第14章

"Oh，letTomfindoutwherethey"refalse，"saidMarch。"Itwillbegoodexerciseforhisfacultiesofresearch。Atanyrate，thosethingsaregettingsaidnowadays；he"llhavetohearthemsoonerorlater。"

"Hadhebetterhearthemathome?"demandedhiswife。

"Why，youknow，asyou"reheretorefutethem，Isabel，"heteased，"perhapsit"sthebestplace。Butdon"tmindpooroldLindau，mydear。

Hesayshimselfthathispargisworsethanhispidte，youknow。"

"Ah，it"stoolatenowtomindhim，"shesighed。Inamomentofrashgoodfeeling，orperhapsanexaltedconceptionofduty，shehadherselfproposedthatLindaushouldcomeeveryweekandreadGermanwithTom；andithadbecomeaquestionfirsthowtheycouldgethimtotakepayforit，andthenhowtheycouldgethimtostopit。Mrs。Marchneverceasedtowonderatherselfforhavingbroughtthisabout，forshehadwarnedherhusbandagainstmakinganyengagementwithLindauwhichwouldbringhimregularlytothehouse:theGermansstuckso，andweresounscrupulouslydependent。Yet，thedeedbeingdone，shewouldnotignorethedutyofhospitality，anditwasalwaysshewhomadetheoldmanstaytotheirSunday-eveningteawhenhelingerednearthehour，readingSchillerandHeineandUhlandwiththeboy，inthecleanshirtwithwhichheobservedtheday；Lindau"slinenwasnottobetrustedduringtheweek。Shenowconcludedaseasonofmournfulreflectionbysaying，"Hewillgetyouintotrouble，somehow，Basil。"

"Well，Idon"tknowhow，exactly。IregardLindauasapoliticaleconomistofanunusualtype；butIshallnotlethimarraymeagainsttheconstitutedauthorities。Shortofthat，IthinkIamsafe。"

"Well，becareful，Basil；becareful。Youknowyouaresorash。"

"IsupposeImaycontinuetopityhim?Heissuchapoor，lonelyoldfellow。Areyoureallysorryhe"scomeintoourlives，mydear?"

"No，no；notthat。Ifeelasyoudoaboutit；butIwishIfelteasierabouthim——sure，thatis，thatwe"renotdoingwrongtolethimkeepontalkingso。"

"Isuspectwecouldn"thelpit，"Marchreturned，lightly。"It"soneofwhatLindaucallshis"brincibles"tosaywhathethinks。"

II。

TheMarcheshadnolongerthegrossappetitefornoveltywhichurgesyouthtoasurfeitofstrangescenes，experiences，ideas；andmakestravel，withallitsannoyancesandfatigues，aninexhaustibledelight。

ButthereisnodoubtthatthechiefpleasureoftheirlifeinNewYorkwasfromitsqualityofforeignness:theflavorofolives，which，oncetasted，canneverbeforgotten。Theolivesmaynotbeofthefirstexcellence；theymaybealittlestale，andsmallandpoor，tobeginwith，buttheyarestillolives，andthefondpalatecravesthem。

ThesortwhichgrewinNewYork，onlowerSixthAvenueandintheregionofJeffersonMarketandonthesoftexposuressouthofWashingtonSquare，werenonethelessacceptablebecausetheywereofthecommonestItalianvariety。

TheMarchesspentagooddealoftimeandmoneyinagroceryofthatnationality，wheretheyfoundallthepatrioticcomestiblesandpotables，andrenewedtheirfadedItalianwiththefriendlyfamilyincharge。

Italiantabled"hotesformedtheadventureoftheweek，onthedaywhenMrs。Marchletherdomesticsgoout，andwentherselftodineabroadwithherhusbandandchildren；andtheybecameadeptsintherestaurantswheretheywereserved，andwhichtheyvariedalmostfromdinnertodinner。

Theperfectdecorumoftheseplaces，andtheirimmunityfromoffenceinany，emboldenedtheMarchestoexperimentinSpanishrestaurants，whereredpepperandbeansinsistedineverydinner，andwhereoncetheychanceduponanightof"ollapodrida"，withsuchappealstoMarch"smemoryofaboyishambitiontotastethedishthathebecamepoeticandthenpensiveoveritscabbageandcarrots，peasandbacon。Forararecombinationofinternationalmotivestheyprizedmostthetabled"hoteofaFrenchlady，whohadtakenaSpanishhusbandinasecondmarriage，andhadaCubannegroforhercook，withacross-eyedAlsationforwaiter，andaslimyoungSouth-Americanforcashier。Marchheldthatsomethingofthecatholiccharacteroftheserelationsexpresseditselfinthegenerousandtolerantvarietyofthedinner，whichwassingularlyabundantforfiftycents，withoutwine。AtoneveryneatFrenchplacehegotadinneratthesamepricewithwine，butitwasnotsoabundant；andMarchinquiredinfruitlessspeculationwhythetabled"hoteoftheItalians，anotoriouslyfrugalandabstemiouspeople，shouldbeusuallymorethanyouwantedatseventy-fivecentsandadollar，andthatoftheFrenchratherlessathalfadollar。Hecouldnotseethatthefrequentersweregreatlydifferentatthedifferentplaces；theyweremostlyAmericans，ofsubduedmannersandconjecturablysubduedfortunes，withhereandthereatablefullofforeigners。Therewasnonoiseandnotmuchsmokinganywhere；MarchlikedgoingtothatneatFrenchplacebecausethereMadamesatenthronedandhighbehinda"comptoir"atonesideoftheroom，andeverybodysalutedheringoingout。Itwastherethatagentle-lookingyoungcoupleusedtodine，inwhomtheMarchesbecameeffectlesslyinterested，becausetheythoughttheylookedlikethatwhentheywereyoung。Thewifehadanaestheticdress，anddefinedherprettyheadbywearingherback-hairpulledupverytightunderherbonnet；thehusbandhaddreamyeyessetwideapartunderapureforehead。

"Theyareartists，August，Ithink，"Marchsuggestedtothewaiter，whenhehadvainlyaskedaboutthem。"Oh，hartis，cedenly，"Augustconsented；

butHeavenknowswhethertheywere，orwhattheywere:Marchneverlearned。

Thisimmunityfromacquaintance，thistouch-andgoqualityintheirNewYorksojourn，thisalmostlossofindividualityattimes，aftertheintenseidentificationoftheirBostonlife，wasarelief，thoughMrs。

Marchhadhermisgivings，andquestionedwhetheritwerenotperhapstoorelaxingtothemoralfibre。Marchrefusedtoexplorehisconscience；

heallowedthatitmightbeso；buthesaidhelikednowandthentofeelhispersonalityinthatstateofsolution。TheywentandsatagooddealinthesofteningeveningsamongtheinfantsanddotardsofLatinextractioninWashingtonSquare，safefromallwhoeverknewthem，andenjoyedtheadvancingseason，whichthickenedthefoliageofthetreesandflatteredoutofsightthechurchwarden"sGothicoftheUniversityBuilding。Theinfantsweresometimescross，andcriedintheirwearymothers"orlittlesisters"arms；buttheydidnotdisturbthedotards，whoslept，somewiththeirheadsfallenforward，andsomewiththeirheadsfallenback；Marcharbitrarilydistinguishedthosewiththedroopingfacesastipsyandashamedtoconfrontthepublic。

ThesmallItalianchildrenracedupanddowntheasphaltpaths，playingAmericangamesoftagandhideand-whoop；largerboyspassedball，intrainingforpotentialchampionships。TheMarchessatandmused，orquarrelledfitfullyaboutwheretheyshouldspendthesummer，likesparrows，heoncesaid，tilltheelectriclightsbegantoshowdistinctlyamongtheleaves，andtheylookedroundandfoundtheinfantsanddotardsgoneandthebenchesfilledwithlovers。ThatwasthesignalfortheMarchestogohome。Hesaidthatthespectacleofsomuchcourtshipastheeyemighttakeinthereataglancewasnot，perhaps，oppressive，butthethoughtthatatthesamehourthesamethingwasgoingonalloverthecountry，wherevertwoyoungfoolscouldgettogether，wasmorethanhecouldbear；hedidnotdenythatitwasnatural，and，inameasure。

authorized，buthedeclaredthatitwashackneyed；andthefactthatitmustgoonforever，aslongastheracelasted，madehimtired。

Athome，generally，theyfoundthatthechildrenhadnotmissedthem，andwereperfectlysafe。Itwasoneoftheadvantagesofaflatthattheycouldleavethechildrentherewhenevertheylikedwithoutanxiety。Theylikedbetterstayingtherethanwanderingaboutintheeveningwiththeirparents，whoseexcursionsseemedtothemsomewhataimless，andtheirpleasuresinsipid。Theystudied，orread，orlookedoutofthewindowatthestreetsights；andtheirmotheralwayscamebacktothemwithapangfortheirlonesomeness。Bellaknewsomelittlegirlsinthehouse，butinaceremoniousway；TomhadformednofriendshipsamongtheboysatschoolsuchashehadleftinBoston；asnearlyashecouldexplain，theNewYorkfellowscarriedcanesatanagewhentheywouldhavehadthembrokenforthembytheotherboysatBoston；andtheywerebothsissyishandfast。Itwasprobablyprejudice；henevercouldsayexactlywhattheirdemeritswere，andneitherhenorBellawasapparentlysohomesickastheypretended，thoughtheyansweredinquirers，theonethatNewYorkwasahole，andtheotherthatitwashorrid，andthatalltheylivedforwastogetbacktoBoston。Inthemeantimetheywerethrownmuchuponeachotherforsociety，whichMarchsaidwaswellforbothofthem；hedidnotmindtheircultivatingalittlegloomandthesenseofacommonwrong；itmadethembettercomrades，anditwasprovidingthemwithamusingreminiscencesforthefuture。TheyreallyenjoyedBohemianizinginthatharmlessway:thoughTomhadhisdoubtsofitsrespectability；hewasverypunctiliousabouthissister，andwentroundfromhisownschooleverydaytofetchherhomefromhers。Thewholefamilywenttothetheatreagooddeal，andenjoyedthemselvestogetherintheirdesultoryexplorationsofthecity。

TheylivednearGreenwichVillage，andMarchlikedstrollingthroughitsquaintnesstowardthewatersideonaSunday，whenahereditarySabbatarianismkepthiswifeathome；hemadeherobservethatitevenkeptherathomefromchurch。HefoundalingeringqualityofpureAmericanismintheregion，andhesaidtheverybellscalledtoworshipinanasaltone。Helikedthestreetsofsmallbrickhouses，withhereandthereonepaintedred，andthemortarlinespickedoutinwhite，andwithnowandthenafinewoodenportalofflutedpillarsandabowedtransom。Therearofthetenement-housesshowedhimthepicturesquenessofclothes-linesflutteringfaraloft，asinFlorence；andthenewapartment-houses，breakingtheoldsky-linewiththeirtoweringstories，impliedalifeasalientotheAmericanmannerasanythingincontinentalEurope。Infact，foreignfacesandforeigntonguesprevailedinGreenwichVillage，butnolongerGermanorevenIrishtonguesorfaces。

TheeyesandearringsofItalianstwinkledinandoutofthealleywaysandbasements，andtheyseemedtoaboundeveninthestreets，wherelongranksoftrucksdrawnupinSundayrestalongthecurbstonessuggestedthepresenceofaraceofsturdierstrengththantheirs。Marchlikedtheswarthy，strangevisages；hefoundnothingmenacingforthefutureinthem；forwickednesshehadtosatisfyhimselfashecouldwiththesneering，insolent，clean-shavenmugofsomerareAmericanoftheb"hoytype，nowalmostasextinctinNewYorkasthedodoorthevolunteerfireman。Whenhehadfoundhisway，amongtheash-barrelsandthegroupsofdecentlydressedchurch-goers，tothedocks，heexperiencedasufficientexcitementintherecentarrivalofaFrenchsteamer，whoseshedswerethrongedwithhacksandexpress-wagons，andinatacitinquiryintotheemotionsofthepassengers，freshfromthecleanlinessofParis，andnowdrivingupthroughthefilthofthosestreets。

Someofthestreetswerefilthierthanothers；therewasatleastachoice；therewereboxesandbarrelsofkitchenoffalonallthesidewalks，butnoteverywheremanure-heaps，andinsomeplacesthestenchwasmixedwiththemoresavorysmellofcooking。OneSundaymorning，beforethewinterwasquitegone，thesightofthefrozenrefusemeltinginheaps，andparticularlytheloathsomeedgesoftherottingicenearthegutters，withthestrataofwaste-paperandstrawlitter，andegg-

shellsandorangepeel，potato-skinsandcigar-stumps，madehimunhappy。

Hegaveawhimsicalshrugforthesqualoroftheneighboringhouses，andsaidtohimselfratherthantheboywhowaswithhim:"It"scurious，isn"tit，howfondthepoorpeopleareoftheseunpleasantthoroughfares?

Youalwaysfindthemlivingintheworststreets。"

"Theburdenofallthewrongintheworldcomesonthepoor，"saidtheboy。"Everysortoffraudandswindlinghurtsthemtheworst。Thecitywastesthemoneyit"spaidtocleanthestreetswith，andthepoorhavetosuffer，fortheycan"taffordtopaytwice，liketherich。"

Marchstoppedshort。"Hallo，Tom!。Isthatyourwisdom?"

"It"swhatMr。Lindausays，"answeredtheboy，doggedly，asifnotpleasedtohavehisideasmockedat，eveniftheyweresecond-hand。

"Andyoudidn"ttellhimthatthepoorlivedindirtystreetsbecausetheylikedthem，andweretoolazyandworthlesstohavethemcleaned?"

"No；Ididn"t。"

"I"msurprised。WhatdoyouthinkofLindau，generallyspeaking，Tom?"

"Well，sir，Idon"tlikethewayhetalksaboutsomethings。Idon"tsupposethiscountryisperfect，butIthinkit"saboutthebestthereis，anditdon"tdoanygoodtolookatitsdrawbacksallthetime。"

"Sound，myson，"saidMarch，puttinghishandontheboy"sshoulderandbeginningtowalkon。"Well?"

"Well，then，hesaysthatitisn"tthepublicfraudsonlythatthepoorhavetopayfor，buttheyhavetopayforallthevicesoftherich；thatwhenaspeculatorfails，orabankcashierdefaults，orafirmsuspends，orhardtimescome，it"sthepoorwhohavetogiveupnecessarieswheretherichgiveupluxuries。"

"Well，well!Andthen?"

"Well，thenIthinkthecrankcomesin，inMr。Lindau。Hesaysthere"snoneedoffailuresorfraudsorhardtimes。It"sridiculous。Therealwayshavebeenandtherealwayswillbe。Butifyoutellhimthat，itseemstomakehimperfectlyfurious。"

Marchrepeatedthesubstanceofthistalktohiswife。"I"mgladtoknowthatTomcanseethroughsuchravings。Hehaslotsofgoodcommonsense。"

ItwastheafternoonofthesameSunday，andtheyweresaunteringupFifthAvenue，andadmiringthewideolddoublehousesatthelowerend；

atonecornertheygotadistinctpleasureoutofthegnarledelbowsthatapollardedwistarialeaneduponthetopofagardenwall——foritsconvenienceinlookingintothestreet，hesaid。Thelineofthesecomfortabledwellings，oncesofashionable，wascontinuallybrokenbythefacadesofshops；andMarchprofessedhimselfvulgarizedbyawantofstyleinthepeopletheymetintheirwalktoTwenty-thirdStreet。

"Takemesomewheretomeetmyfellow-exclusives，Isabel，"hedemanded。

"Ipineforthesocietyofmypeers。"

Hehailedapassingomnibus，andmadehiswifegetontheroofwithhim。

"ThinkofourdoingsuchathinginBoston!"shesighed，withalittleshiverofsatisfactioninherimmunityfromrecognitionandcomment。

"Youwouldn"tbeafraidtodoitinLondonorParis?"

"No；weshouldbestrangersthere——justasweareinNewYork。Iwonderhowlongonecouldbeastrangerhere。"

"Oh，indefinitely，inourwayofliving。Theplaceisreallyvast，somuchlargerthanitusedtoseem，andsoheterogeneous。"

Whentheygotdownveryfarup-town，andbegantowalkbackbyMadisonAvenue，theyfoundthemselvesinadifferentpopulationfromthattheydweltamong；notheterogeneousatall；veryhomogeneous，andalmostpurelyAmerican；theonlyqualificationwasAmericanHebrew。Suchawell-dressed，well-satisfied，well-fedlookingcrowdpoureddownthebroadsidewalksbeforethehandsome，stupidhousesthatMarchcouldeasilypretendhehadgotamonghisfellow-plutocratsatlast。StillheexpressedhisdoubtswhetherthisSundayafternoonparade，whichseemedtobeathingofcustom，representedthebestformamongtheyoungpeopleofthatregion；hewishedheknew；heblamedhimselfforbecomingofafastidiousconjecture；hecouldnotdenythefashionandtherichnessandtheindigeneityofthespectacle；thepromenaderslookedNew-Yorky；theywerethesortofpeoplewhomyouwouldknowforNew-Yorkerselsewhere，——sowellequippedandsoperfectlykeptatallpoints。Theirsilkhatsshone，andtheirboots；theirfrockshadtherightdistensionbehind，andtheirbonnetsperfectpoiseanddistinction。

TheMarchestalkedoftheseandotherfactsoftheirappearance，andcuriouslyquestionedwhetherthiswerethebestthatagreatmaterialcivilizationcouldcometo；itlookedalittledull。Themen"sfaceswereshrewdandalert，andyettheylookeddull；thewomen"swereprettyandknowing，andyetdull。Itwas，probably，theholidayexpressionofthevast，prosperouscommercialclass，withunlimitedmoney，andnoidealsthatmoneycouldnotrealize；fashionandcomfortwereallthattheydesiredtocompass，andtheculturethatfurnishesshowily，thatdecoratesandthattells；theculture，say，ofplaysandoperas，ratherthanbooks。

Perhapstheobserversdidthepromenadersinjustice；theymightnothavebeenascommon-mindedastheylooked。"But，"Marchsaid，"Iunderstandnowwhythepoorpeopledon"tcomeuphereandliveinthisclean，handsome，respectablequarterofthetown；theywouldbeboredtodeath。

Onthewhole，IthinkIshouldpreferMottStreetmyself。"

InotherwalkstheMarchestriedtofindsomeofthestreetstheyhadwanderedthroughthefirstdayoftheirweddingjourneyinNewYork，solongago。Theycouldnotmakesureofthem；butoncetheyrandowntotheBattery，andeasilymadesureofthat，thoughnotinitsoldaspect。

Theyrecalledthehotmorning，whentheysaunteredoverthetroddenweedthatcoveredthesicklygrass-plotsthere，andsentimentalizedtheswelteringpauperswhohadcreptoutofthesqualidtenementsaboutforabreathofairafterasleeplessnight。Nowthepaupersweregone，andwheretheoldmansionsthathadfallentotheiruseoncestood，theretoweredaloftandabroadthoseheightsandmassesofmany-storiedbrick-

workforwhicharchitecturehasyetnoproperformandaestheticsnoname。Thetreesandshrubs，allintheiryoungspringgreen，blewbrisklyovertheguardedturfinthesouthwindthatcameupoverthewater；andinthewell-pavedalleystheghostsofeighteenth-centuryfashionmighthavemeteachotherintheiroldhaunts，andexchangedstatelycongratulationsuponitsvastlybetteredcondition，andperhapspuzzledalittleoverthecolossalladyonBedloe"sIsland，withherliftedtorch，andstillmoreoverthecurvingtracksandchalet-stationsoftheElevatedroad。Itisanoutlookofunrivalledbeautyacrossthebay，thatsmokesandflasheswiththeinnumerablestacksandsailsofcommerce，tothehillsbeyond，wherethemovingforestofmastshaltsattheshore，androotsitselfinthegrovesofthemanyvillageduplands。

TheMarchespaidthecharmingprospectsawillingduty，andrejoicedinitasgenerouslyasifithadbeentheirown。Perhapsitwas，theydecided。Hesaidpeopleownedmorethingsincommonthantheywereapttothink；andtheydrewtheconsolationsofproprietorshipfromtheexcellentmanagementofCastleGarden，whichtheypenetratedforamoment"sglimpseofthehugerotunda，wheretheimmigrantsfirstsetfootonourcontinent。Itwarmedtheirhearts，soeasilymovedtoanycheapsympathy，toseethefriendlycarethenationtookofthesehumbleguests；theyfounditevenpathetictoheartheproperauthoritycallingoutthenamesofsuchashadkinoracquaintancewaitingtheretomeetthem。Nooneappearedtroubledoranxious；theofficialshadaconscientiouscivility；thegovernmentseemedtomanagetheirwelcomeaswellasaprivatecompanyorcorporationcouldhavedone。Infact，itwasafterthesimplestrangershadleftthegovernmentcarethatMarchfearedtheirwoesmightbegin；andhewouldhavelikedthegovernmenttofolloweachofthemtohishome，whereverhemeanttofixitwithinourborders。Hemadenoteofthelooksofthelicensedrunnersandtouterswaitingfortheimmigrantsoutsidethegovernmentpremises；heintendedtoworkthemupintoadramaticeffectinsomesketch，buttheyremainedmerematerialinhismemorandum-book，togetherwithsomequaintoldhousesontheSixthAvenueroad，whichhehadnoticedonthewaydown。

Onthewayup，theseweresupersededinhisregardbysomehip-roofstructuresontheNinthAvenue，whichhethoughtmoreDutch-looking。

Theperspectivesofthecross-streetstowardtheriverwereverylively，withtheirturmoiloftrucksandcarsandcartsandhacksandfootpassengers，endinginthechimneysandmastsofshipping，andfinalgleamsofdancingwater。Ataverynoisycorner，clangorouswithsomesortofironworking，hemadehiswifeenjoywithhimthequietsarcasmofaninnthatcalleditselftheHome-likeHotel，andhespeculatedatfantasticlengthonthegentleassociationsofonewhoshouldhavepassedhisyouthunderitsroof。

III。

Firstandlast，theMarchesdidagooddealoftravelontheElevatedroads，which，hesaid，gaveyousuchglimpsesofmaterialaspectsinthecityassomeviolentinvasionofothers"livesmightaffordinhumannature。Once，whentheimpulseofadventurewasverystronginthem，theywentquitethelengthoftheWestSidelines，andsawthecitypushingitswaybyirregularadvancesintothecountry。Somespaces，probablyheldbytheownersforthatriseinvaluewhichtheindustryofothersprovidentiallygivestothelandofthewiseandgood，itleftvacantcomparativelyfardowntheroad，andbuiltupothersatremoterpoints。ItwasaworldofloftyapartmenthousesbeyondthePark，springingupinisolatedblocks，withstretchesofinvadedrusticitybetween，andhereandthereanoldcountry-seatstandingdustyinitsbuddingvineswiththegroundbeforeitinrockyupheavalforcityfoundations。Butwhereveritwentorwhereveritpaused，NewYorkgaveitspeculiarstamp；andtheadventurerswereamusedtofindOneHundredandTwenty-fifthStreetinchoatelylikeTwenty-thirdStreetandFourteenthStreetinitsshopsandshoppers。Thebutchers"shopsandmilliners"shopsontheavenuemightaswellhavebeenatTenthasatOneHundredthStreet。

Theadventurerswerenotoftensoadventurous。Theyrecognizedthatintheirwillingnesstolettheirfancyrangeforthem，andtoletspeculationdotheworkofinquiry，theywerenolongeryoung。Theirpointofviewwassingularlyunchanged，andtheirimpressionsofNewYorkremainedthesamethattheyhadbeenfifteenyearsbefore:huge，noisy，ugly，kindly，itseemedtothemnowasitseemedthen。Themaindifferencewasthattheysawitmorenowasalife，andthentheyonlyregardeditasaspectacle；andMarchcouldnotreleasehimselffromasenseofcomplicitywithit，nomatterwhatwhimsical，oralien，orcriticalattitudehetook。Asenseofthestrivingandthesufferingdeeplypossessedhim；andthisgrewthemoreintenseashegainedsomeknowledgeoftheforcesatwork-forcesofpity，ofdestruction，ofperdition，ofsalvation。HewanderedaboutonSundaynotonlythroughthestreets，butintothistabernacleandthat，asthespiritmovedhim，andlistenedtothosewhodealtwithChristianityasasystemofeconomicsaswellasareligion。Hecouldnotgethiswifetogowithhim；shelistenedtohisreportofwhatheheard，andtrembled；itallseemedfantasticandmenacing。Shelamentedtheliterarypeace，theintellectualrefinementofthelifetheyhadleftbehindthem；andheowneditwasverypretty，buthesaiditwasnotlife——itwasdeath-in-

life。Shelikedtohearhimtalkinthatstrainofvirtuousself-

denunciation，butsheaskedhim，"Whichofyourprophetsareyougoingtofollow?"andheanswered:"All-all!AndafreshoneeverySunday。"

Andsotheygottheirlaughoutofitatlast，butwithsomesadnessatheart，andwithadimconsciousnessthattheyhadgottheirlaughoutoftoomanythingsinlife。

Whatreallyoccupiedandcompassedhisactivities，inspiteofhisstrenuousreveriesofworkbeyondit，washiseditorship。OnitssocialsideithadnotfulfilledalltheexpectationswhichFulkerson"sradiantsketchofitsdutiesandrelationshadcausedhimtoformofit。Mostofthecontributionscamefromadistance；eventhearticleswritteninNewYorkreachedhimthroughthepost，andsofarfromhavinghisvaluabletime，astheycalledit，consumedininterviewswithhiscollaborators，herarelysawanyofthem。Theboyonthestairs，whowastofencehimfromimportunatevisitors，ledalifeofluxuriousdisoccupation，andwhistledalmostuninterruptedly。Whenanyonecame，Marchfoundhimselfembarrassedandalittleanxious。Thevisitorswereusuallyyoungmen，terriblyrespectful，butcherishing，asheimagined，idealsandopinionschasmallydifferentfromhis；andhefeltintheirpresencesomethinglikeananachronism，somethinglikeafraud。Hetriedtofreshenuphissympathiesonthem，togetatwhattheywerereallythinkingandfeeling，anditwassometimebeforehecouldunderstandthattheywerenotreallythinkingandfeelinganythingoftheirownconcerningtheirart，butwerenecessarily，intheirqualityofyoung，inexperiencedmen，mereacceptantsofoldermen"sthoughtsandfeelings，whethertheyweretremendouslyconservative，assomewere，ortremendouslyprogressive，asotherswere。Certainofthemcalledthemselvesrealists，certainromanticists；butnoneofthemseemedtoknowwhatrealismwas，orwhatromanticism；theyapparentlysupposedthedifferenceadifferenceofmaterial。Marchhadimaginedhimselftakinghometolunchordinnertheaspirantsforeditorialfavorwhomheliked，whetherhelikedtheirworkornot；butthiswasnotaneasymatter。Thosewhowereatallinterestingseemedtohaveengagementsandpreoccupations；aftertwoorthreeexperimentswiththebashfullersort——thosewhohadcomeuptothemetropoliswithmanuscriptsintheirhands，inthegoodoldliterarytradition——hewonderedwhetherhewasotherwiselikethemwhenhewasyounglikethem。Hecouldnotflatterhimselfthathewasnot；andyethehadahopethattheworldhadgrownworsesincehistime，whichhiswifeencouraged:

Mrs。Marchwasnoteagertopursuethehospitalitieswhichshehadatfirstimaginedessentialtotheliteraryprosperityof"EveryOtherWeek"；herfamilysufficedher；shewouldwillinglyhaveseennooneoutofitbutthestrangersattheweeklytable-d"hotedinner，ortheaudiencesatthetheatres。March"sdevotiontohisworkmadehimreluctanttodelegateittoanyone；andasthesummeradvanced，andthequestionofwheretogogrewmorevexed，heshowedaman"sbasewillingnesstoshirkitforhimselfbynotgoinganywhere。Heaskedhiswifewhyshedidnotgosomewherewiththechildren，andhejoinedherinasearchfornon-malarialregionsonthemapwhensheconsentedtoentertainthisnotion。Butwhenitcametothepointshewouldnotgo；

heofferedtogowithherthen，andthenshewouldnotlethim。Shesaidsheknewhewouldbeanxiousabouthiswork；heprotestedthathecouldtakeitwithhimtoanydistancewithinafewhours，butshewouldnotbepersuaded。Shewouldratherhestayed；theeffectwouldbebetterwithMr。Fulkerson；theycouldmakeexcursions，andtheycouldallgetoffaweekortwototheseashorenearBoston——theonlyrealseashore——inAugust。TheexcursionswerepracticallyconfinedtoasingledayatConeyIsland；andoncetheygotasfarasBostononthewaytotheseashorenearBoston；thatis，Mrs。Marchandthechildrenwent；aneditorialexigencykeptMarchatthelastmoment。TheBostonstreetsseemedveryqueerandcleanandemptytothechildren，andthebuildingslittle；inthehorse-carstheBostonfacesseemedtoarraigntheirmotherwithadown-drawnseveritythatmadeherfeelveryguilty。SheknewthatthiswasmerelythePuritanmask，thecastofadeadcivilization，whichpeopleofveryamiableandtolerantmindsweredoomedtowear，andshesighedtothinkthatlessthanayearoftheheterogeneousgayetyofNewYorkshouldhavemadeherafraidofit。Theskyseemedcoldandgray；

theeastwind，whichshehadalwaysthoughtsodeliciousinsummer，cuthertotheheart。ShetookherchildrenuptotheSouthEnd，andintheprettysquarewheretheyusedtolivetheystoodbeforetheiralienatedhome，andlookedupatitsclose-shutteredwindows。Thetenantsmusthavebeenaway，butMrs。Marchhadnotthecouragetoringandmakesure，thoughshehadalwayspromisedherselfthatshewouldgoalloverthehousewhenshecameback，andseehowtheyhadusedit；shecouldpretendadesireforsomethingshewishedtotakeaway。Sheknewshecouldnotbearitnow；andthechildrendidnotseemeager。Shedidnotpushontotheseaside；itwouldbeforlorntherewithouttheirfather；shewasgladtogobacktohimintheimmense，friendlyhomelessnessofNewYork，andholdhimanswerableforthechange，inherheartorhermind，whichmadeitsshapelesstumultarefugeandaconsolation。

Shefoundthathehadbeengivingthecookaholiday，anddiningabouthitherandthitherwithFulkerson。Oncehehaddinedwithhimatthewidow"s(astheyalwayscalledMrs。Leighton)，andthenhadspenttheeveningthere，andsmokedwithFulkersonandColonelWoodburnonthegalleryoverlookingthebackyard。TheywereallspendingthesummerinNewYork。ThewidowhadgotsogoodanofferforherhouseatSt。

Barnabyforthesummerthatshecouldnotrefuseit；andtheWoodburnsfoundNewYorkawatering-placeofexemplarycoolnessaftertheburningAugustsandSeptembersofCharlottesburg。

"Youcanstanditwellenoughinourclimate，sir，"thecolonelexplained，"tillyoucometotheSeptemberheat，thatsometimesrunswellintoOctober；andthenyoubegintoloseyourtemper，sir。It"sneverquitesohotasitisinNewYorkattimes，butit"shotlonger，sir。"

Healleged，asifsomethingofthesortwerenecessary，theexampleofafamousSouthwesterneditorwhospentallhissummersinaNewYorkhotelasthemostluxuriousretreatonthecontinent，consultingtheweatherforecasts，andrunningoffontorriddaystothemountainsorthesea，andthenhurryingbackatthepromiseofcoolerweather。Thecolonelhadnotfounditnecessarytodothisyet；andhehadbeenreluctanttoleavetown，wherehewasworkingupabranchoftheinquirywhichhadsolongoccupiedhim，inthelibraries，andstudyingthegreatproblemoflaborandpovertyasitcontinuallypresenteditselftohiminthestreets。

Hesaidthathetalkedwithallsortsofpeople，whomhefoundmonstrouslycivil，ifyoutookthemintherightway；andhewenteverywhereinthecitywithoutfearandapparentlywithoutdanger。Marchcouldnotfindoutthathehadriddenhishobbyintothehomesofwantwhichhevisited，orhadproposedtheirenslavementtotheinmatesasashortandsimplesolutionofthegreatquestionoftheirlives；heappearedtohavecontentedhimselfwiththecollectionoffactsforthepersuasionofthecultivatedclasses。ItseemedtoMarchaconfirmationofthisimpressionthatthecolonelshouldaddresshisdeductionsfromthesefactssounsparinglytohim；helistenedwitharespectfulpatience，forwhichFulkersonafterwardpersonallythankedhim。

Fulkersonsaiditwasnotoftenthecolonelfoundsuchagoodlistener；

generallynobodylistenedbutMrs。Leighton，whothoughthisideaswereshocking，buthonoredhimforholdingthemsoconscientiously。FulkersonwasgladthatMarch，astheliterarydepartment，hadtreatedtheoldgentlemansowell，becausetherewasanopenfeudbetweenhimandtheartdepartment。Beatonwasoutrageouslyrude，Fulkersonmustsay；thoughasforthat，theoldcolonelseemedquiteabletotakecareofhimself，andgaveBeatonanunqualifiedcontemptinreturnforhisunmannerliness。

Theworstofitwas，itdistressedtheoldladyso；sheadmiredBeatonasmuchassherespectedthecolonel，andsheadmiredBeaton，Fulkersonthought，rathermorethanMissLeightondid；heaskedMarchifhehadnoticedthemtogether。Marchhadnoticedthem，butwithoutanyverydefiniteimpressionexceptthatBeatonseemedtogivethewholeeveningtothegirl。Afterwardherecollectedthathehadfanciedherratherharassedbyhisdevotion，anditwasthispointthathewishedtopresentforhiswife"sopinion。

"Girlsoftenputonthatair，"shesaid。"It"soneoftheirwaysofteasing。Butthen，ifthemanwasreallyverymuchinlove，andshewasonlyenoughinlovetobeuncertainofherself，shemightverywellseemtroubled。Itwouldbeaveryseriousquestion。Girlsoftendon"tknowwhattodoinsuchacase。"

"Yes，"saidMarch，"I"veoftenbeengladthatIwasnotagirl，onthataccount。ButIguessthatongeneralprinciplesBeatonisnotmoreinlovethansheis。Icouldn"timaginethatyoungmanbeingmoreinlovewithanybody，unlessitwashimself。Hemightbemoreinlovewithhimselfthananyoneelsewas。"

"Well，hedoesn"tinterestmeagreatdeal，andIcan"tsayMissLeightondoes，either。Ithinkshecantakecareofherself。Shehasherselfverywellinhand。"

"Whysocensorious?"pleadedMarch。"Idon"tdefendherforhavingherselfinhand；butisitafault?"

Mrs。Marchdidnotsay。Sheasked，"AndhowdoesMr。Fulkerson"saffairgeton?"

"Hisaffair?Youreallythinkitisone?Well，I"vefanciedsomyself，andI"vehadanideaofsometimeaskinghim；Fulkersonstrikesoneastrulydomesticable，conjugableatheart；butI"vewaitedforhimtospeak。"

"Ishouldthinkso。"

"Yes。He"sneveropenedonthesubjectyet。Doyouknow，IthinkFulkersonhashismomentsofdelicacy。"

"Moments!He"salldelicacyinregardtowomen。"

"Well，perhapsso。Thereisnothinginthemtorousehisadvertisinginstincts。"

IV

TheDryfoosfamilystayedintowntillAugust。ThenthefatherwentWestagaintolookafterhisinterests；andMrs。MandeltookthetwogirlstooneofthegreathotelsinSaratoga。FulkersonsaidthathehadneverseenanythinglikeSaratogaforfashion，andMrs。Mandelrememberedthatinherownyoungladyhoodthiswassoforatleastsomeweeksoftheyear。Shehadbeentoofarwithdrawnfromfashionsincehermarriagetoknowwhetheritwasstillsoornot。Inthis，asinsomanyothermatters，theDryfoosfamilyhelplesslyrelieduponFulkerson，inspiteofDryfoos"sangrydeterminationthatheshouldnotrunthefamily，andinspiteofChristine"sdoubtofhisomniscience；ifhedidnotknoweverything，shewasawarethatheknewmorethanherself。ShethoughtthattheyhadarighttohavehimgowiththemtoSaratoga，oratleastgoupandengagetheirroomsbeforehand；butFulkersondidnotoffertodoeither，andshedidnotquiteseeherwaytocommandinghisservices。

TheyoungladiestookwhatMelacalledsplendiddresseswiththem；theysatintheparkoftall，slimtreeswhichthehotel"squadrangleenclosed，andlistenedtothemusicinthemorning，oronthelongpiazzaintheafternoonandlookedatthedrivinginthestreet，orinthevastparlorsbynight，wherealltheotherladieswere，andtheyfeltthattheywereofthebestthere。Buttheyknewnobody，andMrs。MandelwassoparticularthatMelawaspreventedfromcontinuingtheacquaintanceevenofthefewyoungmenwhodancedwithherattheSaturday-nighthops。

Theydroveabout，buttheywenttoplaceswithoutknowingwhy，exceptthatthecarriagemantookthem，andtheyhadalltheprivilegesofaproudexclusivismwithoutdesiringthem。Onceamotherlymatronseemedtoperceivetheirisolation，andmadeoverturestothem，butthendesisted，asifrepelledbyChristine"ssuspicion，orbyMela"stooinstantandhilariousgood-fellowship，whichexpresseditselfinhoarselaughterandinaflowoftalkfulloftopicalandsyntacticalfreedom。

FromtimetotimesheofferedtobetChristinethatifMr。Fulkersonwasonlytheretheywouldhaveagoodtime；shewonderedwhattheywerealldoinginNewYork，whereshewishedherself；sheralliedhersisteraboutBeaton，andaskedherwhyshedidnotwriteandtellhimtocomeupthere。

MelaknewthatChristinehadexpectedBeatontofollowthem。Somebanterhadpassedbetweenthemtothiseffect；hesaidheshouldtaketheminonhiswayhometoSyracuse。Christinewouldnothavehesitatedtowritetohimandremindhimofhispromise；butshehadlearnedtodistrustherliteraturewithBeatonsincehehadlaughedatthespellinginascrapofwritingwhichdroppedoutofhermusic-bookonenight。Shebelievedthathewouldnothavelaughedifhehadknownitwashers；butshefeltthatshecouldhidebetterthedeficiencieswhichwerenotcommittedtopaper；

shecouldmanagewithhimintalking；shewastooignorantofherignorancetorecognizethemistakesshemadethen。Throughherownpassionsheperceivedthatshehadsomekindoffascinationforhim；shewasgraceful，andshethoughtitmustbethat；shedidnotunderstandthattherewasakindofbeautyinhersmall，irregularfeaturesthatpiquedandhauntedhisartisticsense，andalookinherblackeyesbeyondherintelligenceandintention。Oncehesketchedherastheysattogether，andflatteredtheportraitwithoutgettingwhathewantedinit；hesaidhemusttryhersometimeincolor；andhesaidthingswhich，whenshemadeMelarepeatthem，couldonlymeanthatheadmiredhermorethananybodyelse。Hecamefitfully，buthecameoften，andsherestedcontentinagirl"sindefinitenessconcerningtheaffair；ifherthoughtwentbeyondlovemakingtomarriage，shebelievedthatshecouldhavehimifshewantedhim。Herfather"smoneycountedinthis；shedivinedthatBeatonwaspoor；butthatmadenodifference；shewouldhaveenoughforboth；themoneywouldhavecountedasanirresistibleattractioniftherehadbeennoother。

TheaffairhadgoneoninspiteofthesidelonglooksofrestlessdislikewithwhichDryfoosregardedit；butnowwhenBeatondidnotcometoSaratogaitnecessarilydropped，andChristine"scontentwithit。Sheborethetrialaslongasshecould；sheusedprideandresentmentagainstit；butatlastshecouldnotbearit，andwithMela"shelpshewrotealetter，banteringBeatononhisstayinNewYork，andplayfullyboastingofSaratoga。Itseemedtothemboththatitwasaverybrightletter，andwouldbesuretobringhim；theywouldhavehadnoscrupleaboutsendingitbutforthedoubttheyhadwhethertheyhadgotsomeofthewordsright。MelaofferedtobetChristineanythingshedaredthattheywereright，andshesaid，Senditanyway；itwasnodifferenceiftheywerewrong。ButChristinecouldnotenduretothinkofthatlaughofBeaton"s，andthereremainedonlyMrs。Mandelasauthorityonthespelling。Christinedreadedherauthorityonotherpoints，butMelasaidsheknewshewouldnotinterfere，andsheundertooktogetroundher。

Mrs。Mandelpronouncedthespellingbad，andthetasteworse；sheforbadethemtosendtheletter；andMelafailedtogetroundher，thoughshethreatened，ifMrs。Mandelwouldnottellherhowtospellthewrongwords，thatshewouldsendtheletterasitwas；thenMrs。MandelsaidthatifMr。BeatonappearedinSaratogashewouldinstantlytakethembothhome。WhenMelareportedthisresult，Christineaccusedherofhavingmismanagedthewholebusiness；shequarrelledwithher，andtheycalledeachothernames。ChristinedeclaredthatshewouldnotstayinSaratoga，andthatifMrs。MandeldidnotgobacktoNewYorkwithhersheshouldgoalone。TheyreturnedthefirstweekinSeptember；butbythattimeBeatonhadgonetoseehispeopleinSyracuse。

ConradDryfoosremainedathomewithhismotherafterhisfatherwentWest。Hehadalreadytakensuchavacationashehadbeenwillingtoallowhimself，andhadspentitonacharityfarmnearthecity，wherethefatherswithwhomheworkedamongthepoorontheEastSideinthewinterhadsentsomeoftheirwardsforthesummer。Itwasnotpossibletokeephisrecreationasecretattheoffice，andFulkersonfoundapleasureinfiguringthejollytimeBrotherConradmusthaveteachingfarmworkamongthosepaupersandpotentialreprobates。Heinventeddetailsofhisexperienceamongthem，andMarchcouldnotalwayshelpjoininginthelaughatConrad"shumorlesshelplessnessunderFulkerson"sburlesquedenunciationofasummeroutingspentinsuchdissipation。

TheyhadtimeforagreatdealofjokingattheofficeduringtheseasonofleisurewhichpenetratesinAugusttotheveryheartofbusiness，andtheyallgotontermsofgreaterintimacyifnotgreaterfriendlinessthanbefore。Fulkersonhadnothadsolongtodowiththeadvertisingsideofhumannaturewithoutdevelopingaveinofcynicism，ofnogreatdepth，perhaps，butbroad，andunderlyinghiswholepointofview；hemadelightofBeaton"ssolemnity，ashemadelightofConrad"shumanity。

Thearteditor，withabundantsarcasm，hadnomorehumorthanthepublisher，andwasaneasypreyinthemanager"shands；butwhenhehadbeenledonbyFulkerson"sflatteriestomakesomebetrayalofegotism，hebroodedoverittillhehadthoughthowtorevengehimselfinelaborateinsult。ForBeaton"stalentFulkersonneverlosthisadmiration；buthisjokewastoencouragehimtogivehimselfairsofbeingthesolesourceofthemagazine"sprosperity。NobaitofthissortwastooobviousforBeatontoswallow；hecouldbecaughtwithitasoftenasFulkersonchose；thoughhewasordinarilysuspiciousastothemotivesofpeopleinsayingthings。WithMarchhegotonnobetterthanatfirst。Heseemedtobelyinginwaitforsomeencroachmentoftheliterarydepartmentontheartdepartment，andhemetitnowandthenwithanticipativereprisal。Aftertheserebuffs，theeditordeliveredhimovertothemanager，whocouldturnBeaton"scontrary-mindednesstoaccountbyaskingthereverseofwhathereallywanteddone。ThiswaswhatFulkersonsaid；thefactwasthathedidgetonwithBeatonandMarchcontentedhimselfwithmusinguponthecontradictionsofacharacteratoncesovainandsooffensive，sofickleandsosullen，soconsciousandsosimple。

AfterthefirstjarringcontactwithDryfoos，theeditorceasedtofeelthedisagreeablefactoftheoldman"smasteryofthefinancialsituation。Noneofthechanceswhichmighthavemadeitpainfuloccurred；thecontrolofthewholeaffairremainedinFulkerson"shands；

beforehewentWestagain，Dryfooshadceasedtocomeabouttheoffice，asif，havingoncewornoffthenoveltyofthesenseofowningaliteraryperiodical，hewasnolongerinterestedinit。

Yetitwasarelief，somehow，whenhelefttown，whichhedidnotdowithoutcomingtotakeaformalleaveoftheeditorathisoffice。

HeseemedwillingtoleaveMarchwithabetterimpressionthanhehadhithertotroubledhimselftomake；heevensaidsomecivilthingsaboutthemagazine，asifitssuccesspleasedhim；andhespokeopenlytoMarchofhishopethathissonwouldfinallybecomeinterestedinittotheexclusionofthehopesandpurposeswhichdividedthem。ItseemedtoMarchthatintheoldman"swarpedandtoughenedheartheperceivedadisappointedloveforhissongreaterthanforhisotherchildren；butthismighthavebeenfancy。LindaucameinwithsomecopywhileDryfooswasthere，andMarchintroducedthem。WhenLindauwentout，MarchexplainedtoDryfoosthathehadlosthishandinthewar；andhetoldhimsomethingofLindau"scareerashehadknownit。Dryfoosappearedgreatlypleasedthat"EveryOtherWeek"wasgivingLindauwork。Hesaidthathehadhelpedtoenlistagoodmanyfellowsforthewar，andhadpaidmoneytofilluptheMoffittCountyquotaunderthelatercallsfortroops。HehadneverbeenanAbolitionist，buthehadjoinedtheAnti-

Nebraskapartyin"55，andhehadvotedforFremontandforeveryRepublicanPresidentsincethen。

AthisownhouseMarchsawmoreofLindauthanofanyothercontributor，buttheoldmanseemedtothinkthathemusttransactallhisbusinesswithMarchathisplaceofbusiness。Thetransactionhadsomepeculiaritieswhichperhapsmadethisnecessary。Lindaualwaysexpectedtoreceivehismoneywhenhebroughthiscopy，asanacknowledgmentoftheimmediaterightofthelaborertohishire；andhewouldnottakeitinacheckbecausehedidnotapproveofbanks，andregardedthewholesystemofbankingasthecapitalisticmanipulationofthepeople"smoney。

HewouldreceivehispayonlyfromMarch"shand，becausehewishedtobeunderstoodasworkingforhim，andhonestlyearningmoneyhonestlyearned；andsometimesMarchinwardlywincedalittleatlettingtheoldmansharetheincreaseofcapitalwonbysuchspeculationasDryfoos"s，butheshookoffthefeeling。Asthesummeradvanced，andtheartistsandclassesthatemployedLindauasamodellefttownoneafteranother，hegavelargelyofhisincreasingleisuretothepeopleintheofficeof"EveryOtherWeek。"ItwaspleasantforMarchtoseetherespectwithwhichConradDryfoosalwaysusedhim，forthesakeofhishurtandhisgraybeard。Therewassomethingdelicateandfineinit，andtherewasnothingunkindlyonFulkerson"spartinthehostilitieswhichusuallypassedbetweenhimselfandLindau。Fulkersonborehimselfreverentlyattimes，too，butitwasnotinhimtokeepthatup，especiallywhenLindauappearedwithmorebeeraboardthan，asFulkersonsaid，hecouldmanageshipshape。OntheseoccasionsFulkersonalwaystriedtostarthimonthethemeoftheundulyrich；hemadehimselfthechampionofmonopolies，andenjoyedtheinvectiveswhichLindauheapeduponhimasaslaveofcapital；hesaidthatitdidhimgood。

Oneday，withtheusualshowofwrithingunderLindau"sscorn，hesaid，"Well，Iunderstandthatalthoughyoudespisemenow，Lindau——"

"Iton"tdesbiseyou，"theoldmanbrokein，hisnostrilsswellingandhiseyesflamingwithexcitement，"Ibityyou。"

"Well，itseemstocometothesamethingintheend，"saidFulkerson。

"WhatIunderstandisthatyoupitymenowastheslaveofcapital，butyouwouldpitymeagreatdealmoreifIwasthemasterofit。"

"Howyoumean?"

"IfIwasrich。"

"Thatwouldtebendt，"saidLindau，tryingtocontrolhimself。"Ifyouhatinheritedtyourmoney，youmightpeinnocent；butifyouhatmateit，eferymanthatresbectedthimselfwouldhaftoaskhowyoumateit，andifyouhatmatemoch，hewouldknow——"

"Holdon；holdon，now，Lindau!Ain"tthatratherun-Americandoctrine?

We"reallbroughtup，ain"twe，tohonorthemanthatmadehismoney，andlookdown——ortrytolookdown；sometimesit"sdifficultonthefellowthathisfatherleftitto?"

Theoldmanroseandstruckhisbreast。"OnAmerigan!"heroared，and，ashewenton，hisaccentgrewmoreandmoreuncertain。"WhatissAmerigan?DereissnoAmerigaanymore!Youstartherefreeandbrafe，andyouglaimforeferymanderighttolife，liperty，anddebursuitofhabbiness。Andwherehafyouentedt?Nomanthatvorksvithhishandtsamongyouhasthelipertytobursuehishabbiness。Heisstheslafeofsomericherman，somegompany，somegorporation，datcrindthimdowntotheleasthecanlifon，andthatropshimofthemarchinofhisearningsthatheknightpehabbyon。Oh，youAmerigans，youhafcotitdowngoldt，asyousay!Youton"tpuyfoters；youpuylechislaturesandgoncressmen；youpuygourts；youpuygombetitors；youpayinfentorsnottoinfent；youatfertise，andthegounting-roomseesdatdeetitorial-

roomtoesn"ttink。"

"Yes，we"vegotalittlearrangementofthatsortwithMarchhere，"saidFulkerson。

"Oh，Iamsawry，"saidtheoldman，contritely，"Imeantnotingbersonal。

Iton"ttinkweareallcuiltyorgorrubt，andefenamongtherichtherearegoodtmen。Butgabidal"——hispassionroseagain"whereyoufindgabidal，millionsofmoneythatamanhasscottogederinfife，ten，twentyyears，youfindtthesmelloftearsandploodt!DatisswhatI

say。Andyoucottoloogoudtforyourselfwhenyoumeetarichmanwhetheryoumeetanhonestman。"

"Well，"saidFulkerson，"IwishIwasasubjectofsuspicionwithyou，Lindau。By-the-way，"headded，"Iunderstandthatyouthinkcapitalwasatthebottomofthevetoofthatpensionofyours。"

"Whatbension?Whatfeto?"——Theoldmanflamedupagain。"Nobensionofminewaseferfetoedt。Irenouncemybension，begauseIwouldsgorntodakemoneyfromagofernmentthatIton"tpeliefeinanymore。Whereyouhearthatstory?"

"Well，Idon"tknow，"saidFulkerson，ratherembarrassed。"It"scommontalk。"

"It"sagommonlie，then!Whenthetimegomedatdisissafreegountryagain，thenIdakeabensionagainformywoundts；butIwouldsdarfebeforeIdakeabensionnowfromarebublicdatissboughtoapbymonobolies，andronbydrustsandgompines，andrailroadtsandtoilgompanies。"

"Lookout，Lindau，"saidFulkerson。"Youbiteyourselfmitdatdogsomeday。"Butwhentheoldman，withaferociousgestureofrenunciation，whirledoutoftheplace，headded:"IguessIwentalittletoofarthattime。Itouchedhimonasoreplace；Ididn"tmeanto；IheardsometalkabouthispensionbeingvetoedfromMissLeighton。"HeaddressedtheseexculpationstoMarch"sgraveface，andtothepityingdeprecationintheeyesofConradDryfoos，whomLindau"sroaringwrathhadsummonedtothedoor。"ButI"llmakeitallrightwithhimthenexttimehecomes。I

didn"tknowhewasloaded，orIwouldn"thavemonkeyedwithhim。"

"Lindaudoeshimselfinjusticewhenhegetstotalkinginthatway，"saidMarch。"Ihatetohearhim。He"sasgoodanAmericanasanyofus；andit"sonlybecausehehastoohighanidealofus——"

"Oh，goon!Rubitin——rubitin!"criedFulkerson，clutchinghishairinsuffering，whichwasnotaltogetherburlesque。"HowdidIknowhehadrenouncedhis"bension"?Whydidn"tyoutellme?"

"Ididn"tknowitmyself。Ionlyknewthathehadnone，andIdidn"task，forIhadanotionthatitmightbeapainfulsubject。"

Fulkersontriedtoturnitofflightly。"Well，he"sanobleoldfellow；

pityhedrinks。"Marchwouldnotsmile，andFulkersonbrokeout:"Dogonit!I"llmakeituptotheoldfoolthenexttimehecomes。Idon"tlikethatdynamitetalkofhis；butanymanthat"sgivenhishandtothecountryhasgotmineinhisgripforgood。Why，March!Youdon"tsupposeIwantedtohurthisfeelings，doyou?"

"Why，ofcoursenot，Fulkerson。"

Buttheycouldnotgetawayfromacertainruefulnessforthattime，andintheeveningFulkersoncameroundtoMarch"stosaythathehadgotLindau"saddressfromConrad，andhadlookedhimupathislodgings。

"Well，thereisn"tsomuchbric-a-bracthere，quite，asMrs。Greenleftyou；butI"vemadeitallrightwithLindau，asfarasI"mconcerned。

ItoldhimIdidn"tknowwhenIspokethatway，andIhonoredhimforstickingtohis"brinciples"；Idon"tbelieveinhis"brincibles"；

andweweptoneachother"snecks——atleast，hedid。Doggedifhedidn"tkissmebeforeIknewwhathewasupto。HesaidIwashischenerousgongfriendt，andhebeggedmybartonifhehadsaidanythingtowoundme。Itellyouitwasanaffectingscene，March；andratsenoughroundinthatoldbarrackswherehelivestofitoutafirst-classcaseofdeliriumtremens。Whatdoeshestaytherefor?He"snotobligedto?"

Lindau"sreasons，asMarchrepeatedthem，affectedFulkersonasdeliciouslycomical；butafterthatheconfinedhispleasantriesattheofficetoBeatonandConradDryfoos，or，ashesaid，hespenttherestofthesummerinkeepingLindausmoothedup。

ItisdoubtfulifLindaualtogetherlikedthisaswell。PerhapshemissedtheoccasionsFulkersonusedtogivehimofburstingoutagainstthemillionaires；andhecouldnotwellgoondenouncingastheslafeofgabidalamanwhohadbehavedtohimasFulkersonhaddone，thoughFulkerson"sservilerelationstocapitalhadbeeninnowisechangedbyhisnoplegonduct。

Theirrelationscontinuedtowearthisirksomecharacterofmutualforbearance；andwhenDryfoosreturnedinOctoberandFulkersonrevivedthequestionofthatdinnerincelebrationofthesuccessof"EveryOtherWeek，"hecarriedhiscomplaisancetoanextremethatalarmedMarchfortheconsequences。

V。

"Yousee，"Fulkersonexplained，"Ifindthattheoldmanhasgotanideaofhisownaboutthatbanquet，andIguessthere"ssomesenseinit。Hewantstohaveapreliminarylittledinner，wherewecantalkthethingupfirst-halfadozenofus；andhewantstogiveusthedinnerathishouse。Well，that"snoharm。Idon"tbelievetheoldmanevergaveadinner，andhe"dliketoshowoffalittle；there"sagooddealofhumannatureintheoldman，afterall。Hethoughtofyou，ofcourse，andColonelWoodburn，andBeaton，andmeatthefootofthetable；andConrad；andIsuggestedKendricks:he"ssuchanicelittlechap；andtheoldmanhimselfbroughtuptheideaofLindau。Hesaidyoutoldhimsomethingabouthim，andheaskedwhycouldn"twehavehim，too；andI

jumpedatit。"

"HaveLindautodinner?"askedMarch。

"Certainly；whynot?FatherDryfooshasanotionofpayingtheoldfellowacomplimentforwhathedoneforthecountry。Therewon"tbeanytroubleaboutit。Youcansitalongsideofhim，andcutuphismeatforhim，andhelphimtothings——"

"Yes，butitwon"tdo，Fulkerson!Idon"tbelieveLindaueverhadonadress-coatinhislife，andIdon"tbelievehis"brincibles"wouldlethimwearone。"

"Well，neitherhadDryfoos，forthematterofthat。He"sashigh-

principledasoldPan-Electrichimself，whenitcomestoadress-coat，"

saidFulkerson。"We"reallgoingtogoinbusinessdress；theoldmanstipulatedforthat。

"Itisn"tthedress-coatalone，"Marchresumed。"LindauandDryfooswouldn"tgeton。Youknowthey"reoppositepolesineverything。Youmustn"tdoit。DryfooswillbesuretosaysomethingtooutrageLindau"s"brincibles，"andthere"llbeanexplosion。It"sallwellenoughforDryfoostofeelgratefultoLindau，andhiswishtohonorhimdoeshimcredit；buttohaveLindautodinnerisn"ttheway。Atthebest，theoldfellowwouldbeveryunhappyinsuchahouse；hewouldhaveabadconscience；andIshouldbesorrytohavehimfeelthathe"dbeenrecreanttohis"brincibles"；they"reaboutallhe"sgot，andwhateverwethinkofthem，we"reboundtorespecthisfidelitytothem。"MarchwarmedtowardLindauintakingthisviewofhim。"IshouldfeelashamedifIdidn"tprotestagainsthisbeingputinafalseposition。Afterall，he"smyoldfriend，andIshouldn"tliketohavehimdohimselfinjusticeifheisacrank。"

"Ofcourse，"saidFulkerson，withsometroubleinhisface。

"Iappreciateyourfeeling。Butthereain"tanydanger，"headded，buoyantly。"Anyhow，youspoketoolate，astheIrishmansaidtothechickenwhenheswallowedhiminafreshegg。I"veaskedLindau，andhe"sacceptedwithblayzure；that"swhathesays。"

Marchmadenoothercommentthanashrug。

"You"llsee，"Fulkersoncontinued，"it"llgooffallright。I"llengagetomakeit，andIwon"tholdanybodyelseresponsible。"

InthecourseofhismarriedlifeMarchhadlearnednottocensuretheirretrievable；butthiswasjustwhathiswifehadnotlearned；andshepouredoutsomuchastonishmentatwhatFulkersonhaddone，andsomuchdisapproval，thatMarchbegantopalliatethesituationalittle。

"Afterall，itisn"taquestionoflifeanddeath；and，ifitwere，I

don"tseehowit"stobehelpednow。"

"Oh，it"snottobehelpednow。ButIamsurprisedatMr。Fulkerson。"

"Well，Fulkersonhashismomentsofbeingmerelyhuman，too。"

Mrs。Marchwouldnotdeignadirectdefenceofherfavorite。"Well，I"mgladtherearenottobeladies。"