She began to say it very sternly; but something in the woman's pleading eyes made her add the civil explanation that no one was allowed yet to see Pollyanna.
The woman hesitated; then a little brusquely she spoke.

Her chin was still at a slightly defiant tilt.
"My name is Mrs.Payson--Mrs.Tom Payson.

I presume you've heard of me--most of the good people in the town have--and maybe some of the things you've heard ain't true.

But never mind that.

It's about the little girl I came.