"Ishouldlikeyoutotakeit，"returnedPhoebewithapersuasivesmile，"fortheloveofthatlittlepresentwhichmusteverbesodeartome。Ishouldlikeyoutotakeit，becausethatroadcanneverbeagainlikeanyotherroadtome。Ishouldlikeyoutotakeit，inremembranceofyourhavingdonemesomuchgood：ofyourhavingmademesomuchhappier！Ifyouleavemebytheroadyoutravelledwhenyouwenttodomethisgreatkindness，"soundingafaintchordasshespoke，"Ishallfeel，lyingherewatchingatmywindow，asifitmustconductyoutoaprosperousend，andbringyoubacksomeday。"
"Itshallbedone，mydear；itshallbedone。"
SoatlastthegentlemanforNowheretookaticketforSomewhere，andhisdestinationwasthegreatingenioustown。
HehadloiteredsolongabouttheJunctionthatitwastheeighteenthofDecemberwhenheleftit。"Hightime，"hereflected，asheseatedhimselfinthetrain，"thatIstartedinearnest！OnlyonecleardayremainsbetweenmeandthedayIamrunningawayfrom。
I’llpushonwardforthehill-countryto-morrow。I’llgotoWales。"
Itwaswithsomepainsthatheplacedbeforehimselftheundeniableadvantagestobegainedinthewayofnoveloccupationforhissensesfrommistymountains，swollenstreams，rain，cold，awildseashore，andruggedroads。Andyethescarcelymadethemoutasdistinctlyashecouldhavewished。Whetherthepoorgirl，inspiteofhernewresource，hermusic，wouldhaveanyfeelingoflonelinessuponhernow——justatfirst——thatshehadnothadbefore；whethershesawthoseverypuffsofsteamandsmokethathesaw，ashesatinthetrainthinkingofher；whetherherfacewouldhaveanypensiveshadowonitastheydiedoutofthedistantviewfromherwindow；whether，intellinghimhehaddonehersomuchgood，shehadnotunconsciouslycorrectedhisoldmoodybemoaningofhisstationinlife，bysettinghimthinkingthatamanmightbeagreathealer，ifhewould，andyetnotbeagreatdoctor；theseandothersimilarmeditationsgotbetweenhimandhisWelshpicture。Therewaswithinhim，too，thatdullsenseofvacuitywhichfollowsseparationfromanobjectofinterest，andcessationofapleasantpursuit；andthissense，beingquitenewtohim，madehimrestless。
Further，inlosingMugbyJunction，hehadfoundhimselfagain；andhewasnotthemoreenamouredofhimselfforhavinglatelypassedhistimeinbettercompany。
Butsurelyhere，notfarahead，mustbethegreatingenioustown。
Thiscrashingandclashingthatthetrainwasundergoing，andthiscouplingontoitofamultitudeofnewechoes，couldmeannothinglessthanapproachtothegreatstation。Itdidmeannothingless。
Aftersomestormyflashesoftownlightning，inthewayofswiftrevelationsofredbrickblocksofhouses，highredbrickchimney-
shafts，vistasofredbrickrailwayarches，tonguesoffire，blocksofsmoke，valleysofcanal，andhillsifcoal，therecamethethunderinginatthejourney’send。
Havingseenhisportmanteaussafelyhousedinthehotelhechose，andhavingappointedhisdinnerhour，BarboxBrotherswentoutforawalkinthebusystreets。AndnowitbegantobesuspectedbyhimthatMugbyJunctionwasaJunctionofmanybranches，invisibleaswellasvisible，andhadjoinedhimtoanendlessnumberofby-ways。
For，whereashewould，butalittlewhileago，havewalkedthesestreetsblindlybrooding，henowhadeyesandthoughtsforanewexternalworld。Howthemanytoilingpeoplelived，andloved，anddied；howwonderfulitwastoconsiderthevarioustrainingsofeyeandhand，thenicedistinctionsofsightandtouch，thatseparatedthemintoclassesofworkers，andevenintoclassesofworkersatsubdivisionsofonecompletewholewhichcombinedtheirmanyintelligencesandforces，thoughofitselfbutsomecheapobjectofuseorornamentincommonlife；howgooditwastoknowthatsuchassemblinginamultitudeontheirpart，andsuchcontributionoftheirseveraldexteritiestowardsacivilisingend，didnotdeterioratethemasitwasthefashionofthesuperciliousMayfliesofhumanitytopretend，butengenderedamongthemaself-respect，andyetamodestdesiretobemuchwiserthantheywere（thefirstevincedintheirwell-balancedbearingandmannerofspeechwhenhestoppedtoaskaquestion；thesecond，intheannouncementsoftheirpopularstudiesandamusementsonthepublicwalls）；theseconsiderations，andahostofsuch，madehiswalkamemorableone。
"Itooambutalittlepartofagreatwhole，"hebegantothink；
"andtobeserviceabletomyselfandothers，ortobehappy，Imustcastmyinterestinto，anddrawitoutof，thecommonstock。"
Althoughhehadarrivedathisjourney’sendforthedaybynoon，hehadsinceinsensiblywalkedaboutthetownsofarandsolongthatthelamp-lighterswerenowattheirworkinthestreets，andtheshopsweresparklingupbrilliantly。Thusremindedtoturntowardshisquarters，hewasintheactofdoingso，whenaverylittlehandcreptintohis，andaverylittlevoicesaid：
"Oh！ifyouplease，Iamlost！"
Helookeddown，andsawaverylittlefair-hairedgirl。
"Yes，"shesaid，confirmingherwordswithaseriousnod。"Iamindeed。Iamlost！"
Greatlyperplexed，hestopped，lookedabouthimforhelp，descriednone，andsaid，bendinglow。
"Wheredoyoulive，mychild？"
"Idon’tknowwhereIlive，"shereturned。"Iamlost。"
"Whatisyourname？"
"Polly。"
"Whatisyourothername？"
Thereplywasprompt，butunintelligible。
Imitatingthesoundashecaughtit，hehazardedtheguess，"Trivits。"
"Ohno！"saidthechild，shakingherhead。"Nothinglikethat。"
"Sayitagain，littleone。"
Anunpromisingbusiness。Forthistimeithadquiteadifferentsound。
Hemadetheventure，"Paddens？"
"Ohno！"saidthechild。"Nothinglikethat。"
"Oncemore。Letustryitagain，dear。"
Amosthopelessbusiness。Thistimeitswelledintofoursyllables。
"Itcan’tbeTappitarver？"saidBarboxBrothers，rubbinghisheadwithhishatindiscomfiture。
"No！Itain’t，"thechildquietlyassented。
Onhertryingthisunfortunatenameoncemore，withextraordinaryeffortsatdistinctness，itswelledintoeightsyllablesatleast。
"Ah！Ithink，"saidBarboxBrotherswithadesperateairofresignation，"thatwehadbettergiveitup。"
"ButIamlost，"saidthechild，nestlingherlittlehandmorecloselyinhis，"andyou’lltakecareofme，won’tyou？"
Ifeveramanweredisconcertedbydivisionbetweencompassionontheonehand，andtheveryimbecilityofirresolutionontheother，herethemanwas。"Lost！"herepeated，lookingdownatthechild。
"IamsureIam。Whatistobedone？"
"Wheredoyoulive？"askedthechild，lookingupathimwistfully。
"Overthere，"heanswered，pointingvaguelyinthedirectionofhishotel。
"Hadn’twebettergothere？"saidthechild。
"Really，"hereplied，"Idon’tknowbutwhatwehad。"
Sotheysetoff，hand-in-hand。He，throughcomparisonofhimselfagainsthislittlecompanion，withaclumsyfeelingonhimasifhehadjustdevelopedintoafoolishgiant。She，clearlyelevatedinherowntinyopinionbyhavinggothimsoneatlyoutofhisembarrassment。
"Wearegoingtohavedinnerwhenwegetthere，Isuppose？"saidPolly。
"Well，"herejoined，"I——Yes，Isupposeweare。"
"Doyoulikeyourdinner？"askedthechild。
"Why，onthewhole，"saidBarboxBrothers，"yes，IthinkIdo。"
"Idomine，"saidPolly。"Haveyouanybrothersandsisters？"
"No。Haveyou？"
"Minearedead。"
"Oh！"saidBarboxBrothers。Withthatabsurdsenseofunwieldinessofmindandbodyweighinghimdown，hewouldhavenotknownhowtopursuetheconversationbeyondthiscurtrejoinder，butthatthechildwasalwaysreadyforhim。
"What，"sheasked，turninghersofthandcoaxinglyinhis，"areyougoingtodotoamusemeafterdinner？"
"Uponmysoul，Polly，"exclaimedBarboxBrothers，verymuchataloss，"Ihavenottheslightestidea！"
"ThenItellyouwhat，"saidPolly。"Haveyougotanycardsatyourhouse？"
"Plenty，"saidBarboxBrothersinaboastfulvein。
"Verywell。ThenI’llbuildhouses，andyoushalllookatme。Youmustn’tblow，youknow。"
"Ohno，"saidBarboxBrothers。"No，no，no。Noblowing。Blowing’snotfair。"
Heflatteredhimselfthathehadsaidthisprettywellforanidioticmonster；butthechild，instantlyperceivingtheawkwardnessofhisattempttoadapthimselftoherlevel，utterlydestroyedhishopefulopinionofhimselfbysayingcompassionately："Whatafunnymanyouare！"
Feeling，afterthismelancholyfailure，asifheeveryminutegrewbiggerandheavierinperson，andweakerinmind，Barboxgavehimselfupforabadjob。Nogianteversubmittedmoremeeklytobeledintriumphbyall-conqueringJackthanhetobeboundinslaverytoPolly。
"Doyouknowanystories？"sheaskedhim。
Hewasreducedtothehumiliatingconfession："No。"
"Whatadunceyoumustbe，mustn’tyou？"saidPolly。
Hewasreducedtothehumiliatingconfession："Yes。"
"Wouldyoulikemetoteachyouastory？Butyoumustrememberit，youknow，andbeabletotellitrighttosomebodyelseafterwards。"
Heprofessedthatitwouldaffordhimthehighestmentalgratificationtobetaughtastory，andthathewouldhumblyendeavourtoretainitinhismind。WhereuponPolly，givingherhandanewlittleturninhis，expressiveofsettlingdownforenjoyment，commencedalongromance，ofwhicheveryrelishingclausebeganwiththewords："Sothis，"or，"Andsothis。"As，"Sothisboy；"or，"Sothisfairy；"or，"Andsothispiewasfouryardsround，andtwoyardsandaquarterdeep。"Theinterestoftheromancewasderivedfromtheinterventionofthisfairytopunishthisboyforhavingagreedyappetite。Toachievewhichpurpose，thisfairymadethispie，andthisboyateandateandate，andhischeeksswelledandswelledandswelled。Thereweremanytributarycircumstances，buttheforcibleinterestculminatedinthetotalconsumptionofthispie，andtheburstingofthisboy。Trulyhewasafinesight，BarboxBrothers，withseriousattentiveface，andearbentdown，muchjostledonthepavementsofthebusytown，butafraidoflosingasingleincidentoftheepic，lestheshouldbeexaminedinitby-and-by，andfounddeficient。
Thustheyarrivedatthehotel。Andtherehehadtosayatthebar，andsaidawkwardlyenough；"Ihavefoundalittlegirl！"
Thewholeestablishmentturnedouttolookatthelittlegirl。
Nobodyknewher；nobodycouldmakeouthername，asshesetitforth——exceptonechamber-maid，whosaiditwasConstantinople——
whichitwasn’t。
"Iwilldinewithmyyoungfriendinaprivateroom，"saidBarboxBrotherstothehotelauthorities，"andperhapsyouwillbesogoodastoletthepoliceknowthattheprettybabyishere。Isupposesheissuretobeinquiredforsoon，ifshehasnotbeenalready。
Comealong，Polly。"
Perfectlyateaseandpeace，Pollycamealong，but，findingthestairsratherstiffwork，wascarriedupbyBarboxBrothers。Thedinnerwasamosttranscendantsuccess，andtheBarboxsheepishness，underPolly’sdirectionshowtomincehermeatforher，andhowtodiffusegravyovertheplatewithaliberalandequalhand，wasanotherfinesight。
"Andnow，"saidPolly，"whileweareatdinner，youbegood，andtellmethatstoryItaughtyou。"
WiththetremorsofaCivilServiceexaminationuponhim，andveryuncertainindeed，notonlyastotheepochatwhichthepieappearedinhistory，butalsoastothemeasurementsofthatindispensablefact，BarboxBrothersmadeashakybeginning，butunderencouragementdidveryfairly。Therewasawantofbreadthobservableinhisrenderingofthecheeks，aswellastheappetite，oftheboy；andtherewasacertaintamenessinhisfairy，referabletoanunder-currentofdesiretoaccountforher。Still，asthefirstlumberingperformanceofagood-humouredmonster，itpassedmuster。
"Itoldyoutobegood，"saidPolly，"andyouaregood，ain’tyou？"
"Ihopeso，"repliedBarboxBrothers。
SuchwashisdeferencethatPolly，elevatedonaplatformofsofacushionsinachairathisrighthand，encouragedhimwithapatortwoonthefacefromthegreasybowlofherspoon，andevenwithagraciouskiss。Ingettingonherfeetuponherchair，however，togivehimthislastreward，shetoppledforwardamongthedishes，andcausedhimtoexclaim，asheeffectedherrescue："GraciousAngels！
Whew！Ithoughtwewereinthefire，Polly！"
"Whatacowardyouare，ain’tyou？"saidPollywhenreplaced。
"Yes，Iamrathernervous，"hereplied。"Whew！Don’t，Polly！
Don’tflourishyourspoon，oryou’llgooversideways。Don’ttiltupyourlegswhenyoulaugh，Polly，oryou’llgooverbackwards。
Whew！Polly，Polly，Polly，"saidBarboxBrothers，nearlysuccumbingtodespair，"weareenvironedwithdangers！"
Indeed，hecoulddescrynosecurityfromthepitfallsthatwereyawningforPolly，butinproposingtoher，afterdinner，tosituponalowstool。"Iwill，ifyouwill，"saidPolly。So，aspeaceofmindshouldgobeforeall，hebeggedthewaitertowheelasidethetable，bringapackofcards，acoupleoffootstools，andascreen，andcloseinPollyandhimselfbeforethefire，asitwereinasnugroomwithintheroom。Then，finestsightofall，wasBarboxBrothersonhisfootstool，withapintdecanterontherug，contemplatingPollyasshebuiltsuccessfully，andgrowingblueinthefacewithholdinghisbreath，lestheshouldblowthehousedown。
"Howyoustare，don’tyou？"saidPollyinahouselesspause。
Detectedintheignoblefact，hefeltobligedtoadmit，apologetically：
"IamafraidIwaslookingratherhardatyou，Polly。"
"Whydoyoustare？"askedPolly。
"Icannot，"hemurmuredtohimself，"recallwhy。——Idon’tknow，Polly。"
"Youmustbeasimpletontodothingsandnotknowwhy，mustn’tyou？"saidPolly。
Inspiteofwhichreproof，helookedatthechildagainintently，asshebentherheadoverhercardstructure，herrichcurlsshadingherface。"Itisimpossible，"hethought，"thatIcaneverhaveseenthisprettybabybefore。CanIhavedreamedofher？Insomesorrowfuldream？"
Hecouldmakenothingofit。SohewentintothebuildingtradeasajourneymanunderPolly，andtheybuiltthreestorieshigh，fourstorieshigh；evenfive。
"Isay！Whodoyouthinkiscoming？"askedPolly，rubbinghereyesaftertea。
Heguessed："Thewaiter？"
"No，"saidPolly，"thedustman。Iamgettingsleepy。"
AnewembarrassmentforBarboxBrothers！
"Idon’tthinkIamgoingtobefetchedto-night，"saidPolly。
"Whatdoyouthink？"
Hethoughtnot，either。Afteranotherquarterofanhour，thedustmannotmerelyimpending，butactuallyarriving，recoursewashadtotheConstantinopolitanchamber-maid：whocheerilyundertookthatthechildshouldsleepinacomfortableandwholesomeroom，whichsheherselfwouldshare。
"AndIknowyouwillbecareful，won’tyou，"saidBarboxBrothers，asanewfeardawneduponhim，"thatshedon’tfalloutofbed？"
Pollyfoundthissohighlyentertainingthatshewasunderthenecessityofclutchinghimroundtheneckwithbotharmsashesatonhisfootstoolpickingupthecards，androckinghimtoandfro，withherdimpledchinonhisshoulder。
"Oh，whatacowardyouare，ain’tyou？"saidPolly。"Doyoufalloutofbed？"
"N——notgenerally，Polly。"
"NomoredoI。"
Withthat，Pollygavehimareassuringhugortwotokeephimgoing，andthengivingthatconfidingmiteofahandofherstobeswallowedupinthehandoftheConstantinopolitanchamber-maid，trottedoff，chattering，withoutavestigeofanxiety。
Helookedafterher，hadthescreenremovedandthetableandchairsreplaced，andstilllookedafterher。Hepacedtheroomforhalfanhour。"Amostengaginglittlecreature，butit’snotthat。Amostwinninglittlevoice，butit’snotthat。Thathasmuchtodowithit，butthereissomethingmore。HowcanitbethatIseemtoknowthischild？WhatwasitsheimperfectlyrecalledtomewhenIfelthertouchinthestreet，and，lookingdownather，sawherlookingupatme？"
"Mr。Jackson！"
Withastartheturnedtowardsthesoundofthesubduedvoice，andsawhisanswerstandingatthedoor。
"Oh，Mr。Jackson，donotbeseverewithme！Speakawordofencouragementtome，Ibeseechyou。"
"YouarePolly’smother。"
"Yes。"
Yes。Pollyherselfmightcometothis，oneday。Asyouseewhattherosewasinitsfadedleaves；asyouseewhatthesummergrowthofthewoodswasintheirwintrybranches；soPollymightbetraced，oneday，inacarewornwomanlikethis，withherhairturnedgrey。
Beforehimweretheashesofadeadfirethathadonceburnedbright。Thiswasthewomanhehadloved。Thiswasthewomanhehadlost。Suchhadbeentheconstancyofhisimaginationtoher，sohadTimesparedherunderitswithholding，thatnow，seeinghowroughlytheinexorablehandhadstruckher，hissoulwasfilledwithpityandamazement。
Heledhertoachair，andstoodleaningonacornerofthechimney-
piece，withhisheadrestingonhishand，andhisfacehalfaverted。
"Didyouseemeinthestreet，andshowmetoyourchild？"heasked。
"Yes。"
"Isthelittlecreature，then，apartytodeceit？"
"Ihopethereisnodeceit。Isaidtoher，’Wehavelostourway，andImusttrytofindminebymyself。Gotothatgentleman，andtellhimyouarelost。Youshallbefetchedby-and-by。’Perhapsyouhavenotthoughthowveryyoungsheis？"
"Sheisveryself-reliant。"
"Perhapsbecausesheissoyoung。"
Heasked，afterashortpause，"Whydidyoudothis？"
"Oh，Mr。Jackson，doyouaskme？Inthehopethatyoumightseesomethinginmyinnocentchildtosoftenyourhearttowardsme。Notonlytowardsme，buttowardsmyhusband。"
Hesuddenlyturnedabout，andwalkedtotheoppositeendoftheroom。Hecamebackagainwithaslowerstep，andresumedhisformerattitude，saying：
"IthoughtyouhademigratedtoAmerica？"
"Wedid。Butlifewentillwithusthere，andwecameback。"
"Doyouliveinthistown？"
"Yes。Iamadailyteacherofmusichere。Myhusbandisabook-
keeper。"
"Areyou——forgivemyasking——poor？"
"Weearnenoughforourwants。Thatisnotourdistress。Myhusbandisvery，veryillofalingeringdisorder。Hewillneverrecover——"
"Youcheckyourself。Ifitisforwantoftheencouragingwordyouspokeof，takeitfromme。Icannotforgettheoldtime，Beatrice。"
"Godblessyou！"sherepliedwithaburstoftears，andgavehimhertremblinghand。
"Composeyourself。Icannotbecomposedifyouarenot，fortoseeyouweepdistressesmebeyondexpression。Speakfreelytome。
Trustme。"
Sheshadedherfacewithherveil，andafteralittlewhilespokecalmly。HervoicehadtheringofPolly’s。
"Itisnotthatmyhusband’smindisatallimpairedbyhisbodilysuffering，forIassureyouthatisnotthecase。Butinhisweakness，andinhisknowledgethatheisincurablyill，hecannotovercometheascendancyofoneidea。Itpreysuponhim，embitterseverymomentofhispainfullife，andwillshortenit。"
Shestopping，hesaidagain："Speakfreelytome。Trustme。"
"Wehavehadfivechildrenbeforethisdarling，andtheyalllieintheirlittlegraves。Hebelievesthattheyhavewitheredawayunderacurse，andthatitwillblightthischildliketherest。"
"Underwhatcurse？"
"BothIandhehaveitonourconsciencethatwetriedyouveryheavily，andIdonotknowbutthat，ifIwereasillashe，Imightsufferinmymindashedoes。Thisistheconstantburden：-’I
believe，Beatrice，IwastheonlyfriendthatMr。Jacksonevercaredtomake，thoughIwassomuchhisjunior。Themoreinfluenceheacquiredinthebusiness，thehigherheadvancedme，andIwasaloneinhisprivateconfidence。Icamebetweenhimandyou，andItookyoufromhim。Wewerebothsecret，andtheblowfellwhenhewaswhollyunprepared。Theanguishitcausedamansocompressedmusthavebeenterrible；thewrathitawakenedinappeasable。So，acursecametobeinvokedonourpoor，prettylittleflowers，andtheyfall。’"
"Andyou，Beatrice，"heasked，whenshehadceasedtospeak，andtherehadbeenasilenceafterwards，"howsayyou？"
"UntilwithinthesefewweeksIwasafraidofyou，andIbelievedthatyouwouldnever，neverforgive。"
"Untilwithinthesefewweeks，"herepeated。"Haveyouchangedyouropinionofmewithinthesefewweeks？"
"Yes。"
"Forwhatreason？"
"Iwasgettingsomepiecesofmusicinashopinthistown，when，tomyterror，youcamein。AsIveiledmyfaceandstoodinthedarkendoftheshop，Iheardyouexplainthatyouwantedamusicalinstrumentforabedriddengirl。Yourvoiceandmannerweresosoftened，youshowedsuchinterestinitsselection，youtookitawayyourselfwithsomuchtendernessofcareandpleasure，thatI
knewyouwereamanwithamostgentleheart。Oh，Mr。Jackson，Mr。
Jackson，ifyoucouldhavefelttherefreshingrainoftearsthatfollowedforme！"
WasPhoebeplayingatthatmomentonherdistantcouch？Heseemedtohearher。
"Iinquiredintheshopwhereyoulived，butcouldgetnoinformation。AsIhadheardyousaythatyouweregoingbackbythenexttrain（butyoudidnotsaywhere），Iresolvedtovisitthestationataboutthattimeofday，asoftenasIcould，betweenmylessons，onthechanceofseeingyouagain。Ihavebeenthereveryoften，butsawyounomoreuntilto-day。Youweremeditatingasyouwalkedthestreet，butthecalmexpressionofyourfaceemboldenedmetosendmychildtoyou。AndwhenIsawyoubendyourheadtospeaktenderlytoher，IprayedtoGODtoforgivemeforhavingeverbroughtasorrowonit。Inowpraytoyoutoforgiveme，andtoforgivemyhusband。Iwasveryyoung，hewasyoungtoo，and，intheignoranthardihoodofsuchatimeoflife，wedon’tknowwhatwedotothosewhohaveundergonemorediscipline。Yougenerousman！Yougoodman！Sotoraisemeupandmakenothingofmycrimeagainstyou！"——forhewouldnotseeheronherknees，andsoothedherasakindfathermighthavesoothedanerringdaughter——"thankyou，blessyou，thankyou！"
Whenhenextspoke，itwasafterhavingdrawnasidethewindowcurtainandlookedoutawhile。Thenheonlysaid：
"IsPollyasleep？"
"Yes。AsIcamein，Imethergoingawayupstairs，andputhertobedmyself。"
"Leaveherwithmeforto-morrow，Beatrice，andwritemeyouraddressonthisleafofmypocket-book。IntheeveningIwillbringherhometoyou——andtoherfather。"
***
"Hallo！"criedPolly，puttinghersaucysunnyfaceinatthedoornextmorningwhenbreakfastwasready："IthoughtIwasfetchedlastnight？"
"Soyouwere，Polly，butIaskedleavetokeepyouherefortheday，andtotakeyouhomeintheevening。"
"Uponmyword！"saidPolly。"Youareverycool，ain’tyou？"
However，Pollyseemedtothinkitagoodidea，andadded："I
supposeImustgiveyouakiss，thoughyouAREcool。"
Thekissgivenandtaken，theysatdowntobreakfastinahighlyconversationaltone。
"Ofcourse，youaregoingtoamuseme？"saidPolly。
"Oh，ofcourse！"saidBarboxBrothers。
Inthepleasurableheightofheranticipations，Pollyfounditindispensabletoputdownherpieceoftoast，crossoneofherlittlefatkneesovertheother，andbringherlittlefatrighthanddownintoherlefthandwithabusiness-likeslap。Afterthisgatheringofherselftogether，Polly，bythattimeamereheapofdimples，askedinawheedlingmanner：
"Whatarewegoingtodo，youdearoldthing？"
"Why，Iwasthinking，"saidBarboxBrothers，"——butareyoufondofhorses，Polly？"
"Ponies，Iam，"saidPolly，"especiallywhentheirtailsarelong。
Buthorses——n-no——toobig，youknow。"
"Well，"pursuedBarboxBrothers，inaspiritofgravemysteriousconfidenceadaptedtotheimportanceoftheconsultation，"Ididseeyesterday，Polly，onthewalls，picturesoftwolong-tailedponies，speckledallover——"
"No，no，NO！"criedPolly，inanecstaticdesiretolingeronthecharmingdetails。"Notspeckledallover！"
"Speckledallover。Whichponiesjumpthroughhoops——"
"No，no，NO！"criedPollyasbefore。"Theyneverjumpthroughhoops！"
"Yes，theydo。Oh，Iassureyoutheydo！Andeatpieinpinafores——
"
"Ponieseatingpieinpinafores！"saidPolly。"Whatastory-telleryouare，ain’tyou？"
"Uponmyhonour。——Andfireoffguns。"
（Pollyhardlyseemedtoseetheforceoftheponiesresortingtofire-arms。）
"AndIwasthinking，"pursuedtheexemplaryBarbox，"thatifyouandIweretogototheCircuswheretheseponiesare，itwoulddoourconstitutionsgood。"
"Doesthatmeanamuseus？"inquiredPolly。"Whatlongwordsyoudouse，don’tyou？"
Apologeticforhavingwanderedoutofhisdepth，hereplied：
"Thatmeansamuseus。Thatisexactlywhatitmeans。Therearemanyotherwondersbesidestheponies，andweshallseethemall。
Ladiesandgentlemeninspangleddresses，andelephantsandlionsandtigers。"
Pollybecameobservantoftheteapot，withacurled-upnoseindicatingsomeuneasinessofmind。
"Theynevergetout，ofcourse，"sheremarkedasameretruism。
"Theelephantsandlionsandtigers？Oh，dearno！"
"Oh，dearno！"saidPolly。"Andofcoursenobody’safraidoftheponiesshootinganybody。"
"Nottheleastintheworld。"
"No，no，nottheleastintheworld，"saidPolly。
"Iwasalsothinking，"proceededBarbox，"thatifweweretolookinatthetoy-shop，tochooseadoll——"
"Notdressed！"criedPollywithaclapofherhands。"No，no，NO，notdressed！"
"Full-dressed。Togetherwithahouse，andallthingsnecessaryforhousekeeping——"
Pollygavealittlescream，andseemedindangeroffallingintoaswoonofbliss。
"Whatadarlingyouare！"shelanguidlyexclaimed，leaningbackinherchair。"Comeandbehugged，orImustcomeandhugyou。"
Thisresplendentprogrammewascarriedintoexecutionwiththeutmostrigourofthelaw。Itbeingessentialtomakethepurchaseofthedollitsfirstfeature——orthatladywouldhavelosttheponies——thetoy-shopexpeditiontookprecedence。Pollyinthemagicwarehouse，withadollaslargeasherselfundereacharm，andaneatassortmentofsometwentymoreonviewuponthecounter，didindeedpresentaspectacleofindecisionnotquitecompatiblewithunalloyedhappiness，butthelightcloudpassed。Thelovelyspecimenoftenestchosen，oftenestrejected，andfinallyabidedby，wasofCircassiandescent，possessingasmuchboldnessofbeautyaswasreconcilablewithextremefeeblenessofmouth，andcombiningasky-bluesilkpelissewithrose-colouredsatintrousers，andablackvelvethat：whichthisfairstrangertoournorthernshoreswouldseemtohavefoundedontheportraitsofthelateDuchessofKent。
Thenamethisdistinguishedforeignerbroughtwithherfrombeneaththeglowingskiesofasunnyclimewas（onPolly’sauthority）MissMelluka，andthecostlynatureofheroutfitasahousekeeper，fromtheBarboxcoffers，maybeinferredfromthetwofactsthathersilvertea-spoonswereaslargeasherkitchenpoker，andthattheproportionsofherwatchexceededthoseofherfrying-pan。MissMellukawasgraciouslypleasedtoexpressherentireapprobationoftheCircus，andsowasPolly；fortheponieswerespeckled，andbroughtdownnobodywhentheyfired，andthesavageryofthewildbeastsappearedtobemeresmoke——whicharticle，infact，theydidproduceinlargequantitiesfromtheirinsides。TheBarboxabsorptioninthegeneralsubjectthroughouttherealisationofthesedelightswasagainasighttosee，norwasitlessworthytobeholdatdinner，whenhedranktoMissMelluka，tiedstiffinachairoppositetoPolly（thefairCircassianpossessinganunbendablespine），andeveninducedthewaitertoassistincarryingoutwithduedecorumtheprevailinggloriousidea。Towindup，therecametheagreeablefeverofgettingMissMellukaandallherwardrobeandrichpossessionsintoaflywithPolly，tobetakenhome。But，bythattime，Pollyhadbecomeunabletolookuponsuchaccumulatedjoyswithwakingeyes，andhadwithdrawnherconsciousnessintothewonderfulParadiseofachild’ssleep。
"Sleep，Polly，sleep，"saidBarboxBrothers，asherheaddroppedonhisshoulder；"youshallnotfalloutofthisbedeasily，atanyrate！"
Whatrustlingpieceofpaperhetookfromhispocket，andcarefullyfoldedintothebosomofPolly’sfrock，shallnotbementioned。Hesaidnothingaboutit，andnothingshallbesaidaboutit。Theydrovetoamodestsuburbofthegreatingenioustown，andstoppedatthefore-courtofasmallhouse。"Donotwakethechild，"saidBarboxBrotherssoftlytothedriver；"Iwillcarryherinassheis。"
GreetingthelightattheopeneddoorwhichwasheldbyPolly’smother，Polly’sbearerpassedonwithmotherandchildintoaground-floorroom。There，stretchedonasofa，layasickman，sorelywasted，whocoveredhiseyeswithhisemaciatedhand。
"Tresham，"saidBarboxinakindlyvoice，"IhavebroughtyoubackyourPolly，fastasleep。Givemeyourhand，andtellmeyouarebetter。"
Thesickmanreachedforthhisrighthand，andbowedhisheadoverthehandintowhichitwastaken，andkissedit。"Thankyou，thankyou！ImaysaythatIamwellandhappy。"
"That’sbrave，"saidBarbox。"Tresham，Ihaveafancy——Canyoumakeroomformebesideyouhere？"
Hesatdownonthesofaashesaidthewords，cherishingtheplumppeacheycheekthatlayuppermostonhisshoulder。
"Ihaveafancy，Tresham（Iamgettingquiteanoldfellownow，youknow，andoldfellowsmaytakefanciesintotheirheadssometimes），togiveupPolly，havingfoundher，tonoonebutyou。Willyoutakeherfromme？"
Asthefatherheldouthisarmsforthechild，eachofthetwomenlookedsteadilyattheother。
"Sheisverydeartoyou，Tresham？"
"Unutterablydear。"
"Godblessher！Itisnotmuch，Polly，"hecontinued，turninghiseyesuponherpeacefulfaceasheapostrophizedher，"itisnotmuch，Polly，forablindandsinfulmantoinvokeablessingonsomethingsofarbetterthanhimselfasalittlechildis；butitwouldbemuch——muchuponhiscruelhead，andmuchuponhisguiltysoul——ifhecouldbesowickedastoinvokeacurse。Hehadbetterhaveamillstoneroundhisneck，andbecastintothedeepestsea。
Liveandthrive，myprettybaby！"Herehekissedher。"Liveandprosper，andbecomeintimethemotherofotherlittlechildren，liketheAngelswhobeholdTheFather’sface！"
Hekissedheragain，gaveherupgentlytobothherparents，andwentout。
ButhewentnottoWales。No，heneverwenttoWales。Hewentstraightwayforanotherstrollaboutthetown，andhelookedinuponthepeopleattheirwork，andattheirplay，here，there，every-
there，andwherenot。ForhewasBarboxBrothersandCo。now，andhadtakenthousandsofpartnersintothesolitaryfirm。
Hehadatlengthgotbacktohishotelroom，andwasstandingbeforehisfirerefreshinghimselfwithaglassofhotdrinkwhichhehadstooduponthechimney-piece，whenheheardthetownclocksstriking，and，referringtohiswatch，foundtheeveningtohavesoslippedaway，thattheywerestrikingtwelve。Asheputuphiswatchagain，hiseyesmetthoseofhisreflectioninthechimney-
glass。
"Why，it’syourbirthdayalready，"hesaid，smiling。"Youarelookingverywell。Iwishyoumanyhappyreturnsoftheday。"
Hehadneverbeforebestowedthatwishuponhimself。"ByJupiter！"
hediscovered，"italtersthewholecaseofrunningawayfromone’sbirthday！It’sathingtoexplaintoPhoebe。Besides，hereisquitealongstorytotellher，thathassprungoutoftheroadwithnostory。I’llgoback，insteadofgoingon。I’llgobackbymyfriendLamps’sUpXpresently。"
HewentbacktoMugbyJunction，and，inpointoffact，heestablishedhimselfatMugbyJunction。Itwastheconvenientplacetolivein，forbrighteningPhoebe’slife。Itwastheconvenientplacetolivein，forhavinghertaughtmusicbyBeatrice。Itwastheconvenientplacetolivein，foroccasionallyborrowingPolly。
Itwastheconvenientplacetolivein，forbeingjoinedatwilltoallsortsofagreeableplacesandpersons。So，hebecamesettledthere，and，hishousestandinginanelevatedsituation，itisnoteworthyofhiminconclusion，asPollyherselfmight（notirreverently）haveputit：
"TherewasanOldBarboxwholivedonahill，Andifheain’tgone，helivestherestill。"
Herefollowsthesubstanceofwhatwasseen，heard，orotherwisepickedup，bythegentlemanforNowhere，inhiscarefulstudyoftheJunction。
CHAPTERIII——THEBOYATMUGBY
IamtheboyatMugby。That’saboutwhatIam。
Youdon’tknowwhatImean？Whatapity！ButIthinkyoudo。I
thinkyoumust。Lookhere。IamtheboyatwhatiscalledTheRefreshmentRoomatMugbyJunction，andwhat’sproudestboastis，thatitneveryetrefreshedamortalbeing。
UpinacorneroftheDownRefreshmentRoomatMugbyJunction，intheheightoftwenty-sevencrossdraughts（I’veoftencounted’emwhiletheybrushtheFirst-Classhairtwenty-sevenways），behindthebottles，amongtheglasses，boundedonthenor’westbythebeer，stoodprettyfartotherightofametallicobjectthat’sattimesthetea-urnandattimesthesoup-tureen，accordingtothenatureofthelasttwangimpartedtoitscontentswhicharethesamegroundwork，fendedofffromthetravellerbyabarrierofstalesponge-cakeserectedatopofthecounter，andlastlyexposedsidewaystotheglareofOurMissis’seye——youaskaBoysositiwated，nexttimeyoustopinahurryatMugby，foranythingtodrink；youtakeparticularnoticethathe’lltrytoseemnottohearyou，thathe’llappearinaabsentmannertosurveytheLinethroughatransparentmediumcomposedofyourheadandbody，andthathewon’tserveyouaslongasyoucanpossiblybearit。That’sme。
Whatalarkitis！WearetheModelEstablishment，weare，atMugby。OtherRefreshmentRoomssendtheirimperfectyoungladiesuptobefinishedoffbyourMissis。Forsomeoftheyoungladies，whenthey’renewtothebusiness，comeintoitmild！Ah！OurMissis，shesoontakesthatoutof’em。Why，Ioriginallycomeintothebusinessmeekmyself。ButOurMissis，shesoontookthatoutofME。
Whatadelightfullarkitis！IlookuponusRefreshmentersasockipyingtheonlyproudlyindependentfootingontheLine。There’sPapers，forinstance，——myhonourablefriend，ifhewillallowmetocallhimso，——himasbelongstoSmith’sbookstall。Why，henomoredarestobeuptoourRefreshmentinggamesthanhedarestojumpatopofalocomotivewithhersteamatfullpressure，andcutawayuponheralone，drivinghimself，atlimited-mailspeed。Papers，he’dgethisheadpunchedateverycompartment，first，second，andthird，thewholelengthofatrain，ifhewastoventurtoimitatemydemeanour。It’sthesamewiththeporters，thesamewiththeguards，thesamewiththeticketclerks，thesamethewholewayuptothesecretary，traffic-manager，orverychairman。Thereain’taoneamong’emonthenoblyindependentfootingweare。Didyouevercatchoneofthem，whenyouwantedanythingofhim，makingasystemofsurveyingtheLinethroughatransparentmediumcomposedofyourheadandbody？Ishouldhopenot。
YoushouldseeourBandoliningRoomatMugbyJunction。It’sledtobythedoorbehindthecounter，whichyou’llnoticeusuallystandsajar，andit’stheroomwhereOurMissisandouryoungladiesBandolinestheirhair。Youshouldsee’ematit，betwixttrains，Bandoliningaway，asiftheywasanointingthemselvesforthecombat。Whenyou’retelegraphed，youshouldseetheirnosesalla-
goingupwithscorn，asifitwasapartoftheworkingofthesameCookeandWheatstoneelectricalmachinery。YoushouldhearOurMissisgivetheword，"HerecomestheBeasttobeFed！"andthenyoushouldsee’emindignantlyskippingacrosstheLine，fromtheUptotheDown，orWicerWarsaw，andbegintopitchthestalepastryintotheplates，andchuckthesawdustsangwichesundertheglasscovers，andgetoutthe——ha，ha，ha！——thesherry，——Omyeye，myeye！——foryourRefreshment。
It’sonlyintheIsleoftheBraveandLandoftheFree（bywhich，ofcourse，ImeantosayBritannia）thatRefreshmentingissoeffective，so’olesome，soconstitutionalacheckuponthepublic。
TherewasaForeigner，whichhavingpolitely，withhishatoff，beseechedouryoungladiesandOurMissisfor"aleetelglosshostprarndee，"andhavinghadtheLinesurveyedthroughhimbyallandnootheracknowledgment，wasa-proceedingatlasttohelphimself，asseemstobethecustominhisowncountry，whenOurMissis，withherhairalmosta-comingun-Bandolinedwithrage，andhereyesomittingsparks，flewathim，cotchedthedecanteroutofhishand，andsaid，"Putitdown！Iwon’tallowthat！"Theforeignerturnedpale，steppedbackwithhisarmsstretchedoutinfrontofhim，hishandsclasped，andhisshouldersriz，andexclaimed："Ah！Isitpossible，this！Thatthesedisdaineousfemalesandthisferociousoldwomanareplacedherebytheadministration，notonlytoempoisonthevoyagers，buttoaffrontthem！GreatHeaven！Howarrivesit？TheEnglishpeople。Orishethenaslave？Oridiot？"
Anothertime，amerry，wideawakeAmericangenthadtriedthesawdustandspititout，andhadtriedtheSherryandspitthatout，andhadtriedinvaintosustainexhaustednaturuponButter-Scotch，andhadbeenratherextraBandolinedandLine-surveyedthrough，when，asthebellwasringingandhepaidOurMissis，hesays，veryloudandgood-tempered："ItellYewwhat’tis，ma’arm。Ila’af。Theer！I
la’af。IDew。Ioughterha’seenmostthings，forIhailfromtheOnlimitedsideoftheAtlanticOcean，andIhaivetravelledrightslickovertheLimited，headonthroughJeerusalemmandtheEast，andlikewaysFranceandItaly，EuropeOldWorld，andamnowuponthetracktotheChiefEuropianVillage；butsuchanInstitutionasYew，andYeweryoungladies，andYewerfixin’ssolidandliquid，aforethegloriousTarnalIneverdidseeyet！AndifIhain’tfoundtheeighthwonderofmonarchicalCreation，infindingYewandYeweryoungladies，andYewerfixin’ssolidandliquid，allasaforesaid，establishedinacountrywherethepeopleairnotabsoluteLoo-
naticks，IamExtraDoubleDarnedwithaNipandFrizzletotheinnermostestgrit！Wheerfur——Theer！——Ila’af！IDew，ma’arm。I
la’af！"Andsohewent，stampingandshakinghissides，alongtheplatformallthewaytohisowncompartment。
IthinkitwasherstandingupagintheForeignerasgiv’OurMissistheideaofgoingovertoFrance，anddroringacomparisonbetwixtRefreshmentingasfollowedamongthefrog-eaters，andRefreshmentingastriumphantintheIsleoftheBraveandLandoftheFree（bywhich，ofcourse，Imeantosayagin，Britannia）。Ouryoungladies，MissWhiff，MissPiff，andMrs。Sniff，wasunanimousopposedtohergoing；for，astheysaystoOurMissisoneandall，itiswellbeknowntothehendsoftheherthasnoothernationexceptBritainhasaideaofanythink，butaboveallofbusiness。Whythenshouldyoutireyourselftoprovewhatisalreadyproved？OurMissis，however（beingateazeratallpints）stoodoutgrimobstinate，andgotareturnpassbySoutheasternTidal，togorightthrough，ifsuchshouldbeherdispositions，toMarseilles。
SniffishusbandtoMrs。Sniff，andisaregularinsignificantcove。
Helooksarterthesawdustdepartmentinabackroom，andissometimes，whenweareveryhardputtoit，letbehindthecounterwithacorkscrew；butneverwhenitcanbehelped，hisdemeanourtowardsthepublicbeingdisgustingservile。HowMrs。Sniffevercomesofartolowerherselfastomarryhim，Idon’tknow；butI
supposehedoes，andIshouldthinkhewishedhedidn’t，forheleadsaawfullife。Mrs。Sniffcouldn’tbemuchharderwithhimifhewaspublic。Similarly，MissWhiffandMissPiff，takingthetoneofMrs。Sniff，theyshoulderSniffaboutwhenheISletinwithacorkscrew，andtheywhiskthingsoutofhishandswheninhisservilityheisa-goingtoletthepublichave’em，andtheysnaphimupwheninthecrawlingbasenessofhisspiritheisa-goingtoanswerapublicquestion，andtheydroremoretearsintohiseyesthaneverthemustarddoeswhichhealldaylonglaysontothesawdust。（Butitain’tstrong。）Once，whenSniffhadtherepulsivenesstoreachacrosstogetthemilk-pottohandoverforababy，IseeOurMissisinherragecatchhimbybothhisshoulders，andspinhimoutintotheBandoliningRoom。
ButMrs。Sniff，——howdifferent！She’stheone！She’stheoneasyou’llnoticetobealwayslookinganotherwayfromyou，whenyoulookather。She’stheonewiththesmallwaistbuckledintightinfront，andwiththelacecuffsatherwrists，whichsheputsontheedgeofthecounterbeforeher，andstandsasmoothingwhilethepublicfoams。ThissmoothingthecuffsandlookinganotherwaywhilethepublicfoamsisthelastaccomplishmenttaughttotheyoungladiesascometoMugbytobefinishedbyOurMissis；andit’salwaystaughtbyMrs。Sniff。
WhenOurMissiswentawayuponherjourney，Mrs。Sniffwasleftincharge。Shedidholdthepublicincheckmostbeautiful！Inallmytime，Ineverseehalfsomanycupsofteagivenwithoutmilktopeopleaswanteditwith，norhalfsomanycupsofteawithmilkgiventopeopleaswanteditwithout。Whenfoamingensued，Mrs。
Sniffwouldsay："Thenyou’dbettersettleitamongyourselves，andchangewithoneanother。"Itwasamosthighlydeliciouslark。I
enjoyedtheRefreshmentingbusinessmorethanever，andwassogladIhadtooktoitwhenyoung。
OurMissisreturned。Itgotcirculatedamongtheyoungladies，anditasitmightbepenetratedtomethroughthecrevicesoftheBandoliningRoom，thatshehadOrrorstoreveal，ifrevelationssocontemptiblecouldbedignifiedwiththename。Agitationbecomeawakened。Excitementwasupinthestirrups。Expectationstooda-
tiptoe。Atlengthitwasputforththatonourslackedeveningintheweek，andatourslackesttimeofthateveningbetwixttrains，OurMissiswouldgiveherviewsofforeignRefreshmenting，intheBandoliningRoom。
Itwasarrangedtastefulforthepurpose。TheBandoliningtableandglasswashidinacorner，aarm-chairwaselevatedonapacking-
caseforOurMissis’sockypation，atableandatumblerofwater（nosherryinit，thankee）wasplacedbesideit。Twoofthepupils，theseasonbeingautumn，andhollyhocksanddahliasbeingin，ornamentedthewallwiththreedevicesinthoseflowers。Ononemightberead，"MAYALBIONNEVERLEARN；"onanother"KEEPTHEPUBLICDOWN；"onanother，"OURREFRESHMENTINGCHARTER。"Thewholehadabeautifulappearance，withwhichthebeautyofthesentimentscorresponded。
OnOurMissis’sbrowwaswroteSeverity，assheascendedthefatalplatform。（Notthatthatwasanythinknew。）MissWhiffandMissPiffsatatherfeet。ThreechairsfromtheWaitingRoommighthavebeenperceivedbyaaverageeye，infrontofher，onwhichthepupilswasaccommodated。BehindthemaverycloseobservermighthavediscernedaBoy。Myself。
"Where，"saidOurMissis，glancinggloomilyaround，"isSniff？"
"Ithoughtitbetter，"answeredMrs。Sniff，"thatheshouldnotbelettocomein。HeissuchanAss。"
"Nodoubt，"assentedOurMissis。"Butforthatreasonisitnotdesirabletoimprovehismind？"
"Oh，nothingwilleverimproveHIM，"saidMrs。Sniff。
"However，"pursuedOurMissis，"callhimin，Ezekiel。"
Icalledhimin。Theappearanceofthelow-mindedcovewashailedwithdisapprobationfromallsides，onaccountofhishavingbroughthiscorkscrewwithhim。Hepleaded"theforceofhabit。"
"Theforce！"saidMrs。Sniff。"Don’tletushaveyoutalkingaboutforce，forGracious’sake。There！Dostandstillwhereyouare，withyourbackagainstthewall。"
Heisasmilingpieceofvacancy，andhesmiledinthemeanwayinwhichhewillevensmileatthepublicifhegetsachance（languagecansaynomeanerofhim），andhestooduprightnearthedoorwiththebackofhisheadaginthewall，asifhewasawaitingforsomebodytocomeandmeasurehisheighthfortheArmy。
"Ishouldnotenter，ladies，"saysOurMissis，"ontherevoltingdisclosuresIamabouttomake，ifitwasnotinthehopethattheywillcauseyoutobeyetmoreimplacableintheexerciseofthepoweryouwieldinaconstitutionalcountry，andyetmoredevotedtotheconstitutionalmottowhichIseebeforeme，"——itwasbehindher，butthewordssoundedbetterso，——"’MayAlbionneverlearn！’"
Herethepupilsashadmadethemottoadmiredit，andcried，"Hear！
Hear！Hear！"Sniff，showinganinclinationtojoininchorus，gothimselffrowneddownbyeverybrow。
"ThebasenessoftheFrench，"pursuedOurMissis，"asdisplayedinthefawningnatureoftheirRefreshmenting，equals，ifnotsurpasses，anythinkaswaseverheardofthebasenessofthecelebratedBonaparte。"
MissWhiff，MissPiff，andme，wedroredaheavybreath，equaltosaying，"Wethoughtasmuch！"MissWhiffandMissPiffseemingtoobjecttomydroringminealongwiththeirs，Idroredanothertoaggravate’em。
"ShallIbebelieved，"saysOurMissis，withflashingeyes，"whenI
tellyouthatnosoonerhadIsetmyfootuponthattreacherousshore——"
HereSniff，eitherburstingoutmad，orthinkingaloud，says，inalowvoice："Feet。Plural，youknow。"
Thecoweringthatcomeuponhimwhenhewasspurnedbyalleyes，addedtohisbeingbeneathcontempt，wassufficientpunishmentforacovesogrovelling。Inthemidstofasilencerenderedmoreimpressivebytheturned-upfemalenoseswithwhichitwaspervaded，OurMissiswenton：
"ShallIbebelievedwhenItellyou，thatnosoonerhadIlanded，"
thiswordwithakillinglookatSniff，"onthattreacherousshore，thanIwasusheredintoaRefreshmentRoomwheretherewere——Idonotexaggerate——actuallyeatablethingstoeat？"
Agroanburstfromtheladies。Inotonlydidmyselfthehonourofjining，butalsooflengtheningitout。
"Wheretherewere，"OurMissisadded，"notonlyeatablethingstoeat，butalsodrinkablethingstodrink？"
Amurmur，swellingalmostintoascream，ariz。MissPiff，tremblingwithindignation，calledout，"Name？"
"IWILLname，"saidOurMissis。"Therewasroastfowls，hotandcold；therewassmokingroastvealsurroundedwithbrownedpotatoes；
therewashotsoupwith（againIaskshallIbecredited？）nothingbitterinit，andnoflourtochokeofftheconsumer；therewasavarietyofcolddishessetoffwithjelly；therewassalad；therewas——markme！FRESHpastry，andthatofalightconstruction；therewasalusciousshowoffruit；therewasbottlesanddecantersofsoundsmallwine，ofeverysize，andadaptedtoeverypocket；thesameodiousstatementwillapplytobrandy；andtheseweresetoutuponthecountersothatallcouldhelpthemselves。"
OurMissis’slipssoquivered，thatMrs。Sniff，thoughscarcelylessconvulsedthanshewere，gotupandheldthetumblertothem。
"This，"proceedsOurMissis，"wasmyfirstunconstitutionalexperience。Wellwouldithavebeenifithadbeenmylastandworst。Butno。AsIproceededfartherintothatenslavedandignorantland，itsaspectbecamemorehideous。IneednotexplaintothisassemblytheingredientsandformationoftheBritishRefreshmentsangwich？"
Universallaughter，——exceptfromSniff，who，assangwich-cutter，shookhisheadinastateoftheutmostdejectionashestoodwithitaginthewall。
"Well！"saidOurMissis，withdilatednostrils。"Takeafresh，crisp，long，crustypennyloafmadeofthewhitestandbestflour。
Cutitlongwisethroughthemiddle。Insertafairandnicelyfittingsliceofham。Tieasmartpieceofribbonroundthemiddleofthewholetobindittogether。Addatoneendaneatwrapperofcleanwhitepaperbywhichtoholdit。AndtheuniversalFrenchRefreshmentsangwichbustsonyourdisgustedvision。"
Acryof"Shame！"fromall——exceptSniff，whichrubbedhisstomachwithasoothinghand。
"Ineednot，"saidOurMissis，"explaintothisassemblytheusualformationandfittingoftheBritishRefreshmentRoom？"
No，no，andlaughter。Sniffaginshakinghisheadinlowspiritsaginthewall。
"Well，"saidOurMissis，"whatwouldyousaytoageneraldecorationofeverythink，tohangings（sometimeselegant），toeasyvelvetfurniture，toabundanceoflittletables，toabundanceoflittleseats，tobriskbrightwaiters，togreatconvenience，toapervadingcleanlinessandtastefulnesspositivelyaddressingthepublic，andmakingtheBeastthinkingitselfworththepains？"
Contemptuousfuryonthepartofalltheladies。Mrs。Snifflookingasifshewantedsomebodytoholdher，andeverbodyelselookingasifthey’draythernot。
"Threetimes，"saidOurMissis，workingherselfintoatrulyterrimenjiousstate，——"threetimesdidIseetheseshamefulthings，onlybetweenthecoastandParis，andnotcountingeither：atHazebroucke，atArras，atAmiens。Butworseremains。Tellme，whatwouldyoucallapersonwhoshouldproposeinEnglandthatthereshouldbekept，sayatourownmodelMugbyJunction，prettybaskets，eachholdinganassortedcoldlunchanddessertforone，eachatacertainfixedprice，andeachwithinapassenger’spowertotakeaway，toemptyinthecarriageatperfectleisure，andtoreturnatanotherstationfiftyorahundredmilesfartheron？"
Therewasdisagreementwhatsuchapersonshouldbecalled。Whetherrevolutionise，atheist，Bright（Isaidhim），orUn-English。MissPiffscreechedhershrillopinionlast，inthewords："Amalignantmaniac！"
"Iadopt，"saysOurMissis，"thebrandsetuponsuchapersonbytherighteousindignationofmyfriendMissPiff。Amalignantmaniac。
Know，then，thatthatmalignantmaniachassprungfromthecongenialsoilofFrance，andthathismalignantmadnesswasinuncheckedactiononthissamepartofmyjourney。"
InoticedthatSniffwasa-rubbinghishands，andthatMrs。Sniffhadgothereyeuponhim。ButIdidnottakemoreparticularnotice，owingtotheexcitedstateinwhichtheyoungladieswas，andtofeelingmyselfcalledupontokeepitupwithahowl。
"OnmyexperiencesouthofParis，"saidOurMissis，inadeeptone，"Iwillnotexpatiate。Tooloathsomewerethetask！Butfancythis。Fancyaguardcominground，withthetrainatfullspeed，toinquirehowmanyfordinner。Fancyhistelegraphingforwardthenumberofdinners。Fancyeveryoneexpected，andthetableelegantlylaidforthecompleteparty。Fancyacharmingdinner，inacharmingroom，andthehead-cook，concernedforthehonourofeverydish，superintendinginhiscleanwhitejacketandcap。FancytheBeasttravellingsixhundredmilesonend，veryfast，andwithgreatpunctuality，yetbeingtaughttoexpectallthistobedoneforit！"
Aspiritedchorusof"TheBeast！"
InoticedthatSniffwasagina-rubbinghisstomachwithasoothinghand，andthathehaddroreduponeleg。ButaginIdidn’ttakeparticularnotice，lookingonmyselfascalledupontostimulatepublicfeeling。Itbeingalarkbesides。
"Puttingeverythingtogether，"saidOurMissis，"FrenchRefreshmentingcomestothis，andoh，itcomestoanicetotal！
First：eatablethingstoeat，anddrinkablethingstodrink。"
Agroanfromtheyoungladies，kep’upbyme。
"Second：convenience，andevenelegance。"
Anothergroanfromtheyoungladies，kep’upbyme。
"Third：moderatecharges。"
Thistimeagroanfromme，kep’upbytheyoungladies。
"Fourth：-andhere，"saysOurMissis，"Iclaimyourangriestsympathy，——attention，commoncivility，nay，evenpoliteness！"
Meandtheyoungladiesregularlyragingmadalltogether。
"AndIcannotinconclusion，"saysOurMissis，withherspitefullestsneer，"giveyouacompleterpicturofthatdespicablenation（afterwhatIhaverelated），thanassuringyouthattheywouldn’tbearourconstitutionalwaysandnobleindependenceatMugbyJunction，forasinglemonth，andthattheywouldturnustotheright-aboutandputanothersysteminourplaces，assoonaslookatus；perhapssooner，forIdonotbelievetheyhavethegoodtastetocaretolookatustwice。"
Theswellingtumultwasarrestedinitsrise。Sniff，boreawaybyhisserviledisposition，haddroreduphislegwithahigherandahigherrelish，andwasnowdiscoveredtobewavinghiscorkscrewoverhishead。ItwasatthismomentthatMrs。Sniff，whohadkep’
hereyeuponhimlikethefabledobelisk，descendedonhervictim。
OurMissisfollowedthembothout，andcrieswasheardinthesawdustdepartment。
YoucomeintotheDownRefreshmentRoom，attheJunction，makingbelieveyoudon’tknowme，andI’llpintyououtwithmyrightthumbovermyshoulderwhichisOurMissis，andwhichisMissWhiff，andwhichisMissPiff，andwhichisMrs。Sniff。Butyouwon’tgetachancetoseeSniff，becausehedisappearedthatnight。Whetherheperished，toretopieces，Icannotsay；buthiscorkscrewaloneremains，tobearwitnesstotheservilityofhisdisposition。
返回顶部