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Chapter 27 - Two Visits

Summary

Nancy travels to John Pendleton's home to inform him of Pollyanna's permanent paralysis, describing the child's despair over her inability to play the 'just being glad' game. Pendleton reacts with deep sorrow and grief, mourning the loss of Pollyanna's cheerfulness. Later, Pendleton delivers a message to Miss Polly that he has adopted Jimmy Bean, ensuring Pollyanna knows he is glad she will be pleased by the news. Miss Polly then relays this message to Pollyanna, who expresses joy for both Jimmy and Pendleton. When Pollyanna mentions Dr. Chilton's earlier comment about needing a woman's hand and heart to make a home, Miss Polly becomes visibly flushed and emotionally overwhelmed, retreating to look out the window.

Characters

  • 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.
  • John Pendleton / Pendleton (the man, the master) — Pendleton receives the news of Pollyanna's condition with palpable emotion, mourning her lost ability to dance. He visits Miss Polly to announce his decision to adopt Jimmy Bean, insisting that Pollyanna will be glad of this development, before departing abruptly.
  • Miss Polly / Miss Harrington (Aunt Polly, the mistress) — Miss Polly acts as an intermediary, conveying Pendleton's message about Jimmy Bean to Pollyanna. She is struck by Pollyanna's mention of Dr. Chilton's words regarding a home, becoming visibly flushed and emotional, and retreating to the window to compose herself.
  • Pollyanna (my little prism girl, the little injured girl) — Pollyanna listens to the news that Jimmy Bean is being adopted and expresses genuine joy for both the boy and Mr. Pendleton. She casually mentions Dr. Chilton's philosophy about making a home, unintentionally causing her aunt significant distress before realizing her error in raising the topic.