[An Old-fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott]@TWC D-Link bookAn Old-fashioned Girl CHAPTER IX 6/20
"She would n't have believed it of Tom; it was all the doings of that horrid Trix; well, she would n't trouble him any more, if he was such a snob as to be ashamed of her just because she carried bundles and worked for her bread." She clutched the paper bag fiercely as she said this to herself, then her eyes filled, and her lips trembled, as she added, "How could he do it, before her, too ?" Now Tom was quite guiltless of this offence, and had always nodded to Polly when they met; but it so happened he had always been alone till now, and that was why it cut so deeply, especially as Polly never had approved of Trix.
Before she could clear her eyes or steady her face, a gentleman met her, lifted his hat, smiled, and said pleasantly, "Good morning, Miss Polly, I 'm glad to meet you." Then, with a sudden change of voice and manner, he added, "I beg pardon is anything the matter can I be of service ?" It was very awkward, but it could n't be helped, and all Polly could do was to tell the truth and make the best of it. "It 's very silly, but it hurts me to be cut by my old friends.
I shall get used to it presently, I dare say." Mr.Sydney glanced back, recognized the couple behind them, and turned round with a disgusted expression.
Polly was fumbling for her handkerchief, and without a word he took both book and bundle from her, a little bit of kindness that meant a good deal just then.
Polly felt it, and it did her good; hastily wiping the traitorous eyes, she laughed and said cheerfully, "There, I 'm all right again; thank you, don't trouble yourself with my parcels." "No trouble, I assure you, and this book reminds me of what I was about to say.
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