"In fact, I KNOW that a 'nice live little boy' would be far better than--my skeleton in the closet; only--we aren't always willing to make the exchange.

We are apt to still cling to--our skeletons, Pollyanna.

However, suppose you tell me a little more about this nice little boy." And Pollyanna told him.
Perhaps the laugh cleared the air; or perhaps the pathos of Jimmy Bean's story as told by Pollyanna's eager little lips touched a heart already strangely softened.

At all events, when Pollyanna went home that night she carried with her an invitation for Jimmy Bean himself to call at the great house with Pollyanna the next Saturday afternoon.
"And I'm so glad, and I'm sure you'll like him," sighed Pollyanna, as she said good-by.

"I do so want Jimmy Bean to have a home--and folks that care, you know.".