Chapter 13.
Another Question Answered One Saturday afternoon.
Mr Pendleton asked Pollyanna a very important question.
How would you like to come and live here? he asked.
Mr. Pendleton, you don't really mean that, do you? she asked.
Of course I do, he said.
I think it would be wonderful for both of us.
Mr. Pendleton, I can't, she said.
I'm Aunt Polly's.
You're no more hers, then.
Perhaps she would let you come to me, he finished more gently.
Would you come if she did?
Pollyanna frowned in deep thought.
But Aunt Polly has been so good to me, she said slowly, and she took me in when I didn't have anybody but the lady's aid.
It was Mr. Pendleton's turn to frown.
When he spoke, his voice was low and very sad.
Pollyanna, many years ago, I loved somebody very much.
I hoped to bring her to this house.
I pictured how happy we'd be together here, in our home, for all the years to come.
Yes, Pollyanna said.
Her eyes were shining with sympathy.
When it didn't work out, when she didn't come here, this house has only been a great grey pile of stones.
It has never been a home.
It takes a woman's hand and heart, or a child's presence to make a home.
I have not had either.
Now, will you come and live with me?
Pollyanna sprang to her feet.
Her face was bright and happy.
Mr. Pendleton, you mean that you wish you had had that woman's hand and heart all along?
Why, yet?
Yes, Pollyanna.
Oh, I'm so glad.
Then it's all right, she sighed.
Now you can take us both, and everything will be lovely.
Take you both?
Mr. Pendleton was very confused.
Aunt Polly and me, of course, Pollyanna said.
She danced around the room.
Aunt Polly.
Mr. Pendleton said.
He sounded very shocked, almost cross.
Why would your Aunt Polly come to live here?
Because you love her.
Of course, Pollyanna giggled because you've been waiting for her all these years.
You think that I loved your Aunt Polly?
Poor Mr. Pendleton looked like he did not know whether he should laugh or cry.
Is there something wrong, Mr. Pendleton?
Pollyanna asked.
I think there's been a misunderstanding, he said.
Please have a seat.
Let me explain something to you.
Pollyanna sat in a chair opposite Mr. Pendleton.
She waited patiently for him to speak.
The person said, who I loved very much, was your mother.
She did not return my love.
She married your father and moved away.
I was heartbroken.
I returned to this house and locked myself up.
I lived here entirely on my own.
I went on trips around the world on my own.
I did not allow myself to care or to love anyone until...
I met you.
You have brought so much sunshine into my life.
Then why do you and Aunt Polly dislike each other so much?
Pollyanna asked.
Nancy told me you had a lover's fight.
Nancy, what would she know about this?
Mr. Pendleton shook his head.
I was very angry when your mother rejected me.
Your aunt and I fought about it.
We said many terrible things to one another and have not spoken for many years.
It seems silly now, but it's an old fight.
I guess neither of us has tried to apologize.
He looked at Pollyanna.
Will you come live with me?
It will make me very happy.
Pollyanna thought about everything that Mr. Pendleton had said.
She thought about Aunt Polly and how much she hated it when doors were slammed.
Her aunt was often cross with her for talking too much or running through the house.
Then she thought about Mr. Pendleton.
He liked her glad game and encouraged her to ask lots of questions.
Well, Pollyanna, Mr. Pendleton said, what do you say? do it, she said.
I'm very sorry, but I know that Aunt Polly needs me.
She doesn't always act like it, but I know that she does.
Mr. Pendleton looked very sad.
I'm sorry to hear that, Pollyanna, he said.
His face went white as he sat back in his chair.
That makes me very sad, indeed.
He closed his eyes.
Just then Dr. Chilton walked into the room.
He looked at his patient and realized right away that Mr. Pendleton was in need of a rest.
Pollyanna, I think our patient has had enough of your medicine for the day, he said.
How about I give you a ride home?
Thank you, Dr. Chilton, she said.
Pollyanna turned to Mr. Pendleton before leaving.
When I come back tomorrow, remind me to tell you about my friend, Jimmy Bean.
