He understood, and being a gentleman, made no fuss.

I dare say he thought I was a vain goose, and laughed at me for my pains, like Churchill in 'Helen.'" "No, he would n't; He 'd like it and respect you for doing it.

But, Polly, it would have been a grand thing for you." "I can't sell myself for an establishment." "Mercy! What an idea!" "Well, that 's the plain English of half your fashionable matches.

I 'm 'odd,' you know, and prefer to be an independent spinster and teach music all my days." "Ah, but you won't.

You were made for a nice, happy home of your own, and I hope you 'll get it, Polly, dear," said Fanny warmly, feeling so grateful to Polly, that she found it hard not to pour out all her secret at once.
"I hope I may; but I doubt it," answered Polly in a tone that made Fanny wonder if she, too, knew what heartache meant.
"Something troubles you, Polly, what is it?
Confide in me, as I do in you," said Fanny tenderly, for all the coldness she had tried to hide from Polly, had melted in the sudden sunshine that had come to her.
"Do you always ?" asked her friend, leaning forward with an irresistible desire to win back the old-time love and confidence, too precious to be exchanged for a little brief excitement or the barren honor of "bagging a bird," to use Trix's elegant expression.