Полліанна
A question of duty
Pollyannasighednow—shebelievedshewasgoingtohatethatword—duty "AuntPolly,please,"shecalledwistfully,"isn’tthereANYwayyoucanbegladaboutallthat—dutybusiness?"
"What?" MissPollylookedupindazedsurprise; then,suddenly,withveryredcheeks,sheturnedandsweptangrilydownthestairs. "Don’tbeimpertinent,Pollyanna!"
InthehotlittleatticroomPollyannadroppedherselfontooneofthestraight-backedchairs. Toher,existenceloomedaheadoneendlessroundofduty.
"Idon’tsee,really,whattherewasimpertinentaboutthat,"shesighed. "Iwasonlyaskingherifshecouldn’ttellmesomethingtobegladaboutinallthatdutybusiness."
ForseveralminutesPollyannasatinsilence,herruefuleyesfixedontheforlornheapofgarmentsonthebed. Then,slowly,sheroseandbegantoputawaythedresses.
"Therejustisn’tanythingtobegladabout,thatIcansee,"shesaidaloud; "unless—it’stobegladwhentheduty’sdone!" Whereuponshelaughedsuddenly.
