\"Wewill，\"saidPolly，andmountingachair，sheputup，bidin，andknockeddownFan\'sentirewardrobetoanimaginarygroupoffriends，withsuchdrollimitationsofeachonethattheroomrangwithlaughter。
\"That\'senoughnonsense；nowwe\'llreturntobusiness，\"saidPolly，descendingbreathlessbutsatisfiedwiththeeffectofherfun。
\"Thesewhitemuslinsandprettysilkswillkeepforyears，soIshouldlaythembytilltheyareneeded。Itwillsavebuying，andyoucangotoyourstockanytimeandmakeoverwhatyouwant。That\'sthewayMotherdoes；we\'vealwayshadthingssentusfromricherfriends，andwhateverwasn\'tproperforustowearatthetime，Motherputawaytobeusedwhenweneededit。Suchfunnybundlesasweusedtohavesometimes，­；oddshoes，bonnetswithoutcrowns，stockingswithoutheelsortoes，andoldfineryofallsorts。Weusedtorushwhenabundlecame，andsitroundwhileMotheropenedit。Theboysalwaysmadefunofthethings，thoughtheywereasgrateful，really，asanyofus。Willmadeaverseonedaywhichwethoughtprettywellforalittlechap:­；\'TopoorcountryfolksWhohaven\'tanyclothes，Richfolks，torelievethem，Sendoldlacegownsandsatinbows。\'\"\"IthinkthatWillisgoingtobeasniceapoetasMr。Shakespeare，\"remarkedMaudinatoneofseriousconviction。
\"HeisalreadyaMilton；butIdon\'tbelievehewilleverbeanythingbutapoetinname，\"saidPolly，workingawaywhileshetalked。
\"Didn\'tyourmothereverletyouwearthenicethingsthatcame？\"askedMaud。
\"No，shethoughtitwasn\'tthethingforapoorminister\'sgirlstogoflourishingaboutinsecond-handfinery，soshedidwhatI\'mdoingnow，putawaywhatwouldbeusefulandproperforusbyandby，andletusplaywiththeshabby，silkbonnetsanddirty，flouncedgowns。Suchfunasweusedtohaveupinourbiggarret!Irememberonedaywe\'dbeenplayinghaveaball，andwereallriggedup，eventheboys。Somenewneighborscametocall，andexpressedawishtoseeus，havingbeentoldthatwewerepatternchildren。Mothercalledus，butwehadparadedoutintothegarden，afterourball，andwerehavingaconcert，aswesataboutonthecabbagesforgreensatinseats，sowedidn\'thearthecall，andjustasthecompanywasgoing，agreatnoisearrestedthemonthedoorstep，androundthecornerofthehouserattledNedinfullcostume，wheelingKittyinabarrow，whileJimmy，Will，andIranscreamingafter，lookinglikeBedlamites；forwewereplayingthatLadyFitzPerkinshadfainted，andwasbeingbornehomesenselessinacab。Ithoughtmotherwouldkillherselfwithlaughing；andyoucanimaginewhatafineimpressionthestrangersreceivedofthemodelchildren。\"
Maudwassotickledwiththisyouthfulprankthatsheunguardedlysatdowntolaughontheedgeofanopentrunk，immediatelydoubledup，fellin，andwaswithdifficultyextricated。
\"Peopleinthecountryhavegreatdealnicertimesthanwedo。Ineverrodeinawheelbarrow，Ineversatoncabbages，andIdon\'tthinkit\'sfair，\"shesaidwithaninjuredexpression。\"Youneedn\'tsaveanyoldsilkgownsforme；Idon\'tmeantobeafineladywhenIgrowup，I
\'mgoingtobeafarmer\'swife，andmakebutterandcheese，andhavetenchildren，andraisepigs，\"sheaddedinoneenthusiasticburst。
\"Idobelieveshewillifshecanfindafarmeranywhere，\"saidFanny。
\"Oh，I\'mgoingtohaveWill；Iaskedhimandhesaid，\'Allright。\'
He\'sgoingtopreachSundays，andworkonthefarmtherestofthetime。
Well，heis，soyouneedn\'tlaugh，forwe\'vemadeallourplans，\"saidMaudwithcomicaldignityasshetriedtheeffectofanoldwhitebonnet，wonderingiffarmers\'wivescouldwearostrichfeatherswhentheywenttomeeting。
\"Blessedinnocence!Don\'tyouwishyouwereachild，anddaredtellwhatyouwant？\"murmuredFanny。
\"IwishIhadseenWill\'sfacewhenMaudproposed，\"answeredPolly，withanodwhichansweredherfriend\'sspeechbetterthanherwords。
\"Anynewsofanybody？\"whisperedFan，affectingtoexamineasleevewithcare。
\"StillattheSouth；don\'tthinklateeventshavebeenreportedyet；
thataccountsforabsence，\"answeredPolly。
\"IthinkSirPhilipwashitharderthanwassupposed，\"saidFan。
\"Idoubtit，buttimecureswoundsofthatsortamazingquick。\"
\"Wishitdid!\"
\"WhoisSirPhilip？\"demandedMaud，prickingupherears。
\"AfamousmanwholivedinthetimeofQueenElizabeth，\"answeredFan，withalookatPolly。
\"Oh!\"AndMaudseemedsatisfied，butthesharpchildhadhersuspicionsnevertheless。
\"TherewillbeanimmensedealofworkinallthisfixingoverandI
hatetosew，\"saidFanny，todivertacertainperson\'sthoughts。
\"JennyandIaregoingtohelp。Weareyourdebtors，aswellasBelle，anddemandtheprivilegeofpayingup。Blessings，likecurses，comehometoroost，Fan。\"
\"Minecomehomeagooddealbiggerthantheywent，\"answeredFanny，lookingpleasedthatlittlefavorsshouldbesofaithfullyremembered。
\"Theinterestonthatsortofinvestmentrollsupbeautifully，youknow。
NowripthatdressforJennytoputinorder，andI\'lltossyouupabonnetinlessthannotime，\"saidPolly，determinedtohavethingsgosmoothly，forsheknewFan\'sfeelingshadbeenagooddealtriedlately，inmanyways。
\"Imusthavesomethingtomatchmydress，andblueinside，\"saidFanny，bringingoutherribbonboxes。
\"Anythingyoulike，mydear；whenitcomestobonnets，Iamusuallyinspired。Ihaveit!Thereweare!Andnothingcouldbenicer，\"criedPolly，makingadiveamongthesilksFanwasturningoverwithalostexpression。
\"Thisbitofsilver-grayisallIask，here\'senoughforakillingbonnet，andthoseforget-me-notsarebothprettyandappropriate。\"
\"Youwretch，bestill!\"criedFanny，asPollylookedupatherwithawickedlaughinhereyes。
\"Itwillbedoneintime，andthedresslikewise，solookyourprettiest，andacceptmyblessing，\"continuedPolly，seeingthatFanlikedherraillery。
\"Timeforwhat？\"askedPaulinaPry。
\"Yourwedding，dear，\"sweetlyansweredFan，forPolly\'spleasanthintsandpredictionsputherinacharminghumor，andevenmadeoldclothesoflittleconsequence。
Maudgaveanincreduloussniff，andwonderedwhy\"biggirlsneedtobesodreadfulmysteriousabouttheiroldsecrets。\"
\"ThissilkremindsmeofKitty\'sperformancelastsummer。AlittlecheckedsilkwassentinourspringbundlefromMrs。Davenport，andMothersaidKitmighthaveitifshecouldmakeitdo。SoIwasheditnicely，andwefussedandplanned，butitcameshortbyhalfofonesleeve。Igaveitup，butKitwenttoworkandmatchedeveryscrapthatwasleftsoneatlythatshegotoutthehalfsleeve，putitontheunderside，andnoonewasthewiser。Howmanypiecesdoyouthinksheputin，Maud？\"
\"Fifty，\"wasthewisereply。
\"No，onlyten，butthatwasprettywellforafourteen-year-olddressmaker。
Yououghttohaveseenthelittlewitchlaughinhersleevewhenanyoneadmiredthedress，forsheworeitallsummerandlookedasprettyasapinkinit。Suchthingsaregreatfunwhenyougetusedtothem；besides，contrivingsharpensyourwits，andmakesyoufeelasifyouhadmorehandsthanmostpeople。\"
\"Ithinkwe\'llgetafarmnearyourhouse；IshouldliketoknowKitty，\"
saidMaud，feelingacuriousinterestinagirlwhomadesuchpeculiarpatchwork。
\"Thedress-paradeisover，andI\'meversomuchobligedtoyou，Polly，forhelpingmethrough，andshowingmehowtomakethebestofthings。
Ihopeintimetohaveasmanyhandsasyou，\"saidFangratefully，whenthesimplebonnetwasdoneandeverythingplannedoutreadytobefinished。
\"Ihopeyouwillsoonhavetwogood，strongonesbesideyourown，mydear，\"answeredPolly，asshevanished，withapartingtwinklethatkeptFan\'sfacebrightallday。ChapterXVII。ChapterXVII。CHAPTERXVIIPLAYINGGRANDMOTHERITHINKTomhadthehardesttimeofall，forbesidesthefamilytroubles，hehadmanyofhisowntoperplexandharasshim。Collegescrapesweresoonforgotteningreaterafflictions；buttherewereplentyoftonguestoblame\"thatextravagantdog，\"andplentyofheadstowagominouslyoverpropheciesofthegoodtimeTomShawwouldnowmakeontheroadtoruin。
Asreportersflourishinthiscountry，ofcourseTomsoonheardallthefriendlycriticismspasseduponhimandhiscareer，andhesufferedmorethananybodyguessed；forthetruththatwasatthebottomofthegossipfilledhimwiththesharpregretandimpotentwrathagainsthimselfaswellasothers，whichdrivesmanyaproudfellow，soplaced，todestruction，ortheeffortthatredeemsboyishfolly，andmakesamanofhim。
Nowthathehadlosthisheritage，Tomseemedtoseeforthefirsttimehowgoodlyithadbeen，howrichinpower，pleasure，andgraciousopportunities。
Hefeltitsworthevenwhileheacknowledged，withthesenseofjusticethatisstronginmanlymen，howlittlehedeservedagiftwhichhehadsomisused。Hebroodedoverthisagooddeal，for，likethebatinthefable，hedidn\'tseemtofindanyplaceinthenewlifewhichhadbegunforall。Knowingnothingofbusiness，hewasnotofmuchusetohisfather，thoughhetriedtobe，andgenerallyendedbyfeelingthathewasahindrance，notahelp。Domesticaffairswereequallyoutofhisline，andthegirls，morefrankthantheirfather，didnothesitatetotellhimhewasinthewaywhenheofferedtolendahandanywhere。Afterthefirstexcitementwasover，andhehadtimetothink，heartandenergyseemedtodieout，remorsegotholdofhim，and，asgenerous，thoughtlessnaturesareapttodowhensuddenlyconfrontedwithconscience，heexaggeratedhisfaultsandfolliesintosinsofthedeepestdye，andfanciedhewasregardedbyothersasavillainandanoutcast。Prideandpenitencemadehimshrinkoutofsightasmuchaspossible，forhecouldnotbearpity，evenwhensilentlyexpressedbyafriendlyhandorakindlyeye。Hestayedathomeagooddeal，andloafedaboutwithamelancholyandneglectedair，vanishedwhenanyonecame，talkedverylittle，andwaseitherpatheticallyhumbleortragicallycross。Hewantedtodosomething，butnothingseemedtoappear；
andwhilehewaitedtogethispoiseafterthedownfall，hewassoverymiserablethatI\'mafraid，ifithadnotbeenforonething，mypoorTomwouldhavegotdesperate，andbeenafailure。Butwhenheseemedmostuseless，outcast，andforlorn，hediscoveredthatonepersonneededhim，onepersonneverfoundhimintheway，onepersonalwayswelcomedandclungtohimwiththestrongestaffectionofaveryfeeblenature。Thisdependenceofhismother\'swasTom\'ssalvationatthatcrisisofhislife；andthegossips，whosaidsoftlytooneanotherovertheirmuffinsandtea。\"Itreallywouldbearelieftothatwholefamilyifpoor，dearMrs。Shawcouldbe­；ahem!­；mercifullyremoved，\"didnotknowthattheinvalid\'sweak，idlehandswereunconsciouslykeepingthesonsafeinthatquietroom，whereshegavehimallthatshehadtogive，mother-love，tillhetookheartagain，andfacedtheworldreadytofighthisbattlesmanfully。
\"Dear，dear!howoldandbentpoorfatherdoeslook。Ihopehewon\'tforgettoordermysweetbread，\"sighedMrs。Shawoneday，asshewatchedherhusbandslowlygoingdownthestreet。
Tom，whostoodbyher，idlyspinningthecurtaintassel，followedthefamiliarfigurewithhiseye，andseeinghowgraythehairhadgrown，howcarewornthefloridface，andhowlikeawearyoldmanhisoncestrong，handsomefatherwalked，hewassmittenbyanewpangofself-reproach，andwithhisusualimpetuositysetaboutrepairingtheomissionassoonashediscoveredit。
\"I\'llseetoyoursweetbread，mum。Good-by，backtodinner，\"andwithahastykiss，Tomwasoff。
Hedidn\'tknowexactlywhathemeanttodo，butithadsuddenlycomeoverhim，thathewashidingfromthestorm，andlettinghisfathermeetitalone；fortheoldmanwenttohisofficeeverydaywiththeregularityofamachine，thatwouldgoitsusualrounduntilitstopped，whiletheyoungmanstayedathomewiththewomen，andlethismothercomforthim。
\"Hehasarighttobeashamedofme，butIactasifIwasashamedofhim；daresaypeoplethinkso。I\'llshowthemthatIain\'t；yes，bythepowers，Iwill!\"andTomdrewonhisgloveswiththeairofamanabouttomeetandconqueranenemy。
\"Haveanarm，sir？Ifyoudon\'tmindI\'llwalkdownwithyou。Littlecommissionformother，­；niceday，isn\'tit？\"
Tomratherbrokedownattheendofhisspeech，forthelookofpleasedsurprisewithwhichhisfathergreetedhim，thealacritywithwhichheacceptedandleanedonthestrongarmofferedhim，provedthatthedailywalkshadbeensolitaryanddoubtlesssadones。IthinkMr。Shawunderstoodtherealmeaningofthatlittleactofrespect，andfeltbetterforthehopefulchangeitseemedtoforetell。Buthetookitquietly，andleavinghisfacetospeakforhim，merelysaid，­；
\"Thanky，Tom；yes，motherwillenjoyherdinnertwiceasmuchifyouorderit。\"
Thentheybegantotalkbusinesswithalltheirmight，asiftheyfearedthatsometraceofsentimentmightdisgracetheirmasculinedignity。Butitmadenodifferencewhethertheydiscussedlawsuitsorlove，mortgagesormothers，thefeelingwasallrightandtheyknewit，soMr。Shawwalkedstraighterthanusual，andTomfeltthathewasinhisproperplaceagain。
Thewalkwasnotwithoutitstrials，however；forwhileitdidTom\'sheartgoodtoseethecordialrespectpaidtohisfather，ittriedhispatiencesorelytoseealsoinquisitiveordisapprovingglancesfixeduponhimselfwhenhatswereliftedtohisfather，andtohearthehearty\"Goodday，Mr。Shaw，\"dropintoacoolorcareless，\"That\'stheson；it\'shardonhim。Wildfellow，dohimgood。\"
\"Granted；butyouneedn\'thitamanwhenhe\'sdown，\"mutteredTomtohimself，feelingeverymomentastrongerdesiretodosomethingthatshouldsilenceeverybody。\"I\'dcutawaytoAustraliaifitwasn\'tformother；anything，anywheretogetoutofthewayofpeoplewhoknowme。
Inevercanrightmyselfhere，withallthefellowswatching，andlayingwagerswhetherIsinkorswim。HangGreekandLatin!wishI\'dlearnedatrade，andhadsomethingtofallbackupon。Haven\'tablessedthingnow，butdecentFrenchandmyfists。WonderifoldBelldon\'twantaclerkfortheParisbranchofthebusiness？Thatwouldn\'tbebad；faith，I\'lltryit。\"
AndwhenTomhadlandedhisfathersafelyattheoffice，tothegreatedificationofallbeholders，hescreweduphiscourage，andwenttopreferhisrequest，feelingthattheprospectbrightenedalittle。ButMr。Bellwasnotinagoodhumor，andonlygaveTomaseverelectureontheerrorofhisways，whichsenthimhomemuchdepressed，andcausedthehorizontoloweragain。
Asheroamedaboutthehousethatafternoon，tryingtocalculatehowmuchanAustralianoutfitwouldcost，thesoundoflivelyvoicesandclatteringspoonsattractedhimtothekitchen。TherehefoundPollygivingMaudlessonsincookery；forthe\"newhelp\"notbeingahigh-pricedarticle，couldnotbedependedonfordesserts，andMrs。Shawwouldhavefeltasifthewolfwasatthedooriftherewasnot\"asweetdish\"atdinner。Maudhadageniusforcooking，andFannyhatedit，sothatlittlepersonwasinherglory，studyingreceiptbooks，andtakinglessonswheneverPollycouldgivethem。
\"Graciousme，Tom，don\'tcomenow；weareawfulbusy!Mendon\'tbelonginkitchens，\"criedMaud，asherbrotherappearedinthedoorway。
\"Couldn\'tthinkwhatyouwereabout。Mumisasleep，andFanout，soIloafeddowntoseeiftherewasanyfunafoot，\"saidTom，lingering，asiftheprospectwasagreeable。Hewasasocialfellow，andverygratefuljustthentoanyonewhohelpedhimtoforgethisworriesforatime。Pollyknewthis，feltthathissocietywouldnotbeagreatafflictiontoherselfatleast，andwhisperingtoMaud，\"Hewon\'tknow，\"sheadded，aloud，­；
\"Comeinifyoulike，andstirthiscakeforme；itneedsastronghand，andminearetired。There，putonthataprontokeepyoutidy，sithere，andtakeiteasy。\"
\"Iusedtohelpgrandmabatupcake，andratherlikedit，ifIrememberright，\"saidTom，lettingPollytieacheckedaprononhim，putabigbowlintohishands，andsettlehimnearthetable，whereMaudwaspickingraisins，andsheherselfstirringbusilyaboutamongspice-boxes，rolling-pins，andbutter-pots。
\"Youdoitbeautifully，Tom。I\'llgiveyouaconundrumtolightenyourlabor:Whyarebadboyslikecake？\"askedPolly，anxioustocheerhimup。
\"Becauseagoodbeatingmakesthembetter。Idoubtthatmyself，though，\"
answeredTom，nearlyknockingthebottomofthebowloutwithhisenergeticdemonstrations，foritreallywasarelieftodosomething。
\"Brightboy!here\'saplumforyou，\"andPollythrewaplumpraisinintohismouth。
\"Putinlots，won\'tyou？I\'mratherfondofplum-cake，\"observedTom，likeninghimselftoHerculeswiththedistaff，andfindinghisemploymentpleasant，ifnotclassical。
\"Ialwaysdo，ifIcan；there\'snothingIlikebetterthantoshovelinsugarandspice，andmakenice，plummycakeforpeople。It\'soneofthefewthingsIhaveagiftfor。\"
\"You\'vehititthistime，Polly；youcertainlyhaveagiftforputtingagooddealofbotharticlesintoyourownandotherpeople\'slives，whichislucky，as，weallhavetoeatthatsortofcake，whetherwelikeitornot，\"observedTom，sosoberlythatPollyopenedhereyes，andMaudexclaimed，­；
\"Idobelievehe\'spreaching。\"
\"FeelasifIcouldsometimes，\"continuedTom；thenhiseyefelluponthedimplesinPolly\'selbows，andheadded，withalaugh，\"That\'smoreinyourline，ma\'am；can\'tyougiveusasermon？\"
\"Ashortone。Life，mybrethren，islikeplum-cake，\"beganPolly，impressivelyfoldingherflouryhands。\"Insometheplumsareallonthetop，andweeatthemgayly，tillwesuddenlyfindtheyaregone。Inotherstheplumssinktothebottom，andwelookfortheminvainaswegoon，andoftencometothemwhenitistoolatetoenjoythem。Butinthewell-madecake，theplumsarewiselyscatteredallthrough，andeverymouthfulisapleasure。
Wemakeourowncakes，inagreatmeasure，thereforeletuslooktoit，mybrethren，thattheyaremixedaccordingtothebestreceipt，bakedinawellregulatedoven，andgratefullyeatenwithatemperateappetite。\"
\"Good!good!\"criedTom，applaudingwiththewoodenspoon。\"That\'samodelsermon，Polly，­；short，sweet，sensible，andnotabitsleepy。
I\'moneofyourparish，andwillseethatyougetyour\'celerypunctooal，\'
asoldDeaconMorseusedtosay。\"
\"\'Thankyou，brother，mywantsisfew，andravensscurserthantheyusedtobe，\'asdearoldParsonMillerusedtoanswer。Now，Maud，bringonthecitron；\"andPollybegantoputthecaketogetherinwhatseemedamostcarelessandchaoticmanner，whileTomandMaudwatchedwithabsorbinginteresttillitwassafelyintheoven。
\"Nowmakeyourcustards，dear；Tommayliketobeattheeggsforyou；
itseemstohaveagoodeffectuponhisconstitution。\"
\"First-rate；hand\'emalong，\"andTomsmoothedhisapronwithacheerfulair。\"Bytheway，Syd\'sgotback。Imethimyesterday，andhetreatedmelikeamanandabrother，\"headded，asifanxioustocontributetothepleasuresofthehour。
\"I\'msoglad!\"criedPolly，clappingherhands，regardlessoftheeggsheheld，whichdroppedandsmashedontheflooratherfeet。\"Carelessthing!Pickitup，Maud，I\'llgetsomemore；\"andPollywhiskedoutoftheroom，gladofanexcusetorunandtellFan，whohadjustcomein，lest，hearingthenewsinpublic，shemightbestartledoutofthewell-bredcomposurewithwhichyoungladiesareexpectedtoreceivetidings，evenofthemostvitalimportance。
\"Youknowallabouthistory，don\'tyou？\"askedMaud，suddenly。
\"Notquite，\"modestlyansweredTom。
\"IjustwanttoknowiftherereallywasamannamedSirPhilip，inthetimeofQueenElizabeth。\"
\"YoumeanSirPhilipSidney？Yes，helivedthenandafineoldfellowhewastoo。\"
\"There；Iknewthegirlsdidn\'tmeanhim，\"criedMaud，withachopthatsentthecitronflying。
\"Whatmischiefareyouuptonow，youlittlemagpie？\"
\"Ishan\'ttellyouwhattheysaid，becauseIdon\'tremembermuchofit；butIheardPollyandFantalkingaboutsomeonedreadfulmysterious，andwhenIaskedwhoitwas，Fansaid，\'SirPhilip。\'Ho!sheneedn\'tthinkIbelieveit!Isaw\'emlaugh，andblush，andpokeoneanother，andIknewitwasn\'taboutanyoldQueenElizabethman，\"criedMaud，turninguphernoseasfarasthatsomewhatlimitedfeaturewouldgo。
\"Lookhere，youarelettingcatsoutofthebag。Nevermind，Ithoughtso。Theydon\'ttellustheirsecrets，butwearesosharp，wecan\'thelpfindingthemout，canwe？\"saidTom，lookingsomuchinterested，thatMaudcouldn\'tresistairingherknowledgealittle。
\"Well，Idaresay，itisn\'tproperforyoutoknow，butIamoldenoughnowtobetoldanything，andthosegirlsbettermindwhattheysay，forI\'mnotastupidchit，likeBlanche。Ijustwishyoucouldhaveheardthemgoon。I\'msurethere\'ssomethingveryniceaboutMr。
Sydney，theylookedsopleasedwhentheywhisperedandgiggledonthebed，andthoughtIwasrippingbonnets，anddidn\'thearaword。\"
\"Whichlookedmostpleased？\"askedTom，investigatingthekitchenboilerwithdeepinterest。
\"Well，\'pearstomePollydid；shetalkedmost，andlookedfunnyandveryhappyallthetime。Fanlaughedagooddeal，butIguessPollyistheloveress，\"repliedMaud，afteramoment\'sreflection。
\"Holdyourtongue；she\'scoming!\"andTombegantopumpasifthehousewasonfire。
DowncamePolly，withheightenedcolor，brighteyes，andnotasingleegg。Tomtookaquicklookatheroverhisshoulder，andpausedasifthefirewassuddenlyextinguished。SomethinginhisfacemadePollyfeelalittleguilty，soshefelltogratingnutmeg，withavigorwhichmaderedcheeksthemostnaturalthinginlife。Maud，thetraitor，satdemurelyatwork，lookingverylikewhatTomhadcalledher，amagpiewithmischiefinitshead。Pollyfeltachangeintheatmosphere，butmerelythoughtTomwastired，soshegraciouslydismissedhimwithastickofcinnamon，asshehadnothingelsejustthentolayupontheshrine。
\"Fan\'sgotthebooksandmapsyouwanted。Goandrestnow。I\'mmuchobliged；here\'syourwages，Bridget。\"
\"Goodlucktoyourmesses，\"answeredTom，ashewalkedawaymeditativelycrunchinghiscinnamon，andlookingasifhedidnotfinditasspicyasusual。Hegothisbooks，butdidnotreadthem；for，shuttinghimselfupinthelittleroomcalled\"Tom\'sden，\"hejustsatdownandbrooded。
Whenhecamedowntobreakfastthenextmorning，hewasgreetedwithageneral\"Happybirthday，Tom!\"andathisplacelaygiftsfromeverymemberofthefamily；notascostlyasformerly，perhaps，butinfinitelydearer，astokensofthelovethathadoutlivedthechange，andonlygrownthewarmerforthetestofmisfortune。Inhispresentstateofmind，Tomfeltasifhedidnotdeserveablessedthing；sowheneveryoneexertedthemselvestomakeitahappydayforhim，heunderstoodwhatitmeans\"tobenearlykilledwithkindness，\"andsternlyresolvedtobeanhonortohisfamily，orperishintheattempt。EveningbroughtPollytowhatshecalleda\"festivetea，\"andwhentheygatheredroundthetable，anothergiftappeared，which，thoughnotofasentimentalnature，touchedTommorethanalltherest。Itwasamostdelectablecake，withanosegayatop，androunditonthesnowyfrostingthereranapinkinscription，justasithadbeeneveryyearsinceTomcouldremember。
\"Name，age，anddate，likeanicewhitetombstone，\"observedMaud，complacently，atwhichfunerealremark，Mrs。Shaw，whowasdowninhonoroftheday，droppedhernapkin，anddemandedhersalts。
\"Whosedoingisthat？\"askedTom，surveyingthegiftwithsatisfaction；
foritrecalledthehappierbirthdays，whichseemedveryfarawaynow。
\"Ididn\'tknowwhattogiveyou，foryou\'vegoteverythingamanwants，andIwasindespairtillIrememberedthatdeargrandmaalwaysmadeyoualittlecakelikethat，andthatyouoncesaiditwouldn\'tbeahappybirthdaywithoutit。SoItriedtomakeitjustlikehers，andIdohopeitwillproveagood，sweet，plummyone。\"
\"Thankyou，\"wasallTomsaid，ashesmiledatthegiver，butPollyknewthatherpresenthadpleasedhimmorethanthemosteleganttrifleshecouldhavemade。
\"Itoughttobegood，foryoubeatitupyourself，Tom，\"cried，Maud。
\"Itwassofunnytoseeyouworkingaway，andneverguessingwhothecakewasfor。Iperfectlytrembledeverytimeyouopenedyourmouth，forfearyou\'dasksomequestionaboutit。ThatwasthereasonPollypreachedandIkepttalkingwhenshewasgone。\"
\"Verystupidofme；butIforgotallaboutto-day。Supposewecutit；
Idon\'tseemtocareforanythingelse，\"saidTom，feelingnoappetite，butboundtodojusticetothatcake，ifhefellavictimtohisgratitude。
\"Ihopetheplumswon\'tallbeatthebottom，\"saidPolly，assherosetodothehonorsofthecake，byuniversalappointment。
\"I\'vehadagoodmanyatthetopalready，youknow，\"answeredTom，watchingtheoperationwithasmuchinterestasifhehadfaithintheomen。
Cuttingcarefully，sliceafterslicefellapart；eachfirmanddark，spicyandrich，underthefrostyrimeabove；andlayingaspeciallylargepieceinoneofgrandma\'squaintlittlechinaplates，PollyaddedtheflowersandhandedittoTom，withalookthatsaidagooddeal，for，seeingthatherememberedhersermon，shewasgladtofindthatherallegoryheldgood，inonesenseatleast。Tom\'sfacebrightenedashetookit，andafteraninspectionwhichamusedtheothersverymuchhelookedup，saying，withanairofrelief，\"Plumsallthrough；I\'mgladIhadahandinit，butPollydeservesthecredit，andmustweartheposy，\"andturningtoher，heputtheroseintoherhairwithmoregallantrythantaste，forathornprickedherhead，theleavestickledherear，andtheflowerwasupsidedown。
Fannylaughedathiswantofskill，butPollywouldn\'thaveitaltered，andeverybodyfelltoeatingcake，asifindigestionwasoneofthelostarts。Theyhadalivelytea，andweregettingonfamouslyafterward，whentwoletterswerebroughtforTom，whoglancedatone，andretiredratherprecipitatelytohisden，leavingMaudconsumedwithcuriosity，andtheoldergirlsslightlyexcited，forFanthoughtsherecognizedthehandwritingonone，andPolly，ontheother。
Onehalfanhourandthenanotherelapsed，andTomdidnotreturn。Mr。
Shawwentout，Mrs。ShawretiredtoherroomescortedbyMaud，andthetwogirlssattogetherwonderingifanythingdreadfulhadhappened。Allofasuddenavoicecalled，\"Polly!\"andthatyoungladystartedoutofherchair，asifthesoundhadbeenathunder-clap。
\"Dorun!I\'mperfectlyfaintingtoknowwhatthematteris，\"saidFan。
\"You\'dbettergo，\"beganPolly，wishingtoobey，yetfeelingalittleshy。
\"Hedon\'twantme；besides，Icouldn\'tsayawordformyselfifthatletterwasfromSydney，\"criedFanny，hustlingherfriendtowardsthedoor，inagreatflutter。
Pollywentwithoutanotherword，butsheworeacuriouslyanxiouslook，andstoppedonthethresholdoftheden，asifalittleafraidofitsoccupant。
Tomwassittinginhisfavoriteattitude，astrideofachair，withhisarmsfoldedandhischinonthetoprail；notanelegantposture，buttheonlyoneinwhich，hesaid，hecouldthinkwell。
\"Didyouwantme，Tom？\"
\"Yes。Comein，please，anddon\'tlookscared；IonlywanttoshowyouapresentI\'vehad，andaskyouradviceaboutacceptingit。\"
\"Why，Tom，youlookasifyouhadbeenknockeddown!\"exclaimedPolly，forgettingallaboutherself，asshesawhisfacewhenheroseandturnedtomeether。
\"Ihave；regularlyfloored；butI\'mupagain，andsteadierthanever。
Justyoureadthat，andtellmewhatyouthinkofit。\"
Tomsnatchedaletteroffthetable，putitintoherhands，andbegantowalkupanddownthelittleroom，likeaveritablebearinitscage。
AsPollyreadthatshortnote，allthecolorwentoutofherface，andhereyesbegantokindle。Whenshecametotheend，shestoodaminute，asiftooindignanttospeak，thengavethepaperanervoussortofcrumpleanddroppeditonthefloor，saying，allinonebreath，­；
\"Ithinksheisamercenary，heartless，ungratefulgirl!That\'swhatIthink。\"
\"Oh，the­；deuce!Ididn\'tmeantoshowthatone；it\'stheother。\"
AndTomtookupasecondpaper，lookinghalfangry，halfashamedathisownmistake。\"Idon\'tcare，though；everyonewillknowto-morrow；andperhapsyou\'llbegoodenoughtokeepthegirlsfrombotheringmewithquestionsandgabble，\"headded，asif，onsecondthoughts，hewasrelievedtohavethecommunicationmadetoPollyfirst。
\"Idon\'twonderyoulookedupset。Iftheotherletterisasbad，I\'dbetterhaveachairbeforeIreadit，\"saidPolly，feelingthatshebegantotremblewithexcitement。
\"It\'samilliontimesbetter，butitknockedmeworsethantheother；
kindnessalwaysdoes。\"Tomstoppedshortthere，andstoodaminuteturningtheletteraboutinhishandasifitcontainedasweetwhichneutralizedthebitterinthatsmallernote，andtouchedhimverymuch。Thenhedrewupanarmchair，andbeckoningPollytotakeit，saidinasober，steadytone，thatsurprisedhergreatly，­；
\"WheneverIwasinaquandary，Iusedtogoandconsultgrandma，andshealwayshadsomethingsensibleorcomfortabletosaytome。She\'sgonenow，butsomehow，Polly，youseemtotakeherplace。Wouldyoumindsittinginherchair，andlettingmetellyoutwoorthreethings，asWilldoes？\"
Mindit？PollyfeltthatTomhadpaidherthehighestandmostbeautifulcomplimenthecouldhavedevised。Shehadoftenlongedtodoit，for，beingbroughtupinthemostaffectionateandfrankrelationswithherbrothers，shehadearlylearnedwhatittakesmostwomensometimetodiscover，thatsexdoesnotmakenearlyasmuchdifferenceinheartsandsoulsaswefancy。
Joyandsorrow，loveandfear，lifeanddeathbringsomanyofthesameneedstoall，thatthewonderiswedonotunderstandeachotherbetter，butwaittilltimesoftribulationteachusthathumannatureisverymuchthesameinmenandwomen。Thankstothisknowledge，PollyunderstoodTominawaythatsurprisedandwonhim。Sheknewthathewantedwomanlysympathy，andthatshecouldgiveittohim，becauseshewasnotafraidtostretchherhandacrossthebarrierwhichourartificialeducationputsbetweenboysandgirls，andtosaytohiminallgoodfaith，\"IfIcanhelpyou，letme。\"
TenminutessoonerPollycouldhavedonethisalmostaseasilytoTomastoWill，butinthattenminutessomethinghadhappenedwhichmadethisdifficult。ReadingthatTrixhadgivenTombackhisfreedomchangedmanythingstoPolly，andcausedhertoshrinkfromhisconfidence，becauseshefeltasifitwouldbehardernowtokeepselfoutofsight；for，spiteofmaidenmodesty，loveandhopewouldwakeandsingatthegoodnews。
Slowlyshesatdown，andhesitatinglyshesaid，withhereyesontheground，andaveryhumblevoice，­；
\"I\'lldomybest，butIcan\'tfillgrandma\'splace，orgiveyouanywise，goodadvice。IwishIcould!\"
\"You\'lldoitbetterthananyoneelse。Talktroublesmother，fatherhasenoughtothinkofwithoutanyofmyworries。Fanisagoodsoul，butsheisn\'tpractical，andwealwaysgetintoasnarlifwetrytoworktogether，sowhohaveIbutmyothersister，Polly？Thepleasurethatletterwillgiveyoumaymakeupformyboringyou。\"
Ashespoke，Tomlaidtheotherpaperinherlap，andwentofftothewindow，asiftoleaveherfreetoenjoyitunseen；buthecouldnothelpaglancenowandthen，andasPolly\'sfacebrightened，hisownfell。
\"Oh，Tom，that\'sabirthdaypresentworthhaving，forit\'ssobeautifullygivenIdon\'tseehowyoucanrefuseit。ArthurSydneyisarealnobleman!\"
criedPolly，lookingupatlast，withherfactglowing，andhereyesfullofdelight。
\"Soheis!Idon\'tknowanothermanliving，exceptfather，whowouldhavedonesuchathing，orwhoIcouldbringmyselftotakeitfrom。Doyousee，he\'snotonlypaidtheconfoundeddebts，buthasdoneitinmyname，tosparemeallhecould？\"
\"Isee，it\'slikehim；andIthinkhemustbeveryhappytobeabletodosuchathing。\"
\"Itisanimmenseweightoffmyshoulders，forsomeofthosemencouldn\'taffordtowaittillI\'dbegged，borrowed，orearnedthemoney。Sydneycanwait，buthewon\'tlong，ifIknowmyself。\"
\"Youwon\'ttakeitasagift，then？\"
\"Wouldyou？\"
\"No。\"
\"Thendon\'tthinkIwill。I\'maprettypooraffair，Polly，butI\'mnotmeanenoughtodothat，whileI\'vegotaconscienceandapairofhands。\"
Aroughspeech，butitpleasedPollybetterthanthesmoothestTomhadevermadeinherhearing，forsomethinginhisfaceandvoicetoldherthatthefriendlyacthadrousedanoblersentimentthangratitude，makingthecancelledobligationsoftheboy，debtsofhonortotheman。
\"Whatwillyoudo，Tom？\"
\"I\'lltellyou；mayIsithere？\"AndTomtookthelowfootstoolthatalwaysstoodneargrandma\'soldchair。\"I\'vehadsomanyplansinmyheadlately，thatsometimesitseemsasifitwouldsplit，\"continuedthepoorfellow，rubbinghistiredforehead，asiftopolishuphiswits。\"I\'vethoughtseriouslyofgoingtoCalifornia，Australia，orsomeout-of-the-wayplace，wheremengetrichinahurry。\"
\"Oh，no!\"criedPolly，puttingoutherhandasittokeephim，andthensnatchingitbackagainbeforehecouldturnround。
\"Itwouldbehardonmotherandthegirls，Isuppose；besides，Idon\'tquitelikeitmyself；looksasifIshirkedandranaway。\"
\"Soitdoes，\"saidPolly，decidedly。
\"Well，youseeIdon\'tseemtofindanythingtodounlessIturnclerk，andIdon\'tthinkthatwouldsuit。Thefactis，Icouldn\'tstandithere，whereI\'mknown。Itwouldbeeasiertoscratchgravelonarailroad，withagangofPaddies，thantosellpinstomyfriendsandneighbors。Falsepride，Idaresay，butit\'sthetruth，andthere\'snouseindodging。\"
\"Notabit，andIquiteagreewithyou。\"
\"That\'scomfortable。NowI\'mcomingtothepointwhereIspeciallywantyouradvice，Polly。YesterdayIheardyoutellingFanaboutyourbrotherNed；howwellhegoton；howhelikedhisbusiness，andwantedWilltocomeandtakesomeplacenearhim。YouthoughtIwasreading，butIheard；
anditstruckmethatperhapsIcouldgetachanceoutWestsomewhere。
Whatdoyouthink？\"
\"Ifyoureallymeanwork，Iknowyoucould，\"answeredPolly，quickly，asallsortsofplansandprojectswentsweepingthroughhermind。
\"IwishyoucouldbewithNed；you\'dgetontogether，I\'msure；andhe\'dbesogladtodoanythinghecould。I\'llwriteandask，straightaway，ifyouwantmeto。\"
\"Supposeyoudo；justforinformation，youknow，thenIshallhavesomethingtogoupon。Iwanttohaveafeasibleplanallready，beforeIspeaktofather。There\'snothingsoconvincingtobusinessmenasfacts，youknow。\"
PollycouldnothelpsmilingatTom\'snewtone，itseemedsostrangetohearhimtalkingaboutanythingbuthorsesandtailors，dancingandgirls。Shelikedit，however，asmuchasshedidthesoberexpressionofhisface，andthewayhehadlatelyofswinginghisarmsabout，asifhewantedtodosomethingenergeticwiththem。
\"Thatwillbewise。Doyouthinkyourfatherwilllikethisplan？\"
\"Prettysurebewill。Yesterday，whenItoldhimImustgoatsomethingrightoff，hesaid，\'Anythinghonest，Tom，anddon\'tforgetthatyourfatherbegantheworldasashop-boy。\'Youknewthat，didn\'tyou？\"
\"Yes，hetoldmethestoryonce，andIalwayslikedtohearit，becauseitwaspleasanttoseehowwellhehadsucceeded。\"
\"Ineverdidlikethestory，alittlebitashamed，I\'mafraid；butwhenwetalkeditoverlastnight，itstruckmeinanewlight，andIunderstoodwhyfathertookthefailuresowell，andseemssocontentedwiththispoorishplace。Itisonlybeginningagain，hesays；andhavingworkedhiswayuponce，hefeelsasifhecouldagain。Ideclaretoyou，Polly，thatsortofconfidenceinhimself，andenergyandcourageinamanofhisyears，makesmeloveandrespectthedearoldgentlemanasIneverdidbefore。\"
\"I\'msogladtohearyousaythat，Tom!I\'vesometimesthoughtyoudidn\'tquiteappreciateyourfather，anymorethanheknewhowmuchofamanyouwere。\"
\"Neverwastillto-day，youknow，\"saidTom，laughing，yetlookingasifhefeltthedignityofhisoneandtwentyyears。\"Odd，isn\'tit，howpeoplelivetogethereversolong，anddon\'tseemtofindoneanotherout，tillsomethingcomestodoitforthem。Perhapsthissmash-upwassenttointroducemetomyownfather。\"
\"There\'sphilosophyforyou，\"saidPolly，smiling，evenwhileshefeltasifadversitywasgoingtodomoreforTomthanyearsofprosperity。
Theybothsatquietforaminute，Pollyinthebigchairlookingathimwithanewrespectinhereyes，Tomonthestoolnearbyslowlytearingupafoldedpaperhehadabsentlytakenfromthefloorwhilehetalked。
\"Didthissurpriseyou？\"heasked，asalittlewhiteshowerflutteredfromhishands。
\"No。\"
\"Well，itdidme；foryouknowassoonaswecametogriefIofferedtoreleaseTrixfromtheengagement，andshewouldn\'tletme，\"continuedTom，asif，havingbegunthesubject，hewishedtoexplainitthoroughly。
\"Thatsurprisedme，\"saidPolly。
\"Soitdidme，forFanalwaysinsisteditwasthemoneyandnotthemanshecaredfor。Herfirstanswerpleasedmeverymuch，forIdidnotexpectit，andnothingtouchesafellowmorethantohaveawomanstandbyhimthroughthickandthin。\"
\"Shedon\'tseemtohavedoneit。\"
\"Fanwasright。Trixonlywaitedtoseehowbadthingsreallywere，orratherhermotherdid。She\'sascool，hard，andworldlymindedanoldsoulasIeversaw，andTrixisboundtoobey。Shegetsrounditveryneatlyinhernote，\'Iwon\'tbeaburden，\'\'willsacrificeherhopes，\'\'andalwaysremainmywarmfriend，\'butthetruthis，TomShawrichwasworthmakingmuchof，butTomShawpoorisintheway，andmaygotothedevilasfastashelikes。\"
\"Well，heisn\'tgoing!\"criedPolly，defiantly，forherwrathburnedhotlyagainstTrix，thoughsheblessedherforsettingthebondmanfree。
\"Camewithinanaceofit，\"mutteredTomtohimself；addingaloud，inatoneofcalmresignationthatassuredPollyhisheartwouldnotbebrokenthoughhisengagementwas，­；
\"Itneverrainsbutitpours，\'speciallyinhardtimes，butwhenamanisdown，araportwomoredon\'tmattermuch，Isuppose。It\'sthefirstblowthathurtsmost。\"
\"Gladtoseeyoutakethelastblowsowell。\"Therewasanironicallittletwangtothatspeech，andPollycouldn\'thelpit。Tomcoloredupandlookedhurtforaminute，thenseemedtorighthimselfwithashrug，andsaid，inhisoutspokenway，­；
\"Totellthehonesttruth，Polly，itwasnotaveryhardone。
I\'vehadafeelingforsometimethatTrixandIwerenotsuitedtooneanother，anditmightbewisertostopshort。Butshedidnotorwouldnotseeit；andIwasnotgoingtobackout，andleavehertowearanymorewillows，sohereweare。Idon\'tbearmalice，buthopeshe\'lldobetter，andnotbedisappointedagain，uponmywordIdo。\"
\"That\'sverygoodofyou，quiteSydneyesque，andnoble，\"saidPolly，feelingratherillatease，andwishingshecouldhideherselfbehindacapandspectacles，ifshewastoplayGrandmatothisconfidingyouth。
\"ItwillbeallplainsailingforSyd，Ifancy，\"observedTom，gettingupasifthelittlecricketsuddenlyceasedtobecomfortable。
\"Ihopeso，\"murmuredPolly，wonderingwhatwascomingnext。
\"Hedeservestheverybestofeverything，andIpraytheLordhemaygetit，\"addedTom，pokingthefireinadestructivemanner。
Pollymadenoanswer，fearingtopaytoomuch，forsheknewFanhadmadenoconfidantofTom，andsheguardedherfriend\'ssecretasjealouslyasherown。
\"You\'llwritetoNedto-morrow，willyou？I\'lltakeanythinghe\'sgot，forIwanttobeoff，\"saidTom，castingdownthepoker，andturningroundwitharesoluteairwhichwaslostonPolly，whosattwirlingtherosethathadfallenintoherlap。
\"I\'llwriteto-night。WouldyoulikemetotellthegirlsaboutTrixandSydney？\"sheaskedassherose，feelingthatthecouncilwasover。
\"Iwishyouwould。Idon\'tknowhowtothankyouforallyou\'vedoneforme；IwishtoheavenIdid，\"saidTom，holdingouthishandwithalookthatPollythoughtagreatdealtoogratefulforthelittleshehaddone。
Asshegavehimherhand，andlookedupathimwiththoseconfidingeyesofhers，Tom\'sgratitudeseemedtoflytohishead，for，withouttheslightestwarning，hestoopeddownandkissedher，­；aproceedingwhichstartledPollysothatherecoveredhimselfatonce，andretreatedintohisdenwiththeincoherentapology，­；
\"Ibegpardon­；couldn\'thelpit­；grandmaalwaysletmeonmybirthday。\"
WhilePollytookrefugeupstairs，forgettingallaboutFan，asshesatinthedarkwithherfacehidden，wonderingwhyshewasn\'tveryangry，andresolvingneveragaintoindulgeinthedelightfulbutdangerouspastimeofplayinggrandmother。ChapterXVIII。ChapterXVIII。CHAPTERXVIIITHEWOMANWHODIDNOTDAREPOLLYwroteenthusiastically，Nedansweredsatisfactorily，andaftermuchcorresponding，talking，andplanning，itwasdecidedthatTomshouldgoWest。Nevermindwhatthebusinesswas；itsufficestosaythatitwasagoodbeginningforayoungmanlikeTom，who，havingbeenbornandbredinthemostconservativeclassofthemostconceitedcityinNewEngland，neededjustthehealthy，hearty，socialinfluencesoftheWesttowidenhisviewsandmakeamanofhim。
Ofcoursetherewasmuchlamentationamongthewomen，buteveryonefeltitwasthebestthingforhim；sowhiletheysighedtheysewed，packedvisionsofabrilliantfutureawaywithhisnewpockethandkerchiefs，andrejoicedthatthewaywasopenbeforehimevenintheactofbedewinghisbootswithtears。Sydneystoodbyhimtothelast，\"likeamanandabrother\"
whichexpressionofTom\'sgaveFannyinfinitesatisfaction，andWillfeltentirelyconsoledforNed\'sdisappointmentathisrefusaltogoandjoinhim，sinceTomwastotaketheplaceNedhadkeptforhim。
Fortunatelyeveryonewassobusywiththenecessarypreparationsthattherewasnotimeforromanceofanysort，andthefouryoungpeopleworkedtogetherassoberlyandsensiblyasifallsortsofemotionswerenotbottledupintheirrespectivehearts。Butinspiteofthesilence，thework，andthehurry，Ithinktheycametoknowoneanotherbetterinthatbusylittlespaceoftimethaninalltheyearsthathadgonebefore，forthebestandbravestineachwasupandstirring，andthesmallhousewasasfullofthemagnetismofloveandfriendship，self-sacrificeandenthusiasm，astheworldoutsidewasfullofspringsunshineandenchantment。Pitythattheendshouldcomesosoon，butthehourdiditsworkandwentitsway，leavingacleareratmospherebehind，thoughtheyoungfolksdidnotseeitthen，fortheireyesweredimbecauseofthepartingsthatmustbe。
TomwasofftotheWest；Pollywenthomeforthesummer；MaudwastakentotheseasidewithBelle；andFannyleftalonetowrestlewithhousekeeping，\"help，\"andheartache。Ifithadnotbeenfortwothings，Ifearsheneverwouldhavestoodasummerintown，butSydneyoftencalled，tillhisvacationcame，andavoluminouscorrespondencewithPollybeguiledthelongdays。
Tomwroteonceaweektohismother，buttheletterswereshortandnotverysatisfactory，formenneverdotelltheinterestinglittlethingsthatwomenbestliketohear。FannyforwardedherbitsofnewstoPolly。
PollysentbackalltheextractsfromNed\'slettersconcerningTom，andbyputtingthetworeportstogether，theygainedthecomfortableassurancethatTomwaswell，ingoodspirits，hardatwork，andintentoncomingoutstronginspiteofallobstacles。
Pollyhadaquietsummerathome，restingandgettingreadyinmindandbodyforanotherwinter\'swork，forintheautumnshetriedherplanagain，tothesatisfactionofherpupilsandthegreatjoyofherfriends。
Sheneversaidmuchofherselfinherletters，andFanny\'sfirstexclamationwhentheymetagain，wasananxious­；
\"Why，Polly，dear!Haveyoubeensickandnevertoldme？\"
\"No，I\'monlytired，hadagooddealtodolately，andthedullweathermakesmejustatrifleblue。IshallsoonbrightenupwhenIgettomyworkagain，\"answeredPolly，bustlingabouttoputawayherthings。
\"Youdon\'tlookabitnatural。Whathaveyoubeendoingtoyourpreciouslittleself？\"persistedFanny，troubledbythechange，yetfindingithardtosaywhereinitlay。
Pollydidnotlooksick，thoughhercheekswerethinnerandhercolorpalerthanformerly，butsheseemedspiritless，andtherewasatiredlookinhereyesthatwenttoFanny\'sheart。
\"I\'mallrightenough，asyou\'llseewhenI\'minorder。I\'mpropergladtofindyoulookingsowellandhappy。Doesallgosmoothly，Fan？\"askedPolly，beginningtobrushherhairindustriously。
\"Answermeonequestionfirst，\"saidFanny，lookingasifasuddenfearhadcomeoverher。\"Tellme，truly，haveyouneverrepentedofyourhinttoSydney？\"
\"Never!\"criedPolly，throwingbackthebrownveilbehindwhichshehadhalfhiddenherfaceatfirst。
\"Onyourhonor，asanhonestgirl？\"
\"Onmyhonor，asanythingyouplease。Whydoyoususpectmeofit？\"
demandedPolly，almostangrily。
\"Becausesomethingiswrongwithyou。It\'snousetodenyit，foryou\'vegotthelookIusedtoseeinthatveryglassonmyownfacewhenI
thoughthecaredforyou。Forgiveme，Polly，butIcan\'thelpsayingit，foritisthere，andIwanttobeastruetoyouasyouweretomeifIcan。\"
Fanny\'sfacewasfullofagitation，andshespokefastandfrankly，forshewastryingtobegenerousandfounditveryhard。Pollyunderstoodnowandputherfearatrestbysayingalmostpassionately，­；
\"ItellyouIdon\'tlovehim!Ifhewastheonlymanintheworld，Iwouldn\'tmarryhim，becauseI­；don\'twantto。\"
Thelastthreewordswereaddedinadifferenttone，forPollyhadcheckedherselftherewithahalf-frightenedlookandturnedawaytohideherfacebehindherhairagain。
\"Thenifit\'snothim，it\'ssomeoneelse。You\'vegotasecret，Polly，andIshouldthinkyoumighttellit，asyouknowmine，\"saidFanny，unabletoresttilleverythingwastold，forPolly\'smannertroubledher。
Therewasnoanswertoherquestion，butshewassatisfiedandputtingherarmroundherfriend，shesaid，inhermostpersuasivetone，­；
\"MypreciousPolly，doIknowhim？\"
\"Youhaveseenhim。\"
\"Andisheverywise，good，andsplendid，dear？\"
\"No。\"
\"Heoughttobeifyoulovehim。Ihopeheisn\'tbad？\"criedFan，anxiously，stillholdingPolly，whokeptherheadobstinatelyturned。
\"I\'msuited，that\'senough。\"
\"Oh，pleasejusttellmeonethingmore。Don\'thelovebackagain？\"
\"No。Nowdon\'tsayanotherword，Ican\'tbearit!\"andPollydrewherselfaway，asshespokeinadesperatesortoftone。
\"Iwon\'t，butnowI\'mnotafraidtotellyouthatIthink，Ihope，IdobelievethatSydneycaresalittleforme。He\'sbeenverykindtousall，andlatelyhehasseemedtoliketoseemealwayswhenhecomesandmissmeifI\'mgone。Ididn\'tdaretohopeanything，tillPapaobservedsomethinginhismanner，andteasedmeaboutit。Itrynottodeceivemyself，butitdoesseemasiftherewasachanceofhappinessforme。\"
\"Thankheavenforthat!\"criedPolly，withtheheartiestsatisfactioninhervoice。\"Nowcomeandtellmeallaboutit，\"sheadded，sittingdownonthecouchwiththeairofonewhohasescapedagreatperil。
\"I\'vegotsomenotesandthingsIwanttoaskyouropinionabout，iftheyreallymeananything，youknow，\"saidFanny，gettingoutabundleofpapersfromtheinmostrecessesofherdesk。\"There\'saphotographofTom，cameinhislastletter。Good，isn\'tit？Helooksolder，butthat\'sthebeardandtheroughcoat，Isuppose。Dearoldfellow，heisdoingsowellIreallybegintofeelquiteproudofhim。\"
Fantossedherthephotograph，andwentonrummagingforacertainnote。
ShedidnotseePollycatchupthepictureandlookatitwithhungryeyes，butshedidhearsomethinginthelowtoneinwhichPollysaid，­；
\"Itdon\'tdohimjustice，\"andglancingoverhershoulder，Fan\'squickeyecaughtaglimpseofthetruth，thoughPollywashalfturnedawayfromher。Withoutstoppingtothink，Fandroppedherletters，tookPollybytheshoulders，andcriedinatonefullofastonishment，­；
\"Polly，isitTom？\"
PoorPollywassotakenbysurprise，thatshehadnotawordtosay。
Nonewereneeded；hertelltalefaceansweredforher，aswellastheimpulsewhichmadeherhideherheadinthesofacushion，likeafoolishostrichwhenthehuntersareafterit。