Fannywishedshehaddonethatlittlething，andwonthatapprovinglook，forshevaluedtheyoungman'sgoodopinion，becauseitwassohardtowin，byhersetatleast。So，whenPollytalkedaboutoldpeople，itrecalledthissceneandmadeFancross。
　　Pollywasrememberinghow，whenMrs。Shawcamehomethatdayinherfinevisitingcostume，andMaudrantowelcomeherwithunusualaffection，shegatheredupherlustroussilkandpushedthelittlegirlawaysaying，impatiently，"Don'ttouchme，child，yourhandsaredirty。"ThenthethoughthadcometoPollythatthevelvetcloakdidn'tcoverarightmotherlyheart，thatthefretfulfaceunderthenoddingpurpleplumeswasnotatendermotherlyface，andthatthehandsinthedelicateprimrosegloveshadputawaysomethingverysweetandprecious。Shethoughtofanotherwoman，whosedressneverwastoofineforlittlewetcheekstolieagainst，orlovinglittlearmstopress；whoseface，inspiteofmanylinesandthegrayhairsaboveit，wasneversourorunsympatheticwhenchildren'seyesturnedtowardsit；andwhosehandsneverweretoobusy，toofullortoonicetowelcomeandservethelittlesonsanddaughterswhofreelybroughttheirsmallhopesandfears，sinsandsorrows，toher，whodealtoutjusticeandmercywithsuchwiselove。"Ah，that'samother!"thoughtPolly，asthememorycamewarmintoherheart，makingherfeelveryrich，andpityMaudforbeingsopoor。
　　ThisitwasthatcausedsuchsuddenindignationatFanny'sdreadfulspeech，andthisitwasthatmadequick-temperedPollytrytocalmherwrathbeforesheusedtowardFanny'smotherthedisrespectfultoneshesoresentedtowardherown。Astheswingcamedownaftersomedozenquickjourneystoandfro，Pollyseemedtohavefoundasmilesomewhereupaloft，forshelookedtowardFan，sayingpleasantly，asshepausedalittleinherairyexercise，"I'mnotmadnow，shallIcomeandtosswithyou？"
　　"No，I'llcomeandswingwithyou，"answeredFanny，quicktofeelthegenerousspiritofherfriend。
　　"Youareanangel，andI'llneverbesorudeagain，"sheadded，asPolly'sarmcameroundher，andhalftheseatwasgladlyoffered。
　　"No，Iain't；butifIevergetatalllikeone，itwillbe'mother'spreaching'thatdidit，"saidPolly，withahappylaugh。
　　"Goodforyou，PollyPeacemaker，"criedTom，quotinghisfather，andgivingthemagrandpushasthemostappropriatewayofexpressinghisapprobationofthesentiment。
　　Nothingmorewassaid；butfromthatdaythereslowlycreptintothefamilymorerespectforgrandma，moreforbearancewithherinfirmities，moreinterestinherlittlestories，andmanyapleasantgossipdidthedearoldladyenjoywiththechildrenastheygatheredroundherfire，solitarysolong。ChapterVII。ChapterVII。CHAPTERVIIGOOD-BY"OH，dear!MustyoureallygohomeSaturday？"saidFan，somedaysafterwhatTomcalledthe"grandscrimmage。"
　　"Ireallymust；forIonlycametostayamonthandhereI'vebeennearlysixweeks，"answeredPolly，feelingasifshehadbeenabsentayear。
　　"MakeittwomonthsandstayoverChristmas。Come，do，now，"urgedTom，heartily。
　　"Youareverykind；butIwouldn'tmissChristmasathomeforanything。
　　Besides，mothersaystheycan'tpossiblydowithoutme。"
　　"Neithercanwe。Can'tyouteaseyourmother，andmakeupyourmindtostay？"beganFan。
　　"Pollyneverteases。Shesaysit'sselfish；andIdon'tdoitnowmuch，"
　　putinMaud，withavirtuousair。
　　"Don'tyoubotherPolly。She'drathergo，andIdon'twonder。Let'sbejustasjollyaswecanwhileshestays，andfinishupwithyourparty，Fan，"saidTom，inatonethatsettledthematter。
　　Pollyhadexpectedtobeveryhappyingettingreadyfortheparty；
　　butwhenthetimecame，shewasdisappointed；forsomehowthatnaughtythingcalledenvytookpossessionofher，andspoiledherpleasure。Beforeshelefthome，shethoughthernewwhitemuslindress，withitsfreshblueribbons，themostelegantandpropercostumeshecouldhave；butnow，whenshesawFanny'spinksilk，withawhitetarlatantunic，andinnumerablepuffings，bows，andstreamers，herownsimplelittletoiletlostallitscharmsinhereyes，andlookedverybabyishandold-fashioned。
　　EvenMaudwasmuchbetterdressedthanherself，andlookedverysplendidinhercherry-coloredandwhitesuit，withasashsobigshecouldhardlycarryit，andlittlewhitebootswithredbuttons。Theybothhadnecklacesandbracelets，ear-ringsandbrooches；butPollyhadnoornament，excepttheplainlocketonabitofbluevelvet。Hersashwasonlyawideribbon，tiedinasimplebow，andnothingbutabluesnoodintheprettycurls。
　　Heronlycomfortwastheknowledgethatthemodesttuckerdrawnuproundtheplumpshoulderswasreallace，andthatherbronzebootscostninedollars。
　　PoorPolly，withallhereffortstobecontented，andnottomindlookingunlikeotherpeople，foundithardworktokeepherfacebrightandhervoicehappythatnight。Noonedreamedwhatwasgoinganunderthemuslinfrock，tillgrandma'swiseoldeyesspiedoutthelittleshadowonPolly'sspirits，andguessedthecauseofit。Whendressed，thethreegirlswentuptoshowthemselvestotheelders，whowereingrandma'sroom，whereTomwasbeinghelpedintoanagonizinglystiffcollar。
　　Maudprancedlikeasmallpeacock，andFanmadeasplendidcourtesyaseveryoneturnedtosurveythem；butPollystoodstill，andhereyeswentfromfacetoface，withananxious，wistfulair，whichseemedtosay，"IknowI'mnotright；butIhopeIdon'tlookverybad。"
　　Grandmareadthelookinaminute；andwhenFannysaid，withasatisfiedsmile，"Howdowelook？"sheanswered，drawingPollytowardhersokindly。
　　"Verylikethefashion-platesyougotthepatternsofyourdressesfrom。
　　Butthislittlecostumesuitsmebest。"
　　"DoyoureallythinkIlooknice？"andPolly'sfacebrightened，forshevaluedtheoldlady'sopinionverymuch。
　　"Yes，mydear；youlookjustasIliketoseeachildofyouragelook。
　　Whatparticularlypleasesmeisthatyouhavekeptyourpromisetoyourmother，andhaven'tletanyonepersuadeyoutowearborrowedfinery。Youngthingslikeyoudon'tneedanyornamentsbutthoseyouwearto-night，­；youth，health，intelligence，andmodesty。"
　　Asshespoke，grandmagaveatenderkissthatmadePollyglowlikearose，andforaminutesheforgotthatthereweresuchthingsaspinksilkandcoralear-ringsintheworld。Sheonlysaid，"Thankyou，ma'am，"andheartilyreturnedthekiss；butthewordsdidhergood，andherplaindresslookedcharmingallofasudden。
　　"Polly'ssopretty，itdon'tmatterwhatshewears，"observedTom，surveyingheroverhiscollarwithanairofcalmapproval。
　　"Shehasn'tgotanybwetellestoherdwess，andIhave，"saidMaud，settlingherruffledbandsoverhershoulders，whichlookedlikecherry-coloredwingsonastoutlittlecherub。
　　"Ididwishshe'djustwearmyblueset，ribbonissoveryplain；but，asTomsays，itdon'tmuchmatter；"andFannygaveaneffectivetouchtothebluebowabovePolly'slefttemple。
　　"Shemightwearflowers；theyalwayssuityounggirls，"saidMrs。Shaw，privatelythinkingthatherowndaughterslookedmuchthebest，yetconsciousthatbloomingPollyhadthemostattractiveface。
　　"Blessme!Iforgotmyposiesinadmiringthebelles。Handthemout，Tom；"andMr。Shawnoddedtowardaninterestinglookingboxthatstoodonthetable。
　　Seizingthemwrongside-up，Tomproducedthreelittlebouquets，alldifferentincolor，size，andconstruction。
　　"Why，papa!howverykindofyou，"criedFanny，whohadnotdaredtoreceiveevenageraniumleafsincethelatescrape。
　　"Yourfatherusedtobeaverygallantyounggentleman，onceuponatime，"saidMrs。Shaw，withasimper。
　　"Ah，Tom，it'sagoodsignwhenyoufindtimetothinkofgivingpleasuretoyourlittlegirls!"Andgrandmapattedherson'sbaldheadasifhewasn'tmorethaneighteen。
　　ThomasJr。hadgivenasomewhatscornfulsniffatfirst；butwhengrandmapraisedhisfather，theyoungmanthoughtbetterofthematter，andregardedtheflowerswithmorerespect，asheasked，"Whichisforwhich？"
　　"Guess，"saidMr。Shaw，pleasedthathisunusualdemonstrationhadproducedsuchaneffect。
　　Thelargestwasaregularhothousebouquet，oftea-rosebuds，scentlessheath，andsmilax；thesecondwasjustahandfulofsweet-peasandmignonette，withafewcheerfulpansies，andonefragrantlittleroseinthemiddle；
　　thethird，asmallposyofscarletverbenas，whitefeverfew，andgreenleaves。
　　"Nothardtoguess。ThesmartoneforFan，thesweetoneforPolly，andthegayoneforPug。Now，then，catchhold，girls。"AndTomproceededtodeliverthenosegays，withasmuchgraceascouldbeexpectedfromayouthinanewsuitofclothesandverytightboots。
　　"Thatfinishesyouoffjustright，andisaveryprettyattentionofpapa's。Nowrundown，forthebellhasrung；andremember，nottodancetoooften，Fan；beasquietasyoucan，Tom；and。Maud，don'teattoomuchsupper。Grandmawillattendtothings，formypoornerveswon'tallowmetocomedown。"
　　Withthat，Mrs。Shawdismissedthem，andthefourdescendedtoreceivethefirstbatchofvisitors，severallittlegirlswhohadbeenaskedfortheexpresspurposeofkeepingMaudoutofhersister'sway。Tomhadlikewisebeenpropitiated，bybeingallowedtobringhisthreebosomfriends，whowentbytheschool-boynamesofRumple，Sherry，andSpider。
　　"Theywilldotomakeupsets，asgentlemenarescarce；andthepartyisforPolly，soImusthavesomeyoungfolksonheraccount，"saidFanny，whensendingoutherinvitations。
　　Ofcourse，theboyscameearly，andstoodaboutincorners，lookingasiftheyhadmorearmsandlegsthantheyknewwhattodowith。Tomdidhisbesttobeagoodhost；butceremonyoppressedhisspirits，andhewasforcedtostrugglemanfullywiththewilddesiretoproposeagameofleap-frog，forthelongdrawing-rooms，clearedfordancing，temptedhimsorely。
　　Pollysatwhereshewastold，andsufferedbashfulagoniesasFanintroducedveryfineyoungladiesandverystiffyounggentlemen，whoallsaidaboutthesamecivilthings，andthenappearedtoforgetallabouther。Whenthefirstdancewascalled，FannycorneredTom，whohadbeendodgingher，forheknewwhatshewanted，andsaid，inanearnestwhisper:
　　"Now，Tom，youmustdancethiswithPolly。Youaretheyounggentlemanofthehouse，andit'sonlyproperthatyoushouldaskyourcompanyfirst。"
　　"Pollydon'tcareformanners。Ihatedancing；don'tknowhow。Letgomyjacket，anddon'tbother，orI'llcutawayaltogether，"growledTom，dauntedbytheawfulprospectofopeningtheballwithPolly。
　　"I'llneverforgiveyouifyoudo。Come，beclever，andhelpme，there'sadear。YouknowwebothweredreadfullyrudetoPolly，andagreedthatwe'dbeaskindandciviltoheraseverwecould。Ishallkeepmyword，andseethatsheisn'tslightedatmyparty，forIwanthertoloveme，andgohomefeelingallright。"
　　ThisartfulspeechmadeanimpressionontherebelliousThomas，whoglancedatPolly'shappyface，rememberedhispromise，and，withagroan，resolvedtodohisduty。
　　"Well，I'lltakeher；butIshallcometogrief，forIdon'tknowanythingaboutyourolddances。"
　　"Yes，youdo。I'vetaughtyouthestepsadozentimes。I'mgoingtobeginwitharedowa，becausethegirlslikeit，andit'sbetterfunthansquaredances。Now，putonyourgloves，andgoandaskPollylikeagentleman。"
　　"Oh，thunder!"mutteredTom。Andhavingsplitthedetestedglovesindraggingthemon，henervedhimselffortheeffort，walkeduptoPolly，madeastiffbow，stuckouthiselbow，andsaid，solemnly，"MayIhavethepleasure，MissMilton？"
　　Hediditasmuchlikethebigfellowsashecould，andexpectedthatPollywouldbeimpressed。Butshewasn'tabit；forafterasurprisedlookshelaughedinhisface，andtookhimbythehand，saying，heartily，­；
　　"Ofcourseyoumay；butdon'tbeagoose，Tommy。"
　　"Well，Fantoldmetobeelegant，soItriedto，"whisperedTom，adding，asheclutchedhispartnerwithasomewhatdesperateair，"Holdontight，andwe'llgetthroughsomehow。"
　　Themusicstruckup，andawaytheywent；TomhoppingonewayandPollytheother，inamostungracefulmanner。
　　"Keeptimetothemusic，"gaspedPolly。
　　"Can't；nevercould，"returnedTom。
　　"Keepstepwithme，then，anddon'ttreadonmytoes，"pleadedPolly。
　　"Nevermind；keepbobbing，andwe'llcomerightbyandby，"mutteredTom，givinghisunfortunatepartnerasuddenwhisk，whichnearlylandedbothonthefloor。
　　Buttheydidnot"getrightbyandby"；forTom，Inhisfranticeffortstodohisduty，nearlyannihilatedpoorPolly。Hetramped，hebobbed，heskated，hetwirledhertotheright，draggedhertotheleft，backedherupagainstpeopleandfurniture，trodonherfeet，rumpledherdress，andmadeaspectacleofhimselfgenerally。Pollywasmuchdisturbed；butaseveryoneelsewasflyingaboutalso，sheboreitaslongasshecould，knowingthatTomhadmadeamartyrofhimself，andfeelinggratefultohimforthesacrifice。
　　"Oh，dostopnow；thisisdreadful!"criedPolly，breathlessly，afterafewwildturns。
　　"Isn'tit？"saidTom，wipinghisredfacewithsuchanairofintenserelief，thatPollyhadnotthehearttoscoldhim，butsaid，"Thankyou，"
　　anddroppedintoachairexhausted。
　　"IknowI'vemadeaguyofmyself；butFaninsistedonit，forfearyou'dbeoffendedifIdidn'tgothefirstdancewithyou，"saidTom，remorsefully，watchingPollyasshesettledthebowofhercrushedsash，whichTomhadusedasasortofhandlebywhichtoturnandtwisther；
　　"IcandotheLancerstip-top；butyouwon'teverwanttodancewithmeanymore，"headded，ashebegantofanhersoviolently，thatherhairflewaboutasifinagaleofwind。
　　"Yes，Iwill。I'dliketo；andyoushallputyournamedownhereonthesticksofmyfan。That'stheway，Trixsays，whenyoudon'thaveaball-book。"
　　Lookingmuchgratified，Tomproducedthestumpofalead-pencil，andwrotehisnamewithaflourish，saying，ashegaveitback，"NowI'mgoingtogetSherry，orsomeofthefellowsthatdotheredowawell，soyoucanhavearealgoodgobeforethemusicstops。"
　　OffwentTom；butbeforehecouldcatchanyeligiblepartner，Pollywasprovidedwiththebestdancerintheroom。Mr。Sydneyhadseenandheardthewholething；andthoughhehadlaughedquietly，helikedhonestTomandgood-naturedPollyallthebetterfortheirsimplicity。Polly'sfootwaskeepingtimetothelivelymusic，andhereyeswerefixedwistfullyonthesmoothly-glidingcouplesbeforeher，whenMr。Sydneycametoher，saying，inthepleasantyetrespectfulwayshelikedsomuch，­；
　　"MissPolly，canyougivemeaturn？"
　　"Oh，yes；I'mdyingforanother。"AndPollyjumpedup，withbothhandsout，andsuchagratefulface，thatMr。Sydneyresolvedsheshouldhaveasmanyturnsassheliked。
　　Thistimeallwentwell；andTom，returningfromanunsuccessfulsearch，wasamazedtobeholdPollycirclinggracefullyabouttheroom，guidedbyamostaccomplishedpartner。
　　"Ah，that'ssomethinglike，"hethought，ashewatchedthebronzebootsretreatingandadvancinginperfecttimetothemusic。"Don'tseehowSydneydoesthesteeringsowell；butitmustbefun；and，byJupiter!I'lllearnit!"addedShaw，Jr。，withanemphaticgesturewhichburstthelastbuttonoffhisgloves。
　　Pollyenjoyedherselftillthemusicstopped；andbeforeshehadtimetothankMr，Sydneyaswarmlyasshewished，Tomcameuptosay，withhismostlordlyair，­；
　　"Youdancesplendidly，Polly。Now，youjustshowmeanyoneyoulikethelooksof，andI'llgethimforyou，nomatterwhoheis。"
　　"Idon'twantanyofthegentlemen；theyaresostiff，anddon'tcaretodancewithme；butIlikethoseboysoverthere，andI'lldancewithanyofthemiftheyarewilling，"saidPolly，afterasurvey。
　　"I'lltrotoutthewholelot。"AndTomgladlybroughtuphisfriends，whoalladmiredPollyimmensely，andwereproudtobechoseninsteadofthe"bigfellows。"
　　TherewasnosittingstillforPollyafterthat，fortheladskepthergoingatagreatpace；andshewassohappy，sheneversaworsuspectedhowmanylittlemanoeuvres，heart-burnings，displaysofvanity，affectation，andnonsenseweregoingonallroundher。Sheloveddancing，andenteredintothegayetyofthescenewithaheartinessthatwaspleasanttosee。
　　Hereyesshone，herfaceglowed，herlipssmiled，andthebrowncurlswavedintheair，asshedanced，withaheartaslightasherfeet。
　　"Areyouenjoyingyourself，Polly？"askedMr。Shaw，wholookedin，nowandthen，toreporttograndmathatallwasgoingwell。
　　"Oh，suchasplendidtime!"criedPolly，withanenthusiasticlittlegesture，asshechassé；edintothecornerwherehestood。
　　"Sheisaregularbelleamongtheboys，"saidFanny，asshepromenadedby。
　　"TheyaresokindinaskingmeandI'mnotafraidofthem，"explainedPolly，prancing，simplybecauseshecouldn'tkeepstill。
　　"Soyouareafraidoftheyounggentlemen，hey？"andMr。Shawheldherbyonecurl。
　　"AllbutMr。Sydney。Hedon'tputonairsandtalknonsense；and，oh!
　　hedoes'dancelikeanangel，'asTrixsays。"
　　"Papa，Iwishyou'dcomeandwaltzwithme。Fantoldmenottogonearher，'causemyweddwessmakesherpinkonelookugly；andTomwon't；andIwanttodwedfully。"
　　"I'veforgottenhow，Maudie。AskPolly；she'llspinyouroundlikeateetotum。"
　　"Mr。Sydney'snameisdownforthat，"answeredPolly，lookingatherfanwithaprettylittleairofimportance。"ButIguesshewouldn'tmindmytakingpoorMaudinstead。Shehasn'tdancedhardlyany，andI'vehadmorethanmyshare。Woulditbeveryimpropertochangemymind？"AndPollylookedupathertallpartnerwitheyewhichplainlyshowedthatthechangewasasacrifice。
　　"Notabit。Givethelittledearagoodwaltz，andwewilllookon，"
　　answeredMr。Sydney，withanodandsmile。
　　"Thatisarefreshinglittlepieceofnature，"saidMr。Shaw，asPollyandMaudwhirledaway。
　　"Shewillmakeacharminglittlewoman，ifsheisn'tspoilt。"
　　"Nodangerofthat。Shehasgotasensiblemother。"
　　"Ithoughtso。"AndSydneysighed，forhehadlatelylosthisowngoodmother。
　　Whensupperwasannounced，Pollyhappenedtobetalking，ortryingtotalk，tooneofthe"poky"gentlemenwhomFanhadintroduced。HetookMissMiltondown，ofcourse，putherinacorner，andhavingservedhertoadaboficeandonemacaroon，hedevotedhimselftohisownsupperwithsuchinterest，thatPollywouldhavefaredbadly，ifTomhadnotcomeandrescuedher。
　　"I'vebeenlookingeverywhereforyou。Comewithme，anddon'tsitstarvinghere，"saidTom，withascornfullookfromheremptyplatetothatofherrecreantescort，whichwaspiledwithgoodthings。
　　Followingherguide，Pollywastakentothebigchinacloset，openingfromthedining-roomtothekitchen，andhereshefoundajoviallittlepartyfeastingatease。Maudandherbosomfriend，"Gwace，"wereseatedontincake-boxes；SherryandSpideradornedtherefrigerator；whileTomandRumpleforagedfortheparty。
　　Here'sfun，"saidPolly，asshewasreceivedwithaclashofspoonsandawavingofnapkins。
　　"Youjustperchonthatcracker-keg，andI'llseethatyougetenough，"
　　saidTom，puttingadumbwaiterbeforeher，andissuinghisorderswithafineairofauthority。
　　"Weareabandofrobbersinourcave，andI'mthecaptain；andwepitchintothefolkspassingby，andgooutandbringhomeplunder。Now，Rumple，yougoandcarryoffabasketofcake，andI'llwatchheretillKatycomesbywithafreshlotofoysters；Pollymusthavesome。Sherry，cutintothekitchen，andbringacupofcoffee。Spider，scrapeupthesalad，andpokethedishthroughtheslideformore。Eataway，Polly，andmymenwillbebackwithsuppliesinajiffy。"
　　Suchfunastheyhadinthatcloset；suchdaringrobberiesofjelly-potsandcake-boxes；suchsuccessfulraidsintothedining-roomandkitchen；
　　suchbaseassaultsuponpoorKatyandthecoloredwaiter，whodidhisbest，butwashelplessinthehandsoftherobberhorde。Averyharmlesslittlerevel；fornowinewasallowed，andthegallantbandweresobusyskirmishingtosupplytheladies，thattheyhadnottimetoeattoomuch。Noonemissedthem；andwhentheyemerged，thefeastwasover，exceptforafewvoraciousyounggentlemen，whostilllingeredamongtheruins。
　　"That'sthewaytheyalwaysdo；pokethegirlsincorners，give'emjustonetasteofsomething，andthengoandstufflikepigs，"whisperedTom，withasuperiorair，forgettingcertainprivatebanquetsofhisown，aftercompanyhaddeparted。
　　TherestoftheeveningwastobedevotedtotheGerman；and，asPollyknewnothingaboutit，sheestablishedherselfinawindowrecesstowatchthemysteries。Foratimesheenjoyedit，foritwasallnewtoher，andthevariousprettydeviceswereverycharming；but，byandby，thatbitterweed，envy，croppedupagain，andshecouldnotfeelhappytobeleftoutinthecold，whiletheothergirlsweregettinggaytissue-papersuits，drollbonbons，flowers，ribbons，andallmanneroftastefultriflesinwhichgirlishsoulsdelight。Everyonewasabsorbed；Mr。Sydneywasdancing；
　　Tomandhisfriendswerediscussingbase-ballonthestairs；andMaud'ssethadreturnedtothelibrarytoplay。
　　Pollytriedtoconquerthebadfeeling；butitworriedher，tillsherememberedsomethinghermotheroncesaidtoher，­；
　　"Whenyoufeeloutofsorts，trytomakesomeoneelsehappy，andyouwillsoonbesoyourself。"
　　"Iwilltryit，"thoughtPolly，andlookedroundtoseewhatshecoulddo。Soundsofstrifeinthelibraryledhertoenter。Maudandtheyoungladiesweresittingonthesofa，talkingabouteachother'sclothes，astheyhadseentheirmammasdo。
　　"Wasyourdressimported？"askedGrace。
　　"No；wasyours？"returnedBlanche。
　　"Yes；anditcost­；oh，eversomuch。"
　　"Idon'tthinkitisasprettyasMaud's。"
　　"MinewasmadeinNewYork，"saidMissShaw，smoothingherskirtscomplacently。
　　"Ican'tdressmuchnow，youknow，'causemamma'sinblackforsomebody，"
　　observedMissAliceLovett，feelingtheimportancewhichafflictionconferreduponherwhenittooktheformofajetnecklace。
　　"Well，Idon'tcareifmydressisn'timported；mycousinhadthreekindsofwineatherparty；so，now，"saidBlanche。
　　"Didshe？"Andallthelittlegirlslookeddeeplyimpressed，tillMaudobserved，withafunnyimitationofherfather'smanner，­；
　　"Mypapasaiditwasscan-dill-us；forsomeofthelittleboysgottipsy，andhadtobetookedhome。Hewouldn'tletushaveanywine；
　　andgwandmasaiditwasvewyimpwoperforchildwentodoso。"
　　"Mymothersaysyourmother'scoupé；isn'thalfsostylishasours，"putinAlice。
　　"Yes，itis，too。It'salllinedwithgweensilk，andthat'snicerthanoldwedcloth，"criedMaud，rufflinguplikeaninsultedchicken。
　　"Well，mybrotherdon'twearahorridoldcap，andhe'sgotnicehair。
　　Iwouldn'thaveabrotherlikeTom。He'shorridrude，mysistersays，"
　　retortedAlice。
　　"Heisn't。Yourbrotherisapig。"
　　"You'reafib!"
　　"Soareyou!"
　　Here，Iregrettosay，MissShawslappedMissLovett，whopromptlyreturnedthecompliment，andbothbegantocry。
　　Polly，whohadpausedtolistentotheedifyingchat，partedthebelligerents，andfindingthepoorthingstired，cross，andsleepy，yetunabletogohometillsentfor，proposedtoplaygames。Theyoungladiesconsented，and"Pussinthecorner"provedapeacemaker。Presently，incametheboys；
　　andbeingexilesfromtheGerman，gladlyjoinedinthegames，whichsoonwerelivelyenoughtowakethesleepiest。"Blind-man's-buff"wasinfullswingwhenMr。Shawpeepedin，andseeingPollyflyingaboutwithband-agedeyes，joinedinthefuntopuzzleher。Hegotcaughtdirectly；andgreatmerrimentwascausedbyPolly'sbewilderment，forshecouldn'tguesswhohewas，tillshefeltthebaldspotonhishead。
　　Thisfrolicputeveryoneinsuchspirits，thatPollyforgothertrouble，andthelittlegirlskissedeachothergood-nightasaffectionatelyasifsuchthingsasimportedfrocks，coupé；s，andrivalbrothersdidn'texist"Well，Polly，doyoulikeparties？"askedFanwhenthelastguestwasgone。
　　"Verymuch；butIdon'tthinkitwouldbegoodformetogotomany，"
　　answeredPolly，slowly。
　　"Whynot？"
　　"Ishouldn'tenjoythemifIdidn'thaveafinedress，anddanceallthetime，andbeadmired，and­；alltherestofit。"
　　"Ididn'tknowyoucaredforsuchthings，"criedFanny，surprised。
　　"NeitherdidItillto-night；butIdo；andasIcan'thave'em，it'sluckyI'mgoinghometomorrow。"
　　"Oh，dear!Soyouare!WhatshallIdowithoutmy'sweetP。，'asSydneycallsyou？"sighedFanny，bearingPollyawaytobecuddled。
　　Everyoneechoedtheexclamationnextday；andmanylovingeyesfollowedthelittlefigureinthedrabfrockasitwentquietlyabout，doingforthelasttimethesmallserviceswhichwouldhelptomakeitsabsencekeenlyfelt。Pollywastogodirectlyafteranearlydinner，andhavingpackedhertrunk，allbutonetray，shewastoldtogoandtakearunwhilegrandmafinished。Pollysuspectedthatsomepleasantsurprisewasgoingtobeputin；forFandidn'toffertogowithher，Maudkeptdodgingaboutwithsomethingunderherapron，andTomhadjustwhiskedintohismother'sroominamysteriousmanner。SoPollytookthehintandwentaway，rejoicinginthethoughtoftheunknowntreasuresshewastocarryhome。
　　Mr。Shawhadnotsaidheshouldcomehomesoearly，butPollythoughthemight，andwenttomeethim。Mr。Shawdidn'texpecttoseePolly，forhehadleftherverybusy，andnowalightsnowwasfalling；but，asheturnedintothemalltherewastheroundhat，andunderitthebrightface，lookingalltherosierforbeingpowderedwithsnow-flakes，asPollycamerunningtomeethim。
　　"Therewon'tbeanyonetohelptheoldgentlemansafelyhometo-morrow，"
　　hesaid，asPollytookhishandinbothherswithanaffectionatesqueeze。
　　"Yes，therewill；seeifthereisn't，"criedPolly，noddingandsmiling，forFanhadconfidedtoherthatshemeanttotryitafterherfriendhadgone。
　　"I'mgladofit。But，mydear，Iwantyoutopromisethatyouwillcomeandmakeusavisiteverywinter，­；agoodlongone，"saidMr。Shaw，pattingthebluemittensfoldedroundhishand。
　　"Iftheycansparemefromhome，I'dlovetocomedearly。"
　　"Theymustlendyouforalittlewhile，becauseyoudousallgood，andweneedyou。"
　　"DoI？Idon'tseehow；butI'mgladtohearyousayso，"criedPolly，muchtouched。
　　"Ican'ttellyouhow，exactly；butyoubroughtsomethingintomyhousethatmakesitwarmerandpleasanter，andwon'tquitevanish，Ihope，whenyougoaway，mychild。"
　　PollyhadneverheardMr。Shawspeaklikethatbefore，anddidn'tknowwhattosay，shefeltsoproudandhappyatthisproofofthetruthofhermother'swords，whenshesaidthat"evenalittlegirlcouldexertaninfluence，anddosomegoodinthisbig，busyworld。"Sheonlygaveherfriendagratefullooksweeterthananywords，andtheywentontogether，handinhand，throughthe"soft-fallingsnow。"
　　IfPollycouldhaveseenwhatwentintothattoptray，shewouldhavebeenentirelyovercome；forFannyhadtoldgrandmaaboutthepoorlittlepresentsshehadoncelaughedat，andtheyhadalllaidtheirheadstogethertoprovidesomethingreallyfineandappropriateforeverymemberoftheMiltonfamily。Suchamineofriches!andsomuchgood-will，affection，andkindlyforethoughtwaspackedawayinthetemptingbundles，thatnoonecouldfeeloffended，butwouldfindanunusualcharmabouttheprettygiftsthatmadethemdoublywelcome。IonlyknowthatifPollyhadsuspectedthatalittlewatchwastickingawayinalittlecase，withhernameonit，insidethattrunk，shenevercouldhaveleftitlockedasgrandmaadvised，orhaveeatenherdinnersoquietly。Asitwas，herheartwasveryfull，andthetearsrosetohereyesmorethanonce，everyonewassokind，andsosorrytohavehergo。
　　Tomdidn'tneedanyurgingtoplayescortnow；andbothFanandMaudinsistedongoingtoo。Mrs。Shawforgothernerves，andputupsomegingerbreadwithherownhands；Mr。ShawkissedPollyasifshehadbeenhisdearestdaughter；andgrandmaheldherclose，whisperinginatremuloustone，"Mylittlecomfort，comeagainsoon"；whileKatywavedherapronfromthenurserywindow，crying，astheydrove，away，"Thesaintsblessye，MissPolly，dear，andsindyethebestoflucks!"
　　ButthecrowningjokeofallwasTom'sgood-by，for，whenPollywasfairlysettledinthecar，thelast"Allaboard!"uttered，andthetraininmotion，Tomsuddenlyproducedaknobbylittlebundle，andthrustingitinatthewindow，whilehehungoninsomebreakneckfashion，said，withadrollmixtureoffunandfeelinginhisface，­；
　　"It'shorrid；butyouwantedit，soIputitintomakeyoulaugh。
　　Good-by，Polly；good-by，good-by!"
　　Thelastadieuwasatriflehusky，andTomvanishedasitwasuttered，leavingPollytolaughoverhispartingsouvenirtillthetearsrandownhercheeks。Itwasapaperbagofpeanuts，andpokeddownattheverybottomaphotographofTom。Itwas"horrid，"forhelookedasiftakenbyaflashoflightning，soblack，wild，andstaringwasit；butPollylikedit，andwhenevershefeltalittlepensiveatpartingwithherfriends，shetookapeanut，orapeepatTom'sfunnypicture，whichmadehermerryagain。
　　Sotheshortjourneycameblithelytoanend，andinthetwilightshesawagroupoflovingfacesatthedoorofahumblelittlehouse，whichwasmorebeautifulthananypalaceinhereyes，foritwashome。ChapterVIII。ChapterVIII。CHAPTERVIIISIXYEARSAFTERWARD"WHATdoyouthinkPollyisgoingtodothiswinter？"exclaimedFanny，lookingupfromthelettershehadbeeneagerlyreading。
　　"GoingtodeliverlecturesonWoman'sRights，"saidtheyounggentlemanwhowascarefullyexamininghisluxuriantcropofdecidedlyauburnhair，asheloungedwithbothelbowsonthechimney-piece。
　　"Goingtosethercapforsomeyoungministerandmarryhiminthespring，"
　　addedMrs。Shaw，whosemindranagooddealuponmatch-makingjustnow。
　　"Ithinksheisgoingtostayathome，anddoallthework，'causeservantscostsomuch；itwouldbejustlikeher，"observedMaud，whocouldpronouncetheletterRnow。
　　"It'smyopinionsheisgoingtoopenaschool，orsomethingofthatsort，tohelpthosebrothersofhersalong，"saidMr。Shaw，whohadputdownhispaperatthesoundofPolly'sname。
　　"Everyoneofyouwrong，thoughpapacomesnearestthetruth，"criedFanny；"sheisgoingtogivemusiclessons，andsupportherself，sothatWillmaygotocollege。Heisthestudiousone，andPollyisveryproudofhim。Ned，theotherbrother，hasabusinesstalent，anddon'tcareforbooks，sohehasgoneoutWest，andwillmakehisownwayanywhere。Pollysayssheisn'tneededathomenow，thefamilyissosmall，andKittycantakeherplacenicely；sosheisactuallygoingtoearnherownliving，andhandoverhershareofthefamilyincometoWill。Whatamartyrthatgirldoesmakeofherself，"andFannylookedassolemnasifPollyhadproposedsomeawfulself-sacrifice。
　　"Sheisasensible，brave-heartedgirl，andIrespectherfordoingit，"saidMr。Shaw，emphatically。"Oneneverknowswhatmayhappen，anditdoesnoharmforyoungpeopletolearntobeindependent。"
　　"IfsheisasprettyasshewaslasttimeIsawher，she'llgetpupilsfastenough。Iwouldn'tmindtakinglessonsmyself，"wasthegraciousobservationofShaw，Jr。，asheturnedfromthemirror，withthesoothingcertaintythathisobjectionablehairactuallywasgrowingdarker。
　　"Shewouldn'ttakeyouatanyprice，"saidFanny，rememberingPolly'slookofdisappointmentanddisapprovalwhenshecameonherlastvisitandfoundhimanunmistakabledandy。
　　"Youjustwaitandsee，"wastheplacidreply。
　　"IfPollydoescarryoutherplan，IwishMaudtotakelessonsofher；
　　Fannycandoasshelikes，butitwouldpleasemeverymuchtohaveoneofmygirlssingasPollysings。Itsuitsoldpeoplebetterthanyouroperathings，andmotherusedtoenjoyitsomuch。"
　　Ashespoke，Mr。Shaw'seyeturnedtowardthecomerofthefirewheregrandmausedtosit。Theeasy-chairwasemptynow，thekindoldfacewasgone，andnothingbutaverytendermemoryremained。
　　"I'dliketolearn，papa，andPollyisasplendidteacher，Iknow；
　　she'salwayssopatient，andmakeseverythingsopleasant。Idohopeshewillgetscholarsenoughtobeginrightaway，"saidMaud。
　　"Whenisshecoming？"askedMrs。Shaw，quitewillingtohelpPolly，butprivatelyresolvingthatMaudshouldbefinishedoffbythemostfashionablemasterinthecity。
　　"Shedoesn'tsay。Shethanksmeforaskingherhere，asusual，butsayssheshallgorighttoworkandhadbetterbeginwithherownlittleroomatonce。Won'titseemstrangetohavePollyintown，andyetnotwithus？"
　　"We'llgethersomehow。Thelittleroomwillcostsomething，andshecanstaywithusjustaswellasnot，evenifshedoesteach。TellherIsayso，"saidMr。Shaw。
　　"Shewon'tcome，Iknow；forifsheundertakestobeindependent，she'lldoitinthemostthoroughmanner，"answeredFanny，andMrs。Shawsincerelyhopedshewould。Itwasallverywelltopatronizethelittlemusic-teacher，butitwasnotsopleasanttohavehersettledinthefamily。
　　"IshalldowhatIcanforheramongmyfriends，andIdaresayshewillgetonverywellwithyoungpupilstobeginwith。Ifshestartsright，putshertermshighenough，andgetsafewgoodnamestogivehertheentré；eintoourfirstfamilies，Idon'tdoubtshewilldonicely，forImustsayPollyhasthemannersofalady，"observedMrs。Shaw。
　　"She'samightytakinglittlebody，andI'mgladshe'stobeintown，thoughI'dlikeitbetterifshedidn'tbotheraboutteaching，butjuststayedhereandenjoyedherself，"saidTom，lazily。
　　"I'venodoubtshewouldfeelhighlyhonoredtobeallowedtodevotehertimetoyouramusement；butshecan'taffordexpensiveluxuries，andshedon'tapproveofflirting，soyouwillhavetolethergoherownway，andrefreshherselfwithsuchglimpsesofyouasherengagementspermit，"
　　answeredFanny，inthesarcastictonewhichwasbecominghabitualtoher。
　　"Youaregettingtobearegularoldmaid，Fan；assharpasalemon，andtwiceassour，"returnedTom，lookingdownatherwithanairofcalmsuperiority。
　　"Dobequiet，children；youknowIcan'tbearanythinglikecontention。
　　Maud，givememyShetlandshawl，andputacushionatmyback。"
　　AsMaudobeyedhermother，withareprovinglookathererringbrotherandsister，apausefollowed，forwhicheveryoneseemedgrateful。Theyweresittingaboutthefireafterdinner，andalllookedasifalittlesunshinewoulddothemgood。IthadbeenadullNovemberday，butallofasuddenthecloudslifted，andabrightrayshotintotheroom。Everyoneturnedinvoluntarilytowelcomeit，andeveryonecriedout，"Why，Polly!"forthereonthethresholdstoodabright-facedgirl，smilingasiftherewasnosuchthingasNovemberweatherintheworld。
　　"Youdearthing，whendidyoucome？"criedFanny，kissingboththebloomingcheckswithrealaffection，whiletheresthoverednear，waitingforachance。
　　"Icameyesterday，andhavebeengettingmynestinorder；butIcouldn'tkeepawayanylonger，soIranuptosay'Howdoyoudo？'"answeredPolly，inthecheeryvoicethatdidone'sheartgoodtohear。
　　"MyPollyalwaysbringsthesunshinewithher，"andMr。Shawheldouthishandstohislittlefriend，forshewashisfavoritestill。
　　Itwasgoodtoseeherputbotharmsabouthisneck，andgivehimatenderkiss，thatsaidagreatdeal，forgrandmahaddiedsincePollymethimlastandshelongedtocomforthim，seeinghowgrayandoldhehadgrown。
　　IfTomhadhadanythoughtsoffollowinghisfather'sexample，somethinginPolly'smannermadehimchangehismind，andshakehandswithahearty"I'mverygladtoseeyou，Polly，"addingtohimself，ashelookedatthefaceinthemodestlittlebonnet:"Prettierthanever，byJove!"
　　TherewassomethingmorethanmereprettinessinPolly'sface，thoughTomhadnotlearnedtoseeityet。Theblueeyeswereclearandsteady，thefreshmouthfrankandsweet，thewhitechinwasaveryfirmoneinspiteofthedimple，andthesmoothforeheadunderthelittlecurlshadabroad，benevolentarch；whileallaboutthefacewerethoseunmistakablelinesandcurveswhichcanmakeevenaplaincountenancecomely，bybreathingintoitthebeautyofalovelycharacter。Pollyhadgrownup，butshehadnomorestylenowthaninthedaysoftheroundhatandroughcoat，forshewasallingray，likeayoungQuakeress，withnoornamentbutabluebowatthethroatandanotherinthehair。Yettheplainsuitbecameherexcellently，andoneneverthoughtofthedress，lookingattheactivefigurethatworeit，forthefreedomofherchildhoodgavetoPollythatgoodgift，health，andeverymovementwasfullofthevigor，grace，andease，whichnothingelsecansosurelybestow。Ahappysoulinahealthybodyisararesightinthesedays，whendoctorsflourishandeveryoneisill，andthispleasantunionwasthecharmwhichPollypossessedwithoutknowingit。
　　"Itdoesseemsogoodtohaveyouhereagain，"saidMaud，cuddlingPolly'scoldhand，asshesatatherfeet，whenshewasfairlyestablishedbetweenFannyandMr。Shaw，whileTomleanedonthebackofhismother'schair，andenjoyedtheprospect。
　　"Howdoyougeton？Whendoyoubegin？Whereisyournest？Nowtellallaboutit，"beganFanny，whowasfullofcuriosityaboutthenewplan。
　　"Ishallgetonverywell，Ithink，forI'vegottwelvescholarstobeginwith，allabletopayagoodprice，andIshallgivemyfirstlessononMonday。"
　　"Don'tyoudreadit？"askedFanny。
　　"Notmuch；whyshouldI？"answeredPolly，stoutly。
　　"Well，Idon'tknow；it'sanewthing，andmustbealittlebithardatfirst，"stammeredFanny，notlikingtosaythatworkingforone'slivingseemedadreadfulhardshiptoher。
　　"Itwillbetiresome，ofcourse，butIshallgetusedtoit；Ishallliketheexercise，andthenewpeopleandplacesImustseewillamuseme。Thentheindependencewillbedelightful，andifIcansavealittletohelpKittyalongwith，thatwillbebestofall。"
　　Polly'sfaceshoneasiftheprospectwasfullofpleasureinsteadofwork，andtheheartygoodwillwithwhichsheundertookthenewtask，seemedtodignifyherhumblehopesandplans，andmaketheminterestinginthesightofothers。
　　"Whohaveyougotforpupils？"askedMrs。Shaw，forgettinghernervesforaminute。
　　Pollynamedherlist，andtookasecretsatisfactioninseeingtheimpressionwhichcertainnamesmadeuponherhearers。
　　"HowintheworlddidyougettheDavenportsandtheGreys，mydear？"
　　saidMrs。Shaw，sittingerectinhersurprise。
　　"Mrs。Davenportandmotherarerelations，youknow。"
　　"Younevertoldusthatbefore!"
　　"TheDavenportshavebeenawaysomeyears，andIforgotallaboutthem。
　　ButwhenIwasmakingmyplan，IknewImusthaveagoodnameortwotosetmegoing，soIjustwroteandaskedMrs。D。ifshewouldhelpme。Shecameandsawusandwasverykind，andhasgotthesepupilsforme，likeadear，goodwomanassheis。"
　　"Wheredidyoulearnsomuchworldlywisdom，Polly？"askedMr。Shaw，ashiswifefellbackinherchair，andtookouthersalts，asifthisdiscoveryhadbeentoomuchforher。
　　"Ilearntithere，sir，"answeredPolly，laughing。"Iusedtothinkpatronageandthingsofthatsortverydisagreeableandnotworthhaving，butI'vegotwiser，andtoacertainextentI'mgladtousewhateveradvantagesIhaveinmypower，iftheycanbehonestlygot。"
　　"Whydidn'tyouletushelpyouinthebeginning？Weshouldhavebeenverygladto，I'msure，"putinMrs。Shaw，whoquiteburnedtobeknownasajointpatronesswithMrs。Davenport。
　　"Iknowyouwould，butyouhaveallbeensokindtomeIdidn'twanttotroubleyouwithmylittleplanstillthefirststepsweretaken。Besides，Ididn'tknowasyouwouldliketorecommendmeasateacher，thoughyoulikemewellenoughasplainPolly。"
　　"Mydear，ofcourseIwould，andwewantyoutotakeMaudatonce，andteachheryoursweetsongs。Shehasafinevoice，andisreallysufferingforateacher。"
　　AslightsmilepassedoverPolly'sfaceasshereturnedherthanksforthenewpupil，forsherememberedatimewhenMrs。Shawconsideredher"sweetsongs"quiteunfitforafashionableyounglady'srepertoire。
　　"Whereisyourroom？"askedMaud。
　　"MyoldfriendMissMillshastakenmein，andIamnicelysettled。
　　Motherdidn'tliketheideaofmygoingtoastrangeboarding-house，soMissMillskindlymadeaplaceforme。Youknowsheletsherroomswithoutboard，butsheisgoingtogivememydinners，andI'mtogetmyownbreakfastandtea，quiteindependently。Ilikethatway，andit'sverylittletrouble，myhabitsaresosimple；abowlofbreadandmilknightandmorning，withbakedapplesorsomethingofthatsort，isallIwant，andIcanhaveitwhenIlike。"
　　"Isyourroomcomfortablyfurnished？Can'twelendyouanything，mydear？Aneasy-chairnow，oralittlecouch，sonecessarywhenonecomesintired，"saidMrs。Shaw，takingunusualinterestintheaffair。
　　"Thankyou，butIdon'tneedanything，forIbroughtallsortsofhomecomfortswithme。Oh，Fan，yououghttohaveseenmytriumphalentryintothecity，sittingamongmygoodsandchattels，inafarmer'scart。"Polly'slaughwassoinfectiousthateveryonesmiledandforgottobeshockedatherperformance。"Yes，"sheadded，"IkeptwishingIcouldmeetyou，justtoseeyourhorrifiedfacewhenyousawmesittingonmylittlesofa，withboxesandbundlesallroundme，abird-cageononeside，afishingbasket，withakitten'sheadpoppinginandoutofthehole，ontheotherside，andjollyoldMr。Brown，inhisbluefrock，perchedonakegofapplesinfront。Itwasalovelybrightday，andIenjoyedtherideimmensely，forwehadallsortsofadventures。"
　　"Oh，tellaboutit，"beggedMaud，whenthegenerallaughatPolly'spicturehadsubsided。
　　"Well，inthefirstplace，weforgotmyivy，andKittycamerunningafterme，withit。Thenwestartedagain，butweresoonstoppedbyagreatshouting，andtherewasWillracingdownthehill，wavingapillowinonehandandasquashpieintheother。Howwedidlaughwhenhecameupandexplainedthatourneighbor，oldMrs。Dodd，hadsentinahop-pillowforme，incaseofheadache，andapietobeginhouse-keepingwith。SheseemedsodisappointedatbeingtoolatethatWillpromisedtogetthemtome，ifheranallthewaytotown。Thepillowwaseasilydisposedof，butthatpie!Idobelieveitwasstowedineverypartofthewagon，andneverstaidanywhere。Ifounditinmylap，thenonthefloor，next，upsidedownamongthebooks，thenjustonthepointofcoastingoffatrunkintotheroad，andatlastitlandedinmyrocking-chair。Sucharemarkablepieasitwas，too，forinspiteofallitswanderings，itnevergotspiltorbroken，andwefinallyateitforlunch，inordertobeleftinpeace。Next，mykittygotaway，andIhadachaseoverwallsandbrooksbeforeIgother，whileMr。Brownsatshakingwithfun，toseemerun。Wefinishedoffbyhavingthebook-shelvestumbleonourheadsaswewentdownahill，andlosingmychairoffbehind，aswewentupahill。Ashoutmadeuspause，and，lookingback，therewasthepoorlittlechairrockingallbyitselfinthemiddleoftheroad，whileasmallboysatonthefenceandwhooped。
　　Itwasgreatfun，Idoassureyou。"
　　Pollyhadrunoninherlivelyway，notbecauseshethoughtheradventuresamountedtomuch，butfromawishtocheerupherfriends，whohadstruckheraslookingratherdullandoutofsorts，especiallyMr。Shaw；andwhenshesawhimleanbackinhischairwiththeoldheartylaugh，shewassatisfied，andblessedtheunluckypieforamusinghim。
　　"Oh，Polly，youdotellsuchinterestingthings!"sighedMaud，wipinghereyes。
　　"IwishI'dmetyou，I'dhavegivenyouthreecheersandatiger，foritmusthavebeenanimposingspectacle，"saidTom。