\"Yes；Idon\'tknowtheboylately；buthe\'llbeasbadaseverwhenhe\'swell，\"returnedFanny，whohadn\'tmuchfaithinsick-bedrepentances。
\"Muchyouknowaboutit，\"growledTom，lyingdownagain，forhehadsatboltuprightwhenPollymadetheastoundingdeclarationthathewaslikethewell-belovedJimmy。ThatsimplelittlehistoryhadmadeadeepimpressiononTom，andthetearfulendingtouchedthetenderspotthatmostboyshidesocarefully。Itisverypleasanttobelovedandadmired，verysweettothinkweshallbemissedandmournedwhenwedie；andTomwasseizedwithasuddendesiretoimitatethisboy，whohadn\'tdoneanythingwonderful，yetwassodeartohissister，thatshecriedforhimawholeyearafterhewasdead；sostudiousandclever，thepeoplecalledhim\"afinefellow\"；andsoanxioustobegood，thathekeptontrying，tillhewasbettereventhanPolly，whomTomprivatelyconsideredamodelofvirtue，asgirlsgo。
\"IjustwishIhadasisterlikeyou，\"hebrokeout，allofasudden。
\"AndIjustwishIhadabrotherlikeJim，\"criedFanny，forshefeltthereproachinTom\'swords，andknewshedeservedit。
\"Ishouldn\'tthinkyou\'denvyanybody，foryou\'vegotoneanother，\"
saidPolly，withsuchawistfullook，thatitsuddenlysetTomandFannytowonderingwhytheydidn\'thavebettertimestogether，andenjoythemselves，asPollyandJimdid。
\"Fandon\'tcareforanybodybutherself，\"saidTom。
\"Tomissuchabear，\"retortedFanny。
\"Iwouldn\'tsaysuchthings，forifanythingshouldhappentoeitherofyou，theotheronewouldfeelsosorry。EverycrosswordIeversaidtoJimmycomesbacknow，andmakesmewishIhadn\'t。\"
TwogreattearsrolleddownPolly\'scheeks，andwerequietlywipedaway；
butIthinktheywateredthatsweetsentiment，calledfraternallove，whichtillnowhadbeenneglectedintheheartsofthisbrotherandsister。Theydidn\'tsayanythingthen，ormakeanyplans，orconfessanyfaults；butwhentheypartedforthenight，FannygavethewoundedheadagentlepatTomneverwouldhaveforgivenherifshehadkissedhim，andsaid，inawhisper，\"Ihopeyou\'llhaveagoodsleep，Tommy，dear。\"
AndTomnoddedbackather，withahearty\"Sametoyou，Fan。\"
Thatwasall；butitmeantagooddeal，forthevoiceswerekind，andtheeyesmetfullofthataffectionwhichmakeswordsoflittleconsequence。
Pollysawit；andthoughshedidn\'tknowthatshehadmadethesunshine，itshonebackuponhersopleasantly，thatshefellhappilyasleep，thoughherJimmywasn\'ttheretosay\"good-night。\"ChapterV。ChapterV。CHAPTERVSCRAPESAFTERbeingunusuallygood，childrenareapttoturnshortroundandrefreshthemselvesbyactinglikeSancho。ForaweekafterTom\'smishap，theyoungfolkswerequiteangelic，somuchsothatgrandmasaidshewasafraid\"somethingwasgoingtohappentothem。\"Thedearoldladyneedn\'thavefeltanxious，forsuchexcessivevirtuedoesn\'tlastlongenoughtoleadtotranslation，exceptwithlittleprigsinthegoodystory-books；andnosoonerwasTomonhislegsagain，whenthewholepartywentastray，andmuchtribulationwastheconsequence。
Itallbeganwith\"Polly\'sstupidity，\"asFansaidafterward。JustasPollyrandowntomeetMr。Shawoneevening，andwashelpinghimoffwithhiscoat，thebellrang，andafinebouquetofhothouseflowerswasleftinPolly\'shands，forshenevercouldlearncityways，andopenedthedoorherself。
\"Hey!what\'sthis？MylittlePollyisbeginningearly，afterall，\"saidMr。Shaw，laughing，ashewatchedthegirl\'sfacedimpleandflush，asshesmeltthelovelynosegay，andglancedatanotehalfhiddenintheheliotrope。
Now，ifPollyhadn\'tbeen\"stupid，\"asFansaid，shewouldhavehadherwitsabouther，andletitpass；but，yousee，Pollywasanhonestlittlesoulanditneveroccurredtoherthattherewasanyneedofconcealment，sosheansweredinherstraightforwardway，\"Oh，theyain\'tforme，sir；
theyareforFan；fromMr。Frank，Iguess。She\'llbesopleased。\"
\"Thatpuppysendsherthingsofthissort，doeshe？\"AndMr。Shawlookedfarfrompleasedashepulledoutthenote，andcoollyopenedit。
PollyhadherdoubtsaboutFan\'sapprovalofthat\"sortofthing，\"butdarednotsayaword，andstoodthinkinghowsheusedtoshowherfatherthefunnyvalentinestheboyssenther，andhowtheylaughedoverthemtogether。ButMr。Shawdidnotlaughwhenhehadreadthesentimentalversesaccompanyingthebouquet，andhisfacequitescaredPolly，asheasked，angrily，\"Howlonghasthisnonsensebeengoingon？\"
\"Indeed，sir，Idon\'tknow。Fandoesn\'tmeananyharm。IwishIhadn\'tsaidanything!\"stammeredPolly，rememberingthepromisegiventoFannythedayoftheconcert。Shehadforgottenallaboutitandhadbecomeaccustomedtoseethe\"bigboys，\"asshecalledMr。Frankandhisfriends，withthegirlsonalloccasions。Now，itsuddenlyoccurredtoherthatMr。Shawdidn\'tlikesuchamusements，andhadforbiddenFantoindulgeinthem。
\"Oh，dear!howmadshewillbe。Well，Ican\'thelpit。Girlsshouldn\'thavesecretsfromtheirfathers，thentherewouldn\'tbeanyfuss，\"thoughtPolly，asshewatchedMr。Shawtwistupthepinknoteandpokeitbackamongtheflowerswhichhetookfromher，saying，shortly，\"SendFannytomeinthelibrary。\"
\"Nowyou\'vedoneit，youstupidthing!\"criedFanny，bothangryanddismayed，whenPollydeliveredthemessage。
\"Why，whatelsecouldIdo？\"askedPolly，muchdisturbed。
\"Lethimthinkthebouquetwasforyou；thenthere\'dhavebeennotrouble。\"
\"Butthatwouldhavebeendoingalie，whichismostasbadastellingone。\"
\"Don\'tbeagoose。You\'vegotmeintoascrape，andyououghttohelpmeout。\"
\"IwillifIcan；butIwon\'ttellliesforanybody!\"criedPolly，gettingexcited。
\"Nobodywantsyoutojusthold，yourtongue，andletmemanage。\"
\"ThenI\'dbetternotgodown，\"beganPolly，whenasternvoicefrombelowcalled，likeBluebeard，\"Areyoucomingdown？\"
\"Yes，sir，\"answeredameekvoice；andFannyclutchedPolly，whispering，\"Youmustcome；I\'mfrightenedoutofmywitswhenhespeakslikethat。Standbyme，Polly；there\'sadear。\"
\"Iwill，\"whispered\"sisterAnn\"；anddowntheywentwithflutteringhearts。
Mr。Shawstoodontherug，lookingrathergrim；thebouquetlayonthetable，andbesideitanote，directedto\"FrankMoore，Esq。，\"inaverydecidedhand，withafierce-lookingflourishafterthe\"Esq。\"Pointingtothisimpressiveepistle，Mr。Shawsaid，knittinghisblackeyebrowsashelookedatFanny，\"I\'mgoingtoputastoptothisnonsenseatonce；
andifIseeanymoreofit，I\'llsendyoutoschoolinaCanadianconvent。\"
ThisawfulthreatquitetookPolly\'sbreathaway；butFannyhadhearditbefore，andhavingatemperofherown，said，pertly，\"I\'msureIhaven\'tdoneanythingsoverydreadful。Ican\'thelpitiftheboyssendmephilopenapresents，astheydototheothergirls。\"
\"Therewasnothingaboutphilopenasinthenote。Butthat\'snotthequestion。IforbidyoutohaveanythingtodowiththisMoore。He\'snotaboy，butafastfellow，andIwon\'thavehimabout。Youknewthis，andyetdisobeyedme。\"
\"Ihardlyeverseehim，\"beganFanny。
\"Isthattrue？\"askedMr。Shaw，turningsuddenlytoPolly。
\"Oh，please，sir，don\'taskme。IpromisedIwouldn\'t­；thatis­；Fannywilltellyou，\"criedPolly，quiteredwithdistressatthepredicamentshewasin。
\"Nomatteraboutyourpromise；tellmeallyouknowofthisabsurdaffair。
ItwilldoFannymoregoodthanharm。\"AndMr。Shawsatdownlookingmoreamiable，forPolly\'sdismaytouchedhim。
\"MayI？\"shewhisperedtoFanny。
\"Idon\'tcare，\"answeredFan，lookingbothangryandashamed，asshestoodsullenlytyingknotsinherhandkerchief。
SoPollytold，withmuchreluctanceandmuchquestioning，allsheknewofthewalks，thelunches，themeetings，andthenotes。Itwasn\'tmuch，andevidentlylessseriousthanMr。Shawexpected；for，ashelistened，hiseyebrowssmoothedthemselvesout，andmorethanoncehislipstwitchedasifhewantedtolaugh，forafterall，itwasrathercomicaltoseehowtheyoungpeopleapedtheirelders，playingthenew-fashionedgame，quiteunconsciousofitsrealbeauty，power，andsacredness。
\"Oh，please，sir，don\'tblameFanmuch，forshetrulyisn\'thalfassillyasTrixandtheother，girls。Shewouldn\'tgosleigh-riding，thoughMr。Frankteased，andshewantedtoeversomuch。She\'ssorry，Iknow，andwon\'tforgetwhatyousayanymore，ifyou\'llforgiveherthisonce，\"
criedPolly，veryearnestly，whenthefoolishlittlestorywastold。
\"Idon\'tseehowIcanhelpit，whenyoupleadsowellforher。Comehere，Fan，andmindthisonething；dropallthisnonsense，andattendtoyourbooks，oroffyougo；andCanadaisnojokeinwintertime，letmetellyou。\"
Ashespoke，Mr。Shawstrokedhissulkydaughter\'scheek，hopingtoseesomesignofregret；butFannyfeltinjured，andwouldn\'tshowthatshewassorry，sosheonlysaid，pettishly，\"IsupposeIcanhavemyflowers，nowthefussisover。\"
\"Theyaregoingstraightbackwheretheycamefrom，withalinefromme，whichwillkeepthatpuppyfromeversendingyouanymore。\"Ringingthebell，Mr，Shawdespatchedtheunfortunateposy，andthenturnedtoPolly，saying，kindlybutgravely，\"Setthissillychildofmineagoodexampleanddoyourbestforher，won\'tyou？\"
\"Me？WhatcanIdo，sir？\"askedPolly，lookingready，butquiteignoranthowtobegin。
\"Makeheraslikeyourselfaspossible，mydear；nothingwouldpleasemebetter。Nowgo，andletushearnomoreofthisfolly。\"
Theywentwithoutaword，andMr。Shawheardnomoreoftheaffair；
butpoorPollydid，forFanscoldedher，tillPollythoughtseriouslyofpackingupandgoinghomenextday。Ireallyhaven\'tthehearttorelatethedreadfullecturesshegot，thesnubsshesuffered，orthecoldshouldersturneduponherforseveraldaysafterthis。Polly\'sheartwasfull，butshetoldnoone，andborehertroublesilently，feelingherfriend\'singratitudeandinjusticedeeply。
Tomfoundoutwhatthematterwas，andsidedwithPolly，whichproceedingledtoscrapenumbertwo。
\"Where\'sFan？\"askedtheyounggentleman，strollingintohissister\'sroom，wherePollylayonthesofa，tryingtoforgethertroublesinaninterestingbook。
\"Downstairs，seeingcompany。\"
\"Whydidn\'tyougo，too？\"
\"Idon\'tlikeTrix，andIdon\'tknowherfineNewYorkfriends。\"
\"Don\'twantto，neither，whydon\'tyousay？\"
\"Notpolite。\"
\"Whocares？Isay，Polly，comeandhavesomefun。\"
\"I\'dratherread。\"
\"Thatisn\'tpolite。\"
Pollylaughed，andturnedapage。Tomwhistledaminute，thensigheddeeply，andputhishandtohisforehead，whichtheblackplasterstilladorned。
\"Doesyourheadache？\"askedPolly。
\"Awfully。\"
\"Betterliedown，then。\"
\"Can\'t；I\'mfidgety。andwanttobe\'amoosed\'asPugsays。\"
\"JustwaittillIfinishmychapter，andthenI\'llcome，\"saidpitifulPolly。
\"Allright，\"returnedtheperjuredboy，whohaddiscoveredthatabrokenheadwassometimesmoreusefulthanawholeone，andexultinginhisbasestratagem，herovedabouttheroom，tillFan\'sbureauarrestedhim。Itwascoveredwithallsortsoffinery，forshehaddressedinahurry，andlefteverythingtopsy-turvy。Awell-conductedboywouldhaveletthingsalone，oramoralbrotherwouldhaveputthingstorights；beingneither，Tomrummagedtohisheartscontent，tillFan\'sdrawerslookedasifsomeonehadbeenmakinghayinthem。Hetriedtheeffectofear-rings，ribbons，andcollars；woundupthewatch，thoughitwasn\'ttime；burnthisinquisitivenosewithsmelling-salts；delugedhisgrimyhandkerchiefwithFan\'sbestcologne；anointedhiscurlycropwithherhair-oil；powderedhisfacewithherviolet-powder；andfinishedoffbypinningonabunchoffalseringlets，whichFannytried，tokeepaprofoundsecret。Theravagescommittedbythisbadboyarebeyondthepoweroflanguagetodescribe，asherevelledintheinterestingdrawers，boxes，andcases，whichheldhissister\'streasures。
Whenthecurlshadbeenputon，withmuchprickingoffingers，andablueribbonadded，à；laFan，hesurveyedhimselfwithsatisfaction，andconsideredtheeffectsofine，thathewasinspiredtotryastillgreatermetamorphosis。ThedressFanhadtakenofflayonachair，andintoitgotTom，chucklingwithsuppressedlaughter，forPollywasabsorbed，andthebed-curtainshidhisiniquity。Fan\'sbestvelvetjacketandhat，erminemuff，andasofa-pillowforpannier，finishedoffthecostume，andtrippingalongwithelbowsout，TomappearedbeforetheamazedPollyjustasthechapterended。Sheenjoyedthejokesoheartily，thatTomforgotconsequences，andproposedgoingdownintotheparlortosurprise，thegirls。
\"Goodness，no!Fannyneverwouldforgiveusifyoushowedhercurlsandthingstothosepeople。Therearegentlemenamongthem，anditwouldn\'tbeproper，\"saidPolly，alarmedattheidea。
\"Allthemorefun。Fanhasn\'ttreatedyouwell，anditwillserveherrightifyouintroducemeasyourdearfriend，MissShaw。Comeon，itwillbeajollylark。\"
\"Iwouldn\'tfortheworld；itwouldbesomean。Take\'emoff，Tom，andI\'llplayanythingelseyoulike。\"
\"Iain\'tgoingtodressupfornothing；Ilooksolovely，someonemustadmireme。Takemedown，Polly，andseeiftheydon\'tcallme\'asweetcreature。\'\"
Tomlookedsounutterablyridiculousashetossedhiscurlsandpranced，thatPollywentoffintoanothergaleofmerriment；butevenwhileshelaughed，sheresolvednottolethimmortifyhissister。
\"Now，then，getoutofthewayifyouwon\'tcome；I\'mgoingdown，\"
saidTom。
\"No，you\'renot。\"
\"Howwillyouhelpit，MissPrim？\"
\"So。\"AndPollylockedthedoor，putthekeyinherpocket，andnoddedathimdefiantly。
Tomwasapepper-potastotemper，andanythinglikeoppositionalwayshadabadeffect。Forgettinghiscostume，hestrodeuptoPolly，saying，withathreateningwagofthe，head，\"Noneofthat。Iwon\'tstandit。\"
\"PromisenottoplagueFan，andI\'llletyouout。\"
\"Won\'tpromiseanything。Givemethatkey，orI\'llmakeyou。\"
\"Now，Tom，don\'tbesavage。Ionlywanttokeepyououtofascrape，forFanwillberagingifyougo。Takeoffherthings，andI\'llgiveup。\"
Tomvouchsafednoreply，butmarchedtotheotherdoor，whichwasfast，asPollyknew，lookedoutofthethree-storywindow，andfindingnoescapepossible，camebackwithawrathfulface。\"Willyougivemethatkey？\"
\"No，Iwon\'t，\"saidPolly，valiantly。
\"I\'mstrongerthanyouare；soyou\'dbetterhandover。\"
\"Iknowyouare；butit\'scowardlyforagreatboylikeyoutorobagirl。\"
\"Idon\'twanttohurtyou；but，byGeorge!Iwon\'tstandthis!\"
TompausedasPollyspoke，evidentlyashamedofhimself；buthistemperwasup，andhewouldn\'tgivein。IfPollyhadcriedalittlejusthere，hewouldhaveyielded；unfortunatelyshegiggled，forTom\'sfierceattitudewassuchafunnycontrasttohisdressthatshecouldn\'thelpit。Thatsettledthematter。Nogirlthateverlivedshouldgiggleathim，muchlesslockhimuplikeasmallchild。Withoutaword，hemadeagrabatPolly\'sarm，forthehandholdingthekeywasstillinher，pocket。Withherotherhandsheclutchedherfrock，andforaminuteheldonstoutly。
ButTom\'sstrongfingerswereirresistible；ripwentthepocket，outcamethehand，andwithacryofpainfromPolly，thekeyfellonthefloor。
\"It\'syourownfaultifyou\'rehurt。Ididn\'tmeanto，\"mutteredTom，ashehastilydeparted，leavingPollytogroanoverhersprainedwrist。
Hewentdown，butnotintotheparlor，forsomehowthejokeseemedtohavelostitsrelish；sohemadethegirlsinthekitchenlaugh，andthencreptupthebackway，hopingtomakeitallrightwithPolly。Butshehadgonetograndma\'sroom，for，thoughtheoldladywasout，itseemedarefuge。
Hehadjusttimetogetthingsinorder，whenFannycameup，crosserthanever；forTrixhadbeentellingherofallsortsoffuninwhichshemighthavehadashare，ifPollyhadheldhertongue。
\"Whereisshe？\"askedFan，wishingtoventhervexationonherfriend。
\"Mopinginherroom，Isuppose，\"repliedTom，whowasdiscoveredreadingstudiously。
Now，whilethishadbeenhappening，Maudhadbeengettingintohotwateralso；forwhenhermaidlefther，toseeafriendbelow，MissMaudparadedintoPolly\'sroom，andsolacedherselfwithmischief。InanevilhourPollyhadletherplayboatinherbigtrunk，whichstoodempty。SincethenPollyhadstoredsomeofhermostprivatetreasuresintheuppertray，sothatshemightfeelsuretheyweresafefromalleyes。Shehadforgottentolockthetrunk，andwhenMaudraisedthelidtobeginhervoyage，severalobjectsofinterestmethereyes。ShewasdeepinherresearcheswhenFancameinandlookedoverhershoulder，feelingtoocrosswithPollytochideMaud。
AsPollyhadnomoneyforpresents，shehadexertedheringenuitytodeviseallsortsofgifts，hopingbyquantitytoatoneforanyshortcomingsinquality。Someofherattemptsweresuccessful，otherswerefailures；
butshekeptthemall，fineorfunny，knowingthechildrenathomewouldenjoyanythingnew。SomeofMaud\'scast-offtoyshadbeenneatlymendedforKitty；someofFan\'soldribbonsandlaceswereconvertedintodolls\'
finery；andTom\'slittlefigures，whittledoutofwoodinidleminutes，werelaidawaytoshowWillwhatcouldbedonewithaknife。
\"Whatrubbish!\"saidFanny。
\"Queergirl，isn\'tshe？\"addedTom，whohadfollowedtoseewhatwasgoingon。
\"Don\'tyoulaughatPolly\'sthings。Shemakesnicerdollsthanyou，Fan；andshecanwiteanddwareversomuchbetterthanTom，\"criedMaud。
\"Howdoyouknow？Ineversawherdraw，\"saidTom。
\"Here\'sabookwithlotsofpicturesinit。Ican\'tweadthewiting；
butthepicturesaresofunny。\"
Eagertodisplayherfriend\'saccomplishments，Maudpulledoutafatlittlebook，marked\"Polly\'sJournal，\"andspreaditinherlap。
\"Onlythepictures；noharmintakingalookat\'em，\"saidTom。
\"Justonepeep，\"answeredFanny；andthenextminutebothwerelaughingatadrollsketchofTominthegutter，withthebigdoghowlingoverhim，andthevelocipederunningaway。Veryroughandfaulty，butsofunny，thatitwasevidentPolly\'ssenseofhumorwasstrong。AfewpagesfartherbackcameFannyandMr。Frank，caricatured；thengrandma，carefullydone；Tomrecitinghisbattle-piece；Mr。ShawandPollyinthepark；MaudbeingborneawaybyKaty；andalltheschool-girlsturnedintoridiculewithanunsparinghand。
\"Slylittlepuss，tomakefunofusbehindourbacks，\"saidFan，rathernettledbyPolly\'squietretaliationformanyslightsfromherselfandfriends。
\"Shedoesdrawwell，\"saidTom，lookingcriticallyatthesketchofaboywithapleasantface，roundwhomPollyhaddrawnrayslikethesun，andunderwhichwaswritten，\"MydearJimmy。\"
\"Youwouldn\'tadmireher，ifyouknewwhatshewrotehereaboutyou，\"
saidFanny，whoseeyeshadstrayedtothewrittenpageopposite，andlingeredtherelongenoughtoreadsomethingthatexcitedhercuriosity。
\"Whatisit？\"askedTom，forgettinghishonorableresolvesforaminute。
\"Shesays，\'ItrytolikeTom，andwhenheispleasantwedoverywell；
buthedon\'tstaysolong。Hegetscrossandrough，anddisrespectfultohisfatherandmother，andplaguesusgirls，andissohorridIalmosthatehim。It\'sverywrong，butIcan\'thelpit。\'Howdoyoulikethat？\"
askedFanny。
\"Goahead，andseehowshecomesdownonyou，ma\'am，\"retortedTom，whohadreadonabit。
\"Doesshe？\"AndFannycontinued，rapidly:\"AsforFan，Idon\'tthinkwecanbefriendsanymore；forshetoldherfatheralie，andwon\'tforgivemefornotdoingsotoo。Iusedtothinkheraveryfinegirl；butIdon\'tnow。IfshewouldbeasshewaswhenIfirstknewher，Ishouldloveherjustthesame；butsheisn\'tkindtome；andthoughsheisalwaystalkingaboutpoliteness，Idon\'tthinkitispolitetotreatcompanyasshedoesme。ShethinksIamoddandcountrified，andIdaresayIam；butIshouldn\'tlaughatagirl\'sclothesbecauseshewaspoor，orkeepheroutofthewaybecauseshedidn\'tdojustasothergirlsdohere。Iseehermakefunofme，andIcan\'tfeelasIdid；andI\'dgohome，onlyitwouldseemungratefultoMr。Shawandgrandma，andIdolovethemdearly。\"
\"Isay，Fan，you\'vegotitnow。Shutthebookandcomeaway，\"criedTom，enjoyingthisbroadsideimmensely，butfeelingguilty，aswellhemight。
\"Justonebitmore，\"whisperedFanny，turningonapageortwo，andstoppingataleafthatwasblurredhereandthereasiftearshaddroppedonit。
\"Sundaymorning，early。Nobodyisuptospoilmyquiettime，andImust。
writemyjournal，forI\'vebeensobadlately，Icouldn\'tbeartodoit。I\'mgladmyvisitismostdone，forthingsworrymehere，andthereisn\'tanyonetohelpmegetrightwhenIgetwrong。IusedtoenvyFanny；
butIdon\'tnow，forherfatherandmotherdon\'ttakecareofherasminedoofme。Sheisafraidofherfather，andmakeshermotherdoasshelikes。
I\'mgladIcamethough，forIseemoneydon\'tgivepeopleeverything；
butI\'dlikealittleallthesame，foritissocomfortabletobuynicethings。Ireadovermyjournaljustnow，andI\'mafraidit\'snotagoodone；forIhavesaidallsortsofthingsaboutthepeoplehere，anditisn\'tkind。Ishouldtearitout，onlyIpromisedtokeepmydiary，andIwanttotalkoverthingsthatpuzzlemewithmother。Iseenowthatitismyfaultagooddeal；forIhaven\'tbeenhalfaspatient，andpleasantasIoughttobe。Iwilltrulytryfortherestofthetime，andbeasgoodandgratefulasIcan；forIwantthemtolikeme，thoughI\'monly\'anold-fashionedcountrygirl。\'\"
ThatlastsentencemadeFannyshutthebook，withafacefullofself-reproach；
forshehadsaidthosewordsherself，inafitofpetulance，andPollyhadmadenoanswer，thoughhereyesfilledandhercheeksburned。Fanopenedherlipstosaysomething，butnotasoundfollowed，fortherestoodPollylookingatthemwithanexpressiontheyhadneverseenbefore。
\"Whatareyoudoingwithmythings？\"shedemanded，inalowtone，whilehereyeskindledandhercolorchanged。
\"Maudshowedusabookshefound，andwewerejustlookingatthepictures，\"
beganFanny，droppingitasifitburntherfingers。
\"Andreadingmyjournal，andlaughingatmypresents，andthenputtingtheblameonMaud。It\'sthemeanestthingIeversaw；andI\'llneverforgiveyouaslongasIlive!\"
Pollysaid，thisallinoneindignantbreath，andthenasifafraidofsayingtoomuch，ranoutoftheroomwithsuchalookofmingledcontempt，grief，andanger，thatthethreeculpritsstooddumbwithshame。Tomhadn\'tevenawhistleathiscommand；MaudwassoscaredatgentlePolly\'soutbreak，thatshesatasstillasamouse；whileFanny，consciencestricken，laidbackthepoorlittlepresentswitharespectfulhand，forsomehowthethoughtofPolly\'spovertycameoverherasitneverhaddonebefore；
andtheseoddsandends，socarefullytreasuredupforthoseathome，touchedFanny，andgrewbeautifulinhereyes。Asshelaidbythelittlebook，theconfessionsinitreproachedhermoresharplythatanywordsPollycouldhavespoken；forshehadlaughedatherfriend，hadslightedhersometimes，andbeenunforgivingforaninnocentoffence。Thatlastpage，wherePollytooktheblameonherself，andpromisedto\"trulytry\"tobemorekindandpatient，wenttoFanny\'sheart，meltingallthecoldnessaway，andshecouldonlylayherheadonthetrunk，sobbing，\"Itwasn\'tPolly\'sfault；itwasallmine。\"
Tom，stillredwithshameatbeingcaughtinsuchascrape，leftFannytohertears，andwentmanfullyawaytofindtheinjuredPolly，andconfesshismanifoldtransgressions。ButPollycouldn\'tbefound。Hesearchedhighandlowineveryroom，yetnosignofthegirtappeared，andTombegantogetanxious。\"Shecan\'thaverunawayhome，canshe？\"hesaidtohimself，ashepausedbeforethehat-tree。Therewasthelittleroundhat，andTomgaveitaremorsefulsmooth，rememberinghowmanytimeshehadtweakedithalfoff，orpokeditoverpoorPolly\'seyes。\"Maybeshe\'sgonedowntotheoffice，totellpa。\'Tisn\'tabitlikeher，though。Anyway，I
\'lltakealookroundthecorner。\"
Eagertogethisboots，Tompulledopenthedoorofadarkclosetunderthestairs，andnearlytumbledoverbackwardwithsurprise；forthere，onthefloor，withherheadpillowedonapairofrubbers，layPollyinanattitudeofdespair。ThismournfulspectaclesentTom\'spenitentspeechstraightoutofhishead，andwithanastonished\"Hullo!\"hestoodandstaredinimpressivesilence。Pollywasn\'tcrying，andlaysostill，thatTombegantothinkshemightbeinafitorafaint，andbentanxiouslydowntoinspectthepatheticbunch。Aglimpseofweteyelashes，aroundcheekredderthanusual，andlipspartedbyquick，breathing，relievedhisminduponthatpoint；so，takingcourage，hesatdownontheboot-jack，andbeggedpardonlikeaman。
Now，Pollywasveryangry，andIthinkshehadarighttobe；butshewasnotresentful，andafterthefirstflashwasover，shesoonbegantofeelbetteraboutit。Itwasn\'teasytoforgive；but，asshelistenedtoTom\'shonestvoice，gettinggruffwithremorsenowandthen，shecouldn\'thardenherheartagainsthim，orrefusetomakeupwhenhesofranklyownedthatit\"wasconfoundedmeantoreadherbookthatway。\"Shelikedhiscomingandbeggingpardonatonce；itwasahandsomethingtodo；sheappreciatedit，andforgavehiminherheartsometimebeforeshedidwithherlips；for，totellthetruth，Pollyhadaspiceofgirlishmalice，andratherlikedtoseedomineeringTomeathumble-pie，justenoughtodohimgood，youknow。Shefeltthatatonementwasproper，andconsidereditnomorethanjustthatFanshoulddrenchahandkerchiefortwowithrepentanttears，andthatTomshouldsitonaveryuncomfortableseatandcallhimselfhardnamesforfiveortenminutesbeforesherelented。
\"Come，now，dosayawordtoafellow。I\'mgettingtheworstofit，anyway；forthere\'sFan，cryinghereyesoutupstairs，andhereareyoustowedawayinadarkclosetasdumbasafish，andnobodybutmetobringyoubothround。I\'dhavecutovertotheSmythesandgotmahometofixthings，onlyitlookedlikebackingoutofthescrape；soIdidn\'t，\"saidTom，asalastappeal。
PollywasgladtohearthatFanwascrying。Itwoulddohergood；butshecouldn\'thelpsofteningtoTom，whodidseeminapredicamentbetweentwoweepingdamsels。Alittlesmilebegantodimplethecheekthatwasn\'thidden，andthenahandcameslowlyoutfromunderthecurlyhead，andwasstretchedtowardhimsilently。Tomwasjustgoingtogiveitaheartyshake，whenhesawaredmarkonthewrist，andknewwhatmadeit。
Hisfacechanged，andhetookthechubbyhandsogently，thatPollypeepedtoseewhatitmeant。
\"Willyouforgivethat，too？\"heasked，inawhisper，strokingtheredwrist。
\"Yes，itdon\'thurtmuchnow。\"AndPollydrewherhandaway，sorryhehadseenit。
\"Iwasabeast，that\'swhatIwas!\"saidTom，inatoneofgreatdisgust。
Andjustatthatawkwardminutedowntumbledhisfather\'soldbeaveroverhisheadandface，puttingacomicalquencheronhisself-reproaches。
Ofcourse，neithercouldhelplaughingatthat；andwhenheemerged，Pollywassittingup，lookingasmuchbetterforhershowerashedidforhismomentaryeclipse。
\"Fanfeelsdreadfully。Willyoukissandbefriends，ifItrotherdown？\"
askedTom，rememberinghisfellow-sinner。
\"I\'llgotoher。\"AndPollywhiskedoutoftheclosetassuddenlyasshehadwhiskedin，leavingTomsittingontheboot-jack，witharadiantcountenance。
Howthegirlsmadeitupnooneeverknew。Butaftermuchtalkingandcrying，kissingandlaughing，thebreachwashealed，andpeacedeclared。
Aslighthazestilllingeredintheairafterthestorm，forFannywasveryhumbleandtenderthatevening；Tomatriflepensive，butdistressinglypolite，andPollymagnanimouslyfriendlytoeveryone；forgenerousnaturesliketoforgive，andPollyenjoyedthepettingaftertheinsult，likeaveryhumangirl。
Asshewasbrushingherhairatbedtimetherecameataponherdoorand，openingit，shebeheldnothingbutatallblackbottle，withastripofredflanneltiedrounditlikeacravat，andacocked-hatnoteonthecork。Insideweretheselines，writteninasprawlinghandwithveryblackink:
DEARPOLLY，­；Opydilldockisfirst-rateforsprains。Youputalotontheflannelanddoupyourwrist，andIguessitwillbeallrightinthemorning。Willyoucomeasleigh-ridetomorrow？I\'mawfulsorryIhurtyou。TOM。ChapterVI。ChapterVI。CHAPTERVIGRANDMAWHERE\'SPolly？\"askedFanonesnowyafternoon，asshecameintothedining-roomwhereTomwasreposingonthesofawithhisbootsintheair，absorbedinoneofthosedelightfulbooksinwhichboysarecastawayondesertislands，whereeveryknownfruit，vegetableandflowerisinitsprimealltheyearround；or，lostinboundlessforests，wheretheyoungheroeshavethrillingadventures，killimpossiblebeasts，and，whentheauthor\'sinventiongivesout，suddenlyfindtheirwayhome，ladenwithtigerskins，tamebuffaloesandotherpleasingtrophiesoftheirprowess。
\"Dunno，\"wasTom\'sbriefreply，forhewasjustescapingfromanalligatorofthelargestsize。
\"Doputdownthatstupidbook，andlet\'sdosomething，\"saidFanny，afteralistlessstrollroundtheroom。
\"Hi，they\'vegothim!\"wastheonlyanswervouchsafedbytheabsorbedreader。
\"Where\'sPolly？\"askedMaud，joiningthepartywithherhandsfullofpaperdollsallsufferingforball-dresses。
\"Dogetalong，anddon\'tbotherme，\"criedTomexasperatedattheinterruption。
\"Thentelluswheresheis。I\'msureyouknow，forshewasdownherealittlewhileago，\"saidFanny。
\"Upingrandma\'sroom，maybe。\"
\"Provokingthing!youknewitallthetime，anddidn\'ttell，justtoplagueus，\"scoldedMaud。
ButTomwasnowunderwaterstabbinghisalligator，andtooknonoticeoftheindignantdepartureoftheyoungladies。
\"Polly\'salwayspokingupingrandma\'sroom。Idon\'tseewhatfunthereisinit，\"saidFannyastheywentupstairs。
\"Polly\'saverwyqueergirl，andgwandmapetsheragweatdealmorethanshedoesme，\"observedMaud，withaninjuredair。
\"Let\'speekandseewhattheyaredoing，\"whisperedFan，pausingatthehalf-opendoor。
Grandmawassittingbeforeaquaintoldcabinet，thedoorsofwhichstoodwideopen，showingglimpsesofthefadedrelicstreasuredthere。
Onastool，attheoldlady\'sfeet，satPolly，lookingupwithintentfaceandeagereyes，quiteabsorbedinthehistoryofahigh-heeledbrocadeshoewhichlayinherlap。
\"Well，mydear，\"grandmawassaying，\"shehaditontheverydaythatUncleJoecameinasshesatatwork，andsaid，\'Dolly，wemustbemarriedatonce。\'\'Verywell，Joe，\'saysAuntDolly，anddownshewenttotheparlor，wheretheministerwaswaiting，neverstoppingtochangethedimitydressshewore，andwasactuallymarriedwithherscissorsandpin-ballatherside，andherthimbleon。Thatwasinwartimes，1812，mydear，andUncleJoewasinthearmy，sohehadtogo，andhetookthatverylittlepin-ballwithhim。Hereitiswiththemarkofabulletthroughit，forhealwayssaidhisDolly\'scushionsavedhislife。\"
\"Howinterestingthatis!\"criedPolly，assheexaminedthefadedcushionwiththeholeinit。
\"Why，grandma，younevertoldmethatstory，\"saidFanny，hurryingin，findingtheprospectwasapleasantoneforastormyafternoon。
\"Youneveraskedmetotellyouanything，mydear，soIkeptmyoldstoriestomyself，\"answeredgrandma，quietly。
\"Tellsomenow，please。Maywestayandseethefunnythings？\"saidFanandMaud，eyeingtheopencabinetwithinterest。
\"IfPollylikes；sheismycompany，andIamtryingtoentertainher，forIlovetohavehercome，\"saidgrandma，withherold-timepoliteness。
\"Oh，yes!doletthemstayandhearthestories。I\'veoftentoldthemwhatgoodtimeswehaveuphere，andteasedthemtocome，buttheythinkit\'stooquiet。Now，sitdown，girls，andletgrandmagoon。YouseeI
pickoutsomethinginthecabinetthatlooksinteresting，andthenshetellsmeaboutit，\"saidPolly，eagertoincludethegirlsinherpleasures，andgladtogettheminterestedingrandma\'sreminiscences，forPollyknewhowhappyitmadethelonelyoldladytoliveoverherpast，andtohavethechildrenroundher。
\"Herearethreedrawersthathavenotbeenopenedyet；eachtakeone，andchoosesomethingfromitformetotellabout，\"saidMadam，quiteexcitedattheunusualinterestinhertreasures。
Sothegirlseachopenedadrawerandturnedoverthecontentstilltheyfoundsomethingtheywantedtoknowabout。Maudwasreadyfirst，andholdingupanoddlyshapedlinenbag，withabigblueFembroideredonit，demandedherstory。Grandmasmiledasshesmoothedtheoldthingtenderly，andbeganherstorywithevidentpleasure。
\"MysisterNellyandIwenttovisitanauntofours，whenwewerelittlegirls，butwedidn\'thaveaverygoodtime，forshewasextremelystrict。
Oneafternoon，whenshehadgoneouttotea，andoldDebby，themaid，wasasleepinherroom，wesatonthedoor-step，feelinghomesick，andreadyforanythingtoamuseus。
\"\'Whatshallwedo？\'saidNelly。
\"Justasshespoke，aripeplumdroppedbounceonthegrassbeforeus，asifansweringherquestion。Itwasalltheplum\'sfault，forifithadn\'tfallenatthatminute，Inevershouldhavehadthethoughtwhichpoppedintomymischievousmind。
\"\'Let\'shaveasmanyaswewant，andplagueAuntBetsey，topayherforbeingsocross，\'Isaid，givingNellyhalfthegreatpurpleplum。
\"\'Itwouldbedreadfulnaughty，\'beganNelly，\'butIguesswewill，\'
sheadded，asthesweetmouthfulslippeddownherthroat。
\"\'Debby\'sasleep。Comeon，then，andhelpmeshake，\'Isaid，gettingup，eagerforthefun。
\"Weshookandshooktillwegotredintheface，butnotonedropped，forthetreewaslarge，andourlittlearmswerenotstrongenoughtostirtheboughs。Thenwethrewstones，butonlyonegreenandonehalf-ripeonecamedown，andmylaststonebroketheshedwindow，sotherewasanendofthat。
\"\'It\'sasprovokingasAuntBetseyherself，\'saidNelly，aswesatdown，outofbreath。
\"\'Iwishthewindwouldcomeandblow\'emdownforus，\'pantedI，staringupattheplumswithlongingeyes。
\"\'Ifwishingwoulddoanygood，Ishouldwish\'eminmylapatonce，\'
addedNelly。
\"\'Youmightaswellwish\'eminyourmouthanddonewithit，ifyouaretoolazytopick\'emup。Iftheladderwasn\'ttooheavywecouldtrythat，\'saidI，determinedtohavethem。
\"\'Youknowwecan\'tstirit，sowhatistheuseoftalkingaboutit？
Youproposedgettingtheplums，nowlet\'sseeyoudoit，\'answeredNelly，rathercrossly，forshehadbittenthegreenplum，anditpuckeredhermouth。
\"\'Waitaminute，andyouwillseemedoit，\'criedI，asanewthoughtcameintomynaughtyhead。
\"\'Whatareyoutakingyourshoesandsocksofffor？Youcan\'tclimbthetree，Fan。\'
\"\'Don\'taskquestions，butbereadytopick\'emupwhentheyfall，MissLazybones。\'
\"WiththismysteriousspeechIpatteredintothehousebare-footedandfullofmyplan。UpstairsIwenttoawindowopeningontheshedroof。
OutIgot，andcreepingcarefullyalongtillIcamenearthetree，Istoodup，andsuddenlycrowedlikethelittlerooster。Nellylookedup，andstared，andlaughed，andclappedherhandswhenshesawwhatIwasgoingtodo。
\"\'I\'mafraidyou\'llslipandgethurt。\'
\"\'Don\'tcareifIdo；I\'llhavethoseplumsifIbreakmyneckdoingit，\'andhalfsliding，halfwalkingIwentdowntheslopingroof，tilltheboughsofthetreewerewithinmyreach。
\"Hurrah!\"criedNelly，dancingdownbelow，asmyfirstshakesentadozenplumsrattlingroundher。
\"\'Hurrah!\"criedI，lettinggoonebranchandtryingtoreachanother。
ButasIdidsomyfootslipped，Itriedtocatchsomethingtoholdby，butfoundnothing，andwithacry，downIfell，likeaverybigplumonthegrassbelow。
\"Fortunatelytheshedwaslow，thegrasswasthickandthetreebrokemyfall，butIgotabadbumpandaterribleshaking。NellythoughtIwaskilled，andbegantocrywithhermouthfull。ButIpickedmyselfupinaminute，forIwasusedtosuchtumbles；anddidn\'tmindthepainhalfasmuchasthelossoftheplums。
\"\'Hush!Debbywillhearandspoilallthefun。IsaidI\'dget\'emandIhave。Seewhatlotshavecomedownwithme。\'
\"Sotherehad，formyfallshookthetreealmostasmuchasitdidme，andthegreenandpurplefruitlayallaboutus。
\"Bythetimethebumponmyforeheadhadswelledasbigasanut，ourapronswerehalffull，andwesatdowntoenjoyourselves。Butwedidn\'t。
Odear，no!formanyoftheplumswerenotripe，somewerehurtbythebirds，somecrushedinfalling，andmanyashardasstones。Nellygotstungbyawasp，myheadbegantoache，andwesatlookingatoneanotherratherdismally，whenNellyhadabrightidea。