Chapter 6 Miss Polly Visits the Attic Room.
One day, as Pollyanna walked down from her room, she ran into her aunt on the stairs.
"'Oh, Aunt Polly!' she exclaimed.
"'You were just coming up to see me.
How lovely!
I adore having company!'
Pollyanna ran back up the stairs and held her door open for her aunt.
Miss Polly did not want to admit that she had been heading to the attic to look for a white shawl.
She followed her niece into her room and sat on the chair.
I'm not used to having company, Pollyanna giggled.
I'm usually the one doing the visiting.
I like bringing people things, too.
Whenever I bring Mrs. Snow jelly, she says that she wants chicken.
Then if I bring her chicken, she says that she wants soup.
So Nancy and I decided to bring her all three.
When she said that she'd rather have chicken or jelly or soup, She got all of them.
Pollyanna laughed.
It was very funny, Aunt Polly.
Mrs. Snow didn't say thank you, but I know that she liked it.
She smiled a bit more than usual, and that says a lot.
Don't you think, Aunt Polly?
Miss Polly did not have time to reply.
Pollyanna started on a new topic before her aunt had a chance.
Although I must say this isn't the most comfortable room to entertain in.
Pollyanna said without thinking.
It's not the room that I had planned.
Pollyanna stopped mid-sentence.
She realized too late that she was saying something rude.
Oh, I'm sorry, Aunt Polly.
I didn't mean to say that.
Miss Polly stood up.
Well, you meant to say something.
You should finish your thought.
I only meant Pollyanna said softly I was really looking forward to having a room with a carpet and pictures on the walls, but I don't mind so much anymore.
I just play the game that father taught.
Once again, Pollyanna stopped mid-sentence.
She remembered that Aunt Polly didn't want her to mention father.
"'Honestly, Aunt Polly,' she continued, "'at first I was sad that I didn't have a mirror.
Then I realized I wouldn't have to look at my freckles, so I didn't mind.
And when I saw the beautiful view from my window, I didn't mind not having any pictures on the wall.
Oh, please, Aunt Polly, you've been so good to me.'
"'That's enough, Pollyanna,' Miss Polly said.
"'I think you've said your piece.'
Miss Polly quickly left the room and swept down the stairs.
She went straight to the kitchen.
Nancy, she said quickly, I want you to move my niece's things to the room directly below hers.
She noticed Nancy's surprised look.
I've decided that she should sleep downstairs from now on, Miss Polly said more softly.
A few minutes later, Nancy rushed up to the attic room.
She found Pollyanna crying on her bed.
Why are you crying? she asked.
Come on, we need to pack your things.
We're moving you downstairs.
Pollyanna sat up.
Really?
Into that pretty room with the four-poster bed?
When Nancy said yes, Pollyanna ran downstairs to find her aunt.
Is it true, Aunt Polly?
Pollyanna was out of breath.
Can I really move downstairs?
Miss Polly tried not to smile.
She thought it would be best to show no emotion.
Yes, you may move to the new room, however.
I must have your word that you will be careful in that room.
You must not damage the carpet or knock down any pictures.
I promise.
Aunt Polly, the girl said.
She clapped her hands and danced on her toes.
And I promised to do my best not to slam doors.
I know that you don't like that, and I'm always forgetting.
I guess I bang doors sometimes when I'm glad about things, and I realize that you're never glad about anything, so you don't need to bang doors.
I will do my best, though.
I'm sure I'll improve if I set my mind to it.
Pollyanna threw her arms around Miss Polly's neck.
She gave her a great big hug.
I'll pack right away.
Oh, thank you, Aunt Polly.
I love you so much.
Miss Polly watched Pollyanna run up the stairs.
She tried to remember the last time she had been glad about something.
There must have been something.
Normally, Miss Polly was very composed.
She rarely expressed any kind of emotion.
Therefore, she was very surprised to realize that she had tears in her eyes.
