第1章
"Comeon，then。"
"Oh，I"mnotgoing；it"stoowet。Shouldn"thaveacrimpleftifIwentoutsuchadayasthis；andIwanttolooknicewhenPollycomes。"
"Youdon"texpectmetogoandbringhomeastrangegirlalone，doyou？"
AndTomlookedasmuchalarmedasifhissisterhadproposedtohimtoescortthewildwomanofAustralia。
"OfcourseIdo。It"syourplacetogoandgether；andifyouwasn"tabear，you"dlikeit。"
"Well，Icallthatmean!IsupposedI"dgottogo；butyousaidyou"dgo，too。Catchmebotheringaboutyourfriendsanothertime!No，sir!"AndTomrosefromthesofawithanairofindignantresolution，theimpressiveeffectofwhichwassomewhatdamagedbyatousledhead，andthehunchedappearanceofhisgarmentsgenerally。
"Now，don"tbecross；andI"llgetmammatoletyouhavethathorridNedMiller，thatyouaresofondof，comeandmakeyouavisitafterPolly"sgone，"saidFanny，hopingtosoothehisruffledfeelings。
"Howlongisshegoingtostay？"demandedTom，makinghistoiletbyapromiscuousshake。
"Amonthortwo，maybe。She"seversonice；andIshallkeepheraslongasshe"shappy。"
"Shewon"tstaylongthen，ifIcanhelpit，"mutteredTom，whoregardedgirlsasaveryunnecessaryportionofcreation。Boysoffourteenareapttothinkso，andperhapsitisawisearrangement；for，beingfondofturningsomersaults，theyhaveanopportunityofindulginginagoodone，metaphoricallyspeaking，when，threeorfouryearslater，theybecometheabjectslavesof"thosebotheringgirls。"
"Lookhere!howamIgoingtoknowthecreature？Ineversawher，andsheneversawme。You"llhavetocometoo，Fan，"headded，pausingonhiswaytothedoor，arrestedbytheawfulideathathemighthavetoaddressseveralstrangegirlsbeforehegottherightone。
"You"llfindhereasyenough；she"llprobablybestandingroundlookingforus。Idaresayshe"llknowyou，thoughI"mnotthere，becauseI"vedescribedyoutoher。"
"Guessshewon"t，then；"andTomgaveahastysmoothtohiscurlypateandaglanceatthemirror，feelingsurethathissisterhadn"tdonehimjustice。Sistersneverdo，as"wefellows"knowtoowell。
"Dogoalong，oryou"llbetoolate；andthen，whatwillPollythinkofme？"criedFanny，withtheimpatientpokewhichispeculiarlyaggravatingtomasculinedignity。
"She"llthinkyoucaredmoreaboutyourfrizzlesthanyourfriends，andshe"llbeaboutright，too。"
Feelingthathesaidratheraneatandcuttingthing，Tomsaunteredleisurelyaway，perfectlyconsciousthatitwaslate，butbentonnotbeinghurriedwhileinsight，thoughheranhimselfoffhislegstomakeupforitafterward。
"IfIwasthePresident，I"dmakealawtoshutupallboystilltheyweregrown；fortheycertainlyarethemostprovokingtoadsintheworld，"
saidFanny，asshewatchedtheslouchyfigureofherbrotherstrollingdownthestreet。Shemighthavechangedhermind，however，ifshehadfollowedhim，forassoonasheturnedthecorner，hiswholeaspectaltered；hishandscameoutofhispockets，hestoppedwhistling，buttonedhisjacket，gavehiscapapull，andwentoffatagreatpace。
Thetrainwasjustinwhenhereachedthestation，pantinglikearace-horse，andasredasalobsterwiththewindandtherun。
"Supposeshe"llwearatop-knotandathingumbob，likeeveryoneelse；
andhowevershallIknowher？ToobadofFantomakemecomealone!"thoughtTom，ashestoodwatchingthecrowdstreamthroughthedepot，andfeelingratherdauntedatthearrayofyoungladieswhopassed。Asnoneofthemseemedlookingforanyone，hedidnotaccostthem，buteyedeachnewbatchwiththeairofamartyr。"That"sher，"hesaidtohimself，ashepresentlycaughtsightofagirlingorgeousarray，standingwithherhandsfolded，andaverysmallhatperchedonthetopofaverylarge"chig-non，"asTompronouncedit。"IsupposeI"vegottospeaktoher，soheregoes；"
and，nervinghimselftothetask，Tomslowlyapproachedthedamsel，wholookedasifthewindhadblownherclothesintorags，suchaflappingofsashes，scallops，ruffles，curls，andfeatherswasthere。
"Isay，ifyouplease，isyournamePollyMilton？"meeklyaskedTom，pausingbeforethebreezystranger。
"No，itisn"t，"answeredtheyounglady，withacoolstarethatutterlyquenchedhim。
"Whereinthunderisshe？"growledTom，walkingoffinhighdudgeon。
Thequicktapoffeetbehindhimmadehimturnintimetoseeafresh-facedlittlegirlrunningdownthelongstation，andlookingasifsheratherlikedit。Asshesmiled，andwavedherbagathim，hestoppedandwaitedforher，sayingtohimself，"Hullo!Iwonderifthat"sPolly？"
Upcamethelittlegirl，withherhandout，andahalf-shy，half-merrylookinherblueeyes，asshesaid，inquiringly，"ThisisTom，isn"tit？"
"Yes。Howdidyouknow？"andTomgotovertheordealofhand-shakingwithoutthinkingofit，hewassosurprised。
"Oh，Fantoldmeyou"dgotcurlyhair，andafunnynose，andkeptwhistling，andworeagraycappulledoveryoureyes；soIknewyoudirectly。"AndPollynoddedathiminthemostfriendlymanner，havingpolitelyrefrainedfromcallingthehair"red，"thenose"apug，"andthecap"old，"；allofwhichfactsFannyhadcarefullyimpresseduponhermemory。
"Whereareyourtrunks？"askedTom，ashewasremindedofhisdutybyherhandinghimthebag，whichhehadnotofferedtotake。
"Fathertoldmenottowaitforanyone，elseI"dlosemychanceofahack；soIgavemychecktoaman，andthereheiswithmytrunk；"andPollywalkedoffafterheronemodestpieceofbaggage，followedbyTom，whofeltatrifledepressedbyhisownremissnessinpoliteattentions。
"Sheisn"tabitofayounglady，thankgoodness!Fandidn"ttellmeshewaspretty。Don"tlooklikecitygirls，noractlike"em，neither，"
hethought，trudgingintherear，andeyeingwithfavorthebrowncurlsbobbingalonginfront。
Asthecarriagedroveoff，Pollygavealittlebounceonthespringyseat，andlaughedlikeadelightedchild。"Idoliketorideinthesenicehacks，andseeallthefinethings，andhaveagoodtime，don"tyou？"shesaid，composingherselfthenextminute，asifitsuddenlyoccurredtoherthatshewasgoinga-visiting。
"Notmuch，"saidTom，notmindingwhathesaid，forthefactthathewasshutupwiththestrangegirlsuddenlyoppressedhissoul。
"How"sFan？Whydidn"tshecome，too？"askedPolly，tryingtolookdemure，whilehereyesdancedinspiteofher。
"Afraidofspoilinghercrinkles；"andTomsmiled，forthisbasebetrayalofconfidencemadehimfeelhisownmanagain。
"YouandIdon"tminddampness。I"mmuchobligedtoyouforcomingtotakecareofme。"
ItwaskindofPollytosaythat，andTomfeltit；forhisredcropwasatenderpoint，andtobeassociatedwithPolly"sprettybrowncurlsseemedtolessenitscopperyglow。Thenhehadn"tdoneanythingforherbutcarrythebagafewsteps；yet，shethankedhim。Hefeltgrateful，andinaburstofconfidence，offeredahandfulofpeanuts，forhispocketswerealwayssuppliedwiththisagreeabledelicacy，andhemightbetracedanywherebythetrailofshellsheleftbehindhim。
Assoonashehaddoneit，herememberedthatFannyconsideredthemvulgar，andfeltthathehaddisgracedhisfamily。Sohestuckhisheadoutofthewindow，andkeptittheresolong，thatPollyaskedifanythingwasthematter。"Pooh!whocaresforacountrifiedlittlethinglikeher，"
saidTommanfullytohimself；andthenthespiritofmischiefenteredinandtookpossessionofhim。
"He"sprettydrunk；butIguesshecanholdhishorses，"repliedthisevil-mindedboy，withanairofcalmresignation。
"Isthemantipsy？Oh，dear!let"sgetout!Arethehorsesbad？It"sverysteephere；doyouthinkit"ssafe？"criedpoorPolly，makingacockedhatofherlittlebeaver，bythrustingitoutofthehalf-openwindowonherside。
"There"splentyoffolkstopickusupifanythinghappens；butperhapsitwouldbesaferifIgotoutandsatwiththeman；"andTomquitebeamedwiththebrilliancyofthissuddenmodeofrelief。
"Oh，do，ifyouain"tafraid!Motherwouldbesoanxiousifanythingshouldhappentome，sofaraway!"criedPolly，muchdistressed。
"Don"tyoubeworried。I"llmanagetheoldchap，andthehorsestoo；"
andopeningthedoor，Tomvanishedaloft，leavingpoorvictimizedPollytoquakeinside，whileheplacidlyrevelledinfreedomandpeanutsoutside，withthestaidolddriver。
Fannycameflyingdowntomeether"darlingPolly，"asTompresentedher，withthegracefulremark，"I"vegother!"andtheairofadauntlesshunter，producingthetrophiesofhisskill。Pollywasinstantlywhiskedupstairs；andhavingdancedadouble-shuffleonthedoor-mat，Tomretiredtothedining-room，torestoreexhaustednaturewithhalfadozencookies。
"Ain"tyoutiredtodeath？Don"tyouwanttoliedown？"saidFanny，sittingonthesideofthebedinPolly"sroom，andchatteringhard，whilesheexaminedeverythingherfriendhadon。
"Notabit。Ihadanicetimecoming，andnotrouble，exceptthetipsycoachman；butTomgotoutandkepthiminorder，soIwasn"tmuchfrightened，"
answeredinnocentPolly，takingoffherrough-and-readycoat，andtheplainhatwithoutabitofafeather。
"Fiddlestick!hewasn"ttipsy；andTomonlydidittogetoutoftheway。Hecan"tbeargirls，"saidFanny，withasuperiorair。
"Can"the？Why，Ithoughthewasverypleasantandkind!"andPollyopenedhereyeswithasurprisedexpression。
"He"sanawfulboy，mydear；andifyouhaveanythingtodowithhim，he"lltormentyoutodeath。Boysareallhorrid；buthe"sthehorridestoneIeversaw。"
Fannywenttoafashionableschool，wheretheyoungladiesweresobusywiththeirFrench，German，andItalian，thattherewasnotimeforgoodEnglish。Feelingherconfidencemuchshakenintheyouth，Pollyprivatelyresolvedtolethimalone，andchangedtheconversation，bysaying，asshelookedadmiringlyaboutthelarge，handsomeroom，"Howsplendiditis!Ineversleptinabedwithcurtainsbefore，orhadsuchafinetoilet-tableasthis。"
"I"mgladyoulikeit；butdon"t，formercysake，saysuchthingsbeforetheothergirls!"repliedFanny，wishingPollywouldwearear-rings，aseveryoneelsedid。
"Whynot？"askedthecountrymouseofthecitymouse，wonderingwhatharmtherewasinlikingotherpeople"sprettythings，andsayingso。
"Oh，theylaughateverythingtheleastbitodd，andthatisn"tpleasant。"
Fannydidn"tsay"countrified，"butshemeantit，andPollyfeltuncomfortable。
Sosheshookoutherlittleblacksilkapronwithathoughtfulface，andresolvednottoalludetoherownhome，ifshecouldhelpit。
"I"msopoorly，mammasaysIneedn"tgotoschoolregularly，whileyouarehere，；onlytwoorthreetimesaweek，justtokeepupmymusicandFrench。Youcangotoo，ifyoulike；papasaidso。Do，it"ssuchfun!"
criedFanny，quitesurprisingherfriendbythisunexpectedfondnessforschool。
"Ishouldbeafraid，ifallthegirlsdressasfinelyasyoudo，andknowasmuch，"saidPolly，beginningtofeelshyatthethought。
"La，child!youneedn"tmindthat。I"lltakecareofyou，andfixyouup，soyouwon"tlookodd。"
"AmIodd？"askedPolly，struckbythewordandhopingitdidn"tmeananythingverybad。
"Youareadear，andeversomuchprettierthanyouwerelastsummer，onlyyou"vebeenbroughtupdifferentlyfromus；soyourwaysain"tlikeours，yousee，"beganFanny，findingitratherhardtoexplain。
"Howdifferent？"askedPollyagain，forshelikedtounderstandthings。
"Well，youdresslikealittlegirl，foronething。"
"Iamalittlegirl；sowhyshouldn"tI？"andPollylookedathersimplebluemerinofrock，stoutboots，andshorthair，withapuzzledair。
"Youarefourteen；andweconsiderourselvesyoungladiesatthatage，"continuedFanny，surveying，withcomplacency，thepileofhaironthetopofherhead，withafringeoffuzzroundherforehead，andawavylockstreamingdownherback；likewise，herscarlet-and-blacksuit，withitsbigsash，littlepannier，brightbuttons，points，rosettes，；and，heavenknowswhat。Therewasalocketonherneck，earringstinklinginherears，watchandchainatherbelt，andseveralringsonapairofhandsthatwouldhavebeenimprovedbysoapandwater。
Polly"seyewentfromonelittlefiguretotheother，andshethoughtthatFannylookedtheoddestofthetwo；forPollylivedinaquietcountrytown，andknewverylittleofcityfashions。Shewasratherimpressedbytheeleganceabouther，neverhavingseenFanny"shomebefore，astheygotacquaintedwhileFannypaidavisittoafriendwholivednearPolly。
Butshedidn"tletthecontrastbetweenherselfandFantroubleher；forinaminuteshelaughedandsaid，contentedly，"Mymotherlikesmetodresssimply，andIdon"tmind。Ishouldn"tknowwhattodoriggedupasyouare。Don"tyoueverforgettoliftyoursashandfixthosepuffythingswhenyousitdown？"
BeforeFannycouldanswer，ascreamfrombelowmadebothlisten。"It"sonlyMaud；shefussesalldaylong，"beganFanny；andthewordswerehardlyoutofhermouth，whenthedoorwasthrownopen，andalittlegirl，ofsixorseven，cameroaringin。ShestoppedatsightofPolly，staredaminute，thentookupherroarjustwheresheleftit，andcastherselfintoFanny"slap，exclaimingwrathfully，"Tom"slaughingatme!Makehimstop!"
"Whatdidyoudotosethimgoing？Don"tscreamso，you"llfrightenPolly!"andFangavethecherubashake，whichproducedanexplanation。
"Ionlysaidwehadcoldcweamattheparty，lastnight，andhelaughed!"
"Ice-cream，child!"andFannyfollowedTom"sreprehensibleexample。
"Idon"tcare!itwascold；andIwarmedmineatthewegister，andthenitwasnice；only，WillyBlissspiltitonmynewGabwielle!"
andMaudwailedagainoverheraccumulatedwoes。
"DogotoKaty!You"reascrossasalittlebearto-day!"saidFanny，pushingheraway。
"Katydon"tamooseme；andImustbeamoosed，"causeI"mfwactious；
mammasaidIwas!"sobbedMaud，evidentlylaboringunderthedelusionthatfractiousnesswassomeinterestingmalady。
"Comedownandhavedinner；thatwillamuseyou；"andFannygotup，plumingherselfasabirddoesbeforeitsflight。
Pollyhopedthe"dreadfulboy"wouldnotbepresent；buthewas，andstaredatheralldinner-time，inamosttryingmanner。Mr。Shaw，abusy-lookinggentleman，said，"Howdoyoudo，mydear？Hopeyou"llenjoyyourself；"
andthenappearedtoforgetherentirely。Mrs。Shaw，apale，nervouswoman，greetedherlittleguestkindly，andtookcarethatshewantedfornothing。
MadamShaw，aquietoldlady，withanimposingcap，exclaimedonseeingPolly，"Blessmyheart!theimageofhermother；asweetwoman；howisshe，dear？"andkeptpeeringatthenew-comeroverherglasses，till，betweenMadamandTom，poorPollylostherappetite。
Fannychattedlikeamagpie，andMaudfidgeted，tillTomproposedtoputherunderthebigdish-cover，whichproducedsuchanexplosion，thattheyoungladywasbornescreamingaway，bythemuch-enduringKaty。Itwasaltogetheranuncomfortabledinner，andPollywasverygladwhenitwasover。Theyallwentabouttheirownaffairs；andafterdoingthehonorsofthehouse，Fanwascalledtothedressmaker，leavingPollytoamuseherselfinthegreatdrawing-room。
Pollywasgladtobealoneforafewminutes；and，havingexaminedalltheprettythingsabouther，begantowalkupanddownoverthesoft，flowerycarpet，hummingtoherself，asthedaylightfaded，andonlytheruddyglowofthefirefilledtheroom。PresentlyMadamcameslowlyin，andsatdowninherarm-chair，saying，"That"safineoldtune；singittome，mydear。
Ihaven"thearditthismanyaday。"
Pollydidn"tliketosingbeforestrangers，forshehadhadnoteachingbutsuchasherbusymothercouldgiveher；butshehadbeentaughttheutmostrespectforoldpeople，andhavingnoreasonforrefusing，shedirectlywenttothepiano，anddidasshewasbid。
"That"sthesortofmusicit"sapleasuretohear。Singsomemore，dear，"saidMadam，inhergentleway，whenshehaddone。
Pleasedwiththispraise，Pollysangawayinafreshlittlevoice，thatwentstraighttothelistener"sheartandnestledthere。ThesweetoldtunesthatoneisnevertiredofwereallPolly"sstore；andherfavoriteswereScotchairs，suchas，"Yellow-HairedLaddie，""Jocko"Hazeldean，"
"DownamongtheHeather，"and"BirksofAberfeldie。"Themoreshesung，thebettershedidit；andwhenshewoundupwith"AHealthtoKingCharlie，"
theroomquiterungwiththestirringmusicmadebythebigpianoandthelittlemaid。
"ByGeorge，that"sajollytune!Singitagain，please，"criedTom"svoice；andtherewasTom"sredheadbobbingupoverthehighbackofthechairwherehehadhiddenhimself。
ItgavePollyquiteaturn，forshethoughtnoonewashearingherbuttheoldladydozingbythefire。"Ican"tsinganymore；I"mtired，"shesaid，andwalkedawaytoMadamintheotherroom。Theredheadvanishedlikeameteor，forPolly"stonehadbeendecidedlycool。
Theoldladyputoutherhand，anddrawingPollytoherknee，lookedintoherfacewithsuchkindeyes，thatPollyforgottheimpressivecap，andsmiledatherconfidingly；forshesawthathersimplemusichadpleasedherlistener，andshefeltgladtoknowit。
"Youmustn"tmindmystaring，dear，"saidMadam，softlypinchingherrosycheek。"Ihaven"tseenalittlegirlforsolong，itdoesmyoldeyesgoodtolookatyou。"
Pollythoughtthataveryoddspeech，andcouldn"thelpsaying，"Aren"tFanandMaudlittlegirls，too？"
"Oh，dear，no!notwhatIcalllittlegirls。Fanhasbeenayoungladythistwoyears，andMaudisaspoiledbaby。Yourmother"saverysensiblewoman，mychild。"
"Whataveryqueeroldlady!"thoughtPolly；butshesaid"Yes"m"respectfully，andlookedatthefire。
"Youdon"tunderstandwhatImean，doyou？"askedMadam，stillholdingherbythechin。
"No"m；notquite。"
"Well，dear，I"lltellyou。Inmyday，childrenoffourteenandfifteendidn"tdressintheheightofthefashion；gotoparties，asnearlylikethoseofgrownpeopleasit"spossibletomakethem；leadidle，giddy，unhealthylives，andgetblasé；attwenty。Wewerelittlefolkstilleighteenorso；workedandstudied，dressedandplayed，likechildren；honoredourparents；andourdaysweremuchlongerinthelandthannow，itseemsto，me。"
TheoldladyappearedtoforgetPollyattheendofherspeech；forshesatpattingtheplumplittlehandthatlayinherown，andlookingupatafadedpictureofanoldgentlemanwitharuffledshirtandaqueue。
"Washeyourfather，Madam？
"Yes，dear；myhonoredfather。Ididuphisfrillstothedayofhisdeath；andthefirstmoneyIeverearnedwasfivedollarswhichheofferedasaprizetowhicheverofhissixgirlswouldlaythehandsomestdarninhissilkstockings。"
"Howproudyoumusthavebeen!"criedPolly，leaningontheoldlady"skneewithaninterestedface。
"Yes，andwealllearnedtomakebread，andcook，andworelittlechintzgowns，andwereasgayandheartyaskittens。Alllivedtobegrandmothersandfathers；andI"mthelast，；seventy，nextbirthday，mydear，andnotwornoutyet；thoughdaughterShawisaninvalidatforty。"
"That"sthewayIwasbroughtup，andthat"swhyFancallsmeold-fashioned，Isuppose。Tellmoreaboutyourpapa，please；Ilikeit，"saidPolly。
"Say"father。"Wenevercalledhimpapa；andifoneofmybrothershadaddressedhimas"governor，"asboysdonow，Ireallythinkhe"dhavehimcutoffwithashilling。"
Madamraisedhervoiceinsayingthis，andnoddedsignificantly；butamildsnorefromtheotherroomseemedtoassureherthatitwasawasteofshottofireinthatdirection。
Beforeshecouldcontinue，incameFannywiththejoyfulnewsthatClaraBirdhadinvitedthembothtogotothetheatrewithherthatveryevening，andwouldcallforthematseveno"clock。Pollywassoexcitedbythissuddenplungeintothedissipationsofcitylife，thatsheflewaboutlikeadistractedbutterfly，andhardlyknewwhathappened，tillshefoundherselfseatedbeforethegreatgreencurtaininthebrillianttheatre。OldMr。
Birdsatononeside，Fannyontheother，andbothletheralone，forwhichshewasverygrateful，asherwholeattentionwassoabsorbedinthescenearoundher，thatshecouldn"ttalk。
Pollyhadneverbeenmuchtothetheatre；andthefewplaysshehadseenwerethegoodoldfairytales，dramatizedtosuityoungbeholders，；lively，bright，andfulloftheharmlessnonsensewhichbringsthelaughwithouttheblush。Thatnightshesawoneofthenewspectacleswhichhavelatelybecometherage，andrunforhundredsofnights，dazzling，exciting，anddemoralizingthespectatorbyeveryallurementFrenchingenuitycaninvent，andAmericanprodigalityexecute。Nevermindwhatitsnamewas，itwasverygorgeous，veryvulgar，andveryfashionable；so，ofcourse，itwasmuchadmired，andeveryonewenttoseeit。Atfirst，Pollythoughtshehadgotintofairy-land，andsawonlythesparklingcreatureswhodancedandsunginaworldoflightandbeauty；but，presently，shebegantolistentothesongsandconversation，andthentheillusionvanished；forthelovelyphantomssangnegromelodies，talkedslang，andwereadisgracetothegoodold-fashionedelveswhomsheknewandlovedsowell。
Ourlittlegirlwastooinnocenttounderstandhalfthejokes，andoftenwonderedwhatpeoplewerelaughingat；but，asthefirstenchantmentsubsided，Pollybegantofeeluncomfortable，tobesurehermotherwouldn"tliketohaveherthere，andtowishshehadn"tcome。Somehow，thingsseemedtogetworseandworse，astheplaywenton；foroursmallspectatorwasbeingrapidlyenlightenedbythegossipgoingonallabouther，aswellasbyherownquickeyesandgirlishinstincts。Whenfour-and-twentygirls，dressedasjockeys，cameprancingontothestage，crackingtheirwhips，stampingtheheelsoftheirtopboots，andwinkingattheaudience，Pollydidnotthinkitatallfunny，butlookeddisgusted，andwasgladwhentheyweregone；butwhenanothersetappearedinacostumeconsistingofgauzewings，andabitofgoldfringeroundthewaist，poorunfashionablePollydidn"tknowwhattodo；forshefeltbothfrightenedandindignant，andsatwithhereyesonherplay-bill，andhercheeksgettinghotterandhottereveryminute。
"Whatareyoublushingsofor？"askedFanny，asthepaintedsylphsvanished。
"I"msoashamedofthosegirls，"whisperedPolly，takingalongbreathofrelief。
"Youlittlegoose，；it"sjustthewayitwasdoneinParis，andthedancingissplendid。Itseemsqueeratfirst；butyou"llgetusedtoit，asIdid。"
"I"llnevercomeagain，"saidPolly，decidedly；forherinnocentnaturerebelledagainstthespectacle，which，asyet，gavehermorepainthanpleasure。Shedidnotknowhoweasyitwasto"getusedtoit，"asFannydid；anditwaswellforherthatthetemptationwasnotoftenoffered。
Shecouldnotexplainthefeeling；butshewasgladwhentheplaywasdone，andtheyweresafeathome，wherekindgrandmawaswaitingtoseethemcomfortablyintobed。
"Didyouhaveagoodtime，dear？"sheasked，lookingatPolly"sfeverishcheeksandexcitedeyes。
"Idon"twishtoberude，butIdidn"t，"answeredPolly。"Someofitwassplendid；butagooddealofitmademewanttogoundertheseat。
Peopleseemedtolikeit，butIdon"tthinkitwasproper。"
AsPollyfreedhermind，andemphasizedheropinionwithadecidedrapofthebootshehadjusttakenoff，Fannylaughed，andsaid，whileshepirouettedabouttheroom，likeMademoiselleTherese，"Pollywasshocked，grandma。Hereyeswereasbigassaucers。herfaceasredasmysash，andonceIthoughtshewasgoingtocry。Someofitwasratherqueer；
but，ofcourse，itwasproper，oralloursetwouldn"tgo。IheardMrs。
SmythePerkinssay，"Itwascharming；solikedearParis；"andshehaslivedabroad；so，ofcourse，sheknowswhatiswhat。"
"Idon"tcareifshehas。Iknowitwasn"tproperforlittlegirlstosee，orIshouldn"thavebeensoashamed!"criedsturdyPolly，perplexed，butnotconvinced，evenbyMrs。SmythePerkins。
"Ithinkyouareright，mydear；butyouhavelivedinthecountry，andhaven"tyetlearnedthatmodestyhasgoneoutoffashion。"Andwithagood-nightkiss，grandmaleftPollytodreamdreadfullyofdancinginjockeycostume，onagreatstage；whileTomplayedabigdrumintheorchestra；
andtheaudienceallworethefacesofherfatherandmother，lookingsorrowfullyather，witheyeslikesaucers，andfacesasredasFanny"ssash。ChapterII。ChapterII。CHAPTERIINEWFASHIONS"I"Mgoingtoschoolthismorning；socomeupandgetready，"saidFanny，adayortwoafter，assheleftthelatebreakfast-table。
"Youlookverynice；whathaveyougottodo？"askedPolly，followingherintothehall。
"Prinkhalfanhour，andputonherwad，"answeredtheirreverentTom，whosepreparationsforschoolconsistedinflinginghiscapontohishead，andstrappingupseveralbigbooks，thatlookedasiftheyweresometimesusedasweaponsofdefence。
"Whatisawad？"askedPolly，whileFannymarchedupwithoutdeigninganyreply。
"Somebody"shaironthetopofherheadintheplacewhereitoughtnottobe；"andTomwentwhistlingawaywithanairofsublimeindifferenceastothestateofhisown"curlypow。"
"Whymustyoubesofinetogotoschool？"askedPolly，watchingFanarrangethelittlefrizzlesonherforehead，andsettlethevariousstreamersandfestoonsbelongingtoherdress。
"Allthegirlsdo；andit"sproper，foryouneverknowwhoyoumaymeet。I"mgoingtowalk，aftermylessons，soIwishyou"dwearyourbesthatandsack，"answeredFanny，tryingtostickherownhatonatananglewhichdefiedallthelawsofgravitation。
"Iwill，ifyoudon"tthinkthisisniceenough。Iliketheotherbest，becauseithasafeather；butthisiswarmer，soIweariteveryday。"
AndPollyranintoherownroom，toprinkalso，fearingthatherfriendmightbeashamedofherplaincostume。"Won"tyourhandsbecoldinkidgloves？"shesaid，astheywentdownthesnowystreet，withanorthwindblowingintheirfaces。
"Yes，horridcold；butmymuffissobig，Iwon"tcarryit。Mammawon"thaveitcutup，andmyermineonemustbekeptforbest；"andFannysmoothedherBismarkkidswithaninjuredair。
"Isupposemygraysquirreliseversomuchtoobig；butit"sniceandcosy，andyoumaywarmyourhandsinitifyouwantto，"saidPolly，surveyinghernewwoollengloveswithadissatisfiedlook，thoughshehadthoughtthemquiteelegantbefore。
"PerhapsIwill，byandby。Now，Polly，don"tyoubeshy。I"llonlyintroducetwoorthreeofthegirls；andyouneedn"tmindoldMonsieurabit，orreadifyoudon"twantto。Weshallbeintheanteroom；soyou"llonlyseeaboutadozen，andtheywillbesobusy，theywon"tmindyoumuch。"
"IguessIwon"tread，butsitandlookon。Iliketowatchpeople，everythingissonewandqueerhere。"
ButPollydidfeelandlookveryshy，whenshewasusheredintoaroomfullofyoungladies，astheyseemedtoher，allverymuchdressed，alltalkingtogether，andallturningtoexaminethenew-comerwithacoolstarewhichseemedtobeasmuchthefashionaseye-glasses。TheynoddedaffablywhenFannyintroducedher，saidsomethingcivil，andmaderoomforheratthetableroundwhichtheysatwaitingforMonsieur。SeveralofthemorefrolicsomewereimitatingtheGrecianBend，somewereputtingtheirheadstogetheroverlittlenotes，nearlyallwereeatingconfectionery，andtheentiretwelvechatteredlikemagpies。Beingpolitelysuppliedwithcaramels，Pollysatlookingandlistening，feelingveryyoungandcountrifiedamongtheseelegantyoungladies。
"Girls，doyouknowthatCarriehasgoneabroad？Therehasbeensomuchtalk，herfathercouldn"tbearit，andtookthewholefamilyoff。Isn"tthatgay？"saidonelivelydamsel，whohadjustcomein。
"Ishouldthinkthey"dbettergo。Mymammasays，ifI"dbeengoingtothatschool，she"dhavetakenmestraightaway，"answeredanothergirl，withanimportantair。
"CarrieranawaywithanItalianmusic-teacher，anditgotintothepapers，andmadeagreatstir，"explainedthefirstspeakertoPolly，wholookedmystified。
"Howdreadful!"criedPolly。
"Ithinkitwasfun。Shewasonlysixteen，andhewasperfectlysplendid；andshehasplentyofmoney，andeveryonetalkedaboutit；andwhenshewentanywhere，peoplelooked，youknow，andshelikedit；butherpapaisanoldpoke，sohe"ssentthemallaway。It"stoobad，forshewasthejolliestthingIeverknew。"
PollyhadnothingtosaytolivelyMissBelle；butFannyobserved，"I
liketoreadaboutsuchthings；butit"ssoinconvenienttohaveithappenrighthere，becauseitmakesitharderforus。Iwishyoucouldhaveheardmypapagoon。Hethreatenedtosendamaidtoschoolwithmeeveryday，astheydoinNewYork，tobesureIcomeallright。Didyouever？"
"That"sbecauseitcameoutthatCarrieusedtoforgeexcusesinhermamma"sname，andgopromenadingwithherOreste，whentheythoughthersafeatschool。Oh，wasn"tsheaslyminx？"criedBelle，asifsheratheradmiredthetrick。
"Ithinkalittlefunisallright；andthere"snoneedofmakingatalk，if，nowandthen，someonedoesrunofflikeCarrie。Boysdoastheylike；andIdon"tseewhygirlsneedtobekeptsodreadfullyclose。
I"dliketoseeanybodywatchingandguardingme!"addedanotherdashingyounglady。
"Itwouldtakeapolicemantodothat，Trix，oralittlemaninatallhat，"saidFanny，slyly，whichcausedagenerallaugh，andmadeBeatricetossherheadcoquettishly。
"Oh，haveyouread"ThePhantomBride"？It"sperfectlythrilling!There"saregularrushforitatthelibrary；butsomeprefer"BreakingaButterfly。"
Whichdoyoulikebest？"askedapalegirlofPolly，inoneofthemomentarylullswhichoccurred。
"Ihaven"treadeither。"
"Youmust，then。IadoreGuyLivingston"sbooks，andYates"s。"Ouida"s"
aremydelight，onlytheyaresolong，IgetwornoutbeforeI"mthrough。"
"Ihaven"treadanythingbutoneoftheMuhlbachnovelssinceIcame。
Ilikethose，becausethereishistoryinthem，"saidPolly，gladtohaveawordtosayforherself。
"Thosearewellenoughforimprovingreading；butIlikerealexcitingnovels；don"tyou？"
Pollywassparedthemortificationofowningthatshehadneverreadany，bytheappearanceofMousieur，agray-headedoldFrenchman，whowentthroughhistaskwiththeresignedairofonewhowasusedtobeingthevictimofgigglingschool-girls。Theyoungladiesgabbledoverthelesson，wroteanexercise，andreadalittleFrenchhistory。Butitdidnotseemtomakemuchimpressionuponthem，thoughMonsieurwasveryreadytoexplain；
andPollyquiteblushedforherfriend，when，onbeingaskedwhatfamousFrenchmanfoughtinourRevolution，sheansweredLamartine，insteadofLafayette。
Thehourwassoonover；andwhenFanhadtakenamusiclessoninanotherroom，whilePollylookedon，itwastimeforrecess。Theyoungergirlswalkedupanddownthecourt，arminarm，eatingbreadanbutter；othersstayedintheschool-roomtoreadandgossip；butBelle，Trix，andFannywenttolunchatafashionableice-creamsaloonnearby，andPollymeeklyfollowed，notdaringtohintattheginger-breadgrandmahadputinherpocketforluncheon。Sothehonest，browncookiescrumbledawayinobscurity，whilePollytriedtosatisfyherheartyappetiteononeiceandthreemacaroons。
Thegirlsseemedingreatspirits，particularlyaftertheywerejoinedbyashortgentlemanwithsuchayoungfacethatPollywouldhavecalledhimaboy，ifhehadnotwornatallbeaver。Escortedbythisimpressiveyouth，Fannyleftherunfortunatefriendstoreturntoschool，andwenttowalk，asshecalledaslowpromenadedownthemostcrowdedstreets。