as her engagements permit,” answered Fanny, in the sarcastic tone
which was be coming habitual to her.
“You are getting to be a regular old maid, Fan; as sharp as a lemon,
and twice as sour,” returned Tom, looking down at her with an air
of calm superiority.
“Do be quiet, children; you know I can’t bear anything like
contention. Maud, give me my Shetland shawl, and put a cushion
at my back.”
As Maud obeyed her mother, with a reproving look at her erring
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 hovered
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 hearty “I ‘m very glad to see you, Polly,” adding to
himself, as he looked at the face in the modest little bonnet:
“Prettier than ever, by Jove!”
There was something more than mere prettiness in Polly’s face,
though Tom had not learned to see it yet. The blue eyes were 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, benevolent arch; while all about
the face were those unmistakable lines and curves which can make
even a plain countenance comely, 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 ornament 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
vigor, grace, and ease, which nothing else can so surely bestow. 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 possessed without knowing it.
“It does seem so good to have you here again,” said Maud,
cuddling Polly’s cold hand, as she sat at her feet, when she was
fairly established between Fanny and Mr. Shaw, while Tom leaned
on the back of his mother’s chair, and enjoyed the prospect.
“How do you get on? When do you begin? Where is your nest?
Now tell all about it,” began Fanny, who was full of curiosity 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 dread it?” asked Fanny.