第8章
"WhatafateforprettyPolly!"ejaculatedTom。
"Shelikesit，andI"msureIshouldthinkshewould；it"sbeautifultohear"emplanitallout。"
"Anymoregossiptoretail，Pug？"askedTomaminuteafter，asMaudseemedabsorbedinvisionsofthe，future。
"Hetoldafunnystoryaboutblowinguponeoftheprofessors。Younevertoldus，soIsupposeyoudidn"tknowit。Somebadfellowputatorpedo，orsomesortofpowderthing，underthechair，anditwentoffinthemidstofthelesson，andthepoormanflewup，frightenedmosttopieces，andtheboysranwithpailsofwatertoputthefireout。ButthethingthatmadeWilllaughmostwas，thattheveryfellowwhodiditgothistrousersburnttryingtoputoutthefire，andheaskedthe；isitFacultyorPresident？"
"Eitherwilldo，"murmuredTom，whowasshakingwithsuppressedlaughter。
"Well，heasked"emtogivehimsomenewones，andtheydidgivehimmoneyenough，foranicepair；buthegotsomecheapones，withhorridgreatstripeson"em，andalwayswore"emtothatparticularclass，"whichwasonetoomanyforthefellows，"Willsaid，andwiththerestofthemoneyhehadapunchparty。Wasn"titdreadful？"
"Awful!"AndTomexplodedintoagreatlaugh，thatmadeFannycoverherears，andthelittledogbarkwildly。
"Didyouknowthatbadboy？"askedinnocentMaud。
"Slightly，"gaspedTom，inwhosewardrobeatcollegethoseidenticaltrouserswerehangingatthatmoment。
"Don"tmakesuchanoise，myheadachesdreadfully，"saidFanny，fretfully。
"Girls"headsalwaysdoache，"answeredTom，subsidingfromaroarintoachuckle。
"Whatpleasureyouboyscanfindinsuchungentlemanlythings，Idon"tsee，"saidFanny，whowasevidentlyoutofsorts。
"Asmuchamysterytoyouasitistous，howyougirlscanliketogabbleandprinkfromoneweek"sendtotheother，"retortedTom。
Therewasapauseafterthislittlepassage-at-arms，butFanwantedtobeamused，fortimehungheavilyonherhands，sosheasked，inamoreamiabletone，"How"sTrix？"
"Assweetasever，"answeredTom，gruffly。
"Didshescoldyou，asusual？"
"Shejustdid。"
"Whatwasthematter？"
"Well，I"llleaveittoyouifthisisn"tunreasonable:shewon"tdancewithmeherself，yetdon"tlikemetogoitwithanybodyelse。I
said，Ithought，ifafellowtookagirltoaparty，sheoughttodancewithhimonce，atleast，especiallyiftheywereengaged。Shesaidthatwastheveryreasonwhysheshouldn"tdoit；so，atthelasthop，Iletheralone，andhadagaytimewithBelle，andto-dayTrixgaveittomehotandheavy，cominghomefromchurch。"
"Ifyougoandengageyourselftoagirllikethat，Idon"tknowwhatyoucanexpect。DidshewearherParishatto-day？"addedFan，withsuddeninterestinhervoice。
"Sheworesomesortofabluething，withaconfoundedbirdofParadiseinit，thatkeptwhiskingintomyfaceeverytimesheturnedherhead。"
"Menneverknowaprettythingwhentheyseeit。Thathatisperfectlylovely。"
"Theyknowaladywhentheyseeher，andTrixdon"tlooklikeone；I
can"tsaywherethetroubleis，butthere"stoomuchfussandfeathersformytaste。Youaretwiceasstylish，yetyouneverlookloudorfast。"
Touchedbythisunusualcompliment，Fannydrewherchairnearerassherepliedwithcomplacency，；
"Yes，IflattermyselfIdoknowhowtodresswell。Trixneverdid；she"sfondofgaycolors，andgenerallylookslikeawalkingrainbow。"
"Can"tyougiveherahint？Tellhernottowearblueglovesanyway，sheknowsIhate"em。"
"I"vedonemybestforyoursake，Tom，butsheisaperversecreature，anddon"tmindawordIsay，evenaboutthingsmuchmoreobjectionablethanbluegloves。"
"Maudie，runandbringmemyothercigarcase，it"slyingroundsomewhere。"
Maudwent；andassoonasthedoorwasshut，Tomroseonhiselbow，sayinginacautiouslyloweredvoice，；
"Fan，doesTrixpaint？"
"Yes，anddrawstoo，"answeredFanny，withaslylaugh。
"Come，youknowwhatImean；I"vearighttoaskandyououghttotell，"
saidTom，soberly，forhewasbeginningtofindthatbeingengagedwasnotunmitigatedbliss。
"Whatmakesyouthinkshedoes？"
"Well，betweenourselves，"saidTom，lookingalittlesheepish，butanxioustosethismindatrest，"sheneverwillletmekissheronhercheek，nothingbutanunsatisfactorypeckatherlips。Thentheotherday，asItookabitofheliotropeoutofavasetoputinmybutton-hole，I
whiskedadropofwaterintoherface；Iwasgoingtowipeitoff，butshepushedmyhandaway，andrantotheglass，whereshecarefullydabbeditdry，andcamebackwithonecheekredderthantheother。Ididn"tsayanything，butIhadmysuspicions。Comenow，doesshe？"
"Yes，shedoes；butdon"tsayawordtoher，forshe"llneverforgivemytellingifsheknewit。"
"Idon"tcareforthat；Idon"tlikeit，andIwon"thaveit，"saidTom，decidedly。
"Youcan"thelpyourself。Halfthegirlsdoit，eitherpaintorpowder，darkentheirlasheswithburnthair-pins，ortakecologneonlumpsofsugarorbelladonnatomaketheireyesbright。Claratriedarsenicforhercomplexion，buthermotherstoppedit，"saidFanny，betrayingthesecretsoftheprison-houseinthebasestmanner。
"Iknewyougirlswereasetofhumbugs，andveryprettyones，too，someofyou，butIcan"tsayIliketoseeyoupainteduplikealotofactresses，"saidTom，withanairofdisgust。
"Idon"tdoanythingofthesort，orneedit，butTrixdoes；
andhavingchosenher，youmustabideyourchoice，forbetterorworse。"
"Ithasn"tcometothatyet，"mutteredTom，ashelaydownagainwitharebelliousair。
Maud"sreturnputanendtotheseconfidences，thoughTomexcitedhercuriositybyaskingthemysteriousquestion，"Isay，Fan，isPollyuptothatsortofthing？"
"No，shethinksit"sawful。Whenshegetspaleanddraggedoutshewillprobablychangehermind。"
"Idoubtit，"saidTom。
"Pollysaysitisn"tpropertotalksecretsbeforepeoplewhoain"tin"em，"observedMaud，withdignity。
"Do，formercysake，stoptalkingaboutPolly，I"msicktodeathofit，"criedFanny，snappishly。
"Hullo!"andTomsatuptotakeasurvey。"Ithoughtyouwerebosomfriends，andasspoonyasever。"
"Well，IamfondofPolly，butIgettiredofhearingMaudsingherpraiseseverlastingly。Nowdon"tgoandrepeatthat，chatterbox。"
"Mygoodness，isn"tshecross？"whisperedMaudtoTom。
"Astwosticks；letherbe。There"sthebell；seewhoitis，Pug，"
answeredTom，asatinglebrokethesilenceofthehouse。
Maudwenttopeepoverthebanisters，andcameflyingbackinarapture。
"It"sWillcomeforme!Can"tIgo？Itdon"tsnowhard，andI"llbundleup，andyoucansendformewhenpapacomes。"
"Idon"tcarewhatyoudo，"answeredFan，whowasinaverybadtemper。
Withoutwaitingforanyotherpermission，Maudrushedawaytogetready。
Willwouldn"tcomeup，hewassosnowy，andFannywasglad，becausewithherhewasbashful，awkward，andsilent，soTomwentdownandentertainedhimwithMaud"sreport。Theywereverygoodfriends，butledentirelydifferentlives，Willbeinga"dig，"andToma"bird，"or，inplainEnglish，onewasahardstudent，andtheotherajollyyounggentleman。TomhadratherpatronizedWill，whodidn"tlikeit，andshowedthathedidn"tbyrefusingtoborrowmoneyofhim，oracceptanyofhisinvitationstojointheclubsandsocietiestowhichTombelonged。SoShawletMiltonalone，andhegotonverywellinhisownway，doggedlystickingtohisbooks，andresistingalltemptationsbutthoseofcertainlibraries，athleticgames，andsuchinexpensivepleasuresaswerewithinhismeans；forthisbenightedyouthhadnotyetdiscoveredthatcollegenowadaysisaplaceinwhichto"sky-lark，"
nottostudy。
WhenMaudcamedownandtrottedcontentedlyaway，holdingWill"shand，Tomwatchedthemoutofsight，andthenstrolledaboutthehousewhistlingandthinking，tillhewenttosleepinhisfather"sarm-chair，forwantofsomethingbettertodo。Heawoketothejoysofasolitarytea，forhismothernevercamedown，andFannyshutherselfandherheadacheupinherownroom。
"Well，thisischeerful，"hesaid，astheclockstruckeight，andhisfourthcigarcametoanend。"Trixismad，andFaninthedumps，soI"lltakemyselfoff。GuessI"llgoroundtoPolly"s，andaskWilltodriveoutwithme，andsavehimthewalk，poorchap。MightbringMidgethome，itwillpleaseher，andthere"snoknowingwhenthegovernorwillbeback。"
Withthesethoughtsinhishead，Tomleisurelygotunderway，andlefthishorseataneighboringstable，forhemeanttomakealittlecall，andseewhatitwasMaudenjoyedsomuch。
"Pollyisholdingforth，"hesaidtohimself，ashewentquietlyupstairs，andthesteadymurmurofapleasantvoicecamedowntohim。TomlaughedatPolly"searnestwayoftalkingwhenshewasinterestedinanything。
Buthelikeditbecauseitwassodifferentfromthecoquettishclatterofmostofthegirlswithwhomhetalked。Youngmenoftenlaughatthesensiblegirlswhomtheysecretlyrespect，andaffecttoadmirethesillyoneswhomtheysecretlydespise，becauseearnestness，intelligence，andwomanlydignityarenotthefashion。
Thedoorwasajar，andpausinginthedarkentryTomtookasurveybeforehewentin。Theprospectwasnotdazzling，buthome-likeandpleasant。
Thelightofabrightfirefilledthelittleroom，anddownonastoolbeforeitwasMaudtendingPuttel，andwatchingwithdeepinteresttheroastingofanappleintendedforherspecialbenefit。OnthecouchloungedWill，histhoughtfuleyesfixedonPolly，who，whileshetalked，smoothedthebroadforeheadofher"yellow-hairedladdie"inawaythatTomthoughtanimmenseimprovementonMaud"sperformance。Theyhadevidentlybeenbuildingcastlesintheair，forPollywassayinginhermostimpressivemanner，"Well，whateveryoudo，Will，don"thaveagreat，costlychurchthattakessomuchmoneytobuildandsupportitthatyouhavenothingtogiveaway。Iliketheplain，old-fashionedchurches，builtforuse，notshow，wherepeoplemetforheartyprayingandpreaching，andwhereeverybodymadetheirownmusicinsteadoflisteningtooperasingers，aswedonow。
Idon"tcareiftheoldchurcheswerebareandcold，andtheseatshard，therewasrealpietyinthem，andthesincerityofitwasfeltinthelivesofthepeople。Idon"twantareligionthatIputawaywithmySundayclothes，anddon"ttakeouttillthedaycomesroundagain；Iwantsomethingtoseeandfeelandlivebyday-by-day，andIhopeyou"llbeoneofthetrueministers，whocanteachbypreceptandexample，howtogetandkeepit。"
"IhopeIshallbe，Polly，butyouknowtheysaythatinfamilies，ifthereisaboywhocan"tdoanythingelse，theymakeaministerofhim。
IsometimesthinkIain"tgoodformuch，andthatseemstomethereasonwhyIshouldn"teventrytobeaminister，"saidWill，smiling，yetlookingasifwithallhishumilityhedidhavefaithintheaspirationsthatcametohiminhisbestmoments。
"Someonesaidthatverythingtofatheronce，andIrememberheanswered，"IamgladtogivemybestandbrightestsontotheserviceofGod。""
"Didhesaythat？"andWill"scolorrose，forthebig，book-lovingfellowwasassensitiveasagirltothepraiseofthosedearesttohim。
"Yes，"saidPolly，unconsciouslygivingthestrongeststimulustoherbrother"shopeandcourage。"Yes，andheadded，"Ishallletmyboysfollowtheguidethatisinthem，andonlyaskofthemtousetheirgiftsconscientiously，andbehonest，usefulmen。""
"Sowewill!NedisdoingwelloutWest，andI"mhardatithere。Iffatherdoeshisbesttogiveusthechanceweeachwant，theleastwecandoistoworkwithawill。"
"Whateveryoudo，youcan"thelpworkingwithaWill，"criedTom，whohadbeensointerested，thatheforgothewasplayingeavesdropper。
Pollyflewup，lookingsopleasedandsurprised，thatTomreproachedhimselffornothavingcalledoftener。
"I"vecomeforMaud，"heannounced，inapaternaltone，whichmadethatyoungladyopenhereyes。
"Ican"tgotillmyappleisdone；besides，itisn"tnineyet，andWillisgoingtotakemealong，whenhegoes。I"dratherhavehim。"
"I"mgoingtotakeyoubothinthecutter。Thestormisover，butitisheavywalking，soyou"lldriveoutwithme，oldman？"saidTom，withanodatWill。
"Ofcoursehewill；andthankyouverymuch。I"vebeentryingtokeephimallnight；MissMillsalwaysmanagestofindacornerforstraypeople，butheinsistsongoing，soastogettoworkearlyto-morrow，"saidPolly，delightedtoseethatTomwastakingoffhiscoat，asifhemeanttowaitforMaud"sapple，whichPollyblessedforbeingsoslowtocook。
Puttingherguestintothebestchair，Pollysatdownandbeamedathimwithsuchhospitablesatisfaction，thatTomwentupseveralpegsinhisownestimation。
"Youdon"tcomeveryoften，soweareratherover-poweredwhenyoudohonorus，"shesaid，demurely。
"Well，you，knowwefellowsaresobusy，wehaven"tmuchtimetoenjoyourselves，"answeredTom。
"Ahem!"saidWill，loudly。
"Takeatroche，"saidTom。
Thentheybothburstoutlaughing，andPolly，fullyunderstandingthejoke，joinedthem，saying，"Herearesomepeanuts，Tom；doenjoyyourselfwhileyoucan。"
"NowIcallthatadelicatecompliment!"AndTom，whohadnotlosthisearlyrelishforthissortofrefreshment，thoughheseldomindulgedhispassionnowadays，becausepeanutsareconsideredvulgar，felltocrackingandmunchingwithgreatsatisfaction。
"DoyourememberthefirstvisitImadeatyourhouse，howyougavemepeanuts，comingfromthedepot，andfrightenedmeoutofmywits，pretendingthecoachmanwastipsy？"askedPolly。
"OfcourseIdo，andhowwecoastedoneday，"answeredTom，laughing。
"Yes，andthevelocipede；you"vegotthescarofthatyet，Isee。"
"Irememberhowyoustoodbymewhileitwassewedup；thatwasveryplucky，Polly。"
"Iwasdreadfullyafraid，butIrememberIwantedtoseemverybrave，becauseyou"dcalledmeacoward。"
"DidI？Oughttohavebeenashamedofmyself。Iusedtoroughyoushamefully，Polly，andyouweresogood-natured，youletmedoit。"
"Couldn"thelpmyself，"laughedPolly。"Ididusetothinkyouwereanawfulboy，butseemstomeIratherlikedit。"
"Shehadsomuchofitathome，shegotusedtoit，"putinWill，pullingthelittlecurlbehindPolly"sear。
"YouboysneverteasedmeasTomdid，that"sthereasonitamusedme，Isuppose；noveltyhathcharms，youknow。"
"GrandmausedtolectureTomforplaguingyou，Polly，andheusedtosayhe"dbeatip-topboy，buthewasn"t，"observedMaud，withavenerableair。
"Dearoldgrandma；shedidherbest，butI"mabadlot，"saidTom，withashakeoftheheadandasoberface。
"Italwaysseemsasifshemustbeupinherrooms，andIcan"tgetusedtofindingthemempty，"addedPolly，softly。
"Fatherwouldn"thaveanythingmoved，andTomsitsuptheresometimes；
itmakeshimfeelgood，hesays，"saidMaud，whohadatalentforbetrayingtrifleswhichpeoplepreferredshouldnotbementionedinpublic。
"You"dbetterhurryupyourapple，forifitisn"tdoneprettysoon，you"llhavetoleaveit，Pug，"saidTom，lookingannoyed。
"HowisFan？"askedPolly，withtact。
"Well，Fanisratherundertheweather；saysshe"sdyspeptic，whichmeanscross。"
"Sheiscross，butshe"ssicktoo，forIfoundhercryingoneday，andshesaidnobodycaredabouther，andshemightaswellbedead，"addedMaud，havingturnedherapplewithtendercare。
"Wemusttrytocheerherup，amongus。IfIwasn"tsobusyI"dliketodevotemyselftoher，shehasdonesomuchforme，"saidPolly，gratefully。
"Iwishyoucould。Ican"tunderstandher，forsheactslikeaweathercock，andIneverknowhowI"mgoingtofindher。Ihatetohavehermopeso，but，uponmylife，Idon"tknowwhattodo，"saidTom；butasheutteredthewords，somethingwassuggestedbythesightbeforehim。Chairswerefew，andPollyhadtakenhalfofWill"swhentheydrewroundthefire。
Nowshewasleaningagainsthim，inacosy，confidingway，delightfultobehold，whileWill"sstrongarmwentroundherwithaprotectingair，whichsaid，asplainlyasanywords，thatthisbigbrotherandsmallsisterknewhowtoloveandhelponeanother。Itwasapleasantlittlepicture，allthepleasanterforitsunconsciousness，andTomfounditbothsuggestiveandagreeable。
"PooroldFan，shedon"tgetmuchpetting；maybethat"swhatshewants。
I"lltryitandsee，forshestandsbymelikeatrump。Ifshewasarosy，cosylittlewoman，likePolly，itwouldcomeeasier，though，"thoughtTom，ashemeditativelyatehislastnut，feelingthatfraternalaffectioncouldnotbeverydifficultofdemonstration，tobrothersblessedwithpretty，good-temperedsisters。
"ItoldTomaboutthebadfellowwhoblewuptheprofessor，andhesaidheknewhim，slightly；andIwassorelieved，becauseIhadakindofafeelingthatitwasTomhimself，youandWilllaughedsoaboutit。"
Maudhadaqueerwayofgoingonwithherownthoughts，andsuddenlycomingoutwithwhateverlayuppermost，regardlessoftime，place，orcompany。
Asthisremarkfellfromher，therewasageneralsmile，andPollysaid，withmocksolemnity，；
"Itwasasadthing，andI"venodoubtthatmisguidedyoungmanisverysorryforitnow。"
"HelookedperfectlyboweddownwithremorselasttimeIsawhim，"saidWill，regardingTomwitheyesfulloffun，forWillwasaboyaswellasabookworm，andrelishedajokeaswellasscatter-brainedTom。
"Healwaysisremorsefulafterascrape，I"veunderstood，forheisn"taverybadfellow，onlyhisspiritsareonetoomanyforhim，andheisn"tasfondofhisbookasanotherfellowIknow。"
"I"mafraidhe"llheexpelledifhedon"tmind，"saidPolly，warningly。
"Shouldn"twonderifhewas，he"ssuchanunluckydog，"answeredTom，rathersoberly。
"Ihopehe"llrememberthathisfriendswillbeverymuchdisappointedifheis。Hemightmakethemsoproudandhappy；thatIguesshewill，forheisn"thalfasthoughtlessashemakeshimselfout，"saidPolly，lookingacrossatTomwithsuchfriendlyeyesthathewasquitetouched，thoughofcoursehedidn"tshowit。
"Thankyou，Polly；hemaypullthrough，butIhavemydoubts。Nowoldman，letus"pud"along；it"sgettinglateforthechicken，"headded，relapsingintothegracefuldictionwithwhichaclassicaleducationgiftsitsfortunatepossessor。
TakingadvantageofthemomentwhileWillwaswrestlingwithhisbootsinthecloset，andMaudwasabsorbedinpackingherappleintoalargebasket，PollysaidtoTominalowtone，；
"Thankyouverymuch，forbeingsokindtoWill。"
"Blessyourheart，Ihaven"tdoneanything；he"ssuchaproudfellowhewon"tletme，"answeredTom。
"Butyoudoinmanylittleways；to-night，forexample。DoyouthinkIdon"tknowthatthesuitofclotheshe"sjustgotwouldhavecostagooddealmore，ifyourtailorhadn"tmadethem？He"sonlyaboy，anddon"tunderstandthingsyet；butIknowyourwayofhelpingproudpeople；
sothattheydon"tfinditout，andIdothankyou，Tom，somuch。"
"Oh，come，Polly，thatwon"tdo。Whatdoyouknowabouttailorsandcollegematters？"saidTom，lookingasmuchconfusedasifshehadfoundhimoutinsomethingreprehensible。
"Idon"tknowmuch，andthat"sthereasonwhyI"mgratefulforyourkindnesstoWill。Idon"tcarewhatstoriestheytellaboutyou，I"msure，youwon"tleadhimintotrouble，butkeephimstraight，formysake。YouknowI"velostonebrother，andWilltakesJimmy"splacetomenow。"
ThetearsinPolly"seyesasshesaidthatmadeTomvowatremendousvowwithinhimselftostandbyWillthroughthickandthin，and"keephimstraightforPolly"ssake"；feelingallthetimehowill-fittedhewasforsuchatask。
"I"lldomybest，"hesaid，heartily，ashepressedthehandPollygavehim，withalookwhichassuredherthathefelttheappealtohishonor，andthathenceforththecountryladwassafefromallthetemptationsTomcouldhaveofferedhim。
"There!nowIshallgivethattomammatotakeherpillsin；it"sjustwhatshelikes，anditpleaseshertobethoughtof，"saidMaud，surveyinghergiftwithcomplacency，assheputonherthings。
"You"reagoodlittlesoul，torememberpoormum，saidTom，withanapprovingnod。
"Well，shewassopleasedwiththegrapesyoubroughther，IthoughtI"dtrysomething，andmaybeshe"dsay"Thankyou，darling，"tometoo。
Doyouthinkshewill？"whisperedMaud，withthewistfullooksooftenseenonherlittleplainface。
"Seeifshedon"t；"andtoMaud"sgreatsurpriseTomdidn"tlaughatherproject。
"Goodnight，dear；takecareofyourself，andkeepyourmufflerroundyourmouthgoingoverthebridge，oryou"llbeashoarseasacrowto-morrow，"
saidPolly，asshekissedherbrother，whoreturneditwithoutlookingasifhethoughtit"girl"snonsense"Thenthethreepiledintothesleighanddroveoff，leavePollynoddingonthedoorstep。
Maudfoundthedrivealtogethertooshort，butwasconsoledbythepromiseofalongeroneifthesleighinglastedtillnextSaturday:andwhenTomranuptobidhismothergood-by，andgiveherahintaboutMaud"sgift，shestayedbelowtosay，atthelastminute，inunconsciousimitationofPolly。
"Goodnight；takecareofyourself，mydear。"
Tomlaughed，andwasabouttopinchthemuchenduringlittlenose；but，asifthewordsremindedhimofsomething，hegaveherakissinstead，apieceofforbearancewhichalmosttookMaud"sbreathawaywithsurpriseandgratification。
Itwasratherasilentdrive，forWillobedientlykepthismufflerup，andTomfellintoabrownstudy。
Hewasnotmuchgiventoreflection，butoccasionallyindulgedwhensomethinggavehimaturninthatdirection，andatsuchtimeshewasassoberandsincereascouldbedesired。Anyonemighthavelecturedhimforanhourwithoutdoingasmuchgoodasthatlittlecallandthechatthatgrewoutofit，for，thoughnothingverywiseorwittywassaid，manythingsweresuggested，andeveryoneknowsthatpersuasiveinfluencesarebetterthananyamountofmoralizing。NeitherPollynorWilltriedtodoanythingofthesort，andthatwasthecharmofit。Nobodylikestobetalkedto，butnobodycanresisttheeloquenceofunconsciouspreaching。
Withallhisthoughtlessness，Tomwasquicktoseeandfeelthesethings，andwasnotspoiltenoughyettolaughatthem。ThesightofWillandPolly"ssimpleaffectionforoneanotherremindedhimofaneglecteddutysopleasantly，thathecouldnotforgetit。Talkingofearlydaysmadehimwishhecouldgobackandstartagain，doingbetter。Grandma"snamerecalledthetendermemorythatalwaysdidhimgood，andthethoughtthatPollytrustedherdearestbrothertohiscarestirredupamanfuldesiretodeservetheconfidence。
Tortureswouldn"thavedrawnawordofallthisfromhim，butithaditseffect，forboysdon"tleavetheirheartsandconsciencesbehindthemwhentheyentercollege，andlittlethingsofthissortdomuchtokeepbothfrombeingdamagedbythefouryears"scrimmagewhichbeginsthebattleoflifeformostofthem。ChapterXI。ChapterXI。CHAPTERXINEEDLESANDTONGUES
DEARPOLLY，；TheSewingCirclemeetsatourhousethisP。M。Thisisinyourline，sodocomeandhelpmethrough。Ishalldependonyou。Yoursever，FAN。
"Badnews，mydear？"askedMissMills，whohadjusthandedthenotetoPollyasshecameinonenoon，afewweeksafterJenny"sarrival。
Pollytoldherwhatitwas，adding，"IsupposeIoughttogoandhelpFanny，butIcan"tsayIwantto。ThegirlstalkaboutthingsIhavenothingtodowith，andIdon"tfindtheirgossipveryamusing。I"manoutsider，andtheyonlyacceptmeonFan"saccount；soIsitinacornerandsew，whiletheychatterandlaugh。"
"Wouldn"titbeagoodchancetosayawordforJenny？Shewantswork，andtheseyoungladiesprobablyhavequantitiesdonesomewhere。Jennydoesfineworkexquisitely，andbeginstofeelanxioustobeearningsomething。
Idon"twanthertofeeldependentandunhappy，andalittlewell-paidsewingwouldbeallsheneedstodonicely。Icangetitforherbyrunningroundtomyfriends，butIreallyhaven"tthetime，tillIgettheMullersoff。Theyarepaupershere，butoutWesttheycantakecareofthemselves，soI"vebeggedthemoneytosendthem，andassoonasIcangetthemsomeclothes，offtheygo。That"sthewaytohelppeoplehelpthemselves，"
andMissMillsclashedherbigscissorsenergetically，asshecutoutalittleredflannelshirt。
"Iknowitis，andIwanttohelp，butIdon"tknowwheretobegin，"
saidPolly，feelingquiteoppressedwiththeimmensityofthework。
"Wecan"tanyofusdoallwewouldlike，butwecandoourbestforeverycasethatcomestous，andthathelpsamazingly。BeginwithJenny，mydear；tellthosegirlsabouther，andifI"mnotmuchmistaken，youwillfindthemreadytohelp，forhalfthetimeitisn"thardnessofheart，butignoranceorthoughtlessnessonthepartoftherich，thatmakesthemseemsocarelessofthepoor。"
"Totellthetruth，I"mafraidofbeinglaughedat，ifItrytotalkseriouslyaboutsuchthingstothegirls，"saidPolly，frankly。
"Youbelievethat"suchthings"aretrue？Youaresincereinyourwishtohelpbetterthem，andyourespectthosewhoworkforthatend？"
"Yes，Ido。"
"Then，mydear，can"tyoubearalittleridiculeforthesakeofagoodcause？Yousaidyesterdaythatyouweregoingtomakeitaprincipleofyourlife，tohelpupyoursexasfarandasfastasyoucould。Itdidmyheartgoodtohearyousayit，forIwassurethatintimeyouwouldkeepyourword。But，Polly，aprinciplethatcan"tbearbeinglaughedat，frownedon，andcold-shouldered，isn"tworthyofthename。"
"Iwanttobestrong-mindedintherealsenseoftheword，butIdon"tliketobecalledsobypeoplewhodon"tunderstandmymeaning；
andIshallbeifItrytomakethegirlsthinksoberlyaboutanythingsensibleorphilanthropic。Theycallmeold-fashionednow，andI"dratherbethoughtthat，thoughitisn"tpleasant，thanbesetdownasarampantwoman"srightsreformer，"saidPolly，inwhosememorymanylaughs，andsnubs，andsarcasmsstilllingered，forgivenbutnotforgotten。
"Thisloveandthoughtandcareforthoseweaker，poorer，orworsethanourselves，whichwecallChristiancharity，isaveryoldfashion，mydear。
Itbeganeighteenhundredyearsago，andonlythosewhohonestlyfollowthebeautifulexamplesetusthen，learnhowtogetgenuinehappinessoutoflife。I"mnota"rampantwoman"srightsreformer，""addedMissMills，withasmileatPolly"ssoberface；"butIthinkthatwomencandoagreatdealforeachother，iftheywillonlystopfearingwhat"peoplewillthink，"andtakeaheartyinterestinwhateverisgoingtofittheirsistersandthemselvestodeserveandenjoytherightsGodgavethem。Therearesomanywaysinwhichthiscanbedone，thatIwondertheydon"tseeandimprovethem。Idon"taskyoutogoandmakespeeches，onlyafewhavethegiftforthat，butIdowanteverygirlandwomantofeelthisduty，andmakeanylittlesacrificeoftimeorfeelingthatmaybeaskedofthem，becausethereissomuchtodo，andnoonecandoitaswellasourselves，ifweonlythinkso。"
"I"lltry!"saidPolly，influencedmorebyherdesiretokeepMissMills"goodopinionthananyloveofself-sacrificeforhersex。Itwasratherahardthingtoaskofashy，sensitivegirl，andthekindoldladyknewit，forinspiteofthegrayhairandwitheredface，herheartwasveryyoung，andherowngirlishtrialsnotforgotten。ButsheknewalsothatPollyhadmoreinfluenceoverothersthansheherselfsuspected，simplybecauseofhercandid，uprightnature；andthatwhileshetriedtohelpothers，shewasservingherselfinawaythatwouldimproveheartandsoulmorethananymeresocialsuccessshemightgainbyfollowingtherulesoffashionablelife，whichdrillthecharacteroutofgirlstilltheyareasmuchalikeaspinsinapaper，andhaveaboutasmuchtruesenseandsentimentintheirlittleheads。TherewasgoodstuffinPolly，unspoiledasyet，andMissMillswasonlyactingoutherprincipleofwomenhelpingeachother。ThewiseoldladysawthatPollyhadreachedthatpointwherethegirlsuddenlybloomsintoawoman，askingsomethingmoresubstantialthanpleasuretosatisfythenewaspirationsthatareborn；atimeaspreciousandimportanttotheafter-life，asthehourwhentheappleblossomsfall，andtheyoungfruitwaitsfortheelementstoripenordestroytheharvest。
Pollydidnotknowthis，andwasfortunateinpossessingafriendwhoknewwhatinfluenceswouldserveherbest，andwhocouldgiveherwhatallwomenshoulddesiretogiveeachother，theexampleofasweet，goodlife，moreeloquentandpowerfulthananywords；forthisisarightnoonecandenyus。
Pollyturnedthematteroverinhermindasshedressed，whileJennyplayedwaitingmaid，littledreamingwhatthisnewfriendwasmeaningtodoforher，ifshedared。
"Isitgoingtobeatea-party，Miss？"askedJenny，astheblacksilkwentrustlingon，tohergreatadmiration，forsheconsideredPollyabeauty。
"Well，no，Ithinkitwillprobablybealecture，"answeredPolly，laughing，forJenny"sgratefulserviceandaffectionateeyesconfirmedthepurposewhichMissMills"littlehomilyhadsuggested。
AssheenteredtheShaws"parloranhourortwolater，anappallingarrayofwell-dressedgirlsappeared，eachprovidedwithadaintyreticule，basket，orbag，andeachtonguegoingagooddealfasterthantheneedle，whilethewhitefingersstitchedsleevesinupsidedown，putflanneljacketstogetherhindpartbefore，orgobbledbutton-holeswiththebestintentionsinlife。
"Youareadeartocomesoearly。Here"saniceplaceforyoubetweenBelleandMissPerkins，andhere"sasweetlittledresstomake，unlessyoulikesomethingelsebetter，"saidFanny，receivingherfriendwithwarmthandplacingherwhereshethoughtshewouldenjoyherself。
"Thankyou，I"lltakeanunbleachedcottonshirtifyouhavesuchathing，foritislikelytobeneededbeforeacambricfrock，"repliedPolly，subsidingintohercomerasquicklyaspossible，foratleastsixeye-glasseswereup，andshedidn"tenjoybeingstaredat。
MissPerkins，agrave，cold-lookingyounglady，withanaristocraticnose，bowedpolitely，andthenwentonwithherwork，whichdisplayedtwodiamondringstogreatadvantage。Belle，beingofthedemonstrativesort，smiledandnodded，drewupherchair，andbeganawhisperedaccountofTrix"slastquarrelwithTom。Pollylistenedwithinterestwhilesheseweddiligently，occasionallypermittinghereyestostudytheelegantintricaciesofMissPerkins"dress，forthatyoungladysatlikeastatue，quirkingherdelicatefingers，andaccomplishingabouttwostitchesaminute。
InthemidstofBelle"sstory，amoreexcitingbitofgossipcaughtherear，andsheplungedintotheconversationgoingonacrossthetable，leavingPollyfreetolistenandadmirethewit，wisdom，andcharitablespiritoftheaccomplishedyoungladiesabouther。TherewasaperfectBabeloftongues，butoutoftheconfusionPollygatheredscrapsoffashionableintelligencewhichsomewhatlessenedherrespectforthedwellersinhighplaces。OnefaircreatureassertedthatJoeSomebodytooksomuchchampagneatthelastGerman，thathehadtobegotaway，andsenthomewithtwoservants。AnotherdivulgedtheawfulfactthatCarrieP。"sweddingpresentswerehalfofthemhiredfortheoccasion。AthirdcirculatedawhispertotheeffectthatthoughMrs。Buckminsterworeathousand-dollarcloak，herboyswerenotallowedbutonesheettotheirbeds。Andafourthyounggossipassuredthecompanythatacertainpersonneverhadofferedhimselftoacertainotherperson，thoughthereportwasindustriouslyspreadbyinterestedparties。ThislatterremarkcausedsuchaclamorthatFannycalledthemeetingtoorderinamostunparliamentaryfashion。
"Girls!girls!youreallymusttalklessandsewmore，oroursocietywillbedisgraced。Doyouknowourbranchsentinlessworkthananyoftheothers。lastmonth，andMrs。FitzGeorgesaid，shedidn"tseehowfifteenyoungladiescouldmanagetodosolittle？"
"Wedon"ttalkabitmorethantheoldladiesdo。Ijustwishyoucouldhaveheardthemgoon，lasttime。Thewaytheygetsomuchdone，is，theytakeworkhome，andmaketheirseamstressesdoit，andthentheytakecreditforvastindustry，"saidBelle，whoalwaysspokehermindwithcharmingcandor。
"Thatremindsmethatmammasaystheywantasmanythingsaswecanmake，forit"sahardwinter，andthepooraresufferingverymuch。Doanyofyouwishtotakearticleshome，todoatoddtimes？"saidFan，whowaspresidentofthisenergeticDorcasSociety。
"Mercy，no!Ittakesallmyleisuretimetomendmyglovesandrefreshmydresses，"answeredBelle。
"Ithinkifwemeetonceaweek，itisallthatshouldbeexpectedofus，withourotherengagements。Poorpeoplealwayscomplainthatthewinterisahardone，andneveraresatisfied，"remarkedMissPerkins，makingherdiamondssparkleasshesewedbuttonsonthewrongsideofapinkcalicoapron，whichwouldhardlysurviveonewashing。
"Nobodycanaskmetodoanymore，iftheyrememberallI"vegottoattendtobeforesummer，"saidTrix，withanimportantair。"I"vegotthreewomenhardatwork，andwantanother，buteveryoneissobusy，andasksuchabominableprices，thatI"mindespair，andshallhavetotakeholdmyself，I"mafraid。"
"There"sachanceforJane，"thoughtPolly，buthadn"tcourage"tospeakoutloudinmeeting，"justthen，andresolvedtoaskTrixforwork，inprivate。
"Pricesarehigh，butyouforgethowmuchmoreitcoststolivenowthanitusedtodo。Mammaneverallowsustobeatdownworkwomen，butwishesustopaythemwell，andeconomizeinsomeotherway，ifwemust，"
saidEmmaDavenport，aquiet，bright-eyedgirl，whowascalled"odd"amongtheyoungladies，becauseshedressedsimply，whenherfatherwasamillionaire。
"Justhearthatgirltalkabouteconomy!Ibegyourpardon，she"ssomerelationofyours，Ibelieve!"saidBelle，inalowtone。
"Verydistant；butI"mproudofit；forwithher，economydoesn"tmeanscrimpinginoneplacetomakeashowinanother。IfeveryonewouldfollowtheDavenports"example，workwomenwouldn"tstarve，orservantsbesuchatrouble。Emmaistheplainestdressedgirlintheroom，nexttome，yetanyonecanseesheisatruegentlewoman，"saidPolly，warmly。
"Andyouareanother，"answeredBelle，whohadalwayslovedPolly，inherscatter-brainedway。
"Hush!Trixhasthefloor。"
"Iftheyspenttheirwagesproperly，Ishouldn"tmindsomuch，buttheythinktheymustbeasfineasanybody，anddresssowellthatitishardtotellmistressfrommaid。Whyourcookgotabonnetjustlikemine(thematerialswerecheaper，buttheeffectwasthesame)，andhadtheimpertinencetowearitbeforemyface。Iforbidit，andsheleft，ofcourse，whichmadepapasocrosshewouldn"tgivemethecamel"shairshawlhepromisedthisyear。"
"It"sperfectlyshameful!"saidMissPerkins，asTrixpausedoutofbreath。"Servantsoughttobemadetodresslikeservants，astheydoabroad；
thenweshouldhavenomoretrouble，"observedMissPerkins，whohadjustmadethegrandtour，andhadbroughthomeaFrenchmaid。
"Perkydon"tpractiseasshepreaches，"whisperedBelletoPolly，asMissP。becameabsorbedinthechatofherotherneighbors。"Shepaysherchambergirlwitholdfinery；andtheotherday，whenBetseywasoutparadinginhermissis"scast-offpurpleplushsuit，Mr。Curtisthoughtshewasmademoiselle，andbowedtoher。Heisasblindasabat，butrecognizedthedress，andpulledoffhishattoitinthemostelegantstyle。Perkyadoreshim，andwasmadenoughtobeatBetseywhenshetoldthestoryandgiggledoverit。BetseyisquiteasstylishandeversomuchprettierthanPerky，andsheknowsit，whichisanaggravation。"
Pollycouldn"thelplaughing，butgrewsoberaminuteafter，asTrixsaid，pettishly，；
"Well，I"msickofhearingaboutbeggars；Ibelievehalfofthemarehumbugs，andifweletthemalonethey"dgotoworkandtakecareofthemselves。There"saltogethertoomuchfussmadeaboutcharity。I
dowishwecouldbeleftinpeace。"
"Therecan"tbetoomuchcharity!"burstoutPolly，forgettinghershynessallatonce。
"Oh，indeed!Well，Itakethelibertytodifferfromyou，"returnedTrix，puttingupherglass，andbestowinguponPollyhermost"toplofticalstare，"asthegirlscalledit。
IregrettosaythatPollynevercouldtalkwithorbenearTrixwithoutfeelingirritatedandcombative。Shetriedtoconquerthisfeeling，butshecouldn"t，andwhenTrixputonairs，Pollyfeltanintensedesiretoboxherears。Thateye-glasswasherespecialaversion，forTrixwasnomorenear-sightedthanherself，butpretendedtobebecauseitwasthefashion，andattimesusedtheinnocentglassasaweaponwithwhichtoputdownanyonewhopresumedtosetthemselvesup。ThesuperciliousglancewhichaccompaniedherironicallypolitespeechrousedPolly，whoansweredwithsuddencolorandthekindlingoftheeyesthatalwaysbetrayedaperturbedspirit，；
"Idon"tthinkmanyofuswouldenjoythatselfishsortofpeace，whilelittlechildrenstarve，andgirlsnoolderthanuskillthemselvesbecausetheirdreadfulpovertyleavesthemnochoicebutsinordeath。"
Asuddenlulltookplace，for，thoughPolly，didnotraisehervoice，itwasfullofindignantemotion，andthemostfrivolousgirltherefeltalittlethrillofsympathy；forthemostutterlyfashionablelifedoesnotkilltheheartoutofwomen，tillyearsofselfishpleasurehavepassedovertheirheads。Trixwasashamedofherself；butshefeltthesameantagonismtowardPolly，thatPollydidtowardher；and，beinglessgenerous，tooksatisfactioninplaguingher。PollydidnotknowthatthesecretofthiswasthefactthatTomoftenheldherupasamodelforhisfiancé；etofollow，whichcausedthatyoungladytodislikehermorethanever。
"Halftheawfulstoriesinthepapersaremadeupforasensation，andit"sabsurdtobelievethem，unlessonelikestobeharrowedup。Idon"t；
andasforpeace，I"mnotlikelytogetmuch，whileIhaveTomtolookafter，"saidTrix，withanaggravatinglaugh。
Polly"sneedlesnappedintwo，butshedidnotmindit，asshesaid，withalookthatsilencedevensharp-tonguedTrix，；
"Ican"thelpbelievingwhatmyowneyesandearshaveseenandheard。Youleadsuchsafeandhappylives，youcan"timaginethemiserythatisallroundyou；butifyoucouldgetaglimpseofit，itwouldmakeyourheartsache，asithasmine。"
"Doyousufferfromheartache？Someonehintedasmuchtome，butyoulookedsowell，Icouldn"tbelieveit。"
NowthatwascruelinTrix，morecruelthananyoneguessed；butgirls"
tonguescandealwoundsassharpandsuddenastheslenderstilettoSpanishwomenwearintheirhair，andPollyturnedpale，asthosewordsstabbedher。Bellesawit，andrushedtotherescuewithmoregood-willthanwisdom。
"Nobodyeveraccusedyouofhavinganyhearttoachewith。PollyandIarenotoldenoughyettogettoughandcool，andwearestillsillyenoughtopityunhappypeople，TomShawespecially，"addedBelle，underherbreath。
Thatwasatwo-edgedthrust，forTrixwasdecidedlyanoldgirl，andTomwasgenerallyregardedasahaplessvictim。Trixturnedred；butbeforeshecouldloadandfireagain，EmmaDavenport，wholaboredunderthedelusionthatthissortofskirmishingwasill-natured，andthereforeill-bred，spokeupinherpleasantway，；
"Speakingofpityingthepoor，Ialwayswonderwhyitisthatweallliketoreadandcryovertheirtroublesinbooks，butwhenwehavetherealthingbeforeus，wethinkitisuninterestinganddisagreeable。"
"It"sthegeniusthatgetsintothebooks，whichmakesuslikethepoverty，Ifancy。ButIdon"tquiteagreethattherealthingisn"tinteresting。
Ithinkitwouldbe，ifweknewhowtolookatandfeelit，"saidPolly，veryquietly，asshepushedherchairoutofthearcticcircleofMissPerkins，intothetemperateoneoffriendlyEmma。
"Buthowshallwelearnthat？Idon"tseewhatwegirlscando，morethanwedonow。Wehaven"tmuchmoneyforsuchthings，shouldn"tknowhowtouseitifwehad；anditisn"tproperforustogopokingintodirtyplaces，tohuntuptheneedy。"Goingaboutdoinggood，inponyphaetons，"
assomebodysays，maysucceedinEngland，butitwon"tworkhere，"saidFanny，whohadbegun，lately，tothinkagooddealofsomeonebesideherself，andsofoundherinterestinherfellow-beingsincreasingdaily。
"Wecan"tdomuch，perhaps，justyet；butstilltherearethingsleftundonethatnaturallyfalltous。Iknowahouse，"saidPolly，sewingbusilyasshetalked，"whereeveryservantwhoentersitbecomesanobjectofinteresttothemistressandherdaughters。Thesewomenaretaughtgoodhabits，booksareputwheretheycangetthem，sensibleamusementsareplannedforthemsometimes，andtheysoonfeelthattheyarenotconsideredmerescrubs，todoasmuchworkaspossible，foraslittlemoneyaspossible，buthelpersinthefamily，whoarelovedandrespectedinproportiontotheirfaithfulness。Thisladyfeelsherdutytothem，ownsit，anddoesit，asconscientiouslyasshewantsthemtodotheirsbyher；andthatisthewayitoughttobe，Ithink。"
AsPollypaused，severalkeeneyesdiscoveredthatEmma"scheekswereveryred，andsawasmilelurkinginthecornersofthemouththattriedtolookdemure，whichtoldthemwhoPollymeant。
"DotheBiddiesallturnoutsaintsinthatwellregulatedfamily？"
askedtheirrepressibleTrix。
"No；fewofusdothat，evenintheparlor；buteveryoneoftheBiddiesisbetterforbeingthere，whethertheyaregratefulornot。Ioughtnottohavementionedthis，perhaps，butIwantedtoshowyouonethingthatwegirlscando。Weallcomplainaboutbadservants，mostasmuchasifwewerehouse-keepersourselves；butitneveroccurstoustotryandmendthematter，bygettingupabetterspiritbetweenmistressandmaid。Thenthere"sanotherthingwecando，"addedPolly，warmingup。"Mostofusfindmoneyenoughforourlittlevanitiesandpleasures，butfeeldreadfullypoorwhenwecometopayforwork，sewingespecially。Couldn"twegiveupafewofthevanities，andpaytheseamstressesbetter？"
"IdeclareIwill!"criedBelle，whoseconsciencesuddenlywoke，andsmoteherforbeatingdownthewomanwhodidherplainsewing，inorderthatshemighthaveanextraflounceonanewdress。
"Bellehasgotavirtuousfit；pityitwon"tlastaweek，"saidTrix。
"Waitandsee，"retortedBelle，resolvingthatitshouldlast，justtodisappoint"thatspitefulminx；"asshesweetlycalledheroldschool-mate。
"NowweshallbeholdBellegallopingawayatagreatpace，onhernewhobby。Ishouldn"tbesurprisedtohearofherpreachinginthejail，adoptinganicedirtylittleorphan，orpassingroundtractsataWoman"sRightsmeeting，"saidTrix，whonevercouldforgiveBelleforhavingalovelycomplexion，andsomuchhairofherownthatsheneverpatronizedeitherrats，mice，waterfalls，switches，orpuff-combs。
"Well，Imightdoworse；andIthink，ofthetwo，I"dratheramusemyselfso，thanassomeyoungladiesdo，whogetintothepapersfortheirpranks，"returnedBelle，withamoralair。
"Supposewehavealittlerecess，andrestwhilePollyplaystous。
Willyou，Polly？Itwilldousgood；theyallwanttohearyou，andbeggedI"dask。"
"ThenIwill，withpleasure"；andPollywenttothepianowithsuchobligingreadiness，thatseveralreproachfulglancesfelluponTrix，whodidn"tneedherglasstoseethem。
Pollywasnevertoosad，perturbed，orlazytosing，foritwasalmostaseasytoherasbreathing，andseemedthemostnaturaloutletforheremotions。Foraminuteherhandswanderedoverthekeys，asifuncertainwhattoplay；then，fallingintoasad，sweetstrain，shesang"TheBridgeofSighs。"Pollydidn"tknowwhyshechoseit，buttheinstinctseemedtohavebeenatrueone，for，oldasthesongwas，itwentstraighttotheheartsofthehearers，andPollysungitbetterthansheeverhadbefore，fornowthememoryoflittleJanelentitatenderpathoswhichnoartcouldgive。Itdidthemallgood，formusicisabeautifulmagician，andfewcanresistitspower。Thegirlsweretouchedbytheappeal；Pollywasliftedoutofherself，andwhensheturnedround，thesoftenedlookonallthefacestoldherthatforthemomentfoolishdifferencesandfrivolousbeliefswereforgottenintheonewomanlysentimentofpityforthewrongsandwoesofwhichthelisteners"happyliveswereignorant。
"Thatsongalwaysmakesmecry，andfeelasifIhadnorighttobesocomfortable，"saidBelle，openlywipinghereyesonacrashtowel。
"Fortunatelysuchcasesareveryrare，"saidanotheryounglady，whoseldomreadthenewspapers。
"Iwishtheywere，butI"mafraidtheyarenot；foronlythreeweeksago，Isawagirlyoungerthananyofus，andnoworse，whotriedtodestroyherselfsimplybecauseshewassodiscouraged，sick，andpoor，"saidPolly。
"Dotellabouther，"criedBelle，eagerly。
Feelingthatthesonghadpavedthewayforthestory，andgivenhercouragetotellit，Pollydidtellit，andmusthavedoneitwell，forthegirlsstoppedworktolisten，andwhensheended，othereyesbesidewarm-heartedBelle"swerewet。Trixlookedquitesubdued；MissPerkinsthawedtosuchadegree，thatsomethingglitteredonherhandasshebentoverthepinkpinaforeagain，betterandbrighterthanherbiggestdiamond；
EmmagotupandwenttoPollywithafacefullofaffectionaterespect，whileFanny，movedbyasuddenimpulse，caughtupacostlySè；vresplatethatstoodontheetagè；re，andlayingafive-dollarbillinit，passeditround，quotingPolly"swords，；
"Girls，Iknowyou"llliketohelppoorlittleJenny"beginagain，anddobetterthistime。""
Itwasgoodtoseehowquicklytheprettypurseswereout，howgenerouslyeachgaveofitsabundance，andwhatheartyapplausebrokefromthegirls，asBellelaiddownhergoldthimble，sayingwithanAprilface，；
"There，takethat；Ineverhaveanymoney，somehowitwon"tstaywithme，butIcan"tlettheplatepassmethistime。"
WhenFannybroughtthecontributionstoPolly，shejustgathereditupinhertwohandswithsuchaglad，gratefulface，thegirlswishedtheyhadhadmoretogive。
"Ican"tthankyouenough，"shesaid，withaneloquentlittlechokeinhervoice。"ThiswillhelpJennyverymuch；butthewayinwhichitwasdonewilldohermoregoodthandoublethemoney，becauseitwillprovetoherthatsheisn"twithoutfriends，andmakeherfeelthatthereisaplaceintheworldforher。Letherworkforyouinreturnforthis；
shedon"taskalms，sheonlywantsemploymentandalittlekindness，andthebestcharitywecanbestowistoseethatshehasboth。"
"I"llgiveherasmuchsewingasshewants，andshecanstayatourhousewhileshedoesit，ifsheneedsahome，"saidTrix，inaspasmofbenevolence。
"Shedoesn"tneedahome，thankyou；MissMillshasgivenhalfofhers，andconsidersJaneherchild，"answeredPolly，withproudsatisfactioninthefact。
"Whatanolddear!"criedBelle。
"Iwanttoknowher。MayI？"whisperedEmma。
"Oh，yes；I"mgladtomakeherknowntoanyone。Sheisaquietlittleoldlady，butshedoesoneheapsofgood，andshowsyouhowtobecharitableinthewisestway。"
"Dotellusaboutit。I"msureIwanttodomyduty，butit"ssuchamuddle，Idon"tknowhow，"saidBelle。