Thankyou，"wasallTomsaid，ashesmiledatthegiver，butPollyknewthatherpresenthadpleasedhimmorethanthemosteleganttrifleshecouldhavemade。
　　"Itoughttobegood，foryoubeatitupyourself，Tom，"cried，Maud。
　　"Itwassofunnytoseeyouworkingaway，andneverguessingwhothecakewasfor。Iperfectlytrembledeverytimeyouopenedyourmouth，forfearyou'dasksomequestionaboutit。ThatwasthereasonPollypreachedandIkepttalkingwhenshewasgone。"
　　"Verystupidofme；butIforgotallaboutto-day。Supposewecutit；
　　Idon'tseemtocareforanythingelse，"saidTom，feelingnoappetite，butboundtodojusticetothatcake，ifhefellavictimtohisgratitude。
　　"Ihopetheplumswon'tallbeatthebottom，"saidPolly，assherosetodothehonorsofthecake，byuniversalappointment。
　　"I'vehadagoodmanyatthetopalready，youknow，"answeredTom，watchingtheoperationwithasmuchinterestasifhehadfaithintheomen。
　　Cuttingcarefully，sliceafterslicefellapart；eachfirmanddark，spicyandrich，underthefrostyrimeabove；andlayingaspeciallylargepieceinoneofgrandma'squaintlittlechinaplates，PollyaddedtheflowersandhandedittoTom，withalookthatsaidagooddeal，for，seeingthatherememberedhersermon，shewasgladtofindthatherallegoryheldgood，inonesenseatleast。Tom'sfacebrightenedashetookit，andafteraninspectionwhichamusedtheothersverymuchhelookedup，saying，withanairofrelief，"Plumsallthrough；I'mgladIhadahandinit，butPollydeservesthecredit，andmustweartheposy，"andturningtoher，heputtheroseintoherhairwithmoregallantrythantaste，forathornprickedherhead，theleavestickledherear，andtheflowerwasupsidedown。
　　Fannylaughedathiswantofskill，butPollywouldn'thaveitaltered，andeverybodyfelltoeatingcake，asifindigestionwasoneofthelostarts。Theyhadalivelytea，andweregettingonfamouslyafterward，whentwoletterswerebroughtforTom，whoglancedatone，andretiredratherprecipitatelytohisden，leavingMaudconsumedwithcuriosity，andtheoldergirlsslightlyexcited，forFanthoughtsherecognizedthehandwritingonone，andPolly，ontheother。
　　Onehalfanhourandthenanotherelapsed，andTomdidnotreturn。Mr。
　　Shawwentout，Mrs。ShawretiredtoherroomescortedbyMaud，andthetwogirlssattogetherwonderingifanythingdreadfulhadhappened。Allofasuddenavoicecalled，"Polly!"andthatyoungladystartedoutofherchair，asifthesoundhadbeenathunder-clap。
　　"Dorun!I'mperfectlyfaintingtoknowwhatthematteris，"saidFan。
　　"You'dbettergo，"beganPolly，wishingtoobey，yetfeelingalittleshy。
　　"Hedon'twantme；besides，Icouldn'tsayawordformyselfifthatletterwasfromSydney，"criedFanny，hustlingherfriendtowardsthedoor，inagreatflutter。
　　Pollywentwithoutanotherword，butsheworeacuriouslyanxiouslook，andstoppedonthethresholdoftheden，asifalittleafraidofitsoccupant。
　　Tomwassittinginhisfavoriteattitude，astrideofachair，withhisarmsfoldedandhischinonthetoprail；notanelegantposture，buttheonlyoneinwhich，hesaid，hecouldthinkwell。
　　"Didyouwantme，Tom？"
　　"Yes。Comein，please，anddon'tlookscared；IonlywanttoshowyouapresentI'vehad，andaskyouradviceaboutacceptingit。"
　　"Why，Tom，youlookasifyouhadbeenknockeddown!"exclaimedPolly，forgettingallaboutherself，asshesawhisfacewhenheroseandturnedtomeether。
　　"Ihave；regularlyfloored；butI'mupagain，andsteadierthanever。
　　Justyoureadthat，andtellmewhatyouthinkofit。"
　　Tomsnatchedaletteroffthetable，putitintoherhands，andbegantowalkupanddownthelittleroom，likeaveritablebearinitscage。
　　AsPollyreadthatshortnote，allthecolorwentoutofherface，andhereyesbegantokindle。Whenshecametotheend，shestoodaminute，asiftooindignanttospeak，thengavethepaperanervoussortofcrumpleanddroppeditonthefloor，saying，allinonebreath，­；
　　"Ithinksheisamercenary，heartless，ungratefulgirl!That'swhatIthink。"
　　"Oh，the­；deuce!Ididn'tmeantoshowthatone；it'stheother。"
　　AndTomtookupasecondpaper，lookinghalfangry，halfashamedathisownmistake。"Idon'tcare，though；everyonewillknowto-morrow；andperhapsyou'llbegoodenoughtokeepthegirlsfrombotheringmewithquestionsandgabble，"headded，asif，onsecondthoughts，hewasrelievedtohavethecommunicationmadetoPollyfirst。
　　"Idon'twonderyoulookedupset。Iftheotherletterisasbad，I'dbetterhaveachairbeforeIreadit，"saidPolly，feelingthatshebegantotremblewithexcitement。
　　"It'samilliontimesbetter，butitknockedmeworsethantheother；
　　kindnessalwaysdoes。"Tomstoppedshortthere，andstoodaminuteturningtheletteraboutinhishandasifitcontainedasweetwhichneutralizedthebitterinthatsmallernote，andtouchedhimverymuch。Thenhedrewupanarmchair，andbeckoningPollytotakeit，saidinasober，steadytone，thatsurprisedhergreatly，­；
　　"WheneverIwasinaquandary，Iusedtogoandconsultgrandma，andshealwayshadsomethingsensibleorcomfortabletosaytome。She'sgonenow，butsomehow，Polly，youseemtotakeherplace。Wouldyoumindsittinginherchair，andlettingmetellyoutwoorthreethings，asWilldoes？"
　　Mindit？PollyfeltthatTomhadpaidherthehighestandmostbeautifulcomplimenthecouldhavedevised。Shehadoftenlongedtodoit，for，beingbroughtupinthemostaffectionateandfrankrelationswithherbrothers，shehadearlylearnedwhatittakesmostwomensometimetodiscover，thatsexdoesnotmakenearlyasmuchdifferenceinheartsandsoulsaswefancy。
　　Joyandsorrow，loveandfear，lifeanddeathbringsomanyofthesameneedstoall，thatthewonderiswedonotunderstandeachotherbetter，butwaittilltimesoftribulationteachusthathumannatureisverymuchthesameinmenandwomen。Thankstothisknowledge，PollyunderstoodTominawaythatsurprisedandwonhim。Sheknewthathewantedwomanlysympathy，andthatshecouldgiveittohim，becauseshewasnotafraidtostretchherhandacrossthebarrierwhichourartificialeducationputsbetweenboysandgirls，andtosaytohiminallgoodfaith，"IfIcanhelpyou，letme。"
　　TenminutessoonerPollycouldhavedonethisalmostaseasilytoTomastoWill，butinthattenminutessomethinghadhappenedwhichmadethisdifficult。ReadingthatTrixhadgivenTombackhisfreedomchangedmanythingstoPolly，andcausedhertoshrinkfromhisconfidence，becauseshefeltasifitwouldbehardernowtokeepselfoutofsight；for，spiteofmaidenmodesty，loveandhopewouldwakeandsingatthegoodnews。
　　Slowlyshesatdown，andhesitatinglyshesaid，withhereyesontheground，andaveryhumblevoice，­；
　　"I'lldomybest，butIcan'tfillgrandma'splace，orgiveyouanywise，goodadvice。IwishIcould!"
　　"You'lldoitbetterthananyoneelse。Talktroublesmother，fatherhasenoughtothinkofwithoutanyofmyworries。Fanisagoodsoul，butsheisn'tpractical，andwealwaysgetintoasnarlifwetrytoworktogether，sowhohaveIbutmyothersister，Polly？Thepleasurethatletterwillgiveyoumaymakeupformyboringyou。"
　　Ashespoke，Tomlaidtheotherpaperinherlap，andwentofftothewindow，asiftoleaveherfreetoenjoyitunseen；buthecouldnothelpaglancenowandthen，andasPolly'sfacebrightened，hisownfell。
　　"Oh，Tom，that'sabirthdaypresentworthhaving，forit'ssobeautifullygivenIdon'tseehowyoucanrefuseit。ArthurSydneyisarealnobleman!"
　　criedPolly，lookingupatlast，withherfactglowing，andhereyesfullofdelight。
　　"Soheis!Idon'tknowanothermanliving，exceptfather，whowouldhavedonesuchathing，orwhoIcouldbringmyselftotakeitfrom。Doyousee，he'snotonlypaidtheconfoundeddebts，buthasdoneitinmyname，tosparemeallhecould？"
　　"Isee，it'slikehim；andIthinkhemustbeveryhappytobeabletodosuchathing。"
　　"Itisanimmenseweightoffmyshoulders，forsomeofthosemencouldn'taffordtowaittillI'dbegged，borrowed，orearnedthemoney。Sydneycanwait，buthewon'tlong，ifIknowmyself。"
　　"Youwon'ttakeitasagift，then？"
　　"Wouldyou？"
　　"No。"
　　"Thendon'tthinkIwill。I'maprettypooraffair，Polly，butI'mnotmeanenoughtodothat，whileI'vegotaconscienceandapairofhands。"
　　Aroughspeech，butitpleasedPollybetterthanthesmoothestTomhadevermadeinherhearing，forsomethinginhisfaceandvoicetoldherthatthefriendlyacthadrousedanoblersentimentthangratitude，makingthecancelledobligationsoftheboy，debtsofhonortotheman。
　　"Whatwillyoudo，Tom？"
　　"I'lltellyou；mayIsithere？"AndTomtookthelowfootstoolthatalwaysstoodneargrandma'soldchair。"I'vehadsomanyplansinmyheadlately，thatsometimesitseemsasifitwouldsplit，"continuedthepoorfellow，rubbinghistiredforehead，asiftopolishuphiswits。"I'vethoughtseriouslyofgoingtoCalifornia，Australia，orsomeout-of-the-wayplace，wheremengetrichinahurry。"
　　"Oh，no!"criedPolly，puttingoutherhandasittokeephim，andthensnatchingitbackagainbeforehecouldturnround。
　　"Itwouldbehardonmotherandthegirls，Isuppose；besides，Idon'tquitelikeitmyself；looksasifIshirkedandranaway。"
　　"Soitdoes，"saidPolly，decidedly。
　　"Well，youseeIdon'tseemtofindanythingtodounlessIturnclerk，andIdon'tthinkthatwouldsuit。Thefactis，Icouldn'tstandithere，whereI'mknown。Itwouldbeeasiertoscratchgravelonarailroad，withagangofPaddies，thantosellpinstomyfriendsandneighbors。Falsepride，Idaresay，butit'sthetruth，andthere'snouseindodging。"
　　"Notabit，andIquiteagreewithyou。"
　　"That'scomfortable。NowI'mcomingtothepointwhereIspeciallywantyouradvice，Polly。YesterdayIheardyoutellingFanaboutyourbrotherNed；howwellhegoton；howhelikedhisbusiness，andwantedWilltocomeandtakesomeplacenearhim。YouthoughtIwasreading，butIheard；
　　anditstruckmethatperhapsIcouldgetachanceoutWestsomewhere。
　　Whatdoyouthink？"
　　"Ifyoureallymeanwork，Iknowyoucould，"answeredPolly，quickly，asallsortsofplansandprojectswentsweepingthroughhermind。
　　"IwishyoucouldbewithNed；you'dgetontogether，I'msure；andhe'dbesogladtodoanythinghecould。I'llwriteandask，straightaway，ifyouwantmeto。"
　　"Supposeyoudo；justforinformation，youknow，thenIshallhavesomethingtogoupon。Iwanttohaveafeasibleplanallready，beforeIspeaktofather。There'snothingsoconvincingtobusinessmenasfacts，youknow。"
　　PollycouldnothelpsmilingatTom'snewtone，itseemedsostrangetohearhimtalkingaboutanythingbuthorsesandtailors，dancingandgirls。Shelikedit，however，asmuchasshedidthesoberexpressionofhisface，andthewayhehadlatelyofswinginghisarmsabout，asifhewantedtodosomethingenergeticwiththem。
　　"Thatwillbewise。Doyouthinkyourfatherwilllikethisplan？"
　　"Prettysurebewill。Yesterday，whenItoldhimImustgoatsomethingrightoff，hesaid，'Anythinghonest，Tom，anddon'tforgetthatyourfatherbegantheworldasashop-boy。'Youknewthat，didn'tyou？"
　　"Yes，hetoldmethestoryonce，andIalwayslikedtohearit，becauseitwaspleasanttoseehowwellhehadsucceeded。"
　　"Ineverdidlikethestory，alittlebitashamed，I'mafraid；butwhenwetalkeditoverlastnight，itstruckmeinanewlight，andIunderstoodwhyfathertookthefailuresowell，andseemssocontentedwiththispoorishplace。Itisonlybeginningagain，hesays；andhavingworkedhiswayuponce，hefeelsasifhecouldagain。Ideclaretoyou，Polly，thatsortofconfidenceinhimself，andenergyandcourageinamanofhisyears，makesmeloveandrespectthedearoldgentlemanasIneverdidbefore。"
　　"I'msogladtohearyousaythat，Tom!I'vesometimesthoughtyoudidn'tquiteappreciateyourfather，anymorethanheknewhowmuchofamanyouwere。"
　　"Neverwastillto-day，youknow，"saidTom，laughing，yetlookingasifhefeltthedignityofhisoneandtwentyyears。"Odd，isn'tit，howpeoplelivetogethereversolong，anddon'tseemtofindoneanotherout，tillsomethingcomestodoitforthem。Perhapsthissmash-upwassenttointroducemetomyownfather。"
　　"There'sphilosophyforyou，"saidPolly，smiling，evenwhileshefeltasifadversitywasgoingtodomoreforTomthanyearsofprosperity。
　　Theybothsatquietforaminute，Pollyinthebigchairlookingathimwithanewrespectinhereyes，Tomonthestoolnearbyslowlytearingupafoldedpaperhehadabsentlytakenfromthefloorwhilehetalked。
　　"Didthissurpriseyou？"heasked，asalittlewhiteshowerflutteredfromhishands。
　　"No。"
　　"Well，itdidme；foryouknowassoonaswecametogriefIofferedtoreleaseTrixfromtheengagement，andshewouldn'tletme，"continuedTom，asif，havingbegunthesubject，hewishedtoexplainitthoroughly。
　　"Thatsurprisedme，"saidPolly。
　　"Soitdidme，forFanalwaysinsisteditwasthemoneyandnotthemanshecaredfor。Herfirstanswerpleasedmeverymuch，forIdidnotexpectit，andnothingtouchesafellowmorethantohaveawomanstandbyhimthroughthickandthin。"
　　"Shedon'tseemtohavedoneit。"
　　"Fanwasright。Trixonlywaitedtoseehowbadthingsreallywere，orratherhermotherdid。She'sascool，hard，andworldlymindedanoldsoulasIeversaw，andTrixisboundtoobey。Shegetsrounditveryneatlyinhernote，'Iwon'tbeaburden，''willsacrificeherhopes，''andalwaysremainmywarmfriend，'butthetruthis，TomShawrichwasworthmakingmuchof，butTomShawpoorisintheway，andmaygotothedevilasfastashelikes。"
　　"Well，heisn'tgoing!"criedPolly，defiantly，forherwrathburnedhotlyagainstTrix，thoughsheblessedherforsettingthebondmanfree。
　　"Camewithinanaceofit，"mutteredTomtohimself；addingaloud，inatoneofcalmresignationthatassuredPollyhisheartwouldnotbebrokenthoughhisengagementwas，­；
　　"Itneverrainsbutitpours，'speciallyinhardtimes，butwhenamanisdown，araportwomoredon'tmattermuch，Isuppose。It'sthefirstblowthathurtsmost。"
　　"Gladtoseeyoutakethelastblowsowell。"Therewasanironicallittletwangtothatspeech，andPollycouldn'thelpit。Tomcoloredupandlookedhurtforaminute，thenseemedtorighthimselfwithashrug，andsaid，inhisoutspokenway，­；
　　"Totellthehonesttruth，Polly，itwasnotaveryhardone。
　　I'vehadafeelingforsometimethatTrixandIwerenotsuitedtooneanother，anditmightbewisertostopshort。Butshedidnotorwouldnotseeit；andIwasnotgoingtobackout，andleavehertowearanymorewillows，sohereweare。Idon'tbearmalice，buthopeshe'lldobetter，andnotbedisappointedagain，uponmywordIdo。"
　　"That'sverygoodofyou，quiteSydneyesque，andnoble，"saidPolly，feelingratherillatease，andwishingshecouldhideherselfbehindacapandspectacles，ifshewastoplayGrandmatothisconfidingyouth。
　　"ItwillbeallplainsailingforSyd，Ifancy，"observedTom，gettingupasifthelittlecricketsuddenlyceasedtobecomfortable。
　　"Ihopeso，"murmuredPolly，wonderingwhatwascomingnext。
　　"Hedeservestheverybestofeverything，andIpraytheLordhemaygetit，"addedTom，pokingthefireinadestructivemanner。
　　Pollymadenoanswer，fearingtopaytoomuch，forsheknewFanhadmadenoconfidantofTom，andsheguardedherfriend'ssecretasjealouslyasherown。
　　"You'llwritetoNedto-morrow，willyou？I'lltakeanythinghe'sgot，forIwanttobeoff，"saidTom，castingdownthepoker，andturningroundwitharesoluteairwhichwaslostonPolly，whosattwirlingtherosethathadfallenintoherlap。
　　"I'llwriteto-night。WouldyoulikemetotellthegirlsaboutTrixandSydney？"sheaskedassherose，feelingthatthecouncilwasover。
　　"Iwishyouwould。Idon'tknowhowtothankyouforallyou'vedoneforme；IwishtoheavenIdid，"saidTom，holdingouthishandwithalookthatPollythoughtagreatdealtoogratefulforthelittleshehaddone。
　　Asshegavehimherhand，andlookedupathimwiththoseconfidingeyesofhers，Tom'sgratitudeseemedtoflytohishead，for，withouttheslightestwarning，hestoopeddownandkissedher，­；aproceedingwhichstartledPollysothatherecoveredhimselfatonce，andretreatedintohisdenwiththeincoherentapology，­；
　　"Ibegpardon­；couldn'thelpit­；grandmaalwaysletmeonmybirthday。"
　　WhilePollytookrefugeupstairs，forgettingallaboutFan，asshesatinthedarkwithherfacehidden，wonderingwhyshewasn'tveryangry，andresolvingneveragaintoindulgeinthedelightfulbutdangerouspastimeofplayinggrandmother。ChapterXVIII。ChapterXVIII。CHAPTERXVIIITHEWOMANWHODIDNOTDAREPOLLYwroteenthusiastically，Nedansweredsatisfactorily，andaftermuchcorresponding，talking，andplanning，itwasdecidedthatTomshouldgoWest。Nevermindwhatthebusinesswas；itsufficestosaythatitwasagoodbeginningforayoungmanlikeTom，who，havingbeenbornandbredinthemostconservativeclassofthemostconceitedcityinNewEngland，neededjustthehealthy，hearty，socialinfluencesoftheWesttowidenhisviewsandmakeamanofhim。
　　Ofcoursetherewasmuchlamentationamongthewomen，buteveryonefeltitwasthebestthingforhim；sowhiletheysighedtheysewed，packedvisionsofabrilliantfutureawaywithhisnewpockethandkerchiefs，andrejoicedthatthewaywasopenbeforehimevenintheactofbedewinghisbootswithtears。Sydneystoodbyhimtothelast，"likeamanandabrother"
　　whichexpressionofTom'sgaveFannyinfinitesatisfaction，andWillfeltentirelyconsoledforNed'sdisappointmentathisrefusaltogoandjoinhim，sinceTomwastotaketheplaceNedhadkeptforhim。
　　Fortunatelyeveryonewassobusywiththenecessarypreparationsthattherewasnotimeforromanceofanysort，andthefouryoungpeopleworkedtogetherassoberlyandsensiblyasifallsortsofemotionswerenotbottledupintheirrespectivehearts。Butinspiteofthesilence，thework，andthehurry，Ithinktheycametoknowoneanotherbetterinthatbusylittlespaceoftimethaninalltheyearsthathadgonebefore，forthebestandbravestineachwasupandstirring，andthesmallhousewasasfullofthemagnetismofloveandfriendship，self-sacrificeandenthusiasm，astheworldoutsidewasfullofspringsunshineandenchantment。Pitythattheendshouldcomesosoon，butthehourdiditsworkandwentitsway，leavingacleareratmospherebehind，thoughtheyoungfolksdidnotseeitthen，fortheireyesweredimbecauseofthepartingsthatmustbe。
　　TomwasofftotheWest；Pollywenthomeforthesummer；MaudwastakentotheseasidewithBelle；andFannyleftalonetowrestlewithhousekeeping，"help，"andheartache。Ifithadnotbeenfortwothings，Ifearsheneverwouldhavestoodasummerintown，butSydneyoftencalled，tillhisvacationcame，andavoluminouscorrespondencewithPollybeguiledthelongdays。
　　Tomwroteonceaweektohismother，buttheletterswereshortandnotverysatisfactory，formenneverdotelltheinterestinglittlethingsthatwomenbestliketohear。FannyforwardedherbitsofnewstoPolly。
　　PollysentbackalltheextractsfromNed'slettersconcerningTom，andbyputtingthetworeportstogether，theygainedthecomfortableassurancethatTomwaswell，ingoodspirits，hardatwork，andintentoncomingoutstronginspiteofallobstacles。
　　Pollyhadaquietsummerathome，restingandgettingreadyinmindandbodyforanotherwinter'swork，forintheautumnshetriedherplanagain，tothesatisfactionofherpupilsandthegreatjoyofherfriends。
　　Sheneversaidmuchofherselfinherletters，andFanny'sfirstexclamationwhentheymetagain，wasananxious­；
　　"Why，Polly，dear!Haveyoubeensickandnevertoldme？"
　　"No，I'monlytired，hadagooddealtodolately，andthedullweathermakesmejustatrifleblue。IshallsoonbrightenupwhenIgettomyworkagain，"answeredPolly，bustlingabouttoputawayherthings。
　　"Youdon'tlookabitnatural。Whathaveyoubeendoingtoyourpreciouslittleself？"persistedFanny，troubledbythechange，yetfindingithardtosaywhereinitlay。
　　Pollydidnotlooksick，thoughhercheekswerethinnerandhercolorpalerthanformerly，butsheseemedspiritless，andtherewasatiredlookinhereyesthatwenttoFanny'sheart。
　　"I'mallrightenough，asyou'llseewhenI'minorder。I'mpropergladtofindyoulookingsowellandhappy。Doesallgosmoothly，Fan？"askedPolly，beginningtobrushherhairindustriously。
　　"Answermeonequestionfirst，"saidFanny，lookingasifasuddenfearhadcomeoverher。"Tellme，truly，haveyouneverrepentedofyourhinttoSydney？"
　　"Never!"criedPolly，throwingbackthebrownveilbehindwhichshehadhalfhiddenherfaceatfirst。
　　"Onyourhonor，asanhonestgirl？"
　　"Onmyhonor，asanythingyouplease。Whydoyoususpectmeofit？"
　　demandedPolly，almostangrily。
　　"Becausesomethingiswrongwithyou。It'snousetodenyit，foryou'vegotthelookIusedtoseeinthatveryglassonmyownfacewhenI
　　thoughthecaredforyou。Forgiveme，Polly，butIcan'thelpsayingit，foritisthere，andIwanttobeastruetoyouasyouweretomeifIcan。"
　　Fanny'sfacewasfullofagitation，andshespokefastandfrankly，forshewastryingtobegenerousandfounditveryhard。Pollyunderstoodnowandputherfearatrestbysayingalmostpassionately，­；
　　"ItellyouIdon'tlovehim!Ifhewastheonlymanintheworld，Iwouldn'tmarryhim，becauseI­；don'twantto。"
　　Thelastthreewordswereaddedinadifferenttone，forPollyhadcheckedherselftherewithahalf-frightenedlookandturnedawaytohideherfacebehindherhairagain。
　　"Thenifit'snothim，it'ssomeoneelse。You'vegotasecret，Polly，andIshouldthinkyoumighttellit，asyouknowmine，"saidFanny，unabletoresttilleverythingwastold，forPolly'smannertroubledher。
　　Therewasnoanswertoherquestion，butshewassatisfiedandputtingherarmroundherfriend，shesaid，inhermostpersuasivetone，­；
　　"MypreciousPolly，doIknowhim？"
　　"Youhaveseenhim。"
　　"Andisheverywise，good，andsplendid，dear？"
　　"No。"
　　"Heoughttobeifyoulovehim。Ihopeheisn'tbad？"criedFan，anxiously，stillholdingPolly，whokeptherheadobstinatelyturned。
　　"I'msuited，that'senough。"
　　"Oh，pleasejusttellmeonethingmore。Don'thelovebackagain？"
　　"No。Nowdon'tsayanotherword，Ican'tbearit!"andPollydrewherselfaway，asshespokeinadesperatesortoftone。
　　"Iwon't，butnowI'mnotafraidtotellyouthatIthink，Ihope，IdobelievethatSydneycaresalittleforme。He'sbeenverykindtousall，andlatelyhehasseemedtoliketoseemealwayswhenhecomesandmissmeifI'mgone。Ididn'tdaretohopeanything，tillPapaobservedsomethinginhismanner，andteasedmeaboutit。Itrynottodeceivemyself，butitdoesseemasiftherewasachanceofhappinessforme。"
　　"Thankheavenforthat!"criedPolly，withtheheartiestsatisfactioninhervoice。"Nowcomeandtellmeallaboutit，"sheadded，sittingdownonthecouchwiththeairofonewhohasescapedagreatperil。
　　"I'vegotsomenotesandthingsIwanttoaskyouropinionabout，iftheyreallymeananything，youknow，"saidFanny，gettingoutabundleofpapersfromtheinmostrecessesofherdesk。"There'saphotographofTom，cameinhislastletter。Good，isn'tit？Helooksolder，butthat'sthebeardandtheroughcoat，Isuppose。Dearoldfellow，heisdoingsowellIreallybegintofeelquiteproudofhim。"
　　Fantossedherthephotograph，andwentonrummagingforacertainnote。
　　ShedidnotseePollycatchupthepictureandlookatitwithhungryeyes，butshedidhearsomethinginthelowtoneinwhichPollysaid，­；
　　"Itdon'tdohimjustice，"andglancingoverhershoulder，Fan'squickeyecaughtaglimpseofthetruth，thoughPollywashalfturnedawayfromher。Withoutstoppingtothink，Fandroppedherletters，tookPollybytheshoulders，andcriedinatonefullofastonishment，­；
　　"Polly，isitTom？"
　　PoorPollywassotakenbysurprise，thatshehadnotawordtosay。
　　Nonewereneeded；hertelltalefaceansweredforher，aswellastheimpulsewhichmadeherhideherheadinthesofacushion，likeafoolishostrichwhenthehuntersareafterit。