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Chapter 24 - John Pendleton

Summary

Pollyanna regains consciousness after her accident and applies her 'just being glad' philosophy to her injury, expressing relief that her legs are broken rather than her being a life-long invalid like Mrs. Snow. Her cheerful interpretation brings tears to Aunt Polly's eyes, who departs the room overwhelmed. Later, Nancy excitedly informs Old Tom that Mr. John Pendleton has arrived at the house despite Miss Polly's long-standing bitterness toward him. In the parlor, Pendleton meets with Miss Polly to inquire about Pollyanna's condition and reveals his intention to legally adopt her, offering her his wealth and stored-up love. Miss Polly realizes her own dependence on the child and accepts Pendleton's news with trembling composure before he leaves.

Characters

  • Pollyanna — Pollyanna wakes up after a week and realizes she is injured rather than sick. She joyfully lists reasons to be glad about her condition, noting that broken legs heal unlike the invalidism of Mrs. Snow. She also expresses gladness that her aunt calls her 'dear' now, interpreting this as a sign of belonging.
  • Miss Polly — Miss Polly sits by Pollyanna's bedside, visibly shaken and unable to explain the true severity of the spinal injury. She meets with John Pendleton, listens to his proposal to adopt Pollyanna, and is struck by the realization of her own love for the girl and her fear of a future without her. She thanks him for visiting and promises to inform him of the specialist's verdict.
  • 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.
  • Old Tom (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.
  • John Pendleton (Mr. Pendleton) — John Pendleton arrives at the Harrington house to visit Pollyanna. He meets with Miss Polly, asks about her niece's condition, and reveals that he has tried to adopt her, offering her his inheritance and twenty-five years of stored affection. He is stunned to learn Pollyanna refused to leave her aunt and departs after Miss Polly promises to update him.