Then，quitenaturally，theconversationfelluponthegreatworkthatnoneshouldbetoobusytothinkof，andwhichfewaretooyoungortoopoortohelponwiththeirmite。Thefacesgrewmoreearnest，thefingersflewfaster，asthequickyoungheartsandbrainstookinthenewfacts，ideas，andplansthatgrewoutofthetruestories，thesensiblehints，thesuccessfuleffortswhichPollytoldthem，freshfromthelipsofMissMills；for，oflate，Pollyhadtalkedmuchwiththegoodlady，andlearnedquicklythelessonsherunselfishlifeconveyed。Thegirlsfoundthismoreinterestingthangossip，partlyowingtoitsnovelty，doubtless；buttheenthusiasmwassincerewhileitlasted，anddidthemgood。Manyofthemforgotallaboutitinaweek，butPolly\'seffortwasnotlost，forEmma，Belle，andFannyremainedfirmfriendstoJane，sokindlyhelpingherthatthepoorchildfeltasifshehadindeedbeenbornagain，intoanewandhappyworld。
NottilllongafterwarddidPollyseehowmuchgoodthislittleefforthaddoneher，forthefirstsmallsacrificeofthissortleadsthewaytoothers，andasinglehand\'sturngivenheartilytotheworld\'sgreatworkhelpsoneamazinglywithone\'sownsmalltasks。Pollyfoundthisoutasherlifeslowlygreweasierandbrighter，andthebeautifullawofcompensationgaveherbetterpurposesandpleasuresthananyshehadlost。Theparentsofsomeofherpupilswerepersonsofrealrefinement，andsucharealwaysquicktoperceivethemarksofcultureinothers，nomatterwheretheyfindthem。These，attractedfirstbyPolly\'scheerfulface，modestmanners，andfaithfulwork，soonfoundinhersomethingmorethanagoodteacher；
theyfoundarealtalentformusic，aneagerdesireforhelpfulopportunities，andaheartgratefulforthekindlysympathythatmakesroughplacessmooth。
Fortunatelythosewhohavetheskilltodetectthesetraitsalsopossessthespirittoappreciateandoftenthepowertoserveanddevelopthem。
Inwayssodelicatethatthemostsensitivepridecouldnotresentthefavor，thesetruegentlefolkshowedPollytheirrespectandregard，putmanypleasuresinherway，andwhentheypaidherforherwork，gaveheralsotheheartythanksthattakesawayallsenseofdegradationevenfromthehumblestservice，formoneysoearnedandpaidsweetensthedailybreaditbuys，andmakesthemutualobligationamutualbenefitandpleasure。
AfewsuchpatronsdidmuchforPolly，andthemusicshegavethemhadanundertoneofgratitudethatleftblitheechoesinthosegreathouses，whichmoneycouldnotbuy。
Then，asherbutterflyacquaintancesdesertedher，shefoundherwayintoahiveoffriendlybees，whowelcomedher，andshowedherhowtofindthehoneythatkeepslifesweetandwholesome。ThroughMissMills，whowasthecounsellorandcomforterofseveral，Pollycametoknowalittlesisterhoodofbusy，happy，independentgirls，whoeachhadapurposetoexecute，atalenttodevelop，anambitiontoachieve，andbroughttotheworkpatienceandperseverance，hopeandcourage。HerePollyfoundherplaceatonce，forinthislittleworldloveandlibertyprevailed；talent，energy，andcharactertookthefirstrank；money，fashion，andpositionwereliterallynowhere；forhere，asinthebigworldoutside，geniusseemedtoblossombestwhenpovertywasheadgardener。Youngteachers，doingmuchworkforlittlepay；youngartists，tryingtopencil，paint，orcarvetheirwaytoRome；youngwriters，burningtodistinguishthemselves；youngsingers，dreamingoftriumphs，greatasthoseofJennyLind；andsomewhotriedtoconquerindependence，armedonlywithaneedle，likepoorJane。AllthesehelpedPollyasunconsciouslyasshehelpedthem，forpurposeandprinciplearethebestteacherswecanhave，andthewantofthemmakeshalfthewomenofAmericawhattheyare，restless，aimless，frivolous，andsick。
Tooutsidersthatwasaveryhard-workinganduneventfulwintertoPolly。
Shethoughtsoherself；butasspringcameon，theseedofnewvirtues，plantedinthewintertime，andripenedbythesunshineofendeavor，begantobudinPolly\'snature，betrayingtheirpresencetoothersbytheaddedstrengthandsweetnessofhercharacter，longbeforesheherselfdiscoveredtheseMayflowersthathadblossomedforherunderneaththesnow。ChapterXII。ChapterXII。CHAPTERXIIFORBIDDENFRUIT\"I\'Mperfectlyachingforsomefun，\"saidPollytoherselfassheopenedherwindowonemorningandthesunshineandfrostyairsetherblooddancingandhereyessparklingwithyouth，health，andoverflowingspirits。\"I
reallymustbreakoutsomewhereandhaveagoodtime。It\'squiteimpossibletokeepsteadyanylonger。NowwhatwillIdo？\"Pollysprinkledcrumbstothedoves，whocamedailytobefed，andwhileshewatchedthegleamingnecksandrosyfeet，sherackedherbraintodevisesomeunusuallydelightfulwayofenjoyingherself，forshereallyhadbottledupherspiritssolong，theywereinastateofuncontrollableeffervescence。
\"I\'llgototheopera，\"shesuddenlyannouncedtothedoves。\"It\'sexpensive，Iknow，butit\'sremarkablygood，andmusicissuchatreattome。Yes，I\'llgettwoticketsascheapasIcan，sendanotetoWill，­；poorlad，heneedsfunasmuchasIdo，­；andwe\'llgoandhaveanicetimeinsomecorner，asCharlesLambandhissisterusedto。\"
WiththatPollyslammeddownthewindow，tothedismayofhergentlelittlepensioners，andbegantoflyaboutwithgreatenergy，singingandtalkingtoherselfasifitwasimpossibletokeepquiet。Shestartedearlytoherfirstlessonthatshemighthavetimetobuythetickets，hoping，assheputafive-dollarbillintoherpurse，thattheywouldn\'tbeveryhigh，forshefeltthatshewasnotinamoodtoresisttemptation。Butshewassparedanystruggle，forwhenshereachedtheplace，theticketofficewasblockedupbyeagerpurchasersandthedisappointedfacesthatturnedawaytoldPollytherewasnohopeforher。
\"Well，Idon\'tcare，I\'llgosomewhere，forIwillhavemyfun，\"shesaidwithgreatdetermination，fordisappointmentonlyseemedtowhetherappetite。Buttheplaybillsshowedhernothinginvitingandshewasforcedtogoawaytoherworkwiththemoneyburningherpocketandallmannerofwildschemesfloatinginherhead。Atnoon，insteadofgoinghometodinner，shewentandtookanice，tryingtofeetverygayandfestiveallbyherself。Itwasratherafailure，however，andafteratourofthepictureshopsshewenttogiveMaudalesson，feelingthatitwasveryhardtoquenchherlongings，andsubsideintoaprimlittlemusicteacher。
Fortunatelyshedidnothavetodoviolencetoherfeelingsverylong，forthefirstthingFannysaidtoherwas:­；
\"Canyougo？\"
\"Where？\"
\"Didn\'tyougetmynote？\"
\"Ididn\'tgohometodinner。\"
\"Tomwantsustogototheoperato-nightand­；\"Fangotnofurther，forPollyutteredacryofraptureandclaspedherhands。
\"Go？OfcourseIwill。I\'vebeendyingtogoallday，triedtogetticketsthismorningandcouldn\'t，beenfumingaboutiteversince，andnow­；oh，howsplendid!\"AndPollycouldnotrestrainanecstaticskip，forthisburstofjoyratherupsether。
\"Well，youcometotea，andwe\'lldresstogether，andgoallcomfortablewithTom，whoisinaheavenlyframeofmindto-day。\"
\"Imustrunhomeandgetmythings，\"saidPolly，resolvingonthespottobuythenicestpairofglovesthecityafforded。
\"Youshallhavemywhitecloakandanyotherlittleriggingyouwant。
Tommylikestohavehisladiesacredittohim，youknow，\"saidFanny，departingtotakeabeautysleep。
Pollyinstantlydecidedthatshewouldn\'tborrowBecky\'sbestbonnet，assheatfirstintended，butgetanewone，forinherpresentexcitedstate，noextravaganceseemedtooprodigalinhonorofthisgrandoccasion。
IamafraidthatMaud\'slessonwasnotasthoroughasitshouldhavebeen，forPolly\'sheadwassuchachaosofbonnets，gloves，opera-cloaksandfans，thatMaudblunderedthrough，murderingtimeandtuneatherownsweetwill。TheinstantitwasoverPollyrushedawayandboughtnotonlythekidsbutabonnetframe，abitofillusion，andapinkcraperose，whichhadtemptedherforweeksinacertainshopwindow，thenhomeandtoworkwithalltheskillandspeedofadistractedmilliner。
\"I\'mrushingmadlyintoexpense，I\'mafraid，butthefitisonmeandI\'lleatbreadandwaterforaweektomakeupforit。Imustlooknice，forTomseldomtakesmeandoughttobegratifiedwhenhedoes。
Iwanttodolikeothergirls，justforonce，andenjoymyselfwithoutthinkingaboutrightandwrong。Nowabitofpinkribbontotieitwith，andIshallbedoneintimetodoupmybestcollar，\"shesaid，turningherboxestopsy-turvyforthenecessaryribboninthatdelightfulflurrywhichyoungladiesfeelonsuchoccasions。
Itismyprivateopinionthatthelittleshiftsandstruggleswepoorgirlshavetoundergobeforehandgiveapeculiarrelishtoourfunwhenwegetit。ThisfactwillaccountfortherapturousmoodinwhichPollyfoundherselfwhen，aftermakingherbonnet，washingandironingherbestset，blackingherbootsandmendingherfan，sheatlast，likeConsuelo，\"putonalittledressofblacksilk\"and，withthesmalleradornmentspinnedupinapaper，startedfortheShaws\'，findingitdifficulttowalkdecorouslywhenherheartwasdancinginherbosom。
Maudhappenedtobeplayingaredowaupintheparlor，andPollycameprancingintotheroomsoevidentlyspoilingforadancethatTom，whowasthere，founditimpossibletoresistcatchingheraboutthewaist，andputtingherthroughthemostintricateevolutionstillMaud\'sfingersgaveout。
\"Thatwassplendid!Oh，Tom，thankyousomuchforaskingmeto-night。
Ifeeljustlikehavingaregulargoodtime，\"criedPolly，whenshestopped，withherhathangingroundherneckandherhairlookingasifshehadbeenoutinahighwind。
\"Gladofit。Ifeltsomyselfandthoughtwe\'dhaveajollylittlepartyallinthefamily，\"saidTom，lookingmuchgratifiedatherdelight。
\"IsTrixsick？\"askedPolly。
\"GonetoNewYorkforaweek。\"
\"Ah，whenthecat\'sawaythemicewillplay。\"
\"Exactly。Comeandhaveanotherturn。\"
Beforetheycouldstart，however，theawfulspectacleofalittledogtrottingoutoftheroomwithapaperparcelinhismouth，madePollyclaspherhandswiththedespairingcry:­；
\"Mybonnet!Oh，mybonnet!\"
\"Where？what？which？\"AndTomlookedabouthim，bewildered。
\"Snip\'sgotit。Saveit!saveit!\"
\"Iwill!\"AndTomgavechasewithmorevigorthandiscretion。
Snip，evidentlyregardingitasagamegotupforhisspecialbenefit，enjoyedtheraceimmenselyandscamperedalloverthehouse，shakingthepreciousparcellikearatwhilehismasterranandwhistled，commandedandcoaxed，invain。Pollyfollowed，consumedwithanxiety，andMaudlaughedtillMrs。Shawsentdowntoknowwhowasinhysterics。Apiteousyelpfromthelowerregionsatlastannouncedthatthethiefwascaptured，andTomappearedbearingSnipbythenapeoftheneckinonehandandPolly\'scherishedbonnetintheother。
\"ThelittlescampwasjustgoingtoworryitwhenIgrabbedhim。I\'mafraidhehaseatenoneofyourgloves。Ican\'tfindit，andthisoneisprettywellchewedup，\"saidTom，bereavingSnipofthetornkid，towhichhestillpertinaciouslyclung。
\"Servesmeright，\"saidPollywithagroan。\"I\'dnobusinesstogetanewpair，butIwantedtobeextragorgeousto-night，andthisismypunishmentforsuchmadextravagance。\"
\"Wasthereanythingelse？\"askedTom。
\"Onlymybestcuffsandcollar。You\'llprobablyfindtheminthecoal-bin，\"
saidPolly，withthecalmnessofdespair。
\"Isawsomelittlewhitethingsonthedining-roomfloorasIracedthrough。Gogetthem，Maud，andwe\'llrepairdamages，\"saidTom，shuttingtheculpritintothebootcloset，whereheplacidlyrolledhimselfupandwenttosleep。
\"Theyain\'thurtabit，\"proclaimedMaud，restoringthelosttreasures。
\"Neitherismybonnet，forwhichI\'mdeeplygrateful，\"saidPolly，whohadbeenexaminingitwithasolicitudewhichmadeTom\'seyestwinkle。
\"SoamI，foritstrikesmethatisanuncommonly\'nobby\'littleaffair，\"
hesaidapprovingly。Tomhadaweaknessforpalepinkroses，andperhapsPollyknewit。
\"I\'mafraidit\'stoogay，\"saidPolly，withadubiouslook。
\"Notabit。Sortofbridal，youknow。Mustbebecoming。Putitonandlet\'ssee。\"
\"Iwouldn\'tfortheworld，withmyhairalltumblingdown。Don\'tlookatmetillI\'mrespectable，anddon\'ttellanyonehowI\'vebeenacting。
IthinkImustbealittlecrazyto-night，\"saidPolly，gatheringupherrescuedfineryandpreparingtogoandfindFan。
\"Lunacyismightybecoming，Polly。Tryitagain，\"answeredTom，watchingherasshewentlaughingaway，lookingalltheprettierforherdishevelment。
\"Dressthatgirlup，andshe\'dbearaving，tearingbeauty，\"addedTomtoMaudinalowertoneashelookherintotheparlorunderhisarm。
Pollyhearditandinstantlyresolvedtobeas\"ravingandastearing\"
ashermeanswouldallow，\"justforonenight，\"shesaidasshepeepedoverthebanisters，gladtoseethatthedanceandtheracehadtakenthe\"band-boxy\"airoutofTom\'selegantarray。
IdeeplyregretbeingobligedtoshocktheeyesandearsofsuchofmyreadersashaveaprejudiceinfavorofpureEnglishbyexpressionsliketheabove，but，havingrashlyundertakentowritealittlestoryaboutYoungAmerica，forYoungAmerica，Ifeelboundtodepictmyhonoredpatronsasfaithfullyasmylimitedpowerspermit。Otherwise，Imustexpectthecrushingcriticism，\"Well，Idaresayit\'sallveryprimandproper，butitisn\'tabitlikeus，\"andneverhopetoarriveatthedistinctionoffindingthecoversof\"AnOld-FashionedGirl\"thedirtiestinthelibrary。
Thefriendshadasocial\"cupo\'tea\"upstairs，whichPollyconsideredtheheightofluxury，andtheneachtookamirrorandproceededtoprinktoherheart\'scontent。TheearnestnesswithwhichPollymadehertoiletthatnightwasdelightfultobehold。Feelinginadaringmood，shereleasedherprettyhairfromthebraidsinwhichsheusuallyworeitandpermittedthecurlstodisplaythemselvesinalltheirbrownabundance，especiallyseveraldangerouslittleonesaboutthetemplesandforehead。Theputtingonoftherescuedcollarandcuffswasataskwhichabsorbedherwholemind。Sowasthesettlingofaminutebitofcourt-plasterjusttotheleftofthedimpleinherchin，anunusualpieceofcoquetryinwhichPollywouldnothaveindulged，ifanalmostinvisiblescratchhadnotgivenheranexcusefordoingit。Thewhite，down-trimmedcloak，withcertainimposingornamentsonthehood，wasassumedwithbecominggravityanddrapedwithmuchadvancingandretreatingbeforetheglass，asitswearerpractisedthetrueBostongait，elbowsback，shouldersforward，abendandaslide，occasionallyvariedbyaslightskip。Butwhenthatbonnetwenton，PollyactuallyheldherbreathtillitwassafelylandedandthepinkrosebloomedabovethesmoothwavesofhairwithwhatFannycalled\"aravishingeffect。\"
AtthissuccessfulstageofaffairsPollyfounditimpossibletoresisttheloanofapairofgoldbandsforthewristsandFanny\'swhitefanwiththelittlemirrorinthemiddle。
\"IcanputtheminmypocketifIfeeltoomuchdressed，\"saidPollyasshesnappedonthebracelets，butafterawaveortwoofthefanshefeltthatitwouldbeimpossibletotakethemofftilltheeveningwasover，soenticingwastheirglitter。
Fannyalsolentherapairofthree-buttongloves，whichcompletedhercontent，andwhenTomgreetedherwithanapproving，\"Here\'sasightforgodsandmen!Why，Polly，you\'regorgeous!\"shefeltthather\"fun\"haddecidedlybegun。
\"Wouldn\'tPollymakealovelybride？\"saidMaud，whowasrevolvingaboutthetwogirls，tryingtodecidewhethershewouldhaveablueorawhitecloakwhenshegrewupandwenttooperas。
\"Faith，andshewould!Allowmetocongratulateyou，Mrs。Sydney，\"addedTom，advancingwithhiswedding-receptionbowandawickedlookatFanny。
\"Goaway!Howdareyou？\"criedPolly，growingmuchredderthanherrose。
\"Ifwearegoingtotheoperato-night，perhapswe\'dbetterstart，asthecarriagehasbeenwaitingsometime，\"observedFancoolly，andsailedoutoftheroominanunusuallyloftymanner。
\"Don\'tyoulikeit，Polly？\"whisperedTom，astheywentdownstairstogether。
\"Verymuch。\"
\"Thedeuceyoudo!\"
\"I\'msofondofmusic，howcanIhelpit？
\"I\'mtalkingaboutSyd。\"
\"Well，I\'mnot。\"
\"You\'dbettertryforhim。\"
\"I\'llthinkofit。\"
\"Oh，Polly，Polly，whatareyoucomingto？\"
\"Atumbleintothestreet，apparently，\"answeredPollyassheslippedalittleonthestep，andTomstoppedinthemiddleofhislaughtopilothersafelyintothecarriage，whereFannywasalreadyseated。
\"Here\'srichness!\"saidPollytoherselfassherolledaway，feelingasCinderellaprobablydidwhenthepumpkin-coachborehertothefirstball，onlyPollyhadtwoprincestothinkabout，andpoorCinderella，onthatoccasion，hadnotevenone。Fannydidn\'tseeminclinedtotalkmuch，andTomwouldgooninsucharidiculousmannerthatPollytoldhimshewouldn\'tlistenandbegantohumbitsoftheopera。Butsheheardeveryword，nevertheless，andresolvedtopayhimforhisimpertinenceassoonaspossiblebyshowinghimwhathehadlost。
Theirseatswereinthebalcony，andhardlyweretheysettled，when，byoneofthoseremarkablecoincidenceswhicharecontinuallyoccurringinouryouth，Mr。SydneyandFanny\'soldfriendFrankMooretooktheirplacesjustbehindthem。
\"Oh，youvillain!Youdiditonpurpose，\"whisperedPollyassheturnedfromgreetingtheirneighborsandsawadrolllookonTom\'sface。
\"IgiveyoumywordIdidn\'t。It\'sthelawofattraction，don\'tyousee？\"
\"IfFanlikesit，Idon\'tcare。\"
\"Shelooksresigned，Ithink。\"
Shecertainlydid，forshewastalkingandlaughinginthegayestmannerwithFrankwhileSydneywascovertlysurveyingPollyasifhedidn\'tquiteunderstandhowthegraygrubgotsosuddenlytransformedintoawhitebutterfly。
Itisawell-knownfactthatdressplaysaveryimportantpartinthelivesofmostwomenandeventhemostsensiblecannothelpowningsometimeshowmuchhappinesstheyowetoabecominggown，gracefullyarrangedhair，orabonnetwhichbringsoutthebestpointsintheirfacesandputstheminagoodhumor。Agreatmanwasonceheardtosaythatwhatfirstattractedhimtohiswell-belovedwifewasseeingherinawhitemuslindresswithablueshawlonthechairbehindher。Thedresscaughthiseye，and，stoppingtoadmirethat，thewearer\'sintelligentconversationinterestedhismind，andintime，thewoman\'ssweetnesswonhisheart。Itisnotthefinestdresswhichdoesthemostexecution，Ifancy，butthatwhichbestinterpretsindividualtasteandcharacter。Wisepeopleunderstandthis，andeverybodyismoreinfluencedbyitthantheyknow，perhaps。Pollywasnotverywise，butshefeltthateveryoneaboutherfoundsomethingmoreattractivethanusualinherandmodestlyattributedTom\'sdevotion，Sydney\'sinterest，andFrank\'sundisguisedadmiration，tothenewbonnetor，morelikely，tothatdelightfulcombinationofcashmere，silk，andswan\'s-down，which，likeCharity\'smantle，seemedtocoveramultitudeofsinsinotherpeople\'seyesandexaltthelittlemusicteachertotherankofayounglady。
Pollyscoffedatthissortofthingsometimes，butto-nightsheaccepteditwithoutamurmur­；ratherenjoyeditinfact，letherbraceletsshinebeforetheeyesofallmen，andfeltthatitwasgoodtoseemcomelyintheirsight。Sheforgotonething，however:thatherownhappyspiritsgavethecrowningcharmtoapicturewhicheveryonelikedtosee­；ablitheyounggirlenjoyingherselfwithallherheart。Themusicandthelight，costumeandcompany，excitedPollyandmademanythingspossiblewhichatmosttimesshewouldneverhavethoughtofsayingordoing。Shedidnotmeantoflirt，butsomehow\"itflirteditself\"andshecouldn\'thelpit，for，oncestarted，itwashardtostop，withTomgoadingheron，andSydneylookingatherwiththatnewinterestinhiseyes。Polly\'sflirtingwassuchaverymildimitationofthefashionablethingthatTrix&；
Co。wouldnothaverecognizedit，butitdidverywellforabeginner，andPollyunderstoodthatnightwhereinthefascinationofitlay，forshefeltasifshehadfoundanewgiftallofasudden，andwaslearninghowtouseit，knowingthatitwasdangerous，yetfindingitschiefcharminthatveryfact。
Tomdidn\'tknowwhattomakeofheratfirst，thoughhethoughtthechangeuncommonlybecomingandfinallydecidedthatPollyhadtakenhisadviceandwas\"settinghercapforSyd，\"ashegracefullyexpressedit。
Sydney，beingamodestman，thoughtnothingofthekind，butsimplyfanciedthatlittlePollywasgrowinguptobeaverycharmingwoman。Hehadknownhersinceherfirstvisitandhadalwayslikedthechild；thiswinterhehadbeeninterestedinthesuccessofherplansandhaddonewhathecouldtohelpthem，butheneverthoughtoffailinginlovewithPollytillthatnight。Thenhebegantofeelthathehadnotfullyappreciatedhisyoungfriend；thatshewassuchabrightandlovablegirl，itwasapitysheshouldnotalwaysbegayandpretty，andenjoyherself；thatshewouldmakeacapitalwifeforsomebody，andperhapsitwasabouttimetothinkof\"settling，\"ashissisteroftensaid。Thesethoughtscameandwentashewatchedthewhitefigureinfront，felttheenchantmentofthemusic，andfoundeverybodyunusuallyblitheandbeautiful。Hehadheardtheoperamanytimes，butithadneverseemedsofinebefore，perhapsbecausehehadneverhappenedtohavehadaningenuousyoungfacesonearhiminwhichthevaryingemotionsbornofthemusic，andtheromanceitportrayed，cameandwentsoeloquentlythatitwasimpossibletohelpreadingthem。Pollydidnotknowthatthiswaswhyheleaneddownsooftentospeaktoher，withanexpressionwhichshedidnotunderstandbutlikedverymuchnevertheless。
\"Don\'tshutyoureyes，Polly。Theyaresofullofmischiefto-night，Iliketoseethem，\"saidTom，afteridlywonderingforaminuteifsheknewhowlongandcurlyherlasheswere。
\"Idon\'twishtolookaffected，butthemusictellsthestorysomuchbetterthantheactingthatIdon\'tcaretolookonhalfthetime，\"answeredPolly，hopingTomwouldn\'tseethetearsshehadsocleverlysuppressed。
\"NowIliketheactingbest。Themusicisallveryfine，Iknow，butitdoesseemsoabsurdforpeopletogoroundtellingtremendoussecretsatthetopoftheirvoices。Ican\'tgetusedtoit。\"
\"That\'sbecauseyou\'vemorecommon-sensethanromance。Idon\'tmindtheabsurdity，andquitelongtogoandcomfortthatpoorgirlwiththebrokenheart，\"saidPollywithasighasthecurtainfellonamostaffectingtableau。
\"What\'s-his-nameisagreatjacknottoseethatsheadoreshim。Inreallifewefellowsain\'tsuchbatsasallthat，\"observedTom，whohaddecidedopinionsonmanysubjectsthatheknewverylittleabout，andexpressedthemwithgreatcandor。
AcurioussmilepassedoverPolly\'sfaceandsheputupherglasstohidehereyes，asshesaid:­；
\"Ithinkyouarebatssometimes，butwomenaretaughttowearmasks，andthataccountsforit，Isuppose。\"
\"Idon\'tagree。There\'spreciouslittlemaskingnowadays；wishtherewasalittlemoresometimes，\"addedTom，thinkingofseveralbloomingdamselswhosebeseechingeyeshadbeggedhimnottoleavethemtowitherontheparentstem。
\"Ihopenot，butIguessthere\'sagooddealmorethananyonewouldsuspect。\"
\"Whatcanyouknowaboutbrokenheartsandblightedbeings？\"askedSydney，smilingatthegirl\'spensivetone。
Pollyglancedupathimandherfacedimpledandshoneagain，assheanswered，laughing:­；
\"Notmuch；mytimeistocome。\"
\"Ican\'timagineyouwalkingabouttheworldwithyourbackhairdown，bewailingahard-heartedlover，\"saidTom。
\"NeithercanI。Thatwouldn\'tbemyway。\"
\"No；MissPollywouldletconcealmentpreyonherdamaskcheeksandstillsmileoninthenovelfashion，orturnsisterofcharityandnursetheheartlessloverthroughsmall-pox，orsomeothercontagiousdisease，anddieseraphically，leavinghimtotheagoniesofremorseandtardylove。\"
PollygaveSydneyanindignantlookashesaidthatinaslowsatiricalwaythatnettledherverymuch，forshehatedtobethoughtsentimental。
\"That\'snotmywayeither，\"shesaiddecidedly。\"I\'dtrytooutliveit，andifIcouldn\'t，I\'dtrytobethebetterforit。Disappointmentneedn\'tmakeawomanafool。\"
\"Noranoldmaid，ifshe\'sprettyandgood。Rememberthat，anddon\'tvisitthesinsofoneblockheadonalltherestofmankind，\"saidTom，laughingatherearnestness。
\"Idon\'tthinkthereistheslightestpossibilityofMissPolly\'sbeingeither，\"addedSydneywithalookwhichmadeitevidentthatconcealmenthadnotseriouslydamagedPolly\'sdamaskcheekasyet。
\"There\'sClaraBird。Ihaven\'tseenherbutoncesinceshewasmarried。
Howprettyshelooks!\"andPollyretiredbehindthebigglassagain，thinkingthechatwasbecomingratherpersonal。
\"Now，there\'sagirlwhotriedadifferentcureforunrequitedaffectionfromanyyoumention。PeoplesayshewasfondofBelle\'sbrother。Hedidn\'treciprocatebutwentofftoIndiatospoilhisconstitution，soClaramarriedamantwentyyearsolderthansheisandconsolesherselfbybeingthebest-dressedwomaninthecity。\"
\"Thataccountsforit，\"saidPolly，whenTom\'slongwhisperended。
\"Forwhat？\"
\"Thetiredlookinhereyes。\"
\"Idon\'tseeit，\"saidTom，afterasurveythroughtheglass。
\"Didn\'texpectyouwould。\"
\"Iseewhatyoumean。Agoodmanywomenhaveitnowadays，\"saidSydneyoverPolly\'sshoulder。
\"What\'sshetiredof？Theoldgentleman？\"askedTom。
\"Andherself，\"addedPolly。
\"You\'vebeenreadingFrenchnovels，Iknowyouhave。That\'sjustthewaytheheroinesgoon，\"criedTom。
\"Ihaven\'treadone，butit\'sevidentyouhave，youngman，andyou\'dbetterstop。\"
\"Idon\'tcarefor\'em；onlydoittokeepupmyFrench。Buthowcameyoutobesowise，ma\'am？\"
\"Observation，sir。Iliketowatchfaces，andIseldomseeagrown-uponethatlooksperfectlyhappy。\"
\"Trueforyou，Polly；nomoreyoudo，nowIthinkofit。Idon\'tknowbutonethatalwayslooksso，andthereitis。\"
\"Where？\"askedPolly，withinterest。
\"Lookstraightbeforeyouandyou\'llseeit。\"
Pollydidlook，butallshesawwasherownfaceinthelittlemirrorofthefanwhichTomheldupandpeepedoverwithalaughinhiseyes。
\"DoIlookhappy？I\'mgladofthat，\"AndPollysurveyedherselfwithcare。
Bothyoungmenthoughtitwasgirlishvanityandsmiledatitsnaivedisplay，butPollywaslookingforsomethingdeeperthanbeautyandwasgladnottofindit。
\"Ratherapleasantlittleprospect，hey，Polly？\"
\"Mybonnetisstraight，andthat\'sallIcareabout。DidyoueverseeapictureofBeauBrummel？\"askedPollyquickly。
\"No。\"
\"Well，thereheis，modernized。\"Andturningthefan，sheshowedhimhimself。
\"Anymoreportraitsinyourgallery？\"askedSydney，asifhelikedtoshareallthenonsensegoing。
\"Onemore。\"
\"Whatdoyoucallit？\"
\"Theportraitofagentleman。\"Andthelittleglassreflectedagratifiedfaceforthespaceoftwoseconds。
\"Thankyou。I\'mgladIdon\'tdisgracemyname，\"saidSydney，lookingdownintothemerryblueeyesthatthankedhimsilentlyformanyofthesmallkindnessesthatwomennevercanforget。
\"Verygood，Polly，youaregettingonfast，\"whisperedTom，pattinghisyellowkidsapprovingly。
\"Bequiet!Dearme，howwarmitis!\"AndPollygavehimafrownthatdelightedhissoul。
\"Comeoutandhaveanice，weshallhavetime。\"
\"Fanissoabsorbed，Icouldn\'tthinkofdisturbingher，\"saidPolly，fancyingthatherfriendwasenjoyingtheeveningasmuchasshewas­；agreatmistake，bytheway，forFanwasactingforeffect，andthoughshelongedtoturnandjointhem，wouldn\'tdoit，unlessacertainpersonshowedsignsofmissingher。Hedidn\'t，andFannychattedon，raginginwardlyoverherdisappointment，andwonderinghowPollycouldbesogayandselfish。
ItwasdelicioustoseethelittleairsPollyputon，forshefeltasifsheweresomebodyelse，andactingapart。Sheleanedback，asifquiteoppressedbytheheat，permittedSydneytofanher，andpaidhimfortheservicebygivinghimaflowerfromherbouquet，proceedingswhichamusedTomimmensely，evenwhileitpiquedhimalittletobetreatedlikeanoldfriendwhodidn\'tcount。
\"Goinandwin，Polly；I\'llgiveyoumyblessing，\"hewhispered，asthecurtainroseagain。
\"It\'sonlypartofthefun，sodon\'tyoulaugh，youdisrespectfulboy，\"
shewhisperedbackinatoneneverusedtowardSydney。
Tomdidn\'tquitelikethedifferentwayinwhichshetreatedthem，andtheword\"boy\"disturbedhisdignity，forhewasalmosttwenty-oneandPollyoughttotreathimwithmorerespect。SydneyatthesamemomentwaswishinghewasinTom\'splace­；young，comely，andsuchafamiliarfriendthatPollywouldscoldandlecturehiminthedelightfulwayshedidTom；whilePollyforgotthembothwhenthemusicbeganandleftthemampletimetolookatherandthinkaboutthemselves。
WhiletheywaitedtogetoutwhenallwasoverPollyheardFanwhispertoTom:­；
\"WhatdoyouthinkTrixwillsaytothis？\"
\"Whatdoyoumean？\"
\"Why，thewayyou\'vebeengoingonto-night。\"
\"Don\'tknow，anddon\'tcare；it\'sonlyPolly。\"
\"That\'stheverything。Shecan\'tbearP。\"
\"Well，Ican；andIdon\'tseewhyIshouldn\'tenjoymyselfaswellasTrix。\"
\"You\'llgettoenjoyingyourselftoomuchifyouaren\'tcareful。Polly\'swakedup。\"
\"I\'mgladofit，andso\'sSyd。\"
\"Ionlyspokeforyourgood。\"
\"Don\'ttroubleyourselfaboutme；Igetlecturingenoughinanotherquarterandcan\'tstandanymore。Come，Polly。\"
Shetookthearmheofferedher，butherheartwassoreandangry，forthatphrase，\"It\'sonlyPolly，\"hurthersadly。\"AsifIwasn\'tanybody，hadn\'tanyfeelings，andwasonlymadetoamuseorworkforpeople!FanandTomarebothmistakenandI\'llshowthemthatPollyisawake，\"
shethought，indignantly。\"Whyshouldn\'tIenjoymyselfaswellastherest？Besides，it\'sonlyTom，\"sheaddedwithabittersmileasshethoughtofTrix。
\"Areyoutired，Polly？\"askedTom，bendingdowntolookintoherface。
\"Yes，ofbeingnobody。\"
\"Ah，butyouain\'tnobody，you\'rePolly，andyoucouldn\'tbetterthatifyoutriedeversohard。\"saidTom，warmly，forhereallywasfondofPolly，andfeltuncommonlysojustthen。
\"I\'mgladyouthinkso，anyway。It\'ssopleasanttobeliked。\"Andshelookedupwithherfacequitebrightagain。
\"Ialwaysdidlikeyou，don\'tyouknow，eversincethatfirstvisit。\"
\"Butyouteasedmeshamefully，forallthat。\"
\"SoIdid，butIdon\'tnow。\"
Pollydidnotanswer，andTomasked，withmoreanxietythantheoccasionrequired:
\"DoI，Polly？\"
\"Notinthesameway，Tom，\"sheansweredinatonethatdidn\'tsoundquitenatural。
\"Well，Ineverwillagain。\"
\"Yes，youwill，youcan\'thelpit。\"AndPolly\'seyeglancedatSydney，whowasinfrontwithFan。
Tomlaughed，anddrewPollycloserasthecrowdpressed，saying，withmocktenderness:
\"Didn\'tsheliketobechaffedabouthersweethearts？Well，sheshan\'tbeifIcanhelpit。Poordear，didshegetherlittlebonnetknockedintoacockedhatandherlittletemperriledatthesametime？\"
Pollycouldn\'thelplaughing，and，inspiteofthecrush，enjoyedtheslowjourneyfromseattocarriage，forTomtooksuchexcellentcareofher，shewasrathersorrywhenitwasover。
Theyhadamerrylittlesupperaftertheygothome，andPollygavethemaburlesqueoperathatconvulsedherhearers，forherspiritsroseagainandshewasdeterminedtogetthelastdropoffunbeforeshewentbacktoherhumdrumlifeagain。
\"I\'vehadaregularlysplendidtime，andthankyoueversomuch，\"shesaidwhenthe\"good-nights\"werebeingexchanged。
\"SohaveI。Let\'sgoanddoitagainto-morrow，\"saidTom，holdingthehandfromwhichhehadhelpedtopullarefractoryglove。
\"Notforalongwhile，please。Toomuchpleasurewouldsoonspoilme，\"
answeredPolly，shakingherhead。
\"Idon\'tbelieveit。Good-night，\'sweetMistressMilton，\'asSydcalledyou。Sleeplikeanangel，anddon\'tdreamof­；Iforgot，noteasingallowed。\"
AndTomtookhimselfoffwithatheatricalfarewell。
\"Nowit\'salloveranddonewith，\"thoughtPollyasshefellasleepafteralongvigil。Butitwasnot，andPolly\'sfuncostmorethanthepriceofglovesandbonnet，for，havingnibbledatforbiddenfruit，shehadtopaythepenalty。Sheonlymeanttohaveagoodtime，andtherewasnoharminthat，butunfortunatelysheyieldedtothevarioussmalltemptationsthatbesetprettyyounggirlsanddidmoremischieftoothersthantoherself。
Fanny\'sfriendshipgrewcoolerafterthatnight。TomkeptwishingTrixwashalfassatisfactoryasPolly，andMr。Sydneybegantobuildcastlesthathadnofoundation。ChapterXIII。ChapterXIII。CHAPTERXIIITHESUNNYSIDE\"I\'VEwonthewager，Tom。\"
\"Didn\'tknowtherewasone。\"
\"Don\'tyourememberyousaidPollywouldbetiredofherteachingandgiveitupinthreemonths，andIsaidshewouldn\'t？\"
\"Well，isn\'tshe？\"
\"Notabitofit。Ithoughtshewasatonetime，andexpectedeverydaytohavehercomeinwithalongface，andsayshecouldn\'tstandit。
Butsomehow，lately，sheisalwaysbrightandhappy，seemstolikeherwork，anddon\'thavethetired，worriedlooksheusedtoatfirst。Thethreemonthsareout，sopayup，Tommy。\"
\"Allright，whatwillyouhave？\"
\"Youmaymakeitgloves。Ialwaysneedthem，andpapalookssoberwhenIwantmoney。\"
Therewasaminute\'spauseasFanreturnedtoherpractising，andTomrelapsedintothereveriehewasenjoyingseatedastrideofachair，withhischinonhisfoldedarms。
\"SeemstomePollydon\'tcomehereasoftenassheusedto，\"hesaid，presently。
\"No，sheseemstobeverybusy；gotsomenewfriends，Ibelieve，­；oldladies，sewing-girls，andthingsofthatsort。Imissher，butknowshe\'llgettiredofbeinggoody，andwillcomebacktomebeforelong。\"
\"Don\'tbetoosureofthat，ma\'am。\"SomethinginTom\'stonemadeFanturnround，andask，­；
\"Whatdoyoumean？\"
\"Well，itstrikesmethatSydneyisoneofPolly\'snewfriends。Haven\'tyouobservedthatsheisuncommonlyjolly，anddon\'tthatsortofthingaccountforit？\"
\"Nonsense!\"saidFanny，sharply。
\"Hopeitis，\"coollyreturnedTom。
\"Whatputitintoyourhead？\"demandedFanny，twirlingroundagainsothatherfacewashidden。
\"Oh，well，IkeepmeetingSydandPollycirculatinginthesamedirections；
shelooksasifshehadfoundsomethinguncommonlynice，andhelooksasifallcreationwasgettingPollyfiedprettyrapidly。Wonderyouhaven\'tobservedit。\"
\"Ihave。\"
ItwasTom\'sturntolooksurprisednow，forFanny\'svoicesoundedstrangetohim。Helookedathersteadilyforaminute，butsawonlyarosyearandabenthead。Acloudpassedoverhisface，andheleanedhischinonhisarmagainwithadespondentwhistle，ashesaidtohimself，­；
\"PoorFan!Bothofusinascrapeatonce。\"
\"Don\'tyouthinkitwouldbeagoodthing？\"askedFanny，afterplayingabarortwo，verybadly。
\"Yes，forSyd。\"
\"NotforPolly？Why，he\'srich，andclever，andbetterthanmostofyougood-for-nothingfellows。Whatcanthegirlexpect？\"
\"Can\'tsay，butIdon\'tfancythematchmyself。\"
\"Don\'tbeadoginthemanger，Tom。\"
\"Blessyourlittleheart，IonlytakeabrotherlysortofinterestinPolly。She\'sacapitalgirl，andsheoughttomarryamissionary，oroneofyourreformerfellows，andbeashininglightofsomesort。Idon\'tthinksettingupforafineladywouldsuither。\"
\"Ithinkitwould，andIhopeshe\'llhavethechance，\"saidFanny，evidentlymakinganefforttospeakkindly。
\"Goodforyou，Fan!\"andTomgaveanemphaticnod，asifherwordsmeantmorethanshesuspected\"Mindyou，\"headded，\"Idon\'tknowanything，andonlyfanciedtheremightbesomelittleflirtationgoingon。ButIdaresayit\'snothing。\"
\"Timewillshow。\"ThenFanbegantosing，andTom\'shorsecame，sohedepartedwiththeveryunusualdemonstrationofagentlepatonthehead，ashesaidkindly，­；
\"That\'sright，mydear，keepjolly。\"Itwasn\'tanelegantwayofexpressingsympathy，butitwashearty，andFanthankedhimforit，thoughsheonlysaid，­；
\"Don\'tbreakyourneck，Tommy。\"
Whenhewasgone，Fan\'ssongendedassuddenlyasitbegan，andshesatthinking，withvaryingexpressionsofdoubtandtroublepassingrapidlyacrossherface。
\"Well，Ican\'tdoanythingbutwait!\"shesaid，atlast，slammingthemusic-booktogetherwithadesperatelook。\"Yes，Ican，\"sheadded，aminuteafter，\"it\'sPolly\'sholiday。Icangoandseeher，andifthereisanythinginitIshallfinditout。\"
Fannydroppedherfaceintoherhands，withalittleshiver，asshesaidthat；thengotup，lookingaspaleandresoluteasifgoingtomeetsomedreadfuldoom，andputtingonherthings，wentawaytoPolly\'sasfastasherdignitywouldallow。
SaturdaymorningwasPolly\'sclearing-upday，andFanfoundherwithahandkerchieftiedoverherhead，andabigapronon，justputtingthelasttouchestothetidylittleroom，whichwasasfreshandbrightaswater，air，andapairofhandscouldmakeit。
\"Allreadyforcompany。I\'lljustwhiskoffmyregimentals，andPolly，themaid，becomesPolly，themissis。Itwaslovelyofyoutocomeearly；
takeoffyourthings。Anothernewbonnet？youextravagantwretch!HowisyourmotherandMaudie？It\'saniceday，andwe\'llhaveawalk，won\'twe？\"
BythetimePolly\'swelcomewasuttered，shehadgotFanonthelittlesofabesideher，andwassmilingatherinsuchaninfectiousmanner，thatFancouldn\'thelpsmilingback。
\"Icametoseewhatyouhavebeendoingwithyourselflately。Youdon\'tcomeandreport，andIgotanxiousaboutyou，\"saidFanny，lookingintothecleareyesbeforeher。
\"I\'vebeensobusy；andIknewyouwouldn\'tcaretohearaboutmydoings，fortheyaren\'tthesortyoulike，\"answeredPolly。
\"Yourlessonsdidn\'tusetotakeupallyourtime。It\'smyprivateopinionthatyouaretakingaswellasgivinglessons，miss，\"saidFan，puttingonaplayfullysternair，tohideherrealanxiety。
\"Yes，Iam，\"answeredPolly，soberly。
\"Inwhat？Love？\"
AquickcolorcametoPolly\'scheeks，asshelaughed，andsaid，lookingaway，\"No；friendshipandgoodworks。\"
\"Oh，indeed!MayIaskwhoisyourteacher？\"
\"I\'vemorethanone；butMissMillsisheadteacher。\"
\"Sheinstructsingoodworks；whogivesthefriendshiplessons？\"
\"Suchpleasantgirls!Iwishyouknewthem，Fan。Soclever，andenergetic，andkind，andhappy，italwaysdoesmegoodtoseethem，\"criedPolly，withafacefullofenthusiasm。
\"Isthatall？\"AndFangaveheracuriouslookofmingleddisappointmentandrelief。
\"There，Itoldyoumydoingswouldnotinterestyou，andtheydon\'t；
theysoundflatandprosyafteryourbrilliantadventures。Let\'schangethesubject，\"saidPolly，lookingrelievedherself。
\"Dearme，whichofoursweetheartssendsusdaintybouquetsofvioletssoearlyinthemorning？\"askedFanny，suddenlyspyingthepurpleclusterinagracefullittlevaseonthepiano。
\"Hesendsmeoneeveryweek；heknowsIlovethemso，\"andPolly\'seyesturnedthatwayfullofprideandpleasure。
\"I\'dnoideahewassodevoted，\"saidFanny，stoopingtosmelltheflowers，andatthesametimereadacardthatlaynearthem。
\"Youneedn\'tplaguemeaboutit，nowyouknowit。Ineverspeakofourfondnessforoneanother，becausesuchthingsseemsillytootherpeople。
Willisn\'tallthatJimmywastome；buthetriestobe，andIlovehimdearlyforit。\"
\"Will？\"Fanny\'svoicequitestartledPolly，itwassosharpandsudden，andherfacegrewredandpaleallinaminute，assheupsetthelittlevasewiththestartshegave。
\"Yes，ofcourse；whodidyouthinkImeant？\"askedPolly，soppingupthewaterbeforeitdamagedherpiano。
\"Nevermind；Ithoughtyoumightbehavingaquietlittleflirtationwithsomebody。Ifeelresponsible，youknow，becauseItoldyourmotherI\'dlookafteryou。Theflowersareallright。Myheadachesso，IhardlyknowwhatI\'mdoingthismorning。\"
Fannyspokefast，andlaugheduncomfortably，asshewentbacktothesofa，wonderingifPollyhadtoldheralie。Pollyseemedtoguessatherthoughtsasshesawthecard，andturningtowardher，shehelditup，saying，withaconsciouslookinhereyes，­；
\"YouthoughtMr。Sydneysentthem？Well，youaremistaken，andthenexttimeyouwanttoknowanything，pleaseaskstraightout。Ilikeitbetterthantalkingatcrosspurposes。\"
\"Now，mydear，don\'tbeangry；Iwasonlyteasingyouinfun。Tomtookitintohisfoolishheadthatsomethingwasgoingon，andIfeltanaturalinterest，youknow。\"
\"Tom!Whatdoesheknoworcareaboutmyaffairs？\"demandedPolly。
\"Hemetyoutwointhestreetprettyoften，andbeinginasentimentalmoodhimself，gotuparomanceforyouandSydney。\"
\"I\'mmuchobligedtohimforhisinterest，butit\'squitewasted，thankyou。\"
Fan\'snextproceedinggaveherfriendanothersurprise，for，beingratherashamedofherself，verymuchrelieved，andquiteatalosswhattosay，shetookrefugeinanhystericalfitoftears，whichchangedPolly\'sangerintotendernessatonce。
\"Isthatthetroubleshehasbeenhidingallwinter？Poordear，IwishI\'dknownitsooner，\"thoughtPolly，asshetriedtosootheherwithcomfortablepats，sniffsofcologneandsympathizingremarksuponthesubjectofheadache，carefullyignoringthatotherfeminineaffliction，theheartache。
\"There，Ifeelbetter。I\'vebeenneedingagoodcryforsometime，andnowIshallbeallright。Nevermindit，Polly，I\'mnervousandtired；
I\'vedancedtoomuchlately，anddyspepsiamakesmeblue；\"andFannywipedhereyesandlaughed。
\"Ofcourseitdoes；youneedrestandpetting，andhereI\'vebeenscoldingyou，whenIoughttohavebeenextrakind。NowtellmewhatIcandoforyou，\"saidPolly，witharemorsefulface。
\"Talktome，andtellmeallaboutyourself。Youdon\'tseemtohaveasmanyworriesasotherpeople。What\'sthesecret，Polly？\"AndFanlookedupwithweteyes，andawistfulfaceatPolly，whowasputtinglittledabsofcolognealloverherhead。
\"Well，\"saidPolly，slowly，\"Ijusttrytolookonthebrightsideofthings；thathelpsoneamazingly。Why，you\'venoideahowmuchgoodnessandsunshineyoucangetoutofthemostunpromisingthings，ifyoumakethebestofthem。\"
\"Idon\'tknowhow，\"saidFan，despondently。
\"Youcanlearn；Idid。Iusedtocroakandfretdreadfully，andgetsounhappy，Iwasn\'tfitforanything。IdoitstillmorethanIought，butItrynotto，anditgetseasier，Ifind。Geta-topofyourtroubles，andthentheyarehalfcured，MissMillssays。\"