She knew it instantly, because
she saw herself in Henry Peters' eyes. And Henry was so amazed
when this wonderful transformation took place in little Polly,
right there under the red haw tree, that his own eyes grew big and
tender, his cheeks flooded with red blood, his heart shook him,
and he drew to full height, and became possessed of an
overwhelming desire to dance before Polly, and sing to her. He
grew so splendid, Polly caught her breath, and then she smiled on
him a very wondering smile, over the great discovery; and Henry
grew so bewildered he forgot either to dance or sing as a
preliminary. He merely, just merely, reached out and gathered
Polly in his arms, and held her against him, and stared down at
her wonderful beauty opening right out under his eyes.
"Little Beautiful!" said Henry Peters in a hushed, choking voice,
"Little Beautiful!"
Polly looked up at him. She was every bit as beautiful as he
thought her, while he was so beautiful to Polly that she gasped
for breath. How did he happen to look as he did, right under the
red haw, in broad daylight? He had been hers, of course, ever
since, shy and fearful, she had first entered Bates Corners
school, and found courage in his broad, encouraging smile.
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