An Old-Fashioned Girl

Polly Milton was fourteen years old, and she lived in a small country town.One winter day, she took the train to the city to visit her friend Fanny Shaw.It was Polly’s first visit, and she felt shy and a little afraid.

Fanny met her at the busy station.The two girls were the same age, but they did not look the same at all.Fanny wore a long fashionable coat, a fur hat, and high-heeled boots.

Polly wore a simple grey coat and a plain round hat, and her boots were made for walking.Fanny looked like a young lady. Polly still looked like a little girl.The Shaws’ house was tall and grand, with thick carpets and many fine things.

Polly had never stayed in such a house before.At dinner she met the whole family.Mr. and Mrs. Shaw were polite but busy, and did not say much to her.

Maud, the youngest child, stared at Polly’s plain dress and asked why it was so old-fashioned.Tom, who was sixteen, laughed and teased Polly until her face turned red.Only Grandma Shaw was truly kind; she smiled at Polly and made room for her by the fire.

That night, alone in a strange room, Polly felt homesick and cried a little.But she remembered her mother’s advice — to be herself — and she fell asleep feeling braver.