Chapter 28 - The Game and Its Players

Summary

Miss Polly endures a series of puzzling visits from town residents, including Milly Snow, the widows Benton and Tarbell, and Mrs. Payson, all of whom deliver messages of gladness derived from Pollyanna's influence. Frustrated by the mystery of the 'game,' Miss Polly confronts Nancy, who finally explains that Pollyanna's late father taught her to find joy in every situation, a philosophy that has now spread throughout the town and is driving these visitors to support the paralyzed child. Miss Polly then enters Pollyanna's room, where the girl innocently misinterprets Mrs. Payson's marital troubles before learning of the woman's decision to stay with her husband. Overcome with emotion, Miss Polly confirms her knowledge of the game, declares her intention to play it with her niece, and reveals that even the minister has been inspired by Pollyanna's teachings, prompting the girl to find something to be glad about despite her injury.

Characters

• Milly Snow — Milly Snow visits the Harrington homestead, breathlessly explaining that her mother is now knitting and interested in her appearance due to Pollyanna's influence. She pleads with Miss Polly to convey to Pollyanna how glad everyone is to have known her, hoping this knowledge will help Pollyanna play her game again.
• Miss Polly / Miss Harrington — Miss Polly listens to a stream of mysterious messages from various townspeople, growing increasingly puzzled and strained by the events. After Nancy explains the 'just being glad' game, she enters Pollyanna's room to confess that she now understands the game and intends to play it with her niece, while also relaying news of the town's improved spirits.
• Pollyanna (the little girl) — Pollyanna sits in bed, unaware of the game's widespread adoption until Miss Polly tells her. She innocently discusses Mrs. Payson's potential divorce and rings, expressing relief that the woman is staying with her husband. Upon hearing that the entire town is happier because of her, she finds immediate joy in the fact that she had legs to teach them in the first place.
• 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.
• Mrs. Benton / Widow Benton — Mrs. Benton visits the homestead wearing a knot of pale blue at her throat, a color Pollyanna had encouraged her to wear. She asks Miss Polly to tell Pollyanna that she has begun wearing color to show her granddaughter Freddy would be glad, marking a small step in her grief.
• Mrs. Tarbell — Mrs. Tarbell, a widow staying at the hotel, calls on Miss Polly to deliver a cryptic message that she is 'glad now' because Pollyanna reminded her of her own lost daughter, leaving Miss Polly confused but conveying the sentiment to the girl.
• 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.