第12章
“What’stheuse？”hethought，lookingoutupontheslopandsnow。
“Icouldn’tbuyintoit。It’sathousandtoonenothingcomesof，it。IguessI’llgetoff，“andoffhegot。Inthelobbyhetook，aseatandwaitedagain，wonderingwhathecoulddo。
Whilehewasidlypondering，satisfiedtobeinside，awell-
dressedmanpassedupthelobby，stopped，lookedsharply，asif，notsureofhismemory，andthenapproached。Hurstwood，recognisedCargill，theownerofthelargestablesinChicagoof，thesamename，whomhehadlastseenatAveryHall，thenight，Carrieappearedthere。Theremembranceofhowthisindividual，broughtuphiswifetoshakehandsonthatoccasionwasalsoon，theinstantclear。
Hurstwoodwasgreatlyabashed。Hiseyesexpressedthedifficulty，hefelt。
“Why，it’sHurstwood！”saidCargill，rememberingnow，andsorry，thathehadnotrecognisedhimquicklyenoughinthebeginningto，haveavoidedthismeeting。
“Yes，“saidHurstwood。”Howareyou？”
“Verywell，“saidCargill，troubledforsomethingtotalkabout。
“Stoppinghere？”
“No，“saidHurstwood，“justkeepinganappointment。”
“IknewyouhadleftChicago。Iwaswonderingwhathadbecomeof，you。”
“Oh，I’mherenow，“answeredHurstwood，anxioustogetaway。
“Doingwell，Isuppose？”
“Excellent。”
“Gladtohearit。”
Theylookedatoneanother，ratherembarrassed。
“Well，Ihaveanengagementwithafriendupstairs。I’llleave，you。Solong。”
Hurstwoodnoddedhishead。
“Damnitall，“hemurmured，turningtowardthedoor。”Iknew，thatwouldhappen。”
Hewalkedseveralblocksupthestreet。Hiswatchonly，registered1。30。Hetriedtothinkofsomeplacetogoor，somethingtodo。Thedaywassobadhewantedonlytobeinside。
Finallyhisfeetbegantofeelwetandcold，andheboardeda，car。ThistookhimtoFifty-ninthStreet，whichwasasgoodas，anywhereelse。Landedhere，heturnedtowalkbackalongSeventh，Avenue，buttheslushwastoomuch。Themiseryofloungingabout，withnowheretogobecameintolerable。Hefeltasifhewere，catchingcold。
Stoppingatacorner，hewaitedforacarsouthbound。Thiswas，nodaytobeout;hewouldgohome。
Carriewassurprisedtoseehimataquarterofthree。
“It’samiserabledayout，“wasallhesaid。Thenhetookoff，hiscoatandchangedhisshoes。
Thatnighthefeltacoldcomingonandtookquinine。Hewas，feverishuntilmorning，andsataboutthenextdaywhileCarrie，waitedonhim。Hewasahelplesscreatureinsickness，notvery，handsomeinadull-colouredbathgownandhishairuncombed。He，lookedhaggardabouttheeyesandquiteold。Carrienoticed，this，anditdidnotappealtoher。Shewantedtobegood-
naturedandsympathetic，butsomethingaboutthemanheldher，aloof。
Towardeveninghelookedsobadlyintheweaklightthatshe，suggestedhegotobed。
“You’dbettersleepalone，“shesaid，“you’llfeelbetter。I’ll，openyourbedforyounow。”
“Allright，“hesaid。
Asshedidallthesethings，shewasinamostdespondentstate。
“Whatalife！Whatalife！”washeronethought。
Onceduringtheday，whenhesatneartheradiator，hunchedup，andreading，shepassedthrough，andseeinghim，wrinkledher，brows。Inthefrontroom，whereitwasnotsowarm，shesatby，thewindowandcried。Thiswasthelifecutoutforher，wasit？
Tolivecoopedupinasmallflatwithsomeonewhowasoutof，work，idle，andindifferenttoher。Shewasmerelyaservantto，himnow，nothingmore。
Thiscryingmadehereyesred，andwhen，inpreparinghisbed，shelightedthegas，and，havingpreparedit，calledhimin，he，noticedthefact。
“What’sthematterwithyou？”heasked，lookingintoherface。
Hisvoicewashoarseandhisunkemptheadonlyaddedtoits，grewsomequality。
“Nothing，“saidCarrie，weakly。
“You’vebeencrying，“hesaid。
“Ihaven’t，either，“sheanswered。
Itwasnotforloveofhim，thatheknew。
“Youneedn’tcry，“hesaid，gettingintobed。”Thingswillcome，outallright。”
Inadayortwohewasupagain，butroughweatherholding，he，stayedin。TheItaliannewsdealernowdeliveredthemorning，papers，andthesehereadassiduously。Afewtimesafterthathe，venturedout，butmeetinganotherofhisold-timefriends，he，begantofeeluneasysittingabouthotelcorridors。
Everydayhecamehomeearly，andatlastmadenopretenceof，goinganywhere。Winterwasnotimetolookforanything。
Naturally，beingaboutthehouse，henoticedthewayCarriedid，things。Shewasfarfromperfectinhouseholdmethodsand，economy，andherlittledeviationsonthisscorefirstcaughthis，eye。Not，however，beforeherregulardemandforherallowance，becameagrievousthing。Sittingaroundashedid，theweeks，seemedtopassveryquickly。EveryTuesdayCarrieaskedforher，money。
“Doyouthinkweliveascheaplyaswemight？”heaskedone，Tuesdaymorning。
“IdothebestIcan，“saidCarrie。
Nothingwasaddedtothisatthemoment，butthenextdayhe，said：
“DoyouevergototheGansevoortMarketoverhere？”
“Ididn’tknowtherewassuchamarket，“saidCarrie。
“Theysayyoucangetthingslotscheaperthere。”
Carriewasveryindifferenttothesuggestion。Thesewerethings，whichshedidnotlikeatall。
“Howmuchdoyoupayforapoundofmeat？”heaskedoneday。
“Oh，therearedifferentprices，“saidCarrie。”Sirloinsteakis，twenty-twocents。”
“That’ssteep，isn’tit？”heanswered。
Soheaskedaboutotherthings，untilfinally，withthepassing，days，itseemedtobecomeamaniawithhim。Helearnedthe，pricesandrememberedthem。
Hiserrand-runningcapacityalsoimproved。Itbeganinasmall，way，ofcourse。Carrie，goingtogetherhatonemorning，was，stoppedbyhim。
“Whereareyougoing，Carrie？”heasked。
“Overtothebaker’s，“sheanswered。
“I’djustasleavegoforyou，“hesaid。
Sheacquiesced，andhewent。Eachafternoonhewouldgotothe，cornerforthepapers。
“Isthereanythingyouwant？”hewouldsay。
Bydegreesshebegantousehim。Doingthis，however，shelost，theweeklypaymentoftwelvedollars。
“Youwanttopaymeto-day，“shesaidoneTuesday，aboutthis，time。
“Howmuch？”heasked。
Sheunderstoodwellenoughwhatitmeant。
“Well，aboutfivedollars，“sheanswered。”Iowethecoalman。”
Thesamedayhesaid：
“IthinkthisItalianuphereonthecornersellscoalattwenty-
fivecentsabushel。I’lltradewithhim。”
Carrieheardthiswithindifference。
“Allright，“shesaid。
Thenitcametobe：
“George，Imusthavesomecoalto-day，“or，“Youmustgetsome，meatofsomekindfordinner。”
Hewouldfindoutwhatsheneededandorder。
Accompanyingthisplancameskimpiness。
“Ionlygotahalf-poundofsteak，“hesaid，cominginone，afternoonwithhispapers。”Weneverseemtoeatverymuch。”
ThesemiserabledetailsatetheheartoutofCarrie。They，blackenedherdaysandgrievedhersoul。Oh，howthismanhad，changed！，Alldayandallday，herehesat，readinghispapers。
Theworldseemedtohavenoattraction。Onceinawhilehewould，goout，infineweather，itmightbefourorfivehours，between，elevenandfour。Shecoulddonothingbutviewhimwithgnawing，contempt。
ItwasapathywithHurstwood，resultingfromhisinabilitytosee，hiswayout。Eachmonthdrewfromhissmallstore。Now，hehad，onlyfivehundreddollarsleft，andthishehugged，halffeeling，asifhecouldstaveoffabsolutenecessityforanindefinite，period。Sittingaroundthehouse，hedecidedtowearsomeold，clotheshehad。Thiscamefirstwiththebaddays。Onlyoncehe，apologisedintheverybeginning：
“It’ssobadto-day，I’lljustwearthesearound。”
Eventuallythesebecamethepermanentthing。
Also，hehadbeenwonttopayfifteencentsforashave，anda，tipoftencents。Inhisfirstdistress，hecutdownthetipto，five，thentonothing。Later，hetriedaten-centbarbershop，and，findingthattheshavewassatisfactory，patronised，regularly。Laterstill，heputoffshavingtoeveryotherday，thentoeverythird，andsoon，untilonceaweekbecamethe，rule。OnSaturdayhewasasighttosee。
Ofcourse，ashisownself-respectvanished，itperishedforhim，inCarrie。Shecouldnotunderstandwhathadgottenintothe，man。Hehadsomemoney，hehadadecentsuitremaining，hewas，notbadlookingwhendressedup。Shedidnotforgetherown，difficultstruggleinChicago，butshedidnotforgeteitherthat，shehadneverceasedtrying。Henevertried。Hedidnoteven，consulttheadsinthepapersanymore。
Finally，adistinctimpressionescapedfromher。
“Whatmakesyouputsomuchbutteronthesteak？”heaskedher，oneevening，standingaroundinthekitchen。
“Tomakeitgood，ofcourse，“sheanswered。
“Butterisawfuldearthesedays，“hesuggested。
“Youwouldn’tminditifyouwereworking，“sheanswered。
Heshutupafterthis，andwentintohispaper，buttheretort，rankledinhismind。Itwasthefirstcuttingremarkthathad，comefromher。
Thatsameevening，Carrie，afterreading，wentofftothefront，roomtobed。Thiswasunusual。WhenHurstwooddecidedtogo，he，retired，asusual，withoutalight。Itwasthenthathe，discoveredCarrie’sabsence。
“That’sfunny，“hesaid;“maybeshe’ssittingup。”
Hegavethematternomorethought，butslept。Inthemorning，shewasnotbesidehim。Strangetosay，thispassedwithout，comment。
Nightapproaching，andaslightlymoreconversationalfeeling，prevailing，Carriesaid：
“IthinkI’llsleepaloneto-night。Ihaveaheadache。”
“Allright，“saidHurstwood。
Thethirdnightshewenttoherfrontbedwithoutapologies。
ThiswasagrimblowtoHurstwood，buthenevermentionedit。
“Allright，“hesaidtohimself，withanirrepressiblefrown，“lethersleepalone。”
ChapterXXXVI
AGRIMRETROGRESSION——THEPHANTOMOFCHANCE
TheVances，whohadbeenbackinthecityeversinceChristmas，hadnotforgottenCarrie;butthey，orratherMrs。Vance，had，nevercalledonher，fortheverysimplereasonthatCarriehad，neversentheraddress。Truetohernature，shecorresponded，withMrs。VanceaslongasshestilllivedinSeventy-eighth，Street，butwhenshewascompelledtomoveintoThirteenth，her，fearthatthelatterwouldtakeitasanindicationofreduced，circumstancescausedhertostudysomewayofavoidingthe，necessityofgivingheraddress。Notfindinganyconvenient，method，shesorrowfullyresignedtheprivilegeofwritingtoher，friendentirely。Thelatterwonderedatthisstrangesilence，thoughtCarriemusthaveleftthecity，andintheendgaveher，upaslost。Soshewasthoroughlysurprisedtoencounterherin，FourteenthStreet，whereshehadgoneshopping。Carriewasthere，forthesamepurpose。
“Why，Mrs。Wheeler，“saidMrs。Vance，lookingCarrieoverina，glance，“wherehaveyoubeen？Whyhaven’tyoubeentoseeme？
I’vebeenwonderingallthistimewhathadbecomeofyou。
Really，I——“
“I’msogladtoseeyou，“saidCarrie，pleasedandyet，nonplussed。Ofalltimes，thiswastheworsttoencounterMrs。
Vance。”Why，I’mlivingdowntownhere。I’vebeenintendingto，comeandseeyou。Whereareyoulivingnow？”
“InFifty-eighthStreet，“saidMrs。Vance，“justoffSeventh，Avenue——218。Whydon’tyoucomeandseeme？”
“Iwill，“saidCarrie。”Really，I’vebeenwantingtocome。I
knowIoughtto。It’sashame。Butyouknow——“
“What’syournumber？”saidMrs。Vance。
“ThirteenthStreet，“saidCarrie，reluctantly。”112West。”
“Oh，“saidMrs。Vance，“that’srightnearhere，isn’tit？”
“Yes，“saidCarrie。”Youmustcomedownandseemesometime。”
“Well，you’reafineone，“saidMrs。Vance，laughing，thewhile，notingthatCarrie’sappearancehadmodifiedsomewhat。”The，address，too，“sheaddedtoherself。”Theymustbehardup。”
StillshelikedCarriewellenoughtotakeherintow。
“Comewithmeinhereaminute，“sheexclaimed，turningintoa，store。
WhenCarriereturnedhome，therewasHurstwood，readingasusual。
Heseemedtotakehisconditionwiththeutmostnonchalance。His，beardwasatleastfourdaysold。
“Oh，“thoughtCarrie，“ifsheweretocomehereandseehim？”
Sheshookherheadinabsolutemisery。Itlookedasifher，situationwasbecomingunbearable。
Driventodesperation，sheaskedatdinner：
“Didyoueverhearanymorefromthatwholesalehouse？”
“No，“hesaid。”Theydon’twantaninexperiencedman。”
Carriedroppedthesubject，feelingunabletosaymore。
“ImetMrs。Vancethisafternoon，“shesaid，afteratime。
“Did，eh？”heanswered。
“They’rebackinNewYorknow，“Carriewenton。”Shedidlookso，nice。”
“Well，shecanafforditaslongasheputsupforit，“returned，Hurstwood。”He’sgotasoftjob。”
Hurstwoodwaslookingintothepaper。Hecouldnotseethelook，ofinfinitewearinessanddiscontentCarriegavehim。
“Shesaidshethoughtshe’dcallheresomeday。”
“She’sbeenlonggettingroundtoit，hasn’tshe？”said，Hurstwood，withakindofsarcasm。
Thewomandidn’tappealtohimfromherspendingside。
“Oh，Idon’tknow，“saidCarrie，angeredbytheman’sattitude。
“PerhapsIdidn’twanthertocome。”
“She’stoogay，“saidHurstwood，significantly。”Noonecankeep，upwithherpaceunlessthey’vegotalotofmoney。”
“Mr。Vancedoesn’tseemtofinditveryhard。”
“Hemaynotnow，“answeredHurstwood，doggedly，well，understandingtheinference;“buthislifeisn’tdoneyet。You，can’ttellwhat’llhappen。Hemaygetdownlikeanybodyelse。”
Therewassomethingquiteknavishintheman’sattitude。Hiseye，seemedtobecockedwithatwinkleuponthefortunate，expecting，theirdefeat。Hisownstateseemedathingapart——not，considered。
Thisthingwastheremainsofhisold-timecocksurenessand，independence。Sittinginhisflat，andreadingofthedoingsof，otherpeople，sometimesthisindependent，undefeatedmoodcame，uponhim。Forgettingthewearinessofthestreetsandthe，degradationofsearch，hewouldsometimesprickuphisears。It，wasasifhesaid：
“Icandosomething。I’mnotdownyet。There’salotofthings，comingtomeifIwanttogoafterthem。”
Itwasinthismoodthathewouldoccasionallydressup，gofora，shave，and，puttingonhisgloves，sallyforthquiteactively。
Notwithanydefiniteaim。Itwasmoreabarometriccondition。
Hefeltjustrightforbeingoutsideanddoingsomething。
Onsuchoccasions，hismoneywentalso。Heknewofseveralpoker，roomsdowntown。Afewacquaintanceshehadindowntownresorts，andabouttheCityHall。Itwasachangetoseethemand，exchangeafewfriendlycommonplaces。
Hehadoncebeenaccustomedtoholdaprettyfairhandatpoker。
Manyafriendlygamehadnettedhimahundreddollarsormoreat，thetimewhenthatsumwasmerelysaucetothedishofthegame——
nottheallinall。Now，hethoughtofplaying。
“Imightwinacoupleofhundred。I’mnotoutofpractice。”
Itisbutfairtosaythatthisthoughthadoccurredtohim，severaltimesbeforeheacteduponit。
ThepokerroomwhichhefirstinvadedwasoverasalooninWest，Street，nearoneoftheferries。Hehadbeentherebefore。
Severalgamesweregoing。Thesehewatchedforatimeand，noticedthatthepotswerequitelargefortheanteinvolved。
“Dealmeahand，“hesaidatthebeginningofanewshuffle。He，pulledupachairandstudiedhiscards。Thoseplayingmadethat，quietstudyofhimwhichissounapparent，andyetinvariablyso，searching。
Poorfortunewaswithhimatfirst。Hereceivedamixed，collectionwithoutprogressionorpairs。Thepotwasopened。
“Ipass，“hesaid。
Onthestrengthofthis，hewascontenttolosehisante。The，dealsdidfairlybyhiminthelongrun，causinghimtocomeaway，withafewdollarstothegood。
Thenextafternoonhewasbackagain，seekingamusementand，profit。Thistimehefollowedupthreeofakindtohisdoom。
Therewasabetterhandacrossthetable，heldbyapugnacious，Irishyouth，whowasapoliticalhanger-onoftheTammany，districtinwhichtheywerelocated。Hurstwoodwassurprisedat，thepersistenceofthisindividual，whosebetscamewithasang-
froidwhich，ifabluff，wasexcellentart。Hurstwoodbeganto，doubt，butkept，orthoughttokeep，atleast，thecooldemeanour，withwhich，inoldentimes，hedeceivedthosepsychicstudentsof，thegamingtable，whoseemtoreadthoughtsandmoods，rather，thanexteriorevidences，howeversubtle。Hecouldnotdownthe，cowardlythoughtthatthismanhadsomethingbetterandwould，staytotheend，drawinghislastdollarintothepot，shouldhe，choosetogosofar。Still，hehopedtowinmuch——hishandwas，excellent。Whynotraiseitfivemore？
“Iraiseyouthree，“saidtheyouth。
“Makeitfive，“saidHurstwood，pushingouthischips。
“Comeagain，“saidtheyouth，pushingoutasmallpileofreds。
“Letmehavesomemorechips，“saidHurstwoodtothekeeperin，charge，takingoutabill。
Acynicalgrinlitupthefaceofhisyouthfulopponent。When，thechipswerelaidout，Hurstwoodmettheraise。
“Fiveagain，“saidtheyouth。
Hurstwood’sbrowwaswet。Hewasdeepinnow——verydeepforhim。
Sixtydollarsofhisgoodmoneywasup。Hewasordinarilyno，coward，butthethoughtoflosingsomuchweakenedhim。Finally，hegaveway。Hewouldnottrusttothisfinehandanylonger。
“Icall，“hesaid。
“Afullhouse！”saidtheyouth，spreadingouthiscards。
Hurstwood’shanddropped。
“IthoughtIhadyou，“hesaid，weakly。
Theyouthrakedinhischips，andHurstwoodcameaway，not，withoutfirststoppingtocounthisremainingcashonthestair。
“Threehundredandfortydollars，“hesaid。
Withthislossandordinaryexpenses，somuchhadalreadygone。
Backintheflat，hedecidedhewouldplaynomore。
RememberingMrs。Vance’spromisetocall，Carriemadeoneother，mildprotest。ItwasconcerningHurstwood’sappearance。This，veryday，cominghome，hechangedhisclothestotheoldtogshe，sataroundin。
“Whatmakesyoualwaysputonthoseoldclothes？”askedCarrie。
“What’stheusewearingmygoodonesaroundhere？”heasked。
“Well，Ishouldthinkyou’dfeelbetter。”Thensheadded：“Some，onemightcall。”
“Who？”hesaid。
“Well，Mrs。Vance，“saidCarrie。
“Sheneedn’tseeme，“heanswered，sullenly。
ThislackofprideandinterestmadeCarriealmosthatehim。
“Oh，“shethought，“therehesits。’Sheneedn’tseeme。’I
shouldthinkhewouldbeashamedofhimself。”
TherealbitternessofthisthingwasaddedwhenMrs。Vancedid，call。Itwasononeofhershoppingrounds。Makingherwayup，thecommonplacehall，sheknockedatCarrie’sdoor。Toher，subsequentandagonisingdistress，Carriewasout。Hurstwood，openedthedoor，half-thinkingthattheknockwasCarrie’s。For，once，hewastakenhonestlyaback。Thelostvoiceofyouthand，pridespokeinhim。
“Why，“hesaid，actuallystammering，“howdoyoudo？”
“Howdoyoudo？”saidMrs。Vance，whocouldscarcelybelieveher，eyes。Hisgreatconfusionsheinstantlyperceived。Hedidnot，knowwhethertoinviteherinornot。
“Isyourwifeathome？”sheinquired。
“No，“hesaid，“Carrie’sout;butwon’tyoustepin？She’llbe，backshortly。”
“No-o，“saidMrs。Vance，realisingthechangeofitall。”I’m，reallyverymuchinahurry。IthoughtI’djustrunupandlook，in，butIcouldn’tstay。Justtellyourwifeshemustcomeand，seeme。”
“Iwill，“saidHurstwood，standingback，andfeelingintense，reliefathergoing。Hewassoashamedthathefoldedhishands，weakly，ashesatinthechairafterwards，andthought。
Carrie，cominginfromanotherdirection，thoughtshesawMrs。
Vancegoingaway。Shestrainedhereyes，butcouldnotmake，sure。
“Wasanybodyherejustnow？”sheaskedofHurstwood。
“Yes，“hesaidguiltily;“Mrs。Vance。”
“Didsheseeyou？”sheasked，expressingherfulldespair。
ThiscutHurstwoodlikeawhip，andmadehimsullen。
“Ifshehadeyes，shedid。Iopenedthedoor。”
“Oh，“saidCarrie，closingonehandtightlyoutofsheer，nervousness。”Whatdidshehavetosay？”
“Nothing，“heanswered。”Shecouldn’tstay。”
“Andyoulookinglikethat！”saidCarrie，throwingasidealong，reserve。
“Whatofit？”hesaid，angering。”Ididn’tknowshewascoming，didI？”
“Youknewshemight，“saidCarrie。”Itoldyoushesaidshewas，coming。I’veaskedyouadozentimestowearyourotherclothes。
Oh，Ithinkthisisjustterrible。”
“Oh，letup，“heanswered。”Whatdifferencedoesitmake？You，couldn’tassociatewithher，anyway。They’vegottoomuchmoney。
“WhosaidIwantedto？”saidCarrie，fiercely。
“Well，youactlikeit，rowingaroundovermylooks。You’dthink，I’dcommitted——“
Carrieinterrupted：
“It’strue，“shesaid。”Icouldn’tifIwantedto，butwhose，faultisit？You’reveryfreetositandtalkaboutwhoIcould，associatewith。Whydon’tyougetoutandlookforwork？”
Thiswasathunderboltincamp。
“What’sittoyou？”hesaid，rising，almostfiercely。”Ipaythe，rent，don’tI？Ifurnishthe——“
“Yes，youpaytherent，“saidCarrie。”Youtalkasiftherewas，nothingelseintheworldbutaflattositaroundin。You，haven’tdoneathingforthreemonthsexceptsitaroundand，interferehere。I’dliketoknowwhatyoumarriedmefor？”
“Ididn’tmarryyou，“hesaid，inasnarlingtone。
“I’dliketoknowwhatyoudid，then，inMontreal？”sheanswered。
“Well，Ididn’tmarryyou，“heanswered。”Youcangetthatout，ofyourhead。Youtalkasthoughyoudidn’tknow。”
Carrielookedathimamoment，hereyesdistending。Shehad，believeditwasalllegalandbindingenough。
“Whatdidyoulietomefor，then？”sheasked，fiercely。”What，didyouforcemetorunawaywithyoufor？”
Hervoicebecamealmostasob。
“Force！”hesaid，withcurledlip。”AlotofforcingIdid。”
“Oh！”saidCarrie，breakingunderthestrain，andturning。”Oh，oh！”andshehurriedintothefrontroom。
Hurstwoodwasnowhotandwakedup。Itwasagreatshakingup，forhim，bothmentalandmoral。Hewipedhisbrowashelooked，around，andthenwentforhisclothesanddressed。Notasound，camefromCarrie;sheceasedsobbingwhensheheardhimdressing。
Shethought，atfirst，withthefaintestalarm，ofbeingleft，withoutmoney——notoflosinghim，thoughhemightbegoingaway，permanently。Sheheardhimopenthetopofthewardrobeandtake，outhishat。Thenthedining-roomdoorclosed，andsheknewhe，hadgone。
Afterafewmomentsofsilence，shestoodup，dry-eyed，and，lookedoutthewindow。Hurstwoodwasjuststrollingupthe，street，fromtheflat，towardSixthAvenue。
ThelattermadeprogressalongThirteenthandacrossFourteenth，StreettoUnionSquare。
“Lookforwork！”hesaidtohimself。”Lookforwork！Shetells，metogetoutandlookforwork。”
Hetriedtoshieldhimselffromhisownmentalaccusation，which，toldhimthatshewasright。
“WhatacursedthingthatMrs。Vance’scallwas，anyhow，“he，thought。”Stoodrightthere，andlookedmeover。Iknowwhat，shewasthinking。”
HerememberedthefewtimeshehadseenherinSeventy-eight，Street。Shewasalwaysaswell-looker，andhehadtriedtoput，ontheairofbeingworthyofsuchasshe，infrontofher。Now，tothinkshehadcaughthimlookingthisway。Hewrinkledhis，foreheadinhisdistress。
“Thedevil！”hesaidadozentimesinanhour。
Itwasaquarterafterfourwhenheleftthehouse。Carriewas，intears。Therewouldbenodinnerthatnight。
“Whatthedeuce，“hesaid，swaggeringmentallytohidehisown，shamefromhimself。”I’mnotsobad。I’mnotdownyet。”
Helookedaroundthesquare，andseeingtheseverallargehotels，decidedtogotoonefordinner。Hewouldgethispapersand，makehimselfcomfortablethere。
HeascendedintothefineparlouroftheMortonHouse，thenone，ofthebestNewYorkhotels，and，findingacushionedseat，read。
Itdidnottroublehimmuchthathisdecreasingsumofmoneydid，notallowofsuchextravagance。Likethemorphinefiend，hewas，becomingaddictedtohisease。Anythingtorelievehismental，distress，tosatisfyhiscravingforcomfort。Hemustdoit。No，thoughtsforthemorrow——hecouldnotstandtothinkofitany，morethanhecouldofanyothercalamity。Likethecertaintyof，death，hetriedtoshutthecertaintyofsoonbeingwithouta，dollarcompletelyoutofhismind，andhecameveryneardoing，it。
Well-dressedguestsmovingtoandfrooverthethickcarpets，carriedhimbacktotheolddays。Ayounglady，aguestofthe，house，playingapianoinanalcovepleasedhim。Hesatthere，reading。
Hisdinnercosthim$1。50。Byeighto’clockhewasthrough，and，then，seeingguestsleavingandthecrowdofpleasure-seekers，thickeningoutsidewonderedwhereheshouldgo。Nothome。
Carriewouldbeup。No，hewouldnotgobacktherethisevening。
Hewouldstayoutandknockaroundasamanwhowasindependent——
notbroke——wellmight。Heboughtacigar，andwentoutsideon，thecornerwhereotherindividualswerelounging——brokers，racing，people，thespians——hisownfleshandblood。Ashestoodthere，hethoughtoftheoldeveningsinChicago，andhowheusedto，disposeofthem。Many’sthegamehehadhad。Thistookhimto，poker。
“Ididn’tdothatthingrighttheotherday，“hethought，referringtohislossofsixtydollars。”Ishouldn’thave，weakened。Icouldhavebluffedthatfellowdown。Iwasn’tin，form，that’swhatailedme。”
Thenhestudiedthepossibilitiesofthegameasithadbeen，played，andbegantofigurehowhemighthavewon，inseveral，instances，bybluffingalittleharder。
“I’moldenoughtoplaypokeranddosomethingwithit。I’lltry，myhandto-night。”
Visionsofabigstakefloatedbeforehim。Supposinghedidwin，acoupleofhundred，wouldn’thebeinit？Lotsofsportsheknew，madetheirlivingatthisgame，andagoodliving，too。
“TheyalwayshadasmuchasIhad，“hethought。
Sooffhewenttoapokerroomintheneighbourhood，feelingmuch，ashehadintheolddays。Inthisperiodofself-forgetfulness，arousedfirstbytheshockofargumentandperfectedbyadinner，inthehotel，withcocktailsandcigars，hewasasnearlylike，theoldHurstwoodashewouldeverbeagain。Itwasnottheold，Hurstwood——onlyamanarguingwithadividedconscienceandlured，byaphantom。
Thispokerroomwasmuchliketheotherone，onlyitwasaback，roominabetterdrinkingresort。Hurstwoodwatchedawhile，and，then，seeinganinterestinggame，joinedin。Asbefore，itwent，easyforawhile，hewinningafewtimesandcheeringup，losing，afewpotsandgrowingmoreinterestedanddeterminedonthat，account。Atlastthefascinatinggametookastrongholdonhim。
Heenjoyeditsrisksandventured，onatriflinghand，tobluff，thecompanyandsecureafairstake。Tohisself-satisfaction，intenseandstrong，hedidit。
Intheheightofthisfeelinghebegantothinkhisluckwaswith，him。Nooneelsehaddonesowell。Nowcameanothermoderate，hand，andagainhetriedtoopenthejack-potonit。Therewere，otherstherewhowerealmostreadinghisheart，soclosewas，theirobservation。
“Ihavethreeofakind，“saidoneoftheplayerstohimself。
“I’lljuststaywiththatfellowtothefinish。”
Theresultwasthatbiddingbegan。
“Iraiseyouten。”
“Good。”
“Tenmore。”
“Good。”
“Tenagain。”
“Rightyouare。”
ItgottowhereHurstwoodhadseventy-fivedollarsup。Theother，manreallybecameserious。Perhapsthisindividual(Hurstwood)
reallydidhaveastiffhand。
“Icall，“hesaid。
Hurstwoodshowedhishand。Hewasdone。Thebitterfactthathe，hadlostseventy-fivedollarsmadehimdesperate。
“Let’shaveanotherpot，“hesaid，grimly。
“Allright，“saidtheman。
Someoftheotherplayersquit，butobservantloungerstooktheir，places。Timepassed，anditcametotwelveo’clock。Hurstwood，heldon，neitherwinningnorlosingmuch。Thenhegrewweary，andonalasthandlosttwentymore。Hewassickatheart。
Ataquarterafteroneinthemorninghecameoutoftheplace。
Thechill，barestreetsseemedamockeryofhisstate。Hewalked，slowlywest，littlethinkingofhisrowwithCarrie。Heascended，thestairsandwentintohisroomasiftherehadbeenno，trouble。Itwashislossthatoccupiedhismind。Sittingdown，onthebedsidehecountedhismoney。Therewasnowbutahundred，andninetydollarsandsomechange。Heputitupandbeganto，undress。
“Iwonderwhat’sgettingintome，anyhow？”hesaid。
InthemorningCarriescarcelyspokeandhefeltasifhemustgo，outagain。Hehadtreatedherbadly，buthecouldnotaffordto，makeup。Nowdesperationseizedhim，andforadayortwo，going，outthus，helivedlikeagentleman——orwhatheconceivedtobea，gentleman——whichtookmoney。Forhisescapadeshewassoon，poorerinmindandbody，tosaynothingofhispurse，whichhad，lostthirtybytheprocess。Thenhecamedowntocold，bitter，senseagain。
“Therentmancomesto-day，“saidCarrie，greetinghimthus，indifferentlythreemorningslater。
“Hedoes？”
“Yes;thisisthesecond，“answeredCarrie。
Hurstwoodfrowned。Thenindespairhegotouthispurse。
“Itseemsanawfullottopayforrent，“hesaid。
Hewasnearinghislasthundreddollars。
ChapterXXXVII
THESPIRITAWAKENS——NEWSEARCHFORTHEGATE
Itwouldbeuselesstoexplainhowinduetimethelastfifty，dollarswasinsight。Thesevenhundred，byhisprocessof，handling，hadonlycarriedthemintoJune。Beforethefinal，hundredmarkwasreachedhebegantoindicatethatacalamitywas，approaching。
“Idon’tknow，“hesaidoneday，takingatrivialexpenditurefor，meatasatext，“itseemstotakeanawfullotforustolive。”
“Itdoesn’tseemtome，“saidCarrie，“thatwespendverymuch。”
“Mymoneyisnearlygone，“hesaid，“andIhardlyknowwhereit’s，goneto。”
“Allthatsevenhundreddollars？”askedCarrie。
“Allbutahundred。”
Helookedsodisconsolatethatitscaredher。Shebegantosee，thatsheherselfhadbeendrifting。Shehadfeltitallthe，time。
“Well，George，“sheexclaimed，“whydon’tyougetoutandlook，forsomething？Youcouldfindsomething。”
“Ihavelooked，“hesaid。”Youcantmakepeoplegiveyoua，place。”
Shegazedweaklyathimandsaid：“Well，whatdoyouthinkyou，willdo？Ahundreddollarswon’tlastlong。”
“Idon’tknow，“hesaid。”Ican’tdoanymorethanlook。”
Carriebecamefrightenedoverthisannouncement。Shethought，desperatelyuponthesubject。Frequentlyshehadconsideredthe，stageasadoorthroughwhichshemightenterthatgildedstate，whichshehadsomuchcraved。Now，asinChicago，itcameasa，lastresourceindistress。Somethingmustbedoneifhedidnot，getworksoon。Perhapsshewouldhavetogooutandbattleagain，alone。
Shebegantowonderhowonewouldgoaboutgettingaplace。Her，experienceinChicagoprovedthatshehadnottriedtheright，way。Theremustbepeoplewhowouldlistentoandtryyou——men，whowouldgiveyouanopportunity。
Theyweretalkingatthebreakfasttable，amorningortwolater，whenshebroughtupthedramaticsubjectbysayingthatshesaw，thatSarahBernhardtwascomingtothiscountry。Hurstwoodhad，seenit，too。
“Howdopeoplegetonthestage，George？”shefinallyasked，innocently。
“Idon’tknow，“hesaid。”Theremustbedramaticagents。”
Carriewassippingcoffee，anddidnotlookup。
“Regularpeoplewhogetyouaplace？”
“Yes，Ithinkso，“heanswered。
Suddenlytheairwithwhichsheaskedattractedhisattention。
“You’renotstillthinkingaboutbeinganactress，areyou？”he，asked。
“No，“sheanswered，“Iwasjustwondering。”
Withoutbeingclear，therewassomethinginthethoughtwhichhe，objectedto。Hedidnotbelieveanymore，afterthreeyearsof，observation，thatCarriewouldeverdoanythinggreatinthat，line。Sheseemedtoosimple，tooyielding。Hisideaoftheart，wasthatitinvolvedsomethingmorepompous。Ifshetriedtoget，onthestageshewouldfallintothehandsofsomecheapmanager，andbecomeliketherestofthem。Hehadagoodideaofwhathe，meantbyTHEM。Carriewaspretty。Shewouldgetalongall，right，butwherewouldhebe？
“I’dgetthatideaoutofmyhead，ifIwereyou。It’salot，moredifficultthanyouthink。”
Carriefeltthistocontain，insomeway，anaspersionuponher，ability。
“YousaidIdidrealwellinChicago，“sherejoined。
“Youdid，“heanswered，seeingthathewasarousingopposition，“butChicagoisn’tNewYork，byabigjump。”
Carriedidnotanswerthisatall。Ithurther。
“Thestage，“hewenton，“isallrightifyoucanbeoneofthe，bigguns，butthere’snothingtotherestofit。Ittakesalong，whiletogetup。”
“Oh，Idon’tknow，“saidCarrie，slightlyaroused。
Inaflash，hethoughtheforesawtheresultofthisthing。Now，whentheworstofhissituationwasapproaching，shewouldgeton，thestageinsomecheapwayandforsakehim。Strangely，hehad，notconceivedwellofhermentalability。Thatwasbecausehe，didnotunderstandthenatureofemotionalgreatness。Hehad，neverlearnedthatapersonmightbeemotionally——insteadof，intellectually——great。AveryHallwastoofarawayforhimto，lookbackandsharplyremember。Hehadlivedwiththiswomantoo，long。
“Well，Ido，“heanswered。”IfIwereyouIwouldn’tthinkof，it。It’snotmuchofaprofessionforawoman。”
“It’sbetterthangoinghungry，“saidCarrie。”Ifyoudon’twant，metodothat，whydon’tyougetworkyourself？”
Therewasnoanswerreadyforthis。Hehadgotusedtothe，suggestion。
“Oh，letup，“heanswered。
Theresultofthiswasthatshesecretlyresolvedtotry。It，didn’tmatterabouthim。Shewasnotgoingtobedraggedinto，povertyandsomethingworsetosuithim。Shecouldact。She，couldgetsomethingandthenworkup。Whatwouldhesaythen？
Shepicturedherselfalreadyappearinginsomefineperformance，onBroadway;ofgoingeveryeveningtoherdressing-roomand，makingup。Thenshewouldcomeoutateleveno’clockandseethe，carriagesrangedabout，waitingforthepeople。Itdidnot，matterwhethershewasthestarornot。Ifshewereonlyonce，in，gettingadecentsalary，wearingthekindofclothesshe，liked，havingthemoneytodowith，goinghereandthereasshe，pleased，howdelightfulitwouldallbe。Hermindranoverthis，pictureallthedaylong。Hurstwood’sdrearystatemadeits，beautybecomemoreandmorevivid。
CuriouslythisideasoontookholdofHurstwood。Hisvanishing，sumsuggestedthathewouldneedsustenance。Whycouldnot，Carrieassisthimalittleuntilhecouldgetsomething？
Hecameinonedaywithsomethingofthisideainhismind。
“ImetJohnB。Draketo-day，“hesaid。”He’sgoingtoopena，hotelhereinthefall。Hesaysthathecanmakeaplaceforme，then。”
“Whoishe？”askedCarrie。
“He’sthemanthatrunstheGrandPacificinChicago。”
“Oh，“saidCarrie。
“I’dgetaboutfourteenhundredayearoutofthat。”
“Thatwouldbegood，wouldn’tit？”shesaid，sympathetically。
“IfIcanonlygetoverthissummer，“headded，“IthinkI’llbe，allright。I’mhearingfromsomeofmyfriendsagain。”
Carrieswallowedthisstoryinallitspristinebeauty。She，sincerelywishedhecouldgetthroughthesummer。Helookedso，hopeless。
“Howmuchmoneyhaveyouleft？”
“Onlyfiftydollars。”
“Oh，mercy，“sheexclaimed，“whatwillwedo？It’sonlytwenty，daysuntiltherentwillbedueagain。”
Hurstwoodrestedhisheadonhishandsandlookedblanklyatthe，floor。
“Maybeyoucouldgetsomethinginthestageline？”heblandly，suggested。
“MaybeIcould，“saidCarrie，gladthatsomeoneapprovedofthe，idea。
“I’lllaymyhandtowhateverIcanget，“hesaid，nowthathe，sawherbrightenup。”Icangetsomething。”
Shecleanedupthethingsonemorningafterhehadgone，dressed，asneatlyasherwardrobepermitted，andsetoutforBroadway。
Shedidnotknowthatthoroughfareverywell。Toheritwasa，wonderfulconglomerationofeverythinggreatandmighty。The，theatreswerethere——theseagenciesmustbesomewhereabout。
ShedecidedtostopinattheMadisonSquareTheatreandaskhow，tofindthetheatricalagents。Thisseemedthesensibleway。
Accordingly，whenshereachedthattheatresheappliedtothe，clerkattheboxoffice。
“Eh？”hesaid，lookingout。”Dramaticagents？Idon’tknow。
You’llfindtheminthe’Clipper，’though。Theyalladvertisein，that。”
“Isthatapaper？”saidCarrie。
“Yes，“saidtheclerk，marvellingatsuchignoranceofacommon，fact。”Youcangetitatthenews-stands，“headdedpolitely，seeinghowprettytheinquirerwas。
Carrieproceededtogetthe“Clipper，“andtriedtofindthe，agentsbylookingoveritasshestoodbesidethestand。This，couldnotbedonesoeasily。ThirteenthStreetwasanumberof，blocksoff，butshewentback，carryingthepreciouspaperand，regrettingthewasteoftime。
Hurstwoodwasalreadythere，sittinginhisplace。
“Wherewereyou？”heasked。
“I’vebeentryingtofindsomedramaticagents。”
Hefeltalittlediffidentaboutaskingconcerninghersuccess。
Thepapershebegantoscanattractedhisattention。
“Whathaveyougotthere？”heasked。
“The’Clipper。’ThemansaidI’dfindtheiraddressesinhere。”
“HaveyoubeenallthewayovertoBroadwaytofindthatout？I
couldhavetoldyou。”
“Whydidn’tyou？”sheasked，withoutlookingup。
“Youneveraskedme，“hereturned。
Shewenthuntingaimlesslythroughthecrowdedcolumns。Hermind，wasdistractedbythisman’sindifference。Thedifficultyofthe，situationshewasfacingwasonlyaddedtobyallhedid。Self-
commiserationbrewedinherheart。Tearstrembledalongher，eyelidsbutdidnotfall。Hurstwoodnoticedsomething。
“Letmelook。”
Torecoverherselfshewentintothefrontroomwhilehe，searched。Presentlyshereturned。Hehadapencil，andwas，writinguponanenvelope。
“Here’rethree，“hesaid。
CarrietookitandfoundthatonewasMrs。Bermudez，another，MarcusJenks，athirdPercyWeil。Shepausedonlyamoment，and，thenmovedtowardthedoor。
“Imightaswellgorightaway，“shesaid，withoutlookingback。
Hurstwoodsawherdepartwithsomefaintstirringsofshame，whichweretheexpressionofamanhoodrapidlybecoming，stultified。Hesatawhile，andthenitbecametoomuch。Hegot，upandputonhishat。
“IguessI’llgoout，“hesaidtohimself，andwent，strolling，nowhereinparticular，butfeelingsomehowthathemustgo。
Carrie’sfirstcallwasuponMrs。Bermudez，whoseaddresswas，quitethenearest。Itwasanold-fashionedresidenceturnedinto，offices。Mrs。Bermudez’sofficesconsistedofwhatformerlyhad，beenabackchamberandahallbedroom，marked“Private。”
AsCarrieenteredshenoticedseveralpersonsloungingabout——
men，whosaidnothinganddidnothing。
Whileshewaswaitingtobenoticed，thedoorofthehallbedroom，openedandfromitissuedtwoverymannish-lookingwomen，very，tightlydressed，andwearingwhitecollarsandcuffs。Afterthem，cameaportlyladyofaboutforty-five，light-haired，sharp-eyed，andevidentlygood-natured。Atleastshewassmiling。
“Now，don’tforgetaboutthat，“saidoneofthemannishwomen。
“Iwon’t，“saidtheportlywoman。”Let’ssee，“sheadded，“where，areyouthefirstweekinFebruary？”
“Pittsburg，“saidthewoman。
“I’llwriteyouthere。”
“Allright，“saidtheother，andthetwopassedout。
Instantlytheportlylady’sfacebecameexceedinglysoberand，shrewd。SheturnedaboutandfixedonCarrieaverysearching，eye。
“Well，“shesaid，“youngwoman，whatcanIdoforyou？”
“AreyouMrs。Bermudez？”
“Yes。”
“Well，“saidCarrie，hesitatinghowtobegin，“doyougetplaces，forpersonsuponthestage？”
“Yes。”
“Couldyougetmeone？”
“Haveyoueverhadanyexperience？”
“Averylittle，“saidCarrie。
“Whomdidyouplaywith？”
“Oh，withnoone，“saidCarrie。”Itwasjustashowgotten——“
“Oh，Isee，“saidthewoman，interruptingher。”No，Idon’tknow，ofanythingnow。”
Carrie’scountenancefell。
“YouwanttogetsomeNewYorkexperience，“concludedtheaffable，Mrs。Bermudez。”We’lltakeyourname，though。”
Carriestoodlookingwhiletheladyretiredtoheroffice。
“Whatisyouraddress？”inquiredayoungladybehindthecounter，takingupthecurtailedconversation。
“Mrs。GeorgeWheeler，“saidCarrie，movingovertowhereshewas，writing。Thewomanwroteheraddressinfullandthenallowed，hertodepartatherleisure。
SheencounteredaverysimilarexperienceintheofficeofMr。
Jenks，onlyhevarieditbysayingattheclose：“Ifyoucould，playatsomelocalhouse，orhadaprogrammewithyournameon，it，Imightdosomething。”
Inthethirdplacetheindividualasked：
“Whatsortofworkdoyouwanttodo？”
“Whatdoyoumean？”saidCarrie。
“Well，doyouwanttogetinacomedyoronthevaudevilleorin，thechorus？”
“Oh，I’dliketogetapartinaplay，“saidCarrie。
“Well，“saidtheman，“it’llcostyousomethingtodothat。”
“Howmuch？”saidCarrie，who，ridiculousasitmayseem，hadnot，thoughtofthisbefore。
“Well，that’sforyoutosay，“heansweredshrewdly。
Carrielookedathimcuriously。Shehardlyknewhowtocontinue，theinquiry。
“CouldyougetmeapartifIpaid？”
“Ifwedidn’tyou’dgetyourmoneyback。”
“Oh，“shesaid。
Theagentsawhewasdealingwithaninexperiencedsoul，and，continuedaccordingly。
“You’dwanttodepositfiftydollars，anyway。Noagentwould，troubleaboutyouforlessthanthat。”
Carriesawalight。
“Thankyou，“shesaid。”I’llthinkaboutit。”
Shestartedtogo，andthenbethoughtherself。
“HowsoonwouldIgetaplace？”sheasked。
“Well，that’shardtosay，“saidtheman。”Youmightgetonein，aweek，oritmightbeamonth。You’dgetthefirstthingthat，wethoughtyoucoulddo。”
“Isee，“saidCarrie，andthen，half-smilingtobeagreeable，she，walkedout。
Theagentstudiedamoment，andthensaidtohimself：
“It’sfunnyhowanxiousthesewomenaretogetonthestage。”
Carriefoundamplefoodforreflectioninthefifty-dollar，proposition。”Maybethey’dtakemymoneyandnotgiveme，anything，“shethought。Shehadsomejewelry——adiamondringand，pinandseveralotherpieces。Shecouldgetfiftydollarsfor，thoseifshewenttoapawnbroker。
Hurstwoodwashomebeforeher。Hehadnotthoughtshewouldbe，solongseeking。
“Well？”hesaid，notventuringtoaskwhatnews。
“Ididn’tfindoutanythingto-day，“saidCarrie，takingoffher，gloves。”Theyallwantmoneytogetyouaplace。”
“Howmuch？”askedHurstwood。
“Fiftydollars。”
“Theydon’twantanything，dothey？”
“Oh，they’relikeeverybodyelse。Youcan’ttellwhetherthey’d，evergetyouanythingafteryoudidpaythem。”
“Well，Iwouldn’tputupfiftyonthatbasis，“saidHurstwood，as，ifheweredeciding，moneyinhand。
“Idon’tknow，“saidCarrie。”IthinkI’lltrysomeofthe，managers。”
Hurstwoodheardthis，deadtothehorrorofit。Herockeda，littletoandfro，andchewedathisfinger。Itseemedallvery，naturalinsuchextremestates。Hewoulddobetterlateron。
ChapterXXXVIII
INELFLANDDISPORTING——THEGRIMWORLDWITHOUT
WhenCarrierenewedhersearch，asshedidthenextday，goingto，theCasino，shefoundthatintheoperachorus，asinother，fields，employmentisdifficulttosecure。Girlswhocanstand，inalineandlookprettyareasnumerousaslabourerswhocan，swingapick。Shefoundtherewasnodiscriminationbetweenone，andtheotherofapplicants，saveasregardsaconventional，standardofprettinessandform。Theirownopinionorknowledge，oftheirabilitywentfornothing。
“WhereshallIfindMr。Gray？”sheaskedofasulkydoormanat，thestageentranceoftheCasino。
“Youcan’tseehimnow;he’sbusy。”
“DoyouknowwhenIcanseehim？”
“Gotanappointmentwithhim？”
“No。”
“Well，you’llhavetocallathisoffice。”
“Oh，dear！”exclaimedCarrie。”Whereishisoffice？”
Hegaveherthenumber。
Sheknewtherewasnoneedofcallingtherenow。Hewouldnotbe，in。Nothingremainedbuttoemploytheintermediatehoursin，search。
Thedismalstoryofventuresinotherplacesisquicklytold。
Mr。Dalysawnoonesavebyappointment。Carriewaitedanhour，inadingyoffice，quiteinspiteofobstacles，tolearnthis，factoftheplacid，indifferentMr。Dorney。
“Youwillhavetowriteandaskhimtoseeyou。”
Soshewentaway。
AttheEmpireTheatreshefoundahiveofpeculiarlylistlessand，indifferentindividuals。Everythingornatelyupholstered，everythingcarefullyfinished，everythingremarkablyreserved。
AttheLyceumsheenteredoneofthosesecluded，under-stairway，closets，beruggedandbepaneled，whichcausesonetofeelthe，greatnessofallpositionsofauthority。Herewasreserveitself，doneintoabox-officeclerk，adoorman，andanassistant，gloryingintheirfinepositions。
“Ah，beveryhumblenow——veryhumbleindeed。Telluswhatitis，yourequire。Tellitquickly，nervously，andwithoutavestige，ofself-respect。Ifnotroubletousinanyway，wemayseewhat，wecando。”
ThiswastheatmosphereoftheLyceum——theattitude，forthat，matter，ofeverymanagerialofficeinthecity。Theselittle，proprietorsofbusinessesarelordsindeedontheirownground。
Carriecameawaywearily，somewhatmoreabashedforherpains。
Hurstwoodheardthedetailsofthewearyandunavailingsearch，thatevening。
“Ididn’tgettoseeanyone，“saidCarrie。”Ijustwalked，and，walked，andwaitedaround。”
Hurstwoodonlylookedather。
“Isupposeyouhavetohavesomefriendsbeforeyoucangetin，“
sheadded，disconsolately。
Hurstwoodsawthedifficultyofthisthing，andyetitdidnot，seemsoterrible。Carriewastiredanddispirited，butnowshe，couldrest。Viewingtheworldfromhisrocking-chair，its，bitternessdidnotseemtoapproachsorapidly。To-morrowwas，anotherday。
To-morrowcame，andthenext，andthenext。
CarriesawthemanagerattheCasinoonce。
“Comearound，“hesaid，“thefirstofnextweek。Imaymakesome，changesthen。”
Hewasalargeandcorpulentindividual，surfeitedwithgood，clothesandgoodeating，whojudgedwomenasanotherwould，horseflesh。Carriewasprettyandgraceful。Shemightbeputin，evenifshedidnothaveanyexperience。Oneoftheproprietors，hadsuggestedthatthechoruswasalittleweakonlooks。
Thefirstofnextweekwassomedaysoffyet。Thefirstofthe，monthwasdrawingnear。Carriebegantoworryasshehadnever，worriedbefore。
“Doyoureallylookforanythingwhenyougoout？”sheasked，Hurstwoodonemorningasaclimaxtosomepainfulthoughtsofher，own。
“OfcourseIdo，“hesaidpettishly，troublingonlyalittleover，thedisgraceoftheinsinuation。
“I’dtakeanything，“shesaid，“forthepresent。Itwillsoonbe，thefirstofthemonthagain。”
Shelookedthepictureofdespair。
Hurstwoodquitreadinghispaperandchangedhisclothes。
“Hewouldlookforsomething，“hethought。”Hewouldgoandsee，ifsomebrewerycouldn’tgethiminsomewhere。Yes，hewould，takeapositionasbartender，ifhecouldgetit。”
Itwasthesamesortofpilgrimagehehadmadebefore。Oneor，twoslightrebuffs，andthebravadodisappeared。
“Nouse，“hethought。”Imightaswellgoonbackhome。”
Nowthathismoneywassolow，hebegantoobservehisclothes，andfeelthatevenhisbestoneswerebeginningtolook，commonplace。Thiswasabitterthought。
Carriecameinafterhedid。
“Iwenttoseesomeofthevarietymanagers，“shesaid，aimlessly。”Youhavetohaveanact。Theydon’twantanybody，thathasn’t。”
“Isawsomeofthebrewerypeopleto-day，“saidHurstwood。”One，mantoldmehe’dtrytomakeaplaceformeintwoorthree，weeks。”
InthefaceofsomuchdistressonCarrie’spart，hehadtomake，someshowing，anditwasthushedidso。Itwaslassitude’s，apologytoenergy。
MondayCarriewentagaintotheCasino。
“DidItellyoutocomearoundtoday？”saidthemanager，looking，heroverasshestoodbeforehim。
“Yousaidthefirstoftheweek，“saidCarrie，greatlyabashed。
“Everhadanyexperience？”heaskedagain，almostseverely。
Carrieownedtoignorance。
Helookedheroveragainashestirredamongsomepapers。Hewas，secretlypleasedwiththispretty，disturbed-lookingyoungwoman。
“Comearoundtothetheatreto-morrowmorning。”
Carrie’sheartboundedtoherthroat。
“Iwill，“shesaidwithdifficulty。Shecouldseehewantedher，andturnedtogo。
“Wouldhereallyputhertowork？Oh，blessedfortune，couldit，be？”
Alreadythehardrumbleofthecitythroughtheopenwindows，becamepleasant。
Asharpvoiceansweredhermentalinterrogation，drivingawayall，immediatefearsonthatscore。
“Besureyou’retherepromptly，“themanagersaidroughly。
“You’llbedroppedifyou’renot。”
Carriehastenedaway。ShedidnotquarrelnowwithHurstwood’s，idleness。Shehadaplace——shehadaplace！Thissanginher，ears。
InherdelightshewasalmostanxioustotellHurstwood。But，as，shewalkedhomeward，andhersurveyofthefactsofthecase，becamelarger，shebegantothinkoftheanomalyofherfinding，workinseveralweeksandhislounginginidlenessforanumber，ofmonths。
“Whydon’thegetsomething？”sheopenlysaidtoherself。”IfI
canhesurelyoughtto。Itwasn’tveryhardforme。”
Sheforgotheryouthandherbeauty。Thehandicapofageshedid，not，inherenthusiasm，perceive。
Thus，ever，thevoiceofsuccess。
Still，shecouldnotkeephersecret。Shetriedtobecalmand，indifferent，butitwasapalpablesham。
“Well？”hesaid，seeingherrelievedface。
“Ihaveaplace。”
“Youhave？”hesaid，breathingabetterbreath。
“Yes。”
“Whatsortofaplaceisit？”heasked，feelinginhisveinsas，ifnowhemightgetsomethinggoodalso。
“Inthechorus，“sheanswered。
“IsittheCasinoshowyoutoldmeabout？”
“Yes，“sheanswered。”Ibeginrehearsingto-morrow。”
TherewasmoreexplanationvolunteeredbyCarrie，becauseshewas，happy。AtlastHurstwoodsaid：
“Doyouknowhowmuchyou’llget？”
“No，Ididn’twanttoask，“saidCarrie。”Iguesstheypay，twelveorfourteendollarsaweek。”
“Aboutthat，Iguess，“saidHurstwood。