TOMYWIFE
IsawrainfallingandtherainbowdrawnOnLammermuir。HearkeningIheardagainInmyprecipitouscitybeatenbellsWinnowthekeenseawind。Andhereafar，Intentonmyownraceandplace，Iwrote。
Takethouthewriting：thineitis。ForwhoBurnishedthesword，blewonthedrowsycoal，Heldstillthetargethigher，charyofpraiseAndprodigalofcounsel-whobutthou？
Sonow，intheend，ifthistheleastbegood，Ifanydeedbedone，ifanyfireBurnintheimperfectpage，thepraisebethine。
INTRODUCTORY
INthewildendofamoorlandparish，faroutofthesightofanyhouse，therestandsacairnamongtheheather，andalittlebyeastofit，inthegoingdownofthebrae-side，amonumentwithsomeverseshalfdefaced。ItwasherethatClaverhouseshotwithhisownhandthePrayingWeaverofBalweary，andthechiselofOldMortalityhasclinkedonthatlonelygravestone。Publicanddomestichistoryhavethusmarkedwithabloodyfingerthishollowamongthehills;andsincetheCameroniangavehislifethere，twohundredyearsago，inagloriousfolly，andwithoutcomprehensionorregret，thesilenceofthemosshasbeenbrokenonceagainbythereportoffirearmsandthecryofthedying。
TheDeil’sHagswastheoldname。ButtheplaceisnowcalledFrancie’sCairn。ForawhileitwastoldthatFranciewalked。AggicHoggmethiminthegloamingbythecairnside，andhespoketoher，withchatteringteeth，sothathiswordswerelost。HepursuedRobTodd（ifanyonecouldhavebelievedRobbie）forthespaceofhalfamilewithpitifulentreaties。Buttheageisoneofincredulity;thesesuperstitiousdecorationsspeedilyfelloff;andthefactsofthestoryitself，likethebonesofagiantburiedthereandhalfdugup，survived，nakedandimperfect，inthememoryofthescatteredneighbours。Tothisday，ofwinternights，whenthesleetisonthewindowandthecattlearequietinthebyre，therewillbetoldagain，amidthesilenceoftheyoungandtheadditionsandcorrectionsoftheold，thetaleoftheJustice-Clerkandofhisson，youngHermiston，thatvanishedfrommen’sknowledge;ofthetwoKirstiesandtheFourBlackBrothersoftheCauldstaneslap;andofFrankInnes，"theyoungfooladvocate，"thatcameintothesemoorlandpartstofindhisdestiny。
CHAPTERI-LIFEANDDEATHOFMRS。WEIR
THELordJustice-Clerkwasastrangerinthatpartofthecountry;buthisladywifewasknowntherefromachild，asherracehadbeenbeforeher。Theold"ridingRutherfordsofHermiston，"ofwhomshewasthelastdescendant，hadbeenfamousmenofyore，illneighbours，illsubjects，andillhusbandstotheirwivesthoughnottheirproperties。
Talesofthemwererifefortwentymilesabout;andtheirnamewasevenprintedinthepageofourScotshistories，notalwaystotheircredit。
OnebitthedustatFlodden;onewashangedathispeeldoorbyJamestheFifth;anotherfelldeadinacarousewithTomDalyell;whileafourth（andthatwasJean’sownfather）diedpresidingataHell-FireClub，ofwhichhewasthefounder。ThereweremanyheadsshakeninCrossmichaelatthatjudgment;themoresoasthemanhadavillainousreputationamonghighandlow，andbothwiththegodlyandtheworldly。
Atthatveryhourofhisdemise，hehadtengoingpleasbeforetheSession，eightofthemoppressive。Andthesamedoomextendedeventohisagents;hisgrieve，thathadbeenhisrighthandinmanyaleft-handbusiness，beingcastfromhishorseonenightanddrownedinapeat-hagontheKye-skairs;andhisverydoer（althoughlawyershavelongspoons）
survivinghimnotlong，anddyingonasuddeninabloodyflux。
Inallthesegenerations，whileamaleRutherfordwasinthesaddlewithhislads，orbrawlinginachange-house，therewouldbealwaysawhite-
facedwifeimmuredathomeintheoldpeelorthelatermansion-house。
Itseemedthissuccessionofmartyrsbidedlong，buttooktheirvengeanceintheend，andthatwasinthepersonofthelastdescendant，Jean。SheborethenameoftheRutherfords，butshewasthedaughteroftheirtremblingwives。Atthefirstshewasnotwhollywithoutcharm。
Neighboursrecalledinher，asachild，astrainofelfinwilfulness，gentlelittlemutinies，sadlittlegaieties，evenamorninggleamofbeautythatwasnottobefulfilled。Shewitheredinthegrowing，and（whetheritwasthesinsofhersiresorthesorrowsofhermothers）
cametohermaturitydepressed，and，asitwere，defaced;nobloodoflifeinher，nograsporgaiety;pious，anxious，tender，tearful，andincompetent。
Itwasawondertomanythatshehadmarried-seemingsowhollyofthestuffthatmakesoldmaids。ButchancecastherinthepathofAdamWeir，thenthenewLord-Advocate，arecognised，risenman，theconquerorofmanyobstacles，andthuslateinthedaybeginningtothinkuponawife。Hewasonewholookedrathertoobediencethanbeauty，yetitwouldseemhewasstruckwithheratthefirstlook。"Wha’sshe？"hesaid，turningtohishost;and，whenhehadbeentold，"Ay，"sayshe，"shelooksmenseful。Shemindsme-";andthen，afterapause（whichsomehavebeendaringenoughtosetdowntosentimentalrecollections），"Isshereleegious？"heasked，andwasshortlyafter，athisownrequest，presented。Theacquaintance，whichitseemsprofanetocallacourtship，waspursuedwithMr。Weir’saccustomedindustry，andwaslongalegend，orratherasourceoflegends，intheParliamentHouse。Hewasdescribedcoming，rosywithmuchport，intothedrawing-room，walkingdirectuptothelady，andassailingherwithpleasantries，towhichtheembarrassedfaironeresponded，inwhatseemedakindofagony，"Eh，Mr。Weir！"or"O，Mr。Weir！"or"Keepme，Mr。Weir！"Ontheveryeveoftheirengagement，itwasrelatedthatonehaddrawnneartothetendercouple，andhadoverheardtheladycryout，withthetonesofonewhotalkedforthesakeoftalking，"Keepme，Mr。Weir，andwhatbecameofhim？"andtheprofoundaccentsofthesuitorreply，"Haangit，mem，haangit。"Themotivesuponeithersideweremuchdebated。Mr。
Weirmusthavesupposedhisbridetobesomehowsuitable;perhapshebelongedtothatclassofmenwhothinkaweakheadtheornamentofwomen-anopinioninvariablypunishedinthislife。Herdescentandherestatewerebeyondquestion。HerwayfaringancestorsandherlitigiousfatherhaddonewellbyJean。Therewasreadymoneyandtherewerebroadacres，readytofallwhollytothehusband，tolenddignitytohisdescendants，andtohimselfatitle，whenheshouldbecalledupontheBench。OnthesideofJean，therewasperhapssomefascinationofcuriosityastothisunknownmaleanimalthatapproachedherwiththeroughnessofaploughmanandtheAPLOMBofanadvocate。Beingsotrenchantlyopposedtoallsheknew，loved，orunderstood，hemaywellhaveseemedtohertheextreme，ifscarcelytheideal，ofhissex。Andbesides，hewasanillmantorefuse。Alittleoverfortyattheperiodofhismarriage，helookedalreadyolder，andtotheforceofmanhoodaddedthesenatorialdignityofyears;itwas，perhaps，withanunreverendawe，buthewasawful。TheBench，theBar，andthemostexperiencedandreluctantwitness，bowedtohisauthority-andwhynotJeannieRutherford？
Theheresyaboutfoolishwomenisalwayspunished，Ihavesaid，andLordHermistonbegantopaythepenaltyatonce。HishouseinGeorgeSquarewaswretchedlyill-guided;nothinganswerabletotheexpenseofmaintenancebutthecellar，whichwashisownprivatecare。Whenthingswentwrongatdinner，astheycontinuallydid，mylordwouldlookupthetableathiswife："Ithinkthesebrothwouldbebettertosweeminthantosup。"Orelsetothebutler："Here，M’Killop，awa’wi’thisRaadicalgigot-tak’ittotheFrench，man，andbringmesomepuddocks！ItseemsratherasorekindofabusinessthatIshouldbealldayinCourthaangingRaadicals，andgetnawthingtomydenner。"Ofcoursethiswasbutamannerofspeaking，andhehadneverhangedamanforbeingaRadicalinhislife;thelaw，ofwhichhewasthefaithfulminister，directingotherwise。Andofcoursethesegrowlswereinthenatureofpleasantry，butitwasofareconditesort;andutteredastheywereinhisresoundingvoice，andcommentedonbythatexpressionwhichtheycalledintheParliamentHouse"Hermiston’shangingface"-theystruckmeredismayintothewife。Shesatbeforehimspeechlessandfluttering;ateachdish，asatafreshordeal，hereyehoveredtowardmylord’scountenanceandfellagain;ifhebutateinsilence，unspeakablereliefwasherportion;iftherewerecomplaint，theworldwasdarkened。Shewouldseekoutthecook，whowasalwaysherSISTERIN
THELORD。"O，mydear，thisisthemostdreidfulthingthatmylordcanneverbecontentedinhisownhouse！"shewouldbegin;andweepandpraywiththecook;andthenthecookwouldpraywithMrs。Weir;andthenextday’smealwouldneverbeapennythebetter-andthenextcook（whenshecame）wouldbeworse，ifanything，butjustaspious。ItwasoftenwonderedthatLordHermistonboreitashedid;indeed，hewasastoicaloldvoluptuary，contentedwithsoundwineandplentyofit。Butthereweremomentswhenheoverflowed。Perhapshalfadozentimesinthehistoryofhismarriedlife-"Here！tak’itawa’，andbringmeapiecebreadandkebbuck！"hehadexclaimed，withanappallingexplosionofhisvoiceandraregestures。Nonethoughttodisputeortomakeexcuses;
theservicewasarrested;Mrs。Weirsatattheheadofthetablewhimperingwithoutdisguise;andhislordshipoppositemunchedhisbreadandcheeseinostentatiousdisregard。Onceonly，Mrs。Weirhadventuredtoappeal。Hewaspassingherchaironhiswayintothestudy。
"O，Edom！"shewailed，inavoicetragicwithtears，andreachingouttohimbothhands，inoneofwhichsheheldasoppingpocket-handkerchief。
Hepausedandlookeduponherwithafaceofwrath，intowhichtherestole，ashelooked，atwinkleofhumour。
"Noansense！"hesaid。"Youandyournoansense！WhatdoIwantwithaChristianfaim’ly？IwantChristianbroth！Getmealassthatcanplain-boilapotato，ifshewasawhureoffthestreets。"Andwiththesewords，whichechoedinhertenderearslikeblasphemy，hehadpassedontohisstudyandshutthedoorbehindhim。
SuchwasthehousewiferyinGeorgeSquare。ItwasbetteratHermiston，whereKirstieElliott，thesisterofaneighbouringbonnet-laird，andaneighteenthcousinofthelady’s，borethechargeofall，andkeptatrimhouseandagoodcountrytable。Kirstiewasawomaninathousand，clean，capable，notable;onceamoorlandHelen，andstillcomelyasabloodhorseandhealthyasthehillwind。Highinfleshandvoiceandcolour，sheranthehousewithherwholeintemperatesoul，inabustle，notwithoutbuffets。Scarcemorepiousthandecencyinthosedaysrequired，shewasthecauseofmanyananxiousthoughtandmanyatearfulprayertoMrs。Weir。HousekeeperandmistressrenewedthepartsofMarthaandMary;andthoughwithaprickingconscience，MaryreposedonMartha’sstrengthasonarock。EvenLordHermistonheldKirstieinaparticularregard。Therewerefewwithwhomheunbentsogladly，fewwhomhefavouredwithsomanypleasantries。"Kirstieandmemaunhaveourjoke，"hewoulddeclareinhighgood-humour，ashebutteredKirstie’sscones，andshewaitedattable。Amanwhohadnoneedeitherofloveorofpopularity，akeenreaderofmenandofevents，therewasperhapsonlyonetruthforwhichhewasquiteunprepared：hewouldhavebeenquiteunpreparedtolearnthatKirstiehatedhim。Hethoughtmaidandmasterwerewellmatched;hard，bandy，healthy，broadScotsfolk，withoutahairofnonsensetothepairofthem。Andthefactwasthatshemadeagoddessandanonlychildoftheeffeteandtearfullady;andevenasshewaitedattableherhandswouldsometimesitchformylord’sears。
Thus，atleast，whenthefamilywereatHermiston，notonlymylord，butMrs。Weirtoo，enjoyedaholiday。Freefromthedreadfullooking-forofthemiscarrieddinner，shewouldmindherseam，readherpietybooks，andtakeherwalk（whichwasmylord’sorders），sometimesbyherself，sometimeswithArchie，theonlychildofthatscarcenaturalunion。Thechildwashernextbondtolife。Herfrostedsentimentbloomedagain，shebreatheddeepoflife，sheletlooseherheart，inthatsociety。
Themiracleofhermotherhoodwasevernewtoher。Thesightofthelittlemanatherskirtintoxicatedherwiththesenseofpower，andfrozeherwiththeconsciousnessofherresponsibility。Shelookedforward，and，seeinghiminfancygrowupandplayhisdiversepartontheworld’stheatre，caughtinherbreathandlifteduphercouragewithalivelyeffort。Itwasonlywiththechildthatsheforgotherselfandwasatmomentsnatural;yetitwasonlywiththechildthatshehadconceivedandmanagedtopursueaschemeofconduct。Archiewastobeagreatmanandagood;aministerifpossible，asaintforcertain。Shetriedtoengagehisminduponherfavouritebooks，Rutherford’sLETTERS，ScougallsGRACEABOUNDING，andthelike。Itwasacommonpracticeofhers（andstrangetoremembernow）thatshewouldcarrythechildtotheDeil’sHags，sitwithhimonthePrayingWeaver’sstone，andtalkoftheCovenanterstilltheirtearsrandown。Herviewofhistorywaswhollyartless，adesigninsnowandink;upontheoneside，tenderinnocentswithpsalmsupontheirlips;upontheother，thepersecutors，booted，bloody-minded，flushedwithwine：asufferingChrist，aragingBeelzebub。PERSECUTORwasawordthatknockeduponthewoman’sheart;
itwasherhighestthoughtofwickedness，andthemarkofitwasonherhouse。Hergreat-great-grandfatherhaddrawntheswordagainsttheLord’sanointedonthefieldofRullionGreen，andbreathedhislast（traditionsaid）inthearmsofthedetestableDalyell。Norcouldsheblindherselftothis，thathadtheylivedinthoseolddays，HermistonhimselfwouldhavebeennumberedalongsideofBloodyMacKenzieandthepoliticLauderdaleandRothes，inthebandofGod’simmediateenemies。
Thesenseofthismovedhertothemorefervour;shehadavoiceforthatnameofPERSECUTORthatthrilledinthechild’smarrow;andwhenonedaythemobhootedandhissedthemallinmylord’stravellingcarriage，andcried，"Downwiththepersecutor！downwithHangingHermiston！"andmammacoveredhereyesandwept，andpapaletdowntheglassandlookedoutupontherabblewithhisdrollformidableface，bitterandsmiling，astheysaidhesometimeslookedwhenhegavesentence，Archiewasforthemomenttoomuchamazedtobealarmed，buthehadscarcegothismotherbyherselfbeforehisshrillvoicewasraiseddemandinganexplanation：whyhadtheycalledpapaapersecutor？
"Keepme，myprecious！"sheexclaimed。"Keepme，mydear！thisispoleetical。Yemustneveraskmeanythingpoleetical，Erchie。Yourfaitherisagreatman，mydear，andit’snoformeoryoutobejudginghim。Itwouldbetellingusall，ifwebehavedourselvesinourseveralstationsthewayyourfaitherdoesinhishighoffice;andletmehearnomoreofanysuchdisrespectfulandundutifulquestions！Nothatyoumeanttobeundutiful，mylamb;yourmotherkensthat-shekensitwell，dearie！"Andsoslidofftosafertopics，andleftonthemindofthechildanobscurebutineradicablesenseofsomethingwrong。
Mrs。Weir’sphilosophyoflifewassummedinoneexpression-
tenderness。Inherviewoftheuniverse，whichwasalllightedupwithaglowoutofthedoorsofhell，goodpeoplemustwalkthereinakindofecstasyoftenderness。Thebeastsandplantshadnosouls;theywereherebutforaday，andlettheirdaypassgently！Andasfortheimmortalmen，onwhatblack，downwardpathweremanyofthemwending，andtowhatahorrorofanimmortality！"Arenottwosparrows，"
"Whosoevershallsmitethee，""GodsendethHisrain，""Judgenot，thatyebenotjudged"-thesetextsmadeherbodyofdivinity;sheputthemoninthemorningwithherclothesandlaydowntosleepwiththematnight;theyhauntedherlikeafavouriteair，theyclungaboutherlikeafavouriteperfume。Theirministerwasamarrowyexpounderofthelaw，andmylordsatunderhimwithrelish;butMrs。Weirrespectedhimfromfaroff;heardhim（likethecannonofabeleagueredcity）usefullyboomingoutsideonthedogmaticramparts;andmeanwhile，withinandoutofshot，dweltinherprivategardenwhichshewateredwithgratefultears。Itseemsstrangetosayofthiscolourlessandineffectualwoman，butshewasatrueenthusiast，andmighthavemadethesunshineandthegloryofacloister。PerhapsnonebutArchieknewshecouldbeeloquent;perhapsnonebuthehadseenher-hercolourraised，herhandsclaspedorquivering-glowwithgentleardour。ThereisacornerofthepolicyofHermiston，whereyoucomesuddenlyinviewofthesummitofBlackFell，sometimeslikethemeregrasstopofahill，sometimes（andthisisherownexpression）likeapreciousjewelintheheavens。Onsuchdays，uponthesuddenviewofit，herhandwouldtightenonthechild’sfingers，hervoiceriselikeasong。"ITOTHE
HILLS！"shewouldrepeat。"AndO，Erchie，arenaetheselikethehillsofNaphtali？"andhertearswouldflow。
Uponanimpressionablechildtheeffectofthiscontinualandprettyaccompanimenttolifewasdeep。Thewoman’squietismandpietypassedontohisdifferentnatureundiminished;butwhereasinheritwasanativesentiment，inhimitwasonlyanimplanteddogma。Natureandthechild’spugnacityattimesrevolted。AcadfromthePotterrowoncestruckhiminthemouth;hestruckback，thepairfoughtitoutinthebackstablelanetowardstheMeadows，andArchiereturnedwithaconsiderabledeclineinthenumberofhisfrontteeth，andunregeneratelyboastingofthelossesofthefoe。ItwasasoredayforMrs。Weir;sheweptandprayedovertheinfantbackslideruntilmylordwasduefromCourt，andshemustresumethatairoftremulouscomposurewithwhichshealwaysgreetedhim。Thejudgewasthatdayinanobservantmood，andremarkedupontheabsentteeth。
"IamafraidErchiewillhavebeenfechtingwithsomeoftheyblagyardlads，"saidMrs。Weir。
Mylord’svoicerangoutasitdidseldomintheprivacyofhisownhouse。"I’llhavenormofthat，sir！"hecried。"Doyouhearme？-
nonnofthat！Nosonofmineshallbespelderingintheglaurwithanydirtyraibble。"
Theanxiousmotherwasgratefulforsomuchsupport;shehadevenfearedthecontrary。Andthatnightwhensheputthechildtobed-"Now，mydear，yesee！"shesaid，"Itoldyouwhatyourfaitherwouldthinkofit，ifheheardyehadfallenintothisdreidfulsin;andletyouandmepraytoGodthatyemaybekeepitfromtheliketemptationorstrengthenedtoresistit！"
Thewomanlyfalsityofthiswasthrownaway。Iceandironcannotbewelded;andthepointsofviewoftheJustice-ClerkandMrs。Weirwerenotlessunassimilable。Thecharacterandpositionofhisfatherhadlongbeenastumbling-blocktoArchie，andwitheveryyearofhisagethedifficultygrewmoreinstant。Themanwasmostlysilent;whenhespokeatall，itwastospeakofthethingsoftheworld，alwaysinaworldlyspirit，ofteninlanguagethatthechildhadbeenschooledtothinkcoarse，andsometimeswithwordsthatheknewtobesinsinthemselves。Tendernesswasthefirstduty，andmylordwasinvariablyharsh。Godwaslove;thenameofmylord（toallwhoknewhim）wasfear。Intheworld，asschematisedforArchiebyhismother，theplacewasmarkedforsuchacreature。Thereweresomewhomitwasgoodtopityandwell（thoughverylikelyuseless）toprayfor;theywerenamedreprobates，goats，God’senemies，brandsfortheburning;andArchietalliedeverymarkofidentification，anddrewtheinevitableprivateinferencethattheLordJustice-Clerkwasthechiefofsinners。
Themother’shonestywasscarcecomplete。Therewasoneinfluenceshefearedforthechildandstillsecretlycombated;thatwasmylord’s;
andhalfunconsciously，halfinawilfulblindness，shecontinuedtoundermineherhusbandwithhisson。AslongasArchieremainedsilent，shedidsoruthlessly，withasingleeyetoheavenandthechild’ssalvation;butthedaycamewhenArchiespoke。Itwas1801，andArchiewasseven，andbeyondhisyearsforcuriosityandlogic，whenhebroughtthecaseupopenly。Ifjudgingweresinfulandforbidden，howcamepapatobeajudge？tohavethatsinforatrade？tobearthenameofitforadistinction？
"Ican’tseeit，"saidthelittleRabbi，andwaggedhishead。
Mrs。Weiraboundedincommonplacereplies。
"No，Icannaeseeit，"reiteratedArchie。"AndI’lltellyouwhat，mamma，Idon’tthinkyouandme’sjustifeedinstayingwithhim。"
Thewomanawoketoremorse，shesawherselfdisloyaltoherman，hersovereignandbread-winner，inwhom（withwhatshehadofworldliness）
shetookacertainsubduedpride。Sheexpatiatedinreplyonmylord’shonourandgreatness;hisusefulservicesinthisworldofsorrowandwrong，andtheplaceinwhichhestood，farabovewherebabesandinnocentscouldhopetoseeorcriticise。Butshehadbuildedtoowell-Archiehadhisanswerspat：Werenotbabesandinnocentsthetypeofthekingdomofheaven？Werenothonourandgreatnessthebadgesoftheworld？Andatanyrate，howaboutthemobthathadonceseethedaboutthecarriage？
"It’sallveryfine，"heconcluded，"butinmyopinionpapahasnorighttobeit。Anditseemsthat’snottheworstyetofit。Itseemshe’scalled"TheHangingjudge"-itseemshe’scrooool。I’lltellyouwhatitis，mamma，there’satex’borneinuponme：Itwerebetterforthatmanifamilestonewerebounduponhisbackandhimflungintothedeepestmostpairtsofthesea。"
"O，mylamb，yemustneversaythelikeofthat！"shecried。"Ye’retohonourfaitherandmother，dear，thatyourdaysmaybelongintheland。
It’sAtheiststhatcryoutagainsthim-FrenchAtheists，Erchie！YewouldneversurelyevenyourselfdowntobesayingthesamethingasFrenchAtheists？Itwouldbreakmyhearttothinkthatofyou。AndO，Erchie，hereare’naYOUsettinguptoJUDGE？AndhaveyenoforgotGod’splaincommand-theFirstwithPromise，dear？Mindyouuponthebeamandthemote！"
Havingthuscarriedthewarintotheenemy’scamp，theterrifiedladybreathedagain。Andnodoubtitiseasythustocircumventachildwithcatchwords，butitmaybequestionedhowfaritiseffectual。Aninstinctinhisbreastdetectsthequibble，andavoicecondemnsit。Hewillinstantlysubmit，privatelyholdthesameopinion。Foreveninthissimpleandantiquerelationofthemotherandthechild，hypocrisiesaremultiplied。
WhentheCourtrosethatyearandthefamilyreturnedtoHermiston，itwasacommonremarkinallthecountrythattheladywassorefailed。
Sheseemedtolooseandseizeagainhertouchwithlife，nowsittinginertinasortofdurablebewilderment，anonwakingtofeverishandweakactivity。Shedawdledaboutthelassesattheirwork，lookingstupidlyon;shefelltorummaginginoldcabinetsandpresses，anddesistedwhenhalfthrough;shewouldbeginremarkswithanairofanimationanddropthemwithoutastruggle。Hercommonappearancewasofonewhohasforgottensomethingandistryingtoremember;andwhensheoverhauled，oneafteranother，theworthlessandtouchingmementoesofheryouth，shemighthavebeenseekingthecluetothatlostthought。
Duringthisperiod，shegavemanygiftstotheneighboursandhouselasses，givingthemwithamannerofregretthatembarrassedtherecipients。
Thelastnightofallshewasbusyonsomefemalework，andtoileduponitwithsomanifestandpainfuladevotionthatmylord（whowasnotoftencurious）inquiredastoitsnature。
Sheblushedtotheeyes。"O，Edom，it’sforyou！"shesaid。"It’sslippers。I-Ihaenevermadeyeany。"
"Yedaftauldwife！"returnedhislordship。"AbonnyfigureIwouldbe，palmeringaboutinbauchles！"
Thenextday，atthehourofherwalk，Kirstieinterfered。Kirstietookthisdecayofhermistressveryhard;boreheragrudge，quarrelledwithandraileduponher，theanxietyofagenuinelovewearingthedisguiseoftemper。Thisdayofalldayssheinsisteddisrespectfully，withrusticfury，thatMrs。Weirshouldstayathome。But，"No，no，"shesaid，"it’smylord’sorders，"andsetforthasusual。Archiewasvisibleintheacrebog，engageduponsomechildishenterprise，theinstrumentofwhichwasmire;andshestoodandlookedathimawhilelikeoneabouttocall;thenthoughtotherwise，sighed，andshookherhead，andproceededonherroundsalone。Thehouselasseswereattheburnsidewashing，andsawherpasswithherloose，weary，dowdygait。
"She’saterriblefecklesswife，themistress！"saidtheone。
"Tut，"saidtheother，"thewumman’sseeck。"
"Weel，Icannaseenaedifferinher，"returnedthefirst。"A
fushionlessquean，afecklesscarline。"
Thepoorcreaturethusdiscussedrambledawhileinthegroundswithoutapurpose。Tidesinhermindebbedandflowed，andcarriedhertoandfrolikeseaweed。Shetriedapath，paused，returned，andtriedanother;questing，forgettingherquest;thespiritofchoiceextinctinherbosom，ordevoidofsequency。Onasudden，itappearedasthoughshehadremembered，orhadformedaresolution，wheeledabout，returnedwithhurriedsteps，andappearedinthedining-room，whereKirstiewasatthecleaning，likeonechargedwithanimportanterrand。
"Kirstie！"shebegan，andpaused;andthenwithconviction，"Mr。Weirisnaspeerituallyminded，buthehasbeenagoodmantome。"
Itwasperhapsthefirsttimesinceherhusband’selevationthatshehadforgottenthehandletohisname，ofwhichthetender，inconsistentwomanwasnotalittleproud。AndwhenKirstielookedupatthespeaker’sface，shewasawareofachange。
"Godsake，what’sthemaitterwi’ye，mem？"criedthehousekeeper，startingfromtherug。
"Idonotken，"answeredhermistress，shakingherhead。"Butheisnotspeerituallyminded，mydear。"
"Here，sitdownwithye！Godsake，whatailsthewife？"criedKirstie，andhelpedandforcedherintomylord’sownchairbythecheekofthehearth。
"Keepme，what’sthis？"shegasped。"Kirstie，what’sthis？I’mfrich’ened。"
Theywereherlastwords。
Itwastheloweringnightfallwhenmylordreturned。Hehadthesunsetinhisback，allcloudsandglory;andbeforehim，bythewayside，spiedKirstieElliottwaiting。Shewasdissolvedintears，andaddressedhiminthehigh，falsenoteofbarbarousmourning，suchasstilllingersmodifiedamongScotsheather。
"TheLordpeetyye，Hermiston！theLordprepareye！"shekeenedout。
"Wearyuponme，thatIshouldhavetotellit！"
Hereinedinhishorseandlookeduponherwiththehangingface。
"HastheFrenchlandit？"criedhe。
"Man，man，"shesaid，"isthata’yecanthinkof？TheLordprepareye：
theLordcomfortandsupportye！"
"Isonybodydeid？"saidhislordship。"It’snoErchie？"
"Bethankit，no！"exclaimedthewoman，startledintoamorenaturaltone。
"Na，na，it’snosaebadasthat。It’sthemistress，mylord;shejustfairflittitbeforemye’en。Shejustgi’edasabandwasbywi’it。
Eh，mybonnyMissJeannie，thatImindsaeweel！"Andforthagainuponthatpouringtideoflamentationinwhichwomenofherclassexcelandover-abound。
LordHermistonsatinthesaddlebeholdingher。Thenheseemedtorecovercommanduponhimself。
"Well，it’ssomethingofthesuddenest，"saidhe。"Butshewasadwaiblybodyfromthefirst。"
AndherodehomeataprecipitateamblewithKirstieathishorse’sheels。
Dressedasshewasforherlastwalk，theyhadlaidthedeadladyonherbed。Shewasneverinterestinginlife;indeathshewasnotimpressive;andasherhusbandstoodbeforeher，withhishandscrossedbehindhispowerfulback，thatwhichhelookeduponwastheveryimageoftheinsignificant。
"Herandmewerenevercutoutforoneanother，"heremarkedatlast。
"Itwasadaft-likemarriage。"Andthen，withamostunusualgentlenessoftone，"Puirbitch，"saidhe，"puirbitch！"Thensuddenly："Where’sErchie？"
Kirstiehaddecoyedhimtoherroomandgivenhim"ajeely-piece。"
"Yehavesomekindofgumption，too，"observedthejudge，andconsideredhishousekeepergrimly。"Whenall’ssaid，"headded，"Imichthavedonewaur-ImichthavebeenmarrietuponaskirtingJezebellikeyou！"
"There’snaebodythinkingofyou，Hermiston！"criedtheoffendedwoman。
"Wethinkofherthat’soutofhersorrows。AndcouldSHEhavedonewaur？Tellmethat，Hermiston-tellmethatbeforeherclay-cauldcorp！"
"Weel，there’ssomeofthemgeyan’illtoplease，"observedhislordship。
CHAPTERII-FATHERANDSON
MYLordJustice-Clerkwasknowntomany;themanAdamWeirperhapstonone。Hehadnothingtoexplainortoconceal;hesufficedwhollyandsilentlytohimself;andthatpartofournaturewhichgoesout（toooftenwithfalsecoin）toacquiregloryorlove，seemedinhimtobeomitted。Hedidnottrytobeloved，hedidnotcaretobe;itisprobabletheverythoughtofitwasastrangertohismind。Hewasanadmiredlawyer，ahighlyunpopularjudge;andhelookeddownuponthosewhowerehisinferiorsineitherdistinction，whowerelawyersoflessgrasporjudgesnotsomuchdetested。Inalltherestofhisdaysanddoings，notonetraceofvanityappeared;andhewentonthroughlifewithamechanicalmovement，asoftheunconscious;thatwasalmostaugust。
Hesawlittleofhisson。Inthechildishmaladieswithwhichtheboywastroubled，hewouldmakedailyinquiriesanddailypayhimavisit，enteringthesick-roomwithafacetiousandappallingcountenance，lettingoffafewperfunctoryjests，andgoingagainswiftly，tothepatient’srelief。Once，acourtholidayfallingopportunely，mylordhadhiscarriage，anddrovethechildhimselftoHermiston，thecustomaryplaceofconvalescence。Itisconceivablehehadbeenmorethanusuallyanxious，forthatjourneyalwaysremainedinArchie’smemoryasathingapart，hisfatherhavingrelatedtohimfrombeginningtoend，andwithmuchdetail，threeauthenticmurdercases。ArchiewenttheusualroundofotherEdinburghboys，thehighschoolandthecollege;andHermistonlookedon，orratherlookedaway，withscarceanaffectationofinterestinhisprogress。Daily，indeed，uponasignalafterdinner，hewasbroughtin，givennutsandaglassofport，regardedsardonically，sarcasticallyquestioned。"Well，sir，andwhathaveyoudonnwithyourbookto-day？"mylordmightbegin，andsethimposersinlawLatin。ToachildjuststumblingintoCorderius，PapinianandPaulprovedquiteinvincible。Butpapahadmemoryofnoother。Hewasnotharshtothelittlescholar，havingavastfundofpatiencelearneduponthebench，andwasatnopainswhethertoconcealortoexpresshisdisappointment。"Well，yehavealongjauntbeforeyeyet！"
hemightobserve，yawning，andfallbackonhisownthoughts（aslikeasnot）untilthetimecameforseparation，andmylordwouldtakethedecanterandtheglass，andbeofftothebackchamberlookingontheMeadows，wherehetoiledonhiscasestillthehoursweresmall。Therewasno"fullerman"onthebench;hismemorywasmarvellous，thoughwhollylegal;ifhehadto"advise"extempore，nonediditbetter;yettherewasnonewhomoreearnestlyprepared。Ashethuswatchedinthenight，orsatattableandforgotthepresenceofhisson，nodoubtbuthetasteddeeplyofreconditepleasures。Tobewhollydevotedtosomeintellectualexerciseistohavesucceededinlife;andperhapsonlyinlawandthehighermathematicsmaythisdevotionbemaintained，sufficetoitselfwithoutreaction，andfindcontinualrewardswithoutexcitement。Thisatmosphereofhisfather’ssterlingindustrywasthebestofArchie’seducation。Assuredlyitdidnotattracthim;assuredlyitratherrebuttedanddepressed。Yetitwasstillpresent，unobservedlikethetickingofaclock，anaridideal，atastelessstimulantintheboy’slife。
ButHermistonwasnotallofonepiece。Hewas，besides，amightytoper;hecouldsitatwineuntilthedaydawned，andpassdirectlyfromthetabletothebenchwithasteadyhandandaclearhead。Beyondthethirdbottle，heshowedtheplebeianinalargerprint;thelow，grossaccent，thelow，foulmirth，grewbroaderandcommoner;hebecamelessformidable，andinfinitelymoredisgusting。Now，theboyhadinheritedfromJeanRutherfordashiveringdelicacy，unequallymatedwithpotentialviolence。Intheplaying-fields，andamongsthisowncompanions，herepaidacoarseexpressionwithablow;athisfather’stable（whenthetimecameforhimtojointheserevels）heturnedpaleandsickenedinsilence。Ofalltheguestswhomhethereencountered，hehadtolerationforonlyone：DavidKeithCarnegie，LordGlenalmond。
LordGlenalmondwastallandemaciated，withlongfeaturesandlongdelicatehands。HewasoftencomparedwiththestatueofForbesofCullodenintheParliamentHouse;andhisblueeye，atmorethansixty，preservedsomeofthefireofyouth。Hisexquisitedisparitywithanyofhisfellow-guests，hisappearanceasofanartistandanaristocratstrandedinrudecompany，rivetedtheboy’sattention;andascuriosityandinterestarethethingsintheworldthatarethemostimmediatelyandcertainlyrewarded，LordGlenalmondwasattractedbytheboy。
"Andsothisisyourson，Hermiston？"heasked，layinghishandonArchie’sshoulder。"He’sgettingabiglad。"
"Hout！"saidthegraciousfather，"justhismotheroveragain-daurnasaybootoagoose！"
Butthestrangerretainedtheboy，talkedtohim，drewhimout，foundinhimatasteforletters，andafine，ardent，modest，youthfulsoul;andencouragedhimtobeavisitoronSundayeveningsinhisbare，cold，lonelydining-room，wherehesatandreadintheisolationofabachelorgrownoldinrefinement。Thebeautifulgentlenessandgraceoftheoldjudge，andthedelicacyofhisperson，thoughts，andlanguage，spoketoArchie’sheartinitsowntongue。Heconceivedtheambitiontobesuchanother;and，whenthedaycameforhimtochooseaprofession，itwasinemulationofLordGlenalmond，notofLordHermiston，thathechosetheBar。Hermistonlookedonatthisfriendshipwithsomesecretpride，butopenlywiththeintoleranceofscorn。Hescarcelostanopportunitytoputthemdownwitharoughjape;and，tosaytruth，itwasnotdifficult，fortheywereneitherofthemquick。Hehadawordofcontemptforthewholecrowdofpoets，painters，fiddlers，andtheiradmirers，thebastardraceofamateurs，whichwascontinuallyonhislips。"SignorFeedle-eerie！"hewouldsay。"O，forGoad’ssake，nomoreoftheSignor！"
"Youandmyfatheraregreatfriends，areyounot？"askedArchieonce。
"ThereisnomanthatImorerespect，Archie，"repliedLordGlenalmond。
"Heistwothingsofprice。Heisagreatlawyer，andheisuprightastheday。"
"Youandhearesodifferent，"saidtheboy，hiseyesdwellingonthoseofhisoldfriend，likealover’sonhismistress’s。
"Indeedso，"repliedthejudge;"verydifferent。AndsoIfearareyouandhe。YetIwouldlikeitveryillifmyyoungfriendweretomisjudgehisfather。HehasalltheRomanvirtues：CatoandBrutusweresuch;Ithinkason’sheartmightwellbeproudofsuchanancestryofone。"
"AndIwouldsoonerhewereaplaidedherd，"criedArchie，withsuddenbitterness。
"Andthatisneitherverywise，norIbelieveentirelytrue，"returnedGlenalmond。"Beforeyouaredoneyouwillfindsomeoftheseexpressionsriseonyoulikearemorse。Theyaremerelyliteraryanddecorative;theydonotaptlyexpressyourthought，norisyourthoughtclearlyapprehended，andnodoubtyourfather（ifhewerehere）wouldsay，"SignorFeedle-eerie！"
Withtheinfinitelydelicatesenseofyouth，Archieavoidedthesubjectfromthathour。Itwasperhapsapity。Hadhebuttalked-talkedfreely-lethimselfgushoutinwords（thewayyouthlovestodoandshould），theremighthavebeennotaletowriteupontheWeirsofHermiston。Buttheshadowofathreatofridiculesufficed;intheslighttartnessofthesewordshereadaprohibition;anditislikelythatGlenalmondmeantitso。
Besidestheveteran，theboywaswithoutconfidantorfriend。Seriousandeager，hecamethroughschoolandcollege，andmovedamongacrowdoftheindifferent，intheseclusionofhisshyness。Hegrewuphandsome，withanopen，speakingcountenance，withgraceful，youthfulways;hewasclever，hetookprizes，heshoneintheSpeculativeSociety。Itshouldseemhemustbecomethecentreofacrowdoffriends;butsomethingthatwasinpartthedelicacyofhismother，inparttheausterityofhisfather，heldhimalooffromall。Itisafact，andastrangeone，thatamonghiscontemporariesHermiston’ssonwasthoughttobeachipoftheoldblock。"You’reafriendofArchieWeir’s？"saidonetoFrankInnes;andInnesreplied，withhisusualflippancyandmorethanhisusualinsight："IknowWeir。butInevermetArchie。"NoonehadmetArchie，amaladymostincidenttoonlysons。
Heflewhisprivatesignal，andnoneheededit;itseemedhewasabroadinaworldfromwhichtheveryhopeofintimacywasbanished;andhelookedroundabouthimontheconcourseofhisfellow-students，andforwardtothetrivialdaysandacquaintancesthatweretocome，withouthopeorinterest。
Astimewenton，thetoughandrougholdsinnerfelthimselfdrawntothesonofhisloinsandsolecontinuatorofhisnewfamily，withsoftnessesofsentimentthathecouldhardlycreditandwaswhollyimpotenttoexpress。Withaface，voice，andmannertrainedthroughfortyyearstoterrifyandrepel，Rhadamanthusmaybegreat，buthewillscarcebeengaging。ItisafactthathetriedtopropitiateArchie，butafactthatcannotbetoolightlytaken;theattemptwassounconspicuouslymade，thefailuresostoicallysupported。Sympathyisnotduetothesesteadfastironnatures。Ifhefailedtogainhisson’sfriendship，orevenhisson’stoleration，onhewentupthegreat，barestaircaseofhisduty，uncheeredandundepressed。TheremighthavebeenmorepleasureinhisrelationswithArchie，somuchhemayhaverecognisedatmoments;butpleasurewasaby-productofthesingularchemistryoflife，whichonlyfoolsexpected。
AnideaofArchie’sattitude，sinceweareallgrownupandhaveforgottenthedaysofouryouth，itismoredifficulttoconvey。Hemadenoattemptwhatsoevertounderstandthemanwithwhomhedinedandbreakfasted。Parsimonyofpain，glutofpleasure，thesearethetwoalternatingendsofyouth;andArchiewasoftheparsimonious。Thewindblewcoldoutofacertainquarter-heturnedhisbackuponit;stayedaslittleaswaspossibleinhisfather’spresence;andwhenthere，avertedhiseyesasmuchaswasdecentfromhisfather’sface。Thelampshoneformanyhundreddaysuponthesetwoattable-mylord，ruddy，gloomy，andunreverent;Archiewithapotentialbrightnessthatwasalwaysdimmedandveiledinthatsociety;andtherewerenot，perhaps，inChristendomtwomenmoreradicallystrangers。Thefather，withagrandsimplicity，eitherspokeofwhatinterestedhimself，ormaintainedanunaffectedsilence。Thesonturnedinhisheadforsometopicthatshouldbequitesafe，thatwouldsparehimfreshevidenceseitherofmylord’sinherentgrossnessoroftheinnocenceofhisinhumanity;
treadinggingerlythewaysofintercourse，likealadygatheringupherskirtsinaby-path。Ifhemadeamistake，andmylordbegantoaboundinmatterofoffence，Archiedrewhimselfup，hisbrowgrewdark，hisshareofthetalkexpired;butmylordwouldfaithfullyandcheerfullycontinuetopourouttheworstofhimselfbeforehissilentandoffendedson。
"Well，it’sapoorhertthatneverrejoices！"hewouldsay，attheconclusionofsuchanightmareinterview。"ButImustgettomyplew-
stilts。"Andhewouldsecludehimselfasusualinhisbackroom，andArchiegoforthintothenightandthecityquiveringwithanimosityandscorn。
CHAPTERIII-INTHEMATTEROFTHEHANGINGOFDUNCANJOPP
ITchancedintheyear1813thatArchiestrayedonedayintotheJusticiaryCourt。Themacermaderoomforthesonofthepresidingjudge。Inthedock，thecentreofmen’seyes，therestoodawhey-
coloured，misbegottencaitiff，DuncanJopp，ontrialforhislife。Hisstory，asitwasrakedoutbeforehiminthatpublicscene，wasoneofdisgraceandviceandcowardice，theverynakednessofcrime;andthecreatureheardanditseemedattimesasthoughheunderstood-asifattimesheforgotthehorroroftheplacehestoodin，andrememberedtheshameofwhathadbroughthimthere。Hekepthisheadbowedandhishandsclutchedupontherail;hishairdroppedinhiseyesandattimesheflungitback;andnowheglancedabouttheaudienceinasuddenfellnessofterror，andnowlookedinthefaceofhisjudgeandgulped。
Therewaspinnedabouthisthroatapieceofdingyflannel;andthisitwasperhapsthatturnedthescaleinArchie’smindbetweendisgustandpity。Thecreaturestoodinavanishingpoint;yetalittlewhile，andhewasstillaman，andhadeyesandapprehension;yetalittlelonger，andwithalastsordidpieceofpageantry，hewouldceasetobe。Andhere，inthemeantime，withatraitofhumannaturethatcaughtatthebeholder’sbreath，hewastendingasorethroat。
Overagainsthim，myLordHermistonoccupiedthebenchintheredrobesofcriminaljurisdiction，hisfaceframedinthewhitewig。Honestallthrough，hedidnotaffectthevirtueofimpartiality;thiswasnocaseforrefinement;therewasamantobehanged，hewouldhavesaid，andhewashanginghim。Norwasitpossibletoseehislordship，andacquithimofgustointhetask。Itwasplainhegloriedintheexerciseofhistrainedfaculties，intheclearsightwhichpiercedatonceintothejointoffact，intherude，unvarnishedgibeswithwhichhedemolishedeveryfigmentofdefence。Hetookhiseaseandjested，unbendinginthatsolemnplacewithsomeofthefreedomofthetavern;andtheragofmanwiththeflannelroundhisneckwashuntedgallowswardwithjeers。
Duncanhadamistress，scarcelessforlornandgreatlyolderthanhimself，whocameup，whimperingandcurtseying，toaddtheweightofherbetrayal。Mylordgavehertheoathinhismostroaringvoice，andaddedanintolerantwarning。
"Mindwhatyesaynow，Janet，"saidhe。"Ihaveane’euponye，I’milltojestwith。"
Presently，aftershewastremblinglyembarkedonherstory，"Andwhatmadeyedothis，yeauldrunt？"theCourtinterposed。"Doyemeantotellmeyewasthepanel’smistress？"
"Ifyouplease，maloard，"whinedthefemale。
"Godsake！yemadeabonnycouple，"observedhislordship;andtherewassomethingsoformidableandferociousinhisscornthatnoteventhegalleriesthoughttolaugh。
Thesummingupcontainedsomejewels。
"Thesetwopeetiablecreaturesseemtohavemadeupthegither，it’snotforustoexplainwhy。"-"Thepanel，who（whateverelsehemaybe）
appearstobeequallyillset-outinmindandboady。"-"Neitherthepanelnoryettheoldwifeappearstohavehadsomuchcommonsenseaseventotellaliewhenitwasnecessary。"Andinthecourseofsentencing，mylordhadthisOBITERDICTUM："Ihavebeenthemeans，underGod，ofhaangingagreatnumber，butneverjustsuchadisjaskitrascalasyourself。"Thewordswerestronginthemselves;thelightandheatanddetonationoftheirdelivery，andthesavagepleasureofthespeakerinhistask，madethemtingleintheears。
Whenallwasover，Archiecameforthagainintoachangedworld。Hadtherebeentheleastredeeminggreatnessinthecrime，anyobscurity，anydubiety，perhapshemighthaveunderstood。Buttheculpritstood，withhissorethroat，inthesweatofhismortalagony，withoutdefenceorexcuse：athingtocoverupwithblushes：abeingsomuchsunkbeneaththezonesofsympathythatpitymightseemharmless。Andthejudgehadpursuedhimwithamonstrous，relishinggaiety，horribletobeconceived，atraitfornightmares。Itisonethingtospearatiger，anothertocrushatoad;thereareaestheticsevenoftheslaughter-
house;andtheloathsomenessofDuncanJoppenvelopedandinfectedtheimageofhisjudge。
ArchiepassedbyhisfriendsintheHighStreetwithincoherentwordsandgestures。HesawHolyroodinadream，remembranceofitsromanceawokeinhimandfaded;hehadavisionoftheoldradiantstories，ofQueenMaryandPrinceCharlie，ofthehoodedstag，ofthesplendourandcrime，thevelvetandbrightironofthepast;anddismissedthemwithacryofpain。HelayandmoanedintheHunter’sBog，andtheheavensweredarkabovehimandthegrassofthefieldanoffence。"Thisismyfather，"hesaid。"Idrawmylifefromhim;thefleshuponmybonesishis，thebreadIamfedwithisthewagesofthesehorrors。"Herecalledhismother，andgroundhisforeheadintheearth。Hethoughtofflight，andwherewashetofleeto？ofotherlives，butwasthereanylifeworthlivinginthisdenofsavageandjeeringanimals？
Theintervalbeforetheexecutionwaslikeaviolentdream。Hemethisfather;hewouldnotlookathim，hecouldnotspeaktohim。Itseemedtherewasnolivingcreaturebutmusthavebeenswifttorecognisethatimminentanimosity;butthehideoftheJustice-Clerkremainedimpenetrable。Hadmylordbeentalkative，thetrucecouldneverhavesubsisted;buthewasbyfortuneinoneofhishumoursofsoursilence;
andundertheverygunsofhisbroadside，Archienursedtheenthusiasmofrebellion。Itseemedtohim，fromthetopofhisnineteenyears’
experience，asifheweremarkedatbirthtobetheperpetratorofsomesignalaction，tosetbackfallenMercy，tooverthrowtheusurpingdevilthatsat，hornedandhoofed，onherthrone。SeductiveJacobinfigments，whichhehadoftenrefutedattheSpeculative，swamupinhismindandstartledhimaswithvoices：andheseemedtohimselftowalkaccompaniedbyanalmosttangiblepresenceofnewbeliefsandduties。
Onthenamedmorninghewasattheplaceofexecution。Hesawthefleeringrabble，theflinchingwretchproduced。Helookedonforawhileatacertainparodyofdevotion，whichseemedtostripthewretchofhislastclaimtomanhood。Thenfollowedthebrutalinstantofextinction，andthepaltrydanglingoftheremainslikeabrokenjumping-jack。Hehadbeenpreparedforsomethingterrible，notforthistragicmeanness。Hestoodamomentsilent，andthen-"IdenouncethisGod-defyingmurder，"heshouted;andhisfather，ifhemusthavedisclaimedthesentiment，mighthaveownedthestentorianvoicewithwhichitwasuttered。
FrankInnesdraggedhimfromthespot。Thetwohandsomeladsfollowedthesamecourseofstudyandrecreation，andfeltacertainmutualattraction，foundedmainlyongoodlooks。Ithadnevergonedeep;Frankwasbynatureathin，jeeringcreature，nottrulysusceptiblewhetheroffeelingorinspiringfriendship;andtherelationbetweenthepairwasaltogetherontheoutside，athingofcommonknowledgeandthepleasantriesthatspringfromacommonacquaintance。ThemorecredittoFrankthathewasappalledbyArchie’soutburst，andatleastconceivedthedesignofkeepinghiminsight，and，ifpossible，inhand，fortheday。ButArchie，whohadjustdefied-wasitGodorSatan？-wouldnotlistentothewordofacollegecompanion。
"Iwillnotgowithyou，"hesaid。"Idonotdesireyourcompany，sir;
Iwouldbealone。"
"Here，Weir，man，don’tbeabsurd，"saidInnes，keepingatightholduponhissleeve。"IwillnotletyougountilIknowwhatyoumeantodowithyourself;it’snousebrandishingthatstaff。"ForindeedatthatmomentArchiehadmadeasudden-perhapsawarlike-movement。
"Thishasbeenthemostinsaneaffair;youknowithas。YouknowverywellthatI’mplayingthegoodSamaritan。AllIwishistokeepyouquiet。"
"Ifquietnessiswhatyouwish，Mr。Innes，"saidArchie，"andyouwillpromisetoleavemeentirelytomyself，Iwilltellyousomuch，thatI
amgoingtowalkinthecountryandadmirethebeautiesofnature。"
"Honourbright？"askedFrank。
"Iamnotinthehabitoflying，Mr。Innes，"retortedArchie。"Ihavethehonourofwishingyougood-day。"
"Youwon’tforgettheSpec。？"askedInnes。
"TheSpec。？"saidArchie。"Ono，Iwon’tforgettheSpec。"
Andtheoneyoungmancarriedhistorturedspiritforthofthecityandallthedaylong，byoneroadandanother，inanendlesspilgrimageofmisery;whiletheotherhastenedsmilinglytospreadthenewsofWeir’saccessofinsanity，andtodrumupforthatnightafullattendanceattheSpeculative，wherefurthereccentricdevelopmentsmightcertainlybelookedfor。IdoubtifInneshadtheleastbeliefinhisprediction;I
thinkitflowedratherfromawishtomakethestoryasgoodandthescandalasgreataspossible;notfromanyill-willtoArchie-fromthemerepleasureofbeholdinginterestedfaces。Butforallthathiswordswereprophetic。ArchiedidnotforgettheSpec。;heputinanappearancethereattheduetime，and，beforetheeveningwasover，haddealtamemorableshocktohiscompanions。Itchancedhewasthepresidentofthenight。HesatinthesameroomwheretheSocietystillmeets-onlytheportraitswerenotthere：themenwhoafterwardssatforthemwerethenbutbeginningtheircareer。Thesamelustreofmanytaperssheditslightoverthemeeting;thesamechair，perhaps，supportedhimthatsomanyofushavesatinsince。Attimesheseemedtoforgetthebusinessoftheevening，butevenintheseperiodshesatwithagreatairofenergyanddetermination。Attimeshemeddledbitterly，andlaunchedwithdefiancethosefineswhicharethepreciousandrarelyusedartilleryofthepresident。Helittlethought，ashedidso，howheresembledhisfather，buthisfriendsremarkeduponit，chuckling。Sofar，inhishighplaceabovehisfellow-students，heseemedsetbeyondthepossibilityofanyscandal;buthismindwasmadeup-hewasdeterminedtofulfilthesphereofhisoffence。HesignedtoInnes（whomhehadjustfined，andwhojustimpeachedhisruling）tosucceedhiminthechair，steppeddownfromtheplatform，andtookhisplacebythechimney-piece，theshineofmanywaxtapersfromaboveilluminatinghispaleface，theglowofthegreatredfirerelievingfrombehindhisslimfigure。Hehadtopropose，asanamendmenttothenextsubjectinthecase-book，"WhethercapitalpunishmentbeconsistentwithGod’swillorman’spolicy？"
Abreathofembarrassment，ofsomethinglikealarm，passedroundtheroom，sodaringdidthesewordsappearuponthelipsofHermiston’sonlyson。Buttheamendmentwasnotseconded;thepreviousquestionwaspromptlymovedandunanimouslyvoted，andthemomentaryscandalsmuggledby。Innestriumphedinthefulfilmentofhisprophecy。HeandArchiewerenowbecometheheroesofthenight;butwhereaseveryonecrowdedaboutInnes，whenthemeetingbrokeup，butoneofallhiscompanionscametospeaktoArchie。
"Weir，man！Thatwasanextraordinaryraidofyours！"observedthiscourageousmember，takinghimconfidentiallybythearmastheywentout。
"Idon’tthinkitaraid，"saidArchiegrimly。"Morelikeawar。I
sawthatpoorbrutehangedthismorning，andmygorgerisesatityet。"
"Hut-tut，"returnedhiscompanion，and，droppinghisarmlikesomethinghot，hesoughtthelesstensesocietyofothers。
Archiefoundhimselfalone。Thelastofthefaithful-orwasitonlytheboldestofthecurious？-hadfled。Hewatchedtheblackhuddleofhisfellow-studentsdrawoffdownandupthestreet，inwhisperingorboisterousgangs。Andtheisolationofthemomentweigheduponhimlikeanomenandanemblemofhisdestinyinlife。Bredupinunbrokenfearhimself，amongtremblingservants，andinahousewhich（attheleastruffleinthemaster’svoice）shudderedintosilence，hesawhimselfonthebrinkoftheredvalleyofwar，andmeasuredthedangerandlengthofitwithawe。Hemadeadetourintheglimmerandshadowofthestreets，cameintothebackstablelane，andwatchedforalongwhilethelightburnsteadyintheJudge’sroom。Thelongerhegazeduponthatilluminatedwindow-blind，themoreblankbecamethepictureofthemanwhosatbehindit，endlesslyturningoversheetsofprocess，pausingtosipaglassofport，orrisingandpassingheavilyabouthisbook-
linedwallstoverifysomereference。Hecouldnotcombinethebrutaljudgeandtheindustrious，dispassionatestudent;theconnectinglinkescapedhim;fromsuchadualnature，itwasimpossibleheshouldpredictbehaviour;andheaskedhimselfifhehaddonewelltoplungeintoabusinessofwhichtheendcouldnotbeforeseen？andpresentlyafter，withasickeningdeclineofconfidence，ifhehaddoneloyallytostrikehisfather？Forhehadstruckhim-defiedhimtwiceoverandbeforeacloudofwitnesses-struckhimapublicbuffetbeforecrowds。
Whohadcalledhimtojudgehisfatherintheseprecariousandhighquestions？Theofficewasusurped。Itmighthavebecomeastranger;inason-therewasnoblinkingit-inason，itwasdisloyal。Andnow，betweenthesetwonaturessoantipathetic，sohatefultoeachother，therewasdependinganunpardonableaffront：andtheprovidenceofGodalonemightforeseethemannerinwhichitwouldberesentedbyLordHermiston。
Thesemisgivingstorturedhimallnightandarosewithhiminthewinter’smorning;theyfollowedhimfromclasstoclass，theymadehimshrinkinglysensitivetoeveryshadeofmannerinhiscompanions，theysoundedinhisearsthroughthecurrentvoiceoftheprofessor;andhebroughtthemhomewithhimatnightunabatedandindeedincreased。ThecauseofthisincreaselayinachanceencounterwiththecelebratedDr。
Gregory。Archiestoodlookingvaguelyinthelightedwindowofabookshop，tryingtonervehimselffortheapproachingordeal。Mylordandhehadmetandpartedinthemorningastheyhadnowdoneforlong，withscarcelytheordinarycivilitiesoflife;anditwasplaintothesonthatnothinghadyetreachedthefather’sears。Indeed，whenherecalledtheawfulcountenanceofmylord，atimidhopesprangupinhimthatperhapstherewouldbefoundnooneboldenoughtocarrytales。Ifthiswereso，heaskedhimself，wouldhebeginagain？andhefoundnoanswer。Itwasatthismomentthatahandwaslaiduponhisarm，andavoicesaidinhisear，"MydearMr。Archie，youhadbettercomeandseeme。"
Hestarted，turnedround，andfoundhimselffacetofacewithDr。
Gregory。"AndwhyshouldIcometoseeyou？"heasked，withthedefianceofthemiserable。
"Becauseyouarelookingexceedinglyill，"saidthedoctor，"andyouveryevidentlywantlookingafter，myyoungfriend。Goodfolkarescarce，youknow;anditisnoteveryonethatwouldbequitesomuchmissedasyourself。ItisnoteveryonethatHermistonwouldmiss。"
Andwithanodandasmile，thedoctorpassedon。
Amomentafter，Archiewasinpursuit，andhadinturn，butmoreroughly，seizedhimbythearm。
"Whatdoyoumean？whatdidyoumeanbysayingthat？WhatmakesyouthinkthatHermis-myfatherwouldhavemissedme？"
Thedoctorturnedaboutandlookedhimalloverwithaclinicaleye。A
farmorestupidmanthanDr。Gregorymighthaveguessedthetruth;butninety-nineoutofahundred，eveniftheyhadbeenequallyinclinedtokindness，wouldhaveblunderedbysometouchofcharitableexaggeration。
Thedoctorwasbetterinspired。Heknewthefatherwell;inthatwhitefaceofintelligenceandsuffering，hedivinedsomethingoftheson;andhetold，withoutapologyoradornment，theplaintruth。
"Whenyouhadthemeasles，Mr。Archibald，youhadthemgeyandill;andIthoughtyouweregoingtoslipbetweenmyfingers，"hesaid。"Well，yourfatherwasanxious。HowdidIknowit？saysyou。SimplybecauseI
amatrainedobserver。ThesignthatIsawhimmake，tenthousandwouldhavemissed;andperhaps-PERHAPS，Isay，becausehe’sahardmantojudgeof-butperhapshenevermadeanother。Astrangethingtoconsider！Itwasthis。OnedayIcametohim：`Hermiston，’saidI，`there’sachange。’Heneversaidaword，justgloweredatme（ifye’llpardonthephrase）likeawildbeast。`Achangeforthebetter，’saidI。AndIdistinctlyheardhimtakehisbreath。"
Thedoctorleftnoopportunityforanti-climax;noddinghiscockedhat（apieceofantiquitytowhichheclung）andrepeating"Distinctly"withraisedeye-brows，hetookhisdeparture，andleftArchiespeechlessinthestreet。
Theanecdotemightbecalledinfinitelylittle，andyetitsmeaningforArchiewasimmense。"Ididnotknowtheoldmanhadsomuchbloodinhim。"Hehadneverdreamedthissireofhis，thisaboriginalantique，thisadamantineAdam，hadevensomuchofaheartastobemovedintheleastdegreeforanother-andthatotherhimself，whohadinsultedhim！
Withthegenerosityofyouth，Archiewasinstantlyunderarmsupontheotherside：hadinstantlycreatedanewimageofLordHermiston，thatofamanwhowasallironwithoutandallsensibilitywithin。Themindofthevilejester，thetonguethathadpursuedDuncanJoppwithunmanlyinsults，theunbelovedcountenancethathehadknownandfearedforsolong，wereallforgotten;andhehastenedhome，impatienttoconfesshismisdeeds，impatienttothrowhimselfonthemercyofthisimaginarycharacter。
Hewasnottobelongwithoutarudeawakening。Itwasinthegloamingwhenhedrewnearthedoor-stepofthelightedhouse，andwasawareofthefigureofhisfatherapproachingfromtheoppositeside。Littledaylightlingered;butonthedoorbeingopened，thestrongyellowshineofthelampgushedoutuponthelandingandshonefullonArchie，ashestood，intheold-fashionedobservanceofrespect，toyieldprecedence。
Thejudgecamewithouthaste，steppingstatelyandfirm;hischinraised，hisface（asheenteredthelamplight）stronglyillumined，hismouthsethard。Therewasneverawinkofchangeinhisexpression;
withoutlookingtotherightorleft，hemountedthestair，passedclosetoArchie，andenteredthehouse。Instinctively，theboy，uponhisfirstcoming，hadmadeamovementtomeethim;instinctivelyherecoiledagainsttherailing，astheoldmansweptbyhiminapompofindignation。Wordswereneedless;heknewall-perhapsmorethanall-
andthehourofjudgmentwasathand。
Itispossiblethat，inthissuddenrevulsionofhope，andbeforethesesymptomsofimpendingdanger，Archiemighthavefled。Butnoteventhatwaslefttohim。Mylord，afterhanginguphiscloakandhat，turnedroundinthelightedentry，andmadehimanimperativeandsilentgesturewithhisthumb，andwiththestrangeinstinctofobedience，Archiefollowedhimintothehouse。
Alldinner-timetherereignedovertheJudge’stableapalpablesilence，andassoonasthesolidsweredespatchedherosetohisfeet。
"M’Killup，tak’thewineintomyroom，"saidhe;andthentohisson：
"Archie，youandmehastohaveatalk。"
ItwasatthissickeningmomentthatArchie’scourage，forthefirstandlasttime，entirelydesertedhim。"Ihaveanappointment，"saidhe。
"It’llhavetobebroken，then，"saidHermiston，andledthewayintohisstudy。
Thelampwasshaded，thefiretrimmedtoanicety，thetablecovereddeepwithorderlydocuments，thebacksoflawbooksmadeaframeuponallsidesthatwasonlybrokenbythewindowandthedoors。
ForamomentHermistonwarmedhishandsatthefire，presentinghisbacktoArchie;thensuddenlydisclosedonhimtheterrorsoftheHangingFace。
"What’sthisIhearofye？"heasked。
TherewasnoanswerpossibletoArchie。
"I’llhavetotellye，then，"pursuedHermiston。"Itseemsye’vebeenskirtingagainstthefatherthatbegotye，andoneofhisMaijesty’sJudgesinthisland;andthatinthepublicstreet，andwhileanorderoftheCourtwasbeingexecutit。Forbyewhich，itwouldappearthatye’vebeenairingyouropeenionsinaCoallegeDebatin’Society";hepausedamoment：andthen，withextraordinarybitterness，added："Yedamnedeediot。"
"Ihadmeanttotellyou，"stammeredArchie。"Iseeyouarewellinformed。"
"Muckleobleegedtoye，"saidhislordship，andtookhisusualseat。
"AndsoyoudisapproveofCaapitalPunishment？"headded。
"Iamsorry，sir，Ido，"saidArchie。
"Iamsorry，too，"saidhislordship。"Andnow，ifyouplease，weshallapproachthisbusinesswithalittlemoreparteecularity。IhearthatatthehangingofDuncanJopp-and，man！yehadafineclientthere-
inthemiddleofalltheriff-raffoftheceety，yethoughtfittocryout，`Thisisadamnedmurder，andmygorgerisesatthemanthathaangithim。’"
"No，sir，thesewerenotmywords，"criedArchie。
"Whatwereyerwords，then？"askedtheJudge。
"IbelieveIsaid，`Idenounceitasamurder！’"saidtheson。"Ibegyourpardon-aGod-defyingmurder。Ihavenowishtoconcealthetruth，"headded，andlookedhisfatherforamomentintheface。
"God，itwouldonlyneedthatofitnext！"criedHermiston。"Therewasnothingaboutyourgorgerising，then？"
"Thatwasafterwards，mylord，asIwasleavingtheSpeculative。IsaidIhadbeentoseethemiserablecreaturehanged，andmygorgeroseatit。"
"Didye，though？"saidHermiston。"AndIsupposeyeknewwhohaangithim？"
"Iwaspresentatthetrial，Ioughttotellyouthat，Ioughttoexplain。Iaskyourpardonbeforehandforanyexpressionthatmayseemundutiful。ThepositioninwhichIstandiswretched，"saidtheunhappyhero，nowfairlyfacetofacewiththebusinesshehadchosen。"Ihavebeenreadingsomeofyourcases。IwaspresentwhileJoppwastried。
Itwasahideousbusiness。Father，itwasahideousthing！Granthewasvile，whyshouldyouhunthimwithavilenessequaltohisown？Itwasdonewithglee-thatistheword-youdiditwithglee;andI
lookedon，Godhelpme！withhorror。"
"You’reayounggentlemanthatdoesnaapproveofCaapitalPunishment，"
saidHermiston。"Weel，I’manauldmanthatdoes。IwasgladtogetJopphaangit，andwhatforwouldIpretendIwasna？You’reallforhonesty，itseems;youcouldn’tevensteikyourmouthonthepublicstreet。WhatforshouldIsteikminesuponthebench，theKing’sofficer，bearingthesword，adreidtoevil-doers，asIwasfromthebeginning，andasIwillbetotheend！Mairthanenoughofit！
Heedious！Inevergavetwathoughtstoheediousness，Ihavenocalltobebonny。I’mamanthatgetsthroughwithmyday’sbusiness，andletthatsuffice。"
Theringofsarcasmhaddiedoutofhisvoiceashewenton;theplainwordsbecameinvestedwithsomeofthedignityoftheJustice-seat。
"Itwouldbetellingyouifyoucouldsayasmuch，"thespeakerresumed。
"Butyecannot。Ye’vebeenreadingsomeofmycases，yesay。Butitwasnotforthelawinthem，itwastospyoutyourfaither’snakedness，afineemploymentinason。You’resplairging;you’rerunningatlairgeinlifelikeawildnowt。It’simpossibleyoushouldthinkanylongerofcomingtotheBar。You’renotfitforit;nosplairgeris。Andanotherthing：sonofminesornosonofmines，youhaveflungfylementinpublicononeoftheSenatorsoftheCoallegeofJustice，andIwouldmakeitmybusinesstoseethatyewereneveradmittedthereyourself。
Thereisakindofadecencytobeobservit。Thencomesthenextofit-whatamItodowithyenext？Ye’llhavetofindsomekindofatrade，forI’llneversupportyeinidleset。Whatdoyefancyye’llbefitfor？Thepulpit？Na，theycouldnevergetdiveenityintothatbloackhead。HimthatthelawofmanwhammlesisnolikelytodomucklebetterbythelawofGod。Whatwouldyemakeofhell？Wouldnayourgorgeriseatthat？Na，there’snoroomforsplairgersunderthefowerquartersofJohnCalvin。Whatelseisthere？Speakup。Haveyegotnothingofyourown？"
"Father，letmegotothePeninsula，"saidArchie。"That’sallI’mfitfor-tofight。"
"All？quo’he！"returnedtheJudge。"Anditwouldbeenoughtoo，ifI
thoughtit。ButI’llnevertrustyesoneartheFrench，youthat’ssoFrenchi-feed。"
"Youdomeinjusticethere，sir，"saidArchie。"Iamloyal;Iwillnotboast;butanyinterestImayhaveeverfeltintheFrench-"
"Haveyebeensoloyaltome？"interruptedhisfather。
Therecamenoreply。
"Ithinknot，"continuedHermiston。"AndIwouldsendnomantobeaservanttotheKing，Godblesshim！thathasprovedsuchashauchlingsontohisownfaither。YoucansplairgehereonEdinburghstreet，andwhere’sthehairm？Itdoesnaplaybuffonme！Andifthereweretwentythousandeediotslikeyourself，sorrowaDuncanJoppwouldhangthefewer。Butthere’snosplairgingpossibleinacamp;andifyeweretogotoit，youwouldfindoutforyourselfwhetherLordWell’n’tonapprovesofcaapitalpunishmentornot。Youasodger！"hecried，withasuddenburstofscorn。"Yeauldwife，thesodgerswouldbrayatyelikecuddies！"
Asatthedrawingofacurtain，Archiewasawareofsomeillogicalityinhisposition，andstoodabashed。Hehadastrongimpression，besides，oftheessentialvalouroftheoldgentlemanbeforehim，howconveyeditwouldbehardtosay。
"Well，haveyenootherproposeetion？"saidmylordagain。
"Youhavetakenthissocalmly，sir，thatIcannotbutstandashamed，"
beganArchie。
"I’mnearervoamiting，though，thanyouwouldfancy，"saidmylord。
ThebloodrosetoArchie’sbrow。
"Ibegyourpardon，Ishouldhavesaidthatyouhadacceptedmyaffront……Iadmititwasanaffront;Ididnotthinktoapologise，butIdo，Iaskyourpardon;itwillnotbesoagain，Ipassyoumywordofhonour……IshouldhavesaidthatIadmiredyourmagnanimitywith-
this-offender，"Archieconcludedwithagulp。
"Ihavenootherson，yesee，"saidHermiston。"AbonnyoneIhavegotten！ButImustjustdothebestIcanwi’him，andwhatamItodo？
Ifyehadbeenyounger，Iwouldhavewheepityeforthisrideeculousexhibeetion。Thewayitis，Ihavejusttogrinandbear。Butonethingistobeclearlyunderstood。Asafaither，Imustgrinandbearit;butifIhadbeentheLordAdvocateinsteadoftheLordJustice-
Clerk，sonornoson，Mr。ErchibaldWeirwouldhavebeeninajylethenight。"
Archiewasnowdominated。LordHermistonwascoarseandcruel;andyetthesonwasawareofabloomlessnobility，anungraciousabnegationoftheman’sselfintheman’soffice。Ateveryword，thissenseofthegreatnessofLordHermiston’sspiritstruckmorehome;andalongwithitthatofhisownimpotence，whohadstruck-andperhapsbaselystruck-
athisownfather，andnotreachedsofarastohaveevennettledhim。
"Iplacemyselfinyourhandswithoutreserve，"hesaid。
"That’sthefirstsensiblewordI’vehadofyethenight，"saidHermiston。"Icantellye，thatwouldhavebeentheendofit，theonewayortheother;butit’sbetteryeshouldcomethereyourself，thanwhatIwouldhavehadtohirstleye。Weel，bymywayofit-andmywayisthebest-there’sjusttheonethingit’spossiblethatyemightbewithdecency，andthat’salaird。Ye’llbeoutofhairm’swayattheleastofit。Ifyehavetorowt，yecanrowtamangthekye;andthemaistfeckofthecaapitalpunishmeiitye’reliketocomeacross’llbeguddlingtrouts。Now，I’mfornoidlelairdies;everymanhastowork，ifit’sonlyatpeddlingballants;towork，ortobewheeped，ortobehaangit。IfIsetyedownatHermistonI’llhavetoseeyouworkthatplacethewayithasneverbeenworkityet;yemustkenaboutthesheeplikeaherd;yemustbemygrievethere，andI’llseethatIgainbyye。
Isthatunderstood？"
"Iwilldomybest，"saidArchie。
"Well，then，I’llsendKirstiewordthemorn，andyecangoyourselfthedayafter，"saidHermiston。"Andjusttrytobelessofaneediot！"heconcludedwithafreezingsmile，andturnedimmediatelytothepapersonhisdesk。
CHAPTERIV-OPINIONSOFTHEBENCH
LATEthesamenight，afteradisorderedwalk，ArchiewasadmittedintoLordGlenalmond’sdining-room，wherehesatwithabookuponhisknee，besidethreefrugalcoalsoffire。Inhisrobesuponthebench，Glenalmondhadacertainairofburliness：pluckedofthese，itwasamay-poleofamanthatroseunsteadilyfromhischairtogivehisvisitorwelcome。Archiehadsufferedmuchinthelastdays，hehadsufferedagainthatevening;hisfacewaswhiteanddrawn，hiseyeswildanddark。ButLordGlenalmondgreetedhimwithouttheleastmarkofsurpriseorcuriosity。
"Comein，comein，"saidhe。"Comeinandtakeaseat。Carstairs"（tohisservant），"makeupthefire，andthenyoucanbringabitofsupper，"andagaintoArchie，withaverytrivialaccent："Iwashalfexpectingyou，"headded。
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