第9章
Then，quitenaturally，theconversationfelluponthegreatworkthatnoneshouldbetoobusytothinkof，andwhichfewaretooyoungortoopoortohelponwiththeirmite。Thefacesgrewmoreearnest，thefingersflewfaster，asthequickyoungheartsandbrainstookinthenewfacts，ideas，andplansthatgrewoutofthetruestories，thesensiblehints，thesuccessfuleffortswhichPollytoldthem，freshfromthelipsofMissMills；for，oflate，Pollyhadtalkedmuchwiththegoodlady，andlearnedquicklythelessonsherunselfishlifeconveyed。Thegirlsfoundthismoreinterestingthangossip，partlyowingtoitsnovelty，doubtless；buttheenthusiasmwassincerewhileitlasted，anddidthemgood。Manyofthemforgotallaboutitinaweek，butPolly"seffortwasnotlost，forEmma，Belle，andFannyremainedfirmfriendstoJane，sokindlyhelpingherthatthepoorchildfeltasifshehadindeedbeenbornagain，intoanewandhappyworld。
NottilllongafterwarddidPollyseehowmuchgoodthislittleefforthaddoneher，forthefirstsmallsacrificeofthissortleadsthewaytoothers，andasinglehand"sturngivenheartilytotheworld"sgreatworkhelpsoneamazinglywithone"sownsmalltasks。Pollyfoundthisoutasherlifeslowlygreweasierandbrighter，andthebeautifullawofcompensationgaveherbetterpurposesandpleasuresthananyshehadlost。Theparentsofsomeofherpupilswerepersonsofrealrefinement，andsucharealwaysquicktoperceivethemarksofcultureinothers，nomatterwheretheyfindthem。These，attractedfirstbyPolly"scheerfulface，modestmanners，andfaithfulwork，soonfoundinhersomethingmorethanagoodteacher；
theyfoundarealtalentformusic，aneagerdesireforhelpfulopportunities，andaheartgratefulforthekindlysympathythatmakesroughplacessmooth。
Fortunatelythosewhohavetheskilltodetectthesetraitsalsopossessthespirittoappreciateandoftenthepowertoserveanddevelopthem。
Inwayssodelicatethatthemostsensitivepridecouldnotresentthefavor，thesetruegentlefolkshowedPollytheirrespectandregard，putmanypleasuresinherway，andwhentheypaidherforherwork，gaveheralsotheheartythanksthattakesawayallsenseofdegradationevenfromthehumblestservice，formoneysoearnedandpaidsweetensthedailybreaditbuys，andmakesthemutualobligationamutualbenefitandpleasure。
AfewsuchpatronsdidmuchforPolly，andthemusicshegavethemhadanundertoneofgratitudethatleftblitheechoesinthosegreathouses，whichmoneycouldnotbuy。
Then，asherbutterflyacquaintancesdesertedher，shefoundherwayintoahiveoffriendlybees，whowelcomedher，andshowedherhowtofindthehoneythatkeepslifesweetandwholesome。ThroughMissMills，whowasthecounsellorandcomforterofseveral，Pollycametoknowalittlesisterhoodofbusy，happy，independentgirls，whoeachhadapurposetoexecute，atalenttodevelop，anambitiontoachieve，andbroughttotheworkpatienceandperseverance，hopeandcourage。HerePollyfoundherplaceatonce，forinthislittleworldloveandlibertyprevailed；talent，energy，andcharactertookthefirstrank；money，fashion，andpositionwereliterallynowhere；forhere，asinthebigworldoutside，geniusseemedtoblossombestwhenpovertywasheadgardener。Youngteachers，doingmuchworkforlittlepay；youngartists，tryingtopencil，paint，orcarvetheirwaytoRome；youngwriters，burningtodistinguishthemselves；youngsingers，dreamingoftriumphs，greatasthoseofJennyLind；andsomewhotriedtoconquerindependence，armedonlywithaneedle，likepoorJane。AllthesehelpedPollyasunconsciouslyasshehelpedthem，forpurposeandprinciplearethebestteacherswecanhave，andthewantofthemmakeshalfthewomenofAmericawhattheyare，restless，aimless，frivolous，andsick。
Tooutsidersthatwasaveryhard-workinganduneventfulwintertoPolly。
Shethoughtsoherself；butasspringcameon，theseedofnewvirtues，plantedinthewintertime，andripenedbythesunshineofendeavor，begantobudinPolly"snature，betrayingtheirpresencetoothersbytheaddedstrengthandsweetnessofhercharacter，longbeforesheherselfdiscoveredtheseMayflowersthathadblossomedforherunderneaththesnow。ChapterXII。ChapterXII。CHAPTERXIIFORBIDDENFRUIT"I"Mperfectlyachingforsomefun，"saidPollytoherselfassheopenedherwindowonemorningandthesunshineandfrostyairsetherblooddancingandhereyessparklingwithyouth，health，andoverflowingspirits。"I
reallymustbreakoutsomewhereandhaveagoodtime。It"squiteimpossibletokeepsteadyanylonger。NowwhatwillIdo？"Pollysprinkledcrumbstothedoves，whocamedailytobefed，andwhileshewatchedthegleamingnecksandrosyfeet，sherackedherbraintodevisesomeunusuallydelightfulwayofenjoyingherself，forshereallyhadbottledupherspiritssolong，theywereinastateofuncontrollableeffervescence。
"I"llgototheopera，"shesuddenlyannouncedtothedoves。"It"sexpensive，Iknow，butit"sremarkablygood，andmusicissuchatreattome。Yes，I"llgettwoticketsascheapasIcan，sendanotetoWill，；poorlad，heneedsfunasmuchasIdo，；andwe"llgoandhaveanicetimeinsomecorner，asCharlesLambandhissisterusedto。"
WiththatPollyslammeddownthewindow，tothedismayofhergentlelittlepensioners，andbegantoflyaboutwithgreatenergy，singingandtalkingtoherselfasifitwasimpossibletokeepquiet。Shestartedearlytoherfirstlessonthatshemighthavetimetobuythetickets，hoping，assheputafive-dollarbillintoherpurse，thattheywouldn"tbeveryhigh，forshefeltthatshewasnotinamoodtoresisttemptation。Butshewassparedanystruggle，forwhenshereachedtheplace，theticketofficewasblockedupbyeagerpurchasersandthedisappointedfacesthatturnedawaytoldPollytherewasnohopeforher。
"Well，Idon"tcare，I"llgosomewhere，forIwillhavemyfun，"shesaidwithgreatdetermination，fordisappointmentonlyseemedtowhetherappetite。Buttheplaybillsshowedhernothinginvitingandshewasforcedtogoawaytoherworkwiththemoneyburningherpocketandallmannerofwildschemesfloatinginherhead。Atnoon，insteadofgoinghometodinner，shewentandtookanice，tryingtofeetverygayandfestiveallbyherself。Itwasratherafailure，however，andafteratourofthepictureshopsshewenttogiveMaudalesson，feelingthatitwasveryhardtoquenchherlongings，andsubsideintoaprimlittlemusicteacher。
Fortunatelyshedidnothavetodoviolencetoherfeelingsverylong，forthefirstthingFannysaidtoherwas:；
"Canyougo？"
"Where？"
"Didn"tyougetmynote？"
"Ididn"tgohometodinner。"
"Tomwantsustogototheoperato-nightand；"Fangotnofurther，forPollyutteredacryofraptureandclaspedherhands。
"Go？OfcourseIwill。I"vebeendyingtogoallday，triedtogetticketsthismorningandcouldn"t，beenfumingaboutiteversince，andnow；oh，howsplendid!"AndPollycouldnotrestrainanecstaticskip，forthisburstofjoyratherupsether。
"Well，youcometotea，andwe"lldresstogether，andgoallcomfortablewithTom，whoisinaheavenlyframeofmindto-day。"
"Imustrunhomeandgetmythings，"saidPolly，resolvingonthespottobuythenicestpairofglovesthecityafforded。
"Youshallhavemywhitecloakandanyotherlittleriggingyouwant。
Tommylikestohavehisladiesacredittohim，youknow，"saidFanny，departingtotakeabeautysleep。
Pollyinstantlydecidedthatshewouldn"tborrowBecky"sbestbonnet，assheatfirstintended，butgetanewone，forinherpresentexcitedstate，noextravaganceseemedtooprodigalinhonorofthisgrandoccasion。
IamafraidthatMaud"slessonwasnotasthoroughasitshouldhavebeen，forPolly"sheadwassuchachaosofbonnets，gloves，opera-cloaksandfans，thatMaudblunderedthrough，murderingtimeandtuneatherownsweetwill。TheinstantitwasoverPollyrushedawayandboughtnotonlythekidsbutabonnetframe，abitofillusion，andapinkcraperose，whichhadtemptedherforweeksinacertainshopwindow，thenhomeandtoworkwithalltheskillandspeedofadistractedmilliner。
"I"mrushingmadlyintoexpense，I"mafraid，butthefitisonmeandI"lleatbreadandwaterforaweektomakeupforit。Imustlooknice，forTomseldomtakesmeandoughttobegratifiedwhenhedoes。
Iwanttodolikeothergirls，justforonce，andenjoymyselfwithoutthinkingaboutrightandwrong。Nowabitofpinkribbontotieitwith，andIshallbedoneintimetodoupmybestcollar，"shesaid，turningherboxestopsy-turvyforthenecessaryribboninthatdelightfulflurrywhichyoungladiesfeelonsuchoccasions。
Itismyprivateopinionthatthelittleshiftsandstruggleswepoorgirlshavetoundergobeforehandgiveapeculiarrelishtoourfunwhenwegetit。ThisfactwillaccountfortherapturousmoodinwhichPollyfoundherselfwhen，aftermakingherbonnet，washingandironingherbestset，blackingherbootsandmendingherfan，sheatlast，likeConsuelo，"putonalittledressofblacksilk"and，withthesmalleradornmentspinnedupinapaper，startedfortheShaws"，findingitdifficulttowalkdecorouslywhenherheartwasdancinginherbosom。
Maudhappenedtobeplayingaredowaupintheparlor，andPollycameprancingintotheroomsoevidentlyspoilingforadancethatTom，whowasthere，founditimpossibletoresistcatchingheraboutthewaist，andputtingherthroughthemostintricateevolutionstillMaud"sfingersgaveout。
"Thatwassplendid!Oh，Tom，thankyousomuchforaskingmeto-night。
Ifeeljustlikehavingaregulargoodtime，"criedPolly，whenshestopped，withherhathangingroundherneckandherhairlookingasifshehadbeenoutinahighwind。
"Gladofit。Ifeltsomyselfandthoughtwe"dhaveajollylittlepartyallinthefamily，"saidTom，lookingmuchgratifiedatherdelight。
"IsTrixsick？"askedPolly。
"GonetoNewYorkforaweek。"
"Ah，whenthecat"sawaythemicewillplay。"
"Exactly。Comeandhaveanotherturn。"
Beforetheycouldstart，however，theawfulspectacleofalittledogtrottingoutoftheroomwithapaperparcelinhismouth，madePollyclaspherhandswiththedespairingcry:；
"Mybonnet!Oh，mybonnet!"
"Where？what？which？"AndTomlookedabouthim，bewildered。
"Snip"sgotit。Saveit!saveit!"
"Iwill!"AndTomgavechasewithmorevigorthandiscretion。
Snip，evidentlyregardingitasagamegotupforhisspecialbenefit，enjoyedtheraceimmenselyandscamperedalloverthehouse，shakingthepreciousparcellikearatwhilehismasterranandwhistled，commandedandcoaxed，invain。Pollyfollowed，consumedwithanxiety，andMaudlaughedtillMrs。Shawsentdowntoknowwhowasinhysterics。Apiteousyelpfromthelowerregionsatlastannouncedthatthethiefwascaptured，andTomappearedbearingSnipbythenapeoftheneckinonehandandPolly"scherishedbonnetintheother。
"ThelittlescampwasjustgoingtoworryitwhenIgrabbedhim。I"mafraidhehaseatenoneofyourgloves。Ican"tfindit，andthisoneisprettywellchewedup，"saidTom，bereavingSnipofthetornkid，towhichhestillpertinaciouslyclung。
"Servesmeright，"saidPollywithagroan。"I"dnobusinesstogetanewpair，butIwantedtobeextragorgeousto-night，andthisismypunishmentforsuchmadextravagance。"
"Wasthereanythingelse？"askedTom。
"Onlymybestcuffsandcollar。You"llprobablyfindtheminthecoal-bin，"
saidPolly，withthecalmnessofdespair。
"Isawsomelittlewhitethingsonthedining-roomfloorasIracedthrough。Gogetthem，Maud，andwe"llrepairdamages，"saidTom，shuttingtheculpritintothebootcloset，whereheplacidlyrolledhimselfupandwenttosleep。
"Theyain"thurtabit，"proclaimedMaud，restoringthelosttreasures。
"Neitherismybonnet，forwhichI"mdeeplygrateful，"saidPolly，whohadbeenexaminingitwithasolicitudewhichmadeTom"seyestwinkle。
"SoamI，foritstrikesmethatisanuncommonly"nobby"littleaffair，"
hesaidapprovingly。Tomhadaweaknessforpalepinkroses，andperhapsPollyknewit。
"I"mafraidit"stoogay，"saidPolly，withadubiouslook。
"Notabit。Sortofbridal，youknow。Mustbebecoming。Putitonandlet"ssee。"
"Iwouldn"tfortheworld，withmyhairalltumblingdown。Don"tlookatmetillI"mrespectable，anddon"ttellanyonehowI"vebeenacting。
IthinkImustbealittlecrazyto-night，"saidPolly，gatheringupherrescuedfineryandpreparingtogoandfindFan。
"Lunacyismightybecoming，Polly。Tryitagain，"answeredTom，watchingherasshewentlaughingaway，lookingalltheprettierforherdishevelment。
"Dressthatgirlup，andshe"dbearaving，tearingbeauty，"addedTomtoMaudinalowertoneashelookherintotheparlorunderhisarm。
Pollyhearditandinstantlyresolvedtobeas"ravingandastearing"
ashermeanswouldallow，"justforonenight，"shesaidasshepeepedoverthebanisters，gladtoseethatthedanceandtheracehadtakenthe"band-boxy"airoutofTom"selegantarray。
IdeeplyregretbeingobligedtoshocktheeyesandearsofsuchofmyreadersashaveaprejudiceinfavorofpureEnglishbyexpressionsliketheabove，but，havingrashlyundertakentowritealittlestoryaboutYoungAmerica，forYoungAmerica，Ifeelboundtodepictmyhonoredpatronsasfaithfullyasmylimitedpowerspermit。Otherwise，Imustexpectthecrushingcriticism，"Well，Idaresayit"sallveryprimandproper，butitisn"tabitlikeus，"andneverhopetoarriveatthedistinctionoffindingthecoversof"AnOld-FashionedGirl"thedirtiestinthelibrary。
Thefriendshadasocial"cupo"tea"upstairs，whichPollyconsideredtheheightofluxury，andtheneachtookamirrorandproceededtoprinktoherheart"scontent。TheearnestnesswithwhichPollymadehertoiletthatnightwasdelightfultobehold。Feelinginadaringmood，shereleasedherprettyhairfromthebraidsinwhichsheusuallyworeitandpermittedthecurlstodisplaythemselvesinalltheirbrownabundance，especiallyseveraldangerouslittleonesaboutthetemplesandforehead。Theputtingonoftherescuedcollarandcuffswasataskwhichabsorbedherwholemind。Sowasthesettlingofaminutebitofcourt-plasterjusttotheleftofthedimpleinherchin，anunusualpieceofcoquetryinwhichPollywouldnothaveindulged，ifanalmostinvisiblescratchhadnotgivenheranexcusefordoingit。Thewhite，down-trimmedcloak，withcertainimposingornamentsonthehood，wasassumedwithbecominggravityanddrapedwithmuchadvancingandretreatingbeforetheglass，asitswearerpractisedthetrueBostongait，elbowsback，shouldersforward，abendandaslide，occasionallyvariedbyaslightskip。Butwhenthatbonnetwenton，PollyactuallyheldherbreathtillitwassafelylandedandthepinkrosebloomedabovethesmoothwavesofhairwithwhatFannycalled"aravishingeffect。"
AtthissuccessfulstageofaffairsPollyfounditimpossibletoresisttheloanofapairofgoldbandsforthewristsandFanny"swhitefanwiththelittlemirrorinthemiddle。
"IcanputtheminmypocketifIfeeltoomuchdressed，"saidPollyasshesnappedonthebracelets，butafterawaveortwoofthefanshefeltthatitwouldbeimpossibletotakethemofftilltheeveningwasover，soenticingwastheirglitter。
Fannyalsolentherapairofthree-buttongloves，whichcompletedhercontent，andwhenTomgreetedherwithanapproving，"Here"sasightforgodsandmen!Why，Polly，you"regorgeous!"shefeltthather"fun"haddecidedlybegun。
"Wouldn"tPollymakealovelybride？"saidMaud，whowasrevolvingaboutthetwogirls，tryingtodecidewhethershewouldhaveablueorawhitecloakwhenshegrewupandwenttooperas。
"Faith，andshewould!Allowmetocongratulateyou，Mrs。Sydney，"addedTom，advancingwithhiswedding-receptionbowandawickedlookatFanny。
"Goaway!Howdareyou？"criedPolly，growingmuchredderthanherrose。
"Ifwearegoingtotheoperato-night，perhapswe"dbetterstart，asthecarriagehasbeenwaitingsometime，"observedFancoolly，andsailedoutoftheroominanunusuallyloftymanner。
"Don"tyoulikeit，Polly？"whisperedTom，astheywentdownstairstogether。
"Verymuch。"
"Thedeuceyoudo!"
"I"msofondofmusic，howcanIhelpit？
"I"mtalkingaboutSyd。"
"Well，I"mnot。"
"You"dbettertryforhim。"
"I"llthinkofit。"
"Oh，Polly，Polly，whatareyoucomingto？"
"Atumbleintothestreet，apparently，"answeredPollyassheslippedalittleonthestep，andTomstoppedinthemiddleofhislaughtopilothersafelyintothecarriage，whereFannywasalreadyseated。
"Here"srichness!"saidPollytoherselfassherolledaway，feelingasCinderellaprobablydidwhenthepumpkin-coachborehertothefirstball，onlyPollyhadtwoprincestothinkabout，andpoorCinderella，onthatoccasion，hadnotevenone。Fannydidn"tseeminclinedtotalkmuch，andTomwouldgooninsucharidiculousmannerthatPollytoldhimshewouldn"tlistenandbegantohumbitsoftheopera。Butsheheardeveryword，nevertheless，andresolvedtopayhimforhisimpertinenceassoonaspossiblebyshowinghimwhathehadlost。
Theirseatswereinthebalcony，andhardlyweretheysettled，when，byoneofthoseremarkablecoincidenceswhicharecontinuallyoccurringinouryouth，Mr。SydneyandFanny"soldfriendFrankMooretooktheirplacesjustbehindthem。
"Oh，youvillain!Youdiditonpurpose，"whisperedPollyassheturnedfromgreetingtheirneighborsandsawadrolllookonTom"sface。
"IgiveyoumywordIdidn"t。It"sthelawofattraction，don"tyousee？"
"IfFanlikesit，Idon"tcare。"
"Shelooksresigned，Ithink。"
Shecertainlydid，forshewastalkingandlaughinginthegayestmannerwithFrankwhileSydneywascovertlysurveyingPollyasifhedidn"tquiteunderstandhowthegraygrubgotsosuddenlytransformedintoawhitebutterfly。
Itisawell-knownfactthatdressplaysaveryimportantpartinthelivesofmostwomenandeventhemostsensiblecannothelpowningsometimeshowmuchhappinesstheyowetoabecominggown，gracefullyarrangedhair，orabonnetwhichbringsoutthebestpointsintheirfacesandputstheminagoodhumor。Agreatmanwasonceheardtosaythatwhatfirstattractedhimtohiswell-belovedwifewasseeingherinawhitemuslindresswithablueshawlonthechairbehindher。Thedresscaughthiseye，and，stoppingtoadmirethat，thewearer"sintelligentconversationinterestedhismind，andintime，thewoman"ssweetnesswonhisheart。Itisnotthefinestdresswhichdoesthemostexecution，Ifancy，butthatwhichbestinterpretsindividualtasteandcharacter。Wisepeopleunderstandthis，andeverybodyismoreinfluencedbyitthantheyknow，perhaps。Pollywasnotverywise，butshefeltthateveryoneaboutherfoundsomethingmoreattractivethanusualinherandmodestlyattributedTom"sdevotion，Sydney"sinterest，andFrank"sundisguisedadmiration，tothenewbonnetor，morelikely，tothatdelightfulcombinationofcashmere，silk，andswan"s-down，which，likeCharity"smantle，seemedtocoveramultitudeofsinsinotherpeople"seyesandexaltthelittlemusicteachertotherankofayounglady。
Pollyscoffedatthissortofthingsometimes，butto-nightsheaccepteditwithoutamurmur；ratherenjoyeditinfact，letherbraceletsshinebeforetheeyesofallmen，andfeltthatitwasgoodtoseemcomelyintheirsight。Sheforgotonething，however:thatherownhappyspiritsgavethecrowningcharmtoapicturewhicheveryonelikedtosee；ablitheyounggirlenjoyingherselfwithallherheart。Themusicandthelight，costumeandcompany，excitedPollyandmademanythingspossiblewhichatmosttimesshewouldneverhavethoughtofsayingordoing。Shedidnotmeantoflirt，butsomehow"itflirteditself"andshecouldn"thelpit，for，oncestarted，itwashardtostop，withTomgoadingheron，andSydneylookingatherwiththatnewinterestinhiseyes。Polly"sflirtingwassuchaverymildimitationofthefashionablethingthatTrix&；
Co。wouldnothaverecognizedit，butitdidverywellforabeginner，andPollyunderstoodthatnightwhereinthefascinationofitlay，forshefeltasifshehadfoundanewgiftallofasudden，andwaslearninghowtouseit，knowingthatitwasdangerous，yetfindingitschiefcharminthatveryfact。
Tomdidn"tknowwhattomakeofheratfirst，thoughhethoughtthechangeuncommonlybecomingandfinallydecidedthatPollyhadtakenhisadviceandwas"settinghercapforSyd，"ashegracefullyexpressedit。
Sydney，beingamodestman，thoughtnothingofthekind，butsimplyfanciedthatlittlePollywasgrowinguptobeaverycharmingwoman。Hehadknownhersinceherfirstvisitandhadalwayslikedthechild；thiswinterhehadbeeninterestedinthesuccessofherplansandhaddonewhathecouldtohelpthem，butheneverthoughtoffailinginlovewithPollytillthatnight。Thenhebegantofeelthathehadnotfullyappreciatedhisyoungfriend；thatshewassuchabrightandlovablegirl，itwasapitysheshouldnotalwaysbegayandpretty，andenjoyherself；thatshewouldmakeacapitalwifeforsomebody，andperhapsitwasabouttimetothinkof"settling，"ashissisteroftensaid。Thesethoughtscameandwentashewatchedthewhitefigureinfront，felttheenchantmentofthemusic，andfoundeverybodyunusuallyblitheandbeautiful。Hehadheardtheoperamanytimes，butithadneverseemedsofinebefore，perhapsbecausehehadneverhappenedtohavehadaningenuousyoungfacesonearhiminwhichthevaryingemotionsbornofthemusic，andtheromanceitportrayed，cameandwentsoeloquentlythatitwasimpossibletohelpreadingthem。Pollydidnotknowthatthiswaswhyheleaneddownsooftentospeaktoher，withanexpressionwhichshedidnotunderstandbutlikedverymuchnevertheless。
"Don"tshutyoureyes，Polly。Theyaresofullofmischiefto-night，Iliketoseethem，"saidTom，afteridlywonderingforaminuteifsheknewhowlongandcurlyherlasheswere。
"Idon"twishtolookaffected，butthemusictellsthestorysomuchbetterthantheactingthatIdon"tcaretolookonhalfthetime，"answeredPolly，hopingTomwouldn"tseethetearsshehadsocleverlysuppressed。
"NowIliketheactingbest。Themusicisallveryfine，Iknow，butitdoesseemsoabsurdforpeopletogoroundtellingtremendoussecretsatthetopoftheirvoices。Ican"tgetusedtoit。"
"That"sbecauseyou"vemorecommon-sensethanromance。Idon"tmindtheabsurdity，andquitelongtogoandcomfortthatpoorgirlwiththebrokenheart，"saidPollywithasighasthecurtainfellonamostaffectingtableau。
"What"s-his-nameisagreatjacknottoseethatsheadoreshim。Inreallifewefellowsain"tsuchbatsasallthat，"observedTom，whohaddecidedopinionsonmanysubjectsthatheknewverylittleabout，andexpressedthemwithgreatcandor。
AcurioussmilepassedoverPolly"sfaceandsheputupherglasstohidehereyes，asshesaid:；
"Ithinkyouarebatssometimes，butwomenaretaughttowearmasks，andthataccountsforit，Isuppose。"
"Idon"tagree。There"spreciouslittlemaskingnowadays；wishtherewasalittlemoresometimes，"addedTom，thinkingofseveralbloomingdamselswhosebeseechingeyeshadbeggedhimnottoleavethemtowitherontheparentstem。
"Ihopenot，butIguessthere"sagooddealmorethananyonewouldsuspect。"
"Whatcanyouknowaboutbrokenheartsandblightedbeings？"askedSydney，smilingatthegirl"spensivetone。
Pollyglancedupathimandherfacedimpledandshoneagain，assheanswered，laughing:；
"Notmuch；mytimeistocome。"
"Ican"timagineyouwalkingabouttheworldwithyourbackhairdown，bewailingahard-heartedlover，"saidTom。
"NeithercanI。Thatwouldn"tbemyway。"
"No；MissPollywouldletconcealmentpreyonherdamaskcheeksandstillsmileoninthenovelfashion，orturnsisterofcharityandnursetheheartlessloverthroughsmall-pox，orsomeothercontagiousdisease，anddieseraphically，leavinghimtotheagoniesofremorseandtardylove。"
PollygaveSydneyanindignantlookashesaidthatinaslowsatiricalwaythatnettledherverymuch，forshehatedtobethoughtsentimental。
"That"snotmywayeither，"shesaiddecidedly。"I"dtrytooutliveit，andifIcouldn"t，I"dtrytobethebetterforit。Disappointmentneedn"tmakeawomanafool。"
"Noranoldmaid，ifshe"sprettyandgood。Rememberthat，anddon"tvisitthesinsofoneblockheadonalltherestofmankind，"saidTom，laughingatherearnestness。
"Idon"tthinkthereistheslightestpossibilityofMissPolly"sbeingeither，"addedSydneywithalookwhichmadeitevidentthatconcealmenthadnotseriouslydamagedPolly"sdamaskcheekasyet。
"There"sClaraBird。Ihaven"tseenherbutoncesinceshewasmarried。
Howprettyshelooks!"andPollyretiredbehindthebigglassagain，thinkingthechatwasbecomingratherpersonal。
"Now，there"sagirlwhotriedadifferentcureforunrequitedaffectionfromanyyoumention。PeoplesayshewasfondofBelle"sbrother。Hedidn"treciprocatebutwentofftoIndiatospoilhisconstitution，soClaramarriedamantwentyyearsolderthansheisandconsolesherselfbybeingthebest-dressedwomaninthecity。"
"Thataccountsforit，"saidPolly，whenTom"slongwhisperended。
"Forwhat？"
"Thetiredlookinhereyes。"
"Idon"tseeit，"saidTom，afterasurveythroughtheglass。
"Didn"texpectyouwould。"
"Iseewhatyoumean。Agoodmanywomenhaveitnowadays，"saidSydneyoverPolly"sshoulder。
"What"sshetiredof？Theoldgentleman？"askedTom。
"Andherself，"addedPolly。
"You"vebeenreadingFrenchnovels，Iknowyouhave。That"sjustthewaytheheroinesgoon，"criedTom。
"Ihaven"treadone，butit"sevidentyouhave，youngman，andyou"dbetterstop。"
"Idon"tcarefor"em；onlydoittokeepupmyFrench。Buthowcameyoutobesowise，ma"am？"
"Observation，sir。Iliketowatchfaces，andIseldomseeagrown-uponethatlooksperfectlyhappy。"
"Trueforyou，Polly；nomoreyoudo，nowIthinkofit。Idon"tknowbutonethatalwayslooksso，andthereitis。"
"Where？"askedPolly，withinterest。
"Lookstraightbeforeyouandyou"llseeit。"
Pollydidlook，butallshesawwasherownfaceinthelittlemirrorofthefanwhichTomheldupandpeepedoverwithalaughinhiseyes。
"DoIlookhappy？I"mgladofthat，"AndPollysurveyedherselfwithcare。
Bothyoungmenthoughtitwasgirlishvanityandsmiledatitsnaivedisplay，butPollywaslookingforsomethingdeeperthanbeautyandwasgladnottofindit。
"Ratherapleasantlittleprospect，hey，Polly？"
"Mybonnetisstraight，andthat"sallIcareabout。DidyoueverseeapictureofBeauBrummel？"askedPollyquickly。
"No。"
"Well，thereheis，modernized。"Andturningthefan，sheshowedhimhimself。
"Anymoreportraitsinyourgallery？"askedSydney，asifhelikedtoshareallthenonsensegoing。
"Onemore。"
"Whatdoyoucallit？"
"Theportraitofagentleman。"Andthelittleglassreflectedagratifiedfaceforthespaceoftwoseconds。
"Thankyou。I"mgladIdon"tdisgracemyname，"saidSydney，lookingdownintothemerryblueeyesthatthankedhimsilentlyformanyofthesmallkindnessesthatwomennevercanforget。
"Verygood，Polly，youaregettingonfast，"whisperedTom，pattinghisyellowkidsapprovingly。
"Bequiet!Dearme，howwarmitis!"AndPollygavehimafrownthatdelightedhissoul。
"Comeoutandhaveanice，weshallhavetime。"
"Fanissoabsorbed，Icouldn"tthinkofdisturbingher，"saidPolly，fancyingthatherfriendwasenjoyingtheeveningasmuchasshewas；agreatmistake，bytheway，forFanwasactingforeffect，andthoughshelongedtoturnandjointhem，wouldn"tdoit，unlessacertainpersonshowedsignsofmissingher。Hedidn"t，andFannychattedon，raginginwardlyoverherdisappointment，andwonderinghowPollycouldbesogayandselfish。
ItwasdelicioustoseethelittleairsPollyputon，forshefeltasifsheweresomebodyelse，andactingapart。Sheleanedback，asifquiteoppressedbytheheat，permittedSydneytofanher，andpaidhimfortheservicebygivinghimaflowerfromherbouquet，proceedingswhichamusedTomimmensely，evenwhileitpiquedhimalittletobetreatedlikeanoldfriendwhodidn"tcount。
"Goinandwin，Polly；I"llgiveyoumyblessing，"hewhispered，asthecurtainroseagain。
"It"sonlypartofthefun，sodon"tyoulaugh，youdisrespectfulboy，"
shewhisperedbackinatoneneverusedtowardSydney。
Tomdidn"tquitelikethedifferentwayinwhichshetreatedthem，andtheword"boy"disturbedhisdignity，forhewasalmosttwenty-oneandPollyoughttotreathimwithmorerespect。SydneyatthesamemomentwaswishinghewasinTom"splace；young，comely，andsuchafamiliarfriendthatPollywouldscoldandlecturehiminthedelightfulwayshedidTom；whilePollyforgotthembothwhenthemusicbeganandleftthemampletimetolookatherandthinkaboutthemselves。
WhiletheywaitedtogetoutwhenallwasoverPollyheardFanwhispertoTom:；
"WhatdoyouthinkTrixwillsaytothis？"
"Whatdoyoumean？"
"Why，thewayyou"vebeengoingonto-night。"
"Don"tknow，anddon"tcare；it"sonlyPolly。"
"That"stheverything。Shecan"tbearP。"
"Well，Ican；andIdon"tseewhyIshouldn"tenjoymyselfaswellasTrix。"
"You"llgettoenjoyingyourselftoomuchifyouaren"tcareful。Polly"swakedup。"
"I"mgladofit，andso"sSyd。"
"Ionlyspokeforyourgood。"
"Don"ttroubleyourselfaboutme；Igetlecturingenoughinanotherquarterandcan"tstandanymore。Come，Polly。"
Shetookthearmheofferedher，butherheartwassoreandangry，forthatphrase，"It"sonlyPolly，"hurthersadly。"AsifIwasn"tanybody，hadn"tanyfeelings，andwasonlymadetoamuseorworkforpeople!FanandTomarebothmistakenandI"llshowthemthatPollyisawake，"
shethought，indignantly。"Whyshouldn"tIenjoymyselfaswellastherest？Besides，it"sonlyTom，"sheaddedwithabittersmileasshethoughtofTrix。
"Areyoutired，Polly？"askedTom，bendingdowntolookintoherface。
"Yes，ofbeingnobody。"
"Ah，butyouain"tnobody，you"rePolly，andyoucouldn"tbetterthatifyoutriedeversohard。"saidTom，warmly，forhereallywasfondofPolly，andfeltuncommonlysojustthen。
"I"mgladyouthinkso，anyway。It"ssopleasanttobeliked。"Andshelookedupwithherfacequitebrightagain。
"Ialwaysdidlikeyou，don"tyouknow，eversincethatfirstvisit。"
"Butyouteasedmeshamefully，forallthat。"
"SoIdid，butIdon"tnow。"
Pollydidnotanswer，andTomasked，withmoreanxietythantheoccasionrequired:
"DoI，Polly？"
"Notinthesameway，Tom，"sheansweredinatonethatdidn"tsoundquitenatural。
"Well，Ineverwillagain。"
"Yes，youwill，youcan"thelpit。"AndPolly"seyeglancedatSydney，whowasinfrontwithFan。
Tomlaughed，anddrewPollycloserasthecrowdpressed，saying，withmocktenderness:
"Didn"tsheliketobechaffedabouthersweethearts？Well，sheshan"tbeifIcanhelpit。Poordear，didshegetherlittlebonnetknockedintoacockedhatandherlittletemperriledatthesametime？"
Pollycouldn"thelplaughing，and，inspiteofthecrush，enjoyedtheslowjourneyfromseattocarriage，forTomtooksuchexcellentcareofher，shewasrathersorrywhenitwasover。
Theyhadamerrylittlesupperaftertheygothome，andPollygavethemaburlesqueoperathatconvulsedherhearers，forherspiritsroseagainandshewasdeterminedtogetthelastdropoffunbeforeshewentbacktoherhumdrumlifeagain。
"I"vehadaregularlysplendidtime，andthankyoueversomuch，"shesaidwhenthe"good-nights"werebeingexchanged。
"SohaveI。Let"sgoanddoitagainto-morrow，"saidTom，holdingthehandfromwhichhehadhelpedtopullarefractoryglove。
"Notforalongwhile，please。Toomuchpleasurewouldsoonspoilme，"
answeredPolly，shakingherhead。
"Idon"tbelieveit。Good-night，"sweetMistressMilton，"asSydcalledyou。Sleeplikeanangel，anddon"tdreamof；Iforgot，noteasingallowed。"
AndTomtookhimselfoffwithatheatricalfarewell。
"Nowit"salloveranddonewith，"thoughtPollyasshefellasleepafteralongvigil。Butitwasnot，andPolly"sfuncostmorethanthepriceofglovesandbonnet，for，havingnibbledatforbiddenfruit，shehadtopaythepenalty。Sheonlymeanttohaveagoodtime，andtherewasnoharminthat，butunfortunatelysheyieldedtothevarioussmalltemptationsthatbesetprettyyounggirlsanddidmoremischieftoothersthantoherself。
Fanny"sfriendshipgrewcoolerafterthatnight。TomkeptwishingTrixwashalfassatisfactoryasPolly，andMr。Sydneybegantobuildcastlesthathadnofoundation。ChapterXIII。ChapterXIII。CHAPTERXIIITHESUNNYSIDE"I"VEwonthewager，Tom。"
"Didn"tknowtherewasone。"
"Don"tyourememberyousaidPollywouldbetiredofherteachingandgiveitupinthreemonths，andIsaidshewouldn"t？"
"Well，isn"tshe？"
"Notabitofit。Ithoughtshewasatonetime，andexpectedeverydaytohavehercomeinwithalongface，andsayshecouldn"tstandit。
Butsomehow，lately，sheisalwaysbrightandhappy，seemstolikeherwork，anddon"thavethetired，worriedlooksheusedtoatfirst。Thethreemonthsareout，sopayup，Tommy。"
"Allright，whatwillyouhave？"
"Youmaymakeitgloves。Ialwaysneedthem，andpapalookssoberwhenIwantmoney。"
Therewasaminute"spauseasFanreturnedtoherpractising，andTomrelapsedintothereveriehewasenjoyingseatedastrideofachair，withhischinonhisfoldedarms。
"SeemstomePollydon"tcomehereasoftenassheusedto，"hesaid，presently。
"No，sheseemstobeverybusy；gotsomenewfriends，Ibelieve，；oldladies，sewing-girls，andthingsofthatsort。Imissher，butknowshe"llgettiredofbeinggoody，andwillcomebacktomebeforelong。"
"Don"tbetoosureofthat，ma"am。"SomethinginTom"stonemadeFanturnround，andask，；
"Whatdoyoumean？"
"Well，itstrikesmethatSydneyisoneofPolly"snewfriends。Haven"tyouobservedthatsheisuncommonlyjolly，anddon"tthatsortofthingaccountforit？"
"Nonsense!"saidFanny，sharply。
"Hopeitis，"coollyreturnedTom。
"Whatputitintoyourhead？"demandedFanny，twirlingroundagainsothatherfacewashidden。
"Oh，well，IkeepmeetingSydandPollycirculatinginthesamedirections；
shelooksasifshehadfoundsomethinguncommonlynice，andhelooksasifallcreationwasgettingPollyfiedprettyrapidly。Wonderyouhaven"tobservedit。"
"Ihave。"
ItwasTom"sturntolooksurprisednow，forFanny"svoicesoundedstrangetohim。Helookedathersteadilyforaminute，butsawonlyarosyearandabenthead。Acloudpassedoverhisface，andheleanedhischinonhisarmagainwithadespondentwhistle，ashesaidtohimself，；
"PoorFan!Bothofusinascrapeatonce。"
"Don"tyouthinkitwouldbeagoodthing？"askedFanny，afterplayingabarortwo，verybadly。
"Yes，forSyd。"
"NotforPolly？Why，he"srich，andclever，andbetterthanmostofyougood-for-nothingfellows。Whatcanthegirlexpect？"
"Can"tsay，butIdon"tfancythematchmyself。"
"Don"tbeadoginthemanger，Tom。"
"Blessyourlittleheart，IonlytakeabrotherlysortofinterestinPolly。She"sacapitalgirl，andsheoughttomarryamissionary，oroneofyourreformerfellows，andbeashininglightofsomesort。Idon"tthinksettingupforafineladywouldsuither。"
"Ithinkitwould，andIhopeshe"llhavethechance，"saidFanny，evidentlymakinganefforttospeakkindly。
"Goodforyou，Fan!"andTomgaveanemphaticnod，asifherwordsmeantmorethanshesuspected"Mindyou，"headded，"Idon"tknowanything，andonlyfanciedtheremightbesomelittleflirtationgoingon。ButIdaresayit"snothing。"
"Timewillshow。"ThenFanbegantosing，andTom"shorsecame，sohedepartedwiththeveryunusualdemonstrationofagentlepatonthehead，ashesaidkindly，；
"That"sright，mydear，keepjolly。"Itwasn"tanelegantwayofexpressingsympathy，butitwashearty，andFanthankedhimforit，thoughsheonlysaid，；
"Don"tbreakyourneck，Tommy。"
Whenhewasgone，Fan"ssongendedassuddenlyasitbegan，andshesatthinking，withvaryingexpressionsofdoubtandtroublepassingrapidlyacrossherface。
"Well，Ican"tdoanythingbutwait!"shesaid，atlast，slammingthemusic-booktogetherwithadesperatelook。"Yes，Ican，"sheadded，aminuteafter，"it"sPolly"sholiday。Icangoandseeher，andifthereisanythinginitIshallfinditout。"
Fannydroppedherfaceintoherhands，withalittleshiver，asshesaidthat；thengotup，lookingaspaleandresoluteasifgoingtomeetsomedreadfuldoom，andputtingonherthings，wentawaytoPolly"sasfastasherdignitywouldallow。
SaturdaymorningwasPolly"sclearing-upday，andFanfoundherwithahandkerchieftiedoverherhead，andabigapronon，justputtingthelasttouchestothetidylittleroom，whichwasasfreshandbrightaswater，air，andapairofhandscouldmakeit。
"Allreadyforcompany。I"lljustwhiskoffmyregimentals，andPolly，themaid，becomesPolly，themissis。Itwaslovelyofyoutocomeearly；
takeoffyourthings。Anothernewbonnet？youextravagantwretch!HowisyourmotherandMaudie？It"saniceday，andwe"llhaveawalk，won"twe？"
BythetimePolly"swelcomewasuttered，shehadgotFanonthelittlesofabesideher，andwassmilingatherinsuchaninfectiousmanner，thatFancouldn"thelpsmilingback。
"Icametoseewhatyouhavebeendoingwithyourselflately。Youdon"tcomeandreport，andIgotanxiousaboutyou，"saidFanny，lookingintothecleareyesbeforeher。
"I"vebeensobusy；andIknewyouwouldn"tcaretohearaboutmydoings，fortheyaren"tthesortyoulike，"answeredPolly。
"Yourlessonsdidn"tusetotakeupallyourtime。It"smyprivateopinionthatyouaretakingaswellasgivinglessons，miss，"saidFan，puttingonaplayfullysternair，tohideherrealanxiety。
"Yes，Iam，"answeredPolly，soberly。
"Inwhat？Love？"
AquickcolorcametoPolly"scheeks，asshelaughed，andsaid，lookingaway，"No；friendshipandgoodworks。"
"Oh，indeed!MayIaskwhoisyourteacher？"
"I"vemorethanone；butMissMillsisheadteacher。"
"Sheinstructsingoodworks；whogivesthefriendshiplessons？"
"Suchpleasantgirls!Iwishyouknewthem，Fan。Soclever，andenergetic，andkind，andhappy，italwaysdoesmegoodtoseethem，"criedPolly，withafacefullofenthusiasm。
"Isthatall？"AndFangaveheracuriouslookofmingleddisappointmentandrelief。
"There，Itoldyoumydoingswouldnotinterestyou，andtheydon"t；
theysoundflatandprosyafteryourbrilliantadventures。Let"schangethesubject，"saidPolly，lookingrelievedherself。
"Dearme，whichofoursweetheartssendsusdaintybouquetsofvioletssoearlyinthemorning？"askedFanny，suddenlyspyingthepurpleclusterinagracefullittlevaseonthepiano。
"Hesendsmeoneeveryweek；heknowsIlovethemso，"andPolly"seyesturnedthatwayfullofprideandpleasure。
"I"dnoideahewassodevoted，"saidFanny，stoopingtosmelltheflowers，andatthesametimereadacardthatlaynearthem。
"Youneedn"tplaguemeaboutit，nowyouknowit。Ineverspeakofourfondnessforoneanother，becausesuchthingsseemsillytootherpeople。
Willisn"tallthatJimmywastome；buthetriestobe，andIlovehimdearlyforit。"
"Will？"Fanny"svoicequitestartledPolly，itwassosharpandsudden，andherfacegrewredandpaleallinaminute，assheupsetthelittlevasewiththestartshegave。
"Yes，ofcourse；whodidyouthinkImeant？"askedPolly，soppingupthewaterbeforeitdamagedherpiano。
"Nevermind；Ithoughtyoumightbehavingaquietlittleflirtationwithsomebody。Ifeelresponsible，youknow，becauseItoldyourmotherI"dlookafteryou。Theflowersareallright。Myheadachesso，IhardlyknowwhatI"mdoingthismorning。"
Fannyspokefast，andlaugheduncomfortably，asshewentbacktothesofa，wonderingifPollyhadtoldheralie。Pollyseemedtoguessatherthoughtsasshesawthecard，andturningtowardher，shehelditup，saying，withaconsciouslookinhereyes，；
"YouthoughtMr。Sydneysentthem？Well，youaremistaken，andthenexttimeyouwanttoknowanything，pleaseaskstraightout。Ilikeitbetterthantalkingatcrosspurposes。"
"Now，mydear，don"tbeangry；Iwasonlyteasingyouinfun。Tomtookitintohisfoolishheadthatsomethingwasgoingon，andIfeltanaturalinterest，youknow。"
"Tom!Whatdoesheknoworcareaboutmyaffairs？"demandedPolly。
"Hemetyoutwointhestreetprettyoften，andbeinginasentimentalmoodhimself，gotuparomanceforyouandSydney。"
"I"mmuchobligedtohimforhisinterest，butit"squitewasted，thankyou。"
Fan"snextproceedinggaveherfriendanothersurprise，for，beingratherashamedofherself，verymuchrelieved，andquiteatalosswhattosay，shetookrefugeinanhystericalfitoftears，whichchangedPolly"sangerintotendernessatonce。
"Isthatthetroubleshehasbeenhidingallwinter？Poordear，IwishI"dknownitsooner，"thoughtPolly，asshetriedtosootheherwithcomfortablepats，sniffsofcologneandsympathizingremarksuponthesubjectofheadache，carefullyignoringthatotherfeminineaffliction，theheartache。
"There，Ifeelbetter。I"vebeenneedingagoodcryforsometime，andnowIshallbeallright。Nevermindit，Polly，I"mnervousandtired；
I"vedancedtoomuchlately，anddyspepsiamakesmeblue；"andFannywipedhereyesandlaughed。
"Ofcourseitdoes；youneedrestandpetting，andhereI"vebeenscoldingyou，whenIoughttohavebeenextrakind。NowtellmewhatIcandoforyou，"saidPolly，witharemorsefulface。
"Talktome，andtellmeallaboutyourself。Youdon"tseemtohaveasmanyworriesasotherpeople。What"sthesecret，Polly？"AndFanlookedupwithweteyes，andawistfulfaceatPolly，whowasputtinglittledabsofcolognealloverherhead。
"Well，"saidPolly，slowly，"Ijusttrytolookonthebrightsideofthings；thathelpsoneamazingly。Why，you"venoideahowmuchgoodnessandsunshineyoucangetoutofthemostunpromisingthings，ifyoumakethebestofthem。"
"Idon"tknowhow，"saidFan，despondently。
"Youcanlearn；Idid。Iusedtocroakandfretdreadfully，andgetsounhappy，Iwasn"tfitforanything。IdoitstillmorethanIought，butItrynotto，anditgetseasier，Ifind。Geta-topofyourtroubles，andthentheyarehalfcured，MissMillssays。"