点击下载App，搜索"An Old-fashioned Girl",免费读到尾

　　\"Everythingissocontraryandprovoking，\"saidFanny，petulantly。

　　\"Nowwhatintheworldhaveyoutofretabout？\"askedPolly，ratheranxiously。

　　\"Quantitiesofthings，\"beganFan，andthenstopped，forsomehowshefeltashamedtoownthatshewasafflictedbecauseshecouldn\'thaveanewsetoffurs，gotoParisinthespring，andmakeMr。Sydneyloveher。

　　Shehuntedupsomethingmorepresentable，andsaidinadespairingtone，&shy；

　　\"Well，motherisverypoorly，TomandTrixquarrelallthetime，Maudgetsmoreandmorewilfuleveryday，andpapaisworriedabouthisaffairs。\"

　　\"Asadstateofthings，butnothingverydesperate。Can\'tyoulendahandanywhere？Thatmightdogoodallround。\"

　　\"No；Ihaven\'tthetalentformanagingpeople，butIseewhatoughttobedone。\"

　　\"Well，don\'twailaboutit；keepyourselfhappy，ifyoucan；

　　itwillhelpotherpeopletoseeyoucheerful。\"

　　\"JustwhatTomsaid，\'Keepjolly\'；but，dearme，howcanone，wheneverythingissostupidandtiresome？\"

　　\"Ifeveragirlneededwork，it\'syou!\"criedPolly。\"Youbegantobeayoungladysoearly，thatyouaretiredofeverythingattwenty-two。

　　Iwishyou\'dgoatsomething，thenyou\'dfindhowmuchtalentandenergyyoureallyhad。\"

　　\"Iknoweversomanygirlswhoarejustlikeme，sicktodeathoffashionablelifebutdon\'tknowwhattotakeinitsplace。I\'dliketotravel；butpapasayshecan\'taffordit，soIcanonlydragaboutandgetonasI

　　may。\"

　　\"Ipityyourichgirlssomuch，youhavesomanyopportunities，anddon\'tseemtoknowhowtousethem!IsupposeIshoulddojustthesameinyourplace，butitseemsnowasifIcouldbeveryhappyandusefulwithplentyofmoney。\"

　　\"Youarethatwithoutit。There，Iwon\'tcroakanymore。Letusgoandtakeagoodwalk，anddon\'tyoutellanyonehowIcameandcriedlikeababy。\"

　　\"Never!\"saidPolly，puttingonherbonnet。

　　\"Ioughttogoandmakecalls，\"saidFanny，\"butIdon\'tfeelnowasifIeverwantedtoseeanyofthegirlsagain。Dreadfulstateofmind，isn\'tit？\"

　　\"Supposeyoucomeandseesomeofmyfriendsinstead!Theyarenotfineorceremonious，butlively，odd，andpleasant。Come，itwillamuseyou。\"

　　\"Iwill，\"criedFanny，whosespiritsseemedimprovedbytheshower。

　　\"Nicelittleoldlady，isn\'tshe？\"addedFan，asshecaughtsightofMissMills，ontheirwayout，sittingatatablepiledwithwork，andsewingawaywithanenergythatmadethegraycurlsvibrate。

　　\"SaintMehitable，Icallher。Now，thereisarichwomanwhoknewhowtogethappinessoutofhermoney，\"saidPolly，astheywalkedaway。\"Shewaspoortillshewasnearlyfifty；thenacomfortablefortunewaslefther，andsheknewjusthowtouseit。Thathousewasgivenher，butinsteadoflivinginitallalone，shefilleditwithpoorgentlefolkswhoneededneat，respectablehomes，butcouldn\'tgetanythingcomfortablefortheirlittlemoney。I\'moneofthem，andIknowtheworthofwhatshedoesforme。Twooldwidowladieslivebelowme，severalstudentsoverhead，poorMrs。Keanandherlameboyhavethebackparlor，andJennythelittlebedroomnextMissMills。Eachpayswhattheycan；that\'sindependent，andmakesusfeelbetterbutthatdearwomandoesathousandthingsthatmoneycan\'tpayfor，andwefeelherinfluenceallthroughthehouse。I\'dratherbemarried，andhaveahomeofmyown；butnexttothat，IshouldliketobeanoldmaidlikeMissMills。\"

　　Polly\'ssoberfaceandemphatictonemadeFannylaugh，andatthecheerysoundayounggirlpushingababy-carriagelookedroundandsmiled。

　　Whatlovelyeyes!\"whisperedFanny。

　　Yes，that\'slittleJane，\"returnedPolly，adding，whenshehadpassed，withanodandafriendly\"Don\'tgettired，Jenny，\"\"wehelponeanotheratourhouse，andeveryfinemorningJennytakesJohnnyKeanoutwhenshegoesforherownwalk。Thatgiveshismothertimetorest，doesboththechildrengood，andkeepsthingsneighborly。MissMillssuggestedit，andJennyissogladtodoanythingforanybody，it\'sapleasuretolether。\"

　　\"I\'veheardofMissMillsbefore。ButIshouldthinkshewouldgettiredtodeath，sittingtheremakinghoodsandpetticoatsdayafterday，\"

　　saidFanny，afterthinkingoverJenny\'sstoryforafewminutes，forseeingthegirlseemedtobringitnearer，andmakeitmorerealtoher。

　　\"Butshedon\'tsitthereallthetime。Peoplecometoherwiththeirtroubles，andshegoestothemwithallsortsofhelp，fromsoapandsoup，toshroudsforthedeadandcomfortfortheliving。Igowithhersometimes，anditismoreexcitingthananyplay，toseeandhearthelivesandstoriesofthepoor。\"

　　\"Howcanyoubearthedreadfulsightsandsounds，thebadair，andthepovertythatcan\'tbecured？\"

　　\"Butitisn\'talldreadful。Therearegoodandlovelythingsamongthem，ifoneonlyhaseyestoseethem。Itmakesmegratefulandcontented，showsmehowrichIam，andkeepsmereadytodoallIcanforthesepoorsouls。\"

　　\"MygoodPolly!\"andFannygaveherfriendsarmanaffectionatesqueeze，wonderingifitwasthisalonethathadworkedthechangeinPolly。

　　\"Youhaveseentwoofmynewfriends，MissMillsandJenny，nowI\'llshowyoutwomore，\"saidPolly，presently，astheyreachedadoor，andsheledthewayupseveralflightsofpublicstairs。\"RebeccaJeffreyisaregularlysplendidgirl，fulloftalent；shewon\'tletuscallitgenius；

　　shewillbefamoussomeday，Iknow，sheissomodest，andyetsointentonherwork。LizzieSmallisanengraver，anddesignsthemostdelightfullittlepictures。Beckyandshelivetogether，andtakecareofoneanotherintrueDamonandPythiasstyle。Thisstudioistheirhome，&shy；theywork，eat，sleep，andlivehere，goinghalvesineverything。Theyareallaloneintheworld，butashappyandindependentasbirds；realfriends，whomnothingwillpart。\"

　　\"Letalovercomebetweenthem，andtheirfriendshipwon\'tlastlong，\"

　　saidFanny。

　　\"Ithinkitwill。Takealookatthem，andyou\'llchangeyourmind，\"

　　answeredPolly，tappingatadoor，onwhichtwomodestcardsweretacked。

　　\"Comein!\"saidavoice，andobeying，Fannyfoundherselfinalarge，queerlyfurnishedroom，lightedfromabove，andoccupiedbytwogirls。

　　Onestoodbeforeagreatclayfigure，inacorner。Thisonewastall，withastrongface，keeneyes，short，curlyhair，andafinehead。Fannywasstruckatoncebythisfaceandfigure，thoughtheonewasnothandsome，andtheotherhalfhiddenbyagreatpinaforecoveredwithclay。Atatablewherethelightwasclearest，satafrail-lookinggirl，withathinface，bigeyes，andpalehair，&shy；adreamy，absorbedlittleperson，whobentoverablock，skillfullywieldinghertools。

　　\"BeckyandBess，howdoyoudo？Thisismyfriend，FannyShaw。Weareoutonarampage；sogoonwithyourwork，andletuslazyoneslookonandadmire。\"

　　AsPollyspoke，bothgirlslookedupandnodded，smilingly；BessgaveFantheoneeasy-chair；Beckytookanartisticsurveyofthenew-comer，witheyesthatseemedtoseeeverything；theneachwentonwithherwork，andallbegantotalk。

　　\"YouarejustwhatIwant，Polly。Pullupyoursleeve，andgivemeanarmwhileyousit；themusclesherearen\'tright，andyou\'vegotjustwhatIwant，\"saidBecky，slappingtheroundarmofthestatue，atwhichFanwasgazingwithawe。

　　\"Howdoyougeton？\"askedPolly，throwingoffhercloak，androllinguphersleeves，asifgoingtowashing。

　　\"Slowly。Theideaisworkingitselfclear，andIfollowasfastasmyhandscan。Isthefacebetter，doyouthink？\"saidBecky，takingoffawetcloth，andshowingtheheadofthestatue。

　　\"Howbeautifulitis!\"criedFanny，staringatitwithincreasedrespect。

　　\"Whatdoesitmeantoyou？\"askedRebecca，turningtoherwithasuddenshineinherkeeneyes。

　　\"Idon\'tknowwhetheritismeantforasaintoramuse，agoddessorafate；buttomeitisonlyabeautifulwoman，bigger，lovelier，andmoreimposingthananywomanIeversaw，\"answeredFanny，slowly，tryingtoexpresstheimpressionthestatuemadeuponher。

　　Rebeccasmiledbrightly，andBesslookedroundtonodapprovingly，butPollyclappedherhands，andsaid，&shy；

　　\"Welldone，Fan!Ididn\'tthinkyou\'dgettheideasowell，butyouhave，andI\'mproudofyourinsight。NowI\'lltellyou，forBeckywillletme，sinceyouhavepaidherthecomplimentofunderstandingherwork。Sometimeagowegotintoafamoustalkaboutwhatwomenshouldbe，andBeckysaidshe\'dshowusherideaofthecomingwoman。Theresheis，asyousay，bigger，lovelier，andmoreimposingthananyweseenowadays；

　　andatthesametime，sheisatruewoman。Seewhatafineforehead，yetthemouthisbothfirmandtender，asifitcouldsaystrong，wisethings，aswellasteachchildrenandkissbabies。Wecouldn\'tdecidewhattoputinthehandsasthemostappropriatesymbol。Whatdoyousay？\"

　　\"Giveherasceptre:shewouldmakeafinequeen，\"answeredFanny。

　　\"No，wehavehadenoughofthat；womenhavebeencalledqueensalongtime，butthekingdomgiventhemisn\'tworthruling，\"answeredRebecca。

　　\"Idon\'tthinkitisnowadays，\"saidFanny，withatiredsortofsigh。

　　\"Putaman\'shandinherstohelpheralong，then，\"saidPolly，whosehappyfortuneithadbeentofindfriendsandhelpersinfatherandbrothers。

　　\"No；mywomanistostandalone，andhelpherself，\"saidRebecca，decidedly。

　　\"She\'stobestrong-minded，isshe？\"&shy；andFanny\'slipcurledalittleassheutteredthemisusedwords。

　　\"Yes，strong-minded，strong-hearted，strong-souled，andstrong-bodied；

　　thatiswhyImadeherlargerthanthemiserable，pinched-upwomanofourday。Strengthandbeautymustgotogether。Don\'tyouthinkthesebroadshoulderscanbearburdenswithoutbreakingdown，thesehandsworkwell，theseeyesseeclearly，andtheselipsdosomethingbesidessimperandgossip？\"

　　Fannywassilent；butavoicefromBess\'scornersaid，&shy；

　　\"Putachildinherarms，Becky。\"

　　\"Notthateven，forsheistobesomethingmorethananurse。\"

　　\"Giveheraballot-box，\"criedanewvoice，andturninground，theysawanodd-lookingwomanperchedonasofabehindthem。

　　\"Thankyouforthesuggestion，Kate。I\'llputthatwiththeothersymbolsatherfeet；forI\'mgoingtohaveneedle，pen，palette，andbroomsomewhere，tosuggestthevarioustalentssheowns，andtheballot-boxwillshowthatshehasearnedtherighttousethem。Howgoesit？\"andRebeccaofferedaclay-daubedhand，whichthenew-comercordiallyshook。

　　\"Greatnews，girls!AnnaisgoingtoItaly!\"criedKate，tossingupherbonnetlikeaschool-boy。

　　\"Oh，howsplendid!Whotakesher？Hasshehadafortunelefther？Tellallaboutit，\"exclaimedthegirls，gatheringroundthespeaker。

　　\"Yes，itissplendid；justoneofthebeautifulthingsthatdoeseverybodyheapsofgood，itissogenerousandsodeserved。YouknowAnnahasbeenlongingtogo；workingandhopingforachance，andnevergettingit，tillallofasuddenMissBurtonisinspiredtoinvitethegirltogowithherforseveralyearstoItaly。Thinkoftheluckofthatdearsoul，theadvantagesshe\'llhave，thegooditwilldoher，and，bestofall，thelovelywayinwhichitcomestoher。MissBurtonwants，herasafriend，asksnothingofherbuthercompany，andAnnawillgothroughfireandwaterforher，ofcourse。Now，isn\'tthatfine？\"

　　Itwasgoodtoseehowheartilythesegirlssympathizedintheircomrade\'sgoodfortune。Pollydancedallovertheroom，BessandBeckyhuggedoneanother，andKatelaughedwithhereyesfull，whileevenFannyfeltaglowof，prideandpleasureatthekindact。

　　\"Whoisthat？\"shewhisperedtoPolly，whohadsubsidedintoacorner。

　　\"Why，itIsKateKing，theauthoress。Blessme，howrudenottointroduceyou!Here，myKing，isanadmirerofyours，FannyShaw，andmywellbelovedfriend，\"criedPolly，presentingFan，whoregardedtheshabbyyoungwomanwithasmuchrespect，asifshehadbeenarrayedinvelvetandermine；

　　forKatehadwrittenasuccessfulbookbyaccident，andhappenedtobethefashion，justthen。

　　\"It\'stimeforlunch，girls，andIbroughtminealongwithme，it\'ssomuchjolliertoeatinsisterhood。Let\'sclubtogether，andhavearevel，\"saidKate，producingabagoforanges，andseveralbig，plummybuns。

　　\"We\'vegotsardines，crackers，andcheese，\"saidBess，clearingoffatablewithallspeed。

　　\"Waitabit，andI\'lladdmyshare，\"criedPolly，andcatchinguphercloak，sheranofftothegrocerystorenearby。

　　\"You\'llbeshockedatourperformances，MissShaw，butyoucancallitapicnic，andnevertellwhatdreadfulthingsyousawusdo，\"saidRebecca，polishingapaintknifebyrubbingitupanddowninapotofivy，whileKatespreadforththefeastinseveraloddplates，andaflatshellortwo。

　　\"Letushavecoffeetofinishoffwith；putonthepot，Bess，andskimthemilk，\"addedBecky，assheproducedcups，mugs，andaqueerlittlevase，tosupplydrinkingvesselsfortheparty。

　　\"Here\'snuts，apotofjam，andsomecake。Fanlikessweetthings，andwewanttobeelegantwhenwehavecompany，\"saidPolly，flyinginagain，anddepositinghershareonthetable。

　　\"Now，then，fallto，ladies，andhelpyourselves。Nevermindifthechinadon\'tholdout；takethesardinesbytheirlittletails，andwipeyourfingersonmybrown-papernapkins，\"saidKate，settingtheexamplewithsucharelish，thattheothersfolloweditinagaleofmerriment。

　　Fannyhadbeentomanyelegantlunches，butneverenjoyedonemorethanthatdrollpicnicinthestudio；fortherewasafreedomaboutitthatwascharming，anartisticflavortoeverything，andsuchaspiritofgood-willandgayety，thatshefeltathomeatonce。Astheyate，theotherstalkedandshelistened，findingitasinterestingasanyromancetoheartheseyoungwomendiscusstheirplans，ambitions，successes，anddefeats。Itwasanewworldtoher，andtheyseemedadifferentraceofcreaturesfromthegirlswhoseliveswerespentindress，gossip，pleasure，orennui。Theyweregirlsstill，fullofspiritsfun，andyouth；butbelowthelight-heartednesseachcherishedapurpose，whichseemedtoennobleherwomanhood，togiveheracertainpower，asustainingsatisfaction，adailystimulus，thatledherontodailyeffort，andintimetosomesuccessincircumstanceorcharacter，whichwasworthallthepatience，hope，andlaborofherlife。

　　Fannywasjusttheninthemoodtofeelthebeautyofthis，forthesincerestemotionshehadeverknownwasbeginningtomakeherdissatisfiedwithherself，andtheaimlesslifesheled。\"Menmustrespectsuchgirlsasthese，\"shethought；\"yes，andlovethemtoo，forinspiteoftheirindependence，theyarewomanly。IwishIhadatalenttolivefor，ifitwoulddoasmuchformeasitdoesforthem。ItisthissortofthingthatisimprovingPolly，thatmakeshersocietyinterestingtoSydney，andherselfsodeartoeveryone。Moneycan\'tbuythesethingsforme，andIwantthemverymuch。\"

　　Asthesethoughtswerepassingthroughhermind，Fannywashearingallsortsoftopicsdiscussedwithfeminineenthusiasmandfrankness。Art，morals，politics，society，books，religion，housekeeping，dress，andeconomy，forthemindsandtonguesrovedfromsubjecttosubjectwithyouthfulrapidity，andseemedtogetsomethingfromthedryestandthedullest。

　　\"Howdoesthenewbookcomeon？\"askedPolly，suckingherorangeinpublicwithacomposurewhichwouldhavescandalizedthegoodladiesof\"Cranford。\"

　　\"Betterthanitdeserves。Mychildren，bewareofpopularity；itisadelusionandasnare；itpuffethuptheheartofman，andespeciallyofwoman；itblindeththeeyestofaults；itexaltethundulythehumblepowersofthevictim；itisapttobecapricious，andjustasonegetstolikingthetasteofthisintoxicatingdraught，itsuddenlyfaileth，andoneisleftgasping，likeafishoutofwater，\"andKateemphasizedherspeechbyspearingasardinewithapenknife，andeatingitwithagroan。

　　\"Itwon\'thurtyoumuch，Iguess；youhaveworkedandwaitedsolong，alargedosewilldoyougood，\"saidRebecca，givingheragenerousspoonfulofjam，asifeagertoaddasmuchsweetnessaspossibletoalifethathadnotbeenaneasyone。

　　\"WhenareyouandBeckygoingtodissolvepartnership？\"askedPolly，eagerfornewsofall。

　　\"Never!Georgeknowshecan\'thaveonewithouttheother，andhasnotsuggestedsuchathingaspartingus。ThereisalwaysroominmyhouseforBecky，andsheletsmedoasshewouldifshewasinmyplace，\"answeredBess，withalookwhichherfriendansweredbyasmile。

　　\"Theloverwon\'tseparatethispairoffriends，yousee，\"whisperedPollytoFan。\"Bessistobemarriedinthespring，andBeckyistolivewithher。\"

　　\"Bytheway，Polly，I\'vegotsometicketsforyou。Peoplearealwayssendingmesuchthings，andasIdon\'tcareforthem，I\'mgladtomakethemovertoyouyoungandgiddyinfants。Therearepassesforthestatuaryexhibition，Beckyshallhavethose，herearetheconcertticketsforyou，mymusicalgirl；andthatisforacourseoflecturesonliterature，whichI\'llkeepformyself。\"

　　AsKatedealtoutthecoloredcardstothegratefulgirls，Fannytookagoodlookather，wonderingifthetimewouldevercomewhenwomencouldearnalittlemoneyandsuccess，withoutpayingsuchaheavypriceforthem；forKatelookedsick，tired，andtooearlyold。Thenhereyewenttotheunfinishedstatue，andshesaid，impulsively，&shy；

　　\"Ihopeyou\'llputthatinmarble，andshowuswhatweoughttobe。\"

　　\"IwishIcould!\"AndanintensedesireshoneinRebecca\'sface，asshesawherfaultywork，andfelthowfairhermodelwas。

　　Foraminute，thefiveyoungwomensatsilentlookingupatthebeautiful，strongfigurebeforethem，eachlongingtoseeitdone，andeachunconsciousthatshewashelping，byherindividualeffortandexperience，tobringthedaywhentheirnoblestidealofwomanhoodshouldbeembodiedinfleshandblood，notclay。

　　Thecitybellsrungone，andPollystartedup。

　　\"Imustgo，forIpromisedaneighborofminealessonattwo。\"

　　\"Ithoughtthiswasaholiday，\"saidFanny。

　　\"Soitis，butthisisalittlelaboroflove，anddoesn\'tspoilthedayatall。Thechildhastalent，lovesmusic，andneedshelp。Ican\'tgivehermoney，butIcanteachher；soIdo，andsheisthemostpromisingpupilIhave。Helponeanother，ispartofthereligionofoursisterhood，Fan。\"

　　\"Imustputyouinastory，Polly。Iwantaheroine，andyouwilldo，\"

　　saidKate。

　　\"Me!why，thereneverwassuchahumdrum，unromanticthingasIam，\"

　　criedPolly，amazed。

　　\"I\'vebookedyou，nevertheless，soinyougo；butyoumayaddasmuchromanceasyoulike，it\'stimeyoudid。\"

　　\"I\'mreadyforitwhenitcomes，butitcan\'tbeforced，youknow，\"

　　andPollyblushedandsmiledasifsomelittlespiceofthatdelightfulthinghadstolenintoherlife，forallitsprosaicseeming。

　　Fannywasamusedtoseethatthegirlsdidnotkissatparting，butshookhandsinaquiet，friendlyfashion，lookingatoneanotherwitheyesthatsaidmorethanthemost\"gushing\"words。

　　\"Ilikeyourfriendsverymuch，Polly。IwasafraidIshouldfindthemmannishandrough，orsentimentalandconceited。Buttheyaresimple，sensiblecreatures，fulloftalent，andallsortsoffinethings。Iadmireandrespectthem，andwanttogoagain，ifImay。\"

　　\"Oh，Fan，Iamsoglad!Ihopedyou\'dlikethem，Iknewthey\'ddoyougood，andI\'lltakeyouanytime，foryoustoodthetestbetterthanIexpected。Beckyaskedmetobringyouagain，andsheseldomdoesthatforfashionableyoungladies，letmetellyou。\"

　　\"Iwanttobeeversomuchbetter，andIthinkyouandtheymightshowmehow，\"saidFanny，withatraitoroustrembleinhervoice。

　　\"We\'llshowyouthesunnysideofpovertyandwork，andthatisausefullessonforanyone，MissMillssays，\"answeredPolly，hopingthatFanwouldlearnhowmuchthepoorcanteachtherich，andwhathelpfulfriendsgirlsmaybetooneanother。ChapterXIV。ChapterXIV。CHAPTERXIVNIPPEDINTHEBUDONtheeveningofFan\'svisit，Pollysatdownbeforeherfirewitharesoluteandthoughtfulaspect。Shepulledherhairdown，turnedherskirtback，putherfeetonthefender，andtookPuttelintoherlap，allofwhicharrangementssignifiedthatsomethingveryimportanthadgottobethoughtoverandsettled。Pollydidnotsoliloquizealoud，asheroinesonthestageandinbookshaveawayofdoing，buttheconversationsheheldwithherselfwasverymuchlikethis:&shy；

　　\"I\'mafraidthereissomethinginit。I\'vetriedtothinkit\'snothingbutvanityorimagination，yetIcan\'thelpseeingadifference，andfeelingasifIoughtnottopretendthatIdon\'t。Iknowit\'sconsideredproperforgirlstoshuttheireyesandletthingscometoacrisisnomatterhowmuchmischiefisdone。ButIdon\'tthinkit\'sdoingaswe\'dbedoneby，anditseemsagreatdealmorehonesttoshowamanthatyoudon\'tlovehimbeforehehasentirelylosthisheart。ThegirlslaughedatmewhenIsaidso，andtheydeclaredthatitwouldbeaveryimproperthingtodo，butI\'veobservedthattheydon\'thesitatetosnub\'ineligibleparties，\'astheycallpoor，veryyoung，orunpopularmen。

　　It\'sallrightthen，butwhenanicepersoncomesit\'spartofthefuntolethimgoontotheveryend，whetherthegirlscareforhimornot。

　　Themoreproposals，themorecredit。FansaysTrixalwaysaskswhenshecomeshomeafterthesummerexcursions，\'Howmanybirdshaveyoubagged？\'

　　asifmenwerepartridges。Whatwickedcreaturesweare!someofusatleast。Iwonderwhysuchaloveofconquestwasputintous？Mothersaysagreatdealofitisowingtobadeducationnowadays，butsomegirlsseembornfortheexpresspurposeofmakingtroubleandwouldmanagetodoitiftheylivedinahowlingwilderness。I\'mafraidI\'vegotaspiceofit，andifIhadthechance，shouldbeasbadasanyofthem。I\'vetrieditandlikedit，andmaybethisistheconsequenceofthatnight\'sfun。\"

　　HerePollyleanedbackandlookedupatthelittlemirroroverthechimney-piece，whichwashungsothatitreflectedthefacesofthoseaboutthefire。

　　InitPollysawapairoftelltaleeyeslookingoutfromatangleofbrightbrownhair，cheeksthatflushedanddimpledsuddenlyasthefreshmouthsmiledwithanexpressionofconsciouspower，halfproud，halfashamed，andasprettytoseeasthecoquettishgesturewithwhichshesmoothedbackhercurlsandflourishedawhitehand。Foraminutesheregardedthepleasantpicturewhilevisionsofgirlishromancesandtriumphsdancedthroughherhead，thensheshookherhairalloverherfaceandpushedherchairoutofrangeofthemirror，saying，withadrollmixtureofself-reproachandself-approvalinhertone；&shy；

　　\"Oh，Puttel，Puttel，whatafoolIam!\"

　　Pussappearedtoendorsethesentimentbyaloudpurrandagracefulwaveofhertail，andPollyreturnedtothesubjectfromwhichtheselittlevanitieshadbeguiledher。

　　\"Justsupposeitistrue，thathedoesaskme，andIsayyes!Whatastiritwouldmake，andwhatfunitwouldbetoseethefacesofthegirlswhenitcameout!Theyallthinkagreatdealofhimbecauseheissohardtoplease，andalmostanyofthemwouldfeelimmenselyflatteredifhelikedthem，whethertheychosetomarryhimornot。Trixhastriedforyearstofascinatehim，andhecan\'tbearher，andI\'msoglad!WhataspitefulthingIam。Well，Ican\'thelpit，shedoesaggravatemeso!\"

　　AndPollygavethecatsuchatweakoftheearthatPuttelbouncedoutofherlapinhighdudgeon。

　　\"Itdon\'tdotothinkofher，andIwon\'t!\"saidPollytoherself，settingherlipswithagrimlookthatwasnotatallbecoming。\"WhataneasylifeIshouldhave&shy；plentyofmoney，quantitiesoffriends，allsortsofpleasures，andnowork，nopoverty，nocoldshouldersorpatchedboots。

　　Icoulddosomuchforallathome&shy；howIshouldenjoythat!\"AndPollyletherthoughtsrevelintheluxuriousfutureherfancypainted。Itwasaverybrightpicture，butsomethingseemedamisswithit，forpresentlyshesighedandshookherhead，thinkingsorrowfully，\"Ah，butIdon\'tlovehim，andI\'mafraidInevercanasIought!He\'sverygood，andgenerous，andwise，andwouldbekind，Iknow，butsomehowIcan\'timaginespendingmylifewithhim；I\'msoafraidIshouldgettiredofhim，andthenwhatshouldIdo？PollySydneydon\'tsoundwell，andMrs。ArthurSydneydon\'tseemtofitmeabit。Wonderhowitwouldseemtocallhim\'Arthur\'？\"AndPollysaiditunderherbreath，withalookoverhershouldertobesurenooneheardit。\"It\'saprettyname，butrathertoofine，andIshouldn\'tdaretosay\'Syd，\'ashissisterdoes。Ilikeshort，plain，home-likenames，suchasWill，Ned，orTom。No，no，Icannevercareforhim，andit\'snousetotry!\"TheexclamationbrokefromPollyasifasuddentroublehadseizedher，andlayingherheaddownonherknees，shesatmotionlessformanyminutes。

　　Whenshelookedup，herfaceworeanexpressionwhichnoonehadeverseenonitbefore；alookofmingledpainandpatience，asifsomelosshadcometoher，andleftthebitternessofregretbehind。

　　\"Iwon\'tthinkofmyself，ortrytomendonemistakebymakinganother，\"

　　shesaidwithaheavysigh。\"I\'lldowhatIcanforFan，andnotstandbetweenherandachanceofhappiness。Letmesee，howcanIbegin？Iwon\'twalkwithhimanymore；I\'lldodgeandgoroundaboutways，sothatwecan\'tmeet。IneverhadmuchfaithintheremarkablecoincidenceofhisalwayshappeninghometodinnerjustasIgotogivetheRothstheirlesson。

　　Thefactis，Iliketomeethim，Iamgladtobeseenwithhim，andputonairs，Idaresay，likeavaingooseasIam。Well，Iwon\'tdoitanymore，andthatwillspareFanoneaffliction。Poordear，howImusthaveworriedherallthistime，andneverguessedit。Shehasn\'tbeenquiteaskindasever；butwhenshegotsharp，Ifancieditwasdyspepsia。Oh，me!Iwishtheothertroublecouldbecuredaseasilyasthis。\"

　　Herepussshowedanamiabledesiretoforgiveandforget，andPollytookherup，sayingaloud:&shy；

　　\"Puttel，whenmissisabusesyou，playit\'sdyspepsia，anddon\'tbearmalice，becauseit\'saverytryingdisease，mydear。\"

　　Then，goingbacktoherthoughts，sherambledonagain；&shy；

　　\"Ifhedoesn\'ttakethathint，Iwillgivehimastrongerone，forIwillnothavematterscometoacrisis，thoughIcan\'tdenythatmywickedvanitystronglytemptsmetotryand\'bagabird\'justfortheexcitementandcreditofthething。Polly，I\'mashamedofyou!Whatwouldyourblessedmothersaytohearsuchexpressionsfromyou？I\'dwriteandtellheralltheworry，onlyitwouldn\'tdoanygood，andwouldonlytroubleher。I\'venorighttotellFan\'ssecrets，andI\'mashamedtotellmine。No，I\'llleavemotherinpeace，andfightitoutalone。IdothinkFanwouldsuithimexcellentlybyandby。Hehasknownherallherlife，andhasagoodinfluenceoverher。Lovewoulddosomuchtowardmakingherwhatshemightbe；it\'sashametohavethechancelostjustbecausehehappenstoseeme。Ishouldthinkshe\'dhateme；butI\'llshowherthatsheneedn\'t，anddoallIcantohelpher；forshehasbeensogoodtomenothingshallevermakemeforgetthat。Itisadelicateanddangeroustask，butIguessIcanmanageit；atanyrateI\'lltry，andhavenothingtoreproachmyselfwithifthingsdogo\'contrary。\'\"

　　WhatPollythoughtof，asshelaybackinherchair，withhereyesshut，andahopelesslookonherface，isnoneofourbusiness，thoughwemightfeelawishtoknowwhatcausedateartogatherslowlyfromtimetotimeunderherlashes，androlldownonPuttel\'sQuaker-coloredcoat。Wasitregretfortheconquestsherelinquished，wasitsympathyforherfriend，orwasitanuncontrollableoverflowoffeelingasshereadsomesadortenderpassageofthelittleromancewhichshekepthiddenawayinherownheart？

　　OnMonday，Pollybeganthe\"delicateanddangeroustask。\"Insteadofgoingtoherpupilsbywayoftheparkandthepleasantstreetsadjoining，shetookaroundaboutroutethroughbackstreets，andthusescapedMr。

　　Sydney，who，asusual，camehometodinnerveryearlythatdayandlookeddisappointedbecausehenowheresawthebrightfaceinthemodestbonnet。

　　Pollykeptthisupforaweek，andbycarefullyavoidingtheShaws\'houseduringcallinghours，shesawnothingofMr。Sydney，who，ofcourse，didn\'tvisitheratMissMills\'。Minniehappenedtobepoorlythatweekandtooknolesson，soUncleSydwasdeprivedofhislasthope，andlookedasifhisallowanceofsunshinehadbeensuddenlycutoff。

　　Now，asPollywasbynomeansaperfectcreature，Iamfreetoconfessthattheoldtemptationassailedhermorethanoncethatweek，for，whenthefirstexcitementofthedodgingreformhadsubsided，shemissedthepleasantlittleinterviewsthatusedtoputacertainflavorofromanceintoherdull，hard-workingdays。ShelikedMr。Sydneyverymuch，forhehadalwaysbeenkindandfriendlysincetheearlytimeswhenhehadtreatedthelittlegirlwithacourtesywhichtheyoungwomangratefullyremembered。

　　Idon\'tthinkitwashiswealth，accomplishments，orpositionthatmostattractedPolly，thoughthesedoubtlesspossessedagreaterinfluencethanshesuspected。Itwasthatindescribablesomethingwhichwomenarequicktoseeandfeelinmenwhohavebeenblessedwithwiseandgoodmothers。

　　ThishadanespecialcharmtoPolly，forshesoonfoundthatthissideofhischaracterwasnotshowntoeveryone。Withmostgirls，hewasveryliketheotheryoungmenofhisset，exceptperhapsinacertaingraceofmannerwhichwasasnaturaltohimashisrespectforallwomankind。

　　ButwithFannyandPollyheshowedthedomestictraitsandvirtueswhicharemoreengagingtowomanlywomenthananyamountofcoolintellectorworldlywisdom。

　　PollyhadseenagooddealofhimduringhervisitsattheShaws\'，wherehewasintimate，owingtothefriendshipbetweenMadamandhismother；

　　butshehadneverthoughtofhimasapossibleloverforeitherFannyorherselfbecausehewassixoreightyearsolderthanthey，andstillsometimesassumedthepartofavenerablementor，asintheearlydays。Latelythishadchanged，especiallytowardsPolly，anditflatteredhermorethanshewouldconfesseventoherself。Sheknewheadmiredheronetalent，respectedherindependence，andenjoyedhersociety；butwhensomethingwarmerandmoreflatteringthanadmiration，respect，orpleasurecreptintohismanner，shecouldnothelpseeingthatoneofthegoodgiftsofthislifewasdailycomingmoreandmorewithinherreach，andbegantoaskherselfifshecouldhonestlyreceivethegift，andrewardthegiver。

　　Atfirstshetriedtothinkshecould，butunfortunatelyheartsareso\"contrary\"thattheywon\'tbeobedienttoreason，will，orevengratitude。

　　PollyfeltaverycordialfriendshipforMr。Sydney，butnotoneparticleofthelovewhichistheonlycoininwhichlovecanbetrulypaid。Thenshetookafancyintoherheadthatsheoughttoacceptthispieceofgoodfortuneforthesakeofthefamily，andforgetherself。Butthisfalseideaofself-sacrificedidnotsatisfy，forshewasnotafashionablegirltrainedtobelievethatherfirstdutywastomake\"agoodmatch\"andnevermindtheconsequences，thoughtheyrenderedhermiserableforlife。Polly\'screedwasverysimple:\"IfIdon\'tlovehim，Ioughtnottomarryhim，especiallywhenIdolovesomebodyelse，thougheverythingisagainstme。\"

　　IfshehadreadasmanyFrenchnovelsassomeyoungladies，shemighthaveconsidereditinterestingtomarryunderthecircumstancesandsufferasecretanguishtomakeheraromanticvictim。ButPolly\'seducationhadbeenneglected，andafteragooddealofnaturalindecisionshedidwhatmostwomendoinsuchcases，thoughtshewould\"waitandsee。\"

　　ThediscoveryofFanny\'ssecretseemedtoshowhersomethingtodo，forifthe\"waitandsee\"decisionwasmakingherfriendunhappy，itmustbechangedassoonaspossible。ThisfinishedPolly\'sindecision，andafterthatnightsheneverallowedherselftodwelluponthepleasanttemptationwhichcameinaguiseparticularlyattractivetoayounggirlwithaspiceoftheoldEveinhercomposition。Sodayafterdayshetrudgedthroughthedullbackstreets，longingforthesunnypark，thefacethatalwaysbrightenedwhenitsawhercoming，andmostofallthechanceofmeeting&shy；well，itwasn\'tTrix。

　　WhenSaturdaycame，PollystartedasusualforavisittoBeckyandBess，butcouldn\'tresiststoppingattheShaws\'toleavealittleparcelforFan，thoughitwascallingtime。Asshesteppedin，meaningtorunupforawordifFannyshouldchancetobealone，twohatsonthehalltablearrestedher。

　　\"Whoishere，Katy？\"

　　\"OnlyMr。SydneyandMasterTom。Won\'tyoustopabit，MissPolly？\"

　　\"Notthismorning，I\'mratherinahurry。\"AndawaywentPollyasifadozeneagerpupilswereclamoringforherpresence。Butasthedoorshutbehindhershefeltsoleftoutinthecold，thathereyesfilled，andwhenNep，Tom\'sgreatNewfoundland，cameblunderingafterher，shestoppedandhuggedhisshaggyhead，sayingsoftly，asshelookedintothebrown，benevolenteyes，fullofalmosthumansympathy:&shy；

　　\"Now，goback，olddear，youmustn\'tfollowme。Oh，Nep，it\'ssohardtoputloveawaywhenyouwantitverymuchanditisn\'trighttotakeit。\"

　　Afoolishlittlespeechtomaketoadog，butyouseePollywasonlyatender-heartedgirl，tryingtodoherduty。

　　\"SinceheissafewithFanny，ImayventuretowalkwhereIlike。It\'ssuchalovelyday，allthebabieswillbeout，anditalwaysdoesmegoodtoseethem，\"thoughtPolly，turningintothewide，sunnystreet，whereWestEnd-dompromenadedatthathour。

　　Thebabieswereoutinfullforce，lookingasgayanddelicateandsweetasthesnow-drops，hyacinths，anddaffodilsonthebankswhencethesnowhadmelted。Butsomehowthebabiesdidn\'tdoPollythegoodsheexpected，thoughtheysmiledatherfromtheircarriages，andkissedtheirchubbyhandsasshepassedthem，forPollyhadthesortoffacethatbabieslove。Onetinycreatureinblueplushwascastingdespairingglancesafteraverysmalllordofcreationwhowaswalkingawaywithatoddlingbelleinwhite，whileasecondyounggentlemaningorgeouspurplegaiterswasendeavoringtoconsolethedeserteddamsel。

　　\"TakeholdofMasterCharley\'shand，MissMamie，andwalkpretty，likeWillyandFlossy，\"saidthemaid。

　　\"No，no，IwanttodowidWilly，andhewon\'tletme。Do\'way，Tarley，Idon\'tliteyou，\"criedlittleBlue-bonnet，castingdownhererminemuffandsobbinginamicroscopichandkerchief，thethread-laceedgingonwhichcouldn\'tmitigateherwoe，asitmighthavedonethatofanoldersufferer。

　　\"WillylikesFlossybest，sostopcryingandcomerightalong，younaughtychild。\"

　　AspoorlittleDidowasjerkedawaybytheunsympatheticmaid，andPurple-gaitersessayedinvaintopleadhiscause，Pollysaidtoherself，withasmileandasigh；&shy；

　　\"Howearlytheoldstorybegins!\"

　　Itseemedasifthespringweatherhadbroughtoutallmanneroftenderthingsbesidefreshgrassandthefirstdandelions，forasshewentdownthestreetPollykeptseeingdifferentphasesofthesweetoldstorywhichshewastryingtoforget。

　　Atastreetcorner，ablack-eyedschool-boywaspartingfromarosy-facedschool-girl，whosemusicrollhewasreluctantlysurrendering。

　　\"Don\'tyouforget，now，\"saidtheboy，lookingbashfullyintothebrighteyesthatdancedwithpleasureasthegirlblushedandsmiled，andansweredreproachfully；&shy；

　　\"Why，ofcourseIshan\'t!\"

　　\"Thatlittleromancerunssmoothlysofar；Ihopeitmaytotheend，\"

　　saidPollyheartilyasshewatchedtheladtrampaway，whistlingasblithelyasifhispleasurableemotionsmustfindavent，orendangerthebuttonsontheroundjacket；whilethegirlprancedonherowndoorstep，asifpractisingforthejoyfuldancewhichshehadpromisednottoforget。

　　AlittlefartheronPollypassedanewlyengagedcouplewhomsheknew，walkingarminarmforthefirsttime，bothwearingthatproudyetconsciouslookwhichissodelightfultobeholduponthecountenancesofthesetemporarilyglorifiedbeings。

　　\"Howhappytheyseem；oh，dear!\"saidPolly，andtrudgedon，wonderingifherturnwouldevercomeandfearingthatitwasimpossible。

　　Aglimpseofamotherly-lookingladyenteringadoor，receivedbyaflockofprettychildren，whocastthemselvesuponmammaandherparcelswithcriesofrapture，didPollygood；andwhen，aminuteaftershepassedagrayoldcouplewalkingplacidlytogetherinthesunshine，shefeltbetterstill，andwasgladtoseesuchahappyendingtotheromanceshehadreadalldownthestreet。

　　AsifthemischievouslittlegodwishedtotakePollyatadisadvantage，orperhapstogiveheranotherchance，justatthatinstantMr。Sydneyappearedatherside。HowhegottherewasneververycleartoPolly，buttherehewas，flushed，andalittleoutofbreath，butlookingsogladtoseeherthatshehadn\'tthehearttobestiffandcool，asshehadfullyintendedtobewhentheymet。

　　\"Verywarm，isn\'tit？\"hesaidwhenhehadshakenhandsandfallenintostep，justintheoldway。

　　\"Youseemtofinditso。\"AndPollylaughed，withasuddensparkleinhereyes。Shereallycouldn\'thelpit，itwassopleasanttoseehimagain，justwhenshewasfeelingsolonely。

　　\"HaveyougivenupteachingtheRoths？\"askedSydney，changingthesubject。

　　\"No。\"

　　\"Doyougoasusual？\"

　　\"Yes。\"

　　\"Well，it\'samysterytomehowyougetthere。\"

　　\"Asmuchasitistomehowyougotheresosuddenly。\"

　　\"IsawyoufromtheShaws\'windowandtookthelibertyofrunningafteryoubythebackstreet，\"hesaid，laughing。

　　\"ThatisthewayIgettotheRoths，\"answeredPolly。Shedidnotmeantotell，buthisfranknesswassoagreeablesheforgotherself。

　　\"It\'snotnearlysopleasantorsoshortforyouasthepark。\"

　　\"Iknowit，butpeoplesometimesgettiredofoldwaysandliketotrynewones。\"

　　Pollydidn\'tsaythatquitenaturally，andSydneygaveheraquicklook，asheasked；&shy；

　　\"Doyougettiredofoldfriends，too，MissPolly？\"

　　\"Notoften；but&shy；\"Andthereshestuck，forthefearofbeingungratefulorunkindmadeheralmosthopethathewouldn\'ttakethehintwhichshehadbeencarefullypreparingforhim。

　　Therewasadreadfullittlepause，whichPollybrokebysayingabruptly；&shy；

　　\"HowisFan？\"

　　\"Dashing，asever。DoyouknowI\'mratherdisappointedinFanny，forshedon\'tseemtoimprovewithheryears，\"saidSydney，asifheacceptedthediversionandwasgladofit。

　　\"Ah，youneverseeheratherbest。Sheputsonthatdashingairbeforepeopletohideherrealself。ButIknowherbetter；andIassureyouthatshedoesimprove；shetriestomendherfaults，thoughshewon\'townit，andwillsurpriseyousomeday，bytheamountofheartandsenseandgoodnessshehasgot。\"

　　Pollyspokeheartilynow，andSydneylookedatherasifFanny\'sdefenderpleasedhimmorethanFanny\'sdefence。

　　\"I\'mverygladtohearit，andwillinglytakeyourwordforit。Everybodyshowsyoutheirgoodside，Ithink，andthatiswhyyoufindtheworldsuchapleasantplace。\"

　　\"Oh，butIdon\'t!Itoftenseemslikeaveryhardanddismalplace，andIcroakovermytrialslikeanungratefulraven。\"

　　\"Can\'twemakethetrialslighterforyou？\"

　　Thevoicethatputthequestionwassoverykind，thatPollydarednotlookup，becausesheknewwhattheeyesweresilentlysaying。

　　\"Thankyou，no。Idon\'tgetmoretribulationthanisgoodforme，I

　　fancy，andweareapttomakemistakeswhenwetrytododgetroubles。\"

　　\"Orpeople，\"addedSydneyinatonethatmadePollycoloruptoherforehead。

　　\"Howlovelytheparklooks，\"shesaid，ingreatconfusion。

　　\"Yes，it\'sthepleasantestwalkwehave；don\'tyouthinkso？\"askedtheartfulyoungman，layingatrap，intowhichPollyimmediatelyfell。

　　\"Yes，indeed!It\'salwayssorefreshingtometoseealittlebitofthecountry，asitwere，especiallyatthisseason。\"

　　Oh，Polly，Polly，whatastupidspeechtomake，whenyouhadjustgivenhimtounderstandthatyouweretiredofthepark!Notbeingafooloracox-comb，Sydneyputthisandthattogether，andtakingvarioustriflesintotheaccount，hehadbythistimecometotheconclusionthatPollyhadheardthesamebitsofgossipthathehad，whichlinkedtheirnamestogether，thatshedidn\'tlikeit，andtriedtoshowshedidn\'tinthisway。Hewasquickertotakeahintthanshehadexpected，andbeingbothproudandgenerous，resolvedtosettlethematteratonce，forPolly\'ssakeaswellashisown。So，whenshemadeherlastbrilliantremark，hesaidquietly，watchingherfacekeenlyallthewhile；&shy；

　　\"Ithoughtso；well，I\'mgoingoutoftownonbusinessforseveralweeks，soyoucanenjoyyour\'littlebitofcountry\'withoutbeingannoyedbyme。\"

　　\"Annoyed？Oh，no!\"criedPollyearnestly；thenstoppedshort，notknowingwhattosayforherself。

　　Shethoughtshehadagooddealofthecoquetteinher，andI\'venodoubtthatwithtimeandtrainingshewouldhavebecomeaverydangerouslittleperson，butnowshewasfartootransparentandstraightforwardbynatureeventotellawhiteliecleverly。Sydneyknewthis，andlikedherforit，buthetookadvantageofit，neverthelessbyaskingsuddenly；&shy；

　　\"Honestly，now，wouldn\'tyougotheoldwayandenjoyitasmuchasever，ifIwasn\'tanywhereabouttosetthebusybodiesgossiping？\"

　　\"Yes，\"saidPolly，beforeshecouldstopherself，andthencouldhavebittenhertongueoutforbeingsorude。Anotherawfulpauseseemedimpending，butjustatthatmomentahorsemanclatteredbywithasmileandasalute，whichcausedPollytoexclaim，\"Oh，there\'sTom!\"withatoneandalookthatsilencedthewordshoveringonSydney\'slips，andcausedhimtoholdouthishandwithalookwhichmadePolly\'sheartflutterthenandachewithpityforagoodwhileafterward，thoughheonlysaid，\"Goodby，Polly。\"

　　Hewasgonebeforeshecoulddoanythingbutlookupathimwitharemorsefulface，andshewalkedon，feelingthatthefirstandperhapstheonlylovershewouldeverhave，hadreadhisanswerandaccepteditinsilence。Shedidnotknowwhatelsehehadread，andcomfortedherselfwiththethoughtthathedidnotcareforherverymuch，sincehetookthefirstrebuffsoquickly。

　　PollydidnotreturntoherfavoritewalktillshelearnedfromMinniethat\"Uncle\"hadreallylefttown，andthenshefoundthathisfriendlycompanyandconversationwaswhathadmadethewaysopleasantafterall。

　　Shesighedovertheperversityofthingsingeneral，andcroakedalittleoverhertrialsinparticular，butonthewholegotoverherlossbetterthansheexpected，forsoonshehadothersorrowsbesideherowntocomfort，andsuchworkdoesabodymoregoodthanfloodsofregretfultears，orhoursofsentimentallamentation。

　　SheshunnedFannyforadayortwo，butgainednothingbyit，forthatyounglady，hearingofSydney\'ssuddendeparture，couldnotresttillshediscoveredthecauseofit，andwalkedinuponPollyoneafternoonjustwhentheduskmadeitapropitioushourfortenderconfidences。

　　\"Whathaveyoubeendoingwithyourselflately？\"askedFanny，composingherself，withherbacktowardtherapidlywaninglight。

　　\"Waggingtoandfroasusual。What\'sthenewswithyou？\"answeredPolly，feelingthatsomethingwascomingandrathergladtohaveitoveranddonewith。

　　\"Nothingparticular。TrixtreatsTomshamefully，andhebearsitlikealamb。Itellhimtobreakhisengagement，andnotbeworriedso；buthewon\'t，becauseshehasbeenjiltedonceandhethinksit\'ssuchameanthingtodo。\"

　　\"Perhapsshe\'lljilthim。\"

　　\"I\'venodoubtshewill，ifanythingbettercomesalong。ButTrixisgettingpass&eacute；e，andIshouldn\'twonderifshekepthimtohisword，justoutofperversity，ifnothingelse。\"

　　\"PoorTom，whatafate!\"saidPollywithwhatwasmeanttobeacomicalgroan；butitsoundedsotragicalthatshesawitwouldn\'tpass，andhastenedtohidethefailurebysaying，withalaugh，\"IfyoucallTrixpass&eacute；eattwenty-three，whatshallweallbeattwenty-five？\"

　　\"Utterlydonewith，andlaidupontheshelf。Ifeelsoalready，forIdon\'tgethalftheattentionIusedtohave，andtheothernightIheardMaudandGracewonderingwhythoseoldgirls\'didn\'tstayathome，andgivethemachance。\'\"

　　\"HowisMaudie？\"

　　\"Prettywell，butsheworriesmebyherqueertastesandnotions。Shelovestogointothekitchenandmess，shehatestostudy，andsaidrightbeforetheVincentsthatsheshouldthinkitwouldbegreatfuntobeabeggar-girl，togoroundwithabasket，itmustbesointerestingtoseewhatyou\'dget。\"

　　\"Minniesaidtheotherdayshewishedshewasapigeonsoshecouldpaddleinthepuddlesandnotfussaboutrubbers。\"

　　\"Bytheway，whenisherunclecomingback？\"askedFanny，whocouldn\'twaitanylongerandjoyfullyseizedtheopeningPollymadeforher。

　　\"I\'msureIdon\'tknow。\"

　　\"Norcare，Isuppose，youhard-heartedthing。\"

　　\"Why，Fan，whatdoyoumean？\"

　　\"I\'mnotblind，mydear，neitherisTom，andwhenayounggentlemancutsacallabruptlyshort，andracesafterayounglady，andisseenholdingherhandatthequietestcornerofthepark，andthengoestravellingallofasudden，weknowwhatitmeansifyoudon\'t。\"

　　\"Whogotupthatniceidea，Ishouldliketoknow？\"demandedPolly，asFannystoppedforbreath。