Lang and all. And just when I
thought I was going to be so smart and show off all I knew!"
If Aunt Jane had been there, she would doubtless have reminded
Polly that pride must have a fall, and that this was a just reward
for trying to outdo her friends. Mrs. Adams did no such thing,
however. She only drew the curly head over against her shoulder
and stroked it gently, as she said, with a half-laughing
tenderness,--
"My poor little Polly! You tried to do more than you had strength
for. But, after all, it's as true a side of life as Florence's
successful dinner was; and every housekeeper must go through just
such experiences, again and again. You are no more likely to fail
the next time, because your dinner to-day wasn't a good one. It is
only one of the unlucky days that we all must have."
"You, mamma?" And Polly raised her head in wonder.
"Yes, I've had my fair share of just such times." And Mrs. Adams
laughed quietly, as she thought of similar chapters in her own
housekeeping. Then she added, "But I was proud to see my little
girl bear it so well, without breaking down or getting vexed at
Miss Bean. That's worth a dozen elegant dinners, Polly. But now
it's high time my cook was in bed and asleep, without a dream of
soups or puddings or disagreeable guests who come uninvited.
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