Chapter 10 A Red Rose and a Lace Shawl.
A week later Miss Polly returned from a ladies' aid meeting with very windswept hair.
It was a breezy day.
The buggy had loosened the pins in her hair.
Curls were falling down around her face.
Her black hair looked wild and messy.
When Pollyanna saw her aunt, she squealed, "'Aunt Polly, you look so pretty!'
Pollyanna clapped her hands with joy.
I had no idea your hair was so lovely.
It's always pinned back so tightly.
Why don't you wear it loose more often?
My goodness, what are you talking about?
Miss Polly said.
She looked at herself in the hall mirror.
Why would you say that I look pretty?
I look awful.
My hair is a complete mess.
Miss Polly did not want to admit it, but she liked hearing Pollyanna's comments.
She couldn't remember the last time someone cared how her hair looked.
It had been a very long time.
Aunt Polly, Pollyanna said, may I please do your hair?
Pollyanna danced on her tiptoes in front of her aunt.
I've had a very hard day, Pollyanna.
I've been talking all morning with the ladies at the meetings.
Aha!
Pollyanna exclaimed.
You didn't say that I couldn't do your hair.
It's just like with Mr. Pendleton's jelly.
I got confused last time, but I think I understand now.
It's what you don't say that matters, right?
Miss Polly stared at her niece.
She did not know how to respond.
Wait right where you are.
I'll go get a comb.
Pollyanna ran off to get supplies.
Before Miss Polly knew it, she was sitting in front of her dressing mirror while Pollyanna fixed her hair.
The girl used ribbons and pins to create full, pretty curls.
Even Miss Polly was amazed.
She really did look different.
She had to admit that she almost felt pretty.
Wait one second, Pollyanna said.
I have the perfect finishing touch.
She ran out of the room, and when she returned, she was carrying a white lace shawl.
I'll wrap this around your shoulders.
I think it's the perfect touch of elegance.
Oh, Polly Anna, Miss Polly scoffed.
Don't be so silly.
I'm not one for playing dress-up.
Come with me, Pollyanna said.
She ignored her aunt's objections.
I want you to come into the sunroom so I can see you better.
There's much more light there.
Miss Polly let herself be led into the other room.
Pollyanna brought along a hand mirror.
Just before Miss Polly looked into the mirror, Pollyanna placed a single rose behind her aunt's ear.
Oh, Aunt Polly, she said, you look wonderful.
For a few moments, Miss Polly stared at herself in the mirror.
She was overcome by a strange emotion.
It had been a long time since she had felt anything like it.
Then she heard something outside and looked into the yard.
She let out a short cry and ran from the room.
Pollyanna looked outside and saw a buggy.
She instantly recognized the man holding the reins.
It was Dr. Chilton.
She ran to tell Aunt Polly that they had a visitor.
Aunt Polly, she called, Dr. Chilton is here.
Pollyanna ran into her aunt's bedroom.
Miss Polly was sitting at her mirror, pulling out all the ribbons and pins.
Her aunt was red-faced, and she looked like she was about to cry.
"'How dare you do this to me,' Miss Polly said.
"'You've made me look like a fool.'
"'No, Aunt Polly,' Pollyanna said.
"'You look beautiful.
I don't see why you're getting so upset.'
Of course you wouldn't, Aunt Polly snapped.
That's because you only think of yourself.
You dressed me up like this and then let me be seen.
But Aunt Polly, Pollyanna saw, you look so pretty.
Please leave your hair up for a little while longer.
Please, Pollyanna, her aunt said.
She held her head in her hands.
I need to be alone right now.
Okay, Pollyanna said softly.
She fought back tears as she backed out of the room.
Pollyanna went outside to find Dr. Tilton waiting for her.
I wondered when you were going to come outside, he said cheerfully.
I was starting to worry that I would have to ring the doorbell.
I'm sorry, Dr. Tilton, Pollyanna said.
I was just talking to Aunt Polly.
Yes, of course, Dr. Chilton said.
He cleared his throat.
I've come to collect you.
One of my patients needs you.
Do you need me to run an errand?
Pollyanna asked.
No, I need you to come for a visit.
Mr. Pendleton could use a bit of your company.
Do you think your aunt could spare you for a few hours?
Pollyanna looked back at the house.
Yes, she said rather softly, I think Aunt Polly would be very happy if I weren't around.
Is everything all right, Pollyanna? the doctor asked.
Is your aunt all right?
I thought I saw her in the window as I was driving up the lane.
Yes, she's fine.
Pollyanna hung her head.
She's just a bit mad at me.
I fixed up her hair and she looked beautiful.
Then she suddenly became very upset and said I made her look foolish.
I'm sorry, Pollyanna, he said.
I think it had something to do with you.
She looked up at the doctor.
She looked into the yard and saw you pull up.
Then she ran off and accused me of dressing her up like a fool.
I'm sure she didn't mean what she said, he added.
And she did look pretty, Dr. Chilton, Pollyanna said.
I am sure she did, the doctor answered.
I have no doubt that she did.
