CHAPTERI—TheGiftBestowedEVERYBODYsaidso。
Farbeitfrommetoassertthatwhateverybodysaysmustbetrue。
Everybodyis，often，aslikelytobewrongasright。Inthegeneralexperience，everybodyhasbeenwrongsooften，andithastaken，inmostinstances，suchawearywhiletofindouthowwrong，thattheauthorityisprovedtobefallible。Everybodymaysometimesberight；"butTHAT’Snorule，"astheghostofGilesScrogginssaysintheballad。
Thedreadword，GHOST，recallsme。
Everybodysaidhelookedlikeahauntedman。Theextentofmypresentclaimforeverybodyis，thattheyweresofarright。Hedid。
Whocouldhaveseenhishollowcheek；hissunkenbrillianteye；hisblack—attiredfigure，indefinablygrim，althoughwell—knitandwell—proportioned；hisgrizzledhairhanging，liketangledsea—
weed，abouthisface，—asifhehadbeen，throughhiswholelife，alonelymarkforthechafingandbeatingofthegreatdeepofhumanity，—butmighthavesaidhelookedlikeahauntedman？
Whocouldhaveobservedhismanner，taciturn，thoughtful，gloomy，shadowedbyhabitualreserve，retiringalwaysandjocundnever，withadistraughtairofrevertingtoabygoneplaceandtime，oroflisteningtosomeoldechoesinhismind，butmighthavesaiditwasthemannerofahauntedman？
Whocouldhaveheardhisvoice，slow—speaking，deep，andgrave，withanaturalfulnessandmelodyinitwhichheseemedtosethimselfagainstandstop，butmighthavesaiditwasthevoiceofahauntedman？
Whothathadseenhiminhisinnerchamber，partlibraryandpartlaboratory，—forhewas，astheworldknew，farandwide，alearnedmaninchemistry，andateacheronwhoselipsandhandsacrowdofaspiringearsandeyeshungdaily，—whothathadseenhimthere，uponawinternight，alone，surroundedbyhisdrugsandinstrumentsandbooks；theshadowofhisshadedlampamonstrousbeetleonthewall，motionlessamongacrowdofspectralshapesraisedtherebytheflickeringofthefireuponthequaintobjectsaroundhim；someofthesephantoms（thereflectionofglassvesselsthatheldliquids），tremblingatheartlikethingsthatknewhispowertouncombinethem，andtogivebacktheircomponentpartstofireandvapour；—whothathadseenhimthen，hisworkdone，andheponderinginhischairbeforetherustedgrateandredflame，movinghisthinmouthasifinspeech，butsilentasthedead，wouldnothavesaidthatthemanseemedhauntedandthechambertoo？
Whomightnot，byaveryeasyflightoffancy，havebelievedthateverythingabouthimtookthishauntedtone，andthathelivedonhauntedground？
Hisdwellingwassosolitaryandvault—like，—anold，retiredpartofanancientendowmentforstudents，onceabraveedifice，plantedinanopenplace，butnowtheobsoletewhimofforgottenarchitects；smoke—age—and—weather—darkened，squeezedoneverysidebytheovergrowingofthegreatcity，andchoked，likeanoldwell，withstonesandbricks；itssmallquadrangles，lyingdowninverypitsformedbythestreetsandbuildings，which，incourseoftime，hadbeenconstructedaboveitsheavychimneystalks；itsoldtrees，insultedbytheneighbouringsmoke，whichdeignedtodroopsolowwhenitwasveryfeebleandtheweatherverymoody；itsgrass—
plots，strugglingwiththemildewedearthtobegrass，ortowinanyshowofcompromise；itssilentpavements，unaccustomedtothetreadoffeet，andeventotheobservationofeyes，exceptwhenastrayfacelookeddownfromtheupperworld，wonderingwhatnookitwas；itssun—dialinalittlebricked—upcorner，wherenosunhadstraggledforahundredyears，butwhere，incompensationforthesun’sneglect，thesnowwouldlieforweekswhenitlaynowhereelse，andtheblackeastwindwouldspinlikeahugehumming—top，wheninallotherplacesitwassilentandstill。
Hisdwelling，atitsheartandcore—withindoors—athisfireside—wassoloweringandold，socrazy，yetsostrong，withitsworn—eatenbeamsofwoodintheceiling，anditssturdyfloorshelvingdownwardtothegreatoakchimney—piece；soenvironedandhemmedinbythepressureofthetownyetsoremoteinfashion，age，andcustom；soquiet，yetsothunderingwithechoeswhenadistantvoicewasraisedoradoorwasshut，—echoes，notconfinedtothemanylowpassagesandemptyrooms，butrumblingandgrumblingtilltheywerestifledintheheavyairoftheforgottenCryptwheretheNormanarcheswerehalf—buriedintheearth。
Youshouldhaveseenhiminhisdwellingabouttwilight，inthedeadwintertime。
Whenthewindwasblowing，shrillandshrewd，withthegoingdownoftheblurredsun。Whenitwasjustsodark，asthattheformsofthingswereindistinctandbig—butnotwhollylost。Whensittersbythefirebegantoseewildfacesandfigures，mountainsandabysses，ambuscadesandarmies，inthecoals。Whenpeopleinthestreetsbentdowntheirheadsandranbeforetheweather。Whenthosewhowereobligedtomeetit，werestoppedatangrycorners，stungbywanderingsnow—flakesalightingonthelashesoftheireyes，—whichfelltoosparingly，andwereblownawaytooquickly，toleaveatraceuponthefrozenground。Whenwindowsofprivatehousescloseduptightandwarm。Whenlightedgasbegantoburstforthinthebusyandthequietstreets，fastblackeningotherwise。
Whenstraypedestrians，shiveringalongthelatter，lookeddownattheglowingfiresinkitchens，andsharpenedtheirsharpappetitesbysniffingupthefragranceofwholemilesofdinners。
Whentravellersbylandwerebittercold，andlookedwearilyongloomylandscapes，rustlingandshudderingintheblast。Whenmarinersatsea，outlyinguponicyyards，weretossedandswungabovethehowlingoceandreadfully。Whenlighthouses，onrocksandheadlands，showedsolitaryandwatchful；andbenightedsea—birdsbreastedonagainsttheirponderouslanterns，andfelldead。Whenlittlereadersofstory—books，bythefirelight，trembledtothinkofCassimBabacutintoquarters，hangingintheRobbers’Cave，orhadsomesmallmisgivingsthatthefiercelittleoldwoman，withthecrutch，whousedtostartoutoftheboxinthemerchantAbudah’sbedroom，might，oneofthesenights，befounduponthestairs，inthelong，cold，duskyjourneyuptobed。
When，inrusticplaces，thelastglimmeringofdaylightdiedawayfromtheendsofavenues；andthetrees，archingoverhead，weresullenandblack。When，inparksandwoods，thehighwetfernandsoddenmoss，andbedsoffallenleaves，andtrunksoftrees，werelosttoview，inmassesofimpenetrableshade。Whenmistsarosefromdyke，andfen，andriver。Whenlightsinoldhallsandincottagewindows，wereacheerfulsight。Whenthemillstopped，thewheelwrightandtheblacksmithshuttheirworkshops，theturnpike—
gateclosed，theploughandharrowwereleftlonelyinthefields，thelabourerandteamwenthome，andthestrikingofthechurchclockhadadeepersoundthanatnoon，andthechurchyardwicketwouldbeswungnomorethatnight。
Whentwilighteverywherereleasedtheshadows，prisonedupallday，thatnowclosedinandgatheredlikemusteringswarmsofghosts。
Whentheystoodlowering，incornersofrooms，andfrownedoutfrombehindhalf—openeddoors。Whentheyhadfullpossessionofunoccupiedapartments。Whentheydanceduponthefloors，andwalls，andceilingsofinhabitedchambers，whilethefirewaslow，andwithdrewlikeebbingwaterswhenitsprangintoablaze。Whentheyfantasticallymockedtheshapesofhouseholdobjects，makingthenurseanogress，therocking—horseamonster，thewonderingchild，half—scaredandhalf—amused，astrangertoitself，—theverytongsuponthehearth，astraddlinggiantwithhisarmsa—
kimbo，evidentlysmellingthebloodofEnglishmen，andwantingtogrindpeople’sbonestomakehisbread。
Whentheseshadowsbroughtintothemindsofolderpeople，otherthoughts，andshowedthemdifferentimages。Whentheystolefromtheirretreats，inthelikenessesofformsandfacesfromthepast，fromthegrave，fromthedeep，deepgulf，wherethethingsthatmighthavebeen，andneverwere，arealwayswandering。
Whenhesat，asalreadymentioned，gazingatthefire。When，asitroseandfell，theshadowswentandcame。Whenhetooknoheedofthem，withhisbodilyeyes；but，letthemcomeorletthemgo，lookedfixedlyatthefire。Youshouldhaveseenhim，then。
Whenthesoundsthathadarisenwiththeshadows，andcomeoutoftheirlurking—placesatthetwilightsummons，seemedtomakeadeeperstillnessallabouthim。Whenthewindwasrumblinginthechimney，andsometimescrooning，sometimeshowling，inthehouse。
Whentheoldtreesoutsideweresoshakenandbeaten，thatonequerulousoldrook，unabletosleep，protestednowandthen，inafeeble，dozy，high—up"Caw!"When，atintervals，thewindowtrembled，therustyvaneupontheturret—topcomplained，theclockbeneathitrecordedthatanotherquarterofanhourwasgone，orthefirecollapsedandfellinwitharattle。
—Whenaknockcameathisdoor，inshort，ashewassittingso，androusedhim。
"Who’sthat？"saidhe。"Comein!"
Surelytherehadbeennofigureleaningonthebackofhischair；
nofacelookingoverit。Itiscertainthatnoglidingfootsteptouchedthefloor，ashelifteduphishead，withastart，andspoke。Andyettherewasnomirrorintheroomonwhosesurfacehisownformcouldhavecastitsshadowforamoment；and，Somethinghadpasseddarklyandgone!
"I’mhumblyfearful，sir，"saidafresh—colouredbusyman，holdingthedooropenwithhisfootfortheadmissionofhimselfandawoodentrayhecarried，andlettingitgoagainbyverygentleandcarefuldegrees，whenheandthetrayhadgotin，lestitshouldclosenoisily，"thatit’sagoodbitpastthetimeto—night。ButMrs。Williamhasbeentakenoffherlegssooften"—
"Bythewind？Ay!Ihavehearditrising。"
"—Bythewind，sir—thatit’samercyshegothomeatall。Ohdear，yes。Yes。Itwasbythewind，Mr。Redlaw。Bythewind。"
Hehad，bythistime，putdownthetrayfordinner，andwasemployedinlightingthelamp，andspreadingaclothonthetable。
Fromthisemploymenthedesistedinahurry，tostirandfeedthefire，andthenresumedit；thelamphehadlighted，andtheblazethatroseunderhishand，soquicklychangingtheappearanceoftheroom，thatitseemedasifthemerecominginofhisfreshredfaceandactivemannerhadmadethepleasantalteration。
"Mrs。Williamisofcoursesubjectatanytime，sir，tobetakenoffherbalancebytheelements。SheisnotformedsuperiortoTHAT。"
"No，"returnedMr。Redlawgood—naturedly，thoughabruptly。
"No，sir。Mrs。WilliammaybetakenoffherbalancebyEarth；asforexample，lastSundayweek，whensloppyandgreasy，andshegoingouttoteawithhernewestsister—in—law，andhavingaprideinherself，andwishingtoappearperfectlyspotlessthoughpedestrian。Mrs。WilliammaybetakenoffherbalancebyAir；asbeingonceover—persuadedbyafriendtotryaswingatPeckhamFair，whichactedonherconstitutioninstantlylikeasteam—boat。
Mrs。WilliammaybetakenoffherbalancebyFire；asonafalsealarmofenginesathermother’s，whenshewenttwomilesinhernightcap。Mrs。WilliammaybetakenoffherbalancebyWater；asatBattersea，whenrowedintothepiersbyheryoungnephew，CharleySwidgerjunior，agedtwelve，whichhadnoideaofboatswhatever。Buttheseareelements。Mrs。WilliammustbetakenoutofelementsforthestrengthofHERcharactertocomeintoplay。"
Ashestoppedforareply，thereplywas"Yes，"inthesametoneasbefore。
"Yes，sir。Ohdear，yes!"saidMr。Swidger，stillproceedingwithhispreparations，andcheckingthemoffashemadethem。"That’swhereitis，sir。That’swhatIalwayssaymyself，sir。SuchamanyofusSwidgers!—Pepper。Whythere’smyfather，sir，superannuatedkeeperandcustodianofthisInstitution，eighty—
sevenyearold。He’saSwidger!—Spoon。"
"True，William，"wasthepatientandabstractedanswer，whenhestoppedagain。
"Yes，sir，"saidMr。Swidger。"That’swhatIalwayssay，sir。Youmaycallhimthetrunkofthetree!—Bread。Thenyoucometohissuccessor，myunworthyself—Salt—andMrs。William，Swidgersboth。—Knifeandfork。Thenyoucometoallmybrothersandtheirfamilies，Swidgers，manandwoman，boyandgirl。Why，whatwithcousins，uncles，aunts，andrelationshipsofthis，that，andt’otherdegree，andwhatnotdegree，andmarriages，andlyings—in，theSwidgers—Tumbler—mighttakeholdofhands，andmakearingroundEngland!
Receivingnoreplyatallhere，fromthethoughtfulmanwhomheaddressed，Mr。Williamapproached，himnearer，andmadeafeintofaccidentallyknockingthetablewithadecanter，torousehim。Themomenthesucceeded，hewenton，asifingreatalacrityofacquiescence。
"Yes，sir!That’sjustwhatIsaymyself，sir。Mrs。Williamandmehaveoftensaidso。’There’sSwidgersenough，’wesay，’withoutOURvoluntarycontributions，’—Butter。Infact，sir，myfatherisafamilyinhimself—Castors—totakecareof；andithappensallforthebestthatwehavenochildofourown，thoughit’smadeMrs。Williamratherquiet—like，too。Quitereadyforthefowlandmashedpotatoes，sir？Mrs。Williamsaidshe’ddishintenminuteswhenIlefttheLodge。"
"Iamquiteready，"saidtheother，wakingasfromadream，andwalkingslowlytoandfro。
"Mrs。Williamhasbeenatitagain，sir!"saidthekeeper，ashestoodwarmingaplateatthefire，andpleasantlyshadinghisfacewithit。Mr。Redlawstoppedinhiswalking，andanexpressionofinterestappearedinhim。
"WhatIalwayssaymyself，sir。SheWILLdoit!There’samotherlyfeelinginMrs。William’sbreastthatmustandwillhavewent。"
"Whathasshedone？"
"Why，sir，notsatisfiedwithbeingasortofmothertoalltheyounggentlementhatcomeupfromavarietyofparts，toattendyourcoursesoflecturesatthisancientfoundation—itssurprisinghowstone—chaneycatchestheheatthisfrostyweather，tobesure!"Hereheturnedtheplate，andcooledhisfingers。
"Well？"saidMr。Redlaw。
"That’sjustwhatIsaymyself，sir，"returnedMr。William，speakingoverhisshoulder，asifinreadyanddelightedassent。
"That’sexactlywhereitis，sir!Thereain’toneofourstudentsbutappearstoregardMrs。Williaminthatlight。Everyday，rightthroughthecourse，theyputstheirheadsintotheLodge，oneafteranother，andhaveallgotsomethingtotellher，orsomethingtoaskher。’Swidge’istheappellationbywhichtheyspeakofMrs。
Williamingeneral，amongthemselves，I’mtold；butthat’swhatI
say，sir。Betterbecalledeversofaroutofyourname，ifit’sdoneinrealliking，thanhaveitmadeeversomuchof，andnotcaredabout!What’sanamefor？Toknowapersonby。IfMrs。
Williamisknownbysomethingbetterthanhername—IalludetoMrs。William’squalitiesanddisposition—nevermindhername，thoughitISSwidger，byrights。Let’emcallherSwidge，Widge，Bridge—Lord!LondonBridge，Blackfriars，Chelsea，Putney，Waterloo，orHammersmithSuspension—iftheylike。"
Thecloseofthistriumphantorationbroughthimandtheplatetothetable，uponwhichhehalflaidandhalfdroppedit，withalivelysenseofitsbeingthoroughlyheated，justasthesubjectofhispraisesenteredtheroom，bearinganothertrayandalantern，andfollowedbyavenerableoldmanwithlonggreyhair。
Mrs。William，likeMr。William，wasasimple，innocent—lookingperson，inwhosesmoothcheeksthecheerfulredofherhusband’sofficialwaistcoatwasverypleasantlyrepeated。ButwhereasMr。
William’slighthairstoodonendalloverhishead，andseemedtodrawhiseyesupwithitinanexcessofbustlingreadinessforanything，thedarkbrownhairofMrs。Williamwascarefullysmootheddown，andwavedawayunderatrimtidycap，inthemostexactandquietmannerimaginable。WhereasMr。William’sverytrousershitchedthemselvesupattheankles，asifitwerenotintheiriron—greynaturetorestwithoutlookingaboutthem，Mrs。
William’sneatly—floweredskirts—redandwhite，likeherownprettyface—wereascomposedandorderly，asiftheverywindthatblewsohardoutofdoorscouldnotdisturboneoftheirfolds。Whereashiscoathadsomethingofafly—awayandhalf—offappearanceaboutthecollarandbreast，herlittlebodicewassoplacidandneat，thatthereshouldhavebeenprotectionforher，init，hadsheneededany，withtheroughestpeople。Whocouldhavehadthehearttomakesocalmabosomswellwithgrief，orthrobwithfear，orflutterwithathoughtofshame!Towhomwoulditsreposeandpeacehavenotappealedagainstdisturbance，liketheinnocentslumberofachild!
"Punctual，ofcourse，Milly，"saidherhusband，relievingherofthetray，"oritwouldn’tbeyou。Here’sMrs。William，sir!—Helookslonelierthaneverto—night，"whisperingtohiswife，ashewastakingthetray，"andghostlieraltogether。"
Withoutanyshowofhurryornoise，oranyshowofherselfeven，shewassocalmandquiet，Millysetthedishesshehadbroughtuponthetable，—Mr。William，aftermuchclatteringandrunningabout，havingonlygainedpossessionofabutter—boatofgravy，whichhestoodreadytoserve。
"Whatisthattheoldmanhasinhisarms？"askedMr。Redlaw，ashesatdowntohissolitarymeal。
"Holly，sir，"repliedthequietvoiceofMilly。
"That’swhatIsaymyself，sir，"interposedMr。William，strikinginwiththebutter—boat。"Berriesissoseasonabletothetimeofyear!—Browngravy!"
"AnotherChristmascome，anotheryeargone!"murmuredtheChemist，withagloomysigh。"Morefiguresinthelengtheningsumofrecollectionthatweworkandworkattoourtorment，tillDeathidlyjumblesalltogether，andrubsallout。So，Philip!"breakingoff，andraisinghisvoiceasheaddressedtheoldman，standingapart，withhisglisteningburdeninhisarms，fromwhichthequietMrs。Williamtooksmallbranches，whichshenoiselesslytrimmedwithherscissors，anddecoratedtheroomwith，whileheragedfather—in—lawlookedonmuchinterestedintheceremony。
"Mydutytoyou，sir，"returnedtheoldman。"Shouldhavespokebefore，sir，butknowyourways，Mr。Redlaw—proudtosay—andwaittillspoketo!MerryChristmas，sir，andHappyNewYear，andmanyof’em。Havehadaprettymanyof’emmyself—ha，ha!—andmaytakethelibertyofwishing’em。I’meighty—seven!"
"Haveyouhadsomanythatweremerryandhappy？"askedtheother。
"Ay，sir，eversomany，"returnedtheoldman。
"Ishismemoryimpairedwithage？Itistobeexpectednow，"saidMr。Redlaw，turningtotheson，andspeakinglower。
"Notamorselofit，sir，"repliedMr。William。"That’sexactlywhatIsaymyself，sir。Thereneverwassuchamemoryasmyfather’s。He’sthemostwonderfulmanintheworld。Hedon’tknowwhatforgettingmeans。It’stheveryobservationI’malwaysmakingtoMrs。William，sir，ifyou’llbelieveme!"
Mr。Swidger，inhispolitedesiretoseemtoacquiesceatallevents，deliveredthisasiftherewerenoiotaofcontradictioninit，anditwereallsaidinunboundedandunqualifiedassent。
TheChemistpushedhisplateaway，and，risingfromthetable，walkedacrosstheroomtowheretheoldmanstoodlookingatalittlesprigofhollyinhishand。
"Itrecallsthetimewhenmanyofthoseyearswereoldandnew，then？"hesaid，observinghimattentively，andtouchinghimontheshoulder。"Doesit？"
"Ohmany，many!"saidPhilip，halfawakingfromhisreverie。"I’meighty—seven!"
"Merryandhappy，wasit？"askedtheChemistinalowvoice。
"Merryandhappy，oldman？"
"Maybeashighasthat，nohigher，"saidtheoldman，holdingouthishandalittlewayabovethelevelofhisknee，andlookingretrospectivelyathisquestioner，"whenIfirstremember’em!
Cold，sunshinydayitwas，outa—walking，whensomeone—itwasmymotherassureasyoustandthere，thoughIdon’tknowwhatherblessedfacewaslike，forshetookillanddiedthatChristmas—
time—toldmetheywerefoodforbirds。Theprettylittlefellowthought—that’sme，youunderstand—thatbirds’eyesweresobright，perhaps，becausetheberriesthattheylivedoninthewinterweresobright。Irecollectthat。AndI’meighty—seven!"
"Merryandhappy!"musedtheother，bendinghisdarkeyesuponthestoopingfigure，withasmileofcompassion。"Merryandhappy—
andrememberwell？"
"Ay，ay，ay!"resumedtheoldman，catchingthelastwords。"I
remember’emwellinmyschooltime，yearafteryear，andallthemerry—makingthatusedtocomealongwiththem。Iwasastrongchapthen，Mr。Redlaw；and，ifyou’llbelieveme，hadn’tmymatchatfootballwithintenmile。Where’smysonWilliam？Hadn’tmymatchatfootball，William，withintenmile!"
That’swhatIalwayssay，father!"returnedthesonpromptly，andwithgreatrespect。"YouAREaSwidger，ifevertherewasoneofthefamily!"
"Dear!"saidtheoldman，shakinghisheadasheagainlookedattheholly。"Hismother—mysonWilliam’smyyoungestson—andI，havesatamongem’all，boysandgirls，littlechildrenandbabies，manyayear，whentheberrieslikethesewerenotshininghalfsobrightallroundus，astheirbrightfaces。Manyof’emaregone；
she’sgone；andmysonGeorge（oureldest，whowasherpridemorethanalltherest!）isfallenverylow：butIcanseethem，whenI
lookhere，aliveandhealthy，astheyusedtobeinthosedays；andIcanseehim，thankGod，inhisinnocence。It’sablessedthingtome，ateighty—seven。"
Thekeenlookthathadbeenfixeduponhimwithsomuchearnestness，hadgraduallysoughttheground。
"Whenmycircumstancesgottobenotsogoodasformerly，throughnotbeinghonestlydealtby，andIfirstcomeheretobecustodian，"saidtheoldman，"—whichwasupwardsoffiftyyearsago—where’smysonWilliam？Morethanhalfacenturyago，William!"
"That’swhatIsay，father，"repliedtheson，aspromptlyanddutifullyasbefore，"that’sexactlywhereitis。Twotimesought’sanought，andtwicefiveten，andthere’sahundredof’em。"
"Itwasquiteapleasuretoknowthatoneofourfounders—ormorecorrectlyspeaking，"saidtheoldman，withagreatgloryinhissubjectandhisknowledgeofit，"oneofthelearnedgentlementhathelpedendowusinQueenElizabeth’stime，forwewerefoundedaforeherday—leftinhiswill，amongtheotherbequestshemadeus，somuchtobuyholly，forgarnishingthewallsandwindows，comeChristmas。Therewassomethinghomelyandfriendlyinit。
Beingbutstrangehere，then，andcomingatChristmastime，wetookalikingforhisverypicterthathangsinwhatusedtobe，anciently，aforeourtenpoorgentlemencommutedforanannualstipendinmoney，ourgreatDinnerHall。—Asedategentlemaninapeakedbeard，witharuffroundhisneck，andascrollbelowhim，inoldEnglishletters，’Lord!keepmymemorygreen!’Youknowallabouthim，Mr。Redlaw？"
"Iknowtheportraithangsthere，Philip。"
"Yes，sure，it’sthesecondontheright，abovethepanelling。I
wasgoingtosay—hehashelpedtokeepMYmemorygreen，Ithankhim；forgoingroundthebuildingeveryyear，asI’madoingnow，andfresheningupthebareroomswiththesebranchesandberries，freshensupmybareoldbrain。Oneyearbringsbackanother，andthatyearanother，andthoseothersnumbers!Atlast，itseemstomeasifthebirth—timeofourLordwasthebirth—timeofallI
haveeverhadaffectionfor，ormournedfor，ordelightedin，—andthey’reaprettymany，forI’meighty—seven!"
"Merryandhappy，"murmuredRedlawtohimself。
Theroombegantodarkenstrangely。
"Soyousee，sir，"pursuedoldPhilip，whosehalewintrycheekhadwarmedintoaruddierglow，andwhoseblueeyeshadbrightenedwhilehespoke，"Ihaveplentytokeep，whenIkeepthispresentseason。Now，where’smyquietMouse？Chattering’sthesinofmytimeoflife，andthere’shalfthebuildingtodoyet，ifthecolddon’tfreezeusfirst，orthewinddon’tblowusaway，orthedarknessdon’tswallowusup。"
ThequietMousehadbroughthercalmfacetohisside，andsilentlytakenhisarm，beforehefinishedspeaking。
"Comeaway，mydear，"saidtheoldman。"Mr。Redlawwon’tsettletohisdinner，otherwise，tillit’scoldasthewinter。Ihopeyou’llexcusemeramblingon，sir，andIwishyougoodnight，and，onceagain，amerry—"
"Stay!"saidMr。Redlaw，resuminghisplaceatthetable，more，itwouldhaveseemedfromhismanner，toreassuretheoldkeeper，thaninanyremembranceofhisownappetite。"Sparemeanothermoment，Philip。William，youweregoingtotellmesomethingtoyourexcellentwife’shonour。Itwillnotbedisagreeabletohertohearyoupraiseher。Whatwasit？"
"Why，that’swhereitis，yousee，sir，"returnedMr。WilliamSwidger，lookingtowardshiswifeinconsiderableembarrassment。
"Mrs。William’sgothereyeuponme。"
"Butyou’renotafraidofMrs。William’seye？"
"Why，no，sir，"returnedMr。Swidger，"that’swhatIsaymyself。
Itwasn’tmadetobeafraidof。Itwouldn’thavebeenmadesomild，ifthatwastheintention。ButIwouldn’tliketo—Milly!—
him，youknow。DownintheBuildings。"
Mr。William，standingbehindthetable，andrummagingdisconcertedlyamongtheobjectsuponit，directedpersuasiveglancesatMrs。William，andsecretjerksofhisheadandthumbatMr。Redlaw，asalluringhertowardshim。
"Him，youknow，mylove，"saidMr。William。"DownintheBuildings。Tell，mydear!You’retheworksofShakespeareincomparisonwithmyself。DownintheBuildings，youknow，mylove。
—Student。"
"Student？"repeatedMr。Redlaw，raisinghishead。
"That’swhatIsay，sir!"criedMr。William，intheutmostanimationofassent。"Ifitwasn’tthepoorstudentdownintheBuildings，whyshouldyouwishtohearitfromMrs。William’slips？
Mrs。William，mydear—Buildings。"
"Ididn’tknow，"saidMilly，withaquietfrankness，freefromanyhasteorconfusion，"thatWilliamhadsaidanythingaboutit，orI
wouldn’thavecome。Iaskedhimnotto。It’sasickyounggentleman，sir—andverypoor，Iamafraid—whoistooilltogohomethisholiday—time，andlives，unknowntoanyone，inbutacommonkindoflodgingforagentleman，downinJerusalemBuildings。That’sall，sir。"
"WhyhaveIneverheardofhim？"saidtheChemist，risinghurriedly。"Whyhashenotmadehissituationknowntome？Sick!
—givememyhatandcloak。Poor!—whathouse？—whatnumber？"
"Oh，youmustn’tgothere，sir，"saidMilly，leavingherfather—in—
law，andcalmlyconfrontinghimwithhercollectedlittlefaceandfoldedhands。
"Notgothere？"
"Ohdear，no!"saidMilly，shakingherheadasatamostmanifestandself—evidentimpossibility。"Itcouldn’tbethoughtof!"
"Whatdoyoumean？Whynot？"
"Why，yousee，sir，"saidMr。WilliamSwidger，persuasivelyandconfidentially，"that’swhatIsay。Dependuponit，theyounggentlemanwouldneverhavemadehissituationknowntooneofhisownsex。Mrs。Williamshasgotintohisconfidence，butthat’squitedifferent。TheyallconfideinMrs。William；theyalltrustHER。Aman，sir，couldn’thavegotawhisperoutofhim；butwoman，sir，andMrs。Williamcombined—!"
"Thereisgoodsenseanddelicacyinwhatyousay，William，"
returnedMr。Redlaw，observantofthegentleandcomposedfaceathisshoulder。Andlayinghisfingeronhislip，hesecretlyputhispurseintoherhand。
"Ohdearno，sir!"criedMilly，givingitbackagain。"Worseandworse!Couldn’tbedreamedof!"
Suchastaidmatter—of—facthousewifeshewas，andsounruffledbythemomentaryhasteofthisrejection，that，aninstantafterwards，shewastidilypickingupafewleaveswhichhadstrayedfrombetweenherscissorsandherapron，whenshehadarrangedtheholly。
Finding，whensherosefromherstoopingposture，thatMr。Redlawwasstillregardingherwithdoubtandastonishment，shequietlyrepeated—lookingabout，thewhile，foranyotherfragmentsthatmighthaveescapedherobservation：
"Ohdearno，sir!Hesaidthatofalltheworldhewouldnotbeknowntoyou，orreceivehelpfromyou—thoughheisastudentinyourclass。Ihavemadenotermsofsecrecywithyou，butItrusttoyourhonourcompletely。"
"Whydidhesayso？"
"IndeedIcan’ttell，sir，"saidMilly，afterthinkingalittle，"becauseIamnotatallclever，youknow；andIwantedtobeusefultohiminmakingthingsneatandcomfortableabouthim，andemployedmyselfthatway。ButIknowheispoor，andlonely，andI
thinkheissomehowneglectedtoo。—Howdarkitis!"
Theroomhaddarkenedmoreandmore。TherewasaveryheavygloomandshadowgatheringbehindtheChemist’schair。
"Whatmoreabouthim？"heasked。
"Heisengagedtobemarriedwhenhecanaffordit，"saidMilly，"andisstudying，Ithink，toqualifyhimselftoearnaliving。I
haveseen，alongtime，thathehasstudiedhardanddeniedhimselfmuch。—Howverydarkitis!"
"It’sturnedcolder，too，"saidtheoldman，rubbinghishands。
"There’sachillanddismalfeelingintheroom。Where’smysonWilliam？William，myboy，turnthelamp，androusethefire!"
Milly’svoiceresumed，likequietmusicverysoftlyplayed：
"Hemutteredinhisbrokensleepyesterdayafternoon，aftertalkingtome"（thiswastoherself）"aboutsomeonedead，andsomegreatwrongdonethatcouldneverbeforgotten；butwhethertohimortoanotherperson，Idon’tknow。NotBYhim，Iamsure。"
"And，inshort，Mrs。William，yousee—whichshewouldn’tsayherself，Mr。Redlaw，ifshewastostopheretillthenewyearafterthisnextone—"saidMr。William，cominguptohimtospeakinhisear，"hasdonehimworldsofgood!Blessyou，worldsofgood!Allathomejustthesameasever—myfathermadeassnugandcomfortable—notacrumboflittertobefoundinthehouse，ifyouweretoofferfiftypoundreadymoneyforit—Mrs。Williamapparentlyneveroutoftheway—yetMrs。Williambackwardsandforwards，backwardsandforwards，upanddown，upanddown，amothertohim!"
Theroomturneddarkerandcolder，andthegloomandshadowgatheringbehindthechairwasheavier。
"Notcontentwiththis，sir，Mrs。Williamgoesandfinds，thisverynight，whenshewascominghome（whyit’snotaboveacoupleofhoursago），acreaturemorelikeayoungwildbeastthanayoungchild，shiveringuponadoor—step。WhatdoesMrs。Williamdo，butbringsithometodryit，andfeedit，andkeepittillouroldBountyoffoodandflannelisgivenaway，onChristmasmorning!Ifiteverfeltafirebefore，it’sasmuchaseveritdid；forit’ssittingintheoldLodgechimney，staringatoursasifitsravenouseyeswouldnevershutagain。It’ssittingthere，atleast，"saidMr。William，correctinghimself，onreflection，"unlessit’sbolted!"
"Heavenkeepherhappy!"saidtheChemistaloud，"andyoutoo，Philip!andyou，William!Imustconsiderwhattodointhis。I
maydesiretoseethisstudent，I’llnotdetainyouanylongernow。
Good—night!"
"Ithank’ee，sir，Ithank’ee!"saidtheoldman，"forMouse，andformysonWilliam，andformyself。Where’smysonWilliam？
William，youtakethelanternandgoonfirst，throughthemlongdarkpassages，asyoudidlastyearandtheyearafore。Haha!I
remember—thoughI’meighty—seven!’Lord，keepmymemorygreen!’
It’saverygoodprayer，Mr。Redlaw，thatofthelearnedgentlemaninthepeakedbeard，witharuffroundhisneck—hangsup，secondontherightabovethepanelling，inwhatusedtobe，aforeourtenpoorgentlemencommuted，ourgreatDinnerHall。’Lord，keepmymemorygreen!’It’sverygoodandpious，sir。Amen!Amen!"
Astheypassedoutandshuttheheavydoor，which，howevercarefullywithheld，firedalongtrainofthunderingreverberationswhenitshutatlast，theroomturneddarker。
Ashefellamusinginhischairalone，thehealthyhollywitheredonthewall，anddropped—deadbranches。
Asthegloomandshadowthickenedbehindhim，inthatplacewhereithadbeengatheringsodarkly，ittook，byslowdegrees，—oroutofittherecame，bysomeunreal，unsubstantialprocess—nottobetracedbyanyhumansense，—anawfullikenessofhimself!
Ghastlyandcold，colourlessinitsleadenfaceandhands，butwithhisfeatures，andhisbrighteyes，andhisgrizzledhair，anddressedinthegloomyshadowofhisdress，itcameintohisterribleappearanceofexistence，motionless，withoutasound。AsHEleanedhisarmupontheelbowofhischair，ruminatingbeforethefire，ITleaneduponthechair—back，closeabovehim，withitsappallingcopyofhisfacelookingwherehisfacelooked，andbearingtheexpressionhisfacebore。
This，then，wastheSomethingthathadpassedandgonealready。
Thiswasthedreadcompanionofthehauntedman!
Ittook，forsomemoments，nomoreapparentheedofhim，thanheofit。TheChristmasWaitswereplayingsomewhereinthedistance，and，throughhisthoughtfulness，heseemedtolistentothemusic。
Itseemedtolistentoo。
Atlengthhespoke；withoutmovingorliftinguphisface。
"Hereagain!"hesaid。
"Hereagain，"repliedthePhantom。
"Iseeyouinthefire，"saidthehauntedman；"Ihearyouinmusic，inthewind，inthedeadstillnessofthenight。"
ThePhantommoveditshead，assenting。
"Whydoyoucome，tohauntmethus？"
"IcomeasIamcalled，"repliedtheGhost。
"No。Unbidden，"exclaimedtheChemist。
"Unbiddenbeit，"saidtheSpectre。"Itisenough。Iamhere。"
Hithertothelightofthefirehadshoneonthetwofaces—ifthedreadlineamentsbehindthechairmightbecalledaface—bothaddressedtowardsit，asatfirst，andneitherlookingattheother。But，now，thehauntedmanturned，suddenly，andstaredupontheGhost。TheGhost，assuddeninitsmotion，passedtobeforethechair，andstaredonhim。
Thelivingman，andtheanimatedimageofhimselfdead，mightsohavelooked，theoneupontheother。Anawfulsurvey，inalonelyandremotepartofanemptyoldpileofbuilding，onawinternight，withtheloudwindgoingbyuponitsjourneyofmystery—
whenceorwhither，nomanknowingsincetheworldbegan—andthestars，inunimaginablemillions，glitteringthroughit，frometernalspace，wheretheworld’sbulkisasagrain，anditshoaryageisinfancy。
"Lookuponme!"saidtheSpectre。"Iamhe，neglectedinmyyouth，andmiserablypoor，whostroveandsuffered，andstillstroveandsuffered，untilIhewedoutknowledgefromtheminewhereitwasburied，andmaderuggedstepsthereof，formywornfeettorestandriseon。"
"IAMthatman，"returnedtheChemist。
"Nomother’sself—denyinglove，"pursuedthePhantom，"nofather’scounsel，aidedME。Astrangercameintomyfather’splacewhenI
wasbutachild，andIwaseasilyanalienfrommymother’sheart。
Myparents，atthebest，wereofthatsortwhosecaresoonends，andwhosedutyissoondone；whocasttheiroffspringloose，early，asbirdsdotheirs；and，iftheydowell，claimthemerit；and，ifill，thepity。"
Itpaused，andseemedtotemptandgoadhimwithitslook，andwiththemannerofitsspeech，andwithitssmile。
"Iamhe，"pursuedthePhantom，"who，inthisstruggleupward，foundafriend。Imadehim—wonhim—boundhimtome!Weworkedtogether，sidebyside。Alltheloveandconfidencethatinmyearlieryouthhadhadnooutlet，andfoundnoexpression，I
bestowedonhim。"
"Notall，"saidRedlaw，hoarsely。
"No，notall，"returnedthePhantom。"Ihadasister。"
Thehauntedman，withhisheadrestingonhishands，replied"I
had!"ThePhantom，withanevilsmile，drewclosertothechair，andrestingitschinuponitsfoldedhands，itsfoldedhandsupontheback，andlookingdownintohisfacewithsearchingeyes，thatseemedinstinctwithfire，wenton：
"SuchglimpsesofthelightofhomeasIhadeverknown，hadstreamedfromher。Howyoungshewas，howfair，howloving!I
tookhertothefirstpoorroofthatIwasmasterof，andmadeitrich。Shecameintothedarknessofmylife，andmadeitbright。—
Sheisbeforeme!"
"Isawher，inthefire，butnow。Ihearherinmusic，inthewind，inthedeadstillnessofthenight，"returnedthehauntedman。
"DIDheloveher？"saidthePhantom，echoinghiscontemplativetone。"Ithinkhedid，once。Iamsurehedid。Betterhadshelovedhimless—lesssecretly，lessdearly，fromtheshallowerdepthsofamoredividedheart!"
"Letmeforgetit!"saidtheChemist，withanangrymotionofhishand。"Letmeblotitfrommymemory!"
TheSpectre，withoutstirring，andwithitsunwinking，crueleyesstillfixeduponhisface，wenton：
"Adream，likehers，stoleuponmyownlife。"
"Itdid，"saidRedlaw。
"Alove，aslikehers，"pursuedthePhantom，"asmyinferiornaturemightcherish，aroseinmyownheart。Iwastoopoortobinditsobjecttomyfortunethen，byanythreadofpromiseorentreaty。Ilovedherfartoowell，toseektodoit。But，morethaneverIhadstriveninmylife，Istrovetoclimb!Onlyaninchgained，broughtmesomethingnearertotheheight。Itoiledup!Inthelatepausesofmylabouratthattime，—mysister（sweetcompanion!）stillsharingwithmetheexpiringembersandthecoolinghearth，—whendaywasbreaking，whatpicturesofthefuturedidIsee!"
"Isawthem，inthefire，butnow，"hemurmured。"Theycomebacktomeinmusic，inthewind，inthedeadstillnessofthenight，intherevolvingyears。"
"—Picturesofmyowndomesticlife，inaftertime，withherwhowastheinspirationofmytoil。Picturesofmysister，madethewifeofmydearfriend，onequalterms—forhehadsomeinheritance，wenone—picturesofoursoberedageandmellowedhappiness，andofthegoldenlinks，extendingbacksofar，thatshouldbindus，andourchildren，inaradiantgarland，"saidthePhantom。
"Pictures，"saidthehauntedman，"thatweredelusions。Whyisitmydoomtorememberthemtoowell!"
"Delusions，"echoedthePhantominitschangelessvoice，andglaringonhimwithitschangelesseyes。"Formyfriend（inwhosebreastmyconfidencewaslockedasinmyown），passingbetweenmeandthecentreofthesystemofmyhopesandstruggles，wonhertohimself，andshatteredmyfrailuniverse。Mysister，doublydear，doublydevoted，doublycheerfulinmyhome，livedontoseemefamous，andmyoldambitionsorewardedwhenitsspringwasbroken，andthen—"
"Thendied，"heinterposed。"Died，gentleasever；happy；andwithnoconcernbutforherbrother。Peace!"
ThePhantomwatchedhimsilently。
"Remembered!"saidthehauntedman，afterapause。"Yes。Sowellremembered，thatevennow，whenyearshavepassed，andnothingismoreidleormorevisionarytomethantheboyishlovesolongoutlived，Ithinkofitwithsympathy，asifitwereayoungerbrother’sorason’s。SometimesIevenwonderwhenherheartfirstinclinedtohim，andhowithadbeenaffectedtowardsme。—Notlightly，once，Ithink。—Butthatisnothing。Earlyunhappiness，awoundfromahandIlovedandtrusted，andalossthatnothingcanreplace，outlivesuchfancies。"
"Thus，"saidthePhantom，"IbearwithinmeaSorrowandaWrong。
ThusIpreyuponmyself。Thus，memoryismycurse；and，ifIcouldforgetmysorrowandmywrong，Iwould!"
"Mocker!"saidtheChemist，leapingup，andmaking，withawrathfulhand，atthethroatofhisotherself。"WhyhaveIalwaysthattauntinmyears？"
"Forbear!"exclaimedtheSpectreinanawfulvoice。"LayahandonMe，anddie!"
Hestoppedmidway，asifitswordshadparalysedhim，andstoodlookingonit。Ithadglidedfromhim；ithaditsarmraisedhighinwarning；andasmilepassedoveritsunearthlyfeatures，asitreareditsdarkfigureintriumph。
"IfIcouldforgetmysorrowandwrong，Iwould，"theGhostrepeated。"IfIcouldforgetmysorrowandmywrong，Iwould!"
"Evilspiritofmyself，"returnedthehauntedman，inalow，tremblingtone，"mylifeisdarkenedbythatincessantwhisper。"
"Itisanecho，"saidthePhantom。
"Ifitbeanechoofmythoughts—asnow，indeed，Iknowitis，"
rejoinedthehauntedman，"whyshouldI，therefore，betormented？
Itisnotaselfishthought。Isufferittorangebeyondmyself。
Allmenandwomenhavetheirsorrows，—mostofthemtheirwrongs；
ingratitude，andsordidjealousy，andinterest，besettingalldegreesoflife。Whowouldnotforgettheirsorrowsandtheirwrongs？"
"Whowouldnot，truly，andbehappierandbetterforit？"saidthePhantom。
"Theserevolutionsofyears，whichwecommemorate，"proceededRedlaw，"whatdoTHEYrecall!Arethereanymindsinwhichtheydonotre—awakensomesorrow，orsometrouble？Whatistheremembranceoftheoldmanwhowashereto—night？Atissueofsorrowandtrouble。"
"Butcommonnatures，"saidthePhantom，withitsevilsmileuponitsglassyface，"unenlightenedmindsandordinaryspirits，donotfeelorreasononthesethingslikemenofhighercultivationandprofounderthought。"
"Tempter，"answeredRedlaw，"whosehollowlookandvoiceIdreadmorethanwordscanexpress，andfromwhomsomedimforeshadowingofgreaterfearisstealingovermewhileIspeak，Ihearagainanechoofmyownmind。"
"ReceiveitasaproofthatIampowerful，"returnedtheGhost。
"HearwhatIoffer!Forgetthesorrow，wrong，andtroubleyouhaveknown!"
"Forgetthem!"herepeated。
"Ihavethepowertocanceltheirremembrance—toleavebutveryfaint，confusedtracesofthem，thatwilldieoutsoon，"returnedtheSpectre。"Say!Isitdone？"
"Stay!"criedthehauntedman，arrestingbyaterrifiedgesturetheupliftedhand。"Itremblewithdistrustanddoubtofyou；andthedimfearyoucastuponmedeepensintoanamelesshorrorIcanhardlybear。—Iwouldnotdeprivemyselfofanykindlyrecollection，oranysympathythatisgoodforme，orothers。WhatshallIlose，ifIassenttothis？Whatelsewillpassfrommyremembrance？"
"Noknowledge；noresultofstudy；nothingbuttheintertwistedchainoffeelingsandassociations，eachinitsturndependenton，andnourishedby，thebanishedrecollections。Thosewillgo。"
"Aretheysomany？"saidthehauntedman，reflectinginalarm。
"Theyhavebeenwonttoshowthemselvesinthefire，inmusic，inthewind，inthedeadstillnessofthenight，intherevolvingyears，"returnedthePhantomscornfully。
"Innothingelse？"
ThePhantomhelditspeace。
Buthavingstoodbeforehim，silent，foralittlewhile，itmovedtowardsthefire；thenstopped。
"Decide!"itsaid，"beforetheopportunityislost!"
"Amoment!IcallHeaventowitness，"saidtheagitatedman，"thatIhaveneverbeenahaterofanykind，—nevermorose，indifferent，orhard，toanythingaroundme。If，livingherealone，Ihavemadetoomuchofallthatwasandmighthavebeen，andtoolittleofwhatis，theevil，Ibelieve，hasfallenonme，andnotonothers。
But，iftherewerepoisoninmybody，shouldInot，possessedofantidotesandknowledgehowtousethem，usethem？Iftherebepoisoninmymind，andthroughthisfearfulshadowIcancastitout，shallInotcastitout？"
"Say，"saidtheSpectre，"isitdone？"
"Amomentlonger!"heansweredhurriedly。"IWOULDFORGETITIFI
COULD!HaveIthoughtthat，alone，orhasitbeenthethoughtofthousandsuponthousands，generationaftergeneration？Allhumanmemoryisfraughtwithsorrowandtrouble。Mymemoryisasthememoryofothermen，butothermenhavenotthischoice。Yes，I
closethebargain。Yes!IWILLforgetmysorrow，wrong，andtrouble!"
"Say，"saidtheSpectre，"isitdone？"
"Itis!"
"ITIS。Andtakethiswithyou，manwhomIhererenounce!ThegiftthatIhavegiven，youshallgiveagain，gowhereyouwill。
Withoutrecoveringyourselfthepowerthatyouhaveyieldedup，youshallhenceforthdestroyitslikeinallwhomyouapproach。Yourwisdomhasdiscoveredthatthememoryofsorrow，wrong，andtroubleisthelotofallmankind，andthatmankindwouldbethehappier，initsothermemories，withoutit。Go!Beitsbenefactor!Freedfromsuchremembrance，fromthishour，carryinvoluntarilytheblessingofsuchfreedomwithyou。Itsdiffusionisinseparableandinalienablefromyou。Go!Behappyinthegoodyouhavewon，andinthegoodyoudo!"
ThePhantom，whichhadhelditsbloodlesshandabovehimwhileitspoke，asifinsomeunholyinvocation，orsomeban；andwhichhadgraduallyadvanceditseyessoclosetohis，thathecouldseehowtheydidnotparticipateintheterriblesmileuponitsface，butwereafixed，unalterable，steadyhorrormeltedbeforehimandwasgone。
Ashestoodrootedtothespot，possessedbyfearandwonder，andimaginingheheardrepeatedinmelancholyechoes，dyingawayfainterandfainter，thewords，"Destroyitslikeinallwhomyouapproach!"ashrillcryreachedhisears。Itcame，notfromthepassagesbeyondthedoor，butfromanotherpartoftheoldbuilding，andsoundedlikethecryofsomeoneinthedarkwhohadlosttheway。
Helookedconfusedlyuponhishandsandlimbs，asiftobeassuredofhisidentity，andthenshoutedinreply，loudlyandwildly；fortherewasastrangenessandterroruponhim，asifhetoowerelost。
Thecryresponding，andbeingnearer，hecaughtupthelamp，andraisedaheavycurtaininthewall，bywhichhewasaccustomedtopassintoandoutofthetheatrewherehelectured，—whichadjoinedhisroom。Associatedwithyouthandanimation，andahighamphitheatreoffaceswhichhisentrancecharmedtointerestinamoment，itwasaghostlyplacewhenallthislifewasfadedoutofit，andstareduponhimlikeanemblemofDeath。
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