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Yes, sir, answered a meek voice; and Fanny clutched Polly, whispering, You must come; Im frightened out of my wits when he speaks like that. Stand by me, Polly; theres a dear. I will, whispered sister Ann; and down they went with fluttering hearts. Mr. Shaw stood on the rug, looking rather grim; the bouquet lay on the table, and beside it a note directed to Frank Moore, Esq., in a very decided hand, with a fierce-looking flourish after the Esq.. Pointing to this impressive epistle, Mr. Shaw said, knitting his black eye-brows as he looked at Fanny, Im going to put a stop to this nonsense at once; and if I see any more of it, Ill send you to school in a Canadian convent. This awful threat quite took Pollys breath away; but Fanny had heard it before, and having a temper of her own, said, pertly, Im sure I havent done anything so very dreadful. I cant help it if the boys send me philopena presents, as they do to the other girls. There was nothing about philopenas in the note. But thats not the question. I forbid you to have anything to do with this Moore. Hes not a boy, but a fast fellow, and I wont have him about. You knew this, and yet disobeyed me. I hardly ever see him, began Fanny. Is that true? asked Mr. Shaw, turning suddenly to Polly. Oh, please, sir, dont ask me. I promised I wouldntthat isFanny will tell you, cried Polly, quite red with distress at the predicament she was in. No matter about your promise; tell me all you know of this absurd affair. It will do Fanny more good than harm. And Mr. Shaw sat down, looking more amiable, for Pollys dismay touched him. May I? she whispered to Fanny. I dont care, answered Fan, looking both angry and ashamed, as she stood sullenly tying knots in her handkerchief. So Polly told, with much reluctance and much questioning, all she knew of the walks, the lunches, the meetings, and the notes. It wasnt much, and evidently less serious than Mr. Shaw expected; for, as he listened, his eyebrows smoothed themselves out, and more than once his lips twitched as if he wanted to laugh, for, after all, it was rather comical to see how the young people aped their elders, playing the new-fashioned game, quite unconscious of its real beauty, power, and sacredness. Oh, please, sir dont blame Fan much, for she truly isnt half as silly as Trix and the other girls. She wouldnt go sleigh-riding, though Mr. Frank teased, and she wanted to ever so much. Shes sorry, I know, and wont forget what you say any more, if youll forgive her this once, cried Polly, very earnestly, when the foolish little story was told. I dont see how I can help it, when you plead so well for her. Come here, Fan, and mind this one thing; drop all this nonsense, and attend to your books, or off you go; and Canada is no joke in winter time, let me tell you. As he spoke, Mr. Shaw stroked his sulky daughters cheek, hoping to see some sign of regret; but Fanny felt injured, and wouldnt show that she was sorry, so she only said pettishly, I suppose I can have my flowers, now the fuss is over. They are going straight back where they came from, with a line from me, which will keep that puppy from ever sending you any more. Ringing the bell, Mr. Shaw dispatched the unfortunate posy, and then |
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