📖 Tom Sawyer – Chapter 19: Aunt Polly and Tom’s Secret

The picnic was over, and the children were back in the village. Tom felt proud, but life soon returned to its usual ups and downs. He had quarrelled with Becky, made up again, and played at being a doctor. Yet one shadow still hung over him—Aunt Polly.

Aunt Polly was strict but had a soft and loving heart. Tom knew that sometimes he caused her great trouble. He often told her lies to escape punishment. Deep inside, though, he wished she could know how much he truly loved her.

One evening, Aunt Polly had to go out to visit a neighbour. Tom promised to stay home and behave. But as soon as she left, he ran out to meet Becky in the garden. They laughed, whispered secrets, and made plans for the next picnic.

While they talked, Sid, Tom’s half-brother, listened from the window. Sid was quiet and obedient, but he enjoyed telling on Tom. When she came home, he ran to Aunt Polly and said, “Tom wasn’t at home! He was with Becky all evening.”

Aunt Polly frowned. “Tom Sawyer! Come here this instant.”

Tom came slowly, his head hanging. “Yes, Aunt Polly?”

“Did you stay home, as you promised?” she asked.

Tom hesitated. His first thought was to lie. But then he remembered Becky’s admiration when he had bravely told the truth at school. He lifted his eyes and said, “No, Aunt Polly. I went out to see Becky.”

Aunt Polly’s face softened momentarily, but then she said sternly, “You’ve broken your word again, Tom. I don’t know what to do with you.”

Tom’s heart ached. “Aunt Polly,” he said quietly, “I do try to be good, truly I do. I know I make you sad, but I don’t mean to. You’re always kind to me, and I love you.”

Aunt Polly’s eyes filled with tears. She turned away so Tom would not see them. “Oh, Tom,” she whispered, “you’re a bad boy, but you have a good heart.”

Sid tried to interrupt, but Aunt Polly waved him off. For once, she chose to believe Tom.

That night, Tom went to bed with a lighter heart. He felt that, at least for a moment, Aunt Polly had understood him. And for Tom, that was as precious as treasure.

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📘 Glossary

• Ups and downs – times of happiness and sadness

• Strict – expecting rules to be followed carefully

• Soft heart – kind and loving nature

• Quarrel – an argument or fight

• Obedient – always doing what you’re told.

• Telling on (someone) – reporting their bad behaviour to an adult

• Hesitated – paused before speaking or acting

• Sternly – in a serious, strict way

• Ached – felt intense emotional pain

• Precious – very valuable or deeply loved

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. What did Tom do after Aunt Polly left to visit a neighbour?

2. Who overheard Tom and Becky in the garden?

3. What did Sid do when Aunt Polly came home?

4. How did Aunt Polly react when she first heard Sid’s report?

5. What did Tom do when Aunt Polly asked if he had stayed home?

6. Why did Tom decide not to lie?

7. How did Aunt Polly feel when Tom told the truth?

8. What did Tom say to show his love for Aunt Polly?

9. How did Aunt Polly respond to Tom’s words?

10. How did Tom feel when he went to bed that night?

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✅ Answers

1. He went out to meet Becky in the garden.

2. Sid.

3. He told Aunt Polly that Tom had not stayed home.

4. She frowned and called Tom to her.

5. He admitted that he had gone out to see Becky.

6. He remembered how brave and admired he felt when he told the truth at school.

7. Her face softened, and she became emotional.

8. He said he tried to be good, didn’t want to make her sad, and loved her.

9. She had tears in her eyes and said Tom had a good heart.

10. He felt lighter and happier that Aunt Polly understood him.