第10章
"Everythingissocontraryandprovoking，"saidFanny，petulantly。
"Nowwhatintheworldhaveyoutofretabout？"askedPolly，ratheranxiously。
"Quantitiesofthings，"beganFan，andthenstopped，forsomehowshefeltashamedtoownthatshewasafflictedbecauseshecouldn"thaveanewsetoffurs，gotoParisinthespring，andmakeMr。Sydneyloveher。
Shehuntedupsomethingmorepresentable，andsaidinadespairingtone，；
"Well，motherisverypoorly，TomandTrixquarrelallthetime，Maudgetsmoreandmorewilfuleveryday，andpapaisworriedabouthisaffairs。"
"Asadstateofthings，butnothingverydesperate。Can"tyoulendahandanywhere？Thatmightdogoodallround。"
"No；Ihaven"tthetalentformanagingpeople，butIseewhatoughttobedone。"
"Well，don"twailaboutit；keepyourselfhappy，ifyoucan；
itwillhelpotherpeopletoseeyoucheerful。"
"JustwhatTomsaid，"Keepjolly"；but，dearme，howcanone，wheneverythingissostupidandtiresome？"
"Ifeveragirlneededwork，it"syou!"criedPolly。"Youbegantobeayoungladysoearly，thatyouaretiredofeverythingattwenty-two。
Iwishyou"dgoatsomething，thenyou"dfindhowmuchtalentandenergyyoureallyhad。"
"Iknoweversomanygirlswhoarejustlikeme，sicktodeathoffashionablelifebutdon"tknowwhattotakeinitsplace。I"dliketotravel；butpapasayshecan"taffordit，soIcanonlydragaboutandgetonasI
may。"
"Ipityyourichgirlssomuch，youhavesomanyopportunities，anddon"tseemtoknowhowtousethem!IsupposeIshoulddojustthesameinyourplace，butitseemsnowasifIcouldbeveryhappyandusefulwithplentyofmoney。"
"Youarethatwithoutit。There，Iwon"tcroakanymore。Letusgoandtakeagoodwalk，anddon"tyoutellanyonehowIcameandcriedlikeababy。"
"Never!"saidPolly，puttingonherbonnet。
"Ioughttogoandmakecalls，"saidFanny，"butIdon"tfeelnowasifIeverwantedtoseeanyofthegirlsagain。Dreadfulstateofmind，isn"tit？"
"Supposeyoucomeandseesomeofmyfriendsinstead!Theyarenotfineorceremonious，butlively，odd，andpleasant。Come，itwillamuseyou。"
"Iwill，"criedFanny，whosespiritsseemedimprovedbytheshower。
"Nicelittleoldlady，isn"tshe？"addedFan，asshecaughtsightofMissMills，ontheirwayout，sittingatatablepiledwithwork，andsewingawaywithanenergythatmadethegraycurlsvibrate。
"SaintMehitable，Icallher。Now，thereisarichwomanwhoknewhowtogethappinessoutofhermoney，"saidPolly，astheywalkedaway。"Shewaspoortillshewasnearlyfifty；thenacomfortablefortunewaslefther，andsheknewjusthowtouseit。Thathousewasgivenher，butinsteadoflivinginitallalone，shefilleditwithpoorgentlefolkswhoneededneat，respectablehomes，butcouldn"tgetanythingcomfortablefortheirlittlemoney。I"moneofthem，andIknowtheworthofwhatshedoesforme。Twooldwidowladieslivebelowme，severalstudentsoverhead，poorMrs。Keanandherlameboyhavethebackparlor，andJennythelittlebedroomnextMissMills。Eachpayswhattheycan；that"sindependent，andmakesusfeelbetterbutthatdearwomandoesathousandthingsthatmoneycan"tpayfor，andwefeelherinfluenceallthroughthehouse。I"dratherbemarried，andhaveahomeofmyown；butnexttothat，IshouldliketobeanoldmaidlikeMissMills。"
Polly"ssoberfaceandemphatictonemadeFannylaugh，andatthecheerysoundayounggirlpushingababy-carriagelookedroundandsmiled。
Whatlovelyeyes!"whisperedFanny。
Yes，that"slittleJane，"returnedPolly，adding，whenshehadpassed，withanodandafriendly"Don"tgettired，Jenny，""wehelponeanotheratourhouse，andeveryfinemorningJennytakesJohnnyKeanoutwhenshegoesforherownwalk。Thatgiveshismothertimetorest，doesboththechildrengood，andkeepsthingsneighborly。MissMillssuggestedit，andJennyissogladtodoanythingforanybody，it"sapleasuretolether。"
"I"veheardofMissMillsbefore。ButIshouldthinkshewouldgettiredtodeath，sittingtheremakinghoodsandpetticoatsdayafterday，"
saidFanny，afterthinkingoverJenny"sstoryforafewminutes，forseeingthegirlseemedtobringitnearer，andmakeitmorerealtoher。
"Butshedon"tsitthereallthetime。Peoplecometoherwiththeirtroubles，andshegoestothemwithallsortsofhelp，fromsoapandsoup，toshroudsforthedeadandcomfortfortheliving。Igowithhersometimes，anditismoreexcitingthananyplay，toseeandhearthelivesandstoriesofthepoor。"
"Howcanyoubearthedreadfulsightsandsounds，thebadair，andthepovertythatcan"tbecured？"
"Butitisn"talldreadful。Therearegoodandlovelythingsamongthem，ifoneonlyhaseyestoseethem。Itmakesmegratefulandcontented，showsmehowrichIam，andkeepsmereadytodoallIcanforthesepoorsouls。"
"MygoodPolly!"andFannygaveherfriendsarmanaffectionatesqueeze，wonderingifitwasthisalonethathadworkedthechangeinPolly。
"Youhaveseentwoofmynewfriends，MissMillsandJenny，nowI"llshowyoutwomore，"saidPolly，presently，astheyreachedadoor，andsheledthewayupseveralflightsofpublicstairs。"RebeccaJeffreyisaregularlysplendidgirl，fulloftalent；shewon"tletuscallitgenius；
shewillbefamoussomeday，Iknow，sheissomodest，andyetsointentonherwork。LizzieSmallisanengraver，anddesignsthemostdelightfullittlepictures。Beckyandshelivetogether，andtakecareofoneanotherintrueDamonandPythiasstyle。Thisstudioistheirhome，；theywork，eat，sleep，andlivehere，goinghalvesineverything。Theyareallaloneintheworld，butashappyandindependentasbirds；realfriends，whomnothingwillpart。"
"Letalovercomebetweenthem，andtheirfriendshipwon"tlastlong，"
saidFanny。
"Ithinkitwill。Takealookatthem，andyou"llchangeyourmind，"
answeredPolly，tappingatadoor，onwhichtwomodestcardsweretacked。
"Comein!"saidavoice，andobeying，Fannyfoundherselfinalarge，queerlyfurnishedroom，lightedfromabove，andoccupiedbytwogirls。
Onestoodbeforeagreatclayfigure，inacorner。Thisonewastall，withastrongface，keeneyes，short，curlyhair，andafinehead。Fannywasstruckatoncebythisfaceandfigure，thoughtheonewasnothandsome，andtheotherhalfhiddenbyagreatpinaforecoveredwithclay。Atatablewherethelightwasclearest，satafrail-lookinggirl，withathinface，bigeyes，andpalehair，；adreamy，absorbedlittleperson，whobentoverablock，skillfullywieldinghertools。
"BeckyandBess，howdoyoudo？Thisismyfriend，FannyShaw。Weareoutonarampage；sogoonwithyourwork，andletuslazyoneslookonandadmire。"
AsPollyspoke，bothgirlslookedupandnodded，smilingly；BessgaveFantheoneeasy-chair；Beckytookanartisticsurveyofthenew-comer，witheyesthatseemedtoseeeverything；theneachwentonwithherwork，andallbegantotalk。
"YouarejustwhatIwant，Polly。Pullupyoursleeve，andgivemeanarmwhileyousit；themusclesherearen"tright，andyou"vegotjustwhatIwant，"saidBecky，slappingtheroundarmofthestatue，atwhichFanwasgazingwithawe。
"Howdoyougeton？"askedPolly，throwingoffhercloak，androllinguphersleeves，asifgoingtowashing。
"Slowly。Theideaisworkingitselfclear，andIfollowasfastasmyhandscan。Isthefacebetter，doyouthink？"saidBecky，takingoffawetcloth，andshowingtheheadofthestatue。
"Howbeautifulitis!"criedFanny，staringatitwithincreasedrespect。
"Whatdoesitmeantoyou？"askedRebecca，turningtoherwithasuddenshineinherkeeneyes。
"Idon"tknowwhetheritismeantforasaintoramuse，agoddessorafate；buttomeitisonlyabeautifulwoman，bigger，lovelier，andmoreimposingthananywomanIeversaw，"answeredFanny，slowly，tryingtoexpresstheimpressionthestatuemadeuponher。
Rebeccasmiledbrightly，andBesslookedroundtonodapprovingly，butPollyclappedherhands，andsaid，；
"Welldone，Fan!Ididn"tthinkyou"dgettheideasowell，butyouhave，andI"mproudofyourinsight。NowI"lltellyou，forBeckywillletme，sinceyouhavepaidherthecomplimentofunderstandingherwork。Sometimeagowegotintoafamoustalkaboutwhatwomenshouldbe，andBeckysaidshe"dshowusherideaofthecomingwoman。Theresheis，asyousay，bigger，lovelier，andmoreimposingthananyweseenowadays；
andatthesametime，sheisatruewoman。Seewhatafineforehead，yetthemouthisbothfirmandtender，asifitcouldsaystrong，wisethings，aswellasteachchildrenandkissbabies。Wecouldn"tdecidewhattoputinthehandsasthemostappropriatesymbol。Whatdoyousay？"
"Giveherasceptre:shewouldmakeafinequeen，"answeredFanny。
"No，wehavehadenoughofthat；womenhavebeencalledqueensalongtime，butthekingdomgiventhemisn"tworthruling，"answeredRebecca。
"Idon"tthinkitisnowadays，"saidFanny，withatiredsortofsigh。
"Putaman"shandinherstohelpheralong，then，"saidPolly，whosehappyfortuneithadbeentofindfriendsandhelpersinfatherandbrothers。
"No；mywomanistostandalone，andhelpherself，"saidRebecca，decidedly。
"She"stobestrong-minded，isshe？"；andFanny"slipcurledalittleassheutteredthemisusedwords。
"Yes，strong-minded，strong-hearted，strong-souled，andstrong-bodied；
thatiswhyImadeherlargerthanthemiserable，pinched-upwomanofourday。Strengthandbeautymustgotogether。Don"tyouthinkthesebroadshoulderscanbearburdenswithoutbreakingdown，thesehandsworkwell，theseeyesseeclearly，andtheselipsdosomethingbesidessimperandgossip？"
Fannywassilent；butavoicefromBess"scornersaid，；
"Putachildinherarms，Becky。"
"Notthateven，forsheistobesomethingmorethananurse。"
"Giveheraballot-box，"criedanewvoice，andturninground，theysawanodd-lookingwomanperchedonasofabehindthem。
"Thankyouforthesuggestion，Kate。I"llputthatwiththeothersymbolsatherfeet；forI"mgoingtohaveneedle，pen，palette，andbroomsomewhere，tosuggestthevarioustalentssheowns，andtheballot-boxwillshowthatshehasearnedtherighttousethem。Howgoesit？"andRebeccaofferedaclay-daubedhand，whichthenew-comercordiallyshook。
"Greatnews，girls!AnnaisgoingtoItaly!"criedKate，tossingupherbonnetlikeaschool-boy。
"Oh，howsplendid!Whotakesher？Hasshehadafortunelefther？Tellallaboutit，"exclaimedthegirls，gatheringroundthespeaker。
"Yes，itissplendid；justoneofthebeautifulthingsthatdoeseverybodyheapsofgood，itissogenerousandsodeserved。YouknowAnnahasbeenlongingtogo；workingandhopingforachance，andnevergettingit，tillallofasuddenMissBurtonisinspiredtoinvitethegirltogowithherforseveralyearstoItaly。Thinkoftheluckofthatdearsoul，theadvantagesshe"llhave，thegooditwilldoher，and，bestofall，thelovelywayinwhichitcomestoher。MissBurtonwants，herasafriend，asksnothingofherbuthercompany，andAnnawillgothroughfireandwaterforher，ofcourse。Now，isn"tthatfine？"
Itwasgoodtoseehowheartilythesegirlssympathizedintheircomrade"sgoodfortune。Pollydancedallovertheroom，BessandBeckyhuggedoneanother，andKatelaughedwithhereyesfull，whileevenFannyfeltaglowof，prideandpleasureatthekindact。
"Whoisthat？"shewhisperedtoPolly，whohadsubsidedintoacorner。
"Why，itIsKateKing，theauthoress。Blessme，howrudenottointroduceyou!Here，myKing，isanadmirerofyours，FannyShaw，andmywellbelovedfriend，"criedPolly，presentingFan，whoregardedtheshabbyyoungwomanwithasmuchrespect，asifshehadbeenarrayedinvelvetandermine；
forKatehadwrittenasuccessfulbookbyaccident，andhappenedtobethefashion，justthen。
"It"stimeforlunch，girls，andIbroughtminealongwithme，it"ssomuchjolliertoeatinsisterhood。Let"sclubtogether，andhavearevel，"saidKate，producingabagoforanges，andseveralbig，plummybuns。
"We"vegotsardines，crackers，andcheese，"saidBess，clearingoffatablewithallspeed。
"Waitabit，andI"lladdmyshare，"criedPolly，andcatchinguphercloak，sheranofftothegrocerystorenearby。
"You"llbeshockedatourperformances，MissShaw，butyoucancallitapicnic，andnevertellwhatdreadfulthingsyousawusdo，"saidRebecca，polishingapaintknifebyrubbingitupanddowninapotofivy，whileKatespreadforththefeastinseveraloddplates，andaflatshellortwo。
"Letushavecoffeetofinishoffwith；putonthepot，Bess，andskimthemilk，"addedBecky，assheproducedcups，mugs，andaqueerlittlevase，tosupplydrinkingvesselsfortheparty。
"Here"snuts，apotofjam，andsomecake。Fanlikessweetthings，andwewanttobeelegantwhenwehavecompany，"saidPolly，flyinginagain，anddepositinghershareonthetable。
"Now，then，fallto，ladies，andhelpyourselves。Nevermindifthechinadon"tholdout；takethesardinesbytheirlittletails，andwipeyourfingersonmybrown-papernapkins，"saidKate，settingtheexamplewithsucharelish，thattheothersfolloweditinagaleofmerriment。
Fannyhadbeentomanyelegantlunches，butneverenjoyedonemorethanthatdrollpicnicinthestudio；fortherewasafreedomaboutitthatwascharming，anartisticflavortoeverything，andsuchaspiritofgood-willandgayety，thatshefeltathomeatonce。Astheyate，theotherstalkedandshelistened，findingitasinterestingasanyromancetoheartheseyoungwomendiscusstheirplans，ambitions，successes，anddefeats。Itwasanewworldtoher，andtheyseemedadifferentraceofcreaturesfromthegirlswhoseliveswerespentindress，gossip，pleasure，orennui。Theyweregirlsstill，fullofspiritsfun，andyouth；butbelowthelight-heartednesseachcherishedapurpose，whichseemedtoennobleherwomanhood，togiveheracertainpower，asustainingsatisfaction，adailystimulus，thatledherontodailyeffort，andintimetosomesuccessincircumstanceorcharacter，whichwasworthallthepatience，hope，andlaborofherlife。
Fannywasjusttheninthemoodtofeelthebeautyofthis，forthesincerestemotionshehadeverknownwasbeginningtomakeherdissatisfiedwithherself，andtheaimlesslifesheled。"Menmustrespectsuchgirlsasthese，"shethought；"yes，andlovethemtoo，forinspiteoftheirindependence，theyarewomanly。IwishIhadatalenttolivefor，ifitwoulddoasmuchformeasitdoesforthem。ItisthissortofthingthatisimprovingPolly，thatmakeshersocietyinterestingtoSydney，andherselfsodeartoeveryone。Moneycan"tbuythesethingsforme，andIwantthemverymuch。"
Asthesethoughtswerepassingthroughhermind，Fannywashearingallsortsoftopicsdiscussedwithfeminineenthusiasmandfrankness。Art，morals，politics，society，books，religion，housekeeping，dress，andeconomy，forthemindsandtonguesrovedfromsubjecttosubjectwithyouthfulrapidity，andseemedtogetsomethingfromthedryestandthedullest。
"Howdoesthenewbookcomeon？"askedPolly，suckingherorangeinpublicwithacomposurewhichwouldhavescandalizedthegoodladiesof"Cranford。"
"Betterthanitdeserves。Mychildren，bewareofpopularity；itisadelusionandasnare；itpuffethuptheheartofman，andespeciallyofwoman；itblindeththeeyestofaults；itexaltethundulythehumblepowersofthevictim；itisapttobecapricious，andjustasonegetstolikingthetasteofthisintoxicatingdraught，itsuddenlyfaileth，andoneisleftgasping，likeafishoutofwater，"andKateemphasizedherspeechbyspearingasardinewithapenknife，andeatingitwithagroan。
"Itwon"thurtyoumuch，Iguess；youhaveworkedandwaitedsolong，alargedosewilldoyougood，"saidRebecca，givingheragenerousspoonfulofjam，asifeagertoaddasmuchsweetnessaspossibletoalifethathadnotbeenaneasyone。
"WhenareyouandBeckygoingtodissolvepartnership？"askedPolly，eagerfornewsofall。
"Never!Georgeknowshecan"thaveonewithouttheother，andhasnotsuggestedsuchathingaspartingus。ThereisalwaysroominmyhouseforBecky，andsheletsmedoasshewouldifshewasinmyplace，"answeredBess，withalookwhichherfriendansweredbyasmile。
"Theloverwon"tseparatethispairoffriends，yousee，"whisperedPollytoFan。"Bessistobemarriedinthespring，andBeckyistolivewithher。"
"Bytheway，Polly，I"vegotsometicketsforyou。Peoplearealwayssendingmesuchthings，andasIdon"tcareforthem，I"mgladtomakethemovertoyouyoungandgiddyinfants。Therearepassesforthestatuaryexhibition，Beckyshallhavethose，herearetheconcertticketsforyou，mymusicalgirl；andthatisforacourseoflecturesonliterature，whichI"llkeepformyself。"
AsKatedealtoutthecoloredcardstothegratefulgirls，Fannytookagoodlookather，wonderingifthetimewouldevercomewhenwomencouldearnalittlemoneyandsuccess，withoutpayingsuchaheavypriceforthem；forKatelookedsick，tired，andtooearlyold。Thenhereyewenttotheunfinishedstatue，andshesaid，impulsively，；
"Ihopeyou"llputthatinmarble，andshowuswhatweoughttobe。"
"IwishIcould!"AndanintensedesireshoneinRebecca"sface，asshesawherfaultywork，andfelthowfairhermodelwas。
Foraminute，thefiveyoungwomensatsilentlookingupatthebeautiful，strongfigurebeforethem，eachlongingtoseeitdone，andeachunconsciousthatshewashelping，byherindividualeffortandexperience，tobringthedaywhentheirnoblestidealofwomanhoodshouldbeembodiedinfleshandblood，notclay。
Thecitybellsrungone，andPollystartedup。
"Imustgo，forIpromisedaneighborofminealessonattwo。"
"Ithoughtthiswasaholiday，"saidFanny。
"Soitis，butthisisalittlelaboroflove，anddoesn"tspoilthedayatall。Thechildhastalent，lovesmusic，andneedshelp。Ican"tgivehermoney，butIcanteachher；soIdo，andsheisthemostpromisingpupilIhave。Helponeanother，ispartofthereligionofoursisterhood，Fan。"
"Imustputyouinastory，Polly。Iwantaheroine，andyouwilldo，"
saidKate。
"Me!why，thereneverwassuchahumdrum，unromanticthingasIam，"
criedPolly，amazed。
"I"vebookedyou，nevertheless，soinyougo；butyoumayaddasmuchromanceasyoulike，it"stimeyoudid。"
"I"mreadyforitwhenitcomes，butitcan"tbeforced，youknow，"
andPollyblushedandsmiledasifsomelittlespiceofthatdelightfulthinghadstolenintoherlife，forallitsprosaicseeming。
Fannywasamusedtoseethatthegirlsdidnotkissatparting，butshookhandsinaquiet，friendlyfashion，lookingatoneanotherwitheyesthatsaidmorethanthemost"gushing"words。
"Ilikeyourfriendsverymuch，Polly。IwasafraidIshouldfindthemmannishandrough，orsentimentalandconceited。Buttheyaresimple，sensiblecreatures，fulloftalent，andallsortsoffinethings。Iadmireandrespectthem，andwanttogoagain，ifImay。"
"Oh，Fan，Iamsoglad!Ihopedyou"dlikethem，Iknewthey"ddoyougood，andI"lltakeyouanytime，foryoustoodthetestbetterthanIexpected。Beckyaskedmetobringyouagain，andsheseldomdoesthatforfashionableyoungladies，letmetellyou。"
"Iwanttobeeversomuchbetter，andIthinkyouandtheymightshowmehow，"saidFanny，withatraitoroustrembleinhervoice。
"We"llshowyouthesunnysideofpovertyandwork，andthatisausefullessonforanyone，MissMillssays，"answeredPolly，hopingthatFanwouldlearnhowmuchthepoorcanteachtherich，andwhathelpfulfriendsgirlsmaybetooneanother。ChapterXIV。ChapterXIV。CHAPTERXIVNIPPEDINTHEBUDONtheeveningofFan"svisit，Pollysatdownbeforeherfirewitharesoluteandthoughtfulaspect。Shepulledherhairdown，turnedherskirtback，putherfeetonthefender，andtookPuttelintoherlap，allofwhicharrangementssignifiedthatsomethingveryimportanthadgottobethoughtoverandsettled。Pollydidnotsoliloquizealoud，asheroinesonthestageandinbookshaveawayofdoing，buttheconversationsheheldwithherselfwasverymuchlikethis:；
"I"mafraidthereissomethinginit。I"vetriedtothinkit"snothingbutvanityorimagination，yetIcan"thelpseeingadifference，andfeelingasifIoughtnottopretendthatIdon"t。Iknowit"sconsideredproperforgirlstoshuttheireyesandletthingscometoacrisisnomatterhowmuchmischiefisdone。ButIdon"tthinkit"sdoingaswe"dbedoneby，anditseemsagreatdealmorehonesttoshowamanthatyoudon"tlovehimbeforehehasentirelylosthisheart。ThegirlslaughedatmewhenIsaidso，andtheydeclaredthatitwouldbeaveryimproperthingtodo，butI"veobservedthattheydon"thesitatetosnub"ineligibleparties，"astheycallpoor，veryyoung，orunpopularmen。
It"sallrightthen，butwhenanicepersoncomesit"spartofthefuntolethimgoontotheveryend，whetherthegirlscareforhimornot。
Themoreproposals，themorecredit。FansaysTrixalwaysaskswhenshecomeshomeafterthesummerexcursions，"Howmanybirdshaveyoubagged？"
asifmenwerepartridges。Whatwickedcreaturesweare!someofusatleast。Iwonderwhysuchaloveofconquestwasputintous？Mothersaysagreatdealofitisowingtobadeducationnowadays，butsomegirlsseembornfortheexpresspurposeofmakingtroubleandwouldmanagetodoitiftheylivedinahowlingwilderness。I"mafraidI"vegotaspiceofit，andifIhadthechance，shouldbeasbadasanyofthem。I"vetrieditandlikedit，andmaybethisistheconsequenceofthatnight"sfun。"
HerePollyleanedbackandlookedupatthelittlemirroroverthechimney-piece，whichwashungsothatitreflectedthefacesofthoseaboutthefire。
InitPollysawapairoftelltaleeyeslookingoutfromatangleofbrightbrownhair，cheeksthatflushedanddimpledsuddenlyasthefreshmouthsmiledwithanexpressionofconsciouspower，halfproud，halfashamed，andasprettytoseeasthecoquettishgesturewithwhichshesmoothedbackhercurlsandflourishedawhitehand。Foraminutesheregardedthepleasantpicturewhilevisionsofgirlishromancesandtriumphsdancedthroughherhead，thensheshookherhairalloverherfaceandpushedherchairoutofrangeofthemirror，saying，withadrollmixtureofself-reproachandself-approvalinhertone；；
"Oh，Puttel，Puttel，whatafoolIam!"
Pussappearedtoendorsethesentimentbyaloudpurrandagracefulwaveofhertail，andPollyreturnedtothesubjectfromwhichtheselittlevanitieshadbeguiledher。
"Justsupposeitistrue，thathedoesaskme，andIsayyes!Whatastiritwouldmake，andwhatfunitwouldbetoseethefacesofthegirlswhenitcameout!Theyallthinkagreatdealofhimbecauseheissohardtoplease，andalmostanyofthemwouldfeelimmenselyflatteredifhelikedthem，whethertheychosetomarryhimornot。Trixhastriedforyearstofascinatehim，andhecan"tbearher，andI"msoglad!WhataspitefulthingIam。Well，Ican"thelpit，shedoesaggravatemeso!"
AndPollygavethecatsuchatweakoftheearthatPuttelbouncedoutofherlapinhighdudgeon。
"Itdon"tdotothinkofher，andIwon"t!"saidPollytoherself，settingherlipswithagrimlookthatwasnotatallbecoming。"WhataneasylifeIshouldhave；plentyofmoney，quantitiesoffriends，allsortsofpleasures，andnowork，nopoverty，nocoldshouldersorpatchedboots。
Icoulddosomuchforallathome；howIshouldenjoythat!"AndPollyletherthoughtsrevelintheluxuriousfutureherfancypainted。Itwasaverybrightpicture，butsomethingseemedamisswithit，forpresentlyshesighedandshookherhead，thinkingsorrowfully，"Ah，butIdon"tlovehim，andI"mafraidInevercanasIought!He"sverygood，andgenerous，andwise，andwouldbekind，Iknow，butsomehowIcan"timaginespendingmylifewithhim；I"msoafraidIshouldgettiredofhim，andthenwhatshouldIdo？PollySydneydon"tsoundwell，andMrs。ArthurSydneydon"tseemtofitmeabit。Wonderhowitwouldseemtocallhim"Arthur"？"AndPollysaiditunderherbreath，withalookoverhershouldertobesurenooneheardit。"It"saprettyname，butrathertoofine，andIshouldn"tdaretosay"Syd，"ashissisterdoes。Ilikeshort，plain，home-likenames，suchasWill，Ned，orTom。No，no，Icannevercareforhim，andit"snousetotry!"TheexclamationbrokefromPollyasifasuddentroublehadseizedher，andlayingherheaddownonherknees，shesatmotionlessformanyminutes。
Whenshelookedup，herfaceworeanexpressionwhichnoonehadeverseenonitbefore；alookofmingledpainandpatience，asifsomelosshadcometoher，andleftthebitternessofregretbehind。
"Iwon"tthinkofmyself，ortrytomendonemistakebymakinganother，"
shesaidwithaheavysigh。"I"lldowhatIcanforFan，andnotstandbetweenherandachanceofhappiness。Letmesee，howcanIbegin？Iwon"twalkwithhimanymore；I"lldodgeandgoroundaboutways，sothatwecan"tmeet。IneverhadmuchfaithintheremarkablecoincidenceofhisalwayshappeninghometodinnerjustasIgotogivetheRothstheirlesson。
Thefactis，Iliketomeethim，Iamgladtobeseenwithhim，andputonairs，Idaresay，likeavaingooseasIam。Well，Iwon"tdoitanymore，andthatwillspareFanoneaffliction。Poordear，howImusthaveworriedherallthistime，andneverguessedit。Shehasn"tbeenquiteaskindasever；butwhenshegotsharp，Ifancieditwasdyspepsia。Oh，me!Iwishtheothertroublecouldbecuredaseasilyasthis。"
Herepussshowedanamiabledesiretoforgiveandforget，andPollytookherup，sayingaloud:；
"Puttel，whenmissisabusesyou，playit"sdyspepsia，anddon"tbearmalice，becauseit"saverytryingdisease，mydear。"
Then，goingbacktoherthoughts，sherambledonagain；；
"Ifhedoesn"ttakethathint，Iwillgivehimastrongerone，forIwillnothavematterscometoacrisis，thoughIcan"tdenythatmywickedvanitystronglytemptsmetotryand"bagabird"justfortheexcitementandcreditofthething。Polly，I"mashamedofyou!Whatwouldyourblessedmothersaytohearsuchexpressionsfromyou？I"dwriteandtellheralltheworry，onlyitwouldn"tdoanygood，andwouldonlytroubleher。I"venorighttotellFan"ssecrets，andI"mashamedtotellmine。No，I"llleavemotherinpeace，andfightitoutalone。IdothinkFanwouldsuithimexcellentlybyandby。Hehasknownherallherlife，andhasagoodinfluenceoverher。Lovewoulddosomuchtowardmakingherwhatshemightbe；it"sashametohavethechancelostjustbecausehehappenstoseeme。Ishouldthinkshe"dhateme；butI"llshowherthatsheneedn"t，anddoallIcantohelpher；forshehasbeensogoodtomenothingshallevermakemeforgetthat。Itisadelicateanddangeroustask，butIguessIcanmanageit；atanyrateI"lltry，andhavenothingtoreproachmyselfwithifthingsdogo"contrary。""
WhatPollythoughtof，asshelaybackinherchair，withhereyesshut，andahopelesslookonherface，isnoneofourbusiness，thoughwemightfeelawishtoknowwhatcausedateartogatherslowlyfromtimetotimeunderherlashes，androlldownonPuttel"sQuaker-coloredcoat。Wasitregretfortheconquestsherelinquished，wasitsympathyforherfriend，orwasitanuncontrollableoverflowoffeelingasshereadsomesadortenderpassageofthelittleromancewhichshekepthiddenawayinherownheart？
OnMonday，Pollybeganthe"delicateanddangeroustask。"Insteadofgoingtoherpupilsbywayoftheparkandthepleasantstreetsadjoining，shetookaroundaboutroutethroughbackstreets，andthusescapedMr。
Sydney，who，asusual，camehometodinnerveryearlythatdayandlookeddisappointedbecausehenowheresawthebrightfaceinthemodestbonnet。
Pollykeptthisupforaweek，andbycarefullyavoidingtheShaws"houseduringcallinghours，shesawnothingofMr。Sydney，who，ofcourse，didn"tvisitheratMissMills"。Minniehappenedtobepoorlythatweekandtooknolesson，soUncleSydwasdeprivedofhislasthope，andlookedasifhisallowanceofsunshinehadbeensuddenlycutoff。
Now，asPollywasbynomeansaperfectcreature，Iamfreetoconfessthattheoldtemptationassailedhermorethanoncethatweek，for，whenthefirstexcitementofthedodgingreformhadsubsided，shemissedthepleasantlittleinterviewsthatusedtoputacertainflavorofromanceintoherdull，hard-workingdays。ShelikedMr。Sydneyverymuch，forhehadalwaysbeenkindandfriendlysincetheearlytimeswhenhehadtreatedthelittlegirlwithacourtesywhichtheyoungwomangratefullyremembered。
Idon"tthinkitwashiswealth，accomplishments，orpositionthatmostattractedPolly，thoughthesedoubtlesspossessedagreaterinfluencethanshesuspected。Itwasthatindescribablesomethingwhichwomenarequicktoseeandfeelinmenwhohavebeenblessedwithwiseandgoodmothers。
ThishadanespecialcharmtoPolly，forshesoonfoundthatthissideofhischaracterwasnotshowntoeveryone。Withmostgirls，hewasveryliketheotheryoungmenofhisset，exceptperhapsinacertaingraceofmannerwhichwasasnaturaltohimashisrespectforallwomankind。
ButwithFannyandPollyheshowedthedomestictraitsandvirtueswhicharemoreengagingtowomanlywomenthananyamountofcoolintellectorworldlywisdom。
PollyhadseenagooddealofhimduringhervisitsattheShaws"，wherehewasintimate，owingtothefriendshipbetweenMadamandhismother；
butshehadneverthoughtofhimasapossibleloverforeitherFannyorherselfbecausehewassixoreightyearsolderthanthey，andstillsometimesassumedthepartofavenerablementor，asintheearlydays。Latelythishadchanged，especiallytowardsPolly，anditflatteredhermorethanshewouldconfesseventoherself。Sheknewheadmiredheronetalent，respectedherindependence，andenjoyedhersociety；butwhensomethingwarmerandmoreflatteringthanadmiration，respect，orpleasurecreptintohismanner，shecouldnothelpseeingthatoneofthegoodgiftsofthislifewasdailycomingmoreandmorewithinherreach，andbegantoaskherselfifshecouldhonestlyreceivethegift，andrewardthegiver。
Atfirstshetriedtothinkshecould，butunfortunatelyheartsareso"contrary"thattheywon"tbeobedienttoreason，will，orevengratitude。
PollyfeltaverycordialfriendshipforMr。Sydney，butnotoneparticleofthelovewhichistheonlycoininwhichlovecanbetrulypaid。Thenshetookafancyintoherheadthatsheoughttoacceptthispieceofgoodfortuneforthesakeofthefamily，andforgetherself。Butthisfalseideaofself-sacrificedidnotsatisfy，forshewasnotafashionablegirltrainedtobelievethatherfirstdutywastomake"agoodmatch"andnevermindtheconsequences，thoughtheyrenderedhermiserableforlife。Polly"screedwasverysimple:"IfIdon"tlovehim，Ioughtnottomarryhim，especiallywhenIdolovesomebodyelse，thougheverythingisagainstme。"
IfshehadreadasmanyFrenchnovelsassomeyoungladies，shemighthaveconsidereditinterestingtomarryunderthecircumstancesandsufferasecretanguishtomakeheraromanticvictim。ButPolly"seducationhadbeenneglected，andafteragooddealofnaturalindecisionshedidwhatmostwomendoinsuchcases，thoughtshewould"waitandsee。"
ThediscoveryofFanny"ssecretseemedtoshowhersomethingtodo，forifthe"waitandsee"decisionwasmakingherfriendunhappy，itmustbechangedassoonaspossible。ThisfinishedPolly"sindecision，andafterthatnightsheneverallowedherselftodwelluponthepleasanttemptationwhichcameinaguiseparticularlyattractivetoayounggirlwithaspiceoftheoldEveinhercomposition。Sodayafterdayshetrudgedthroughthedullbackstreets，longingforthesunnypark，thefacethatalwaysbrightenedwhenitsawhercoming，andmostofallthechanceofmeeting；well，itwasn"tTrix。
WhenSaturdaycame，PollystartedasusualforavisittoBeckyandBess，butcouldn"tresiststoppingattheShaws"toleavealittleparcelforFan，thoughitwascallingtime。Asshesteppedin，meaningtorunupforawordifFannyshouldchancetobealone，twohatsonthehalltablearrestedher。
"Whoishere，Katy？"
"OnlyMr。SydneyandMasterTom。Won"tyoustopabit，MissPolly？"
"Notthismorning，I"mratherinahurry。"AndawaywentPollyasifadozeneagerpupilswereclamoringforherpresence。Butasthedoorshutbehindhershefeltsoleftoutinthecold，thathereyesfilled，andwhenNep，Tom"sgreatNewfoundland，cameblunderingafterher，shestoppedandhuggedhisshaggyhead，sayingsoftly，asshelookedintothebrown，benevolenteyes，fullofalmosthumansympathy:；
"Now，goback，olddear，youmustn"tfollowme。Oh，Nep，it"ssohardtoputloveawaywhenyouwantitverymuchanditisn"trighttotakeit。"
Afoolishlittlespeechtomaketoadog，butyouseePollywasonlyatender-heartedgirl，tryingtodoherduty。
"SinceheissafewithFanny，ImayventuretowalkwhereIlike。It"ssuchalovelyday，allthebabieswillbeout，anditalwaysdoesmegoodtoseethem，"thoughtPolly，turningintothewide，sunnystreet，whereWestEnd-dompromenadedatthathour。
Thebabieswereoutinfullforce，lookingasgayanddelicateandsweetasthesnow-drops，hyacinths，anddaffodilsonthebankswhencethesnowhadmelted。Butsomehowthebabiesdidn"tdoPollythegoodsheexpected，thoughtheysmiledatherfromtheircarriages，andkissedtheirchubbyhandsasshepassedthem，forPollyhadthesortoffacethatbabieslove。Onetinycreatureinblueplushwascastingdespairingglancesafteraverysmalllordofcreationwhowaswalkingawaywithatoddlingbelleinwhite，whileasecondyounggentlemaningorgeouspurplegaiterswasendeavoringtoconsolethedeserteddamsel。
"TakeholdofMasterCharley"shand，MissMamie，andwalkpretty，likeWillyandFlossy，"saidthemaid。
"No，no，IwanttodowidWilly，andhewon"tletme。Do"way，Tarley，Idon"tliteyou，"criedlittleBlue-bonnet，castingdownhererminemuffandsobbinginamicroscopichandkerchief，thethread-laceedgingonwhichcouldn"tmitigateherwoe，asitmighthavedonethatofanoldersufferer。
"WillylikesFlossybest，sostopcryingandcomerightalong，younaughtychild。"
AspoorlittleDidowasjerkedawaybytheunsympatheticmaid，andPurple-gaitersessayedinvaintopleadhiscause，Pollysaidtoherself，withasmileandasigh；；
"Howearlytheoldstorybegins!"
Itseemedasifthespringweatherhadbroughtoutallmanneroftenderthingsbesidefreshgrassandthefirstdandelions，forasshewentdownthestreetPollykeptseeingdifferentphasesofthesweetoldstorywhichshewastryingtoforget。
Atastreetcorner，ablack-eyedschool-boywaspartingfromarosy-facedschool-girl，whosemusicrollhewasreluctantlysurrendering。
"Don"tyouforget，now，"saidtheboy，lookingbashfullyintothebrighteyesthatdancedwithpleasureasthegirlblushedandsmiled，andansweredreproachfully；；
"Why，ofcourseIshan"t!"
"Thatlittleromancerunssmoothlysofar；Ihopeitmaytotheend，"
saidPollyheartilyasshewatchedtheladtrampaway，whistlingasblithelyasifhispleasurableemotionsmustfindavent，orendangerthebuttonsontheroundjacket；whilethegirlprancedonherowndoorstep，asifpractisingforthejoyfuldancewhichshehadpromisednottoforget。
AlittlefartheronPollypassedanewlyengagedcouplewhomsheknew，walkingarminarmforthefirsttime，bothwearingthatproudyetconsciouslookwhichissodelightfultobeholduponthecountenancesofthesetemporarilyglorifiedbeings。
"Howhappytheyseem；oh，dear!"saidPolly，andtrudgedon，wonderingifherturnwouldevercomeandfearingthatitwasimpossible。
Aglimpseofamotherly-lookingladyenteringadoor，receivedbyaflockofprettychildren，whocastthemselvesuponmammaandherparcelswithcriesofrapture，didPollygood；andwhen，aminuteaftershepassedagrayoldcouplewalkingplacidlytogetherinthesunshine，shefeltbetterstill，andwasgladtoseesuchahappyendingtotheromanceshehadreadalldownthestreet。
AsifthemischievouslittlegodwishedtotakePollyatadisadvantage，orperhapstogiveheranotherchance，justatthatinstantMr。Sydneyappearedatherside。HowhegottherewasneververycleartoPolly，buttherehewas，flushed，andalittleoutofbreath，butlookingsogladtoseeherthatshehadn"tthehearttobestiffandcool，asshehadfullyintendedtobewhentheymet。
"Verywarm，isn"tit？"hesaidwhenhehadshakenhandsandfallenintostep，justintheoldway。
"Youseemtofinditso。"AndPollylaughed，withasuddensparkleinhereyes。Shereallycouldn"thelpit，itwassopleasanttoseehimagain，justwhenshewasfeelingsolonely。
"HaveyougivenupteachingtheRoths？"askedSydney，changingthesubject。
"No。"
"Doyougoasusual？"
"Yes。"
"Well，it"samysterytomehowyougetthere。"
"Asmuchasitistomehowyougotheresosuddenly。"
"IsawyoufromtheShaws"windowandtookthelibertyofrunningafteryoubythebackstreet，"hesaid，laughing。
"ThatisthewayIgettotheRoths，"answeredPolly。Shedidnotmeantotell，buthisfranknesswassoagreeablesheforgotherself。
"It"snotnearlysopleasantorsoshortforyouasthepark。"
"Iknowit，butpeoplesometimesgettiredofoldwaysandliketotrynewones。"
Pollydidn"tsaythatquitenaturally，andSydneygaveheraquicklook，asheasked；；
"Doyougettiredofoldfriends，too，MissPolly？"
"Notoften；but；"Andthereshestuck，forthefearofbeingungratefulorunkindmadeheralmosthopethathewouldn"ttakethehintwhichshehadbeencarefullypreparingforhim。
Therewasadreadfullittlepause，whichPollybrokebysayingabruptly；；
"HowisFan？"
"Dashing，asever。DoyouknowI"mratherdisappointedinFanny，forshedon"tseemtoimprovewithheryears，"saidSydney，asifheacceptedthediversionandwasgladofit。
"Ah，youneverseeheratherbest。Sheputsonthatdashingairbeforepeopletohideherrealself。ButIknowherbetter；andIassureyouthatshedoesimprove；shetriestomendherfaults，thoughshewon"townit，andwillsurpriseyousomeday，bytheamountofheartandsenseandgoodnessshehasgot。"
Pollyspokeheartilynow，andSydneylookedatherasifFanny"sdefenderpleasedhimmorethanFanny"sdefence。
"I"mverygladtohearit，andwillinglytakeyourwordforit。Everybodyshowsyoutheirgoodside，Ithink，andthatiswhyyoufindtheworldsuchapleasantplace。"
"Oh，butIdon"t!Itoftenseemslikeaveryhardanddismalplace，andIcroakovermytrialslikeanungratefulraven。"
"Can"twemakethetrialslighterforyou？"
Thevoicethatputthequestionwassoverykind，thatPollydarednotlookup，becausesheknewwhattheeyesweresilentlysaying。
"Thankyou，no。Idon"tgetmoretribulationthanisgoodforme，I
fancy，andweareapttomakemistakeswhenwetrytododgetroubles。"
"Orpeople，"addedSydneyinatonethatmadePollycoloruptoherforehead。
"Howlovelytheparklooks，"shesaid，ingreatconfusion。
"Yes，it"sthepleasantestwalkwehave；don"tyouthinkso？"askedtheartfulyoungman，layingatrap，intowhichPollyimmediatelyfell。
"Yes，indeed!It"salwayssorefreshingtometoseealittlebitofthecountry，asitwere，especiallyatthisseason。"
Oh，Polly，Polly，whatastupidspeechtomake，whenyouhadjustgivenhimtounderstandthatyouweretiredofthepark!Notbeingafooloracox-comb，Sydneyputthisandthattogether，andtakingvarioustriflesintotheaccount，hehadbythistimecometotheconclusionthatPollyhadheardthesamebitsofgossipthathehad，whichlinkedtheirnamestogether，thatshedidn"tlikeit，andtriedtoshowshedidn"tinthisway。Hewasquickertotakeahintthanshehadexpected，andbeingbothproudandgenerous，resolvedtosettlethematteratonce，forPolly"ssakeaswellashisown。So，whenshemadeherlastbrilliantremark，hesaidquietly，watchingherfacekeenlyallthewhile；；
"Ithoughtso；well，I"mgoingoutoftownonbusinessforseveralweeks，soyoucanenjoyyour"littlebitofcountry"withoutbeingannoyedbyme。"
"Annoyed？Oh，no!"criedPollyearnestly；thenstoppedshort，notknowingwhattosayforherself。
Shethoughtshehadagooddealofthecoquetteinher，andI"venodoubtthatwithtimeandtrainingshewouldhavebecomeaverydangerouslittleperson，butnowshewasfartootransparentandstraightforwardbynatureeventotellawhiteliecleverly。Sydneyknewthis，andlikedherforit，buthetookadvantageofit，neverthelessbyaskingsuddenly；；
"Honestly，now，wouldn"tyougotheoldwayandenjoyitasmuchasever，ifIwasn"tanywhereabouttosetthebusybodiesgossiping？"
"Yes，"saidPolly，beforeshecouldstopherself，andthencouldhavebittenhertongueoutforbeingsorude。Anotherawfulpauseseemedimpending，butjustatthatmomentahorsemanclatteredbywithasmileandasalute，whichcausedPollytoexclaim，"Oh，there"sTom!"withatoneandalookthatsilencedthewordshoveringonSydney"slips，andcausedhimtoholdouthishandwithalookwhichmadePolly"sheartflutterthenandachewithpityforagoodwhileafterward，thoughheonlysaid，"Goodby，Polly。"
Hewasgonebeforeshecoulddoanythingbutlookupathimwitharemorsefulface，andshewalkedon，feelingthatthefirstandperhapstheonlylovershewouldeverhave，hadreadhisanswerandaccepteditinsilence。Shedidnotknowwhatelsehehadread，andcomfortedherselfwiththethoughtthathedidnotcareforherverymuch，sincehetookthefirstrebuffsoquickly。
PollydidnotreturntoherfavoritewalktillshelearnedfromMinniethat"Uncle"hadreallylefttown，andthenshefoundthathisfriendlycompanyandconversationwaswhathadmadethewaysopleasantafterall。
Shesighedovertheperversityofthingsingeneral，andcroakedalittleoverhertrialsinparticular，butonthewholegotoverherlossbetterthansheexpected，forsoonshehadothersorrowsbesideherowntocomfort，andsuchworkdoesabodymoregoodthanfloodsofregretfultears，orhoursofsentimentallamentation。
SheshunnedFannyforadayortwo，butgainednothingbyit，forthatyounglady，hearingofSydney"ssuddendeparture，couldnotresttillshediscoveredthecauseofit，andwalkedinuponPollyoneafternoonjustwhentheduskmadeitapropitioushourfortenderconfidences。
"Whathaveyoubeendoingwithyourselflately？"askedFanny，composingherself，withherbacktowardtherapidlywaninglight。
"Waggingtoandfroasusual。What"sthenewswithyou？"answeredPolly，feelingthatsomethingwascomingandrathergladtohaveitoveranddonewith。
"Nothingparticular。TrixtreatsTomshamefully，andhebearsitlikealamb。Itellhimtobreakhisengagement，andnotbeworriedso；buthewon"t，becauseshehasbeenjiltedonceandhethinksit"ssuchameanthingtodo。"
"Perhapsshe"lljilthim。"
"I"venodoubtshewill，ifanythingbettercomesalong。ButTrixisgettingpassé；e，andIshouldn"twonderifshekepthimtohisword，justoutofperversity，ifnothingelse。"
"PoorTom，whatafate!"saidPollywithwhatwasmeanttobeacomicalgroan；butitsoundedsotragicalthatshesawitwouldn"tpass，andhastenedtohidethefailurebysaying，withalaugh，"IfyoucallTrixpassé；eattwenty-three，whatshallweallbeattwenty-five？"
"Utterlydonewith，andlaidupontheshelf。Ifeelsoalready，forIdon"tgethalftheattentionIusedtohave，andtheothernightIheardMaudandGracewonderingwhythoseoldgirls"didn"tstayathome，andgivethemachance。""
"HowisMaudie？"
"Prettywell，butsheworriesmebyherqueertastesandnotions。Shelovestogointothekitchenandmess，shehatestostudy，andsaidrightbeforetheVincentsthatsheshouldthinkitwouldbegreatfuntobeabeggar-girl，togoroundwithabasket，itmustbesointerestingtoseewhatyou"dget。"
"Minniesaidtheotherdayshewishedshewasapigeonsoshecouldpaddleinthepuddlesandnotfussaboutrubbers。"
"Bytheway，whenisherunclecomingback？"askedFanny，whocouldn"twaitanylongerandjoyfullyseizedtheopeningPollymadeforher。
"I"msureIdon"tknow。"
"Norcare，Isuppose，youhard-heartedthing。"
"Why，Fan，whatdoyoumean？"
"I"mnotblind，mydear，neitherisTom，andwhenayounggentlemancutsacallabruptlyshort，andracesafterayounglady，andisseenholdingherhandatthequietestcornerofthepark，andthengoestravellingallofasudden，weknowwhatitmeansifyoudon"t。"
"Whogotupthatniceidea，Ishouldliketoknow？"demandedPolly，asFannystoppedforbreath。