第2章
Thenhewentupstairstohiswifewithacupofteabecauseshe，wasill，andbecauseitoccurredtohim。
“I’vebroughttheeacupo’tea，lass，“hesaid。
“Well，youneedn’t，foryouknowIdon’tlikeit，“shereplied。
“Drinkitup;it’llpoptheeofftosleepagain。”
Sheacceptedthetea。Itpleasedhimtoseehertakeit，andsipit。
“I’llbackmylifethere’snosugarin，“shesaid。
“Yi——there’sonebig’un，“hereplied，injured。
“It’sawonder，“shesaid，sippingagain。
Shehadawinsomefacewhenherhairwasloose。Helovedher，togrumbleathiminthismanner。Helookedatheragain，andwent，withoutanysortofleave-taking。Henevertookmorethantwoslices，ofbreadandbuttertoeatinthepit，soanappleoranorangewas，atreattohim。Healwayslikeditwhensheputoneoutforhim。
Hetiedascarfroundhisneck，putonhisgreat，heavyboots，hiscoat，withthebigpocket，thatcarriedhissnap-bagandhisbottleoftea，andwentforthintothefreshmorningair，closing，withoutlocking，thedoorbehindhim。Helovedtheearlymorning，andthewalkacross，thefields。Soheappearedatthepit-top，oftenwithastalk，fromthehedgebetweenhisteeth，whichhechewedalldaytokeep，hismouthmoist，downthemine，feelingquiteashappyaswhenhe，wasinthefield。
Later，whenthetimeforthebabygrewnearer，hewould，bustleroundinhisslovenlyfashion，pokingouttheashes，rubbingthefireplace，sweepingthehousebeforehewenttowork。
Then，feelingveryself-righteous，hewentupstairs。
“NowI’mcleanedupforthee：，tha’sno’casionsterstir，apegallday，butsitandreadthybooks。”
Whichmadeherlaugh，inspiteofherindignation。
“Andthedinnercooksitself？”sheanswered。
“Eh，Iknownowtaboutth’dinner。”
“You’dknowifthereweren’tany。”
“Ay，’appenso，“heanswered，departing。
Whenshegotdownstairs，shewouldfindthehousetidy，butdirty。Shecouldnotrestuntilshehadthoroughlycleaned;
soshewentdowntotheash-pitwithherdustpan。Mrs。Kirk，spyingher，wouldcontrivetohavetogotoherowncoal-placeat，thatminute。Then，acrossthewoodenfence，shewouldcall：
“Soyoukeepwaggingon，then？”
“Ay，“answeredMrs。Moreldeprecatingly。”There’snothing，elseforit。”
“HaveyouseenHose？”calledaverysmallwomanfromacross，theroad。ItwasMrs。Anthony，ablack-haired，strangelittlebody，whoalwaysworeabrownvelvetdress，tightfitting。
“Ihaven’t，“saidMrs。Morel。
“Eh，Iwishhe’dcome。I’vegotacopperfulofclothes，an’
I’msureIheeredhisbell。”
“Hark！，He’sattheend。”
Thetwowomenlookeddownthealley。AttheendoftheBottoms，amanstoodinasortofold-fashionedtrap，bendingoverbundles，ofcream-colouredstuff;whileaclusterofwomenhelduptheir，armstohim，somewithbundles。Mrs。Anthonyherselfhadaheap，ofcreamy，undyedstockingshangingoverherarm。
“I’vedonetendozenthisweek，“shesaidproudlytoMrs。Morel。
“T-t-t！”wenttheother。”Idon’tknowhowyoucanfindtime。”
“Eh！”saidMrs。Anthony。”Youcanfindtimeifyoumaketime。”
“Idon’tknowhowyoudoit，“saidMrs。Morel。”Andhowmuch，shallyougetforthosemany？”
“Tuppence-ha’pennyadozen，“repliedtheother。
“Well，“saidMrs。Morel。”I’dstarvebeforeI’dsitdown，andseamtwenty-fourstockingsfortwopenceha’penny。”
“Oh，Idon’tknow，“saidMrs。Anthony。”Youcanripalong，with’em。”
Hosewascomingalong，ringinghisbell。Womenwerewaitingat，theyard-endswiththeirseamedstockingshangingovertheirarms。
Theman，acommonfellow，madejokeswiththem，triedtoswindlethem，andbulliedthem。Mrs。Morelwentupheryarddisdainfully。
Itwasanunderstoodthingthatifonewomanwanted，herneighbour，sheshouldputthepokerinthefireandbangat，thebackofthefireplace，which，asthefireswerebacktoback，wouldmakeagreatnoiseintheadjoininghouse。Onemorning，Mrs。Kirk，mixingapudding，nearlystartedoutofherskinasshe，heardthethud，thud，inhergrate。Withherhandsallfloury，sherushedtothefence。
“Didyouknock，Mrs。Morel？”
“Ifyouwouldn’tmind，Mrs。Kirk。”
Mrs。Kirkclimbedontohercopper，gotoverthewall，ontoMrs。Morel’scopper，andranintoherneighbour。
“Eh，dear，howareyoufeeling？”shecriedinconcern。
“YoumightfetchMrs。Bower，“saidMrs。Morel。
Mrs。Kirkwentintotheyard，liftedupherstrong，shrillvoice，andcalled：
“Ag-gie——Ag-gie！”
ThesoundwasheardfromoneendoftheBottomstotheother。
AtlastAggiecamerunningup，andwassentforMrs。Bower，whilstMrs。Kirkleftherpuddingandstayedwithherneighbour。
Mrs。Morelwenttobed。Mrs。KirkhadAnnieandWilliam，fordinner。Mrs。Bower，fatandwaddling，bossedthehouse。
“Hashsomecoldmeatupforthemaster’sdinner，andmakehim，anapple-charlottepudding，“saidMrs。Morel。
“Hemaygowithoutpuddingthisday，“saidMrs。Bower。
Morelwasnotasaruleoneofthefirsttoappearatthebottom，ofthepit，readytocomeup。Somemenweretherebeforefouro’clock，whenthewhistleblewloose-all;butMorel，whosestall，apoorone，wasatthistimeaboutamileandahalfawayfromthebottom，workedusuallytillthefirstmatestopped，thenhefinishedalso。
Thisday，however，theminerwassickofthework。Attwoo’clock，helookedathiswatch，bythelightofthegreencandle——he，wasinasafeworking——andagainathalf-pasttwo。Hewashewing，atapieceofrockthatwasinthewayforthenextday’swork。
Ashesatonhisheels，orkneeled，givinghardblowswithhispick，“Uszza——uszza！”hewent。
“Shallterfinish，Sorry？”criedBarker，hisfellowbutty。
“Finish？，Niverwhiletheworldstands！”growledMorel。
Andhewentonstriking。Hewastired。
“It’saheart-breakingjob，“saidBarker。
ButMorelwastooexasperated，attheendofhistether，toanswer。Stillhestruckandhackedwithallhismight。
“Thamightaswellleaveit，Walter，“saidBarker。
“It’lldoto-morrow，withouttheehackin’thygutsout。”
“I’lllaynob——fingeronthisto-morrow，Isr’el！”criedMorel。
“Oh，well，ifthawunna，somebodyelse’llha’eto，“saidIsrael。
ThenMorelcontinuedtostrike。
“Hey-upthere——LOOSE-A’！”criedthemen，leavingthenextstall。
Morelcontinuedtostrike。
“Tha’llhappencatchmeup，“saidBarker，departing。
Whenhehadgone，Morel，leftalone，feltsavage。Hehad，notfinishedhisjob。Hehadoverworkedhimselfintoafrenzy。
Rising，wetwithsweat，hethrewhistooldown，pulledonhiscoat，blewouthiscandle，tookhislamp，andwent。Downthemainroad，thelightsoftheothermenwentswinging。Therewasahollow，soundofmanyvoices。Itwasalong，heavytrampunderground。
Hesatatthebottomofthepit，wherethegreatdropsofwater，fellplash。Manycollierswerewaitingtheirturnstogoup，talkingnoisily。Morelgavehisanswersshortanddisagreeable。
“It’srainin’，Sorry，“saidoldGiles，whohadhadthenews，fromthetop。
Morelfoundonecomfort。Hehadhisoldumbrella，whichheloved，inthelampcabin。Atlasthetookhisstandonthechair，andwasatthetopinamoment。Thenhehandedinhislampandgot，hisumbrella，whichhehadboughtatanauctionforone-and-six。He，stoodontheedgeofthepit-bankforamoment，lookingoutover，thefields;greyrainwasfalling。Thetrucksstoodfullofwet，brightcoal。Waterrandownthesidesofthewaggons，overthe，white“C。W。andCo。”。Colliers，walkingindifferenttotherain，werestreamingdownthelineandupthefield，agrey，dismalhost。
Morelputuphisumbrella，andtookpleasurefromthepepperingof，thedropsthereon。
AllalongtheroadtoBestwoodtheminerstramped，wetand，greyanddirty，buttheirredmouthstalkingwithanimation。
Morelalsowalkedwithagang，buthesaidnothing。Hefrowned，peevishlyashewent。ManymenpassedintothePrinceofWalesorinto，Ellen’s。Morel，feelingsufficientlydisagreeabletoresisttemptation，trudgedalongunderthedrippingtreesthatoverhungtheparkwall，anddownthemudofGreenhillLane。
Mrs。Morellayinbed，listeningtotherain，andthefeet，ofthecolliersfromMinton，theirvoices，andthebang，bangof，thegatesastheywentthroughthestileupthefield。
“There’ssomeherbbeerbehindthepantrydoor，“shesaid。
“Th’master’llwantadrink，ifhedoesn’tstop。”
Buthewaslate，sosheconcludedhehadcalledforadrink，sinceitwasraining。Whatdidhecareaboutthechildorher？
Shewasveryillwhenherchildrenwereborn。
“Whatisit？”sheasked，feelingsicktodeath。
“Aboy。”
Andshetookconsolationinthat。Thethoughtofbeingthe，motherofmenwaswarmingtoherheart。Shelookedatthechild。
Ithadblueeyes，andalotoffairhair，andwasbonny。
Herlovecameuphot，inspiteofeverything。Shehaditinbed，withher。
Morel，thinkingnothing，draggedhiswayupthegardenpath，wearilyandangrily。Heclosedhisumbrella，andstooditinthe，sink;thenheslutheredhisheavybootsintothekitchen。
Mrs。Bowerappearedintheinnerdoorway。
“Well，“shesaid，“she’saboutasbadasshecanbe。
It’saboychildt。”
Theminergrunted，puthisemptysnap-bagandhistinbottle，onthedresser，wentbackintothesculleryandhunguphiscoat，thencameanddroppedintohischair。
“Hanyergotadrink？”heasked。
Thewomanwentintothepantry。Therewasheardthepop，ofacork。Shesetthemug，withalittle，disgustedrap，onthe，tablebeforeMorel。Hedrank，gasped，wipedhisbigmoustacheon，theendofhisscarf，drank，gasped，andlaybackinhischair。
Thewomanwouldnotspeaktohimagain。Shesethisdinnerbeforehim，andwentupstairs。
“Wasthatthemaster？”askedMrs。Morel。
“I’vegavehimhisdinner，“repliedMrs。Bower。
Afterhehadsatwithhisarmsonthetable——heresented，thefactthatMrs。Bowerputnoclothonforhim，andgavehim，alittleplate，insteadofafull-sizeddinner-plate——hebegan，toeat。Thefactthathiswifewasill，thathehadanotherboy，wasnothingtohimatthatmoment。Hewastootired;hewanted，hisdinner;hewantedtositwithhisarmslyingontheboard;
hedidnotlikehavingMrs。Bowerabout。Thefirewastoosmall，topleasehim。
Afterhehadfinishedhismeal，hesatfortwentyminutes;
thenhestokedupabigfire。Then，inhisstockingedfeet，hewentreluctantlyupstairs。Itwasastruggletofacehiswife，atthismoment，andhewastired。Hisfacewasblack，andsmeared，withsweat。Hissinglethaddriedagain，soakingthedirtin。
Hehadadirtywoollenscarfroundhisthroat。Sohestoodatthefoot，ofthebed。
“Well，howareter，then？”heasked。
“Is’llbeallright，“sheanswered。
“H’m！”
Hestoodatalosswhattosaynext。Hewastired，andthis，botherwasratheranuisancetohim，andhedidn’tquiteknow，wherehewas。
“Alad，thasays，“hestammered。
Sheturneddownthesheetandshowedthechild。
“Blesshim！”hemurmured。Whichmadeherlaugh，becausehe，blessedbyrote——pretendingpaternalemotion，whichhedidnotfeel，justthen。
“Gonow，“shesaid。
“Iwill，mylass，“heanswered，turningaway。
Dismissed，hewantedtokissher，buthedarednot。Shehalf，wantedhimtokissher，butcouldnotbringherselftogiveanysign。
Sheonlybreathedfreelywhenhewasgoneoutoftheroomagain，leavingbehindhimafaintsmellofpit-dirt。
Mrs。MorelhadavisiteverydayfromtheCongregationalclergyman。
Mr。Heatonwasyoung，andverypoor。Hiswifehaddiedatthe，birthofhisfirstbaby，soheremainedaloneinthemanse。
HewasaBachelorofArtsofCambridge，veryshy，andnopreacher。
Mrs。Morelwasfondofhim，andhedependedonher。Forhours，hetalkedtoher，whenshewaswell。Hebecamethegod-parent，ofthechild。
OccasionallytheministerstayedtoteawithMrs。Morel。Thenshe，laidtheclothearly，gotoutherbestcups，withalittlegreenrim，andhopedMorelwouldnotcometoosoon;indeed，ifhestayedforapint，shewouldnotmindthisday。Shehadalwaystwodinnerstocook，becauseshebelievedchildrenshouldhavetheirchiefmealatmidday，whereasMorelneededhisatfiveo’clock。SoMr。Heatonwouldhold，thebaby，whilstMrs。Morelbeatupabatter-puddingorpeeled，thepotatoes，andhe，watchingherallthetime，woulddiscuss，hisnextsermon。Hisideaswerequaintandfantastic。Shebrought，himjudiciouslytoearth。ItwasadiscussionoftheweddingatCana。
“WhenHechangedthewaterintowineatCana，“hesaid，“thatisasymbolthattheordinarylife，eventheblood，ofthemarriedhusbandandwife，whichhadbeforebeenuninspired，likewater，becamefilledwiththeSpirit，andwasaswine，because，whenloveenters，thewholespiritualconstitutionofamanchanges，isfilledwiththeHolyGhost，andalmosthisformisaltered。”
Mrs。Morelthoughttoherself：
“Yes，poorfellow，hisyoungwifeisdead;thatiswhyhe，makeshisloveintotheHolyGhost。”
Theywerehalfwaydowntheirfirstcupofteawhentheyheard，theslutherofpit-boots。
“Goodgracious！”exclaimedMrs。Morel，inspiteofherself。
Theministerlookedratherscared。Morelentered。Hewas，feelingrathersavage。Henoddeda“Howd’yerdo“totheclergyman，whorosetoshakehandswithhim。
“Nay，“saidMorel，showinghishand，“looktheeatit！
Thaniverwantstershakehandswi’ahandlikethat，doester？
There’stoomuchpick-haftandshovel-dirtonit。”
Theministerflushedwithconfusion，andsatdownagain。
Mrs。Morelrose，carriedoutthesteamingsaucepan。Moreltookoff，hiscoat，draggedhisarmchairtotable，andsatdownheavily。
“Areyoutired？”askedtheclergyman。
“Tired？Ihamthat，“repliedMorel。”YOUdon’tknowwhatit，istobetired，asI’Mtired。”
“No，“repliedtheclergyman。
“Why，lookyer’ere，“saidtheminer，showingtheshoulders，ofhissinglet。”It’sabitdrynow，butit’swetasaclout，withsweatevenyet。Feelit。”
“Goodness！”criedMrs。Morel。”Mr。Heatondoesn’twanttofeel，yournastysinglet。”
Theclergymanputouthishandgingerly。
“No，perhapshedoesn’t，“saidMorel;“butit’s，allcomeoutofme，whetherornot。An’iv’ryday，alikemysinglet’swringin’wet。’Aven’tyougot，adrink，Missis，foramanwhenhecomeshomebarkledupfromthepit？”
“Youknowyoudrankallthebeer，“saidMrs。Morel，pouringout，histea。
“An’wastherenomoretobegot？”Turningtotheclergyman——“A
mangetsthatcakedupwi’th’dust，youknow，——thatcloggedup，downacoal-mine，heNEEDSadrinkwhenhecomeshome。”
“Iamsurehedoes，“saidtheclergyman。
“Butit’stentooneifthere’sowtforhim。”
“There’swater——andthere’stea，“saidMrs。Morel。
“Water！，It’snotwateras’llclearhisthroat。”
Hepouredoutasaucerfuloftea，blewit，andsuckeditup，throughhisgreatblackmoustache，sighingafterwards。Thenhe，pouredoutanothersaucerful，andstoodhiscuponthetable。
“Mycloth！”saidMrs。Morel，puttingitonaplate。
“AmanascomeshomeasIdo’stootiredtocareaboutcloths，“
saidMorel。
“Pity！”exclaimedhiswife，sarcastically。
Theroomwasfullofthesmellofmeatandvegetables，andpit-clothes。
Heleanedovertotheminister，hisgreatmoustachethrustforward，hismouthveryredinhisblackface。
“Mr。Heaton，“hesaid，“amanashasbeendowntheblack，holeallday，dingin’awayatacoal-face，yi，asightharder，thanthatwall——“
“Needn’tmakeamoanofit，“putinMrs。Morel。
Shehatedherhusbandbecause，wheneverhehadanaudience，hewhinedandplayedforsympathy。William，sittingnursing，thebaby，hatedhim，withaboy’shatredforfalsesentiment，andforthestupidtreatmentofhismother。Anniehadneverlikedhim;
shemerelyavoidedhim。
Whentheministerhadgone，Mrs。Morellookedathercloth。
“Afinemess！”shesaid。
“Dos’tthinkI’mgoin’tositwi’myarmsdanglin’，costha’s，gotaparsonforteawi’thee？”hebawled。
Theywerebothangry，butshesaidnothing。Thebabybegan，tocry，andMrs。Morel，pickingupasaucepanfromthehearth，accidentallyknockedAnnieonthehead，whereuponthegirlbegan，towhine，andMoreltoshoutather。Inthemidstofthispandemonium，Williamlookedupatthebigglazedtextoverthemantelpiece，andreaddistinctly：
“GodBlessOurHome！”
WhereuponMrs。Morel，tryingtosoothethebaby，jumpedup，rushedathim，boxedhisears，saying：
“WhatareYOUputtinginfor？”
Andthenshesatdownandlaughed，tilltearsranover，hercheeks，whileWilliamkickedthestoolhehadbeensittingon，andMorelgrowled：
“Icannaseewhatthereissomuchtolaughat。”
Oneevening，directlyaftertheparson’svisit，feelingunable，tobearherselfafteranotherdisplayfromherhusband，shetook，Annieandthebabyandwentout。MorelhadkickedWilliam，andthemotherwouldneverforgivehim。
Shewentoverthesheep-bridgeandacrossacornerofthe，meadowtothecricket-ground。Themeadowsseemedonespaceofripe，eveninglight，whisperingwiththedistantmill-race。Shesat，onaseatunderthealdersinthecricket-ground，andfronted，theevening。Beforeher，levelandsolid，spreadthebiggreencricket-field，likethebedofaseaoflight。
Childrenplayedinthebluishshadowofthepavilion。Manyrooks，highup，camecawinghomeacrossthesoftly-wovensky。Theystooped，inalongcurvedownintothegoldenglow，concentrating，cawing，wheeling，likeblackflakesonaslowvortex，overatreeclump，thatmadeadarkbossamongthepasture。
Afewgentlemenwerepractising，andMrs。Morelcouldhear，thechockoftheball，andthevoicesofmensuddenlyroused;
couldseethewhiteformsofmenshiftingsilentlyoverthegreen，uponwhichalreadytheundershadowsweresmouldering。Awayat，thegrange，onesideofthehaystackswaslitup，theothersides，blue-grey。Awaggonofsheavesrockedsmallacrossthemelting，yellowlight。
Thesunwasgoingdown。Everyopenevening，thehillsof，Derbyshirewereblazedoverwithredsunset。Mrs。Morelwatchedthesun，sinkfromtheglisteningsky，leavingasoftflower-blueoverhead，whilethewesternspacewentred，asifallthefirehadswumdownthere，leavingthebellcastflawlessblue。Themountain-ashberriesacross，thefieldstoodfierilyoutfromthedarkleaves，foramoment。
Afewshocksofcorninacornerofthefallowstoodupasifalive;
sheimaginedthembowing;perhapshersonwouldbeaJoseph。
Intheeast，amirroredsunsetfloatedpinkoppositethewest’sscarlet。
Thebighaystacksonthehillside，thatbuttedintotheglare，wentcold。
WithMrs。Morelitwasoneofthosestillmomentswhenthe，smallfretsvanish，andthebeautyofthingsstandsout，andshe，hadthepeaceandthestrengthtoseeherself。Nowandagain，aswallowcutclosetoher。Nowandagain，Anniecameupwitha，handfulofalder-currants。Thebabywasrestlessonhismother’sknee，clamberingwithhishandsatthelight。
Mrs。Morellookeddownathim。Shehaddreadedthisbaby，likeacatastrophe，becauseofherfeelingforherhusband。
Andnowshefeltstrangelytowardstheinfant。Herheartwasheavy，becauseofthechild，almostasifitwereunhealthy，ormalformed。
Yetitseemedquitewell。Butshenoticedthepeculiarknitting，ofthebaby’sbrows，andthepeculiarheavinessofitseyes，asifitweretryingtounderstandsomethingthatwaspain。Shefelt，whenshelookedatherchild’sdark，broodingpupils，asifaburdenwere，onherheart。
“Helooksasifhewasthinkingaboutsomething——quitesorrowful，“
saidMrs。Kirk。
Suddenly，lookingathim，theheavyfeelingatthemother’sheart，meltedintopassionategrief。Shebowedoverhim，andafewtears，shookswiftlyoutofherveryheart。Thebabyliftedhisfingers。
“Mylamb！”shecriedsoftly。
Andatthatmomentshefelt，insomefarinnerplaceofhersoul，thatsheandherhusbandwereguilty。
Thebabywaslookingupather。Ithadblueeyeslikeherown，butitslookwasheavy，steady，asifithadrealisedsomething，thathadstunnedsomepointofitssoul。
Inherarmslaythedelicatebaby。Itsdeepblueeyes，alwayslookingupatherunblinking，seemedtodrawherinnermost，thoughtsoutofher。Shenolongerlovedherhusband;shehadnot，wantedthischildtocome，andthereitlayinherarmsandpulled，atherheart。Shefeltasifthenavelstringthathadconnected，itsfraillittlebodywithhershadnotbeenbroken。Awaveofhot，lovewentoverhertotheinfant。Shehelditclosetoherface，andbreast。Withallherforce，withallhersoulshewouldmakeup，toitforhavingbroughtitintotheworldunloved。Shewouldlove，itallthemorenowitwashere;carryitinherlove。Itsclear，knowingeyesgaveherpainandfear。Diditknowallabouther？
Whenitlayunderherheart，haditbeenlisteningthen？，Wasthere，areproachinthelook？，Shefeltthemarrowmeltinherbones，withfearandpain。
Oncemoreshewasawareofthesunlyingredontherim，ofthehillopposite。Shesuddenlyheldupthechildinherhands。
“Look！”shesaid。”Look，mypretty！”
Shethrusttheinfantforwardtothecrimson，throbbingsun，almostwithrelief。Shesawhimlifthislittlefist。Thensheput，himtoherbosomagain，ashamedalmostofherimpulsetogivehim，backagainwhencehecame。
“Ifhelives，“shethoughttoherself，“whatwillbecome，ofhim——whatwillhebe？”
Herheartwasanxious。
“IwillcallhimPaul，“shesaidsuddenly;sheknewnotwhy。
Afterawhileshewenthome。Afineshadowwasflungover，thedeepgreenmeadow，darkeningall。
Assheexpected，shefoundthehouseempty。ButMorelwas，homebyteno’clock，andthatday，atleast，endedpeacefully。
WalterMorelwas，atthistime，exceedinglyirritable。
Hisworkseemedtoexhausthim。Whenhecamehomehedidnotspeak，civillytoanybody。Ifthefirewereratherlowhebulliedaboutthat;
hegrumbledabouthisdinner;ifthechildrenmadeachatterhe，shoutedattheminawaythatmadetheirmother’sbloodboil，andmadethemhatehim。
OntheFriday，hewasnothomebyeleveno’clock。Thebaby，wasunwell，andwasrestless，cryingifhewereputdown。Mrs。Morel，tiredtodeath，andstillweak，wasscarcelyundercontrol。
“Iwishthenuisancewouldcome，“shesaidwearilytoherself。
Thechildatlastsankdowntosleepinherarms。Shewas，tootiredtocarryhimtothecradle。
“ButI’llsaynothing，whatevertimehecomes，“shesaid。
“Itonlyworksmeup;Iwon’tsayanything。ButIknowifhedoes，anythingit’llmakemybloodboil，“sheaddedtoherself。
Shesighed，hearinghimcoming，asifitweresomethingshe，couldnotbear。He，takinghisrevenge，wasnearlydrunk。Shekept，herheadbentoverthechildasheentered，notwishingtoseehim。
Butitwentthroughherlikeaflashofhotfirewhen，inpassing，helurchedagainstthedresser，settingthetinsrattling，andclutched，atthewhitepotknobsforsupport。Hehunguphishatandcoat，thenreturned，stoodgloweringfromadistanceather，asshesat，bowedoverthechild。
“Istherenothingtoeatinthehouse？”heasked，insolently，asiftoaservant。Incertainstagesofhisintoxicationhe，affectedtheclipped，mincingspeechofthetowns。Mrs。Morel，hatedhimmostinthiscondition。
“Youknowwhatthereisinthehouse，“shesaid，socoldly，itsoundedimpersonal。
Hestoodandglaredatherwithoutmovingamuscle。
“Iaskedacivilquestion，andIexpectacivilanswer，“
hesaidaffectedly。
“Andyougotit，“shesaid，stillignoringhim。
Hegloweredagain。Thenhecameunsteadilyforward。
Heleanedonthetablewithonehand，andwiththeotherjerked，atthetabledrawertogetaknifetocutbread。Thedrawerstuckbecausehe，pulledsideways。Inatemperhedraggedit，sothatitflew，outbodily，andspoons，forks，knives，ahundredmetallicthings，splashedwithaclatterandaclanguponthebrickfloor。
Thebabygavealittleconvulsedstart。
“Whatareyoudoing，clumsy，drunkenfool？”themothercried。
“Thenthashouldgettheflamin’thingthysen。Thashouldgetup，likeotherwomenhaveto，an’waitonaman。”
“Waitonyou——waitonyou？”shecried。”Yes，Iseemyself。”
“Yis，an’I’lllearntheetha’sgotto。WaitonME，yestha，sh’ltwaitonme——“
“Never，milord。I’dwaitonadogatthedoorfirst。”
“What——what？”
Hewastryingtofitinthedrawer。Atherlastspeech，beturnedround。Hisfacewascrimson，hiseyesbloodshot。
Hestaredatheronesilentsecondinthreat。
“P-h！”shewentquickly，incontempt。
Hejerkedatthedrawerinhisexcitement。Itfell，cutsharply，onhisshin，andonthereflexheflungitather。
Oneofthecornerscaughtherbrowastheshallowdrawer，crashedintothefireplace。Sheswayed，almostfellstunnedfrom，herchair。Toherverysoulshewassick;sheclaspedthechild，tightlytoherbosom。Afewmomentselapsed;then，withaneffort，shebroughtherselfto。Thebabywascryingplaintively。Herleft，browwasbleedingratherprofusely。Assheglanceddownatthechild，herbrainreeling，somedropsofbloodsoakedintoitswhiteshawl;
butthebabywasatleastnothurt。Shebalancedherheadto，keepequilibrium，sothatthebloodranintohereye。
WalterMorelremainedashehadstood，leaningonthetablewith，onehand，lookingblank。Whenhewassufficientlysureofhisbalance，hewentacrosstoher，swayed，caughtholdofthebackofher，rocking-chair，almosttippingherout;thenleaningforwardoverher，andswayingashespoke，hesaid，inatoneofwonderingconcern：
“Diditcatchthee？”
Heswayedagain，asifhewouldpitchontothechild。
Withthecatastrophehehadlostallbalance。
“Goaway，“shesaid，strugglingtokeepherpresenceofmind。
Hehiccoughed。”Let’s——let’slookatit，“hesaid，hiccoughingagain。
“Goaway！”shecried。
“Lemme——lemmelookatit，lass。”
Shesmelledhimofdrink，felttheunequalpullofhisswaying，grasponthebackofherrocking-chair。
“Goaway，“shesaid，andweaklyshepushedhimoff。
Hestood，uncertaininbalance，gazinguponher。Summoningall，herstrengthsherose，thebabyononearm。Byacrueleffortofwill，movingasifinsleep，shewentacrosstothescullery，whereshe，bathedhereyeforaminuteincoldwater;butshewastoodizzy。
Afraidlestsheshouldswoon，shereturnedtoherrocking-chair，tremblingineveryfibre。Byinstinct，shekeptthebabyclasped。
Morel，bothered，hadsucceededinpushingthedrawerback，intoitscavity，andwasonhisknees，groping，withnumbpaws，forthescatteredspoons。
Herbrowwasstillbleeding。PresentlyMorelgotupandcame，craninghisnecktowardsher。
“Whathasitdonetothee，lass？”heasked，inaverywretched，humbletone。
“Youcanseewhatit’sdone，“sheanswered。
Hestood，bendingforward，supportedonhishands，whichgrasped，hislegsjustabovetheknee。Hepeeredtolookatthewound。
Shedrewawayfromthethrustofhisfacewithitsgreatmoustache，avertingherownfaceasmuchaspossible。Ashelookedather，whowascoldandimpassiveasstone，withmouthshuttight，hesickenedwithfeeblenessandhopelessnessofspirit。
Hewasturningdrearilyaway，whenhesawadropofbloodfall，fromtheavertedwoundintothebaby’sfragile，glisteninghair。
Fascinated，hewatchedtheheavydarkdrophangintheglisteningcloud，andpulldownthegossamer。Anotherdropfell。Itwouldsoak，throughtothebaby’sscalp。Hewatched，fascinated，feelingit，soakin;then，finally，hismanhoodbroke。
“Whatofthischild？”wasallhiswifesaidtohim。
Butherlow，intensetonesbroughthisheadlower。Shesoftened：
“Getmesomewaddingoutofthemiddledrawer，“shesaid。
Hestumbledawayveryobediently，presentlyreturningwitha，pad，whichshesingedbeforethefire，thenputonherforehead，asshesatwiththebabyonherlap。
“Nowthatcleanpit-scarf。”
Againherummagedandfumbledinthedrawer，returningpresently，withared，narrowscarf。Shetookit，andwithtremblingfingers，proceededtobinditroundherhead。
“Letmetieitforthee，“hesaidhumbly。
“Icandoitmyself，“shereplied。Whenitwasdoneshe，wentupstairs，tellinghimtorakethefireandlockthedoor。
InthemorningMrs。Morelsaid：
“Iknockedagainstthelatchofthecoal-place，whenI
wasgettingarakerinthedark，becausethecandleblewout。”
Hertwosmallchildrenlookedupatherwithwide，dismayedeyes。
Theysaidnothing，buttheirpartedlipsseemedtoexpressthe，unconscioustragedytheyfelt。
WalterMorellayinbednextdayuntilnearlydinner-time。He，didnotthinkofthepreviousevening’swork。Hescarcelythought，ofanything，buthewouldnotthinkofthat。Helayandsufferedlike，asulkingdog。Hehadhurthimselfmost;andhewasthemoredamaged，becausehewouldneversayawordtoher，orexpresshissorrow。
Hetriedtowriggleoutofit。”Itwasherownfault，“hesaid，tohimself。Nothing，however，couldpreventhisinnerconsciousness，inflictingonhimthepunishmentwhichateintohisspiritlikerust，andwhichhecouldonlyalleviatebydrinking。
Hefeltasifhehadnottheinitiativetogetup，ortosayaword，ortomove，butcouldonlylielikealog。Moreover，hehadhimself，violentpainsinthehead。ItwasSaturday。Towardsnoonherose，cuthimselffoodinthepantry，ateitwithhisheaddropped，thenpulledonhisboots，andwentout，toreturnatthreeo’clock，slightlytipsyandrelieved;thenoncemorestraighttobed。
Heroseagainatsixintheevening，hadteaandwentstraightout。
Sundaywasthesame：，bedtillnoon，thePalmerstonArmstill，2。30，dinner，andbed;scarcelyawordspoken。WhenMrs。Morel，wentupstairs，towardsfouro’clock，toputonherSundaydress，hewasfastasleep。Shewouldhavefeltsorryforhim，ifhe，hadoncesaid，“Wife，I’msorry。”，Butno;heinsistedtohimself，itwasherfault。Andsohebrokehimself。Soshemerelyleft，himalone。Therewasthisdeadlockofpassionbetweenthem，andshewasstronger。
Thefamilybegantea。Sundaywastheonlydaywhenallsat，downtomealstogether。
“Isn’tmyfathergoingtogetup？”askedWilliam。
“Lethimlie，“themotherreplied。
Therewasafeelingofmiseryoverallthehouse。Thechildren，breathedtheairthatwaspoisoned，andtheyfeltdreary。Theywere，ratherdisconsolate，didnotknowwhattodo，whattoplayat。
ImmediatelyMorelwokehegotstraightoutofbed。Thatwas，characteristicofhimallhislife。Hewasallforactivity。
Theprostratedinactivityoftwomorningswasstiflinghim。
Itwasnearsixo’clockwhenhegotdown。Thistimeheentered，withouthesitation，hiswincingsensitivenesshavinghardenedagain。
Hedidnotcareanylongerwhatthefamilythoughtorfelt。
Thetea-thingswereonthetable。Williamwasreadingaloud，from“TheChild’sOwn“Annielisteningandaskingeternally“why？”
Bothchildrenhushedintosilenceastheyheardtheapproaching，thudoftheirfather’sstockingedfeet，andshrankasheentered。
Yethewasusuallyindulgenttothem。
Morelmadethemealalone，brutally。Heateanddrank，morenoisilythanhehadneed。Noonespoketohim。Thefamily，lifewithdrew，shrankaway，andbecamehushedasheentered。
Buthecarednolongerabouthisalienation。
Immediatelyhehadfinishedteaherosewithalacritytogoout。
Itwasthisalacrity，thishastetobegone，whichsosickened，Mrs。Morel。Assheheardhimsousingheartilyincoldwater，heardtheeagerscratchofthesteelcombonthesideofthebowl，ashewettedhishair，sheclosedhereyesindisgust。Ashebentover，lacinghisboots，therewasacertainvulgargustoinhismovement，thatdividedhimfromthereserved，watchfulrestofthefamily。
Healwaysranawayfromthebattlewithhimself。Eveninhisown，heart’sprivacy，heexcusedhimself，saying，“Ifshehadn’tsaid，so-and-so，itwouldneverhavehappened。Sheaskedforwhatshe’sgot。”
Thechildrenwaitedinrestraintduringhispreparations。Whenhe，hadgone，theysighedwithrelief。
Heclosedthedoorbehindhim，andwasglad。Itwasa，rainyevening。ThePalmerstonwouldbethecosier。Hehastened，forwardinanticipation。AlltheslateroofsoftheBottomsshone，blackwithwet。Theroads，alwaysdarkwithcoal-dust，werefull，ofblackishmud。Hehastenedalong。ThePalmerstonwindowsweresteamed，over。Thepassagewaspaddledwithwetfeet。Buttheairwaswarm，iffoul，andfullofthesoundofvoicesandthesmellofbeer，andsmoke。
“Whatsholltha’e，Walter？”criedavoice，assoonasMorel，appearedinthedoorway。
“Oh，Jim，mylad，wheriverhastheesprungfrae？”
Themenmadeaseatforhim，andtookhiminwarmly。Hewasglad。
Inaminuteortwotheyhadthawedallresponsibilityoutofhim，allshame，alltrouble，andhewasclearasabellforajollynight。
OntheWednesdayfollowing，Morelwaspenniless。Hedreaded，hiswife。Havinghurther，hehatedher。Hedidnotknowwhatto，dowithhimselfthatevening，havingnoteventwopencewithwhich，togotothePalmerston，andbeingalreadyratherdeeplyindebt。
So，whilehiswifewasdownthegardenwiththechild，hehunted，inthetopdrawerofthedresserwhereshekeptherpurse，foundit，andlookedinside。Itcontainedahalf-crown，twohalfpennies，andasixpence。Sohetookthesixpence，putthepursecarefullyback，andwentout。
Thenextday，whenshewantedtopaythegreengrocer，shelooked，inthepurseforhersixpence，andherheartsanktohershoes。
Thenshesatdownandthought：，“WASthereasixpence？，Ihadn’t，spentit，hadI？，AndIhadn’tleftitanywhereelse？”
Shewasmuchputabout。Shehuntedroundeverywhereforit。
And，asshesought，theconvictioncameintoherheartthather，husbandhadtakenit。Whatshehadinherpursewasallthemoney，shepossessed。Butthatheshouldsneakitfromherthuswasunbearable。
Hehaddonesotwicebefore。Thefirsttimeshehadnotaccusedhim，andattheweek-endhehadputtheshillingagainintoherpurse。
Sothatwashowshehadknownhehadtakenit。Thesecondtimehe，hadnotpaidback。
Thistimeshefeltitwastoomuch。Whenhehadhadhisdinner——
hecamehomeearlythatday——shesaidtohimcoldly：
“Didyoutakesixpenceoutofmypurselastnight？”
“Me！”hesaid，lookingupinanoffendedway。”No，Ididna！
Iniverclappedeyesonyourpurse。”
Butshecoulddetectthelie。
“Why，youknowyoudid，“shesaidquietly。
“ItellyouIdidna，“heshouted。”Yeratmeagain，areyer？
I’vehadaboutenoughon’t。”
“SoyoufilchsixpenceoutofmypursewhileI’mtaking，theclothesin。”
“I’llmayyerpayforthis，“hesaid，pushingbackhis，chairindesperation。Hebustledandgotwashed，thenwent，determinedlyupstairs。Presentlyhecamedowndressed，andwithabigbundleinablue-checked，enormoushandkerchief。
“Andnow，“hesaid，“you’llseemeagainwhenyoudo。”
“It’llbebeforeIwantto，“shereplied;andatthathemarched，outofthehousewithhisbundle。Shesattremblingslightly，butherheartbrimmingwithcontempt。Whatwouldshedoifhewent，tosomeotherpit，obtainedwork，andgotinwithanotherwoman？
Butsheknewhimtoowell——hecouldn’t。Shewasdeadsureofhim。
Neverthelessherheartwasgnawedinsideher。
“Where’smydad？”saidWilliam，cominginfromschool。
“Hesayshe’srunaway，“repliedthemother。
“Whereto？”
“Eh，Idon’tknow。He’stakenabundleinthebluehandkerchief，andsayshe’snotcomingback。”
“Whatshallwedo？”criedtheboy。
“Eh，nevertrouble，hewon’tgofar。”
“Butifhedoesn’tcomeback，“wailedAnnie。
AndsheandWilliamretiredtothesofaandwept。Mrs。Morel，satandlaughed。
“Youpairofgabeys！”sheexclaimed。”You’llseehimbefore，thenight’sout。”
Butthechildrenwerenottobeconsoled。Twilightcameon。
Mrs。Morelgrewanxiousfromveryweariness。Onepartofhersaid，itwouldbearelieftoseethelastofhim;anotherpartfretted，becauseofkeepingthechildren;andinsideher，asyet，shecould，notquitelethimgo。Atthebottom，sheknewverywellhecould，NOTgo。
Whenshewentdowntothecoal-placeattheendofthegarden，however，shefeltsomethingbehindthedoor。Soshelooked。
Andthereinthedarklaythebigbluebundle。Shesatonapiece，ofcoalandlaughed。Everytimeshesawit，sofatandyet，soignominious，slunkintoitscornerinthedark，withitsends，floppinglikedejectedearsfromtheknots，shelaughedagain。
Shewasrelieved。
Mrs。Morelsatwaiting。Hehadnotanymoney，sheknew，soifhestoppedhewasrunningupabill。Shewasverytiredofhim——
tiredtodeath。Hehadnoteventhecouragetocarryhisbundle，beyondtheyard-end。
Asshemeditated，ataboutnineo’clock，heopenedthedoor，andcamein，slinking，andyetsulky。Shesaidnotaword。
Hetookoffhiscoat，andslunktohisarmchair，wherehebegan，totakeoffhisboots。
“You’dbetterfetchyourbundlebeforeyoutakeyourbootsoff，“
shesaidquietly。
“YoumaythankyourstarsI’vecomebackto-night，“hesaid，lookingupfromunderhisdroppedhead，sulkily，tryingtobeimpressive。
“Why，whereshouldyouhavegone？，Youdaren’tevengetyour，parcelthroughtheyard-end，“shesaid。
Helookedsuchafoolshewasnotevenangrywithhim。
Hecontinuedtotakehisbootsoffandprepareforbed。
“Idon’tknowwhat’sinyourbluehandkerchief，“shesaid。
“Butifyouleaveitthechildrenshallfetchitinthemorning。”
Whereuponhegotupandwentoutofthehouse，returningpresently，andcrossingthekitchenwithavertedface，hurryingupstairs。
AsMrs。Morelsawhimslinkquicklythroughtheinnerdoorway，holdinghisbundle，shelaughedtoherself：，butherheartwasbitter，becauseshehadlovedhim。
CHAPTERIII
THECASTINGOFFOFMOREL——THETAKINGONOFWILLIAM
DURINGthenextweekMorel’stemperwasalmostunbearable。
Likeallminers，hewasagreatloverofmedicines，which，strangelyenough，hewouldoftenpayforhimself。
“Youmungetmeadropo’laxyvitral，“hesaid。”It’sa，winderaswecannaha’easupi’th’’ouse。”
SoMrs。Morelboughthimelixirofvitriol，hisfavourite，firstmedicine。Andhemadehimselfajugofwormwoodtea。Hehad，hangingintheatticgreatbunchesofdriedherbs：
wormwood，rue，horehound，elderflowers，parsley-purt，marshmallow，hyssop，dandelion，andcentaury。Usuallytherewasajugof，oneorotherdecoctionstandingonthehob，fromwhichhedranklargely。
“Grand！”hesaid，smackinghislipsafterwormwood。”Grand！”
Andheexhortedthechildrentotry。
“It’sbetterthananyofyourteaoryourcocoastews，“hevowed。
Buttheywerenottobetempted。
Thistime，however，neitherpillsnorvitriolnorallhisherbs，wouldshiftthe“nastypeensinhishead“。Hewassickeningforan，attackofaninflammationofthebrain。Hehadneverbeenwellsince，hissleepingonthegroundwhenhewentwithJerrytoNottingham。
Sincethenhehaddrunkandstormed。Nowhefellseriouslyill，andMrs。Morelhadhimtonurse。Hewasoneoftheworst，patientsimaginable。But，inspiteofall，andputtingasidethe，factthathewasbreadwinner，sheneverquitewantedhimtodie。
Stilltherewasonepartofherwantedhimforherself。
Theneighbourswereverygoodtoher：，occasionallysome，hadthechildrenintomeals，occasionallysomewoulddothe，downstairsworkforher，onewouldmindthebabyforaday。
Butitwasagreatdrag，nevertheless。Itwasnoteveryday，theneighbourshelped。Thenshehadnursingofbabyandhusband，cleaningandcooking，everythingtodo。Shewasquitewornout，butshedidwhatwaswantedofher。
Andthemoneywasjustsufficient。Shehadseventeen，shillingsaweekfromclubs，andeveryFridayBarkerandtheother，buttyputbyaportionofthestall’sprofitsforMorel’swife。
Andtheneighboursmadebroths，andgaveeggs，andsuchinvalids’
trifles。Iftheyhadnothelpedhersogenerouslyinthosetimes，Mrs。Morelwouldneverhavepulledthrough，withoutincurring，debtsthatwouldhavedraggedherdown。
Theweekspassed。Morel，almostagainsthope，grewbetter。
Hehadafineconstitution，sothat，onceonthemend，hewentstraight，forwardtorecovery。Soonhewaspotteringaboutdownstairs。
Duringhisillnesshiswifehadspoilthimalittle。Nowhewanted，hertocontinue。Heoftenputhisbandtohishead，pulleddown，thecomersofhismouth，andshammedpainshedidnotfeel。
Buttherewasnodeceivingher。Atfirstshemerelysmiledtoherself。
Thenshescoldedhimsharply。
“Goodness，man，don’tbesolachrymose。”
Thatwoundedhimslightly，butstillhecontinuedtofeignsickness。
“Iwouldn’tbesuchamardybaby，“saidthewifeshortly。
Thenhewasindignant，andcursedunderhisbreath，likeaboy。
Hewasforcedtoresumeanormaltone，andtoceasetowhine。
Nevertheless，therewasastateofpeaceinthehouseforsometime。
Mrs。Morelwasmoretolerantofhim，andhe，dependingonheralmost，likeachild，wasratherhappy。Neitherknewthatshewasmoretolerant，becauseshelovedhimless。Uptillthistime，inspiteofall，hehadbeenherhusbandandherman。Shehadfeltthat，moreorless，whathedidtohimselfhedidtoher。Herlivingdependedonhim。
Thereweremany，manystagesintheebbingofherloveforhim，butitwasalwaysebbing。
Now，withthebirthofthisthirdbaby，herselfnolongerset，towardshim，helplessly，butwaslikeatidethatscarcelyrose，standingofffromhim。Afterthisshescarcelydesiredhim。
And，standingmorealooffromhim，notfeelinghimsomuchpart，ofherself，butmerelypartofhercircumstances，shedidnotmind，somuchwhathedid，couldleavehimalone。
Therewasthehalt，thewistfulnessabouttheensuingyear，whichislikeautumninaman’slife。Hiswifewascastinghimoff，halfregretfully，butrelentlessly;castinghimoffandturning，nowforloveandlifetothechildren。Henceforwardhewasmore，orlessahusk。Andhehimselfacquiesced，assomanymendo，yieldingtheirplacetotheirchildren。
Duringhisrecuperation，whenitwasreallyoverbetweenthem，bothmadeanefforttocomebacksomewhattotheoldrelationship，ofthefirstmonthsoftheirmarriage。Hesatathomeand，whenthechildrenwereinbed，andshewassewing——shedidallher，sewingbyhand，madeallshirtsandchildren’sclothing——hewould，readtoherfromthenewspaper，slowlypronouncinganddelivering，thewordslikeamanpitchingquoits。Oftenshehurriedhimon，givinghimaphraseinanticipation。Andthenhetookherwordshumbly。
Thesilencesbetweenthemwerepeculiar。Therewouldbe，theswift，slight“cluck“ofherneedle，thesharp“pop“ofhis，lipsasheletoutthesmoke，thewarmth，thesizzleonthebars，ashespatinthefire。ThenherthoughtsturnedtoWilliam。
Alreadyhewasgettingabigboy。Alreadyhewastopoftheclass，andthemastersaidhewasthesmartestladintheschool。
Shesawhimaman，young，fullofvigour，makingtheworldglow，againforher。
AndMorelsittingthere，quitealone，andhavingnothing，tothinkabout，wouldbefeelingvaguelyuncomfortable。Hissoul，wouldreachoutinitsblindwaytoherandfindhergone。
Hefeltasortofemptiness，almostlikeavacuuminhissoul。
Hewasunsettledandrestless。Soonhecouldnotlivein，thatatmosphere，andheaffectedhiswife。Bothfeltanoppression，ontheirbreathingwhentheywerelefttogetherforsometime。
Thenhewenttobedandshesettleddowntoenjoyherselfalone，working，thinking，living。
Meanwhileanotherinfantwascoming，fruitofthislittlepeace，andtendernessbetweentheseparatingparents。Paulwasseventeen，monthsoldwhenthenewbabywasborn。Hewasthenaplump，palechild，quiet，withheavyblueeyes，andstillthepeculiar，slightknittingofthebrows。Thelastchildwasalsoaboy，fairandbonny。Mrs。Morelwassorrywhensheknewshewaswithchild，bothforeconomicreasonsandbecauseshedidnotloveherhusband;
butnotforthesakeoftheinfant。
TheycalledthebabyArthur。Hewasverypretty，witha，mopofgoldcurls，andhelovedhisfatherfromthefirst。
Mrs。Morelwasgladthischildlovedthefather。Hearingthe，miner’sfootsteps，thebabywouldputuphisarmsandcrow。
AndifMorelwereinagoodtemper，hecalledbackimmediately，inhishearty，mellowvoice：
“Whatthen，mybeauty？，Ish’llcometotheeinaminute。”
Andassoonashehadtakenoffhispit-coat，Mrs。Morelwould，putanapronroundthechild，andgivehimtohisfather。
“Whatasighttheladlooks！”shewouldexclaimsometimes，takingbackthebaby，thatwassmuttedonthefacefromhisfather’s，kissesandplay。ThenMorellaughedjoyfully。
“He’salittlecollier，blesshisbito’mutton！”heexclaimed。
Andthesewerethehappymomentsofherlifenow，whenthe，childrenincludedthefatherinherheart。
MeanwhileWilliamgrewbiggerandstrongerandmoreactive，whilePaul，alwaysratherdelicateandquiet，gotslimmer，andtrottedafterhismotherlikehershadow。Hewasusuallyactive，andinterested，butsometimeshewouldhavefitsofdepression。
Thenthemotherwouldfindtheboyofthreeorfourcryingon，thesofa。
“What’sthematter？”sheasked，andgotnoanswer。
“What’sthematter？”sheinsisted，gettingcross。
“Idon’tknow，“sobbedthechild。
Soshetriedtoreasonhimoutofit，ortoamusehim，butwithouteffect。Itmadeherfeelbesideherself。Thenthefather，alwaysimpatient，wouldjumpfromhischairandshout：
“Ifhedoesn’tstop，I’llsmackhimtillhedoes。”
“You’lldonothingofthesort，“saidthemothercoldly。
Andthenshecarriedthechildintotheyard，plumpedhimintohis，littlechair，andsaid：，“Nowcrythere，Misery！”
Andthenabutterflyontherhubarb-leavesperhapscaughthiseye，oratlasthecriedhimselftosleep。Thesefitswerenotoften，buttheycausedashadowinMrs。Morel’sheart，andhertreatment，ofPaulwasdifferentfromthatoftheotherchildren。
Suddenlyonemorningasshewaslookingdownthealley，oftheBottomsforthebarm-man，sheheardavoicecallingher。
ItwasthethinlittleMrs。Anthonyinbrownvelvet。
“Here，Mrs。Morel，IwanttotellyouaboutyourWillie。”
“Oh，doyou？”repliedMrs。Morel。”Why，what’sthematter？”
“Aladasgets’oldofanotheran’ripshisclothesoff’n，’isback，“Mrs。Anthonysaid，“wantsshowingsomething。”
“YourAlfred’sasoldasmyWilliam，“saidMrs。Morel。
“’Appen’eis，butthatdoesn’tgivehimarighttogethold，oftheboy’scollar，an’fairripitcleanoffhisback。”
“Well，“saidMrs。Morel，“Idon’tthrashmychildren，andevenifIdid，Ishouldwanttoheartheirsideofthetale。”
“They’dhappenbeabitbetteriftheydidgetagoodhiding，“
retortedMrs。Anthony。”Whenitcomesterrippin’alad’sclean，collaroff’n’isbacka-purpose——“
“I’msurehedidn’tdoitonpurpose，“saidMrs。Morel。
“Makemealiar！”shoutedMrs。Anthony。
Mrs。Morelmovedawayandclosedhergate。Herhandtrembled，assheheldhermugofbarm。
“ButIs’llletyourmesterknow，“Mrs。Anthonycriedafterher。
Atdinner-time，whenWilliamhadfinishedhismealandwanted，tobeoffagain——hewasthenelevenyearsold——hismothersaidtohim：
“WhatdidyoutearAlfredAnthony’scollarfor？”
“WhendidItearhiscollar？”
“Idon’tknowwhen，buthismothersaysyoudid。”
“Why——itwasyesterday——an’itwastorna’ready。”
“Butyoutoreitmore。”
“Well，I’dgotacobbleras’adlickedseventeen——an’
AlfyAnt’ny’esays：
’Adaman’Evean’pinch-me，Wentdowntoarivertobade。
Adaman’Evegotdrownded，Whodoyerthinkgotsaved？’
An’soIsays：，’Oh，Pinch-YOU，’an’soIpinched’im，an’
’ewasmad，an’sohesnatchedmycobbleran’runoffwithit。
An’soIrunafter’im，an’whenIwasgettin’holdof’im，’edodged，an’itripped’iscollar。ButIgotmycobbler——“
Hepulledfromhispocketablackoldhorse-chestnuthangingon，astring。Thisoldcobblerhad“cobbled“——hitandsmashed——seventeen，othercobblersonsimilarstrings。Sotheboywasproudofhisveteran。
“Well，“saidMrs。Morel，“youknowyou’vegotnorighttorip，hiscollar。”
“Well，ourmother！”heanswered。”Inevermeanttr’adoneit——an’
itwason’yanoldindirrubbercollaraswastorna’ready。”
“Nexttime，“saidhismother，“YOUbemorecareful。
Ishouldn’tlikeitifyoucamehomewithyourcollartornoff。”
“Idon’tcare，ourmother;Ineverdidita-purpose。”
Theboywasrathermiserableatbeingreprimanded。
“No——well，youbemorecareful。”
Williamfledaway，gladtobeexonerated。AndMrs。Morel，whohatedanybotherwiththeneighbours，thoughtshewouldexplain，toMrs。Anthony，andthebusinesswouldbeover。
ButthateveningMorelcameinfromthepitlookingverysour。
Hestoodinthekitchenandglaredround，butdidnotspeakfor，someminutes。Then：
“Wheer’sthatWilly？”heasked。
“WhatdoyouwantHIMfor？”askedMrs。Morel，whohadguessed。
“I’lllet’imknowwhenIgethim，“saidMorel，banginghis，pit-bottleontothedresser。
“IsupposeMrs。Anthony’sgotholdofyouandbeenyarning，toyouaboutAlfy’scollar，“saidMrs。Morel，rathersneering。
“Nivermindwho’sgotholdofme，“saidMorel。”WhenIget，holdof’IMI’llmakehisbonesrattle。”
“It’sapoortale，“saidMrs。Morel，“thatyou’resoready，tosidewithanysnipeyvixenwholikestocometellingtales，againstyourownchildren。”
“I’lllearn’im！”saidMorel。”Itnonematterstomewhose，lad’eis;’e’snonegoin’rippin’an’tearin’aboutjustashe’s，amind。”
“’Rippingandtearingabout！’“repeatedMrs。Morel。
“HewasrunningafterthatAlfy，who’dtakenhiscobbler，andhe，accidentallygotholdofhiscollar，becausetheotherdodged——as，anAnthonywould。”
“Iknow！”shoutedMorelthreateningly。
“Youwould，beforeyou’retold，“repliedhiswifebitingly。
“Niveryoumind，“stormedMorel。”Iknowmybusiness。”
“That’smorethandoubtful，“saidMrs。Morel，“supposingsome，loud-mouthedcreaturehadbeengettingyoutothrashyourownchildren。”
“Iknow，“repeatedMorel。
Andhesaidnomore，butsatandnursedhisbadtemper。
SuddenlyWilliamranin，saying：
“CanIhavemytea，mother？”
“Thacanha’emorethanthat！”shoutedMorel。
“Holdyournoise，man，“saidMrs。Morel;“anddon’tlook，soridiculous。”
“He’lllookridiculousbeforeI’vedonewi’him！”shoutedMorel，risingfromhischairandglaringathisson。
William，whowasatallladforhisyears，butverysensitive，hadgonepale，andwaslookinginasortofhorrorathisfather。
“Goout！”Mrs。Morelcommandedherson。
Williamhadnotthewittomove。SuddenlyMorelclenched，hisfist，andcrouched。
“I’llGI’Ehim’goout’！”heshoutedlikeaninsanething。
“What！”criedMrs。Morel，pantingwithrage。”Youshall，nottouchhimforHERtelling，youshallnot！”
“ShonnaI？”shoutedMorel。”ShonnaI？”
And，glaringattheboy，heranforward。Mrs。Morelsprang，inbetweenthem，withherfistlifted。
“Don’tyouDARE！”shecried。
“What！”heshouted，baffledforthemoment。”What！”
Shespunroundtoherson。
“GOoutofthehouse！”shecommandedhiminfury。
Theboy，asifhypnotisedbyher，turnedsuddenlyandwasgone。
Morelrushedtothedoor，butwastoolate。Hereturned，paleunder，hispit-dirtwithfury。Butnowhiswifewasfullyroused。
“Onlydare！”shesaidinaloud，ringingvoice。”Onlydare，milord，tolayafingeronthatchild！，You’llregretitforever。”
Hewasafraidofher。Inatoweringrage，hesatdown。
Whenthechildrenwereoldenoughtobeleft，Mrs。Morel，joinedtheWomen’sGuild。Itwasalittleclubofwomenattached，totheCo-operativeWholesaleSociety，whichmetonMondaynight，inthelongroomoverthegroceryshopoftheBestwood“Co-op“。The，womenweresupposedtodiscussthebenefitstobederivedfrom，co-operation，andothersocialquestions。SometimesMrs。Morel，readapaper。Itseemedqueertothechildrentoseetheirmother，whowasalwaysbusyaboutthehouse，sittingwritinginher，rapidfashion，thinking，referringtobooks，andwritingagain。
Theyfeltforheronsuchoccasionsthedeepestrespect。
ButtheylovedtheGuild。Itwastheonlythingtowhichthey，didnotgrudgetheirmother——andthatpartlybecausesheenjoyedit，partlybecauseofthetreatstheyderivedfromit。TheGuild，wascalledbysomehostilehusbands，whofoundtheirwivesgetting，tooindependent，the“clat-fart“shop——thatis，thegossip-shop。It，istrue，fromoffthebasisoftheGuild，thewomencouldlookat，theirhomes，attheconditionsoftheirownlives，andfindfault。
Sothecolliersfoundtheirwomenhadanewstandardoftheirown，ratherdisconcerting。Andalso，Mrs。Morelalwayshadalotofnews，onMondaynights，sothatthechildrenlikedWilliamtobeinwhen，theirmothercamehome，becauseshetoldhimthings。
Then，whentheladwasthirteen，shegothimajobin，the“Co-op。”，office。Hewasaverycleverboy，frank，withrather，roughfeaturesandrealvikingblueeyes。
“Whatdostwantterma’eastool-harsedJackon’imfor？”
saidMorel。”Allhe’lldoistowearhisbritchesbehindoutan’
earnnowt。What’s’estartin’wi’？”
“Itdoesn’tmatterwhathe’sstartingwith，“saidMrs。Morel。
“Itwouldna！，Put’imi’th’pitweme，an’’ellearnaeasy，tenshillin’awikfromth’start。Butsixshillin’wearin’histruck-end，outonastool’sbetterthantenshillin’i’th’pitwi’me，Iknow。”
“HeisNOTgoinginthepit，“saidMrs。Morel，“andthere’s，anendofit。”
“Itworgoodenoughforme，butit’snongoodenoughfor’im。”
“Ifyourmotherputyouinthepitattwelve，it’snoreason，whyIshoulddothesamewithmylad。”
“Twelve！，Itworasightaforethat！”
“Wheneveritwas，“saidMrs。Morel。
Shewasveryproudofherson。Hewenttothenightschool，andlearnedshorthand，sothatbythetimehewassixteenhewas，thebestshorthandclerkandbook-keeperontheplace，exceptone。
Thenhetaughtinthenightschools。Buthewassofierythatonly，hisgood-natureandhissizeprotectedhim。
Allthethingsthatmendo——thedecentthings——Williamdid。
Hecouldrunlikethewind。Whenhewastwelvehewonafirst，prizeinarace;aninkstandofglass，shapedlikeananvil。
Itstoodproudlyonthedresser，andgaveMrs。Morelakeenpleasure。
Theboyonlyranforher。Heflewhomewithhisanvil，breathless，witha“Look，mother！”Thatwasthefirstrealtributetoherself。
Shetookitlikeaqueen。
“Howpretty！”sheexclaimed。
Thenhebegantogetambitious。Hegaveallhismoneyto，hismother。Whenheearnedfourteenshillingsaweek，shegavehim，backtwoforhimself，and，asheneverdrank，hefelthimselfrich。
HewentaboutwiththebourgeoisofBestwood。Thetownletcontained，nothinghigherthantheclergyman。Thencamethebankmanager，thenthedoctors，thenthetradespeople，andafterthatthehosts，ofcolliers。Willambegantoconsortwiththesonsofthechemist，theschoolmaster，andthetradesmen。Heplayedbilliardsin，theMechanics’Hall。Alsohedanced——thisinspiteofhismother。
AllthelifethatBestwoodofferedheenjoyed，fromthesixpenny-hops，downChurchStreet，tosportsandbilliards。
Paulwastreatedtodazzlingdescriptionsofallkindsof，flower-likeladies，mostofwhomlivedlikecutbloomsinWilliam’s，heartforabrieffortnight。
Occasionallysomeflamewouldcomeinpursuitofhererrant，swain。Mrs。Morelwouldfindastrangegirlatthedoor，andimmediatelyshesniffedtheair。
“IsMr。Morelin？”thedamselwouldaskappealingly。
“Myhusbandisathome，“Mrs。Morelreplied。
“I——ImeanYOUNGMr。Morel，“repeatedthemaidenpainfully。
“Whichone？，Thereareseveral。”
Whereuponmuchblushingandstammeringfromthefairone。
“I——ImetMr。Morel——atRipley，“sheexplained。
“Oh——atadance！”
“Yes。”
“Idon’tapproveofthegirlsmysonmeetsatdances。
AndheisNOTathome。”
Thenhecamehomeangrywithhismotherforhavingturnedthe，girlawaysorudely。Hewasacareless，yeteager-lookingfellow，whowalkedwithlongstrides，sometimesfrowning，oftenwithhiscap，pushedjollilytothebackofhishead。Nowhecameinfrowning。
Hethrewhiscapontothesofa，andtookhisstrongjawinhishand，andglareddownathismother。Shewassmall，withherhair，takenstraightbackfromherforehead。Shehadaquietair，ofauthority，andyetofrarewarmth。Knowinghersonwasangry，shetrembledinwardly。
“Didaladycallformeyesterday，mother？”heasked。
“Idon’tknowaboutalady。Therewasagirlcame。”
“Andwhydidn’tyoutellme？”
“BecauseIforgot，simply。”
Hefumedalittle。
“Agood-lookinggirl——seemedalady？”
“Ididn’tlookather。”
“Bigbrowneyes？”
“IdidNOTlook。Andtellyourgirls，myson，thatwhenthey’re，runningafteryou，they’renottocomeandaskyourmotherforyou。
Tellthemthat——brazenbaggagesyoumeetatdancing-classes。”
“I’msureshewasanicegirl。”
“AndI’msureshewasn’t。”
Thereendedthealtercation。Overthedancingtherewasagreat，strifebetweenthemotherandtheson。Thegrievancereachedits，heightwhenWilliamsaidhewasgoingtoHucknallTorkard——considered，alowtown——toafancy-dressball。HewastobeaHighlander。
Therewasadresshecouldhire，whichoneofhisfriends，hadhad，andwhichfittedhimperfectly。TheHighlandsuitcamehome。
Mrs。Morelreceiveditcoldlyandwouldnotunpackit。
“Mysuitcome？”criedWilliam。
“There’saparcelinthefrontroom。”
Herushedinandcutthestring。
“Howdoyoufancyyoursoninthis！”hesaid，enraptured，showingherthesuit。
“YouknowIdon’twanttofancyyouinit。”
Ontheeveningofthedance，whenhehadcomehometodress，Mrs。Morelputonhercoatandbonnet。
“Aren’tyougoingtostopandseeme，mother？”heasked。
“No;Idon’twanttoseeyou，“shereplied。
Shewasratherpale，andherfacewasclosedandhard。
Shewasafraidofherson’sgoingthesamewayashisfather。
Hehesitatedamoment，andhisheartstoodstillwithanxiety。