CHAPTER VII. GOOD-BY
"OH, dear! Must you really go home Saturday?" said Fan, some days afterwhat Tom called the "grand scrimmage."
"I really must; for I only came to stay a month and here I've beennearly six weeks," answered Polly, feeling as if she had been absent ayear.
"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 tostay?" began Fan.
"Polly never teases. She says it's selfish; and I don't do it nowmuch," put in Maud, with a virtuous air.
"Don't you bother Polly. She'd rather go, and I don't wonder. Let's bejust 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; butwhen the time came, she was disappointed; for somehow that naughty thingcalled envy took possession of her, and spoiled her pleasure. Before sheleft home, she thought her new white muslin dress, with its fresh blueribbons, the most elegant and proper costume she could have; butnow, when she saw Fanny's pink silk, with a white tarlatan tunic, andinnumerable puffings, bows, and streamers, her own simple littletoilet lost all its charms in her eyes, and looked very babyish andold-fashioned.
Even Maud was much better dressed than herself, and looked very splendidin her cherry-colored and white suit, with a sash so big she couldhardly carry it, and little white boots with red buttons. They bothhad necklaces and bracelets, ear-rings and brooches; but Polly had noornament, except the plain locket on a bit of blue velvet. Her sash wasonly a wide ribbon, tied in a simple bow, and nothing but a blue snoodin the pretty curls. Her only comfort was the knowledge that the modesttucker drawn up round the plump shoulders was real lace, and that herbronze boots cost nine dollars.
Poor Polly, with all her efforts to be contented, and not to mindlooking unlike other people, found it hard work to keep her face brightand her voice happy that night. No one dreamed what was going an underthe muslin frock, till grandma's wise old eyes spied out the littleshadow 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 ingrandma's room, where Tom was being helped into an agonizingly stiffcollar.
Maud pranced like a small peacock, and Fan made a splendid courtesy asevery one turned to survey them; but Polly stood still, and her eyeswent from face to face, with an anxious, wistful air, which seemed tosay, "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 satisfiedsmile, "How do we look?" she answered, drawing Polly toward her sokindly.
"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 shevalued 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 yourmother, and have n't let anyone persuade you to wear borrowed finery.Young things like you don't need any ornaments but those you wearto-night, youth, health, intelligence, and modesty."
As she spoke, grandma gave a tender kiss that made Polly glow like arose, and for a minute she forgot that there were such things as pinksilk 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, andher 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 likecherry-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 tothe 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, yetconscious 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.
Seizing them wrong side-up, Tom produced three little bouquets, alldifferent in color, size, and construction.
"Why, papa! how very kind of you," cried Fanny, who had not dared toreceive even a geranium leaf since the late scrape.
"Your father used to be a very gallant young gentleman, once upon atime," said Mrs. Shaw, with a simper.
"Ah, Tom, it's a good sign when you find time to think of givingpleasure to your little girls!" And grandma patted her son's bald headas if he was n't more than eighteen.
Thomas Jr. had given a somewhat scornful sniff at first; but whengrandma praised his father, the young man thought better of the matter,and regarded the flowers with more respect, as he asked, "Which is forwhich?"
"Guess," said Mr. Shaw, pleased that his unusual demonstration hadproduced such an effect.
The largest was a regular hothouse bouquet, of tea-rosebuds, scentlessheath, and smilax; the second was just a handful of sweet-peas andmignonette, with a few cheerful pansies, and one fragrant little rose inthe middle; the third, a small posy of scarlet verbenas, white feverfew,and green leaves.
"Not hard to guess. The smart one for Fan, the sweet one for Polly, andthe gay one for Pug. Now, then, catch hold, girls." And Tom proceededto deliver the nosegays, with as much grace as could be expected from ayouth in a new suit of clothes and very tight boots.
"That finishes you off just right, and is a very pretty attention ofpapa's. Now run down, for the bell has rung; and remember, not to dancetoo often, Fan; be as quiet as you can, Tom; and Maud, don't eat toomuch supper. Grandma will attend to things, for my poor nerves won'tallow me to come down."
With that, Mrs. Shaw dismissed them, and the four descended to receivethe first batch of visitors, several little girls who had been askedfor the express purpose of keeping Maud out of her sister's way. Tomhad likewise been propitiated, by being allowed to bring his three bosomfriends, who went by the school-boy names of Rumple, Sherry, and Spider.
"They will do to make up sets, as gentlemen are scarce; and the party isfor Polly, so I must have some young folks on her account," said Fanny,when sending out her invitations.
Of course, the boys came early, and stood about in corners, looking asif they had more arms and legs than they knew what to do with. Tom didhis best to be a good host; but ceremony oppressed his spirits, and hewas forced to struggle manfully with the wild desire to propose a gameof leap-frog, for the long drawing-rooms, cleared for dancing, temptedhim sorely.
Polly sat where she was told, and suffered bashful agonies as Fanintroduced very fine young ladies and very stiff young gentlemen, whoall said about the same civil things, and then appeared to forget allabout her. When the first dance was called, Fanny cornered Tom, who hadbeen dodging her, for he knew what she wanted, and said, in an earnestwhisper: "Now, Tom, you must dance this with Polly. You are the younggentleman of the house, and it's only proper that you should ask yourcompany first."
"Polly don't care for manners. I hate dancing; don't know how. Let gomy jacket, and don't bother, or I'll cut away altogether," growled Tom,daunted by the awful prospect of opening the ball with Polly.
"I'll never forgive you if you do. Come, be clever, and help me, there's a dear. You know we both were dreadfully rude to Polly, and agreedthat we'd be as kind and civil to her as ever we could. I shall keepmy word, and see that she is n't slighted at my party, for I want her tolove me, and go home feeling all right."
This artful speech made an impression on the rebellious Thomas, whoglanced at
Polly's happy face, remembered his promise, and, with agroan, resolved to do his duty.
"Well, I'll take her; but I shall come to grief, for I don't knowanything about your old dances."
"Yes, you do. I've taught you the steps a dozen times. I'm going tobegin with a redowa, because the girls like it, and it's better funthan square dances. Now, put on your gloves, and go and ask Polly like agentleman."
"Oh, thunder!" muttered Tom. And having split the detested gloves indragging them on, he nerved himself for the effort, walked up to Polly,made a stiff bow, stuck out his elbow, and said, solemnly, "May I havethe pleasure, Miss Milton?"
He did it as much like the big fellows as he could, and expected thatPolly would be impressed. But she was n't a bit; for after a surprisedlook she laughed in his face, and took him by the hand, saying,heartily, "Of course you may; but don't be a goose, Tommy."
"Well, Fan told me to be elegant, so I tried to," whispered Tom, adding,as he clutched his partner with a somewhat desperate air, "Hold ontight, and we'll get through somehow."
The music struck up, and away they went; Tom hopping one way and Pollythe other, in a most ungraceful manner.
"Keep time to the music," gasped Polly.
"Can't; never could," returned Tom.
"Keep step with me, then, and don't tread on my toes," pleaded Polly.
"Never mind; keep bobbing, and we'll come right by and by," mutteredTom, giving his unfortunate partner a sudden whisk, which nearly landedboth on the floor.
But they did not "get right by and by"; for Tom, In his frantic effortsto do his duty, nearly annihilated poor Polly. He tramped, he bobbed, heskated, he twirled her to the right, dragged her to the left, backed herup against people and furniture, trod on her feet, rumpled her dress,and made a spectacle of himself generally. Polly was much disturbed;but as everyone else was flying about also, she bore it as long asshe could, knowing that Tom had made a martyr of himself, and feelinggrateful to him for the sacrifice.
"Oh, do stop now; this is dreadful!" cried Polly, breathlessly, after afew wild turns.
"Is n't it?" said Tom, wiping his red face with such an air of intenserelief, that Polly had not the heart to scold him, but said, "Thankyou," and dropped into a chair exhausted.
"I know I've made a guy of myself; but Fan insisted on it, for fearyou'd be offended if I did n't go the first dance with you," said Tom,remorsefully, watching Polly as she settled the bow of her crushed sash,which Tom had used as a sort of handle by which to turn and twist her;"I can do the Lancers tip-top; but you won't ever want to dance with meany more," he added, as he began to fan her so violently, that her hairflew about as if in a gale of wind.
"Yes, I will. I'd like to; and you shall put your name down here onthe sticks of my fan. That's the way, Trix says, when you don't have aball-book."
Looking much gratified, Tom produced the stump of a lead-pencil, andwrote his name with a flourish, saying, as he gave it back, "Now I'mgoing to get Sherry, or some of the fellows that do the redowa well, soyou can have a real good go before the music stops."
Off went Tom; but before he could catch any eligible partner, Polly wasprovided with the best dancer in the room. Mr. Sydney had seen and heardthe whole thing; and though he had laughed quietly, he liked honest Tomand good-natured Polly all the better for their simplicity. Polly's footwas keeping time to the lively music, and her eyes were fixed wistfullyon the smoothly-gliding couples before her, when Mr. Sydney came toher, saying, in the pleasant yet respectful way she liked so much, "MissPolly, can you give me a turn?"
"Oh, yes; I'm dying for another." And Polly jumped up, with both handsout, and such a grateful face, that Mr. Sydney resolved she should haveas many turns as she liked.
This time all went well; and Tom, returning from an unsuccessful search,was amazed to behold Polly circling gracefully about the room, guided bya most accomplished partner.
"Ah, that's something like," he thought, as he watched the bronze bootsretreating and advancing in perfect time to the music. "Don't see howSydney does the steering so well; but it must be fun; and, by Jupiter! I'll learn it!" added Shaw, Jr., with an emphatic gesture which burst thelast button off his gloves.
Polly enjoyed herself till the music stopped; and before she had time tothank Mr. Sydney as warmly as she wished, Tom came up to say, with hismost lordly air, "You dance splendidly, Polly. Now, you just show me anyone you like the looks of, and I'll get him for you, no matter who heis."
"I don't want any of the gentlemen; they are so stiff, and don't careto dance with me; but I like those boys over there, and I'll dance withany of them if they are willing," said Polly, after a survey.
"I'll trot out the whole lot." And Tom gladly brought up his friends,who all admired Polly immensely, and were proud to be chosen instead ofthe "big fellows."
There was no sitting still for Polly after that, for the lads kept hergoing at a great pace; and she was so happy, she never saw or suspectedhow many little manoeuvres, heart-burnings, displays of vanity,affectation, and nonsense were going on all round her. She loveddancing, and entered into the gayety of the scene with a heartiness thatwas pleasant to see. Her eyes shone, her face glowed, her lips smiled,and the brown curls waved in the air, as she danced, with a heart aslight as her feet.
"Are you enjoying yourself, Polly?" asked Mr. Shaw, who looked in, nowand then, to report to grandma that all was going well.
"Oh, such a splendid time!" cried Polly, with an enthusiastic littlegesture, as she chassed into the corner where he stood.
"She is a regular belle among the boys," said Fanny, as she promenadedby.
"They are so kind in asking me and I'm not afraid of them," explainedPolly, prancing, simply because she could n't keep still.
"So you are afraid of the young gentlemen, hey?" and Mr. Shaw held herby one curl.
"All but Mr. Sydney. He don't put on airs and talk nonsense; and, oh! hedoes'dance like an angel,' as Trix says."
"Papa, I wish you'd come and waltz with me. Fan told me not to go nearher,'cause my wed dwess makes her pink one look ugly; and Tom won't;and I want to dwedfully."
"I've forgotten how, Maudie. Ask Polly; she'll spin you round like ateetotum." "Mr. Sydney's name is down for that," answered Polly, lookingat her fan with a pretty little air of importance. "But I guess he wouldn't mind my taking poor Maud instead. She has n't danced hardly any,and I've had more than my share. Would it be very improper to changemy mind?" And Polly looked up at her tall partner with eye which plainlyshowed that the change was a sacrifice.
"Not a bit. Give the little dear a good waltz, and we will look on,"answered Mr. Sydney, with a nod and smile.
"That is a refreshing little piece of nature," said Mr. Shaw, as Pollyand Maud whirled away.
"She will make a charming little woman, if she is n't spoilt."
"No danger of that. She has got a sensible mother."
"I thought so." And Sydney sighed, for he had lately lost his own goodmother.
When supper was announced, Polly happened to be talking, or trying totalk, to one of the "poky" gentlemen whom Fan had introduced. He tookMiss Milton down, of course, put her in a corner, and having served herto a dab of ice and one macaroon, he devoted himself to his own supperwith such interest, that Polly would have fared badly, if Tom had notcome and rescued her.
"I've been looking everywhere for you. Come with me, and don't sitstarving here," said Tom, with a scornful look from her empty plate tothat of her recreant escort, which was piled with good things.
Following her guide, Polly was taken to the big china closet, openingfrom the dining-room to the kitchen, and here she found a jovial littleparty feasting at ease. Maud and her bosom friend, "Gwace," were seatedon tin cake-boxes; Sherry and Spider adorned the refrigerator; while Tomand Rumple foraged for the party.
"Here's fun," said Polly, as she was received with a clash of spoonsand a waving of napkins.
"You just perch on that cracker-keg, and I'll see that you get enough,"said Tom
, putting a dumbwaiter before her, and issuing his orders with afine air of authority.
"We are a band of robbers in our cave, and I'm the captain; and wepitch into the folks passing by, and go out and bring home plunder. Now,Rumple, you go and carry off a basket of cake, and I'll watch here tillKaty comes by with a fresh lot of oysters; Polly must have some. Sherry,cut into the kitchen, and bring a cup of coffee. Spider, scrape up thesalad, and poke the dish through the slide for more. Eat away, Polly,and my men will be back with supplies in a jiffy."
Such fun as they had in that closet; such daring robberies of jelly-potsand cake-boxes; such successful raids into the dining-room and kitchen;such base assaults upon poor Katy and the colored waiter, who did hisbest, but was helpless in the hands of the robber horde. A very harmlesslittle revel; for no wine was allowed, and the gallant band were sobusy skirmishing to supply the ladies, that they had not time to eattoo much. No one missed them; and when they emerged, the feast was over,except for a few voracious young gentlemen, who still lingered among theruins.
"That's the way they always do; poke the girls in corners, give'emjust one taste of something, and then go and stuff like pigs," whisperedTom, with a superior air, forgetting certain private banquets of hisown, after company had departed.
The rest of the evening was to be devoted to the German; and, as Pollyknew nothing about it, she established herself in a window recess towatch the mysteries. For a time she enjoyed it, for it was all new toher, and the various pretty devices were very charming; but, by and by,that bitter weed, envy, cropped up again, and she could not feel happyto be left out in the cold, while the other girls were getting gaytissue-paper suits, droll bonbons, flowers, ribbons, and all manner oftasteful trifles in which girlish souls delight. Everyone was absorbed;Mr. Sydney was dancing; Tom and his friends were discussing base-ball onthe stairs; and Maud's set had returned to the library to play.
Polly tried to conquer the bad feeling; but it worried her, till sheremembered something her mother once said to her, "When you feel outof sorts, try to make some one else happy, and you will soon be soyourself."
"I will try it," thought Polly, and looked round to see what she coulddo. Sounds of strife in the library led her to enter. Maud and the youngladies were sitting on the sofa, talking about each other's clothes, asthey had seen their mammas do.
"Was your dress imported?" asked Grace.
"No; was yours?" returned Blanche.
"Yes; and it cost oh, ever so much."
"I don't think it is as pretty as Maud's."
"Mine was made in New York," said Miss Shaw, smoothing her skirtscomplacently.
"I can't dress much now, you know,'cause mamma's in black forsomebody," observed Miss Alice Lovett, feeling the importance whichaffliction conferred upon her when it took the form of a jet necklace.
"Well, I don't care if my dress is n't imported; my cousin had threekinds of wine at her party; so, now," said Blanche.
"Did she?" And all the little girls looked deeply impressed, till Maudobserved, with a funny imitation of her father's manner, "My papa saidit was scan-dill-us; for some of the little boys got tipsy, and had tobe tooked home. He would n't let us have any wine; and gwandma said itwas vewy impwoper for childwen to do so."
"My mother says your mother's coup, is n't half so stylish as ours," putin Alice.
"Yes, it is, too. It's all lined with gween silk, and that's nicerthan old wed cloth," cried Maud, ruffling up like an insulted chicken.
"Well, my brother don't wear a horrid old cap, and he's got nice hair.I would n't have a brother like Tom. He's horrid rude, my sister says,"retorted Alice.
"He is n't. Your brother is a pig."
"You're a fib!"
"So are you!"
Here, I regret to say, Miss Shaw slapped Miss Lovett, who promptlyreturned the compliment, and both began to cry.
Polly, who had paused to listen to the edifying chat, parted thebelligerents, and finding the poor things tired, cross, and sleepy,yet unable to go home till sent for, proposed to play games. Theyoung ladies consented, and "Puss in the corner" proved a peacemaker.Presently, in came the boys; and being exiles from the German,gladly joined in the games, which soon were lively enough to wake thesleepiest. "Blind-man's-buff" was in full swing when Mr. Shaw peeped in,and seeing Polly flying about with band-aged eyes, joined in the fun topuzzle her. He got caught directly; and great merriment was caused byPolly's bewilderment, for she could n't guess who he was, till she feltthe bald spot on his head.
This frolic put every one in such spirits, that Polly forgot hertrouble, and the little girls kissed each other good-night asaffectionately as if such things as imported frocks, coups, and rivalbrothers did n't exist "Well, Polly, do you like parties?" asked Fanwhen the last guest was gone.
"Very much; but I don't think it would be good for me to go to many,"answered Polly, slowly.
"Why not?"
"I should n't enjoy them if I did n't have a fine dress, and dance allthe time, and be admired, and all the rest of it."
"I did n't know you cared for such things," cried Fanny, surprised.
"Neither did I till to-night; but I do; and as I can't have'em, it'slucky I'm going home tomorrow."
"Oh, dear! So you are! What shall I do without my'sweet P.,' as Sydneycalls you?" sighed Fanny, bearing Polly away to be cuddled.
Every one echoed the exclamation next day; and many loving eyes followedthe little figure in the drab frock as it went quietly about, doing forthe last time the small services which would help to make its absencekeenly felt. Polly was to go directly after an early dinner, and havingpacked her trunk, all but one tray, she was told to go and take a runwhile grandma finished. Polly suspected that some pleasant surprisewas going to be put in; for Fan did n't offer to go with her, Maud keptdodging about with something under her apron, and Tom had just whiskedinto his mother's room in a mysterious manner. So Polly took the hintand went away, rejoicing in the thought of the unknown treasures she wasto carry home.
Mr. Shaw had not said he should come home so early, but Polly thought hemight, and went to meet him. Mr. Shaw did n't expect to see Polly, forhe had left her very busy, and now a light snow was falling; but, as heturned into the mall there was the round hat, and under it the brightface, looking all the rosier for being powdered with snow-flakes, asPolly came running to meet him.
"There won't be any one to help the old gentleman safely hometo-morrow," he said, as Polly took his hand in both hers with anaffectionate squeeze.
"Yes, there will; see if there is n't," cried Polly, nodding andsmiling, for Fan had confided to her that she meant to try it after herfriend had gone.
"I'm glad of it. But, my dear, I want you to promise that you willcome and make us a visit every winter, a good long one," said Mr. Shaw,patting the blue mittens folded round his hand.
"If they can spare me from home, I'd love to come dearly."
"They must lend you for a little while, because you do us all good, andwe need you."
"Do I? I don't see how; but I'm glad to hear you say so," cried Polly,much touched.
"I can't tell you how, exactly; but you brought something into my housethat makes it warmer and pleasanter, and won't quite vanish, I hope,when you go away, my child."
Polly had never heard Mr. Shaw speak like that before, and did n't knowwhat to say, she felt so proud and happy at this proof of the truth ofher mother's words, when she said that "even a little girl could exertan influence, and do some good in this big, busy world." She only gaveher friend a grateful look sweeter than any words, and they went ontogether, hand in hand, through the "soft-falling snow."
If Polly could have seen what went into that top tray, she would havebeen entirely overcome; for Fanny had told grandma about the poor littlepresents she had once laughed at, and they had all laid their headstogether to provide something really fine and appropriate for everymember of the Milton family. Such a mine of riches! and so muchgood-will, affection, and kindly forethought was pack
ed away in thetempting bundles, that no one could feel offended, but would find anunusual charm about the pretty gifts that made them doubly welcome. Ionly know that if Polly had suspected that a little watch was tickingaway in a little case, with her name on it, inside that trunk, she nevercould have left it locked as grandma advised, or have eaten her dinnerso quietly. As it was, her heart was very full, and the tears rose toher eyes more than once, everyone was so kind, and so sorry to have hergo.
Tom did n't need any urging to play escort now; and both Fan and Maudinsisted on going too. Mrs. Shaw forgot her nerves, and put up someginger-bread with her own hands; Mr. Shaw kissed Polly as if she hadbeen his dearest daughter; and grandma held her close, whispering in atremulous tone, "My little comfort, come again soon"; while Katy wavedher apron from the nursery window, crying, as they drove, away, "Thesaints bless ye, Miss Polly, dear, and sind ye the best of lucks!"
But the crowning joke of all was Tom's good-by, for, when Polly wasfairly settled in the car, the last "All aboard!" uttered, and the trainin motion, Tom suddenly produced a knobby little bundle, and thrustingit in at the window, while he hung on in some breakneck fashion, said,with a droll mixture of fun and feeling in his face, "It's horrid;but you wanted it, so I put it in to make you laugh. Good-by, Polly;good-by, good-by!"
The last adieu was a trifle husky, and Tom vanished as it was uttered,leaving Polly to laugh over his parting souvenir till the tears ran downher cheeks. It was a paper bag of peanuts, and poked down at the verybottom a photograph of Tom. It was "horrid," for he looked as if takenby a flash of lightning, so black, wild, and staring was it; but Pollyliked it, and whenever she felt a little pensive at parting with herfriends, she took a peanut, or a peep at Tom's funny picture, which madeher merry again.
So the short journey came blithely to an end, and in the twilight shesaw a group of loving faces at the door of a humble little house, whichwas more beautiful than any palace in her eyes, for it was home.