\"\'Let\'scook\'em，thenthey\'llbegood，andwecanputsomeawayinourlittlepailsforto-morrow。\'
\"\'Thatwillbesplendid!There\'safireinthekitchen，Debbyalwaysleavesthekettleon，andwecanusehersaucepan，andIknowwherethesugaris，andwe\'llhaveagrandtime。\'
\"Inwewent，andfelltoworkveryquietly。Itwasalarge，openfire-place，withthecoalsnicelycoveredup，andthebigkettlesimmeringonthehook。
Werakedopenthefire，putonthesaucepan，andinitthebestofourplums，withwaterenoughtospoilthem。Butwedidn\'tknowthat，andfeltveryimportantaswesatwaitingforittoboil，eacharmedwithabigspoon，whilethesugarboxstoodbetweenusreadytobeused。
\"Howslowtheywere，tobesure!Ineverknewsuchobstinatethings，fortheywouldn\'tsoften，thoughtheydancedaboutintheboilingwater，andbobbedagainstthecoverasiftheyweredoingtheirbest。
\"Thesunbegantogetlow，wewereafraidDebbywouldcomedown，andstillthosedreadfulplumswouldn\'tlooklikesauce。Atlasttheybegantoburst，thewatergotalovelypurple，weputlotsofsugarin，andkepttastingtillourapronsandfaceswerered，andourlipsburntwiththehotspoons。
\"\'There\'stoomuchjuice，\'saidNelly，shakingherheadwisely。\'Itoughttobethickandnicelikemamma\'s。\'
\"\'I\'llpouroffsomeofthejuice，andwecandrinkit，\'saidI，feelingthatI\'dmadeamistakeinmycooking。
\"SoNellygotabowl，andIgotatowelandliftedthebigsaucepancarefullyoff。Itwasheavyandhot，andIwasalittleafraidofit，butdidn\'tliketosayso。JustasIbegantopour，Debbysuddenlycalledfromthetopofthestairs，\'Children，whatunderthesunareyoudoing？\'
\"Itstartledusboth。Nellydroppedthebowlandran。Idroppedthesaucepananddidn\'trun，forapartofthehotjuicesplasheduponmybarefeet，andankles，andmademescreamwithdreadfulpain。
\"DownrushedDebbytofindmedancingaboutthekitchenwithagreatbumponmyforehead，abigspooninmyhand，andapairofbrightpurplefeet。Theplumswerelyingalloverthehearth，thesaucepaninthemiddleoftheroom，thebasinwasbroken，andthesugarswimmingaboutasifthebowlhadturneditselfovertryingtosweetenourmessforus。
\"Debbywasverygoodtome，forsheneverstoppedtoscold，butlaidmedownontheoldsofa，andboundupmypoorlittlefeetwithoilandcottonwool。Nelly，seeingmeliewhiteandweak，thoughtIwasdying，andwentovertotheneighbor\'sforAuntBetsey，andburstinupontheoldladiessittingprimlyat，theirtea，crying，distractedly，\"\'Oh，AuntBetsey，comequick!forthesaucepanfellofftheshed，andFan\'sfeetareallboiledpurple!\'
\"Nobodylaughedatthisfunnymessage，andAuntBetseyranallthewayhomewithamuffininherhandandherballinherpocket，thoughtheknittingwasleftbehind。
\"Isufferedagreatdeal，butIwasn\'tsorryafterward，forIlearnedtoloveAuntBetsey，whonursedmetenderly，andseemedtoforgetherstrictwaysinheranxietyforme。
\"Thisbagwasmadeformyspecialcomfort，andhungonthesofawhereIlayallthosewearydays。Auntkeptitfullofprettypatchworkor，whatIlikedbetter，ginger-nuts，andpeppermintdrops，toamuseme，thoughshedidn\'tapproveofcossetingchildrenup，anymorethanIdonow。\"
\"Ilikethatvewywell，andIwishIcouldhavebeenthere，\"wasMaud\'scondescendingremark，assheputbackthelittlebag，afteracarefulpeepinside，asifshehopedtofindanancientginger-nut，orawell-preservedpeppermintdropstilllingeringinsomecorner。
\"Wehadplumsenoughthatautumn，butdidn\'tseemtocaremuchaboutthem，afterall，forourprankbecameahouseholdjoke，and，foryears，weneversawthefruit，butNellywouldlookatmewithafunnyface，andwhisper，\'Purplestockings，Fan!\'\"
\"Thankyou，ma\'am，\"saidPolly。\"Now，Fan，yourturnnext。\"
\"Well，I\'veabundleofoldletters，andI\'dliketoknowifthereisanystoryaboutthem，\"answeredFanny，hopingsomeromancemightbeforthcoming。
Grandmaturnedoverthelittlepackettiedupwithafadedpinkribbon；
adozenyellownoteswrittenonrough，thickpaper，withredwafersstilladheringtothefolds，showingplainlythattheywerewrittenbeforethedayofinitialnote-paperandself-sealingenvelopes。
\"Theyarenotlove-letters，deary，butnotesfrommymatesafterIleftMissCotton\'sboarding-school。Idon\'tthinkthereisanystoryaboutthem，\"
andgrandmaturnedthemoverwithspectaclesbeforethedimeyes，soyoungandbrightwhentheyfirstreadtheverysamenotes。
Fannywasabouttosay，\"I\'llchooseagain，\"whengrandmabegantolaughsoheartilythatthegirlsfeltsureshehadcaughtsomemerryoldmemorywhichwouldamusethem。
\"Blessmyheart，Ihaven\'tthoughtofthatfrolicthisfortyyears。
Poor，dear，giddySallyPomroy，andshe\'sagreat-grandmothernow!\"criedtheoldlady，afterreadingoneofthenotes，andclearingthemistoffherglasses。
\"Now，pleasetellabouther；Iknowit\'ssomethingfunnytomakeyoulaughso，\"saidPollyandFantogether。
\"Well，itwasdroll，andI\'mgladIremembereditforit\'sjustthestorytotellyouyoungthings。
\"Itwasyearsago，\"begangrandma，briskly，\"andteacherswereverymuchstricterthantheyarenow。ThegirlsatMissCotton\'swerenotallowedlightsintheirroomsafternineo\'clock，neverwentoutalone，andwereexpectedtobehavelikemodelsofproprietyfrommorningtillnight。
\"Asyoumayimagine，tenyounggirls，fullofspiritsandfun，foundtheseruleshardtokeep，andmadeupforgoodbehaviorinpublicbyallsortsoffrolicsinprivate。
\"MissCottonandherbrothersatinthebackparlorafterschoolwasover，andtheyoungladiesweresenttobed。Mr。Johnwasverydeaf，andMissPriscillaverynear-sighted，twoconvenientafflictionsforthegirlsonsomeoccasions，butoncetheyprovedquitethereverse，asyoushallhear。
\"Wehadbeenveryprimforaweek，andourbottledupspiritscouldnolongerbecontained；soweplanedarevelafterourownhearts，andsetourwitstoworktoexecuteit。
\"Thefirstobstaclewassurmountedinthisway。Asnoneofuscouldgetoutalone，weresolvedtolowerSallyfromthewindow，forshewaslightandsmall，andverysmart。
\"Withourcombinedpocket-moneyshewastobuynutsandcandy，cakeandfruit，pie，andacandle，sothatwemighthavealight，afterBetseytookoursawayasusual。
\"Weweretodarkenthewindowoftheinnerchamber，setawatchinthelittleentry，lightup，andthenforagoodtime。
\"Ateighto\'clockontheappointedevening，severalofusprofessedgreatweariness，andwenttoourroom，leavingtherestsewingvirtuouslywithMissCotton，whoreadHannahMore\'sSacredDramasaloud，inawaythatfittedthelistenersforbedaswellasadoseofopiumwouldhavedone。
\"IamsorrytosayIwasoneoftheringleaders；andassoonaswegotupstairs，producedtheropeprovidedforthepurpose，andinvitedSallytobelowered。Itwasanold-fashionedhouse，slopingdownbehind，andtheclosetwindowchosenbyuswasnotmanyfeetfromtheground。
\"Itwasasummerevening，sothatateighto\'clockitwasstilllight；
butwewerenotafraidofbeingseen，forthestreetwasalonelyone，andouronlyneighborstwooldladies，whoputdowntheircurtainsatsunset，andneverlookedouttillmorning。
\"Sallyhadbeenbribedbypromisesofasmany\'goodies\'asshecouldeat，andbeingaregularmadcap，shewasreadyforanything。
\"Tyingtheroperoundherwaistshecreptout，andwelethersafelydown，sentabigbasketafterher，andsawhersliproundthecomerinmybigsunbonnetandanothergirl\'sshawl，sothatsheshouldnotberecognized。
\"Thenweputournight-gownsoverourdresses，andwerelaidpeacefullyinbedwhenBetseycameup，earlierthanusual；foritwasevidentthatMissCottonfeltalittlesuspiciousatoursuddenweariness。
\"Forhalfanhourwelaylaughingandwhispering，aswewaitedforthesignalfromSally。Atlastweheardacricketchirpshrillyunderthewindow，andflyingup，sawalittlefigurebelowinthetwilight。
\"\'O，quick!quick!\'criedSally，pantingwithhaste。\'Drawupthebasketandthengetmein，forIsawMr。Cottoninthemarket，andranallthewayhome，sothatImightgetinbeforehecame。\'
\"Upcametheheavybasket，bumpingandscrapingontheway，andsmelling，O，sonice!Downwenttherope，andwithalongpull，astrongpull，andapullalltogether，wehoistedpoorSallyhalf-wayuptothewindow，when，sadtotell，theropeslippedanddownshefell，onlybeingsavedfrombrokenbonesbythehay-cockunderthewindow。
\"\'He\'scoming!he\'scoming!Opullmeup，formercysake!\'criedSally，scramblingtoherfeetunhurt，butagooddealshaken。
\"Wesawadarkfigureapproaching，anddraggedherinwithmorebumpingandscraping，andembracedherwithrapture，forwehadjustescapedbeingdetectedbyMr。John，whoseeyeswereassharpashisearsweredull。
\"Weheardthefront-doorshut，thenamurmurofvoices，andthenBetsey\'sheavystepcomingupstairs。
\"Underthebedwentthebasket，andintothebedswenttheconspirators，andnothingcouldhavebeenmoredecorousthantheappearanceoftheroomwhenBetseypoppedherheadin。
\"\'Master\'sanoldfidgettosendmetravellingupagain，justbecausehefanciedhesawsomethingamissatthewindow。Nothingbutacurtainflapping，orashadder，forthepoordearsissleepinglikelambs。\'
\"Weheardhersaythistoherself，andageneraltitteragitatedthewhitecoverletsasshedeparted。
\"Sallywasinhighfeatheratthesuccessofherexploit，anddancedaboutlikeanelf，assheputhernight-gownonoverherfrock，braidedherhairinfunnylittletailsalloverherhead，andfastenedthegreatredpin-cushiononherbosomforabreastpininhonorofthefeast。
\"Theothergirlswenttotheirroomsasagreedupon，andallwassoondarkandstillupstairs，whileMissCottonbegantoenjoyherselfbelow，asshealwaysdidwhen\'heryoungcharges\'weresafelydisposedof。
\"Thenghostsbegantowalk，andthemicescuttledbacktotheirholesinalarm，forwhitefiguresglidedfromroomtoroom，tillallwereassembledinthelittlechamber。
\"Thewatchwassetattheentrydoor，thesignalagreedupon，thecandlelighted，andthefeastspreadforthuponanewspaperonthebed，withthecoverletarrangedsothatitcouldbewhiskedovertherefreshmentsatamoment\'snotice。
\"Howgoodeverythingwas，tobesure!Idon\'tthinkI\'veeatenanypiessincethathadsuchadeliciousflavorasthosebrokenones，eatenhastily，inthatlittleovenofaroom，withSallymakingjokesandtheothersenjoyingstolensweetswithtruegirlishrelish。Ofcourseitwasverywicked，butImusttellthetruth。
\"Wewerejustbeginningonthecakewhentheloudscratchingofaratdisturbedus。
\"\'Thesignal!fly!run!hide!Hush，don\'tlaugh!\'criedseveralvoices，andwescuttledintobedasrapidlyandnoiselesslyaspossible，withourmouthsandhandsfull。
\"Alongpause，brokenbymorescratching；butasnoonecame，wedecidedonsendingtoinquirewhatitmeant。IwentandfoundMary，thepicketguardhalfasleep，andlongingforhershareofthefeast。
\"\'Itwasarealrat；I\'venotmadeasound。Dogoandfinish；I\'mtiredofthis，\'saidMary，slappingawayatthemosquitoes。
\"BackIhurriedwiththegoodnews。Everyoneflewup，briskly。Welightedthecandleagain，andreturnedtoourrevel。TherefreshmentsweresomewhatinjuredbySally\'sbouncinginamongthem，bitwedidn\'tcare，andsoonfinishedthecake。
\"\'Nowlet\'shavethenuts，\'Isaid，gropingforthepaperbag。
\"\'Theyarealmondsandpeanuts，sowecancrackthemwithourteeth。
Besureyougetthebagbytherightend，\'saidSally。
\"\'IknowwhatI\'mabout，\'andtoshowherthatitwasallright，I
gavethebagalittleshake，whenoutflewthenuts，rattlinglikeahail-stormallovertheuncarpetedfloor。
\"\'Nowyou\'vedoneit，\'criedSally，asMaryscratchedlikeamadrat，andadoorcreakedbelow，forMissCottonwasnotdeaf。
\"Suchaflurryaswewerein!Outwentthecandle，andeachonerushedawaywithasmuchofthefeastasshecouldseizeinherhaste。Sallydivedintoherbed，recklesslydemolishingthelastpie，andscatteringthecandyfarandwide。
\"PoorMarywasnearlycaughtforMissCottonwasquickerthanBetsey，andourguardhadtorunforherlife。
\"Ourroomwasthefirst，andwasingoodorder，thoughthetwoflushedfacesonthepillowswererathersuspicious。MissCottonstoodstaringabouther，lookingsofunny，withouthercap，thatmybedfellowwouldhavegoneoffinafitoflaughter，ifIhadnotpinchedherwarningly。
\"\'Youngladies，whatisthisunseemlynoise？\'
\"Noanswerfromusbutafaintsnore。MissCottonmarchedintothenextroom，putthesamequestionandreceivedthesamereply。
\"InthethirdchamberlaySally，andwetrembledastheoldladywentin。Sittingup，wepeepedandlistenedbreathlessly。
\"\'Sarah，Icommandyoutotellmewhatthisallmeans？\'
\"ButSallyonlysighedinhersleep，andmuttered，wickedly，\'Ma，takemehome。I\'mstarvedatCotton\'s。\'
\"\'Mercyonme!isthechildgoingtohaveafever？\'criedtheoldlady，whodidnotobservethetelltalenutsatherfeet。
\"\'Sodull，sostrict!Otakemehome!\'moanedSally，tossingherarmsandgurgling，likeanaughtylittlegypsy。
\"Thatlastbitofactingupsetthewholeconcern，forasshetossedherarmssheshowedthebigredcushiononherbreast。Near-sightedasshewas，thatridiculousobjectcouldnotescapeMissCotton，neitherdidtheorangethatrolledoutfromthepillow，northebootsappearingatthefootofthebed。
\"Withsuddenenergytheoldladypluckedoffthecover，andtherelaySallywithherhairdressedà；laTopsy，herabsurdbreast-pinandherdustyboots，amongpapersofcandy，bitsofpieandcake，orangesandapples，andacandleupsidedownburningaholeinthesheet。
\"AtthesoundofMissCotton\'shorrifiedexclamationSallywokeup，andbeganlaughingsomerrilythatnoneofuscouldresistfollowingherexample，andtheroomsrangwithmerrimentfarmanyminutes。Ireallydon\'tknowwhenweshouldhavestoppedifSallyhadnotgotchokedwiththenutshehadinhermouth，andsofrightenedusnearlyoutofourwits。\"
\"Whatbecameofthethings，andhowwereyoupunished？\"askedFan，inthemiddleofherlaughter。
\"Theremainsofthefeastwenttothepig，andwewerekeptonbreadandwaterforthreedays。\"
\"Didthatcureyou？\"
\"Oh，dear，no!wehadhalfadozenotherfrolicsthatverysummer；andalthoughIcannothelplaughingattheremembranceofthis，youmustnotthink，child，thatIapproveofsuchconduct，orexcuseit。No，no，mydear，farfromit。\"
\"Icallthata，tip-topstory!Driveon，grandma，andtelloneaboutboys，\"brokeinanewvoice，andtherewasTomastrideofachairlisteningandlaughingwithallhismight，forhisbookhadcometoanend，andhehadjoinedthepartyunobserved。
\"Waitforyourturn，Tommy。Now，Polly，dear，whatwillyouhave？\"saidgrandma，looking，solivelyandhappy，thatitwasveryevident\"reminiscing\"
didhergood。
\"Letminecomelast，andtelloneforTomnext，\"saidPolly，lookinground，andbeckoninghimnearer。
Hecameandsathimselfcross-leggedonthefloor，beforethelowerdrawerofthecabinet，whichgrandmaopenedforhim，saying，withabenignstrokeofthecurlyhead，\"There，dear，that\'swhereIkeepthelittlememorialsofmybrotherJack。Poorlad，hewaslostatsea，youknow。Well，chooseanythingyoulike，andI\'lltrytorememberastoryaboutit。\"
Tommadearapidrummage，andfishedupalittlebrokenpistol。
\"There，that\'sthechapforme!Wishitwasn\'tspoilt，thenwe\'dhavefunpoppingawayatthecatsintheyard。Now，then，grandma。\"
\"IrememberoneofJack\'spranks，whenthatwasusedwithgreateffect，\"
saidgrandma，afterathoughtfulpause，duringwhichTomteasedthegirlsbysnappingthelockofthepistolintheirfaces。
\"Onceuponatime，\"continuedMadam，muchflatteredbytherowofinterestedfacesbeforeher，\"myfatherwentawayonbusiness，leavingmother，aunt，andusgirlstoJack\'scare。Veryproudhewas，tobesure，oftheresponsibility，andthefirstthinghedidwastoloadthatpistolandkeepitbyhisbed，inourgreatworriment，forwefearedhe\'dkillhimselfwithit。Foraweekallwentwell；thenwewerestartledbythenewsthatrobberswereabout。Allsortsofstoriesflewthroughthetownwewerelivinginthecountrythen；somesaidthatcertainhousesweremarkedwithablackcross，andthosewerealwaysrobbed；others，thattherewasaboyinthegang，forwindows，sosmallthattheywereconsideredsafe，wereenteredbysomelittlerogue。Atoneplacethethieveshadasupper，andlefthamandcakeinthefrontyard。Mrs。JonesfoundMrs。Smith\'sshawlinherorchard，withahammerandanunknownteapotnearit。Onemanreportedthatsomeonetappedathiswindow，inthenight，saying，softly，\'Isanyonehere？\'
andwhenhelookedout，twomenwereseentorundowntheroad。
\"Welivedjustoutoftown，inalonelyplace；thehousewasold，withconvenientlittlebackwindows，andfiveoutsidedoors。Jackwastheonlymanabouttheplace，andhewasbarelythirteen。Motherandauntwereverytimid，andthechildrenweren\'toldenoughtobeofanyuse，soJackandIwerethehome-guard，andvowedtodefendthefamilymanfully。\"
\"Goodforyou!Hopethefellowscame!\"criedTom，charmedwiththisopening。
\"Oneday，anill-lookingmancameinandaskedforfood，\"continuedgrandma，withamysteriousnod；\"andwhileheate，Isawhimglancesharplyaboutfromthewoodenbuttonsontheback-doors，tothesilverurnandtankardsonthedining-roomsideboard。Astrongsuspiciontookpossessionofme，andIwatchedhimasacatdoesamouse。
\"\'Hecametoexaminethepremises，I\'msureofit，butwewillbereadyforhim，\'Isaid，fiercely，asItoldthefamilyabouthim。
\"Thisfancyhauntedusall，andourpreparationswereveryfunny。Motherborrowedarattle，andkeptitunderherpillow。Aunttookabigbelltobedwithher；thechildrenhadlittleTip，theterrier，tosleepintheirroom；whileJackandImountedguard，hewiththepistol，andIwithahatchet，forIdidn\'tlikefire-arms。Biddy，whosleptintheattic，practisedgettingoutontheshedroof，sothatshemightrunawayatthefirstalarm。
Everynightwearrangedpit-fallsfortherobbers，andallfileduptobed，bearingplate，money，weapons，andthingstobarricadewith，asifwelivedinwartimes。
\"Wewaitedaweekandnoonecame，sowebegantofeelratherslighted，forotherpeoplegot\'ascare，\'asTomsays，andafterallourpreparationswereallyfeltatrifledisappointedthatwehadhadnochancetoshowourcourage。Atlastablackmarkwasfounduponourdoor，andagreatpanicensued，forwefeltthatnowourtimehadcome。
\"Thatnightweputatubofwateratthebottomoftheback-stairs，andapileoftinpansatthetopofthefrontstairs，sothatanyattempttocomeupwouldproduceasplashorarattle。Bellswerehungondoorhandles，sticksofwoodpiledupindarkcornersforrobberstofallover，andthefamilyretired，allarmedandallprovidedwithlampsandmatches。
\"JackandIleftourdoorsopen，andkeptaskingoneanotherifwedidn\'thearsomething，tillhefellasleep。Iwaswakefulandlaylisteningtothecricketstilltheclockstrucktwelve；thenIgotdrowsy，andwasjustdroppingoffwhenthesoundofstepsoutsidewokemeupstaringwideawake。CreepingtothewindowIwasintimetoseebythedimmoonlightashadowglideroundthecorneranddisappear。Aqueerlittlethrillwentoverme，butIresolvedtokeepquiettillIwassuresomethingwaswrong，forIhadgivensomanyfalsealarms，Ididn\'twantJacktolaughatmeagain。Poppingmyheadoutofthedoor，Ilistened，andpresentlyheardascrapingsoundneartheshed。
\"\'Theretheyare；butIwon\'trousethehousetillthebellringsorthepansfall。Theroguescan\'tgofarwithoutaclatterofsomesort，andifwecouldonlycatchoneofthemweshouldgettherewardandadealofglory，\'Isaidtomyself，graspingmyhatchetfirmly。
\"Adoorclosedsoftlybelow，andastepcamecreepingtowardstheback-stairs。
Surenowofmyprey，Iwasjustabouttoscream\'Jack!\'whensomethingwentsplashintothetubatthefootoftheback-stairs。
\"Inaminuteeveryonewasawakeandup，forJackfiredhispistolbeforehewashalfoutofbed，androared\'Fire!\'solouditrousedthehouse。
Mothersprungherrattle，auntrangherbell，Jipbarkedlikemad，andweallscreamed，whilefrombelowcameuparegularIrishhowl。
\"Someonebroughtalamp，andwepeepedanxiouslydown，toseeourownstupidBiddysittinginthetubwringingherhandsandwailingdismally。
\"\'Och，murther，andit\'skiltIam!Thesaintsbeaboutus!howiverdidIcomeforninstthissayivwather，justcrapininquietaftherabitivsthrollwidMikeMahoney，meownb\'y，that\'stomarrymeintirely，comeSaintPatrick\'sdaynixt。\'
\"Welaughedsowecouldhardlyfishthepoorthingup，orlistenwhilesheexplainedthatshehadslippedoutofherwindowforawordwithMike，andfounditfastenedwhenshewantedtocomeback，soshehadsatontheroof，tryingtodiscoverthecauseofthismysteriousbarringout，tillshewastired，whensheprowledroundthehousetillshefoundacellarwindowunfastened，afterallourcare，andgotinquitecleverly，shethought；
butthetubwasanewarrangementwhichsheknewnothingabout；andwhenshefellintothe\'say，\'shewasbewilderedandcouldonlyhowl。
\"Thiswasnotallthedamageeither，forauntfaintedwiththefright，mothercutherhandwithabrokenlamp，thechildrentookcoldhoppingaboutonthewetstairs，Jipbarkedhimselfsick，Isprainedmyankle，andJacknotonlysmashedalooking-glasswithhisbullets，butspoilthispistolbytheheavychargeputinit。Afterthedamageswererepairedandtheflurrywaswellover，Jackconfessedthathehadmarkedthedoorforfun，andshutBiddyoutasapunishmentfor\'gallivanting，\'ofwhichhedidn\'tapprove。Sucharogueasthatboywas!\'\"
\"Butdidn\'ttherobbersevercome？\"criedTom，enjoyingthejoke，butfeelingdefraudedofthefight。
\"Never，mydear；butwehadour\'scare，\'andtestedourcourage，andthatwasagreatsatisfaction，ofcourse，\"answeredgrandma，placidly。
\"Well，Ithinkyouwerethebravestofthelot。I\'dliketohaveseenyouflourishingroundtherewithyourhatchet，\"addedTom，admiringly，andtheoldladylookedasmuchpleasedwiththecomplimentasifshehadbeenagirl。
\"Ichoosethis，\"saidPolly，holdingupalongwhitekidglove，shrunkenandyellowwithtime，butlookingasifithadahistory。
\"Ah，thatnowhasastoryworthtelling!\"criedgrandma；adding，proudly，\"Treatthatoldgloverespectfully，mychildren，forLafayette\'shonoredhandhastouchedit。\"
\"Oh，grandma，didyouwearit？Didyouseehim？Dotellusallaboutit，andthatwillbethebestofthewhole，\"criedPolly，wholovedhistory，andknewagooddealaboutthegallantFrenchmanandhisbravelife。
Grandmalovedtotellthisstory，andalwaysassumedhermostimposingairtodohonortohertheme。Drawingherselfup，therefore，shefoldedherhands，andaftertwoorthreelittle\"hems，\"beganwithanabsentlook，asifhereyesbeheldafar-awaytime，whichbrightenedasshegazed。
\"ThefirstvisitofLafayettewasbeforemytime，ofcourse，butIheardsomuchaboutitfrommygrandfatherthatIreallyfeltasifI\'dseenitall。OurAuntHancocklivedintheGovernor\'shouse，onBeaconHill，atthattime。\"Heretheoldladybridledupstillmore，forshewasveryproudof\"ouraunt。\"\"Ah，mydears，thosewerethegoodoldtimes!\"shecontinued，withasigh。\"Suchdinnersandteaparties，suchdamasktableclothsandfineplate，suchsolid，handsomefurnitureandelegantcarriages；
aunt\'swaslinedwithredsilkvelvet，andwhenthecoachwastakenawayfromherattheGovernor\'sdeath，shejustrippedoutthelining。andwegirlshadspencersmadeofit。Dearheart，howwellIrememberplayinginaunt\'sgreatgarden，andchasingJackupanddownthosewindingstairs；
andmyblessedfather，inhisplum-coloredcoatandkneebuckles，andthequeueIusedtotieupforhimeveryday，handingauntintodinner，lookingsodignifiedandsplendid。\"
Grandmaseemedtoforgetherstoryforaminute，andbecomealittlegirlagain，amongtheplaymatesdeadandgonesomanyyears。Pollymotionedtheotherstobequiet，andnoonespoketilltheoldlady，withalongsigh，camebacktothepresent，andwenton。
\"Well，asIwassaying，theGovernorwantedtogiveabreakfasttotheFrenchofficers，andMadam，whowasahospitablesoul，gotupasplendidoneforthem。Butbysomemistake，oraccident，itwasdiscoveredatthelastminutethattherewasnomilk。
\"Agreatdealwasneeded，andverylittlecouldbeboughtorborrowed，sodespairfelluponthecooksandmaids，andthegreatbreakfastwouldhavebeenafailure，ifMadam，withthepresenceofmindofhersex，hadnotsuddenlybethoughtherselfofthecowsfeedingontheCommon。
\"Tobesure，theybelongedtoherneighbors，andtherewasnotimetoaskleave，butitwasanationalaffair；ouralliesmustbefed；
andfeelingsurethatherpatrioticfriendswouldgladlylaytheircowsonthealtaroftheircountry，MadamHancockcoveredherselfwithglory，bycalmlyissuingthecommand，\'Milk\'em!\'
\"Itwasdone，tothegreatastonishmentofthecows，andtheentiresatisfactionoftheguests，amongwhomwasLafayette。
\"Thismilkingfeatwassuchagoodjoke，thatnooneseemstohaverememberedmuchaboutthegreatman，thoughoneofhisofficers，acount，signalizedhimselfbygettingverytipsy，andgoingtobedwithhisbootsandspurson，­；whichcausedthedestructionofaunt\'sbestyellowdamaskcoverlet，fortherestlesssleeperkickeditintoragsbymorning。
\"Auntvalueditverymuch，eveninitstatteredcondition，andkeptitalongwhile，asamemorialofherdistinguishedguests。
\"ThetimewhenIsawLafayettewasin1825，andtherewerenotipsycountsthen。UncleHancockasweetman，mydears，thoughsomecallhimmeannow-a-dayswasdead，andaunthadmarriedCaptainScott。
\"Itwasnotatallthethingforhertodo；however，that\'sneitherherenorthere。ShewaslivinginFederalStreetatthetime，amostaristocraticstreetthen，children，andwelivedcloseby。
\"OldJosiahQuincywasmayorofthecity，andhesentauntwordthattheMarquisLafayettewishedtopayhisrespectstoher。
\"Ofcourseshewasdelighted，andweallflewabouttomakereadyforhim。Auntwasanoldlady，butshemadeagrandtoilet，andwasasanxioustolookwellasanygirl。\"
\"Whatdidshewear？\"askedFan，withinterest。
\"Sheworeasteel-coloredsatin，trimmedwithblacklace，andonhercapwaspinnedaLafayettebadgeofwhitesatin。
\"Inevershallforgethowb-e-a-utifullyshelookedasshesatinstateonthefrontparlorsophy，rightunderagreatportraitofherfirsthusband；andoneithersideofhersatMadamStorerandMadamWilliams，eleganttobehold，intheirstiffsilks，richlace，andstatelyturbans。Wedon\'tseesuchsplendidoldladiesnow-a-days­；\"
\"Ithinkwedosometimes，\"saidPolly，slyly。
Grandmashookherhead，butitpleasedherverymuchtobeadmired，forshehadbeenabeautyinherday。
\"Wegirlshaddressedthehousewithflowers；oldMr。Coolidgesentinaclothes-basketfull。JoeJoyprovidedthebadges，andauntgotoutsomeoftheRevolutionarywinefromtheoldBeaconStreetcellar。
\"Iworemygreenandwhitepalmyrine，myhairbowedhigh，thebeautifulleg-o\'-muttonsleevesthatweresobecoming，andtheseverygloves。
\"Well，by-and-bytheGeneral，escortedbytheMayor，droveup。Dearme，Iseehimnow!­；alittleoldmaninnankeentrousersandvest，alongbluecoatandruffledshirt，leaningonhiscane，forhewaslame，andsmilingandbowinglikeatrueFrenchman。
\"Asheapproached，thethreeoldladiesrose，andcourtesiedwiththeutmostdignity。LafayettebowedfirsttotheGovernor\'spicture，thentotheGovernor\'swidow，andkissedherhand。
\"Thatwasdroll；foronthebackofherglovewasstampedLafayette\'slikeness，andthegallantoldgentlemankissedhisownface。
\"Thensomeoftheyoungladieswerepresented，and，asiftoescapeanyfurtherself-salutations，themarquiskissedtheprettygirlsonthecheek。
\"Yes，mydears，hereisjustthespotwherethedearoldmansalutedme。I\'mquiteasproudofitnowasIwasthen，forhewasabrave，goodman，andhelpedusinourtrouble。
\"Hedidnotstaylong，butwewereverymerry，drinkinghishealth，receivinghiscompliments，andenjoyingthehonorhedidus。
\"Downinthestreettherewasacrowd，ofcourse，andwhenhelefttheywantedtotakeoutthehorsesanddraghimhomeintriumph。Buthedidn\'twishit；andwhilethataffairwasbeingarranged，wegirlshadbeenpeltinghimwiththeflowerswhichwetorefromthevases，thewalls，andourowntopknots，toscatteroverhim。
\"Helikedthat，andlaughed，andwavedhishandtous，whileweran，andpelted，andbeggedhimtocomeagain。
\"Weyoungfolksquitelostourheadsthatnight，andIhaven\'taveryclearideaofhowIgothome。ThelastthingIrememberwashangingoutofthewindowwithaflockofgirls，watchingthecarriagerollaway，whilethecrowdcheeredasiftheyweremad。
\"Blessmyheart，itseemsasifIheard\'emnow!\'HurrahforLafayetteandMayorQuincy!HurrahforMadamHancockandtheprettygirls!HurrahforCol。May!\'\'ThreecheersforBoston!Now，then!Hurrah!Hurrah!Hurrah!\'
\"
Andheretheoldladystopped，outofbreath，withhercapaskew，herspectaclesontheendofhernose，andherknittingmuchtheworseforbeingwavedenthusiasticallyintheair，whileshehungoverthearmofherchair，shrillycheeringanimaginaryLafayette。Thegirlsclappedtheirhands，andTomhurrahedwithallhismight，saying，whenhegothisbreath，\"Lafayettewasaregularoldtrump；Ialwayslikedhim。\"
\"Mydear!whatadisrespectfulwaytospeakofthatgreatman，\"saidgrandma，shockedatYoungAmerica\'sirreverence。
\"Well，hewasatrump，anyway，sowhynotcallhimone？\"askedTom，feelingthattheobjectionablewordwasallthatcouldbedesired。
\"Whatqueerglovesyouworethen，\"interruptedFanny，whohadbeentryingonthemuch-honoredglove，andfindingitatightfit。
\"Muchbetterandcheaperthanwehavenow，\"returnedgrandma，readytodefend\"thegoodoldtimes\"againsteveryinsinuation。\"Youareanextravagantsetnow-a-days，andIreallydon\'tknowwhatyouarecomingto。Bytheway，I\'vegotsomewheretwoletterswrittenbytwoyoungladies，onein1517，andtheotherin1868。Thecontrastbetweenthetwowillamuseyou，Ithink。\"
Afteralittlesearch，grandmaproducedanoldportfolio，andselectingthepapers，readthefollowingletter，writtenbyAnneBoleynbeforehermarriagetoHenryVIII，andnowinthepossessionofacelebratedantiquarian:­；
DEARMARY，­；Ihavebeenintownalmostamonth，yetIcannotsayIhavefoundanythinginLondonextremelyagreeable。Werisesolateinthemorning，­；seldombeforesixo\'clock，­；andsitupsolateatnight，­；beingscarcelyinbedbeforeten，­；thatIamquitesickofit；andwasitnotfortheabundanceoffinethingsIameverydaygettingIshouldbeimpatientofreturningintothecountry。
Myindulgentmotherboughtme，yesterday，atamerchant\'sinCheapside，threenewshifts，thatcostfourteenpenceanell，andIamtohaveapairofnewstuffshoes，formyLordofNorfolk\'sball，whichwillbethreeshillings。
TheirregularlifeIhaveledsincemycomingtothisplacehasquitedestroyedmyappetite。YouknowIcouldmanageapoundofbaconandatankardofgoodaleformybreakfast，inthecountry，butinLondonIfinditdifficulttogetthroughhalfthequantity，thoughImustownIamgenerallyeagerenoughforthedinnerhour，whichisheredelayedtilltwelve，inyourpolitesociety。
Iplayedathotcockles，lastnight，atmyLordofLeicester\'s。TheLordofSurreywasthere，averyelegantyoungman，whosungasongofhisowncomposition，onthe\"LordofKildare\'sDaughter。\"Itwasmuchapproved，andmybrotherwhisperedmethatthefairGeraldine，forsomyLordofSurreycallshissweetheart，isthefinestwomanoftheage。Ishouldbegladtoseeher，forIhearsheisgoodassheisbeautiful。
Praytakecareofthepoultryduringmyabsence。Poorthings!Ialwaysfedthemmyself；andifMargeryhasknittedmethecrimsonworstedmittens，Ishouldbegladiftheyweresentupthefirstopportunity。
Adieu，dearMary。Iamjustgoingtomass，andyoushallspeedilyhavetheprayers，asyouhavenowthekindestloveofyourownANNEBOLEYN。
\"Upbeforesix，andthinkitlatetogotobedatten!WhatacountrifiedthingAnnemusthavebeen。Baconandaleforbreakfast，anddinnerattwelve；
howveryqueertoliveso!\"criedFanny。\"LordSurreyandLordLeicestersoundfine，buthotcockles，andredmittens，andshoesforthreeshillings，arehorrid。\"
\"Ilikeit，\"saidPolly，thoughtfully，\"andI\'mgladpoorAnnehadalittlefunbeforehertroublesbegan。MayIcopythatlettersometime，grandma？\"
\"Yes，dear，andwelcome。Now，here\'stheother，byamoderngirlonherfirstvisittoLondon。Thiswillsuityoubetter，Fan，\"andgrandmareadwhatafriendhadsentherasapendanttoAnne\'slittlepictureofLondonlifelongago:­；
MYDEARESTCONSTANCE，­；AfterthreemonthsofintenseexcitementI
snatchaleisuremomenttotellyouhowmuchIenjoymyfirstvisittoLondon。Havingbeeneducatedabroad，itreallyseemslikecomingtoastrangecity。Atfirstthesmoke，dirtandnoisewereverydisagreeable，butI
soongotusedtothesethings，andnowfindallIseeperfectlycharming。
WeplungedatonceintoawhirlofgayetyandIhavehadnotimetothinkofanythingbutpleasure。Itistheheightoftheseason，andeveryhourisengagedeitheringoingtoballs，concerts，theatres，fê；tesandchurch，orinpreparingforthem。Weoftengototwoorthreepartiesinanevening，andseldomgethometillmorning，soofcoursewedon\'trisetillnoonnextday。Thisleavesverylittletimeforourdrives，shopping，andcallsbeforedinnerateight，andthentheeveninggayetiesbeginagain。
AtaballatLadyRussell\'slastnight，IsawthePrinceofWales，anddancedinthesetwithhim。Heisgrowingstout，andlooksdissipated。
Iwasdisappointedinhim，forneitherinappearancenorconversationwasheatallprincely。IwasintroducedtoaverybrilliantanddelightfulyounggentlemanfromAmerica。Iwascharmedwithhim，andrathersurprisedtolearnthathewrotethepoemswhichweresomuchadmiredlastseason，alsothatheisthesonofarichtailor。HowoddtheseAmericansare，withtheirmoney，andtalent，andindependence!
Omydear，Imustnotforgettotellyouthegreateventofmyfirstseason。IamtobepresentedatthenextDrawingRoom!ThinkhowabsorbedImustbeinpreparationforthisgrandaffair。MammaisresolvedthatIshalldohercredit，andwehavespentthelasttwoweeksdrivingaboutfrommillinerstomantua-makers，frommerchantstojewellers。Iamtowearwhitesatinandplumes，pearlsandroses。Mydresswillcostahundredpoundsormore，andisveryelegant。
Mycousinsandfriendslavishlovelythingsuponme，andyouwillopenyourunsophisticatedeyeswhenIdisplaymysilksandlaces，trinketsandFrenchhats，nottomentionbilletdeux，photographs，andotherrelicsofayoungbelle\'sfirstseason。
YouaskifIeverthinkofhome。Ireallyhaven\'ttime，butIdosometimeslongalittleforthequiet，thepureairandthegirlishamusementsI
usedtoenjoysomuch。Onegetspale，andold，andsadlyfaggedout，withallthisdissipation，pleasantasitis。Ifeelquiteblasé；already。
Ifyoucouldsendmetherosycheeks，brighteyes，andgayspiritsI
alwayshadathome，I\'dthankyou。Asyoucannotdothat，pleasesendmeabottleofJunerainwater，formymaidtellsmeitisbetterthananycosmeticforthecomplexion，andmineisgettingruinedbylatehours。
Ifancysomefruitoffourowntreeswouldsuitme，forIhavenoappetite，andmammaisquitedesolé；eaboutme。OnecannotliveonFrenchcookerywithoutdyspepsia，andonecangetnothingsimplehere，forfood，likeeverythingelse，isregulatedbythefashion。
Adieu，machè；re，Imustdressforchurch。Ionlywishyoucouldseemynewhatandgowithme，forLordRockinghampromisedtobethere。Adieu，yourseternally，FLORENCE。
\"Yes，Idolikethatbetter，andIwishIhadbeeninthisgirl\'splace，don\'tyou，Polly？\"saidFan，asgrandmatookoffherglasses。
\"IshouldlovetogotoLondon，andhaveagoodtime，butIdon\'tthinkIshouldcareaboutspendingeversomuchmoney，orgoingtoCourt。MaybeImightwhenIgotthere，forIdolikefunandsplendor，\"addedhonestPolly，feelingthatpleasurewasaverytemptingthing。
\"Grandmalookstired；let\'sgoandplayinthedwying-woom，\"saidMaud，whofoundtheconversationgettingbeyondherdepth。
\"Letusallkissandthankgrandma，foramusingussonicely，beforewego，\"whisperedPolly。MaudandFannyagreed，andgrandmalookedsogratifiedbytheirthanks，thatTomfollowedsuit，merelywaitingtill\"thosegirls\"
wereoutofsight，togivetheoldladyaheartyhug，andakissontheverycheekLafayettehadsaluted。
Whenhereachedtheplay-roomPollywassittingintheswing，saying，veryearnestly，\"Ialwaystoldyouitwasniceupingrandma\'sroom，andnowyouseeitis。Iwishyou\'dgooftener；sheadmirestohaveyou，andlikestotellstoriesanddopleasantthings，onlyshethinksyoudon\'tcareforherquietsortoffun。Ido，anyway，andIthinkshe\'sthekindest，bestoldladythateverlived，andIloveherdearly!\"
\"Ididn\'tsayshewasn\'t，onlyoldpeoplearesortoftediousandfussy，soIkeepoutoftheirway，\"saidFanny。
\"Well，yououghtnotto，andyoumisslotsofpleasanttimes。Mymothersaysweoughttobekindandpatientandrespectfultoalloldfolksjustbecausetheyareold，andIalwaysmeantobe。\"
\"Yourmother\'severlastinglypreaching，\"mutteredFan，nettledbytheconsciousnessofherownshortcomingswithregardtograndma。
\"Shedon\'tpreach!\"criedPolly，firinguplikeaflash；\"sheonlyexplainsthingstous，andhelpsusbegood，andneverscolds，andI\'dratherhaveherthananyothermotherintheworld，thoughshedon\'twearvelvetcloaksandsplendidbonnets，­；sonow!\"
\"Goit，Polly!\"calledTom，whowasgracefullyhangingheaddownwardfromthebarputupforhisspecialbenefit。
\"Polly\'smad!Polly\'smad!\"sungMaud，skippingroperoundtheroom。
\"IfMr。Sydneycouldseeyounowhewouldn\'tthinkyousuchanangelanymore，\"addedFanny，tossingabean-bagandherheadatthesametime。
Pollywasmad，herfacewasveryred，hereyesverybrightandherlipstwitched，butsheheldhertongueandbegantoswingashardasshecould，fearingtosaysomethingshewouldbesorryforafterward。Forafewminutesnoonespoke，TomwhistledandMaudhummedbutFanandPollywereeachsoberlythinkingofsomething，fortheyhadreachedanagewhenchildren，girlsespecially，begintoobserve，contrast，andspeculateuponthewords，acts，manners，andlooksofthoseaboutthem。Agooddealofthinkinggoesonintheheadsoftheseshrewdlittlefolks，andtheeldersshouldmindtheirways，fortheygetcriticisedprettysharplyandimitatedveryclosely。
Twolittlethingshadhappenedthatday，andtheinfluenceofafewwords，acarelessaction，wasstillworkingintheactivemindsofthegirls。
Mr。Sydneyhadcalled，andwhileFannywastalkingwithhimshesawhiseyerestonPolly，whosatapartwatchingthefacesroundherwiththemodest，intelligentlookwhichmanyfoundsoattractive。AtthatminuteMadamShawcamein，andstoppedtospeaktothelittlegirl。Pollyroseatonce，andremainedstandingtilltheoldladypassedon。
\"AreyoulaughingatPolly\'sprimways？\"Fannyhadasked，asshesawMr。Sydneysmile。
\"No，IamadmiringMissPolly\'sfinemanners，\"heansweredinagrave，respectfultone，whichhadimpressedFannyverymuch，forMr。Sydneywasconsideredbyallthegirlsasamodelofgoodbreeding，andthatindescribablesomethingwhichtheycalled\"elegance。\"