第2章　

AfterthePreachingINlessthananhourfromthattime，SethBedewaswalkingbyDinah’ssidealongthehedgerow-paththatskirtedthepasturesandgreencorn-fieldswhichlaybetweenthevillageandtheHallFarm。

DinahhadtakenoffherlittleQuakerbonnetagain，andwasholdingitinherhandsthatshemighthaveafreerenjoymentofthecooleveningtwilight，andSethcouldseetheexpressionofherfacequiteclearlyashewalkedbyherside，timidlyrevolvingsomethinghewantedtosaytoher。Itwasanexpressionofunconsciousplacidgravity——ofabsorptioninthoughtsthathadnoconnectionwiththepresentmomentorwithherownpersonality——anexpressionthatismostofalldiscouragingtoalover。Herverywalkwasdiscouraging:ithadthatquietelasticitythatasksfornosupport。Sethfeltthisdimly；hesaidtohimself，"She’stoogoodandholyforanyman，letaloneme，"andthewordshehadbeensummoningrushedbackagainbeforetheyhadreachedhislips。

Butanotherthoughtgavehimcourage:"There’snomancouldloveherbetterandleaveherfreertofollowtheLord’swork。"Theyhadbeensilentformanyminutesnow，sincetheyhaddonetalkingaboutBessyCranage；DinahseemedalmosttohaveforgottenSeth’spresence，andherpacewasbecomingsomuchquickerthatthesenseoftheirbeingonlyafewminutes’walkfromtheyard-gatesoftheHallFarmatlastgaveSethcouragetospeak。

"You’vequitemadeupyourmindtogobacktoSnowfieldo’

Saturday，Dinah？"

"Yes，"saidDinah，quietly。"I’mcalledthere。ItwasborneinuponmymindwhileIwasmeditatingonSundaynight，asSisterAllen，who’sinadecline，isinneedofme。Isawherasplainasweseethatbitofthinwhitecloud，liftingupherpoorthinhandandbeckoningtome。AndthismorningwhenIopenedtheBiblefordirection，thefirstwordsmyeyesfellonwere，’Andafterwehadseenthevision，immediatelyweendeavouredtogointoMacedonia。’Ifitwasn’tforthatclearshowingoftheLord’swill，Ishouldbeloathtogo，formyheartyearnsovermyauntandherlittleones，andthatpoorwanderinglambHettySorrel。I’vebeenmuchdrawnoutinprayerforheroflate，andI

lookonitasatokenthattheremaybemercyinstoreforher。"

"Godgrantit，"saidSeth。"ForIdoubtAdam’sheartissosetonher，he’llneverturntoanybodyelse；andyetit’udgotomyheartifhewastomarryher，forIcannathinkasshe’dmakehimhappy。It’sadeepmystery——thewaytheheartofmanturnstoonewomanoutofalltheresthe’sseeni’theworld，andmakesiteasierforhimtoworksevenyearforHER，likeJacobdidforRachel，soonerthanhaveanyotherwomanforth’asking。Ioftenthinkofthemwords，’AndJacobservedsevenyearsforRachel；andtheyseemedtohimbutafewdaysforthelovehehadtoher。’I

knowthosewords’udcometruewithme，Dinah，ifsobeyou’dgivemehopeasImightwinyouaftersevenyearswasover。Iknowyouthinkahusband’udbetakinguptoomucho’yourthoughts，becauseSt。Paulsays，’Shethat’smarriedcarethforthethingsoftheworldhowshemaypleaseherhusband’；andmayhappenyou’llthinkmeoverboldtospeaktoyouaboutitagain，afterwhatyoutoldmeo’yourmindlastSaturday。ButI’vebeenthinkingitoveragainbynightandbyday，andI’veprayednottobeblindedbymyowndesires，tothinkwhat’sonlygoodformemustbegoodforyoutoo。Anditseemstomethere’smoretextsforyourmarryingthaneveryoucanfindagainstit。ForSt。Paulsaysasplainascanbeinanotherplace，’Iwillthattheyoungerwomenmarry，bearchildren，guidethehouse，givenoneoccasiontotheadversarytospeakreproachfully’；andthen’twoarebetterthanone’；andthatholdsgoodwithmarriageaswellaswithotherthings。Forweshouldbeo’oneheartando’onemind，Dinah。WebothservethesameMaster，andarestrivingafterthesamegifts；

andI’dneverbethehusbandtomakeaclaimonyouascouldinterferewithyourdoingtheworkGodhasfittedyoufor。I’dmakeashift，andfendindoorandout，togiveyoumoreliberty——

morethanyoucanhavenow，foryou’vegottogetyourownlivingnow，andI’mstrongenoughtoworkforusboth。"

WhenSethhadoncebeguntourgehissuit，hewentonearnestlyandalmosthurriedly，lestDinahshouldspeaksomedecisivewordbeforehehadpouredforthalltheargumentshehadprepared。Hischeeksbecameflushedashewentonhismildgreyeyesfilledwithtears，andhisvoicetrembledashespokethelastsentence。Theyhadreachedoneofthoseverynarrowpassesbetweentwotallstones，whichperformedtheofficeofastileinLoamshire，andDinahpausedassheturnedtowardsSethandsaid，inhertenderbutcalmtreblenotes，"SethBede，Ithankyouforyourlovetowardsme，andifIcouldthinkofanymanasmorethanaChristianbrother，Ithinkitwouldbeyou。Butmyheartisnotfreetomarry。Thatisgoodforotherwomen，anditisagreatandablessedthingtobeawifeandmother；but’asGodhasdistributedtoeveryman，astheLordhathcalledeveryman，solethimwalk。’Godhascalledmetoministertoothers，nottohaveanyjoysorsorrowsofmyown，buttorejoicewiththemthatdorejoice，andtoweepwiththosethatweep。Hehascalledmetospeakhisword，andhehasgreatlyownedmywork。ItcouldonlybeonaveryclearshowingthatIcouldleavethebrethrenandsistersatSnowfield，whoarefavouredwithverylittleofthisworld’sgood；wherethetreesarefew，sothatachildmightcountthem，andthere’sveryhardlivingforthepoorinthewinter。Ithasbeengivenmetohelp，tocomfort，andstrengthenthelittleflockthereandtocallinmanywanderers；andmysoulisfilledwiththesethingsfrommyrisinguptillmylyingdown。Mylifeistooshort，andGod’sworkistoogreatformetothinkofmakingahomeformyselfinthisworld。I’venotturnedadeafeartoyourwords，Seth，forwhenIsawasyourlovewasgiventome，IthoughtitmightbealeadingofProvidenceformetochangemywayoflife，andthatweshouldbefellow-helpers；andIspreadthematterbeforetheLord。ButwheneverItriedtofixmymindonmarriage，andourlivingtogether，otherthoughtsalwayscamein——thetimeswhenI’veprayedbythesickanddying，andthehappyhoursI’vehadpreaching，whenmyheartwasfilledwithlove，andtheWordwasgiventomeabundantly。AndwhenI’veopenedtheBiblefordirection，I’vealwayslightedonsomeclearwordtotellmewheremyworklay。Ibelievewhatyousay，Seth，thatyouwouldtrytobeahelpandnotahindrancetomywork；

butIseethatourmarriageisnotGod’swill——Hedrawsmyheartanotherway。Idesiretoliveanddiewithouthusbandorchildren。Iseemtohavenoroominmysoulforwantsandfearsofmyown，ithaspleasedGodtofillmyheartsofullwiththewantsandsufferingsofhispoorpeople。"

Sethwasunabletoreply，andtheywalkedoninsilence。Atlast，astheywerenearlyattheyard-gate，hesaid，"Well，Dinah，I

mustseekforstrengthtobearit，andtoendureasseeingHimwhoisinvisible。ButIfeelnowhowweakmyfaithis。Itseemsasif，whenyouaregone，Icouldneverjoyinanythinganymore。I

thinkit’ssomethingpassingtheloveofwomenasIfeelforyou，forIcouldbecontentwithoutyourmarryingmeifIcouldgoandliveatSnowfieldandbenearyou。ItrustedasthestrongloveGodhasgivenmetowardsyouwasaleadingforusboth；butitseemsitwasonlymeantformytrial。PerhapsIfeelmoreforyouthanIoughttofeelforanycreature，forIoftencan’thelpsayingofyouwhatthehymnsays——

Indarkestshadesifsheappear，Mydawningisbegun；

Sheismysoul’sbrightmorning-star，Andshemyrisingsun。

Thatmaybewrong，andIamtobetaughtbetter。Butyouwouldn’tbedispleasedwithmeifthingsturnedoutsoasIcouldleavethiscountryandgotoliveatSnowfield？"

"No，Seth；butIcounselyoutowaitpatiently，andnotlightlytoleaveyourowncountryandkindred。DonothingwithouttheLord’sclearbidding。It’sableakandbarrencountrythere，notlikethislandofGoshenyou’vebeenusedto。Wemustn’tbeinahurrytofixandchooseourownlot；wemustwaittobeguided。"

"Butyou’dletmewriteyoualetter，Dinah，iftherewasanythingIwantedtotellyou？"

"Yes，sure；letmeknowifyou’reinanytrouble。You’llbecontinuallyinmyprayers。"

Theyhadnowreachedtheyard-gate，andSethsaid，"Iwon’tgoin，Dinah，sofarewell。"Hepausedandhesitatedaftershehadgivenhimherhand，andthensaid，"There’snoknowingbutwhatyoumayseethingsdifferentafterawhile。Theremaybeanewleading。"

"Letusleavethat，Seth。It’sgoodtoliveonlyamomentatatime，asI’vereadinoneofMr。Wesley’sbooks。Itisn’tforyouandmetolayplans；we’venothingtodobuttoobeyandtotrust。

Farewell。"

Dinahpressedhishandwithratherasadlookinherlovingeyes，andthenpassedthroughthegate，whileSethturnedawaytowalklingeringlyhome。Butinsteadoftakingthedirectroad，hechosetoturnbackalongthefieldsthroughwhichheandDinahhadalreadypassed；andIthinkhisbluelinenhandkerchiefwasverywetwithtearslongbeforehehadmadeuphismindthatitwastimeforhimtosethisfacesteadilyhomewards。Hewasbutthree-and-twenty，andhadonlyjustlearnedwhatitistolove——tolovewiththatadorationwhichayoungmangivestoawomanwhomhefeelstobegreaterandbetterthanhimself。Loveofthissortishardlydistinguishablefromreligiousfeeling。Whatdeepandworthyloveisso，whetherofwomanorchild，orartormusic。

Ourcaresses，ourtenderwords，ourstillraptureundertheinfluenceofautumnsunsets，orpillaredvistas，orcalmmajesticstatues，orBeethovensymphoniesallbringwiththemtheconsciousnessthattheyaremerewavesandripplesinanunfathomableoceanofloveandbeauty；ouremotioninitskeenestmomentpassesfromexpressionintosilence，ourloveatitshighestfloodrushesbeyonditsobjectandlosesitselfinthesenseofdivinemystery。AndthisblessedgiftofveneratinglovehasbeengiventotoomanyhumblecraftsmensincetheworldbeganforustofeelanysurprisethatitshouldhaveexistedinthesoulofaMethodistcarpenterhalfacenturyago，whiletherewasyetalingeringafter-glowfromthetimewhenWesleyandhisfellow-labourerfedonthehipsandhawsoftheCornwallhedges，afterexhaustinglimbsandlungsincarryingadivinemessagetothepoor。

Thatafterglowhaslongfadedaway；andthepictureweareapttomakeofMethodisminourimaginationisnotanamphitheatreofgreenhills，orthedeepshadeofbroad-leavedsycamores，whereacrowdofroughmenandweary-heartedwomendrankinafaithwhichwasarudimentaryculture，whichlinkedtheirthoughtswiththepast，liftedtheirimaginationabovethesordiddetailsoftheirownnarrowlives，andsuffusedtheirsoulswiththesenseofapitying，loving，infinitePresence，sweetassummertothehouselessneedy。ItistoopossiblethattosomeofmyreadersMethodismmaymeannothingmorethanlow-pitchedgablesupdingystreets，sleekgrocers，spongingpreachers，andhypocriticaljargon——elementswhichareregardedasanexhaustiveanalysisofMethodisminmanyfashionablequarters。

Thatwouldbeapity；forIcannotpretendthatSethandDinahwereanythingelsethanMethodists——notindeedofthatmoderntypewhichreadsquarterlyreviewsandattendsinchapelswithpillaredporticoes，butofaveryold-fashionedkind。Theybelievedinpresentmiracles，ininstantaneousconversions，inrevelationsbydreamsandvisions；theydrewlots，andsoughtforDivineguidancebyopeningtheBibleathazard；havingaliteralwayofinterpretingtheScriptures，whichisnotatallsanctionedbyapprovedcommentators；anditisimpossibieformetorepresenttheirdictionascorrect，ortheirinstructionasliberal。Still——

ifIhavereadreligioushistoryaright——faith，hope，andcharityhavenotalwaysbeenfoundinadirectratiowithasensibilitytothethreeconcords，anditispossible——thankHeaven！——tohaveveryerroneoustheoriesandverysublimefeelings。TherawbaconwhichclumsyMollysparesfromherownscantystorethatshemaycarryittoherneighbour’schildto"stopthefits，"maybeapiteouslyinefficaciousremedy；butthegenerousstirringofneighbourlykindnessthatpromptedthedeedhasabeneficentradiationthatisnotlost。

Consideringthesethings，wecanhardlythinkDinahandSethbeneathoursympathy，accustomedaswemaybetoweepovertheloftiersorrowsofheroinesinsatinbootsandcrinoline，andofheroesridingfieryhorses，themselvesriddenbystillmorefierypassions。

PoorSeth！Hewasneveronhorsebackinhislifeexceptonce，whenhewasalittlelad，andMr。JonathanBurgetookhimupbebind，tellinghimto"holdontight"；andinsteadofburstingoutintowildaccusingapostrophestoGodanddestiny，heisresolving，ashenowwalkshomewardsunderthesolemnstarlight，torepresshissadness，tobelessbentonhavinghisownwill，andtolivemoreforothers，asDinahdoes。

ChapterIV

HomeandItsSorrowsAGREENvalleywithabrookrunningthroughit，fullalmosttooverflowingwiththelaterains，overhungbylowstoopingwillows。

Acrossthisbrookaplankisthrown，andoverthisplankAdamBedeispassingwithhisundoubtingstep，followedclosebyGypwiththebasket；evidentlymakinghiswaytothethatchedhouse，withastackoftimberbythesideofit，abouttwentyyardsuptheoppositeslope。

Thedoorofthehouseisopen，andanelderlywomanislookingout；butsheisnotplacidlycontemplatingtheeveningsunshine；

shehasbeenwatchingwithdimeyesthegraduallyenlargingspeckwhichforthelastfewminutesshehasbeenquitesureisherdarlingsonAdam。LisbethBedeloveshersonwiththeloveofawomantowhomherfirst-bornhascomelateinlife。Sheisananxious，spare，yetvigorousoldwoman，cleanasasnowdrop。Hergreyhairisturnedneatlybackunderapurelinencapwithablackbandroundit；herbroadchestiscoveredwithabuffneckerchief，andbelowthisyouseeasortofshortbedgownmadeofblue-checkeredlinen，tiedroundthewaistanddescendingtothehips，fromwhencethereisaconsiderablelengthoflinsey-

woolseypetticoat。ForLisbethistall，andinotherpointstoothereisastronglikenessbetweenherandhersonAdam。Herdarkeyesaresomewhatdimnow——perhapsfromtoomuchcrying——butherbroadlymarkedeyebrowsarestillblack，herteetharesound，andasshestandsknittingrapidlyandunconsciouslywithherwork-

hardenedhands，shehasasfirmlyuprightanattitudeaswhensheiscarryingapailofwateronherheadfromthespring。Thereisthesametypeofframeandthesamekeenactivityoftemperamentinmotherandson，butitwasnotfromherthatAdamgothiswell-

filledbrowandhisexpressionoflarge-heartedintelligence。

Familylikenesshasoftenadeepsadnessinit。Nature，thatgreattragicdramatist，knitsustogetherbyboneandmuscle，anddividesusbythesubtlerwebofourbrains；blendsyearningandrepulsion；andtiesusbyourheart-stringstothebeingsthatjarusateverymovement。Wehearavoicewiththeverycadenceofourownutteringthethoughtswedespise；weseeeyes——ah，solikeourmother’s！——avertedfromusincoldalienation；andourlastdarlingchildstartlesuswiththeairandgesturesofthesisterwepartedfrominbitternesslongyearsago。Thefathertowhomweoweourbestheritage——themechanicalinstinct，thekeensensibilitytoharmony，theunconsciousskillofthemodellinghand——gallsusandputsustoshamebyhisdailyerrors；thelong-

lostmother，whosefacewebegintoseeintheglassasourownwrinklescome，oncefrettedouryoungsoulswithheranxioushumoursandirrationalpersistence。

Itissuchafondanxiousmother’svoicethatyouhear，asLisbethsays，"Well，mylad，it’sgonesevenbyth’clock。Thee’tallaysstaytillthelastchild’sborn。Theewantsthysupper，I’llwarrand。Where’sSeth？Goneartersomeo’schapellin’，I

reckon？"

"Aye，aye，Seth’satnoharm，mother，theemaystbesure。

Butwhere’sfather？"saidAdamquickly，asheenteredthehouseandglancedintotheroomonthelefthand，whichwasusedasaworkshop。"Hasn’thedonethecoffinforTholer？There’sthestuffstandingjustasIleftitthismorning。"

"Donethecoffin？"saidLisbeth，followinghim，andknittinguninterruptedly，thoughshelookedathersonveryanxiously。

"Eh，mylad，hewentafftoTreddles’onthisforenoon，an’snivercomeback。Idoubthe’sgottoth’’WagginOverthrow’again。"

AdeepflushofangerpassedrapidlyoverAdam’sface。Hesaidnothing，butthrewoffhisjacketandbegantorolluphisshirt-

sleevesagain。

"Whatartgoin’todo，Adam？"saidthemother，withatoneandlookofalarm。"Theewouldstnagotoworkagain，wi’outha’inthybito’supper？"

Adam，tooangrytospeak，walkedintotheworkshop。Buthismotherthrewdownherknitting，and，hurryingafterhim，tookholdofhisarm，andsaid，inatoneofplaintiveremonstrance，"Nay，mylad，mylad，theemunnagowi’outthysupper；there’sthetaterswi’thegravyin’em，justastheelik’st’em。Isaved’emo’purposeforthee。Comean’ha’thysupper，come。"

"Letbe！"saidAdamimpetuously，shakingheroffandseizingoneoftheplanksthatstoodagainstthewall。"It’sfinetalkingabouthavingsupperwhenhere’sacoffinpromisedtobereadyatBrox’onbyseveno’clockto-morrowmorning，andoughttoha’beentherenow，andnotanailstruckyet。Mythroat’stoofulltoswallowvictuals。"

"Why，theecanstnagetthecoffinready，"saidLisbeth。"Thee’tworkthyselftodeath。It’udtaketheeallnighttodo’t。"

"Whatsignifieshowlongittakesme？Isn’tthecoffinpromised？

Cantheyburythemanwithoutacoffin？I’dworkmyrighthandoffsoonerthandeceivepeoplewithliesi’thatway。Itmakesmemadtothinkon’t。Ishalloverrunthesedoingsbeforelong。

I’vestoodenoughof’em。"

PoorLisbethdidnothearthisthreatforthefirsttime，andifshehadbeenwiseshewouldhavegoneawayquietlyandsaidnothingforthenexthour。Butoneofthelessonsawomanmostrarelylearnsisnevertotalktoanangryoradrunkenman。

Lisbethsatdownonthechoppingbenchandbegantocry，andbythetimeshehadcriedenoughtomakehervoiceverypiteous，sheburstoutintowords。

"Nay，mylad，mylad，theewouldstnagoawayan’breakthymother’sheart，an’leavethyfeythertoruin。Theewouldstnaha’

’emcarrymetoth’churchyard，an’theenottofollowme。I

shannaresti’mygraveifIdonnaseetheeatth’last；an’how’stheytolettheeknowasI’ma-dyin’，ifthee’tgonea-workin’i’

distantparts，an’Sethbelikegonearterthee，andthyfeythernotabletoholdapenfor’shandshakin’，besidesnotknowin’

wheretheeart？Theemunforgiethyfeyther——theemunnabesobitteragain’him。Hewaragoodfeythertotheeaforehetooktoth’drink。He’sacleverworkman，an’taughttheethytrade，remember，an’snivergenmeablownorsomuchasanillword——no，notevenin’sdrink。Theewouldstnaha’’mgototheworkhus——

thyownfeyther——an’himaswasafine-growedmanan’handyateverythin’amostastheeartthysen，five-an’-twenty’earago，whentheewastababyatthebreast。"

Lisbeth’svoicebecamelouder，andchokedwithsobs——asortofwail，themostirritatingofallsoundswhererealsorrowsaretobeborneandrealworktobedone。Adambrokeinimpatiently。

"Now，Mother，don’tcryandtalkso。Haven’tIgotenoughtovexmewithoutthat？What’sth’useo’tellingmethingsasIonlythinktoomuchoneveryday？IfIdidnathinkon’em，whyshouldIdoasIdo，forthesakeo’keepingthingstogetherhere？ButI

hatetobetalkingwhereit’snouse:Iliketokeepmybreathfordoingi’steado’talking。"

"Iknowtheedostthingsasnobodyelse’uddo，mylad。Butthee’tallayssohardupo’thyfeyther，Adam。Theethink’stnothingtoomuchtodoforSeth:theesnapp’stmeupifiverI

findfautwi’th’lad。Butthee’tsoangeredwi’thyfeyther，morenorwi’anybodyelse。"

"That’sbetterthanspeakingsoftandlettingthingsgothewrongway，Ireckon，isn’tit？IfIwasn’tsharpwithhimhe’dselleverybito’stuffi’th’yardandspenditondrink。Iknowthere’sadutytobedonebymyfather，butitisn’tmydutytoencouragehiminrunningheadlongtoruin。AndwhathasSethgottodowithit？TheladdoesnoharmasIknowof。Butleavemealone，Mother，andletmegetonwiththework。"

Lisbethdarednotsayanymore；butshegotupandcalledGyp，thinkingtoconsoleherselfsomewhatforAdam’srefusalofthesuppershehadspreadoutinthelovingexpectationoflookingathimwhileheateit，byfeedingAdam’sdogwithextraliberality。

ButGypwaswatchinghismasterwithwrinkledbrowandearserect，puzzledatthisunusualcourseofthings；andthoughheglancedatLisbethwhenshecalledhim，andmovedhisfore-pawsuneasily，wellknowingthatshewasinvitinghimtosupper，hewasinadividedstateofmind，andremainedseatedonhishaunches，againfixinghiseyesanxiouslyonhismaster。AdamnoticedGyp’smentalconflict，andthoughhisangerhadmadehimlesstenderthanusualtohismother，itdidnotpreventhimfromcaringasmuchasusualforhisdog。Weareapttobekindertothebrutesthatloveusthantothewomenthatloveus。Isitbecausethebrutesaredumb？

"Go，Gyp；go，lad！"Adamsaid，inatoneofencouragingcommand；

andGyp，apparentlysatisfiedthatdutyandpleasurewereone，followedLisbethintothehouse-place。

Butnosoonerhadhelickeduphissupperthanhewentbacktohismaster，whileLisbethsatdownalonetocryoverherknitting。

Womenwhoareneverbitterandresentfulareoftenthemostquerulous；andifSolomonwasaswiseasheisreputedtobe，I

feelsurethatwhenhecomparedacontentiouswomantoacontinualdroppingonaveryrainyday，hehadnotavixeninhiseye——afurywithlongnails，acridandselfish。Dependuponit，hemeantagoodcreature，whohadnojoybutinthehappinessofthelovedoneswhomshecontributedtomakeuncomfortable，puttingbyallthetid-bitsforthemandspendingnothingonherself。SuchawomanasLisbeth，forexample——atoncepatientandcomplaining，self-renouncingandexacting，broodingthelivelongdayoverwhathappenedyesterdayandwhatislikelytohappento-morrow，andcryingveryreadilybothatthegoodandtheevil。ButacertainawemingleditselfwithheridolatrousloveofAdam，andwhenhesaid，"Leavemealone，"shewasalwayssilenced。

Sothehourspassed，totheloudtickingoftheoldday-clockandthesoundofAdam’stools。Atlasthecalledforalightandadraughtofwater(beerwasathingonlytobedrunkonholidays)，andLisbethventuredtosayasshetookitin，"Thysupperstan’sreadyforthee，whentheelik’st。"

"Donnatheesitup，mother，"saidAdam，inagentletone。Hehadworkedoffhisangernow，andwheneverhewishedtobeespeciallykindtohismother，hefellintohisstrongestnativeaccentanddialect，withwhichatothertimeshisspeechwaslessdeeplytinged。"I’llseetoFatherwhenhecomeshome；maybehewonnacomeatallto-night。Ishallbeeasierifthee’ti’bed。"

"Nay，I’llbidetillSethcomes。Hewonnabelongnow，Ireckon。"

Itwasthenpastninebytheclock，whichwasalwaysinadvanceofthedays，andbeforeithadstrucktenthelatchwasliftedandSethentered。Hehadheardthesoundofthetoolsashewasapproaching。

"Why，Mother，"hesaid，"howisitasFather’sworkingsolate？"

"It’snoneo’thyfeytherasisa-workin’——theemightknowthatwellanoofifthyheadwarnafullo’chapellin’——it’sthybrotherasdoesiverything，forthere’snivernobodyelsei’th’waytodonothin’。"

Lisbethwasgoingon，forshewasnotatallafraidofSeth，andusuallypouredintohisearsallthequerulousnesswhichwasrepressedbyheraweofAdam。Sethhadneverinhislifespokenaharshwordtohismother，andtimidpeoplealwayswreaktheirpeevishnessonthegentle。ButSeth，withananxiouslook，hadpassedintotheworkshopandsaid，"Addy，how’sthis？What！

Father’sforgotthecoffin？"

"Aye，lad，th’oldtale；butIshallgetitdone，"saidAdam，lookingupandcastingoneofhisbrightkeenglancesathisbrother。"Why，what’sthematterwiththee？Thee’tintrouble。"

Seth’seyeswerered，andtherewasalookofdeepdepressiononhismildface。

"Yes，Addy，butit’swhatmustbeborne，andcan’tbehelped。

Why，thee’stneverbeentotheschool，then？"

"School？No，thatscrewcanwait，"saidAdam，hammeringawayagain。

"Letmetakemyturnnow，anddotheegotobed，"saidSeth。

"No，lad，I’drathergoon，nowI’minharness。Thee’thelpmetocarryittoBrox’onwhenit’sdone。I’llcalltheeupatsunrise。

Goandeatthysupper，andshutthedoorsoasImayn’thearMother’stalk。"

SethknewthatAdamalwaysmeantwhathesaid，andwasnottobepersuadedintomeaninganythingelse。Soheturned，withratheraheavyheart，intothehouse-place。

"Adam’snivertouchedabito’victualsin’homehe’scome，"saidLisbeth。"Ireckonthee’sthedthysupperatsomeo’thyMethodyfolks。"

"Nay，Mother，"saidSeth，"I’vehadnosupperyet。"

"Come，then，"saidLisbeth，"butdonnatheeatethetaters，forAdam’ullhappenate’emifIleave’emstannin’。Helovesabito’tatersan’gravy。Buthe’sbeensosorean’angered，hewouldn’tate’em，forallI’dputten’embyo’purposeforhim。

An’he’sbeena-threatenin’togoawayagain，"shewenton，whimpering，"an’I’mfastsurehe’llgosomedawnin’aforeI’mup，an’niverletmeknowaforehand，an’he’llnivercomebackagainwhenoncehe’sgone。An’I’dbetterniverha’hadason，asislikenootherbody’ssonforthedeftnessan’th’handiness，an’

solookedonbyth’gritfolks，an’tallan’uprightlikeapoplar-tree，an’metobepartedfromhiman’niversee’mnomore。"

"Come，Mother，donnagrievethyselfinvain，"saidSeth，inasoothingvoice。"Thee’stnothalfsogoodreasontothinkasAdam’ullgoawayastothinkhe’llstaywiththee。Hemaysaysuchathingwhenhe’sinwrath——andhe’sgotexcuseforbeingwrathfulsometimes——buthisheart’udneverlethimgo。Thinkhowhe’sstoodbyusallwhenit’sbeennonesoeasy——payinghissavingstofreemefromgoingforasoldier，an’turnin’hisearnin’sintowoodforfather，whenhe’sgotplentyo’usesforhismoney，andmanyayoungmanlikehim’udha’beenmarriedandsettledbeforenow。He’llneverturnroundandknockdownhisownwork，andforsakethemasit’sbeenthelabourofhislifetostandby。"

"Donnatalktomeabout’smarr’in’，"saidLisbeth，cryingafresh。

"He’sset’sheartonthatHettySorrel，as’ullniversaveapenny，an’’ulltossupherheadat’soldmother。An’tothinkashemightha’MaryBurge，an’betookpartners，an’beabigmanwi’workmenunderhim，likeMesterBurge——Dolly’stoldmesoo’erando’eragain——ifitwarnaashe’sset’sheartonthatbitofawench，asiso’nomoreusenorthegillyfloweronthewall。An’

hesowiseatbookin’an’figurin’，an’nottoknownobetternorthat！"

"But，Mother，theeknow’stwecannalovejustwhereotherfolks’udhaveus。There’snobodybutGodcancontroltheheartofman。

Icouldha’wishedmyselfasAdamcouldha’madeanotherchoice，butIwouldn’treproachhimforwhathecan’thelp。AndI’mnotsurebutwhathetriestoo’ercomeit。Butit’samatterashedoesn’tliketobespoketoabout，andIcanonlypraytotheLordtoblessanddirecthim。"

"Aye，thee’tallaysreadyenoughatprayin’，butIdonnaseeastheegetsmuchwi’thyprayin’。Theewotnagetdoubleearnin’so’

thissideYule。Th’Methodies’llnivermaketheehalfthemanthybrotheris，forallthey’rea-makin’apreacheronthee。"

"It’spartlytruththeespeak’stthere，Mother，"saidSeth，mildly；"Adam’sfarbeforeme，an’sdonemoreformethanIcaneverdoforhim。GoddistributestalentstoeverymanaccordingasHeseesgood。Buttheemustnaundervallyprayer。Prayermaynabringmoney，butitbringsuswhatnomoneycanbuy——apowertokeepfromsinandbecontentwithGod’swill，whateverHemaypleasetosend。IftheewouldstpraytoGodtohelpthee，andtrustinHisgoodness，theewouldstnabesouneasyaboutthings。"

"Unaisy？I’mi’th’righton’ttobeunaisy。It’swellseenonTHEEwhatitisnivertobeunaisy。Thee’tgi’awayallthyearnin’s，an’niverbeunaisyasthee’stnothin’laidupagain’arainyday。IfAdamhadbeenasaisyasthee，he’dniverha’hadnomoneytopayforthee。Takenothoughtforthemorrow——takenothought——that’swhatthee’tallayssayin’；an’whatcomeson’t？

Why，asAdamhastotakethoughtforthee。"

"Thosearethewordso’theBible，Mother，"saidSeth。"Theydon’tmeanasweshouldbeidle。Theymeanweshouldn’tbeoveranxiousandworretingourselvesaboutwhat’llhappento-

morrow，butdoourdutyandleavetheresttoGod’swill。"

"Aye，aye，that’sthewaywi’thee:theeallaysmakesapecko’

thyownwordsouto’apinto’theBible’s。Idonnaseehowthee’ttoknowas’takenothoughtforthemorrow’meansallthat。

An’whentheBible’ssuchabigbook，an’theecanstreadallthro’t，an’ha’thepicko’thetexes，Icannathinkwhytheedostnapickbetterwordsasdonnameansomuchmorenortheysay。

Adamdoesnapickathat’n；Icanunderstan’thetexashe’sallaysa-sayin’，’Godhelpsthemashelpstheirsens。’"

"Nay，Mother，"saidSeth，"that’snotexto’theBible。ItcomesoutofabookasAdampickedupatthestallatTreddles’on。Itwaswrotebyaknowingman，butoverworldly，Idoubt。However，thatsaying’spartlytrue；fortheBibletellsuswemustbeworkerstogetherwithGod。"

"Well，how’mItoknow？Itsoundslikeatex。Butwhat’sth’

matterwi’th’lad？Thee’thardlyatin’abito’supper。Dostnameantoha’nomorenorthatbito’oat-cake？An’theelookstaswhiteasaflicko’newbacon。What’sth’matterwi’thee？"

"Nothingtomindabout，Mother；I’mnothungry。I’lljustlookinatAdamagain，andseeifhe’llletmegoonwiththecoffin。"

"Ha’adropo’warmbroth？"saidLisbeth，whosemotherlyfeelingnowgotthebetterofher"nattering"habit。"I’llsettwo-threesticksa-lightinaminute。"

"Nay，Mother，thankthee；thee’tverygood，"saidSeth，gratefully；andencouragedbythistouchoftenderness，hewenton:"LetmeprayabitwiththeeforFather，andAdam，andallofus——it’llcomfortthee，happen，morethantheethinkst。"

"Well，I’venothin’tosayagain’it。"

Lisbeth，thoughdisposedalwaystotakethenegativesideinherconversationswithSeth，hadavaguesensethattherewassomecomfortandsafetyinthefactofhispiety，andthatitsomehowrelievedherfromthetroubleofanyspiritualtransactionsonherownbehalf。

Sothemotherandsonkneltdowntogether，andSethprayedforthepoorwanderingfatherandforthosewhoweresorrowingforhimathome。AndwhenhecametothepetitionthatAdammightneverbecalledtosetuphistentinafarcountry，butthathismothermightbecheeredandcomfortedbyhispresenceallthedaysofherpilgrimage，Lisbeth’sreadytearsflowedagain，andsheweptaloud。

Whentheyrosefromtheirknees，SethwenttoAdamagainandsaid，"Wiltonlyliedownforanhourortwo，andletmegoonthewhile？"

"No，Seth，no。MakeMothergotobed，andgothyself。"

MeantimeLisbethhaddriedhereyes，andnowfollowedSeth，holdingsomethinginherhands。Itwasthebrown-and-yellowplattercontainingthebakedpotatoeswiththegravyinthemandbitsofmeatwhichshehadcutandmixedamongthem。Thoseweredeartimes，whenwheatenbreadandfreshmeatweredelicaciestoworkingpeople。ShesetthedishdownrathertimidlyonthebenchbyAdam’ssideandsaid，"Theecanstpickabitwhilethee’tworkin’。I’llbringtheeanotherdropo’water。"

"Aye，Mother，do，"saidAdam，kindly；"I’mgettingverythirsty。"

Inhalfanhourallwasquiet；nosoundwastobeheardinthehousebuttheloudtickingoftheoldday-clockandtheringingofAdam’stools。Thenightwasverystill:whenAdamopenedthedoortolookoutattwelveo’clock，theonlymotionseemedtobeintheglowing，twinklingstars；everybladeofgrasswasasleep。

Bodilyhasteandexertionusuallyleaveourthoughtsverymuchatthemercyofourfeelingsandimagination；anditwassoto-nightwithAdam。Whilehismuscleswereworkinglustily，hismindseemedaspassiveasaspectatoratadiorama:scenesofthesadpast，andprobablysadfuture，floatingbeforehimandgivingplaceonetotheotherinswiftsucession。

Hesawhowitwouldbeto-morrowmorning，whenhehadcarriedthecoffintoBroxtonandwasathomeagain，havinghisbreakfast:hisfatherperhapswouldcomeinashamedtomeethisson’sglance——

wouldsitdown，lookingolderandmoretotteringthanhehaddonethemorningbefore，andhangdownhishead，examiningthefloor-

quarries；whileLisbethwouldaskhimhowhesupposedthecoffinhadbeengotready，thathehadslinkedoffandleftundone——forLisbethwasalwaysthefirsttoutterthewordofreproach，althoughshecriedatAdam’sseveritytowardshisfather。

"Soitwillgoon，worseningandworsening，"thoughtAdam；

"there’snoslippinguphillagain，andnostandingstillwhenonceyouvebeguntoslipdown。"Andthenthedaycamebacktohimwhenhewasalittlefellowandusedtorunbyhisfather’sside，proudtobetakenouttowork，andprouderstilltohearhisfatherboastingtohisfellow-workmenhow"thelittlechaphadanuncommonnotiono’carpentering。"Whatafineactivefellowhisfatherwasthen！WhenpeopleaskedAdamwhoselittleladhewas，hehadasenseofdistinctionasheanswered，"I’mThiasBede’slad。"HewasquitesureeverybodyknewThiasBede——didn’themakethewonderfulpigeon-houseatBroxtonparsonage？Thosewerehappydays，especiallywhenSeth，whowasthreeyearstheyounger，begantogooutworkingtoo，andAdambegantobeateacheraswellasalearner。Butthencamethedaysofsadness，whenAdamwassomewayoninhisteens，andThiasbegantoloiteratthepublic-houses，andLisbethbegantocryathome，andtopourforthherplaintsinthehearingofhersons。Adamrememberedwellthenightofshameandanguishwhenhefirstsawhisfatherquitewildandfoolish，shoutingasongoutfitfullyamonghisdrunkencompanionsatthe"WaggonOverthrown。"Hehadrunawayoncewhenhewasonlyeighteen，makinghisescapeinthemorningtwilightwithalittlebluebundleoverhisshoulder，andhis"mensurationbook"inhispocket，andsayingtohimselfverydecidedlythathecouldbearthevexationsofhomenolonger——hewouldgoandseekhisfortune，settinguphisstickatthecrosswaysandbendinghisstepsthewayitfell。ButbythetimehegottoStoniton，thethoughtofhismotherandSeth，leftbehindtoendureeverythingwithouthim，becametooimportunate，andhisresolutionfailedhim。Hecamebackthenextday，butthemiseryandterrorhismotherhadgonethroughinthosetwodayshadhauntedhereversince。

"No！"Adamsaidtohimselfto-night，"thatmustneverhappenagain。It’udmakeapoorbalancewhenmydoingsarecastupatthelast，ifmypooroldmotherstoodo’thewrongside。Myback’sbroadenoughandstrongenough；Ishouldbenobetterthanacowardtogoawayandleavethetroublestobebornebythemasaren’thalfsoable。’Theythatarestrongoughttobeartheinfirmitiesofthosethatareweak，andnottopleasethemselves。’

There’satextwantsnocandletoshow’t；itshinesbyitsownlight。It’splainenoughyougetintothewrongroadi’thislifeifyourunafterthisandthatonlyforthesakeo’makingthingseasyandpleasanttoyourself。Apigmaypokehisnoseintothetroughandthinko’nothingoutsideit；butifyou’vegotaman’sheartandsoulinyou，youcan’tbeeasya-makingyourownbedan’

leavingtheresttolieonthestones。Nay，nay，I’llneverslipmyneckouto’theyoke，andleavetheloadtobedrawnbytheweakuns。Father’sasorecrosstome，an’slikelytobeformanyalongyeartocome。Whatthen？I’vegotth’health，andthelimbs，andthesperrittobearit。"

Atthismomentasmartrap，asifwithawillowwand，wasgivenatthehousedoor，andGyp，insteadofbarking，asmighthavebeenexpected，gavealoudhowl。Adam，verymuchstartled，wentatoncetothedoorandopenedit。Nothingwasthere；allwasstill，aswhenheopeneditanhourbefore；theleavesweremotionless，andthelightofthestarsshowedtheplacidfieldsonbothsidesofthebrookquiteemptyofvisiblelife。Adamwalkedroundthehouse，andstillsawnothingexceptaratwhichdartedintothewoodshedashepassed。Hewentinagain，wondering；thesoundwassopeculiarthatthemomentheheardititcalleduptheimageofthewillowwandstrikingthedoor。Hecouldnothelpalittleshudder，asherememberedhowoftenhismotherhadtoldhimofjustsuchasoundcomingasasignwhensomeonewasdying。Adamwasnotamantobegratuitouslysuperstitious，buthehadthebloodofthepeasantinhimaswellasoftheartisan，andapeasantcannomorehelpbelievinginatraditionalsuperstitionthanahorsecanhelptremblingwhenheseesacamel。Besides，hehadthatmentalcombinationwhichisatoncehumbleintheregionofmysteryandkeenintheregionofknowledge:itwasthedepthofhisreverencequiteasmuchashishardcommonsensewhichgavehimhisdisinclinationtodoctrinalreligion，andheoftencheckedSeth’sargumentativespiritualismbysaying，"Eh，it’sabigmystery；theeknow’stbutlittleaboutit。"AndsoithappenedthatAdamwasatoncepenetratingandcredulous。Ifanewbuildinghadfallendownandhehadbeentoldthatthiswasadivinejudgment，hewouldhavesaid，"Maybe；butthebearingo’

theroofandwallswasn’tright，elseitwouldn’tha’comedown"；

yethebelievedindreamsandprognostics，andtohisdyingdayhebatedhisbreathalittlewhenhetoldthestoryofthestrokewiththewillowwand。Itellitashetoldit，notattemptingtoreduceittoitsnaturalelements——inoureagernesstoexplainimpressions，weoftenloseourholdofthesympathythatcomprehendsthem。

Buthehadthebestantidoteagainstimaginativedreadinthenecessityforgettingonwiththecoffin，andforthenexttenminuteshishammerwasringingsouninterruptedly，thatothersounds，iftherewereany，mightwellbeoverpowered。Apausecame，however，whenhehadtotakeuphisruler，andnowagaincamethestrangerap，andagainGyphowled。Adamwasatthedoorwithoutthelossofamoment；butagainallwasstill，andthestarlightshowedtherewasnothingbutthedew-ladengrassinfrontofthecottage。

Adamforamomentthoughtuncomfortablyabouthisfather；butoflateyearshehadnevercomehomeatdarkhoursfromTreddleston，andtherewaseveryreasonforbelievingthathewasthensleepingoffhisdrunkennessatthe"WaggonOverthrown。"Besides，toAdam，theconceptionofthefuturewassoinseparablefromthepainfulimageofhisfatherthatthefearofanyfatalaccidenttohimwasexcludedbythedeeplyinfixedfearofhiscontinualdegradation。

Thenextthoughtthatoccurredtohimwasonethatmadehimslipoffhisshoesandtreadlightlyupstairs，tolistenatthebedroomdoors。ButbothSethandhismotherwerebreathingregularly。

Adamcamedownandsettoworkagain，sayingtohimself，"Iwon’topenthedooragain。It’snousestaringabouttocatchsightofasound。Maybethere’saworldaboutusaswecan’tsee，butth’

ear’squickerthantheeyeandcatchesasoundfrom’tnowandthen。Somepeoplethinktheygetasighton’ttoo，butthey’remostlyfolkswhoseeyesarenotmuchuseto’ematanythingelse。

Formypart，Ithinkit’sbettertoseewhenyourperpendicular’struethantoseeaghost。"

Suchthoughtsastheseareapttogrowstrongerandstrongerasdaylightquenchesthecandlesandthebirdsbegintosing。Bythetimetheredsunlightshoneonthebrassnailsthatformedtheinitialsonthelidofthecoffin，anylingeringforebodingfromthesoundofthewillowwandwasmergedinsatisfactionthattheworkwasdoneandthepromiseredeemed。TherewasnoneedtocallSeth，forhewasalreadymovingoverhead，andpresentlycamedownstairs。

"Now，lad，"saidAdam，asSethmadehisappearance，"thecoffin’sdone，andwecantakeitovertoBrox’on，andbebackagainbeforehalfaftersix。I’lltakeamouthfulo’oat-cake，andthenwe’llbeoff。"

Thecoffinwassoonproppedonthetallshouldersofthetwobrothers，andtheyweremakingtheirway，followedclosebyGyp，outofthelittlewoodyardintothelaneatthebackofthehouse。

ItwasbutaboutamileandahalftoBroxtonovertheoppositeslope，andtheirroadwoundverypleasantlyalonglanesandacrossfields，wherethepalewoodbinesandthedog-roseswerescentingthehedgerows，andthebirdsweretwitteringandtrillinginthetallleafyboughsofoakandelm。Itwasastrangelymingledpicture——thefreshyouthofthesummermorning，withitsEdenlikepeaceandloveliness，thestalwartstrengthofthetwobrothersintheirrustyworkingclothes，andthelongcoffinontheirshoulders。TheypausedforthelasttimebeforeasmallfarmhouseoutsidethevillageofBroxton。Bysixo’clockthetaskwasdonethecoffinnaileddown，andAdamandSethwereontheirwayhome。

Theychoseashorterwayhomewards，whichwouldtakethemacrossthefieldsandthebrookinfrontofthehouse。AdamhadnotmentionedtoSethwhathadhappenedinthenight，buthestillretainedsufficientimpressionfromithimselftosay，"Seth，lad，ifFatherisn’tcomehomebythetimewe’vehadourbreakfast，I

thinkit’llbeaswellfortheetogoovertoTreddles’onandlookafterhim，andtheecanstgetmethebrasswireIwant。Nevermindaboutlosinganhouratthywork；wecanmakethatup。Whatdostsay？"

"I’mwilling，"saidSeth。"Butseewhatcloudshavegatheredsincewesetout。I’mthinkingweshallhavemorerain。It’llbeasoretimeforth’haymakingifthemeadowsarefloodedagain。

Thebrook’sfineandfullnow:anotherday’srain’udcovertheplank，andweshouldhavetogoroundbytheroad。"

Theywerecomingacrossthevalleynow，andhadenteredthepasturethroughwhichthebrookran。

"Why，what’sthatstickingagainstthewillow？"continuedSeth，beginningtowalkfaster。Adam’sheartrosetohismouth:thevagueanxietyabouthisfatherwaschangedintoagreatdread。HemadenoanswertoSeth，butranforwardprecededbyGyp，whobegantobarkuneasily；andintwomomentshewasatthebridge。

Thiswaswhattheomenmeant，then！Andthegrey-hairedfather，ofwhomhehadthoughtwithasortofhardnessafewhoursago，ascertaintolivetobeathorninhissidewasperhapseventhenstrugglingwiththatwaterydeath！ThiswasthefirstthoughtthatflashedthroughAdam’sconscience，beforehehadtimetoseizethecoatanddragoutthetallheavybody。Sethwasalreadybyhisside，helpinghim，andwhentheyhaditonthebank，thetwosonsinthefirstmomentkneltandlookedwithmuteaweattheglazedeyes，forgettingthattherewasneedforaction——forgettingeverythingbutthattheirfatherlaydeadbeforethem。Adamwasthefirsttospeak。

"I’llruntoMother，"hesaid，inaloudwhisper。"I’llbebacktotheeinaminute。"

PoorLisbethwasbusypreparinghersons’breakfast，andtheirporridgewasalreadysteamingonthefire。Herkitchenalwayslookedthepinkofcleanliness，butthismorningshewasmorethanusuallybentonmakingherhearthandbreakfast-tablelookcomfortableandinviting。

"Thelads’ullbefinean’hungry，"shesaid，half-aloud，asshestirredtheporridge。"It’sagoodsteptoBrox’on，an’it’shungryairo’erthehill——wi’thatheavycoffintoo。Eh！It’sheaviernow，wi’poorBobTholerin’t。Howiver，I’vemadeadrapmoreporridgenorcommonthismornin’。Thefeyther’ullhappencomeinarterabit。Notashe’llatemuchporridge。Heswallerssixpenn’ortho’ale，an’savesahap’ortho’por-ridge——that’shiswayo’layin’bymoney，asI’vetoldhimmanyatime，an’amlikelytotellhimagainaforetheday’sout。Eh，poormon，hetakesitquietenough；there’snodenyin’that。"

ButnowLisbethheardtheheavy"thud"ofarunningfootstepontheturf，and，turningquicklytowardsthedoor，shesawAdamenter，lookingsopaleandoverwhelmedthatshescreamedaloudandrushedtowardshimbeforehehadtimetospeak。

"Hush，Mother，"Adamsaid，ratherhoarsely，"don’tbefrightened。

Father’stumbledintothewater。Belikewemaybringhimroundagain。Sethandmearegoingtocarryhimin。Getablanketandmakeithotasthefire。"

InrealityAdamwasconvincedthathisfatherwasdeadbutheknewtherewasnootherwayofrepressinghismother’simpetuouswailinggriefthanbyoccupyingherwithsomeactivetaskwhichhadhopeinit。

HeranbacktoSeth，andthetwosonsliftedthesadburdeninheart-strickensilence。Thewide-openglazedeyesweregrey，likeSeth’s，andhadoncelookedwithmildprideontheboysbeforewhomThiashadlivedtohanghisheadinshame。Seth’schieffeelingwasaweanddistressatthissuddensnatchingawayofhisfather’ssoul；butAdam’smindrushedbackoverthepastinafloodofrelentingandpity。Whendeath，thegreatReconciler，hascome，itisneverourtendernessthatwerepentof，butourseverity。

TheRectorBEFOREtwelveo’clocktherehadbeensomeheavystormsofrain，andthewaterlayindeepguttersonthesidesofthegravelwalksinthegardenofBroxtonParsonage；thegreatProvenceroseshadbeencruellytossedbythewindandbeatenbytherain，andallthedelicate-stemmedborderflowershadbeendasheddownandstainedwiththewetsoil。Amelancholymorning——becauseitwasnearlytimehay-harvestshouldbegin，andinsteadofthatthemeadowswerelikelytobeflooded。

Butpeoplewhohavepleasanthomesgetindoorenjoymentsthattheywouldneverthinkofbutfortherain。Ifithadnotbeenawetmorning，Mr。Irwinewouldnothavebeeninthedining-roomplayingatchesswithhismother，andhelovesbothhismotherandchessquitewellenoughtopasssomecloudyhoursveryeasilybytheirhelp。Letmetakeyouintothatdining-roomandshowyoutheRev。

AdolphusIrwine，RectorofBroxton，VicarofHayslope，andVicarofBlythe，apluralistatwhomtheseverestChurchreformerwouldhavefounditdifficulttolooksour。Wewillenterverysoftlyandstandstillintheopendoorway，withoutawakingtheglossy-

brownsetterwhoisstretchedacrossthehearth，withhertwopuppiesbesideher；orthepug，whoisdozing，withhisblackmuzzlealoft，likeasleepypresident。

Theroomisalargeandloftyone，withanamplemullionedorielwindowatoneend；thewalls，yousee，arenew，andnotyetpainted；butthefurniture，thoughoriginallyofanexpensivesort，isoldandscanty，andthereisnodraperyaboutthewindow。

Thecrimsonclothoverthelargedining-tableisverythreadbare，thoughitcontrastspleasantlyenoughwiththedeadhueoftheplasteronthewalls；butonthiscloththereisamassivesilverwaiterwithadecanterofwateronit，ofthesamepatternastwolargeronesthatareproppeduponthesideboardwithacoatofarmsconspicuousintheircentre。Yoususpectatoncethattheinhabitantsofthisroomhaveinheritedmorebloodthanwealth，andwouldnotbesurprisedtofindthatMr。Irwinehadafinelycutnostrilandupperlip；butatpresentwecanonlyseethathehasabroadflatbackandanabundanceofpowderedhair，allthrownbackwardandtiedbehindwithablackribbon——abitofconservatismincostumewhichtellsyouthatheisnotayoungman。Hewillperhapsturnroundbyandby，andinthemeantimewecanlookatthatstatelyoldlady，hismother，abeautifulagedbrunette，whoserich-tonedcomplexioniswellsetoffbythecomplexwrappingsofpurewhitecambricandlaceaboutherheadandneck。SheisaserectinhercomelyembonpointasastatueofCeres；andherdarkface，withitsdelicateaquilinenose，firmproudmouth，andsmall，intense，blackeye，issokeenandsarcasticinitsexpressionthatyouinstinctivelysubstituteapackofcardsforthechess-menandimaginehertellingyourfortune。Thesmallbrownhandwithwhichsheisliftingherqueenisladenwithpearls，diamonds，andturquoises；andalargeblackveilisverycarefullyadjustedoverthecrownofhercap，andfallsinsharpcontrastonthewhitefoldsaboutherneck。Itmusttakealongtimetodressthatoldladyinthemorning！Butitseemsalawofnaturethatsheshouldbedressedso:sheisclearlyoneofthosechildrenofroyaltywhohaveneverdoubtedtheirrightdivineandnevermetwithanyonesoabsurdastoquestionit。

"There，Dauphin，tellmewhatthatis！"saysthismagnificentoldlady，asshedepositsherqueenveryquietlyandfoldsherarms。

"Ishouldbesorrytoutteraworddisagreeabletoyourfeelings。"

"Ah，youwitch-mother，yousorceress！HowisaChristianmantowinagameoffyou？Ishouldhavesprinkledtheboardwithholywaterbeforewebegan。You’venotwonthatgamebyfairmeans，now，sodon’tpretendit。"

"Yes，yes，that’swhatthebeatenhavealwayssaidofgreatconquerors。Butsee，there’sthesunshinefallingontheboard，toshowyoumoreclearlywhatafoolishmoveyoumadewiththatpawn。Come，shallIgiveyouanotherchance？"

"No，Mother，Ishallleaveyoutoyourownconscience，nowit’sclearingup。Wemustgoandplashupthemudalittle，mus’n’twe，Juno？"Thiswasaddressedtothebrownsetter，whohadjumpedupatthesoundofthevoicesandlaidhernoseinaninsinuatingwayonhermaster’sleg。"ButImustgoupstairsfirstandseeAnne。IwascalledawaytoTholer’sfuneraljustwhenIwasgoingbefore。"

"It’sofnouse，child；shecan’tspeaktoyou。Katesaysshehasoneofherworstheadachesthismorning。"

"Oh，shelikesmetogoandseeherjustthesame；she’snevertooilltocareaboutthat。"

Ifyouknowhowmuchofhumanspeechismerepurposelessimpulseorhabit，youwillnotwonderwhenItellyouthatthisidenticalobjectionhadbeenmade，andhadreceivedthesamekindofanswer，manyhundredtimesinthecourseofthefifteenyearsthatMr。

Irwine’ssisterAnnehadbeenaninvalid。Splendidoldladies，whotakealongtimetodressinthemorning，haveoftenslightsympathywithsicklydaughters。

ButwhileMr。Irwinewasstillseated，leaningbackinhischairandstrokingJuno’shead，theservantcametothedoorandsaid，"Ifyouplease，sir，JoshuaRannwishestospeakwithyou，ifyouareatliberty。"

"Lethimbeshowninhere，"saidMrs。Irwine，takingupherknitting。"IalwaysliketohearwhatMr。Rannhasgottosay。

Hisshoeswillbedirty，butseethathewipesthemCarroll。"

IntwominutesMr。Rannappearedatthedoorwithverydeferentialbows，which，however，werefarfromconciliatingPug，whogaveasharpbarkandranacrosstheroomtoreconnoitrethestranger’slegs；whilethetwopuppies，regardingMr。Rann’sprominentcalfandribbedworstedstockingsfromamoresensuouspointofview，plungedandgrowledoverthemingreatenjoyment。Meantime，Mr。

Irwineturnedroundhischairandsaid，"Well，Joshua，anythingthematteratHayslope，thatyou’vecomeoverthisdampmorning？

Sitdown，sitdown。Nevermindthedogs；givethemafriendlykick。Here，Pug，yourascal！"

Itisverypleasanttoseesomementurnround；pleasantasasuddenrushofwarmairinwinter，ortheflashoffirelightinthechilldusk。Mr。Irwinewasoneofthosemen。Heborethesamesortofresemblancetohismotherthatourlovingmemoryofafriend’sfaceoftenbearstothefaceitself:thelineswereallmoregenerous，thesmilebrighter，theexpressionheartier。Iftheoutlinehadbeenlessfinelycut，hisfacemighthavebeencalledjolly；butthatwasnottherightwordforitsmixtureofbonhomieanddistinction。

"ThankYourReverence，"answeredMr。Rann，endeavouringtolookunconcernedabouthislegs，butshakingthemalternatelytokeepoffthepuppies；"I’llstand，ifyouplease，asmorebecoming。I

hopeIseeyouan’Mrs。Irwinewell，an’MissIrwine——an’MissAnne，Ihope’saswellasusual。"

"Yes，Joshua，thankyou。Youseehowbloomingmymotherlooks。

Shebeatsusyoungerpeoplehollow。Butwhat’sthematter？"

"Why，sir，IhadtocometoBrox’ontodeliversomework，andI

thoughtitbutrighttocallandletyouknowthegoins-onasthere’sbeeni’thevillage，suchasIhannaseeni’mytime，andI’velivedinitmanandboysixtyyearcomeSt。Thomas，andcollectedth’EasterduesforMr。BlickbeforeYourReverencecomeintotheparish，andbeenattheringin’o’everybell，andthediggin’o’everygrave，andsungi’thechoirlongaforeBartleMasseycomefromnobodyknowswhere，wi’hiscounter-singin’andfineanthems，asputseverybodyoutbuthimself——onetakin’itupafteranotherlikesheepa-bleatin’i’th’fold。Iknowwhatbelongstobein’aparishclerk，andIknowasIshouldbewantin’

i’respecttoYourReverence，an’church，an’king，ifIwast’

allowsuchgoins-onwi’outspeakin’。Iwastookbysurprise，an’

knowednothin’onitbeforehand，an’Iwassoflustered，IwascleanasifI’dlostmytools。Ihannaslep’morenorfourhourthisnightasispastan’gone；an’thenitwasnothin’butnightmare，astiredmeworsenorwakin’。"

"Why，whatintheworldisthematter，Joshua？Havethethievesbeenatthechurchleadagain？"

"Thieves！No，sir——an’yet，asImaysay，itisthieves，an’a-

thievin’thechurch，too。It’stheMethodissesasisliketogetth’upperhandi’th’parish，ifYourReverencean’HisHonour，SquireDonnithorne，doesnathinkwelltosaythewordan’forbidit。NotasI’ma-dictatin’toyou，sir；I’mnotforgettin’myselfsofarastobewiseabovemybetters。Howiver，whetherI’mwiseorno，that’sneitherherenorthere，butwhatI’vegottosayI

say——astheyoungMethodiswomanasisatMesterPoyser’swasa-

preachin’an’a-prayin’ontheGreenlastnight，assureasI’ma-

stannin’aforeYourReverencenow。"

"PreachingontheGreen！"saidMr。Irwine，lookingsurprisedbutquiteserene。"What，thatpaleprettyyoungwomanI’veseenatPoyser’s？IsawshewasaMethodist，orQuaker，orsomethingofthatsort，byherdress，butIdidn’tknowshewasapreacher。"

"It’satruewordasIsay，sir，"rejoinedMr。Rann，compressinghismouthintoasemicircularformandpausinglongenoughtoindicatethreenotesofexclamation。"ShepreachedontheGreenlastnight；an’she’slaidholdofChad’sBess，asthegirl’sbeeni’fitswellyiversin’。"

"Well，BessyCranageisahearty-lookinglass；Idaresayshe’llcomeroundagain，Joshua。Didanybodyelsegointofits？"

"No，sir，Icannasayastheydid。Butthere’snoknowin’what’llcome，ifwe’ret’havesuchpreachin’sasthata-goin’oniveryweek——there’llbenolivin’i’th’village。ForthemMethodissesmakefolksbelieveasiftheytakeamugo’drinkextry，an’maketheirselvesabitcomfortable，they’llhavetogotohellfor’tassureasthey’reborn。I’mnotatipplin’mannoradrunkard