ChapterTrack

Mrs. Tom Payson

Chapter 2 - Old Tom and Nancy

Old Tom / Tom — aliases: Mr. Tom

Old Tom, the long-serving gardener, listens to Nancy's news with disbelief and reverence for Miss Jennie, then gently chides Nancy for her bitterness toward Miss Polly by revealing that the mistress was once handsome and was hardened by a past heartbreak.

Chapter 4 - The Little Attic Room

Mr. Tom / Old Tom — aliases: the bent old man

Old Tom is working in the garden when Nancy frantically reports that Pollyanna has vanished. He looks up at the sunset sky, points out the child poised on the top of the distant rock, and confirms her location to the hysterical maid.

Chapter 6 - A Question of Duty

Old Tom / Mr. Tom

Old Tom is found in the garden with Miss Polly, where he shyly confirms his past connection to Pollyanna's mother, Jennie, and touches her hair with emotion before Pollyanna is called away for breakfast.

Chapter 7 - Pollyanna and Punishments

Old Tom / Tom

Old Tom joins Pollyanna and Nancy for an evening conversation in the garden, recalling fond memories of Pollyanna's mother. Later, he responds to Miss Polly's frantic call, climbing through the attic window to help retrieve Pollyanna from the roof before retreating quickly with Timothy.

Chapter 23 - An Accident

Old Tom

Old Tom listens to Nancy's description of the accident and Miss Polly's reaction from the garden, attempting to comfort her with dry wit regarding her use of language before she returns to the kitchen.

Chapter 24 - John Pendleton

Old Tom — aliases: Mr. Tom

Old Tom is working in the barn when Nancy arrives with news of Pendleton's visit. He listens to Nancy's confused account of why Pendleton is there and her correction regarding Miss Polly's past feelings, remaining skeptical and grumpy throughout the explanation.

Chapter 25 - A Waiting Game

Old Tom / Mr. Tom — aliases: the old man

Old Tom listens to Nancy's report of Miss Polly's changes and dryly notes that the mistress is not looking worse for the new style. He shares a memory of Pollyanna finding joy in his bent posture and reveals that the family's bitterness toward Pollyanna's father explains the tension with Miss Polly, before solemnly asking after the child's condition.

Chapter 28 - The Game and Its Players

Mrs. Payson / Mrs. Tom Payson

Mrs. Payson, a woman of lower social standing with pink cheeks and yellow hair, visits the homestead to reveal that she and her husband have decided to stay together and play the 'just being glad' game rather than divorce. She admits they were on the brink of splitting up until they realized Pollyanna's influence had changed them.