第6章

Theraven，inhislittlebasketathismaster’sback，hearingthisfrequentmentionofhisnameinatoneofexultation，expressedhissympathybycrowinglikeacock，andafterwardsrunningoverhisvariousphrasesofspeechwithsuchrapidity，andinsomanyvarietiesofhoarseness，thattheysoundedlikethemurmursofacrowdofpeople。

’Hetakessuchcareofmebesides！’saidBarnaby。’Suchcare，mother！HewatchesallthetimeIsleep，andwhenIshutmyeyesandmake-believetoslumber，hepractisesnewlearningsoftly;buthekeepshiseyeonmethewhile，andifheseesmelaugh，thoughneversolittle，stopsdirectly。Hewon’tsurprisemetillhe’sperfect。’

Theravencrowedagaininarapturousmannerwhichplainlysaid，’Thosearecertainlysomeofmycharacteristics，andIgloryinthem。’Inthemeantime，Barnabyclosedthewindowandsecuredit，andcomingtothefireplace，preparedtositdownwithhisfacetothecloset。Buthismotherpreventedthis，byhastilytakingthatsideherself，andmotioninghimtowardstheother。

’Howpaleyouareto-night！’saidBarnaby，leaningonhisstick。

’Wehavebeencruel，Grip，andmadeheranxious！’

Anxiousingoodtruth，andsickatheart！Thelistenerheldthedoorofhishiding-placeopenwithhishand，andcloselywatchedherson。Grip——alivetoeverythinghismasterwasunconsciousof——

hadhisheadoutofthebasket，andinreturnwaswatchinghimintentlywithhisglisteningeye。

’Heflapshiswings，’saidBarnaby，turningalmostquicklyenoughtocatchtheretreatingformandclosingdoor，’asiftherewerestrangershere，butGripiswiserthantofancythat。Jumpthen！’

Acceptingthisinvitationwithadignitypeculiartohimself，thebirdhoppeduponhismaster’sshoulder，fromthattohisextendedhand，andsototheground。Barnabyunstrappingthebasketandputtingitdowninacornerwiththelidopen，Grip’sfirstcarewastoshutitdownwithallpossibledespatch，andthentostanduponit。Believing，nodoubt，thathehadnowrendereditutterlyimpossible，andbeyondthepowerofmortalman，toshuthimupinitanymore，hedrewagreatmanycorksintriumph，andutteredacorrespondingnumberofhurrahs。

’Mother！’saidBarnaby，layingasidehishatandstick，andreturningtothechairfromwhichhehadrisen，’I’lltellyouwherewehavebeento-day，andwhatwehavebeendoing，——shallI？’

Shetookhishandinhers，andholdingit，noddedthewordshecouldnotspeak。

’Youmustn’ttell，’saidBarnaby，holdinguphisfinger，’forit’sasecret，mind，andonlyknowntome，andGrip，andHugh。Wehadthedogwithus，buthe’snotlikeGrip，cleverasheis，anddoesn’tguessityet，I’llwager——Whydoyoulookbehindmeso？’

’DidI？’sheansweredfaintly。’Ididn’tknowIdid。Comenearerme。’

’Youarefrightened！’saidBarnaby，changingcolour。’Mother——youdon’tsee’——

’Seewhat？’

’There’s——there’snoneofthisabout，isthere？’heansweredinawhisper，drawingclosertoherandclaspingthemarkuponhiswrist。’Iamafraidthereis，somewhere。Youmakemyhairstandonend，andmyfleshcreep。Whydoyoulooklikethat？IsitintheroomasIhaveseenitinmydreams，dashingtheceilingandthewallswithred？Tellme。Isit？’

Hefellintoashiveringfitasheputthequestion，andshuttingoutthelightwithhishands，satshakingineverylimbuntilithadpassedaway。Afteratime，heraisedhisheadandlookedabouthim。

’Isitgone？’

’Therehasbeennothinghere，’rejoinedhismother，soothinghim。

’Nothingindeed，dearBarnaby。Look！Youseetherearebutyouandme。’

Hegazedathervacantly，and，becomingreassuredbydegrees，burstintoawildlaugh。

’Butletussee，’hesaid，thoughtfully。’Werewetalking？Wasityouandme？Wherehavewebeen？’

’Nowherebuthere。’

’Aye，butHugh，andI，’saidBarnaby，——’that’sit。MaypoleHugh，andI，youknow，andGrip——wehavebeenlyingintheforest，andamongthetreesbytheroadside，withadarklanternafternightcameon，andthedoginanoosereadytosliphimwhenthemancameby。’

’Whatman？’

’Therobber;himthatthestarswinkedat。Wehavewaitedforhimafterdarkthesemanynights，andweshallhavehim。I’dknowhiminathousand。Mother，seehere！Thisistheman。Look！’

Hetwistedhishandkerchiefroundhishead，pulledhishatuponhisbrow，wrappedhiscoatabouthim，andstoodupbeforeher:soliketheoriginalhecounterfeited，thatthedarkfigurepeeringoutbehindhimmighthavepassedforhisownshadow。

’Hahaha！Weshallhavehim，’hecried，riddinghimselfofthesemblanceashastilyashehadassumedit。’Youshallseehim，mother，boundhandandfoot，andbroughttoLondonatasaddle-

girth;andyoushallhearofhimatTyburnTreeifwehaveluck。

SoHughsays。You’repaleagain，andtrembling。AndwhyDOyoulookbehindmeso？’

’Itisnothing，’sheanswered。’Iamnotquitewell。Goyoutobed，dear，andleavemehere。’

’Tobed！’heanswered。’Idon’tlikebed。Iliketoliebeforethefire，watchingtheprospectsintheburningcoals——therivers，hills，anddells，inthedeep，redsunset，andthewildfaces。I

amhungrytoo，andGriphaseatennothingsincebroadnoon。Letustosupper。Grip！Tosupper，lad！’

Theravenflappedhiswings，and，croakinghissatisfaction，hoppedtothefeetofhismaster，andthereheldhisbillopen，readyforsnappingupsuchlumpsofmeatasheshouldthrowhim。Ofthesehereceivedaboutascoreinrapidsuccession，withoutthesmallestdiscomposure。

’That’sall，’saidBarnaby。

’More！’criedGrip。’More！’

Butitappearingforacertaintythatnomorewastobehad，heretreatedwithhisstore;anddisgorgingthemorselsonebyonefromhispouch，hidtheminvariouscorners——takingparticularcare，however，toavoidthecloset，asbeingdoubtfulofthehiddenman’spropensitiesandpowerofresistingtemptation。Whenhehadconcludedthesearrangements，hetookaturnortwoacrosstheroomwithanelaborateassumptionofhavingnothingonhismind(butwithoneeyeharduponhistreasureallthetime)，andthen，andnottillthen，begantodragitout，piecebypiece，andeatitwiththeutmostrelish。

Barnaby，forhispart，havingpressedhismothertoeatinvain，madeaheartysuppertoo。Onceduringtheprogressofhismeal，hewantedmorebreadfromtheclosetandrosetogetit。Shehurriedlyinterposedtopreventhim，andsummoningherutmostfortitude，passedintotherecess，andbroughtitoutherself。

’Mother，’saidBarnaby，lookingathersteadfastlyasshesatdownbesidehimafterdoingso;’isto-daymybirthday？’

’To-day！’sheanswered。’Don’tyourecollectitwasbutaweekorsoago，andthatsummer，autumn，andwinterhavetopassbeforeitcomesagain？’

’Irememberthatithasbeensotillnow，’saidBarnaby。’ButI

thinkto-daymustbemybirthdaytoo，forallthat。’

Sheaskedhimwhy？’I’lltellyouwhy，’hesaid。’Ihavealwaysseenyou——Ididn’tletyouknowit，butIhave——ontheeveningofthatdaygrowverysad。IhaveseenyoucrywhenGripandIweremostglad;andlookfrightenedwithnoreason;andIhavetouchedyourhand，andfeltthatitwascold——asitisnow。Once，mother(onabirthdaythatwas，also)，GripandIthoughtofthisafterwewentupstairstobed，andwhenitwasmidnight，strikingoneo’clock，wecamedowntoyourdoortoseeifyouwerewell。Youwereonyourknees。Iforgetwhatitwasyousaid。Grip，whatwasitweheardhersaythatnight？’

’I’madevil！’rejoinedtheravenpromptly。

’No，no，’saidBarnaby。’Butyousaidsomethinginaprayer;andwhenyouroseandwalkedabout，youlooked(asyouhavedoneeversince，mother，towardsnightonmybirthday)justasyoudonow。I

havefoundthatout，yousee，thoughIamsilly。SoIsayyou’rewrong;andthismustbemybirthday——mybirthday，Grip！’

Thebirdreceivedthisinformationwithacrowofsuchdurationasacock，giftedwithintelligencebeyondallothersofhiskind，mightusherinthelongestdaywith。Then，asifhehadwellconsideredthesentiment，andregardeditasappositetobirthdays，hecried，’Neversaydie！’agreatmanytimes，andflappedhiswingsforemphasis。

ThewidowtriedtomakelightofBarnaby’sremark，andendeavouredtodiverthisattentiontosomenewsubject;tooeasyataskatalltimes，assheknew。Hissupperdone，Barnaby，regardlessofherentreaties，stretchedhimselfonthematbeforethefire;Grippercheduponhisleg，anddividedhistimebetweendozinginthegratefulwarmth，andendeavouring(asitpresentlyappeared)torecallanewaccomplishmenthehadbeenstudyingallday。

Alongandprofoundsilenceensued，brokenonlybysomechangeofpositiononthepartofBarnaby，whoseeyeswerestillwideopenandintentlyfixeduponthefire;orbyaneffortofrecollectiononthepartofGrip，whowouldcryinalowvoicefromtimetotime，’Pollyputtheket——’andtherestopshort，forgettingtheremainder，andgooffinadozeagain。

Afteralonginterval，Barnaby’sbreathinggrewmoredeepandregular，andhiseyeswereclosed。Buteventhentheunquietspiritoftheraveninterposed。’Pollyputtheket——’criedGrip，andhismasterwasbroadawakeagain。

AtlengthBarnabysleptsoundly，andthebirdwithhisbillsunkuponhisbreast，hisbreastitselfpuffedoutintoacomfortablealderman-likeform，andhisbrighteyegrowingsmallerandsmaller，reallyseemedtobesubsidingintoastateofrepose。Nowandthenhemutteredinasepulchralvoice，’Pollyputtheket——’butverydrowsily，andmorelikeadrunkenmanthanareflectingraven。

Thewidow，scarcelyventuringtobreathe，rosefromherseat。Themanglidedfromthecloset，andextinguishedthecandle。

’——tleon，’criedGrip，suddenlystruckwithanideaandverymuchexcited。’——tleon。Hurrah！Pollyputtheket-tleon，we’llallhavetea;Pollyputtheket-tleon，we’llallhavetea。Hurrah，hurrah，hurrah！I’madevil，I’madevil，I’maket-tleon，Keepupyourspirits，Neversaydie，Bow，wow，wow，I’madevil，I’maket-tle，I’ma——Pollyputtheket-tleon，we’llallhavetea。’

Theystoodrootedtotheground，asthoughithadbeenavoicefromthegrave。

Buteventhisfailedtoawakenthesleeper。Heturnedovertowardsthefire，hisarmfelltotheground，andhisheaddroopedheavilyuponit。Thewidowandherunwelcomevisitorgazedathimandateachotherforamoment，andthenshemotionedhimtowardsthedoor。

’Stay，’hewhispered。’Youteachyoursonwell。’

’Ihavetaughthimnothingthatyouheardto-night。Departinstantly，orIwillrousehim。’

’Youarefreetodoso。ShallIrousehim？’

’Youdarenotdothat。’

’Idaredoanything，Ihavetoldyou。Heknowsmewell，itseems。

AtleastIwillknowhim。’

’Wouldyoukillhiminhissleep？’criedthewidow，throwingherselfbetweenthem。

’Woman，’hereturnedbetweenhisteeth，ashemotionedheraside，’Iwouldseehimnearer，andIwill。Ifyouwantoneofustokilltheother，wakehim。’

Withthatheadvanced，andbendingdownovertheprostrateform，softlyturnedbacktheheadandlookedintotheface。Thelightofthefirewasuponit，anditseverylineamentwasrevealeddistinctly。Hecontemplateditforabriefspace，andhastilyuprose。

’Observe，’hewhisperedinthewidow’sear:’Inhim，ofwhoseexistenceIwasignorantuntilto-night，Ihaveyouinmypower。

Becarefulhowyouuseme。Becarefulhowyouuseme。Iamdestituteandstarving，andawandererupontheearth。Imaytakeasureandslowrevenge。’

’Thereissomedreadfulmeaninginyourwords。Idonotfathomit。’

’Thereisameaninginthem，andIseeyoufathomittoitsverydepth。Youhaveanticipateditforyears;youhavetoldmeasmuch。Ileaveyoutodigestit。Donotforgetmywarning。’

Hepointed，ashelefther，totheslumberingform，andstealthilywithdrawing，madehiswayintothestreet。Shefellonherkneesbesidethesleeper，andremainedlikeonestrickenintostone，untilthetearswhichfearhadfrozensolong，cametenderlytoherrelief。

’OhThou，’shecried，’whohasttaughtmesuchdeeploveforthisoneremnantofthepromiseofahappylife，outofwhoseaffliction，even，perhapsthecomfortspringsthatheiseverarelying，lovingchildtome——nevergrowingoldorcoldatheart，butneedingmycareanddutyinhismanlystrengthasinhiscradle-time——helphim，inhisdarkenedwalkthroughthissadworld，orheisdoomed，andmypoorheartisbroken！’

Chapter18

Glidingalongthesilentstreets，andholdinghiscoursewheretheyweredarkestandmostgloomy，themanwhohadleftthewidow’shousecrossedLondonBridge，andarrivingintheCity，plungedintothebackways，lanes，andcourts，betweenCornhillandSmithfield;

withnomorefixednessofpurposethantolosehimselfamongtheirwindings，andbafflepursuit，ifanyoneweredogginghissteps。

Itwasthedeadtimeofthenight，andallwasquiet。Nowandthenadrowsywatchman’sfootstepssoundedonthepavement，orthelamplighteronhisroundswentflashingpast，leavingbehindalittletrackofsmokemingledwithglowingmorselsofhishotredlink。Hehidhimselfevenfromthesepartakersofhislonelywalk，and，shrinkinginsomearchordoorwaywhiletheypassed，issuedforthagainwhentheyweregoneandsopursuedhissolitaryway。

Tobeshelterlessandaloneintheopencountry，hearingthewindmoanandwatchingfordaythroughthewholelongwearynight;tolistentothefallingrain，andcrouchforwarmthbeneaththeleeofsomeoldbarnorrick，orinthehollowofatree;aredismalthings——butnotsodismalasthewanderingupanddownwhereshelteris，andbedsandsleepersarebythousands;ahouselessrejectedcreature。Topacetheechoingstonesfromhourtohour，countingthedullchimesoftheclocks;towatchthelightstwinklinginchamberwindows，tothinkwhathappyforgetfulnesseachhouseshutsin;thatherearechildrencoiledtogetherintheirbeds，hereyouth，hereage，herepoverty，herewealth，allequalintheirsleep，andallatrest;tohavenothingincommonwiththeslumberingworldaround，notevensleep，Heaven’sgifttoallitscreatures，andbeakintonothingbutdespair;tofeel，bythewretchedcontrastwitheverythingoneveryhand，moreutterlyaloneandcastawaythaninatracklessdesert;thisisakindofsuffering，onwhichtheriversofgreatcitiesclosefullmanyatime，andwhichthesolitudeincrowdsaloneawakens。

Themiserablemanpacedupanddownthestreets——solong，sowearisome，solikeeachother——andoftencastawistfullooktowardstheeast，hopingtoseethefirstfaintstreaksofday。

Butobduratenighthadyetpossessionofthesky，andhisdisturbedandrestlesswalkfoundnorelief。

Onehouseinabackstreetwasbrightwiththecheerfulglareoflights;therewasthesoundofmusicinittoo，andthetreadofdancers，andtherewerecheerfulvoices，andmanyaburstoflaughter。Tothisplace——tobenearsomethingthatwasawakeandglad——hereturnedagainandagain;andmorethanoneofthosewholeftitwhenthemerrimentwasatitsheight，feltitacheckupontheirmirthfulmoodtoseehimflittingtoandfrolikeanuneasyghost。Atlasttheguestsdeparted，oneandall;andthenthehousewascloseshutup，andbecameasdullandsilentastherest。

Hiswanderingsbroughthimatonetimetothecityjail。Insteadofhasteningfromitasaplaceofillomen，andonehehadcausetoshun，hesatdownonsomestepshardby，andrestinghischinuponhishand，gazeduponitsroughandfrowningwallsasthougheventheybecamearefugeinhisjadedeyes。Hepaceditroundandround，camebacktothesamespot，andsatdownagain。Hedidthisoften，andonce，withahastymovement，crossedtowheresomemenwerewatchingintheprisonlodge，andhadhisfootuponthestepsasthoughdeterminedtoaccostthem。Butlookinground，hesawthatthedaybegantobreak，andfailinginhispurpose，turnedandfled。

Hewassooninthequarterhehadlatelytraversed，andpacingtoandfroagainashehaddonebefore。Hewaspassingdownameanstreet，whenfromanalleycloseathandsomeshoutsofrevelryarose，andtherecamestragglingforthadozenmadcaps，whoopingandcallingtoeachother，who，partingnoisily，tookdifferentwaysanddispersedinsmallergroups。

Hopingthatsomelowplaceofentertainmentwhichwouldaffordhimasaferefugemightbenearathand，heturnedintothiscourtwhentheywereallgone，andlookedaboutforahalf-openeddoor，orlightedwindow，orotherindicationoftheplacewhencetheyhadcome。Itwassoprofoundlydark，however，andsoill-favoured，thatheconcludedtheyhadbutturnedupthere，missingtheirway，andwerepouringoutagainwhenheobservedthem。Withthisimpression，andfindingtherewasnooutletbutthatbywhichhehadentered，hewasabouttoturn，whenfromagratingnearhisfeetasuddenstreamoflightappeared，andthesoundoftalkingcame。Heretreatedintoadoorwaytoseewhothesetalkerswere，andtolistentothem。

Thelightcametothelevelofthepavementashedidthis，andamanascended，bearinginhishandatorch。Thisfigureunlockedandheldopenthegratingasforthepassageofanother，whopresentlyappeared，intheformofayoungmanofsmallstatureanduncommonself-importance，dressedinanobsoleteandverygaudyfashion。

’Goodnight，noblecaptain，’saidhewiththetorch。’Farewell，commander。Goodluck，illustriousgeneral！’

Inreturntothesecomplimentstheotherbadehimholdhistongue，andkeephisnoisetohimself，andlaiduponhimmanysimilarinjunctions，withgreatfluencyofspeechandsternnessofmanner。

’Commendme，captain，tothestrickenMiggs，’returnedthetorch-

bearerinalowervoice。’MycaptainfliesathighergamethanMiggses。Ha，ha，ha！Mycaptainisaneagle，bothasrespectshiseyeandsoaringwings。Mycaptainbreakethheartsasotherbachelorsbreakeggsatbreakfast。’

’Whatafoolyouare，Stagg！’saidMrTappertit，steppingonthepavementofthecourt，andbrushingfromhislegsthedusthehadcontractedinhispassageupward。

’Hispreciouslimbs！’criedStagg，claspingoneofhisankles。

’ShallaMiggsaspiretotheseproportions！No，no，mycaptain。

Wewillinveigleladiesfair，andwedtheminoursecretcavern。

Wewilluniteourselveswithbloomingbeauties，captain。’

’I’lltellyouwhat，mybuck，’saidMrTappertit，releasinghisleg;’I’lltroubleyounottotakeliberties，andnottobroachcertainquestionsunlesscertainquestionsarebroachedtoyou。

Speakwhenyou’respoketoonparticularsubjects，andnototherways。HoldthetorchuptillI’vegottotheendofthecourt，andthenkennelyourself，doyouhear？’

’Ihearyou，noblecaptain。’

’Obeythen，’saidMrTappertithaughtily。’Gentlemen，leadon！’

Withwhichwordofcommand(addressedtoanimaginarystafforretinue)hefoldedhisarms，andwalkedwithsurpassingdignitydownthecourt。

Hisobsequiousfollowerstoodholdingthetorchabovehishead，andthentheobserversawforthefirsttime，fromhisplaceofconcealment，thathewasblind。Someinvoluntarymotiononhispartcaughtthequickearoftheblindman，beforehewasconsciousofhavingmovedaninchtowardshim，forheturnedsuddenlyandcried，’Who’sthere？’

’Aman，’saidtheother，advancing。’Afriend。’

’Astranger！’rejoinedtheblindman。’Strangersarenotmyfriends。Whatdoyoudothere？’

’Isawyourcompanycomeout，andwaitedheretilltheyweregone。

Iwantalodging。’

’Alodgingatthistime！’returnedStagg，pointingtowardsthedawnasthoughhesawit。’Doyouknowthedayisbreaking？’

’Iknowit，’rejoinedtheother，’tomycost。Ihavebeentraversingthisiron-heartedtownallnight。’

’Youhadbettertraverseitagain，’saidtheblindman，preparingtodescend，’tillyoufindsomelodgingssuitabletoyourtaste。I

don’tletany。’

’Stay！’criedtheother，holdinghimbythearm。

’I’llbeatthislightaboutthathangdogfaceofyours(forhangdogitis，ifitanswerstoyourvoice)，androusetheneighbourhoodbesides，ifyoudetainme，’saidtheblindman。’Letmego。Doyouhear？’

’DoYOUhear！’returnedtheother，chinkingafewshillingstogether，andhurriedlypressingthemintohishand。’Ibegnothingofyou。Iwillpayfortheshelteryougiveme。Death！

Isitmuchtoaskofsuchasyou！Ihavecomefromthecountry，anddesiretorestwheretherearenonetoquestionme。Iamfaint，exhausted，wornout，almostdead。Letmeliedown，likeadog，beforeyourfire。Iasknomorethanthat。Ifyouwouldberidofme，Iwilldepartto-morrow。’

’Ifagentlemanhasbeenunfortunateontheroad，’mutteredStagg，yieldingtotheother，who，pressingonhim，hadalreadygainedafootingonthesteps——’andcanpayforhisaccommodation——’

’IwillpayyouwithallIhave。Iamjustnowpastthewantoffood，Godknows，andwishbuttopurchaseshelter。Whatcompanionhaveyoubelow？’

’None。’

’Thenfastenyourgratethere，andshowmetheway。Quick！’

Theblindmancompliedafteramoment’shesitation，andtheydescendedtogether。Thedialoguehadpassedashurriedlyasthewordscouldbespoken，andtheystoodinhiswretchedroombeforehehadhadtimetorecoverfromhisfirstsurprise。

’MayIseewherethatdoorleadsto，andwhatisbeyond？’saidtheman，glancingkeenlyround。’Youwillnotmindthat？’

’Iwillshowyoumyself。Followme，orgobefore。Takeyourchoice。’

Hebadehimleadtheway，and，bythelightofthetorchwhichhisconductorheldupforthepurpose，inspectedallthreecellarsnarrowly。Assuredthattheblindmanhadspokentruth，andthathelivedtherealone，thevisitorreturnedwithhimtothefirst，inwhichafirewasburning，andflunghimselfwithadeepgroanuponthegroundbeforeit。

Hishostpursuedhisusualoccupationwithoutseemingtoheedhimanyfurther。Butdirectlyhefellasleep——andhenotedhisfallingintoaslumber，asreadilyasthekeenest-sightedmancouldhavedone——hekneltdownbesidehim，andpassedhishandlightlybutcarefullyoverhisfaceandperson。

Hissleepwascheckeredwithstartsandmoans，andsometimeswithamutteredwordortwo。Hishandswereclenched，hisbrowbent，andhismouthfirmlyset。Allthis，theblindmanaccuratelymarked;

andasifhiscuriositywerestronglyawakened，andhehadalreadysomeinklingofhismystery，hesatwatchinghim，iftheexpressionmaybeused，andlistening，untilitwasbroadday。

Chapter19

DollyVarden’sprettylittleheadwasyetbewilderedbyvariousrecollectionsoftheparty，andherbrighteyeswereyetdazzledbyacrowdofimages，dancingbeforethemlikemotesinthesunbeams，amongwhichtheeffigyofonepartnerinparticulardidespeciallyfigure，thesamebeingayoungcoachmaker(amasterinhisownright)whohadgivenhertounderstand，whenhehandedherintothechairatparting，thatitwashisfixedresolvetoneglecthisbusinessfromthattime，anddieslowlyfortheloveofher——

Dolly’shead，andeyes，andthoughts，andsevensenses，wereallinastateofflutterandconfusionforwhichthepartywasaccountable，althoughitwasnowthreedaysold，when，asshewassittinglistlesslyatbreakfast，readingallmanneroffortunes(thatistosay，ofmarriedandflourishingfortunes)inthegroundsofherteacup，astepwasheardintheworkshop，andMrEdwardChesterwasdescriedthroughtheglassdoor，standingamongtherustylocksandkeys，likeloveamongtheroses——forwhichaptcomparisonthehistorianmaybynomeanstakeanycredittohimself，thesamebeingtheinvention，inasentimentalmood，ofthechasteandmodestMiggs，who，beholdinghimfromthedoorstepsshewasthencleaning，did，inhermaidenmeditation，giveutterancetothesimile。

Thelocksmith，whohappenedatthemomenttohavehiseyesthrownupwardandhisheadbackward，inanintensecommuningwithToby，didnotseehisvisitor，untilMrsVarden，morewatchfulthantherest，haddesiredSimTappertittoopentheglassdoorandgivehimadmission——fromwhichuntowardcircumstancethegoodladyargued(forshecoulddeduceapreciousmoralfromthemosttriflingevent)thattotakeadraughtofsmallaleinthemorningwastoobserveapernicious，irreligious，andPagancustom，therelishwhereofshouldbelefttoswine，andSatan，oratleasttoPopishpersons，andshouldbeshunnedbytherighteousasaworkofsinandevil。Shewouldnodoubthavepursuedheradmonitionmuchfurther，andwouldhavefoundedonitalonglistofpreciouspreceptsofinestimablevalue，butthattheyounggentlemanstandingbyinasomewhatuncomfortableanddiscomfitedmannerwhileshereadherspousethislecture，occasionedhertobringittoaprematureconclusion。

’I’msureyou’llexcuseme，sir，’saidMrsVarden，risingandcurtseying。’Vardenissoverythoughtless，andneedssomuchreminding——Sim，bringachairhere。’

MrTappertitobeyed，withaflourishimplyingthathedidso，underprotest。

’Andyoucango，Sim，’saidthelocksmith。

MrTappertitobeyedagain，stillunderprotest;andbetakinghimselftotheworkshop，beganseriouslytofearthathemightfinditnecessarytopoisonhismaster，beforehistimewasout。

Inthemeantime，EdwardreturnedsuitablerepliestoMrsVarden’scourtesies，andthatladybrightenedupverymuch;sothatwhenheacceptedadishofteafromthefairhandsofDolly，shewasperfectlyagreeable。

’Iamsureifthere’sanythingwecando，——Varden，orI，orDollyeither，——toserveyou，sir，atanytime，youhaveonlytosayit，anditshallbedone，’saidMrsV。

’Iammuchobligedtoyou，Iamsure，’returnedEdward。’YouencouragemetosaythatIhavecomeherenow，tobegyourgoodoffices。’

MrsVardenwasdelightedbeyondmeasure。

’ItoccurredtomethatprobablyyourfairdaughtermightbegoingtotheWarren，eitherto-dayorto-morrow，’saidEdward，glancingatDolly;’andifso，andyouwillallowhertotakechargeofthisletter，ma’am，youwillobligememorethanIcantellyou。Thetruthis，thatwhileIamveryanxiousitshouldreachitsdestination，Ihaveparticularreasonsfornottrustingittoanyotherconveyance;sothatwithoutyourhelp，Iamwhollyataloss。’

’Shewasnotgoingthatway，sir，eitherto-day，orto-morrow，norindeedallnextweek，’theladygraciouslyrejoined，’butweshallbeverygladtoputourselvesoutofthewayonyouraccount，andifyouwishit，youmaydependuponitsgoingto-day。Youmightsuppose，’saidMrsVarden，frowningatherhusband，’fromVarden’ssittingtheresoglumandsilent，thatheobjectedtothisarrangement;butyoumustnotmindthat，sir，ifyouplease。It’shiswayathome。Outofdoors，hecanbecheerfulandtalkativeenough。’

Now，thefactwas，thattheunfortunatelocksmith，blessinghisstarstofindhishelpmateinsuchgoodhumour，hadbeensittingwithabeamingface，hearingthisdiscoursewithajoypastallexpression。Whereforethissuddenattackquitetookhimbysurprise。

’MydearMartha——’hesaid。

’Ohyes，Idaresay，’interruptedMrsVarden，withasmileofmingledscornandpleasantry。’Verydear！Weallknowthat。’

’No，butmygoodsoul，’saidGabriel，’youarequitemistaken。Youareindeed。Iwasdelightedtofindyousokindandready。I

waited，mydear，anxiously，Iassureyou，tohearwhatyouwouldsay。’

’Youwaitedanxiously，’repeatedMrsV。’Yes！Thankyou，Varden。

Youwaited，asyoualwaysdo，thatImightbeartheblame，ifanycameofit。ButIamusedtoit，’saidtheladywithakindofsolemntitter，’andthat’smycomfort！’

’Igiveyoumyword，Martha——’saidGabriel。

’LetmegiveyouMYword，mydear，’interposedhiswifewithaChristiansmile，’thatsuchdiscussionsasthesebetweenmarriedpeople，aremuchbetterleftalone。Therefore，ifyouplease，Varden，we’lldropthesubject。Ihavenowishtopursueit。I

could。Imightsayagreatdeal。ButIwouldrathernot。Praydon’tsayanymore。’

’Idon’twanttosayanymore，’rejoinedthegoadedlocksmith。

’Wellthen，don’t，’saidMrsVarden。

’NordidIbeginit，Martha，’addedthelocksmith，good-humouredly，’Imustsaythat。’

’Youdidnotbeginit，Varden！’exclaimedhiswife，openinghereyesverywideandlookingrounduponthecompany，asthoughshewouldsay，Youhearthisman！’Youdidnotbeginit，Varden！ButyoushallnotsayIwasoutoftemper。No，youdidnotbeginit，ohdearno，notyou，mydear！’

’Well，well，’saidthelocksmith。’That’ssettledthen。’

’Ohyes，’rejoinedhiswife，’quite。IfyouliketosayDollybeganit，mydear，Ishallnotcontradictyou。Iknowmyduty。I

needknowit，Iamsure。Iamoftenobligedtobearitinmind，whenmyinclinationperhapswouldbeforthemomenttoforgetit。

Thankyou，Varden。’Andso，withamightyshowofhumilityandforgiveness，shefoldedherhands，andlookedroundagain，withasmilewhichplainlysaid，’Ifyoudesiretoseethefirstandforemostamongfemalemartyrs，heresheis，onview！’

Thislittleincident，illustrativethoughitwasofMrsVarden’sextraordinarysweetnessandamiability，hadsostrongatendencytochecktheconversationandtodisconcertallpartiesbutthatexcellentlady，thatonlyafewmonosyllableswereuttereduntilEdwardwithdrew;whichhepresentlydid，thankingtheladyofthehouseagreatmanytimesforhercondescension，andwhisperinginDolly’searthathewouldcallonthemorrow，incasethereshouldhappentobeananswertothenote——which，indeed，sheknewwithouthistelling，asBarnabyandhisfriendGriphaddroppedinonthepreviousnighttoprepareherforthevisitwhichwasthenterminating。

Gabriel，whohadattendedEdwardtothedoor，camebackwithhishandsinhispockets;and，afterfidgetingabouttheroominaveryuneasymanner，andcastingagreatmanysidelonglooksatMrsVarden(whowiththecalmestcountenanceintheworldwasfivefathomsdeepintheProtestantManual)，inquiredofDollyhowshemeanttogo。Dollysupposedbythestage-coach，andlookedatherladymother，whofindingherselfsilentlyappealedto，diveddownatleastanotherfathomintotheManual，andbecameunconsciousofallearthlythings。

’Martha——’saidthelocksmith。

’Ihearyou，Varden，’saidhiswife，withoutrisingtothesurface。

’Iamsorry，mydear，youhavesuchanobjectiontotheMaypoleandoldJohn，forotherwaysasit’saveryfinemorning，andSaturday’snotabusydaywithus，wemighthaveallthreegonetoChigwellinthechaise，andhadquiteahappydayofit。’

MrsVardenimmediatelyclosedtheManual，andburstingintotears，requestedtobeledupstairs。

’Whatisthematternow，Martha？’inquiredthelocksmith。

TowhichMartharejoined，’Oh！don’tspeaktome，’andprotestedinagonythatifanybodyhadtoldherso，shewouldn’thavebelievedit。

’But，Martha，’saidGabriel，puttinghimselfinthewayasshewasmovingoffwiththeaidofDolly’sshoulder，’wouldn’thavebelievedwhat？Tellmewhat’swrongnow。Dotellme。UponmysoulIdon’tknow。Doyouknow，child？Damme！’criedthelocksmith，pluckingathiswiginakindoffrenzy，’nobodydoesknow，Iverilybelieve，butMiggs！’

’Miggs，’saidMrsVardenfaintly，andwithsymptomsofapproachingincoherence，’isattachedtome，andthatissufficienttodrawdownhatreduponherinthishouse。Sheisacomforttome，whatevershemaybetoothers。’

’She’snocomforttome，’criedGabriel，madeboldbydespair。

’She’sthemiseryofmylife。She’salltheplaguesofEgyptinone。’

’She’sconsideredso，Ihavenodoubt，’saidMrsVarden。’Iwaspreparedforthat;it’snatural;it’sofapiecewiththerest。

Whenyoutauntmeasyoudotomyface，howcanIwonderthatyoutauntherbehindherback！’Andheretheincoherencecomingonverystrong，MrsVardenwept，andlaughed，andsobbed，andshivered，andhiccoughed，andchoked;andsaidsheknewitwasveryfoolishbutshecouldn’thelpit;andthatwhenshewasdeadandgone，perhapstheywouldbesorryforit——whichreallyunderthecircumstancesdidnotappearquitesoprobableassheseemedtothink——withagreatdealmoretothesameeffect。Inaword，shepassedwithgreatdecencythroughalltheceremoniesincidentaltosuchoccasions;andbeingsupportedupstairs，wasdepositedinahighlyspasmodicstateonherownbed，whereMissMiggsshortlyafterwardsflungherselfuponthebody。

Thephilosophyofallthiswas，thatMrsVardenwantedtogotoChigwell;thatshedidnotwanttomakeanyconcessionorexplanation;thatshewouldonlygoonbeingimploredandentreatedsotodo;andthatshewouldacceptnootherterms。Accordingly，afteravastamountofmoaningandcryingupstairs，andmuchdampingofforeheads，andvinegaringoftemples，andhartshorningofnoses，andsoforth;andaftermostpatheticadjurationsfromMiggs，assistedbywarmbrandy-and-waternotover-weak，anddiversothercordials，alsoofastimulatingquality，administeredatfirstinteaspoonfulsandafterwardsinincreasingdoses，andofwhichMissMiggsherselfpartookasapreventivemeasure(forfaintingisinfectious);afteralltheseremedies，andmanymoretoonumeroustomention，butnottotake，hadbeenapplied;andmanyverbalconsolations，moral，religious，andmiscellaneous，hadbeensuper-addedthereto;thelocksmithhumbledhimself，andtheendwasgained。

’Ifit’sonlyforthesakeofpeaceandquietness，father，’saidDolly，urginghimtogoupstairs。

’Oh，Doll，Doll，’saidhergood-naturedfather。’Ifyoueverhaveahusbandofyourown——’

Dollyglancedattheglass。

’——Well，WHENyouhave，’saidthelocksmith，’neverfaint，mydarling。Moredomesticunhappinesshascomeofeasyfainting，Doll，thanfromallthegreaterpassionsputtogether。Rememberthat，mydear，ifyouwouldbereallyhappy，whichyounevercanbe，ifyourhusbandisn’t。Andawordinyourear，myprecious。

NeverhaveaMiggsaboutyou！’

Withthisadvicehekissedhisbloomingdaughteronthecheek，andslowlyrepairedtoMrsVarden’sroom;wherethatlady，lyingallpaleandlanguidonhercouch，wasrefreshingherselfwithasightofherlastnewbonnet，whichMiggs，asameansofcalmingherscatteredspirits，displayedtothebestadvantageatherbedside。

’Here’smaster，mim，’saidMiggs。’Oh，whatahappinessitiswhenmanandwifecomeroundagain！Ohgracious，tothinkthathimandhershouldeverhaveawordtogether！’Intheenergyofthesesentiments，whichwereutteredasanapostrophetotheHeavensingeneral，MissMiggsperchedthebonnetonthetopofherownhead，andfoldingherhands，turnedonhertears。

’Ican’thelpit，’criedMiggs。’Icouldn’t，ifIwastobedrowndedin’em。Shehassuchaforgivingspirit！She’llforgetallthathaspassed，andgoalongwithyou，sir——Oh，ifitwastotheworld’send，she’dgoalongwithyou。’

MrsVardenwithafaintsmilegentlyreprovedherattendantforthisenthusiasm，andremindedheratthesametimethatshewasfartoounwelltoventureoutthatday。

’Ohno，you’renot，mim，indeedyou’renot，’saidMiggs;’Irepealtomaster;masterknowsyou’renot，mim。Thehair，andmotionoftheshay，willdoyougood，mim，andyoumustnotgiveway，youmustnotraly。Shemustkeepup，mustn’tshe，sir，foralloutsakes？Iwasatellingherthat，justnow。Shemustrememberus，evenifsheforgetsherself。Masterwillpersuadeyou，mim，I’msure。There’sMissDolly’sa-goingyouknow，andmaster，andyou，andallsohappyandsocomfortable。Oh！’criedMiggs，turningonthetearsagain，previoustoquittingtheroomingreatemotion，’I

neverseesuchablessedoneassheisfortheforgivenessofherspirit，Inever，never，neverdid。Notmoredidmasterneither;

no，nornoone——never！’

Forfiveminutesorthereabouts，MrsVardenremainedmildlyopposedtoallherhusband’sprayersthatshewouldobligehimbytakingaday’spleasure，butrelentingatlength，shesufferedherselftobepersuaded，andgrantinghimherfreeforgiveness(themeritwhereof，shemeeklysaid，restedwiththeManualandnotwithher)，desiredthatMiggsmightcomeandhelpherdress。Thehandmaidattendedpromptly，anditisbutjusticetotheirjointexertionstorecordthat，whenthegoodladycamedownstairsincourseoftime，completelydeckedoutforthejourney，shereallylookedasifnothinghadhappened，andappearedintheverybesthealthimaginable。

AstoDolly，thereshewasagain，theverypinkandpatternofgoodlooks，inasmartlittlecherry-colouredmantle，withahoodofthesamedrawnoverherhead，anduponthetopofthathood，alittlestrawhattrimmedwithcherry-colouredribbons，andwornthemeresttrifleononeside——justenoughinshorttomakeitthewickedestandmostprovokinghead-dressthatevermaliciousmillinerdevised。Andnottospeakofthemannerinwhichthesecherry-coloureddecorationsbrightenedhereyes，orviedwithherlips，orshedanewbloomonherface，sheworesuchacruellittlemuff，andsuchaheart-rendingpairofshoes，andwassosurroundedandhemmedin，asitwere，byaggravationsofallkinds，thatwhenMrTappettit，holdingthehorse’shead，sawhercomeoutofthehousealone，suchimpulsescameoverhimtodecoyherintothechaiseanddriveofflikemad，thathewouldunquestionablyhavedoneit，butforcertainuneasydoubtsbesettinghimastotheshortestwaytoGretnaGreen;whetheritwasupthestreetordown，oruptheright-handturningortheleft;andwhether，supposingalltheturnpikestobecarriedbystorm，theblacksmithintheendwouldmarrythemoncredit;whichbyreasonofhisclericalofficeappeared，eventohisexcitedimagination，sounlikely，thathehesitated。Andwhilehestoodhesitating，andlookingpost-chaises-and-sixatDolly，outcamehismasterandhismistress，andtheconstantMiggs，andtheopportunitywasgoneforever。Fornowthechaisecreakeduponitssprings，andMrsVardenwasinside;andnowitcreakedagain，andmorethanever，andthelocksmithwasinside;andnowitboundedonce，asifitsheartbeatlightly，andDollywasinside;andnowitwasgoneanditsplacewasempty，andheandthatdrearyMiggswerestandinginthestreettogether。

Theheartylocksmithwasinasgoodahumourasifnothinghadoccurredforthelasttwelvemonthstoputhimoutofhisway，Dollywasallsmilesandgraces，andMrsVardenwasagreeablebeyondallprecedent。Astheyjoggedthroughthestreetstalkingofthisthingandofthat，whoshouldbedescrieduponthepavementbutthatverycoachmaker，lookingsogenteelthatnobodywouldhavebelievedhehadeverhadanythingtodowithacoachbutridinginit，andbowinglikeanynobleman。TobesureDollywasconfusedwhenshebowedagain，andtobesurethecherry-colouredribbonstrembledalittlewhenshemethismournfuleye，whichseemedtosay，’Ihavekeptmyword，Ihavebegun，thebusinessisgoingtothedevil，andyou’rethecauseofit。’Therehestood，rootedtotheground:asDollysaid，likeastatue;andasMrsVardensaid，likeapump;tilltheyturnedthecorner:andwhenherfatherthoughtitwaslikehisimpudence，andhermotherwonderedwhathemeantbyit，Dollyblushedagaintillherveryhoodwaspale。

Butontheywent，notthelessmerrilyforthis，andtherewasthelocksmithintheincautiousfulnessofhisheart’pulling-up’atallmannerofplaces，andevincingamostintimateacquaintancewithallthetavernsontheroad，andallthelandlordsandallthelandladies，withwhom，indeed，thelittlehorsewasonequallyfriendlyterms，forhekeptonstoppingofhisownaccord。NeverwerepeoplesogladtoseeotherpeopleastheselandlordsandlandladiesweretobeholdMrVardenandMrsVardenandMissVarden;

andwouldn’ttheygetout，saidone;andtheyreallymustwalkupstairs，saidanother;andshewouldtakeitillandbequitecertaintheywereproudiftheywouldn’thavealittletasteofsomething，saidathird;andsoon，thatitwasreallyquiteaProgressratherthanaride，andonecontinuedsceneofhospitalityfrombeginningtoend。Itwaspleasantenoughtobeheldinsuchesteem，nottomentiontherefreshments;soMrsVardensaidnothingatthetime，andwasallaffabilityanddelight——butsuchabodyofevidenceasshecollectedagainsttheunfortunatelocksmiththatday，tobeusedthereafterasoccasionmightrequire，neverwasgottogetherformatrimonialpurposes。

Incourseoftime——andincourseofaprettylongtimetoo，fortheseagreeableinterruptionsdelayedthemnotalittle，——theyarrivedupontheskirtsoftheForest，andridingpleasantlyonamongthetrees，cameatlasttotheMaypole，wherethelocksmith’scheerful’Yoho！’speedilybroughttotheporcholdJohn，andafterhimyoungJoe，bothofwhomweresotransfixedatsightoftheladies，thatforamomenttheywereperfectlyunabletogivethemanywelcome，andcoulddonothingbutstare。

Itwasonlyforamoment，however，thatJoeforgothimself，forspeedilyrevivinghethrusthisdrowsyfatheraside——toMrWillet’smightyandinexpressibleindignation——anddartingout，stoodreadytohelpthemtoalight。ItwasnecessaryforDollytogetoutfirst。Joehadherinhisarms;——yes，thoughforaspaceoftimenolongerthanyoucouldcountonein，Joehadherinhisarms。

Herewasaglimpseofhappiness！

ItwouldbedifficulttodescribewhataflatandcommonplaceaffairthehelpingMrsVardenoutafterwardswas，butJoedidit，anddidittoowiththebestgraceintheworld。ThenoldJohn，who，entertainingadullandfoggysortofideathatMrsVardenwasn’tfondofhim，hadbeeninsomedoubtwhethershemightnothavecomeforpurposesofassaultandbattery，tookcourage，hopedshewaswell，andofferedtoconductherintothehouse。Thistenderbeingamicablyreceived，theymarchedintogether;JoeandDollyfollowed，arm-in-arm，(happinessagain！)andVardenbroughtuptherear。

OldJohnwouldhaveitthattheymustsitinthebar，andnobodyobjecting，intothebartheywent。Allbarsaresnugplaces，buttheMaypole’swastheverysnuggest，cosiest，andcompletestbar，thateverthewitofmandevised。Suchamazingbottlesinoldoakenpigeon-holes;suchgleamingtankardsdanglingfrompegsataboutthesameinclinationasthirstymenwouldholdthemtotheirlips;suchsturdylittleDutchkegsrangedinrowsonshelves;somanylemonshanginginseparatenets，andformingthefragrantgrovealreadymentionedinthischronicle，suggestive，withgoodlyloavesofsnowysugarstowedawayhardby，ofpunch，idealisedbeyondallmortalknowledge;suchclosets，suchpresses，suchdrawersfullofpipes，suchplacesforputtingthingsawayinhollowwindow-seats，allcrammedtothethroatwitheatables，drinkables，orsavourycondiments;lastly，andtocrownall，astypicaloftheimmenseresourcesoftheestablishment，anditsdefiancestoallvisitorstocutandcomeagain，suchastupendouscheese！

Itisapoorheartthatneverrejoices——itmusthavebeenthepoorest，weakest，andmostwateryheartthateverbeat，whichwouldnothavewarmedtowardstheMaypolebar。MrsVarden’sdiddirectly。ShecouldnomorehavereproachedJohnWilletamongthosehouseholdgods，thekegsandbottles，lemons，pipes，andcheese，thanshecouldhavestabbedhimwithhisownbrightcarving-knife。Theorderfordinnertoo——itmighthavesoothedasavage。’Abitoffish，’saidJohntothecook，’andsomelambchops(breaded，withplentyofketchup)，andagoodsalad，andaroastspringchicken，withadishofsausagesandmashedpotatoes，orsomethingofthatsort。’Somethingofthatsort！Theresourcesoftheseinns！Totalkcarelesslyaboutdishes，whichinthemselveswereafirst-rateholidaykindofdinner，suitabletoone’swedding-day，assomethingofthatsort:meaning，ifyoucan’tgetaspringchicken，anyothertrifleinthewayofpoultrywilldo——suchasapeacock，perhaps！Thekitchentoo，withitsgreatbroadcavernouschimney;thekitchen，wherenothinginthewayofcookeryseemedimpossible;whereyoucouldbelieveinanythingtoeat，theychosetotellyouof。MrsVardenreturnedfromthecontemplationofthesewonderstothebaragain，withaheadquitedizzyandbewildered。Herhousekeepingcapacitywasnotlargeenoughtocomprehendthem。Shewasobligedtogotosleep。Wakingwaspain，inthemidstofsuchimmensity。

Dollyinthemeanwhile，whosegayheartandheadranuponothermatters，passedoutatthegardendoor，andglancingbacknowandthen(butofcoursenotwonderingwhetherJoesawher)，trippedawaybyapathacrossthefieldswithwhichshewaswellacquainted，todischargehermissionattheWarren;andthisdeponenthathbeeninformedandverilybelieves，thatyoumighthaveseenmanylesspleasantobjectsthanthecherry-colouredmantleandribbons，astheywentflutteringalongthegreenmeadowsinthebrightlightoftheday，likegiddythingsastheywere。

Chapter20

Theproudconsciousnessofhertrust，andthegreatimportanceshederivedfromit，mighthaveadvertisedittoallthehouseifshehadhadtorunthegauntletofitsinhabitants;butasDollyhadplayedineverydullroomandpassagemanyandmanyatime，whenachild，andhadeversincebeenthehumblefriendofMissHaredale，whosefoster-sistershewas，shewasasfreeofthebuildingastheyoungladyherself。So，usingnogreaterprecautionthanholdingherbreathandwalkingontiptoeasshepassedthelibrarydoor，shewentstraighttoEmma’sroomasaprivilegedvisitor。

Itwastheliveliestroominthebuilding。Thechamberwassombreliketherestforthematterofthat，butthepresenceofyouthandbeautywouldmakeaprisoncheerful(savingalas！thatconfinementwithersthem)，andlendsomecharmsoftheirowntothegloomiestscene。Birds，flowers，books，drawing，music，andahundredsuchgracefultokensoffemininelovesandcares，filleditwithmoreoflifeandhumansympathythanthewholehousebesidesseemedmadetohold。Therewasheartintheroom;andwhothathasaheart，everfailstorecognisethesilentpresenceofanother！

Dollyhadoneundoubtedly，anditwasnotatoughoneeither，thoughtherewasalittlemistofcoquettishnessaboutit，suchassometimessurroundsthatsunoflifeinitsmorning，andslightlydimsitslustre。Thus，whenEmmarosetogreether，andkissingheraffectionatelyonthecheek，toldher，inherquietway，thatshehadbeenveryunhappy，thetearsstoodinDolly’seyes，andshefeltmoresorrythanshecouldtell;butnextmomentshehappenedtoraisethemtotheglass，andreallytherewassomethingtheresoexceedinglyagreeable，thatasshesighed，shesmiled，andfeltsurprisinglyconsoled。

’Ihaveheardaboutit，miss，’saidDolly，’andit’sverysadindeed，butwhenthingsareattheworsttheyaresuretomend。’

’Butareyousuretheyareattheworst？’askedEmmawithasmile。

’Why，Idon’tseehowtheycanverywellbemoreunpromisingthantheyare;Ireallydon’t，’saidDolly。’AndIbringsomethingtobeginwith。’

’NotfromEdward？’

Dollynoddedandsmiled，andfeelinginherpockets(therewerepocketsinthosedays)withanaffectationofnotbeingabletofindwhatshewanted，whichgreatlyenhancedherimportance，atlengthproducedtheletter。AsEmmahastilybrokethesealandbecameabsorbedinitscontents，Dolly’seyes，byoneofthosestrangeaccidentsforwhichthereisnoaccounting，wanderedtotheglassagain。Shecouldnothelpwonderingwhetherthecoach-makersufferedverymuch，andquitepitiedthepoorman。

Itwasalongletter——averylongletter，writtencloseonallfoursidesofthesheetofpaper，andcrossedafterwards;butitwasnotaconsolatoryletter，forasEmmareaditshestoppedfromtimetotimetoputherhandkerchieftohereyes。TobesureDollymarvelledgreatlytoseeherinsomuchdistress，fortoherthinkingaloveaffairoughttobeoneofthebestjokes，andtheslyest，merriestkindofthinginlife。ButshesetitdowninherownmindthatallthiscamefromMissHaredale’sbeingsoconstant，andthatifshewouldonlytakeonwithsomeotheryounggentleman——

justinthemostinnocentwaypossible，tokeepherfirstloveruptothemark——shewouldfindherselfinexpressiblycomforted。

’Iamsurethat’swhatIshoulddoifitwasme，’thoughtDolly。

’Tomakeone’ssweetheartmiserableiswellenoughandquiteright，buttobemademiserableone’sselfisalittletoomuch！’

Howeveritwouldn’tdotosayso，andthereforeshesatlookingoninsilence。Sheneededaprettyconsiderablestretchofpatience，forwhenthelongletterhadbeenreadonceallthroughitwasreadagain，andwhenithadbeenreadtwiceallthroughitwasreadagain。Duringthistediousprocess，Dollybeguiledthetimeinthemostimprovingmannerthatoccurredtoher，bycurlingherhaironherfingers，withtheaidofthelooking-glassbeforementioned，andgivingitsomekillingtwists。

Everythinghasanend。Evenyoungladiesinlovecannotreadtheirlettersforever。Incourseoftimethepacketwasfoldedup，anditonlyremainedtowritetheanswer。

Butasthispromisedtobeaworkoftimelikewise，Emmasaidshewouldputitoffuntilafterdinner，andthatDollymustdinewithher。AsDollyhadmadeuphermindtodosobeforehand，sherequiredverylittlepressing;andwhentheyhadsettledthispoint，theywenttowalkinthegarden。

Theystrolledupanddowntheterracewalks，talkingincessantly——

atleast，Dollyneverleftoffonce——andmakingthatquarterofthesadandmournfulhousequitegay。Notthattheytalkedloudlyorlaughedmuch，buttheywerebothsoveryhandsome，anditwassuchabreezyday，andtheirlightdressesanddarkcurlsappearedsofreeandjoyousintheirabandonment，andEmmawassofair，andDollysorosy，andEmmasodelicatelyshaped，andDollysoplump，and——inshort，therearenoflowersforanygardenlikesuchflowers，lethorticulturistssaywhattheymay，andbothhouseandgardenseemedtoknowit，andtobrightenupsensibly。

Afterthis，camethedinnerandtheletterwriting，andsomemoretalking，inthecourseofwhichMissHaredaletookoccasiontochargeuponDollycertainflirtishandinconstantpropensities，whichaccusationsDollyseemedtothinkverycomplimentaryindeed，andtobemightilyamusedwith。Findingherquiteincorrigibleinthisrespect，Emmasufferedhertodepart;butnotbeforeshehadconfidedtoherthatimportantandnever-sufficiently-to-be-taken-

care-ofanswer，andendowedhermoreoverwithaprettylittlebraceletasakeepsake。Havingclaspeditonherarm，andagainadvisedherhalfinjestandhalfinearnesttoamendherroguishways，forsheknewshewasfondofJoeatheart(whichDollystoutlydenied，withagreatmanyhaughtyprotestationsthatshehopedshecoulddobetterthanthatindeed！andsoforth)，shebadeherfarewell;andaftercallingherbacktogivehermoresupplementarymessagesforEdward，thananybodywithtenfoldthegravityofDollyVardencouldbereasonablyexpectedtoremember，atlengthdismissedher。

Dollybadehergoodbye，andtrippinglightlydownthestairsarrivedatthedreadedlibrarydoor，andwasabouttopassitagainontiptoe，whenitopened，andbehold！therestoodMrHaredale。

Now，Dollyhadfromherchildhoodassociatedwiththisgentlemantheideaofsomethinggrimandghostly，andbeingatthemomentconscience-strickenbesides，thesightofhimthrewherintosuchaflurrythatshecouldneitheracknowledgehispresencenorrunaway，soshegaveagreatstart，andthenwithdowncasteyesstoodstillandtrembled。

’Comehere，girl，’saidMrHaredale，takingherbythehand。’I

wanttospeaktoyou。’

’Ifyouplease，sir，I’minahurry，’falteredDolly，’and——youhavefrightenedmebycomingsosuddenlyuponme，sir——Iwouldrathergo，sir，ifyou’llbesogoodastoletme。’

’Immediately，’saidMrHaredale，whohadbythistimeledherintotheroomandclosedthedoor。Youshallgodirectly。YouhavejustleftEmma？’

’Yes，sir，justthisminute——Father’swaitingforme，sir，ifyou’llpleasetohavethegoodness——’

Iknow。Iknow，’saidMrHaredale。’Answermeaquestion。Whatdidyoubringhereto-day？’

’Bringhere，sir？’falteredDolly。

’Youwilltellmethetruth，Iamsure。Yes。’

Dollyhesitatedforalittlewhile，andsomewhatemboldenedbyhismanner，saidatlast，’Wellthen，sir。Itwasaletter。’

’FromMrEdwardChester，ofcourse。Andyouarethebeareroftheanswer？’

Dollyhesitatedagain，andnotbeingabletodecideuponanyothercourseofaction，burstintotears。

’Youalarmyourselfwithoutcause，’saidMrHaredale。’Whyareyousofoolish？Surelyyoucananswerme。YouknowthatIhavebuttoputthequestiontoEmmaandlearnthetruthdirectly。Haveyoutheanswerwithyou？’

Dollyhadwhatispopularlycalledaspiritofherown，andbeingnowfairlyatbay，madethebestofit。

’Yes，sir，’sherejoined，tremblingandfrightenedasshewas。

’Yes，sir，Ihave。Youmaykillmeifyouplease，sir，butIwon’tgiveitup。I’mverysorry，——butIwon’t。There，sir。’

’Icommendyourfirmnessandyourplain-speaking，’saidMrHaredale。’RestassuredthatIhaveaslittledesiretotakeyourletterasyourlife。Youareaverydiscreetmessengerandagoodgirl。’

Notfeelingquitecertain，assheafterwardssaid，whetherhemightnotbe’comingoverher’withthesecompliments，Dollykeptasfarfromhimasshecould，criedagain，andresolvedtodefendherpocket(fortheletterwasthere)tothelastextremity。

’Ihavesomedesign，’saidMrHaredaleafterashortsilence，duringwhichasmile，asheregardedher，hadstruggledthroughthegloomandmelancholythatwasnaturaltohisface，’ofprovidingacompanionformyniece;forherlifeisaverylonelyone。Wouldyouliketheoffice？Youaretheoldestfriendshehas，andthebestentitledtoit。’

’Idon’tknow，sir，’answeredDolly，notsurebuthewasbanteringher;’Ican’tsay。Idon’tknowwhattheymightwishathome。I

couldn’tgiveanopinion，sir。’

’Ifyourfriendshadnoobjection，wouldyouhaveany？’saidMrHaredale。’Come。There’saplainquestion;andeasytoanswer。’

’NoneatallthatIknowofsir，’repliedDolly。’IshouldbeverygladtobenearMissEmmaofcourse，andalwaysam。’

’That’swell，’saidMrHaredale。’ThatisallIhadtosay。Youareanxioustogo。Don’tletmedetainyou。’

Dollydidn’tlethim，nordidshewaitforhimtotry，forthewordshadnosoonerpassedhislipsthanshewasoutoftheroom，outofthehouse，andinthefieldsagain。

Thefirstthingtobedone，ofcourse，whenshecametoherselfandconsideredwhataflurryshehadbeenin，wastocryafresh;andthenextthing，whenshereflectedhowwellshehadgotoverit，wastolaughheartily。Thetearsoncebanishedgaveplacetothesmiles，andatlastDollylaughedsomuchthatshewasfaintoleanagainstatree，andgiveventtoherexultation。Whenshecouldlaughnolonger，andwasquitetired，sheputherhead-dresstorights，driedhereyes，lookedbackverymerrilyandtriumphantlyattheWarrenchimneys，whichwerejustvisible，andresumedherwalk。

Thetwilighthadcomeon，anditwasquicklygrowingdusk，butthepathwassofamiliartoherfromfrequenttraversingthatshehardlythoughtofthis，andcertainlyfeltnouneasinessatbeingleftalone。Moreover，therewasthebracelettoadmire;andwhenshehadgivenitagoodrub，andhelditoutatarm’slength，itsparkledandglitteredsobeautifullyonherwrist，thattolookatitineverypointofviewandwitheverypossibleturnofthearm，wasquiteanabsorbingbusiness。Therewasthelettertoo，anditlookedsomysteriousandknowing，whenshetookitoutofherpocket，anditheld，assheknew，somuchinside，thattoturnitoverandover，andthinkaboutit，andwonderhowitbegan，andhowitended，andwhatitsaidallthrough，wasanothermatterofconstantoccupation。Betweenthebraceletandtheletter，therewasquiteenoughtodowithoutthinkingofanythingelse;andadmiringeachbyturns，Dollywentongaily。

Asshepassedthroughawicket-gatetowherethepathwasnarrow，andlaybetweentwohedgesgarnishedhereandtherewithtrees，sheheardarustlingcloseathand，whichbroughthertoasuddenstop。

Shelistened。Allwasveryquiet，andshewentonagain——notabsolutelyfrightened，butalittlequickerthanbeforeperhaps，andpossiblynotquitesomuchatherease，foracheckofthatkindisstartling。

Shehadnosoonermovedonagain，thanshewasconsciousofthesamesound，whichwaslikethatofapersontrampingstealthilyamongbushesandbrushwood。Lookingtowardsthespotwhenceitappearedtocome，shealmostfanciedshecouldmakeoutacrouchingfigure。Shestoppedagain。Allwasquietasbefore。Onshewentoncemore——decidedlyfasternow——andtriedtosingsoftlytoherself。Itmusthethewind。

Buthowcamethewindtoblowonlywhenshewalked，andceasewhenshestoodstill？Shestoppedinvoluntarilyasshemadethereflection，andtherustlingnoisestoppedlikewise。Shewasreallyfrightenednow，andwasyethesitatingwhattodo，whenthebushescrackledandsnapped，andamancameplungingthroughthem，closebeforeher。

Chapter21

ItwasforthemomentaninexpressiblerelieftoDolly，torecogniseinthepersonwhoforcedhimselfintothepathsoabruptly，andnowstooddirectlyinherway，HughoftheMaypole，whosenamesheutteredinatoneofdelightedsurprisethatcamefromherheart。

’Wasityou？’shesaid，’howgladIamtoseeyou！andhowcouldyouterrifymeso！’

Inanswertowhich，hesaidnothingatall，butstoodquitestill，lookingather。

’Didyoucometomeetme？’askedDolly。

Hughnodded，andmutteredsomethingtotheeffectthathehadbeenwaitingforher，andhadexpectedhersooner。

’Ithoughtitlikelytheywouldsend，’saidDolly，greatlyreassuredbythis。

’Nobodysentme，’washissullenanswer。’Icameofmyownaccord。’

Theroughbearingofthisfellow，andhiswild，uncouthappearance，hadoftenfilledthegirlwithavagueapprehensionevenwhenotherpeoplewereby，andhadoccasionedhertoshrinkfromhiminvoluntarily。Thehavinghimforanunbiddencompanioninsosolitaryaplace，withthedarknessfastgatheringaboutthem，renewedandevenincreasedthealarmshehadfeltatfirst。