Chapter 15 Dr. Chilton The special doctor arrived the next day.
He examined Pollyanna carefully, asking her many questions.
When he was finished, he asked Miss Polly and Dr. Warren to speak with him in the hall.
Miss Polly closed the bedroom door as she left.
Unfortunately, the door was left slightly open.
This meant that Pollyanna could hear everything that was said in the hall.
The little girl listened in horror as the special doctor said she would never walk again.
She heard her aunt start to cry.
She heard Dr. Warren talk about medicine and nurses.
Pollyanna started to scream.
She did not stop screaming until her aunt was back at her side.
It was a very sad household.
Everyone, even old Tom and Timothy, spoke quietly.
Everyone had tears in their eyes.
It did not take long for the news to spread all over town.
Soon everyone in Beldingsville was worried about poor Pollyanna.
They all tried to play the glad game, but it was hard to do without Pollyanna's help.
One afternoon, the doorbell rang.
It was Mr. Pendleton.
Miss Polly was shocked to see him.
However, she was very polite and asked him to come into the living room.
Thank you very much, he said.
It's been a long time since we've spoken.
It has, Miss Polly said.
She asked him to take a seat.
No, thank you.
I'll only be a moment, Mr. Pendleton said.
He cleared his throat.
First of all, he said, I think I should apologize for things I said many years ago.
I was hurt and angry, but I had no right to say them.
Thank you, Miss Polly said.
She smiled at him.
I owe you an apology, too.
I was wrong, but proud.
I was angry with my sister for choosing the Reverend and I was angry with you for saying hurtful things about my sister.
I wanted to apologize immediately afterward, but we both suffered from too much pride.
Mr Pendleton said.
Now we have Pollyanna.
I wish there was something I could do for her.
I've heard that she will never walk again.
Miss Polly hung her head.
Yes, it's true.
I'm very sorry to hear that, he said softly.
I have news that I hope will make her happy.
Please tell her that I've brought Jimmy Bean into my home.
I know she was worried about him, and I know she was very worried about me.
Please let her know that Jimmy and I will now take care of each other.
I'll let her know right away, Miss Polly said.
Mr. Pendleton walked to the front door.
He tipped his hat to Miss Polly on his way out.
I only wish I had some jelly to give Miss Pollyanna.
She was always so generous with the jelly.
Miss Polly laughed.
Oh, I've almost forgotten.
Mr. Pendleton said, I brought something for Pollyanna.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small package.
Miss Polly unwrapped it.
What is this? she asked.
Mr. Pendleton laughed.
It's a prism.
Pollyanna knows all about prisms.
I hope she will enjoy this one.
He smiled and turned away.
Miss Polly waved to Mr. Pendleton as he walked down the driveway.
She walked upstairs and found Pollyanna knitting.
The girl had knit several scarves and three hats since she began her time in bed.
She planned to give them all to the children in the orphan's home.
When Miss Polly gave her Mr. Pendleton's gift, Pollyanna squealed with delight.
Oh, Aunt Polly, she said, isn't it beautiful?
Can you please hang it in my window?
It will be so wonderful in the morning when the sun comes in.
Miss Polly told her niece that she would send Nancy up later to hang it.
Then she told Pollyanna Mr. Pendleton's news.
The girl gave another squeal.
Oh, Aunt Polly.
She said brightly, that is the finest news I've heard in such a long time.
I'm glad to see you smile, Miss Polly said.
Are you truly glad, Aunt Polly, she asked.
I thought you didn't like the word glad.
I'm learning to like many things these days, her aunt said and smiled.
Then I think it's time you finally learned how to play the game.
Whatever are you talking about, dear?
Miss Polly asked.
So at long last Pollyanna taught her aunt the just-be-glad game.
Pollyanna even mentioned her father.
This time, however, Miss Polly did not stop her.
They spent the rest of the afternoon playing the game and laughing.
The next morning Miss Polly received yet another visitor.
This time it was Jimmy Bean.
She almost didn't recognize him.
He was wearing clean, new clothes, and his hair was combed and neat.
I'm sorry to bother you, he said.
I had to run over and tell you some important news.
Is there anything wrong?
Miss Polly asked.
She worried that something had happened to Mr. Pendleton.
I know that it's wrong to listen in on people's conversations, but I couldn't help it.
I was sitting on the front porch, and the window was open so I could hear everything.
Dr. Chilton was very upset, so he came to talk to Mr. Pendleton.
The doctor said that he knows another doctor who could help Pollyanna.
He said the doctor is the best there is, and he wants to bring him here.
But Dr. Chilton was worried that you wouldn't agree because you don't like talking to him.
That's why the doctor came to talk to Mr. Pendleton.
He thought Mr. Pendleton... could talk you into it.'
"'Where is Dr. Chilton now?'
Miss Polly asked.
Her voice sounded very excited.
"'He's still at Mr. Pendleton's.
They were still talking about it when I ran over here.
I got excited and didn't want to waste time.'
"'You're a very smart boy, Jimmy Bean,' she said.
"'Run back to Mr. Pendleton's right away.
Run as fast as you can.
Bring Dr. Chilton back here.'
Miss Polly opened the front door.
Hurry now!
Jimmy Bean raced down the driveway.
Although it felt like hours to Miss Polly, Dr. Chilton was in her house in a very short time.
She took him straight up to Pollyanna's room.
The little girl was so happy to see the doctor.
She started to ask him all sorts of questions and to tell him all about her accident.
I know all about it, he said gently.
I- like to have a look at your legs, if you don't mind.
No, I don't mind, she said softly.
When he was done examining Pollyanna, Dr Tilton asked Miss Polly if he could talk to her for a moment.
Miss Polly nodded, although she could not look at him.
She kissed her niece on the forehead before leaving the room.
I'll be back shortly, she said.
But she did not return for several hours.
It was already nighttime by the time her aunt came back in the room.
Pollyanna was already asleep.
Miss Polly knelt beside her bed.
She touched Pollyanna on the arm, waking her gently.
Dear, dear.
I have some very special news for you.
Dr. Chilton has made arrangements to send you to a special hospital.
You'll visit a doctor who will be able to help you.
You'll walk again.
I promise.
Pollyanna was about to talk when her aunt stopped her.
Wait, my dear, she said.
I have more news.
I think it will make you very happy.
Dr. Chilton is going to come and live with us.
He will be your uncle.
Oh, Pollyanna, I can't thank you enough.
There was a time when he and I were going to be married.
But we fought.
I don't even remember why.
We stopped talking for so many years I tried to forget.
I refused all contact with him until you arrived.
Oh, my darling, Pollyanna, you brought us together.
I have never been so glad.
Pollyanna wrapped her arms around her aunt's neck and hugged tightly.
Oh, Aunt Polly, she sighed.
I don't think I have ever been so glad either.
