"Yes；Idon'tknowtheboylately；buthe'llbeasbadaseverwhenhe'swell，"returnedFanny，whohadn'tmuchfaithinsick-bedrepentances。
　　"Muchyouknowaboutit，"growledTom，lyingdownagain，forhehadsatboltuprightwhenPollymadetheastoundingdeclarationthathewaslikethewell-belovedJimmy。ThatsimplelittlehistoryhadmadeadeepimpressiononTom，andthetearfulendingtouchedthetenderspotthatmostboyshidesocarefully。Itisverypleasanttobelovedandadmired，verysweettothinkweshallbemissedandmournedwhenwedie；andTomwasseizedwithasuddendesiretoimitatethisboy，whohadn'tdoneanythingwonderful，yetwassodeartohissister，thatshecriedforhimawholeyearafterhewasdead；sostudiousandclever，thepeoplecalledhim"afinefellow"；andsoanxioustobegood，thathekeptontrying，tillhewasbettereventhanPolly，whomTomprivatelyconsideredamodelofvirtue，asgirlsgo。
　　"IjustwishIhadasisterlikeyou，"hebrokeout，allofasudden。
　　"AndIjustwishIhadabrotherlikeJim，"criedFanny，forshefeltthereproachinTom'swords，andknewshedeservedit。
　　"Ishouldn'tthinkyou'denvyanybody，foryou'vegotoneanother，"
　　saidPolly，withsuchawistfullook，thatitsuddenlysetTomandFannytowonderingwhytheydidn'thavebettertimestogether，andenjoythemselves，asPollyandJimdid。
　　"Fandon'tcareforanybodybutherself，"saidTom。
　　"Tomissuchabear，"retortedFanny。
　　"Iwouldn'tsaysuchthings，forifanythingshouldhappentoeitherofyou，theotheronewouldfeelsosorry。EverycrosswordIeversaidtoJimmycomesbacknow，andmakesmewishIhadn't。"
　　TwogreattearsrolleddownPolly'scheeks，andwerequietlywipedaway；
　　butIthinktheywateredthatsweetsentiment，calledfraternallove，whichtillnowhadbeenneglectedintheheartsofthisbrotherandsister。Theydidn'tsayanythingthen，ormakeanyplans，orconfessanyfaults；butwhentheypartedforthenight，FannygavethewoundedheadagentlepatTomneverwouldhaveforgivenherifshehadkissedhim，andsaid，inawhisper，"Ihopeyou'llhaveagoodsleep，Tommy，dear。"
　　AndTomnoddedbackather，withahearty"Sametoyou，Fan。"
　　Thatwasall；butitmeantagooddeal，forthevoiceswerekind，andtheeyesmetfullofthataffectionwhichmakeswordsoflittleconsequence。
　　Pollysawit；andthoughshedidn'tknowthatshehadmadethesunshine，itshonebackuponhersopleasantly，thatshefellhappilyasleep，thoughherJimmywasn'ttheretosay"good-night。"ChapterV。ChapterV。CHAPTERVSCRAPESAFTERbeingunusuallygood，childrenareapttoturnshortroundandrefreshthemselvesbyactinglikeSancho。ForaweekafterTom'smishap，theyoungfolkswerequiteangelic，somuchsothatgrandmasaidshewasafraid"somethingwasgoingtohappentothem。"Thedearoldladyneedn'thavefeltanxious，forsuchexcessivevirtuedoesn'tlastlongenoughtoleadtotranslation，exceptwithlittleprigsinthegoodystory-books；andnosoonerwasTomonhislegsagain，whenthewholepartywentastray，andmuchtribulationwastheconsequence。
　　Itallbeganwith"Polly'sstupidity，"asFansaidafterward。JustasPollyrandowntomeetMr。Shawoneevening，andwashelpinghimoffwithhiscoat，thebellrang，andafinebouquetofhothouseflowerswasleftinPolly'shands，forshenevercouldlearncityways，andopenedthedoorherself。
　　"Hey!what'sthis？MylittlePollyisbeginningearly，afterall，"saidMr。Shaw，laughing，ashewatchedthegirl'sfacedimpleandflush，asshesmeltthelovelynosegay，andglancedatanotehalfhiddenintheheliotrope。
　　Now，ifPollyhadn'tbeen"stupid，"asFansaid，shewouldhavehadherwitsabouther，andletitpass；but，yousee，Pollywasanhonestlittlesoulanditneveroccurredtoherthattherewasanyneedofconcealment，sosheansweredinherstraightforwardway，"Oh，theyain'tforme，sir；
　　theyareforFan；fromMr。Frank，Iguess。She'llbesopleased。"
　　"Thatpuppysendsherthingsofthissort，doeshe？"AndMr。Shawlookedfarfrompleasedashepulledoutthenote，andcoollyopenedit。
　　PollyhadherdoubtsaboutFan'sapprovalofthat"sortofthing，"butdarednotsayaword，andstoodthinkinghowsheusedtoshowherfatherthefunnyvalentinestheboyssenther，andhowtheylaughedoverthemtogether。ButMr。Shawdidnotlaughwhenhehadreadthesentimentalversesaccompanyingthebouquet，andhisfacequitescaredPolly，asheasked，angrily，"Howlonghasthisnonsensebeengoingon？"
　　"Indeed，sir，Idon'tknow。Fandoesn'tmeananyharm。IwishIhadn'tsaidanything!"stammeredPolly，rememberingthepromisegiventoFannythedayoftheconcert。Shehadforgottenallaboutitandhadbecomeaccustomedtoseethe"bigboys，"asshecalledMr。Frankandhisfriends，withthegirlsonalloccasions。Now，itsuddenlyoccurredtoherthatMr。Shawdidn'tlikesuchamusements，andhadforbiddenFantoindulgeinthem。
　　"Oh，dear!howmadshewillbe。Well，Ican'thelpit。Girlsshouldn'thavesecretsfromtheirfathers，thentherewouldn'tbeanyfuss，"thoughtPolly，asshewatchedMr。Shawtwistupthepinknoteandpokeitbackamongtheflowerswhichhetookfromher，saying，shortly，"SendFannytomeinthelibrary。"
　　"Nowyou'vedoneit，youstupidthing!"criedFanny，bothangryanddismayed，whenPollydeliveredthemessage。
　　"Why，whatelsecouldIdo？"askedPolly，muchdisturbed。
　　"Lethimthinkthebouquetwasforyou；thenthere'dhavebeennotrouble。"
　　"Butthatwouldhavebeendoingalie，whichismostasbadastellingone。"
　　"Don'tbeagoose。You'vegotmeintoascrape，andyououghttohelpmeout。"
　　"IwillifIcan；butIwon'ttellliesforanybody!"criedPolly，gettingexcited。
　　"Nobodywantsyoutojusthold，yourtongue，andletmemanage。"
　　"ThenI'dbetternotgodown，"beganPolly，whenasternvoicefrombelowcalled，likeBluebeard，"Areyoucomingdown？"
　　"Yes，sir，"answeredameekvoice；andFannyclutchedPolly，whispering，"Youmustcome；I'mfrightenedoutofmywitswhenhespeakslikethat。Standbyme，Polly；there'sadear。"
　　"Iwill，"whispered"sisterAnn"；anddowntheywentwithflutteringhearts。
　　Mr。Shawstoodontherug，lookingrathergrim；thebouquetlayonthetable，andbesideitanote，directedto"FrankMoore，Esq。，"inaverydecidedhand，withafierce-lookingflourishafterthe"Esq。"Pointingtothisimpressiveepistle，Mr。Shawsaid，knittinghisblackeyebrowsashelookedatFanny，"I'mgoingtoputastoptothisnonsenseatonce；
　　andifIseeanymoreofit，I'llsendyoutoschoolinaCanadianconvent。"
　　ThisawfulthreatquitetookPolly'sbreathaway；butFannyhadhearditbefore，andhavingatemperofherown，said，pertly，"I'msureIhaven'tdoneanythingsoverydreadful。Ican'thelpitiftheboyssendmephilopenapresents，astheydototheothergirls。"
　　"Therewasnothingaboutphilopenasinthenote。Butthat'snotthequestion。IforbidyoutohaveanythingtodowiththisMoore。He'snotaboy，butafastfellow，andIwon'thavehimabout。Youknewthis，andyetdisobeyedme。"
　　"Ihardlyeverseehim，"beganFanny。
　　"Isthattrue？"askedMr。Shaw，turningsuddenlytoPolly。
　　"Oh，please，sir，don'taskme。IpromisedIwouldn't­；thatis­；Fannywilltellyou，"criedPolly，quiteredwithdistressatthepredicamentshewasin。
　　"Nomatteraboutyourpromise；tellmeallyouknowofthisabsurdaffair。
　　ItwilldoFannymoregoodthanharm。"AndMr。Shawsatdownlookingmoreamiable，forPolly'sdismaytouchedhim。
　　"MayI？"shewhisperedtoFanny。
　　"Idon'tcare，"answeredFan，lookingbothangryandashamed，asshestoodsullenlytyingknotsinherhandkerchief。
　　SoPollytold，withmuchreluctanceandmuchquestioning，allsheknewofthewalks，thelunches，themeetings，andthenotes。Itwasn'tmuch，andevidentlylessseriousthanMr。Shawexpected；for，ashelistened，hiseyebrowssmoothedthemselvesout，andmorethanoncehislipstwitchedasifhewantedtolaugh，forafterall，itwasrathercomicaltoseehowtheyoungpeopleapedtheirelders，playingthenew-fashionedgame，quiteunconsciousofitsrealbeauty，power，andsacredness。
　　"Oh，please，sir，don'tblameFanmuch，forshetrulyisn'thalfassillyasTrixandtheother，girls。Shewouldn'tgosleigh-riding，thoughMr。Frankteased，andshewantedtoeversomuch。She'ssorry，Iknow，andwon'tforgetwhatyousayanymore，ifyou'llforgiveherthisonce，"
　　criedPolly，veryearnestly，whenthefoolishlittlestorywastold。
　　"Idon'tseehowIcanhelpit，whenyoupleadsowellforher。Comehere，Fan，andmindthisonething；dropallthisnonsense，andattendtoyourbooks，oroffyougo；andCanadaisnojokeinwintertime，letmetellyou。"
　　Ashespoke，Mr。Shawstrokedhissulkydaughter'scheek，hopingtoseesomesignofregret；butFannyfeltinjured，andwouldn'tshowthatshewassorry，sosheonlysaid，pettishly，"IsupposeIcanhavemyflowers，nowthefussisover。"
　　"Theyaregoingstraightbackwheretheycamefrom，withalinefromme，whichwillkeepthatpuppyfromeversendingyouanymore。"Ringingthebell，Mr，Shawdespatchedtheunfortunateposy，andthenturnedtoPolly，saying，kindlybutgravely，"Setthissillychildofmineagoodexampleanddoyourbestforher，won'tyou？"
　　"Me？WhatcanIdo，sir？"askedPolly，lookingready，butquiteignoranthowtobegin。
　　"Makeheraslikeyourselfaspossible，mydear；nothingwouldpleasemebetter。Nowgo，andletushearnomoreofthisfolly。"
　　Theywentwithoutaword，andMr。Shawheardnomoreoftheaffair；
　　butpoorPollydid，forFanscoldedher，tillPollythoughtseriouslyofpackingupandgoinghomenextday。Ireallyhaven'tthehearttorelatethedreadfullecturesshegot，thesnubsshesuffered，orthecoldshouldersturneduponherforseveraldaysafterthis。Polly'sheartwasfull，butshetoldnoone，andborehertroublesilently，feelingherfriend'singratitudeandinjusticedeeply。
　　Tomfoundoutwhatthematterwas，andsidedwithPolly，whichproceedingledtoscrapenumbertwo。
　　"Where'sFan？"askedtheyounggentleman，strollingintohissister'sroom，wherePollylayonthesofa，tryingtoforgethertroublesinaninterestingbook。
　　"Downstairs，seeingcompany。"
　　"Whydidn'tyougo，too？"
　　"Idon'tlikeTrix，andIdon'tknowherfineNewYorkfriends。"
　　"Don'twantto，neither，whydon'tyousay？"
　　"Notpolite。"
　　"Whocares？Isay，Polly，comeandhavesomefun。"
　　"I'dratherread。"
　　"Thatisn'tpolite。"
　　Pollylaughed，andturnedapage。Tomwhistledaminute，thensigheddeeply，andputhishandtohisforehead，whichtheblackplasterstilladorned。
　　"Doesyourheadache？"askedPolly。
　　"Awfully。"
　　"Betterliedown，then。"
　　"Can't；I'mfidgety。andwanttobe'amoosed'asPugsays。"
　　"JustwaittillIfinishmychapter，andthenI'llcome，"saidpitifulPolly。
　　"Allright，"returnedtheperjuredboy，whohaddiscoveredthatabrokenheadwassometimesmoreusefulthanawholeone，andexultinginhisbasestratagem，herovedabouttheroom，tillFan'sbureauarrestedhim。Itwascoveredwithallsortsoffinery，forshehaddressedinahurry，andlefteverythingtopsy-turvy。Awell-conductedboywouldhaveletthingsalone，oramoralbrotherwouldhaveputthingstorights；beingneither，Tomrummagedtohisheartscontent，tillFan'sdrawerslookedasifsomeonehadbeenmakinghayinthem。Hetriedtheeffectofear-rings，ribbons，andcollars；woundupthewatch，thoughitwasn'ttime；burnthisinquisitivenosewithsmelling-salts；delugedhisgrimyhandkerchiefwithFan'sbestcologne；anointedhiscurlycropwithherhair-oil；powderedhisfacewithherviolet-powder；andfinishedoffbypinningonabunchoffalseringlets，whichFannytried，tokeepaprofoundsecret。Theravagescommittedbythisbadboyarebeyondthepoweroflanguagetodescribe，asherevelledintheinterestingdrawers，boxes，andcases，whichheldhissister'streasures。
　　Whenthecurlshadbeenputon，withmuchprickingoffingers，andablueribbonadded，à；laFan，hesurveyedhimselfwithsatisfaction，andconsideredtheeffectsofine，thathewasinspiredtotryastillgreatermetamorphosis。ThedressFanhadtakenofflayonachair，andintoitgotTom，chucklingwithsuppressedlaughter，forPollywasabsorbed，andthebed-curtainshidhisiniquity。Fan'sbestvelvetjacketandhat，erminemuff，andasofa-pillowforpannier，finishedoffthecostume，andtrippingalongwithelbowsout，TomappearedbeforetheamazedPollyjustasthechapterended。Sheenjoyedthejokesoheartily，thatTomforgotconsequences，andproposedgoingdownintotheparlortosurprise，thegirls。
　　"Goodness，no!Fannyneverwouldforgiveusifyoushowedhercurlsandthingstothosepeople。Therearegentlemenamongthem，anditwouldn'tbeproper，"saidPolly，alarmedattheidea。
　　"Allthemorefun。Fanhasn'ttreatedyouwell，anditwillserveherrightifyouintroducemeasyourdearfriend，MissShaw。Comeon，itwillbeajollylark。"
　　"Iwouldn'tfortheworld；itwouldbesomean。Take'emoff，Tom，andI'llplayanythingelseyoulike。"
　　"Iain'tgoingtodressupfornothing；Ilooksolovely，someonemustadmireme。Takemedown，Polly，andseeiftheydon'tcallme'asweetcreature。'"
　　Tomlookedsounutterablyridiculousashetossedhiscurlsandpranced，thatPollywentoffintoanothergaleofmerriment；butevenwhileshelaughed，sheresolvednottolethimmortifyhissister。
　　"Now，then，getoutofthewayifyouwon'tcome；I'mgoingdown，"
　　saidTom。
　　"No，you'renot。"
　　"Howwillyouhelpit，MissPrim？"
　　"So。"AndPollylockedthedoor，putthekeyinherpocket，andnoddedathimdefiantly。
　　Tomwasapepper-potastotemper，andanythinglikeoppositionalwayshadabadeffect。Forgettinghiscostume，hestrodeuptoPolly，saying，withathreateningwagofthe，head，"Noneofthat。Iwon'tstandit。"
　　"PromisenottoplagueFan，andI'llletyouout。"
　　"Won'tpromiseanything。Givemethatkey，orI'llmakeyou。"
　　"Now，Tom，don'tbesavage。Ionlywanttokeepyououtofascrape，forFanwillberagingifyougo。Takeoffherthings，andI'llgiveup。"
　　Tomvouchsafednoreply，butmarchedtotheotherdoor，whichwasfast，asPollyknew，lookedoutofthethree-storywindow，andfindingnoescapepossible，camebackwithawrathfulface。"Willyougivemethatkey？"
　　"No，Iwon't，"saidPolly，valiantly。
　　"I'mstrongerthanyouare；soyou'dbetterhandover。"
　　"Iknowyouare；butit'scowardlyforagreatboylikeyoutorobagirl。"
　　"Idon'twanttohurtyou；but，byGeorge!Iwon'tstandthis!"
　　TompausedasPollyspoke，evidentlyashamedofhimself；buthistemperwasup，andhewouldn'tgivein。IfPollyhadcriedalittlejusthere，hewouldhaveyielded；unfortunatelyshegiggled，forTom'sfierceattitudewassuchafunnycontrasttohisdressthatshecouldn'thelpit。Thatsettledthematter。Nogirlthateverlivedshouldgiggleathim，muchlesslockhimuplikeasmallchild。Withoutaword，hemadeagrabatPolly'sarm，forthehandholdingthekeywasstillinher，pocket。Withherotherhandsheclutchedherfrock，andforaminuteheldonstoutly。
　　ButTom'sstrongfingerswereirresistible；ripwentthepocket，outcamethehand，andwithacryofpainfromPolly，thekeyfellonthefloor。
　　"It'syourownfaultifyou'rehurt。Ididn'tmeanto，"mutteredTom，ashehastilydeparted，leavingPollytogroanoverhersprainedwrist。
　　Hewentdown，butnotintotheparlor，forsomehowthejokeseemedtohavelostitsrelish；sohemadethegirlsinthekitchenlaugh，andthencreptupthebackway，hopingtomakeitallrightwithPolly。Butshehadgonetograndma'sroom，for，thoughtheoldladywasout，itseemedarefuge。
　　Hehadjusttimetogetthingsinorder，whenFannycameup，crosserthanever；forTrixhadbeentellingherofallsortsoffuninwhichshemighthavehadashare，ifPollyhadheldhertongue。
　　"Whereisshe？"askedFan，wishingtoventhervexationonherfriend。
　　"Mopinginherroom，Isuppose，"repliedTom，whowasdiscoveredreadingstudiously。
　　Now，whilethishadbeenhappening，Maudhadbeengettingintohotwateralso；forwhenhermaidlefther，toseeafriendbelow，MissMaudparadedintoPolly'sroom，andsolacedherselfwithmischief。InanevilhourPollyhadletherplayboatinherbigtrunk，whichstoodempty。SincethenPollyhadstoredsomeofhermostprivatetreasuresintheuppertray，sothatshemightfeelsuretheyweresafefromalleyes。Shehadforgottentolockthetrunk，andwhenMaudraisedthelidtobeginhervoyage，severalobjectsofinterestmethereyes。ShewasdeepinherresearcheswhenFancameinandlookedoverhershoulder，feelingtoocrosswithPollytochideMaud。
　　AsPollyhadnomoneyforpresents，shehadexertedheringenuitytodeviseallsortsofgifts，hopingbyquantitytoatoneforanyshortcomingsinquality。Someofherattemptsweresuccessful，otherswerefailures；
　　butshekeptthemall，fineorfunny，knowingthechildrenathomewouldenjoyanythingnew。SomeofMaud'scast-offtoyshadbeenneatlymendedforKitty；someofFan'soldribbonsandlaceswereconvertedintodolls'
　　finery；andTom'slittlefigures，whittledoutofwoodinidleminutes，werelaidawaytoshowWillwhatcouldbedonewithaknife。
　　"Whatrubbish!"saidFanny。
　　"Queergirl，isn'tshe？"addedTom，whohadfollowedtoseewhatwasgoingon。
　　"Don'tyoulaughatPolly'sthings。Shemakesnicerdollsthanyou，Fan；andshecanwiteanddwareversomuchbetterthanTom，"criedMaud。
　　"Howdoyouknow？Ineversawherdraw，"saidTom。
　　"Here'sabookwithlotsofpicturesinit。Ican'tweadthewiting；
　　butthepicturesaresofunny。"
　　Eagertodisplayherfriend'saccomplishments，Maudpulledoutafatlittlebook，marked"Polly'sJournal，"andspreaditinherlap。
　　"Onlythepictures；noharmintakingalookat'em，"saidTom。
　　"Justonepeep，"answeredFanny；andthenextminutebothwerelaughingatadrollsketchofTominthegutter，withthebigdoghowlingoverhim，andthevelocipederunningaway。Veryroughandfaulty，butsofunny，thatitwasevidentPolly'ssenseofhumorwasstrong。AfewpagesfartherbackcameFannyandMr。Frank，caricatured；thengrandma，carefullydone；Tomrecitinghisbattle-piece；Mr。ShawandPollyinthepark；MaudbeingborneawaybyKaty；andalltheschool-girlsturnedintoridiculewithanunsparinghand。
　　"Slylittlepuss，tomakefunofusbehindourbacks，"saidFan，rathernettledbyPolly'squietretaliationformanyslightsfromherselfandfriends。
　　"Shedoesdrawwell，"saidTom，lookingcriticallyatthesketchofaboywithapleasantface，roundwhomPollyhaddrawnrayslikethesun，andunderwhichwaswritten，"MydearJimmy。"
　　"Youwouldn'tadmireher，ifyouknewwhatshewrotehereaboutyou，"
　　saidFanny，whoseeyeshadstrayedtothewrittenpageopposite，andlingeredtherelongenoughtoreadsomethingthatexcitedhercuriosity。
　　"Whatisit？"askedTom，forgettinghishonorableresolvesforaminute。
　　"Shesays，'ItrytolikeTom，andwhenheispleasantwedoverywell；
　　buthedon'tstaysolong。Hegetscrossandrough，anddisrespectfultohisfatherandmother，andplaguesusgirls，andissohorridIalmosthatehim。It'sverywrong，butIcan'thelpit。'Howdoyoulikethat？"
　　askedFanny。
　　"Goahead，andseehowshecomesdownonyou，ma'am，"retortedTom，whohadreadonabit。
　　"Doesshe？"AndFannycontinued，rapidly:"AsforFan，Idon'tthinkwecanbefriendsanymore；forshetoldherfatheralie，andwon'tforgivemefornotdoingsotoo。Iusedtothinkheraveryfinegirl；butIdon'tnow。IfshewouldbeasshewaswhenIfirstknewher，Ishouldloveherjustthesame；butsheisn'tkindtome；andthoughsheisalwaystalkingaboutpoliteness，Idon'tthinkitispolitetotreatcompanyasshedoesme。ShethinksIamoddandcountrified，andIdaresayIam；butIshouldn'tlaughatagirl'sclothesbecauseshewaspoor，orkeepheroutofthewaybecauseshedidn'tdojustasothergirlsdohere。Iseehermakefunofme，andIcan'tfeelasIdid；andI'dgohome，onlyitwouldseemungratefultoMr。Shawandgrandma，andIdolovethemdearly。"
　　"Isay，Fan，you'vegotitnow。Shutthebookandcomeaway，"criedTom，enjoyingthisbroadsideimmensely，butfeelingguilty，aswellhemight。
　　"Justonebitmore，"whisperedFanny，turningonapageortwo，andstoppingataleafthatwasblurredhereandthereasiftearshaddroppedonit。
　　"Sundaymorning，early。Nobodyisuptospoilmyquiettime，andImust。
　　writemyjournal，forI'vebeensobadlately，Icouldn'tbeartodoit。I'mgladmyvisitismostdone，forthingsworrymehere，andthereisn'tanyonetohelpmegetrightwhenIgetwrong。IusedtoenvyFanny；
　　butIdon'tnow，forherfatherandmotherdon'ttakecareofherasminedoofme。Sheisafraidofherfather，andmakeshermotherdoasshelikes。
　　I'mgladIcamethough，forIseemoneydon'tgivepeopleeverything；
　　butI'dlikealittleallthesame，foritissocomfortabletobuynicethings。Ireadovermyjournaljustnow，andI'mafraidit'snotagoodone；forIhavesaidallsortsofthingsaboutthepeoplehere，anditisn'tkind。Ishouldtearitout，onlyIpromisedtokeepmydiary，andIwanttotalkoverthingsthatpuzzlemewithmother。Iseenowthatitismyfaultagooddeal；forIhaven'tbeenhalfaspatient，andpleasantasIoughttobe。Iwilltrulytryfortherestofthetime，andbeasgoodandgratefulasIcan；forIwantthemtolikeme，thoughI'monly'anold-fashionedcountrygirl。'"
　　ThatlastsentencemadeFannyshutthebook，withafacefullofself-reproach；
　　forshehadsaidthosewordsherself，inafitofpetulance，andPollyhadmadenoanswer，thoughhereyesfilledandhercheeksburned。Fanopenedherlipstosaysomething，butnotasoundfollowed，fortherestoodPollylookingatthemwithanexpressiontheyhadneverseenbefore。
　　"Whatareyoudoingwithmythings？"shedemanded，inalowtone，whilehereyeskindledandhercolorchanged。
　　"Maudshowedusabookshefound，andwewerejustlookingatthepictures，"
　　beganFanny，droppingitasifitburntherfingers。
　　"Andreadingmyjournal，andlaughingatmypresents，andthenputtingtheblameonMaud。It'sthemeanestthingIeversaw；andI'llneverforgiveyouaslongasIlive!"
　　Pollysaid，thisallinoneindignantbreath，andthenasifafraidofsayingtoomuch，ranoutoftheroomwithsuchalookofmingledcontempt，grief，andanger，thatthethreeculpritsstooddumbwithshame。Tomhadn'tevenawhistleathiscommand；MaudwassoscaredatgentlePolly'soutbreak，thatshesatasstillasamouse；whileFanny，consciencestricken，laidbackthepoorlittlepresentswitharespectfulhand，forsomehowthethoughtofPolly'spovertycameoverherasitneverhaddonebefore；
　　andtheseoddsandends，socarefullytreasuredupforthoseathome，touchedFanny，andgrewbeautifulinhereyes。Asshelaidbythelittlebook，theconfessionsinitreproachedhermoresharplythatanywordsPollycouldhavespoken；forshehadlaughedatherfriend，hadslightedhersometimes，andbeenunforgivingforaninnocentoffence。Thatlastpage，wherePollytooktheblameonherself，andpromisedto"trulytry"tobemorekindandpatient，wenttoFanny'sheart，meltingallthecoldnessaway，andshecouldonlylayherheadonthetrunk，sobbing，"Itwasn'tPolly'sfault；itwasallmine。"
　　Tom，stillredwithshameatbeingcaughtinsuchascrape，leftFannytohertears，andwentmanfullyawaytofindtheinjuredPolly，andconfesshismanifoldtransgressions。ButPollycouldn'tbefound。Hesearchedhighandlowineveryroom，yetnosignofthegirtappeared，andTombegantogetanxious。"Shecan'thaverunawayhome，canshe？"hesaidtohimself，ashepausedbeforethehat-tree。Therewasthelittleroundhat，andTomgaveitaremorsefulsmooth，rememberinghowmanytimeshehadtweakedithalfoff，orpokeditoverpoorPolly'seyes。"Maybeshe'sgonedowntotheoffice，totellpa。'Tisn'tabitlikeher，though。Anyway，I
　　'lltakealookroundthecorner。"
　　Eagertogethisboots，Tompulledopenthedoorofadarkclosetunderthestairs，andnearlytumbledoverbackwardwithsurprise；forthere，onthefloor，withherheadpillowedonapairofrubbers，layPollyinanattitudeofdespair。ThismournfulspectaclesentTom'spenitentspeechstraightoutofhishead，andwithanastonished"Hullo!"hestoodandstaredinimpressivesilence。Pollywasn'tcrying，andlaysostill，thatTombegantothinkshemightbeinafitorafaint，andbentanxiouslydowntoinspectthepatheticbunch。Aglimpseofweteyelashes，aroundcheekredderthanusual，andlipspartedbyquick，breathing，relievedhisminduponthatpoint；so，takingcourage，hesatdownontheboot-jack，andbeggedpardonlikeaman。
　　Now，Pollywasveryangry，andIthinkshehadarighttobe；butshewasnotresentful，andafterthefirstflashwasover，shesoonbegantofeelbetteraboutit。Itwasn'teasytoforgive；but，asshelistenedtoTom'shonestvoice，gettinggruffwithremorsenowandthen，shecouldn'thardenherheartagainsthim，orrefusetomakeupwhenhesofranklyownedthatit"wasconfoundedmeantoreadherbookthatway。"Shelikedhiscomingandbeggingpardonatonce；itwasahandsomethingtodo；sheappreciatedit，andforgavehiminherheartsometimebeforeshedidwithherlips；for，totellthetruth，Pollyhadaspiceofgirlishmalice，andratherlikedtoseedomineeringTomeathumble-pie，justenoughtodohimgood，youknow。Shefeltthatatonementwasproper，andconsidereditnomorethanjustthatFanshoulddrenchahandkerchiefortwowithrepentanttears，andthatTomshouldsitonaveryuncomfortableseatandcallhimselfhardnamesforfiveortenminutesbeforesherelented。
　　"Come，now，dosayawordtoafellow。I'mgettingtheworstofit，anyway；forthere'sFan，cryinghereyesoutupstairs，andhereareyoustowedawayinadarkclosetasdumbasafish，andnobodybutmetobringyoubothround。I'dhavecutovertotheSmythesandgotmahometofixthings，onlyitlookedlikebackingoutofthescrape；soIdidn't，"saidTom，asalastappeal。
　　PollywasgladtohearthatFanwascrying。Itwoulddohergood；butshecouldn'thelpsofteningtoTom，whodidseeminapredicamentbetweentwoweepingdamsels。Alittlesmilebegantodimplethecheekthatwasn'thidden，andthenahandcameslowlyoutfromunderthecurlyhead，andwasstretchedtowardhimsilently。Tomwasjustgoingtogiveitaheartyshake，whenhesawaredmarkonthewrist，andknewwhatmadeit。
　　Hisfacechanged，andhetookthechubbyhandsogently，thatPollypeepedtoseewhatitmeant。
　　"Willyouforgivethat，too？"heasked，inawhisper，strokingtheredwrist。
　　"Yes，itdon'thurtmuchnow。"AndPollydrewherhandaway，sorryhehadseenit。
　　"Iwasabeast，that'swhatIwas!"saidTom，inatoneofgreatdisgust。
　　Andjustatthatawkwardminutedowntumbledhisfather'soldbeaveroverhisheadandface，puttingacomicalquencheronhisself-reproaches。
　　Ofcourse，neithercouldhelplaughingatthat；andwhenheemerged，Pollywassittingup，lookingasmuchbetterforhershowerashedidforhismomentaryeclipse。
　　"Fanfeelsdreadfully。Willyoukissandbefriends，ifItrotherdown？"
　　askedTom，rememberinghisfellow-sinner。
　　"I'llgotoher。"AndPollywhiskedoutoftheclosetassuddenlyasshehadwhiskedin，leavingTomsittingontheboot-jack，witharadiantcountenance。
　　Howthegirlsmadeitupnooneeverknew。Butaftermuchtalkingandcrying，kissingandlaughing，thebreachwashealed，andpeacedeclared。
　　Aslighthazestilllingeredintheairafterthestorm，forFannywasveryhumbleandtenderthatevening；Tomatriflepensive，butdistressinglypolite，andPollymagnanimouslyfriendlytoeveryone；forgenerousnaturesliketoforgive，andPollyenjoyedthepettingaftertheinsult，likeaveryhumangirl。
　　Asshewasbrushingherhairatbedtimetherecameataponherdoorand，openingit，shebeheldnothingbutatallblackbottle，withastripofredflanneltiedrounditlikeacravat，andacocked-hatnoteonthecork。Insideweretheselines，writteninasprawlinghandwithveryblackink:
　　DEARPOLLY，­；Opydilldockisfirst-rateforsprains。Youputalotontheflannelanddoupyourwrist，andIguessitwillbeallrightinthemorning。Willyoucomeasleigh-ridetomorrow？I'mawfulsorryIhurtyou。TOM。ChapterVI。ChapterVI。CHAPTERVIGRANDMAWHERE'SPolly？"askedFanonesnowyafternoon，asshecameintothedining-roomwhereTomwasreposingonthesofawithhisbootsintheair，absorbedinoneofthosedelightfulbooksinwhichboysarecastawayondesertislands，whereeveryknownfruit，vegetableandflowerisinitsprimealltheyearround；or，lostinboundlessforests，wheretheyoungheroeshavethrillingadventures，killimpossiblebeasts，and，whentheauthor'sinventiongivesout，suddenlyfindtheirwayhome，ladenwithtigerskins，tamebuffaloesandotherpleasingtrophiesoftheirprowess。
　　"Dunno，"wasTom'sbriefreply，forhewasjustescapingfromanalligatorofthelargestsize。
　　"Doputdownthatstupidbook，andlet'sdosomething，"saidFanny，afteralistlessstrollroundtheroom。
　　"Hi，they'vegothim!"wastheonlyanswervouchsafedbytheabsorbedreader。
　　"Where'sPolly？"askedMaud，joiningthepartywithherhandsfullofpaperdollsallsufferingforball-dresses。
　　"Dogetalong，anddon'tbotherme，"criedTomexasperatedattheinterruption。
　　"Thentelluswheresheis。I'msureyouknow，forshewasdownherealittlewhileago，"saidFanny。
　　"Upingrandma'sroom，maybe。"
　　"Provokingthing!youknewitallthetime，anddidn'ttell，justtoplagueus，"scoldedMaud。
　　ButTomwasnowunderwaterstabbinghisalligator，andtooknonoticeoftheindignantdepartureoftheyoungladies。
　　"Polly'salwayspokingupingrandma'sroom。Idon'tseewhatfunthereisinit，"saidFannyastheywentupstairs。
　　"Polly'saverwyqueergirl，andgwandmapetsheragweatdealmorethanshedoesme，"observedMaud，withaninjuredair。
　　"Let'speekandseewhattheyaredoing，"whisperedFan，pausingatthehalf-opendoor。
　　Grandmawassittingbeforeaquaintoldcabinet，thedoorsofwhichstoodwideopen，showingglimpsesofthefadedrelicstreasuredthere。
　　Onastool，attheoldlady'sfeet，satPolly，lookingupwithintentfaceandeagereyes，quiteabsorbedinthehistoryofahigh-heeledbrocadeshoewhichlayinherlap。
　　"Well，mydear，"grandmawassaying，"shehaditontheverydaythatUncleJoecameinasshesatatwork，andsaid，'Dolly，wemustbemarriedatonce。''Verywell，Joe，'saysAuntDolly，anddownshewenttotheparlor，wheretheministerwaswaiting，neverstoppingtochangethedimitydressshewore，andwasactuallymarriedwithherscissorsandpin-ballatherside，andherthimbleon。Thatwasinwartimes，1812，mydear，andUncleJoewasinthearmy，sohehadtogo，andhetookthatverylittlepin-ballwithhim。Hereitiswiththemarkofabulletthroughit，forhealwayssaidhisDolly'scushionsavedhislife。"
　　"Howinterestingthatis!"criedPolly，assheexaminedthefadedcushionwiththeholeinit。
　　"Why，grandma，younevertoldmethatstory，"saidFanny，hurryingin，findingtheprospectwasapleasantoneforastormyafternoon。
　　"Youneveraskedmetotellyouanything，mydear，soIkeptmyoldstoriestomyself，"answeredgrandma，quietly。
　　"Tellsomenow，please。Maywestayandseethefunnythings？"saidFanandMaud，eyeingtheopencabinetwithinterest。
　　"IfPollylikes；sheismycompany，andIamtryingtoentertainher，forIlovetohavehercome，"saidgrandma，withherold-timepoliteness。
　　"Oh，yes!doletthemstayandhearthestories。I'veoftentoldthemwhatgoodtimeswehaveuphere，andteasedthemtocome，buttheythinkit'stooquiet。Now，sitdown，girls，andletgrandmagoon。YouseeI
　　pickoutsomethinginthecabinetthatlooksinteresting，andthenshetellsmeaboutit，"saidPolly，eagertoincludethegirlsinherpleasures，andgladtogettheminterestedingrandma'sreminiscences，forPollyknewhowhappyitmadethelonelyoldladytoliveoverherpast，andtohavethechildrenroundher。
　　"Herearethreedrawersthathavenotbeenopenedyet；eachtakeone，andchoosesomethingfromitformetotellabout，"saidMadam，quiteexcitedattheunusualinterestinhertreasures。
　　Sothegirlseachopenedadrawerandturnedoverthecontentstilltheyfoundsomethingtheywantedtoknowabout。Maudwasreadyfirst，andholdingupanoddlyshapedlinenbag，withabigblueFembroideredonit，demandedherstory。Grandmasmiledasshesmoothedtheoldthingtenderly，andbeganherstorywithevidentpleasure。
　　"MysisterNellyandIwenttovisitanauntofours，whenwewerelittlegirls，butwedidn'thaveaverygoodtime，forshewasextremelystrict。
　　Oneafternoon，whenshehadgoneouttotea，andoldDebby，themaid，wasasleepinherroom，wesatonthedoor-step，feelinghomesick，andreadyforanythingtoamuseus。
　　"'Whatshallwedo？'saidNelly。
　　"Justasshespoke，aripeplumdroppedbounceonthegrassbeforeus，asifansweringherquestion。Itwasalltheplum'sfault，forifithadn'tfallenatthatminute，Inevershouldhavehadthethoughtwhichpoppedintomymischievousmind。
　　"'Let'shaveasmanyaswewant，andplagueAuntBetsey，topayherforbeingsocross，'Isaid，givingNellyhalfthegreatpurpleplum。
　　"'Itwouldbedreadfulnaughty，'beganNelly，'butIguesswewill，'
　　sheadded，asthesweetmouthfulslippeddownherthroat。
　　"'Debby'sasleep。Comeon，then，andhelpmeshake，'Isaid，gettingup，eagerforthefun。
　　"Weshookandshooktillwegotredintheface，butnotonedropped，forthetreewaslarge，andourlittlearmswerenotstrongenoughtostirtheboughs。Thenwethrewstones，butonlyonegreenandonehalf-ripeonecamedown，andmylaststonebroketheshedwindow，sotherewasanendofthat。
　　"'It'sasprovokingasAuntBetseyherself，'saidNelly，aswesatdown，outofbreath。
　　"'Iwishthewindwouldcomeandblow'emdownforus，'pantedI，staringupattheplumswithlongingeyes。
　　"'Ifwishingwoulddoanygood，Ishouldwish'eminmylapatonce，'
　　addedNelly。
　　"'Youmightaswellwish'eminyourmouthanddonewithit，ifyouaretoolazytopick'emup。Iftheladderwasn'ttooheavywecouldtrythat，'saidI，determinedtohavethem。
　　"'Youknowwecan'tstirit，sowhatistheuseoftalkingaboutit？
　　Youproposedgettingtheplums，nowlet'sseeyoudoit，'answeredNelly，rathercrossly，forshehadbittenthegreenplum，anditpuckeredhermouth。
　　"'Waitaminute，andyouwillseemedoit，'criedI，asanewthoughtcameintomynaughtyhead。
　　"'Whatareyoutakingyourshoesandsocksofffor？Youcan'tclimbthetree，Fan。'
　　"'Don'taskquestions，butbereadytopick'emupwhentheyfall，MissLazybones。'
　　"WiththismysteriousspeechIpatteredintothehousebare-footedandfullofmyplan。UpstairsIwenttoawindowopeningontheshedroof。
　　OutIgot，andcreepingcarefullyalongtillIcamenearthetree，Istoodup，andsuddenlycrowedlikethelittlerooster。Nellylookedup，andstared，andlaughed，andclappedherhandswhenshesawwhatIwasgoingtodo。
　　"'I'mafraidyou'llslipandgethurt。'
　　"'Don'tcareifIdo；I'llhavethoseplumsifIbreakmyneckdoingit，'andhalfsliding，halfwalkingIwentdowntheslopingroof，tilltheboughsofthetreewerewithinmyreach。
　　"Hurrah!"criedNelly，dancingdownbelow，asmyfirstshakesentadozenplumsrattlingroundher。
　　"'Hurrah!"criedI，lettinggoonebranchandtryingtoreachanother。
　　ButasIdidsomyfootslipped，Itriedtocatchsomethingtoholdby，butfoundnothing，andwithacry，downIfell，likeaverybigplumonthegrassbelow。
　　"Fortunatelytheshedwaslow，thegrasswasthickandthetreebrokemyfall，butIgotabadbumpandaterribleshaking。NellythoughtIwaskilled，andbegantocrywithhermouthfull。ButIpickedmyselfupinaminute，forIwasusedtosuchtumbles；anddidn'tmindthepainhalfasmuchasthelossoftheplums。
　　"'Hush!Debbywillhearandspoilallthefun。IsaidI'dget'emandIhave。Seewhatlotshavecomedownwithme。'
　　"Sotherehad，formyfallshookthetreealmostasmuchasitdidme，andthegreenandpurplefruitlayallaboutus。
　　"Bythetimethebumponmyforeheadhadswelledasbigasanut，ourapronswerehalffull，andwesatdowntoenjoyourselves。Butwedidn't。
　　Odear，no!formanyoftheplumswerenotripe，somewerehurtbythebirds，somecrushedinfalling，andmanyashardasstones。Nellygotstungbyawasp，myheadbegantoache，andwesatlookingatoneanotherratherdismally，whenNellyhadabrightidea。