Chapter VIII. Six Years Afterward

by Louisa May Alcott

　　Chapter VIII. Six Years Afterward"What do you think Polly is going to do this winter?" exclaimedFanny, looking up from the letter she had been eagerly reading."Going to deliver lectures on Woman's Rights," said the younggentleman who was carefully examining his luxuriant crop ofdecidedly auburn hair, as he lounged with both elbows on thechimney-piece."Going to set her cap for some young minister and marry him inthe spring," added Mrs. Shaw, whose mind ran a good deal uponmatch-making just now."I think she is going to stay at home, and do all the work,'causeservants cost so much; it would be just like her," observed Maud,who could pronounce the letter R now."It's my opinion she is going to open a school, or something ofthat sort, to help those brothers of hers along," said Mr. Shaw, whohad put down his paper at the sound of Polly's name."Every one of you wrong, though papa comes nearest the truth,"cried Fanny; "she is going to give music lessons, and supportherself, so that Will may go to college. He is the studious one, andPolly is very proud of him. Ned, the other brother, has a businesstalent, and don't care for books, so he has gone out West, and willmake his own way anywhere. Polly says she is n't needed at homenow, the family is so small, and Kitty can take her place nicely; soshe is actually going to earn her own living, and hand over hershare of the family income to Will. What a martyr that girl doesmake of herself," and Fanny looked as solemn as if Polly hadproposed some awful self-sacrifice."She is a sensible, brave-hearted girl, and I respect her for doingit," said Mr. Shaw, emphatically. "One never knows what mayhappen, and it does no harm for young people to learn to beindependent.""If she is as pretty as she was last time I saw her, she'll get pupilsfast enough. I would n't mind taking lessons myself," was thegracious observation of Shaw, Jr., as he turned from the mirror,with the soothing certainty that his objectionable hair actually wasgrowing darker."She would n't take you at any price," said Fanny, rememberingPolly's look of disappointment and disapproval when she came onher last visit and found him an unmistakable dandy."You just wait and see," was the placid reply."If Polly does carry out her plan, I wish Maud to take lessons ofher; Fanny can do as she likes, but it would please me very muchto have one of my girls sing as Polly sings. It suits old peoplebetter than your opera things, and mother used to enjoy it somuch."As he spoke, Mr. Shaw's eye turned toward the comer of the firewhere grandma used to sit. The easy-chair was empty now, thekind old face was gone, and nothing but a very tender memoryremained."I'd like to learn, papa, and Polly is a splendid teacher, I know; she's always so patient, and makes everything so pleasant. I do hopeshe will get scholars enough to begin right away," said Maud."When is she coming?" asked Mrs. Shaw, quite willing to helpPolly, but privately resolving that Maud should be finished off bythe most fashionable master in the city."She does n't say. She thanks me for asking her here, as usual, butsays she shall go right to work and had better begin with her ownlittle room at once. Won't it seem strange to have Polly in town,and yet not with us?""We'll get her somehow. The little room will cost something, andshe can stay with us just as well as not, even if she does teach. Tellher I say so," said Mr. Shaw."She won't come, I know; for if she undertakes to be independent,she'll do it in the most thorough manner," answered Fanny, andMrs. Shaw sincerely hoped she would. It was all very well topatronize the little music-teacher, but it was not so pleasant tohave her settled in the family."I shall do what I can for her among my friends, and I dare say shewill get on very well with young pupils to begin with. If she startsright, puts her terms high enough, and gets a few good names togive her the entr,e into our first families, I don't doubt she will donicely, for I must say Polly has the manners of a lady," observedMrs. Shaw."She's a mighty taking little body, and I'm glad she's to be intown, though I'd like it better if she did n't bother about teaching,but just stayed here and enjoyed herself," said Tom, lazily."I've no doubt she would feel highly honored to be allowed todevote her time to your amusement; but she can't afford expensiveluxuries, and she don't approve of flirting, so you will have to lether go her own way, and refresh herself with such glimpses of youas her engagements permit," answered Fanny, in the sarcastic tonewhich was be coming habitual to her."You are getting to be a regular old maid, Fan; as sharp as a lemon,and twice as sour," returned Tom, looking down at her with an airof calm superiority."Do be quiet, children; you know I can't bear anything likecontention. Maud, give me my Shetland shawl, and put a cushionat my back."As Maud obeyed her mother, with a reproving look at her erringbrother and sister, a pause followed, for which every one seemedgrateful. They were sitting about the fire after dinner, and alllooked as if a little sunshine would do them good. It had been adull November day, but all of a sudden the clouds lifted, and abright ray shot into the room. Every one turned involuntarily towelcome it, and every one cried out, "Why, Polly!" for there on thethreshold stood a bright-faced girl, smiling as if there was no suchthing as November weather in the world."You dear thing, when did you come?" cried Fanny, kissing boththe blooming checks with real affection, while the rest hoverednear, waiting for a chance."I came yesterday, and have been getting my nest in order; but Icould n't keep away any longer, so I ran up to say'How do youdo?'" answered Polly, in the cheery voice that did one's heart goodto hear."My Polly always brings the sunshine with her," and Mr. Shawheld out his hands to his little friend, for she was his favorite still.It was good to see her put both arms about his neck, and give him atender kiss, that said a great deal, for grandma had died since Pollymet him last and she longed to comfort him, seeing how gray andold he had grown.If Tom had had any thoughts of following his father's example,something in Polly's manner made him change his mind, and shakehands with a hearty "I'm very glad to see you, Polly," adding tohimself, as he looked at the face in the modest little bonnet:"Prettier than ever, by Jove!"There was something more than mere prettiness in Polly's face,though Tom had not learned to see it yet. The blue eyes were clearand steady, the fresh mouth frank and sweet, the white chin was avery firm one in spite of the dimple, and the smooth foreheadunder the little curls had a broad, benevolent arch; while all aboutthe face were those unmistakable lines and curves which can makeeven a plain countenance comely, by breathing into it the beauty ofa lovely character. Polly had grown up, but she had no more stylenow than in the days of the round hat and rough coat, for she wasall in gray, like a young Quakeress, with no ornament but a bluebow at the throat and another in the hair. Yet the plain suit becameher excellently, and one never thought of the dress, looking at theactive figure that wore it, for the freedom of her childhood gave toPolly that good gift, health, and every movement was full of thevigor, grace, and ease, which nothing else can so surely bestow. Ahappy soul in a healthy body is a rare sight in these days, whendoctors flourish and every one is ill, and this pleasant union wasthe charm which Polly possessed without knowing it."It does seem so good to have you here again," said Maud,cuddling Polly's cold hand, as she sat at her feet, when she wasfairly established between Fanny and Mr. Shaw, while Tom leanedon the back of his mother's chair, and enjoyed the prospect."How do you get on? When do you begin? Where is your nest?Now tell all about it," began Fanny, who was full of curiosity aboutthe new plan."I shall get on very well, I think, for I've got twelve scholars tobegin with, all able to pay a good price, and I shall give my firstlesson on Monday.""Don't you dread it?" asked Fanny."Not much; why should I?" answered Polly, stoutly."Well, I don't know; it's a new thing, and must be a little bit hardat first," stammered Fanny, not liking to say that working for one'sliving seemed a dreadful hardship to her."It will be tiresome, of course, but I shall get used to it; I shall likethe exercise, and the new people and places I must see will amuseme. Then the independence will be delightful, and if I can save alittle to help Kitty along with, that will be best of all."Polly's face shone as if the prospect was full of pleasure instead ofwork, and the hearty good will with which she undertook the newtask, seemed to dignify her humble hopes and plans, and makethem interesting in the sight of others."Who have you got for pupils?" asked Mrs. Shaw, forgetting hernerves for a minute.Polly named her list, and took a secret satisfaction in seeing theimpression which certain names made upon her hearers."How in the world did you get the Davenports and the Greys, mydear?" said Mrs. Shaw, sitting erect in her surprise."Mrs. Davenport and mother are relations, you know.""You never told us that before!" "The Davenports have been awaysome years, and I forgot all about them. But when I was makingmy plan, I knew I must have a good name or two to set me going,so I just wrote and asked Mrs. D. if she would help me. She cameand saw us and was very kind, and has got these pupils for me, likea dear, good woman as she is.""Where did you learn so much worldly wisdom, Polly?" asked Mr.Shaw, as his wife fell back in her chair, and took out her salts, as ifthis discovery had been too much for her."I learnt it here, sir," answered Polly, laughing. "I used to thinkpatronage and things of that sort very disagreeable and not worthhaving, but I've got wiser, and to a certain extent I'm glad to usewhatever advantages I have in my power, if they can be honestlygot.""Why did n't you let us help you in the beginning? We should havebeen very glad to, I'm sure," put in Mrs. Shaw, who quite burnedto be known as a joint patroness with Mrs. Davenport."I know you would, but you have all been so kind to me I did n'twant to trouble you with my little plans till the first steps weretaken. Besides, I did n't know as you would like to recommend meas a teacher, though you like me well enough as plain Polly.""My dear, of course I would, and we want you to take Maud atonce, and teach her your sweet songs. She has a fine voice, and isreally suffering for a teacher."A slight smile passed over Polly's face as she returned her thanksfor the new pupil, for she remembered a time when Mrs. Shawconsidered her "sweet songs" quite unfit for a fashionable younglady's repertoire. "Where is your room?" asked Maud."My old friend Miss Mills has taken me in, and I am nicely settled.Mother did n't like the idea of my going to a strangeboarding-house, so Miss Mills kindly made a place for me. Youknow she lets her rooms without board, but she is going to give memy dinners, and I'm to get my own breakfast and tea, quiteindependently. I like that way, and it's very little trouble, myhabits are so simple; a bowl of bread and milk night and morning,with baked apples or something of that sort, is all I want, and I canhave it when I like.""Is your room comfortably furnished? Can't we lend you anything,my dear? An easy-chair now, or a little couch, so necessary whenone comes in tired," said Mrs. Shaw, taking unusual interest in theaffair."Thank you, but I don't need anything, for I brought all sorts ofhome comforts with me. Oh, Fan, you ought to have seen mytriumphal entry into the city, sitting among my goods and chattels,in a farmer's cart." Polly's laugh was so infectious that every onesmiled and forgot to be shocked at her performance. "Yes," sheadded, "I kept wishing I could meet you, just to see your horrifiedface when you saw me sitting on my little sofa, with boxes andbundles all round me, a bird-cage on one side, a fishing basket,with a kitten's head popping in and out of the hole, on the otherside, and jolly old Mr. Brown, in his blue frock, perched on a kegof apples in front. It was a lovely bright day, and I enjoyed the rideimmensely, for we had all sorts of adventures.""Oh, tell about it," begged Maud, when the general laugh at Polly'spicture had subsided."Well, in the first place, we forgot my ivy, and Kitty came runningafter me, with it. Then we started again, but were soon stopped bya great shouting, and there was Will racing down the hill, waving apillow in one hand and a squash pie in the other. How we didlaugh when he came up and explained that our neighbor, old Mrs.Dodd, had sent in a hop-pillow for me, in case of headache, and apie to begin house-keeping with. She seemed so disappointed atbeing too late that Will promised to get them to me, if he ran allthe way to town. The pillow was easily disposed of, but that pie! Ido believe it was stowed in every part of the wagon, and neverstaid anywhere. I found it in my lap, then on the floor, next, upsidedown among the books, then just on the point of coasting off atrunk into the road, and at last it landed in my rocking-chair. Sucha remarkable pie as it was, too, for in spite of all its wanderings, itnever got spilt or broken, and we finally ate it for lunch, in order tobe left in peace. Next, my kitty got away, and I had a chase overwalls and brooks before I got her, while Mr. Brown sat shakingwith fun, to see me run. We finished off by having thebook-shelves tumble on our heads as we went down a hill, andlosing my chair off behind, as we went up a hill. A shout made uspause, and, looking back, there was the poor little chair rocking allby itself in the middle of the road, while a small boy sat on thefence and whooped. It was great fun, I do assure you."Polly had run on in her lively way, not because she thought heradventures amounted to much, but from a wish to cheer up herfriends, who had struck her as looking rather dull and out of sorts,especially Mr. Shaw; and when she saw him lean back in his chairwith the old hearty laugh, she was satisfied, and blessed theunlucky pie for amusing him."Oh, Polly, you do tell such interesting things!" sighed Maud,wiping her eyes."I wish I'd met you, I'd have given you three cheers and a tiger,for it must have been an imposing spectacle," said Tom."No, you would n't; you'd have whisked round the comer whenyou saw me coming or have stared straight before you, utterlyunconscious of the young woman in the baggage wagon."Polly laughed in his face just as she used to do, when she said that,and, in spite of the doubt cast upon his courtesy, Tom rather likedit, though he had nothing to say for himself but a reproachful,"Now, Polly, that's too bad.""True, nevertheless. You must come and see my pets, Maud, formy cat and bird live together as happily as brother and sister," saidPolly, turning to Maud, who devoured every word she said."That's not saying much for them," muttered Tom, feeling thatPolly ought to address more of her conversation to him."Polly knows what she's talking about; her brothers appreciatetheir sisters," observed Fanny, in her sharp tone."And Polly appreciates her brothers, don't forget to add that,ma'am," answered Tom."Did I tell you that Will was going to college?" broke in Polly, toavert the rising storm."Hope he'll enjoy himself," observed Tom, with the air of a manwho had passed through all the mysteries, and reached that state ofsublime indifference which juniors seem to pride themselves upon."I think he will, he is so fond of study, and is so anxious toimprove every opportunity. I only hope he won't overwork and getsick, as so many boys do," said simple Polly, with such a respectfulbelief in the eager thirst for knowledge of collegians as a class,that Tom regarded the deluded girl with a smile of lofty pity, fromthe heights of his vast and varied experience."Guess he won't hurt himself. I'll see that he don't study too hard."And Tom's eyes twinkled as they used to do, when he planned hisboyish pranks."I'm afraid you can't be trusted as a guide, if various rumors I'veheard are true," said Polly, looking up at him with a wistfulexpression, that caused his face to assume the sobriety of an owl's."Base slanders; I'm as steady as a clock, an ornament to my class,and a model young man, ain't I, mother?" And Tom patted her thincheek with a caressing hand, sure of one firm friend in her; forwhen he ceased to be a harum-scarum boy, Mrs. Shaw began totake great pride in her son, and he, missing grandma, tried to fillher place with his feeble mother."Yes, dear, you are all I could ask," and Mrs. Shaw looked up athim with such affection and confidence in her eyes, that Polly gaveTom the first approving look she had vouchsafed him since shecame.Why Tom should look troubled and turn grave all at once, shecould n't understand, but she liked to see him stroke his mother'scheek so softly, as he stood with his head resting on the high backof her chair, for Polly fancied that he felt a man's pity for herweakness, and was learning a son's patient love for a mother whohad had much to bear with him."I'm so glad you are going to be here all winter, for we are to bevery gay, and I shall enjoy taking you round with me," beganFanny, forgetting Polly's plan for a moment.Polly shook her head decidedly. "It sounds very nice, but it can't bedone, Fan, for I've come to work, not play; to save, not spend; andparties will be quite out of the question for me.""You don't intend to work all the time, without a bit of fun, Ihope," cried Fanny, dismayed at the idea."I mean to do what I've undertaken, and not to be tempted awayfrom my purpose by anything. I should n't be fit to give lessons if Iwas up late, should I? And how far would my earnings go towardsdress, carriages, and all the little expenses which would come if Iset up for a young lady in society? I can't do both, and I'm notgoing to try, but I can pick up bits of fun as I go along, and becontented with free concerts and lectures, seeing you pretty often,and every Sunday Will is to spend with me, so I shall have quite asmuch dissipation as is good for me.""If you don't come to my parties, I'll never forgive you," saidFanny, as Polly paused, while Tom chuckled inwardly at the ideaof calling visits from a brother "dissipation.""Any small party, where it will do to wear a plain black silk, I cancome to; but the big ones must n't be thought of, thank you."It was charming to see the resolution of Polly's face when she saidthat; for she knew her weakness, and beyond that black silk shehad determined not to go. Fanny said no more, for she felt quitesure that Polly would relent when the time came, and she plannedto give her a pretty dress for a Christmas present, so that oneexcuse should be removed."I say, Polly, won't you give some of us fellows music lessons?Somebody wants me to play, and I'd rather learn of you than anySenor Twankydillo," said Tom, who did n't find the conversationinteresting."Oh, yes; if any of you boys honestly want to learn, and willbehave yourselves, I'll take you; but I shall charge extra,"answered Polly, with a wicked sparkle of the eye, though her facewas quite sober, and her tone delightfully business-like."Why, Polly, Tom is n't a boy; he's twenty, and he says I must treathim with respect. Besides, he's engaged, and does put on suchairs," broke in Maud who regarded her brother as a venerablebeing."Who is the little girl?" asked Polly taking the news as a joke."Trix; why, did n't you know it?" answered Maud, as if it had beenan event of national importance."No! is it true, Fan?" and Polly turned to her friend with a face fullof surprise, while Tom struck an imposing attitude, and affectedabsence of mind."I forgot to tell you in my last letter; it's just out, and we don't likeit very well," observed Fanny, who would have preferred to beengaged first herself."It's a very nice thing, and I am perfectly satisfied," announcedMrs. Shaw, rousing from a slight doze."Polly looks as if she did n't believe it. Have n't I the appearance of'the happiest man alive'?" asked Tom, wondering if it could be pitywhich he saw in the steady eyes fixed on him."No, I don't think you have," she said, slowly."How the deuce should a man look, then?" cried Tom, rathernettled at her sober reception of the grand news."As if he had learned to care for some one a great deal more thanfor himself," answered Polly, with sudden color in her cheeks, anda sudden softening of the voice, as her eyes turned away fromTom, who was the picture of a complacent dandy, from thetopmost curl of his auburn head to the tips of his aristocratic boots."Tommy's quenched; I agree with you, Polly; I never liked Trix,and I hope it's only a boy-and-girl fancy, that will soon die anatural death," said Mr. Shaw, who seemed to find it difficult tohelp falling into a brown study, in spite of the lively chatter goingon about him.Shaw, Jr., being highly incensed at the disrespectful manner inwhich his engagement was treated, tried to assume a superb air ofindifference, and finding that a decided failure, was about to strollout of the room with a comprehensive nod, when his mother calledafter him: "Where are you going, dear?""To see Trix, of course. Good-by, Polly," and Mr. Thomasdeparted, hoping that by the skillful change of tone, from ardentimpatience to condescending coolness, he had impressed onehearer at least with the fact that he regarded Trix as the star of hisexistence, and Polly as a presuming little chit.If he could have heard her laugh, and Fanny's remarks, his wrathwould have boiled over; fortunately he was spared the trial, andwent away hoping that the coquetries of his Trix would make himforget Polly's look when she answered his question."My dear, that boy is the most deluded creature you ever saw,"began Fanny, as soon as the front door banged. "Belle and Trixboth tried to catch him, and the slyest got him; for, in spite of hisairs, he is as soft-hearted as a baby. You see Trix has broken offtwo engagements already, and the third time she got jilted herself.Such a fuss as she made! I declare, it really was absurd. But I dothink she felt it very much, for she would n't go out at all, and gotthin, and pale, and blue, and was really quite touching. I pitied her,and had her here a good deal, and Tom took her part; he alwaysdoes stand up for the crushed ones, and that's good of him, Iallow. Well, she did the forsaken very prettily; let Tom amuse her,and led him on till the poor fellow lost his wits, and finding hercrying one day (about her hat, which was n't becoming), he thoughtshe was mourning for Mr. Banks, and so, to comfort her, the gooseproposed. That was all she wanted; she snapped him up at once,and there he is in a nice scrape; for since her engagement she is asgay as ever, flirts awfully with any one who comes along, andkeeps Tom in a fume all the time. I really don't think he cares forher half as much as he makes believe, but he'll stand by herthrough thick and thin, rather than do as Banks did.""Poor Tom!" was all Polly said, when Fan had poured the storyinto her ear, as they sat whispering in the sofa corner."My only consolation is that Trix will break off the affair beforespring; she always does, so that she may be free for the summercampaign. It won't hurt Tom, but I hate to have him make a fool ofhimself out of pity, for he is more of a man than he seems, and Idon't want any one to plague him.""No one but yourself," said Polly, smiling."Well, that's all fair; he is a torment sometimes, but I'm ratherfond of him in spite of it. I get so tired of the other fellows, theyare such absurd things and when Tom is in his good mood he isvery nice and quite refreshing.""I'm glad to hear it," said Polly, making a mental note of the fact."Yes, and when grandma was ill he was perfectly devoted. I did n'tknow the boy had so much gentleness in him. He took her deathsadly to heart, for, though he did n't say much, he was very graveand steady for a long time. I tried to comfort him, and we had twoor three real sweet little talks together, and seemed to getacquainted for the first time. It was very nice, but it did n't last;good times never do with us. We soon got back into the old way,and now we hector one another just as before."Fanny sighed, then yawned, and fell into her usual listless attitude,as if the brief excitement of Polly's coming had begun to subside."Walk home with me and see my funny little room. It's brightnow, and the air will do you good. Come, both of you, and have afrolic as we used to," said Polly, for the red sunset now burning inthe west seemed to invite them out.They agreed, and soon the three were walking briskly away toPolly's new home, in a quiet street, where a few old trees rustled inthe summer, and the morning sun shone pleasantly in winter time."The way into my parlor Is up a winding stair."sang Polly, running up two flights of broad, old-fashioned steps,and opening the door of a back room, out of which streamed thewelcome glow of firelight."These are my pets, Maud," she added, pausing on the threshold,and beckoning the girls to look in quietly.On the rug, luxuriously basking in the warmth, lay a gray kitten,and close by, meditatively roosting on one leg, stood a plumpcanary, who cocked his bright eye at the new-comers, gave a loudchirp as if to wake his comrade, and then flew straight to Polly'sshoulder, where he broke into a joyful song to welcome hismistress home."Allow me to introduce my family," said Polly; "this noisy littlechap the boys named Nicodemus; and this dozy cat is calledAshputtel, because the joy of her life is to get among the cinders.Now, take off your things, and let me do the honors, for you are tostop to tea, and the carriage is to come for you at eight. I arrangedit with your mother while you were up-stairs.""I want to see everything," said Maud, when the hats were off, andthe hands warmed."So you shall; for I think my housekeeping arrangements willamuse you."Then Polly showed her kingdom, and the three had a merry timeover it. The big piano took up so much room there was no placefor a bed; but Polly proudly displayed the resources of herchintz-covered couch, for the back let down, the seat lifted up, andinside were all the pillows and blankets. "So convenient, you see,and yet out of the way in the daytime, for two or three of my pupilscome to me," explained Polly.Then there was a bright drugget over the faded carpet, the littlerocking-chair and sewing-table stood at one window, the ivy ranall over the other, and hid the banqueting performances whichwent on in that corner. Book-shelves hung over the sofa, a pictureor two on the walls, and a great vase of autumn leaves and grassesbeautified the low chimney-piece. It was a very humble littleroom, but Polly had done her best to make it pleasant, and italready had a home-like look, with the cheery fire, and thehousehold pets chirping and purring confidingly on the rug."How nice it is!" exclaimed Maud, as she emerged from the bigcloset where Polly kept her stores. "Such a cunning teakettle andsaucepan, and a t^te-.-t^te set, and lots of good things to eat. Dohave toast for tea, Polly, and let me make it with the new toastingfork; it's such fun to play cook."Fanny was not so enthusiastic as her sister, for her eyes saw manytraces of what seemed like poverty to her; but Polly was so gay, sosatisfied with her small establishment, so full of happy hopes andplans, that her friend had not the heart to find a fault or suggest animprovement, and sat where she was told, laughing and talkingwhile the others got tea."This will be a country supper, girls," said Polly, bustling about."Here is real cream, brown bread, home-made cake, and honeyfrom my own beehives. Mother fitted me out with such a supply, I'm glad to have a party, for I can't eat it all quick enough. Butterthe toast, Maudie, and put that little cover over it. Tell me whenthe kettle boils, and don't step on Nicodemus, whatever you do.""What a capital house-keeper you will make some day," saidFanny, as she watched Polly spread her table with a neatness anddespatch which was pleasant to behold."Yes, it's good practice," laughed Polly, filling her tiny teapot, andtaking her place behind the tray, with a matronly air, which wasthe best joke of the whole."This is the most delicious party I ever went to," observed Maud,with her mouth full of honey, when the feast was well under way."I do wish I could have a nice room like this, and a cat and a birdthat would n't eat each other up, and a dear little teakettle, andmake just as much toast as I like."Such a peal of laughter greeted Maud's pensive aspiration, thatMiss Mills smiled over her solitary cup of tea, and little Nick burstinto a perfect ecstasy of song, as he sat on the sugar-bowl helpinghimself."I don't care for the toast and the kettle, but I do envy you yourgood spirits, Polly," said Fanny, as the merriment subsided. "I'mso tired of everybody and everything, it seems sometimes as if Ishould die of ennui. Don't you ever feel so?""Things worry me sometimes, but I just catch up a broom andsweep, or wash hard, or walk, or go at something with all mymight, and I usually find that by the time I get through the worry isgone, or I've got courage enough to bear it without grumbling,"answered Polly, cutting the brown loaf energetically."I can't do those things, you know; there's no need of it, and I don'tthink they'd cure my worrying," said Fanny, languidly feedingAshputtel, who sat decorously beside her, at the table, winking atthe cream pot."A little poverty would do you good, Fan; just enough necessity tokeep you busy till you find how good work is; and when you oncelearn that, you won't complain of ennui any more," returned Polly,who had taken kindly the hard lesson which twenty years ofcheerful poverty had taught her."Mercy, no, I should hate that; but I wish some one would invent anew amusement for rich people. I'm dead sick of parties, andflirtations, trying to out-dress my neighbors, and going the sameround year after year, like a squirrel in a cage."Fanny's tone was bitter as well as discontented, her face sad aswell as listless, and Polly had an instinctive feeling that sometrouble, more real than any she had ever known before, was lyingheavy at her friend's heart. That was not the time to speak of it, butPolly resolved to stand ready to offer sympathy, if nothing more,whenever the confidential minute came; and her manner was sokind, so comfortable, that Fanny felt its silent magic, grew morecheerful in the quiet atmosphere of that little room, and when theysaid good-night, after an old-time gossip by the fire, she kissed herhostess warmly, saying, with a grateful look, "Polly, dear, I shallcome often, you do me so much good."