Chapter X. Brothers and Sisters

by Louisa May Alcott

　　Chapter X. Brothers and SistersPolly's happiest day was Sunday, for Will never failed to spendit with her. Instead of sleeping later than usual that morning, shewas always up bright and early, flying round to get ready for herguest, for Will came to breakfast, and they made a long day of it.Will considered his sister the best and prettiest girl going, andPolly, knowing well that a time would come when he would find abetter and a prettier, was grateful for his good opinion, and tried todeserve it. So she made her room and herself as neat and invitingas possible, and always ran to meet him with a bright face and amotherly greeting, when he came tramping in, ruddy, brisk, andbeaming, with the brown loaf and the little pot of beans from thebake-house near by.They liked a good country breakfast, and nothing gave Polly moresatisfaction than to see her big boy clear the dishes, empty the littlecoffee-pot, and then sit and laugh at her across the ravaged table.Another pleasure was to let him help clear away, as they used to doat home, while the peals of laughter that always accompanied thisperformance did Miss Mills' heart good to hear, for the room wasso small and Will so big that he seemed to be everywhere at once,and Polly and Puttel were continually dodging his long arms andlegs. Then they used to inspect the flower pots, pay Nick a visit,and have a little music as a good beginning for the day, after whichthey went to church and dined with Miss Mills, who consideredWill "an excellent young man." If the afternoon was fair, they tooka long walk together over the bridges into the country, or about thecity streets full of Sabbath quietude. Most people meeting themwould have seen only an awkward young man, with a boy's faceatop of his tall body, and a quietly dressed, fresh faced littlewoman hanging on his arm; but a few people, with eyes to readromances and pleasant histories everywhere, found something veryattractive in this couple, and smiled as they passed, wondering ifthey were young, lovers, or country cousins "looking round."If the day was stormy, they stayed at home, reading, writing letters,talking over their affairs, and giving each other good advice; for,though Will was nearly three years younger than Polly, he could n'tfor the life of him help assuming amusingly venerable airs, whenhe became a Freshman. In the twilight he had a good lounge on thesofa, and Polly sung to him, which arrangement he particularlyenjoyed, it was so "cosy and homey." At nine o'clock, Polly packedhis bag with clean clothes, nicely mended, such remnants of thefestive tea as were transportable, and kissed him "good-night,"with many injunctions to muffle up his throat going over thebridge, and be sure that his feet were dry and warm when he wentto bed. All of which Will laughed at, accepted graciously, and didn't obey; but he liked it, and trudged away for another week's work,rested, cheered, and strengthened by that quiet, happy day withPolly, for he had been brought up to believe in home influences,and this brother and sister loved one another dearly, and were notashamed to own it.One other person enjoyed the humble pleasures of these Sundaysquite as much as Polly and Will. Maud used to beg to come to tea,and Polly, glad to do anything for those who had done a good dealfor her, made a point of calling for the little girl as they camehome from their walk, or sending Will to escort her in the carriage,which Maud always managed to secure if bad weather threatenedto quench her hopes. Tom and Fanny laughed at her fancy, but shedid not tire of it, for the child was lonely, and found something inthat little room which the great house could not give her.Maud was twelve now; a pale, plain child, with sharp, intelligenteyes, and a busy little mind, that did a good deal more thinkingthan anybody imagined. She was just at the unattractive, fidgetyage when no one knew what to do with her, and so let her fumbleher way up as she could, finding pleasure in odd things, and livingmuch alone, for she did not go to school, because her shoulderswere growing round, and Mrs. Shaw would not "allow her figure tobe spoiled." That suited Maud excellently; and whenever her fatherspoke of sending her again, or getting a governess, she was seizedwith bad headaches, a pain in her back, or weakness of the eyes, atwhich Mr. Shaw laughed, but let her holiday go on. Nobodyseemed to care much for plain, pug-nosed little Maudie; her fatherwas busy, her mother nervous and sick, Fanny absorbed in her ownaffairs, and Tom regarded her as most young men do their youngersisters, as a person born for his amusement and convenience,nothing more. Maud admired Tom with all her heart, and made alittle slave of herself to him, feeling well repaid if he merely said,"Thank you, chicken," or did n't pinch her nose, or nip her ear, ashe had a way of doing, "just as if I was a doll, or a dog, and had n'tgot any feelings," she sometimes said to Fanny, when some serviceor sacrifice had been accepted without gratitude or respect. Itnever occurred to Tom, when Maud sat watching him with herface full of wistfulness, that she wanted to be petted as much asever he did in his neglected boyhood, or that when he called her"Pug" before people, her little feelings were as deeply wounded ashis used to be, when the boys called him "Carrots." He was fond ofher in his fashion, but he did n't take the trouble to show it, soMaud worshipped him afar off, afraid to betray the affection thatno rebuff could kill or cool.One snowy Sunday afternoon Tom lay on the sofa in his favoriteattitude, reading "Pendennis" for the fourth time, and smoking likea chimney as he did so. Maud stood at the window watching thefalling flakes with an anxious countenance, and presently a greatsigh broke from her."Don't do that again, chicken, or you'll blow me away. What's thematter?" asked Tom, throwing down his book with a yawn thatthreatened dislocation."I'm afraid I can't go to Polly's," answered Maud, disconsolately."Of course you can't; it's snowing hard, and father won't be homewith the carriage till this evening. What are you always cutting offto Polly's for?""I like it; we have such nice times, and Will is there, and we bakelittle johnny-cakes in the baker before the fire, and they sing, and itis so pleasant.""Warbling johnny-cakes must be interesting. Come and tell me allabout it.""No, you'll only laugh at me.""I give you my word I won't, if I can help it; but I really am dyingof curiosity to know what you do down there. You like to hearsecrets, so tell me yours, and I'll be as dumb as an oyster.""It is n't a secret, and you would n't care for it. Do you wantanother pillow?" she added, as Tom gave his a thump."This will do; but why you women always stick tassels and fringeall over a sofa-cushion, to tease and tickle a fellow, is what I don'tunderstand.""One thing that Polly does Sunday nights, is to take Will's head inher lap, and smooth his forehead. It rests him after studying sohard, she says. If you don't like the pillow, I could do that for you,'cause you look as if you were more tired of studying than Will,"said Maud, with some hesitation, but an evident desire to be usefuland agreeable."Well, I don't care if you do try it, for I am confoundedly tired."And Tom laughed, as he recalled the frolic he had been on thenight before.Maud established herself with great satisfaction, and Tom ownedthat a silk apron was nicer than a fuzzy cushion."Do you like it?" she asked, after a few strokes over the hotforehead, which she thought was fevered by intense application toGreek and Latin."Not bad; play away," was the gracious reply, as Tom shut hiseyes, and lay so still that Maud was charmed at the success of herattempt. Presently, she said, softly, "Tom, are you asleep?""Just turning the comer.""Before you get quite round would you please tell me what aPublic Admonition is?""What do you want to know for?" demanded Tom, opening hiseyes very wide."I heard Will talking about Publics and Privates, and I meant to askhim, but I forgot.""What did he say?""I don't remember; it was about somebody who cut prayers, andgot a Private, and had done all sorts of bad things, and had one ortwo Publics. I did n't hear the name and did n't care; I only wantedto know what the words meant.""So Will tells tales, does he?" and Tom's forehead wrinkled with afrown."No, he did n't; Polly knew about it and asked him.""Will's a'dig,'" growled Tom, shutting his eyes again, as if nothingmore could be said of the delinquent William."I don't care if he is; I like him very much, and so does Polly.""Happy Fresh!" said Tom, with a comical groan."You need n't sniff at him, for he is nice, and treats me withrespect," cried Maud, with an energy that made Tom laugh in herface."He's good to Polly always, and puts on her cloak for her, and says'my dear,' and kisses her'goodnight,' and don't think it's silly, and Iwish I had a brother just like him, yes, I do!" And Maud showedsigns of woe, for her disappointment about going was very great."Bless my boots! what's the chicken ruffling up her little feathersand pecking at me for? Is that the way Polly soothes the best ofbrothers?" said Tom, still laughing."Oh, I forgot! there, I won't cry; but I do want to go," and Maudswallowed her tears, and began to stroke again.Now Tom's horse and sleigh were in the stable, for he meant todrive out to College that evening, but he did n't take Maud's hint. Itwas less trouble to lie still, and say in a conciliatory tone, "Tellme some more about this good boy, it's very interesting.""No, I shan't, but I'll tell about Puttel's playing on the piano," saidMaud, anxious to efface the memory of her momentary weakness."Polly points to the right key with a little stick, and Puttel sits onthe stool and pats each key as it's touched, and it makes a tune. It's so funny to see her, and Nick perches on the rack and sings as ifhe'd kill himself.""Very thrilling," said Tom, in a sleepy tone.Maud felt that her conversation was not as interesting as shehoped, and tried again."Polly thinks you are handsomer than Mr. Sydney.""Much obliged.""I asked which she thought had the nicest face, and she said yourswas the handsomest, and his the best.""Does he ever go there?" asked a sharp voice behind them; andlooking round Maud saw Fanny in the big chair, cooking her feetover the register."I never saw him there; he sent up some books one day, and Willteased her about it.""What did she do?" demanded Fanny. "Oh, she shook him.""What a spectacle!" and Tom looked as if he would have enjoyedseeing it, but Fanny's face grew so forbidding, that Tom's little dog,who was approaching to welcome her, put his tail between his legsand fled under the table."Then there is n't any'Sparking Sunday night'?" sung Tom, whoappeared to have waked up again."Of course not. Polly is n't going to marry anybody; she's going tokeep house for Will when he's a minister, I heard her say so,"cried Maud, with importance."What a fate for pretty Polly!" ejaculated Tom."She likes it, and I'm sure I should think she would; it's beautifulto hear'em plan it all out.""Any more gossip to retail, Pug?" asked Tom a minute after, asMaud seemed absorbed in visions of the, future."He told a funny story about blowing up one of the professors. Younever told us, so I suppose you did n't know it. Some bad fellowput a torpedo, or some sort of powder thing, under the chair, and itwent off in the midst of the lesson, and the poor man flew up,frightened most to pieces, and the boys ran with pails of water toput the fire out. But the thing that made Will laugh most was, thatthe very fellow who did it got his trousers burnt trying to put outthe fire, and he asked the is it Faculty or President? ""Either will do," murmured Tom, who was shaking withsuppressed laughter."Well, he asked'em to give him some new ones, and they did givehim money enough, for a nice pair; but he got some cheap ones,with horrid great stripes on'em, and always wore'em to thatparticular class,'which was one too many for the fellows,' Willsaid, and with the rest of the money he had a punch party. Was n'tit dreadful?""Awful!" And Tom exploded into a great laugh, that made Fannycover her ears, and the little dog bark wildly."Did you know that bad boy?" asked innocent Maud."Slightly," gasped Tom, in whose wardrobe at college thoseidentical trousers were hanging at that moment."Don't make such a noise, my head aches dreadfully," said Fanny,fretfully."Girls' heads always do ache," answered Tom, subsiding from aroar into a chuckle."What pleasure you boys can find in such ungentlemanly things, Idon't see," said Fanny, who was evidently out of sorts."As much a mystery to you as it is to us, how you girls can like togabble and prink from one week's end to the other," retorted Tom.There was a pause after this little passage-at-arms, but Fan wantedto be amused, for time hung heavily on her hands, so she asked, ina more amiable tone, "How's Trix?""As sweet as ever," answered Tom, gruffly."Did she scold you, as usual?""She just did.""What was the matter?""Well, I'll leave it to you if this is n't unreasonable: she won'tdance with me herself, yet don't like me to go it with anybody else.I said, I thought, if a fellow took a girl to a party, she ought todance with him once, at least, especially if they were engaged. Shesaid that was the very reason why she should n't do it; so, at thelast hop, I let her alone, and had a gay time with Belle, and to-dayTrix gave it to me hot and heavy, coming home from church.""If you go and engage yourself to a girl like that, I don't know whatyou can expect. Did she wear her Paris hat to-day?" added Fan,with sudden interest in her voice."She wore some sort of a blue thing, with a confounded bird ofParadise in it, that kept whisking into my face every time sheturned her head.""Men never know a pretty thing when they see it. That hat isperfectly lovely.""They know a lady when they see her, and Trix don't look like one;I can't say where the trouble is, but there's too much fuss andfeathers for my taste. You are twice as stylish, yet you never lookloud or fast."Touched by this unusual compliment, Fanny drew her chair neareras she replied with complacency, "Yes, I flatter myself I do knowhow to dress well. Trix never did; she's fond of gay colors, andgenerally looks like a walking rainbow.""Can't you give her a hint? Tell her not to wear blue glovesanyway, she knows I hate'em.""I've done my best for your sake, Tom, but she is a perversecreature, and don't mind a word I say, even about things muchmore objectionable than blue gloves.""Maudie, run and bring me my other cigar case, it's lying roundsomewhere."Maud went; and as soon as the door was shut, Tom rose on hiselbow, saying in a cautiously lowered voice, "Fan, does Trixpaint?""Yes, and draws too," answered Fanny, with a sly laugh."Come, you know what I mean; I've a right to ask and you oughtto tell," said Tom, soberly, for he was beginning to find that beingengaged was not unmitigated bliss."What makes you think she does?""Well, between ourselves," said Tom, looking a little sheepish, butanxious to set his mind at rest, "she never will let me kiss her onher cheek, nothing but an unsatisfactory peck at her lips. Then theother day, as I took a bit of heliotrope out of a vase to put in mybutton-hole, I whisked a drop of water into her face; I was going towipe it off, but she pushed my hand away, and ran to the glass,where she carefully dabbed it dry, and came back with one cheekredder than the other. I did n't say anything, but I had mysuspicions. Come now, does she?""Yes, she does; but don't say a word to her, for she'll never forgivemy telling if she knew it.""I don't care for that; I don't like it, and I won't have it," said Tom,decidedly."You can't help yourself. Half the girls do it, either paint orpowder, darken their lashes with burnt hair-pins, or take cologneon lumps of sugar or belladonna to make their eyes bright. Claratried arsenic for her complexion, but her mother stopped it," saidFanny, betraying the secrets of the prison-house in the basestmanner."I knew you girls were a set of humbugs, and very pretty ones, too,some of you, but I can't say I like to see you painted up like a lot ofactresses," said Tom, with an air of disgust."I don't do anything of the sort, or need it, but Trix does; andhaving chosen her, you must abide your choice, for better orworse.""It has n't come to that yet," muttered Tom, as he lay down againwith a rebellious air.Maud's return put an end to these confidences, though Tom excitedher curiosity by asking the mysterious question, "I say, Fan, isPolly up to that sort of thing?""No, she thinks it's awful. When she gets pale and dragged out shewill probably change her mind.""I doubt it," said Tom."Polly says it is n't proper to talk secrets before people who ain't in'em," observed Maud, with dignity."Do, for mercy sake, stop talking about Polly, I'm sick to death ofit," cried Fanny, snappishly."Hullo!" and Tom sat up to take a survey. "I thought you werebosom friends, and as spoony as ever.""Well, I am fond of Polly, but I get tired of hearing Maud sing herpraises everlastingly. Now don't go and repeat that, chatterbox.""My goodness, is n't she cross?" whispered Maud to Tom."As two sticks; let her be. There's the bell; see who it is, Pug,"answered Tom, as a tingle broke the silence of the house.Maud went to peep over the banisters, and came flying back in arapture."It's Will come for me! Can't I go? It don't snow hard, and I'llbundle up, and you can send for me when papa comes.""I don't care what you do," answered Fan, who was in a very badtemper.Without waiting for any other permission, Maud rushed away toget ready. Will would n't come up, he was so snowy, and Fannywas glad, because with her he was bashful, awkward, and silent, soTom went down and entertained him with Maud's report. Theywere very good friends, but led entirely different lives, Will beinga "dig," and Tom a "bird," or, in plain English, one was a hardstudent, and the other a jolly young gentleman. Tom had ratherpatronized Will, who did n't like it, and showed that he did n't byrefusing to borrow money of him, or accept any of his invitationsto join the clubs and societies to which Tom belonged. So Shaw letMilton alone, and he got on very well in his own way, doggedlysticking to his books, and resisting all temptations but those ofcertain libraries, athletic games, and such inexpensive pleasures aswere within his means; for this benighted youth had not yetdiscovered that college nowadays is a place in which to "sky-lark,"not to study.When Maud came down and trotted contentedly away, holdingWill's hand, Tom watched them out of sight, and then strolledabout the house whistling and thinking, till he went to sleep in hisfather's arm-chair, for want of something better to do. He awoke tothe joys of a solitary tea, for his mother never came down, andFanny shut herself and her headache up in her own room."Well, this is cheerful," he said, as the clock struck eight, and hisfourth cigar came to an end. "Trix is mad, and Fan in the dumps,so I'll take myself off. Guess I'll go round to Polly's, and ask Willto drive out with me, and save him the walk, poor chap. Mightbring Midget home, it will please her, and there's no knowingwhen the governor will be back."With these thoughts in his head, Tom leisurely got under way, andleft his horse at a neighboring stable, for he meant to make a littlecall, and see what it was Maud enjoyed so much."Polly is holding forth," he said to himself, as he went quietly upstairs, and the steady murmur of a pleasant voice came down tohim. Tom laughed at Polly's earnest way of talking when she wasinterested in anything. But he liked it because it was so differentfrom the coquettish clatter of most of the girls with whom hetalked. Young men often laugh at the sensible girls whom theysecretly respect, and affect to admire the silly ones whom theysecretly despise, because earnestness, intelligence, and womanlydignity are not the fashion.The door was ajar, and pausing in the dark entry Tom took asurvey before he went in. The prospect was not dazzling, buthome-like and pleasant. The light of a bright fire filled the littleroom, and down on a stool before it was Maud tending Puttel, andwatching with deep interest the roasting of an apple intended forher special benefit. On the couch lounged Will, his thoughtful eyesfixed on Polly, who, while she talked, smoothed the broadforehead of her "yellow-haired laddie" in a way that Tom thoughtan immense improvement on Maud's performance. They hadevidently been building castles in the air, for Polly was saying inher most impressive manner, "Well, whatever you do, Will, don'thave a great, costly church that takes so much money to build andsupport it that you have nothing to give away. I like the plain,old-fashioned churches, built for use, not show, where people metfor hearty praying and preaching, and where everybody made theirown music instead of listening to opera singers, as we do now. Idon't care if the old churches were bare and cold, and the seatshard, there was real piety in them, and the sincerity of it was felt inthe lives of the people. I don't want a religion that I put away withmy Sunday clothes, and don't take out till the day comes roundagain; I want something to see and feel and live by day-by-day, andI hope you'll be one of the true ministers, who can teach byprecept and example, how to get and keep it.""I hope I shall be, Polly, but you know they say that in families, ifthere is a boy who can't do anything else, they make a minister ofhim. I sometimes think I ain't good for much, and that seems to methe reason why I should n't even try to be a minister," said Will,smiling, yet looking as if with all his humility he did have faith inthe aspirations that came to him in his best moments."Some one said that very thing to father once, and I remember heanswered,'I am glad to give my best and brightest son to theservice of God.' ""Did he say that?" and Will's color rose, for the big, book-lovingfellow was as sensitive as a girl to the praise of those dearest tohim."Yes," said Polly, unconsciously giving the strongest stimulus toher brother's hope and courage. "Yes, and he added,'I shall let myboys follow the guide that is in them, and only ask of them to usetheir gifts conscientiously, and be honest, useful men.' ""So we will! Ned is doing well out West, and I'm hard at it here. Iffather does his best to give us the chance we each want, the leastwe can do is to work with a will.""Whatever you do, you can't help working with a Will," cried Tom,who had been so interested, that he forgot he was playingeavesdropper.Polly flew up, looking so pleased and surprised, that Tomreproached himself for not having called oftener."I've come for Maud," he announced, in a paternal tone, whichmade that young lady open her eyes."I can't go till my apple is done; besides, it is n't nine yet, and Willis going to take me along, when he goes. I'd rather have him.""I'm going to take you both in the cutter. The storm is over, but itis heavy walking, so you'll drive out with me, old man?" saidTom, with a nod at Will."Of course he will; and thank you very much. I've been trying tokeep him all night; Miss Mills always manages to find a corner forstray people, but he insists on going, so as to get to work earlyto-morrow," said Polly, delighted to see that Tom was taking offhis coat, as if he meant to wait for Maud's apple, which Pollyblessed for being so slow to cook.Putting her guest into the best chair, Polly sat down and beamed athim with such hospitable satisfaction, that Tom went up severalpegs in his own estimation."You don't come very often, so we are rather over-powered whenyou do honor us," she said, demurely."Well, you, know we fellows are so busy, we have n't much time toenjoy ourselves," answered Tom."Ahem!" said Will, loudly."Take a troche," said Tom.Then they both burst out laughing, and Polly, fully understandingthe joke, joined them, saying, "Here are some peanuts, Tom; doenjoy yourself while you can.""Now I call that a delicate compliment!" And Tom, who had notlost his early relish for this sort of refreshment, though he seldomindulged his passion nowadays, because peanuts are consideredvulgar, fell to cracking and munching with great satisfaction."Do you remember the first visit I made at your house, how yougave me peanuts, coming from the depot, and frightened me out ofmy wits, pretending the coachman was tipsy?" asked Polly."Of course I do, and how we coasted one day," answered Tom,laughing."Yes, and the velocipede; you've got the scar of that yet, I see.""I remember how you stood by me while it was sewed up; that wasvery plucky, Polly.""I was dreadfully afraid, but I remember I wanted to seem verybrave, because you'd called me a coward.""Did I? Ought to have been ashamed of myself. I used to rough youshamefully, Polly, and you were so good-natured, you let me doit.""Could n't help myself," laughed Polly. "I did use to think you werean awful boy, but seems to me I rather liked it.""She had so much of it at home, she got used to it," put in Will,pulling the little curl behind Polly's ear."You boys never teased me as Tom did, that's the reason it amusedme, I suppose; novelty hath charms, you know.""Grandma used to lecture Tom for plaguing you, Polly, and heused to say he'd be a tip-top boy, but he was n't," observed Maud,with a venerable air."Dear old grandma; she did her best, but I'm a bad lot," said Tom,with a shake of the head and a sober face."It always seems as if she must be up in her rooms, and I can't getused to finding them empty," added Polly, softly."Father would n't have anything moved, and Tom sits up theresometimes; it makes him feel good, he says," said Maud, who hada talent for betraying trifles which people preferred should not bementioned in public."You'd better hurry up your apple, for if it is n't done pretty soon,you'll have to leave it, Pug," said Tom, looking annoyed."How is Fan?" asked Polly, with tact."Well, Fan is rather under the weather; says she's dyspeptic, whichmeans cross.""She is cross, but she's sick too, for I found her crying one day,and she said nobody cared about her, and she might as well bedead," added Maud, having turned her apple with tender care."We must try to cheer her up, among us. If I was n't so busy I'dlike to devote myself to her, she has done so much for me," saidPolly, gratefully."I wish you could. I can't understand her, for she acts like aweathercock, and I never know how I'm going to find her. I hate tohave her mope so, but, upon my life, I don't know what to do," saidTom; but as he uttered the words, something was suggested by thesight before him. Chairs were few, and Polly had taken half ofWill's when they drew round the fire. Now she was leaning againsthim, in a cosy, confiding way, delightful to behold, while Will'sstrong arm went round her with a protecting air, which said, asplainly as any words, that this big brother and small sister knewhow to love and help one another. It was a pleasant little picture,all the pleasanter for its unconsciousness, and Tom found it bothsuggestive and agreeable."Poor old Fan, she don't get much petting; maybe that's what shewants. I'll try it and see, for she stands by me like a trump. If shewas a rosy, cosy little woman, like Polly, it would come easier,though," thought Tom, as he meditatively ate his last nut, feelingthat fraternal affection could not be very difficult ofdemonstration, to brothers blessed with pretty, good-temperedsisters."I told Tom about the bad fellow who blew up the professor, andhe said he knew him, slightly; and I was so relieved, because I hada kind of a feeling that it was Tom himself, you and Will laughedso about it."Maud had a queer way of going on with her own thoughts, andsuddenly coming out with whatever lay uppermost, regardless oftime, place, or company. As this remark fell from her, there was ageneral smile, and Polly said, with mock solemnity, "It was a sadthing, and I've no doubt that misguided young man is very sorryfor it now.""He looked perfectly bowed down with remorse last time I sawhim," said Will, regarding Tom with eyes full of fun, for Will wasa boy as well as a bookworm, and relished a joke as well asscatter-brained Tom."He always is remorseful after a scrape, I've understood, for he isn't a very bad fellow, only his spirits are one too many for him, andhe is n't as fond of his book as another fellow I know.""I'm afraid he'll he expelled if he don't mind," said Polly,warningly."Should n't wonder if he was, he's such an unlucky dog," answeredTom, rather soberly."I hope he'll remember that his friends will be very muchdisappointed if he is. He might make them so proud and happy;that I guess he will, for he is n't half as thoughtless as he makeshimself out," said Polly, looking across at Tom with such friendlyeyes that he was quite touched, though of course he did n't show it."Thank you, Polly; he may pull through, but I have my doubts.Now old man, let us'pud' along; it's getting late for the chicken,"he added, relapsing into the graceful diction with which a classicaleducation gifts its fortunate possessor.Taking advantage of the moment while Will was wrestling withhis boots in the closet, and Maud was absorbed in packing herapple into a large basket, Polly said to Tom in a low tone, "Thankyou very much, for being so kind to Will.""Bless your heart, I have n't done anything; he's such a proudfellow he won't let me," answered Tom."But you do in many little ways; to-night, for example. Do youthink I don't know that the suit of clothes he's just got would havecost a good deal more, if your tailor had n't made them? He's onlya boy, and don't understand things yet; but I know your way ofhelping proud people; so that they don't find it out, and I do thankyou, Tom, so much.""Oh, come, Polly, that won't do. What do you know about tailorsand college matters?" said Tom, looking as much confused as ifshe had found him out in something reprehensible."I don't know much, and that's the reason why I'm grateful foryour kindness to Will. I don't care what stories they tell about you,I'm sure, you won't lead him into trouble, but keep him straight,for my sake. You know I've lost one brother, and Will takesJimmy's place to me now."The tears in Polly's eyes as she said that made Tom vow atremendous vow within himself to stand by Will through thick andthin, and "keep him straight for Polly's sake"; feeling all the timehow ill-fitted he was for such a task."I'll do my best," he said, heartily, as he pressed the hand Pollygave him, with a look which assured her that he felt the appeal tohis honor, and that henceforth the country lad was safe from all thetemptations Tom could have offered him."There! now I shall give that to mamma to take her pills in; it'sjust what she likes, and it pleases her to be thought of," said Maud,surveying her gift with complacency, as she put on her things."You're a good little soul, to remember poor mum, said Tom, withan approving nod."Well, she was so pleased with the grapes you brought her, Ithought I'd try something, and maybe she'd say'Thank you,darling,' to me too. Do you think she will?" whispered Maud, withthe wistful look so often seen on her little plain face."See if she don't;" and to Maud's great surprise Tom did n't laughat her project."Good night, dear; take care of yourself, and keep your mufflerround your mouth going over the bridge, or you'll be as hoarse as acrow to-morrow," said Polly, as she kissed her brother, whoreturned it without looking as if he thought it "girl's nonsense"Then the three piled into the sleigh and drove off, leave Pollynodding on the doorstep.Maud found the drive altogether too short, but was consoled by thepromise of a longer one if the sleighing lasted till next Saturday:and when Tom ran up to bid his mother good-by, and give her ahint about Maud's gift, she stayed below to say, at the last minute,in unconscious imitation of Polly."Good night; take care of yourself, my dear."Tom laughed, and was about to pinch the much enduring littlenose; but, as if the words reminded him of something, he gave hera kiss instead, a piece of forbearance which almost took Maud'sbreath away with surprise and gratification.It was rather a silent drive, for Will obediently kept his muffler up,and Tom fell into a brown study.He was not much given to reflection, but occasionally indulgedwhen something gave him a turn in that direction, and at suchtimes he was as sober and sincere as could be desired. Any onemight have lectured him for an hour without doing as much goodas that little call and the chat that grew out of it, for, thoughnothing very wise or witty was said, many things were suggested,and every one knows that persuasive influences are better than anyamount of moralizing. Neither Polly nor Will tried to do anythingof the sort, and that was the charm of it. Nobody likes to be talkedto, but nobody can resist the eloquence of unconscious preaching.With all his thoughtlessness, Tom was quick to see and feel thesethings, and was not spoilt enough yet to laugh at them. The sight ofWill and Polly's simple affection for one another reminded him ofa neglected duty so pleasantly, that he could not forget it. Talkingof early days made him wish he could go back and start again,doing better. Grandma's name recalled the tender memory thatalways did him good, and the thought that Polly trusted her dearestbrother to his care stirred up a manful desire to deserve theconfidence. Tortures would n't have drawn a word of all this fromhim, but it had its effect, for boys don't leave their hearts andconsciences behind them when they enter college, and little thingsof this sort do much to keep both from being damaged by the fouryears' scrimmage which begins the battle of life for most of them.