第7章

Ifhismannerhadbeenmerelydoggedandpassivelyfierce，asusual，shewouldhavehadnogreaterdisliketohiscompanythanshealwaysfelt——perhaps，indeed，wouldhavebeenrathergladtohavehadhimathand。Buttherewassomethingofcoarseboldadmirationinhislook，whichterrifiedherverymuch。Sheglancedtimidlytowardshim，uncertainwhethertogoforwardorretreat，andhestoodgazingatherlikeahandsomesatyr;andsotheyremainedforsomeshorttimewithoutstirringorbreakingsilence。

AtlengthDollytookcourage，shotpasthim，andhurriedon。

’Whydoyouspendsomuchbreathinavoidingme？’saidHugh，accommodatinghispacetohers，andkeepingcloseatherside。

’IwishtogetbackasquicklyasIcan，andyouwalktoonearme，answeredDolly。’

’Toonear！’saidHugh，stoopingoverhersothatshecouldfeelhisbreathuponherforehead。’Whytoonear？You’realwaysproudtoME，mistress。’

’Iamproudtonoone。Youmistakeme，’answeredDolly。’Fallback，ifyouplease，orgoon。’

’Nay，mistress，’herejoined，endeavouringtodrawherarmthroughhis，’I’llwalkwithyou。’

Shereleasedherselfandclenchingherlittlehand，struckhimwithrightgoodwill。Atthis，MaypoleHughburstintoaroaroflaughter，andpassinghisarmaboutherwaist，heldherinhisstronggraspaseasilyasifshehadbeenabird。

’Hahaha！Welldone，mistress！Strikeagain。Youshallbeatmyface，andtearmyhair，andpluckmybeardupbytheroots，andwelcome，forthesakeofyourbrighteyes。Strikeagain，mistress。

Do。Hahaha！Ilikeit。’

’Letmego，’shecried，endeavouringwithbothherhandstopushhimoff。’Letmegothismoment。’

’Youhadasgoodbekindertome，Sweetlips，’saidHugh。’Youhad，indeed。Come。Tellmenow。Whyareyoualwayssoproud？I

don’tquarrelwithyouforit。Iloveyouwhenyou’reproud。Hahaha！Youcan’thideyourbeautyfromapoorfellow;that’sacomfort！’

Shegavehimnoanswer，butashehadnotyetcheckedherprogress，continuedtopressforwardasrapidlyasshecould。Atlength，betweenthehurryshehadmade，herterror，andthetightnessofhisembrace，herstrengthfailedher，andshecouldgonofurther。

’Hugh，’criedthepantinggirl，’goodHugh;ifyouwillleavemeI

willgiveyouanything——everythingIhave——andnevertellonewordofthistoanylivingcreature。’

’Youhadbestnot，’heanswered。’Harkye，littledove，youhadbestnot。Allabouthereknowme，andwhatIdaredoifIhaveamind。Ifeveryouaregoingtotell，stopwhenthewordsareonyourlips，andthinkofthemischiefyou’llbring，ifyoudo，uponsomeinnocentheadsthatyouwouldn’twishtohurtahairof。

Bringtroubleonme，andI’llbringtroubleandsomethingmoreontheminreturn。Icarenomoreforthemthanforsomanydogs;notsomuch——whyshouldI？I’dsoonerkillamanthanadoganyday。

I’veneverbeensorryforaman’sdeathinallmylife，andIhaveforadog’s。’

Therewassomethingsothoroughlysavageinthemanneroftheseexpressions，andthelooksandgesturesbywhichtheywereaccompanied，thathergreatfearofhimgavehernewstrength，andenabledherbyasuddenefforttoextricateherselfandrunfleetlyfromhim。ButHughwasasnimble，strong，andswiftoffoot，asanymaninbroadEngland，anditwasbutafruitlessexpenditureofenergy，forhehadherinhisencirclingarmsagainbeforeshehadgoneahundredyards。

’Softly，darling——gently——wouldyouflyfromroughHugh，thatlovesyouaswellasanydrawing-roomgallant？’

’Iwould，’sheanswered，strugglingtofreeherselfagain。’I

will。Help！’

’Afineforcryingout，’saidHugh。’Hahaha！Afine，prettyone，fromyourlips。Ipaymyself！Hahaha！’

’Help！help！help！’Assheshriekedwiththeutmostviolenceshecouldexert，ashoutwasheardinanswer，andanother，andanother。

’ThankHeaven！’criedthegirlinanecstasy。’Joe，dearJoe，thisway。Help！’

Herassailantpaused，andstoodirresoluteforamoment，buttheshoutsdrawingnearerandcomingquickuponthem，forcedhimtoaspeedydecision。Hereleasedher，whisperedwithamenacinglook，’TellHIM:andseewhatfollows！’andleapingthehedge，wasgoneinaninstant。Dollydartedoff，andfairlyranintoJoeWillet’sopenarms。

’Whatisthematter？areyouhurt？whatwasit？whowasit？whereishe？whatwashelike？’withagreatmanyencouragingexpressionsandassurancesofsafety，werethefirstwordsJoepouredforth。

ButpoorlittleDollywassobreathlessandterrifiedthatforsometimeshewasquiteunabletoanswerhim，andhunguponhisshoulder，sobbingandcryingasifherheartwouldbreak。

Joehadnotthesmallestobjectiontohaveherhangingonhisshoulder;no，nottheleast，thoughitcrushedthecherry-colouredribbonssadly，andputthesmartlittlehatoutofallshape。Buthecouldn’tbeartoseehercry;itwenttohisveryheart。Hetriedtoconsoleher，bentoverher，whisperedtoher——somesaykissedher，butthat’safable。AtanyratehesaidallthekindandtenderthingshecouldthinkofandDollylethimgoonanddidn’tinterrupthimonce，anditwasagoodtenminutesbeforeshewasabletoraiseherheadandthankhim。

’Whatwasitthatfrightenedyou？’saidJoe。

Amanwhosepersonwasunknowntoherhadfollowedher，sheanswered;hebeganbybegging，andwentontothreatsofrobbery，whichhewasonthepointofcarryingintoexecution，andwouldhaveexecuted，butforJoe’stimelyaid。Thehesitationandconfusionwithwhichshesaidthis，Joeattributedtothefrightshehadsustained，andnosuspicionofthetruthoccurredtohimforamoment。

’Stopwhenthewordsareonyourlips。’Ahundredtimesthatnight，andveryoftenafterwards，whenthedisclosurewasrisingtohertongue，Dollythoughtofthat，andrepressedit。Adeeplyrooteddreadoftheman;theconvictionthathisferociousnature，onceroused，wouldstopatnothing;andthestrongassurancethatifsheimpeachedhim，thefullmeasureofhiswrathandvengeancewouldbewreakedonJoe，whohadpreservedher;thesewereconsiderationsshehadnotthecouragetoovercome，andinducementstosecrecytoopowerfulforhertosurmount。

Joe，forhispart，wasagreatdealtoohappytoinquireverycuriouslyintothematter;andDollybeingyettootremuloustowalkwithoutassistance，theywentforwardveryslowly，andinhismindverypleasantly，untiltheMaypolelightswerenearathand，twinklingtheircheerfulwelcome，whenDollystoppedsuddenlyandwithahalfscreamexclaimed，’Theletter！’

’Whatletter？’criedJoe。

’ThatIwascarrying——Ihaditinmyhand。Mybracelettoo，’shesaid，claspingherwrist。’Ihavelostthemboth。’

’Doyoumeanjustnow？’saidJoe。

’EitherIdroppedthemthen，ortheyweretakenfromme，’answeredDolly，vainlysearchingherpocketandrustlingherdress。’Theyaregone，bothgone。WhatanunhappygirlIam！’WiththesewordspoorDolly，whotodoherjusticewasquiteassorryforthelossoftheletterasforherbracelet，fella-cryingagain，andbemoanedherfatemostmovingly。

JoetriedtocomfortherwiththeassurancethatdirectlyhehadhousedherintheMaypole，hewouldreturntothespotwithalantern(foritwasnowquitedark)andmakestrictsearchforthemissingarticles，whichtherewasgreatprobabilityofhisfinding，asitwasnotlikelythatanybodyhadpassedthatwaysince，andshewasnotconsciousthattheyhadbeenforciblytakenfromher。

Dollythankedhimveryheartilyforthisoffer，thoughwithnogreathopeofhisquestbeingsuccessful;andsowithmanylamentationsonherside，andmanyhopefulwordsonhis，andmuchweaknessonthepartofDollyandmuchtendersupportingonthepartofJoe，theyreachedtheMaypolebaratlast，wherethelocksmithandhiswifeandoldJohnwereyetkeepinghighfestival。

MrWilletreceivedtheintelligenceofDolly’stroublewiththatsurprisingpresenceofmindandreadinessofspeechforwhichhewassoeminentlydistinguishedaboveallothermen。MrsVardenexpressedhersympathyforherdaughter’sdistressbyscoldingherroundlyforbeingsolate;andthehonestlocksmithdividedhimselfbetweencondolingwithandkissingDolly，andshakinghandsheartilywithJoe，whomhecouldnotsufficientlypraiseorthank。

Inreferencetothislatterpoint，oldJohnwasfarfromagreeingwithhisfriend;forbesidesthathebynomeansapprovedofanadventurousspiritintheabstract，itoccurredtohimthatifhissonandheirhadbeenseriouslydamagedinascuffle，theconsequenceswouldassuredlyhavebeenexpensiveandinconvenient，andmightperhapshaveproveddetrimentaltotheMaypolebusiness。

Wherefore，andbecausehelookedwithnofavourableeyeuponyounggirls，butratherconsideredthattheyandthewholefemalesexwereakindofnonsensicalmistakeonthepartofNature，hetookoccasiontoretireandshakehisheadinprivateattheboiler;

inspiredbywhichsilentoracle，hewasmovedtogiveJoevariousstealthynudgeswithhiselbow，asaparentalreproofandgentleadmonitiontomindhisownbusinessandnotmakeafoolofhimself。

Joe，however，tookdownthelanternandlightedit;andarminghimselfwithastoutstick，askedwhetherHughwasinthestable。

’He’slyingasleepbeforethekitchenfire，sir，’saidMrWillet。

’Whatdoyouwanthimfor？’

’Iwanthimtocomewithmetolookafterthisbraceletandletter，’answeredJoe。’Halloathere！Hugh！’

Dollyturnedpaleasdeath，andfeltasifshemustfaintforthwith。Afterafewmoments，Hughcamestaggeringin，stretchinghimselfandyawningaccordingtocustom，andpresentingeveryappearanceofhavingbeenrousedfromasoundnap。

’Here，sleepy-head，’saidJoe，givinghimthelantern。’Carrythis，andbringthedog，andthatsmallcudgelofyours。Andwoebetidethefellowifwecomeuponhim。’

’Whatfellow？’growledHugh，rubbinghiseyesandshakinghimself。

’Whatfellow？’returnedJoe，whowasinastateofgreatvalourandbustle;’afellowyououghttoknowofandbemorealiveabout。

It’swellforthelikeofyou，lazygiantthatyouare，tobesnoringyourtimeawayinchimney-corners，whenhonestmen’sdaughterscan’tcrossevenourquietmeadowsatnightfallwithoutbeingsetuponbyfootpads，andfrightenedoutoftheirpreciouslives。’

’Theyneverrobme，’criedHughwithalaugh。’Ihavegotnothingtolose。ButI’dasliefknockthematheadasanyothermen。Howmanyarethere？’

’Onlyone，’saidDollyfaintly，foreverybodylookedather。

’Andwhatwashelike，mistress？’saidHughwithaglanceatyoungWillet，soslightandmomentarythatthescowlitconveyedwaslostonallbuther。’Aboutmyheight？’

’Not——notsotall，’Dollyreplied，scarceknowingwhatshesaid。

’Hisdress，’saidHugh，lookingatherkeenly，’like——likeanyofoursnow？Iknowallthepeoplehereabouts，andmaybecouldgiveaguessattheman，ifIhadanythingtoguideme。’

Dollyfalteredandturnedpaleryet;thenansweredthathewaswrappedinaloosecoatandhadhisfacehiddenbyahandkerchiefandthatshecouldgivenootherdescriptionofhim。

’Youwouldn’tknowhimifyousawhimthen，belike？’saidHughwithamaliciousgrin。

’Ishouldnot，’answeredDolly，burstingintotearsagain。’I

don’twishtoseehim。Ican’tbeartothinkofhim。Ican’ttalkabouthimanymore。Don’tgotolookforthesethings，MrJoe，praydon’t。Ientreatyounottogowiththatman。’

’Nottogowithme！’criedHugh。’I’mtooroughforthemall。

They’reallafraidofme。Why，blessyoumistress，I’vethetenderestheartalive。Ilovealltheladies，ma’am，’saidHugh，turningtothelocksmith’swife。

MrsVardenopinedthatifhedid，heoughttobeashamedofhimself;suchsentimentsbeingmoreconsistent(sosheargued)withabenightedMussulmanorwildIslanderthanwithastanchProtestant。Arguingfromthisimperfectstateofhismorals，MrsVardenfurtheropinedthathehadneverstudiedtheManual。Hughadmittingthatheneverhad，andmoreoverthathecouldn’tread，MrsVardendeclaredwithmuchseverity，thatheoughttoheevenmoreashamedofhimselfthanbefore，andstronglyrecommendedhimtosaveuphispocket-moneyforthepurchaseofone，andfurthertoteachhimselfthecontentswithallconvenientdiligence。Shewasstillpursuingthistrainofdiscourse，whenHugh，somewhatunceremoniouslyandirreverently，followedhisyoungmasterout，andlefthertoedifytherestofthecompany。Thissheproceededtodo，andfindingthatMrWillet’seyeswerefixeduponherwithanappearanceofdeepattention，graduallyaddressedthewholeofherdiscoursetohim，whomsheentertainedwithamoralandtheologicallectureofconsiderablelength，intheconvictionthatgreatworkingsweretakingplaceinhisspirit。Thesimpletruthwas，however，thatMrWillet，althoughhiseyeswerewideopenandhesawawomanbeforehimwhoseheadbylongandsteadylookingatseemedtogrowbiggerandbiggeruntilitfilledthewholebar，wastoallotherintentsandpurposesfastasleep;andsosatleaningbackinhischairwithhishandsinhispocketsuntilhisson’sreturncausedhimtowakeupwithadeepsigh，andafaintimpressionthathehadbeendreamingaboutpickledporkandgreens——

avisionofhisslumberswhichwasnodoubtreferabletothecircumstanceofMrsVarden’shavingfrequentlypronouncedtheword’Grace’withmuchemphasis;whichword，enteringtheportalsofMrWillet’sbrainastheystoodajar，andcouplingitselfwiththewords’beforemeat，’whichwerethererangingabout，didintimesuggestaparticularkindofmeattogetherwiththatdescriptionofvegetablewhichisusuallyitscompanion。

Thesearchwaswhollyunsuccessful。Joehadgropedalongthepathadozentimes，andamongthegrass，andinthedryditch，andinthehedge，butallinvain。Dolly，whowasquiteinconsolableforherloss，wroteanotetoMissHaredalegivingherthesameaccountofitthatshehadgivenattheMaypole，whichJoeundertooktodeliverassoonasthefamilywerestirringnextday。Thatdone，theysatdowntoteainthebar，wheretherewasanuncommondisplayofbutteredtoast，and——inorderthattheymightnotgrowfaintforwantofsustenance，andmighthaveadecenthalting-

placeorhalfwayhousebetweendinnerandsupper——afewsavourytriflesintheshapeofgreatrashersofbroiledham，whichbeingwellcured，donetoaturn，andsmokinghot，sentforthatemptinganddeliciousfragrance。

MrsVardenwasseldomveryProtestantatmeals，unlessithappenedthattheywereunderdone，oroverdone，orindeedthatanythingoccurredtoputheroutofhumour。Herspiritsroseconsiderablyonbeholdingthesegoodlypreparations，andfromthenothingnessofgoodworks，shepassedtothesomethingnessofhamandtoastwithgreatcheerfulness。Nay，undertheinfluenceofthesewholesomestimulants，shesharplyreprovedherdaughterforbeinglowanddespondent(whichsheconsideredanunacceptableframeofmind)，andremarked，assheheldherownplateforafreshsupply，thatitwouldbewellforDolly，whopinedoverthelossofatoyandasheetofpaper，ifshewouldreflectuponthevoluntarysacrificesofthemissionariesinforeignpartswholivedchieflyonsalads。

Theproceedingsofsuchadayoccasionvariousfluctuationsinthehumanthermometer，andespeciallyininstrumentssosensitivelyanddelicatelyconstructedasMrsVarden。Thus，atdinnerMrsV。stoodatsummerheat;genial，smiling，anddelightful。Afterdinner，inthesunshineofthewine，shewentupatleasthalf-a-dozendegrees，andwasperfectlyenchanting。Asitseffectsubsided，shefellrapidly，wenttosleepforanhourorsoattemperate，andwokeatsomethingbelowfreezing。Nowshewasatsummerheatagain，intheshade;andwhenteawasover，andoldJohn，producingabottleofcordialfromoneoftheoakencases，insistedonhersippingtwoglassesthereofinslowsuccession，shestoodsteadilyatninetyforonehourandaquarter。Profitingbyexperience，thelocksmithtookadvantageofthisgenialweathertosmokehispipeintheporch，andinconsequenceofthisprudentmanagement，hewasfullyprepared，whentheglasswentdownagain，tostarthomewardsdirectly。

Thehorsewasaccordinglyputin，andthechaisebroughtroundtothedoor。Joe，whowouldonnoaccountbedissuadedfromescortingthemuntiltheyhadpassedthemostdrearyandsolitarypartoftheroad，ledoutthegreymareatthesametime;andhavinghelpedDollyintoherseat(morehappiness！)sprunggailyintothesaddle。

Then，aftermanygoodnights，andadmonitionstowrapup，andglancingoflights，andhandinginofcloaksandshawls，thechaiserolledaway，andJoetrottedbesideit——onDolly’sside，nodoubt，andprettyclosetothewheeltoo。

Chapter22

Itwasafinebrightnight，andforallherlownessofspiritsDollykeptlookingupatthestarsinamannersobewitching(andSHEknewit！)thatJoewascleanoutofhissenses，andplainlyshowedthatifeveramanwere——nottosayoverheadandears，butovertheMonumentandthetopofSaintPaul’sinlove，thatmanwashimself。Theroadwasaverygoodone;notatallajoltingroad，oranunevenone;andyetDollyheldthesideofthechaisewithonelittlehand，alltheway。Iftherehadbeenanexecutionerbehindhimwithanupliftedaxereadytochopoffhisheadifhetouchedthathand，Joecouldn’thavehelpeddoingit。Fromputtinghisownhanduponitasifbychance，andtakingitawayagainafteraminuteorso，hegottoridingalongwithouttakingitoffatall;asifhe，theescort，wereboundtodothatasanimportantpartofhisduty，andhadcomeoutforthepurpose。Themostcuriouscircumstanceaboutthislittleincidentwas，thatDollydidn’tseemtoknowofit。ShelookedsoinnocentandunconsciouswhensheturnedhereyesonJoe，thatitwasquiteprovoking。

Shetalkedthough;talkedaboutherfright，andaboutJoe’scominguptorescueher，andabouthergratitude，andaboutherfearthatshemightnothavethankedhimenough，andabouttheiralwaysbeingfriendsfromthattimeforth——andaboutallthatsortofthing。

AndwhenJoesaid，notfriendshehoped，Dollywasquitesurprised，andsaidnotenemiesshehoped;andwhenJoesaid，couldn’ttheybesomethingmuchbetterthaneither，Dollyallofasuddenfoundoutastarwhichwasbrighterthanalltheotherstars，andbeggedtocallhisattentiontothesame，andwastenthousandtimesmoreinnocentandunconsciousthanever。

Inthismannertheytravelledalong，talkingverylittleaboveawhisper，andwishingtheroadcouldbestretchedouttosomedozentimesitsnaturallength——atleastthatwasJoe’sdesire——when，astheyweregettingclearoftheforestandemergingonthemorefrequentedroad，theyheardbehindthemthesoundofahorse’sfeetataroundtrot，whichgrowingrapidlylouderasitdrewnearer，elicitedascreamfromMrsVarden，andthecry’afriend！’fromtherider，whonowcamepantingup，andcheckedhishorsebesidethem。

’Thismanagain！’criedDolly，shuddering。

’Hugh！’saidJoe。’Whaterrandareyouupon？’

’Icometoridebackwithyou，’heanswered，glancingcovertlyatthelocksmith’sdaughter。’HEsentme。

’Myfather！’saidpoorJoe;addingunderhisbreath，withaveryunfilialapostrophe，’Willheneverthinkmemanenoughtotakecareofmyself！’

’Aye！’returnedHughtothefirstpartoftheinquiry。’Theroadsarenotsafejustnow，hesays，andyou’dbetterhaveacompanion。’

’Rideonthen，’saidJoe。’I’mnotgoingtoturnyet。’

Hughcomplied，andtheywentonagain。Itwashiswhimorhumourtorideimmediatelybeforethechaise，andfromthispositionheconstantlyturnedhishead，andlookedback。Dollyfeltthathelookedather，butsheavertedhereyesandfearedtoraisethemonce，sogreatwasthedreadwithwhichhehadinspiredher。

Thisinterruption，andtheconsequentwakefulnessofMrsVarden，whohadbeennoddinginhersleepuptothispoint，exceptforaminuteortwoatatime，whensherousedherselftoscoldthelocksmithforaudaciouslytakingholdofhertopreventhernoddingherselfoutofthechaise，putarestraintuponthewhisperedconversation，andmadeitdifficultofresumption。Indeed，beforetheyhadgoneanothermile，Gabrielstoppedathiswife’sdesire，andthatgoodladyprotestedshewouldnothearofJoe’sgoingastepfurtheronanyaccountwhatever。ItwasinvainforJoetoprotestontheotherhandthathewasbynomeanstired，andwouldturnbackpresently，andwouldseethemsafelypastsuchapoint，andsoforth。MrsVardenwasobdurate，andbeingsowasnottobeovercomebymortalagency。

’Goodnight——ifImustsayit，’saidJoe，sorrowfully。

’Goodnight，’saidDolly。Shewouldhaveadded，’Takecareofthatman，andpraydon’ttrusthim，’buthehadturnedhishorse’shead，andwasstandingclosetothem。ShehadthereforenothingforitbuttosufferJoetogiveherhandagentlesqueeze，andwhenthechaisehadgoneonforsomedistance，tolookbackandwaveit，ashestilllingeredonthespotwheretheyhadparted，withthetalldarkfigureofHughbesidehim。

Whatshethoughtabout，goinghome;andwhetherthecoach-makerheldasfavourableaplaceinhermeditationsashehadoccupiedinthemorning，isunknown。Theyreachedhomeatlast——atlast，foritwasalongway，madenonetheshorterbyMrsVarden’sgrumbling。

Miggshearingthesoundofwheelswasatthedoorimmediately。

’Heretheyare，Simmun！Heretheyare！’criedMiggs，clappingherhands，andissuingforthtohelphermistresstoalight。’Bringachair，Simmun。Now，an’tyouthebetterforit，mim？Don’tyoufeelmoreyourselfthanyouwouldhavedoneifyou’dhavestoppedathome？Oh，gracious！howcoldyouare！Goodnessme，sir，she’saperfectheapofice。’

’Ican’thelpit，mygoodgirl。Youhadbettertakeherintothefire，’saidthelocksmith。

’Mastersoundsunfeeling，mim，’saidMiggs，inatoneofcommiseration，’butsuchisnothisintentions，I’msure。Afterwhathehasseenofyouthisday，Ineverwillbelievebutthathehasadealmoreaffectioninhisheartthantospeakunkind。Comeinandsityourselfdownbythefire;there’sagooddear——do。’

MrsVardencomplied。Thelocksmithfollowedwithhishandsinhispockets，andMrTappertittrundledoffwiththechaisetoaneighbouringstable。

’Martha，mydear，’saidthelocksmith，whentheyreachedtheparlour，’ifyou’lllooktoDollyyourselforletsomebodyelsedoit，perhapsitwillbeonlykindandreasonable。Shehasbeenfrightened，youknow，andisnotatallwellto-night。’

Infact，Dollyhadthrownherselfuponthesofa，quiteregardlessofallthelittlefineryofwhichshehadbeensoproudinthemorning，andwithherfaceburiedinherhandswascryingverymuch。

Atfirstsightofthisphenomenon(forDollywasbynomeansaccustomedtodisplaysofthissort，ratherlearningfromhermother’sexampletoavoidthemasmuchaspossible)MrsVardenexpressedherbeliefthatneverwasanywomansobesetasshe;thatherlifewasacontinuedsceneoftrial;thatwhenevershewasdisposedtobewellandcheerful，sosurewerethepeoplearoundhertothrow，bysomemeansorother，adampuponherspirits;andthat，asshehadenjoyedherselfthatday，andHeavenknewitwasveryseldomshedidenjoyherselfsoshewasnowtopaythepenalty。ToallsuchpropositionsMiggsassentedfreely。PoorDolly，however，grewnonethebetterfortheserestoratives，butratherworse，indeed;andseeingthatshewasreallyill，bothMrsVardenandMiggsweremovedtocompassion，andtendedherinearnest。

Buteventhen，theirverykindnessshapeditselfintotheirusualcourseofpolicy，andthoughDollywasinaswoon，itwasrenderedcleartothemeanestcapacity，thatMrsVardenwasthesufferer。

ThuswhenDollybegantogetalittlebetter，andpassedintothatstageinwhichmatronsholdthatremonstranceandargumentmaybesuccessfullyapplied，hermotherrepresentedtoher，withtearsinhereyes，thatifshehadbeenflurriedandworriedthatday，shemustrememberitwasthecommonlotofhumanity，andinespecialofwomankind，whothroughthewholeoftheirexistencemustexpectnoless，andwereboundtomakeuptheirmindstomeekenduranceandpatientresignation。MrsVardenentreatedhertorememberthatoneofthesedaysshewould，inallprobability，havetodoviolencetoherfeelingssofarastobemarried;andthatmarriage，asshemightseeeverydayofherlife(andtrulyshedid)wasastaterequiringgreatfortitudeandforbearance。Sherepresentedtoherinlivelycolours，thatifshe(MrsV。)hadnot，insteeringhercoursethroughthisvaleoftears，beensupportedbyastrongprincipleofdutywhichaloneupheldandpreventedherfromdrooping，shemusthavebeeninhergravemanyyearsago;inwhichcaseshedesiredtoknowwhatwouldhavebecomeofthaterrantspirit(meaningthelocksmith)，ofwhoseeyeshewastheveryapple，andinwhosepathshewas，asitwere，ashininglightandguidingstar？

MissMiggsalsoputinherwordtothesameeffect。ShesaidthatindeedandindeedMissDollymighttakepatternbyherblessedmother，who，shealwayshadsaid，andalwayswouldsay，thoughsheweretobehanged，drawn，andquarteredforitnextminute，wasthemildest，amiablest，forgivingest-spirited，longest-sufferingestfemaleasevershecouldhavebelieved;themerenarrationofwhoseexcellencieshadworkedsuchawholesomechangeinthemindofherownsister-in-law，that，whereas，before，sheandherhusbandlivedlikecatanddog，andwereinthehabitofexchangingbrasscandlesticks，pot-lids，flat-irons，andothersuchstrongresentments，theywerenowthehappiestandaffectionatestcoupleuponearth;ascouldbeprovedanydayonapplicationatGoldenLionCourt，numbertwenty-sivin，secondbell-handleontheright-

handdoorpost。Afterglancingatherselfasacomparativelyworthlessvessel，butstillasoneofsomedesert，shebesoughthertobearinmindthatheraforesaiddearandonlymotherwasofaweaklyconstitutionandexcitabletemperament，whohadconstantlytosustainafflictionsindomesticlife，comparedwithwhichthievesandrobberswereasnothing，andyetneversunkdownorgavewaytodespairorwrath，but，inprize-fightingphraseology，alwayscameuptotimewithacheerfulcountenance，andwentintowinasifnothinghadhappened。WhenMiggsfinishedhersolo，hermistressstruckinagain，andthetwotogetherperformedaduettothesamepurpose;theburdenbeing，thatMrsVardenwaspersecutedperfection，andMrVarden，astherepresentativeofmankindinthatapartment，acreatureofviciousandbrutalhabits，utterlyinsensibletotheblessingsheenjoyed。Ofsorefinedacharacter，indeed，wastheirtalentofassaultunderthemaskofsympathy，thatwhenDolly，recovering，embracedherfathertenderly，asinvindicationofhisgoodness，MrsVardenexpressedhersolemnhopethatthiswouldbealessontohimfortheremainderofhislife，andthathewoulddosomelittlejusticetoawoman’snatureeverafterwards——inwhichaspirationMissMiggs，bydiverssniffsandcoughs，moresignificantthanthelongestoration，expressedherentireconcurrence。

ButthegreatjoyofMiggs’sheartwas，thatshenotonlypickedupafullaccountofwhathadhappened，buthadtheexquisitedelightofconveyingittoMrTappertitforhisjealousyandtorture。Forthatgentleman，onaccountofDolly’sindisposition，hadbeenrequestedtotakehissupperintheworkshop，anditwasconveyedthitherbyMissMiggs’sownfairhands。

’OhSimmun！’saidtheyounglady，’suchgoingsonto-day！Oh，graciousme，Simmun！’

MrTappertit，whowasnotinthebestofhumours，andwhodislikedMissMiggsmorewhenshelaidherhandonherheartandpantedforbreaththanatanyothertime，asherdeficiencyofoutlinewasmostapparentundersuchcircumstances，eyedheroverinhisloftieststyle，anddeignedtoexpressnocuriositywhatever。

’Ineverheardthelike，nornobodyelse，’pursuedMiggs。’TheideaofinterferingwithHER。Whatpeoplecanseeinhertomakeitworththeirwhiletodoso，that’sthejoke——hehehe！’

Findingtherewasaladyinthecase，MrTappertithaughtilyrequestedhisfairfriendtobemoreexplicit，anddemandedtoknowwhatshemeantby’her。’

’Why，thatDolly，’saidMiggs，withanextremelysharpemphasisonthename。’But，ohuponmywordandhonour，youngJosephWilletisabraveone;andhedodeserveher，thathedo。’

’Woman！’saidMrTappertit，jumpingoffthecounteronwhichhewasseated;’beware！’

’Mystars，Simmun！’criedMiggs，inaffectedastonishment。’Youfrightenmetodeath！What’sthematter？’

’Therearestrings，’saidMrTappertit，flourishinghisbread-and-

cheeseknifeintheair，’inthehumanheartthathadbetternotbewibrated。That’swhat’sthematter。’

’Oh，verywell——ifyou’reinahuff，’criedMiggs，turningaway。

’Huffornohuff，’saidMrTappertit，detainingherbythewrist。

’Whatdoyoumean，Jezebel？Whatwereyougoingtosay？Answerme！’

Notwithstandingthisuncivilexhortation，Miggsgladlydidasshewasrequired;andtoldhimhowthattheiryoungmistress，beingaloneinthemeadowsafterdark，hadbeenattackedbythreeorfourtallmen，whowouldhavecertainlyborneherawayandperhapsmurderedher，butforthetimelyarrivalofJosephWillet，whowithhisownsinglehandputthemalltoflight，andrescuedher;tothelastingadmirationofhisfellow-creaturesgenerally，andtotheeternalloveandgratitudeofDollyVarden。

’Verygood，’saidMrTappertit，fetchingalongbreathwhenthetalewastold，andrubbinghishairuptillitstoodstiffandstraightonendalloverhishead。’Hisdaysarenumbered。’

’Oh，Simmun！’

’Itellyou，’saidthe’prentice，’hisdaysarenumbered。Leaveme。Getalongwithyou。’

Miggsdepartedathisbidding，butlessbecauseofhisbiddingthanbecauseshedesiredtochuckleinsecret。Whenshehadgivenventtohersatisfaction，shereturnedtotheparlour;wherethelocksmith，stimulatedbyquietnessandToby，hadbecometalkative，andwasdisposedtotakeacheerfulreviewoftheoccurrencesoftheday。ButMrsVarden，whosepracticalreligion(asisnotuncommon)wasusuallyoftheretrospectiveorder，cuthimshortbydeclaimingonthesinfulnessofsuchjunketings，andholdingthatitwashightimetogotobed。Tobedthereforeshewithdrew，withanaspectasgrimandgloomyasthatoftheMaypole’sownstatecouch;andtobedtherestoftheestablishmentsoonafterwardsrepaired。

Chapter23

Twilighthadgivenplacetonightsomehours，anditwashighnooninthosequartersofthetowninwhich’theworld’condescendedtodwell——theworldbeingthen，asnow，ofverylimiteddimensionsandeasilylodged——whenMrChesterreclineduponasofainhisdressing-roomintheTemple，entertaininghimselfwithabook。

Hewasdressing，asitseemed，byeasystages，andhavingperformedhalfthejourneywastakingalongrest。Completelyattiredastohislegsandfeetinthetrimmestfashionoftheday，hehadyettheremainderofhistoilettoperform。Thecoatwasstretched，likearefinedscarecrow，onitsseparatehorse;thewaistcoatwasdisplayedtothebestadvantage;thevariousornamentalarticlesofdresswereseverallysetoutinmostalluringorder;andyethelaydanglinghislegsbetweenthesofaandtheground，asintentuponhisbookasiftherewerenothingbutbedbeforehim。

’Uponmyhonour，’hesaid，atlengthraisinghiseyestotheceilingwiththeairofamanwhowasreflectingseriouslyonwhathehadread;’uponmyhonour，themostmasterlycomposition，themostdelicatethoughts，thefinestcodeofmorality，andthemostgentlemanlysentimentsintheuniverse！AhNed，Ned，ifyouwouldbutformyourmindbysuchprecepts，weshouldhavebutonecommonfeelingoneverysubjectthatcouldpossiblyarisebetweenus！’

Thisapostrophewasaddressed，liketherestofhisremarks，toemptyair:forEdwardwasnotpresent，andthefatherwasquitealone。

’MyLordChesterfield，’hesaid，pressinghishandtenderlyuponthebookashelaiditdown，’ifIcouldbuthaveprofitedbyyourgeniussoonenoughtohaveformedmysononthemodelyouhavelefttoallwisefathers，bothheandIwouldhavebeenrichmen。

Shakespearewasundoubtedlyveryfineinhisway;Miltongood，thoughprosy;LordBacondeep，anddecidedlyknowing;butthewriterwhoshouldbehiscountry’spride，ismyLordChesterfield。’

Hebecamethoughtfulagain，andthetoothpickwasinrequisition。

’IthoughtIwastolerablyaccomplishedasamanoftheworld，’hecontinued，’IflatteredmyselfthatIwasprettywellversedinallthoselittleartsandgraceswhichdistinguishmenoftheworldfromboorsandpeasants，andseparatetheircharacterfromthoseintenselyvulgarsentimentswhicharecalledthenationalcharacter。Apartfromanynaturalprepossessioninmyownfavour，IbelievedIwas。Still，ineverypageofthisenlightenedwriter，Ifindsomecaptivatinghypocrisywhichhasneveroccurredtomebefore，orsomesuperlativepieceofselfishnesstowhichIwasutterlyastranger。Ishouldquiteblushformyselfbeforethisstupendouscreature，ifrememberinghisprecepts，onemightblushatanything。Anamazingman！anoblemanindeed！anyKingorQueenmaymakeaLord，butonlytheDevilhimself——andtheGraces——canmakeaChesterfield。’

Menwhoarethoroughlyfalseandhollow，seldomtrytohidethosevicesfromthemselves;andyetintheveryactofavowingthem，theylayclaimtothevirtuestheyfeignmosttodespise。’For，’

saythey，’thisishonesty，thisistruth。Allmankindarelikeus，buttheyhavenotthecandourtoavowit。’Themoretheyaffecttodenytheexistenceofanysincerityintheworld，themoretheywouldbethoughttopossessitinitsboldestshape;andthisisanunconsciouscomplimenttoTruthonthepartofthesephilosophers，whichwillturnthelaughagainstthemtotheDayofJudgment。

MrChester，havingextolledhisfavouriteauthor，asaboverecited，tookupthebookagainintheexcessofhisadmirationandwascomposinghimselfforafurtherperusalofitssublimemorality，whenhewasdisturbedbyanoiseattheouterdoor;occasionedasitseemedbytheendeavoursofhisservanttoobstructtheentranceofsomeunwelcomevisitor。

’Alatehourforanimportunatecreditor，’hesaid，raisinghiseyebrowswithasindolentanexpressionofwonderasifthenoisewereinthestreet，andonewithwhichhehadnotthesmallestpossibleconcern。’Muchaftertheiraccustomedtime。TheusualpretenceIsuppose。Nodoubtaheavypaymenttomakeuptomorrow。

Poorfellow，helosestime，andtimeismoneyasthegoodproverbsays——Ineverfounditoutthough。Well。Whatnow？YouknowIamnotathome。’

’Aman，sir，’repliedtheservant，whowastothefullascoolandnegligentinhiswayashismaster，’hasbroughthometheriding-

whipyoulosttheotherday。Itoldhimyouwereout，buthesaidhewastowaitwhileIbroughtitin，andwouldn’tgotillIdid。’

’Hewasquiteright，’returnedhismaster，’andyou’reablockhead，possessingnojudgmentordiscretionwhatever。Tellhimtocomein，andseethatherubshisshoesforexactlyfiveminutesfirst。’

Themanlaidthewhiponachair，andwithdrew。Themaster，whohadonlyheardhisfootuponthegroundandhadnottakenthetroubletoturnroundandlookathim，shuthisbook，andpursuedthetrainofideashisentrancehaddisturbed。

’Iftimeweremoney，’hesaid，handlinghissnuff-box，’Iwouldcompoundwithmycreditors，andgivethem——letmesee——howmuchaday？There’smynapafterdinner——anhour——they’reextremelywelcometothat，andtomakethemostofit。Inthemorning，betweenmybreakfastandthepaper，Icouldsparethemanotherhour;intheeveningbeforedinnersayanother。Threehoursaday。

Theymightpaythemselvesincalls，withinterest，intwelvemonths。IthinkIshallproposeittothem。Ah，mycentaur，areyouthere？’

’HereIam，’repliedHugh，stridingin，followedbyadog，asroughandsullenashimself;’andtroubleenoughI’vehadtogethere。

Whatdoyouaskmetocomefor，andkeepmeoutwhenIDOcome？’

’Mygoodfellow，’returnedtheother，raisinghisheadalittlefromthecushionandcarelesslysurveyinghimfromtoptotoe，’I

amdelightedtoseeyou，andtohave，inyourbeinghere，theverybestproofthatyouarenotkeptout。Howareyou？’

’I’mwellenough，’saidHughimpatiently。

’Youlookaperfectmarvelofhealth。Sitdown。’

’I’dratherstand，’saidHugh。

’Pleaseyourselfmygoodfellow，’returnedMrChesterrising，slowlypullingoffthelooserobehewore，andsittingdownbeforethedressing-glass。’Pleaseyourselfbyallmeans。’

Havingsaidthisinthepolitestandblandesttonepossible，hewentondressing，andtooknofurthernoticeofhisguest，whostoodinthesamespotasuncertainwhattodonext，eyeinghimsulkilyfromtimetotime。

’Areyougoingtospeaktome，master？’hesaid，afteralongsilence。

’Myworthycreature，’returnedMrChester，’youarealittleruffledandoutofhumour。I’llwaittillyou’requiteyourselfagain。Iaminnohurry。’

Thisbehaviourhaditsintendedeffect。Ithumbledandabashedtheman，andmadehimstillmoreirresoluteanduncertain。Hardwordshecouldhavereturned，violencehewouldhaverepaidwithinterest;butthiscool，complacent，contemptuous，self-possessedreception，causedhimtofeelhisinferioritymorecompletelythanthemostelaboratearguments。Everythingcontributedtothiseffect。Hisownroughspeech，contrastedwiththesoftpersuasiveaccentsoftheother;hisrudebearing，andMrChester’spolishedmanner;thedisorderandnegligenceofhisraggeddress，andtheelegantattirehesawbeforehim;withalltheunaccustomedluxuriesandcomfortsoftheroom，andthesilencethatgavehimleisuretoobservethesethings，andfeelhowillateasetheymadehim;alltheseinfluences，whichhavetoooftensomeeffectontutoredmindsandbecomeofalmostresistlesspowerwhenbroughttobearonsuchamindashis，quelledHughcompletely。HemovedbylittleandlittlenearertoMrChester’schair，andglancingoverhisshoulderatthereflectionofhisfaceintheglass，asifseekingforsomeencouragementinitsexpression，saidatlength，witharoughattemptatconciliation，’AREyougoingtospeaktome，master，oramItogoaway？’

’Speakyou，’saidMrChester，’speakyou，goodfellow。Ihavespoken，haveInot？Iamwaitingforyou。’

’Why，look’ee，sir，’returnedHughwithincreasedembarrassment，’amIthemanthatyouprivatelyleftyourwhipwithbeforeyourodeawayfromtheMaypole，andtoldtobringitbackwheneverhemightwanttoseeyouonacertainsubject？’

’Nodoubtthesame，oryouhaveatwinbrother，’saidMrChester，glancingatthereflectionofhisanxiousface;’whichisnotprobable，Ishouldsay。’

’ThenIhavecome，sir，’saidHugh，’andIhavebroughtitback，andsomethingelsealongwithit。Aletter，sir，itis，thatI

tookfromthepersonwhohadchargeofit。’Ashespoke，helaiduponthedressing-table，Dolly’slostepistle。Theveryletterthathadcosthersomuchtrouble。

’Didyouobtainthisbyforce，mygoodfellow？’saidMrChester，castinghiseyeuponitwithouttheleastperceptiblesurpriseorpleasure。

’Notquite，’saidHugh。’Partly。’

’Whowasthemessengerfromwhomyoutookit？’

’Awoman。OneVarden’sdaughter。’

’Ohindeed！’saidMrChestergaily。’Whatelsedidyoutakefromher？’

’Whatelse？’

’Yes，’saidtheother，inadrawlingmanner，forhewasfixingaverysmallpatchofstickingplasteronaverysmallpimplenearthecornerofhismouth。’Whatelse？’

’Wellakiss，’repliedHugh，aftersomehesitation。

’Andwhatelse？’

’Nothing。’

’Ithink，’saidMrChester，inthesameeasytone，andsmilingtwiceorthricetotryifthepatchadhered——’Ithinktherewassomethingelse。Ihaveheardatrifleofjewelleryspokenof——ameretrifle——athingofsuchlittlevalue，indeed，thatyoumayhaveforgottenit。Doyourememberanythingofthekind——suchasabraceletnow，forinstance？’

Hughwithamutteredoaththrusthishandintohisbreast，anddrawingthebraceletforth，wrappedinascrapofhay，wasabouttolayitonthetablelikewise，whenhispatronstoppedhishandandbadehimputitupagain。

’Youtookthatforyourselfmyexcellentfriend，’hesaid，’andmaykeepit。Iamneitherathiefnorareceiver。Don’tshowittome。Youhadbetterhideitagain，andlosenotime。Don’tletmeseewhereyouputiteither，’headded，turningawayhishead。

’You’renotareceiver！’saidHughbluntly，despitetheincreasingaweinwhichheheldhim。’WhatdoyoucallTHAT，master？’

strikingtheletterwithhisheavyhand。

’Icallthatquiteanotherthing，’saidMrChestercoolly。’I

shallproveitpresently，asyouwillsee。Youarethirsty，I

suppose？’

Hughdrewhissleeveacrosshislips，andgrufflyansweredyes。

’Steptothatclosetandbringmeabottleyouwillseethere，andaglass。’

Heobeyed。Hispatronfollowedhimwithhiseyes，andwhenhisbackwasturned，smiledashehadneverdonewhenhestoodbesidethemirror。Onhisreturnhefilledtheglass，andbadehimdrink。

Thatdramdespatched，hepouredhimoutanother，andanother。

’Howmanycanyoubear？’hesaid，fillingtheglassagain。

’Asmanyasyouliketogiveme。Pouron。Fillhigh。Abumperwithabeadinthemiddle！Givemeenoughofthis，’headded，ashetosseditdownhishairythroat，’andI’lldomurderifyouaskme！’

’AsIdon’tmeantoaskyou，andyoumightpossiblydoitwithoutbeinginvitedifyouwentonmuchfurther，’saidMrChesterwithgreatcomposure，wewillstop，ifagreeabletoyou，mygoodfriend，atthenextglass。Youweredrinkingbeforeyoucamehere。’

’IalwaysamwhenIcangetit，’criedHughboisterously，wavingtheemptyglassabovehishead，andthrowinghimselfintoarudedancingattitude。’Ialwaysam。Whynot？Hahaha！What’ssogoodtomeasthis？Whateverhasbeen？Whatelsehaskeptawaythecoldonbitternights，anddrivenhungeroffinstarvingtimes？

Whatelsehasgivenmethestrengthandcourageofaman，whenmenwouldhaveleftmetodie，apunychild？Ishouldneverhavehadaman’sheartbutforthis。Ishouldhavediedinaditch。Where’shewhowhenIwasaweakandsicklywretch，withtremblinglegsandfadingsight，bademecheerup，asthisdid？Ineverknewhim;notI。Idrinktothedrink，master。Hahaha！’

’Youareanexceedinglycheerfulyoungman，’saidMrChester，puttingonhiscravatwithgreatdeliberation，andslightlymovinghisheadfromsidetosidetosettlehischininitsproperplace。

’Quiteabooncompanion。’

’Doyouseethishand，master，’saidHugh，’andthisarm？’baringthebrawnylimbtotheelbow。’Itwasoncemereskinandbone，andwouldhavebeendustinsomepoorchurchyardbythistime，butforthedrink。’

’Youmaycoverit，’saidMrChester，’it’ssufficientlyrealinyoursleeve。’

’Ishouldneverhavebeenspiriteduptotakeakissfromtheproudlittlebeauty，master，butforthedrink，’criedHugh。’Hahaha！

Itwasagoodone。Assweetashoneysuckle，Iwarrantyou。I

thankthedrinkforit。I’lldrinktothedrinkagain，master。

Fillmeonemore。Come。Onemore！’

’Youaresuchapromisingfellow，’saidhispatron，puttingonhiswaistcoatwithgreatnicety，andtakingnoheedofthisrequest，’thatImustcautionyouagainsthavingtoomanyimpulsesfromthedrink，andgettinghungbeforeyourtime。What’syourage？’

’Idon’tknow。’

’Atanyrate，’saidMrChester，’youareyoungenoughtoescapewhatImaycallanaturaldeathforsomeyearstocome。Howcanyoutrustyourselfinmyhandsonsoshortanacquaintance，withahalterroundyourneck？Whataconfidingnatureyoursmustbe！’

Hughfellbackapaceortwoandsurveyedhimwithalookofmingledterror，indignation，andsurprise。Regardinghimselfintheglasswiththesamecomplacencyasbefore，andspeakingassmoothlyasifhewerediscussingsomepleasantchit-chatofthetown，hispatronwenton:

’Robberyontheking’shighway，myyoungfriend，isaverydangerousandticklishoccupation。Itispleasant，Ihavenodoubt，whileitlasts;butlikemanyotherpleasuresinthistransitoryworld，itseldomlastslong。Andreallyifintheingenuousnessofyouth，youopenyourheartsoreadilyonthesubject，Iamafraidyourcareerwillbeanextremelyshortone。’

’How’sthis？’saidHugh。’Whatdoyoutalkofmaster？Whowasitsetmeon？’

’Who？’saidMrChester，wheelingsharplyround，andlookingfullathimforthefirsttime。’Ididn’thearyou。Whowasit？’

Hughfaltered，andmutteredsomethingwhichwasnotaudible。

’Whowasit？Iamcurioustoknow，’saidMrChester，withsurpassingaffability。’Somerusticbeautyperhaps？Butbecautious，mygoodfriend。Theyarenotalwaystobetrusted。Dotakemyadvicenow，andbecarefulofyourself。’Withthesewordsheturnedtotheglassagain，andwentonwithhistoilet。

Hughwouldhaveansweredhimthathe，thequestionerhimselfhadsethimon，butthewordsstuckinhisthroat。Theconsummateartwithwhichhispatronhadledhimtothispoint，andmanagedthewholeconversation，perfectlybaffledhim。HedidnotdoubtthatifhehadmadetheretortwhichwasonhislipswhenMrChesterturnedroundandquestionedhimsokeenly，hewouldstraightwayhavegivenhimintocustodyandhadhimdraggedbeforeajusticewiththestolenpropertyuponhim;inwhichcaseitwasascertainhewouldhavebeenhungasitwasthathehadbeenborn。Theascendencywhichitwasthepurposeofthemanoftheworldtoestablishoverthissavageinstrument，wasgainedfromthattime。

Hugh’ssubmissionwascomplete。Hedreadedhimbeyonddescription;

andfeltthataccidentandartificehadspunawebabouthim，whichatatouchfromsuchamaster-handashis，wouldbindhimtothegallows。

Withthesethoughtspassingthroughhismind，andyetwonderingattheverysametimehowhewhocamethereriotingintheconfidenceofthisman(ashethought)，shouldbesosoonandsothoroughlysubdued，Hughstoodcoweringbeforehim，regardinghimuneasilyfromtimetotime，whilehefinisheddressing。Whenhehaddoneso，hetookuptheletter，broketheseal，andthrowinghimselfbackinhischair，readitleisurelythrough。

’Veryneatlywordeduponmylife！Quiteawoman’sletter，fullofwhatpeoplecalltenderness，anddisinterestedness，andheart，andallthatsortofthing！’

Ashespoke，hetwisteditup，andglancinglazilyroundatHughasthoughhewouldsay’Youseethis？’helditintheflameofthecandle。Whenitwasinafullblaze，hetosseditintothegrate，andthereitsmoulderedaway。

’Itwasdirectedtomyson，’hesaid，turningtoHugh，’andyoudidquiterighttobringithere。Iopeneditonmyownresponsibility，andyouseewhatIhavedonewithit。Takethis，foryourtrouble。’

Hughsteppedforwardtoreceivethepieceofmoneyheheldouttohim。Asheputitinhishand，headded:

’Ifyoushouldhappentofindanythingelseofthissort，ortopickupanykindofinformationyoumaythinkIwouldliketohave，bringithere，willyou，mygoodfellow？’

Thiswassaidwithasmilewhichimplied——orHughthoughtitdid——

’failtodosoatyourperil！’Heansweredthathewould。

’Anddon’t，’saidhispatron，withanairoftheverykindestpatronage，’don’tbeatalldowncastoruneasyrespectingthatlittlerashnesswehavebeenspeakingof。Yourneckisassafeinmyhands，mygoodfellow，asthoughababy’sfingersclaspedit，I

assureyou——Takeanotherglass。Youarequieternow。’

Hughaccepteditfromhishand，andlookingstealthilyathissmilingface，drankthecontentsinsilence。

’Don’tyou——ha，ha！——don’tyoudrinktothedrinkanymore？’saidMrChester，inhismostwinningmanner。

’Toyou，sir，’wasthesullenanswer，withsomethingapproachingtoabow。’Idrinktoyou。’

’Thankyou。Godblessyou。Bythebye，whatisyourname，mygoodsoul？YouarecalledHugh，Iknow，ofcourse——yourothername？’

’Ihavenoothername。’

’Averystrangefellow！Doyoumeanthatyouneverknewone，orthatyoudon’tchoosetotellit？Which？’

’I’dtellitifIcould，’saidHugh，quickly。’Ican’t。IhavebeenalwayscalledHugh;nothingmore。Ineverknew，norsaw，northoughtaboutafather;andIwasaboyofsix——that’snotveryold——whentheyhungmymotherupatTyburnforacoupleofthousandmentostareat。Theymighthaveletherlive。Shewaspoorenough。’

’Howverysad！’exclaimedhispatron，withacondescendingsmile。

’Ihavenodoubtshewasanexceedinglyfinewoman。’

’Youseethatdogofmine？’saidHugh，abruptly。

’Faithful，Idaresay？’rejoinedhispatron，lookingathimthroughhisglass;’andimmenselyclever？Virtuousandgiftedanimals，whethermanorbeast，alwaysaresoveryhideous。’

’Suchadogasthat，andoneofthesamebreed，wastheonlylivingthingexceptmethathowledthatday，’saidHugh。’Outofthetwothousandodd——therewasalargercrowdforitsbeingawoman——thedogandIalonehadanypity。Ifhe’dhavebeenaman，he’dhavebeengladtobequitofher，forshehadbeenforcedtokeephimleanandhalf-starved;butbeingadog，andnothavingaman’ssense，hewassorry。’

’Itwasdullofthebrute，certainly，’saidMrChester，’andverylikeabrute。’

Hughmadenorejoinder，butwhistlingtohisdog，whosprungupatthesoundandcamejumpingandsportingabouthim，badehissympathisingfriendgoodnight。

’Goodnight;hereturned。’Remember;you’resafewithme——quitesafe。Solongasyoudeserveit，mygoodfellow，asIhopeyoualwayswill，youhaveafriendinme，onwhosesilenceyoumayrely。Nowdobecarefulofyourself，praydo，andconsiderwhatjeopardyyoumighthavestoodin。Goodnight！blessyou！’

Hughtruckledbeforethehiddenmeaningofthesewordsasmuchassuchabeingcould，andcreptoutofthedoorsosubmissivelyandsubserviently——withanair，inshort，sodifferentfromthatwithwhichhehadentered——thathispatrononbeingleftalone，smiledmorethanever。

’Andyet，’hesaid，ashetookapinchofsnuff，’Idonotliketheirhavinghangedhismother。Thefellowhasafineeye，andI

amsureshewashandsome。Butveryprobablyshewascoarse——red-

nosedperhaps，andhadclumsyfeet。Aye，itwasallforthebest，nodoubt。’

Withthiscomfortingreflection，heputonhiscoat，tookafarewellglanceattheglass，andsummonedhisman，whopromptlyattended，followedbyachairanditstwobearers。

’Foh！’saidMrChester。’Theveryatmospherethatcentaurhasbreathed，seemstaintedwiththecartandladder。Here，Peak。

Bringsomescentandsprinklethefloor;andtakeawaythechairhesatupon，andairit;anddashalittleofthatmixtureuponme。I

amstifled！’

Themanobeyed;andtheroomanditsmasterbeingbothpurified，nothingremainedforMrChesterbuttodemandhishat，tofolditjauntilyunderhisarm，totakehisseatinthechairandbecarriedoff;hummingafashionabletune。

Chapter24

Howtheaccomplishedgentlemanspenttheeveninginthemidstofadazzlingandbrilliantcircle;howheenchantedallthosewithwhomhemingledbythegraceofhisdeportment，thepolitenessofhismanner，thevivacityofhisconversation，andthesweetnessofhisvoice;howitwasobservedineverycorner，thatChesterwasamanofthathappydispositionthatnothingruffledhim，thathewasoneonwhomtheworld’scaresanderrorssatlightlyashisdress，andinwhosesmilingfaceacalmandtranquilmindwasconstantlyreflected;howhonestmen，whobyinstinctknewhimbetter，boweddownbeforehimnevertheless，deferredtohiseveryword，andcourtedhisfavourablenotice;howpeople，whoreallyhadgoodinthem，wentwiththestream，andfawnedandflattered，andapproved，anddespisedthemselveswhiletheydidso，andyethadnotthecouragetoresist;how，inshort，hewasoneofthosewhoarereceivedandcherishedinsociety(asthephraseis)byscoreswhoindividuallywouldshrinkfromandberepelledbytheobjectoftheirlavishregard;arethingsofcourse，whichwillsuggestthemselves。Mattersocommonplaceneedsbutapassingglance，andthereanend。

Thedespisersofmankind——apartfromthemerefoolsandmimics，ofthatcreed——areoftwosorts。Theywhobelievetheirmeritneglectedandunappreciated，makeuponeclass;theywhoreceiveadulationandflattery，knowingtheirownworthlessness，composetheother。Besurethatthecoldest-heartedmisanthropesareeverofthislastorder。

MrChestersatupinbednextmorning，sippinghiscoffee，andrememberingwithakindofcontemptuoussatisfactionhowhehadshonelastnight，andhowhehadbeencaressedandcourted，whenhisservantbroughtinaverysmallscrapofdirtypaper，tightlysealedintwoplaces，ontheinsidewhereofwasinscribedinprettylargetextthesewords:’Afriend。Desiringofaconference。

Immediate。Private。Burnitwhenyou’vereadit。’

’WhereinthenameoftheGunpowderPlotdidyoupickupthis？’

saidhismaster。

Itwasgivenhimbyapersonthenwaitingatthedoor，themanreplied。

’Withacloakanddagger？’saidMrChester。

Withnothingmorethreateningabouthim，itappeared，thanaleatherapronandadirtyface。’Lethimcomein。’Inhecame——MrTappertit;withhishairstillonend，andagreatlockinhishand，whichheputdownonthefloorinthemiddleofthechamberasifhewereabouttogothroughsomeperformancesinwhichitwasanecessaryagent。

’Sir，’saidMrTappertitwithalowbow，’Ithankyouforthiscondescension，andamgladtoseeyou。PardonthemenialofficeinwhichIamengaged，sir，andextendyoursympathiestoone，who，humbleashisappearanceis，hasinn’ardworkingsfarabovehisstation。’

MrChesterheldthebed-curtainfartherback，andlookedathimwithavagueimpressionthathewassomemaniac，whohadnotonlybrokenopenthedoorofhisplaceofconfinement，buthadbroughtawaythelock。MrTappertitbowedagain，anddisplayedhislegstothebestadvantage。

’Youhaveheard，sir，’saidMrTappertit，layinghishanduponhisbreast，’ofG。VardenLocksmithandbell-hangerandrepairsneatlyexecutedintownandcountry，Clerkenwell，London？’

’Whatthen？’askedMrChester。

’I’mhis’prentice，sir。’

’WhatTHEN？’

’Ahem！’saidMrTappertit。’Wouldyoupermitmetoshutthedoor，sir，andwillyoufurther，sir，givemeyourhonourbright，thatwhatpassesbetweenusisinthestrictestconfidence？’

MrChesterlaidhimselfcalmlydowninbedagain，andturningaperfectlyundisturbedfacetowardsthestrangeapparition，whichhadbythistimeclosedthedoor，beggedhimtospeakout，andtobeasrationalashecould，withoutputtinghimselftoanyverygreatpersonalinconvenience。

’Inthefirstplace，sir，’saidMrTappertit，producingasmallpocket-handkerchiefandshakingitoutofthefolds，’asIhavenotacardaboutme(fortheenvyofmastersdebasesusbelowthatlevel)allowmetoofferthebestsubstitutethatcircumstanceswilladmitof。Ifyouwilltakethatinyourownhand，sir，andcastyoureyeontheright-handcorner，’saidMrTappertit，offeringitwithagracefulair，’youwillmeetwithmycredentials。’

’Thankyou，’answeredMrChester，politelyacceptingit，andturningtosomeblood-redcharactersatoneend。’“Four。SimonTappertit。One。”Isthatthe——’

’Withoutthenumbers，sir，thatismyname，’repliedthe’prentice。

’Theyaremerelyintendedasdirectionstothewasherwoman，andhavenoconnectionwithmyselforfamily。YOURname，sir，’saidMrTappertit，lookingveryhardathisnightcap，’isChester，I

suppose？Youneedn’tpullitoff，sir，thankyou。IobserveE。C。

fromhere。Wewilltaketherestforgranted。’

’Pray，MrTappertit，’saidMrChester，’hasthatcomplicatedpieceofironmongerywhichyouhavedonemethefavourtobringwithyou，anyimmediateconnectionwiththebusinesswearetodiscuss？’

’Ithasnot，sir，’rejoinedthe’prentice。’It’sgoingtobefittedonaware’us-doorinThamesStreet。’

’Perhaps，asthatisthecase，’saidMrChester，’andasithasastrongerflavourofoilthanIusuallyrefreshmybedroomwith，youwillobligemesofarastoputitoutsidethedoor？’

’Byallmeans，sir，’saidMrTappertit，suitingtheactiontotheword。

’You’llexcusemymentioningit，Ihope？’

’Don’tapologise，sir，Ibeg。Andnow，ifyouplease，tobusiness。’

Duringthewholeofthisdialogue，MrChesterhadsufferednothingbuthissmileofunvaryingserenityandpolitenesstoappearuponhisface。SimTappertit，whohadfartoogoodanopinionofhimselftosuspectthatanybodycouldbeplayinguponhim，thoughtwithinhimselfthatthiswassomethingliketherespecttowhichhewasentitled，anddrewacomparisonfromthiscourteousdemeanourofastranger，bynomeansfavourabletotheworthylocksmith。

’Fromwhatpassesinourhouse，’saidMrTappertit，’Iamaware，sir，thatyoursonkeepscompanywithayoungladyagainstyourinclinations。Sir，yoursonhasnotusedmewell。’

’MrTappertit，’saidtheother，’yougrievemebeyonddescription。’

’Thankyou，sir，’repliedthe’prentice。’I’mgladtohearyousayso。He’sveryproud，sir，isyourson;veryhaughty。’

’IamafraidheIShaughty，’saidMrChester。’DoyouknowIwasreallyafraidofthatbefore;andyouconfirmme？’

’TorecountthemenialofficesI’vehadtodoforyourson，sir，’

saidMrTappertit;’thechairsI’vehadtohandhim，thecoachesI’vehadtocallforhim，thenumerousdegradingduties，whollyunconnectedwithmyindenters，thatI’vehadtodoforhim，wouldfillafamilyBible。Besideswhich，sir，heisbutayoungmanhimselfandIdonotconsider“thank’eeSim。”aproperformofaddressonthoseoccasions。’

’MrTappertit，yourwisdomisbeyondyouryears。Praygoon。’

’Ithankyouforyourgoodopinion，sir，’saidSim，muchgratified，’andwillendeavoursotodo。Nowsir，onthisaccount(andperhapsforanotherreasonortwowhichIneedn’tgointo)Iamonyourside。AndwhatItellyouisthis——thataslongasourpeoplegobackwardsandforwards，toandfro，upanddown，tothattherejollyoldMaypole，lettering，andmessaging，andfetchingandcarrying，youcouldn’thelpyoursonkeepingcompanywiththatyoungladybydeputy，——notifhewasmindednightanddaybyalltheHorseGuards，andeverymanof’emintheveryfullestuniform。’