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me; andand I think, really, sometimes shes beginning to be glad about thingslots of things. And you know she never used to be. You said it yourself. Oh, Mr. Pendleton, I couldnt leave Aunt Pollynow! There was a long pause. Only the snapping of the wood fire in the grate broke the silence. At last, however, the man spoke. No, Pollyanna; I see. You couldnt leave hernow, he said. I wont ask youagain. The last word was so low it was almost inaudible; but Pollyanna heard. Oh, but you dont know about the rest of it, she reminded him eagerly. Theres the very gladdest thing you can dotruly there is! Not for me, Pollyanna. Yes, sir, for you. You said it. You said only aa womans hand and heart or a childs presence could make a home. And I can get it for youa childs presence;not me, you know, but another one. As if I would have any but you! resented an indignant voice. But you willwhen you know; youre so kind and good! Why, think of the prisms and the gold pieces, and all that money you save for the heathen, and Pollyanna! interrupted the man, savagely. Once for all let us end that nonsense! Ive tried to tell you half a dozen times before. There is no money for the heathen. I never sent a penny to them in my life. There! He lifted his chin and braced himself to meet what he expectedthe grieved disappointment of Pollyannas eyes. To his amazement, however, there was neither grief nor disappointment in Pollyannas eyes. There was only surprised joy. Oh, oh! she cried, clapping her hands. Im so glad! That is, she corrected, coloring distressfully, I dont mean that Im not sorry for the heathen, only just now I cant help being glad that you dont want the little India boys, because all the rest have wanted them. And so Im glad youd rather have Jimmy Bean. Now I know youll take him! Takewho? Jimmy Bean. Hes the childs presence, you know; and hell be so glad to be it. I had to tell him last week that even my Ladies Aid out West wouldnt take him, and he was so disappointed. But nowwhen he hears of thishell be so glad! Will he? Well, I wont, ejaculated the man, decisively. Pollyanna, this is sheer nonsense! You dont meanyou wont take him? I certainly do mean just that. But hed be a lovely childs presence, faltered Pollyanna. She was almost crying now. And you couldnt be lonesomewith Jimmy round. I dont doubt it, rejoined the man; butI think I prefer the lonesomeness. It was then that Pollyanna, for the first time in weeks, suddenly remembered something Nancy had once told her. She raised her chin aggrievedly. |
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