It 's the first blow that hurts most." "Glad to see you take the last blow so well." There was an ironical little twang to that speech, and Polly could n't help it.

Tom colored up and looked hurt for a minute, then seemed to right himself with a shrug, and said, in his outspoken way, "To tell the honest truth, Polly, it was not a very hard one.

I 've had a feeling for some time that Trix and I were not suited to one another, and it might be wiser to stop short.

But she did not or would not see it; and I was not going to back out, and leave her to wear any more willows, so here we are.

I don't bear malice, but hope she 'll do better, and not be disappointed again, upon my word I do." "That 's very good of you, quite Sydneyesque, and noble," said Polly, feeling rather ill at ease, and wishing she could hide herself behind a cap and spectacles, if she was to play Grandma to this confiding youth.
"It will be all plain sailing for Syd, I fancy," observed Tom, getting up as if the little cricket suddenly ceased to be comfortable.
"I hope so," murmured Polly, wondering what was coming next.
"He deserves the very best of everything, and I pray the Lord he may get it," added Tom, poking the fire in a destructive manner.
Polly made no answer, fearing to pay too much, for she knew Fan had made no confidant of Tom, and she guarded her friend's secret as jealously as her own.