 CHAPTER 14 NIPPED IN THE BUD On the evening of fan's visit Polly sat down before her fire with a resolute and thoughtful aspect. She pulled her hair down, turned her skirt back, put her feet on the fender, and took puddle into her lap, all of which arrangement signified that something very important had got to be thought over and settled. Polly did not soliloquise aloud, as heroines on the stage and in books have a way of doing, but the conversation she held with herself was very much like this. I'm afraid there is something in it. I've tried to think it's nothing but vanity or imagination, yet I can't help seeing a difference and feeling as if I ought not to pretend that I don't. I know it's considered proper for girls to shut their eyes and let things come to a crisis, no matter how much mischief is done, but I don't think it's doing as we'd be done by, and it seems a great deal more honest to show a man that you don't love him before he has entirely lost his heart. The girls laughed at me when I said so, and they declared it would be a very improper thing to do, but I've observed that they don't hesitate to snub ineligible parties as they call poor, very young, or unpopular men. It's all right then, but when a nice person comes, it's part of the fun to let him go on to the very end, whether the girls care for him or not. The more proposals, the more credit. Fan says Tricks always asks when she comes home after the summer excursions, how many birds have you bagged, as if men were partridges. What wicked creatures we are, some of us at least. I wonder why such a love of conquest was put into us. Mother says a great deal of it is owing to bad education nowadays, but some girls seem born for the express purpose of making trouble and would manage to do it if they lived in a howling wilderness. I'm afraid I've got a spice of it, and if I had the chance, should be as bad as any of them. I've tried it and liked it, and maybe this is the consequence of that night's fun. Here Polly leaned back and looked up at the little mirror over the chimney-piece, which was hung so that it reflected the faces of those about the fire. In it Polly saw a pair of tell-tale eyes looking out from a tangle of bright brown hair, cheeks that flushed and dimpled suddenly as the fresh mouth smiled with an expression of conscious power, half proud, half ashamed, and as pretty to see as the goquetis gesture with which she smoothed back her curls and flourished a white hand. For a minute she regarded the pleasant picture while visions of girlish romances and triumphs danced through her head. Then she shook her hair all over her face and pushed her chair out of range of the mirror, saying with a droll mixture of self-approach and self-approval in her tone, oh puddle, puddle, what a fool I am. Puss appeared to endorse the sentiment by a loud purr and a graceful wave of her tail, and Polly returned to the subject from which these little vanities had beguiled her. Just suppose it is true that he does ask me, and I say yes. What a stir it would make, and what fun it would be to see the faces of the girls when it came out. They all think a great deal of him because he's so hard to please, and almost any of them would feel immensely flattered if he liked them, whether they chose to marry him or not. Trix has tried for years to vacinate him, and he can't bear her, and I'm so glad. What a spiteful thing I am. Well, I can't help it. She does aggravate me so. And Polly gave the cat such a tweak of the ear that puddle bounced out of her lap in high dudgeon. It don't do to think of her, and I won't, said Polly to herself, setting her lips with a grim look that was not at all becoming. What an easy life I should have, plenty of money, quantities of friends, all sorts of pleasures and no work, no poverty, no cold shoulders or patched boots. I could do so much for all at home, how I should enjoy that. And Polly let her thoughts revel in the luxurious future her fancy painted. It was a very bright picture, but something seemed to miss with it. For presently she sighed and shook her head, thinking sorrowfully. Ah, but I don't love him, and I'm afraid I never can as I ought. He's very good and generous and wise and would be kind, I know, but somehow I can't imagine spending my life with him. I'm so afraid I should get tired of him, and then what should I do? Polly Sidney don't sound well, and Mrs. Arthur Sidney don't seem to fit me a bit. Wonder how it would seem to call him Arthur? And Polly said it under her breath with a look over her shoulder to be sure no one heard it. It's a pretty name, but rather too fine, and I shouldn't dare to say Sid as his sister does. I like short, plain, home-like names such as Will, Ned, or Tom. No, no, I can never care for him, and it's no use to try. The exclamation broke from Polly as if a sudden trouble had seized her, and laying her head down on her knees she sat motionless for many minutes. When she looked up her face wore an expression which no one had ever seen on it before. A look of mingled pain and patience as if some loss had come to her and left the bitterness of regret behind. I won't think of myself or try to mend one mistake by making another. She said with a heavy sigh. I'll do what I can for fan and not stand between her and a chance of happiness. Let me see. How can I begin? I won't walk with him any more. I'll dodge and go round about way so that we can't meet. I never had much faith in the remarkable coincidence of his always happening home to dinner just as I go to give the Roths their lesson. The fact is, I like to meet him. I am glad to be seen with him. And put on airs, I dare say, like a vain goose as I am. Well, I won't do it any more, and that will spare fan one affliction. Poor dear. How I must have worried her all this time and never guessed it. She hasn't been quite as kind as ever, but when she got sharp I fancied it was dyspepsia. Oh, me I wish the other trouble could be cured as easily as this. Here Puss showed an amiable desire to forgive and forget, and Polly took her up, saying aloud, Puddle, when Mrs. abuses you, play its dyspepsia, and don't bear malice, because it's a very trying disease, my dear. Then, going back to her thoughts, she rambled on again. If he doesn't take that hint, I will give him a stronger one, for I will not have matters come to a crisis, though I can't deny that my wicked vanity strongly tempts me to try and bag a bird just for the excitement and credit of the thing. Polly, I'm ashamed of you. What would your blessed mother say to hear such expressions from you? I'd write and tell her all the worry, only it wouldn't do any good and would only trouble her. I've no right to tell fan secrets, and I'm ashamed to tell mine. No, I'll leave mother in peace and fight it out alone. I do think fan would suit him excellently by and by. He has known her all her life and has a good influence over her. Love would do so much toward making her what she might be. It's a shame to have the chance lost just because he happens to see me. I should think she'd hate me, but I'll show her that she needn't and do all I can to help her, for she has been so good to me, nothing shall ever make me forget that. It is a delicate and dangerous task, but I guess I can manage it, at any rate I'll try, and have nothing to reproach myself with if things do go contrary. What Polly thought of as she lay back in her chair with her eyes shut and a hopeless look on her face is none of our business. Though we might feel a wish to know what caused a tear to gather slowly from time to time under her lashes and roll down on puddles Quaker-colored coat, was it regret for the conquest she relinquished? Was it sympathy for her friend? Or was it an uncontrollable overflow of feeling as she read some sad or tender passage of the little romance which she kept hidden away in her own heart? On Monday Polly began the delicate and dangerous task. Instead of going to her pupils by way of the park and the pleasant streets joining, she took a roundabout route through back streets and thus escaped Mr. Sidney, who as usual came home to dinner very early that day, and looked disappointed because he nowhere saw the bright face in the modest bonnet. Polly kept this up for a week and by carefully avoiding the Shaw's house during calling hours she saw nothing of Mr. Sidney who of course didn't visit her at Miss Mills. Many happened to be poorly that week and took no lesson, so Uncle Sid was deprived of his last hope and looked as if his allowance of sunshine had been suddenly cut off. Now as Polly was by no means a perfect creature, I am free to confess that the old temptation assailed her more than once that week, for when the first excitement of the dodging reform had subsided she missed the pleasant little interviews that used to put a certain flavor of romance into her dull hardworking days. She liked Mr. Sidney very much, for he had always been kind and friendly since the early times when he had treated the little girl with a courtesy which the young woman gratefully remembered. I don't think it was his wealth, accomplishments or position that most attracted Polly, though these doubtless possessed a greater influence than she suspected. It was that indescribable something which women are quick to see and feel in men who have been blessed with wise and good mothers. This hadn't a special charm to Polly, for she soon found that this side of his character was not shown to everyone. With most girls he was very like the other young men of his set, except perhaps in a certain grace of manner which was as natural to him as his respect for all womankind. But with Fanny and Polly he showed the domestic traits and virtues which are more engaging to womanly women than any amount of cool intellect or worldly wisdom. Polly had seen a good deal of him during her visits at the Shaw's, where he was intimate owing to the friendship between Madame and his mother, but she had never thought of him as a possible lover for either Fanny or herself because he was six or eight years older than they, and still sometimes assumed the part of a venerable mentor, as in the early days. Lately this had changed especially towards Polly, and it flattered her more than she would confess even to herself. She knew he admired her one talent, respected her independence and enjoyed her society, but when something warmer and more flattering than admiration, respect or pleasure crept into his manner, she could not help seeing that one of the good gifts of this life was daily coming more and more within her reach and began to ask herself if she could honestly receive the gift and reward the giver. At first she tried to think she could, but unfortunately hearts are so contrary that they won't be obedient to reason, will or even gratitude. Polly felt a very cordial friendship for Mr. Sidney, but not one particle of the love which is the only coin in which love can be truly paid. Then she took a fancy into her head that she ought to accept this piece of good fortune for the sake of the family and forget herself. But this false idea of self-sacrifice did not satisfy, for she was not a fashionable girl trained to believe that her first duty was to make a good match and never mind the consequences, though they rendered her miserable for life. Polly's creed was very simple. If I don't love him I ought not to marry him, especially when I do love somebody else, though everything is against me. If she had read as many French novels as some young ladies she might have considered it interesting to marry under the circumstances and suffer a secret anguish to make her a romantic victim. But Polly's education had been neglected, and after a good deal of natural indecision she did what most women do in such cases, thought she would wait and see. The discovery of Fanny's secret seemed to show her something to do, for if the wait-and-see decision was making her friend unhappy it must be changed as soon as possible. This finished Polly's indecision, and after that night she never allowed herself to dwell on the pleasant temptation, which came in a guise particularly attractive to a young girl with a spice of the old eve in her composition. So day after day she trudged through the dull back streets, longing for the sunny park, the face that always brightened when it saw her coming, and most of all the chance of meeting, well, it wasn't tricks. When Saturday came Polly started as usual for a visit to Becky and Bess, but couldn't resist stopping at the Shaws to leave a little parcel for Fann, though it wasn't calling time. As she stepped in, meaning to run up for a word if Fanny should chance to be alone, two hats on the hall-table arrested her. Who is here, Katie? Only Mr. Sidney and Master Tom, won't you stop a bit, Miss Polly? Not this morning, I'm rather in a hurry. And away went Polly, as if a dozen eager pupils were clamoring for her presence. But as the door shut behind her she felt so left out in the cold that her eyes filled. And when Nep, Tom's great Newfoundland, came blundering after her, she stopped, and hugged his shaggy head, saying softly, as she looked into the brown, benevolent eyes, full of almost human sympathy. Now go back, old dear, you mustn't follow me. Oh, Nep, it's so hard to put love away when you want it very much and it isn't right to take it. A foolish little speech to make to a dog, but, you see, Polly was only a tender-hearted girl trying to do her duty. Since he is safe with Fanny, I may venture to walk where I like. It's such a lovely day, all the babies will be out, and it always does me good to see them. Thought Polly, turning into the wide, sunny street, where west and dumb, promenaded at that hour. The babies were out in full force, looking as gay and delicate and sweet as the snow drops, higher synths and daffodils on the banks once the snow had melted. But somehow the babies didn't do Polly the good she expected, though they smiled at her from their carriages and kissed their chubby hands as she passed them, for Polly had the sort of face the babies love. One tiny creature in blue plush was casting despairing glances after a very small lord of creation who was walking away with a toddling bell in white, while a second young gentleman in gorgeous purple gaiters was endeavoring to console the deserted damsel. Take hold of Master Charlie's hand, Miss Mamie, and walk pretty like Willie and Flossie, said the maid. No, no. I want to do what Willie, and he won't let me. Though way, Charlie, I don't like you. Cried little Blue Bonnet, casting down her ermine moth and sobbing in a microscopic handkerchief the thread lace edging on which couldn't mitigate her woe, as it might have done that of an older sufferer. Willie likes Flossie best, so stop crying and come right along, you naughty child. As poor little Dida was jerked away by the unsympathetic maid and purple gaiters assayed in vain to plead his cause, Polly said to herself, with a smile and a sigh, how early the old story begins. It seemed as if the spring weather had brought out all manner of tender things beside fresh grass and the first dandelions, for as she went down the street Polly kept seeing different phases of the sweet old story which she was trying to forget. At a street corner a black-eyed schoolboy was parting from a rosy-faced schoolgirl whose music-roll he was reluctantly surrendering. Don't you forget now, said the boy, looking basterly into the bright eyes that danced with pleasure, as the girl blushed and smiled and answered reproachfully, why, of course I shan't. That little romance run smoothly so far, I hope it may to the end, said Polly heartily as she watched the lad tramp away, whistling as blightly as if his pleasurable emotions must find event or endanger the buttons on the round jacket, while the girl pranced on her own doorstep, as if practicing for the joyful dance which she had promised not to forget. A little farther on Polly passed a newly engaged couple whom she knew, walking arm in arm for the first time, both wearing that proud yet conscious look which is so delightful to behold upon the countenances of those temporarily glorified beings. How happy they seem! Oh, dear! said Polly, and trudged on, wondering if her turn would ever come, and fearing that it was impossible. A glimpse of a motherly-looking lady entering a door received by a flock of pretty children who cast themselves upon Mama and her parcels with cries of rapture did Polly good, and when, a minute after, she passed a gray old couple walking plastically together in the sunshine, she felt better still, and was glad to see such a happy ending to the romance she had read all down the street. As if the mischievous little god wished to take Polly at a disadvantage, or perhaps to give her another chance, just at that instant Mr. Sidney appeared at her side. How he got there was never very clear to Polly, but there he was, flushed and a little out of breath, but looking so glad to see her that she hadn't the heart to be stiff and cool as she had fully intended to be when they met. Very warm, isn't it? he said, when he had shaken hands and fallen into step just in the old way. You seemed to find it so, and Polly laughed with a sudden sparkle in her eyes. She really couldn't help it. It was so pleasant to see him again, just when she was feeling so lonely. Have you given up teaching the Roths, asked Sidney, changing the subject? No. Do you go as usual? Yes. Well, it's a mystery to me how you get there. As much as it is to me how you got here so suddenly. I saw you from the Shaw's window and took the liberty of running after you by the back street. He said, laughing. That is the way I get to the Roths, answered Polly. She did not mean to tell, but his frankness was so agreeable she forgot herself. It's not nearly so pleasant or so short for you as the park. I know it, but people sometimes get tired of old ways and like to try new ones. Polly didn't say that quite naturally and Sidney gave her a quick look as he asked, do you get tired of old friends too, Miss Polly? Not often, but... And there she stuck, for the fear of being ungrateful or unkind made her almost hope that he wouldn't take the hint which she had been carefully preparing for him. There was a dreadful little pause, which Polly broke by saying abruptly, How is Fan? Dashing as ever. Do you know I'm rather disappointed in Fanny, for she don't seem to improve with her years, said Sidney, as if he accepted the diversion and was glad of it. Ah, you never see her at her best. She puts on that dashing air before people to hide her real self. But I know her better and I assure you that she does improve. She tries to mend her faults, though she won't own it, and will surprise you some day by the amount of heart and sense and goodness she has got. Polly spoke heartily now and Sidney looked at her as if Fanny's defender pleased him more than Fanny's defence. I'm very glad to hear it and willingly take your word for it. Everybody shows you their good side, I think, and that is why you find the world such a pleasant place. Oh, but I don't. It often seems like a very hard and dismal place and I croak over my trials like an ungrateful raven. Can't we make the trials lighter for you? The voice that put the question was so very kind that Polly dared not look up, because she knew what the eyes were silently saying. Thank you. No. I don't get more tribulation than is good for me. I fancy and we are apt to make mistakes when we try to dodge troubles. Or people, added Sidney, in a tone that made Polly colour up to her forehead. How lovely the park looks, she said, in great confusion. Yes, it's the pleasantest walk we have, don't you think so? Asked the artful young man, laying a trap into which Polly immediately fell. Yes, indeed, it's always so refreshing to me to see a little bit of the country as it were, especially at the season. Oh, Polly, Polly, what a stupid speech to make when you had just given him to understand that you were tired of the park. Not being a fool or a coxcomb, Sidney put this and that together. And taking various trifles into the account he had by this time, come to the conclusion that Polly had heard the same bits of gossip that he had, which linked their names together, that she didn't like it, and tried to show she didn't in this way. He was quicker to take a hint than she had expected, and being both proud and generous, resolved to settle the matter at once for Polly's sake as well as his own. So when she made her last brilliant remark, he said quietly, watching her face keenly all the while. I thought so. Well, I'm going out of town on business for several weeks so you can enjoy your little bit of country without being annoyed by me. Annoyed? Oh, no! cried Polly earnestly, then stopped short, not knowing what to say for herself. She thought she had a good deal of the coquette in her, and I've no doubt that with time and training she would have become a very dangerous little person, but now she was far too transparent and straightforward by nature even to tell a white lie cleverly. Sydney knew this and liked her for it, but he took advantage of it nevertheless by asking suddenly, Honestly now, wouldn't you go the old way and enjoy it as much as ever if I wasn't anywhere about to set the busybody's gossiping? Yes, said Polly before she could stop herself, and then could have bitten her tongue out for being so rude. Another awful pause seemed impending, but just at that moment a horseman clattered by with a smile and a salute, which caused Polly to exclaim, Oh, there's Tom! with a tone and a look that silenced the words hovering on Sydney's lips, and caused him to hold out his hand with a look which made Polly's heart flutter then and ache with pity for a good while afterward, though he only said, Goodbye, Polly. He was gone before she could do anything but look up at him with a remorseful face, and she walked on, feeling that the first and perhaps the only lover she would ever have had read his answer and accepted it in silence. She did not know what else he had read, and comforted herself with the thought that he did not care for her very much since he took the first rebuff so quickly. Polly did not return to her favorite walk till she learned from Minnie that Uncle had really left town, and then she found that his friendly company in conversation was what had made the way so pleasant after all. She sighed over the perversity of things in general and croaked a little over her trials in particular, but on the whole got over her loss better than she expected. For soon she had other sorrows beside her own to comfort, and such work does a body more good than floods of regretful tears or hours of sentimental lamentation. She shunned Fanny for a day or two, but gained nothing by it, for that young lady hearing of Sidney's sudden departure could not rest till she discovered the cause of it, and walked in upon Polly one afternoon just when the dusk made it a propitious hour for tender confidences. What have you been doing with yourself lately? Asked Fanny, composing herself with her back toward the rapidly waning light. Waging to and fro as usual, what's the news with you? answered Polly, feeling that something was coming and rather glad to have it over and done with. Nothing particular. Tricks treats Tom shamefully and he bears it like a lamb. I tell him to break his engagement and not be worried so, but he won't because she has been jilted once and he thinks it's such a mean thing to do. Perhaps she'll jilt him. I have no doubt she will if anything better comes along, but Tricks is getting passé and I shouldn't wonder if she kept him to his word instead of perversity if nothing else. Poor Tom, what a fate! said Polly with what was meant to be a comical groan, but it sounded so tragical that she saw it wouldn't pass and hastened to hide the failure by saying with a laugh, if you call Tricks passé at twenty-three, what shall we all be at twenty-five? Utterly done with and laid upon the shelf. I feel so all ready for I don't get half the attention I used to have the other night I heard Maud and Grace wondering why these old girls didn't stay at home and give them a chance. How is Maudie? Pretty well. But she worries me by her queer tastes and notions. She loves to go into the kitchen and mess. She hates to study and said right before the Vincent's that she should think it would be great fun to be a beggar-girl, to go round with a basket. It must be so interesting to see what you'd get. Minnie said the other day that she wished she was a pigeon so she could paddle in the puddles and not fuss about rubbers. By the way, when is her uncle coming back? Asked Fanny, who couldn't wait any longer and joyfully seized the opening Polly made for her. I'm sure I don't know. Nor care, I suppose you hard-hearted thing. Why, fan, what do you mean? I'm not blind, my dear. Neither is Tom, when a young gentleman cuts a call abruptly short and races after a young lady and is seen holding her hand at the quietest corner of the park and then goes traveling all of a sudden. We know what it means, if you don't. Who got up that nice idea I should like to know? Demanded Polly as Fanny stopped for breath. Now don't be affected, Polly, but just tell me like a deer. Hasn't he proposed? No, he hasn't. Don't you think he means to? I don't think he'll ever say a word to me. Well, I am surprised. And Fanny drew a long breath, as if a load was off her mind. Then she added in a changed tone. But don't you love him, Polly? No. Truly? Truly, fan. Neither spoke for a minute, but the heart of one of them beat joyfully, and the dusk hit a very happy face. Don't you think he cared for you, dear? Asked Fanny presently. I don't mean to be prying, but I really thought he did. That's not for me to say, but if it is so it's only a passing fancy and he'll soon get over it. Do tell me all about it. I'm so interested and I know something has happened. I hear it in your voice, though I can't see your face. Do you remember the talk we had once after reading one of Miss Edgeworth's stories about not letting one's lovers come to a declaration if one didn't love them? Yes. And you girls said it wasn't proper, and I said it was honest anyway. Well, I always meant to try it if I got a chance, and I have. Mind you, I don't say Mr. Sidney loved me, for he never said so, and never will now. But I did fancy he rather liked me and might do more if I didn't show him that it was of no use. And you did? cried Fanny, much excited. I just gave him a hint, and he took it. He meant to go away before that, so I don't think his heart is broken or mind what silly tatlers say. I didn't like his meeting me so much and told him so by going another way. He understood, and being a gentleman made no fuss. I daresay he thought I was a vain goose and laughed at me for my pains and howlin'. No, he wouldn't. He'd like it and respect you for doing it. But Polly, it would have been a grand thing for you. I can't sell myself for an establishment. Mercy, what an idea! Well, that's the plain English of half your fashionable matches. I'm odd, as you know, and prefer to be an independent spinster and teach music all my days. Ah, but you won't. You were made for a nice happy home of your own, and I hope you'll get it, Polly dear, said Fanny warmly, feeling so grateful to Polly that she found it hard not to pour out all her secret at once. I hope I may. But I doubt it. Answered Polly, in a tone that made Fanny wonder if she, too, knew what heartache meant. Something troubles you, Polly. Confide in me as I do in you, said Fanny tenderly, for all the coldness she had tried to hide from Polly had melted in the sudden sunshine that had come to her. Do you always? Asked her friend, leaning forward with an irresistible desire to win back the old-time love and confidence too precious to be exchanged for a little brief excitement or the barren honor of bagging a bird to use Tricks's elegant expression. Fanny understood it then and threw herself into Polly's arms crying with a shower of grateful tears, oh my dear, my dear, did you do it for my sake? And Polly held her close, saying in that tender voice of hers, I didn't mean to let a lover part this pair of friends if I could help it. End of Chapter 14 Chapter 15 of an Old-Fashioned Girl This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Jeanette Selig An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa M. Alcott Chapter 15 Breakers Ahead Going into the shaws one evening, Polly found Maud sitting on the stairs Oh Polly, I'm so glad you've come, cried the little girl, running to hug her. What's the matter, dearie? I don't know, something dreadful must have happened for Mama and Fanna crying together upstairs. Papa is shut up in the library and Tom is raging around like a bear in the dining room. I guess it isn't anything very bad. Perhaps Mama is sicker than usual or Papa worried about business or Tom in some new scrape. Don't look so frightened, Maudie, but come into the parlor and see what I've got for you," said Polly, feeling that there was trouble of some sort in the air, but trying to cheer the child for her little face was full of a sorrowful anxiety that went to Polly's heart. I don't think I can like anything till I know what the matter is, answered Maud. It's something horrid, I'm sure, for when Papa came home and Mama cried very loud, and when I tried to go in, Fann wouldn't let me, and she looked scared and strange. I wanted to go to Papa when he came down, but the door was locked and he said, now, my little girl, and then I sat here waiting to see what would happen, and Tom came home, but when I ran to tell him, he said, go away and don't bother me, and just took me by the shoulders and put me out. Oh, dear, everything is so queer Maud began to cry, and Polly sat down on the stairs beside her, trying to comfort her while her own thoughts were full of a vague fear. All at once the dining-room door opened and Tom's head appeared. A single glance showed Polly that something was the matter, for the care and elegance which usually marked his appearance were entirely wanting. His tie was under one ear, his hair in a toss, and his face and expression both excited, ashamed, and distressed. Even his voice betrayed disturbance, for instead of the affable greeting he usually bestowed on the young lady he seemed to have fallen back into the bluffed tone of his boyish days, and all he said was, Hello, Polly. How do you do? I'm in a devil of a mess, thank you. Send that chicken upstairs and come in and hear about it. Polly had been longing to tell someone and welcomed prudent Polly as a special providence. Go up, dearie, and amuse yourself with this book and these ginger-snaps that I made for you. There's a good child, whispered Polly, as Maude rubbed away her tears and stared at Tom with round inquisitive eyes. You'll tell me all about it by and by, won't you? She whispered, preparing to obey. If I may, answered Polly. Maude departed with unexpected facility, and Polly went into the dining-room where Tom was wandering about in a restless way. If he had been raging like a bear Polly wouldn't have cared. She was so pleased that he wanted her and so glad to be a confidant as she used to be in the happy old days that she would joyfully have faced a much more formidable person than reckless Tom. Now then, what is it? She said, coming straight to the point. Guess. You've killed your horse, racing. Worse than that. You're suspended again. Worse than that. Tricks has run away with somebody, cried Polly with a gasp. Worse still. Oh, Tom, you haven't horse-whipped or shot anyone. Came pretty near blowing my own brains out, but you see, I didn't. I can't guess. Tell me, quick. Well, I'm expelled. Tom paused on the rug as he gave the answer and looked at Polly to see how she took it. To his surprise she seemed almost relieved and after a minute's silence said soberly, That's bad. Very bad. But it might have been worse. It is worse. And Tom walked away again with a despairing sort of groan. Don't knock the chairs about, but come and sit down and tell me quietly. Can't do it. Well, go on then. Are you truly expelled? Can't it be made up? What did you do? It's a true bill this time. I just had a row with the chapel watchman and knocked him down. If it was a first offense I might have got off, but you see, I've had no end of narrow escapes and this was my last chance. I've lost it and now there'll be the dickens to pay. I knew it was all up with me so I didn't wait to be turned out but just took myself off. What will your father say? It will come down hard on the governor but the worst of it is there Tom stopped and stood a minute in the middle of the room with his head down as if he didn't find it easy to tell even kind little Polly then out came the truth all in a breath just as he used to bolt out his boyish misdemeanors and then back up against the wall I owe an awful lot of money that the governor doesn't know about Oh Tom, how could you? I've been an extravagant rascal I know it and I'm thundering sorry but that don't help a fellow I've got to tell the dear old buffer and that's where it cuts At another time Polly would have laughed at the contrast between Tom's face and his language but there was a sincere remorse which made even the dreadful word buffer even otherwise he will be very angry I dare say but he'll help you won't he he always does fan says that's the worst of it you see he's paid up so often that the last time he said his patients couldn't stand it nor his pocket either and if I got into any more scrapes of that sort I must get out as I could I meant to be as steady as Bunker Hill Monument but here I am again worse than ever for last quarter I didn't say anything to father he was so bothered by the loss of those ships just then so things have mounted up confoundedly what have you done with all your money hanged if I know can't you pay it anyway don't see how as I have an ascent of my own and no way of getting it unless I try gambling oh mercy no sell your horse cried Polly after a minute of deep meditation I have but he didn't bring half I gave for him I blamed him last winter and the beggar won't get over it and that didn't pay up the debts only about half of them why Tom how much do you owe I've dodged figuring it up till yesterday then things were so desperate I thought I might as well face the truth so I overhauled my accounts and there's the result Tom threw a blotted crumpled paper into Polly's lap and tramped up and down again faster than ever Polly took one look at the total and clasped her hands for to her inexperienced eyes it looked appalling tidy little sum isn't it asked Tom who couldn't bear the silence or the startled grieved look in Polly's eyes it's awful I don't wonder you dread telling your father I'd rather be shot I say Polly break it to him easy added Tom after another turn how do you mean why suppose fan or better still you go and sort of pave the way I can't bear to come down on him with the whole truth at once so you'd like to have me go and tell him for you Polly's lip curled a little as she said that and she gave Tom a look that would have shown him how blue eyes can flash if he had seen it he didn't turn as he said slowly well you see he's so fond of you we all confide in you and you're so like one of the family that it seems quite natural just tell him I'm expelled you know and as much more as you like then I'll come in and we'll have it out Polly rose and went to the door without a word in doing so Tom caught a glimpse of her face and said hastily don't you think it would be a good plan no I don't why not don't you think he'd rather have it told him nicely by you then blurted out as I always do blurt things I know he'd rather have his son go to him and tell the truth like a man instead of sending a girl to do what he is afraid to do himself if Polly had suddenly boxed his ears Tom couldn't have looked more taken aback than by that burst he looked at her excited face seemed to understand the meaning of it but once that he was trying to hide behind a girl he turned scarlet said shortly come back Polly and walked straight out of the room looking as if going to instant execution for poor Tom had been taught to fear his father and had not entirely outgrown the dread Polly sat down looking both satisfied and troubled I hope I did right she said to herself I couldn't bear to have him shirk and seem cowardly he isn't only he didn't think how it seemed to me and I don't wonder he was a little afraid Mr. Shaw is so severe with the poor fellow oh dear what should we do if Will got into such scrapes thank goodness he's poor and can't I'm so glad of that then she sat silent beside the half open door hearing the murmur of Tom's voice across the hall and hoping with all her heart that he wouldn't have a very hard time he seemed to tell his story rapidly without interruption to the end then Polly heard Mr. Shaw's deeper voice say a few words at which Tom uttered a loud exclamation as if taken by surprise Polly couldn't distinguish a word so she kept her seat wondering anxiously what was going on between the two men a sudden pause seemed to follow Tom's ejaculation then Mr. Shaw talked for a long time in a low, earnest tone so different from the angry one Polly had expected to hear but made her nervous for Mr. Shaw usually blew Tom up first and forgave him afterward as Mod said presently Tom's voice was heard apparently asking eager questions to which brief replies were given then a dead silence fell upon the room and nothing was heard but the spring rain softly falling out of doors all of a sudden she heard a movement and Tom's voice say audibly let me bring Polly appeared looking so pale and miserable that Polly was frightened go and say something to him I can't poor old father if I'd only known and to Polly's utter dismay Tom threw himself into a chair and laid his head down on the table as if he had got a blow that was too much for him oh Tom what is it cried Polly hurrying to him full of fear she dared not speak without looking up Tom answered in a smothered voice failed all gone to smash and tomorrow everyone will know it Polly held on to the back of Tom's chair for a minute for the news took her breath away and she felt as if the world was coming to an end failed was such a vaguely dreadful word to her is it very bad she asked softly feeling as if anything was better than to stand still and see Tom so wretched yes he means to give up everything he's done his best but it can't be staved off any longer and it's all up with him oh I wish I had a million to give him cried Polly clasping her hands with the tears running down her cheeks how does he bear it Tom like a man Polly and I'm proud of him said Tom looking up all red and excited with the emotions he was trying to keep under everything has been against him and he has fought all alone to stand the pressure but it's too much for him and he's given in it's an honorable failure mind you and no one can say a word against him I'd like to see him try it and Tom clenched his hands as if it would be an immense relief to him to thrash half a dozen dispersers of his father's honest name of course they can't this is what poor Ma troubled about he had told your mother and fan before you came and that is why they are so unhappy I suppose they are safe enough father hasn't touched mother's money he couldn't rob his girls he said and that's all safe for him isn't he a Trump Polly and Tom's face shone with pride even while his lips would twitch with a tenderer feeling if I could only do anything to help cried Polly oppressed with her own powerlessness you can go and be good to him you know how he needs it enough all alone there I can't do it for I'm only a curse instead of a comfort to him how did he take your news asked Polly who for a time had forgotten the lesser trouble in the greater like a lamb for when I'd done he only said my poor lad we must bear with one another and then told his story I'm glad he was kind began Polly in a soothing tone but Tom cried out remorsefully that's what knocks me over just when I ought to be a pride and a prop to him I bring him my debts and disgrace and he never says a word of blame it's no use I can't stand it and Tom's head went down again with something very like a sob that would come in spite of manful efforts to keep it back for the poor fellow had the warmest heart that ever was and all the fine whiskets outside couldn't spoil it there was no pain than the news of a dozen failures and expulsions and it was as impossible for her to resist putting her hand tenderly on the bent head as it was for her to help noticing with pleasure how brown the little curls were growing and how soft they were in spite of her sorrow she enjoyed that minute very much for she was a born consoler and it is hardly necessary for me to add loved this reprehensible Tom with all her heart it was a very foolish thing for her to do she quite agreed to that she couldn't understand it explain it or help it she only felt that she did care for him very much in spite of his faults his indifference and his engagement you see she learned to love him one summer when he made them a visit that was before tricks caught him and when she heard that piece of news Polly couldn't unlove him all at once though she tried very hard as was her duty that engagement was such a farce that she never had much faith in it so she put her love away in a corner of her heart and tried to forget it hoping it would either die or have a right to live it didn't make her very miserable because patience work and common sense lent her a hand and hope would keep popping up its bright face from the bottom of her Pandora box of troubles now and then when anyone said tricks wouldn't jilt Tom or that Tom did care for tricks more than he should Polly had a pang thought she couldn't possibly bear it but she always found she could and so came to the conclusion that it was a merciful provision of nature that girls' hearts could stand so much and their appetites continue good when unrequited love was starving now she could not help yearning over this faulty well-beloved Scape Grace Tom or help thinking with a little thrill of hope if tricks only cared for his money she may cast him off now he's lost it but I'll love him all the better because he's poor with this feeling warm at her heart I don't wonder that Polly's hand had a soothing effect and that after a heave or two Tom's shoulders were quiet and certain smothered sniff suggested that he would be all right again if he could only wipe his eyes without anyone seeing him do it Polly seemed to divine his wish and tucking a little clean handkerchief into one of his half open hands I'm going to your father now and with the fair well smooth so comforting that Tom wished she'd do it again she went away as she paused a minute in the hall to steady herself Maude called her from above and thinking that the women might need her more than the men she ran up to find Fanny waiting for her in her own room Mama's asleep quite worn out poor dear so we can talk in here without troubling her said Fanny receiving her friend so quietly Polly was amazed let me come too I won't make any fuss it's so dreadful to be shut out everywhere and have people crying and talking and locked up and not know what it means said Maude besiegingly you do know now I've told her Polly said fan as they sat down together and Maude perched herself on the bed so that she might retire among the pillows if her feelings were too much for her I'm glad you take it so well dear I was afraid it might upset you said Polly seeing now that in spite of her quiet manner fans eyes had an excited look and her cheeks a feverish color I shall groan and moan by and by I dare say but at first it sort of dazed me and now it begins to excite me I ought to be full of sorrow for poor Papa and I am truly sorry but we could as it may seem it's a fact Polly that I'm half glad it's happened out of myself and gives me something to do Fanny's eyes fell and her color rose as she spoke but Polly understood why she wanted to forget herself and put her arm round her with a more tender sympathy than Fanny guessed perhaps things are not as bad as they seem I don't know much about such matters but I've seen people who have failed and they seem just as comfortable as before said Polly it won't be so with us for Papa means to give up everything and not have a word said against him Mama's little property is settled upon her and hasn't been risked that touched her so much she dreads poverty even more than I do but she begged him to take it if it would help him that pleased him but he said nothing wouldn't induce him to do it for it wouldn't help much and was hardly enough to keep her comfortable Do you know what he means to do? asked Polly anxiously he said that his plans were not made but he meant to go into the little house that belonged to Grandma as soon as he could for it wasn't honest for a bankrupt to keep up an establishment like this I shat mind that at all I like the little house because it's got a garden and there's a cunning room with a three-cornered closet in it that I always wanted if that's all I don't think bankrupting is so very bad said Maude taking a cheerful view of things ah just wait till the carriage goes and the nice clothes and the servants they have to scratch along as we can you'll change your mind then poor child said Fanny whose ideas of failure were decidedly tragical will they take all my things away cried Maude and dismay I dare say I don't know what we are allowed to keep but not much I fancy and Fan looked as if strung up to sacrifice everything she possessed they shan't have my new earrings I'll hide them and my best dress and the smelling bottle oh oh oh I think it's mean to take a little girl's things away and Maude dived among the pillows to smother a wail of anguish at the prospect of being bereft of her treasures Polly soon lured her out again by assurances that she wouldn't be utterly despoiled and promises to try and soften the hard hearts of her father's creditors if the earrings and the smelling bottle were attached I wonder if we shall be able to keep one servant until we learn how to do the work said Fanny looking at her white hands with a sigh but Maude clapped hers and gave a joyful bounce as she cried now I can learn to cook I so love to beat eggs I'll have an apron with a bib to it like Polly's and a feather duster and sweep the stairs maybe with my head tied up like Katie oh what fun don't laugh at her or discourage her let her find comfort in bibs whispered Polly to Fanny while Maude took a joyful header among the pillows and came up smiling and blousy for she loved housework and often got lectured for stolen visits to the kitchen and surreptitious sweepings and dustings when the coast was clear Mama is so feeble I shall have to keep house I suppose and you must show me how Polly said Fanny good practice ma'am as you'll find out some day answered Polly laughing significantly Fanny smiled then both grew grave and sad this changes everything the old set will drop me as we did the merchants when their father failed and my prospects as we say are quite ruined I don't believe it your real friends won't drop you and you'll find out which the true ones are now I know one friend who will be kinder than ever oh Polly do you think so and Fanny's eyes are softened with sudden tears I know who she means cried Maude always eager to find out things it's herself Polly won't mind if we are poor because she likes beggars is that who you meant asked Fan wistfully no it's a much better and dearer friend than I am said Polly pinching Fanny's cheek as it reddened prettily under her eyes you'll never guess Maude so I wouldn't try planning what you will put in your cunning three cornered closet when you get it having got rid of Miss Paulina Pry as Tom called Maude who was immediately absorbed by her cupboard the older girls soberly discussed the sudden change which had come and Polly was surprised to see what unexpected strength and sense Fanny showed Polly was too unconscious of the change which love had made in herself to understand at first the cause of her friends new patience and fortitude but she rejoiced over it and felt that her prophecy would yet be fulfilled presently Maude emerged from her new closet bringing a somewhat startling idea with her do bankrupting men Maude liked that new word always have fits Mercy no, what put that into your head child cried Polly why Mr. Merton did and I was thinking Papa had got one down there and it kind of frightened me Mr. Merton's was a bad disgraceful failure and I don't wonder he had a fit ours isn't and Papa won't do anything of that sort you may be sure said Fanny with as proud an air as if our failure was rather an honor than otherwise don't you think you and Maude had better go down and see him asked Polly perhaps he wouldn't like it and I don't know what to say either began fan but Polly said eagerly I know he would like it never mind what you say just go and show him that you don't doubt or blame him for this but love him all the more and are ready and glad to help him bear the trouble I'm going I ain't afraid I'll just hug him and say I'm ever so glad we are going to the little house cried Maude scrambling off the bed and running downstairs come with me Polly and tell me what to do said Fanny drawing her friend after her you'll know what to do when you see him better than I can tell you answered Polly readily yielding for she knew they considered her quite one of the family as Tom said at the study door they found Maude whose courage had given out for Mr. Merton's fit rather haunted her Polly opened the door and the minute Fanny saw her father she did know what to do the fire was low she asked him and Mr. Shaw was sitting in his easy chair his grey head in both his hands looking lonely old and bowed down with care Fanny gave Polly one look then went and took the grey head in both her arms saying with a tender quiver in her voice father dear we've come to help you bear it Mr. Shaw looked up and seeing in his daughter's face something that had never been there before put his arm about her and leaned his tired head against hers as if when least expected he had found the consolation he most needed in that minute Fanny felt with mingled joy and self-reproach what a daughter might be to her father and Polly thinking of feeble selfish Mrs. Shaw asleep upstairs saw with sudden clearness what a wife should be to her husband a help-meat, not a burden touched by these unusual demonstrations Maude crept quietly to her father's knee and whispered with a great tear shining on her little pug nose Papa we don't mind it much and I'm going to help fan keep house for you I'd like to do it truly Mr. Shaw's other arm went round the child and for a minute no one said anything for Polly had slipped behind his chair that nothing should disturb the three who were learning from Miss Fortune how much they loved one another presently Mr. Shaw steadied himself and asked where is my other daughter where's my Polly she was there at once gave him one of the quiet kisses that had more than usual tenderness in it for she loved to hear him say my other daughter and then she whispered don't you want Tom too of course I do where is the poor fellow I'll bring him and Polly departed with most obliging alacrity but in the hall she paused a minute to peep into the glass and see if she was all right for somehow she was more anxious to look neat and pretty to Tom in his hour of trouble than she had ever been in his prosperous world and then she grabbed the bow at her throat she knocked a hat off the bracket now a shiny black beaver is not an object exactly calculated to inspire tender or romantic sentiments one would fancy but that particular stovepipe seemed to touch Polly to the heart for she caught it up as if its fall suggested a greater one smoothed out a slight dint as if it was symbolical of the hard nox its owner's head was now in danger stood looking at it with as much pity and respect as if it had been the crown of a disinherited prince girls will do such foolish little things and though we laugh at them I think we like them the better for it after all Richard was himself again when Polly entered for the handkerchief had disappeared his head was erect his face was steady and his whole air had a dogged composure which seemed to say to fate hit away I'm ready for he was looking fixedly at the fire with eyes that evidently saw a very different future there from that which it used to show him but when she said Tom dear your father wants you he got up at once held out his hand to her saying come to we can't get on without you and took her back into the study with him then they had a long talk for the family troubles seemed to warm and strengthen the family affection and as the young people listened while Mr. Shaw told them as much of his business perplexities as they could understand every one of them blamed him or herself for going on so gaily and blindly while the storm was gathering and the poor man was left to meet it all alone now however the thunderclap had come and after the first alarm finding they were not killed they began to discover a certain half anxious half pleasant excitement talking it over encouraging one another and feeling unusually friendly as people do when a sudden shower drives two or three to the shelter of one umbrella it was a sober talk but not all sad for Mr. Shaw felt inexpressibly comforted by his children's unexpected sympathy and they trying to take the downfall cheerfully for his sake found it easier to bear themselves they even laughed occasionally for the girls in their ignorance asked queer questions Tom made ludicrously unbusiness like propositions and Maude gave them one hearty peel that did a world of good by pensively remarking when the plans for the future had been explained to her I'm so relieved for when Papa said we must give up everything and Mama called us all beggars I did think I'd got to go round asking for cold vitals with a big basket and an old shawl over my head I said once I'd like that I shouldn't for I can't bear Indian cake and cold potatoes that's what the poor children always seem to get and I should hate to have grace and the rest see me scuffing round the back gates my little girl shall never come to that if I can help it said Mr. Shaw holding her close with a look that made Maude add as she laid her cheek against his own but I do it father if you ask me to for I truly want to help so do I cried Fanny wondering at the same minute how it would seem to wear turned silks and clean her gloves Tom said nothing but drew toward him a paper of figures which his father had drawn up and speedily reduced himself to the verge of distraction by trying to understand them in his ardent desire to prove his willingness to put his shoulder to the wheel we shall pull through children so don't borrow trouble ready for discomforts and annoyances put your pride in your pockets and remember poverty isn't disgraceful but dishonesty is Polly had always loved kind Mr. Shaw but now she respected him heartily and felt that she had not done him justice when she sometimes thought that he only cared for making money I shouldn't wonder if this was a good thing for the whole family though it don't look so Mrs. Shaw will take it the hardest but it may stir her up so she will forget her nerves and be as busy and happy as mother is said Polly to herself in a hopeful mood for poverty was an old friend and she had learned long ago not to fear it but to take its bitter and its sweet and make the best of both when they parted for the night Polly slipped away first to leave them free yet couldn't help lingering outside to see how tenderly the girls parted from their father Tom hadn't a word to say for himself for men don't kiss, caress or cry when they feel most and all he could do to express his sympathy and penitence was to wring his father's hand with a face full of respect regret and affection and then bolt upstairs as if the furies were after him as they were in a mild and modern form End of Chapter 15 Mr. Shaw's as many other families have been taught how rapidly riches take to themselves wings and fly away when they once begin to go Mr. Shaw carried out his plans with an energy and patience that worked wonders and touched the hearts of his hardest creditors the big house was given up as soon as possible and the little house taken being made comfortable with the furniture madam left there when she went to live with her son the old fashioned things that had been let with the house and now seemed almost like a gift from Grandma doubly precious in these troubleous times at the auction several persons tried to show the family that though they had lost their fortune friends still remained for one bid in Fanny's piano and sent it to her another secured certain luxurious articles for Mrs. Shaw's comfort and a third saved such of Mr. Shaw's books as he valued most for he had kept his word and given up everything with the most punctilious integrity so the little house was not bare but made pleasant to their eyes by these waves from the wreck brought them by the tide of sympathy and goodwill which soon set in everybody who knew them hastened to call many from a real regard but more from a mere curiosity to see how they took it this was one of the hardest things they had to bear and Tom used strong language more than once when some fine lady came to condol and went away to gossip Polly's hopes of Mrs. Shaw were disappointed for Miss Fortune did not have a bracing effect she took to her bed at once received her friends in tears and a pointless cap and cheered her family by plaintively inquiring when she was to be taken to the alms house this was hard for Fanny after an interval of despair she came to the conclusion that under the circumstances it was the best thing her mother could have done and with something of her father's energy Fanny shouldered the new burden feeling that at last necessity had given her what she had long needed something to do the poor girl knew as much of household affairs as SNP but pride and the resolution to stand by father kept up her courage and she worked away with feverish activity at whatever task came first till, just as strength and heart were about to fail order began to emerge from chaos and the vision of a home made happy and comfortable by her skill and care came to repay and sustain her Maude, being relieved from the fear of backdoor beggary soon became reconciled to bankruptcy thought it rather a good joke on the whole for children like novelty and care much for Mrs. Grundy she regarded the new abode as a baby house on a large scale where she was allowed to play her part in the most satisfactory manner from the moment when, on taking possession of the coveted room she opened the doors of the three cornered closet and found a little kettle just like Polly's standing there she felt that a good time was coming for her and fell to dusting furniture, washing cups and making toast, the happiest fuzziest little housewife in the city for Maude inherited the notable gifts of her grandmother and would have made a capital farmer's daughter in spite of her city breeding Polly came and went through all these changes faithful, helpful, and as cheery as she could be when her friends were in trouble the parts seemed reversed now and it was Polly who gave Fanny who received for where everything seemed strange and new to fan Polly was quite at home and every one of the unfashionable domestic accomplishments now came into play to the comfort of the shaws and the great satisfaction of Polly she could not do enough to prove her gratitude for former favors and went toiling and moiling about feeling that the hardest most disagreeable tasks were her a special duty in the moving nothing suited her better than to trot up and down lugging heavy things pound her fingers black and blue nailing carpets and curtains and the day she nearly broke her neck tumbling down the cellar stairs in her eagerness to see that Mrs. Shaw's wine was rightly stored she felt that she was only paying her debts and told Tom she liked it when he picked her up looking as grimy as a chimney sweep you can turn your hand to anything you clever girl so do come and give me some advice for I am in the depths of despair said Fanny made of all work as Polly called herself found a leisure hour what is it moths in the furs a smoky chimney or smallpox next door asked Polly as they entered fans room where Maud was trying on old bonnets before the looking glass actually I have nothing to wear began fan impressively I've been too busy to think or care till now but here it is nearly May and I have hardly a decent rag to my back actually you know I just go to Mrs. O'Grady and tell her what I want she makes my spring wardrobe Papa pays the bill and there I am now I've looked into the matter and I declare to you Polly I'm frightened to see how much it costs to dress me not as much as some girls I know said Polly encouragingly perhaps not for I have a conscience and taste is economy sometimes but really Polly I haven't the heart to ask Papa for a cent just now and yet I must have clothes you are such a genius for planning and working wonders that I throw myself upon you and ask how shall I make a spring wardrobe out of nothing let me see the nothing before I advise bring out every rag you've got and we'll see what can be done said Polly looking as if she enjoyed the prospect for she had a great deal of that feminine faculty which we call knack and much practice had increased it Polly brought out her rags and was astonished to see how many she had for chair sofa bed and bureau were covered and still Maude who was burrowing in the closets kept crying here's another there's a discouraging heap of rubbish for you said Fan as she added a faded muslin to the last pile now to me your rubbish looks very encouraging because there is good material there not much worn out finery that's my detestation for you can't do anything with it let me see five bonnets put the winter ones away till autumn rip up the summer ones and out of three old ones will get a pretty new one if my eyes don't deceive me I'll rip and then do let me see you make a bonnet it must be so interesting said Maude whipping out her scissors and eagerly beginning to reduce a shabby little bonnet to its original elements continued Polly who had rapidly sorted out the piles well you have the goodness to look at this said Fan holding up a gray street suit faded past cure Polly whisked it wrong side out and showing the clean bright fabric said with the triumphant wave behold your new suit fresh trimming and less of it will finish you off as smart as ever I never wore a turned dress in my life do you suppose people will know it said Fan doubtfully what if they do it won't hurt you not one in a hundred will ever think anything about your dress except that it is pretty I've turned and died gowns all my days and it doesn't seem to have alienated my friends or injured my constitution that it hasn't I'm a goose Polly and I'll get over the feeling that it's sort of disgraceful to be poor and have to economize we'll turn the gray and I'll wear it bravely then it will be more becoming than ever oh here's the pretty violet silk that will make a lovely suit cried Polly going on with the review don't see how two draggled skirts and a stained waist can be transformed into a whole rig said Fan sitting on the bed with her garment strewn about her in various attitudes of limp despondency well ma'am my plan is this began Polly imitating Mrs. O'Grady's important tone and bad grammar gauze is out and plates is in therefore as the top of this skirt is quite fresh we will take off the ruffles turn it upside down and leave it plain the upper skirt will be made scanter and finished with a frill then the waist can be refreshed with the best parts of these wide flounces and out of those new bits we will concoct a hat the black lace mod has just taken off the green one edge the violet and with your nice silk mantilla you are complete don't you see I don't quite see it yet but I have firm faith that I shall in time and consider my calling costume finished said Fanny getting more and more interested as she saw her condemned wardrobe coming out fresh again under Polly's magic knack there are two then that peek you is all right if you cut the tail off the jacket and change the trimming a bit the tail ends only need mending and doing up to look as well as ever you ought not to put them away torn and soiled my child the two black silks will be good stand-bys for years if I were you I'd have a couple of neat pretty prints for home wear and then I don't see why you aren't fixed well enough for our short season can't I do anything with this bearish it's one of my favorite dresses and I hate to give it up you wore that thoroughly out it's a bit for the rag bag yes it was very pretty and becoming I remember but it's day is over Fanny let the dress lie in her lap a minute as she absently picked at the fringe smiling to herself over the happy time when she wore it last and Sydney said she only needed cow slips in her lap to look like spring presently she folded it up and put it away with a sigh but it never went into the rag bag my sentimental readers can understand what saved it the ball-dresses had better be put nicely away till next year began Polly coming to a rainbow-colored heap my day is over I shall never use them again do what you like with them said Van calmly did you ever sell your cast-off finery as many ladies do asked Polly never I don't like the fashion I give it away or let Maude have it for tableau I wonder if you would mind my telling you something bell-proposed if it's an offer to buy my clothes I should mind answered Fanny sharply then I won't and Polly retired behind a cloud of arsenic-green gauze which made her look as if she had the cholera if she wanted to buy that horrid new gooseberry-colored gown as Tom calls it I'd let her have it cheap put in Maude who was of a practical turn does she want it Polly? asked Van whose curiosity got the better of her pride well she merely asked me if I thought you'd be mortally offended if she offered to take it off your hands as you'd never warn it you don't like it and in another season it will be all out of fashion said Polly from her verdant retreat what did you say I saw she meant it kindly so I said I'd ask now between ourselves Van the price of that dress would give you all you'll want for your spring fixings that's one consideration then here's another which may have some weight with you added Polly slyly Trix told Belle she was going to ask you for the dress as you wouldn't care to wear it now that made Belle fire up and say it was a mean thing to do without offering some return for a costly thing like that and then Belle said in her blunt way I'll give Van all she paid for it number two if it will be any help to her I don't care for the dress but I'd like to slip a little money into her pocket for I know she needs it and is too good to ask dear Mr. Shaw for anything she can get on without did she say that I'll give her the dress and not take a penny for it cried Van flushing up with mingled anger toward Trix and gratitude to Belle that won't suit her you let me manage it I don't care about it you did many a kind and generous thing for Belle when you had the power and you liked to do it now let her pay her debts and have the same pleasure if she looks at it in that way it makes a difference perhaps I'd better the money would be an immense help only I don't quite like to take it kings and queens sell their jewels when times are hard or they get turned off their thrones and no one thinks it anything amiss it's just a little transaction between two friends who exchange things they don't want for things which they do and I'd do it if I were you we'll see about it said Van privately resolving to take Polly's advice if I had lots of things like Van I'd have an auction and get all I could for them why don't you asked Maude beginning on her third bonnet we will said Polly in a chair she put up bid in and knocked down Van's entire wardrobe to an imaginary group of friends with such droll imitations of each one that the room rang with laughter that's enough nonsense now we'll return to business said Polly descending breathless but satisfied with the effect of her fun these white muslins and pretty silks will keep for years so I should lay them by till they are needed it will save buying and you can go to your stock any time and make over what you want that's the way mother does we've always had things sent us from richer friends and whatever wasn't proper for us to wear at the time mother put a way to be used when we needed it such funny bundles as we used to have sometimes odd shoes bonnets without crowns stockings without heels or toes and old finery of all sorts we used to rush when a bundle came and sit round while mother opened it the boys always made fun of the things though they were as grateful really as any of us Will made a verse one day which we thought pretty well for a little chap to poor country folks who haven't any clothes rich folks to relieve them send old lace gowns and satin bows I think that Will is going to be as nice a poet as Mr. Shakespeare remarked Maude in a tone of serious conviction he is already a Milton but I don't believe you will ever be anything but a poet in name said Polly working away while she talked didn't your mother ever let you wear the nice things that came? asked Maude no she thought it wasn't the thing for a poor minister's girls to go flourishing about in second hand finery so she did what I'm doing now put away what would be useful and proper for us by and by and let us play with the shabby silk bonnets and dirty flounced gowns such fun as we used to have up in our big garret I remember one day we'd been playing half a ball and we're all rigged up even the boys some new neighbors came to call and expressed a wish to see us having been told that we were patterned children mother called us but we had paraded out into the garden after our ball and we're having a concert as we sat about on the cabbages for green satin seats so we didn't hear the call and just as the company was going a great noise we tested them on the doorstep and round the corner of the house rattled Ned in full costume wheeling Kitty in a barrow while Jimmy Will and I ran screaming after looking like bedlamites for we were playing that Lady Fitzperkins had fainted and was being born home senseless in a cab I thought mother would kill herself with laughing and you can imagine what an impression the strangers received of the model children Maude was so tickled with this youthful prank that she unguardedly sat down to laugh on the edge of an open trunk immediately doubled up fell in and was with difficulty extricated people in the country have great deal nicer times than we do I never rode in a wheelbarrow I never sat on cabbages and I don't think it's fair she said with an injured expression you needn't save any old silk gowns for me I don't mean to be a fine lady when I grow up I'm going to be a farmer's wife and make butter and cheese and have ten children and raise pigs she added in one enthusiastic burst I do believe she will if she can find a farmer anywhere said Fanny oh I'm going to have Will I asked him and he said all right he's going to preach Sundays and work on the farm the rest of the time well he is so you needn't laugh for we've made all our plans said Maude she tried the effect of an old white bonnet wondering if farmer's wives could wear ostrich feathers when they went to meeting blessed innocence don't you wish you were a child and dared tell what you want murmured Fanny I wish I had seen Will's face when Maude proposed answered Polly with a nod which answered her friend's speech better than her words any news of anybody whispered fan affecting to examine a sleeve with care still at the south don't think late events have been reported yet that accounts for absence answered Polly I think Sir Philip was hit harder than was supposed said Fan I doubt it but time cures wounds of that sort amazing quick wish it did who is Sir Philip demanded Maude pricking up her ears a famous man who lived in the time of Queen Elizabeth answered Fan with a look at Polly oh and Maude seemed satisfied but the sharp child had her suspicions nevertheless there will be an immense deal of work in all this fixing over and I hate to so said Fanny to divert a certain person's thoughts Jenny and I are going to help we are your debtors as well as Bell and demand the privilege of paying up blessings like curses come home to roost fan mine come home a good deal bigger than they went answered Fanny looking pleased that little favour should be so faithfully remembered the interest on that sort of investment rolls up beautifully you know now rip that dress for Jenny to put in order and I'll toss you up a bonnet in less than no time said Polly determined to have things go smoothly for she knew Fan's feelings had been a good deal tried lately in many ways I must have something to match my dress and blew inside said Fanny bringing out her ribbon boxes anything you like my dear when it comes to bonnets I am usually inspired I have it there we are and nothing could be nicer cried Polly making a dive among the silks fan was turning over with a lost expression this bit of silver gray is all I ask here's enough for a killing bonnet and those forget me knots are both pretty and appropriate you wretch be still cried Fanny as Polly looked up at her with a wicked laugh in her eyes it will be done in time and the dress likewise so look your prettiest and accept my blessing continued Polly seeing that Fan liked her railery time for what asked Paulina Pry your wedding dear sweetly answered Fan for Polly's pleasant hints and predictions put her in a charming humor and even made old clothes of little consequence Maude gave an incredulous sniff and wondered why big girls need to be so dreadful mysterious about their old secrets this silk reminds me of Kitty's performance last summer a little checked silk was sent in our spring bundle from Mrs. Davenport and mother said Kit might have it if she could make it do so I washed it nicely and we fussed and planned and came short by half of one sleeve I gave it up but Kit went to work and matched every scrap that was left so neatly that she got out the half sleeve put it on the underside and no one was the wiser how many pieces do you think she put in Maude fifty was the wise reply no only ten but that was pretty well for a fourteen year old dressmaker you ought to have seen the little witch laugh in her sleeve no one admired the dress for she wore it all summer and looked as pretty as a pink in it such things are great fun when you get used to them besides contriving sharpens your wits and makes you feel as if you had more hands than most people I think we'll get a farm near your house I should like to know Kitty said Maude feeling a curious interest in a girl who made such peculiar patchwork the dress parade is over and I'm ever so much obliged to you Polly for helping me through and showing me how to make the best of things I hope in time to have as many hands as you said fan gratefully when the simple bonnet was done and everything planned out ready to be finished I hope you will soon have two good strong ones beside your own my dear answered Polly as she vanished with a parting twinkle that kept fans face bright all day end of chapter 16