\"WhatafateforprettyPolly!\"ejaculatedTom。
\"Shelikesit，andI\'msureIshouldthinkshewould；it\'sbeautifultohear\'emplanitallout。\"
\"Anymoregossiptoretail，Pug？\"askedTomaminuteafter，asMaudseemedabsorbedinvisionsofthe，future。
\"Hetoldafunnystoryaboutblowinguponeoftheprofessors。Younevertoldus，soIsupposeyoudidn\'tknowit。Somebadfellowputatorpedo，orsomesortofpowderthing，underthechair，anditwentoffinthemidstofthelesson，andthepoormanflewup，frightenedmosttopieces，andtheboysranwithpailsofwatertoputthefireout。ButthethingthatmadeWilllaughmostwas，thattheveryfellowwhodiditgothistrousersburnttryingtoputoutthefire，andheaskedthe­；isitFacultyorPresident？\"
\"Eitherwilldo，\"murmuredTom，whowasshakingwithsuppressedlaughter。
\"Well，heasked\'emtogivehimsomenewones，andtheydidgivehimmoneyenough，foranicepair；buthegotsomecheapones，withhorridgreatstripeson\'em，andalwayswore\'emtothatparticularclass，\'whichwasonetoomanyforthefellows，\'Willsaid，andwiththerestofthemoneyhehadapunchparty。Wasn\'titdreadful？\"
\"Awful!\"AndTomexplodedintoagreatlaugh，thatmadeFannycoverherears，andthelittledogbarkwildly。
\"Didyouknowthatbadboy？\"askedinnocentMaud。
\"Slightly，\"gaspedTom，inwhosewardrobeatcollegethoseidenticaltrouserswerehangingatthatmoment。
\"Don\'tmakesuchanoise，myheadachesdreadfully，\"saidFanny，fretfully。
\"Girls\'headsalwaysdoache，\"answeredTom，subsidingfromaroarintoachuckle。
\"Whatpleasureyouboyscanfindinsuchungentlemanlythings，Idon\'tsee，\"saidFanny，whowasevidentlyoutofsorts。
\"Asmuchamysterytoyouasitistous，howyougirlscanliketogabbleandprinkfromoneweek\'sendtotheother，\"retortedTom。
Therewasapauseafterthislittlepassage-at-arms，butFanwantedtobeamused，fortimehungheavilyonherhands，sosheasked，inamoreamiabletone，\"How\'sTrix？\"
\"Assweetasever，\"answeredTom，gruffly。
\"Didshescoldyou，asusual？\"
\"Shejustdid。\"
\"Whatwasthematter？\"
\"Well，I\'llleaveittoyouifthisisn\'tunreasonable:shewon\'tdancewithmeherself，yetdon\'tlikemetogoitwithanybodyelse。I
said，Ithought，ifafellowtookagirltoaparty，sheoughttodancewithhimonce，atleast，especiallyiftheywereengaged。Shesaidthatwastheveryreasonwhysheshouldn\'tdoit；so，atthelasthop，Iletheralone，andhadagaytimewithBelle，andto-dayTrixgaveittomehotandheavy，cominghomefromchurch。\"
\"Ifyougoandengageyourselftoagirllikethat，Idon\'tknowwhatyoucanexpect。DidshewearherParishatto-day？\"addedFan，withsuddeninterestinhervoice。
\"Sheworesomesortofabluething，withaconfoundedbirdofParadiseinit，thatkeptwhiskingintomyfaceeverytimesheturnedherhead。\"
\"Menneverknowaprettythingwhentheyseeit。Thathatisperfectlylovely。\"
\"Theyknowaladywhentheyseeher，andTrixdon\'tlooklikeone；I
can\'tsaywherethetroubleis，butthere\'stoomuchfussandfeathersformytaste。Youaretwiceasstylish，yetyouneverlookloudorfast。\"
Touchedbythisunusualcompliment，Fannydrewherchairnearerassherepliedwithcomplacency，­；
\"Yes，IflattermyselfIdoknowhowtodresswell。Trixneverdid；she\'sfondofgaycolors，andgenerallylookslikeawalkingrainbow。\"
\"Can\'tyougiveherahint？Tellhernottowearblueglovesanyway，sheknowsIhate\'em。\"
\"I\'vedonemybestforyoursake，Tom，butsheisaperversecreature，anddon\'tmindawordIsay，evenaboutthingsmuchmoreobjectionablethanbluegloves。\"
\"Maudie，runandbringmemyothercigarcase，it\'slyingroundsomewhere。\"
Maudwent；andassoonasthedoorwasshut，Tomroseonhiselbow，sayinginacautiouslyloweredvoice，­；
\"Fan，doesTrixpaint？\"
\"Yes，anddrawstoo，\"answeredFanny，withaslylaugh。
\"Come，youknowwhatImean；I\'vearighttoaskandyououghttotell，\"
saidTom，soberly，forhewasbeginningtofindthatbeingengagedwasnotunmitigatedbliss。
\"Whatmakesyouthinkshedoes？\"
\"Well，betweenourselves，\"saidTom，lookingalittlesheepish，butanxioustosethismindatrest，\"sheneverwillletmekissheronhercheek，nothingbutanunsatisfactorypeckatherlips。Thentheotherday，asItookabitofheliotropeoutofavasetoputinmybutton-hole，I
whiskedadropofwaterintoherface；Iwasgoingtowipeitoff，butshepushedmyhandaway，andrantotheglass，whereshecarefullydabbeditdry，andcamebackwithonecheekredderthantheother。Ididn\'tsayanything，butIhadmysuspicions。Comenow，doesshe？\"
\"Yes，shedoes；butdon\'tsayawordtoher，forshe\'llneverforgivemytellingifsheknewit。\"
\"Idon\'tcareforthat；Idon\'tlikeit，andIwon\'thaveit，\"saidTom，decidedly。
\"Youcan\'thelpyourself。Halfthegirlsdoit，eitherpaintorpowder，darkentheirlasheswithburnthair-pins，ortakecologneonlumpsofsugarorbelladonnatomaketheireyesbright。Claratriedarsenicforhercomplexion，buthermotherstoppedit，\"saidFanny，betrayingthesecretsoftheprison-houseinthebasestmanner。
\"Iknewyougirlswereasetofhumbugs，andveryprettyones，too，someofyou，butIcan\'tsayIliketoseeyoupainteduplikealotofactresses，\"saidTom，withanairofdisgust。
\"Idon\'tdoanythingofthesort，orneedit，butTrixdoes；
andhavingchosenher，youmustabideyourchoice，forbetterorworse。\"
\"Ithasn\'tcometothatyet，\"mutteredTom，ashelaydownagainwitharebelliousair。
Maud\'sreturnputanendtotheseconfidences，thoughTomexcitedhercuriositybyaskingthemysteriousquestion，\"Isay，Fan，isPollyuptothatsortofthing？\"
\"No，shethinksit\'sawful。Whenshegetspaleanddraggedoutshewillprobablychangehermind。\"
\"Idoubtit，\"saidTom。
\"Pollysaysitisn\'tpropertotalksecretsbeforepeoplewhoain\'tin\'em，\"observedMaud，withdignity。
\"Do，formercysake，stoptalkingaboutPolly，I\'msicktodeathofit，\"criedFanny，snappishly。
\"Hullo!\"andTomsatuptotakeasurvey。\"Ithoughtyouwerebosomfriends，andasspoonyasever。\"
\"Well，IamfondofPolly，butIgettiredofhearingMaudsingherpraiseseverlastingly。Nowdon\'tgoandrepeatthat，chatterbox。\"
\"Mygoodness，isn\'tshecross？\"whisperedMaudtoTom。
\"Astwosticks；letherbe。There\'sthebell；seewhoitis，Pug，\"
answeredTom，asatinglebrokethesilenceofthehouse。
Maudwenttopeepoverthebanisters，andcameflyingbackinarapture。
\"It\'sWillcomeforme!Can\'tIgo？Itdon\'tsnowhard，andI\'llbundleup，andyoucansendformewhenpapacomes。\"
\"Idon\'tcarewhatyoudo，\"answeredFan，whowasinaverybadtemper。
Withoutwaitingforanyotherpermission，Maudrushedawaytogetready。
Willwouldn\'tcomeup，hewassosnowy，andFannywasglad，becausewithherhewasbashful，awkward，andsilent，soTomwentdownandentertainedhimwithMaud\'sreport。Theywereverygoodfriends，butledentirelydifferentlives，Willbeinga\"dig，\"andToma\"bird，\"or，inplainEnglish，onewasahardstudent，andtheotherajollyyounggentleman。TomhadratherpatronizedWill，whodidn\'tlikeit，andshowedthathedidn\'tbyrefusingtoborrowmoneyofhim，oracceptanyofhisinvitationstojointheclubsandsocietiestowhichTombelonged。SoShawletMiltonalone，andhegotonverywellinhisownway，doggedlystickingtohisbooks，andresistingalltemptationsbutthoseofcertainlibraries，athleticgames，andsuchinexpensivepleasuresaswerewithinhismeans；forthisbenightedyouthhadnotyetdiscoveredthatcollegenowadaysisaplaceinwhichto\"sky-lark，\"
nottostudy。
WhenMaudcamedownandtrottedcontentedlyaway，holdingWill\'shand，Tomwatchedthemoutofsight，andthenstrolledaboutthehousewhistlingandthinking，tillhewenttosleepinhisfather\'sarm-chair，forwantofsomethingbettertodo。Heawoketothejoysofasolitarytea，forhismothernevercamedown，andFannyshutherselfandherheadacheupinherownroom。
\"Well，thisischeerful，\"hesaid，astheclockstruckeight，andhisfourthcigarcametoanend。\"Trixismad，andFaninthedumps，soI\'lltakemyselfoff。GuessI\'llgoroundtoPolly\'s，andaskWilltodriveoutwithme，andsavehimthewalk，poorchap。MightbringMidgethome，itwillpleaseher，andthere\'snoknowingwhenthegovernorwillbeback。\"
Withthesethoughtsinhishead，Tomleisurelygotunderway，andlefthishorseataneighboringstable，forhemeanttomakealittlecall，andseewhatitwasMaudenjoyedsomuch。
\"Pollyisholdingforth，\"hesaidtohimself，ashewentquietlyupstairs，andthesteadymurmurofapleasantvoicecamedowntohim。TomlaughedatPolly\'searnestwayoftalkingwhenshewasinterestedinanything。
Buthelikeditbecauseitwassodifferentfromthecoquettishclatterofmostofthegirlswithwhomhetalked。Youngmenoftenlaughatthesensiblegirlswhomtheysecretlyrespect，andaffecttoadmirethesillyoneswhomtheysecretlydespise，becauseearnestness，intelligence，andwomanlydignityarenotthefashion。
Thedoorwasajar，andpausinginthedarkentryTomtookasurveybeforehewentin。Theprospectwasnotdazzling，buthome-likeandpleasant。
Thelightofabrightfirefilledthelittleroom，anddownonastoolbeforeitwasMaudtendingPuttel，andwatchingwithdeepinteresttheroastingofanappleintendedforherspecialbenefit。OnthecouchloungedWill，histhoughtfuleyesfixedonPolly，who，whileshetalked，smoothedthebroadforeheadofher\"yellow-hairedladdie\"inawaythatTomthoughtanimmenseimprovementonMaud\'sperformance。Theyhadevidentlybeenbuildingcastlesintheair，forPollywassayinginhermostimpressivemanner，\"Well，whateveryoudo，Will，don\'thaveagreat，costlychurchthattakessomuchmoneytobuildandsupportitthatyouhavenothingtogiveaway。Iliketheplain，old-fashionedchurches，builtforuse，notshow，wherepeoplemetforheartyprayingandpreaching，andwhereeverybodymadetheirownmusicinsteadoflisteningtooperasingers，aswedonow。
Idon\'tcareiftheoldchurcheswerebareandcold，andtheseatshard，therewasrealpietyinthem，andthesincerityofitwasfeltinthelivesofthepeople。Idon\'twantareligionthatIputawaywithmySundayclothes，anddon\'ttakeouttillthedaycomesroundagain；Iwantsomethingtoseeandfeelandlivebyday-by-day，andIhopeyou\'llbeoneofthetrueministers，whocanteachbypreceptandexample，howtogetandkeepit。\"
\"IhopeIshallbe，Polly，butyouknowtheysaythatinfamilies，ifthereisaboywhocan\'tdoanythingelse，theymakeaministerofhim。
IsometimesthinkIain\'tgoodformuch，andthatseemstomethereasonwhyIshouldn\'teventrytobeaminister，\"saidWill，smiling，yetlookingasifwithallhishumilityhedidhavefaithintheaspirationsthatcametohiminhisbestmoments。
\"Someonesaidthatverythingtofatheronce，andIrememberheanswered，\'IamgladtogivemybestandbrightestsontotheserviceofGod。\'\"
\"Didhesaythat？\"andWill\'scolorrose，forthebig，book-lovingfellowwasassensitiveasagirltothepraiseofthosedearesttohim。
\"Yes，\"saidPolly，unconsciouslygivingthestrongeststimulustoherbrother\'shopeandcourage。\"Yes，andheadded，\'Ishallletmyboysfollowtheguidethatisinthem，andonlyaskofthemtousetheirgiftsconscientiously，andbehonest，usefulmen。\'\"
\"Sowewill!NedisdoingwelloutWest，andI\'mhardatithere。Iffatherdoeshisbesttogiveusthechanceweeachwant，theleastwecandoistoworkwithawill。\"
\"Whateveryoudo，youcan\'thelpworkingwithaWill，\"criedTom，whohadbeensointerested，thatheforgothewasplayingeavesdropper。
Pollyflewup，lookingsopleasedandsurprised，thatTomreproachedhimselffornothavingcalledoftener。
\"I\'vecomeforMaud，\"heannounced，inapaternaltone，whichmadethatyoungladyopenhereyes。
\"Ican\'tgotillmyappleisdone；besides，itisn\'tnineyet，andWillisgoingtotakemealong，whenhegoes。I\'dratherhavehim。\"
\"I\'mgoingtotakeyoubothinthecutter。Thestormisover，butitisheavywalking，soyou\'lldriveoutwithme，oldman？\"saidTom，withanodatWill。
\"Ofcoursehewill；andthankyouverymuch。I\'vebeentryingtokeephimallnight；MissMillsalwaysmanagestofindacornerforstraypeople，butheinsistsongoing，soastogettoworkearlyto-morrow，\"saidPolly，delightedtoseethatTomwastakingoffhiscoat，asifhemeanttowaitforMaud\'sapple，whichPollyblessedforbeingsoslowtocook。
Puttingherguestintothebestchair，Pollysatdownandbeamedathimwithsuchhospitablesatisfaction，thatTomwentupseveralpegsinhisownestimation。
\"Youdon\'tcomeveryoften，soweareratherover-poweredwhenyoudohonorus，\"shesaid，demurely。
\"Well，you，knowwefellowsaresobusy，wehaven\'tmuchtimetoenjoyourselves，\"answeredTom。
\"Ahem!\"saidWill，loudly。
\"Takeatroche，\"saidTom。
Thentheybothburstoutlaughing，andPolly，fullyunderstandingthejoke，joinedthem，saying，\"Herearesomepeanuts，Tom；doenjoyyourselfwhileyoucan。\"
\"NowIcallthatadelicatecompliment!\"AndTom，whohadnotlosthisearlyrelishforthissortofrefreshment，thoughheseldomindulgedhispassionnowadays，becausepeanutsareconsideredvulgar，felltocrackingandmunchingwithgreatsatisfaction。
\"DoyourememberthefirstvisitImadeatyourhouse，howyougavemepeanuts，comingfromthedepot，andfrightenedmeoutofmywits，pretendingthecoachmanwastipsy？\"askedPolly。
\"OfcourseIdo，andhowwecoastedoneday，\"answeredTom，laughing。
\"Yes，andthevelocipede；you\'vegotthescarofthatyet，Isee。\"
\"Irememberhowyoustoodbymewhileitwassewedup；thatwasveryplucky，Polly。\"
\"Iwasdreadfullyafraid，butIrememberIwantedtoseemverybrave，becauseyou\'dcalledmeacoward。\"
\"DidI？Oughttohavebeenashamedofmyself。Iusedtoroughyoushamefully，Polly，andyouweresogood-natured，youletmedoit。\"
\"Couldn\'thelpmyself，\"laughedPolly。\"Ididusetothinkyouwereanawfulboy，butseemstomeIratherlikedit。\"
\"Shehadsomuchofitathome，shegotusedtoit，\"putinWill，pullingthelittlecurlbehindPolly\'sear。
\"YouboysneverteasedmeasTomdid，that\'sthereasonitamusedme，Isuppose；noveltyhathcharms，youknow。\"
\"GrandmausedtolectureTomforplaguingyou，Polly，andheusedtosayhe\'dbeatip-topboy，buthewasn\'t，\"observedMaud，withavenerableair。
\"Dearoldgrandma；shedidherbest，butI\'mabadlot，\"saidTom，withashakeoftheheadandasoberface。
\"Italwaysseemsasifshemustbeupinherrooms，andIcan\'tgetusedtofindingthemempty，\"addedPolly，softly。
\"Fatherwouldn\'thaveanythingmoved，andTomsitsuptheresometimes；
itmakeshimfeelgood，hesays，\"saidMaud，whohadatalentforbetrayingtrifleswhichpeoplepreferredshouldnotbementionedinpublic。
\"You\'dbetterhurryupyourapple，forifitisn\'tdoneprettysoon，you\'llhavetoleaveit，Pug，\"saidTom，lookingannoyed。
\"HowisFan？\"askedPolly，withtact。
\"Well，Fanisratherundertheweather；saysshe\'sdyspeptic，whichmeanscross。\"
\"Sheiscross，butshe\'ssicktoo，forIfoundhercryingoneday，andshesaidnobodycaredabouther，andshemightaswellbedead，\"addedMaud，havingturnedherapplewithtendercare。
\"Wemusttrytocheerherup，amongus。IfIwasn\'tsobusyI\'dliketodevotemyselftoher，shehasdonesomuchforme，\"saidPolly，gratefully。
\"Iwishyoucould。Ican\'tunderstandher，forsheactslikeaweathercock，andIneverknowhowI\'mgoingtofindher。Ihatetohavehermopeso，but，uponmylife，Idon\'tknowwhattodo，\"saidTom；butasheutteredthewords，somethingwassuggestedbythesightbeforehim。Chairswerefew，andPollyhadtakenhalfofWill\'swhentheydrewroundthefire。
Nowshewasleaningagainsthim，inacosy，confidingway，delightfultobehold，whileWill\'sstrongarmwentroundherwithaprotectingair，whichsaid，asplainlyasanywords，thatthisbigbrotherandsmallsisterknewhowtoloveandhelponeanother。Itwasapleasantlittlepicture，allthepleasanterforitsunconsciousness，andTomfounditbothsuggestiveandagreeable。
\"PooroldFan，shedon\'tgetmuchpetting；maybethat\'swhatshewants。
I\'lltryitandsee，forshestandsbymelikeatrump。Ifshewasarosy，cosylittlewoman，likePolly，itwouldcomeeasier，though，\"thoughtTom，ashemeditativelyatehislastnut，feelingthatfraternalaffectioncouldnotbeverydifficultofdemonstration，tobrothersblessedwithpretty，good-temperedsisters。
\"ItoldTomaboutthebadfellowwhoblewuptheprofessor，andhesaidheknewhim，slightly；andIwassorelieved，becauseIhadakindofafeelingthatitwasTomhimself，youandWilllaughedsoaboutit。\"
Maudhadaqueerwayofgoingonwithherownthoughts，andsuddenlycomingoutwithwhateverlayuppermost，regardlessoftime，place，orcompany。
Asthisremarkfellfromher，therewasageneralsmile，andPollysaid，withmocksolemnity，­；
\"Itwasasadthing，andI\'venodoubtthatmisguidedyoungmanisverysorryforitnow。\"
\"HelookedperfectlyboweddownwithremorselasttimeIsawhim，\"saidWill，regardingTomwitheyesfulloffun，forWillwasaboyaswellasabookworm，andrelishedajokeaswellasscatter-brainedTom。
\"Healwaysisremorsefulafterascrape，I\'veunderstood，forheisn\'taverybadfellow，onlyhisspiritsareonetoomanyforhim，andheisn\'tasfondofhisbookasanotherfellowIknow。\"
\"I\'mafraidhe\'llheexpelledifhedon\'tmind，\"saidPolly，warningly。
\"Shouldn\'twonderifhewas，he\'ssuchanunluckydog，\"answeredTom，rathersoberly。
\"Ihopehe\'llrememberthathisfriendswillbeverymuchdisappointedifheis。Hemightmakethemsoproudandhappy；thatIguesshewill，forheisn\'thalfasthoughtlessashemakeshimselfout，\"saidPolly，lookingacrossatTomwithsuchfriendlyeyesthathewasquitetouched，thoughofcoursehedidn\'tshowit。
\"Thankyou，Polly；hemaypullthrough，butIhavemydoubts。Nowoldman，letus\'pud\'along；it\'sgettinglateforthechicken，\"headded，relapsingintothegracefuldictionwithwhichaclassicaleducationgiftsitsfortunatepossessor。
TakingadvantageofthemomentwhileWillwaswrestlingwithhisbootsinthecloset，andMaudwasabsorbedinpackingherappleintoalargebasket，PollysaidtoTominalowtone，­；
\"Thankyouverymuch，forbeingsokindtoWill。\"
\"Blessyourheart，Ihaven\'tdoneanything；he\'ssuchaproudfellowhewon\'tletme，\"answeredTom。
\"Butyoudoinmanylittleways；to-night，forexample。DoyouthinkIdon\'tknowthatthesuitofclotheshe\'sjustgotwouldhavecostagooddealmore，ifyourtailorhadn\'tmadethem？He\'sonlyaboy，anddon\'tunderstandthingsyet；butIknowyourwayofhelpingproudpeople；
sothattheydon\'tfinditout，andIdothankyou，Tom，somuch。\"
\"Oh，come，Polly，thatwon\'tdo。Whatdoyouknowabouttailorsandcollegematters？\"saidTom，lookingasmuchconfusedasifshehadfoundhimoutinsomethingreprehensible。
\"Idon\'tknowmuch，andthat\'sthereasonwhyI\'mgratefulforyourkindnesstoWill。Idon\'tcarewhatstoriestheytellaboutyou，I\'msure，youwon\'tleadhimintotrouble，butkeephimstraight，formysake。YouknowI\'velostonebrother，andWilltakesJimmy\'splacetomenow。\"
ThetearsinPolly\'seyesasshesaidthatmadeTomvowatremendousvowwithinhimselftostandbyWillthroughthickandthin，and\"keephimstraightforPolly\'ssake\"；feelingallthetimehowill-fittedhewasforsuchatask。
\"I\'lldomybest，\"hesaid，heartily，ashepressedthehandPollygavehim，withalookwhichassuredherthathefelttheappealtohishonor，andthathenceforththecountryladwassafefromallthetemptationsTomcouldhaveofferedhim。
\"There!nowIshallgivethattomammatotakeherpillsin；it\'sjustwhatshelikes，anditpleaseshertobethoughtof，\"saidMaud，surveyinghergiftwithcomplacency，assheputonherthings。
\"You\'reagoodlittlesoul，torememberpoormum，saidTom，withanapprovingnod。
\"Well，shewassopleasedwiththegrapesyoubroughther，IthoughtI\'dtrysomething，andmaybeshe\'dsay\'Thankyou，darling，\'tometoo。
Doyouthinkshewill？\"whisperedMaud，withthewistfullooksooftenseenonherlittleplainface。
\"Seeifshedon\'t；\"andtoMaud\'sgreatsurpriseTomdidn\'tlaughatherproject。
\"Goodnight，dear；takecareofyourself，andkeepyourmufflerroundyourmouthgoingoverthebridge，oryou\'llbeashoarseasacrowto-morrow，\"
saidPolly，asshekissedherbrother，whoreturneditwithoutlookingasifhethoughtit\"girl\'snonsense\"Thenthethreepiledintothesleighanddroveoff，leavePollynoddingonthedoorstep。
Maudfoundthedrivealtogethertooshort，butwasconsoledbythepromiseofalongeroneifthesleighinglastedtillnextSaturday:andwhenTomranuptobidhismothergood-by，andgiveherahintaboutMaud\'sgift，shestayedbelowtosay，atthelastminute，inunconsciousimitationofPolly。
\"Goodnight；takecareofyourself，mydear。\"
Tomlaughed，andwasabouttopinchthemuchenduringlittlenose；but，asifthewordsremindedhimofsomething，hegaveherakissinstead，apieceofforbearancewhichalmosttookMaud\'sbreathawaywithsurpriseandgratification。
Itwasratherasilentdrive，forWillobedientlykepthismufflerup，andTomfellintoabrownstudy。
Hewasnotmuchgiventoreflection，butoccasionallyindulgedwhensomethinggavehimaturninthatdirection，andatsuchtimeshewasassoberandsincereascouldbedesired。Anyonemighthavelecturedhimforanhourwithoutdoingasmuchgoodasthatlittlecallandthechatthatgrewoutofit，for，thoughnothingverywiseorwittywassaid，manythingsweresuggested，andeveryoneknowsthatpersuasiveinfluencesarebetterthananyamountofmoralizing。NeitherPollynorWilltriedtodoanythingofthesort，andthatwasthecharmofit。Nobodylikestobetalkedto，butnobodycanresisttheeloquenceofunconsciouspreaching。
Withallhisthoughtlessness，Tomwasquicktoseeandfeelthesethings，andwasnotspoiltenoughyettolaughatthem。ThesightofWillandPolly\'ssimpleaffectionforoneanotherremindedhimofaneglecteddutysopleasantly，thathecouldnotforgetit。Talkingofearlydaysmadehimwishhecouldgobackandstartagain，doingbetter。Grandma\'snamerecalledthetendermemorythatalwaysdidhimgood，andthethoughtthatPollytrustedherdearestbrothertohiscarestirredupamanfuldesiretodeservetheconfidence。
Tortureswouldn\'thavedrawnawordofallthisfromhim，butithaditseffect，forboysdon\'tleavetheirheartsandconsciencesbehindthemwhentheyentercollege，andlittlethingsofthissortdomuchtokeepbothfrombeingdamagedbythefouryears\'scrimmagewhichbeginsthebattleoflifeformostofthem。ChapterXI。ChapterXI。CHAPTERXINEEDLESANDTONGUES
DEARPOLLY，­；TheSewingCirclemeetsatourhousethisP。M。Thisisinyourline，sodocomeandhelpmethrough。Ishalldependonyou。Yoursever，FAN。
\"Badnews，mydear？\"askedMissMills，whohadjusthandedthenotetoPollyasshecameinonenoon，afewweeksafterJenny\'sarrival。
Pollytoldherwhatitwas，adding，\"IsupposeIoughttogoandhelpFanny，butIcan\'tsayIwantto。ThegirlstalkaboutthingsIhavenothingtodowith，andIdon\'tfindtheirgossipveryamusing。I\'manoutsider，andtheyonlyacceptmeonFan\'saccount；soIsitinacornerandsew，whiletheychatterandlaugh。\"
\"Wouldn\'titbeagoodchancetosayawordforJenny？Shewantswork，andtheseyoungladiesprobablyhavequantitiesdonesomewhere。Jennydoesfineworkexquisitely，andbeginstofeelanxioustobeearningsomething。
Idon\'twanthertofeeldependentandunhappy，andalittlewell-paidsewingwouldbeallsheneedstodonicely。Icangetitforherbyrunningroundtomyfriends，butIreallyhaven\'tthetime，tillIgettheMullersoff。Theyarepaupershere，butoutWesttheycantakecareofthemselves，soI\'vebeggedthemoneytosendthem，andassoonasIcangetthemsomeclothes，offtheygo。That\'sthewaytohelppeoplehelpthemselves，\"
andMissMillsclashedherbigscissorsenergetically，asshecutoutalittleredflannelshirt。
\"Iknowitis，andIwanttohelp，butIdon\'tknowwheretobegin，\"
saidPolly，feelingquiteoppressedwiththeimmensityofthework。
\"Wecan\'tanyofusdoallwewouldlike，butwecandoourbestforeverycasethatcomestous，andthathelpsamazingly。BeginwithJenny，mydear；tellthosegirlsabouther，andifI\'mnotmuchmistaken，youwillfindthemreadytohelp，forhalfthetimeitisn\'thardnessofheart，butignoranceorthoughtlessnessonthepartoftherich，thatmakesthemseemsocarelessofthepoor。\"
\"Totellthetruth，I\'mafraidofbeinglaughedat，ifItrytotalkseriouslyaboutsuchthingstothegirls，\"saidPolly，frankly。
\"Youbelievethat\'suchthings\'aretrue？Youaresincereinyourwishtohelpbetterthem，andyourespectthosewhoworkforthatend？\"
\"Yes，Ido。\"
\"Then，mydear，can\'tyoubearalittleridiculeforthesakeofagoodcause？Yousaidyesterdaythatyouweregoingtomakeitaprincipleofyourlife，tohelpupyoursexasfarandasfastasyoucould。Itdidmyheartgoodtohearyousayit，forIwassurethatintimeyouwouldkeepyourword。But，Polly，aprinciplethatcan\'tbearbeinglaughedat，frownedon，andcold-shouldered，isn\'tworthyofthename。\"
\"Iwanttobestrong-mindedintherealsenseoftheword，butIdon\'tliketobecalledsobypeoplewhodon\'tunderstandmymeaning；
andIshallbeifItrytomakethegirlsthinksoberlyaboutanythingsensibleorphilanthropic。Theycallmeold-fashionednow，andI\'dratherbethoughtthat，thoughitisn\'tpleasant，thanbesetdownasarampantwoman\'srightsreformer，\"saidPolly，inwhosememorymanylaughs，andsnubs，andsarcasmsstilllingered，forgivenbutnotforgotten。
\"Thisloveandthoughtandcareforthoseweaker，poorer，orworsethanourselves，whichwecallChristiancharity，isaveryoldfashion，mydear。
Itbeganeighteenhundredyearsago，andonlythosewhohonestlyfollowthebeautifulexamplesetusthen，learnhowtogetgenuinehappinessoutoflife。I\'mnota\'rampantwoman\'srightsreformer，\'\"addedMissMills，withasmileatPolly\'ssoberface；\"butIthinkthatwomencandoagreatdealforeachother，iftheywillonlystopfearingwhat\'peoplewillthink，\'andtakeaheartyinterestinwhateverisgoingtofittheirsistersandthemselvestodeserveandenjoytherightsGodgavethem。Therearesomanywaysinwhichthiscanbedone，thatIwondertheydon\'tseeandimprovethem。Idon\'taskyoutogoandmakespeeches，onlyafewhavethegiftforthat，butIdowanteverygirlandwomantofeelthisduty，andmakeanylittlesacrificeoftimeorfeelingthatmaybeaskedofthem，becausethereissomuchtodo，andnoonecandoitaswellasourselves，ifweonlythinkso。\"
\"I\'lltry!\"saidPolly，influencedmorebyherdesiretokeepMissMills\'goodopinionthananyloveofself-sacrificeforhersex。Itwasratherahardthingtoaskofashy，sensitivegirl，andthekindoldladyknewit，forinspiteofthegrayhairandwitheredface，herheartwasveryyoung，andherowngirlishtrialsnotforgotten。ButsheknewalsothatPollyhadmoreinfluenceoverothersthansheherselfsuspected，simplybecauseofhercandid，uprightnature；andthatwhileshetriedtohelpothers，shewasservingherselfinawaythatwouldimproveheartandsoulmorethananymeresocialsuccessshemightgainbyfollowingtherulesoffashionablelife，whichdrillthecharacteroutofgirlstilltheyareasmuchalikeaspinsinapaper，andhaveaboutasmuchtruesenseandsentimentintheirlittleheads。TherewasgoodstuffinPolly，unspoiledasyet，andMissMillswasonlyactingoutherprincipleofwomenhelpingeachother。ThewiseoldladysawthatPollyhadreachedthatpointwherethegirlsuddenlybloomsintoawoman，askingsomethingmoresubstantialthanpleasuretosatisfythenewaspirationsthatareborn；atimeaspreciousandimportanttotheafter-life，asthehourwhentheappleblossomsfall，andtheyoungfruitwaitsfortheelementstoripenordestroytheharvest。
Pollydidnotknowthis，andwasfortunateinpossessingafriendwhoknewwhatinfluenceswouldserveherbest，andwhocouldgiveherwhatallwomenshoulddesiretogiveeachother，theexampleofasweet，goodlife，moreeloquentandpowerfulthananywords；forthisisarightnoonecandenyus。
Pollyturnedthematteroverinhermindasshedressed，whileJennyplayedwaitingmaid，littledreamingwhatthisnewfriendwasmeaningtodoforher，ifshedared。
\"Isitgoingtobeatea-party，Miss？\"askedJenny，astheblacksilkwentrustlingon，tohergreatadmiration，forsheconsideredPollyabeauty。
\"Well，no，Ithinkitwillprobablybealecture，\"answeredPolly，laughing，forJenny\'sgratefulserviceandaffectionateeyesconfirmedthepurposewhichMissMills\'littlehomilyhadsuggested。
AssheenteredtheShaws\'parloranhourortwolater，anappallingarrayofwell-dressedgirlsappeared，eachprovidedwithadaintyreticule，basket，orbag，andeachtonguegoingagooddealfasterthantheneedle，whilethewhitefingersstitchedsleevesinupsidedown，putflanneljacketstogetherhindpartbefore，orgobbledbutton-holeswiththebestintentionsinlife。
\"Youareadeartocomesoearly。Here\'saniceplaceforyoubetweenBelleandMissPerkins，andhere\'sasweetlittledresstomake，unlessyoulikesomethingelsebetter，\"saidFanny，receivingherfriendwithwarmthandplacingherwhereshethoughtshewouldenjoyherself。
\"Thankyou，I\'lltakeanunbleachedcottonshirtifyouhavesuchathing，foritislikelytobeneededbeforeacambricfrock，\"repliedPolly，subsidingintohercomerasquicklyaspossible，foratleastsixeye-glasseswereup，andshedidn\'tenjoybeingstaredat。
MissPerkins，agrave，cold-lookingyounglady，withanaristocraticnose，bowedpolitely，andthenwentonwithherwork，whichdisplayedtwodiamondringstogreatadvantage。Belle，beingofthedemonstrativesort，smiledandnodded，drewupherchair，andbeganawhisperedaccountofTrix\'slastquarrelwithTom。Pollylistenedwithinterestwhilesheseweddiligently，occasionallypermittinghereyestostudytheelegantintricaciesofMissPerkins\'dress，forthatyoungladysatlikeastatue，quirkingherdelicatefingers，andaccomplishingabouttwostitchesaminute。
InthemidstofBelle\'sstory，amoreexcitingbitofgossipcaughtherear，andsheplungedintotheconversationgoingonacrossthetable，leavingPollyfreetolistenandadmirethewit，wisdom，andcharitablespiritoftheaccomplishedyoungladiesabouther。TherewasaperfectBabeloftongues，butoutoftheconfusionPollygatheredscrapsoffashionableintelligencewhichsomewhatlessenedherrespectforthedwellersinhighplaces。OnefaircreatureassertedthatJoeSomebodytooksomuchchampagneatthelastGerman，thathehadtobegotaway，andsenthomewithtwoservants。AnotherdivulgedtheawfulfactthatCarrieP。\'sweddingpresentswerehalfofthemhiredfortheoccasion。AthirdcirculatedawhispertotheeffectthatthoughMrs。Buckminsterworeathousand-dollarcloak，herboyswerenotallowedbutonesheettotheirbeds。Andafourthyounggossipassuredthecompanythatacertainpersonneverhadofferedhimselftoacertainotherperson，thoughthereportwasindustriouslyspreadbyinterestedparties。ThislatterremarkcausedsuchaclamorthatFannycalledthemeetingtoorderinamostunparliamentaryfashion。
\"Girls!girls!youreallymusttalklessandsewmore，oroursocietywillbedisgraced。Doyouknowourbranchsentinlessworkthananyoftheothers。lastmonth，andMrs。FitzGeorgesaid，shedidn\'tseehowfifteenyoungladiescouldmanagetodosolittle？\"
\"Wedon\'ttalkabitmorethantheoldladiesdo。Ijustwishyoucouldhaveheardthemgoon，lasttime。Thewaytheygetsomuchdone，is，theytakeworkhome，andmaketheirseamstressesdoit，andthentheytakecreditforvastindustry，\"saidBelle，whoalwaysspokehermindwithcharmingcandor。
\"Thatremindsmethatmammasaystheywantasmanythingsaswecanmake，forit\'sahardwinter，andthepooraresufferingverymuch。Doanyofyouwishtotakearticleshome，todoatoddtimes？\"saidFan，whowaspresidentofthisenergeticDorcasSociety。
\"Mercy，no!Ittakesallmyleisuretimetomendmyglovesandrefreshmydresses，\"answeredBelle。
\"Ithinkifwemeetonceaweek，itisallthatshouldbeexpectedofus，withourotherengagements。Poorpeoplealwayscomplainthatthewinterisahardone，andneveraresatisfied，\"remarkedMissPerkins，makingherdiamondssparkleasshesewedbuttonsonthewrongsideofapinkcalicoapron，whichwouldhardlysurviveonewashing。
\"Nobodycanaskmetodoanymore，iftheyrememberallI\'vegottoattendtobeforesummer，\"saidTrix，withanimportantair。\"I\'vegotthreewomenhardatwork，andwantanother，buteveryoneissobusy，andasksuchabominableprices，thatI\'mindespair，andshallhavetotakeholdmyself，I\'mafraid。\"
\"There\'sachanceforJane，\"thoughtPolly，buthadn\'tcourage\"tospeakoutloudinmeeting，\"justthen，andresolvedtoaskTrixforwork，inprivate。
\"Pricesarehigh，butyouforgethowmuchmoreitcoststolivenowthanitusedtodo。Mammaneverallowsustobeatdownworkwomen，butwishesustopaythemwell，andeconomizeinsomeotherway，ifwemust，\"
saidEmmaDavenport，aquiet，bright-eyedgirl，whowascalled\"odd\"amongtheyoungladies，becauseshedressedsimply，whenherfatherwasamillionaire。
\"Justhearthatgirltalkabouteconomy!Ibegyourpardon，she\'ssomerelationofyours，Ibelieve!\"saidBelle，inalowtone。
\"Verydistant；butI\'mproudofit；forwithher，economydoesn\'tmeanscrimpinginoneplacetomakeashowinanother。IfeveryonewouldfollowtheDavenports\'example，workwomenwouldn\'tstarve，orservantsbesuchatrouble。Emmaistheplainestdressedgirlintheroom，nexttome，yetanyonecanseesheisatruegentlewoman，\"saidPolly，warmly。
\"Andyouareanother，\"answeredBelle，whohadalwayslovedPolly，inherscatter-brainedway。
\"Hush!Trixhasthefloor。\"
\"Iftheyspenttheirwagesproperly，Ishouldn\'tmindsomuch，buttheythinktheymustbeasfineasanybody，anddresssowellthatitishardtotellmistressfrommaid。Whyourcookgotabonnetjustlikeminethematerialswerecheaper，buttheeffectwasthesame，andhadtheimpertinencetowearitbeforemyface。Iforbidit，andsheleft，ofcourse，whichmadepapasocrosshewouldn\'tgivemethecamel\'shairshawlhepromisedthisyear。\"
\"It\'sperfectlyshameful!\"saidMissPerkins，asTrixpausedoutofbreath。\"Servantsoughttobemadetodresslikeservants，astheydoabroad；
thenweshouldhavenomoretrouble，\"observedMissPerkins，whohadjustmadethegrandtour，andhadbroughthomeaFrenchmaid。
\"Perkydon\'tpractiseasshepreaches，\"whisperedBelletoPolly，asMissP。becameabsorbedinthechatofherotherneighbors。\"Shepaysherchambergirlwitholdfinery；andtheotherday，whenBetseywasoutparadinginhermissis\'scast-offpurpleplushsuit，Mr。Curtisthoughtshewasmademoiselle，andbowedtoher。Heisasblindasabat，butrecognizedthedress，andpulledoffhishattoitinthemostelegantstyle。Perkyadoreshim，andwasmadenoughtobeatBetseywhenshetoldthestoryandgiggledoverit。BetseyisquiteasstylishandeversomuchprettierthanPerky，andsheknowsit，whichisanaggravation。\"
Pollycouldn\'thelplaughing，butgrewsoberaminuteafter，asTrixsaid，pettishly，­；
\"Well，I\'msickofhearingaboutbeggars；Ibelievehalfofthemarehumbugs，andifweletthemalonethey\'dgotoworkandtakecareofthemselves。There\'saltogethertoomuchfussmadeaboutcharity。I
dowishwecouldbeleftinpeace。\"
\"Therecan\'tbetoomuchcharity!\"burstoutPolly，forgettinghershynessallatonce。
\"Oh，indeed!Well，Itakethelibertytodifferfromyou，\"returnedTrix，puttingupherglass，andbestowinguponPollyhermost\"toplofticalstare，\"asthegirlscalledit。
IregrettosaythatPollynevercouldtalkwithorbenearTrixwithoutfeelingirritatedandcombative。Shetriedtoconquerthisfeeling，butshecouldn\'t，andwhenTrixputonairs，Pollyfeltanintensedesiretoboxherears。Thateye-glasswasherespecialaversion，forTrixwasnomorenear-sightedthanherself，butpretendedtobebecauseitwasthefashion，andattimesusedtheinnocentglassasaweaponwithwhichtoputdownanyonewhopresumedtosetthemselvesup。ThesuperciliousglancewhichaccompaniedherironicallypolitespeechrousedPolly，whoansweredwithsuddencolorandthekindlingoftheeyesthatalwaysbetrayedaperturbedspirit，­；
\"Idon\'tthinkmanyofuswouldenjoythatselfishsortofpeace，whilelittlechildrenstarve，andgirlsnoolderthanuskillthemselvesbecausetheirdreadfulpovertyleavesthemnochoicebutsinordeath。\"
Asuddenlulltookplace，for，thoughPolly，didnotraisehervoice，itwasfullofindignantemotion，andthemostfrivolousgirltherefeltalittlethrillofsympathy；forthemostutterlyfashionablelifedoesnotkilltheheartoutofwomen，tillyearsofselfishpleasurehavepassedovertheirheads。Trixwasashamedofherself；butshefeltthesameantagonismtowardPolly，thatPollydidtowardher；and，beinglessgenerous，tooksatisfactioninplaguingher。PollydidnotknowthatthesecretofthiswasthefactthatTomoftenheldherupasamodelforhisfiancé；etofollow，whichcausedthatyoungladytodislikehermorethanever。
\"Halftheawfulstoriesinthepapersaremadeupforasensation，andit\'sabsurdtobelievethem，unlessonelikestobeharrowedup。Idon\'t；
andasforpeace，I\'mnotlikelytogetmuch，whileIhaveTomtolookafter，\"saidTrix，withanaggravatinglaugh。
Polly\'sneedlesnappedintwo，butshedidnotmindit，asshesaid，withalookthatsilencedevensharp-tonguedTrix，­；
\"Ican\'thelpbelievingwhatmyowneyesandearshaveseenandheard。Youleadsuchsafeandhappylives，youcan\'timaginethemiserythatisallroundyou；butifyoucouldgetaglimpseofit，itwouldmakeyourheartsache，asithasmine。\"
\"Doyousufferfromheartache？Someonehintedasmuchtome，butyoulookedsowell，Icouldn\'tbelieveit。\"
NowthatwascruelinTrix，morecruelthananyoneguessed；butgirls\'
tonguescandealwoundsassharpandsuddenastheslenderstilettoSpanishwomenwearintheirhair，andPollyturnedpale，asthosewordsstabbedher。Bellesawit，andrushedtotherescuewithmoregood-willthanwisdom。
\"Nobodyeveraccusedyouofhavinganyhearttoachewith。PollyandIarenotoldenoughyettogettoughandcool，andwearestillsillyenoughtopityunhappypeople，TomShawespecially，\"addedBelle，underherbreath。
Thatwasatwo-edgedthrust，forTrixwasdecidedlyanoldgirl，andTomwasgenerallyregardedasahaplessvictim。Trixturnedred；butbeforeshecouldloadandfireagain，EmmaDavenport，wholaboredunderthedelusionthatthissortofskirmishingwasill-natured，andthereforeill-bred，spokeupinherpleasantway，­；
\"Speakingofpityingthepoor，Ialwayswonderwhyitisthatweallliketoreadandcryovertheirtroublesinbooks，butwhenwehavetherealthingbeforeus，wethinkitisuninterestinganddisagreeable。\"
\"It\'sthegeniusthatgetsintothebooks，whichmakesuslikethepoverty，Ifancy。ButIdon\'tquiteagreethattherealthingisn\'tinteresting。
Ithinkitwouldbe，ifweknewhowtolookatandfeelit，\"saidPolly，veryquietly，asshepushedherchairoutofthearcticcircleofMissPerkins，intothetemperateoneoffriendlyEmma。
\"Buthowshallwelearnthat？Idon\'tseewhatwegirlscando，morethanwedonow。Wehaven\'tmuchmoneyforsuchthings，shouldn\'tknowhowtouseitifwehad；anditisn\'tproperforustogopokingintodirtyplaces，tohuntuptheneedy。\'Goingaboutdoinggood，inponyphaetons，\'
assomebodysays，maysucceedinEngland，butitwon\'tworkhere，\"saidFanny，whohadbegun，lately，tothinkagooddealofsomeonebesideherself，andsofoundherinterestinherfellow-beingsincreasingdaily。
\"Wecan\'tdomuch，perhaps，justyet；butstilltherearethingsleftundonethatnaturallyfalltous。Iknowahouse，\"saidPolly，sewingbusilyasshetalked，\"whereeveryservantwhoentersitbecomesanobjectofinteresttothemistressandherdaughters。Thesewomenaretaughtgoodhabits，booksareputwheretheycangetthem，sensibleamusementsareplannedforthemsometimes，andtheysoonfeelthattheyarenotconsideredmerescrubs，todoasmuchworkaspossible，foraslittlemoneyaspossible，buthelpersinthefamily，whoarelovedandrespectedinproportiontotheirfaithfulness。Thisladyfeelsherdutytothem，ownsit，anddoesit，asconscientiouslyasshewantsthemtodotheirsbyher；andthatisthewayitoughttobe，Ithink。\"
AsPollypaused，severalkeeneyesdiscoveredthatEmma\'scheekswereveryred，andsawasmilelurkinginthecornersofthemouththattriedtolookdemure，whichtoldthemwhoPollymeant。
\"DotheBiddiesallturnoutsaintsinthatwellregulatedfamily？\"
askedtheirrepressibleTrix。
\"No；fewofusdothat，evenintheparlor；buteveryoneoftheBiddiesisbetterforbeingthere，whethertheyaregratefulornot。Ioughtnottohavementionedthis，perhaps，butIwantedtoshowyouonethingthatwegirlscando。Weallcomplainaboutbadservants，mostasmuchasifwewerehouse-keepersourselves；butitneveroccurstoustotryandmendthematter，bygettingupabetterspiritbetweenmistressandmaid。Thenthere\'sanotherthingwecando，\"addedPolly，warmingup。\"Mostofusfindmoneyenoughforourlittlevanitiesandpleasures，butfeeldreadfullypoorwhenwecometopayforwork，sewingespecially。Couldn\'twegiveupafewofthevanities，andpaytheseamstressesbetter？\"
\"IdeclareIwill!\"criedBelle，whoseconsciencesuddenlywoke，andsmoteherforbeatingdownthewomanwhodidherplainsewing，inorderthatshemighthaveanextraflounceonanewdress。
\"Bellehasgotavirtuousfit；pityitwon\'tlastaweek，\"saidTrix。
\"Waitandsee，\"retortedBelle，resolvingthatitshouldlast，justtodisappoint\"thatspitefulminx；\"asshesweetlycalledheroldschool-mate。
\"NowweshallbeholdBellegallopingawayatagreatpace，onhernewhobby。Ishouldn\'tbesurprisedtohearofherpreachinginthejail，adoptinganicedirtylittleorphan，orpassingroundtractsataWoman\'sRightsmeeting，\"saidTrix，whonevercouldforgiveBelleforhavingalovelycomplexion，andsomuchhairofherownthatsheneverpatronizedeitherrats，mice，waterfalls，switches，orpuff-combs。
\"Well，Imightdoworse；andIthink，ofthetwo，I\'dratheramusemyselfso，thanassomeyoungladiesdo，whogetintothepapersfortheirpranks，\"returnedBelle，withamoralair。
\"Supposewehavealittlerecess，andrestwhilePollyplaystous。
Willyou，Polly？Itwilldousgood；theyallwanttohearyou，andbeggedI\'dask。\"
\"ThenIwill，withpleasure\"；andPollywenttothepianowithsuchobligingreadiness，thatseveralreproachfulglancesfelluponTrix，whodidn\'tneedherglasstoseethem。
Pollywasnevertoosad，perturbed，orlazytosing，foritwasalmostaseasytoherasbreathing，andseemedthemostnaturaloutletforheremotions。Foraminuteherhandswanderedoverthekeys，asifuncertainwhattoplay；then，fallingintoasad，sweetstrain，shesang\"TheBridgeofSighs。\"Pollydidn\'tknowwhyshechoseit，buttheinstinctseemedtohavebeenatrueone，for，oldasthesongwas，itwentstraighttotheheartsofthehearers，andPollysungitbetterthansheeverhadbefore，fornowthememoryoflittleJanelentitatenderpathoswhichnoartcouldgive。Itdidthemallgood，formusicisabeautifulmagician，andfewcanresistitspower。Thegirlsweretouchedbytheappeal；Pollywasliftedoutofherself，andwhensheturnedround，thesoftenedlookonallthefacestoldherthatforthemomentfoolishdifferencesandfrivolousbeliefswereforgottenintheonewomanlysentimentofpityforthewrongsandwoesofwhichthelisteners\'happyliveswereignorant。
\"Thatsongalwaysmakesmecry，andfeelasifIhadnorighttobesocomfortable，\"saidBelle，openlywipinghereyesonacrashtowel。
\"Fortunatelysuchcasesareveryrare，\"saidanotheryounglady，whoseldomreadthenewspapers。
\"Iwishtheywere，butI\'mafraidtheyarenot；foronlythreeweeksago，Isawagirlyoungerthananyofus，andnoworse，whotriedtodestroyherselfsimplybecauseshewassodiscouraged，sick，andpoor，\"saidPolly。
\"Dotellabouther，\"criedBelle，eagerly。
Feelingthatthesonghadpavedthewayforthestory，andgivenhercouragetotellit，Pollydidtellit，andmusthavedoneitwell，forthegirlsstoppedworktolisten，andwhensheended，othereyesbesidewarm-heartedBelle\'swerewet。Trixlookedquitesubdued；MissPerkinsthawedtosuchadegree，thatsomethingglitteredonherhandasshebentoverthepinkpinaforeagain，betterandbrighterthanherbiggestdiamond；
EmmagotupandwenttoPollywithafacefullofaffectionaterespect，whileFanny，movedbyasuddenimpulse，caughtupacostlySè；vresplatethatstoodontheetagè；re，andlayingafive-dollarbillinit，passeditround，quotingPolly\'swords，­；
\"Girls，Iknowyou\'llliketohelppoorlittleJenny\'beginagain，anddobetterthistime。\'\"
Itwasgoodtoseehowquicklytheprettypurseswereout，howgenerouslyeachgaveofitsabundance，andwhatheartyapplausebrokefromthegirls，asBellelaiddownhergoldthimble，sayingwithanAprilface，­；
\"There，takethat；Ineverhaveanymoney，somehowitwon\'tstaywithme，butIcan\'tlettheplatepassmethistime。\"
WhenFannybroughtthecontributionstoPolly，shejustgathereditupinhertwohandswithsuchaglad，gratefulface，thegirlswishedtheyhadhadmoretogive。
\"Ican\'tthankyouenough，\"shesaid，withaneloquentlittlechokeinhervoice。\"ThiswillhelpJennyverymuch；butthewayinwhichitwasdonewilldohermoregoodthandoublethemoney，becauseitwillprovetoherthatsheisn\'twithoutfriends，andmakeherfeelthatthereisaplaceintheworldforher。Letherworkforyouinreturnforthis；
shedon\'taskalms，sheonlywantsemploymentandalittlekindness，andthebestcharitywecanbestowistoseethatshehasboth。\"
\"I\'llgiveherasmuchsewingasshewants，andshecanstayatourhousewhileshedoesit，ifsheneedsahome，\"saidTrix，inaspasmofbenevolence。
\"Shedoesn\'tneedahome，thankyou；MissMillshasgivenhalfofhers，andconsidersJaneherchild，\"answeredPolly，withproudsatisfactioninthefact。
\"Whatanolddear!\"criedBelle。
\"Iwanttoknowher。MayI？\"whisperedEmma。
\"Oh，yes；I\'mgladtomakeherknowntoanyone。Sheisaquietlittleoldlady，butshedoesoneheapsofgood，andshowsyouhowtobecharitableinthewisestway。\"
\"Dotellusaboutit。I\'msureIwanttodomyduty，butit\'ssuchamuddle，Idon\'tknowhow，\"saidBelle。