out justice and mercy with such wise love. 'Ah, that 's a mother!' thought Polly, as the memory came warm into her heart, making her feel very rich, and pity Maud for being so poor.
This it was that caused such sudden indignation at Fanny's dreadful speech, and this it was that made quick- tempered Polly try to calm her wrath before she used toward Fanny's mother the disrespectful tone she so resented toward her own. As the swing came down after some dozen quick journeys to and fro, Polly seemed to have found a smile somewhere up aloft, for she looked toward Fan, saying pleasantly, as she paused a little in her airy exercise, 'I 'm not mad now, shall I come and toss with you?'
'No, I 'll come and swing with you,' answered Fanny, quick to feel the generous spirit of her friend.
'You are an angel, and I 'll never be so rude again,' she added, as Polly's arm came round her, and half the seat was gladly offered.
'No, I ain't; but if I ever get at all like one, it will be 'mother's preaching' that did it,' said Polly, with a happy laugh.
'Good for you, Polly Peacemaker,' cried Tom, quoting his father, and giving them a grand push as the most appropriate way of expressing his approbation of the sentiment.
Nothing more was said; but from that day there slowly crept into the family more respect for grandma, more forbearance with her infirmities, more interest in her little stories, and many a pleasant gossip did the dear old lady enjoy with the children as they gathered round her fire, solitary so long.
7. Good- By
'OH, dear! Must you really go home Saturday?' said Fan, some days after what Tom called the 'grand scrimmage.'
'I really must; for I only came to stay a month and here I 've been nearly six weeks,'
answered Polly, feeling as if she had been absent a year.
'Make it two months and stay over Christmas. Come, do, now,' urged Tom, heartily.
'You are very kind; but I would n't miss Christmas at home for anything. Besides, mother says they can't possibly do without me.'
'Neither can we. Can't you tease your mother, and make up your mind to stay?' began Fan.
'Polly never teases. She says it 's selfish; and I don't do it now much,' put in Maud, with a virtuous air.
'Don't you bother Polly. She 'd rather go, and I don't wonder. Let 's be just as jolly as we can while she stays, and finish up with your party, Fan,' said Tom, in a tone that settled the matter.
Polly had expected to be very happy in getting ready for the party; but when the time came, she was disappointed; for somehow that naughty thing called envy took possession of her, and spoiled her pleasure. Before she left home, she thought her new white muslin dress, with its fresh blue ribbons, the most elegant and proper costume she could have; but now, when she saw Fanny's pink silk, with a white tarlatan tunic, and innumerable puffings, bows, and streamers, her own simple little toilet lost all its charms in her eyes, and looked very babyish and old-fashioned.
Even Maud was much better dressed than herself, and looked very splendid in her cherry-colored and white suit, with a sash so big she could hardly carry it, and little white boots with red buttons. They both had necklaces and bracelets, ear-rings and brooches; but Polly had no ornament, except the plain locket on a bit of blue velvet. Her sash was only a wide ribbon, tied in a simple bow, and nothing but a blue snood in the pretty curls. Her only comfort was the knowledge that the modest tucker drawn up round the plump shoulders was real lace, and that her bronze boots cost nine dollars.
Poor Polly, with all her efforts to be contented, and not to mind looking unlike other people, found it hard work to keep her face bright and her voice happy that night. No one dreamed what was going an under the muslin frock, till grandma's wise old eyes spied out the little shadow on Polly's spirits, and guessed the cause of it. When dressed, the three girls went up to show themselves to the elders, who were in grandma's room, where Tom was being helped into an agonizingly stiff collar.
Maud pranced like a small peacock, and Fan made a splendid courtesy as every one turned to survey them; but Polly stood still, and her eyes went from face to face, with an anxious, wistful air, which seemed to say, 'I know I 'm not right; but I hope I don't look very bad.'
Grandma read the look in a minute; and when Fanny said, with a satisfied smile, 'How do we look?' she answered, drawing Polly toward her so kindly.
'Very like the fashion-plates you got the patterns of your dresses from. But this little costume suits me best.'
'Do you really think I look nice?' and Polly's face brightened, for she valued the old lady's opinion very much.
'Yes, my dear; you look just as I like to see a child of your age look. What particularly pleases me is that you have kept your promise to your mother, and have n't let anyone persuade you to wear borrowed finery. Young things like you don't need any ornaments but those you wear to-night, youth, health, intelligence, and modesty.'
As she spoke, grandma gave a tender kiss that made Polly glow like a rose, and for a minute she forgot that there were such things as pink silk and coral ear-rings in the world. She only said, 'Thank you, ma'am,' and heartily returned the kiss; but the words did her good, and her plain dress looked charming all of a sudden.
'Polly 's so pretty, it don't matter what she wears,' observed Tom, surveying her over his collar with an air of calm approval.
'She has n't got any bwetelles to her dwess, and I have,' said Maud, settling her ruffled bands over her shoulders, which looked like cherry-colored wings on a stout little cherub.
'I did wish she 'd just wear my blue set, ribbon is so very plain; but, as Tom says, it don't much matter;' and Fanny gave an effective touch to the blue bow above Polly's left temple.
'She might wear flowers; they always suit young girls,' said Mrs. Shaw, privately thinking that her own daughters looked much the best, yet conscious that blooming Polly had the most attractive face. 'Bless me! I forgot my posies in admiring the belles.
Hand them out, Tom;' and Mr. Shaw nodded toward an interesting looking box that stood on the table.
