"Everythingissocontraryandprovoking，"saidFanny，petulantly。
"Nowwhatintheworldhaveyoutofretabout？"askedPolly，ratheranxiously。
"Quantitiesofthings，"beganFan，andthenstopped，forsomehowshefeltashamedtoownthatshewasafflictedbecauseshecouldn'thaveanewsetoffurs，gotoParisinthespring，andmakeMr。Sydneyloveher。
Shehuntedupsomethingmorepresentable，andsaidinadespairingtone，；
"Well，motherisverypoorly，TomandTrixquarrelallthetime，Maudgetsmoreandmorewilfuleveryday，andpapaisworriedabouthisaffairs。"
"Asadstateofthings，butnothingverydesperate。Can'tyoulendahandanywhere？Thatmightdogoodallround。"
"No；Ihaven'tthetalentformanagingpeople，butIseewhatoughttobedone。"
"Well，don'twailaboutit；keepyourselfhappy，ifyoucan；
itwillhelpotherpeopletoseeyoucheerful。"
"JustwhatTomsaid，'Keepjolly'；but，dearme，howcanone，wheneverythingissostupidandtiresome？"
"Ifeveragirlneededwork，it'syou!"criedPolly。"Youbegantobeayoungladysoearly，thatyouaretiredofeverythingattwenty-two。
Iwishyou'dgoatsomething，thenyou'dfindhowmuchtalentandenergyyoureallyhad。"
"Iknoweversomanygirlswhoarejustlikeme，sicktodeathoffashionablelifebutdon'tknowwhattotakeinitsplace。I'dliketotravel；butpapasayshecan'taffordit，soIcanonlydragaboutandgetonasI
may。"
"Ipityyourichgirlssomuch，youhavesomanyopportunities，anddon'tseemtoknowhowtousethem!IsupposeIshoulddojustthesameinyourplace，butitseemsnowasifIcouldbeveryhappyandusefulwithplentyofmoney。"
"Youarethatwithoutit。There，Iwon'tcroakanymore。Letusgoandtakeagoodwalk，anddon'tyoutellanyonehowIcameandcriedlikeababy。"
"Never!"saidPolly，puttingonherbonnet。
"Ioughttogoandmakecalls，"saidFanny，"butIdon'tfeelnowasifIeverwantedtoseeanyofthegirlsagain。Dreadfulstateofmind，isn'tit？"
"Supposeyoucomeandseesomeofmyfriendsinstead!Theyarenotfineorceremonious，butlively，odd，andpleasant。Come，itwillamuseyou。"
"Iwill，"criedFanny，whosespiritsseemedimprovedbytheshower。
"Nicelittleoldlady，isn'tshe？"addedFan，asshecaughtsightofMissMills，ontheirwayout，sittingatatablepiledwithwork，andsewingawaywithanenergythatmadethegraycurlsvibrate。
"SaintMehitable，Icallher。Now，thereisarichwomanwhoknewhowtogethappinessoutofhermoney，"saidPolly，astheywalkedaway。"Shewaspoortillshewasnearlyfifty；thenacomfortablefortunewaslefther，andsheknewjusthowtouseit。Thathousewasgivenher，butinsteadoflivinginitallalone，shefilleditwithpoorgentlefolkswhoneededneat，respectablehomes，butcouldn'tgetanythingcomfortablefortheirlittlemoney。I'moneofthem，andIknowtheworthofwhatshedoesforme。Twooldwidowladieslivebelowme，severalstudentsoverhead，poorMrs。Keanandherlameboyhavethebackparlor，andJennythelittlebedroomnextMissMills。Eachpayswhattheycan；that'sindependent，andmakesusfeelbetterbutthatdearwomandoesathousandthingsthatmoneycan'tpayfor，andwefeelherinfluenceallthroughthehouse。I'dratherbemarried，andhaveahomeofmyown；butnexttothat，IshouldliketobeanoldmaidlikeMissMills。"
Polly'ssoberfaceandemphatictonemadeFannylaugh，andatthecheerysoundayounggirlpushingababy-carriagelookedroundandsmiled。
Whatlovelyeyes!"whisperedFanny。
Yes，that'slittleJane，"returnedPolly，adding，whenshehadpassed，withanodandafriendly"Don'tgettired，Jenny，""wehelponeanotheratourhouse，andeveryfinemorningJennytakesJohnnyKeanoutwhenshegoesforherownwalk。Thatgiveshismothertimetorest，doesboththechildrengood，andkeepsthingsneighborly。MissMillssuggestedit，andJennyissogladtodoanythingforanybody，it'sapleasuretolether。"
"I'veheardofMissMillsbefore。ButIshouldthinkshewouldgettiredtodeath，sittingtheremakinghoodsandpetticoatsdayafterday，"
saidFanny，afterthinkingoverJenny'sstoryforafewminutes，forseeingthegirlseemedtobringitnearer，andmakeitmorerealtoher。
"Butshedon'tsitthereallthetime。Peoplecometoherwiththeirtroubles，andshegoestothemwithallsortsofhelp，fromsoapandsoup，toshroudsforthedeadandcomfortfortheliving。Igowithhersometimes，anditismoreexcitingthananyplay，toseeandhearthelivesandstoriesofthepoor。"
"Howcanyoubearthedreadfulsightsandsounds，thebadair，andthepovertythatcan'tbecured？"
"Butitisn'talldreadful。Therearegoodandlovelythingsamongthem，ifoneonlyhaseyestoseethem。Itmakesmegratefulandcontented，showsmehowrichIam，andkeepsmereadytodoallIcanforthesepoorsouls。"
"MygoodPolly!"andFannygaveherfriendsarmanaffectionatesqueeze，wonderingifitwasthisalonethathadworkedthechangeinPolly。
"Youhaveseentwoofmynewfriends，MissMillsandJenny，nowI'llshowyoutwomore，"saidPolly，presently，astheyreachedadoor，andsheledthewayupseveralflightsofpublicstairs。"RebeccaJeffreyisaregularlysplendidgirl，fulloftalent；shewon'tletuscallitgenius；
shewillbefamoussomeday，Iknow，sheissomodest，andyetsointentonherwork。LizzieSmallisanengraver，anddesignsthemostdelightfullittlepictures。Beckyandshelivetogether，andtakecareofoneanotherintrueDamonandPythiasstyle。Thisstudioistheirhome，；theywork，eat，sleep，andlivehere，goinghalvesineverything。Theyareallaloneintheworld，butashappyandindependentasbirds；realfriends，whomnothingwillpart。"
"Letalovercomebetweenthem，andtheirfriendshipwon'tlastlong，"
saidFanny。
"Ithinkitwill。Takealookatthem，andyou'llchangeyourmind，"
answeredPolly，tappingatadoor，onwhichtwomodestcardsweretacked。
"Comein!"saidavoice，andobeying，Fannyfoundherselfinalarge，queerlyfurnishedroom，lightedfromabove，andoccupiedbytwogirls。
Onestoodbeforeagreatclayfigure，inacorner。Thisonewastall，withastrongface，keeneyes，short，curlyhair，andafinehead。Fannywasstruckatoncebythisfaceandfigure，thoughtheonewasnothandsome，andtheotherhalfhiddenbyagreatpinaforecoveredwithclay。Atatablewherethelightwasclearest，satafrail-lookinggirl，withathinface，bigeyes，andpalehair，；adreamy，absorbedlittleperson，whobentoverablock，skillfullywieldinghertools。
"BeckyandBess，howdoyoudo？Thisismyfriend，FannyShaw。Weareoutonarampage；sogoonwithyourwork，andletuslazyoneslookonandadmire。"
AsPollyspoke，bothgirlslookedupandnodded，smilingly；BessgaveFantheoneeasy-chair；Beckytookanartisticsurveyofthenew-comer，witheyesthatseemedtoseeeverything；theneachwentonwithherwork，andallbegantotalk。
"YouarejustwhatIwant，Polly。Pullupyoursleeve，andgivemeanarmwhileyousit；themusclesherearen'tright，andyou'vegotjustwhatIwant，"saidBecky，slappingtheroundarmofthestatue，atwhichFanwasgazingwithawe。
"Howdoyougeton？"askedPolly，throwingoffhercloak，androllinguphersleeves，asifgoingtowashing。
"Slowly。Theideaisworkingitselfclear，andIfollowasfastasmyhandscan。Isthefacebetter，doyouthink？"saidBecky，takingoffawetcloth，andshowingtheheadofthestatue。
"Howbeautifulitis!"criedFanny，staringatitwithincreasedrespect。
"Whatdoesitmeantoyou？"askedRebecca，turningtoherwithasuddenshineinherkeeneyes。
"Idon'tknowwhetheritismeantforasaintoramuse，agoddessorafate；buttomeitisonlyabeautifulwoman，bigger，lovelier，andmoreimposingthananywomanIeversaw，"answeredFanny，slowly，tryingtoexpresstheimpressionthestatuemadeuponher。
Rebeccasmiledbrightly，andBesslookedroundtonodapprovingly，butPollyclappedherhands，andsaid，；
"Welldone，Fan!Ididn'tthinkyou'dgettheideasowell，butyouhave，andI'mproudofyourinsight。NowI'lltellyou，forBeckywillletme，sinceyouhavepaidherthecomplimentofunderstandingherwork。Sometimeagowegotintoafamoustalkaboutwhatwomenshouldbe，andBeckysaidshe'dshowusherideaofthecomingwoman。Theresheis，asyousay，bigger，lovelier，andmoreimposingthananyweseenowadays；
andatthesametime，sheisatruewoman。Seewhatafineforehead，yetthemouthisbothfirmandtender，asifitcouldsaystrong，wisethings，aswellasteachchildrenandkissbabies。Wecouldn'tdecidewhattoputinthehandsasthemostappropriatesymbol。Whatdoyousay？"
"Giveherasceptre:shewouldmakeafinequeen，"answeredFanny。
"No，wehavehadenoughofthat；womenhavebeencalledqueensalongtime，butthekingdomgiventhemisn'tworthruling，"answeredRebecca。
"Idon'tthinkitisnowadays，"saidFanny，withatiredsortofsigh。
"Putaman'shandinherstohelpheralong，then，"saidPolly，whosehappyfortuneithadbeentofindfriendsandhelpersinfatherandbrothers。
"No；mywomanistostandalone，andhelpherself，"saidRebecca，decidedly。
"She'stobestrong-minded，isshe？"；andFanny'slipcurledalittleassheutteredthemisusedwords。
"Yes，strong-minded，strong-hearted，strong-souled，andstrong-bodied；
thatiswhyImadeherlargerthanthemiserable，pinched-upwomanofourday。Strengthandbeautymustgotogether。Don'tyouthinkthesebroadshoulderscanbearburdenswithoutbreakingdown，thesehandsworkwell，theseeyesseeclearly，andtheselipsdosomethingbesidessimperandgossip？"
Fannywassilent；butavoicefromBess'scornersaid，；
"Putachildinherarms，Becky。"
"Notthateven，forsheistobesomethingmorethananurse。"
"Giveheraballot-box，"criedanewvoice，andturninground，theysawanodd-lookingwomanperchedonasofabehindthem。
"Thankyouforthesuggestion，Kate。I'llputthatwiththeothersymbolsatherfeet；forI'mgoingtohaveneedle，pen，palette，andbroomsomewhere，tosuggestthevarioustalentssheowns，andtheballot-boxwillshowthatshehasearnedtherighttousethem。Howgoesit？"andRebeccaofferedaclay-daubedhand，whichthenew-comercordiallyshook。
"Greatnews，girls!AnnaisgoingtoItaly!"criedKate，tossingupherbonnetlikeaschool-boy。
"Oh，howsplendid!Whotakesher？Hasshehadafortunelefther？Tellallaboutit，"exclaimedthegirls，gatheringroundthespeaker。
"Yes，itissplendid；justoneofthebeautifulthingsthatdoeseverybodyheapsofgood，itissogenerousandsodeserved。YouknowAnnahasbeenlongingtogo；workingandhopingforachance，andnevergettingit，tillallofasuddenMissBurtonisinspiredtoinvitethegirltogowithherforseveralyearstoItaly。Thinkoftheluckofthatdearsoul，theadvantagesshe'llhave，thegooditwilldoher，and，bestofall，thelovelywayinwhichitcomestoher。MissBurtonwants，herasafriend，asksnothingofherbuthercompany，andAnnawillgothroughfireandwaterforher，ofcourse。Now，isn'tthatfine？"
Itwasgoodtoseehowheartilythesegirlssympathizedintheircomrade'sgoodfortune。Pollydancedallovertheroom，BessandBeckyhuggedoneanother，andKatelaughedwithhereyesfull，whileevenFannyfeltaglowof，prideandpleasureatthekindact。
"Whoisthat？"shewhisperedtoPolly，whohadsubsidedintoacorner。
"Why，itIsKateKing，theauthoress。Blessme，howrudenottointroduceyou!Here，myKing，isanadmirerofyours，FannyShaw，andmywellbelovedfriend，"criedPolly，presentingFan，whoregardedtheshabbyyoungwomanwithasmuchrespect，asifshehadbeenarrayedinvelvetandermine；
forKatehadwrittenasuccessfulbookbyaccident，andhappenedtobethefashion，justthen。
"It'stimeforlunch，girls，andIbroughtminealongwithme，it'ssomuchjolliertoeatinsisterhood。Let'sclubtogether，andhavearevel，"saidKate，producingabagoforanges，andseveralbig，plummybuns。
"We'vegotsardines，crackers，andcheese，"saidBess，clearingoffatablewithallspeed。
"Waitabit，andI'lladdmyshare，"criedPolly，andcatchinguphercloak，sheranofftothegrocerystorenearby。
"You'llbeshockedatourperformances，MissShaw，butyoucancallitapicnic，andnevertellwhatdreadfulthingsyousawusdo，"saidRebecca，polishingapaintknifebyrubbingitupanddowninapotofivy，whileKatespreadforththefeastinseveraloddplates，andaflatshellortwo。
"Letushavecoffeetofinishoffwith；putonthepot，Bess，andskimthemilk，"addedBecky，assheproducedcups，mugs，andaqueerlittlevase，tosupplydrinkingvesselsfortheparty。
"Here'snuts，apotofjam，andsomecake。Fanlikessweetthings，andwewanttobeelegantwhenwehavecompany，"saidPolly，flyinginagain，anddepositinghershareonthetable。
"Now，then，fallto，ladies，andhelpyourselves。Nevermindifthechinadon'tholdout；takethesardinesbytheirlittletails，andwipeyourfingersonmybrown-papernapkins，"saidKate，settingtheexamplewithsucharelish，thattheothersfolloweditinagaleofmerriment。
Fannyhadbeentomanyelegantlunches，butneverenjoyedonemorethanthatdrollpicnicinthestudio；fortherewasafreedomaboutitthatwascharming，anartisticflavortoeverything，andsuchaspiritofgood-willandgayety，thatshefeltathomeatonce。Astheyate，theotherstalkedandshelistened，findingitasinterestingasanyromancetoheartheseyoungwomendiscusstheirplans，ambitions，successes，anddefeats。Itwasanewworldtoher，andtheyseemedadifferentraceofcreaturesfromthegirlswhoseliveswerespentindress，gossip，pleasure，orennui。Theyweregirlsstill，fullofspiritsfun，andyouth；butbelowthelight-heartednesseachcherishedapurpose，whichseemedtoennobleherwomanhood，togiveheracertainpower，asustainingsatisfaction，adailystimulus，thatledherontodailyeffort，andintimetosomesuccessincircumstanceorcharacter，whichwasworthallthepatience，hope，andlaborofherlife。
Fannywasjusttheninthemoodtofeelthebeautyofthis，forthesincerestemotionshehadeverknownwasbeginningtomakeherdissatisfiedwithherself，andtheaimlesslifesheled。"Menmustrespectsuchgirlsasthese，"shethought；"yes，andlovethemtoo，forinspiteoftheirindependence，theyarewomanly。IwishIhadatalenttolivefor，ifitwoulddoasmuchformeasitdoesforthem。ItisthissortofthingthatisimprovingPolly，thatmakeshersocietyinterestingtoSydney，andherselfsodeartoeveryone。Moneycan'tbuythesethingsforme，andIwantthemverymuch。"
Asthesethoughtswerepassingthroughhermind，Fannywashearingallsortsoftopicsdiscussedwithfeminineenthusiasmandfrankness。Art，morals，politics，society，books，religion，housekeeping，dress，andeconomy，forthemindsandtonguesrovedfromsubjecttosubjectwithyouthfulrapidity，andseemedtogetsomethingfromthedryestandthedullest。
"Howdoesthenewbookcomeon？"askedPolly，suckingherorangeinpublicwithacomposurewhichwouldhavescandalizedthegoodladiesof"Cranford。"
"Betterthanitdeserves。Mychildren，bewareofpopularity；itisadelusionandasnare；itpuffethuptheheartofman，andespeciallyofwoman；itblindeththeeyestofaults；itexaltethundulythehumblepowersofthevictim；itisapttobecapricious，andjustasonegetstolikingthetasteofthisintoxicatingdraught，itsuddenlyfaileth，andoneisleftgasping，likeafishoutofwater，"andKateemphasizedherspeechbyspearingasardinewithapenknife，andeatingitwithagroan。
"Itwon'thurtyoumuch，Iguess；youhaveworkedandwaitedsolong，alargedosewilldoyougood，"saidRebecca，givingheragenerousspoonfulofjam，asifeagertoaddasmuchsweetnessaspossibletoalifethathadnotbeenaneasyone。
"WhenareyouandBeckygoingtodissolvepartnership？"askedPolly，eagerfornewsofall。
"Never!Georgeknowshecan'thaveonewithouttheother，andhasnotsuggestedsuchathingaspartingus。ThereisalwaysroominmyhouseforBecky，andsheletsmedoasshewouldifshewasinmyplace，"answeredBess，withalookwhichherfriendansweredbyasmile。
"Theloverwon'tseparatethispairoffriends，yousee，"whisperedPollytoFan。"Bessistobemarriedinthespring，andBeckyistolivewithher。"
"Bytheway，Polly，I'vegotsometicketsforyou。Peoplearealwayssendingmesuchthings，andasIdon'tcareforthem，I'mgladtomakethemovertoyouyoungandgiddyinfants。Therearepassesforthestatuaryexhibition，Beckyshallhavethose，herearetheconcertticketsforyou，mymusicalgirl；andthatisforacourseoflecturesonliterature，whichI'llkeepformyself。"
AsKatedealtoutthecoloredcardstothegratefulgirls，Fannytookagoodlookather，wonderingifthetimewouldevercomewhenwomencouldearnalittlemoneyandsuccess，withoutpayingsuchaheavypriceforthem；forKatelookedsick，tired，andtooearlyold。Thenhereyewenttotheunfinishedstatue，andshesaid，impulsively，；
"Ihopeyou'llputthatinmarble，andshowuswhatweoughttobe。"
"IwishIcould!"AndanintensedesireshoneinRebecca'sface，asshesawherfaultywork，andfelthowfairhermodelwas。
Foraminute，thefiveyoungwomensatsilentlookingupatthebeautiful，strongfigurebeforethem，eachlongingtoseeitdone，andeachunconsciousthatshewashelping，byherindividualeffortandexperience，tobringthedaywhentheirnoblestidealofwomanhoodshouldbeembodiedinfleshandblood，notclay。
Thecitybellsrungone，andPollystartedup。
"Imustgo，forIpromisedaneighborofminealessonattwo。"
"Ithoughtthiswasaholiday，"saidFanny。
"Soitis，butthisisalittlelaboroflove，anddoesn'tspoilthedayatall。Thechildhastalent，lovesmusic，andneedshelp。Ican'tgivehermoney，butIcanteachher；soIdo，andsheisthemostpromisingpupilIhave。Helponeanother，ispartofthereligionofoursisterhood，Fan。"
"Imustputyouinastory，Polly。Iwantaheroine，andyouwilldo，"
saidKate。
"Me!why，thereneverwassuchahumdrum，unromanticthingasIam，"
criedPolly，amazed。
"I'vebookedyou，nevertheless，soinyougo；butyoumayaddasmuchromanceasyoulike，it'stimeyoudid。"
"I'mreadyforitwhenitcomes，butitcan'tbeforced，youknow，"
andPollyblushedandsmiledasifsomelittlespiceofthatdelightfulthinghadstolenintoherlife，forallitsprosaicseeming。
Fannywasamusedtoseethatthegirlsdidnotkissatparting，butshookhandsinaquiet，friendlyfashion，lookingatoneanotherwitheyesthatsaidmorethanthemost"gushing"words。
"Ilikeyourfriendsverymuch，Polly。IwasafraidIshouldfindthemmannishandrough，orsentimentalandconceited。Buttheyaresimple，sensiblecreatures，fulloftalent，andallsortsoffinethings。Iadmireandrespectthem，andwanttogoagain，ifImay。"
"Oh，Fan，Iamsoglad!Ihopedyou'dlikethem，Iknewthey'ddoyougood，andI'lltakeyouanytime，foryoustoodthetestbetterthanIexpected。Beckyaskedmetobringyouagain，andsheseldomdoesthatforfashionableyoungladies，letmetellyou。"
"Iwanttobeeversomuchbetter，andIthinkyouandtheymightshowmehow，"saidFanny，withatraitoroustrembleinhervoice。
"We'llshowyouthesunnysideofpovertyandwork，andthatisausefullessonforanyone，MissMillssays，"answeredPolly，hopingthatFanwouldlearnhowmuchthepoorcanteachtherich，andwhathelpfulfriendsgirlsmaybetooneanother。ChapterXIV。ChapterXIV。CHAPTERXIVNIPPEDINTHEBUDONtheeveningofFan'svisit，Pollysatdownbeforeherfirewitharesoluteandthoughtfulaspect。Shepulledherhairdown，turnedherskirtback，putherfeetonthefender，andtookPuttelintoherlap，allofwhicharrangementssignifiedthatsomethingveryimportanthadgottobethoughtoverandsettled。Pollydidnotsoliloquizealoud，asheroinesonthestageandinbookshaveawayofdoing，buttheconversationsheheldwithherselfwasverymuchlikethis:；
"I'mafraidthereissomethinginit。I'vetriedtothinkit'snothingbutvanityorimagination，yetIcan'thelpseeingadifference，andfeelingasifIoughtnottopretendthatIdon't。Iknowit'sconsideredproperforgirlstoshuttheireyesandletthingscometoacrisisnomatterhowmuchmischiefisdone。ButIdon'tthinkit'sdoingaswe'dbedoneby，anditseemsagreatdealmorehonesttoshowamanthatyoudon'tlovehimbeforehehasentirelylosthisheart。ThegirlslaughedatmewhenIsaidso，andtheydeclaredthatitwouldbeaveryimproperthingtodo，butI'veobservedthattheydon'thesitatetosnub'ineligibleparties，'astheycallpoor，veryyoung，orunpopularmen。
It'sallrightthen，butwhenanicepersoncomesit'spartofthefuntolethimgoontotheveryend，whetherthegirlscareforhimornot。
Themoreproposals，themorecredit。FansaysTrixalwaysaskswhenshecomeshomeafterthesummerexcursions，'Howmanybirdshaveyoubagged？'
asifmenwerepartridges。Whatwickedcreaturesweare!someofusatleast。Iwonderwhysuchaloveofconquestwasputintous？Mothersaysagreatdealofitisowingtobadeducationnowadays，butsomegirlsseembornfortheexpresspurposeofmakingtroubleandwouldmanagetodoitiftheylivedinahowlingwilderness。I'mafraidI'vegotaspiceofit，andifIhadthechance，shouldbeasbadasanyofthem。I'vetrieditandlikedit，andmaybethisistheconsequenceofthatnight'sfun。"
HerePollyleanedbackandlookedupatthelittlemirroroverthechimney-piece，whichwashungsothatitreflectedthefacesofthoseaboutthefire。
InitPollysawapairoftelltaleeyeslookingoutfromatangleofbrightbrownhair，cheeksthatflushedanddimpledsuddenlyasthefreshmouthsmiledwithanexpressionofconsciouspower，halfproud，halfashamed，andasprettytoseeasthecoquettishgesturewithwhichshesmoothedbackhercurlsandflourishedawhitehand。Foraminutesheregardedthepleasantpicturewhilevisionsofgirlishromancesandtriumphsdancedthroughherhead，thensheshookherhairalloverherfaceandpushedherchairoutofrangeofthemirror，saying，withadrollmixtureofself-reproachandself-approvalinhertone；；
"Oh，Puttel，Puttel，whatafoolIam!"
Pussappearedtoendorsethesentimentbyaloudpurrandagracefulwaveofhertail，andPollyreturnedtothesubjectfromwhichtheselittlevanitieshadbeguiledher。
"Justsupposeitistrue，thathedoesaskme，andIsayyes!Whatastiritwouldmake，andwhatfunitwouldbetoseethefacesofthegirlswhenitcameout!Theyallthinkagreatdealofhimbecauseheissohardtoplease，andalmostanyofthemwouldfeelimmenselyflatteredifhelikedthem，whethertheychosetomarryhimornot。Trixhastriedforyearstofascinatehim，andhecan'tbearher，andI'msoglad!WhataspitefulthingIam。Well，Ican'thelpit，shedoesaggravatemeso!"
AndPollygavethecatsuchatweakoftheearthatPuttelbouncedoutofherlapinhighdudgeon。
"Itdon'tdotothinkofher，andIwon't!"saidPollytoherself，settingherlipswithagrimlookthatwasnotatallbecoming。"WhataneasylifeIshouldhave；plentyofmoney，quantitiesoffriends，allsortsofpleasures，andnowork，nopoverty，nocoldshouldersorpatchedboots。
Icoulddosomuchforallathome；howIshouldenjoythat!"AndPollyletherthoughtsrevelintheluxuriousfutureherfancypainted。Itwasaverybrightpicture，butsomethingseemedamisswithit，forpresentlyshesighedandshookherhead，thinkingsorrowfully，"Ah，butIdon'tlovehim，andI'mafraidInevercanasIought!He'sverygood，andgenerous，andwise，andwouldbekind，Iknow，butsomehowIcan'timaginespendingmylifewithhim；I'msoafraidIshouldgettiredofhim，andthenwhatshouldIdo？PollySydneydon'tsoundwell，andMrs。ArthurSydneydon'tseemtofitmeabit。Wonderhowitwouldseemtocallhim'Arthur'？"AndPollysaiditunderherbreath，withalookoverhershouldertobesurenooneheardit。"It'saprettyname，butrathertoofine，andIshouldn'tdaretosay'Syd，'ashissisterdoes。Ilikeshort，plain，home-likenames，suchasWill，Ned，orTom。No，no，Icannevercareforhim，andit'snousetotry!"TheexclamationbrokefromPollyasifasuddentroublehadseizedher，andlayingherheaddownonherknees，shesatmotionlessformanyminutes。
Whenshelookedup，herfaceworeanexpressionwhichnoonehadeverseenonitbefore；alookofmingledpainandpatience，asifsomelosshadcometoher，andleftthebitternessofregretbehind。
"Iwon'tthinkofmyself，ortrytomendonemistakebymakinganother，"
shesaidwithaheavysigh。"I'lldowhatIcanforFan，andnotstandbetweenherandachanceofhappiness。Letmesee，howcanIbegin？Iwon'twalkwithhimanymore；I'lldodgeandgoroundaboutways，sothatwecan'tmeet。IneverhadmuchfaithintheremarkablecoincidenceofhisalwayshappeninghometodinnerjustasIgotogivetheRothstheirlesson。
Thefactis，Iliketomeethim，Iamgladtobeseenwithhim，andputonairs，Idaresay，likeavaingooseasIam。Well，Iwon'tdoitanymore，andthatwillspareFanoneaffliction。Poordear，howImusthaveworriedherallthistime，andneverguessedit。Shehasn'tbeenquiteaskindasever；butwhenshegotsharp，Ifancieditwasdyspepsia。Oh，me!Iwishtheothertroublecouldbecuredaseasilyasthis。"
Herepussshowedanamiabledesiretoforgiveandforget，andPollytookherup，sayingaloud:；
"Puttel，whenmissisabusesyou，playit'sdyspepsia，anddon'tbearmalice，becauseit'saverytryingdisease，mydear。"
Then，goingbacktoherthoughts，sherambledonagain；；
"Ifhedoesn'ttakethathint，Iwillgivehimastrongerone，forIwillnothavematterscometoacrisis，thoughIcan'tdenythatmywickedvanitystronglytemptsmetotryand'bagabird'justfortheexcitementandcreditofthething。Polly，I'mashamedofyou!Whatwouldyourblessedmothersaytohearsuchexpressionsfromyou？I'dwriteandtellheralltheworry，onlyitwouldn'tdoanygood，andwouldonlytroubleher。I'venorighttotellFan'ssecrets，andI'mashamedtotellmine。No，I'llleavemotherinpeace，andfightitoutalone。IdothinkFanwouldsuithimexcellentlybyandby。Hehasknownherallherlife，andhasagoodinfluenceoverher。Lovewoulddosomuchtowardmakingherwhatshemightbe；it'sashametohavethechancelostjustbecausehehappenstoseeme。Ishouldthinkshe'dhateme；butI'llshowherthatsheneedn't，anddoallIcantohelpher；forshehasbeensogoodtomenothingshallevermakemeforgetthat。Itisadelicateanddangeroustask，butIguessIcanmanageit；atanyrateI'lltry，andhavenothingtoreproachmyselfwithifthingsdogo'contrary。'"
WhatPollythoughtof，asshelaybackinherchair，withhereyesshut，andahopelesslookonherface，isnoneofourbusiness，thoughwemightfeelawishtoknowwhatcausedateartogatherslowlyfromtimetotimeunderherlashes，androlldownonPuttel'sQuaker-coloredcoat。Wasitregretfortheconquestsherelinquished，wasitsympathyforherfriend，orwasitanuncontrollableoverflowoffeelingasshereadsomesadortenderpassageofthelittleromancewhichshekepthiddenawayinherownheart？
OnMonday，Pollybeganthe"delicateanddangeroustask。"Insteadofgoingtoherpupilsbywayoftheparkandthepleasantstreetsadjoining，shetookaroundaboutroutethroughbackstreets，andthusescapedMr。
Sydney，who，asusual，camehometodinnerveryearlythatdayandlookeddisappointedbecausehenowheresawthebrightfaceinthemodestbonnet。
Pollykeptthisupforaweek，andbycarefullyavoidingtheShaws'houseduringcallinghours，shesawnothingofMr。Sydney，who，ofcourse，didn'tvisitheratMissMills'。Minniehappenedtobepoorlythatweekandtooknolesson，soUncleSydwasdeprivedofhislasthope，andlookedasifhisallowanceofsunshinehadbeensuddenlycutoff。
Now，asPollywasbynomeansaperfectcreature，Iamfreetoconfessthattheoldtemptationassailedhermorethanoncethatweek，for，whenthefirstexcitementofthedodgingreformhadsubsided，shemissedthepleasantlittleinterviewsthatusedtoputacertainflavorofromanceintoherdull，hard-workingdays。ShelikedMr。Sydneyverymuch，forhehadalwaysbeenkindandfriendlysincetheearlytimeswhenhehadtreatedthelittlegirlwithacourtesywhichtheyoungwomangratefullyremembered。
Idon'tthinkitwashiswealth，accomplishments，orpositionthatmostattractedPolly，thoughthesedoubtlesspossessedagreaterinfluencethanshesuspected。Itwasthatindescribablesomethingwhichwomenarequicktoseeandfeelinmenwhohavebeenblessedwithwiseandgoodmothers。
ThishadanespecialcharmtoPolly，forshesoonfoundthatthissideofhischaracterwasnotshowntoeveryone。Withmostgirls，hewasveryliketheotheryoungmenofhisset，exceptperhapsinacertaingraceofmannerwhichwasasnaturaltohimashisrespectforallwomankind。
ButwithFannyandPollyheshowedthedomestictraitsandvirtueswhicharemoreengagingtowomanlywomenthananyamountofcoolintellectorworldlywisdom。
PollyhadseenagooddealofhimduringhervisitsattheShaws'，wherehewasintimate，owingtothefriendshipbetweenMadamandhismother；
butshehadneverthoughtofhimasapossibleloverforeitherFannyorherselfbecausehewassixoreightyearsolderthanthey，andstillsometimesassumedthepartofavenerablementor，asintheearlydays。Latelythishadchanged，especiallytowardsPolly，anditflatteredhermorethanshewouldconfesseventoherself。Sheknewheadmiredheronetalent，respectedherindependence，andenjoyedhersociety；butwhensomethingwarmerandmoreflatteringthanadmiration，respect，orpleasurecreptintohismanner，shecouldnothelpseeingthatoneofthegoodgiftsofthislifewasdailycomingmoreandmorewithinherreach，andbegantoaskherselfifshecouldhonestlyreceivethegift，andrewardthegiver。
Atfirstshetriedtothinkshecould，butunfortunatelyheartsareso"contrary"thattheywon'tbeobedienttoreason，will，orevengratitude。
PollyfeltaverycordialfriendshipforMr。Sydney，butnotoneparticleofthelovewhichistheonlycoininwhichlovecanbetrulypaid。Thenshetookafancyintoherheadthatsheoughttoacceptthispieceofgoodfortuneforthesakeofthefamily，andforgetherself。Butthisfalseideaofself-sacrificedidnotsatisfy，forshewasnotafashionablegirltrainedtobelievethatherfirstdutywastomake"agoodmatch"andnevermindtheconsequences，thoughtheyrenderedhermiserableforlife。Polly'screedwasverysimple:"IfIdon'tlovehim，Ioughtnottomarryhim，especiallywhenIdolovesomebodyelse，thougheverythingisagainstme。"
IfshehadreadasmanyFrenchnovelsassomeyoungladies，shemighthaveconsidereditinterestingtomarryunderthecircumstancesandsufferasecretanguishtomakeheraromanticvictim。ButPolly'seducationhadbeenneglected，andafteragooddealofnaturalindecisionshedidwhatmostwomendoinsuchcases，thoughtshewould"waitandsee。"
ThediscoveryofFanny'ssecretseemedtoshowhersomethingtodo，forifthe"waitandsee"decisionwasmakingherfriendunhappy，itmustbechangedassoonaspossible。ThisfinishedPolly'sindecision，andafterthatnightsheneverallowedherselftodwelluponthepleasanttemptationwhichcameinaguiseparticularlyattractivetoayounggirlwithaspiceoftheoldEveinhercomposition。Sodayafterdayshetrudgedthroughthedullbackstreets，longingforthesunnypark，thefacethatalwaysbrightenedwhenitsawhercoming，andmostofallthechanceofmeeting；well，itwasn'tTrix。
WhenSaturdaycame，PollystartedasusualforavisittoBeckyandBess，butcouldn'tresiststoppingattheShaws'toleavealittleparcelforFan，thoughitwascallingtime。Asshesteppedin，meaningtorunupforawordifFannyshouldchancetobealone，twohatsonthehalltablearrestedher。
"Whoishere，Katy？"
"OnlyMr。SydneyandMasterTom。Won'tyoustopabit，MissPolly？"
"Notthismorning，I'mratherinahurry。"AndawaywentPollyasifadozeneagerpupilswereclamoringforherpresence。Butasthedoorshutbehindhershefeltsoleftoutinthecold，thathereyesfilled，andwhenNep，Tom'sgreatNewfoundland，cameblunderingafterher，shestoppedandhuggedhisshaggyhead，sayingsoftly，asshelookedintothebrown，benevolenteyes，fullofalmosthumansympathy:；
"Now，goback，olddear，youmustn'tfollowme。Oh，Nep，it'ssohardtoputloveawaywhenyouwantitverymuchanditisn'trighttotakeit。"
Afoolishlittlespeechtomaketoadog，butyouseePollywasonlyatender-heartedgirl，tryingtodoherduty。
"SinceheissafewithFanny，ImayventuretowalkwhereIlike。It'ssuchalovelyday，allthebabieswillbeout，anditalwaysdoesmegoodtoseethem，"thoughtPolly，turningintothewide，sunnystreet，whereWestEnd-dompromenadedatthathour。
Thebabieswereoutinfullforce，lookingasgayanddelicateandsweetasthesnow-drops，hyacinths，anddaffodilsonthebankswhencethesnowhadmelted。Butsomehowthebabiesdidn'tdoPollythegoodsheexpected，thoughtheysmiledatherfromtheircarriages，andkissedtheirchubbyhandsasshepassedthem，forPollyhadthesortoffacethatbabieslove。Onetinycreatureinblueplushwascastingdespairingglancesafteraverysmalllordofcreationwhowaswalkingawaywithatoddlingbelleinwhite，whileasecondyounggentlemaningorgeouspurplegaiterswasendeavoringtoconsolethedeserteddamsel。
"TakeholdofMasterCharley'shand，MissMamie，andwalkpretty，likeWillyandFlossy，"saidthemaid。
"No，no，IwanttodowidWilly，andhewon'tletme。Do'way，Tarley，Idon'tliteyou，"criedlittleBlue-bonnet，castingdownhererminemuffandsobbinginamicroscopichandkerchief，thethread-laceedgingonwhichcouldn'tmitigateherwoe，asitmighthavedonethatofanoldersufferer。
"WillylikesFlossybest，sostopcryingandcomerightalong，younaughtychild。"
AspoorlittleDidowasjerkedawaybytheunsympatheticmaid，andPurple-gaitersessayedinvaintopleadhiscause，Pollysaidtoherself，withasmileandasigh；；
"Howearlytheoldstorybegins!"
Itseemedasifthespringweatherhadbroughtoutallmanneroftenderthingsbesidefreshgrassandthefirstdandelions，forasshewentdownthestreetPollykeptseeingdifferentphasesofthesweetoldstorywhichshewastryingtoforget。
Atastreetcorner，ablack-eyedschool-boywaspartingfromarosy-facedschool-girl，whosemusicrollhewasreluctantlysurrendering。
"Don'tyouforget，now，"saidtheboy，lookingbashfullyintothebrighteyesthatdancedwithpleasureasthegirlblushedandsmiled，andansweredreproachfully；；
"Why，ofcourseIshan't!"
"Thatlittleromancerunssmoothlysofar；Ihopeitmaytotheend，"
saidPollyheartilyasshewatchedtheladtrampaway，whistlingasblithelyasifhispleasurableemotionsmustfindavent，orendangerthebuttonsontheroundjacket；whilethegirlprancedonherowndoorstep，asifpractisingforthejoyfuldancewhichshehadpromisednottoforget。
AlittlefartheronPollypassedanewlyengagedcouplewhomsheknew，walkingarminarmforthefirsttime，bothwearingthatproudyetconsciouslookwhichissodelightfultobeholduponthecountenancesofthesetemporarilyglorifiedbeings。
"Howhappytheyseem；oh，dear!"saidPolly，andtrudgedon，wonderingifherturnwouldevercomeandfearingthatitwasimpossible。
Aglimpseofamotherly-lookingladyenteringadoor，receivedbyaflockofprettychildren，whocastthemselvesuponmammaandherparcelswithcriesofrapture，didPollygood；andwhen，aminuteaftershepassedagrayoldcouplewalkingplacidlytogetherinthesunshine，shefeltbetterstill，andwasgladtoseesuchahappyendingtotheromanceshehadreadalldownthestreet。
AsifthemischievouslittlegodwishedtotakePollyatadisadvantage，orperhapstogiveheranotherchance，justatthatinstantMr。Sydneyappearedatherside。HowhegottherewasneververycleartoPolly，buttherehewas，flushed，andalittleoutofbreath，butlookingsogladtoseeherthatshehadn'tthehearttobestiffandcool，asshehadfullyintendedtobewhentheymet。
"Verywarm，isn'tit？"hesaidwhenhehadshakenhandsandfallenintostep，justintheoldway。
"Youseemtofinditso。"AndPollylaughed，withasuddensparkleinhereyes。Shereallycouldn'thelpit，itwassopleasanttoseehimagain，justwhenshewasfeelingsolonely。
"HaveyougivenupteachingtheRoths？"askedSydney，changingthesubject。
"No。"
"Doyougoasusual？"
"Yes。"
"Well，it'samysterytomehowyougetthere。"
"Asmuchasitistomehowyougotheresosuddenly。"
"IsawyoufromtheShaws'windowandtookthelibertyofrunningafteryoubythebackstreet，"hesaid，laughing。
"ThatisthewayIgettotheRoths，"answeredPolly。Shedidnotmeantotell，buthisfranknesswassoagreeablesheforgotherself。
"It'snotnearlysopleasantorsoshortforyouasthepark。"
"Iknowit，butpeoplesometimesgettiredofoldwaysandliketotrynewones。"
Pollydidn'tsaythatquitenaturally，andSydneygaveheraquicklook，asheasked；；
"Doyougettiredofoldfriends，too，MissPolly？"
"Notoften；but；"Andthereshestuck，forthefearofbeingungratefulorunkindmadeheralmosthopethathewouldn'ttakethehintwhichshehadbeencarefullypreparingforhim。
Therewasadreadfullittlepause，whichPollybrokebysayingabruptly；；
"HowisFan？"
"Dashing，asever。DoyouknowI'mratherdisappointedinFanny，forshedon'tseemtoimprovewithheryears，"saidSydney，asifheacceptedthediversionandwasgladofit。
"Ah，youneverseeheratherbest。Sheputsonthatdashingairbeforepeopletohideherrealself。ButIknowherbetter；andIassureyouthatshedoesimprove；shetriestomendherfaults，thoughshewon'townit，andwillsurpriseyousomeday，bytheamountofheartandsenseandgoodnessshehasgot。"
Pollyspokeheartilynow，andSydneylookedatherasifFanny'sdefenderpleasedhimmorethanFanny'sdefence。
"I'mverygladtohearit，andwillinglytakeyourwordforit。Everybodyshowsyoutheirgoodside，Ithink，andthatiswhyyoufindtheworldsuchapleasantplace。"
"Oh，butIdon't!Itoftenseemslikeaveryhardanddismalplace，andIcroakovermytrialslikeanungratefulraven。"
"Can'twemakethetrialslighterforyou？"
Thevoicethatputthequestionwassoverykind，thatPollydarednotlookup，becausesheknewwhattheeyesweresilentlysaying。
"Thankyou，no。Idon'tgetmoretribulationthanisgoodforme，I
fancy，andweareapttomakemistakeswhenwetrytododgetroubles。"
"Orpeople，"addedSydneyinatonethatmadePollycoloruptoherforehead。
"Howlovelytheparklooks，"shesaid，ingreatconfusion。
"Yes，it'sthepleasantestwalkwehave；don'tyouthinkso？"askedtheartfulyoungman，layingatrap，intowhichPollyimmediatelyfell。
"Yes，indeed!It'salwayssorefreshingtometoseealittlebitofthecountry，asitwere，especiallyatthisseason。"
Oh，Polly，Polly，whatastupidspeechtomake，whenyouhadjustgivenhimtounderstandthatyouweretiredofthepark!Notbeingafooloracox-comb，Sydneyputthisandthattogether，andtakingvarioustriflesintotheaccount，hehadbythistimecometotheconclusionthatPollyhadheardthesamebitsofgossipthathehad，whichlinkedtheirnamestogether，thatshedidn'tlikeit，andtriedtoshowshedidn'tinthisway。Hewasquickertotakeahintthanshehadexpected，andbeingbothproudandgenerous，resolvedtosettlethematteratonce，forPolly'ssakeaswellashisown。So，whenshemadeherlastbrilliantremark，hesaidquietly，watchingherfacekeenlyallthewhile；；
"Ithoughtso；well，I'mgoingoutoftownonbusinessforseveralweeks，soyoucanenjoyyour'littlebitofcountry'withoutbeingannoyedbyme。"
"Annoyed？Oh，no!"criedPollyearnestly；thenstoppedshort，notknowingwhattosayforherself。
Shethoughtshehadagooddealofthecoquetteinher，andI'venodoubtthatwithtimeandtrainingshewouldhavebecomeaverydangerouslittleperson，butnowshewasfartootransparentandstraightforwardbynatureeventotellawhiteliecleverly。Sydneyknewthis，andlikedherforit，buthetookadvantageofit，neverthelessbyaskingsuddenly；；
"Honestly，now，wouldn'tyougotheoldwayandenjoyitasmuchasever，ifIwasn'tanywhereabouttosetthebusybodiesgossiping？"
"Yes，"saidPolly，beforeshecouldstopherself，andthencouldhavebittenhertongueoutforbeingsorude。Anotherawfulpauseseemedimpending，butjustatthatmomentahorsemanclatteredbywithasmileandasalute，whichcausedPollytoexclaim，"Oh，there'sTom!"withatoneandalookthatsilencedthewordshoveringonSydney'slips，andcausedhimtoholdouthishandwithalookwhichmadePolly'sheartflutterthenandachewithpityforagoodwhileafterward，thoughheonlysaid，"Goodby，Polly。"
Hewasgonebeforeshecoulddoanythingbutlookupathimwitharemorsefulface，andshewalkedon，feelingthatthefirstandperhapstheonlylovershewouldeverhave，hadreadhisanswerandaccepteditinsilence。Shedidnotknowwhatelsehehadread，andcomfortedherselfwiththethoughtthathedidnotcareforherverymuch，sincehetookthefirstrebuffsoquickly。
PollydidnotreturntoherfavoritewalktillshelearnedfromMinniethat"Uncle"hadreallylefttown，andthenshefoundthathisfriendlycompanyandconversationwaswhathadmadethewaysopleasantafterall。
Shesighedovertheperversityofthingsingeneral，andcroakedalittleoverhertrialsinparticular，butonthewholegotoverherlossbetterthansheexpected，forsoonshehadothersorrowsbesideherowntocomfort，andsuchworkdoesabodymoregoodthanfloodsofregretfultears，orhoursofsentimentallamentation。
SheshunnedFannyforadayortwo，butgainednothingbyit，forthatyounglady，hearingofSydney'ssuddendeparture，couldnotresttillshediscoveredthecauseofit，andwalkedinuponPollyoneafternoonjustwhentheduskmadeitapropitioushourfortenderconfidences。
"Whathaveyoubeendoingwithyourselflately？"askedFanny，composingherself，withherbacktowardtherapidlywaninglight。
"Waggingtoandfroasusual。What'sthenewswithyou？"answeredPolly，feelingthatsomethingwascomingandrathergladtohaveitoveranddonewith。
"Nothingparticular。TrixtreatsTomshamefully，andhebearsitlikealamb。Itellhimtobreakhisengagement，andnotbeworriedso；buthewon't，becauseshehasbeenjiltedonceandhethinksit'ssuchameanthingtodo。"
"Perhapsshe'lljilthim。"
"I'venodoubtshewill，ifanythingbettercomesalong。ButTrixisgettingpassé；e，andIshouldn'twonderifshekepthimtohisword，justoutofperversity，ifnothingelse。"
"PoorTom，whatafate!"saidPollywithwhatwasmeanttobeacomicalgroan；butitsoundedsotragicalthatshesawitwouldn'tpass，andhastenedtohidethefailurebysaying，withalaugh，"IfyoucallTrixpassé；eattwenty-three，whatshallweallbeattwenty-five？"
"Utterlydonewith，andlaidupontheshelf。Ifeelsoalready，forIdon'tgethalftheattentionIusedtohave，andtheothernightIheardMaudandGracewonderingwhythoseoldgirls'didn'tstayathome，andgivethemachance。'"
"HowisMaudie？"
"Prettywell，butsheworriesmebyherqueertastesandnotions。Shelovestogointothekitchenandmess，shehatestostudy，andsaidrightbeforetheVincentsthatsheshouldthinkitwouldbegreatfuntobeabeggar-girl，togoroundwithabasket，itmustbesointerestingtoseewhatyou'dget。"
"Minniesaidtheotherdayshewishedshewasapigeonsoshecouldpaddleinthepuddlesandnotfussaboutrubbers。"
"Bytheway，whenisherunclecomingback？"askedFanny，whocouldn'twaitanylongerandjoyfullyseizedtheopeningPollymadeforher。
"I'msureIdon'tknow。"
"Norcare，Isuppose，youhard-heartedthing。"
"Why，Fan，whatdoyoumean？"
"I'mnotblind，mydear，neitherisTom，andwhenayounggentlemancutsacallabruptlyshort，andracesafterayounglady，andisseenholdingherhandatthequietestcornerofthepark，andthengoestravellingallofasudden，weknowwhatitmeansifyoudon't。"
"Whogotupthatniceidea，Ishouldliketoknow？"demandedPolly，asFannystoppedforbreath。