第12章
"Wewill，"saidPolly，andmountingachair，sheputup，bidin，andknockeddownFan"sentirewardrobetoanimaginarygroupoffriends，withsuchdrollimitationsofeachonethattheroomrangwithlaughter。
"That"senoughnonsense；nowwe"llreturntobusiness，"saidPolly，descendingbreathlessbutsatisfiedwiththeeffectofherfun。
"Thesewhitemuslinsandprettysilkswillkeepforyears，soIshouldlaythembytilltheyareneeded。Itwillsavebuying，andyoucangotoyourstockanytimeandmakeoverwhatyouwant。That"sthewayMotherdoes；we"vealwayshadthingssentusfromricherfriends，andwhateverwasn"tproperforustowearatthetime，Motherputawaytobeusedwhenweneededit。Suchfunnybundlesasweusedtohavesometimes，；oddshoes，bonnetswithoutcrowns，stockingswithoutheelsortoes，andoldfineryofallsorts。Weusedtorushwhenabundlecame，andsitroundwhileMotheropenedit。Theboysalwaysmadefunofthethings，thoughtheywereasgrateful，really，asanyofus。Willmadeaverseonedaywhichwethoughtprettywellforalittlechap:；"TopoorcountryfolksWhohaven"tanyclothes，Richfolks，torelievethem，Sendoldlacegownsandsatinbows。"""IthinkthatWillisgoingtobeasniceapoetasMr。Shakespeare，"remarkedMaudinatoneofseriousconviction。
"HeisalreadyaMilton；butIdon"tbelievehewilleverbeanythingbutapoetinname，"saidPolly，workingawaywhileshetalked。
"Didn"tyourmothereverletyouwearthenicethingsthatcame？"askedMaud。
"No，shethoughtitwasn"tthethingforapoorminister"sgirlstogoflourishingaboutinsecond-handfinery，soshedidwhatI"mdoingnow，putawaywhatwouldbeusefulandproperforusbyandby，andletusplaywiththeshabby，silkbonnetsanddirty，flouncedgowns。Suchfunasweusedtohaveupinourbiggarret!Irememberonedaywe"dbeenplayinghaveaball，andwereallriggedup，eventheboys。Somenewneighborscametocall，andexpressedawishtoseeus，havingbeentoldthatwewerepatternchildren。Mothercalledus，butwehadparadedoutintothegarden，afterourball，andwerehavingaconcert，aswesataboutonthecabbagesforgreensatinseats，sowedidn"thearthecall，andjustasthecompanywasgoing，agreatnoisearrestedthemonthedoorstep，androundthecornerofthehouserattledNedinfullcostume，wheelingKittyinabarrow，whileJimmy，Will，andIranscreamingafter，lookinglikeBedlamites；forwewereplayingthatLadyFitzPerkinshadfainted，andwasbeingbornehomesenselessinacab。Ithoughtmotherwouldkillherselfwithlaughing；andyoucanimaginewhatafineimpressionthestrangersreceivedofthemodelchildren。"
Maudwassotickledwiththisyouthfulprankthatsheunguardedlysatdowntolaughontheedgeofanopentrunk，immediatelydoubledup，fellin，andwaswithdifficultyextricated。
"Peopleinthecountryhavegreatdealnicertimesthanwedo。Ineverrodeinawheelbarrow，Ineversatoncabbages，andIdon"tthinkit"sfair，"shesaidwithaninjuredexpression。"Youneedn"tsaveanyoldsilkgownsforme；Idon"tmeantobeafineladywhenIgrowup，I
"mgoingtobeafarmer"swife，andmakebutterandcheese，andhavetenchildren，andraisepigs，"sheaddedinoneenthusiasticburst。
"Idobelieveshewillifshecanfindafarmeranywhere，"saidFanny。
"Oh，I"mgoingtohaveWill；Iaskedhimandhesaid，"Allright。"
He"sgoingtopreachSundays，andworkonthefarmtherestofthetime。
Well，heis，soyouneedn"tlaugh，forwe"vemadeallourplans，"saidMaudwithcomicaldignityasshetriedtheeffectofanoldwhitebonnet，wonderingiffarmers"wivescouldwearostrichfeatherswhentheywenttomeeting。
"Blessedinnocence!Don"tyouwishyouwereachild，anddaredtellwhatyouwant？"murmuredFanny。
"IwishIhadseenWill"sfacewhenMaudproposed，"answeredPolly，withanodwhichansweredherfriend"sspeechbetterthanherwords。
"Anynewsofanybody？"whisperedFan，affectingtoexamineasleevewithcare。
"StillattheSouth；don"tthinklateeventshavebeenreportedyet；
thataccountsforabsence，"answeredPolly。
"IthinkSirPhilipwashitharderthanwassupposed，"saidFan。
"Idoubtit，buttimecureswoundsofthatsortamazingquick。"
"Wishitdid!"
"WhoisSirPhilip？"demandedMaud，prickingupherears。
"AfamousmanwholivedinthetimeofQueenElizabeth，"answeredFan，withalookatPolly。
"Oh!"AndMaudseemedsatisfied，butthesharpchildhadhersuspicionsnevertheless。
"TherewillbeanimmensedealofworkinallthisfixingoverandI
hatetosew，"saidFanny，todivertacertainperson"sthoughts。
"JennyandIaregoingtohelp。Weareyourdebtors，aswellasBelle，anddemandtheprivilegeofpayingup。Blessings，likecurses，comehometoroost，Fan。"
"Minecomehomeagooddealbiggerthantheywent，"answeredFanny，lookingpleasedthatlittlefavorsshouldbesofaithfullyremembered。
"Theinterestonthatsortofinvestmentrollsupbeautifully，youknow。
NowripthatdressforJennytoputinorder，andI"lltossyouupabonnetinlessthannotime，"saidPolly，determinedtohavethingsgosmoothly，forsheknewFan"sfeelingshadbeenagooddealtriedlately，inmanyways。
"Imusthavesomethingtomatchmydress，andblueinside，"saidFanny，bringingoutherribbonboxes。
"Anythingyoulike，mydear；whenitcomestobonnets，Iamusuallyinspired。Ihaveit!Thereweare!Andnothingcouldbenicer，"criedPolly，makingadiveamongthesilksFanwasturningoverwithalostexpression。
"Thisbitofsilver-grayisallIask，here"senoughforakillingbonnet，andthoseforget-me-notsarebothprettyandappropriate。"
"Youwretch，bestill!"criedFanny，asPollylookedupatherwithawickedlaughinhereyes。
"Itwillbedoneintime，andthedresslikewise，solookyourprettiest，andacceptmyblessing，"continuedPolly，seeingthatFanlikedherraillery。
"Timeforwhat？"askedPaulinaPry。
"Yourwedding，dear，"sweetlyansweredFan，forPolly"spleasanthintsandpredictionsputherinacharminghumor，andevenmadeoldclothesoflittleconsequence。
Maudgaveanincreduloussniff，andwonderedwhy"biggirlsneedtobesodreadfulmysteriousabouttheiroldsecrets。"
"ThissilkremindsmeofKitty"sperformancelastsummer。AlittlecheckedsilkwassentinourspringbundlefromMrs。Davenport，andMothersaidKitmighthaveitifshecouldmakeitdo。SoIwasheditnicely，andwefussedandplanned，butitcameshortbyhalfofonesleeve。Igaveitup，butKitwenttoworkandmatchedeveryscrapthatwasleftsoneatlythatshegotoutthehalfsleeve，putitontheunderside，andnoonewasthewiser。Howmanypiecesdoyouthinksheputin，Maud？"
"Fifty，"wasthewisereply。
"No，onlyten，butthatwasprettywellforafourteen-year-olddressmaker。
Yououghttohaveseenthelittlewitchlaughinhersleevewhenanyoneadmiredthedress，forsheworeitallsummerandlookedasprettyasapinkinit。Suchthingsaregreatfunwhenyougetusedtothem；besides，contrivingsharpensyourwits，andmakesyoufeelasifyouhadmorehandsthanmostpeople。"
"Ithinkwe"llgetafarmnearyourhouse；IshouldliketoknowKitty，"
saidMaud，feelingacuriousinterestinagirlwhomadesuchpeculiarpatchwork。
"Thedress-paradeisover，andI"meversomuchobligedtoyou，Polly，forhelpingmethrough，andshowingmehowtomakethebestofthings。
Ihopeintimetohaveasmanyhandsasyou，"saidFangratefully，whenthesimplebonnetwasdoneandeverythingplannedoutreadytobefinished。
"Ihopeyouwillsoonhavetwogood，strongonesbesideyourown，mydear，"answeredPolly，asshevanished，withapartingtwinklethatkeptFan"sfacebrightallday。ChapterXVII。ChapterXVII。CHAPTERXVIIPLAYINGGRANDMOTHERITHINKTomhadthehardesttimeofall，forbesidesthefamilytroubles，hehadmanyofhisowntoperplexandharasshim。Collegescrapesweresoonforgotteningreaterafflictions；buttherewereplentyoftonguestoblame"thatextravagantdog，"andplentyofheadstowagominouslyoverpropheciesofthegoodtimeTomShawwouldnowmakeontheroadtoruin。
Asreportersflourishinthiscountry，ofcourseTomsoonheardallthefriendlycriticismspasseduponhimandhiscareer，andhesufferedmorethananybodyguessed；forthetruththatwasatthebottomofthegossipfilledhimwiththesharpregretandimpotentwrathagainsthimselfaswellasothers，whichdrivesmanyaproudfellow，soplaced，todestruction，ortheeffortthatredeemsboyishfolly，andmakesamanofhim。
Nowthathehadlosthisheritage，Tomseemedtoseeforthefirsttimehowgoodlyithadbeen，howrichinpower，pleasure，andgraciousopportunities。
Hefeltitsworthevenwhileheacknowledged，withthesenseofjusticethatisstronginmanlymen，howlittlehedeservedagiftwhichhehadsomisused。Hebroodedoverthisagooddeal，for，likethebatinthefable，hedidn"tseemtofindanyplaceinthenewlifewhichhadbegunforall。Knowingnothingofbusiness，hewasnotofmuchusetohisfather，thoughhetriedtobe，andgenerallyendedbyfeelingthathewasahindrance，notahelp。Domesticaffairswereequallyoutofhisline，andthegirls，morefrankthantheirfather，didnothesitatetotellhimhewasinthewaywhenheofferedtolendahandanywhere。Afterthefirstexcitementwasover，andhehadtimetothink，heartandenergyseemedtodieout，remorsegotholdofhim，and，asgenerous，thoughtlessnaturesareapttodowhensuddenlyconfrontedwithconscience，heexaggeratedhisfaultsandfolliesintosinsofthedeepestdye，andfanciedhewasregardedbyothersasavillainandanoutcast。Prideandpenitencemadehimshrinkoutofsightasmuchaspossible，forhecouldnotbearpity，evenwhensilentlyexpressedbyafriendlyhandorakindlyeye。Hestayedathomeagooddeal，andloafedaboutwithamelancholyandneglectedair，vanishedwhenanyonecame，talkedverylittle，andwaseitherpatheticallyhumbleortragicallycross。Hewantedtodosomething，butnothingseemedtoappear；
andwhilehewaitedtogethispoiseafterthedownfall，hewassoverymiserablethatI"mafraid，ifithadnotbeenforonething，mypoorTomwouldhavegotdesperate，andbeenafailure。Butwhenheseemedmostuseless，outcast，andforlorn，hediscoveredthatonepersonneededhim，onepersonneverfoundhimintheway，onepersonalwayswelcomedandclungtohimwiththestrongestaffectionofaveryfeeblenature。Thisdependenceofhismother"swasTom"ssalvationatthatcrisisofhislife；andthegossips，whosaidsoftlytooneanotherovertheirmuffinsandtea。"Itreallywouldbearelieftothatwholefamilyifpoor，dearMrs。Shawcouldbe；ahem!；mercifullyremoved，"didnotknowthattheinvalid"sweak，idlehandswereunconsciouslykeepingthesonsafeinthatquietroom，whereshegavehimallthatshehadtogive，mother-love，tillhetookheartagain，andfacedtheworldreadytofighthisbattlesmanfully。
"Dear，dear!howoldandbentpoorfatherdoeslook。Ihopehewon"tforgettoordermysweetbread，"sighedMrs。Shawoneday，asshewatchedherhusbandslowlygoingdownthestreet。
Tom，whostoodbyher，idlyspinningthecurtaintassel，followedthefamiliarfigurewithhiseye，andseeinghowgraythehairhadgrown，howcarewornthefloridface，andhowlikeawearyoldmanhisoncestrong，handsomefatherwalked，hewassmittenbyanewpangofself-reproach，andwithhisusualimpetuositysetaboutrepairingtheomissionassoonashediscoveredit。
"I"llseetoyoursweetbread，mum。Good-by，backtodinner，"andwithahastykiss，Tomwasoff。
Hedidn"tknowexactlywhathemeanttodo，butithadsuddenlycomeoverhim，thathewashidingfromthestorm，andlettinghisfathermeetitalone；fortheoldmanwenttohisofficeeverydaywiththeregularityofamachine，thatwouldgoitsusualrounduntilitstopped，whiletheyoungmanstayedathomewiththewomen，andlethismothercomforthim。
"Hehasarighttobeashamedofme，butIactasifIwasashamedofhim；daresaypeoplethinkso。I"llshowthemthatIain"t；yes，bythepowers，Iwill!"andTomdrewonhisgloveswiththeairofamanabouttomeetandconqueranenemy。
"Haveanarm，sir？Ifyoudon"tmindI"llwalkdownwithyou。Littlecommissionformother，；niceday，isn"tit？"
Tomratherbrokedownattheendofhisspeech，forthelookofpleasedsurprisewithwhichhisfathergreetedhim，thealacritywithwhichheacceptedandleanedonthestrongarmofferedhim，provedthatthedailywalkshadbeensolitaryanddoubtlesssadones。IthinkMr。Shawunderstoodtherealmeaningofthatlittleactofrespect，andfeltbetterforthehopefulchangeitseemedtoforetell。Buthetookitquietly，andleavinghisfacetospeakforhim，merelysaid，；
"Thanky，Tom；yes，motherwillenjoyherdinnertwiceasmuchifyouorderit。"
Thentheybegantotalkbusinesswithalltheirmight，asiftheyfearedthatsometraceofsentimentmightdisgracetheirmasculinedignity。Butitmadenodifferencewhethertheydiscussedlawsuitsorlove，mortgagesormothers，thefeelingwasallrightandtheyknewit，soMr。Shawwalkedstraighterthanusual，andTomfeltthathewasinhisproperplaceagain。
Thewalkwasnotwithoutitstrials，however；forwhileitdidTom"sheartgoodtoseethecordialrespectpaidtohisfather，ittriedhispatiencesorelytoseealsoinquisitiveordisapprovingglancesfixeduponhimselfwhenhatswereliftedtohisfather，andtohearthehearty"Goodday，Mr。Shaw，"dropintoacoolorcareless，"That"stheson；it"shardonhim。Wildfellow，dohimgood。"
"Granted；butyouneedn"thitamanwhenhe"sdown，"mutteredTomtohimself，feelingeverymomentastrongerdesiretodosomethingthatshouldsilenceeverybody。"I"dcutawaytoAustraliaifitwasn"tformother；anything，anywheretogetoutofthewayofpeoplewhoknowme。
Inevercanrightmyselfhere，withallthefellowswatching，andlayingwagerswhetherIsinkorswim。HangGreekandLatin!wishI"dlearnedatrade，andhadsomethingtofallbackupon。Haven"tablessedthingnow，butdecentFrenchandmyfists。WonderifoldBelldon"twantaclerkfortheParisbranchofthebusiness？Thatwouldn"tbebad；faith，I"lltryit。"
AndwhenTomhadlandedhisfathersafelyattheoffice，tothegreatedificationofallbeholders，hescreweduphiscourage，andwenttopreferhisrequest，feelingthattheprospectbrightenedalittle。ButMr。Bellwasnotinagoodhumor，andonlygaveTomaseverelectureontheerrorofhisways，whichsenthimhomemuchdepressed，andcausedthehorizontoloweragain。
Asheroamedaboutthehousethatafternoon，tryingtocalculatehowmuchanAustralianoutfitwouldcost，thesoundoflivelyvoicesandclatteringspoonsattractedhimtothekitchen。TherehefoundPollygivingMaudlessonsincookery；forthe"newhelp"notbeingahigh-pricedarticle，couldnotbedependedonfordesserts，andMrs。Shawwouldhavefeltasifthewolfwasatthedooriftherewasnot"asweetdish"atdinner。Maudhadageniusforcooking，andFannyhatedit，sothatlittlepersonwasinherglory，studyingreceiptbooks，andtakinglessonswheneverPollycouldgivethem。
"Graciousme，Tom，don"tcomenow；weareawfulbusy!Mendon"tbelonginkitchens，"criedMaud，asherbrotherappearedinthedoorway。
"Couldn"tthinkwhatyouwereabout。Mumisasleep，andFanout，soIloafeddowntoseeiftherewasanyfunafoot，"saidTom，lingering，asiftheprospectwasagreeable。Hewasasocialfellow，andverygratefuljustthentoanyonewhohelpedhimtoforgethisworriesforatime。Pollyknewthis，feltthathissocietywouldnotbeagreatafflictiontoherselfatleast，andwhisperingtoMaud，"Hewon"tknow，"sheadded，aloud，；
"Comeinifyoulike，andstirthiscakeforme；itneedsastronghand，andminearetired。There，putonthataprontokeepyoutidy，sithere，andtakeiteasy。"
"Iusedtohelpgrandmabatupcake，andratherlikedit，ifIrememberright，"saidTom，lettingPollytieacheckedaprononhim，putabigbowlintohishands，andsettlehimnearthetable，whereMaudwaspickingraisins，andsheherselfstirringbusilyaboutamongspice-boxes，rolling-pins，andbutter-pots。
"Youdoitbeautifully，Tom。I"llgiveyouaconundrumtolightenyourlabor:Whyarebadboyslikecake？"askedPolly，anxioustocheerhimup。
"Becauseagoodbeatingmakesthembetter。Idoubtthatmyself，though，"
answeredTom，nearlyknockingthebottomofthebowloutwithhisenergeticdemonstrations，foritreallywasarelieftodosomething。
"Brightboy!here"saplumforyou，"andPollythrewaplumpraisinintohismouth。
"Putinlots，won"tyou？I"mratherfondofplum-cake，"observedTom，likeninghimselftoHerculeswiththedistaff，andfindinghisemploymentpleasant，ifnotclassical。
"Ialwaysdo，ifIcan；there"snothingIlikebetterthantoshovelinsugarandspice，andmakenice，plummycakeforpeople。It"soneofthefewthingsIhaveagiftfor。"
"You"vehititthistime，Polly；youcertainlyhaveagiftforputtingagooddealofbotharticlesintoyourownandotherpeople"slives，whichislucky，as，weallhavetoeatthatsortofcake，whetherwelikeitornot，"observedTom，sosoberlythatPollyopenedhereyes，andMaudexclaimed，；
"Idobelievehe"spreaching。"
"FeelasifIcouldsometimes，"continuedTom；thenhiseyefelluponthedimplesinPolly"selbows，andheadded，withalaugh，"That"smoreinyourline，ma"am；can"tyougiveusasermon？"
"Ashortone。Life，mybrethren，islikeplum-cake，"beganPolly，impressivelyfoldingherflouryhands。"Insometheplumsareallonthetop，andweeatthemgayly，tillwesuddenlyfindtheyaregone。Inotherstheplumssinktothebottom，andwelookfortheminvainaswegoon，andoftencometothemwhenitistoolatetoenjoythem。Butinthewell-madecake，theplumsarewiselyscatteredallthrough，andeverymouthfulisapleasure。
Wemakeourowncakes，inagreatmeasure，thereforeletuslooktoit，mybrethren，thattheyaremixedaccordingtothebestreceipt，bakedinawellregulatedoven，andgratefullyeatenwithatemperateappetite。"
"Good!good!"criedTom，applaudingwiththewoodenspoon。"That"samodelsermon，Polly，；short，sweet，sensible，andnotabitsleepy。
I"moneofyourparish，andwillseethatyougetyour"celerypunctooal，"
asoldDeaconMorseusedtosay。"
""Thankyou，brother，mywantsisfew，andravensscurserthantheyusedtobe，"asdearoldParsonMillerusedtoanswer。Now，Maud，bringonthecitron；"andPollybegantoputthecaketogetherinwhatseemedamostcarelessandchaoticmanner，whileTomandMaudwatchedwithabsorbinginteresttillitwassafelyintheoven。
"Nowmakeyourcustards，dear；Tommayliketobeattheeggsforyou；
itseemstohaveagoodeffectuponhisconstitution。"
"First-rate；hand"emalong，"andTomsmoothedhisapronwithacheerfulair。"Bytheway，Syd"sgotback。Imethimyesterday，andhetreatedmelikeamanandabrother，"headded，asifanxioustocontributetothepleasuresofthehour。
"I"msoglad!"criedPolly，clappingherhands，regardlessoftheeggsheheld，whichdroppedandsmashedontheflooratherfeet。"Carelessthing!Pickitup，Maud，I"llgetsomemore；"andPollywhiskedoutoftheroom，gladofanexcusetorunandtellFan，whohadjustcomein，lest，hearingthenewsinpublic，shemightbestartledoutofthewell-bredcomposurewithwhichyoungladiesareexpectedtoreceivetidings，evenofthemostvitalimportance。
"Youknowallabouthistory，don"tyou？"askedMaud，suddenly。
"Notquite，"modestlyansweredTom。
"IjustwanttoknowiftherereallywasamannamedSirPhilip，inthetimeofQueenElizabeth。"
"YoumeanSirPhilipSidney？Yes，helivedthenandafineoldfellowhewastoo。"
"There；Iknewthegirlsdidn"tmeanhim，"criedMaud，withachopthatsentthecitronflying。
"Whatmischiefareyouuptonow，youlittlemagpie？"
"Ishan"ttellyouwhattheysaid，becauseIdon"tremembermuchofit；butIheardPollyandFantalkingaboutsomeonedreadfulmysterious，andwhenIaskedwhoitwas，Fansaid，"SirPhilip。"Ho!sheneedn"tthinkIbelieveit!Isaw"emlaugh，andblush，andpokeoneanother，andIknewitwasn"taboutanyoldQueenElizabethman，"criedMaud，turninguphernoseasfarasthatsomewhatlimitedfeaturewouldgo。
"Lookhere，youarelettingcatsoutofthebag。Nevermind，Ithoughtso。Theydon"ttellustheirsecrets，butwearesosharp，wecan"thelpfindingthemout，canwe？"saidTom，lookingsomuchinterested，thatMaudcouldn"tresistairingherknowledgealittle。
"Well，Idaresay，itisn"tproperforyoutoknow，butIamoldenoughnowtobetoldanything，andthosegirlsbettermindwhattheysay，forI"mnotastupidchit，likeBlanche。Ijustwishyoucouldhaveheardthemgoon。I"msurethere"ssomethingveryniceaboutMr。
Sydney，theylookedsopleasedwhentheywhisperedandgiggledonthebed，andthoughtIwasrippingbonnets，anddidn"thearaword。"
"Whichlookedmostpleased？"askedTom，investigatingthekitchenboilerwithdeepinterest。
"Well，"pearstomePollydid；shetalkedmost，andlookedfunnyandveryhappyallthetime。Fanlaughedagooddeal，butIguessPollyistheloveress，"repliedMaud，afteramoment"sreflection。
"Holdyourtongue；she"scoming!"andTombegantopumpasifthehousewasonfire。
DowncamePolly，withheightenedcolor，brighteyes，andnotasingleegg。Tomtookaquicklookatheroverhisshoulder，andpausedasifthefirewassuddenlyextinguished。SomethinginhisfacemadePollyfeelalittleguilty，soshefelltogratingnutmeg，withavigorwhichmaderedcheeksthemostnaturalthinginlife。Maud，thetraitor，satdemurelyatwork，lookingverylikewhatTomhadcalledher，amagpiewithmischiefinitshead。Pollyfeltachangeintheatmosphere，butmerelythoughtTomwastired，soshegraciouslydismissedhimwithastickofcinnamon，asshehadnothingelsejustthentolayupontheshrine。
"Fan"sgotthebooksandmapsyouwanted。Goandrestnow。I"mmuchobliged；here"syourwages，Bridget。"
"Goodlucktoyourmesses，"answeredTom，ashewalkedawaymeditativelycrunchinghiscinnamon，andlookingasifhedidnotfinditasspicyasusual。Hegothisbooks，butdidnotreadthem；for，shuttinghimselfupinthelittleroomcalled"Tom"sden，"hejustsatdownandbrooded。
Whenhecamedowntobreakfastthenextmorning，hewasgreetedwithageneral"Happybirthday，Tom!"andathisplacelaygiftsfromeverymemberofthefamily；notascostlyasformerly，perhaps，butinfinitelydearer，astokensofthelovethathadoutlivedthechange，andonlygrownthewarmerforthetestofmisfortune。Inhispresentstateofmind，Tomfeltasifhedidnotdeserveablessedthing；sowheneveryoneexertedthemselvestomakeitahappydayforhim，heunderstoodwhatitmeans"tobenearlykilledwithkindness，"andsternlyresolvedtobeanhonortohisfamily，orperishintheattempt。EveningbroughtPollytowhatshecalleda"festivetea，"andwhentheygatheredroundthetable，anothergiftappeared，which，thoughnotofasentimentalnature，touchedTommorethanalltherest。Itwasamostdelectablecake，withanosegayatop，androunditonthesnowyfrostingthereranapinkinscription，justasithadbeeneveryyearsinceTomcouldremember。
"Name，age，anddate，likeanicewhitetombstone，"observedMaud，complacently，atwhichfunerealremark，Mrs。Shaw，whowasdowninhonoroftheday，droppedhernapkin，anddemandedhersalts。
"Whosedoingisthat？"askedTom，surveyingthegiftwithsatisfaction；
foritrecalledthehappierbirthdays，whichseemedveryfarawaynow。
"Ididn"tknowwhattogiveyou，foryou"vegoteverythingamanwants，andIwasindespairtillIrememberedthatdeargrandmaalwaysmadeyoualittlecakelikethat，andthatyouoncesaiditwouldn"tbeahappybirthdaywithoutit。SoItriedtomakeitjustlikehers，andIdohopeitwillproveagood，sweet，plummyone。"
"Thankyou，"wasallTomsaid，ashesmiledatthegiver，butPollyknewthatherpresenthadpleasedhimmorethanthemosteleganttrifleshecouldhavemade。
"Itoughttobegood，foryoubeatitupyourself，Tom，"cried，Maud。
"Itwassofunnytoseeyouworkingaway，andneverguessingwhothecakewasfor。Iperfectlytrembledeverytimeyouopenedyourmouth，forfearyou"dasksomequestionaboutit。ThatwasthereasonPollypreachedandIkepttalkingwhenshewasgone。"
"Verystupidofme；butIforgotallaboutto-day。Supposewecutit；
Idon"tseemtocareforanythingelse，"saidTom，feelingnoappetite，butboundtodojusticetothatcake，ifhefellavictimtohisgratitude。
"Ihopetheplumswon"tallbeatthebottom，"saidPolly，assherosetodothehonorsofthecake，byuniversalappointment。
"I"vehadagoodmanyatthetopalready，youknow，"answeredTom，watchingtheoperationwithasmuchinterestasifhehadfaithintheomen。
Cuttingcarefully，sliceafterslicefellapart；eachfirmanddark，spicyandrich，underthefrostyrimeabove；andlayingaspeciallylargepieceinoneofgrandma"squaintlittlechinaplates，PollyaddedtheflowersandhandedittoTom，withalookthatsaidagooddeal，for，seeingthatherememberedhersermon，shewasgladtofindthatherallegoryheldgood，inonesenseatleast。Tom"sfacebrightenedashetookit，andafteraninspectionwhichamusedtheothersverymuchhelookedup，saying，withanairofrelief，"Plumsallthrough；I"mgladIhadahandinit，butPollydeservesthecredit，andmustweartheposy，"andturningtoher，heputtheroseintoherhairwithmoregallantrythantaste，forathornprickedherhead，theleavestickledherear，andtheflowerwasupsidedown。
Fannylaughedathiswantofskill，butPollywouldn"thaveitaltered，andeverybodyfelltoeatingcake，asifindigestionwasoneofthelostarts。Theyhadalivelytea，andweregettingonfamouslyafterward，whentwoletterswerebroughtforTom，whoglancedatone，andretiredratherprecipitatelytohisden，leavingMaudconsumedwithcuriosity，andtheoldergirlsslightlyexcited，forFanthoughtsherecognizedthehandwritingonone，andPolly，ontheother。
Onehalfanhourandthenanotherelapsed，andTomdidnotreturn。Mr。
Shawwentout，Mrs。ShawretiredtoherroomescortedbyMaud，andthetwogirlssattogetherwonderingifanythingdreadfulhadhappened。Allofasuddenavoicecalled，"Polly!"andthatyoungladystartedoutofherchair，asifthesoundhadbeenathunder-clap。
"Dorun!I"mperfectlyfaintingtoknowwhatthematteris，"saidFan。
"You"dbettergo，"beganPolly，wishingtoobey，yetfeelingalittleshy。
"Hedon"twantme；besides，Icouldn"tsayawordformyselfifthatletterwasfromSydney，"criedFanny，hustlingherfriendtowardsthedoor，inagreatflutter。
Pollywentwithoutanotherword，butsheworeacuriouslyanxiouslook，andstoppedonthethresholdoftheden，asifalittleafraidofitsoccupant。
Tomwassittinginhisfavoriteattitude，astrideofachair，withhisarmsfoldedandhischinonthetoprail；notanelegantposture，buttheonlyoneinwhich，hesaid，hecouldthinkwell。
"Didyouwantme，Tom？"
"Yes。Comein，please，anddon"tlookscared；IonlywanttoshowyouapresentI"vehad，andaskyouradviceaboutacceptingit。"
"Why，Tom，youlookasifyouhadbeenknockeddown!"exclaimedPolly，forgettingallaboutherself，asshesawhisfacewhenheroseandturnedtomeether。
"Ihave；regularlyfloored；butI"mupagain，andsteadierthanever。
Justyoureadthat，andtellmewhatyouthinkofit。"
Tomsnatchedaletteroffthetable，putitintoherhands，andbegantowalkupanddownthelittleroom，likeaveritablebearinitscage。
AsPollyreadthatshortnote，allthecolorwentoutofherface，andhereyesbegantokindle。Whenshecametotheend，shestoodaminute，asiftooindignanttospeak，thengavethepaperanervoussortofcrumpleanddroppeditonthefloor，saying，allinonebreath，；
"Ithinksheisamercenary，heartless，ungratefulgirl!That"swhatIthink。"
"Oh，the；deuce!Ididn"tmeantoshowthatone；it"stheother。"
AndTomtookupasecondpaper，lookinghalfangry，halfashamedathisownmistake。"Idon"tcare，though；everyonewillknowto-morrow；andperhapsyou"llbegoodenoughtokeepthegirlsfrombotheringmewithquestionsandgabble，"headded，asif，onsecondthoughts，hewasrelievedtohavethecommunicationmadetoPollyfirst。
"Idon"twonderyoulookedupset。Iftheotherletterisasbad，I"dbetterhaveachairbeforeIreadit，"saidPolly，feelingthatshebegantotremblewithexcitement。
"It"samilliontimesbetter，butitknockedmeworsethantheother；
kindnessalwaysdoes。"Tomstoppedshortthere，andstoodaminuteturningtheletteraboutinhishandasifitcontainedasweetwhichneutralizedthebitterinthatsmallernote，andtouchedhimverymuch。Thenhedrewupanarmchair，andbeckoningPollytotakeit，saidinasober，steadytone，thatsurprisedhergreatly，；
"WheneverIwasinaquandary，Iusedtogoandconsultgrandma，andshealwayshadsomethingsensibleorcomfortabletosaytome。She"sgonenow，butsomehow，Polly，youseemtotakeherplace。Wouldyoumindsittinginherchair，andlettingmetellyoutwoorthreethings，asWilldoes？"
Mindit？PollyfeltthatTomhadpaidherthehighestandmostbeautifulcomplimenthecouldhavedevised。Shehadoftenlongedtodoit，for，beingbroughtupinthemostaffectionateandfrankrelationswithherbrothers，shehadearlylearnedwhatittakesmostwomensometimetodiscover，thatsexdoesnotmakenearlyasmuchdifferenceinheartsandsoulsaswefancy。
Joyandsorrow，loveandfear，lifeanddeathbringsomanyofthesameneedstoall，thatthewonderiswedonotunderstandeachotherbetter，butwaittilltimesoftribulationteachusthathumannatureisverymuchthesameinmenandwomen。Thankstothisknowledge，PollyunderstoodTominawaythatsurprisedandwonhim。Sheknewthathewantedwomanlysympathy，andthatshecouldgiveittohim，becauseshewasnotafraidtostretchherhandacrossthebarrierwhichourartificialeducationputsbetweenboysandgirls，andtosaytohiminallgoodfaith，"IfIcanhelpyou，letme。"
TenminutessoonerPollycouldhavedonethisalmostaseasilytoTomastoWill，butinthattenminutessomethinghadhappenedwhichmadethisdifficult。ReadingthatTrixhadgivenTombackhisfreedomchangedmanythingstoPolly，andcausedhertoshrinkfromhisconfidence，becauseshefeltasifitwouldbehardernowtokeepselfoutofsight；for，spiteofmaidenmodesty，loveandhopewouldwakeandsingatthegoodnews。
Slowlyshesatdown，andhesitatinglyshesaid，withhereyesontheground，andaveryhumblevoice，；
"I"lldomybest，butIcan"tfillgrandma"splace，orgiveyouanywise，goodadvice。IwishIcould!"
"You"lldoitbetterthananyoneelse。Talktroublesmother，fatherhasenoughtothinkofwithoutanyofmyworries。Fanisagoodsoul，butsheisn"tpractical，andwealwaysgetintoasnarlifwetrytoworktogether，sowhohaveIbutmyothersister，Polly？Thepleasurethatletterwillgiveyoumaymakeupformyboringyou。"
Ashespoke，Tomlaidtheotherpaperinherlap，andwentofftothewindow，asiftoleaveherfreetoenjoyitunseen；buthecouldnothelpaglancenowandthen，andasPolly"sfacebrightened，hisownfell。
"Oh，Tom，that"sabirthdaypresentworthhaving，forit"ssobeautifullygivenIdon"tseehowyoucanrefuseit。ArthurSydneyisarealnobleman!"
criedPolly，lookingupatlast，withherfactglowing，andhereyesfullofdelight。
"Soheis!Idon"tknowanothermanliving，exceptfather，whowouldhavedonesuchathing，orwhoIcouldbringmyselftotakeitfrom。Doyousee，he"snotonlypaidtheconfoundeddebts，buthasdoneitinmyname，tosparemeallhecould？"
"Isee，it"slikehim；andIthinkhemustbeveryhappytobeabletodosuchathing。"
"Itisanimmenseweightoffmyshoulders，forsomeofthosemencouldn"taffordtowaittillI"dbegged，borrowed，orearnedthemoney。Sydneycanwait，buthewon"tlong，ifIknowmyself。"
"Youwon"ttakeitasagift，then？"
"Wouldyou？"
"No。"
"Thendon"tthinkIwill。I"maprettypooraffair，Polly，butI"mnotmeanenoughtodothat，whileI"vegotaconscienceandapairofhands。"
Aroughspeech，butitpleasedPollybetterthanthesmoothestTomhadevermadeinherhearing，forsomethinginhisfaceandvoicetoldherthatthefriendlyacthadrousedanoblersentimentthangratitude，makingthecancelledobligationsoftheboy，debtsofhonortotheman。
"Whatwillyoudo，Tom？"
"I"lltellyou；mayIsithere？"AndTomtookthelowfootstoolthatalwaysstoodneargrandma"soldchair。"I"vehadsomanyplansinmyheadlately，thatsometimesitseemsasifitwouldsplit，"continuedthepoorfellow，rubbinghistiredforehead，asiftopolishuphiswits。"I"vethoughtseriouslyofgoingtoCalifornia，Australia，orsomeout-of-the-wayplace，wheremengetrichinahurry。"
"Oh，no!"criedPolly，puttingoutherhandasittokeephim，andthensnatchingitbackagainbeforehecouldturnround。
"Itwouldbehardonmotherandthegirls，Isuppose；besides，Idon"tquitelikeitmyself；looksasifIshirkedandranaway。"
"Soitdoes，"saidPolly，decidedly。
"Well，youseeIdon"tseemtofindanythingtodounlessIturnclerk，andIdon"tthinkthatwouldsuit。Thefactis，Icouldn"tstandithere，whereI"mknown。Itwouldbeeasiertoscratchgravelonarailroad，withagangofPaddies，thantosellpinstomyfriendsandneighbors。Falsepride，Idaresay，butit"sthetruth，andthere"snouseindodging。"
"Notabit，andIquiteagreewithyou。"
"That"scomfortable。NowI"mcomingtothepointwhereIspeciallywantyouradvice，Polly。YesterdayIheardyoutellingFanaboutyourbrotherNed；howwellhegoton；howhelikedhisbusiness，andwantedWilltocomeandtakesomeplacenearhim。YouthoughtIwasreading，butIheard；
anditstruckmethatperhapsIcouldgetachanceoutWestsomewhere。
Whatdoyouthink？"
"Ifyoureallymeanwork，Iknowyoucould，"answeredPolly，quickly，asallsortsofplansandprojectswentsweepingthroughhermind。
"IwishyoucouldbewithNed；you"dgetontogether，I"msure；andhe"dbesogladtodoanythinghecould。I"llwriteandask，straightaway，ifyouwantmeto。"
"Supposeyoudo；justforinformation，youknow，thenIshallhavesomethingtogoupon。Iwanttohaveafeasibleplanallready，beforeIspeaktofather。There"snothingsoconvincingtobusinessmenasfacts，youknow。"
PollycouldnothelpsmilingatTom"snewtone，itseemedsostrangetohearhimtalkingaboutanythingbuthorsesandtailors，dancingandgirls。Shelikedit，however，asmuchasshedidthesoberexpressionofhisface，andthewayhehadlatelyofswinginghisarmsabout，asifhewantedtodosomethingenergeticwiththem。
"Thatwillbewise。Doyouthinkyourfatherwilllikethisplan？"
"Prettysurebewill。Yesterday，whenItoldhimImustgoatsomethingrightoff，hesaid，"Anythinghonest，Tom，anddon"tforgetthatyourfatherbegantheworldasashop-boy。"Youknewthat，didn"tyou？"
"Yes，hetoldmethestoryonce，andIalwayslikedtohearit，becauseitwaspleasanttoseehowwellhehadsucceeded。"
"Ineverdidlikethestory，alittlebitashamed，I"mafraid；butwhenwetalkeditoverlastnight，itstruckmeinanewlight，andIunderstoodwhyfathertookthefailuresowell，andseemssocontentedwiththispoorishplace。Itisonlybeginningagain，hesays；andhavingworkedhiswayuponce，hefeelsasifhecouldagain。Ideclaretoyou，Polly，thatsortofconfidenceinhimself，andenergyandcourageinamanofhisyears，makesmeloveandrespectthedearoldgentlemanasIneverdidbefore。"
"I"msogladtohearyousaythat，Tom!I"vesometimesthoughtyoudidn"tquiteappreciateyourfather，anymorethanheknewhowmuchofamanyouwere。"
"Neverwastillto-day，youknow，"saidTom，laughing，yetlookingasifhefeltthedignityofhisoneandtwentyyears。"Odd，isn"tit，howpeoplelivetogethereversolong，anddon"tseemtofindoneanotherout，tillsomethingcomestodoitforthem。Perhapsthissmash-upwassenttointroducemetomyownfather。"
"There"sphilosophyforyou，"saidPolly，smiling，evenwhileshefeltasifadversitywasgoingtodomoreforTomthanyearsofprosperity。
Theybothsatquietforaminute，Pollyinthebigchairlookingathimwithanewrespectinhereyes，Tomonthestoolnearbyslowlytearingupafoldedpaperhehadabsentlytakenfromthefloorwhilehetalked。
"Didthissurpriseyou？"heasked，asalittlewhiteshowerflutteredfromhishands。
"No。"
"Well，itdidme；foryouknowassoonaswecametogriefIofferedtoreleaseTrixfromtheengagement，andshewouldn"tletme，"continuedTom，asif，havingbegunthesubject，hewishedtoexplainitthoroughly。
"Thatsurprisedme，"saidPolly。
"Soitdidme，forFanalwaysinsisteditwasthemoneyandnotthemanshecaredfor。Herfirstanswerpleasedmeverymuch，forIdidnotexpectit，andnothingtouchesafellowmorethantohaveawomanstandbyhimthroughthickandthin。"
"Shedon"tseemtohavedoneit。"
"Fanwasright。Trixonlywaitedtoseehowbadthingsreallywere，orratherhermotherdid。She"sascool，hard，andworldlymindedanoldsoulasIeversaw，andTrixisboundtoobey。Shegetsrounditveryneatlyinhernote，"Iwon"tbeaburden，""willsacrificeherhopes，""andalwaysremainmywarmfriend，"butthetruthis，TomShawrichwasworthmakingmuchof，butTomShawpoorisintheway，andmaygotothedevilasfastashelikes。"
"Well，heisn"tgoing!"criedPolly，defiantly，forherwrathburnedhotlyagainstTrix，thoughsheblessedherforsettingthebondmanfree。
"Camewithinanaceofit，"mutteredTomtohimself；addingaloud，inatoneofcalmresignationthatassuredPollyhisheartwouldnotbebrokenthoughhisengagementwas，；
"Itneverrainsbutitpours，"speciallyinhardtimes，butwhenamanisdown，araportwomoredon"tmattermuch，Isuppose。It"sthefirstblowthathurtsmost。"
"Gladtoseeyoutakethelastblowsowell。"Therewasanironicallittletwangtothatspeech，andPollycouldn"thelpit。Tomcoloredupandlookedhurtforaminute，thenseemedtorighthimselfwithashrug，andsaid，inhisoutspokenway，；
"Totellthehonesttruth，Polly，itwasnotaveryhardone。
I"vehadafeelingforsometimethatTrixandIwerenotsuitedtooneanother，anditmightbewisertostopshort。Butshedidnotorwouldnotseeit；andIwasnotgoingtobackout，andleavehertowearanymorewillows，sohereweare。Idon"tbearmalice，buthopeshe"lldobetter，andnotbedisappointedagain，uponmywordIdo。"
"That"sverygoodofyou，quiteSydneyesque，andnoble，"saidPolly，feelingratherillatease，andwishingshecouldhideherselfbehindacapandspectacles，ifshewastoplayGrandmatothisconfidingyouth。
"ItwillbeallplainsailingforSyd，Ifancy，"observedTom，gettingupasifthelittlecricketsuddenlyceasedtobecomfortable。
"Ihopeso，"murmuredPolly，wonderingwhatwascomingnext。
"Hedeservestheverybestofeverything，andIpraytheLordhemaygetit，"addedTom，pokingthefireinadestructivemanner。
Pollymadenoanswer，fearingtopaytoomuch，forsheknewFanhadmadenoconfidantofTom，andsheguardedherfriend"ssecretasjealouslyasherown。
"You"llwritetoNedto-morrow，willyou？I"lltakeanythinghe"sgot，forIwanttobeoff，"saidTom，castingdownthepoker，andturningroundwitharesoluteairwhichwaslostonPolly，whosattwirlingtherosethathadfallenintoherlap。
"I"llwriteto-night。WouldyoulikemetotellthegirlsaboutTrixandSydney？"sheaskedassherose，feelingthatthecouncilwasover。
"Iwishyouwould。Idon"tknowhowtothankyouforallyou"vedoneforme；IwishtoheavenIdid，"saidTom，holdingouthishandwithalookthatPollythoughtagreatdealtoogratefulforthelittleshehaddone。
Asshegavehimherhand，andlookedupathimwiththoseconfidingeyesofhers，Tom"sgratitudeseemedtoflytohishead，for，withouttheslightestwarning，hestoopeddownandkissedher，；aproceedingwhichstartledPollysothatherecoveredhimselfatonce，andretreatedintohisdenwiththeincoherentapology，；
"Ibegpardon；couldn"thelpit；grandmaalwaysletmeonmybirthday。"
WhilePollytookrefugeupstairs，forgettingallaboutFan，asshesatinthedarkwithherfacehidden，wonderingwhyshewasn"tveryangry，andresolvingneveragaintoindulgeinthedelightfulbutdangerouspastimeofplayinggrandmother。ChapterXVIII。ChapterXVIII。CHAPTERXVIIITHEWOMANWHODIDNOTDAREPOLLYwroteenthusiastically，Nedansweredsatisfactorily，andaftermuchcorresponding，talking，andplanning，itwasdecidedthatTomshouldgoWest。Nevermindwhatthebusinesswas；itsufficestosaythatitwasagoodbeginningforayoungmanlikeTom，who，havingbeenbornandbredinthemostconservativeclassofthemostconceitedcityinNewEngland，neededjustthehealthy，hearty，socialinfluencesoftheWesttowidenhisviewsandmakeamanofhim。
Ofcoursetherewasmuchlamentationamongthewomen，buteveryonefeltitwasthebestthingforhim；sowhiletheysighedtheysewed，packedvisionsofabrilliantfutureawaywithhisnewpockethandkerchiefs，andrejoicedthatthewaywasopenbeforehimevenintheactofbedewinghisbootswithtears。Sydneystoodbyhimtothelast，"likeamanandabrother"
(whichexpressionofTom"sgaveFannyinfinitesatisfaction)，andWillfeltentirelyconsoledforNed"sdisappointmentathisrefusaltogoandjoinhim，sinceTomwastotaketheplaceNedhadkeptforhim。
Fortunatelyeveryonewassobusywiththenecessarypreparationsthattherewasnotimeforromanceofanysort，andthefouryoungpeopleworkedtogetherassoberlyandsensiblyasifallsortsofemotionswerenotbottledupintheirrespectivehearts。Butinspiteofthesilence，thework，andthehurry，Ithinktheycametoknowoneanotherbetterinthatbusylittlespaceoftimethaninalltheyearsthathadgonebefore，forthebestandbravestineachwasupandstirring，andthesmallhousewasasfullofthemagnetismofloveandfriendship，self-sacrificeandenthusiasm，astheworldoutsidewasfullofspringsunshineandenchantment。Pitythattheendshouldcomesosoon，butthehourdiditsworkandwentitsway，leavingacleareratmospherebehind，thoughtheyoungfolksdidnotseeitthen，fortheireyesweredimbecauseofthepartingsthatmustbe。
TomwasofftotheWest；Pollywenthomeforthesummer；MaudwastakentotheseasidewithBelle；andFannyleftalonetowrestlewithhousekeeping，"help，"andheartache。Ifithadnotbeenfortwothings，Ifearsheneverwouldhavestoodasummerintown，butSydneyoftencalled，tillhisvacationcame，andavoluminouscorrespondencewithPollybeguiledthelongdays。
Tomwroteonceaweektohismother，buttheletterswereshortandnotverysatisfactory，formenneverdotelltheinterestinglittlethingsthatwomenbestliketohear。FannyforwardedherbitsofnewstoPolly。
PollysentbackalltheextractsfromNed"slettersconcerningTom，andbyputtingthetworeportstogether，theygainedthecomfortableassurancethatTomwaswell，ingoodspirits，hardatwork，andintentoncomingoutstronginspiteofallobstacles。
Pollyhadaquietsummerathome，restingandgettingreadyinmindandbodyforanotherwinter"swork，forintheautumnshetriedherplanagain，tothesatisfactionofherpupilsandthegreatjoyofherfriends。
Sheneversaidmuchofherselfinherletters，andFanny"sfirstexclamationwhentheymetagain，wasananxious；
"Why，Polly，dear!Haveyoubeensickandnevertoldme？"
"No，I"monlytired，hadagooddealtodolately，andthedullweathermakesmejustatrifleblue。IshallsoonbrightenupwhenIgettomyworkagain，"answeredPolly，bustlingabouttoputawayherthings。
"Youdon"tlookabitnatural。Whathaveyoubeendoingtoyourpreciouslittleself？"persistedFanny，troubledbythechange，yetfindingithardtosaywhereinitlay。
Pollydidnotlooksick，thoughhercheekswerethinnerandhercolorpalerthanformerly，butsheseemedspiritless，andtherewasatiredlookinhereyesthatwenttoFanny"sheart。
"I"mallrightenough，asyou"llseewhenI"minorder。I"mpropergladtofindyoulookingsowellandhappy。Doesallgosmoothly，Fan？"askedPolly，beginningtobrushherhairindustriously。
"Answermeonequestionfirst，"saidFanny，lookingasifasuddenfearhadcomeoverher。"Tellme，truly，haveyouneverrepentedofyourhinttoSydney？"
"Never!"criedPolly，throwingbackthebrownveilbehindwhichshehadhalfhiddenherfaceatfirst。
"Onyourhonor，asanhonestgirl？"
"Onmyhonor，asanythingyouplease。Whydoyoususpectmeofit？"
demandedPolly，almostangrily。
"Becausesomethingiswrongwithyou。It"snousetodenyit，foryou"vegotthelookIusedtoseeinthatveryglassonmyownfacewhenI
thoughthecaredforyou。Forgiveme，Polly，butIcan"thelpsayingit，foritisthere，andIwanttobeastruetoyouasyouweretomeifIcan。"
Fanny"sfacewasfullofagitation，andshespokefastandfrankly，forshewastryingtobegenerousandfounditveryhard。Pollyunderstoodnowandputherfearatrestbysayingalmostpassionately，；
"ItellyouIdon"tlovehim!Ifhewastheonlymanintheworld，Iwouldn"tmarryhim，becauseI；don"twantto。"
Thelastthreewordswereaddedinadifferenttone，forPollyhadcheckedherselftherewithahalf-frightenedlookandturnedawaytohideherfacebehindherhairagain。
"Thenifit"snothim，it"ssomeoneelse。You"vegotasecret，Polly，andIshouldthinkyoumighttellit，asyouknowmine，"saidFanny，unabletoresttilleverythingwastold，forPolly"smannertroubledher。
Therewasnoanswertoherquestion，butshewassatisfiedandputtingherarmroundherfriend，shesaid，inhermostpersuasivetone，；
"MypreciousPolly，doIknowhim？"
"Youhaveseenhim。"
"Andisheverywise，good，andsplendid，dear？"
"No。"
"Heoughttobeifyoulovehim。Ihopeheisn"tbad？"criedFan，anxiously，stillholdingPolly，whokeptherheadobstinatelyturned。
"I"msuited，that"senough。"
"Oh，pleasejusttellmeonethingmore。Don"thelovebackagain？"
"No。Nowdon"tsayanotherword，Ican"tbearit!"andPollydrewherselfaway，asshespokeinadesperatesortoftone。
"Iwon"t，butnowI"mnotafraidtotellyouthatIthink，Ihope，IdobelievethatSydneycaresalittleforme。He"sbeenverykindtousall，andlatelyhehasseemedtoliketoseemealwayswhenhecomesandmissmeifI"mgone。Ididn"tdaretohopeanything，tillPapaobservedsomethinginhismanner，andteasedmeaboutit。Itrynottodeceivemyself，butitdoesseemasiftherewasachanceofhappinessforme。"
"Thankheavenforthat!"criedPolly，withtheheartiestsatisfactioninhervoice。"Nowcomeandtellmeallaboutit，"sheadded，sittingdownonthecouchwiththeairofonewhohasescapedagreatperil。
"I"vegotsomenotesandthingsIwanttoaskyouropinionabout，iftheyreallymeananything，youknow，"saidFanny，gettingoutabundleofpapersfromtheinmostrecessesofherdesk。"There"saphotographofTom，cameinhislastletter。Good，isn"tit？Helooksolder，butthat"sthebeardandtheroughcoat，Isuppose。Dearoldfellow，heisdoingsowellIreallybegintofeelquiteproudofhim。"
Fantossedherthephotograph，andwentonrummagingforacertainnote。
ShedidnotseePollycatchupthepictureandlookatitwithhungryeyes，butshedidhearsomethinginthelowtoneinwhichPollysaid，；
"Itdon"tdohimjustice，"andglancingoverhershoulder，Fan"squickeyecaughtaglimpseofthetruth，thoughPollywashalfturnedawayfromher。Withoutstoppingtothink，Fandroppedherletters，tookPollybytheshoulders，andcriedinatonefullofastonishment，；
"Polly，isitTom？"
PoorPollywassotakenbysurprise，thatshehadnotawordtosay。
Nonewereneeded；hertelltalefaceansweredforher，aswellastheimpulsewhichmadeherhideherheadinthesofacushion，likeafoolishostrichwhenthehuntersareafterit。