Page 191 - pollyanna

be she overdid it a little—she hated that minister chap so
who had took off her sister. At any rate, somebody begun ter
make trouble. They said she was runnin’ after him.’
‘Runnin’ after any man—her!’ interjected Nancy.
‘I know it; but they did,’ declared Old Tom, ‘and of course
no gal of any spunk’ll stand that. Then about that time
come her own lover an’ the trouble with HIM. After that
she shut up like an oyster an’ wouldn’t have nothin’ ter do
with nobody fur a spell. Her heart jest seemed to turn bit-
ter at the core.’
‘Yes, I know. I’ve heard about that now,’ rejoined Nancy;
‘an’ that’s why you could ‘a’ knocked me down with a feather
when I see HIM at the door—him, what she hain’t spoke to
for years! But I let him in an’ went an’ told her.’
‘What did she say?’ Old Tom held his breath suspended.
‘Nothin’—at first. She was so still I thought she hadn’t
heard; and I was jest goin’ ter say it over when she speaks up
quiet like: ‘Tell Mr. Pendleton I will be down at once.’ An’ I
come an’ told him. Then I come out here an’ told you,’ fin-
ished Nancy, casting another backward glance toward the
house.
‘Humph!’ grunted Old Tom; and fell to work again.
In the ceremonious ‘parlor’ of the Harrington homestead,
Mr. John Pendleton did not have to wait long before a swift
step warned him of Miss Polly’s coming. As he attempted to
rise, she made a gesture of remonstrance. She did not offer
her hand, however, and her face was coldly reserved.
‘I called to ask for—Pollyanna,’ he began at once, a little
brusquely.

1 0 Pollyanna