Chapter VII. Good-By

by Louisa May Alcott

　　Chapter VII. Good-By"Oh, dear! Must you really go home Saturday?" said Fan, somedays after what Tom called the "grand scrimmage.""I really must; for I only came to stay a month and here I've beennearly six weeks," answered Polly, feeling as if she had beenabsent a year."Make it two months and stay over Christmas. Come, do, now,"urged Tom, heartily."You are very kind; but I would n't miss Christmas at home foranything. Besides, mother says they can't possibly do without me.""Neither can we. Can't you tease your mother, and make up yourmind to stay?" began Fan."Polly never teases. She says it's selfish; and I don't do it nowmuch," put in Maud, with a virtuous air."Don't you bother Polly. She'd rather go, and I don't wonder. Let'sbe just as jolly as we can while she stays, and finish up with yourparty, Fan," said Tom, in a tone that settled the matter.Polly had expected to be very happy in getting ready for the party;but when the time came, she was disappointed; for somehow thatnaughty thing called envy took possession of her, and spoiled herpleasure. Before she left home, she thought her new white muslindress, with its fresh blue ribbons, the most elegant and propercostume she could have; but now, when she saw Fanny's pink silk,with a white tarlatan tunic, and innumerable puffings, bows, andstreamers, her own simple little toilet lost all its charms in hereyes, and looked very babyish and old-fashioned.Even Maud was much better dressed than herself, and looked verysplendid in her cherry-colored and white suit, with a sash so bigshe could hardly carry it, and little white boots with red buttons.They both had necklaces and bracelets, ear-rings and brooches; butPolly had no ornament, except the plain locket on a bit of bluevelvet. Her sash was only a wide ribbon, tied in a simple bow, andnothing but a blue snood in the pretty curls. Her only comfort wasthe knowledge that the modest tucker drawn up round the plumpshoulders was real lace, and that her bronze boots cost ninedollars.Poor Polly, with all her efforts to be contented, and not to mindlooking unlike other people, found it hard work to keep her facebright and her voice happy that night. No one dreamed what wasgoing an under the muslin frock, till grandma's wise old eyes spiedout the little shadow on Polly's spirits, and guessed the cause of it.When dressed, the three girls went up to show themselves to theelders, who were in grandma's room, where Tom was being helpedinto an agonizingly stiff collar.Maud pranced like a small peacock, and Fan made a splendidcourtesy as every one turned to survey them; but Polly stood still,and her eyes went from face to face, with an anxious, wistful air,which seemed to say, "I know I'm not right; but I hope I don't lookvery bad."Grandma read the look in a minute; and when Fanny said, with asatisfied smile, "How do we look?" she answered, drawing Pollytoward her so kindly."Very like the fashion-plates you got the patterns of your dressesfrom. But this little costume suits me best.""Do you really think I look nice?" and Polly's face brightened, forshe valued the old lady's opinion very much."Yes, my dear; you look just as I like to see a child of your agelook. What particularly pleases me is that you have kept yourpromise to your mother, and have n't let anyone persuade you towear borrowed finery. Young things like you don't need anyornaments but those you wear to-night, youth, health, intelligence,and modesty."As she spoke, grandma gave a tender kiss that made Polly glowlike a rose, and for a minute she forgot that there were such thingsas pink silk and coral ear-rings in the world. She only said, "Thankyou, ma'am," and heartily returned the kiss; but the words did hergood, and her plain dress looked charming all of a sudden."Polly's so pretty, it don't matter what she wears," observed Tom,surveying her over his collar with an air of calm approval."She has n't got any bwetelles to her dwess, and I have," saidMaud, settling her ruffled bands over her shoulders, which lookedlike cherry-colored wings on a stout little cherub."I did wish she'd just wear my blue set, ribbon is so very plain;but, as Tom says, it don't much matter;" and Fanny gave aneffective touch to the blue bow above Polly's left temple."She might wear flowers; they always suit young girls," said Mrs.Shaw, privately thinking that her own daughters looked much thebest, yet conscious that blooming Polly had the most attractiveface. "Bless me! I forgot my posies in admiring the belles. Handthem out, Tom;" and Mr. Shaw nodded toward an interestinglooking box that stood on the table.Seizing them wrong side-up, Tom produced three little bouquets,all different in color, size, and construction."Why, papa! how very kind of you," cried Fanny, who had notdared to receive even a geranium leaf since the late scrape."Your father used to be a very gallant young gentleman, once upona time," said Mrs. Shaw, with a simper."Ah, Tom, it's a good sign when you find time to think of givingpleasure to your little girls!" And grandma patted her son's baldhead as if he was n't more than eighteen.Thomas Jr. had given a somewhat scornful sniff at first; but whengrandma praised his father, the young man thought better of thematter, and regarded the flowers with more respect, as he asked,"Which is for which?""Guess," said Mr. Shaw, pleased that his unusual demonstrationhad produced such an effect.The largest was a regular hothouse bouquet, of tea-rosebuds,scentless heath, and smilax; the second was just a handful ofsweet-peas and mignonette, with a few cheerful pansies, and onefragrant little rose in the middle; the third, a small posy of scarletverbenas, white feverfew, and green leaves."Not hard to guess. The smart one for Fan, the sweet one for Polly,and the gay one for Pug. Now, then, catch hold, girls." And Tomproceeded to deliver the nosegays, with as much grace as could beexpected from a youth in a new suit of clothes and very tight boots."That finishes you off just right, and is a very pretty attention ofpapa's. Now run down, for the bell has rung; and remember, not todance too often, Fan; be as quiet as you can, Tom; and. Maud,don't eat too much supper. Grandma will attend to things, for mypoor nerves won't allow me to come down."With that, Mrs. Shaw dismissed them, and the four descended toreceive the first batch of visitors, several little girls who had beenasked for the express purpose of keeping Maud out of her sister'sway. Tom had likewise been propitiated, by being allowed to bringhis three bosom friends, who went by the school-boy names ofRumple, Sherry, and Spider."They will do to make up sets, as gentlemen are scarce; and theparty is for Polly, so I must have some young folks on heraccount," said Fanny, when sending out her invitations.Of course, the boys came early, and stood about in corners,looking as if they had more arms and legs than they knew what todo with. Tom did his best to be a good host; but ceremonyoppressed his spirits, and he was forced to struggle manfully withthe wild desire to propose a game of leap-frog, for the longdrawing-rooms, cleared for dancing, tempted him sorely.Polly sat where she was told, and suffered bashful agonies as Fanintroduced very fine young ladies and very stiff young gentlemen,who all said about the same civil things, and then appeared toforget all about her. When the first dance was called, Fannycornered Tom, who had been dodging her, for he knew what shewanted, and said, in an earnest whisper: "Now, Tom, you mustdance this with Polly. You are the young gentleman of the house,and it's only proper that you should ask your company first.""Polly don't care for manners. I hate dancing; don't know how. Letgo my jacket, and don't bother, or I'll cut away altogether,"growled Tom, daunted by the awful prospect of opening the ballwith Polly."I'll never forgive you if you do. Come, be clever, and help me,there's a dear. You know we both were dreadfully rude to Polly,and agreed that we'd be as kind and civil to her as ever we could. Ishall keep my word, and see that she is n't slighted at my party, forI want her to love me, and go home feeling all right."This artful speech made an impression on the rebellious Thomas,who glanced at Polly's happy face, remembered his promise, and,with a groan, resolved to do his duty."Well, I'll take her; but I shall come to grief, for I don't knowanything about your old dances.""Yes, you do. I've taught you the steps a dozen times. I'm going tobegin with a redowa, because the girls like it, and it's better funthan square dances. Now, put on your gloves, and go and ask Pollylike a gentleman.""Oh, thunder!" muttered Tom. And having split the detested glovesin dragging them on, he nerved himself for the effort, walked up toPolly, made a stiff bow, stuck out his elbow, and said, solemnly,"May I have the pleasure, Miss Milton?"He did it as much like the big fellows as he could, and expectedthat Polly would be impressed. But she was n't a bit; for after asurprised look she laughed in his face, and took him by the hand,saying, heartily, "Of course you may; but don't be a goose,Tommy.""Well, Fan told me to be elegant, so I tried to," whispered Tom,adding, as he clutched his partner with a somewhat desperate air,"Hold on tight, and we'll get through somehow."The music struck up, and away they went; Tom hopping one wayand Polly the other, in a most ungraceful manner."Keep time to the music," gasped Polly."Can't; never could," returned Tom."Keep step with me, then, and don't tread on my toes," pleadedPolly."Never mind; keep bobbing, and we'll come right by and by,"muttered Tom, giving his unfortunate partner a sudden whisk,which nearly landed both on the floor.But they did not "get right by and by"; for Tom, In his franticefforts to do his duty, nearly annihilated poor Polly. He tramped,he bobbed, he skated, he twirled her to the right, dragged her to theleft, backed her up against people and furniture, trod on her feet,rumpled her dress, and made a spectacle of himself generally.Polly was much disturbed; but as everyone else was flying aboutalso, she bore it as long as she could, knowing that Tom had madea martyr of himself, and feeling grateful to him for the sacrifice."Oh, do stop now; this is dreadful!" cried Polly, breathlessly, aftera few wild turns."Is n't it?" said Tom, wiping his red face with such an air of intenserelief, that Polly had not the heart to scold him, but said, "Thankyou," and dropped into a chair exhausted."I know I've made a guy of myself; but Fan insisted on it, for fearyou'd be offended if I did n't go the first dance with you," saidTom, remorsefully, watching Polly as she settled the bow of hercrushed sash, which Tom had used as a sort of handle by which toturn and twist her; "I can do the Lancers tip-top; but you won't everwant to dance with me any more," he added, as he began to fan herso violently, that her hair flew about as if in a gale of wind."Yes, I will. I'd like to; and you shall put your name down here onthe sticks of my fan. That's the way, Trix says, when you don'thave a ball-book."Looking much gratified, Tom produced the stump of a lead-pencil,and wrote his name with a flourish, saying, as he gave it back,"Now I'm going to get Sherry, or some of the fellows that do theredowa well, so you can have a real good go before the musicstops."Off went Tom; but before he could catch any eligible partner,Polly was provided with the best dancer in the room. Mr. Sydneyhad seen and heard the whole thing; and though he had laughedquietly, he liked honest Tom and good-natured Polly all the betterfor their simplicity. Polly's foot was keeping time to the livelymusic, and her eyes were fixed wistfully on the smoothly-glidingcouples before her, when Mr. Sydney came to her, saying, in thepleasant yet respectful way she liked so much, "Miss Polly, canyou give me a turn?""Oh, yes; I'm dying for another." And Polly jumped up, with bothhands out, and such a grateful face, that Mr. Sydney resolved sheshould have as many turns as she liked.This time all went well; and Tom, returning from an unsuccessfulsearch, was amazed to behold Polly circling gracefully about theroom, guided by a most accomplished partner."Ah, that's something like," he thought, as he watched the bronzeboots retreating and advancing in perfect time to the music. "Don'tsee how Sydney does the steering so well; but it must be fun; and,by Jupiter! I'll learn it!" added Shaw, Jr., with an emphatic gesturewhich burst the last button off his gloves.Polly enjoyed herself till the music stopped; and before she hadtime to thank Mr, Sydney as warmly as she wished, Tom came upto say, with his most lordly air, "You dance splendidly, Polly.Now, you just show me any one you like the looks of, and I'll gethim for you, no matter who he is.""I don't want any of the gentlemen; they are so stiff, and don't careto dance with me; but I like those boys over there, and I'll dancewith any of them if they are willing," said Polly, after a survey."I'll trot out the whole lot." And Tom gladly brought up hisfriends, who all admired Polly immensely, and were proud to bechosen instead of the "big fellows."There was no sitting still for Polly after that, for the lads kept hergoing at a great pace; and she was so happy, she never saw orsuspected how many little manoeuvres, heart-burnings, displays ofvanity, affectation, and nonsense were going on all round her. Sheloved dancing, and entered into the gayety of the scene with aheartiness that was pleasant to see. Her eyes shone, her faceglowed, her lips smiled, and the brown curls waved in the air, asshe danced, with a heart as light as her feet."Are you enjoying yourself, Polly?" asked Mr. Shaw, who lookedin, now and then, to report to grandma that all was going well."Oh, such a splendid time!" cried Polly, with an enthusiastic littlegesture, as she chass,ed into the corner where he stood."She is a regular belle among the boys," said Fanny, as shepromenaded by."They are so kind in asking me and I'm not afraid of them,"explained Polly, prancing, simply because she could n't keep still."So you are afraid of the young gentlemen, hey?" and Mr. Shawheld her by one curl."All but Mr. Sydney. He don't put on airs and talk nonsense; and,oh! he does'dance like an angel,' as Trix says.""Papa, I wish you'd come and waltz with me. Fan told me not togo near her,'cause my wed dwess makes her pink one look ugly;and Tom won't; and I want to dwedfully.""I've forgotten how, Maudie. Ask Polly; she'll spin you round likea teetotum." "Mr. Sydney's name is down for that," answeredPolly, looking at her fan with a pretty little air of importance." ButI guess he would n't mind my taking poor Maud instead. She hasn't danced hardly any, and I've had more than my share. Would itbe very improper to change my mind?" And Polly looked up at hertall partner with eye which plainly showed that the change was asacrifice."Not a bit. Give the little dear a good waltz, and we will look on,"answered Mr. Sydney, with a nod and smile."That is a refreshing little piece of nature," said Mr. Shaw, as Pollyand Maud whirled away."She will make a charming little woman, if she is n't spoilt.""No danger of that. She has got a sensible mother.""I thought so." And Sydney sighed, for he had lately lost his owngood mother.When supper was announced, Polly happened to be talking, ortrying to talk, to one of the "poky" gentlemen whom Fan hadintroduced. He took Miss Milton down, of course, put her in acorner, and having served her to a dab of ice and one macaroon, hedevoted himself to his own supper with such interest, that Pollywould have fared badly, if Tom had not come and rescued her."I've been looking everywhere for you. Come with me, and don'tsit starving here," said Tom, with a scornful look from her emptyplate to that of her recreant escort, which was piled with goodthings.Following her guide, Polly was taken to the big china closet,opening from the dining-room to the kitchen, and here she found ajovial little party feasting at ease. Maud and her bosom friend,"Gwace," were seated on tin cake-boxes; Sherry and Spideradorned the refrigerator; while Tom and Rumple foraged for theparty.Here's fun," said Polly, as she was received with a clash of spoonsand a waving of napkins."You just perch on that cracker-keg, and I'll see that you getenough," said Tom, putting a dumbwaiter before her, and issuinghis orders with a fine air of authority."We are a band of robbers in our cave, and I'm the captain; and wepitch into the folks passing by, and go out and bring home plunder.Now, Rumple, you go and carry off a basket of cake, and I'llwatch here till Katy comes by with a fresh lot of oysters; Pollymust have some. Sherry, cut into the kitchen, and bring a cup ofcoffee. Spider, scrape up the salad, and poke the dish through theslide for more. Eat away, Polly, and my men will be back withsupplies in a jiffy."Such fun as they had in that closet; such daring robberies ofjelly-pots and cake-boxes; such successful raids into thedining-room and kitchen; such base assaults upon poor Katy andthe colored waiter, who did his best, but was helpless in the handsof the robber horde. A very harmless little revel; for no wine wasallowed, and the gallant band were so busy skirmishing to supplythe ladies, that they had not time to eat too much. No one missedthem; and when they emerged, the feast was over, except for a fewvoracious young gentlemen, who still lingered among the ruins."That's the way they always do; poke the girls in corners, give'emjust one taste of something, and then go and stuff like pigs,"whispered Tom, with a superior air, forgetting certain privatebanquets of his own, after company had departed.The rest of the evening was to be devoted to the German; and, asPolly knew nothing about it, she established herself in a windowrecess to watch the mysteries. For a time she enjoyed it, for it wasall new to her, and the various pretty devices were very charming;but, by and by, that bitter weed, envy, cropped up again, and shecould not feel happy to be left out in the cold, while the other girlswere getting gay tissue-paper suits, droll bonbons, flowers,ribbons, and all manner of tasteful trifles in which girlish soulsdelight. Everyone was absorbed; Mr. Sydney was dancing; Tomand his friends were discussing base-ball on the stairs; and Maud'sset had returned to the library to play.Polly tried to conquer the bad feeling; but it worried her, till sheremembered something her mother once said to her, "When youfeel out of sorts, try to make some one else happy, and you willsoon be so yourself.""I will try it," thought Polly, and looked round to see what shecould do. Sounds of strife in the library led her to enter. Maud andthe young ladies were sitting on the sofa, talking about each other'sclothes, as they had seen their mammas do."Was your dress imported?" asked Grace."No; was yours?" returned Blanche."Yes; and it cost oh, ever so much.""I don't think it is as pretty as Maud's.""Mine was made in New York," said Miss Shaw, smoothing herskirts complacently."I can't dress much now, you know,'cause mamma's in black forsomebody," observed Miss Alice Lovett, feeling the importancewhich affliction conferred upon her when it took the form of a jetnecklace."Well, I don't care if my dress is n't imported; my cousin had threekinds of wine at her party; so, now," said Blanche."Did she?" And all the little girls looked deeply impressed, tillMaud observed, with a funny imitation of her father's manner,"My papa said it was scan-dill-us; for some of the little boys gottipsy, and had to be tooked home. He would n't let us have anywine; and gwandma said it was vewy impwoper for childwen to doso.""My mother says your mother's coup, is n't half so stylish as ours,"put in Alice."Yes, it is, too. It's all lined with gween silk, and that's nicer thanold wed cloth," cried Maud, ruffling up like an insulted chicken."Well, my brother don't wear a horrid old cap, and he's got nicehair. I would n't have a brother like Tom. He's horrid rude, mysister says," retorted Alice."He is n't. Your brother is a pig.""You're a fib!""So are you!"Here, I regret to say, Miss Shaw slapped Miss Lovett, whopromptly returned the compliment, and both began to cry.Polly, who had paused to listen to the edifying chat, parted thebelligerents, and finding the poor things tired, cross, and sleepy,yet unable to go home till sent for, proposed to play games. Theyoung ladies consented, and "Puss in the corner" proved apeacemaker. Presently, in came the boys; and being exiles fromthe German, gladly joined in the games, which soon were livelyenough to wake the sleepiest. "Blind-man's-buff" was in full swingwhen Mr. Shaw peeped in, and seeing Polly flying about withband-aged eyes, joined in the fun to puzzle her. He got caughtdirectly; and great merriment was caused by Polly's bewilderment,for she could n't guess who he was, till she felt the bald spot on hishead.This frolic put every one in such spirits, that Polly forgot hertrouble, and the little girls kissed each other good-night asaffectionately as if such things as imported frocks, coup,s, andrival brothers did n't exist "Well, Polly, do you like parties?" askedFan when the last guest was gone."Very much; but I don't think it would be good for me to go tomany," answered Polly, slowly."Why not?""I should n't enjoy them if I did n't have a fine dress, and dance allthe time, and be admired, and all the rest of it.""I did n't know you cared for such things," cried Fanny, surprised."Neither did I till to-night; but I do; and as I can't have'em, it'slucky I'm going home tomorrow.""Oh, dear! So you are! What shall I do without my'sweet P.,' asSydney calls you?" sighed Fanny, bearing Polly away to becuddled.Every one echoed the exclamation next day; and many loving eyesfollowed the little figure in the drab frock as it went quietly about,doing for the last time the small services which would help tomake its absence keenly felt. Polly was to go directly after an earlydinner, and having packed her trunk, all but one tray, she was toldto go and take a run while grandma finished. Polly suspected thatsome pleasant surprise was going to be put in; for Fan did n't offerto go with her, Maud kept dodging about with something under herapron, and Tom had just whisked into his mother's room in amysterious manner. So Polly took the hint and went away,rejoicing in the thought of the unknown treasures she was to carryhome.Mr. Shaw had not said he should come home so early, but Pollythought he might, and went to meet him. Mr. Shaw did n't expectto see Polly, for he had left her very busy, and now a light snowwas falling; but, as he turned into the mall there was the round hat,and under it the bright face, looking all the rosier for beingpowdered with snow-flakes, as Polly came running to meet him."There won't be any one to help the old gentleman safely hometo-morrow," he said, as Polly took his hand in both hers with anaffectionate squeeze."Yes, there will; see if there is n't," cried Polly, nodding andsmiling, for Fan had confided to her that she meant to try it afterher friend had gone."I'm glad of it. But, my dear, I want you to promise that you willcome and make us a visit every winter, a good long one," said Mr.Shaw, patting the blue mittens folded round his hand."If they can spare me from home, I'd love to come dearly.""They must lend you for a little while, because you do us all good,and we need you.""Do I? I don't see how; but I'm glad to hear you say so," criedPolly, much touched."I can't tell you how, exactly; but you brought something into myhouse that makes it warmer and pleasanter, and won't quite vanish,I hope, when you go away, my child."Polly had never heard Mr. Shaw speak like that before, and did n'tknow what to say, she felt so proud and happy at this proof of thetruth of her mother's words, when she said that "even a little girlcould exert an influence, and do some good in this big, busyworld." She only gave her friend a grateful look sweeter than anywords, and they went on together, hand in hand, through the"soft-falling snow."If Polly could have seen what went into that top tray, she wouldhave been entirely overcome; for Fanny had told grandma aboutthe poor little presents she had once laughed at, and they had alllaid their heads together to provide something really fine andappropriate for every member of the Milton family. Such a mine ofriches! and so much good-will, affection, and kindly forethoughtwas packed away in the tempting bundles, that no one could feeloffended, but would find an unusual charm about the pretty giftsthat made them doubly welcome. I only know that if Polly hadsuspected that a little watch was ticking away in a little case, withher name on it, inside that trunk, she never could have left itlocked as grandma advised, or have eaten her dinner so quietly. Asit was, her heart was very full, and the tears rose to her eyes morethan once, everyone was so kind, and so sorry to have her go.Tom did n't need any urging to play escort now; and both Fan andMaud insisted on going too. Mrs. Shaw forgot her nerves, and putup some gingerbread with her own hands; Mr. Shaw kissed Pollyas if she had been his dearest daughter; and grandma held herclose, whispering in a tremulous tone, "My little comfort, comeagain soon"; while Katy waved her apron from the nurserywindow, crying, as they drove, away, "The saints bless ye, MissPolly, dear, and sind ye the best of lucks!"But the crowning joke of all was Tom's good-by, for, when Pollywas fairly settled in the car, the last "All aboard!" uttered, and thetrain in motion, Tom suddenly produced a knobby little bundle,and thrusting it in at the window, while he hung on in somebreakneck fashion, said, with a droll mixture of fun and feeling inhis face, "It's horrid; but you wanted it, so I put it in to make youlaugh. Good-by, Polly; good-by, good-by!"The last adieu was a trifle husky, and Tom vanished as it wasuttered, leaving Polly to laugh over his parting souvenir till thetears ran down her cheeks. It was a paper bag of peanuts, andpoked down at the very bottom a photograph of Tom. It was"horrid," for he looked as if taken by a flash of lightning, so black,wild, and staring was it; but Polly liked it, and whenever she felt alittle pensive at parting with her friends, she took a peanut, or apeep at Tom's funny picture, which made her merry again.So the short journey came blithely to an end, and in the twilightshe saw a group of loving faces at the door of a humble littlehouse, which was more beautiful than any palace in her eyes, for itwas home.