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Which Tells of the Man It rained the next time Pollyanna saw the Man. She greeted him, however, with a bright smile. It isnt so nice today, is it? she called blithesomely. Im glad it doesnt rain always, anyhow! The man did not even grunt this time, nor turn his head. Pollyanna decided that of course he did not hear her. The next time, therefore (which happened to be the following day), she spoke up louder. She thought it particularly necessary to do this, anyway, for the Man was striding along, his hands behind his back, and his eyes on the groundwhich seemed, to Pollyanna, preposterous in the face of the glorious sunshine and the freshly-washed morning air: Pollyanna, as a special treat, was on a morning errand today. How do you do? she chirped. Im so glad it isnt yesterday, arent you? The man stopped abruptly. There was an angry scowl on his face. See here, little girl, we might just as well settle this thing right now, once for all, he began testily. Ive got something besides the weather to think of. I dont know whether the sun shines or not. Pollyanna beamed joyously. No, sir; I thought you didnt. Thats why I told you. Yes; wellEh? What? he broke off sharply, in sudden understanding of her words. I say, thats why I told youso you would notice it, you knowthat the sun shines, and all that. I knew youd be glad it did if you only stopped to think of itand you didnt look a bit as if you were thinking of it! Well, of all the ejaculated the man, with an oddly impotent gesture. He started forward again, but after the second step he turned back, still frowning. See here, why dont you find some one your own age to talk to? Id like to, sir, but there arent any round here, Nancy says. Still, I dont mind so very much. I like old folks just as well, maybe better, sometimesbeing used to the Ladies Aid, so. Humph! The Ladies Aid, indeed! Is that what you took me for? The mans lips were threatening to smile, but the scowl above them was still trying to hold them grimly stern. Pollyanna laughed gleefully. Oh, no, sir. You dont look a mite like a Ladies Aidernot but that youre just as good, of coursemaybe better, she added in hurried politeness. You see, Im sure youre much nicer than you look! The man made a queer noise in his throat. Well, of all the he ejaculated again, as he turned and strode on as before. The next time Pollyanna met the Man, his eyes were gazing straight into hers, with a quizzical directness that made his face look really pleasant, Pollyanna thought. Good afternoon, he greeted her a little stiffly. Perhaps Id better say right away that I know the sun is shining today. But you dont have to tell me, nodded Pollyanna, brightly. I knew you knew it just as soon as I saw you. Oh, you did, did you? |
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