"WHAT do you think Polly is going to do this winter?" exclaimed Fanny, looking up from the letter she had been eagerly reading.
"Going to deliver lectures on Woman's Rights," said the young gentleman who was carefully examining his luxuriant crop of decidedly auburn hair, as he lounged with both elbows on the chimney-piece.
"Going to set her cap for some young minister and marry him in the spring," added Mrs. Shaw, whose mind ran a good deal upon match-making just now.
"I think she is going to stay at home, and do all the work, 'cause servants 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 of that sort, to help those brothers of hers along," said Mr. Shaw, who had 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 support herself, so that Will may go to college. He is the studious one, and Polly is very proud of him. Ned, the other brother, has a business talent, and don't care for books, so he has gone out West, and will make his own way anywhere. Polly says she is n't needed at home now, the family is so small, and Kitty can take her place nicely; so she is actually going to earn her own living, and hand over her share of the family income to Will. What a martyr2 that girl does make of herself," and Fanny looked as solemn as if Polly had proposed some awful self-sacrifice.
"She is a sensible, brave-hearted girl, and I respect her for doing it," said Mr. Shaw, emphatically. "One never knows what may happen, and it does no harm for young people to learn to be independent."
"If she is as pretty as she was last time I saw her, she 'll get pupils fast enough. I would n't mind taking lessons myself," was the gracious observation of Shaw, Jr., as he turned from the mirror, with the soothing3 certainty that his objectionable hair actually was growing darker.
"She would n't take you at any price," said Fanny, remembering Polly's look of disappointment and disapproval4 when she came on her last visit and found him an unmistakable dandy.
"You just wait and see," was the placid5 reply.
"If Polly does carry out her plan, I wish Maud to take lessons of her; Fanny can do as she likes, but it would please me very much to have one of my girls sing as Polly sings. It suits old people better than your opera things, and mother used to enjoy it so much."
As he spoke6, Mr. Shaw's eye turned toward the comer of the fire where grandma used to sit. The easy-chair was empty now, the kind old face was gone, and nothing but a very tender memory remained.
"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 hope she will get scholars enough to begin right away," said Maud.
"When is she coming?" asked Mrs. Shaw, quite willing to help Polly, but privately7 resolving that Maud should be finished off by the most fashionable master in the city.
"She does n't say. She thanks me for asking her here, as usual, but says she shall go right to work and had better begin with her own little 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, and she can stay with us just as well as not, even if she does teach. Tell her 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, and Mrs. Shaw sincerely hoped she would. It was all very well to patronize the little music-teacher, but it was not so pleasant to have her settled in the family.
"I shall do what I can for her among my friends, and I dare say she will get on very well with young pupils to begin with. If she starts right, puts her terms high enough, and gets a few good names to give her the entr,e into our first families, I don't doubt she will do nicely, for I must say Polly has the manners of a lady," observed Mrs. Shaw.
"She 's a mighty8 taking little body, and I 'm glad she 's to be in town, 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 to devote her time to your amusement; but she can't afford expensive luxuries, and she don't approve of flirting10, so you will have to let her go her own way, and refresh herself with such glimpses of you as her engagements permit," answered Fanny, in the sarcastic11 tone which was be coming habitual12 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 air of calm superiority.
"Do be quiet, children; you know I can't bear anything like contention13. Maud, give me my Shetland shawl, and put a cushion at my back."
As Maud obeyed her mother, with a reproving look at her erring14 brother and sister, a pause followed, for which every one seemed grateful. They were sitting about the fire after dinner, and all looked as if a little sunshine would do them good. It had been a dull November day, but all of a sudden the clouds lifted, and a bright ray shot into the room. Every one turned involuntarily to welcome it, and every one cried out, "Why, Polly!" for there on the threshold stood a bright-faced girl, smiling as if there was no such thing as November weather in the world.
"You dear thing, when did you come?" cried Fanny, kissing both the blooming checks with real affection, while the rest hovered15 near, waiting for a chance.
"I came yesterday, and have been getting my nest in order; but I could n't keep away any longer, so I ran up to say 'How do you do?'" answered Polly, in the cheery voice that did one's heart good to hear.
"My Polly always brings the sunshine with her," and Mr. Shaw held 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 a tender kiss, that said a great deal, for grandma had died since Polly met him last and she longed to comfort him, seeing how gray and old 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 shake hands with a hearty16 "I 'm very glad to see you, Polly," adding to himself, as he looked at the face in the modest little bonnet17: "Prettier than ever, by Jove!"
There was something more than mere18 prettiness in Polly's face, though Tom had not learned to see it yet. The blue eyes were clear and steady, the fresh mouth frank and sweet, the white chin was a very firm one in spite of the dimple, and the smooth forehead under the little curls had a broad, benevolent19 arch; while all about the face were those unmistakable lines and curves which can make even a plain countenance20 comely21, by breathing into it the beauty of a lovely character. Polly had grown up, but she had no more style now than in the days of the round hat and rough coat, for she was all in gray, like a young Quakeress, with no ornament22 but a blue bow at the throat and another in the hair. Yet the plain suit became her excellently, and one never thought of the dress, looking at the active figure that wore it, for the freedom of her childhood gave to Polly that good gift, health, and every movement was full of the vigor23, grace, and ease, which nothing else can so surely bestow24. A happy soul in a healthy body is a rare sight in these days, when doctors flourish and every one is ill, and this pleasant union was the charm which Polly possessed25 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 was fairly established between Fanny and Mr. Shaw, while Tom leaned on the back of his mother's chair, and enjoyed the prospect26.
"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 about the new plan.
"I shall get on very well, I think, for I 've got twelve scholars to begin with, all able to pay a good price, and I shall give my first lesson on Monday."
"Don't you dread27 it?" asked Fanny.
"Not much; why should I?" answered Polly, stoutly28.
"Well, I don't know; it 's a new thing, and must be a little bit hard at first," stammered29 Fanny, not liking30 to say that working for one's living seemed a dreadful hardship to her.
"It will be tiresome31, of course, but I shall get used to it; I shall like the exercise, and the new people and places I must see will amuse me. Then the independence will be delightful32, and if I can save a little to help Kitty along with, that will be best of all."
Polly's face shone as if the prospect was full of pleasure instead of work, and the hearty good will with which she undertook the new task, seemed to dignify33 her humble34 hopes and plans, and make them interesting in the sight of others.
"Who have you got for pupils?" asked Mrs. Shaw, forgetting her nerves for a minute.
Polly named her list, and took a secret satisfaction in seeing the impression which certain names made upon her hearers.
"How in the world did you get the Davenports and the Greys, my dear?" said Mrs. Shaw, sitting erect35 in her surprise.
"Mrs. Davenport and mother are relations, you know."
"You never told us that before!" "The Davenports have been away some years, and I forgot all about them. But when I was making my 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 came and saw us and was very kind, and has got these pupils for me, like a 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 if this discovery had been too much for her.
"I learnt it here, sir," answered Polly, laughing. "I used to think patronage36 and things of that sort very disagreeable and not worth having, but I 've got wiser, and to a certain extent I 'm glad to use whatever advantages I have in my power, if they can be honestly got."
"Why did n't you let us help you in the beginning? We should have been very glad to, I 'm sure," put in Mrs. Shaw, who quite burned to be known as a joint37 patroness with Mrs. Davenport.
"I know you would, but you have all been so kind to me I did n't want to trouble you with my little plans till the first steps were taken. Besides, I did n't know as you would like to recommend me as a teacher, though you like me well enough as plain Polly."
"My dear, of course I would, and we want you to take Maud at once, and teach her your sweet songs. She has a fine voice, and is really suffering for a teacher."
A slight smile passed over Polly's face as she returned her thanks for the new pupil, for she remembered a time when Mrs. Shaw considered her "sweet songs" quite unfit for a fashionable young lady's repertoire38. "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 strange boarding-house, so Miss Mills kindly39 made a place for me. You know she lets her rooms without board, but she is going to give me my dinners, and I 'm to get my own breakfast and tea, quite independently. I like that way, and it 's very little trouble, my habits 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 can have 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 when one comes in tired," said Mrs. Shaw, taking unusual interest in the affair.
"Thank you, but I don't need anything, for I brought all sorts of home comforts with me. Oh, Fan, you ought to have seen my triumphal entry into the city, sitting among my goods and chattels40, in a farmer's cart." Polly's laugh was so infectious that every one smiled and forgot to be shocked at her performance. "Yes," she added, "I kept wishing I could meet you, just to see your horrified41 face when you saw me sitting on my little sofa, with boxes and bundles 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 other side, and jolly old Mr. Brown, in his blue frock, perched on a keg of apples in front. It was a lovely bright day, and I enjoyed the ride immensely, for we had all sorts of adventures."
"Oh, tell about it," begged Maud, when the general laugh at Polly's picture had subsided42.
"Well, in the first place, we forgot my ivy44, and Kitty came running after me, with it. Then we started again, but were soon stopped by a great shouting, and there was Will racing45 down the hill, waving a pillow in one hand and a squash pie in the other. How we did laugh 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 a pie to begin house-keeping with. She seemed so disappointed at being too late that Will promised to get them to me, if he ran all the way to town. The pillow was easily disposed of, but that pie! I do believe it was stowed in every part of the wagon46, and never staid anywhere. I found it in my lap, then on the floor, next, upside down among the books, then just on the point of coasting off a trunk into the road, and at last it landed in my rocking-chair. Such a remarkable47 pie as it was, too, for in spite of all its wanderings, it never got spilt or broken, and we finally ate it for lunch, in order to be left in peace. Next, my kitty got away, and I had a chase over walls and brooks48 before I got her, while Mr. Brown sat shaking with fun, to see me run. We finished off by having the book-shelves tumble on our heads as we went down a hill, and losing my chair off behind, as we went up a hill. A shout made us pause, and, looking back, there was the poor little chair rocking all by itself in the middle of the road, while a small boy sat on the fence and whooped49. It was great fun, I do assure you."
Polly had run on in her lively way, not because she thought her adventures amounted to much, but from a wish to cheer up her friends, who had struck her as looking rather dull and out of sorts, especially Mr. Shaw; and when she saw him lean back in his chair with the old hearty laugh, she was satisfied, and blessed the unlucky 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 imposing50 spectacle," said Tom.
"No, you would n't; you 'd have whisked round the comer when you saw me coming or have stared straight before you, utterly51 unconscious 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 liked it, 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, for my cat and bird live together as happily as brother and sister," said Polly, turning to Maud, who devoured52 every word she said.
"That 's not saying much for them," muttered Tom, feeling that Polly ought to address more of her conversation to him.
"Polly knows what she 's talking about; her brothers appreciate their 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, to avert53 the rising storm.
"Hope he 'll enjoy himself," observed Tom, with the air of a man who had passed through all the mysteries, and reached that state of sublime54 indifference55 which juniors seem to pride themselves upon.
"I think he will, he is so fond of study, and is so anxious to improve every opportunity. I only hope he won't overwork and get sick, as so many boys do," said simple Polly, with such a respectful belief in the eager thirst for knowledge of collegians as a class, that Tom regarded the deluded56 girl with a smile of lofty pity, from the heights of his vast and varied57 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 his boyish pranks58.
"I 'm afraid you can't be trusted as a guide, if various rumors59 I 've heard are true," said Polly, looking up at him with a wistful expression, that caused his face to assume the sobriety of an owl's.
"Base slanders60; 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 thin cheek with a caressing61 hand, sure of one firm friend in her; for when he ceased to be a harum-scarum boy, Mrs. Shaw began to take great pride in her son, and he, missing grandma, tried to fill her place with his feeble mother.
"Yes, dear, you are all I could ask," and Mrs. Shaw looked up at him with such affection and confidence in her eyes, that Polly gave Tom the first approving look she had vouchsafed62 him since she came.
Why Tom should look troubled and turn grave all at once, she could n't understand, but she liked to see him stroke his mother's cheek so softly, as he stood with his head resting on the high back of her chair, for Polly fancied that he felt a man's pity for her weakness, and was learning a son's patient love for a mother who had had much to bear with him.
"I 'm so glad you are going to be here all winter, for we are to be very gay, and I shall enjoy taking you round with me," began Fanny, forgetting Polly's plan for a moment.
Polly shook her head decidedly. "It sounds very nice, but it can't be done, Fan, for I 've come to work, not play; to save, not spend; and parties will be quite out of the question for me."
"You don't intend to work all the time, without a bit of fun, I hope," cried Fanny, dismayed at the idea.
"I mean to do what I 've undertaken, and not to be tempted63 away from my purpose by anything. I should n't be fit to give lessons if I was up late, should I? And how far would my earnings64 go towards dress, carriages, and all the little expenses which would come if I set up for a young lady in society? I can't do both, and I 'm not going to try, but I can pick up bits of fun as I go along, and be contented65 with free concerts and lectures, seeing you pretty often, and every Sunday Will is to spend with me, so I shall have quite as much dissipation as is good for me."
"If you don't come to my parties, I 'll never forgive you," said Fanny, as Polly paused, while Tom chuckled66 inwardly at the idea of calling visits from a brother "dissipation."
"Any small party, where it will do to wear a plain black silk, I can come 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 said that; for she knew her weakness, and beyond that black silk she had determined67 not to go. Fanny said no more, for she felt quite sure that Polly would relent when the time came, and she planned to give her a pretty dress for a Christmas present, so that one excuse 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 any Senor Twankydillo," said Tom, who did n't find the conversation interesting.
"Oh, yes; if any of you boys honestly want to learn, and will behave yourselves, I 'll take you; but I shall charge extra," answered Polly, with a wicked sparkle of the eye, though her face was quite sober, and her tone delightfully68 business-like.
"Why, Polly, Tom is n't a boy; he 's twenty, and he says I must treat him with respect. Besides, he 's engaged, and does put on such airs," broke in Maud who regarded her brother as a venerable being.
"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 been an event of national importance.
"No! is it true, Fan?" and Polly turned to her friend with a face full of surprise, while Tom struck an imposing attitude, and affected69 absence of mind.
"I forgot to tell you in my last letter; it 's just out, and we don't like it very well," observed Fanny, who would have preferred to be engaged first herself.
"It 's a very nice thing, and I am perfectly70 satisfied," announced Mrs. Shaw, rousing from a slight doze71.
"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 pity which he saw in the steady eyes fixed72 on him.
"No, I don't think you have," she said, slowly.
"How the deuce should a man look, then?" cried Tom, rather nettled73 at her sober reception of the grand news.
"As if he had learned to care for some one a great deal more than for himself," answered Polly, with sudden color in her cheeks, and a sudden softening74 of the voice, as her eyes turned away from Tom, who was the picture of a complacent75 dandy, from the topmost curl of his auburn head to the tips of his aristocratic boots.
"Tommy 's quenched76; I agree with you, Polly; I never liked Trix, and I hope it 's only a boy-and-girl fancy, that will soon die a natural death," said Mr. Shaw, who seemed to find it difficult to help falling into a brown study, in spite of the lively chatter77 going on about him.
Shaw, Jr., being highly incensed78 at the disrespectful manner in which his engagement was treated, tried to assume a superb air of indifference, and finding that a decided1 failure, was about to stroll out of the room with a comprehensive nod, when his mother called after him: "Where are you going, dear?"
"To see Trix, of course. Good-by, Polly," and Mr. Thomas departed, hoping that by the skillful change of tone, from ardent79 impatience80 to condescending81 coolness, he had impressed one hearer at least with the fact that he regarded Trix as the star of his existence, and Polly as a presuming little chit.
If he could have heard her laugh, and Fanny's remarks, his wrath82 would have boiled over; fortunately he was spared the trial, and went away hoping that the coquetries of his Trix would make him forget 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. "Belle83 and Trix both tried to catch him, and the slyest got him; for, in spite of his airs, he is as soft-hearted as a baby. You see Trix has broken off two engagements already, and the third time she got jilted herself. Such a fuss as she made! I declare, it really was absurd. But I do think she felt it very much, for she would n't go out at all, and got thin, and pale, and blue, and was really quite touching84. I pitied her, and had her here a good deal, and Tom took her part; he always does stand up for the crushed ones, and that 's good of him, I allow. Well, she did the forsaken85 very prettily86; let Tom amuse her, and led him on till the poor fellow lost his wits, and finding her crying one day (about her hat, which was n't becoming), he thought she was mourning for Mr. Banks, and so, to comfort her, the goose proposed. 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 as gay as ever, flirts87 awfully88 with any one who comes along, and keeps Tom in a fume89 all the time. I really don't think he cares for her half as much as he makes believe, but he 'll stand by her through thick and thin, rather than do as Banks did."
"Poor Tom!" was all Polly said, when Fan had poured the story into her ear, as they sat whispering in the sofa corner.
"My only consolation90 is that Trix will break off the affair before spring; she always does, so that she may be free for the summer campaign. It won't hurt Tom, but I hate to have him make a fool of himself out of pity, for he is more of a man than he seems, and I don't want any one to plague him."
"No one but yourself," said Polly, smiling.
"Well, that 's all fair; he is a torment91 sometimes, but I 'm rather fond of him in spite of it. I get so tired of the other fellows, they are such absurd things and when Tom is in his good mood he is very nice and quite refreshing92."
"I 'm glad to hear it," said Polly, making a mental note of the fact.
"Yes, and when grandma was ill he was perfectly devoted93. I did n't know the boy had so much gentleness in him. He took her death sadly to heart, for, though he did n't say much, he was very grave and steady for a long time. I tried to comfort him, and we had two or three real sweet little talks together, and seemed to get acquainted 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 subside43.
"Walk home with me and see my funny little room. It 's bright now, and the air will do you good. Come, both of you, and have a frolic as we used to," said Polly, for the red sunset now burning in the west seemed to invite them out.
They agreed, and soon the three were walking briskly away to Polly's new home, in a quiet street, where a few old trees rustled94 in the summer, and the morning sun shone pleasantly in winter time.
"The way into my parlor95 Is up a winding96 stair."
sang Polly, running up two flights of broad, old-fashioned steps, and opening the door of a back room, out of which streamed the welcome glow of firelight.
"These are my pets, Maud," she added, pausing on the threshold, and beckoning97 the girls to look in quietly.
On the rug, luxuriously98 basking99 in the warmth, lay a gray kitten, and close by, meditatively100 roosting on one leg, stood a plump canary, who cocked his bright eye at the new-comers, gave a loud chirp101 as if to wake his comrade, and then flew straight to Polly's shoulder, where he broke into a joyful102 song to welcome his mistress home.
"Allow me to introduce my family," said Polly; "this noisy little chap the boys named Nicodemus; and this dozy103 cat is called Ashputtel, because the joy of her life is to get among the cinders104. Now, take off your things, and let me do the honors, for you are to stop to tea, and the carriage is to come for you at eight. I arranged it with your mother while you were up-stairs."
"I want to see everything," said Maud, when the hats were off, and the hands warmed.
"So you shall; for I think my housekeeping arrangements will amuse you."
Then Polly showed her kingdom, and the three had a merry time over it. The big piano took up so much room there was no place for a bed; but Polly proudly displayed the resources of her chintz-covered couch, for the back let down, the seat lifted up, and inside 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 pupils come to me," explained Polly.
Then there was a bright drugget over the faded carpet, the little rocking-chair and sewing-table stood at one window, the ivy ran all over the other, and hid the banqueting performances which went on in that corner. Book-shelves hung over the sofa, a picture or two on the walls, and a great vase of autumn leaves and grasses beautified the low chimney-piece. It was a very humble little room, but Polly had done her best to make it pleasant, and it already had a home-like look, with the cheery fire, and the household pets chirping105 and purring confidingly106 on the rug.
"How nice it is!" exclaimed Maud, as she emerged from the big closet where Polly kept her stores. "Such a cunning teakettle and saucepan, and a tte-.-tte set, and lots of good things to eat. Do have toast for tea, Polly, and let me make it with the new toasting fork; it 's such fun to play cook."
Fanny was not so enthusiastic as her sister, for her eyes saw many traces of what seemed like poverty to her; but Polly was so gay, so satisfied with her small establishment, so full of happy hopes and plans, that her friend had not the heart to find a fault or suggest an improvement, and sat where she was told, laughing and talking while the others got tea.
"This will be a country supper, girls," said Polly, bustling107 about. "Here is real cream, brown bread, home-made cake, and honey from 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. Butter the toast, Maudie, and put that little cover over it. Tell me when the kettle boils, and don't step on Nicodemus, whatever you do."
"What a capital house-keeper you will make some day," said Fanny, as she watched Polly spread her table with a neatness and despatch108 which was pleasant to behold109.
"Yes, it 's good practice," laughed Polly, filling her tiny teapot, and taking her place behind the tray, with a matronly air, which was the 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 bird that would n't eat each other up, and a dear little teakettle, and make just as much toast as I like."
Such a peal110 of laughter greeted Maud's pensive9 aspiration111, that Miss Mills smiled over her solitary112 cup of tea, and little Nick burst into a perfect ecstasy113 of song, as he sat on the sugar-bowl helping114 himself.
"I don't care for the toast and the kettle, but I do envy you your good spirits, Polly," said Fanny, as the merriment subsided. "I 'm so tired of everybody and everything, it seems sometimes as if I should die of ennui115. Don't you ever feel so?"
"Things worry me sometimes, but I just catch up a broom and sweep, or wash hard, or walk, or go at something with all my might, and I usually find that by the time I get through the worry is gone, 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't think they 'd cure my worrying," said Fanny, languidly feeding Ashputtel, who sat decorously beside her, at the table, winking116 at the cream pot.
"A little poverty would do you good, Fan; just enough necessity to keep you busy till you find how good work is; and when you once learn that, you won't complain of ennui any more," returned Polly, who had taken kindly the hard lesson which twenty years of cheerful poverty had taught her.
"Mercy, no, I should hate that; but I wish some one would invent a new amusement for rich people. I 'm dead sick of parties, and flirtations, trying to out-dress my neighbors, and going the same round year after year, like a squirrel in a cage."
Fanny's tone was bitter as well as discontented, her face sad as well as listless, and Polly had an instinctive117 feeling that some trouble, more real than any she had ever known before, was lying heavy at her friend's heart. That was not the time to speak of it, but Polly resolved to stand ready to offer sympathy, if nothing more, whenever the confidential118 minute came; and her manner was so kind, so comfortable, that Fanny felt its silent magic, grew more cheerful in the quiet atmosphere of that little room, and when they said good-night, after an old-time gossip by the fire, she kissed her hostess warmly, saying, with a grateful look, "Polly, dear, I shall come often, you do me so much good."
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1
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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martyr
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| n.烈士，殉难者；vt.杀害，折磨，牺牲 | |
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soothing
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| adj.慰藉的；使人宽心的；镇静的 | |
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disapproval
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| n.反对，不赞成 | |
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placid
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| adj.安静的，平和的 | |
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spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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privately
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| adv.以私人的身份，悄悄地，私下地 | |
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mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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pensive
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| a.沉思的,哀思的,忧沉的 | |
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flirting
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| v.调情，打情骂俏( flirt的现在分词 ) | |
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sarcastic
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| adj.讥讽的，讽刺的，嘲弄的 | |
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habitual
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| adj.习惯性的；通常的，惯常的 | |
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contention
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| n.争论，争辩，论战；论点，主张 | |
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erring
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| 做错事的，错误的 | |
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hovered
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| 鸟( hover的过去式和过去分词 )； 靠近（某事物）； （人）徘徊； 犹豫 | |
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hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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bonnet
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| n.无边女帽；童帽 | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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comely
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| adj.漂亮的，合宜的 | |
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ornament
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| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
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vigor
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| n.活力，精力，元气 | |
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bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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stoutly
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| adv.牢固地，粗壮的 | |
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stammered
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| v.结巴地说出( stammer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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liking
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| n.爱好；嗜好；喜欢 | |
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tiresome
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| adj.令人疲劳的，令人厌倦的 | |
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delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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dignify
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| vt.使有尊严；使崇高；给增光 | |
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humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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patronage
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| n.赞助，支援，援助；光顾，捧场 | |
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joint
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| adj.联合的，共同的；n.关节，接合处；v.连接，贴合 | |
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repertoire
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| n.(准备好演出的)节目，保留剧目；(计算机的)指令表，指令系统， <美>(某个人的)全部技能；清单，指令表 | |
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kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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chattels
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| n.动产，奴隶( chattel的名词复数 ) | |
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horrified
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| a.(表现出)恐惧的 | |
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subsided
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| v.（土地）下陷（因在地下采矿）( subside的过去式和过去分词 )；减弱；下降至较低或正常水平；一下子坐在椅子等上 | |
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subside
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| vi.平静，平息；下沉，塌陷，沉降 | |
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ivy
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| n.常青藤，常春藤 | |
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racing
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| n.竞赛，赛马；adj.竞赛用的，赛马用的 | |
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wagon
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| n.四轮马车，手推车，面包车；无盖运货列车 | |
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remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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brooks
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| n.小溪( brook的名词复数 ) | |
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whooped
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| 叫喊( whoop的过去式和过去分词 )； 高声说； 唤起 | |
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imposing
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| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
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utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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devoured
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| 吞没( devour的过去式和过去分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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avert
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| v.防止，避免；转移(目光、注意力等) | |
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sublime
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| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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deluded
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| v.欺骗，哄骗( delude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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varied
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| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
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pranks
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| n.玩笑，恶作剧( prank的名词复数 ) | |
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rumors
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| n.传闻( rumor的名词复数 )；[古]名誉；咕哝；[古]喧嚷v.传闻( rumor的第三人称单数 )；[古]名誉；咕哝；[古]喧嚷 | |
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slanders
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| 诽谤，诋毁( slander的名词复数 ) | |
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caressing
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| 爱抚的，表现爱情的，亲切的 | |
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vouchsafed
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| v.给予，赐予( vouchsafe的过去式和过去分词 )；允诺 | |
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tempted
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| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
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64
earnings
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| n.工资收人；利润，利益，所得 | |
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contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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chuckled
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| 轻声地笑( chuckle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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delightfully
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| 大喜，欣然 | |
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affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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doze
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| v.打瞌睡；n.打盹，假寐 | |
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fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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nettled
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| v.拿荨麻打，拿荨麻刺（nettle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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74
softening
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| 变软，软化 | |
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complacent
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| adj.自满的；自鸣得意的 | |
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76
quenched
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| 解（渴）( quench的过去式和过去分词 )； 终止（某事物）； （用水）扑灭（火焰等）； 将（热物体）放入水中急速冷却 | |
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77
chatter
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| vi.／n.喋喋不休；短促尖叫；(牙齿)打战 | |
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incensed
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| 盛怒的 | |
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ardent
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
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80
impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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81
condescending
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| adj.谦逊的,故意屈尊的 | |
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82
wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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83
belle
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| n.靓女 | |
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84
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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85
Forsaken
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| adj. 被遗忘的, 被抛弃的 动词forsake的过去分词 | |
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86
prettily
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| adv.优美地；可爱地 | |
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flirts
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| v.调情，打情骂俏( flirt的第三人称单数 ) | |
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awfully
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| adv.可怕地，非常地，极端地 | |
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89
fume
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| n.(usu pl.)(浓烈或难闻的)烟，气，汽 | |
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consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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91
torment
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| n.折磨；令人痛苦的东西(人)；vt.折磨；纠缠 | |
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92
refreshing
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| adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的 | |
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93
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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rustled
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| v.发出沙沙的声音( rustle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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95
parlor
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| n.店铺，营业室；会客室，客厅 | |
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96
winding
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| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
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97
beckoning
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| adj.引诱人的，令人心动的v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的现在分词 ) | |
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98
luxuriously
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| adv.奢侈地，豪华地 | |
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99
basking
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| v.晒太阳，取暖( bask的现在分词 )；对…感到乐趣；因他人的功绩而出名；仰仗…的余泽 | |
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100
meditatively
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| adv.冥想地 | |
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101
chirp
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| v.(尤指鸟)唧唧喳喳的叫 | |
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102
joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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dozy
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| adj.困倦的；愚笨的 | |
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104
cinders
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| n.煤渣( cinder的名词复数 )；炭渣；煤渣路；煤渣跑道 | |
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105
chirping
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| 鸟叫，虫鸣( chirp的现在分词 ) | |
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106
confidingly
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| adv.信任地 | |
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107
bustling
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| adj.喧闹的 | |
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108
despatch
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| n./v.(dispatch)派遣；发送；n.急件；新闻报道 | |
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109
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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peal
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| n.钟声；v.鸣响 | |
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111
aspiration
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| n.志向，志趣抱负；渴望；(语)送气音；吸出 | |
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112
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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113
ecstasy
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| n.狂喜，心醉神怡，入迷 | |
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114
helping
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| n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的 | |
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115
ennui
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| n.怠倦，无聊 | |
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116
winking
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| n.瞬眼，目语v.使眼色( wink的现在分词 )；递眼色（表示友好或高兴等）；（指光）闪烁；闪亮 | |
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117
instinctive
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| adj.(出于)本能的；直觉的；(出于)天性的 | |
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118
confidential
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| adj.秘（机）密的，表示信任的，担任机密工作的 | |
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