Nancy
Chapter 1 - Miss Polly
Nancy
Nancy, the kitchen maid, washes dishes and stammers through an interaction with her mistress, receiving instructions to prepare a cot bed in the attic for the coming niece. She expresses mild optimism about a little girl brightening the house before sighing over her cold pitcher.
Chapter 2 - Old Tom and Nancy
Nancy
Nancy scrubs the attic room with aggressive vigor, muttering complaints about the lack of comfort for the niece and the 'unnecessary' nature of the child. She later finds Old Tom in the garden to gossip about the news, expressing her dislike for Miss Polly while listening to the old man's reflections on Miss Polly's past, and hastily retreats when her mistress calls.
Chapter 3 - The Coming of Pollyanna
Nancy
Nancy reacts with shock and confusion when Pollyanna mistakes her for Aunt Polly, quickly correcting the child. She listens to Pollyanna's stream of consciousness during the buggy ride, feeling a mix of sympathy and apprehension, and later vows to Timothy that she will serve as a refuge for the child.
Chapter 4 - The Little Attic Room
Nancy
Nancy assists Pollyanna in unpacking her few belongings, reacting with horror and tears when the child praises the barren room. After finding Pollyanna has vanished, Nancy rushes to the garden to find Old Tom, then hurries toward the hill to retrieve the girl.
Chapter 5 - The Game
Nancy
Nancy retrieves Pollyanna from the hill and conceals her aunt's displeasure regarding the missed supper. She listens to Pollyanna describe the 'just being glad' game and, despite her doubts, promises to play it with her. Later, she mutters to herself in the kitchen that she will play the game to serve as that rock of refuge.
Chapter 6 - A Question of Duty
Nancy
Nancy hurries out to bring Pollyanna back from the garden at the sound of the breakfast bell, warning her to obey time signals. She serves the meal and later brings in hot muffins, observing Pollyanna's interaction with her mistress with grave attention.
Chapter 7 - Pollyanna and Punishments
Nancy
Nancy spends the evening on the back porch with Pollyanna, gossiping about her family and lamenting her own name. She listens to Pollyanna's cheerful reframing of her name's ugliness compared to 'Hephzibah,' eventually relaxing into a smile and admitting she is glad, though she remains skeptical of the 'just being glad' game.
Chapter 10 - A Surprise for Mrs. Snow
Nancy
Nancy moves Pollyanna's things from the attic and delivers the news of the move to the downstairs room, exulting in the change. She then goes to help Pollyanna bring the items down, allowing the girl to rush to Aunt Polly with her joy.
Chapter 14 - Just a Matter of Jelly
Nancy
Nancy greets Pollyanna with relief and informs her that Miss Polly has departed for Boston, leaving them to keep house together. She applies Pollyanna's 'just being glad' philosophy to the situation and prepares the calf's-foot jelly for Mrs. Snow, which Pollyanna later decides to divert to the injured Mr. Pendleton.
Chapter 21 - A Question Answered
Nancy
Nancy meets Pollyanna with an umbrella sent by Aunt Polly, explaining that Miss Polly was worried. She interprets this worry as proof that Miss Polly is softening and truly cares for Pollyanna. She answers Pollyanna's fears about being unwanted by listing the small ways Miss Polly has changed since Pollyanna's arrival.
Chapter 24 - John Pendleton
Nancy
Nancy runs to the barn to tell Old Tom that Mr. John Pendleton is in the parlor. She explains that she let him in and relays Miss Polly's calm acceptance of the visit, while also correcting Old Tom's earlier assumptions about her past theories regarding Miss Polly's romantic history.
Chapter 27 - Two Visits
Nancy
Nancy delivers the grim verdict of Dr. Mead to John Pendleton, explaining how Pollyanna overheard the diagnosis and is now unable to find anything to be glad about. She later listens as Miss Polly relays Pendleton's adoption of Jimmy Bean and reacts to the emotional atmosphere surrounding Pollyanna's comments about Dr. Chilton.
Chapter 28 - The Game and Its Players
Nancy
Nancy bursts into tears when questioned by a stern Miss Polly, finally explaining the 'just being glad' game originated from Pollyanna's father. She details how the game has helped her cope with her name and Monday mornings, and marvels at how the whole town has adopted Pollyanna's philosophy to comfort the paralyzed child.
Chapter 31 - A New Uncle
Nancy
The text mentions that Nancy is at supper, leaving the room to Pollyanna and Miss Polly for their private conversation.