"Halloa!"hecried。"Halloa!Thisway!Cometothelight!"
When，asheheldthecurtainwithonehand，andwiththeotherraisedthelampandtriedtopiercethegloomthatfilledtheplace，somethingrushedpasthimintotheroomlikeawild—cat，andcroucheddowninacorner。
"Whatisit？"hesaid，hastily。
Hemighthaveasked"Whatisit？"evenhadheseenitwell，aspresentlyhedidwhenhestoodlookingatitgatheredupinitscorner。
Abundleoftatters，heldtogetherbyahand，insizeandformalmostaninfant’s，butinitsgreedy，desperatelittleclutch，abadoldman’s。Afaceroundedandsmoothedbysomehalf—dozenyears，butpinchedandtwistedbytheexperiencesofalife。
Brighteyes，butnotyouthful。Nakedfeet，beautifulintheirchildishdelicacy，—uglyinthebloodanddirtthatcrackeduponthem。Ababysavage，ayoungmonster，achildwhohadneverbeenachild，acreaturewhomightlivetotaketheoutwardformofman，butwho，within，wouldliveandperishamerebeast。
Used，already，tobeworriedandhuntedlikeabeast，theboycroucheddownashewaslookedat，andlookedbackagain，andinterposedhisarmtowardofftheexpectedblow。
"I’llbite，"hesaid，"ifyouhitme!"
Thetimehadbeen，andnotmanyminutessince，whensuchasightasthiswouldhavewrungtheChemist’sheart。Helookeduponitnow，coldly；butwithaheavyefforttoremembersomething—hedidnotknowwhat—heaskedtheboywhathedidthere，andwhencehecame。
"Where’sthewoman？"hereplied。"Iwanttofindthewoman。"
"Who？"
"Thewoman。Herthatbroughtmehere，andsetmebythelargefire。Shewassolonggone，thatIwenttolookforher，andlostmyself。Idon’twantyou。Iwantthewoman。"
Hemadeaspring，sosuddenly，togetaway，thatthedullsoundofhisnakedfeetuponthefloorwasnearthecurtain，whenRedlawcaughthimbyhisrags。
"Come!youletmego!"mutteredtheboy，struggling，andclenchinghisteeth。"I’vedonenothingtoyou。Letmego，willyou，tothewoman!"
"Thatisnottheway。Thereisanearerone，"saidRedlaw，detaininghim，inthesameblankefforttoremembersomeassociationthatought，ofright，tobearuponthismonstrousobject。"Whatisyourname？"
"Gotnone。"
"Wheredoyoulive？
"Live!What’sthat？"
Theboyshookhishairfromhiseyestolookathimforamoment，andthen，twistingroundhislegsandwrestlingwithhim，brokeagainintohisrepetitionof"Youletmego，willyou？Iwanttofindthewoman。"
TheChemistledhimtothedoor。"Thisway，"hesaid，lookingathimstillconfusedly，butwithrepugnanceandavoidance，growingoutofhiscoldness。"I’lltakeyoutoher。"
Thesharpeyesinthechild’shead，wanderingroundtheroom，lightedonthetablewheretheremnantsofthedinnerwere。
"Givemesomeofthat!"hesaid，covetously。
"Hasshenotfedyou？"
"Ishallbehungryagainto—morrow，sha’n’tI？Ain’tIhungryeveryday？"
Findinghimselfreleased，heboundedatthetablelikesomesmallanimalofprey，andhuggingtohisbreastbreadandmeat，andhisownrags，alltogether，said：
"There!Nowtakemetothewoman!"
AstheChemist，withanew—borndisliketotouchhim，sternlymotionedhimtofollow，andwasgoingoutofthedoor，hetrembledandstopped。
"ThegiftthatIhavegiven，youshallgiveagain，gowhereyouwill!"
ThePhantom’swordswereblowinginthewind，andthewindblewchilluponhim。
"I’llnotgothere，to—night，"hemurmuredfaintly。"I’llgonowhereto—night。Boy!straightdownthislong—archedpassage，andpastthegreatdarkdoorintotheyard，—youseethefireshiningonthewindowthere。"
"Thewoman’sfire？"inquiredtheboy。
Henodded，andthenakedfeethadsprungaway。Hecamebackwithhislamp，lockedhisdoorhastily，andsatdowninhischair，coveringhisfacelikeonewhowasfrightenedathimself。
Fornowhewas，indeed，alone。Alone，alone。
CHAPTERII—TheGiftDiffusedASMALLmansatinasmallparlour，partitionedofffromasmallshopbyasmallscreen，pastedalloverwithsmallscrapsofnewspapers。Incompanywiththesmallman，wasalmostanyamountofsmallchildrenyoumaypleasetoname—atleastitseemedso；
theymade，inthatverylimitedsphereofaction，suchanimposingeffect，inpointofnumbers。
Ofthesesmallfry，twohad，bysomestrongmachinery，beengotintobedinacorner，wheretheymighthavereposedsnuglyenoughinthesleepofinnocence，butforaconstitutionalpropensitytokeepawake，andalsotoscuffleinandoutofbed。Theimmediateoccasionofthesepredatorydashesatthewakingworld，wastheconstructionofanoyster—shellwallinacorner，bytwootheryouthsoftenderage；onwhichfortificationthetwoinbedmadeharassingdescents（likethoseaccursedPictsandScotswhobeleaguertheearlyhistoricalstudiesofmostyoungBritons），andthenwithdrewtotheirownterritory。
Inadditiontothestirattendantontheseinroads，andtheretortsoftheinvaded，whopursuedhotly，andmadelungesatthebed—
clothesunderwhichthemarauderstookrefuge，anotherlittleboy，inanotherlittlebed，contributedhismiteofconfusiontothefamilystock，bycastinghisbootsuponthewaters；inotherwords，bylaunchingtheseandseveralsmallobjects，inoffensiveinthemselves，thoughofahardsubstanceconsideredasmissiles，atthedisturbersofhisrepose，—whowerenotslowtoreturnthesecompliments。
Besideswhich，anotherlittleboy—thebiggestthere，butstilllittle—wastotteringtoandfro，bentononeside，andconsiderablyaffectedinhiskneesbytheweightofalargebaby，whichhewassupposedbyafictionthatobtainssometimesinsanguinefamilies，tobehushingtosleep。Butoh!theinexhaustibleregionsofcontemplationandwatchfulnessintowhichthisbaby’seyeswerethenonlybeginningtocomposethemselvestostare，overhisunconsciousshoulder!
ItwasaveryMolochofababy，onwhoseinsatiatealtarthewholeexistenceofthisparticularyoungbrotherwasofferedupadailysacrifice。Itspersonalitymaybesaidtohaveconsistedinitsneverbeingquiet，inanyoneplace，forfiveconsecutiveminutes，andnevergoingtosleepwhenrequired。"Tetterby’sbaby"wasaswellknownintheneighbourhoodasthepostmanorthepot—boy。Itrovedfromdoor—steptodoor—step，inthearmsoflittleJohnnyTetterby，andlaggedheavilyattherearoftroopsofjuvenileswhofollowedtheTumblersortheMonkey，andcameup，allononeside，alittletoolateforeverythingthatwasattractive，fromMondaymorninguntilSaturdaynight。Whereverchildhoodcongregatedtoplay，therewaslittleMolochmakingJohnnyfagandtoil。WhereverJohnnydesiredtostay，littleMolochbecamefractious，andwouldnotremain。WheneverJohnnywantedtogoout，Molochwasasleep，andmustbewatched。WheneverJohnnywantedtostayathome，Molochwasawake，andmustbetakenout。YetJohnnywasverilypersuadedthatitwasafaultlessbaby，withoutitspeerintherealmofEngland，andwasquitecontenttocatchmeekglimpsesofthingsingeneralfrombehinditsskirts，oroveritslimpflappingbonnet，andtogostaggeringaboutwithitlikeaverylittleporterwithaverylargeparcel，whichwasnotdirectedtoanybody，andcouldneverbedeliveredanywhere。
Thesmallmanwhosatinthesmallparlour，makingfruitlessattemptstoreadhisnewspaperpeaceablyinthemidstofthisdisturbance，wasthefatherofthefamily，andthechiefofthefirmdescribedintheinscriptionoverthelittleshopfront，bythenameandtitleofA。TETTERBYANDCO。，NEWSMEN。Indeed，strictlyspeaking，hewastheonlypersonageansweringtothatdesignation，asCo。wasamerepoeticalabstraction，altogetherbaselessandimpersonal。
Tetterby’swasthecornershopinJerusalemBuildings。Therewasagoodshowofliteratureinthewindow，chieflyconsistingofpicture—newspapersoutofdate，andserialpirates，andfootpads。
Walking—sticks，likewise，andmarbles，wereincludedinthestockintrade。Ithadonceextendedintothelightconfectioneryline；
butitwouldseemthatthoseeleganciesoflifewerenotindemandaboutJerusalemBuildings，fornothingconnectedwiththatbranchofcommerceremainedinthewindow，exceptasortofsmallglasslanterncontainingalanguishingmassofbull’s—eyes，whichhadmeltedinthesummerandcongealedinthewinteruntilallhopeofevergettingthemout，orofeatingthemwithouteatingthelanterntoo，wasgoneforever。Tetterby’shadtrieditshandatseveralthings。Ithadoncemadeafeeblelittledartatthetoybusiness；
for，inanotherlantern，therewasaheapofminutewaxdolls，allstickingtogetherupsidedown，inthedirestconfusion，withtheirfeetononeanother’sheads，andaprecipitateofbrokenarmsandlegsatthebottom。Ithadmadeamoveinthemillinerydirection，whichafewdry，wirybonnet—shapesremainedinacornerofthewindowtoattest。Ithadfanciedthatalivingmightliehiddeninthetobaccotrade，andhadstuckuparepresentationofanativeofeachofthethreeintegralportionsoftheBritishEmpire，intheactofconsumingthatfragrantweed；withapoeticlegendattached，importingthatunitedinonecausetheysatandjoked，onechewedtobacco，onetooksnuff，onesmoked：butnothingseemedtohavecomeofit—exceptflies。Timehadbeenwhenithadputaforlorntrustinimitativejewellery，forinonepaneofglasstherewasacardofcheapseals，andanotherofpencil—cases，andamysteriousblackamuletofinscrutableintention，labelledninepence。But，tothathour，JerusalemBuildingshadboughtnoneofthem。Inshort，Tetterby’shadtriedsohardtogetalivelihoodoutofJerusalemBuildingsinonewayorother，andappearedtohavedonesoindifferentlyinall，thatthebestpositioninthefirmwastooevidentlyCo。’s；Co。，asabodilesscreation，beinguntroubledwiththevulgarinconveniencesofhungerandthirst，beingchargeableneithertothepoor’s—ratesnortheassessedtaxes，andhavingnoyoungfamilytoprovidefor。
Tetterbyhimself，however，inhislittleparlour，asalreadymentioned，havingthepresenceofayoungfamilyimpresseduponhismindinamannertooclamoroustobedisregarded，ortocomportwiththequietperusalofanewspaper，laiddownhispaper，wheeled，inhisdistraction，afewtimesroundtheparlour，likeanundecidedcarrier—pigeon，madeanineffectualrushatoneortwoflyinglittlefiguresinbed—gownsthatskimmedpasthim，andthen，bearingsuddenlydownupontheonlyunoffendingmemberofthefamily，boxedtheearsoflittleMoloch’snurse。
"Youbadboy!"saidMr。Tetterby，"haven’tyouanyfeelingforyourpoorfatherafterthefatiguesandanxietiesofahardwinter’sday，sincefiveo’clockinthemorning，butmustyouwitherhisrest，andcorrodehislatestintelligence，withYOURwicioustricks？Isn’titenough，sir，thatyourbrother’Dolphusistoilingandmoilinginthefogandcold，andyourollinginthelapofluxurywitha—withababy，andeverythingyoucanwishfor，"
saidMr。Tetterby，heapingthisupasagreatclimaxofblessings，"butmustyoumakeawildernessofhome，andmaniacsofyourparents？Mustyou，Johnny？Hey？"Ateachinterrogation，Mr。
Tetterbymadeafeintofboxinghisearsagain，butthoughtbetterofit，andheldhishand。
"Oh，father!"whimperedJohnny，"whenIwasn’tdoinganything，I’msure，buttakingsuchcareofSally，andgettinghertosleep。Oh，father!"
"Iwishmylittlewomanwouldcomehome!"saidMr。Tetterby，relentingandrepenting，"Ionlywishmylittlewomanwouldcomehome!Iain’tfittodealwith’em。Theymakemyheadgoround，andgetthebetterofme。Oh，Johnny!Isn’titenoughthatyourdearmotherhasprovidedyouwiththatsweetsister？"indicatingMoloch；"isn’titenoughthatyouweresevenboysbeforewithoutarayofgal，andthatyourdearmotherwentthroughwhatsheDIDgothrough，onpurposethatyoumightallofyouhavealittlesister，butmustyousobehaveyourselfastomakemyheadswim？"
Softeningmoreandmore，ashisowntenderfeelingsandthoseofhisinjuredsonwereworkedon，Mr。Tetterbyconcludedbyembracinghim，andimmediatelybreakingawaytocatchoneoftherealdelinquents。Areasonablygoodstartoccurring，hesucceeded，afterashortbutsmartrun，andsomeratherseverecross—countryworkunderandoverthebedsteads，andinandoutamongtheintricaciesofthechairs，incapturingthisinfant，whomhecondignlypunished，andboretobed。Thisexamplehadapowerful，andapparently，mesmericinfluenceonhimoftheboots，whoinstantlyfellintoadeepsleep，thoughhehadbeen，butamomentbefore，broadawake，andinthehighestpossiblefeather。Norwasitlostuponthetwoyoungarchitects，whoretiredtobed，inanadjoiningcloset，withgreatprivacyandspeed。ThecomradeoftheInterceptedOnealsoshrinkingintohisnestwithsimilardiscretion，Mr。Tetterby，whenhepausedforbreath，foundhimselfunexpectedlyinasceneofpeace。
"Mylittlewomanherself，"saidMr。Tetterby，wipinghisflushedface，"couldhardlyhavedoneitbetter!Ionlywishmylittlewomanhadhadittodo，Idoindeed!"
Mr。Tetterbysoughtuponhisscreenforapassageappropriatetobeimpresseduponhischildren’smindsontheoccasion，andreadthefollowing。
"’Itisanundoubtedfactthatallremarkablemenhavehadremarkablemothers，andhaverespectedtheminafterlifeastheirbestfriends。’Thinkofyourownremarkablemother，myboys，"saidMr。Tetterby，"andknowhervaluewhilesheisstillamongyou!"
Hesatdownagaininhischairbythefire，andcomposedhimself，cross—legged，overhisnewspaper。
"Letanybody，Idon’tcarewhoitis，getoutofbedagain，"saidTetterby，asageneralproclamation，deliveredinaverysoft—
heartedmanner，"andastonishmentwillbetheportionofthatrespectedcontemporary!"—whichexpressionMr。Tetterbyselectedfromhisscreen。"Johnny，mychild，takecareofyouronlysister，Sally；forshe’sthebrightestgemthateversparkledonyourearlybrow。"
Johnnysatdownonalittlestool，anddevotedlycrushedhimselfbeneaththeweightofMoloch。
"Ah，whatagiftthatbabyistoyou，Johnny!"saidhisfather，"andhowthankfulyououghttobe!’Itisnotgenerallyknown，Johnny，’"hewasnowreferringtothescreenagain，"’butitisafactascertained，byaccuratecalculations，thatthefollowingimmensepercentageofbabiesneverattaintotwoyearsold；thatistosay—’"
"Oh，don’t，father，please!"criedJohnny。"Ican’tbearit，whenIthinkofSally。"
Mr。Tetterbydesisting，Johnny，withaprofoundsenseofhistrust，wipedhiseyes，andhushedhissister。
"Yourbrother’Dolphus，"saidhisfather，pokingthefire，"islateto—night，Johnny，andwillcomehomelikealumpofice。What’sgotyourpreciousmother？"
"Here’smother，and’Dolphustoo，father!"exclaimedJohnny，"I
think。"
"You’reright!"returnedhisfather，listening。"Yes，that’sthefootstepofmylittlewoman。"
Theprocessofinduction，bywhichMrTetterbyhadcometotheconclusionthathiswifewasalittlewoman，washisownsecret。
Shewouldhavemadetwoeditionsofhimself，veryeasily。
Consideredasanindividual，shewasratherremarkableforbeingrobustandportly；butconsideredwithreferencetoherhusband，herdimensionsbecamemagnificent。Nordidtheyassumealessimposingproportion，whenstudiedwithreferencetothesizeofhersevensons，whowerebutdiminutive。InthecaseofSally，however，Mrs。Tetterbyhadassertedherself，atlast；asnobodyknewbetterthanthevictimJohnny，whoweighedandmeasuredthatexactingidoleveryhourintheday。
Mrs。Tetterby，whohadbeenmarketing，andcarriedabasket，threwbackherbonnetandshawl，andsittingdown，fatigued，commandedJohnnytobringhissweetchargetoherstraightway，forakiss。
Johnnyhavingcomplied，andgonebacktohisstool，andagaincrushedhimself，MasterAdolphusTetterby，whohadbythistimeunwoundhistorsooutofaprismaticcomforter，apparentlyinterminable，requestedthesamefavour。Johnnyhavingagaincomplied，andagaingonebacktohisstool，andagaincrushedhimself，Mr。Tetterby，struckbyasuddenthought，preferredthesameclaimonhisownparentalpart。Thesatisfactionofthisthirddesirecompletelyexhaustedthesacrifice，whohadhardlybreathenoughlefttogetbacktohisstool，crushhimselfagain，andpantathisrelations。
"Whateveryoudo，Johnny，"saidMrs。Tetterby，shakingherhead，"takecareofher，orneverlookyourmotherinthefaceagain。"
"Noryourbrother，"saidAdolphus。
"Noryourfather，Johnny，"addedMr。Tetterby。
Johnny，muchaffectedbythisconditionalrenunciationofhim，lookeddownatMoloch’seyestoseethattheywereallright，sofar，andskilfullypattedherback（whichwasuppermost），androckedherwithhisfoot。
"Areyouwet，’Dolphus，myboy？"saidhisfather。"Comeandtakemychair，anddryyourself。"
"No，father，thank’ee，"saidAdolphus，smoothinghimselfdownwithhishands。"Ian’tverywet，Idon’tthink。Doesmyfaceshinemuch，father？"
"Well，itDOESlookwaxy，myboy，"returnedMr。Tetterby。
"It’stheweather，father，"saidAdolphus，polishinghischeeksonthewornsleeveofhisjacket。"Whatwithrain，andsleet，andwind，andsnow，andfog，myfacegetsquitebroughtoutintoarashsometimes。Andshines，itdoes—oh，don’tit，though!"
MasterAdolphuswasalsointhenewspaperlineoflife，beingemployed，byamorethrivingfirmthanhisfatherandCo。，tovendnewspapersatarailwaystation，wherehischubbylittleperson，likeashabbily—disguisedCupid，andhisshrilllittlevoice（hewasnotmuchmorethantenyearsold），wereaswellknownasthehoarsepantingofthelocomotives，runninginandout。Hisjuvenilitymighthavebeenatsomelossforaharmlessoutlet，inthisearlyapplicationtotraffic，butforafortunatediscoveryhemadeofameansofentertaininghimself，andofdividingthelongdayintostagesofinterest，withoutneglectingbusiness。Thisingeniousinvention，remarkable，likemanygreatdiscoveries，foritssimplicity，consistedinvaryingthefirstvowelintheword"paper，"andsubstituting，initsstead，atdifferentperiodsoftheday，alltheothervowelsingrammaticalsuccession。Thus，beforedaylightinthewinter—time，hewenttoandfro，inhislittleoilskincapandcape，andhisbigcomforter，piercingtheheavyairwithhiscryof"Morn—ingPa—per!"which，aboutanhourbeforenoon，changedto"Morn—ingPepper!"which，atabouttwo，changedto"Morn—ingPip—per!"whichinacoupleofhourschangedto"Morn—ingPop—per!"andsodeclinedwiththesuninto"Eve—ningPup—per!"tothegreatreliefandcomfortofthisyounggentleman’sspirits。
Mrs。Tetterby，hislady—mother，whohadbeensittingwithherbonnetandshawlthrownback，asaforesaid，thoughtfullyturningherwedding—ringroundandrounduponherfinger，nowrose，anddivestingherselfofherout—of—doorattire，begantolaytheclothforsupper。
"Ah，dearme，dearme，dearme!"saidMrs。Tetterby。"That’sthewaytheworldgoes!"
"Whichisthewaytheworldgoes，mydear？"askedMr。Tetterby，lookinground。
"Oh，nothing，"saidMrs。Tetterby。
Mr。Tetterbyelevatedhiseyebrows，foldedhisnewspaperafresh，andcarriedhiseyesupit，anddownit，andacrossit，butwaswanderinginhisattention，andnotreadingit。
Mrs。Tetterby，atthesametime，laidthecloth，butratherasifshewerepunishingthetablethanpreparingthefamilysupper；
hittingitunnecessarilyhardwiththeknivesandforks，slappingitwiththeplates，dintingitwiththesalt—cellar，andcomingheavilydownuponitwiththeloaf。
"Ah，dearme，dearme，dearme!"saidMrs。Tetterby。"That’sthewaytheworldgoes!"
"Myduck，"returnedherhusband，lookingroundagain，"yousaidthatbefore。Whichisthewaytheworldgoes？"
"Oh，nothing!"saidMrs。Tetterby。
"Sophia!"remonstratedherhusband，"yousaidTHATbefore，too。"
"Well，I’llsayitagainifyoulike，"returnedMrs。Tetterby。"Ohnothing—there!Andagainifyoulike，ohnothing—there!Andagainifyoulike，ohnothing—nowthen!"
Mr。Tetterbybroughthiseyetobearuponthepartnerofhisbosom，andsaid，inmildastonishment：
"Mylittlewoman，whathasputyouout？"
"I’msureIdon’tknow，"sheretorted。"Don’taskme。WhosaidI
wasputoutatall？Ineverdid。"
Mr。Tetterbygaveuptheperusalofhisnewspaperasabadjob，and，takingaslowwalkacrosstheroom，withhishandsbehindhim，andhisshouldersraised—hisgaitaccordingperfectlywiththeresignationofhismanner—addressedhimselftohistwoeldestoffspring。
"Yoursupperwillbereadyinaminute，’Dolphus，"saidMr。
Tetterby。"Yourmotherhasbeenoutinthewet，tothecook’sshop，tobuyit。Itwasverygoodofyourmothersotodo。YOU
shallgetsomesuppertoo，verysoon，Johnny。Yourmother’spleasedwithyou，myman，forbeingsoattentivetoyourprecioussister。"
Mrs。Tetterby，withoutanyremark，butwithadecidedsubsidenceofheranimositytowardsthetable，finishedherpreparations，andtook，fromheramplebasket，asubstantialslabofhotpeasepuddingwrappedinpaper，andabasincoveredwithasaucer，which，onbeinguncovered，sentforthanodoursoagreeable，thatthethreepairofeyesinthetwobedsopenedwideandfixedthemselvesuponthebanquet。Mr。Tetterby，withoutregardingthistacitinvitationtobeseated，stoodrepeatingslowly，"Yes，yes，yoursupperwillbereadyinaminute，’Dolphus—yourmotherwentoutinthewet，tothecook’sshop，tobuyit。Itwasverygoodofyourmothersotodo"—untilMrs。Tetterby，whohadbeenexhibitingsundrytokensofcontritionbehindhim，caughthimroundtheneck，andwept。
"Oh，Dolphus!"saidMrs。Tetterby，"howcouldIgoandbehaveso？"
ThisreconciliationaffectedAdolphustheyoungerandJohnnytothatdegree，thattheyboth，aswithoneaccord，raisedadismalcry，whichhadtheeffectofimmediatelyshuttinguptheroundeyesinthebeds，andutterlyroutingthetworemaininglittleTetterbys，justthenstealinginfromtheadjoiningclosettoseewhatwasgoingonintheeatingway。
"Iamsure，’Dolphus，"sobbedMrs。Tetterby，"cominghome，Ihadnomoreideathanachildunborn—"
Mr。Tetterbyseemedtodislikethisfigureofspeech，andobserved，"Saythanthebaby，mydear。"
"—Hadnomoreideathanthebaby，"saidMrs。Tetterby。—"Johnny，don’tlookatme，butlookather，orshe’llfalloutofyourlapandbekilled，andthenyou’lldieinagoniesofabrokenheart，andserveyouright。—NomoreideaIhadn’tthanthatdarling，ofbeingcrosswhenIcamehome；butsomehow，’Dolphus—"Mrs。
Tetterbypaused，andagainturnedherwedding—ringroundandrounduponherfinger。
"Isee!"saidMr。Tetterby。"Iunderstand!Mylittlewomanwasputout。Hardtimes，andhardweather，andhardwork，makeittryingnowandthen。Isee，blessyoursoul!Nowonder!Dolf，myman，"continuedMr。Tetterby，exploringthebasinwithafork，"here’syourmotherbeenandbought，atthecook’sshop，besidespeasepudding，awholeknuckleofalovelyroastlegofpork，withlotsofcracklingleftuponit，andwithseasoninggravyandmustardquiteunlimited。Handinyourplate，myboy，andbeginwhileit’ssimmering。"
MasterAdolphus，needingnosecondsummons，receivedhisportionwitheyesrenderedmoistbyappetite，andwithdrawingtohisparticularstool，felluponhissuppertoothandnail。Johnnywasnotforgotten，butreceivedhisrationsonbread，lestheshould，inaflushofgravy，trickleanyonthebaby。Hewasrequired，forsimilarreasons，tokeephispudding，whennotonactiveservice，inhispocket。
Theremighthavebeenmoreporkontheknucklebone，—whichknucklebonethecarveratthecook’sshophadassuredlynotforgottenincarvingforpreviouscustomers—buttherewasnostintofseasoning，andthatisanaccessorydreamilysuggestingpork，andpleasantlycheatingthesenseoftaste。Thepeasepudding，too，thegravyandmustard，liketheEasternroseinrespectofthenightingale，iftheywerenotabsolutelypork，hadlivednearit；so，uponthewhole，therewastheflavourofamiddle—sizedpig。ItwasirresistibletotheTetterbysinbed，who，thoughprofessingtoslumberpeacefully，crawledoutwhenunseenbytheirparents，andsilentlyappealedtotheirbrothersforanygastronomictokenoffraternalaffection。They，nothardofheart，presentingscrapsinreturn，itresultedthatapartyoflightskirmishersinnightgownswerecareeringabouttheparlourallthroughsupper，whichharassedMr。Tetterbyexceedingly，andonceortwiceimposeduponhimthenecessityofacharge，beforewhichtheseguerillatroopsretiredinalldirectionsandingreatconfusion。
Mrs。Tetterbydidnotenjoyhersupper。ThereseemedtobesomethingonMrs。Tetterby’smind。Atonetimeshelaughedwithoutreason，andatanothertimeshecriedwithoutreason，andatlastshelaughedandcriedtogetherinamannersoveryunreasonablethatherhusbandwasconfounded。
"Mylittlewoman，"saidMr。Tetterby，"iftheworldgoesthatway，itappearstogothewrongway，andtochokeyou。"
"Givemeadropofwater，"saidMrs。Tetterby，strugglingwithherself，"anddon’tspeaktomeforthepresent，ortakeanynoticeofme。Don’tdoit!"
Mr。Tetterbyhavingadministeredthewater，turnedsuddenlyontheunluckyJohnny（whowasfullofsympathy），anddemandedwhyhewaswallowingthere，ingluttonyandidleness，insteadofcomingforwardwiththebaby，thatthesightofhermightrevivehismother。Johnnyimmediatelyapproached，bornedownbyitsweight；
butMrs。Tetterbyholdingoutherhandtosignifythatshewasnotinaconditiontobearthattryingappealtoherfeelings，hewasinterdictedfromadvancinganotherinch，onpainofperpetualhatredfromallhisdearestconnections；andaccordinglyretiredtohisstoolagain，andcrushedhimselfasbefore。
Afterapause，Mrs。Tetterbysaidshewasbetternow，andbegantolaugh。
"Mylittlewoman，"saidherhusband，dubiously，"areyouquitesureyou’rebetter？Orareyou，Sophia，abouttobreakoutinafreshdirection？"
"No，’Dolphus，no，"repliedhiswife。"I’mquitemyself。"Withthat，settlingherhair，andpressingthepalmsofherhandsuponhereyes，shelaughedagain。
"WhatawickedfoolIwas，tothinksoforamoment!"saidMrs。
Tetterby。"Comenearer，’Dolphus，andletmeeasemymind，andtellyouwhatImean。Letmetellyouallaboutit。"
Mr。Tetterbybringinghischaircloser，Mrs。Tetterbylaughedagain，gavehimahug，andwipedhereyes。
"Youknow，Dolphus，mydear，"saidMrs。Tetterby，"thatwhenIwassingle，Imighthavegivenmyselfawayinseveraldirections。Atonetime，fouraftermeatonce；twoofthemweresonsofMars。"
"We’reallsonsofMa’s，mydear，"saidMr。Tetterby，"jointlywithPa’s。"
"Idon’tmeanthat，"repliedhiswife，"Imeansoldiers—
serjeants。"
"Oh!"saidMr。Tetterby。
"Well，’Dolphus，I’msureIneverthinkofsuchthingsnow，toregretthem；andI’msureI’vegotasgoodahusband，andwoulddoasmuchtoprovethatIwasfondofhim，as—"
"Asanylittlewomanintheworld，"saidMr。Tetterby。"Verygood。
VERYgood。"
IfMr。Tetterbyhadbeentenfeethigh，hecouldnothaveexpressedagentlerconsiderationforMrs。Tetterby’sfairy—likestature；andifMrs。Tetterbyhadbeentwofeethigh，shecouldnothavefeltitmoreappropriatelyherdue。
"Butyousee，’Dolphus，"saidMrs。Tetterby，"thisbeingChristmas—
time，whenallpeoplewhocan，makeholiday，andwhenallpeoplewhohavegotmoney，liketospendsome，Idid，somehow，getalittleoutofsortswhenIwasinthestreetsjustnow。Thereweresomanythingstobesold—suchdeliciousthingstoeat，suchfinethingstolookat，suchdelightfulthingstohave—andtherewassomuchcalculatingandcalculatingnecessary，beforeIdurstlayoutasixpenceforthecommonestthing；andthebasketwassolarge，andwantedsomuchinit；andmystockofmoneywassosmall，andwouldgosuchalittleway；—youhateme，don’tyou，’Dolphus？"
"Notquite，"saidMr。Tetterby，"asyet。"
"Well!I’lltellyouthewholetruth，"pursuedhiswife，penitently，"andthenperhapsyouwill。Ifeltallthis，somuch，whenIwastrudgingaboutinthecold，andwhenIsawalotofothercalculatingfacesandlargebasketstrudgingabout，too，thatIbegantothinkwhetherImightn’thavedonebetter，andbeenhappier，if—I—hadn’t—"thewedding—ringwentroundagain，andMrs。Tetterbyshookherdowncastheadassheturnedit。
"Isee，"saidherhusbandquietly；"ifyouhadn’tmarriedatall，orifyouhadmarriedsomebodyelse？"
"Yes，"sobbedMrs。Tetterby。"That’sreallywhatIthought。Doyouhatemenow，’Dolphus？"
"Whyno，"saidMr。Tetterby。"Idon’tfindthatIdo，asyet。"
Mrs。Tetterbygavehimathankfulkiss，andwenton。
"Ibegintohopeyouwon’t，now，’Dolphus，thoughI’mafraidI
haven’ttoldyoutheworst。Ican’tthinkwhatcameoverme。I
don’tknowwhetherIwasill，ormad，orwhatIwas，butIcouldn’tcallupanythingthatseemedtobindustoeachother，ortoreconcilemetomyfortune。Allthepleasuresandenjoymentswehadeverhad—THEYseemedsopoorandinsignificant，Ihatedthem。
Icouldhavetroddenonthem。AndIcouldthinkofnothingelse，exceptourbeingpoor，andthenumberofmouthstherewereathome。"
"Well，well，mydear，"saidMr。Tetterby，shakingherhandencouragingly，"that’struth，afterall。WeAREpoor，andthereAREanumberofmouthsathomehere。"
"Ah!but，Dolf，Dolf!"criedhiswife，layingherhandsuponhisneck，"mygood，kind，patientfellow，whenIhadbeenathomeaverylittlewhile—howdifferent!Oh，Dolf，dear，howdifferentitwas!Ifeltasiftherewasarushofrecollectiononme，allatonce，thatsoftenedmyhardheart，andfilledituptillitwasbursting。Allourstrugglesforalivelihood，allourcaresandwantssincewehavebeenmarried，allthetimesofsickness，allthehoursofwatching，wehaveeverhad，byoneanother，orbythechildren，seemedtospeaktome，andsaythattheyhadmadeusone，andthatInevermighthavebeen，orcouldhavebeen，orwouldhavebeen，anyotherthanthewifeandmotherIam。Then，thecheapenjoymentsthatIcouldhavetroddenonsocruelly，gottobesoprecioustome—Ohsopriceless，anddear!—thatIcouldn’tbeartothinkhowmuchIhadwrongedthem；andIsaid，andsayagainahundredtimes，howcouldIeverbehaveso，’Dolphus，howcouldI
everhavethehearttodoit!"
Thegoodwoman，quitecarriedawaybyherhonesttendernessandremorse，wasweepingwithallherheart，whenshestartedupwithascream，andranbehindherhusband。Hercrywassoterrified，thatthechildrenstartedfromtheirsleepandfromtheirbeds，andclungabouther。Nordidhergazebeliehervoice，asshepointedtoapalemaninablackcloakwhohadcomeintotheroom。
"Lookatthatman!Lookthere!Whatdoeshewant？"
"Mydear，"returnedherhusband，"I’llaskhimifyou’llletmego。
What’sthematter!Howyoushake!"
"Isawhiminthestreet，whenIwasoutjustnow。Helookedatme，andstoodnearme。Iamafraidofhim。"
"Afraidofhim!Why？"
"Idon’tknowwhy—I—stop!husband!"forhewasgoingtowardsthestranger。
Shehadonehandpresseduponherforehead，andoneuponherbreast；andtherewasapeculiarflutteringalloverher，andahurriedunsteadymotionofhereyes，asifshehadlostsomething。
"Areyouill，mydear？"
"Whatisitthatisgoingfrommeagain？"shemuttered，inalowvoice。"WhatISthisthatisgoingaway？"
Thensheabruptlyanswered："Ill？No，Iamquitewell，"andstoodlookingvacantlyatthefloor。
Herhusband，whohadnotbeenaltogetherfreefromtheinfectionofherfearatfirst，andwhomthepresentstrangenessofhermannerdidnottendtoreassure，addressedhimselftothepalevisitorintheblackcloak，whostoodstill，andwhoseeyeswerebentupontheground。
"Whatmaybeyourpleasure，sir，"heasked，"withus？"
"Ifearthatmycominginunperceived，"returnedthevisitor，"hasalarmedyou；butyouweretalkinganddidnothearme。"
"Mylittlewomansays—perhapsyouheardhersayit，"returnedMr。
Tetterby，"thatit’snotthefirsttimeyouhavealarmedherto—
night。"
"Iamsorryforit。Iremembertohaveobservedher，forafewmomentsonly，inthestreet。Ihadnointentionoffrighteningher。"
Asheraisedhiseyesinspeaking，sheraisedhers。Itwasextraordinarytoseewhatdreadshehadofhim，andwithwhatdreadheobservedit—andyethownarrowlyandclosely。
"Myname，"hesaid，"isRedlaw。Icomefromtheoldcollegehardby。Ayounggentlemanwhoisastudentthere，lodgesinyourhouse，doeshenot？"
"Mr。Denham？"saidTetterby。
"Yes。"
Itwasanaturalaction，andsoslightastobehardlynoticeable；
butthelittleman，beforespeakingagain，passedhishandacrosshisforehead，andlookedquicklyroundtheroom，asthoughheweresensibleofsomechangeinitsatmosphere。TheChemist，instantlytransferringtohimthelookofdreadhehaddirectedtowardsthewife，steppedback，andhisfaceturnedpaler。
"Thegentleman’sroom，"saidTetterby，"isupstairs，sir。There’samoreconvenientprivateentrance；butasyouhavecomeinhere，itwillsaveyourgoingoutintothecold，ifyou’lltakethislittlestaircase，"showingonecommunicatingdirectlywiththeparlour，"andgouptohimthatway，ifyouwishtoseehim。"
"Yes，Iwishtoseehim，"saidtheChemist。"Canyousparealight？"
Thewatchfulnessofhishaggardlook，andtheinexplicabledistrustthatdarkenedit，seemedtotroubleMr。Tetterby。Hepaused；andlookingfixedlyathiminreturn，stoodforaminuteorso，likeamanstupefied，orfascinated。
Atlengthhesaid，"I’lllightyou，sir，ifyou’llfollowme。"
"No，"repliedtheChemist，"Idon’twishtobeattended，orannouncedtohim。Hedoesnotexpectme。Iwouldrathergoalone。
Pleasetogivemethelight，ifyoucanspareit，andI’llfindtheway。"
Inthequicknessofhisexpressionofthisdesire，andintakingthecandlefromthenewsman，hetouchedhimonthebreast。
Withdrawinghishandhastily，almostasthoughhehadwoundedhimbyaccident（forhedidnotknowinwhatpartofhimselfhisnewpowerresided，orhowitwascommunicated，orhowthemannerofitsreceptionvariedindifferentpersons），heturnedandascendedthestair。
Butwhenhereachedthetop，hestoppedandlookeddown。Thewifewasstandinginthesameplace，twistingherringroundandrounduponherfinger。Thehusband，withhisheadbentforwardonhisbreast，wasmusingheavilyandsullenly。Thechildren，stillclusteringaboutthemother，gazedtimidlyafterthevisitor，andnestledtogetherwhentheysawhimlookingdown。
"Come!"saidthefather，roughly。"There’senoughofthis。Gettobedhere!"
"Theplaceisinconvenientandsmallenough，"themotheradded，"withoutyou。Gettobed!"
Thewholebrood，scaredandsad，creptaway；littleJohnnyandthebabylagginglast。Themother，glancingcontemptuouslyroundthesordidroom，andtossingfromherthefragmentsoftheirmeal，stoppedonthethresholdofhertaskofclearingthetable，andsatdown，ponderingidlyanddejectedly。Thefatherbetookhimselftothechimney—corner，andimpatientlyrakingthesmallfiretogether，bentoveritasifhewouldmonopoliseitall。Theydidnotinterchangeaword。
TheChemist，palerthanbefore，stoleupwardlikeathief；lookingbackuponthechangebelow，anddreadingequallytogoonorreturn。
"WhathaveIdone!"hesaid，confusedly。"WhatamIgoingtodo!"
"Tobethebenefactorofmankind，"hethoughtheheardavoicereply。
Helookedround，buttherewasnothingthere；andapassagenowshuttingoutthelittleparlourfromhisview，hewenton，directinghiseyesbeforehimatthewayhewent。
"Itisonlysincelastnight，"hemutteredgloomily，"thatIhaveremainedshutup，andyetallthingsarestrangetome。Iamstrangetomyself。Iamhere，asinadream。WhatinteresthaveI
inthisplace，orinanyplacethatIcanbringtomyremembrance？
Mymindisgoingblind!"
Therewasadoorbeforehim，andheknockedatit。Beinginvited，byavoicewithin，toenter，hecomplied。
"Isthatmykindnurse？"saidthevoice。"ButIneednotaskher。
Thereisnooneelsetocomehere。"
Itspokecheerfully，thoughinalanguidtone，andattractedhisattentiontoayoungmanlyingonacouch，drawnbeforethechimney—piece，withthebacktowardsthedoor。Ameagrescantystove，pinchedandhollowedlikeasickman’scheeks，andbrickedintothecentreofahearththatitcouldscarcelywarm，containedthefire，towhichhisfacewasturned。Beingsonearthewindyhouse—top，itwastedquickly，andwithabusysound，andtheburningashesdroppeddownfast。
"Theychinkwhentheyshootouthere，"saidthestudent，smiling，"so，accordingtothegossips，theyarenotcoffins，butpurses。I
shallbewellandrichyet，someday，ifitpleaseGod，andshallliveperhapstoloveadaughterMilly，inremembranceofthekindestnatureandthegentlestheartintheworld。"
Heputuphishandasifexpectinghertotakeit，but，beingweakened，helaystill，withhisfacerestingonhisotherhand，anddidnotturnround。
TheChemistglancedabouttheroom；—atthestudent’sbooksandpapers，pileduponatableinacorner，wherethey，andhisextinguishedreading—lamp，nowprohibitedandputaway，toldoftheattentivehoursthathadgonebeforethisillness，andperhapscausedit；—atsuchsignsofhisoldhealthandfreedom，astheout—of—doorattirethathungidleonthewall；—atthoseremembrancesofotherandlesssolitaryscenes，thelittleminiaturesuponthechimney—piece，andthedrawingofhome；—atthattokenofhisemulation，perhaps，insomesort，ofhispersonalattachmenttoo，theframedengravingofhimself，thelooker—on。
Thetimehadbeen，onlyyesterday，whennotoneoftheseobjects，initsremotestassociationofinterestwiththelivingfigurebeforehim，wouldhavebeenlostonRedlaw。Now，theywerebutobjects；or，ifanygleamofsuchconnexionshotuponhim，itperplexed，andnotenlightenedhim，ashestoodlookingroundwithadullwonder。
Thestudent，recallingthethinhandwhichhadremainedsolonguntouched，raisedhimselfonthecouch，andturnedhishead。
"Mr。Redlaw!"heexclaimed，andstartedup。
Redlawputouthisarm。
"Don’tcomenearertome。Iwillsithere。Remainyou，whereyouare!"
Hesatdownonachairnearthedoor，andhavingglancedattheyoungmanstandingleaningwithhishanduponthecouch，spokewithhiseyesavertedtowardstheground。
"Iheard，byanaccident，bywhataccidentisnomatter，thatoneofmyclasswasillandsolitary。Ireceivednootherdescriptionofhim，thanthathelivedinthisstreet。Beginningmyinquiriesatthefirsthouseinit，Ihavefoundhim。"
"Ihavebeenill，sir，"returnedthestudent，notmerelywithamodesthesitation，butwithakindofaweofhim，"butamgreatlybetter。Anattackoffever—ofthebrain，Ibelieve—hasweakenedme，butIammuchbetter。IcannotsayIhavebeensolitary，inmyillness，orIshouldforgettheministeringhandthathasbeennearme。"
"Youarespeakingofthekeeper’swife，"saidRedlaw。
"Yes。"Thestudentbenthishead，asifherenderedhersomesilenthomage。
TheChemist，inwhomtherewasacold，monotonousapathy，whichrenderedhimmorelikeamarbleimageonthetombofthemanwhohadstartedfromhisdinneryesterdayatthefirstmentionofthisstudent’scase，thanthebreathingmanhimself，glancedagainatthestudentleaningwithhishanduponthecouch，andlookedupontheground，andintheair，asifforlightforhisblindedmind。
"Irememberedyourname，"hesaid，"whenitwasmentionedtomedownstairs，justnow；andIrecollectyourface。Wehaveheldbutverylittlepersonalcommunicationtogether？"
"Verylittle。"
"Youhaveretiredandwithdrawnfromme，morethananyoftherest，Ithink？"
Thestudentsignifiedassent。
"Andwhy？"saidtheChemist；notwiththeleastexpressionofinterest，butwithamoody，waywardkindofcuriosity。"Why？Howcomesitthatyouhavesoughttokeepespeciallyfromme，theknowledgeofyourremaininghere，atthisseason，whenalltheresthavedispersed，andofyourbeingill？Iwanttoknowwhythisis？"
Theyoungman，whohadheardhimwithincreasingagitation，raisedhisdowncasteyestohisface，andclaspinghishandstogether，criedwithsuddenearnestnessandwithtremblinglips：
"Mr。Redlaw!Youhavediscoveredme。Youknowmysecret!"
"Secret？"saidtheChemist，harshly。"Iknow？"
"Yes!Yourmanner，sodifferentfromtheinterestandsympathywhichendearyoutosomanyhearts，youralteredvoice，theconstraintthereisineverythingyousay，andinyourlooks，"
repliedthestudent，"warnmethatyouknowme。Thatyouwouldconcealit，evennow，isbutaprooftome（GodknowsIneednone!）
ofyournaturalkindnessandofthebarthereisbetweenus。"
Avacantandcontemptuouslaugh，wasallhisanswer。
"But，Mr。Redlaw，"saidthestudent，"asajustman，andagoodman，thinkhowinnocentIam，exceptinnameanddescent，ofparticipationinanywronginflictedonyouorinanysorrowyouhaveborne。"
"Sorrow!"saidRedlaw，laughing。"Wrong!Whatarethosetome？"
"ForHeaven’ssake，"entreatedtheshrinkingstudent，"donotletthemereinterchangeofafewwordswithmechangeyoulikethis，sir!Letmepassagainfromyourknowledgeandnotice。Letmeoccupymyoldreservedanddistantplaceamongthosewhomyouinstruct。KnowmeonlybythenameIhaveassumed，andnotbythatofLongford—"
"Longford!"exclaimedtheother。
Heclaspedhisheadwithbothhishands，andforamomentturnedupontheyoungmanhisownintelligentandthoughtfulface。Butthelightpassedfromit，likethesun—beamofaninstant，anditcloudedasbefore。
"Thenamemymotherbears，sir，"falteredtheyoungman，"thenameshetook，whenshemight，perhaps，havetakenonemorehonoured。
Mr。Redlaw，"hesitating，"IbelieveIknowthathistory。Wheremyinformationhalts，myguessesatwhatiswantingmaysupplysomethingnotremotefromthetruth。Iamthechildofamarriagethathasnotproveditselfawell—assortedorahappyone。Frominfancy，Ihaveheardyouspokenofwithhonourandrespect—withsomethingthatwasalmostreverence。Ihaveheardofsuchdevotion，ofsuchfortitudeandtenderness，ofsuchrisingupagainsttheobstacleswhichpressmendown，thatmyfancy，sinceI
learntmylittlelessonfrommymother，hasshedalustreonyourname。Atlast，apoorstudentmyself，fromwhomcouldIlearnbutyou？"
Redlaw，unmoved，unchanged，andlookingathimwithastaringfrown，answeredbynowordorsign。
"Icannotsay，"pursuedtheother，"Ishouldtryinvaintosay，howmuchithasimpressedme，andaffectedme，tofindthegracioustracesofthepast，inthatcertainpowerofwinninggratitudeandconfidencewhichisassociatedamongusstudents（amongthehumblestofus，most）withMr。Redlaw’sgenerousname。Ouragesandpositionsaresodifferent，sir，andIamsoaccustomedtoregardyoufromadistance，thatIwonderatmyownpresumptionwhenItouch，howeverlightly，onthattheme。Buttoonewho—I
maysay，whofeltnocommoninterestinmymotheronce—itmaybesomethingtohear，nowthatallispast，withwhatindescribablefeelingsofaffectionIhave，inmyobscurity，regardedhim；withwhatpainandreluctanceIhavekeptalooffromhisencouragement，whenawordofitwouldhavemademerich；yethowIhavefeltitfitthatIshouldholdmycourse，contenttoknowhim，andtobeunknown。Mr。Redlaw，"saidthestudent，faintly，"whatIwouldhavesaid，Ihavesaidill，formystrengthisstrangetomeasyet；butforanythingunworthyinthisfraudofmine，forgiveme，andforalltherestforgetme!"
ThestaringfrownremainedonRedlaw’sface，andyieldedtonootherexpressionuntilthestudent，withthesewords，advancedtowardshim，asiftotouchhishand，whenhedrewbackandcriedtohim：
"Don’tcomenearertome!"
Theyoungmanstopped，shockedbytheeagernessofhisrecoil，andbythesternnessofhisrepulsion；andhepassedhishand，thoughtfully，acrosshisforehead。
"Thepastispast，"saidtheChemist。"Itdieslikethebrutes。
Whotalkstomeofitstracesinmylife？Heravesorlies!WhathaveItodowithyourdistempereddreams？Ifyouwantmoney，hereitis。Icametoofferit；andthatisallIcamefor。Therecanbenothingelsethatbringsmehere，"hemuttered，holdinghisheadagain，withbothhishands。"ThereCANbenothingelse，andyet—
"
Hehadtossedhispurseuponthetable。Ashefellintothisdimcogitationwithhimself，thestudenttookitup，andhelditouttohim。
"Takeitback，sir，"hesaidproudly，thoughnotangrily。"Iwishyoucouldtakefromme，withit，theremembranceofyourwordsandoffer。"
"Youdo？"heretorted，withawildlightinhiseyes。"Youdo？"
"Ido!"
TheChemistwentclosetohim，forthefirsttime，andtookthepurse，andturnedhimbythearm，andlookedhimintheface。
"Thereissorrowandtroubleinsickness，istherenot？"hedemanded，withalaugh。
Thewonderingstudentanswered，"Yes。"
"Initsunrest，initsanxiety，initssuspense，inallitstrainofphysicalandmentalmiseries？"saidtheChemist，withawildunearthlyexultation。"Allbestforgotten，aretheynot？"
Thestudentdidnotanswer，butagainpassedhishand，confusedly，acrosshisforehead。Redlawstillheldhimbythesleeve，whenMilly’svoicewasheardoutside。
"Icanseeverywellnow，"shesaid，"thankyou，Dolf。Don’tcry，dear。Fatherandmotherwillbecomfortableagain，to—morrow，andhomewillbecomfortabletoo。Agentlemanwithhim，isthere!"
Redlawreleasedhishold，ashelistened。
"Ihavefeared，fromthefirstmoment，"hemurmuredtohimself，"tomeether。Thereisasteadyqualityofgoodnessinher，thatI
dreadtoinfluence。Imaybethemurdererofwhatistenderestandbestwithinherbosom。"
Shewasknockingatthedoor。
"ShallIdismissitasanidleforeboding，orstillavoidher？"hemuttered，lookinguneasilyaround。
Shewasknockingatthedooragain。
"Ofallthevisitorswhocouldcomehere，"hesaid，inahoarsealarmedvoice，turningtohiscompanion，"thisistheoneIshoulddesiremosttoavoid。Hideme!"
Thestudentopenedafraildoorinthewall，communicatingwherethegarret—roofbegantoslopetowardsthefloor，withasmallinnerroom。Redlawpassedinhastily，andshutitafterhim。
Thestudentthenresumedhisplaceuponthecouch，andcalledtohertoenter。
"DearMr。Edmund，"saidMilly，lookinground，"theytoldmetherewasagentlemanhere。"
"ThereisnooneherebutI。"
"Therehasbeensomeone？"
"Yes，yes，therehasbeensomeone。"
Sheputherlittlebasketonthetable，andwentuptothebackofthecouch，asiftotaketheextendedhand—butitwasnotthere。
Alittlesurprised，inherquietway，sheleanedovertolookathisface，andgentlytouchedhimonthebrow。
"Areyouquiteaswellto—night？Yourheadisnotsocoolasintheafternoon。"
"Tut!"saidthestudent，petulantly，"verylittleailsme。"
Alittlemoresurprise，butnoreproach，wasexpressedinherface，asshewithdrewtotheothersideofthetable，andtookasmallpacketofneedleworkfromherbasket。Butshelaiditdownagain，onsecondthoughts，andgoingnoiselesslyabouttheroom，seteverythingexactlyinitsplace，andintheneatestorder；eventothecushionsonthecouch，whichshetouchedwithsolightahand，thathehardlyseemedtoknowit，ashelaylookingatthefire。
Whenallthiswasdone，andshehadsweptthehearth，shesatdown，inhermodestlittlebonnet，toherwork，andwasquietlybusyonitdirectly。
"It’sthenewmuslincurtainforthewindow，Mr。Edmund，"saidMilly，stitchingawayasshetalked。"Itwilllookverycleanandnice，thoughitcostsverylittle，andwillsaveyoureyes，too，fromthelight。MyWilliamsaystheroomshouldnotbetoolightjustnow，whenyouarerecoveringsowell，ortheglaremightmakeyougiddy。"
Hesaidnothing；buttherewassomethingsofretfulandimpatientinhischangeofposition，thatherquickfingersstopped，andshelookedathimanxiously。
"Thepillowsarenotcomfortable，"shesaid，layingdownherworkandrising。"Iwillsoonputthemright。"
"Theyareverywell，"heanswered。"Leavethemalone，pray。Youmakesomuchofeverything。"
Heraisedhisheadtosaythis，andlookedathersothanklessly，that，afterhehadthrownhimselfdownagain，shestoodtimidlypausing。However，sheresumedherseat，andherneedle，withouthavingdirectedevenamurmuringlooktowardshim，andwassoonasbusyasbefore。
"Ihavebeenthinking，Mr。Edmund，thatYOUhavebeenoftenthinkingoflate，whenIhavebeensittingby，howtruethesayingis，thatadversityisagoodteacher。Healthwillbemoreprecioustoyou，afterthisillness，thanithaseverbeen。Andyearshence，whenthistimeofyearcomesround，andyourememberthedayswhenyoulayheresick，alone，thattheknowledgeofyourillnessmightnotafflictthosewhoaredearesttoyou，yourhomewillbedoublydearanddoublyblest。Now，isn’tthatagood，truething？"
Shewastoointentuponherwork，andtooearnestinwhatshesaid，andtoocomposedandquietaltogether，tobeonthewatchforanylookhemightdirecttowardsherinreply；sotheshaftofhisungratefulglancefellharmless，anddidnotwoundher。
"Ah!"saidMilly，withherprettyheadincliningthoughtfullyononeside，asshelookeddown，followingherbusyfingerswithhereyes。"Evenonme—andIamverydifferentfromyou，Mr。Edmund，forIhavenolearning，anddon’tknowhowtothinkproperly—thisviewofsuchthingshasmadeagreatimpression，sinceyouhavebeenlyingill。WhenIhaveseenyousotouchedbythekindnessandattentionofthepoorpeopledownstairs，Ihavefeltthatyouthoughteventhatexperiencesomerepaymentforthelossofhealth，andIhavereadinyourface，asplainasifitwasabook，thatbutforsometroubleandsorrowweshouldneverknowhalfthegoodthereisaboutus。"
Hisgettingupfromthecouch，interruptedher，orshewasgoingontosaymore。
"Weneedn’tmagnifythemerit，Mrs。William，"herejoinedslightingly。"ThepeopledownstairswillbepaidingoodtimeI
daresay，foranylittleextraservicetheymayhaverenderedme；
andperhapstheyanticipatenoless。Iammuchobligedtoyou，too。"
Herfingersstopped，andshelookedathim。
"Ican’tbemadetofeelthemoreobligedbyyourexaggeratingthecase，"hesaid。"Iamsensiblethatyouhavebeeninterestedinme，andIsayIammuchobligedtoyou。Whatmorewouldyouhave？"
Herworkfellonherlap，asshestilllookedathimwalkingtoandfrowithanintolerantair，andstoppingnowandthen。
"Isayagain，Iammuchobligedtoyou。Whyweakenmysenseofwhatisyourdueinobligation，bypreferringenormousclaimsuponme？Trouble，sorrow，affliction，adversity!OnemightsupposeI
hadbeendyingascoreofdeathshere!"
"Doyoubelieve，Mr。Edmund，"sheasked，risingandgoingnearertohim，"thatIspokeofthepoorpeopleofthehouse，withanyreferencetomyself？Tome？"layingherhanduponherbosomwithasimpleandinnocentsmileofastonishment。
"Oh!Ithinknothingaboutit，mygoodcreature，"hereturned。"I
havehadanindisposition，whichyoursolicitude—observe!Isaysolicitude—makesagreatdealmoreof，thanitmerits；andit’sover，andwecan’tperpetuateit。"
Hecoldlytookabook，andsatdownatthetable。
Shewatchedhimforalittlewhile，untilhersmilewasquitegone，andthen，returningtowhereherbasketwas，saidgently：
"Mr。Edmund，wouldyouratherbealone？"
"ThereisnoreasonwhyIshoulddetainyouhere，"hereplied。
"Except—"saidMilly，hesitating，andshowingherwork。
"Oh!thecurtain，"heanswered，withasuperciliouslaugh。"That’snotworthstayingfor。"
Shemadeupthelittlepacketagain，andputitinherbasket。
返回顶部