第4章
"Yes；Idon"tknowtheboylately；buthe"llbeasbadaseverwhenhe"swell，"returnedFanny，whohadn"tmuchfaithinsick-bedrepentances。
"Muchyouknowaboutit，"growledTom，lyingdownagain，forhehadsatboltuprightwhenPollymadetheastoundingdeclarationthathewaslikethewell-belovedJimmy。ThatsimplelittlehistoryhadmadeadeepimpressiononTom，andthetearfulendingtouchedthetenderspotthatmostboyshidesocarefully。Itisverypleasanttobelovedandadmired，verysweettothinkweshallbemissedandmournedwhenwedie；andTomwasseizedwithasuddendesiretoimitatethisboy，whohadn"tdoneanythingwonderful，yetwassodeartohissister，thatshecriedforhimawholeyearafterhewasdead；sostudiousandclever，thepeoplecalledhim"afinefellow"；andsoanxioustobegood，thathekeptontrying，tillhewasbettereventhanPolly，whomTomprivatelyconsideredamodelofvirtue，asgirlsgo。
"IjustwishIhadasisterlikeyou，"hebrokeout，allofasudden。
"AndIjustwishIhadabrotherlikeJim，"criedFanny，forshefeltthereproachinTom"swords，andknewshedeservedit。
"Ishouldn"tthinkyou"denvyanybody，foryou"vegotoneanother，"
saidPolly，withsuchawistfullook，thatitsuddenlysetTomandFannytowonderingwhytheydidn"thavebettertimestogether，andenjoythemselves，asPollyandJimdid。
"Fandon"tcareforanybodybutherself，"saidTom。
"Tomissuchabear，"retortedFanny。
"Iwouldn"tsaysuchthings，forifanythingshouldhappentoeitherofyou，theotheronewouldfeelsosorry。EverycrosswordIeversaidtoJimmycomesbacknow，andmakesmewishIhadn"t。"
TwogreattearsrolleddownPolly"scheeks，andwerequietlywipedaway；
butIthinktheywateredthatsweetsentiment，calledfraternallove，whichtillnowhadbeenneglectedintheheartsofthisbrotherandsister。Theydidn"tsayanythingthen，ormakeanyplans，orconfessanyfaults；butwhentheypartedforthenight，Fannygavethewoundedheadagentlepat(Tomneverwouldhaveforgivenherifshehadkissedhim)，andsaid，inawhisper，"Ihopeyou"llhaveagoodsleep，Tommy，dear。"
AndTomnoddedbackather，withahearty"Sametoyou，Fan。"
Thatwasall；butitmeantagooddeal，forthevoiceswerekind，andtheeyesmetfullofthataffectionwhichmakeswordsoflittleconsequence。
Pollysawit；andthoughshedidn"tknowthatshehadmadethesunshine，itshonebackuponhersopleasantly，thatshefellhappilyasleep，thoughherJimmywasn"ttheretosay"good-night。"ChapterV。ChapterV。CHAPTERVSCRAPESAFTERbeingunusuallygood，childrenareapttoturnshortroundandrefreshthemselvesbyactinglikeSancho。ForaweekafterTom"smishap，theyoungfolkswerequiteangelic，somuchsothatgrandmasaidshewasafraid"somethingwasgoingtohappentothem。"Thedearoldladyneedn"thavefeltanxious，forsuchexcessivevirtuedoesn"tlastlongenoughtoleadtotranslation，exceptwithlittleprigsinthegoodystory-books；andnosoonerwasTomonhislegsagain，whenthewholepartywentastray，andmuchtribulationwastheconsequence。
Itallbeganwith"Polly"sstupidity，"asFansaidafterward。JustasPollyrandowntomeetMr。Shawoneevening，andwashelpinghimoffwithhiscoat，thebellrang，andafinebouquetofhothouseflowerswasleftinPolly"shands，forshenevercouldlearncityways，andopenedthedoorherself。
"Hey!what"sthis？MylittlePollyisbeginningearly，afterall，"saidMr。Shaw，laughing，ashewatchedthegirl"sfacedimpleandflush，asshesmeltthelovelynosegay，andglancedatanotehalfhiddenintheheliotrope。
Now，ifPollyhadn"tbeen"stupid，"asFansaid，shewouldhavehadherwitsabouther，andletitpass；but，yousee，Pollywasanhonestlittlesoulanditneveroccurredtoherthattherewasanyneedofconcealment，sosheansweredinherstraightforwardway，"Oh，theyain"tforme，sir；
theyareforFan；fromMr。Frank，Iguess。She"llbesopleased。"
"Thatpuppysendsherthingsofthissort，doeshe？"AndMr。Shawlookedfarfrompleasedashepulledoutthenote，andcoollyopenedit。
PollyhadherdoubtsaboutFan"sapprovalofthat"sortofthing，"butdarednotsayaword，andstoodthinkinghowsheusedtoshowherfatherthefunnyvalentinestheboyssenther，andhowtheylaughedoverthemtogether。ButMr。Shawdidnotlaughwhenhehadreadthesentimentalversesaccompanyingthebouquet，andhisfacequitescaredPolly，asheasked，angrily，"Howlonghasthisnonsensebeengoingon？"
"Indeed，sir，Idon"tknow。Fandoesn"tmeananyharm。IwishIhadn"tsaidanything!"stammeredPolly，rememberingthepromisegiventoFannythedayoftheconcert。Shehadforgottenallaboutitandhadbecomeaccustomedtoseethe"bigboys，"asshecalledMr。Frankandhisfriends，withthegirlsonalloccasions。Now，itsuddenlyoccurredtoherthatMr。Shawdidn"tlikesuchamusements，andhadforbiddenFantoindulgeinthem。
"Oh，dear!howmadshewillbe。Well，Ican"thelpit。Girlsshouldn"thavesecretsfromtheirfathers，thentherewouldn"tbeanyfuss，"thoughtPolly，asshewatchedMr。Shawtwistupthepinknoteandpokeitbackamongtheflowerswhichhetookfromher，saying，shortly，"SendFannytomeinthelibrary。"
"Nowyou"vedoneit，youstupidthing!"criedFanny，bothangryanddismayed，whenPollydeliveredthemessage。
"Why，whatelsecouldIdo？"askedPolly，muchdisturbed。
"Lethimthinkthebouquetwasforyou；thenthere"dhavebeennotrouble。"
"Butthatwouldhavebeendoingalie，whichismostasbadastellingone。"
"Don"tbeagoose。You"vegotmeintoascrape，andyououghttohelpmeout。"
"IwillifIcan；butIwon"ttellliesforanybody!"criedPolly，gettingexcited。
"Nobodywantsyoutojusthold，yourtongue，andletmemanage。"
"ThenI"dbetternotgodown，"beganPolly，whenasternvoicefrombelowcalled，likeBluebeard，"Areyoucomingdown？"
"Yes，sir，"answeredameekvoice；andFannyclutchedPolly，whispering，"Youmustcome；I"mfrightenedoutofmywitswhenhespeakslikethat。Standbyme，Polly；there"sadear。"
"Iwill，"whispered"sisterAnn"；anddowntheywentwithflutteringhearts。
Mr。Shawstoodontherug，lookingrathergrim；thebouquetlayonthetable，andbesideitanote，directedto"FrankMoore，Esq。，"inaverydecidedhand，withafierce-lookingflourishafterthe"Esq。"Pointingtothisimpressiveepistle，Mr。Shawsaid，knittinghisblackeyebrowsashelookedatFanny，"I"mgoingtoputastoptothisnonsenseatonce；
andifIseeanymoreofit，I"llsendyoutoschoolinaCanadianconvent。"
ThisawfulthreatquitetookPolly"sbreathaway；butFannyhadhearditbefore，andhavingatemperofherown，said，pertly，"I"msureIhaven"tdoneanythingsoverydreadful。Ican"thelpitiftheboyssendmephilopenapresents，astheydototheothergirls。"
"Therewasnothingaboutphilopenasinthenote。Butthat"snotthequestion。IforbidyoutohaveanythingtodowiththisMoore。He"snotaboy，butafastfellow，andIwon"thavehimabout。Youknewthis，andyetdisobeyedme。"
"Ihardlyeverseehim，"beganFanny。
"Isthattrue？"askedMr。Shaw，turningsuddenlytoPolly。
"Oh，please，sir，don"taskme。IpromisedIwouldn"t；thatis；Fannywilltellyou，"criedPolly，quiteredwithdistressatthepredicamentshewasin。
"Nomatteraboutyourpromise；tellmeallyouknowofthisabsurdaffair。
ItwilldoFannymoregoodthanharm。"AndMr。Shawsatdownlookingmoreamiable，forPolly"sdismaytouchedhim。
"MayI？"shewhisperedtoFanny。
"Idon"tcare，"answeredFan，lookingbothangryandashamed，asshestoodsullenlytyingknotsinherhandkerchief。
SoPollytold，withmuchreluctanceandmuchquestioning，allsheknewofthewalks，thelunches，themeetings，andthenotes。Itwasn"tmuch，andevidentlylessseriousthanMr。Shawexpected；for，ashelistened，hiseyebrowssmoothedthemselvesout，andmorethanoncehislipstwitchedasifhewantedtolaugh，forafterall，itwasrathercomicaltoseehowtheyoungpeopleapedtheirelders，playingthenew-fashionedgame，quiteunconsciousofitsrealbeauty，power，andsacredness。
"Oh，please，sir，don"tblameFanmuch，forshetrulyisn"thalfassillyasTrixandtheother，girls。Shewouldn"tgosleigh-riding，thoughMr。Frankteased，andshewantedtoeversomuch。She"ssorry，Iknow，andwon"tforgetwhatyousayanymore，ifyou"llforgiveherthisonce，"
criedPolly，veryearnestly，whenthefoolishlittlestorywastold。
"Idon"tseehowIcanhelpit，whenyoupleadsowellforher。Comehere，Fan，andmindthisonething；dropallthisnonsense，andattendtoyourbooks，oroffyougo；andCanadaisnojokeinwintertime，letmetellyou。"
Ashespoke，Mr。Shawstrokedhissulkydaughter"scheek，hopingtoseesomesignofregret；butFannyfeltinjured，andwouldn"tshowthatshewassorry，sosheonlysaid，pettishly，"IsupposeIcanhavemyflowers，nowthefussisover。"
"Theyaregoingstraightbackwheretheycamefrom，withalinefromme，whichwillkeepthatpuppyfromeversendingyouanymore。"Ringingthebell，Mr，Shawdespatchedtheunfortunateposy，andthenturnedtoPolly，saying，kindlybutgravely，"Setthissillychildofmineagoodexampleanddoyourbestforher，won"tyou？"
"Me？WhatcanIdo，sir？"askedPolly，lookingready，butquiteignoranthowtobegin。
"Makeheraslikeyourselfaspossible，mydear；nothingwouldpleasemebetter。Nowgo，andletushearnomoreofthisfolly。"
Theywentwithoutaword，andMr。Shawheardnomoreoftheaffair；
butpoorPollydid，forFanscoldedher，tillPollythoughtseriouslyofpackingupandgoinghomenextday。Ireallyhaven"tthehearttorelatethedreadfullecturesshegot，thesnubsshesuffered，orthecoldshouldersturneduponherforseveraldaysafterthis。Polly"sheartwasfull，butshetoldnoone，andborehertroublesilently，feelingherfriend"singratitudeandinjusticedeeply。
Tomfoundoutwhatthematterwas，andsidedwithPolly，whichproceedingledtoscrapenumbertwo。
"Where"sFan？"askedtheyounggentleman，strollingintohissister"sroom，wherePollylayonthesofa，tryingtoforgethertroublesinaninterestingbook。
"Downstairs，seeingcompany。"
"Whydidn"tyougo，too？"
"Idon"tlikeTrix，andIdon"tknowherfineNewYorkfriends。"
"Don"twantto，neither，whydon"tyousay？"
"Notpolite。"
"Whocares？Isay，Polly，comeandhavesomefun。"
"I"dratherread。"
"Thatisn"tpolite。"
Pollylaughed，andturnedapage。Tomwhistledaminute，thensigheddeeply，andputhishandtohisforehead，whichtheblackplasterstilladorned。
"Doesyourheadache？"askedPolly。
"Awfully。"
"Betterliedown，then。"
"Can"t；I"mfidgety。andwanttobe"amoosed"asPugsays。"
"JustwaittillIfinishmychapter，andthenI"llcome，"saidpitifulPolly。
"Allright，"returnedtheperjuredboy，whohaddiscoveredthatabrokenheadwassometimesmoreusefulthanawholeone，andexultinginhisbasestratagem，herovedabouttheroom，tillFan"sbureauarrestedhim。Itwascoveredwithallsortsoffinery，forshehaddressedinahurry，andlefteverythingtopsy-turvy。Awell-conductedboywouldhaveletthingsalone，oramoralbrotherwouldhaveputthingstorights；beingneither，Tomrummagedtohisheartscontent，tillFan"sdrawerslookedasifsomeonehadbeenmakinghayinthem。Hetriedtheeffectofear-rings，ribbons，andcollars；woundupthewatch，thoughitwasn"ttime；burnthisinquisitivenosewithsmelling-salts；delugedhisgrimyhandkerchiefwithFan"sbestcologne；anointedhiscurlycropwithherhair-oil；powderedhisfacewithherviolet-powder；andfinishedoffbypinningonabunchoffalseringlets，whichFannytried，tokeepaprofoundsecret。Theravagescommittedbythisbadboyarebeyondthepoweroflanguagetodescribe，asherevelledintheinterestingdrawers，boxes，andcases，whichheldhissister"streasures。
Whenthecurlshadbeenputon，withmuchprickingoffingers，andablueribbonadded，à；laFan，hesurveyedhimselfwithsatisfaction，andconsideredtheeffectsofine，thathewasinspiredtotryastillgreatermetamorphosis。ThedressFanhadtakenofflayonachair，andintoitgotTom，chucklingwithsuppressedlaughter，forPollywasabsorbed，andthebed-curtainshidhisiniquity。Fan"sbestvelvetjacketandhat，erminemuff，andasofa-pillowforpannier，finishedoffthecostume，andtrippingalongwithelbowsout，TomappearedbeforetheamazedPollyjustasthechapterended。Sheenjoyedthejokesoheartily，thatTomforgotconsequences，andproposedgoingdownintotheparlortosurprise，thegirls。
"Goodness，no!Fannyneverwouldforgiveusifyoushowedhercurlsandthingstothosepeople。Therearegentlemenamongthem，anditwouldn"tbeproper，"saidPolly，alarmedattheidea。
"Allthemorefun。Fanhasn"ttreatedyouwell，anditwillserveherrightifyouintroducemeasyourdearfriend，MissShaw。Comeon，itwillbeajollylark。"
"Iwouldn"tfortheworld；itwouldbesomean。Take"emoff，Tom，andI"llplayanythingelseyoulike。"
"Iain"tgoingtodressupfornothing；Ilooksolovely，someonemustadmireme。Takemedown，Polly，andseeiftheydon"tcallme"asweetcreature。""
Tomlookedsounutterablyridiculousashetossedhiscurlsandpranced，thatPollywentoffintoanothergaleofmerriment；butevenwhileshelaughed，sheresolvednottolethimmortifyhissister。
"Now，then，getoutofthewayifyouwon"tcome；I"mgoingdown，"
saidTom。
"No，you"renot。"
"Howwillyouhelpit，MissPrim？"
"So。"AndPollylockedthedoor，putthekeyinherpocket，andnoddedathimdefiantly。
Tomwasapepper-potastotemper，andanythinglikeoppositionalwayshadabadeffect。Forgettinghiscostume，hestrodeuptoPolly，saying，withathreateningwagofthe，head，"Noneofthat。Iwon"tstandit。"
"PromisenottoplagueFan，andI"llletyouout。"
"Won"tpromiseanything。Givemethatkey，orI"llmakeyou。"
"Now，Tom，don"tbesavage。Ionlywanttokeepyououtofascrape，forFanwillberagingifyougo。Takeoffherthings，andI"llgiveup。"
Tomvouchsafednoreply，butmarchedtotheotherdoor，whichwasfast，asPollyknew，lookedoutofthethree-storywindow，andfindingnoescapepossible，camebackwithawrathfulface。"Willyougivemethatkey？"
"No，Iwon"t，"saidPolly，valiantly。
"I"mstrongerthanyouare；soyou"dbetterhandover。"
"Iknowyouare；butit"scowardlyforagreatboylikeyoutorobagirl。"
"Idon"twanttohurtyou；but，byGeorge!Iwon"tstandthis!"
TompausedasPollyspoke，evidentlyashamedofhimself；buthistemperwasup，andhewouldn"tgivein。IfPollyhadcriedalittlejusthere，hewouldhaveyielded；unfortunatelyshegiggled，forTom"sfierceattitudewassuchafunnycontrasttohisdressthatshecouldn"thelpit。Thatsettledthematter。Nogirlthateverlivedshouldgiggleathim，muchlesslockhimuplikeasmallchild。Withoutaword，hemadeagrabatPolly"sarm，forthehandholdingthekeywasstillinher，pocket。Withherotherhandsheclutchedherfrock，andforaminuteheldonstoutly。
ButTom"sstrongfingerswereirresistible；ripwentthepocket，outcamethehand，andwithacryofpainfromPolly，thekeyfellonthefloor。
"It"syourownfaultifyou"rehurt。Ididn"tmeanto，"mutteredTom，ashehastilydeparted，leavingPollytogroanoverhersprainedwrist。
Hewentdown，butnotintotheparlor，forsomehowthejokeseemedtohavelostitsrelish；sohemadethegirlsinthekitchenlaugh，andthencreptupthebackway，hopingtomakeitallrightwithPolly。Butshehadgonetograndma"sroom，for，thoughtheoldladywasout，itseemedarefuge。
Hehadjusttimetogetthingsinorder，whenFannycameup，crosserthanever；forTrixhadbeentellingherofallsortsoffuninwhichshemighthavehadashare，ifPollyhadheldhertongue。
"Whereisshe？"askedFan，wishingtoventhervexationonherfriend。
"Mopinginherroom，Isuppose，"repliedTom，whowasdiscoveredreadingstudiously。
Now，whilethishadbeenhappening，Maudhadbeengettingintohotwateralso；forwhenhermaidlefther，toseeafriendbelow，MissMaudparadedintoPolly"sroom，andsolacedherselfwithmischief。InanevilhourPollyhadletherplayboatinherbigtrunk，whichstoodempty。SincethenPollyhadstoredsomeofhermostprivatetreasuresintheuppertray，sothatshemightfeelsuretheyweresafefromalleyes。Shehadforgottentolockthetrunk，andwhenMaudraisedthelidtobeginhervoyage，severalobjectsofinterestmethereyes。ShewasdeepinherresearcheswhenFancameinandlookedoverhershoulder，feelingtoocrosswithPollytochideMaud。
AsPollyhadnomoneyforpresents，shehadexertedheringenuitytodeviseallsortsofgifts，hopingbyquantitytoatoneforanyshortcomingsinquality。Someofherattemptsweresuccessful，otherswerefailures；
butshekeptthemall，fineorfunny，knowingthechildrenathomewouldenjoyanythingnew。SomeofMaud"scast-offtoyshadbeenneatlymendedforKitty；someofFan"soldribbonsandlaceswereconvertedintodolls"
finery；andTom"slittlefigures，whittledoutofwoodinidleminutes，werelaidawaytoshowWillwhatcouldbedonewithaknife。
"Whatrubbish!"saidFanny。
"Queergirl，isn"tshe？"addedTom，whohadfollowedtoseewhatwasgoingon。
"Don"tyoulaughatPolly"sthings。Shemakesnicerdollsthanyou，Fan；andshecanwiteanddwareversomuchbetterthanTom，"criedMaud。
"Howdoyouknow？Ineversawherdraw，"saidTom。
"Here"sabookwithlotsofpicturesinit。Ican"tweadthewiting；
butthepicturesaresofunny。"
Eagertodisplayherfriend"saccomplishments，Maudpulledoutafatlittlebook，marked"Polly"sJournal，"andspreaditinherlap。
"Onlythepictures；noharmintakingalookat"em，"saidTom。
"Justonepeep，"answeredFanny；andthenextminutebothwerelaughingatadrollsketchofTominthegutter，withthebigdoghowlingoverhim，andthevelocipederunningaway。Veryroughandfaulty，butsofunny，thatitwasevidentPolly"ssenseofhumorwasstrong。AfewpagesfartherbackcameFannyandMr。Frank，caricatured；thengrandma，carefullydone；Tomrecitinghisbattle-piece；Mr。ShawandPollyinthepark；MaudbeingborneawaybyKaty；andalltheschool-girlsturnedintoridiculewithanunsparinghand。
"Slylittlepuss，tomakefunofusbehindourbacks，"saidFan，rathernettledbyPolly"squietretaliationformanyslightsfromherselfandfriends。
"Shedoesdrawwell，"saidTom，lookingcriticallyatthesketchofaboywithapleasantface，roundwhomPollyhaddrawnrayslikethesun，andunderwhichwaswritten，"MydearJimmy。"
"Youwouldn"tadmireher，ifyouknewwhatshewrotehereaboutyou，"
saidFanny，whoseeyeshadstrayedtothewrittenpageopposite，andlingeredtherelongenoughtoreadsomethingthatexcitedhercuriosity。
"Whatisit？"askedTom，forgettinghishonorableresolvesforaminute。
"Shesays，"ItrytolikeTom，andwhenheispleasantwedoverywell；
buthedon"tstaysolong。Hegetscrossandrough，anddisrespectfultohisfatherandmother，andplaguesusgirls，andissohorridIalmosthatehim。It"sverywrong，butIcan"thelpit。"Howdoyoulikethat？"
askedFanny。
"Goahead，andseehowshecomesdownonyou，ma"am，"retortedTom，whohadreadonabit。
"Doesshe？"AndFannycontinued，rapidly:"AsforFan，Idon"tthinkwecanbefriendsanymore；forshetoldherfatheralie，andwon"tforgivemefornotdoingsotoo。Iusedtothinkheraveryfinegirl；butIdon"tnow。IfshewouldbeasshewaswhenIfirstknewher，Ishouldloveherjustthesame；butsheisn"tkindtome；andthoughsheisalwaystalkingaboutpoliteness，Idon"tthinkitispolitetotreatcompanyasshedoesme。ShethinksIamoddandcountrified，andIdaresayIam；butIshouldn"tlaughatagirl"sclothesbecauseshewaspoor，orkeepheroutofthewaybecauseshedidn"tdojustasothergirlsdohere。Iseehermakefunofme，andIcan"tfeelasIdid；andI"dgohome，onlyitwouldseemungratefultoMr。Shawandgrandma，andIdolovethemdearly。"
"Isay，Fan，you"vegotitnow。Shutthebookandcomeaway，"criedTom，enjoyingthisbroadsideimmensely，butfeelingguilty，aswellhemight。
"Justonebitmore，"whisperedFanny，turningonapageortwo，andstoppingataleafthatwasblurredhereandthereasiftearshaddroppedonit。
"Sundaymorning，early。Nobodyisuptospoilmyquiettime，andImust。
writemyjournal，forI"vebeensobadlately，Icouldn"tbeartodoit。I"mgladmyvisitismostdone，forthingsworrymehere，andthereisn"tanyonetohelpmegetrightwhenIgetwrong。IusedtoenvyFanny；
butIdon"tnow，forherfatherandmotherdon"ttakecareofherasminedoofme。Sheisafraidofherfather，andmakeshermotherdoasshelikes。
I"mgladIcamethough，forIseemoneydon"tgivepeopleeverything；
butI"dlikealittleallthesame，foritissocomfortabletobuynicethings。Ireadovermyjournaljustnow，andI"mafraidit"snotagoodone；forIhavesaidallsortsofthingsaboutthepeoplehere，anditisn"tkind。Ishouldtearitout，onlyIpromisedtokeepmydiary，andIwanttotalkoverthingsthatpuzzlemewithmother。Iseenowthatitismyfaultagooddeal；forIhaven"tbeenhalfaspatient，andpleasantasIoughttobe。Iwilltrulytryfortherestofthetime，andbeasgoodandgratefulasIcan；forIwantthemtolikeme，thoughI"monly"anold-fashionedcountrygirl。""
ThatlastsentencemadeFannyshutthebook，withafacefullofself-reproach；
forshehadsaidthosewordsherself，inafitofpetulance，andPollyhadmadenoanswer，thoughhereyesfilledandhercheeksburned。Fanopenedherlipstosaysomething，butnotasoundfollowed，fortherestoodPollylookingatthemwithanexpressiontheyhadneverseenbefore。
"Whatareyoudoingwithmythings？"shedemanded，inalowtone，whilehereyeskindledandhercolorchanged。
"Maudshowedusabookshefound，andwewerejustlookingatthepictures，"
beganFanny，droppingitasifitburntherfingers。
"Andreadingmyjournal，andlaughingatmypresents，andthenputtingtheblameonMaud。It"sthemeanestthingIeversaw；andI"llneverforgiveyouaslongasIlive!"
Pollysaid，thisallinoneindignantbreath，andthenasifafraidofsayingtoomuch，ranoutoftheroomwithsuchalookofmingledcontempt，grief，andanger，thatthethreeculpritsstooddumbwithshame。Tomhadn"tevenawhistleathiscommand；MaudwassoscaredatgentlePolly"soutbreak，thatshesatasstillasamouse；whileFanny，consciencestricken，laidbackthepoorlittlepresentswitharespectfulhand，forsomehowthethoughtofPolly"spovertycameoverherasitneverhaddonebefore；
andtheseoddsandends，socarefullytreasuredupforthoseathome，touchedFanny，andgrewbeautifulinhereyes。Asshelaidbythelittlebook，theconfessionsinitreproachedhermoresharplythatanywordsPollycouldhavespoken；forshehadlaughedatherfriend，hadslightedhersometimes，andbeenunforgivingforaninnocentoffence。Thatlastpage，wherePollytooktheblameonherself，andpromisedto"trulytry"tobemorekindandpatient，wenttoFanny"sheart，meltingallthecoldnessaway，andshecouldonlylayherheadonthetrunk，sobbing，"Itwasn"tPolly"sfault；itwasallmine。"
Tom，stillredwithshameatbeingcaughtinsuchascrape，leftFannytohertears，andwentmanfullyawaytofindtheinjuredPolly，andconfesshismanifoldtransgressions。ButPollycouldn"tbefound。Hesearchedhighandlowineveryroom，yetnosignofthegirtappeared，andTombegantogetanxious。"Shecan"thaverunawayhome，canshe？"hesaidtohimself，ashepausedbeforethehat-tree。Therewasthelittleroundhat，andTomgaveitaremorsefulsmooth，rememberinghowmanytimeshehadtweakedithalfoff，orpokeditoverpoorPolly"seyes。"Maybeshe"sgonedowntotheoffice，totellpa。"Tisn"tabitlikeher，though。Anyway，I
"lltakealookroundthecorner。"
Eagertogethisboots，Tompulledopenthedoorofadarkclosetunderthestairs，andnearlytumbledoverbackwardwithsurprise；forthere，onthefloor，withherheadpillowedonapairofrubbers，layPollyinanattitudeofdespair。ThismournfulspectaclesentTom"spenitentspeechstraightoutofhishead，andwithanastonished"Hullo!"hestoodandstaredinimpressivesilence。Pollywasn"tcrying，andlaysostill，thatTombegantothinkshemightbeinafitorafaint，andbentanxiouslydowntoinspectthepatheticbunch。Aglimpseofweteyelashes，aroundcheekredderthanusual，andlipspartedbyquick，breathing，relievedhisminduponthatpoint；so，takingcourage，hesatdownontheboot-jack，andbeggedpardonlikeaman。
Now，Pollywasveryangry，andIthinkshehadarighttobe；butshewasnotresentful，andafterthefirstflashwasover，shesoonbegantofeelbetteraboutit。Itwasn"teasytoforgive；but，asshelistenedtoTom"shonestvoice，gettinggruffwithremorsenowandthen，shecouldn"thardenherheartagainsthim，orrefusetomakeupwhenhesofranklyownedthatit"wasconfoundedmeantoreadherbookthatway。"Shelikedhiscomingandbeggingpardonatonce；itwasahandsomethingtodo；sheappreciatedit，andforgavehiminherheartsometimebeforeshedidwithherlips；for，totellthetruth，Pollyhadaspiceofgirlishmalice，andratherlikedtoseedomineeringTomeathumble-pie，justenoughtodohimgood，youknow。Shefeltthatatonementwasproper，andconsidereditnomorethanjustthatFanshoulddrenchahandkerchiefortwowithrepentanttears，andthatTomshouldsitonaveryuncomfortableseatandcallhimselfhardnamesforfiveortenminutesbeforesherelented。
"Come，now，dosayawordtoafellow。I"mgettingtheworstofit，anyway；forthere"sFan，cryinghereyesoutupstairs，andhereareyoustowedawayinadarkclosetasdumbasafish，andnobodybutmetobringyoubothround。I"dhavecutovertotheSmythesandgotmahometofixthings，onlyitlookedlikebackingoutofthescrape；soIdidn"t，"saidTom，asalastappeal。
PollywasgladtohearthatFanwascrying。Itwoulddohergood；butshecouldn"thelpsofteningtoTom，whodidseeminapredicamentbetweentwoweepingdamsels。Alittlesmilebegantodimplethecheekthatwasn"thidden，andthenahandcameslowlyoutfromunderthecurlyhead，andwasstretchedtowardhimsilently。Tomwasjustgoingtogiveitaheartyshake，whenhesawaredmarkonthewrist，andknewwhatmadeit。
Hisfacechanged，andhetookthechubbyhandsogently，thatPollypeepedtoseewhatitmeant。
"Willyouforgivethat，too？"heasked，inawhisper，strokingtheredwrist。
"Yes，itdon"thurtmuchnow。"AndPollydrewherhandaway，sorryhehadseenit。
"Iwasabeast，that"swhatIwas!"saidTom，inatoneofgreatdisgust。
Andjustatthatawkwardminutedowntumbledhisfather"soldbeaveroverhisheadandface，puttingacomicalquencheronhisself-reproaches。
Ofcourse，neithercouldhelplaughingatthat；andwhenheemerged，Pollywassittingup，lookingasmuchbetterforhershowerashedidforhismomentaryeclipse。
"Fanfeelsdreadfully。Willyoukissandbefriends，ifItrotherdown？"
askedTom，rememberinghisfellow-sinner。
"I"llgotoher。"AndPollywhiskedoutoftheclosetassuddenlyasshehadwhiskedin，leavingTomsittingontheboot-jack，witharadiantcountenance。
Howthegirlsmadeitupnooneeverknew。Butaftermuchtalkingandcrying，kissingandlaughing，thebreachwashealed，andpeacedeclared。
Aslighthazestilllingeredintheairafterthestorm，forFannywasveryhumbleandtenderthatevening；Tomatriflepensive，butdistressinglypolite，andPollymagnanimouslyfriendlytoeveryone；forgenerousnaturesliketoforgive，andPollyenjoyedthepettingaftertheinsult，likeaveryhumangirl。
Asshewasbrushingherhairatbedtimetherecameataponherdoorand，openingit，shebeheldnothingbutatallblackbottle，withastripofredflanneltiedrounditlikeacravat，andacocked-hatnoteonthecork。Insideweretheselines，writteninasprawlinghandwithveryblackink:
DEARPOLLY，；Opydilldockisfirst-rateforsprains。Youputalotontheflannelanddoupyourwrist，andIguessitwillbeallrightinthemorning。Willyoucomeasleigh-ridetomorrow？I"mawfulsorryIhurtyou。TOM。ChapterVI。ChapterVI。CHAPTERVIGRANDMAWHERE"SPolly？"askedFanonesnowyafternoon，asshecameintothedining-roomwhereTomwasreposingonthesofawithhisbootsintheair，absorbedinoneofthosedelightfulbooksinwhichboysarecastawayondesertislands，whereeveryknownfruit，vegetableandflowerisinitsprimealltheyearround；or，lostinboundlessforests，wheretheyoungheroeshavethrillingadventures，killimpossiblebeasts，and，whentheauthor"sinventiongivesout，suddenlyfindtheirwayhome，ladenwithtigerskins，tamebuffaloesandotherpleasingtrophiesoftheirprowess。
"Dunno，"wasTom"sbriefreply，forhewasjustescapingfromanalligatorofthelargestsize。
"Doputdownthatstupidbook，andlet"sdosomething，"saidFanny，afteralistlessstrollroundtheroom。
"Hi，they"vegothim!"wastheonlyanswervouchsafedbytheabsorbedreader。
"Where"sPolly？"askedMaud，joiningthepartywithherhandsfullofpaperdollsallsufferingforball-dresses。
"Dogetalong，anddon"tbotherme，"criedTomexasperatedattheinterruption。
"Thentelluswheresheis。I"msureyouknow，forshewasdownherealittlewhileago，"saidFanny。
"Upingrandma"sroom，maybe。"
"Provokingthing!youknewitallthetime，anddidn"ttell，justtoplagueus，"scoldedMaud。
ButTomwasnowunderwaterstabbinghisalligator，andtooknonoticeoftheindignantdepartureoftheyoungladies。
"Polly"salwayspokingupingrandma"sroom。Idon"tseewhatfunthereisinit，"saidFannyastheywentupstairs。
"Polly"saverwyqueergirl，andgwandmapetsheragweatdealmorethanshedoesme，"observedMaud，withaninjuredair。
"Let"speekandseewhattheyaredoing，"whisperedFan，pausingatthehalf-opendoor。
Grandmawassittingbeforeaquaintoldcabinet，thedoorsofwhichstoodwideopen，showingglimpsesofthefadedrelicstreasuredthere。
Onastool，attheoldlady"sfeet，satPolly，lookingupwithintentfaceandeagereyes，quiteabsorbedinthehistoryofahigh-heeledbrocadeshoewhichlayinherlap。
"Well，mydear，"grandmawassaying，"shehaditontheverydaythatUncleJoecameinasshesatatwork，andsaid，"Dolly，wemustbemarriedatonce。""Verywell，Joe，"saysAuntDolly，anddownshewenttotheparlor，wheretheministerwaswaiting，neverstoppingtochangethedimitydressshewore，andwasactuallymarriedwithherscissorsandpin-ballatherside，andherthimbleon。Thatwasinwartimes，1812，mydear，andUncleJoewasinthearmy，sohehadtogo，andhetookthatverylittlepin-ballwithhim。Hereitiswiththemarkofabulletthroughit，forhealwayssaidhisDolly"scushionsavedhislife。"
"Howinterestingthatis!"criedPolly，assheexaminedthefadedcushionwiththeholeinit。
"Why，grandma，younevertoldmethatstory，"saidFanny，hurryingin，findingtheprospectwasapleasantoneforastormyafternoon。
"Youneveraskedmetotellyouanything，mydear，soIkeptmyoldstoriestomyself，"answeredgrandma，quietly。
"Tellsomenow，please。Maywestayandseethefunnythings？"saidFanandMaud，eyeingtheopencabinetwithinterest。
"IfPollylikes；sheismycompany，andIamtryingtoentertainher，forIlovetohavehercome，"saidgrandma，withherold-timepoliteness。
"Oh，yes!doletthemstayandhearthestories。I"veoftentoldthemwhatgoodtimeswehaveuphere，andteasedthemtocome，buttheythinkit"stooquiet。Now，sitdown，girls，andletgrandmagoon。YouseeI
pickoutsomethinginthecabinetthatlooksinteresting，andthenshetellsmeaboutit，"saidPolly，eagertoincludethegirlsinherpleasures，andgladtogettheminterestedingrandma"sreminiscences，forPollyknewhowhappyitmadethelonelyoldladytoliveoverherpast，andtohavethechildrenroundher。
"Herearethreedrawersthathavenotbeenopenedyet；eachtakeone，andchoosesomethingfromitformetotellabout，"saidMadam，quiteexcitedattheunusualinterestinhertreasures。
Sothegirlseachopenedadrawerandturnedoverthecontentstilltheyfoundsomethingtheywantedtoknowabout。Maudwasreadyfirst，andholdingupanoddlyshapedlinenbag，withabigblueFembroideredonit，demandedherstory。Grandmasmiledasshesmoothedtheoldthingtenderly，andbeganherstorywithevidentpleasure。
"MysisterNellyandIwenttovisitanauntofours，whenwewerelittlegirls，butwedidn"thaveaverygoodtime，forshewasextremelystrict。
Oneafternoon，whenshehadgoneouttotea，andoldDebby，themaid，wasasleepinherroom，wesatonthedoor-step，feelinghomesick，andreadyforanythingtoamuseus。
""Whatshallwedo？"saidNelly。
"Justasshespoke，aripeplumdroppedbounceonthegrassbeforeus，asifansweringherquestion。Itwasalltheplum"sfault，forifithadn"tfallenatthatminute，Inevershouldhavehadthethoughtwhichpoppedintomymischievousmind。
""Let"shaveasmanyaswewant，andplagueAuntBetsey，topayherforbeingsocross，"Isaid，givingNellyhalfthegreatpurpleplum。
""Itwouldbedreadfulnaughty，"beganNelly，"butIguesswewill，"
sheadded，asthesweetmouthfulslippeddownherthroat。
""Debby"sasleep。Comeon，then，andhelpmeshake，"Isaid，gettingup，eagerforthefun。
"Weshookandshooktillwegotredintheface，butnotonedropped，forthetreewaslarge，andourlittlearmswerenotstrongenoughtostirtheboughs。Thenwethrewstones，butonlyonegreenandonehalf-ripeonecamedown，andmylaststonebroketheshedwindow，sotherewasanendofthat。
""It"sasprovokingasAuntBetseyherself，"saidNelly，aswesatdown，outofbreath。
""Iwishthewindwouldcomeandblow"emdownforus，"pantedI，staringupattheplumswithlongingeyes。
""Ifwishingwoulddoanygood，Ishouldwish"eminmylapatonce，"
addedNelly。
""Youmightaswellwish"eminyourmouthanddonewithit，ifyouaretoolazytopick"emup。Iftheladderwasn"ttooheavywecouldtrythat，"saidI，determinedtohavethem。
""Youknowwecan"tstirit，sowhatistheuseoftalkingaboutit？
Youproposedgettingtheplums，nowlet"sseeyoudoit，"answeredNelly，rathercrossly，forshehadbittenthegreenplum，anditpuckeredhermouth。
""Waitaminute，andyouwillseemedoit，"criedI，asanewthoughtcameintomynaughtyhead。
""Whatareyoutakingyourshoesandsocksofffor？Youcan"tclimbthetree，Fan。"
""Don"taskquestions，butbereadytopick"emupwhentheyfall，MissLazybones。"
"WiththismysteriousspeechIpatteredintothehousebare-footedandfullofmyplan。UpstairsIwenttoawindowopeningontheshedroof。
OutIgot，andcreepingcarefullyalongtillIcamenearthetree，Istoodup，andsuddenlycrowedlikethelittlerooster。Nellylookedup，andstared，andlaughed，andclappedherhandswhenshesawwhatIwasgoingtodo。
""I"mafraidyou"llslipandgethurt。"
""Don"tcareifIdo；I"llhavethoseplumsifIbreakmyneckdoingit，"andhalfsliding，halfwalkingIwentdowntheslopingroof，tilltheboughsofthetreewerewithinmyreach。
"Hurrah!"criedNelly，dancingdownbelow，asmyfirstshakesentadozenplumsrattlingroundher。
""Hurrah!"criedI，lettinggoonebranchandtryingtoreachanother。
ButasIdidsomyfootslipped，Itriedtocatchsomethingtoholdby，butfoundnothing，andwithacry，downIfell，likeaverybigplumonthegrassbelow。
"Fortunatelytheshedwaslow，thegrasswasthickandthetreebrokemyfall，butIgotabadbumpandaterribleshaking。NellythoughtIwaskilled，andbegantocrywithhermouthfull。ButIpickedmyselfupinaminute，forIwasusedtosuchtumbles；anddidn"tmindthepainhalfasmuchasthelossoftheplums。
""Hush!Debbywillhearandspoilallthefun。IsaidI"dget"emandIhave。Seewhatlotshavecomedownwithme。"
"Sotherehad，formyfallshookthetreealmostasmuchasitdidme，andthegreenandpurplefruitlayallaboutus。
"Bythetimethebumponmyforeheadhadswelledasbigasanut，ourapronswerehalffull，andwesatdowntoenjoyourselves。Butwedidn"t。
Odear，no!formanyoftheplumswerenotripe，somewerehurtbythebirds，somecrushedinfalling，andmanyashardasstones。Nellygotstungbyawasp，myheadbegantoache，andwesatlookingatoneanotherratherdismally，whenNellyhadabrightidea。