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　　\"Nowdon\'tbeaffected，Polly，butjusttellme，likeadear，hasn\'theproposed？\"

　　\"No，hehasn\'t。\"

　　\"Don\'tyouthinkhemeansto？\"

　　\"Idon\'tthinkhe\'lleversayawordtome。\"

　　\"Well，Iamsurprised!\"AndFannydrewalongbreath，asifaloadwasoffhermind。Thensheaddedinachangedtone:

　　\"Butdon\'tyoulovehim，Polly？\"

　　\"No。\"

　　\"Truly？\"

　　\"Truly，Fan。\"

　　Neitherspokeforaminute，buttheheartofoneofthembeatjoyfullyandtheduskhidaveryhappyface。

　　\"Don\'tyouthinkhecaredforyou，dear？\"askedFanny，presently。\"I

　　don\'tmeantobeprying，butIreallythoughthedid。\"

　　\"That\'snotformetosay，butifitisso，it\'sonlyapassingfancyandhe\'llsoongetoverit。\"

　　\"Dotellmeallaboutit；I\'msointerested，andIknowsomethinghashappened，Ihearitinyourvoice，forIcan\'tseeyourface。\"

　　\"DoyourememberthetalkweoncehadafterreadingoneofMissEdgeworth\'sstoriesaboutnotlettingone\'sloverscometoadeclarationifonedidn\'tlovethem？\"

　　\"Yes。\"

　　\"Andyougirlssaiditwasn\'tproper，andIsaiditwashonest，anyway。

　　Well，IalwaysmeanttotryitifIgotachance，andIhave。Mindyou，Idon\'tsayMr。Sydneylovedme，forheneversaidso，andneverwill，now，butIdidfancyheratherlikedmeandmightdomoreifIdidn\'tshowhimthatitwasofnouse。\"

　　\"Andyoudid？\"criedFanny，muchexcited。

　　\"Ijustgavehimahintandhetookit。Hemeanttogoawaybeforethat，sodon\'tthinkhisheartisbroken，ormindwhatsillytattlerssay。I

　　didn\'tlikehismeetingmesomuchandtoldhimsobygoinganotherway。

　　Heunderstood，andbeingagentleman，madenofuss。IdaresayhethoughtIwasavaingoose，andlaughedatmeformypains，likeChurchillin\'Helen。\'

　　\"

　　\"No，hewouldn\'t；He\'dlikeitandrespectyoufordoingit。But，Polly，itwouldhavebeenagrandthingforyou。\"

　　\"Ican\'tsellmyselfforanestablishment。\"

　　\"Mercy!Whatanidea!\"

　　\"Well，that\'stheplainEnglishofhalfyourfashionablematches。I

　　\'m\'odd，\'youknow，andprefertobeanindependentspinsterandteachmusicallmydays。\"

　　\"Ah，butyouwon\'t。Youweremadeforanice，happyhomeofyourown，andIhopeyou\'llgetit，Polly，dear，\"saidFannywarmly，feelingsogratefultoPolly，thatshefoundithardnottopouroutallhersecretatonce。

　　\"IhopeImay；butIdoubtit，\"answeredPollyinatonethatmadeFannywonderifshe，too，knewwhatheartachemeant。

　　\"Somethingtroublesyou，Polly，whatisit？Confideinme，asIdoinyou，\"saidFannytenderly，forallthecoldnessshehadtriedtohidefromPolly，hadmeltedinthesuddensunshinethathadcometoher。

　　\"Doyoualways？\"askedherfriend，leaningforwardwithanirresistibledesiretowinbacktheold-timeloveandconfidence，tooprecioustobeexchangedforalittlebriefexcitementorthebarrenhonorof\"baggingabird，\"touseTrix\'selegantexpression。Fannyunderstooditthen，andthrewherselfintoPolly\'sarms，crying，withashowerofgratefultears；&shy；

　　\"Oh，mydear!mydear!didyoudoitformysake？\"

　　AndPollyheldherclose，sayinginthattendervoiceofhers，&shy；

　　\"Ididn\'tmeantoletaloverpartthispairoffriendsifIcouldhelpit。\"ChapterXV。ChapterXV。CHAPTERXVBREAKERSAHEADGOINGintotheShaws\'oneevening，PollyfoundMaudsittingonthestairs，withatroubledface。

　　\"Oh，Polly，I\'msogladyou\'vecome!\"criedthelittlegirl，runningtohugher。

　　\"What\'sthematter，deary？\"

　　\"Idon\'tknow；somethingdreadfulmusthavehappened，formammaandFanarecryingtogetherupstairs，papaisshutupinthelibrary，andTomisragingroundlikeabear，inthedining-room。\"

　　\"Iguessitisn\'tanythingverybad。Perhapsmammaissickerthanusual，orpapaworriedaboutbusiness，orTominsomenewscrape。Don\'tlooksofrightened，Maudie，butcomeintotheparlorandseewhatI\'vegotforyou，\"saidPolly，feelingthattherewastroubleofsomesortintheair，buttryingtocheerthechild，forherlittlefacewasfullofasorrowfulanxiety，thatwenttoPolly\'sheart。

　　\"Idon\'tthinkIcanlikeanythingtillIknowwhatthematteris，\"answeredMaud。\"It\'ssomethinghorrid，I\'msure，forwhenpapacamehome，hewentuptomamma\'sroom，andtalkedeversolong，andmammacriedveryloud，andwhenItriedtogoin，Fanwouldn\'tletme，andshelookedscaredandstrange。Iwantedtogotopapawhenhecamedown，butthedoorwaslocked，andhesaid，\'Notnow，mylittlegirl，\'andthenIsatherewaitingtoseewhatwouldhappen，andTomcamehome。ButwhenIrantotellhim，hesaid，\'Goaway，anddon\'tbother，\'andjusttookmebytheshouldersandputmeout。Oh，dear!everythingissoqueerandhorrid，Idon\'tknowwhattodo。\"

　　Maudbegantocry，andPollysatdownonthestairsbesideher，tryingtocomforther，whileherownthoughtswerefullofavaguefear。Allatoncethedining-roomdooropened，andTom\'sheadappeared。AsingleglanceshowedPollythatsomethingwasthematter，forthecareandelegancewhichusuallymarkedhisappearancewereentirelywanting。Histiewasunderoneear，hishairinatoss，thecherishedmoustachehadaneglectedair，andhisfaceanexpressionbothexcited，ashamed，anddistressed；

　　evenhisvoicebetrayeddisturbance，forinsteadoftheaffablegreetingheusuallybestowedupontheyounglady，heseemedtohavefallenbackintotheblufftoneofhisboyishdays，andallhesaidwas，&shy；

　　\"Hullo，Polly。\"

　　\"Howdoyoudo？\"answeredPolly。

　　\"I\'minadevilofamess，thankyou；sendthatchickenupstairs，andcomeinandhearaboutit。\"hesaid，asifhehadbeenlongingtotellsomeone，andwelcomedprudentPollyasaspecialprovidence。

　　\"Goup，deary，andamuseyourselfwiththisbook，andthesegingersnapsthatImadeforyou，there\'sagoodchild，\"whisperedPolly，asMaudrubbedawayhertears，andstaredatTomwithround，inquisitiveeyes。

　　\"You\'lltellmeallaboutit，byandby，won\'tyou？\"shewhispered，preparingtoobey。

　　\"IfImay，\"answeredPolly。

　　Mauddepartedwithunexpecteddocility，andPollywentintothedining-room，whereTomwaswanderingaboutinarestlessway。Ifhehadbeen\"raginglikeabear，\"Pollywouldn\'thavecared，shewassopleasedthathewantedher，andsogladtobeaconfidante，assheusedtobeinthehappyolddays，thatshewouldjoyfullyhavefacedamuchmoreformidablepersonthanrecklessTom。

　　\"Now，then，whatisit？\"shesaid，comingstraighttothepoint。

　　\"Guess。\"

　　\"You\'vekilledyourhorseracing。\"

　　\"Worsethanthat。\"

　　\"Youaresuspendedagain。\"

　　\"Worsethanthat。\"

　　\"Trixhasrunawaywithsomebody，\"criedPolly，withagasp。

　　\"Worsestill。\"

　　\"Oh，Tom，youhaven\'thorsewhippedorshotanyone？\"

　　\"CameprettynearblowingmyownbrainsoutbutyouseeIdidn\'t。\"

　　\"Ican\'tguess；tellme，quick。\"

　　\"Well，I\'mexpelled。\"

　　Tompausedontherugashegavetheanswer，andlookedatPollytoseehowshetookit。Tohissurprisesheseemedalmostrelieved，andafteraminutesilence，said，soberly，&shy；

　　\"That\'sbad，verybad；butitmighthavebeenworse。\"

　　\"Itisworse；\"andTomwalkedawayagainwithadespairingsortofgroan。

　　\"Don\'tknockthechairsabout，butcomeandsitdown，andtellmequietly。\"

　　\"Can\'tdoit。\"

　　\"Well，goon，then。Areyoutrulyexpelled？Can\'titbemadeup？Whatdidyoudo？\"

　　\"It\'satruebillthistime。IjusthadarowwiththeChapelwatchman，andknockedhimdown。Ifitwasafirstoffence，Imighthavegotoff；

　　butyouseeI\'vehadnoendofnarrowescapes，andthiswasmylastchance；

　　I\'velostit，andnowthere\'llbethedickenstopay。Iknewitwasallupwithme，soIdidn\'twaittobeturnedout，butjusttookmyselfoff。\"

　　\"Whatwillyourfathersay？\"

　　\"Itwillcomehardonthegovernor，buttheworstofitis&shy；\"thereTomstopped，andstoodaminuteinthemiddleoftheroomwithhisheaddown，asifhedidn\'tfinditeasytotellevenkindlittlePolly。Thenoutcamethetruthallinabreath，justasheusedtoboltouthisboyishmisdemeanors，andthenbackupagainstthewallreadytotaketheconsequences。

　　\"Ioweanawfullotofmoneythatthegovernordon\'tknowabout。\"

　　\"Oh，Tom，howcouldyou？\"

　　\"I\'vebeenanextravagantrascal，Iknowit，andI\'mthunderingsorry，butthatdon\'thelpafellow，I\'vegottotellthedearoldbuffer，andthere\'swhereitcuts。\"

　　AtanothertimePollywouldhavelaughedatthecontrastbetweenTom\'sfaceandhislanguage，buttherewasasincereremorse，whichmadeeventhedreadfulword\"buffer\"rathertouchingthanotherwise。

　　\"Hewillbeveryangry，Idaresay；buthe\'llhelpyou，won\'the？Healwaysdoes，Fansays。\"

　　\"That\'stheworstofit，yousee。He\'spaidupsooften，thatthelasttimehesaidhispatiencecouldn\'tstandit，norhispocketeither，andifIgotintoanymorescrapesofthatsort，ImustgetoutasIcould。

　　ImeanttobeassteadyasBunkerHillMonument；buthereIamagain，worsethanever，forlastquarterIdidn\'tsayanythingtofather，hewassobotheredbythelossofthoseshipsjustthen，sothingshavemountedupconfoundedly。\"

　　\"Whathaveyoudonewithallyourmoney？\"

　　\"HangedifIknow。\"

　　\"Can\'tyoupayitanyway？\"

　　\"Don\'tseehow，asIhaven\'tacentofmyown，andnowayofgettingit，unlessItrygambling。\"

　　\"Oh，mercy，no!Sellyourhorse，\"criedPolly，afteraminuteofdeepmeditation。

　　\"Ihave；buthedidn\'tbringhalfIgaveforhim。Ilamedhimlastwinter，andthebeggarwon\'tgetoverit。\"

　　\"Andthatdidn\'tpayupthedebts？\"

　　\"Onlyaboutahalfof\'em。\"

　　\"Why，Tom，howmuchdoyouowe？\"

　　\"Ihavedodgedfiguringituptillyesterday；thenthingsweresodesperate，IthoughtImightaswellfacethetruth，soIoverhauledmyaccounts，andthere\'stheresult。\"

　　Tomthrewablotted，crumpledpaperintoPolly\'slap，andtrampedupanddownagain，fasterthanever。Pollytookonelookatthetotalandclaspedherhands，fortoherinexperiencedeyesitlookedappalling。

　　\"Tidylittlesum，isn\'tit？\"askedTom，whocouldn\'tbearthesilence，orthestartled，grievedlookinPolly\'seyes。

　　\"It\'sawful!Idon\'twonderyoudreadtellingyourfather。\"

　　\"I\'dratherbeshot。Isay，Polly，supposewebreakittohimeasy!\"

　　addedTom，afteranotherturn。

　　\"Howdoyoumean？\"

　　\"Why，supposeFan，or，betterstill，yougoandsortofpavetheway。

　　Ican\'tbeartocomedownonhimwiththewholetruthatonce。\"

　　\"Soyou\'dliketohavemegoandtellhimforyou？\"Polly\'slipcurledalittleasshesaidthat，andshegaveTomalookthatwouldhaveshownhimhowblueeyescanflash，ifhehadseenit。Buthewasatthewindow，anddidn\'tturn，ashesaidslowly，&shy；

　　\"Well，yousee，he\'ssofondofyou；weallconfideinyou；andyouaresolikeoneofthefamily，thatitseemsquitenatural。JusttellhimI\'mexpelled，youknow，andasmuchmoreasyoulike；thenI\'llcomein，andwe\'llhaveitout。\"

　　Pollyroseandwenttothedoorwithoutaword。Indoingso，Tomcaughtaglimpseofherface，andsaid，hastily，&shy；

　　\"Don\'tyouthinkitwouldbeagoodplan？\"

　　\"No，Idon\'t。\"

　　\"Whynot？Don\'tyouthinkhe\'dratherhaveittoldhimnicelybyyou，thanblurtedoutasIalwaysdoblurtthings？\"

　　\"Iknowhe\'dratherhavehissongotohimandtellthetruth，likeaman，insteadofsendingagirltodowhatheisafraidtodohimself。\"

　　IfPollyhadsuddenlyboxedhisears，Tomcouldn\'thavelookedmoretakenabackthanbythatburst。Helookedatherexcitedface，seemedtounderstandthemeaningofit，andrememberedallatoncethathewastryingtohidebehindagirl。Heturnedscarlet，saidshortly，\"Comeback，Polly，\"andwalkedstraightoutoftheroom，lookingasifgoingtoinstantexecution，forpoorTomhadbeentaughttofearhisfather，andhadnotentirelyoutgrownthedread。

　　Pollysatdown，lookingbothsatisfiedandtroubled。\"IhopeIdidright，\"

　　shesaidtoherself，\"Icouldn\'tbeartohavehimshirkandseemcowardly。

　　Heisn\'t，onlyhedidn\'tthinkhowitseemedtome，andIdon\'twonderhewasalittleafraid，Mr。Shawissoseverewiththepoorfellow。Oh，dear，whatshouldwedoifWillgotintosuchscrapes。Thankgoodness，he\'spoor，andcan\'t；I\'msogladofthat!\"

　　Thenshesatsilentbesidethehalf-opendoor，hearingthemurmurofTom\'svoiceacrossthehall，andhoping，withallherheart，thathewouldn\'thaveaveryhardtime。Heseemedtotellhisstoryrapidlyandsteadily，withoutinterruption，totheend；thenPollyheardMr。Shaw\'sdeepervoicesayafewwords，atwhichTomutteredaloudexclamation，asiftakenbysurprise。Pollycouldn\'tdistinguishaword，soshekeptherseat，wonderinganxiouslywhatwasgoingonbetweenthetwomen。AsuddenpauseseemedtofollowTom\'sejaculation，thenMr。Shawtalkedalongtimeinalow，earnesttone，sodifferentfromtheangryonePollyhadexpectedtohear，thatitmadehernervous，forMr。Shawusually\"blewTomupfirst，andforgavehimafterward，\"asMaudsaid。PresentlyTom\'svoicewasheard，apparentlyaskingeagerquestions，towhichbriefrepliesweregiven。Thenadeadsilencefellupontheroom，andnothingwasheardbutthespringrainsoftlyfallingoutofdoors。Allofasuddensheheardamovement，andTom\'svoicesayaudibly，&shy；

　　\"LetmebringPolly；\"andheappeared，lookingsopaleandmiserablethatPollywasfrightened。

　　\"Goandsaysomethingtohim；Ican\'t；pooroldfather，ifI\'donlyknown，\"andtoPolly\'sutterdismay，Tomthrewhimselfintoachair，andlaidhisheaddownonthetable，asifhehadgotablowthatwastoomuchforhim。

　　\"Oh，Tom，whatisit？\"criedPolly，hurryingtohim，fulloffearsshedarednotspeak。

　　Withoutlookingup，Tomanswered，inasmotheredvoice，\"Failed；allgonetosmash；andto-morroweveryonewillknowit。\"

　　PollyheldontothebackofTom\'schair，foraminute，forthenewstookherbreathaway，andshefeltasiftheworldwascomingtoanend，\"failed\"wassuchavaguelydreadfulwordtoher。

　　\"Isitverybad？\"sheasked，softly，feelingasifanythingwasbetterthantostandstillandseeTomsowretched。

　　\"Yes；hemeanstogiveupeverything。He\'sdonehisbest；butitcan\'tbestavedoffanylonger，andit\'sallupwithhim。\"

　　\"Oh，IwishIhadamilliontogivehim!\"criedPolly，claspingherhands，withthetearsrunningdownhercheeks。\"Howdoeshebearit，Tom？\"

　　\"Likeaman，Polly；andI\'mproudofhim，\"saidTom，lookingup，allredandexcitedwiththeemotionshewastryingtokeepunder。\"Everythinghasbeenagainsthim，andhehasfoughtallalonetostandthepressure，butit\'stoomuchforhim，andhe\'sgivenin。It\'sanhonorablefailure，mindyou，andnoonecansayawordagainsthim。I\'dliketosee\'emtryit!\"andTomclenchedhishands，asifitwouldbeanimmenserelieftohimtothrashhalfadozenaspersersofhisfather\'shonestname。

　　\"Ofcoursetheycan\'t!ThisiswhatpoorMaudtroubledabout。HehadtoldyourmotherandFanbeforeyoucame，andthatiswhytheyaresounhappy，Isuppose。\"

　　\"Theyaresafeenough。Fatherhasn\'ttouchedmother\'smoney；he\'couldn\'trobhisgirls，\'hesaid，andthat\'sallsafefor\'em。Isn\'theatrump，Polly？\"AndTom\'sfaceshonewithpride，evenwhilehislipswouldtwitchwithatendererfeeling。

　　\"IfIcouldonlydoanythingtohelp，\"criedPolly，oppressedwithherownpowerlessness。

　　\"Youcan。Goandbegoodtohim；youknowhow；heneedsitenough，allalonethere。Ican\'tdoit，forI\'monlyacurseinsteadofacomforttohim。\"

　　\"Howdidhetakeyournews？\"askedPolly，who，foratime，hadforgottenthelessertroubleinthegreater。

　　\"Likealamb；forwhenI\'ddone，heonlysaid，\'Mypoorlad，wemustbearwithoneanother。\'andthentoldhisstory。\"

　　\"I\'mgladhewaskind，\"beganPolly，inasoothingtone；butTomcriedout，remorsefully，&shy；

　　\"That\'swhatknocksmeover!JustwhenIoughttobeaprideandaproptohim，Ibringhimmydebtsanddisgrace，andheneversaysawordofblame。It\'snouse，Ican\'tstandit!\"andTom\'sheadwentdownagainwithsomethingverylikeasob，thatwouldcomeinspiteofmanfuleffortstokeepitback，forthepoorfellowhadthewarmestheartthateverwas，andallthefinewaistcoatsoutsidecouldn\'tspoilit。

　　ThatsoundgavePollymorepainthanthenewsofadozenfailuresandexpulsions，anditwasasimpossibleforhertoresistputtingherhandtenderlyonthebenthead，asitwasforhertohelpnoticingwithpleasurehowbrownthelittlecurlsweregrowing，andhowsofttheywere。Inspiteofhersorrow，sheenjoyedthatminuteverymuch，forshewasabornconsoler，and，itishardlynecessaryformetoadd，lovedthisreprehensibleTomwithallherheart。Itwasaveryfoolishthingforhertodo，shequiteagreedtothat；shecouldn\'tunderstandit，explainit，orhelpit；sheonlyfeltthatshedidcareforhimverymuch，inspiteofhisfaults，hisindifference，andhisengagement。Yousee，shelearnedtolovehimonesummer，whenhemadethemavisit。ThatwasbeforeTrixcaughthim；

　　andwhensheheardthatpieceofnews，Pollycouldn\'tunlovehimallatonce，thoughshetriedveryhard，aswasherduty。Thatengagementwassuchafarce，thatsheneverhadmuchfaithinit，sosheputherloveawayinacornerofherheart，andtriedtoforgetit，hopingitwouldeitherdie，orhavearighttolive。Itdidn\'tmakeherverymiserable，becausepatience，work，andcommon-senselentherahand，andhopewouldkeeppoppingupitsbrightfacefromthebottomofherPandora-boxoftroubles。

　　Nowandthen，whenanyonesaidTrixwouldn\'tjiltTom，orthatTomdidcareforTrixmorethanheshould，Pollyhadapang，andthoughtshecouldn\'tpossiblybearit。Butshealwaysfoundshecould，andsocametotheconclusionthatitwasamercifulprovisionofnaturethatgirls\'heartscouldstandsomuch，andtheirappetitescontinuegood，whenunrequitedlovewasstarving。

　　Now，shecouldnothelpyearningoverthisfaulty，well-belovedscapegraceTom，orhelpthinking，withalittlethrillofhope，\"IfTrixonlycaredforhismoney，shemaycasthimoffnowhe\'slostit；butI\'lllovehimallthebetterbecausehe\'spoor。\"Withthisfeelingwarmatherheart，Idon\'twonderthatPolly\'shandhadasoothingeffect，andthatafteraheaveortwo，Tom\'sshoulderswerequiet，andcertainsmotheredsniffssuggestedthathewouldbeallrightagain，ifhecouldonlywipehiseyeswithoutanyone\'sseeinghimdoit。

　　Pollyseemedtodivinehiswish，andtuckingalittle，cleanhandkerchiefintooneofhishalf-openhands，shesaid，\"I\'mgoingtoyourfather，now，\"andwithafarewellsmooth，socomfortingthatTomwishedshe\'ddoitagain，shewentaway。

　　Asshepausedaminuteinthehalltosteadyherself，Maudcalledherfromabove，andthinkingthatthewomenmightneedhermorethanthemen，sheranuptofindFannywaitingforherinherownroom。

　　\"Mamma\'sasleep，quitewornout，poordear，sowecantalkinherewithouttroublingher，\"saidFanny，receivingherfriendsoquietly，thatPollywasamazed。

　　\"Letmecome，too，Iwon\'tmakeanyfuss；it\'ssodreadfultobeshutouteverywhere，andhavepeoplecryingandtalking，andlockedup，andInotknowwhatitmeans，\"saidMaud，beseechingly。

　　\"Youdoknow，now；I\'vetoldher，Polly，\"saidFan，astheysatdowntogether，andMaudperchedherselfonthebed，sothatshemightretireamongthepillowsifherfeelingsweretoomuchforher。

　　\"I\'mgladyoutakeitsowell，dear；Iwasafraiditmightupsetyou，\"

　　saidPolly，seeingnowthatinspiteofherquietmanner，Fan\'seyeshadanexcitedlook，andhercheeksafeverishcolor。

　　\"Ishallgroanandmoanbyandby，Idaresay，butatfirstitsortofdazedme，andnowitbeginstoexciteme。Ioughttobefullofsorrowforpoorpapa，andIamtrulysorry，but，wickedasitmayseem，it\'safact，Polly，thatI\'mhalfgladit\'shappened，forittakesmeoutofmyself，andgivesmesomethingtodo。\"

　　Fanny\'seyesfellandhercolorroseasshespoke，butPollyunderstoodwhyshewantedtoforgetherself，andputherarmroundherwithamoretendersympathythanFannyguessed。

　　\"Perhapsthingsarenotasbadastheyseem；Idon\'tknowmuchaboutsuchmatters，butI\'veseenpeoplewhohavefailed，andtheyseemedjustascomfortableasbefore，\"saidPolly。

　　\"Itwon\'tbesowithus，forpapameanstogiveupeverything，andnothaveawordsaidagainsthim。Mamma\'slittlepropertyissettleduponher，andhasn\'tbeenrisked。Thattouchedhersomuch!ShedreadspovertyevenmorethanIdo，butshebeggedhimtotakeitifitwouldhelphim。Thatpleasedhim，buthesaidnothingwouldinducehimtodoit，foritwouldn\'thelpmuch，andwashardlyenoughtokeephercomfortable。\"

　　\"Doyouknowwhathemeanstodo？\"askedPolly，anxiously。

　　\"Hesaidhisplanswerenotmade，buthemeanttogointothelittlehousethatbelongedtograndma，assoonashecould，foritwasn\'thonestforabankrupttokeepupanestablishmentlikethis。\"

　　\"Ishan\'tmindthatatall，Ilikethelittlehouse\'causeit\'sgotagarden，andthere\'sacunningroomwithathree-corneredclosetinitthatIalwayswanted。Ifthat\'sall，Idon\'tthinkbankruptingissoverybad，\"saidMaud，takingacheerfulviewofthings。

　　\"Ah，justwaittillthecarriagegoesandtheniceclothesandtheservants，andwehavetoscratchalongaswecan。You\'llchangeyourmindthen，poorchild，\"saidFanny，whoseideasoffailureweredecidedlytragical。

　　\"Willtheytakeallmythingsaway？\"criedMaud，indismay。

　　\"Idaresay；Idon\'tknowwhatweareallowedtokeep；butnotmuch，Ifancy，\"andFanlookedasifstrunguptosacrificeeverythingshepossessed。

　　\"Theyshan\'thavemynewear-rings，&shy；I\'llhide\'em，&shy；andmybestdress，andmygoldsmellingbottle。Oh，oh，oh!Ithinkit\'smeantotakealittlegirl\'sthingsaway!\"AndMauddivedamongthepillowstosmotherawailofanguishattheprospectofbeingbereftofhertreasures。

　　Pollysoonluredheroutagain，byassurancesthatshewouldn\'tbeutterlydespoiled，andpromisestotryandsoftenthehardheartsofherfather\'screditors，iftheear-ringsandthesmelling-bottlewereattached。

　　\"Iwonderifweshallbeabletokeeponeservant，justtillwelearnhowtodothework，\"saidFanny，lookingatherwhitehands，withasigh。

　　ButMaudclappedhers，andgaveajoyfulbounce，asshecried，&shy；

　　\"NowIcanlearntocook!Ilovesotobeateggs!I\'llhaveanapron，withabibtoit，likePolly\'s，andafeatherduster，andsweepthestairs，maybe，withmyheadtiedup，likeKaty。Oh，whatfun!\"

　　\"Don\'tlaughather，ordiscourageher；letherfindcomfortinbibsanddust-pans，ifshecan，\"whisperedPollytoFan，whileMaudtookajoyful\"header\"amongthepillows，andcameupsmilingandblowzy，forshelovedhouse-work，andoftengotlecturedforstolenvisitstothekitchen，andsurreptitioussweepingsanddustingswhenthecoastwasclear。

　　\"Mammaissofeeble，Ishallhavetokeephouse，Isuppose，andyoumustshowmehow，Polly，\"saidFan。

　　\"Goodpractice，ma\'am，asyou\'llfindoutsomeday，\"answeredPolly，laughingsignificantly。

　　Fannysmiled，thengrewbothgraveandsad。\"Thischangeseverything；

　　theoldsetwilldropme，aswedidtheMertonswhentheirfatherfailed，andmy\'prospects，\'aswesay，arequiteruined。\"

　　\"Idon\'tbelieveit；yourrealfriendswon\'tdropyou，andyou\'llfindoutwhichthetrueonesarenow。Iknowonefriendwhowillbekinderthanever。\"

　　\"Oh，Polly，doyouthinkso？\"andFanny\'seyessoftenedwithsuddentears。

　　\"Iknowwhoshemeans，\"criedMaud，alwayseagertofindoutthings。

　　\"It\'sherself；Pollywon\'tmindifwearepoor，\'causeshelikesbeggars。\"

　　\"Isthatwhoyoumeant？\"askedFan，wistfully。

　　\"No，it\'samuchbetteranddearerfriendthanIam，\"saidPolly，pinchingFanny\'scheek，asitreddenedprettilyunderhereyes。\"You\'llneverguess，Maud，soIwouldn\'ttry，butbeplanningwhatyouwillputinyourcunning，three-corneredcloset，whenyougetit。\"

　　Havinggotridof\"MissPaulinaPry，\"asTomcalledMaud，whowasimmediatelyabsorbedbyhercupboard，theoldergirlssoberlydiscussedthesuddenchangewhichhadcome，andPollywassurprisedtoseewhatunexpectedstrengthandsenseFannyshowed。Pollywastoounconsciousofthechangewhichlovehadmadeinherselftounderstandatfirstthecauseofherfriend\'snewpatienceandfortitude；butsherejoicedoverit，andfeltthatherprophecywouldyetbefulfilled。PresentlyMaudemergedfromhernewcloset，bringingasomewhatstartlingideawithher。

　　\"Dobankruptingmen\"Maudlikedthatnewword\"alwayshavefits？\"

　　\"Mercy，no!Whatputthatintoyourhead，child？\"criedPolly。

　　\"Why，Mr。Mertondid；andIwasthinkingperhapspapahadgotonedownthere，anditkindoffrightenedme。\"

　　\"Mr。Merton\'swasabad，disgracefulfailure，andIdon\'twonderhehadafit。Oursisn\'t，andpapawon\'tdoanythingofthatsort，youmaybesure，\"saidFanny，withasproudanairasif\"ourfailure\"wasratheranhonorthanotherwise。

　　\"Don\'tyouthinkyouandMaudhadbettergodownandseehim？\"askedPolly。

　　\"Perhapshewouldn\'tlikeit；andIdon\'tknowwhattosay，either，\"

　　beganFan；butPollysaid，eagerly，&shy；

　　\"Iknowhewouldlikeit。Nevermindwhatyousay；justgo，andshowhimthatyoudon\'tdoubtorblamehimforthis，butlovehimallthemore，andarereadyandgladtohelphimbearthetrouble。\"

　　\"I\'mgoing，Iain\'tafraid；I\'lljusthughim，andsayI\'meversogladwearegoingtothelittlehouse，\"criedMaud，scramblingoffthebed，andrunningdownstairs。

　　\"Comewithme，Polly，andtellmewhattodo，\"saidFanny，drawingherfriendafterher。

　　\"You\'llknowwhattodowhenyouseehim，betterthanIcantellyou，\"

　　answeredPolly，readilyyielding，forsheknewtheyconsideredher\"quiteoneofthefamily，\"asTomsaid。

　　AtthestudydoortheyfoundMaud，whosecouragehadgivenout，forMr。Merton\'sfitratherhauntedher。Pollyopenedthedoor；andtheminuteFannysawherfather，shedidknowwhattodo。Thefirewaslow，thegasdim，andMr。Shawwassittinginhiseasy-chair，hisgrayheadinbothhishands，lookinglonely，old，andboweddownwithcare。FannygavePollyonelook，thenwentandtookthegrayheadinbothherarms，saying，withatenderquiverinhervoice，&shy；

　　\"Fatherdear，we\'vecometohelpyoubearit\"

　　Mr。Shawlookedup，andseeinginhisdaughter\'sfacesomethingthatneverhadbeentherebefore，puthisarmabouther，andleanedhistiredheadagainsther，asif，whenleastexpected，hehadfoundtheconsolationhemostneeded。Inthatminute，Fannyfelt，withmingledjoyandself-reproach，whatadaughtermightbetoherfather；andPolly，thinkingoffeeble，selfishMrs。Shaw，asleepupstairs，sawwithsuddenclearnesswhatawifeshouldbetoherhusband，&shy；ahelpmeet，notaburden。Touchedbytheseunusualdemonstrations，Maudcreptquietlytoherfather\'sknee，andwhispered，withagreattearshiningonherlittlepugnose，&shy；

　　\"Papa，wedon\'tminditmuch，andI\'mgoingtohelpFankeephouseforyou；I\'dliketodoit，truly。\"

　　Mr。Shaw\'sotherarmwentroundthechild，andforaminutenoonesaidanything，forPollyhadslippedbehindhischair，thatnothingshoulddisturbthethree，whowerelearningfrommisfortunehowmuchtheylovedoneanother。

　　PresentlyMr。Shawsteadiedhimselfandasked，&shy；

　　\"Whereismyotherdaughter，where\'smyPolly？\"

　　Shewasthereatonce；gavehimoneofthequietkissesthathadmorethanusualtendernessinit，forshelovedtohearhimsay\"myotherdaughter，\"

　　andthenshewhispered，&shy；

　　\"Don\'tyouwantTom，too？\"

　　\"OfcourseIdo；whereisthepoorfellow？\"

　　\"I\'llbringhim；\"andPollydepartedwithmostobligingalacrity。

　　Butinthehallshepausedaminutetopeepintotheglassandseeifshewasallright，forsomehowshewasmoreanxioustolookneatandprettytoTominhishouroftroublethanshehadeverbeeninhisprosperousdays。Inliftingherarmstoperkupthebowatherthroatsheknockedahatoffthebracket。Now，ashinyblackbeaverisnotanobjectexactlycalculatedtoinspiretenderorromanticsentiments，onewouldfancy，butthatparticular\"stovepipe\"seemedtotouchPollytotheheart，forshecaughtitup，asifitsfallsuggestedagreaterone，smoothedoutaslightdint，asifitwassymbolicalofthehardknocksitsowner\'sheadwasnowindangerofreceiving，andstoodlookingatitwithasmuchpityandrespect，asifithadbeenthecrownofadisinheritedprince。Girlswilldosuchfoolishlittlethings，andthoughwelaughatthem，Ithinkwelikethemthebetterforit，afterall。

　　RichardwashimselfagainwhenPollyentered，forthehandkerchiefhaddisappeared，hisheadwaserect，hisfacewassteady，andhiswholeairhadadoggedcomposurewhichseemedtosaytofate，\"Hitaway，I\'mready。\"

　　HedidnothearPollycomein，forhewaslookingfixedlyatthefirewitheyesthatevidentlysawaverydifferentfuturetherefromthatwhichitusedtoshowhim；butwhenshesaid，\"Tom，dear，yourfatherwantsyou，\"

　　hegotupatonce，heldouthishandtoher，saying，\"Cometoo，wecan\'tgetonwithoutyou，\"andtookherbackintothestudywithhim。

　　Thentheyhadalongtalk，forthefamilytroublesseemedtowarmandstrengthenthefamilyaffectionandconfidence，andastheyoungpeoplelistenedwhileMr。Shawtoldthemasmuchofhisbusinessperplexitiesastheycouldunderstand，everyoneofthemblamedhimorherselfforgoingonsogaylyandblindly，whilethestormwasgathering，andthepoormanwaslefttomeetitallalone。Now，however，thethunder-claphadcome，andafterthefirstalarm，findingtheywerenotkilled，theybegantodiscoveracertainhalf-anxious，half-pleasantexcitementintalkingitover，encouragingoneanother，andfeelingunusuallyfriendly，aspeopledowhenasuddenshowerdrivestwoorthreetotheshelterofoneumbrella。

　　Itwasasobertalk，butnotallsad，forMr。Shawfeltinexpressiblycomfortedbyhischildren\'sunexpectedsympathy，andthey，tryingtotakethedownfallcheerfullyforhissake，founditeasiertobearthemselves。

　　Theyevenlaughedoccasionally，forthegirls，intheirignorance，askedqueerquestions；Tommadeludicrouslyunbusiness-likepropositions；andMaudgavethemoneheartypeal，thatdidaworldofgood，bypensivelyremarking，whentheplansforthefuturehadbeenexplainedtoher，&shy；

　　\"I\'msorelieved；forwhenpapasaidwemustgiveupeverything，andmammacalledusallbeggars，IdidthinkI\'dgottogoroundaskingforcoldvittles，withabigbasket，andanoldshawlovermyhead。IsaidonceI\'dlikethat，butI\'mafraidIshouldn\'t，forIcan\'tbearIndiancakeandcoldpotatoes，&shy；that\'swhatthepoorchildrenalwaysseemtoget，&shy；andIshouldhatetohaveGraceandtherestseemescuffingroundthebackgates。\"

　　\"Mylittlegirlshallnevercometothat，ifIcanhelpit，\"saidMr。

　　Shaw，holdingherclose，withalookthatmadeMaudadd，asshelaidhercheekagainsthisown，&shy；

　　\"ButI\'ddoit，father，ifyouaskedmeto，forItrulywanttohelp。\"

　　\"SodoI!\"criedFanny，wonderingatthesameminutehowitwouldseemtowearturnedsilks，andcleanhergloves。

　　Tomsaidnothing，butdrewtowardhimapaperoffigureswhichhisfatherhaddrawnup，andspeedilyreducedhimselftothevergeofdistractionbytryingtounderstandthem，inhisardentdesiretoprovehiswillingnesstoputhisshouldertothewheel。

　　\"Weshallpullthrough，children，sodon\'tborrowtrouble，onlybereadyfordiscomfortsandannoyances。Putyourprideinyourpockets，andrememberpovertyisn\'tdisgraceful，butdishonestyis。\"

　　PollyhadalwayslovedkindMr。Shaw，butnowsherespectedhimheartily，andfeltthatshehadnotdonehimjusticewhenshesometimesthoughtthatheonlycaredformakingmoney。

　　\"Ishouldn\'twonderifthiswasagoodthingforthewholefamily，thoughitdon\'tlookso。Mrs。Shawwilltakeitthehardest，butitmaystirherup，soshewillforgethernerves，andbeasbusyandhappyasmotheris，\"saidPollytoherself，inahopefulmood，forpovertywasanoldfriend，andshehadlearnedlongagonottofearit，buttotakeitsbitteranditssweet，andmakethebestofboth。

　　Whentheypartedforthenight，Pollyslippedawayfirst，toleavethemfree，yetcouldn\'thelplingeringoutsidetoseehowtenderlythegirlspartedfromtheirfather。Tomhadn\'tawordtosayforhimself，formendon\'tkiss，caress，orcrywhentheyfeelmost，andallhecoulddotoexpresshissympathyandpenitence，wastowringhisfather\'shandwithafacefullofrespect，regret，andaffection，andthenboltupstairsasifthefurieswereafterhim，astheywere，inamildandmodernform。ChapterXVI。ChapterXVI。CHAPTERXVIADRESSPARADETHEweeksthatfollowedtaughttheShaws，asmanyotherfamilieshavebeentaught，howrapidlyrichestaketothemselveswingsandflyaway，whentheyoncebegintogo。Mr。Shawcarriedouthisplanswithanenergyandpatiencethatworkedwonders，andtouchedtheheartsofhishardestcreditors。

　　Thebighousewasgivenupassoonaspossibleandthelittlehousetaken；

　　beingmadecomfortablewiththefurnitureMadamlefttherewhenshewenttolivewithherson。Theold-fashionedthingshadbeenletwiththehouse，andnowseemedalmostlikeagiftfromGrandma，doublypreciousinthesetroubloustimes。Attheauction，severalpersonstriedtoshowthefamilythat，thoughtheyhadlosttheirfortune，friendsstillremained，foronebidinFanny\'spiano，andsentittoher；anothersecuredcertainluxuriousarticlesforMrs。Shaw\'scomfort；andathirdsavedsuchofMr。Shaw\'sbooksashevaluedmost，forhehadkepthiswordandgivenupeverything，withthemostpunctiliousintegrity。Sothelittlehousewasnotbare，butmadepleasanttotheireyesbythesewaifsfromthewreck，broughtthembythetideofsympathyandgood-willwhichsoonsetin。

　　Everybodywhoknewthemhastenedtocall，manyfromarealregard，butmorefrommerecuriosityto\"seehowtheytookit。\"Thiswasoneofthehardestthingstheyhadtobear，andTomusedstronglanguagemorethanonce，whensomefineladycametocondole，andwentawaytogossip。Polly\'shopesofMrs。Shawweredisappointed，formisfortunedidnothaveabracingeffect。Shetooktoherbedatonce，receivedherfriendsintearsandapoint-lacecap，andcheeredherfamilybyplaintivelyinquiringwhenshewastobetakentothealmshouse。ThiswashardforFanny；butafteranintervalofdespair，shecametotheconclusionthatunderthecircumstancesitwasthebestthinghermothercouldhavedone，andwithsomethingofherfather\'senergy，Fannyshoulderedthenewburden，feelingthatatlastnecessityhadgivenherwhatshehadlongneeded，somethingtodo。

　　ThepoorgirlknewasmuchofhouseholdaffairsasSnip；butprideandtheresolution\"tostandbyFather，\"keptuphercourage，andsheworkedawaywithfeverishactivityatwhatevertaskcamefirsttill，justasstrengthandheartwereabouttofail，orderbegantoemergefromchaosandthevisionofahomemadehappyandcomfortablebyherskillandcarecametorepayandsustainher。

　　Maud，beingrelievedfromthefearofback-doorbeggary，soonbecamereconciledtobankruptcy；thoughtitratheragoodjoke，onthewhole，forchildrenlikenovelty，anddon\'tcaremuchforMrs。Grundy。Sheregardedthenewabodeasababyhouseonalargescale，whereshewasallowedtoplayherpartinthemostsatisfactorymanner。Fromthemomentwhen，ontakingpossessionofthecovetedroom，sheopenedthedoorsofthethree-corneredcloset，andfoundalittlekettlejustlikePolly\'s，standingthere，shefeltthatagoodtimewascomingforherandfelltodustingfurniture，washingcups，andmakingtoast，thehappiest，fussiestlittlehousewifeinthecity。ForMaudinheritedthenotablegiftsofhergrandmother，andwouldhavemadeacapitalfarmer\'sdaughter，inspiteofhercitybreeding。

　　Pollycameandwentthroughallthesechanges，faithful，helpful，andascheeryasshecouldbewhenherfriendswereintrouble。Thepartsseemedreversednow，anditwasPollywhogave，Fannywhoreceived；forwhereeverythingseemedstrangeandnewtoFan，Pollywasquiteathome，andeveryoneoftheunfashionabledomesticaccomplishmentsnowcameintoplay，tothecomfortoftheShaws，andthegreatsatisfactionofPolly。Shecouldnotdoenoughtoprovehergratitudeforformerfavors，andwenttoilingandmoilingabout，feelingthatthehardest，mostdisagreeabletaskswereherespecialduty。Inthemovingnothingsuitedherbetterthantotrotupanddown，luggingheavythings，topoundherfingersblackandbluenailingcarpetsandcurtains，andthedayshenearlybrokehernecktumblingdownthecellarstairs，inhereagernesstoseethatMrs。Shaw\'swinewasrightlystored，shefeltthatshewasonlypayingherdebts，andtoldTomshelikedit，whenhepickedheruplookingasgrimyasachimney-sweep。

　　\"Youcanturnyourhandtoanything，youclevergirl，sodocomeandgivemesomeadvice，forIaminthedepthsofdespair，\"saidFannywhenthe\"maid-of-all-work\"asPollycalledherself，foundaleisurehour。

　　\"Whatisit？Mothsinthefurs，asmokychimney，orsmall-poxnextdoor？\"

　　askedPolly，astheyenteredFan\'sroom，whereMaudwastryingonoldbonnetsbeforethelooking-glass。

　　\"ActuallyIhavenothingtowear，\"beganFanimpressively；\"I\'vebeentoobusytothinkorcaretillnow，buthereitisnearlyMayandIhavehardlyadecentragtomyback。Usually，youknow，IjustgotoMrs。O\'GradyandtellherwhatIwant；shemakesmyspringwardrobe，Papapaysthebill，andthereIam。NowI\'velookedintothematter，andIdeclaretoyou，Polly，I\'mfrightenedtoseehowmuchitcoststodressme。\"

　　\"NotsomuchassomegirlsIknow，\"saidPollyencouragingly。

　　\"Perhapsnot，forIhaveaconscience，andtasteiseconomysometimes；

　　butreally，Polly，Ihaven\'tthehearttoaskPapaforacentjustnow，andyetImusthaveclothes。Youaresuchageniusforplanningandworkingwonders，thatIthrowmyselfuponyouandask，\'HowshallImakeaspringwardrobeoutofnothing？\'\"

　　\"Letmeseethe\'nothing\'beforeIadvise。Bringouteveryragyou\'vegot，andwe\'llseewhatcanbedone，\"saidPolly，lookingasifsheenjoyedtheprospect，forshehadagreatdealofthatfemininefacultywhichwecall\"knack，\"andmuchpracticehadincreasedit。

　　Fannybroughtouther\"rags\"andwasastonishedtoseehowmanyshehad，forchair，sofa，bed，andbureauwerecovered，andstillMaud，whowasburrowingintheclosets，keptcrying，\"Here\'sanother。\"

　　\"There\'sadiscouragingheapofrubbishforyou!\"saidFan，assheaddedafadedmuslintothelastpile。

　　\"Now，tomeyour\'rubbish\'looksveryencouraging，becausethereisgoodmaterialthere，andnotmuchworn-outfinery，&shy；that\'smydetestation，foryoucan\'tdoanythingwithit。Letmesee，fivebonnets。Putthewinteronesawaytillautumn，ripupthesummerones，andoutofthreeoldoneswe\'llgetaprettynewone，ifmyeyesdon\'tdeceiveme。\"

　　\"I\'llrip，andthendoletmeseeyoumakeabonnet，itmustbesointeresting，\"saidMaud，whippingoutherscissorsandeagerlybeginningtoreduceashabbylittlebonnettoitsoriginalelements。

　　\"Nowthedresses，\"continuedPolly，whohadrapidlysortedoutthepiles。

　　\"Willyouhavethegoodnesstolookatthis？\"saidFan，holdingupagraystreetsuitfadedpastcure。

　　Pollywhiskeditwrongsideout，andshowingtheclean，brightfabric，said，withatriumphantwave，&shy；

　　\"Beholdyournewsuit；freshtrimmingandlessofitwillfinishyouoffassmartasever。\"

　　\"Ineverworeaturneddressinmylife；doyousupposepeoplewillknowit？\"saidFandoubtfully。

　　\"Whatiftheydo？Itwon\'thurtyou。Notoneinahundredwilleverthinkanythingaboutyourdress，exceptthatitispretty。I\'vewornturnedanddyedgownsallmydays，anditdon\'tseemtohavealienatedmyfriends，orinjuredmyconstitution。\"

　　\"Thatithasn\'t；I\'magoose，Polly，andI\'llgetoverthefeelingthatit\'ssortofdisgracefultobepoorandhavetoeconomize。We\'llturnthegray，andI\'llwearitbravely。\"

　　\"Thenitwillbemorebecomingthanever。Oh，here\'stheprettyvioletsilk。Thatwillmakealovelysuit，\"criedPolly，goingonwiththereview。

　　\"Don\'tseehowtwodraggledskirtsandastainedwaistcanbetransformedintoawholerig，\"saidFan，sittingonthebed，withhergarmentsstrewnaboutherinvariousattitudesoflimpdespondency。

　　\"Well，ma\'am，myplanisthis，\"beganPolly，imitatingMrs。O\'Grady\'simportanttone，andbadgrammar:\"Goresisout，andplaitsisin；therefore，asthetopofthisskirtisquitefresh，wewilltakeofftheruffles，turnitupsidedown，andleaveitplain。Theupperskirtwillbemadescanter，andfinishedwithafrill；thenthewaistcanberefreshedwiththebestpartsofthesewideflounces，andoutofthosenewbitswewillconcoctahat。TheblacklaceMaudhasjusttakenoffthegreenonewilldotoedgetheviolet，andwithyournicesilkmantillayouarecomplete，don\'tyousee？\"

　　\"Idon\'tquiteseeityet，butIhavefirmfaiththatIshallintime，andconsidermycallingcostumefinished，\"saidFanny，gettingmoreandmoreinterestedasshesawhercondemnedwardrobecomingoutfreshagainunderPolly\'smagicknack。

　　\"Therearetwo；thenthatpiqu&eacute；isallright，ifyoucutthetailoffthejacketandchangethetrimmingabit。Themuslinsonlyneedmendinganddoinguptolookaswellasever；yououghtnottoputthemawaytornandsoiled，mychild。Thetwoblacksilkswillbegoodstand-bysforyears。IfIwereyou，I\'dhaveacoupleofneat，prettyprintsforhome-wear，andthenIdon\'tseewhyyouaren\'tfixedwellenoughforourshortseason。\"

　　\"Can\'tIdoanythingwiththisbarege？It\'soneofmyfavoritedresses，andIhatetogiveitup。\"

　　\"Youworethatthoroughlyout，andit\'sonlyfitfortherag-bag。Yes，itwasveryprettyandbecoming，Iremember，butitsdayisover。\"

　　Fannyletthedresslieinherlapaminuteassheabsentlypickedatthefringe，smilingtoherselfoverthehappytimewhensheworeitlastandSydneysaidsheonlyneededcowslipsinherlaptolooklikespring。

　　Presentlyshefoldeditupandputitawaywithasigh，butitneverwentintotherag-bag，andmysentimentalreaderscanunderstandwhatsavedit。

　　\"Theballdresseshadbetterbeputnicelyawaytillnextyear，\"beganPolly，comingtoarainbow&shy；coloredheap。

　　\"Mydayisover，Ishallneverusethemagain。Dowhatyoulikewiththem，\"saidFancalmly。

　　\"Didyoueversellyourcast-offfinery，asmanyladiesdo？\"askedPolly。

　　\"Never；Idon\'tlikethefashion。Igiveitaway，orletMaudhaveitfortableaux。\"

　　\"IwonderifyouwouldmindmytellingyousomethingBelleproposed？\"

　　\"Ifit\'sanoffertobuymyclothes，Ishouldmind，\"answeredFanny，sharply。

　　\"ThenIwon\'t，\"andPollyretiredbehindacloudofarsenic-greengauze，whichmadeherlookasifshehadthecholera。

　　\"Ifshewantedtobuythathorridnew\'gooseberry-coloredgown，\'asTomcallsit，I\'dletherhaveitcheap，\"putinMaud，whowasofapracticalturn。

　　\"Doesshewantit，Polly？\"askedFan，whosecuriositygotthebetterofherpride。

　　\"Well，shemerelyaskedmeifIthoughtyou\'dbemortallyoffended，ifsheofferedtotakeitoffyourhands，asyou\'dneverwornit。Youdon\'tlikeit，andinanotherseasonitwillbealloutoffashion，\"saidPollyfromherverdantretreat。

　　\"Whatdidyousay？\"

　　\"Isawshemeantitkindly，soIsaidI\'dask。Nowbetweenourselves，Fan，thepriceofthatdresswouldgiveyouallyou\'llwantforyourspringfixings，that\'soneconsideration；thenhere\'sanother，whichmayhavesomeweightwithyou，\"addedPollyslyly。\"TrixtoldBelleshewasgoingtoaskyouforthedress，asyouwouldn\'tcaretowearitnow。ThatmadeBellefireup，andsayitwasameanthingtodowithoutofferingsomereturnforacostlythinglikethat；andthenBellesaid，inherbluntway，\'I\'llgiveFanallshepaidforit，andmore，too，ifitwillbeanyhelptoher。Idon\'tcareforthedress，butI\'dliketoslipalittlemoneyintoherpocket，forIknowsheneedsitandistoogoodtoaskdearMr。Shawforanythingshecangetonwithout。\'\"

　　\"Didshesaythat？I\'llgiveherthedress，andnottakeapennyforit，\"criedFan，flushingupwithmingledangertowardTrixandgratitudetoBelle。

　　\"Thatwon\'tsuither；youletmemanageit，anddon\'tfeelanyshameoranxietyaboutit。YoudidmanyakindandgenerousthingforBellewhenyouhadthepower，andyoulikedtodoit；nowletherpayherdebts，andhavethesamepleasure。\"

　　\"Ifshelooksatitinthatway，itmakesadifference。PerhapsI\'dbetter&shy；themoneywouldbeanimmensehelp&shy；onlyIdon\'tquiteliketotakeit。\"

　　\"Kingsandqueensselltheirjewelswhentimesarehardortheygetturnedofftheirthrones，andnoonethinksitanythingamiss，sowhyneedyou？It\'sjustalittletransactionbetweentwofriendswhoexchangethingstheydon\'twantforthingswhichtheydo，andI\'ddoitifIwereyou。\"

　　\"We\'llseeaboutit，\"saidFan，privatelyresolvingtotakePolly\'sadvice。

　　\"IfIhadlotsofthingslikeFan，I\'dhaveanauctionandgetallIcouldforthem。Whydon\'tyou？\"askedMaud，beginningonherthirdbonnet。