第3章
ChapterVII
THELUREOFTHEMATERIAL——BEAUTYSPEAKSFORITSELF
Thetruemeaningofmoneyyetremainstobepopularlyexplained，andcomprehended。Wheneachindividualrealisesforhimselfthat，thisthingprimarilystandsforandshouldonlybeacceptedasa，moraldue——thatitshouldbepaidoutashonestlystoredenergy，andnotasausurpedprivilege——manyofoursocial，religious，andpoliticaltroubleswillhavepermanentlypassed。Asfor，Carrie，herunderstandingofthemoralsignificanceofmoneywas，thepopularunderstanding，nothingmore。Theolddefinition：
“Money：somethingeverybodyelsehasandImustget，“wouldhave，expressedherunderstandingofitthoroughly。Someofitshenow，heldinherhand——twosoft，greenten-dollarbills——andshefelt，thatshewasimmenselybetteroffforthehavingofthem。Itwas，somethingthatwaspowerinitself。Oneofherorderofmind，wouldhavebeencontenttobecastawayuponadesertislandwith，abundleofmoney，andonlythelongstrainofstarvationwould，havetaughtherthatinsomecasesitcouldhavenovalue。Even，thenshewouldhavehadnoconceptionoftherelativevalueof，thething;heronethoughtwould，undoubtedly，haveconcernedthe，pityofhavingsomuchpowerandtheinabilitytouseit。
ThepoorgirlthrilledasshewalkedawayfromDrouet。Shefelt，ashamedinpartbecauseshehadbeenweakenoughtotakeit，but，herneedwassodire，shewasstillglad。Nowshewouldhavea，nicenewjacket！，Nowshewouldbuyanicepairofprettybutton，shoes。Shewouldgetstockings，too，andaskirt，and，and——
untilalready，asinthematterofherprospectivesalary，she，hadgotbeyond，inherdesires，twicethepurchasingpowerofher，bills。
SheconceivedatrueestimateofDrouet。Toher，andindeedto，alltheworld，hewasanice，good-heartedman。Therewas，nothingevilinthefellow。Hegaveherthemoneyoutofagood，heart——outofarealisationofherwant。Hewouldnothavegiven，thesameamounttoapooryoungman，butwemustnotforgetthat，apooryoungmancouldnot，inthenatureofthings，have，appealedtohimlikeapooryounggirl。Femininityaffectedhis，feelings。Hewasthecreatureofaninborndesire。Yetno，beggarcouldhavecaughthiseyeandsaid，“MyGod，mister，I’m，starving，“buthewouldgladlyhavehandedoutwhatwas，consideredtheproperportiontogivebeggarsandthoughtnomore，aboutit。Therewouldhavebeennospeculation，no，philosophising。Hehadnomentalprocessinhimworthythe，dignityofeitherofthoseterms。Inhisgoodclothesandfine，health，hewasamerry，unthinkingmothofthelamp。Deprivedof，hisposition，andstruckbyafewoftheinvolvedandbaffling，forceswhichsometimesplayuponman，hewouldhavebeenas，helplessasCarrie——ashelpless，asnon-understanding，as，pitiable，ifyouwill，asshe。
Now，inregardtohispursuitofwomen，hemeantthemnoharm，becausehedidnotconceiveoftherelationwhichhehopedto，holdwiththemasbeingharmful。Helovedtomakeadvancesto，women，tohavethemsuccumbtohischarms，notbecausehewasa，cold-blooded，dark，schemingvillain，butbecausehisinborn，desireurgedhimtothatasachiefdelight。Hewasvain，hewas，boastful，hewasasdeludedbyfineclothesasanysilly-headed，girl。Atrulydeep-dyedvillaincouldhavehornswaggledhimas，readilyashecouldhaveflatteredaprettyshop-girl。Hisfine，successasasalesmanlayinhisgenialityandthethoroughly，reputablestandingofhishouse。Hebobbedaboutamongmen，a，veritablebundleofenthusiasm——nopowerworthythenameof，intellect，nothoughtsworthytheadjectivenoble，nofeelings，longcontinuedinonestrain。AMadameSapphowouldhavecalled，himapig;aShakespearewouldhavesaid“mymerrychild“;old，drinkingCaryoethoughthimaclever，successfulbusinessman。In，short，hewasasgoodashisintellectconceived。
Thebestproofthattherewassomethingopenandcommendable，aboutthemanwasthefactthatCarrietookthemoney。Nodeep，sinistersoulwithulteriormotivescouldhavegivenherfifteen，centsundertheguiseoffriendship。Theunintellectualarenot，sohelpless。Naturehastaughtthebeastsofthefieldtofly，whensomeunheraldeddangerthreatens。Shehasputintothe，small，unwiseheadofthechipmunktheuntutoredfearofpoisons。
“HekeepethHiscreatureswhole，“wasnotwrittenofbeasts，alone。Carriewasunwise，and，therefore，likethesheepinits，unwisdom，stronginfeeling。Theinstinctofself-protection，stronginallsuchnatures，wasrousedbutfeebly，ifatall，by，theoverturesofDrouet。
WhenCarriehadgone，hefelicitatedhimselfuponhergood，opinion。ByGeorge，itwasashameyounggirlshadtobeknocked，aroundlikethat。Coldweathercomingonandnoclothes。Tough。
HewouldgoaroundtoFitzgeraldandMoy’sandgetacigar。It，madehimfeellightoffootashethoughtabouther。
Carriereachedhomeinhighgoodspirits，whichshecould，scarcelyconceal。Thepossessionofthemoneyinvolvedanumber，ofpointswhichperplexedherseriously。Howshouldshebuyany，clotheswhenMinnieknewthatshehadnomoney？，Shehadno，soonerenteredtheflatthanthispointwassettledforher。It，couldnotbedone。Shecouldthinkofnowayofexplaining。
“Howdidyoucomeout？”askedMinnie，referringtotheday。
Carriehadnoneofthesmalldeceptionwhichcouldfeelonething，andsaysomethingdirectlyopposed。Shewouldprevaricate，but，itwouldbeinthelineofherfeelingsatleast。Soinsteadof，complainingwhenshefeltsogood，shesaid：
“Ihavethepromiseofsomething。”
“Where？”
“AttheBostonStore。”
“Isitsurepromised？”questionedMinnie。
“Well，I’mtofindoutto-morrow，“returnedCarriedislikingto，drawoutalieanylongerthanwasnecessary。
MinniefelttheatmosphereofgoodfeelingwhichCarriebrought，withher。ShefeltnowwasthetimetoexpresstoCarriethe，stateofHanson’sfeelingaboutherentireChicagoventure。
“Ifyoushouldn’tgetit——“shepaused，troubledforaneasyway。
“IfIdon’tgetsomethingprettysoon，IthinkI’llgohome。”
Minniesawherchance。
“Sventhinksitmightbebestforthewinter，anyhow。”
ThesituationflashedonCarrieatonce。Theywereunwillingto，keepheranylonger，outofwork。ShedidnotblameMinnie，she，didnotblameHansonverymuch。Now，asshesattheredigesting，theremark，shewasgladshehadDrouet’smoney。
“Yes，“shesaidafterafewmoments，“Ithoughtofdoingthat。”
Shedidnotexplainthatthethought，however，hadarousedall，theantagonismofhernature。ColumbiaCity，whatwastherefor，her？，Sheknewitsdull，littleroundbyheart。Herewasthe，great，mysteriouscitywhichwasstillamagnetforher。What，shehadseenonlysuggesteditspossibilities。Nowtoturnback，onitandlivethelittleoldlifeoutthere——shealmost，exclaimedagainstthethought。
Shehadreachedhomeearlyandwentinthefrontroomtothink。
Whatcouldshedo？，Shecouldnotbuynewshoesandwearthem，here。Shewouldneedtosavepartofthetwentytopayherfare，home。ShedidnotwanttoborrowofMinnieforthat。Andyet，howcouldsheexplainwheresheevengotthatmoney？，Ifshe，couldonlygetenoughtoletherouteasy。
Shewentoverthetangleagainandagain。Here，inthemorning，Drouetwouldexpecttoseeherinanewjacket，andthatcouldn’t，be。TheHansonsexpectedhertogohome，andshewantedtoget，away，andyetshedidnotwanttogohome。Inthelightofthe，waytheywouldlookonhergettingmoneywithoutwork，thetaking，ofitnowseemeddreadful。Shebegantobeashamed。Thewhole，situationdepressedher。Itwasallsoclearwhenshewaswith，Drouet。Nowitwasallsotangled，sohopeless——muchworsethan，itwasbefore，becauseshehadthesemblanceofaidinherhand，whichshecouldnotuse。
HerspiritssanksothatatsupperMinniefeltthatshemusthave，hadanotherhardday。Carriefinallydecidedthatshewouldgive，themoneyback。Itwaswrongtotakeit。Shewouldgodownin，themorningandhuntforwork。AtnoonshewouldmeetDrouetas，agreedandtellhim。Atthisdecisionherheartsank，untilshe，wastheoldCarrieofdistress。
Curiously，shecouldnotholdthemoneyinherhandwithout，feelingsomerelief。Evenafterallherdepressingconclusions，shecouldsweepawayallthoughtaboutthematterandthenthe，twentydollarsseemedawonderfulanddelightfulthing。Ah，money，money，money！，Whatathingitwastohave。Howplentyof，itwouldclearawayallthesetroubles。
Inthemorningshegotupandstartedoutalittleearly。Her，decisiontohuntforworkwasmoderatelystrong，butthemoneyin，herpocket，afterallhertroublingoverit，madethework，questiontheleastshadelessterrible。Shewalkedintothe，wholesaledistrict，butasthethoughtofapplyingcamewitheach，passingconcern，herheartshrank。Whatacowardshewas，she，thoughttoherself。Yetshehadappliedsooften。Itwouldbe，thesameoldstory。Shewalkedonandon，andfinallydidgo，intooneplace，withtheoldresult。Shecameoutfeelingthat，luckwasagainsther。Itwasnouse。
Withoutmuchthinking，shereachedDearbornStreet。Herewasthe，greatFairstorewithitsmultitudeofdeliverywagonsaboutits，longwindowdisplay，itscrowdofshoppers。Itreadilychanged，herthoughts，shewhowassowearyofthem。Itwasherethatshe，hadintendedtocomeandgethernewthings。Nowforrelieffrom，distress;shethoughtshewouldgoinandsee。Shewouldlookat，thejackets。
Thereisnothinginthisworldmoredelightfulthanthatmiddle，stateinwhichwementallybalanceattimes，possessedofthe，means，luredbydesire，andyetdeterredbyconscienceorwantof，decision。WhenCarriebeganwanderingaroundthestoreamidthe，finedisplaysshewasinthismood。Heroriginalexperiencein，thissameplacehadgivenherahighopinionofitsmerits。Now，shepausedateachindividualbitoffinery，wherebeforeshehad，hurriedon。Herwoman’sheartwaswarmwithdesireforthem。
Howwouldshelookinthis，howcharmingthatwouldmakeher！
Shecameuponthecorsetcounterandpausedinrichreverieas，shenotedthedaintyconcoctionsofcolourandlacethere，displayed。Ifshewouldonlymakeuphermind，shecouldhave，oneofthosenow。Shelingeredinthejewelrydepartment。She，sawtheearrings，thebracelets，thepins，thechains。What，wouldshenothavegivenifshecouldhavehadthemall！，She，wouldlookfinetoo，ifonlyshehadsomeofthesethings。
Thejacketswerethegreatestattraction。Whensheenteredthe，store，shealreadyhadherheartfixeduponthepeculiarlittle，tanjacketwithlargemother-of-pearlbuttonswhichwasallthe，ragethatfall。Stillshedelightedtoconvinceherselfthat，therewasnothingshewouldlikebetter。Shewentaboutamong，theglasscasesandrackswherethesethingsweredisplayed，and，satisfiedherselfthattheoneshethoughtofwastheproperone。
Allthetimeshewaveredinmind，nowpersuadingherselfthatshe，couldbuyitrightawayifshechose，nowrecallingtoherself，theactualcondition。Atlastthenoonhourwasdangerously，near，andshehaddonenothing。Shemustgonowandreturnthe，money。
Drouetwasonthecornerwhenshecameup。
“Hello，“hesaid，“whereisthejacketand“——lookingdown——“the，shoes？”
Carriehadthoughttoleaduptoherdecisioninsomeintelligent，way，butthissweptthewholefore-schemedsituationbythe，board。
“Icametotellyouthat——thatIcan’ttakethemoney。”
“Oh，that’sit，isit？”hereturned。”Well，youcomeonwithme。
Let’sgooverheretoPartridge’s。”
Carriewalkedwithhim。Behold，thewholefabricofdoubtand，impossibilityhadslippedfromhermind。Shecouldnotgetat，thepointsthatweresoserious，thethingsshewasgoingtomake，plaintohim。
“Haveyouhadlunchyet？，Ofcourseyouhaven’t。Let’sgoin，here，“andDrouetturnedintooneoftheverynicelyfurnished，restaurantsoffStateStreet，inMonroe。
“Imustn’ttakethemoney，“saidCarrie，aftertheyweresettled，inacoseycorner，andDrouethadorderedthelunch。”Ican’t，wearthosethingsoutthere。They——theywouldn’tknowwhereIgot，them。”
“Whatdoyouwanttodo，“hesmiled，“gowithoutthem？”
“IthinkI’llgohome，“shesaid，wearily。
“Oh，come，“hesaid，“you’vebeenthinkingitovertoolong。
I’lltellyouwhatyoudo。Yousayyoucan’twearthemout，there。Whydon’tyourentafurnishedroomandleavethemin，thatforaweek？”
Carrieshookherhead。Likeallwomen，shewastheretoobject，andbeconvinced。Itwasforhimtobrushthedoubtsawayand，clearthepathifhecould。
“Whyareyougoinghome？”heasked。
“Oh，Ican’tgetanythinghere。”
Theywon’tkeepyou？”heremarked，intuitively。
“Theycan’t，“saidCarrie。
“I’lltellyouwhatyoudo，“hesaid。”Youcomewithme。I’ll，takecareofyou。”
Carrieheardthispassively。Thepeculiarstatewhichshewasin，madeitsoundlikethewelcomebreathofanopendoor。Drouet，seemedofherownspiritandpleasing。Hewasclean，handsome，well-dressed，andsympathetic。Hisvoicewasthevoiceofa，friend。
“WhatcanyoudobackatColumbiaCity？”hewenton，rousingby，thewordsinCarrie’smindapictureofthedullworldshehad，left。”Thereisn’tanythingdownthere。Chicago’stheplace。
Youcangetaniceroomhereandsomeclothes，andthenyoucan，dosomething。”
Carrielookedoutthroughthewindowintothebusystreet。There，itwas，theadmirable，greatcity，sofinewhenyouarenotpoor。
Anelegantcoach，withaprancingpairofbays，passedby，carryinginitsupholstereddepthsayounglady。
“Whatwillyouhaveifyougoback？”askedDrouet。Therewasno，subtleundercurrenttothequestion。Heimaginedthatshewould，havenothingatallofthethingshethoughtworthwhile。
Carriesatstill，lookingout。Shewaswonderingwhatshecould，do。Theywouldbeexpectinghertogohomethisweek。
Drouetturnedtothesubjectoftheclothesshewasgoingtobuy。
“Whynotgetyourselfanicelittlejacket？，You’vegottohave，it。I’llloanyouthemoney。Youneedn’tworryabouttakingit。
Youcangetyourselfaniceroombyyourself。Iwon’thurtyou。”
Carriesawthedrift，butcouldnotexpressherthoughts。She，feltmorethaneverthehelplessnessofhercase。
“IfIcouldonlygetsomethingtodo，“shesaid。
“Maybeyoucan，“wentonDrouet，“ifyoustayhere。Youcan’tif，yougoaway。Theywon’tletyoustayoutthere。Now，whynot，letmegetyouaniceroom？，Iwon’tbotheryou——youneedn’tbe，afraid。Then，whenyougetfixedup，maybeyoucouldget，something。”
Helookedatherprettyfaceanditvivifiedhismental，resources。Shewasasweetlittlemortaltohim——therewasno，doubtofthat。Sheseemedtohavesomepowerbackofher，actions。Shewasnotlikethecommonrunofstore-girls。She，wasn’tsilly。
Inreality，Carriehadmoreimaginationthanhe——moretaste。It，wasafinermentalstraininherthatmadepossibleher，depressionandloneliness。Herpoorclotheswereneat，andshe，heldherheadunconsciouslyinadaintyway。
“DoyouthinkIcouldgetsomething？”sheasked。
“Sure，“hesaid，reachingoverandfillinghercupwithtea。
“I’llhelpyou。”
Shelookedathim，andhelaughedreassuringly。
“NowI’lltellyouwhatwe’lldo。We’llgooverhereto，Partridge’sandyoupickoutwhatyouwant。Thenwe’lllook，aroundforaroomforyou。Youcanleavethethingsthere。Then，we’llgototheshowto-night。”
Carrieshookherhead。
“Well，youcangoouttotheflatthen，that’sallright。You，don’tneedtostayintheroom。Justtakeitandleaveyour，thingsthere。”
Shehungindoubtaboutthisuntilthedinnerwasover。
“Let’sgooverandlookatthejackets，“hesaid。
Togethertheywent。Inthestoretheyfoundthatshineand，rustleofnewthingswhichimmediatelylaidholdofCarrie’s，heart。UndertheinfluenceofagooddinnerandDrouet’s，radiatingpresence，theschemeproposedseemedfeasible。She，lookedaboutandpickedajacketliketheonewhichshehad，admiredatTheFair。Whenshegotitinherhanditseemedso，muchnicer。Thesaleswomanhelpedheronwithit，and，by，accident，itfittedperfectly。Drouet’sfacelightenedashesaw，theimprovement。Shelookedquitesmart。
“That’sthething，“hesaid。
Carrieturnedbeforetheglass。Shecouldnothelpfeeling，pleasedasshelookedatherself。Awarmglowcreptintoher，cheeks。
“That’sthething，“saidDrouet。”Nowpayforit。”
“It’sninedollars，“saidCarrie。
“That’sallright——takeit，“saidDrouet。
Shereachedinherpurseandtookoutoneofthebills。Thewoman，askedifshewouldwearthecoatandwentoff。Inafewminutes，shewasbackandthepurchasewasclosed。
FromPartridge’stheywenttoashoestore，whereCarriewas，fittedforshoes。Drouetstoodby，andwhenhesawhownicethey，looked，said，“Wearthem。”Carrieshookherhead，however。She，wasthinkingofreturningtotheflat。Heboughtherapursefor，onething，andapairofglovesforanother，andletherbuythe，stockings。
“To-morrow，“hesaid，“youcomedownhereandbuyyourselfa，skirt。”
InallofCarrie’sactionstherewasatouchofmisgiving。The，deepershesankintotheentanglement，themoresheimaginedthat，thethinghunguponthefewremainingthingsshehadnotdone。
Sinceshehadnotdonethese，therewasawayout。
DrouetknewaplaceinWabashAvenuewheretherewererooms。He，showedCarrietheoutsideofthese，andsaid：“Now，you’remy，sister。”Hecarriedthearrangementoffwithaneasyhandwhenit，cametotheselection，lookingaround，criticising，opining。
“Hertrunkwillbehereinadayorso，“heobservedtothe，landlady，whowasverypleased。
Whentheywerealone，Drouetdidnotchangeintheleast。He，talkedinthesamegeneralwayasiftheywereoutinthestreet。
Carrieleftherthings。
“Now，“saidDrouet，“whydon’tyoumoveto-night？”
“Oh，Ican’t，“saidCarrie。
“Whynot？”
“Idon’twanttoleavethemso。”
Hetookthatupastheywalkedalongtheavenue。Itwasawarm，afternoon。Thesunhadcomeoutandthewindhaddieddown。As，hetalkedwithCarrie，hesecuredanaccuratedetailofthe，atmosphereoftheflat。
“Comeoutofit，“hesaid，“theywon’tcare。I’llhelpyouget，along。”
Shelisteneduntilhermisgivingsvanished。Hewouldshowher，aboutalittleandthenhelphergetsomething。Hereally，imaginedthathewould。Hewouldbeoutontheroadandshe，couldbeworking。
“Now，I’lltellyouwhatyoudo，“hesaid，“yougooutthereand，getwhateveryouwantandcomeaway。”
Shethoughtalongtimeaboutthis。Finallysheagreed。He，wouldcomeoutasfarasPeoriaStreetandwaitforher。Shewas，tomeethimathalf-pasteight。Athalf-pastfiveshereached，home，andatsixherdeterminationwashardened。
“Soyoudidn’tgetit？”saidMinnie，referringtoCarrie’sstory，oftheBostonStore。
Carrielookedatheroutofthecornerofhereye。“No，“she，answered。
“Idon’tthinkyou’dbettertryanymorethisfall，“saidMinnie。
Carriesaidnothing。
WhenHansoncamehomeheworethesameinscrutabledemeanour。He，washedinsilenceandwentofftoreadhispaper。Atdinner，Carriefeltalittlenervous。Thestrainofherownplanswere，considerable，andthefeelingthatshewasnotwelcomeherewas，strong。
“Didn’tfindanything，eh？”saidHanson。
“No。”
Heturnedtohiseatingagain，thethoughtthatitwasaburden，tohaveherheredwellinginhismind。Shewouldhavetogo，home，thatwasall。Onceshewasaway，therewouldbenomore，comingbackinthespring。
Carriewasafraidofwhatshewasgoingtodo，butshewas，relievedtoknowthatthisconditionwasending。Theywouldnot，care。Hansonparticularlywouldbegladwhenshewent。Hewould，notcarewhatbecameofher。
Afterdinnershewentintothebathroom，wheretheycouldnot，disturbher，andwrotealittlenote。
“Good-bye，Minnie，“itread。”I’mnotgoinghome。I’mgoingto，stayinChicagoalittlewhileandlookforwork。Don’tworry。
I’llbeallright。”
InthefrontroomHansonwasreadinghispaper。Asusual，she，helpedMinnieclearawaythedishesandstraightenup。Thenshe，said：
“IguessI’llstanddownatthedooralittlewhile。”Shecould，scarcelypreventhervoicefromtrembling。
MinnierememberedHanson’sremonstrance。
“Svendoesn’tthinkitlooksgoodtostanddownthere，“shesaid。
“Doesn’the？”saidCarrie。”Iwon’tdoitanymoreafterthis。”
Sheputonherhatandfidgetedaroundthetableinthelittle，bedroom，wonderingwheretoslipthenote。Finallysheputit，underMinnie’shair-brush。
Whenshehadclosedthehall-door，shepausedamomentand，wonderedwhattheywouldthink。Somethoughtofthequeernessof，herdeedaffectedher。Shewentslowlydownthestairs。She，lookedbackupthelightedstep，andthenaffectedtostrollup，thestreet。Whenshereachedthecornershequickenedherpace。
Asshewashurryingaway，Hansoncamebacktohiswife。
“IsCarriedownatthedooragain？”heasked。
“Yes，“saidMinnie;“shesaidshewasn’tgoingtodoitany，more。”
Hewentovertothebabywhereitwasplayingonthefloorand，begantopokehisfingeratit。
Drouetwasonthecornerwaiting，ingoodspirits。
“Hello，Carrie，“hesaid，asasprightlyfigureofagirldrew，nearhim。”Gotheresafe，didyou？，Well，we’lltakeacar。”
ChapterVIII
INTIMATIONSBYWINTER——ANAMBASSADORSUMMONED
Amongtheforceswhichsweepandplaythroughouttheuniverse，untutoredmanisbutawispinthewind。Ourcivilisationis，stillinamiddlestage，scarcelybeast，inthatitisnolonger，whollyguidedbyinstinct;scarcelyhuman，inthatitisnotyet，whollyguidedbyreason。Onthetigernoresponsibilityrests。
Weseehimalignedbynaturewiththeforcesoflife——heisborn，intotheirkeepingandwithoutthoughtheisprotected。Wesee，manfarremovedfromthelairsofthejungles，hisinnate，instinctsdulledbytoonearanapproachtofree-will，hisfree-
willnotsufficientlydevelopedtoreplacehisinstinctsand，affordhimperfectguidance。
Heisbecomingtoowisetohearkenalwaystoinstinctsand，desires;heisstilltooweaktoalwaysprevailagainstthem。As，abeast，theforcesoflifealignedhimwiththem;asaman，he，hasnotyetwhollylearnedtoalignhimselfwiththeforces。In，thisintermediatestagehewavers——neitherdrawninharmonywith，naturebyhisinstinctsnoryetwiselyputtinghimselfinto，harmonybyhisownfree-will。Heisevenasawispinthewind，movedbyeverybreathofpassion，actingnowbyhiswillandnow，byhisinstincts，erringwithone，onlytoretrievebytheother，fallingbyone，onlytorisebytheother——acreatureof，incalculablevariability。Wehavetheconsolationofknowing，thatevolutioniseverinaction，thattheidealisalightthat，cannotfail。Hewillnotforeverbalancethusbetweengoodand，evil。Whenthisjangleoffree-willinstinctshallhavebeen，adjusted，whenperfectunderstandinghasgiventheformerthe，powertoreplacethelatterentirely，manwillnolongervary。
Theneedleofunderstandingwillyetpointsteadfastand，unwaveringtothedistinctpoleoftruth。
InCarrie——asinhowmanyofourworldlingsdotheynot？——
instinctandreason，desireandunderstanding，wereatwarfor，themastery。Shefollowedwhitherhercravingled。Shewasas，yetmoredrawnthanshedrew。
WhenMinniefoundthenotenextmorning，afteranightofmingled，wonderandanxiety，whichwasnotexactlytouchedbyyearning，sorrow，orlove，sheexclaimed：“Well，whatdoyouthinkof，that？”
“What？”saidHanson。
“SisterCarriehasgonetolivesomewhereelse。”
Hansonjumpedoutofbedwithmoreceleritythanheusually，displayedandlookedatthenote。Theonlyindicationofhis，thoughtscameintheformofalittleclickingsoundmadebyhis，tongue;thesoundsomepeoplemakewhentheywishtourgeona，horse。
“Wheredoyousupposeshe’sgoneto？”saidMinnie，thoroughly，aroused。
“Idon’tknow，“atouchofcynicismlightinghiseye。“Nowshe，hasgoneanddoneit。”
Minniemovedherheadinapuzzledway。
“Oh，oh，“shesaid，“shedoesn’tknowwhatshehasdone。”
“Well，“saidHanson，afterawhile，stickinghishandsoutbefore，him，“whatcanyoudo？”
Minnie’swomanlynaturewashigherthanthis。Shefiguredthe，possibilitiesinsuchcases。
“Oh，“shesaidatlast，“poorSisterCarrie！”
Atthetimeofthisparticularconversation，whichoccurredat5
A。M。thatlittlesoldieroffortunewassleepingarather，troubledsleepinhernewroom，alone。
Carrie’snewstatewasremarkableinthatshesawpossibilities，init。Shewasnosensualist，longingtodrowsesleepilyinthe，lapofluxury。Sheturnedabout，troubledbyherdaring，gladof，herrelease，wonderingwhethershewouldgetsomethingtodo，wonderingwhatDrouetwoulddo。Thatworthyhadhisfuturefixed，forhimbeyondaperadventure。Hecouldnothelpwhathewas，goingtodo。Hecouldnotseeclearlyenoughtowishtodo，differently。Hewasdrawnbyhisinnatedesiretoacttheold，pursuingpart。HewouldneedtodelighthimselfwithCarrieas，surelyashewouldneedtoeathisheavybreakfast。Hemight，suffertheleastrudimentarytwingeofconscienceinwhateverhe，did，andinjustsofarhewasevilandsinning。Butwhatever，twingesofconsciencehemighthavewouldberudimentary，youmay，besure。
ThenextdayhecalleduponCarrie，andshesawhiminher，chamber。Hewasthesamejolly，enliveningsoul。
“Aw，“hesaid，“whatareyoulookingsoblueabout？Comeonout，tobreakfast。Youwanttogetyourotherclothesto-day。”
Carrielookedathimwiththehueofshiftingthoughtinher，largeeyes。
“IwishIcouldgetsomethingtodo，“shesaid。
“You’llgetthatallright，“saidDrouet。”What’stheuse，worryingrightnow？，Getyourselffixedup。Seethecity。I
won’thurtyou。”
“Iknowyouwon’t，“sheremarked，halftruthfully。
“Gotonthenewshoes，haven’tyou？，Stick’emout。George，they，lookfine。Putonyourjacket。”
Carrieobeyed。
“Say，thatfitslikeaT，don’tit？”heremarked，feelingtheset，ofitatthewaistandeyeingitfromafewpaceswithreal，pleasure。”Whatyouneednowisanewskirt。Let’sgoto，breakfast。”
Carrieputonherhat。
“Wherearethegloves？”heinquired。
“Here，“shesaid，takingthemoutofthebureaudrawer。
“Now，comeon，“hesaid。
Thusthefirsthourofmisgivingwassweptaway。
Itwentthiswayoneveryoccasion。Drouetdidnotleaveher，muchalone。Shehadtimeforsomelonewanderings，butmostlyhe，filledherhourswithsight-seeing。AtCarson，Pirie’shebought，heraniceskirtandshirtwaist。Withhismoneyshepurchased，thelittlenecessariesoftoilet，untilatlastshelookedquite，anothermaiden。Themirrorconvincedherofafewthingswhich，shehadlongbelieved。Shewaspretty，yes，indeed！，Hownice，herhatset，andweren’thereyespretty。Shecaughtherlittle，redlipwithherteethandfeltherfirstthrillofpower。
Drouetwassogood。
Theywenttosee“TheMikado“oneevening，anoperawhichwas，hilariouslypopularatthattime。Beforegoing，theymadeoff，fortheWindsordining-room，whichwasinDearbornStreet，a，considerabledistancefromCarrie’sroom。Itwasblowingup，cold，andoutofherwindowCarriecouldseethewesternsky，stillpinkwiththefadinglight，butsteelyblueatthetop，whereitmetthedarkness。Along，thincloudofpinkhungin，midair，shapedlikesomeislandinafar-offsea。Somehowthe，swayingofsomedeadbranchesoftreesacrossthewaybrought，backthepicturewithwhichshewasfamiliarwhenshelookedfrom，theirfrontwindowinDecemberdaysathome。
Shepausedandwrungherlittlehands。
“What’sthematter？”saidDrouet。
“Oh，Idon’tknow，“shesaid，herliptrembling。
Hesensedsomething，andslippedhisarmoverhershoulder，pattingherarm。
“Comeon，“hesaidgently，“you’reallright。”
Sheturnedtosliponherjacket。
“Betterwearthatboaaboutyourthroattonight。”
TheywalkednorthonWabashtoAdamsStreetandthenwest。The，lightsinthestoreswerealreadyshiningoutingushesofgolden，hue。Thearclightsweresputteringoverhead，andhighupwere，thelightedwindowsofthetallofficebuildings。Thechillwind，whippedinandoutingustybreaths。Homewardbound，thesix，o’clockthrongbumpedandjostled。Lightovercoatswereturnedup，abouttheears，hatswerepulleddown。Littleshop-girlswent，flutteringbyinpairsandfours，chattering，laughing。Itwasa，spectacleofwarm-bloodedhumanity。
SuddenlyapairofeyesmetCarrie’sinrecognition。Theywere，lookingoutfromagroupofpoorlydressedgirls。Theirclothes，werefadedandloose-hanging，theirjacketsold，theirgeneral，make-upshabby。
Carrierecognisedtheglanceandthegirl。Shewasoneofthose，whoworkedatthemachinesintheshoefactory。Thelatter，looked，notquitesure，andthenturnedherheadandlooked。
Carriefeltasifsomegreattidehadrolledbetweenthem。The，olddressandtheoldmachinecameback。Sheactuallystarted。
Drouetdidn’tnoticeuntilCarriebumpedintoapedestrian。
“Youmustbethinking，“hesaid。
Theydinedandwenttothetheatre。Thatspectaclepleased，Carrieimmensely。Thecolourandgraceofitcaughthereye。
Shehadvainimaginingsaboutplaceandpower，aboutfar-off，landsandmagnificentpeople。Whenitwasover，theclatterof，coachesandthethrongoffineladiesmadeherstare。
“Waitaminute，“saidDrouet，holdingherbackintheshowyfoyer，whereladiesandgentlemenweremovinginasocialcrush，skirts，rustling，lace-coveredheadsnodding，whiteteethshowingthrough，partedlips。“Let’ssee。”
“Sixty-seven，“thecoach-callerwassaying，hisvoiceliftedina，sortofeuphoniouscry。”Sixty-seven。”
“Isn’titfine？”saidCarrie。
“Great，“saidDrouet。Hewasasmuchaffectedbythisshowof，fineryandgayetyasshe。Hepressedherarmwarmly。Onceshe，lookedup，hereventeethglisteningthroughhersmilinglips，hereyesalight。Astheyweremovingouthewhispereddownto，her，“Youlooklovely！”Theywererightwherethecoach-caller，wasswingingopenacoach-doorandusheringintwoladies。
“Yousticktomeandwe’llhaveacoach，“laughedDrouet。
Carriescarcelyheard，herheadwassofulloftheswirloflife。
Theystoppedinatarestaurantforalittleafter-theatrelunch。
JustashadeofathoughtofthehourenteredCarrie’shead，but，therewasnohouseholdlawtogovernhernow。Ifanyhabitsever，hadtimetofixuponher，theywouldhaveoperatedhere。Habits，arepeculiarthings。Theywilldrivethereallynon-religious，mindoutofbedtosayprayersthatareonlyacustomandnota，devotion。Thevictimofhabit，whenhehasneglectedthething，whichitwashiscustomtodo，feelsalittlescratchinginthe，brain，alittleirritatingsomethingwhichcomesofbeingoutof，therut，andimaginesittobetheprickofconscience，the，still，smallvoicethatisurginghimevertorighteousness。If，thedigressionisunusualenough，thedragofhabitwillbeheavy，enoughtocausetheunreasoningvictimtoreturnandperformthe，perfunctorything。”Now，blessme，“sayssuchamind，“Ihave，donemyduty，“when，asamatteroffact，ithasmerelydoneits，old，unbreakabletrickonceagain。
Carriehadnoexcellenthomeprinciplesfixeduponher。Ifshe，had，shewouldhavebeenmoreconsciouslydistressed。Nowthe，lunchwentoffwithconsiderablewarmth。Undertheinfluenceof，thevariedoccurrences，thefine，invisiblepassionwhichwas，emanatingfromDrouet，thefood，thestillunusualluxury，she，relaxedandheardwithopenears。Shewasagainthevictimof，thecity’shypnoticinfluence。
“Well，“saidDrouetatlast，“wehadbetterbegoing。”
Theyhadbeendawdlingoverthedishes，andtheireyeshad，frequentlymet。Carriecouldnothelpbutfeelthevibrationof，forcewhichfollowed，which，indeed，washisgaze。Hehadaway，oftouchingherhandinexplanation，asiftoimpressafactupon，her。Hetoucheditnowashespokeofgoing。
Theyaroseandwentoutintothestreet。Thedowntownsection，wasnowbare，saveforafewwhistlingstrollers，afewowlcars，afewopenresortswhosewindowswerestillbright。OutWabash，Avenuetheystrolled，Drouetstillpouringforthhisvolumeof，smallinformation。HehadCarrie’sarminhis，andheldit，closelyasheexplained。Onceinawhile，aftersomewitticism，hewouldlookdown，andhiseyeswouldmeethers。Atlastthey，cametothesteps，andCarriestooduponthefirstone，herhead，nowcomingevenwithhisown。Hetookherhandandheldit，genially。Helookedsteadilyatherassheglancedabout，warmly，musing。
Ataboutthathour，Minniewassoundlysleeping，afteralong，eveningoftroubledthought。Shehadherelbowinanawkward，positionunderherside。Themusclessoheldirritatedafew，nerves，andnowavaguescenefloatedinonthedrowsymind。She，fanciedsheandCarrieweresomewherebesideanoldcoal-mine。
Shecouldseethetallrunwayandtheheapofearthandcoalcast，out。Therewasadeeppit，intowhichtheywerelooking;they，couldseethecuriouswetstonesfardownwherethewall，disappearedinvagueshadows。Anoldbasket，usedfor，descending，washangingthere，fastenedbyawornrope。
“Let’sgetin，“saidCarrie。
“Oh，no，“saidMinnie。
“Yes，comeon，“saidCarrie。
Shebegantopullthebasketover，andnow，inspiteofall，protest，shehadswungoverandwasgoingdown。
“Carrie，“shecalled，“Carrie，comeback“;butCarriewasfar，downnowandtheshadowhadswallowedhercompletely。
Shemovedherarm。
Nowthemysticscenerymergedqueerlyandtheplacewasbywaters，shehadneverseen。Theywereuponsomeboardorgroundor，somethingthatreachedfarout，andattheendofthiswas，Carrie。Theylookedabout，andnowthethingwassinking，and，Minnieheardthelowsipoftheencroachingwater。
“Comeon，Carrie，“shecalled，butCarriewasreachingfarther，out。Sheseemedtorecede，andnowitwasdifficulttocallto，her。
“Carrie，“shecalled，“Carrie，“butherownvoicesoundedfar，away，andthestrangewaterswereblurringeverything。Shecame，awaysufferingasthoughshehadlostsomething。Shewasmore，inexpressiblysadthanshehadeverbeeninlife。
Itwasthiswaythroughmanyshiftsofthetiredbrain，those，curiousphantomsofthespiritslippingin，blurringstrange，scenes，onewiththeother。Thelastonemadehercryout，for，Carriewasslippingawaysomewhereoverarock，andherfingers，hadletlooseandshehadseenherfalling。
“Minnie！，What’sthematter？，Here，wakeup，“saidHanson，disturbed，andshakingherbytheshoulder。
“Wha——what’sthematter？”saidMinnie，drowsily。
“Wakeup，“hesaid，“andturnover。You’retalkinginyour，sleep。”
AweekorsolaterDrouetstrolledintoFitzgeraldandMoy’s，spruceindressandmanner。
“Hello，Charley，“saidHurstwood，lookingoutfromhisoffice，door。
Drouetstrolledoverandlookedinuponthemanagerathisdesk。
“Whendoyougooutontheroadagain？”heinquired。
“Prettysoon，“saidDrouet。
“Haven’tseenmuchofyouthistrip，“saidHurstwood。
“Well，I’vebeenbusy，“saidDrouet。
Theytalkedsomefewminutesongeneraltopics。
“Say，“saidDrouet，asifstruckbyasuddenidea，“Iwantyouto，comeoutsomeevening。”
“Outwhere？”inquiredHurstwood。
“Outtomyhouse，ofcourse，“saidDrouet，smiling。
Hurstwoodlookedupquizzically，theleastsuggestionofasmile，hoveringabouthislips。HestudiedthefaceofDrouetinhis，wiseway，andthenwiththedemeanourofagentleman，said：
“Certainly;gladto。”
“We’llhaveanicegameofeuchre。”
“MayIbringanicelittlebottleofSec？”askedHurstwood。
“Certainly，“saidDrouet。”I’llintroduceyou。”
ChapterIX
CONVENTION’SOWNTINDER-BOX——THEEYETHATISGREEN
Hurstwood’sresidenceontheNorthSide，nearLincolnPark，wasa，brickbuildingofaverypopulartypethen，athree-storyaffair，withthefirstfloorsunkaverylittlebelowthelevelofthe，street。Ithadalargebaywindowbulgingoutfromthesecond，floor，andwasgracedinfrontbyasmallgrassyplot，twenty-
fivefeetwideandtenfeetdeep。Therewasalsoasmallrear，yard，walledinbythefencesoftheneighboursandholdinga，stablewherehekepthishorseandtrap。
Thetenroomsofthehousewereoccupiedbyhimself，hiswife，Julia，andhissonanddaughter，George，Jr。andJessica。There，werebesidestheseamaid-servant，representedfromtimetotime，bygirlsofvariousextraction，forMrs。Hurstwoodwasnotalways，easytoplease。
“George，IletMarygoyesterday，“wasnotanunfrequent，salutationatthedinnertable。
“Allright，“washisonlyreply。Hehadlongsinceweariedof，discussingtherancoroussubject。
Alovelyhomeatmosphereisoneoftheflowersoftheworld，than，whichthereisnothingmoretender，nothingmoredelicate，nothingmorecalculatedtomakestrongandjustthenatures，cradledandnourishedwithinit。Thosewhohaveneverexperienced，suchabeneficentinfluencewillnotunderstandwhereforethe，tearspringsglisteningtotheeyelidsatsomestrangebreathin，lovelymusic。Themysticchordswhichbindandthrilltheheart，ofthenation，theywillneverknow。
Hurstwood’sresidencecouldscarcelybesaidtobeinfusedwith，thishomespirit。Itlackedthattolerationandregardwithout，whichthehomeisnothing。Therewasfinefurniture，arrangedas，soothinglyastheartisticperceptionoftheoccupantswarranted。
Thereweresoftrugs，rich，upholsteredchairsanddivans，a，grandpiano，amarblecarvingofsomeunknownVenusbysome，unknownartist，andanumberofsmallbronzesgatheredfrom，heavenknowswhere，butgenerallysoldbythelargefurniture，housesalongwitheverythingelsewhichgoestomakethe，“perfectlyappointedhouse。”
Inthedining-roomstoodasideboardladenwithglistening，decantersandotherutilitiesandornamentsinglass，the，arrangementofwhichcouldnotbequestioned。Herewassomething，Hurstwoodknewabout。Hehadstudiedthesubjectforyearsinhis，business。HetooknolittlesatisfactionintellingeachMary，shortlyaftershearrived，somethingofwhattheartofthething，required。Hewasnotgarrulousbyanymeans。Onthecontrary，therewasafinereserveinhismannertowardtheentiredomestic，economyofhislifewhichwasallthatiscomprehendedbythe，popularterm，gentlemanly。Hewouldnotargue，hewouldnottalk，freely。Inhismannerwassomethingofthedogmatist。Whathe，couldnotcorrect，hewouldignore。Therewasatendencyinhim，towalkawayfromtheimpossiblething。
Therewasatimewhenhehadbeenconsiderablyenamouredofhis，Jessica，especiallywhenhewasyoungerandmoreconfinedinhis，success。Now，however，inherseventeenthyear，Jessicahad，developedacertainamountofreserveandindependencewhichwas，notinvitingtotherichestformofparentaldevotion。Shewasin，thehighschool，andhadnotionsoflifewhichweredecidedly，thoseofapatrician。Shelikedniceclothesandurgedforthem，constantly。Thoughtsofloveandelegantindividual，establishmentswererunninginherhead。Shemetgirlsatthe，highschoolwhoseparentsweretrulyrichandwhosefathershad，standinglocallyaspartnersorownersofsolidbusinesses。
Thesegirlsgavethemselvestheairsbefittingthethriving，domesticestablishmentsfromwhencetheyissued。Theywerethe，onlyonesoftheschoolaboutwhomJessicaconcernedherself。
YoungHurstwood，Jr。wasinhistwentiethyear，andwasalready，connectedinapromisingcapacitywithalargerealestatefirm。
Hecontributednothingforthedomesticexpensesofthefamily，butwasthoughttobesavinghismoneytoinvestinrealestate。
Hehadsomeability，considerablevanity，andaloveofpleasure，thathadnot，asyet，infringeduponhisduties，whateverthey，were。Hecameinandwentout，pursuinghisownplansand，fancies，addressingafewwordstohismotheroccasionally，relatingsomelittleincidenttohisfather，butforthemost，partconfininghimselftothosegeneralitieswithwhichmost，conversationconcernsitself。Hewasnotlayingbarehisdesires，foranyonetosee。Hedidnotfindanyoneinthehousewho，particularlycaredtosee。
Mrs。Hurstwoodwasthetypeofwomanwhohaseverendeavouredto，shineandhasbeenmoreorlesschagrinedattheevidencesof，superiorcapabilityinthisdirectionelsewhere。Herknowledge，oflifeextendedtothatlittleconventionalroundofsocietyof，whichshewasnot——butlongedtobe——amember。Shewasnot，withoutrealisationalreadythatthisthingwasimpossible，so，farasshewasconcerned。Forherdaughter，shehopedbetter，things。ThroughJessicashemightrisealittle。Through，George，Jr。’s，possiblesuccessshemightdrawtoherselfthe，privilegeofpointingproudly。EvenHurstwoodwasdoingwell，enough，andshewasanxiousthathissmallrealestateadventures，shouldprosper。Hispropertyholdings，asyet，wererather，small，buthisincomewaspleasingandhispositionwith，FitzgeraldandMoywasfixed。Boththosegentlemenwereon，pleasantandratherinformaltermswithhim。
Theatmospherewhichsuchpersonalitieswouldcreatemustbe，apparenttoall。Itworkedoutinathousandlittle，conversations，allofwhichwereofthesamecalibre。
“I’mgoinguptoFoxLaketo-morrow，“announcedGeorge，Jr。at，thedinnertableoneFridayevening。
“What’sgoingonupthere？”queriedMrs。Hurstwood。
“EddieFahrway’sgotanewsteamlaunch，andhewantsmetocome，upandseehowitworks。”
“Howmuchdiditcosthim？”askedhismother。
“Oh，overtwothousanddollars。Hesaysit’sadandy。”
“OldFahrwaymustbemakingmoney，“putinHurstwood。
“Heis，Iguess。JacktoldmetheywereshippingVegacurato，Australianow——saidtheysentawholeboxtoCapeTownlast，week。”
“Justthinkofthat！”saidMrs。Hurstwood，“andonlyfouryears，agotheyhadthatbasementinMadisonStreet。”
“Jacktoldmetheyweregoingtoputupasix-storybuildingnext，springinRobeyStreet。”
“Justthinkofthat！”saidJessica。
OnthisparticularoccasionHurstwoodwishedtoleaveearly。
“IguessI’llbegoingdowntown，“heremarked，rising。
“ArewegoingtoMcVicker’sMonday？”questionedMrs。Hurstwood，withoutrising。
“Yes，“hesaidindifferently。
Theywentondining，whilehewentupstairsforhishatandcoat。
Presentlythedoorclicked。
“Iguesspapa’sgone，“saidJessica。
Thelatter’sschoolnewswasofaparticularstripe。
“They’regoingtogiveaperformanceintheLyceum，upstairs，“
shereportedoneday，“andI’mgoingtobeinit。”
“Areyou？”saidhermother。
“Yes，andI’llhavetohaveanewdress。Someofthenicest，girlsintheschoolaregoingtobeinit。MissPalmerisgoing，totakethepartofPortia。”
“Isshe？”saidMrs。Hurstwood。
“They’vegotthatMarthaGriswoldinitagain。Shethinksshe，canact。”
“Herfamilydoesn’tamounttoanything，doesit？”saidMrs。
Hurstwoodsympathetically。”Theyhaven’tanything，havethey？”
“No，“returnedJessica，“they’repooraschurchmice。”
Shedistinguishedverycarefullybetweentheyoungboysofthe，school，manyofwhomwereattractedbyherbeauty。
“Whatdoyouthink？”sheremarkedtohermotheroneevening;
“thatHerbertCranetriedtomakefriendswithme。”
“Whoishe，mydear？”inquiredMrs。Hurstwood。
“Oh，noone，“saidJessica，pursingherprettylips。“He’sjusta，studentthere。Hehasn’tanything。”
TheotherhalfofthispicturecamewhenyoungBlyford，sonof，Blyford，thesoapmanufacturer，walkedhomewithher。Mrs。
Hurstwoodwasonthethirdfloor，sittinginarocking-chair，reading，andhappenedtolookoutatthetime。
“Whowasthatwithyou，Jessica？”sheinquired，asJessicacame，upstairs。
“It’sMr。Blyford，mamma，“shereplied。
“Isit？”saidMrs。Hurstwood。
“Yes，andhewantsmetostrolloverintotheparkwithhim，“
explainedJessica，alittleflushedwithrunningupthestairs。
“Allright，mydear，“saidMrs。Hurstwood。”Don’tbegonelong。”
Asthetwowentdownthestreet，sheglancedinterestedlyoutof，thewindow。Itwasamostsatisfactoryspectacleindeed，most，satisfactory。
InthisatmosphereHurstwoodhadmovedforanumberofyears，not，thinkingdeeplyconcerningit。Hiswasnottheorderofnature，totroubleforsomethingbetter，unlessthebetterwas，immediatelyandsharplycontrasted。Asitwas，hereceivedand，gave，irritatedsometimesbythelittledisplaysofselfish，indifference，pleasedattimesbysomeshowoffinerywhich，supposedlymadefordignityandsocialdistinction。Thelifeof，theresortwhichhemanagedwashislife。Therehespentmostof，histime。Whenhewenthomeeveningsthehouselookednice。
Withrareexceptionsthemealswereacceptable，beingthekind，thatanordinaryservantcanarrange。Inpart，hewasinterested，inthetalkofhissonanddaughter，whoalwayslookedwell。The，vanityofMrs。Hurstwoodcausedhertokeepherpersonrather，showilyarrayed，buttoHurstwoodthiswasmuchbetterthan，plainness。Therewasnolovelostbetweenthem。Therewasno，greatfeelingofdissatisfaction。Heropiniononanysubjectwas，notstartling。Theydidnottalkenoughtogethertocometothe，argumentofanyonepoint。Intheacceptedandpopularphrase，shehadherideasandhehadhis。Onceinawhilehewouldmeet，awomanwhoseyouth，sprightliness，andhumourwouldmakehis，wifeseemratherdeficientbycontrast，butthetemporary，dissatisfactionwhichsuchanencountermightarousewouldbe，counterbalancedbyhissocialpositionandacertainmatterof，policy。Hecouldnotcomplicatehishomelife，becauseitmight，affecthisrelationswithhisemployers。Theywantedno，scandals。Aman，toholdhisposition，musthaveadignified，manner，acleanrecord，arespectablehomeanchorage。Therefore，hewascircumspectinallhedid，andwheneverheappearedinthe，publicwaysintheafternoon，oronSunday，itwaswithhiswife，andsometimeshischildren。Hewouldvisitthelocalresorts，or，thosenearbyinWisconsin，andspendafewstiff，polisheddays，strollingaboutconventionalplacesdoingconventionalthings。
Heknewtheneedofit。
Whensomeoneofthemanymiddle-classindividualswhomheknew，whohadmoney，wouldgetintotrouble，hewouldshakehishead。
Itdidn’tdototalkaboutthosethings。Ifitcameupfor，discussionamongsuchfriendsaswithhimpassedforclose，he，woulddeprecatethefollyofthething。”Itwasallrighttodo，it——allmendothosethings——butwhywasn’thecareful？，Aman，can’tbetoocareful。”，Helostsympathyforthemanthatmadea，mistakeandwasfoundout。
Onthisaccounthestilldevotedsometimetoshowinghiswife，about——timewhichwouldhavebeenwearisomeindeedifithadnot，beenforthepeoplehewouldmeetandthelittleenjoymentswhich，didnotdependuponherpresenceorabsence。Hewatchedherwith，considerablecuriosityattimes，forshewasstillattractivein，awayandmenlookedather。Shewasaffable，vain，subjectto，flattery，andthiscombination，heknewquitewell，mightproduce，atragedyinawomanofherhomeposition。Owingtohisorderof，mind，hisconfidenceinthesexwasnotgreat。Hiswifenever，possessedthevirtueswhichwouldwintheconfidenceand，admirationofamanofhisnature。Aslongasshelovedhim，vigorouslyhecouldseehowconfidencecouldbe，butwhenthat，wasnolongerthebindingchain——well，somethingmighthappen。
Duringthelastyearortwotheexpensesofthefamilyseemeda，largething。Jessicawantedfineclothes，andMrs。Hurstwood，nottobeoutshonebyherdaughter，alsofrequentlyenlivenedher，apparel。Hurstwoodhadsaidnothinginthepast，butonedayhe，murmured。
“Jessicamusthaveanewdressthismonth，“saidMrs。Hurstwood，onemorning。
Hurstwoodwasarrayinghimselfinoneofhisperfectionvests，beforetheglassatthetime。
“Ithoughtshejustboughtone，“hesaid。
“Thatwasjustsomethingforeveningwear，“returnedhiswife，complacently。
“Itseemstome，“returnedHurstwood，“thatshe’sspendingagood，dealfordressesoflate。”
“Well，she’sgoingoutmore，“concludedhiswife，butthetoneof，hisvoiceimpressedherascontainingsomethingshehadnotheard，therebefore。
Hewasnotamanwhotraveledmuch，butwhenhedid，hehadbeen，accustomedtotakeheralong。Ononeoccasionrecentlyalocal，aldermanicjunkethadbeenarrangedtovisitPhiladelphia——a，junketthatwastolasttendays。Hurstwoodhadbeeninvited。
“Nobodyknowsusdownthere，“saidone，agentlemanwhoseface，wasaslightimprovementovergrossignoranceandsensuality。He，alwaysworeasilkhatofmostimposingproportions。”Wecan，haveagoodtime。”Hislefteyemovedwithjustthesemblanceof，awink。“Youwanttocomealong，George。”
ThenextdayHurstwoodannouncedhisintentiontohiswife。
“I’mgoingaway，Julia，“hesaid，“forafewdays。”
“Where？”sheasked，lookingup。
“ToPhiladelphia，onbusiness。”
Shelookedathimconsciously，expectingsomethingelse。
“I’llhavetoleaveyoubehindthistime。”
“Allright，“shereplied，buthecouldseethatshewasthinking，thatitwasacuriousthing。Beforehewentsheaskedhimafew，morequestions，andthatirritatedhim。Hebegantofeelthat，shewasadisagreeableattachment。
Onthistripheenjoyedhimselfthoroughly，andwhenitwasover，hewassorrytogetback。Hewasnotwillinglyaprevaricator，andhatedthoroughlytomakeexplanationsconcerningit。The，wholeincidentwasglossedoverwithgeneralremarks，butMrs。
Hurstwoodgavethesubjectconsiderablethought。Shedroveout，more，dressedbetter，andattendedtheatresfreelytomakeupfor，it。
Suchanatmospherecouldhardlycomeunderthecategoryofhome，life。Itranalongbyforceofhabit，byforceofconventional，opinion。Withthelapseoftimeitmustnecessarilybecomedryer，anddryer——musteventuallybetinder，easilylightedand，destroyed。
ChapterX
THECOUNSELOFWINTER——FORTUNE’SAMBASSADORCALLS
Inthelightoftheworld’sattitudetowardwomanandherduties，thenatureofCarrie’smentalstatedeservesconsideration。
Actionssuchashersaremeasuredbyanarbitraryscale。Society，possessesaconventionalstandardwherebyitjudgesallthings。
Allmenshouldbegood，allwomenvirtuous。Wherefore，villain，hastthoufailed？
ForalltheliberalanalysisofSpencerandourmodern，naturalisticphilosophers，wehavebutaninfantileperceptionof，morals。Thereismoreinthesubjectthanmereconformitytoa，lawofevolution。Itisyetdeeperthanconformitytothingsof，earthalone。Itismoreinvolvedthanwe，asyet，perceive。
Answer，first，whytheheartthrills;explainwhereforesome，plaintivenotegoeswanderingabouttheworld，undying;make，cleartherose’ssubtlealchemyevolvingitsruddylampinlight，andrain。Intheessenceofthesefactsliethefirstprinciples，ofmorals。
“Oh，“thoughtDrouet，“howdeliciousismyconquest。”
“Ah，“thoughtCarrie，withmournfulmisgivings，“whatisitI
havelost？”
Beforethisworld-oldpropositionwestand，serious，interested，confused;endeavouringtoevolvethetruetheoryofmorals——the，trueanswertowhatisright。
Intheviewofacertainstratumofsociety，Carriewas，comfortablyestablished——intheeyesofthestarveling，beatenby，everywindandgustysheetofrain，shewassafeinahalcyon，harbour。Drouethadtakenthreerooms，furnished，inOgden，Place，facingUnionPark，ontheWestSide。Thatwasalittle，green-carpetedbreathingspot，thanwhich，to-day，thereis，nothingmorebeautifulinChicago。Itaffordedavistapleasant，tocontemplate。Thebestroomlookedoutuponthelawnofthe，park，nowsearandbrown，wherealittlelakelaysheltered。
Overthebarelimbsofthetrees，whichnowswayedinthewintry，wind，rosethesteepleoftheUnionParkCongregationalChurch，andfaroffthetowersofseveralothers。
Theroomswerecomfortablyenoughfurnished。Therewasagood，Brusselscarpetonthefloor，richindullredandlemonshades，andrepresentinglargejardinieresfilledwithgorgeous，impossibleflowers。Therewasalargepier-glassmirrorbetween，thetwowindows。Alarge，soft，green，plush-coveredcouch，occupiedonecorner，andseveralrocking-chairsweresetabout。
Somepictures，severalrugs，afewsmallpiecesofbric-a-brac，andthetaleofcontentsistold。
Inthebedroom，offthefrontroom，wasCarrie’strunk，boughtby，Drouet，andinthewardrobebuiltintothewallquiteanarrayof，clothing——morethanshehadeverpossessedbefore，andofvery，becomingdesigns。Therewasathirdroomforpossibleuseasa，kitchen，whereDrouethadCarrieestablishalittleportablegas，stoveforthepreparationofsmalllunches，oysters，Welsh，rarebits，andthelike，ofwhichhewasexceedinglyfond;and，lastly，abath。Thewholeplacewascosey，inthatitwas，lightedbygasandheatedbyfurnaceregisters，possessingalsoa，smallgrate，setwithanasbestosback，amethodofcheerful，warmingwhichwasthenfirstcomingintouse。Byherindustry，andnaturalloveoforder，whichnowdeveloped，theplace，maintainedanairpleasingintheextreme。
Here，then，wasCarrie，establishedinapleasantfashion，free，ofcertaindifficultieswhichmostominouslyconfrontedher，ladenwithmanynewoneswhichwereofamentalorder，and，altogethersoturnedaboutinallofherearthlyrelationships，thatshemightwellhavebeenanewanddifferentindividual。
ShelookedintoherglassandsawaprettierCarriethanshehad，seenbefore;shelookedintohermind，amirrorpreparedofher，ownandtheworld’sopinions，andsawaworse。Betweenthesetwo，imagesshewavered，hesitatingwhichtobelieve。
“My，butyou’realittlebeauty，“Drouetwaswonttoexclaimto，her。
Shewouldlookathimwithlarge，pleasedeyes。
“Youknowit，don’tyou？”hewouldcontinue。
“Oh，Idon’tknow，“shewouldreply，feelingdelightinthefact，thatoneshouldthinkso，hesitatingtobelieve，thoughshe，reallydid，thatshewasvainenoughtothinksomuchofherself。