第11章
"Nowdon"tbeaffected，Polly，butjusttellme，likeadear，hasn"theproposed？"
"No，hehasn"t。"
"Don"tyouthinkhemeansto？"
"Idon"tthinkhe"lleversayawordtome。"
"Well，Iamsurprised!"AndFannydrewalongbreath，asifaloadwasoffhermind。Thensheaddedinachangedtone:
"Butdon"tyoulovehim，Polly？"
"No。"
"Truly？"
"Truly，Fan。"
Neitherspokeforaminute，buttheheartofoneofthembeatjoyfullyandtheduskhidaveryhappyface。
"Don"tyouthinkhecaredforyou，dear？"askedFanny，presently。"I
don"tmeantobeprying，butIreallythoughthedid。"
"That"snotformetosay，butifitisso，it"sonlyapassingfancyandhe"llsoongetoverit。"
"Dotellmeallaboutit；I"msointerested，andIknowsomethinghashappened，Ihearitinyourvoice，forIcan"tseeyourface。"
"DoyourememberthetalkweoncehadafterreadingoneofMissEdgeworth"sstoriesaboutnotlettingone"sloverscometoadeclarationifonedidn"tlovethem？"
"Yes。"
"Andyougirlssaiditwasn"tproper，andIsaiditwashonest，anyway。
Well，IalwaysmeanttotryitifIgotachance，andIhave。Mindyou，Idon"tsayMr。Sydneylovedme，forheneversaidso，andneverwill，now，butIdidfancyheratherlikedmeandmightdomoreifIdidn"tshowhimthatitwasofnouse。"
"Andyoudid？"criedFanny，muchexcited。
"Ijustgavehimahintandhetookit。Hemeanttogoawaybeforethat，sodon"tthinkhisheartisbroken，ormindwhatsillytattlerssay。I
didn"tlikehismeetingmesomuchandtoldhimsobygoinganotherway。
Heunderstood，andbeingagentleman，madenofuss。IdaresayhethoughtIwasavaingoose，andlaughedatmeformypains，likeChurchillin"Helen。"
"
"No，hewouldn"t；He"dlikeitandrespectyoufordoingit。But，Polly，itwouldhavebeenagrandthingforyou。"
"Ican"tsellmyselfforanestablishment。"
"Mercy!Whatanidea!"
"Well，that"stheplainEnglishofhalfyourfashionablematches。I
"m"odd，"youknow，andprefertobeanindependentspinsterandteachmusicallmydays。"
"Ah，butyouwon"t。Youweremadeforanice，happyhomeofyourown，andIhopeyou"llgetit，Polly，dear，"saidFannywarmly，feelingsogratefultoPolly，thatshefoundithardnottopouroutallhersecretatonce。
"IhopeImay；butIdoubtit，"answeredPollyinatonethatmadeFannywonderifshe，too，knewwhatheartachemeant。
"Somethingtroublesyou，Polly，whatisit？Confideinme，asIdoinyou，"saidFannytenderly，forallthecoldnessshehadtriedtohidefromPolly，hadmeltedinthesuddensunshinethathadcometoher。
"Doyoualways？"askedherfriend，leaningforwardwithanirresistibledesiretowinbacktheold-timeloveandconfidence，tooprecioustobeexchangedforalittlebriefexcitementorthebarrenhonorof"baggingabird，"touseTrix"selegantexpression。Fannyunderstooditthen，andthrewherselfintoPolly"sarms，crying，withashowerofgratefultears；；
"Oh，mydear!mydear!didyoudoitformysake？"
AndPollyheldherclose，sayinginthattendervoiceofhers，；
"Ididn"tmeantoletaloverpartthispairoffriendsifIcouldhelpit。"ChapterXV。ChapterXV。CHAPTERXVBREAKERSAHEADGOINGintotheShaws"oneevening，PollyfoundMaudsittingonthestairs，withatroubledface。
"Oh，Polly，I"msogladyou"vecome!"criedthelittlegirl，runningtohugher。
"What"sthematter，deary？"
"Idon"tknow；somethingdreadfulmusthavehappened，formammaandFanarecryingtogetherupstairs，papaisshutupinthelibrary，andTomisragingroundlikeabear，inthedining-room。"
"Iguessitisn"tanythingverybad。Perhapsmammaissickerthanusual，orpapaworriedaboutbusiness，orTominsomenewscrape。Don"tlooksofrightened，Maudie，butcomeintotheparlorandseewhatI"vegotforyou，"saidPolly，feelingthattherewastroubleofsomesortintheair，buttryingtocheerthechild，forherlittlefacewasfullofasorrowfulanxiety，thatwenttoPolly"sheart。
"Idon"tthinkIcanlikeanythingtillIknowwhatthematteris，"answeredMaud。"It"ssomethinghorrid，I"msure，forwhenpapacamehome，hewentuptomamma"sroom，andtalkedeversolong，andmammacriedveryloud，andwhenItriedtogoin，Fanwouldn"tletme，andshelookedscaredandstrange。Iwantedtogotopapawhenhecamedown，butthedoorwaslocked，andhesaid，"Notnow，mylittlegirl，"andthenIsatherewaitingtoseewhatwouldhappen，andTomcamehome。ButwhenIrantotellhim，hesaid，"Goaway，anddon"tbother，"andjusttookmebytheshouldersandputmeout。Oh，dear!everythingissoqueerandhorrid，Idon"tknowwhattodo。"
Maudbegantocry，andPollysatdownonthestairsbesideher，tryingtocomforther，whileherownthoughtswerefullofavaguefear。Allatoncethedining-roomdooropened，andTom"sheadappeared。AsingleglanceshowedPollythatsomethingwasthematter，forthecareandelegancewhichusuallymarkedhisappearancewereentirelywanting。Histiewasunderoneear，hishairinatoss，thecherishedmoustachehadaneglectedair，andhisfaceanexpressionbothexcited，ashamed，anddistressed；
evenhisvoicebetrayeddisturbance，forinsteadoftheaffablegreetingheusuallybestowedupontheyounglady，heseemedtohavefallenbackintotheblufftoneofhisboyishdays，andallhesaidwas，；
"Hullo，Polly。"
"Howdoyoudo？"answeredPolly。
"I"minadevilofamess，thankyou；sendthatchickenupstairs，andcomeinandhearaboutit。"hesaid，asifhehadbeenlongingtotellsomeone，andwelcomedprudentPollyasaspecialprovidence。
"Goup，deary，andamuseyourselfwiththisbook，andthesegingersnapsthatImadeforyou，there"sagoodchild，"whisperedPolly，asMaudrubbedawayhertears，andstaredatTomwithround，inquisitiveeyes。
"You"lltellmeallaboutit，byandby，won"tyou？"shewhispered，preparingtoobey。
"IfImay，"answeredPolly。
Mauddepartedwithunexpecteddocility，andPollywentintothedining-room，whereTomwaswanderingaboutinarestlessway。Ifhehadbeen"raginglikeabear，"Pollywouldn"thavecared，shewassopleasedthathewantedher，andsogladtobeaconfidante，assheusedtobeinthehappyolddays，thatshewouldjoyfullyhavefacedamuchmoreformidablepersonthanrecklessTom。
"Now，then，whatisit？"shesaid，comingstraighttothepoint。
"Guess。"
"You"vekilledyourhorseracing。"
"Worsethanthat。"
"Youaresuspendedagain。"
"Worsethanthat。"
"Trixhasrunawaywithsomebody，"criedPolly，withagasp。
"Worsestill。"
"Oh，Tom，youhaven"thorsewhippedorshotanyone？"
"CameprettynearblowingmyownbrainsoutbutyouseeIdidn"t。"
"Ican"tguess；tellme，quick。"
"Well，I"mexpelled。"
Tompausedontherugashegavetheanswer，andlookedatPollytoseehowshetookit。Tohissurprisesheseemedalmostrelieved，andafteraminutesilence，said，soberly，；
"That"sbad，verybad；butitmighthavebeenworse。"
"Itisworse；"andTomwalkedawayagainwithadespairingsortofgroan。
"Don"tknockthechairsabout，butcomeandsitdown，andtellmequietly。"
"Can"tdoit。"
"Well，goon，then。Areyoutrulyexpelled？Can"titbemadeup？Whatdidyoudo？"
"It"satruebillthistime。IjusthadarowwiththeChapelwatchman，andknockedhimdown。Ifitwasafirstoffence，Imighthavegotoff；
butyouseeI"vehadnoendofnarrowescapes，andthiswasmylastchance；
I"velostit，andnowthere"llbethedickenstopay。Iknewitwasallupwithme，soIdidn"twaittobeturnedout，butjusttookmyselfoff。"
"Whatwillyourfathersay？"
"Itwillcomehardonthegovernor，buttheworstofitis；"thereTomstopped，andstoodaminuteinthemiddleoftheroomwithhisheaddown，asifhedidn"tfinditeasytotellevenkindlittlePolly。Thenoutcamethetruthallinabreath，justasheusedtoboltouthisboyishmisdemeanors，andthenbackupagainstthewallreadytotaketheconsequences。
"Ioweanawfullotofmoneythatthegovernordon"tknowabout。"
"Oh，Tom，howcouldyou？"
"I"vebeenanextravagantrascal，Iknowit，andI"mthunderingsorry，butthatdon"thelpafellow，I"vegottotellthedearoldbuffer，andthere"swhereitcuts。"
AtanothertimePollywouldhavelaughedatthecontrastbetweenTom"sfaceandhislanguage，buttherewasasincereremorse，whichmadeeventhedreadfulword"buffer"rathertouchingthanotherwise。
"Hewillbeveryangry，Idaresay；buthe"llhelpyou，won"the？Healwaysdoes，Fansays。"
"That"stheworstofit，yousee。He"spaidupsooften，thatthelasttimehesaidhispatiencecouldn"tstandit，norhispocketeither，andifIgotintoanymorescrapesofthatsort，ImustgetoutasIcould。
ImeanttobeassteadyasBunkerHillMonument；buthereIamagain，worsethanever，forlastquarterIdidn"tsayanythingtofather，hewassobotheredbythelossofthoseshipsjustthen，sothingshavemountedupconfoundedly。"
"Whathaveyoudonewithallyourmoney？"
"HangedifIknow。"
"Can"tyoupayitanyway？"
"Don"tseehow，asIhaven"tacentofmyown，andnowayofgettingit，unlessItrygambling。"
"Oh，mercy，no!Sellyourhorse，"criedPolly，afteraminuteofdeepmeditation。
"Ihave；buthedidn"tbringhalfIgaveforhim。Ilamedhimlastwinter，andthebeggarwon"tgetoverit。"
"Andthatdidn"tpayupthedebts？"
"Onlyaboutahalfof"em。"
"Why，Tom，howmuchdoyouowe？"
"Ihavedodgedfiguringituptillyesterday；thenthingsweresodesperate，IthoughtImightaswellfacethetruth，soIoverhauledmyaccounts，andthere"stheresult。"
Tomthrewablotted，crumpledpaperintoPolly"slap，andtrampedupanddownagain，fasterthanever。Pollytookonelookatthetotalandclaspedherhands，fortoherinexperiencedeyesitlookedappalling。
"Tidylittlesum，isn"tit？"askedTom，whocouldn"tbearthesilence，orthestartled，grievedlookinPolly"seyes。
"It"sawful!Idon"twonderyoudreadtellingyourfather。"
"I"dratherbeshot。Isay，Polly，supposewebreakittohimeasy!"
addedTom，afteranotherturn。
"Howdoyoumean？"
"Why，supposeFan，or，betterstill，yougoandsortofpavetheway。
Ican"tbeartocomedownonhimwiththewholetruthatonce。"
"Soyou"dliketohavemegoandtellhimforyou？"Polly"slipcurledalittleasshesaidthat，andshegaveTomalookthatwouldhaveshownhimhowblueeyescanflash，ifhehadseenit。Buthewasatthewindow，anddidn"tturn，ashesaidslowly，；
"Well，yousee，he"ssofondofyou；weallconfideinyou；andyouaresolikeoneofthefamily，thatitseemsquitenatural。JusttellhimI"mexpelled，youknow，andasmuchmoreasyoulike；thenI"llcomein，andwe"llhaveitout。"
Pollyroseandwenttothedoorwithoutaword。Indoingso，Tomcaughtaglimpseofherface，andsaid，hastily，；
"Don"tyouthinkitwouldbeagoodplan？"
"No，Idon"t。"
"Whynot？Don"tyouthinkhe"dratherhaveittoldhimnicelybyyou，thanblurtedoutasIalwaysdoblurtthings？"
"Iknowhe"dratherhavehissongotohimandtellthetruth，likeaman，insteadofsendingagirltodowhatheisafraidtodohimself。"
IfPollyhadsuddenlyboxedhisears，Tomcouldn"thavelookedmoretakenabackthanbythatburst。Helookedatherexcitedface，seemedtounderstandthemeaningofit，andrememberedallatoncethathewastryingtohidebehindagirl。Heturnedscarlet，saidshortly，"Comeback，Polly，"andwalkedstraightoutoftheroom，lookingasifgoingtoinstantexecution，forpoorTomhadbeentaughttofearhisfather，andhadnotentirelyoutgrownthedread。
Pollysatdown，lookingbothsatisfiedandtroubled。"IhopeIdidright，"
shesaidtoherself，"Icouldn"tbeartohavehimshirkandseemcowardly。
Heisn"t，onlyhedidn"tthinkhowitseemedtome，andIdon"twonderhewasalittleafraid，Mr。Shawissoseverewiththepoorfellow。Oh，dear，whatshouldwedoifWillgotintosuchscrapes。Thankgoodness，he"spoor，andcan"t；I"msogladofthat!"
Thenshesatsilentbesidethehalf-opendoor，hearingthemurmurofTom"svoiceacrossthehall，andhoping，withallherheart，thathewouldn"thaveaveryhardtime。Heseemedtotellhisstoryrapidlyandsteadily，withoutinterruption，totheend；thenPollyheardMr。Shaw"sdeepervoicesayafewwords，atwhichTomutteredaloudexclamation，asiftakenbysurprise。Pollycouldn"tdistinguishaword，soshekeptherseat，wonderinganxiouslywhatwasgoingonbetweenthetwomen。AsuddenpauseseemedtofollowTom"sejaculation，thenMr。Shawtalkedalongtimeinalow，earnesttone，sodifferentfromtheangryonePollyhadexpectedtohear，thatitmadehernervous，forMr。Shawusually"blewTomupfirst，andforgavehimafterward，"asMaudsaid。PresentlyTom"svoicewasheard，apparentlyaskingeagerquestions，towhichbriefrepliesweregiven。Thenadeadsilencefellupontheroom，andnothingwasheardbutthespringrainsoftlyfallingoutofdoors。Allofasuddensheheardamovement，andTom"svoicesayaudibly，；
"LetmebringPolly；"andheappeared，lookingsopaleandmiserablethatPollywasfrightened。
"Goandsaysomethingtohim；Ican"t；pooroldfather，ifI"donlyknown，"andtoPolly"sutterdismay，Tomthrewhimselfintoachair，andlaidhisheaddownonthetable，asifhehadgotablowthatwastoomuchforhim。
"Oh，Tom，whatisit？"criedPolly，hurryingtohim，fulloffearsshedarednotspeak。
Withoutlookingup，Tomanswered，inasmotheredvoice，"Failed；allgonetosmash；andto-morroweveryonewillknowit。"
PollyheldontothebackofTom"schair，foraminute，forthenewstookherbreathaway，andshefeltasiftheworldwascomingtoanend，"failed"wassuchavaguelydreadfulwordtoher。
"Isitverybad？"sheasked，softly，feelingasifanythingwasbetterthantostandstillandseeTomsowretched。
"Yes；hemeanstogiveupeverything。He"sdonehisbest；butitcan"tbestavedoffanylonger，andit"sallupwithhim。"
"Oh，IwishIhadamilliontogivehim!"criedPolly，claspingherhands，withthetearsrunningdownhercheeks。"Howdoeshebearit，Tom？"
"Likeaman，Polly；andI"mproudofhim，"saidTom，lookingup，allredandexcitedwiththeemotionshewastryingtokeepunder。"Everythinghasbeenagainsthim，andhehasfoughtallalonetostandthepressure，butit"stoomuchforhim，andhe"sgivenin。It"sanhonorablefailure，mindyou，andnoonecansayawordagainsthim。I"dliketosee"emtryit!"andTomclenchedhishands，asifitwouldbeanimmenserelieftohimtothrashhalfadozenaspersersofhisfather"shonestname。
"Ofcoursetheycan"t!ThisiswhatpoorMaudtroubledabout。HehadtoldyourmotherandFanbeforeyoucame，andthatiswhytheyaresounhappy，Isuppose。"
"Theyaresafeenough。Fatherhasn"ttouchedmother"smoney；he"couldn"trobhisgirls，"hesaid，andthat"sallsafefor"em。Isn"theatrump，Polly？"AndTom"sfaceshonewithpride，evenwhilehislipswouldtwitchwithatendererfeeling。
"IfIcouldonlydoanythingtohelp，"criedPolly，oppressedwithherownpowerlessness。
"Youcan。Goandbegoodtohim；youknowhow；heneedsitenough，allalonethere。Ican"tdoit，forI"monlyacurseinsteadofacomforttohim。"
"Howdidhetakeyournews？"askedPolly，who，foratime，hadforgottenthelessertroubleinthegreater。
"Likealamb；forwhenI"ddone，heonlysaid，"Mypoorlad，wemustbearwithoneanother。"andthentoldhisstory。"
"I"mgladhewaskind，"beganPolly，inasoothingtone；butTomcriedout，remorsefully，；
"That"swhatknocksmeover!JustwhenIoughttobeaprideandaproptohim，Ibringhimmydebtsanddisgrace，andheneversaysawordofblame。It"snouse，Ican"tstandit!"andTom"sheadwentdownagainwithsomethingverylikeasob，thatwouldcomeinspiteofmanfuleffortstokeepitback，forthepoorfellowhadthewarmestheartthateverwas，andallthefinewaistcoatsoutsidecouldn"tspoilit。
ThatsoundgavePollymorepainthanthenewsofadozenfailuresandexpulsions，anditwasasimpossibleforhertoresistputtingherhandtenderlyonthebenthead，asitwasforhertohelpnoticingwithpleasurehowbrownthelittlecurlsweregrowing，andhowsofttheywere。Inspiteofhersorrow，sheenjoyedthatminuteverymuch，forshewasabornconsoler，and，itishardlynecessaryformetoadd，lovedthisreprehensibleTomwithallherheart。Itwasaveryfoolishthingforhertodo，shequiteagreedtothat；shecouldn"tunderstandit，explainit，orhelpit；sheonlyfeltthatshedidcareforhimverymuch，inspiteofhisfaults，hisindifference，andhisengagement。Yousee，shelearnedtolovehimonesummer，whenhemadethemavisit。ThatwasbeforeTrixcaughthim；
andwhensheheardthatpieceofnews，Pollycouldn"tunlovehimallatonce，thoughshetriedveryhard，aswasherduty。Thatengagementwassuchafarce，thatsheneverhadmuchfaithinit，sosheputherloveawayinacornerofherheart，andtriedtoforgetit，hopingitwouldeitherdie，orhavearighttolive。Itdidn"tmakeherverymiserable，becausepatience，work，andcommon-senselentherahand，andhopewouldkeeppoppingupitsbrightfacefromthebottomofherPandora-boxoftroubles。
Nowandthen，whenanyonesaidTrixwouldn"tjiltTom，orthatTomdidcareforTrixmorethanheshould，Pollyhadapang，andthoughtshecouldn"tpossiblybearit。Butshealwaysfoundshecould，andsocametotheconclusionthatitwasamercifulprovisionofnaturethatgirls"heartscouldstandsomuch，andtheirappetitescontinuegood，whenunrequitedlovewasstarving。
Now，shecouldnothelpyearningoverthisfaulty，well-belovedscapegraceTom，orhelpthinking，withalittlethrillofhope，"IfTrixonlycaredforhismoney，shemaycasthimoffnowhe"slostit；butI"lllovehimallthebetterbecausehe"spoor。"Withthisfeelingwarmatherheart，Idon"twonderthatPolly"shandhadasoothingeffect，andthatafteraheaveortwo，Tom"sshoulderswerequiet，andcertainsmotheredsniffssuggestedthathewouldbeallrightagain，ifhecouldonlywipehiseyeswithoutanyone"sseeinghimdoit。
Pollyseemedtodivinehiswish，andtuckingalittle，cleanhandkerchiefintooneofhishalf-openhands，shesaid，"I"mgoingtoyourfather，now，"andwithafarewellsmooth，socomfortingthatTomwishedshe"ddoitagain，shewentaway。
Asshepausedaminuteinthehalltosteadyherself，Maudcalledherfromabove，andthinkingthatthewomenmightneedhermorethanthemen，sheranuptofindFannywaitingforherinherownroom。
"Mamma"sasleep，quitewornout，poordear，sowecantalkinherewithouttroublingher，"saidFanny，receivingherfriendsoquietly，thatPollywasamazed。
"Letmecome，too，Iwon"tmakeanyfuss；it"ssodreadfultobeshutouteverywhere，andhavepeoplecryingandtalking，andlockedup，andInotknowwhatitmeans，"saidMaud，beseechingly。
"Youdoknow，now；I"vetoldher，Polly，"saidFan，astheysatdowntogether，andMaudperchedherselfonthebed，sothatshemightretireamongthepillowsifherfeelingsweretoomuchforher。
"I"mgladyoutakeitsowell，dear；Iwasafraiditmightupsetyou，"
saidPolly，seeingnowthatinspiteofherquietmanner，Fan"seyeshadanexcitedlook，andhercheeksafeverishcolor。
"Ishallgroanandmoanbyandby，Idaresay，butatfirstitsortofdazedme，andnowitbeginstoexciteme。Ioughttobefullofsorrowforpoorpapa，andIamtrulysorry，but，wickedasitmayseem，it"safact，Polly，thatI"mhalfgladit"shappened，forittakesmeoutofmyself，andgivesmesomethingtodo。"
Fanny"seyesfellandhercolorroseasshespoke，butPollyunderstoodwhyshewantedtoforgetherself，andputherarmroundherwithamoretendersympathythanFannyguessed。
"Perhapsthingsarenotasbadastheyseem；Idon"tknowmuchaboutsuchmatters，butI"veseenpeoplewhohavefailed，andtheyseemedjustascomfortableasbefore，"saidPolly。
"Itwon"tbesowithus，forpapameanstogiveupeverything，andnothaveawordsaidagainsthim。Mamma"slittlepropertyissettleduponher，andhasn"tbeenrisked。Thattouchedhersomuch!ShedreadspovertyevenmorethanIdo，butshebeggedhimtotakeitifitwouldhelphim。Thatpleasedhim，buthesaidnothingwouldinducehimtodoit，foritwouldn"thelpmuch，andwashardlyenoughtokeephercomfortable。"
"Doyouknowwhathemeanstodo？"askedPolly，anxiously。
"Hesaidhisplanswerenotmade，buthemeanttogointothelittlehousethatbelongedtograndma，assoonashecould，foritwasn"thonestforabankrupttokeepupanestablishmentlikethis。"
"Ishan"tmindthatatall，Ilikethelittlehouse"causeit"sgotagarden，andthere"sacunningroomwithathree-corneredclosetinitthatIalwayswanted。Ifthat"sall，Idon"tthinkbankruptingissoverybad，"saidMaud，takingacheerfulviewofthings。
"Ah，justwaittillthecarriagegoesandtheniceclothesandtheservants，andwehavetoscratchalongaswecan。You"llchangeyourmindthen，poorchild，"saidFanny，whoseideasoffailureweredecidedlytragical。
"Willtheytakeallmythingsaway？"criedMaud，indismay。
"Idaresay；Idon"tknowwhatweareallowedtokeep；butnotmuch，Ifancy，"andFanlookedasifstrunguptosacrificeeverythingshepossessed。
"Theyshan"thavemynewear-rings，；I"llhide"em，；andmybestdress，andmygoldsmellingbottle。Oh，oh，oh!Ithinkit"smeantotakealittlegirl"sthingsaway!"AndMauddivedamongthepillowstosmotherawailofanguishattheprospectofbeingbereftofhertreasures。
Pollysoonluredheroutagain，byassurancesthatshewouldn"tbeutterlydespoiled，andpromisestotryandsoftenthehardheartsofherfather"screditors，iftheear-ringsandthesmelling-bottlewereattached。
"Iwonderifweshallbeabletokeeponeservant，justtillwelearnhowtodothework，"saidFanny，lookingatherwhitehands，withasigh。
ButMaudclappedhers，andgaveajoyfulbounce，asshecried，；
"NowIcanlearntocook!Ilovesotobeateggs!I"llhaveanapron，withabibtoit，likePolly"s，andafeatherduster，andsweepthestairs，maybe，withmyheadtiedup，likeKaty。Oh，whatfun!"
"Don"tlaughather，ordiscourageher；letherfindcomfortinbibsanddust-pans，ifshecan，"whisperedPollytoFan，whileMaudtookajoyful"header"amongthepillows，andcameupsmilingandblowzy，forshelovedhouse-work，andoftengotlecturedforstolenvisitstothekitchen，andsurreptitioussweepingsanddustingswhenthecoastwasclear。
"Mammaissofeeble，Ishallhavetokeephouse，Isuppose，andyoumustshowmehow，Polly，"saidFan。
"Goodpractice，ma"am，asyou"llfindoutsomeday，"answeredPolly，laughingsignificantly。
Fannysmiled，thengrewbothgraveandsad。"Thischangeseverything；
theoldsetwilldropme，aswedidtheMertonswhentheirfatherfailed，andmy"prospects，"aswesay，arequiteruined。"
"Idon"tbelieveit；yourrealfriendswon"tdropyou，andyou"llfindoutwhichthetrueonesarenow。Iknowonefriendwhowillbekinderthanever。"
"Oh，Polly，doyouthinkso？"andFanny"seyessoftenedwithsuddentears。
"Iknowwhoshemeans，"criedMaud，alwayseagertofindoutthings。
"It"sherself；Pollywon"tmindifwearepoor，"causeshelikesbeggars。"
"Isthatwhoyoumeant？"askedFan，wistfully。
"No，it"samuchbetteranddearerfriendthanIam，"saidPolly，pinchingFanny"scheek，asitreddenedprettilyunderhereyes。"You"llneverguess，Maud，soIwouldn"ttry，butbeplanningwhatyouwillputinyourcunning，three-corneredcloset，whenyougetit。"
Havinggotridof"MissPaulinaPry，"asTomcalledMaud，whowasimmediatelyabsorbedbyhercupboard，theoldergirlssoberlydiscussedthesuddenchangewhichhadcome，andPollywassurprisedtoseewhatunexpectedstrengthandsenseFannyshowed。Pollywastoounconsciousofthechangewhichlovehadmadeinherselftounderstandatfirstthecauseofherfriend"snewpatienceandfortitude；butsherejoicedoverit，andfeltthatherprophecywouldyetbefulfilled。PresentlyMaudemergedfromhernewcloset，bringingasomewhatstartlingideawithher。
"Dobankruptingmen"(Maudlikedthatnewword)"alwayshavefits？"
"Mercy，no!Whatputthatintoyourhead，child？"criedPolly。
"Why，Mr。Mertondid；andIwasthinkingperhapspapahadgotonedownthere，anditkindoffrightenedme。"
"Mr。Merton"swasabad，disgracefulfailure，andIdon"twonderhehadafit。Oursisn"t，andpapawon"tdoanythingofthatsort，youmaybesure，"saidFanny，withasproudanairasif"ourfailure"wasratheranhonorthanotherwise。
"Don"tyouthinkyouandMaudhadbettergodownandseehim？"askedPolly。
"Perhapshewouldn"tlikeit；andIdon"tknowwhattosay，either，"
beganFan；butPollysaid，eagerly，；
"Iknowhewouldlikeit。Nevermindwhatyousay；justgo，andshowhimthatyoudon"tdoubtorblamehimforthis，butlovehimallthemore，andarereadyandgladtohelphimbearthetrouble。"
"I"mgoing，Iain"tafraid；I"lljusthughim，andsayI"meversogladwearegoingtothelittlehouse，"criedMaud，scramblingoffthebed，andrunningdownstairs。
"Comewithme，Polly，andtellmewhattodo，"saidFanny，drawingherfriendafterher。
"You"llknowwhattodowhenyouseehim，betterthanIcantellyou，"
answeredPolly，readilyyielding，forsheknewtheyconsideredher"quiteoneofthefamily，"asTomsaid。
AtthestudydoortheyfoundMaud，whosecouragehadgivenout，forMr。Merton"sfitratherhauntedher。Pollyopenedthedoor；andtheminuteFannysawherfather，shedidknowwhattodo。Thefirewaslow，thegasdim，andMr。Shawwassittinginhiseasy-chair，hisgrayheadinbothhishands，lookinglonely，old，andboweddownwithcare。FannygavePollyonelook，thenwentandtookthegrayheadinbothherarms，saying，withatenderquiverinhervoice，；
"Fatherdear，we"vecometohelpyoubearit"
Mr。Shawlookedup，andseeinginhisdaughter"sfacesomethingthatneverhadbeentherebefore，puthisarmabouther，andleanedhistiredheadagainsther，asif，whenleastexpected，hehadfoundtheconsolationhemostneeded。Inthatminute，Fannyfelt，withmingledjoyandself-reproach，whatadaughtermightbetoherfather；andPolly，thinkingoffeeble，selfishMrs。Shaw，asleepupstairs，sawwithsuddenclearnesswhatawifeshouldbetoherhusband，；ahelpmeet，notaburden。Touchedbytheseunusualdemonstrations，Maudcreptquietlytoherfather"sknee，andwhispered，withagreattearshiningonherlittlepugnose，；
"Papa，wedon"tminditmuch，andI"mgoingtohelpFankeephouseforyou；I"dliketodoit，truly。"
Mr。Shaw"sotherarmwentroundthechild，andforaminutenoonesaidanything，forPollyhadslippedbehindhischair，thatnothingshoulddisturbthethree，whowerelearningfrommisfortunehowmuchtheylovedoneanother。
PresentlyMr。Shawsteadiedhimselfandasked，；
"Whereismyotherdaughter，where"smyPolly？"
Shewasthereatonce；gavehimoneofthequietkissesthathadmorethanusualtendernessinit，forshelovedtohearhimsay"myotherdaughter，"
andthenshewhispered，；
"Don"tyouwantTom，too？"
"OfcourseIdo；whereisthepoorfellow？"
"I"llbringhim；"andPollydepartedwithmostobligingalacrity。
Butinthehallshepausedaminutetopeepintotheglassandseeifshewasallright，forsomehowshewasmoreanxioustolookneatandprettytoTominhishouroftroublethanshehadeverbeeninhisprosperousdays。Inliftingherarmstoperkupthebowatherthroatsheknockedahatoffthebracket。Now，ashinyblackbeaverisnotanobjectexactlycalculatedtoinspiretenderorromanticsentiments，onewouldfancy，butthatparticular"stovepipe"seemedtotouchPollytotheheart，forshecaughtitup，asifitsfallsuggestedagreaterone，smoothedoutaslightdint，asifitwassymbolicalofthehardknocksitsowner"sheadwasnowindangerofreceiving，andstoodlookingatitwithasmuchpityandrespect，asifithadbeenthecrownofadisinheritedprince。Girlswilldosuchfoolishlittlethings，andthoughwelaughatthem，Ithinkwelikethemthebetterforit，afterall。
RichardwashimselfagainwhenPollyentered，forthehandkerchiefhaddisappeared，hisheadwaserect，hisfacewassteady，andhiswholeairhadadoggedcomposurewhichseemedtosaytofate，"Hitaway，I"mready。"
HedidnothearPollycomein，forhewaslookingfixedlyatthefirewitheyesthatevidentlysawaverydifferentfuturetherefromthatwhichitusedtoshowhim；butwhenshesaid，"Tom，dear，yourfatherwantsyou，"
hegotupatonce，heldouthishandtoher，saying，"Cometoo，wecan"tgetonwithoutyou，"andtookherbackintothestudywithhim。
Thentheyhadalongtalk，forthefamilytroublesseemedtowarmandstrengthenthefamilyaffectionandconfidence，andastheyoungpeoplelistenedwhileMr。Shawtoldthemasmuchofhisbusinessperplexitiesastheycouldunderstand，everyoneofthemblamedhimorherselfforgoingonsogaylyandblindly，whilethestormwasgathering，andthepoormanwaslefttomeetitallalone。Now，however，thethunder-claphadcome，andafterthefirstalarm，findingtheywerenotkilled，theybegantodiscoveracertainhalf-anxious，half-pleasantexcitementintalkingitover，encouragingoneanother，andfeelingunusuallyfriendly，aspeopledowhenasuddenshowerdrivestwoorthreetotheshelterofoneumbrella。
Itwasasobertalk，butnotallsad，forMr。Shawfeltinexpressiblycomfortedbyhischildren"sunexpectedsympathy，andthey，tryingtotakethedownfallcheerfullyforhissake，founditeasiertobearthemselves。
Theyevenlaughedoccasionally，forthegirls，intheirignorance，askedqueerquestions；Tommadeludicrouslyunbusiness-likepropositions；andMaudgavethemoneheartypeal，thatdidaworldofgood，bypensivelyremarking，whentheplansforthefuturehadbeenexplainedtoher，；
"I"msorelieved；forwhenpapasaidwemustgiveupeverything，andmammacalledusallbeggars，IdidthinkI"dgottogoroundaskingforcoldvittles，withabigbasket，andanoldshawlovermyhead。IsaidonceI"dlikethat，butI"mafraidIshouldn"t，forIcan"tbearIndiancakeandcoldpotatoes，；that"swhatthepoorchildrenalwaysseemtoget，；andIshouldhatetohaveGraceandtherestseemescuffingroundthebackgates。"
"Mylittlegirlshallnevercometothat，ifIcanhelpit，"saidMr。
Shaw，holdingherclose，withalookthatmadeMaudadd，asshelaidhercheekagainsthisown，；
"ButI"ddoit，father，ifyouaskedmeto，forItrulywanttohelp。"
"SodoI!"criedFanny，wonderingatthesameminutehowitwouldseemtowearturnedsilks，andcleanhergloves。
Tomsaidnothing，butdrewtowardhimapaperoffigureswhichhisfatherhaddrawnup，andspeedilyreducedhimselftothevergeofdistractionbytryingtounderstandthem，inhisardentdesiretoprovehiswillingnesstoputhisshouldertothewheel。
"Weshallpullthrough，children，sodon"tborrowtrouble，onlybereadyfordiscomfortsandannoyances。Putyourprideinyourpockets，andrememberpovertyisn"tdisgraceful，butdishonestyis。"
PollyhadalwayslovedkindMr。Shaw，butnowsherespectedhimheartily，andfeltthatshehadnotdonehimjusticewhenshesometimesthoughtthatheonlycaredformakingmoney。
"Ishouldn"twonderifthiswasagoodthingforthewholefamily，thoughitdon"tlookso。Mrs。Shawwilltakeitthehardest，butitmaystirherup，soshewillforgethernerves，andbeasbusyandhappyasmotheris，"saidPollytoherself，inahopefulmood，forpovertywasanoldfriend，andshehadlearnedlongagonottofearit，buttotakeitsbitteranditssweet，andmakethebestofboth。
Whentheypartedforthenight，Pollyslippedawayfirst，toleavethemfree，yetcouldn"thelplingeringoutsidetoseehowtenderlythegirlspartedfromtheirfather。Tomhadn"tawordtosayforhimself，formendon"tkiss，caress，orcrywhentheyfeelmost，andallhecoulddotoexpresshissympathyandpenitence，wastowringhisfather"shandwithafacefullofrespect，regret，andaffection，andthenboltupstairsasifthefurieswereafterhim，astheywere，inamildandmodernform。ChapterXVI。ChapterXVI。CHAPTERXVIADRESSPARADETHEweeksthatfollowedtaughttheShaws，asmanyotherfamilieshavebeentaught，howrapidlyrichestaketothemselveswingsandflyaway，whentheyoncebegintogo。Mr。Shawcarriedouthisplanswithanenergyandpatiencethatworkedwonders，andtouchedtheheartsofhishardestcreditors。
Thebighousewasgivenupassoonaspossibleandthelittlehousetaken；
beingmadecomfortablewiththefurnitureMadamlefttherewhenshewenttolivewithherson。Theold-fashionedthingshadbeenletwiththehouse，andnowseemedalmostlikeagiftfromGrandma，doublypreciousinthesetroubloustimes。Attheauction，severalpersonstriedtoshowthefamilythat，thoughtheyhadlosttheirfortune，friendsstillremained，foronebidinFanny"spiano，andsentittoher；anothersecuredcertainluxuriousarticlesforMrs。Shaw"scomfort；andathirdsavedsuchofMr。Shaw"sbooksashevaluedmost，forhehadkepthiswordandgivenupeverything，withthemostpunctiliousintegrity。Sothelittlehousewasnotbare，butmadepleasanttotheireyesbythesewaifsfromthewreck，broughtthembythetideofsympathyandgood-willwhichsoonsetin。
Everybodywhoknewthemhastenedtocall，manyfromarealregard，butmorefrommerecuriosityto"seehowtheytookit。"Thiswasoneofthehardestthingstheyhadtobear，andTomusedstronglanguagemorethanonce，whensomefineladycametocondole，andwentawaytogossip。Polly"shopesofMrs。Shawweredisappointed，formisfortunedidnothaveabracingeffect。Shetooktoherbedatonce，receivedherfriendsintearsandapoint-lacecap，andcheeredherfamilybyplaintivelyinquiringwhenshewastobetakentothealmshouse。ThiswashardforFanny；butafteranintervalofdespair，shecametotheconclusionthatunderthecircumstancesitwasthebestthinghermothercouldhavedone，andwithsomethingofherfather"senergy，Fannyshoulderedthenewburden，feelingthatatlastnecessityhadgivenherwhatshehadlongneeded，somethingtodo。
ThepoorgirlknewasmuchofhouseholdaffairsasSnip；butprideandtheresolution"tostandbyFather，"keptuphercourage，andsheworkedawaywithfeverishactivityatwhatevertaskcamefirsttill，justasstrengthandheartwereabouttofail，orderbegantoemergefromchaosandthevisionofahomemadehappyandcomfortablebyherskillandcarecametorepayandsustainher。
Maud，beingrelievedfromthefearofback-doorbeggary，soonbecamereconciledtobankruptcy；thoughtitratheragoodjoke，onthewhole，forchildrenlikenovelty，anddon"tcaremuchforMrs。Grundy。Sheregardedthenewabodeasababyhouseonalargescale，whereshewasallowedtoplayherpartinthemostsatisfactorymanner。Fromthemomentwhen，ontakingpossessionofthecovetedroom，sheopenedthedoorsofthethree-corneredcloset，andfoundalittlekettlejustlikePolly"s，standingthere，shefeltthatagoodtimewascomingforherandfelltodustingfurniture，washingcups，andmakingtoast，thehappiest，fussiestlittlehousewifeinthecity。ForMaudinheritedthenotablegiftsofhergrandmother，andwouldhavemadeacapitalfarmer"sdaughter，inspiteofhercitybreeding。
Pollycameandwentthroughallthesechanges，faithful，helpful，andascheeryasshecouldbewhenherfriendswereintrouble。Thepartsseemedreversednow，anditwasPollywhogave，Fannywhoreceived；forwhereeverythingseemedstrangeandnewtoFan，Pollywasquiteathome，andeveryoneoftheunfashionabledomesticaccomplishmentsnowcameintoplay，tothecomfortoftheShaws，andthegreatsatisfactionofPolly。Shecouldnotdoenoughtoprovehergratitudeforformerfavors，andwenttoilingandmoilingabout，feelingthatthehardest，mostdisagreeabletaskswereherespecialduty。Inthemovingnothingsuitedherbetterthantotrotupanddown，luggingheavythings，topoundherfingersblackandbluenailingcarpetsandcurtains，andthedayshenearlybrokehernecktumblingdownthecellarstairs，inhereagernesstoseethatMrs。Shaw"swinewasrightlystored，shefeltthatshewasonlypayingherdebts，andtoldTomshelikedit，whenhepickedheruplookingasgrimyasachimney-sweep。
"Youcanturnyourhandtoanything，youclevergirl，sodocomeandgivemesomeadvice，forIaminthedepthsofdespair，"saidFannywhenthe"maid-of-all-work"asPollycalledherself，foundaleisurehour。
"Whatisit？Mothsinthefurs，asmokychimney，orsmall-poxnextdoor？"
askedPolly，astheyenteredFan"sroom，whereMaudwastryingonoldbonnetsbeforethelooking-glass。
"ActuallyIhavenothingtowear，"beganFanimpressively；"I"vebeentoobusytothinkorcaretillnow，buthereitisnearlyMayandIhavehardlyadecentragtomyback。Usually，youknow，IjustgotoMrs。O"GradyandtellherwhatIwant；shemakesmyspringwardrobe，Papapaysthebill，andthereIam。NowI"velookedintothematter，andIdeclaretoyou，Polly，I"mfrightenedtoseehowmuchitcoststodressme。"
"NotsomuchassomegirlsIknow，"saidPollyencouragingly。
"Perhapsnot，forIhaveaconscience，andtasteiseconomysometimes；
butreally，Polly，Ihaven"tthehearttoaskPapaforacentjustnow，andyetImusthaveclothes。Youaresuchageniusforplanningandworkingwonders，thatIthrowmyselfuponyouandask，"HowshallImakeaspringwardrobeoutofnothing？""
"Letmeseethe"nothing"beforeIadvise。Bringouteveryragyou"vegot，andwe"llseewhatcanbedone，"saidPolly，lookingasifsheenjoyedtheprospect，forshehadagreatdealofthatfemininefacultywhichwecall"knack，"andmuchpracticehadincreasedit。
Fannybroughtouther"rags"andwasastonishedtoseehowmanyshehad，forchair，sofa，bed，andbureauwerecovered，andstillMaud，whowasburrowingintheclosets，keptcrying，"Here"sanother。"
"There"sadiscouragingheapofrubbishforyou!"saidFan，assheaddedafadedmuslintothelastpile。
"Now，tomeyour"rubbish"looksveryencouraging，becausethereisgoodmaterialthere，andnotmuchworn-outfinery，；that"smydetestation，foryoucan"tdoanythingwithit。Letmesee，fivebonnets。Putthewinteronesawaytillautumn，ripupthesummerones，andoutofthreeoldoneswe"llgetaprettynewone，ifmyeyesdon"tdeceiveme。"
"I"llrip，andthendoletmeseeyoumakeabonnet，itmustbesointeresting，"saidMaud，whippingoutherscissorsandeagerlybeginningtoreduceashabbylittlebonnettoitsoriginalelements。
"Nowthedresses，"continuedPolly，whohadrapidlysortedoutthepiles。
"Willyouhavethegoodnesstolookatthis？"saidFan，holdingupagraystreetsuitfadedpastcure。
Pollywhiskeditwrongsideout，andshowingtheclean，brightfabric，said，withatriumphantwave，；
"Beholdyournewsuit；freshtrimmingandlessofitwillfinishyouoffassmartasever。"
"Ineverworeaturneddressinmylife；doyousupposepeoplewillknowit？"saidFandoubtfully。
"Whatiftheydo？Itwon"thurtyou。Notoneinahundredwilleverthinkanythingaboutyourdress，exceptthatitispretty。I"vewornturnedanddyedgownsallmydays，anditdon"tseemtohavealienatedmyfriends，orinjuredmyconstitution。"
"Thatithasn"t；I"magoose，Polly，andI"llgetoverthefeelingthatit"ssortofdisgracefultobepoorandhavetoeconomize。We"llturnthegray，andI"llwearitbravely。"
"Thenitwillbemorebecomingthanever。Oh，here"stheprettyvioletsilk。Thatwillmakealovelysuit，"criedPolly，goingonwiththereview。
"Don"tseehowtwodraggledskirtsandastainedwaistcanbetransformedintoawholerig，"saidFan，sittingonthebed，withhergarmentsstrewnaboutherinvariousattitudesoflimpdespondency。
"Well，ma"am，myplanisthis，"beganPolly，imitatingMrs。O"Grady"simportanttone，andbadgrammar:"Goresisout，andplaitsisin；therefore，asthetopofthisskirtisquitefresh，wewilltakeofftheruffles，turnitupsidedown，andleaveitplain。Theupperskirtwillbemadescanter，andfinishedwithafrill；thenthewaistcanberefreshedwiththebestpartsofthesewideflounces，andoutofthosenewbitswewillconcoctahat。TheblacklaceMaudhasjusttakenoffthegreenonewilldotoedgetheviolet，andwithyournicesilkmantillayouarecomplete，don"tyousee？"
"Idon"tquiteseeityet，butIhavefirmfaiththatIshallintime，andconsidermycallingcostumefinished，"saidFanny，gettingmoreandmoreinterestedasshesawhercondemnedwardrobecomingoutfreshagainunderPolly"smagicknack。
"Therearetwo；thenthatpiqué；isallright，ifyoucutthetailoffthejacketandchangethetrimmingabit。Themuslinsonlyneedmendinganddoinguptolookaswellasever；yououghtnottoputthemawaytornandsoiled，mychild。Thetwoblacksilkswillbegoodstand-bysforyears。IfIwereyou，I"dhaveacoupleofneat，prettyprintsforhome-wear，andthenIdon"tseewhyyouaren"tfixedwellenoughforourshortseason。"
"Can"tIdoanythingwiththisbarege？It"soneofmyfavoritedresses，andIhatetogiveitup。"
"Youworethatthoroughlyout，andit"sonlyfitfortherag-bag。Yes，itwasveryprettyandbecoming，Iremember，butitsdayisover。"
Fannyletthedresslieinherlapaminuteassheabsentlypickedatthefringe，smilingtoherselfoverthehappytimewhensheworeitlastandSydneysaidsheonlyneededcowslipsinherlaptolooklikespring。
Presentlyshefoldeditupandputitawaywithasigh，butitneverwentintotherag-bag，andmysentimentalreaderscanunderstandwhatsavedit。
"Theballdresseshadbetterbeputnicelyawaytillnextyear，"beganPolly，comingtoarainbow；coloredheap。
"Mydayisover，Ishallneverusethemagain。Dowhatyoulikewiththem，"saidFancalmly。
"Didyoueversellyourcast-offfinery，asmanyladiesdo？"askedPolly。
"Never；Idon"tlikethefashion。Igiveitaway，orletMaudhaveitfortableaux。"
"IwonderifyouwouldmindmytellingyousomethingBelleproposed？"
"Ifit"sanoffertobuymyclothes，Ishouldmind，"answeredFanny，sharply。
"ThenIwon"t，"andPollyretiredbehindacloudofarsenic-greengauze，whichmadeherlookasifshehadthecholera。
"Ifshewantedtobuythathorridnew"gooseberry-coloredgown，"asTomcallsit，I"dletherhaveitcheap，"putinMaud，whowasofapracticalturn。
"Doesshewantit，Polly？"askedFan，whosecuriositygotthebetterofherpride。
"Well，shemerelyaskedmeifIthoughtyou"dbemortallyoffended，ifsheofferedtotakeitoffyourhands，asyou"dneverwornit。Youdon"tlikeit，andinanotherseasonitwillbealloutoffashion，"saidPollyfromherverdantretreat。
"Whatdidyousay？"
"Isawshemeantitkindly，soIsaidI"dask。Nowbetweenourselves，Fan，thepriceofthatdresswouldgiveyouallyou"llwantforyourspringfixings，that"soneconsideration；thenhere"sanother，whichmayhavesomeweightwithyou，"addedPollyslyly。"TrixtoldBelleshewasgoingtoaskyouforthedress，asyouwouldn"tcaretowearitnow。ThatmadeBellefireup，andsayitwasameanthingtodowithoutofferingsomereturnforacostlythinglikethat；andthenBellesaid，inherbluntway，"I"llgiveFanallshepaidforit，andmore，too，ifitwillbeanyhelptoher。Idon"tcareforthedress，butI"dliketoslipalittlemoneyintoherpocket，forIknowsheneedsitandistoogoodtoaskdearMr。Shawforanythingshecangetonwithout。""
"Didshesaythat？I"llgiveherthedress，andnottakeapennyforit，"criedFan，flushingupwithmingledangertowardTrixandgratitudetoBelle。
"Thatwon"tsuither；youletmemanageit，anddon"tfeelanyshameoranxietyaboutit。YoudidmanyakindandgenerousthingforBellewhenyouhadthepower，andyoulikedtodoit；nowletherpayherdebts，andhavethesamepleasure。"
"Ifshelooksatitinthatway，itmakesadifference。PerhapsI"dbetter；themoneywouldbeanimmensehelp；onlyIdon"tquiteliketotakeit。"
"Kingsandqueensselltheirjewelswhentimesarehardortheygetturnedofftheirthrones，andnoonethinksitanythingamiss，sowhyneedyou？It"sjustalittletransactionbetweentwofriendswhoexchangethingstheydon"twantforthingswhichtheydo，andI"ddoitifIwereyou。"
"We"llseeaboutit，"saidFan，privatelyresolvingtotakePolly"sadvice。
"IfIhadlotsofthingslikeFan，I"dhaveanauctionandgetallIcouldforthem。Whydon"tyou？"askedMaud，beginningonherthirdbonnet。