This was not a nice boy, and she did not like to be called "silly." Still, he was somebody besides--old folks.

"Where did you live--before ?" she queried.
"Well, if you ain't the beat'em for askin' questions!" sighed the boy impatiently.
"I have to be," retorted Pollyanna calmly, "else I couldn't find out a thing about you.

If you'd talk more I wouldn't talk so much." The boy gave a short laugh.

It was a sheepish laugh, and not quite a willing one; but his face looked a little pleasanter when he spoke this time.
"All right then--here goes! I'm Jimmy Bean, and I'm ten years old goin' on eleven.

I come last year ter live at the Orphans' Home; but they've got so many kids there ain't much room for me, an' I wa'n't never wanted, anyhow, I don't believe.