Nearthevergeofaboldpromontorystandsthehotel，andlookssoutheastwardoverasweepofseaunbrokentothehorizon。Behinditstretchesthevastforest，whichaftertwohundredyearshasresumedthesterilecoastwrestedfromitbythefirstPilgrims，andhasbeguntoeffacetheevidencesoftheinroadmadeinrecentyearsbytheboldspeculatorforwhomJocelyn’sisnamed。TheyoungbirchesandsprucesarebreasthighinthedrivesandavenuesatJocelyn’s；thelowblackberryvinesandthesweetferncoverthecarefully-gradedsidewalks，andobscurethedivisionsofthelots；thechildrenoftheboardershavefoundsquawberriesinthepublicsquareonthespotwheretheband-standwastohavebeen。Thenotionofasea-sideresortatthispointwascourageouslyconceived，andtoacertainextentitwasgenerouslyrealized。Exceptforitsremotenessfromtherailroad，adrawbackwhichfutureenterprisemightbeexpectedtoremedyinsomeway，theplacehasmanynaturaladvantages。Thebroadplateauiscooledbyabreezefromthevastforestsbehindit，whichcomesladenwithhealthandfreshnessfromtheyoungpines；theseaatitsfeetiswarmedbytheGulfStreamtoatemperaturedeliciousforbathing。Therearecertainlymosquitoesfromthewoods；buttherearemosquitoeseverywhere，andthereportthatpeoplehavebeendrivenawaybythemismanifestlyuntrue，forwhoevercomestoJocelyn’sremains。Thebeachatthefootofthebluffisalmostamileatitscurve，anditissosmoothandhardthatitglistenslikepolishedmarblewhennewlywashedbythetide。Itistruethatyoureachitfromthetopbyaflightofeightysteps，butitwasintendedtohaveanelevator，likethoseneartheWhirlpoolatNiagara。Inthemeantimeitiseasyenoughtogodown，andtheladiesgodowneveryday，takingtheirnovelsortheirneedle-workwiththem。Theyhavevariousnotionsofabath：someconceivethatitisbathingtositintheedgeofthewater，andemitshrieksasthesurgesweepsagainstthem；othersrunboldlyin，andafteramomentofpoignanthesitationjumpupanddownhalf-a-dozentimes，andrunout；yetothersimagineitbettertoremainimmersedtothechinforagivenspace，lookingtowardtheshorewithlipstightlyshutandthebreathheld。Butafterthebaththeyareallofonemind；theylaytheirshawlsonthewarmsand，and，spreadingouttheirhairtodry，theydozeinthesun，insuchcoilsandmassesastheunconsciousfigurelendsitselfto。Whentheyrisefromtheirbeds，theysitintheshelterofthecliffandknitorsew，whileoneofthemreadsaloud，andanotherstandswatchtoannouncethecomingoftheseals，whichfrequentareefneartheshoreingreatnumbers。Ithasbeensaidatrivalpointsonthecoastthattheladieslingerthereindespairofeverbeingabletoremounttothehotel。Ayoungmanwhoclamberedalongtheshorefromoneofthosepointsreportedfindingdayafterdaythesameyoungladystretchedoutonthesameshawl，dryingthesameyellowhair，whohadapparentlynevergoneupstairssincetheseasonbegan。Buttherecurrenceofthisphenomenoninthisspotattheverymomentwhentheyoungmancamebymighthavebeenaccountedforuponothertheories。
Jocelyn’swassosecludedthatshecouldnothaveexpectedanyonetofindhertheretwice，andifshehadexpectedthisshewouldnothavepermittedit。Probablyhesawadifferentyoungladyeachtime。
Manyofthesameboarderscomeyearafteryear，andthesetrembleatthesuggestionofachangeforthebetterinJocelyn’s。ThelandlordhasalwaysbelievedthatJocelyn’swouldcomeup，someday，whentimesgotbetter。Hebelievesthatthenarrow-gaugerailroadfromNewLeyden——
arrestedonpaperatthedisastrousmomentwhenthefortunesofJocelyn’sfeltthegeneralcrash——willbepushedthroughyet；andeverysummerhepromisesthatnextsummertheyaregoingtohaveasteam-launchrunningtwiceadayfromLeydenHarbor。Butatpresenthishouseisvisitedonceadaybyabarge，astheNewEnglandcoast-folkscallthevehicleinwhichtheyconveycityboarderstoandfromthestation，andtheoldfrequentersoftheplacehopethatthestationwillneverbenearerJocelyn’sthanatpresent。Someofthemarerichenoughtoaffordasojournatmorefashionableresorts；butmostofthemarenot，thoughtheyareoftenpeopleofpolitetastesandofaestheticemployments。
Theytalkwithslightofthelargewatering-places，andprobablytheywouldnotlikethem，thoughitisreallyeconomythatinspirestheirpassionforJocelyn’swithmostofthem，andtheyknowofthesplendid。
wearinessofNewportmostlybyhearsay。Newarrivalsarenotfavored，buttherearenotoftennewarrivalsatJocelyn’s。Thechiefbusinessofthebargeistobringfreshmeatforthetableandthegauntbagwhichcontainsthemail；forinthefirstflushoftheenterprisetheplacewasmadeapost-office，andthelandlordispostmaster；hehasthehelpofthelady-boardersinhisofficialduties。
Scatteredaboutamongtheyoungbirchesthereareseveralofthosepineframesknownasshells，withineasywalkofthehotel，wheretheirinmatesboard。Theyarepicturesqueinteriors，andareoninformaltermswiththepublicastomanydomesticdetails。Theladyofthehouse，doingherbackhairatherdressing-roomglass，isdividedfromherhusband，smokingattheparlorfire-place，onlybyapartitionofunlathedstudding。Thearrestofdevelopmentintheseshellsischaracteristicofeverythingabouttheplace。NoneoftheimprovementsinventedsincethehardtimesbeganhavebeenaddedtoJocelyn’s；
lawntennisisstillunknownthere；butthereisacroquet-groundbeforethehotel，wheretheshort，toughgrassiskeptintolerableorder。Thewicketsareprettyrusty，anditisusuallythechildrenwhoplay；buttowardthecloseofacertain，afternoonayoungladywaspushingtheballsaboutthere。Sheseemedtobegoingoveragamejustplayed，andtryingtotracethecauseofherfailure。Shemadebadshots，andlaughedatherblunders。Anotheryoungladydroopedlanguidlyonabenchatthesideofthecroquet-ground，andfollowedhermovementswithindifference。
"Idon’tseehowyoudidit，Louise，"pantedtheplayer；"it’sastonishinghowyoubeatme。"
Theladyonthebenchmadeasiftoanswer，butendedbycoughinghoarsely。
"Oh，dearchild！"criedthefirst，droppinghermallet，andrunningtoher。"Yououghttohaveputonyourshawl！"Sheliftedtheknitshawllyingbesideheronthebench，andlaiditacrosstheother’sshoulders，anddrewitcloseaboutherneck。
"Oh，don’t！"saidtheother。"Itchokesmetobebundledupsotight。"
Sheshruggedtheshawldowntohershoulderswithaprettypetulance。
"Ifmychest’sprotected，that’sallthat’snecessary。"Butshemadenomotiontodrapetheoutlinewhichherneatly-fitteddressdisplayed，andshedidnotmovefromherplace，orlookupatheranxiousfriend。
"Oh，butdon’tsithere，Louise，"thelatterpleaded，lingeringnearher。
"Iwaswrongtoletyousitdownatallafteryouhadgotheated。"
"Well，Grace，Ihadto，"saidshewhowascalledLouise。"Iwassotiredout。I’mnotgoingtotakemorecold。IcanalwaystellwhenIam。
I’llputontheshawlinhalfaminute；orelseI’llgoin。
I’msurethere’snothingtokeepmeout。That’stheworstoftheselonelyplaces：mymindpreysuponitself。That’swhatDr。Nixonalwayssaid：hesaiditwasnouseinairsolongasmymindpreyeduponitself。
HesaidthatIoughttodivertmymindallIcould，andkeepitfrompreyinguponitself；thatitwasworthallthemedicineintheworld。"
"That’sperfectlytrue。"
"Thenyououghtn’ttokeepremindingmeallthetimethatI’msick。
That’swhatstartsmymindtopreyinguponitself；andwhenitgetsgoingonceIcan’tstopit。Ioughttotreatmyselfjustlikeawellperson；
that’swhatthedoctorsaid。"
Theotherstoodlookingatthespeakerinfrowningperplexity。Shewasaserious-facedgirl，andnowwhenshefrownedherblackbrowsmetsternlyabovehergrayeyes。Butshecontrolledanyimpulseshehadtoseverity，andaskedgently，"ShallIsendBellatoyou？"
"Oh，no！Ican’tmakesocietyoutofachildthewholetime。I’lljustsitheretillthebargecomesin。Isupposeitwillbeasemptyasagourd，asusual。"Sheadded，withasickandwearynegligence，"Idon’tevenknowwhereBellais。She’srunoff，somewhere。"
"It’squitetimesheshouldbelookedup，fortea。I’llwanderoutthatwayandlookforher。"Sheindicatedthewildernessgenerally。
"Thanks，"saidLouise。Shenowgratefullydrewhershawlupoverhershoulders，andfacedaboutonthebenchsoastocommandaneasyviewofthearrivingbarge。Theothermetitonherwaytotheplaceinthewoodswherethechildrenusuallyplayed，andfounditasemptyasherfriendhadforeboded。Butthedriverstoppedhishorses，andleanedoutofthesideofthewagonwithalittlepackageinhishand。Hereadthesuperscription，andthenglancedconsciouslyatthegirl。"You’reMissBreen，ain’tyou？"
"Yes，"shesaid，withlady-likesweetnessandasortofbusiness-likealertness。
"Well，"suggestedthedriver，"thisisforMissGraceBreen，M。D。"
"Forme，thankyou，"saidtheyounglady。"I’mDr。Breen。"SheputoutherhandforthelittlepackagefromthehomoeopathicpharmacyinBoston；
andthedriveryieldeditwithablushthatreddenedhimtohishair。
"Well，"hesaidslowly，staringatthehandsomegirl，whodidnotvisiblysharehisembarrassment，"theytoldmeyouwastheone；butIcouldn’tseemtogetitthroughme。Ithoughtitmustbetheoldlady。"
"MymotherisMrs。Breen，"theyoungladybrieflyexplained，andwalkedrapidlyaway，leavingthedriverstuckintheheavysandofSea-GlimpseAvenue。
"Why，getup！"heshoutedtohishorses。"Goin’tostayhereallday？"
Hecranedhisneckroundthesideofthewagonforasightofher。
"Well，dumm’fIdon’twishIwassick！Stepsalong，"hemused，watchingtheswirlandrippleofherskirt，"like——Idunnowhat。"
WithherfaceturnedfromhimDr。Breenblushed，too；shewasnotyetsousedtoherqualityofphysicianthatshecouldcoldlybeartheconfusiontowhichherbeingadoctorputmen。Shelaughedalittletoherselfatthehelplessnessofthedriver，confrontedprobablyforthefirsttimewithagraduateoftheNewYorkhomoeopathicschool；butshebelievedthatshehadreasonsfortakingherselfseriouslyineveryway，andshehadnotentereduponthiscareerwithoutdefinitepurposes。Whenshewasnotyetoutofherteens，shehadanunhappyloveaffair，whichwasalwaysdarklyreferredtoasadisappointmentbypeoplewhoknewofitatthetime。Thoughtheparticularsofthecasedonotdirectlyconcernthisstory，itmaybestatedthattherecreantloverafterwardsmarriedherdearestgirl-friend，whomhehadfirstmetinhercompany。Itwascruelenough，andthehurtwentdeep；butitneithercrushednorhardenedher。Itbenumbedherforatime；shesankoutofsight；butwhenshereturnedtotheknowledgeoftheworldsheshowednomarkoftheblowexceptwhatwasthoughtastrangeeccentricityinagirlsuchasshehadbeen。Theworldwhichhadknownher——itwasthatofaninlandNewEnglandcity——heardofherdefinitelyafterseveralyearsasastudentofmedicineinNewYork。Thosewhohadmoreofherintimacyunderstoodthatshehadchosenthisworkwiththeintentionofgivingherlifetoit，inthespiritinwhichotherwomenenterconvents，orgoouttoheathenlands；butprobablythisconceptionhaditsexaggerations。Whatwascertainwasthatshewasrichenoughtohavenoneedofherprofessionasameansofsupport，andthatitsstudyhadcosthermorethantheusualsufferingthatitbringstopersonsofsensitivenerves。Somedetailswerealmostinsuperablyrepugnant；butinschoolingherselftothemshebelievedthatshewaspreparingtoencounteranythingintheapplicationofherscience。
Herfirstintentionhadbeentogobacktoherowntownafterhergraduation，andbeginthepracticeofherprofessionamongthosewhohadalwaysknownher，andwhosescrutinyandcriticismwouldbehardesttobear，andtherefore，asshefancied，themostusefultoherintheformationofcharacter。Butafterwardssherelinquishedherpurposeinfavorofadesignwhichshethoughtwouldbemoreusefultoothers：sheplannedgoingtooneofthegreatfactorytowns，andbeginningpracticethere，incompanywithanolderphysician，amongthechildrenoftheoperatives。Pendingthecompletionofthisarrangement，whichwaswaitinguponthedecisionoftheotherlady，shehadcometoJocelyn’swithhermother，andwithMrs。Maynard，whohadarrivedfromtheWest，aimlesslysickandunfriended，justastheywereaboutleavinghome。
Therewasnoresourcebuttoinviteherwiththem，andDr。Breenwasfindingherfirstpatientinthisunexpectedguest。Shedidnotwhollyregrettheaccident；this，too，wasusefulwork，thoughnotthatshewouldhavechosen；buthermother，afterafortnight，openlyrepined，andcouldnotmentionMrs。Maynardwithoutsomerebelliousmurmur。Shewasanoldlady，whohadoncekeptaveryvigilantconscienceforherself；
butaftermakingherlifeunhappywithitforsomethreescoreyears，shenowapplieditentirelytotheexasperationandcondemnationofothers。
SheespeciallydevotedittofrettingaNewEnglandgirl’snaturallymorbidsenseofdutyinherdaughter，andkeepingitintheirritationofperpetualself-question。Shehadneveractivelyopposedherstudyingmedicine；thatambitionhadharmonizedverywellwithcertainradicaltendenciesofherown，anditwasatleastnotmarriage，whichshehadfoundtolerableonlyinitsmodifiedformofwidowhood；butateverystepafterthedecisivestepwastakenshewasbesetwithmisgivingslestGracewasnotfullyalivetothegraveresponsibilitiesofheroffice，whichsheaccumulateduponthegirlinproportionassheflungoffallresponsibilitiesofherown。ShewasdoubtlessdeceivedbythatshowofcalmwhichsometimesdeceivedGraceherself，who，intutoringhersoultobearwhatithadtobear，mistookhertenseeffortforspiritualrepose，andscarcelyrealizedthroughhertinglingnervesthestrainshewasundergoing。Inspiteofthebitterexperienceofherlife，shewasstillveryardentinherhopesofusefulness，veryscornfulofdistressordiscomforttoherself，andalittleinclinedtoexacttheheroismshewasreadytoshow。Shehadachild’sseveremorality，andshehadhardlylearnedtounderstandthatthereismuchevilintheworldthatdoesnotcharacterizetheperpetrators：sheheldherselfasstrictlytoaccountforeverywordanddeedassheheldothers，andshehadanalmostpassionatedesiretomeettheconsequenceofhererrors；tillthatwasfelt，anintolerabledoomhungoverher。Shetriednottobeimpulsive；
thatwascriminalinoneofhercalling；andshestruggledforpatiencewithanendeavorthatwaslargelysuccessful。
Astotheeffectofhercareeroutsideofherself，andofthosewhomherskillwastobenefit，shetriedtothinkneitherarrogantlynormeanly。
Shewouldnotentertainthevanitythatshewasservingwhatiscalledthecauseofwoman，andshewouldnotassumeanydutiesorresponsibilitiestowardit。Shethoughtmenwereasgoodaswomen；
atleastonemanhadbeennoworsethanonewoman；anditwasinnorepresentativeorexemplarycharacterthatshehadchosenhercourse。
Atthesametimethatsheheldthesesaneopinions，shebelievedthatshehadputawaythehopeswiththepleasuresthatmightoncehavetakenherasayounggirl。Inregardtowhathadchangedthecurrentofherlife，shementallyassertedhermerenullity，herabsolutenon-existence。Thethoughtofitnolongerrankled，andthatinterestcouldneverbehersagain。Ifithadnotbeensomuchlikeaffectation，andsocountertoherstrongaestheticinstinct，shemighthavemadeherdresssomehowsignificantofhercompleteabeyanceinsuchmatters；butasitwassheonlystudiedsimplicity，andaswehaveseenfromtheimpressionofthebarge-drivershedidnotfinallyescapedistinctionindressandmanner。
Infact，shecouldnothaveescapedthateffectifshewould；anditwasoneoftheindomitablecontradictionsofhernaturethatshewouldnot。
Whenshecamebacktothecroquet-ground，leadingthelittlegirlbythehand，shefoundMrs。Maynardnolongeraloneandnolongersad。Shewaschattingandlaughingwithaslimyoungfellow，whosegayblueeyeslookedoutofasunburntface，andwhosestrawhat，carriedinhishand，exposedacloselyshavenhead。Heworeasuitofgrayflannel，andMrs。
MaynardexplainedthathewascampingonthebeachatBirkman’sCove，andhadcomeoverinthesteamerwithherwhenshereturnedfromEurope。SheintroducedhimasMr。Libby，andsaid，"Oh，Bella，youdirtylittlething！"
Mr。LibbybowedanxiouslytoGrace，andturnedforrefugetothelittlegirl。"Hello，Bella！""Hello！"saidthechild。"Rememberme？"ThechildputherlefthandonthatofGraceholdingherright，andprettilypressedherheadagainstthegirl’sarminbashfulsilence。Gracesaidsomecoldlycivilwordstotheyoungman：withoutlookingatMrs。
Maynard，andpassedonintothehouse。
"Youdon’tmeanthat’syourdoctor？"hescarcelymorethanwhispered。
"Yes，Ido，"answeredMrs。Maynard。"Isn’tshetoolovely？Andshe’sjustasgood！Sheusedtostandupatschoolforme，whenallthegirlsweredownonmebecauseIwasWestern。AndwhenIcameEast，thistime，Ijustwentrightstraighttoherhouse。Iknewshecouldtellmeexactlywhattodo。Andthat’sthereasonI’mhere。Ishallalwaysrecommendthisairtoanybodywithlungdifficulties。It’sthegreatestthing！I’malmostanotherperson。Oh，youneedn’tlookafterher，Mr。Libby！There’snothingflirtatiousaboutGrace，"saidMrs。Maynard。
TheyoungmanrecoveredhimselffromhisabsentmindedstareinthedirectionGracehadtaken，withafranklaugh。"Somuchthebetterforafellow，Ishouldsay！"
Gracehandedthelittlegirlovertohernurse，andwenttoherownroom，whereshefoundhermotherwaitingtogodowntotea。
"WhereisMrs。Maynard？"askedMrs。Breen。
"Outonthecroquet-ground，"answeredthedaughter。
"Ishouldthinkitwouldbedamp，"suggestedMrs。Green。
"Shewillcomeinwhenthetea-bellrings。Shewouldn’tcomeinnow，ifItoldher。"
"Well，"saidtheelderlady，"forapersonwholetsherdoctorpayherboard，Ithink’she’sveryindependent。"
"Iwishyouwouldn’tspeakofthat，mother，"saidthegirl。
"Ican’thelpit，Grace。It’sridiculous，——that’swhatitis；it’sridiculous。"
"Idon’tseeanythingridiculousinit。Aphysicianneednotchargeanythingunlesshechooses，orshe；andifIchoosetomakeLouisemyguesthereit’squitethesameasifsheweremyguestathome。"
"Idon’tlikeyoutohavesuchaguest，"saidMrs。Green。"Idon’tseewhatclaimshehasuponyourhospitality。"
"Shehasadoubleclaimuponit，"Graceanswered，withaflush。"Sheisinsicknessandintrouble。Idon’tseehowshecouldhaveabetterclaim。EvenifshewerequitewellIshouldconsiderthewayshehadbeentreatedbyherhusbandsufficient，andIshouldwanttodoeverythingIcouldforher。"
"Ishouldwanthertobehaveherself，"saidMrs。Breendryly。
"Howbehaveherself？Whatdoyoumean？"demandedGrace，withguiltyheat。
"YouknowwhatImean，Grace。Awomaninherpositionoughttobemorecircumspectthananyotherwoman，ifshewantspeopletobelievethatherhusbandtreatedherbadly。"
"Weoughtn’ttoblameherfortryingtoforgethertroubles。It’sessentialtoherrecoveryforhertobeascheerfulasshecanbe。I
knowthatshe’simpulsive，andshe’sfreeinhermannerswithstrangers；
butIsupposethat’sherWesternism。She’salmostdistracted。Shewascryinghalfthenight，withhertroubles，andkeptBellaandmebothawake。"
"IsBellawithhernow？"
"No，"Graceadmitted。"Jane’sgettingherreadytogodownwithus。
Louiseistalkingwithagentlemanwhocameoveronthesteamerwithher；
he’scampingonthebeachnearhere。Ididn’twaittohearparticulars。"
Whenthenursebroughtthelittlegirltotheirdoor，Mrs。GreentookonehandandGracetheother，andtheyledherdowntotea。Mrs。Maynardwasalreadyattable，andtoldthemallaboutmeetingMr。Libbyabroad。
UntilthepresenttimesheandGracehadnotseeneachothersincetheywereatschooltogetherinSouthington，wherethegirlusedtohearsomuchtothedisadvantageofhernativesectionthatshewouldhardlyhaveownedtoitifheraccenthadnotfoundherout。Itwouldhavebeenpleasantertobefriendanotherperson，butthelittleWesternersufferedaveritablepersecution，andthatwasenoughtomakeGraceherfriend。
Shortlyaftershereturnedhomefromschoolshemarried，inthatcasualandtentativefashioninwhichsomanymarriagesseemmade。GracehadheardofherastravellinginEuropewithherhusband，fromwhomshewasnowseparated。ShereportedthathehadknownMr。Libbyinhisbachelordays，andthatMr。Libbyhadtravelledwiththem。Mr。MaynardappearedtohavelefttoMr。Libbythearrangementofhiswife’spleasures，thesupervisionofhershopping，andthedirectionoftheircommonjourneysandsojourns；anditseemedtohavebeenindifferenttohimwhetherhisfriendwassmokingandtellingstorieswithhim，orgoingwithhiswifetotheopera，oruponsuchexcursionsashehadnotastefor。Shegavethedetailsofthetriangularintimacywithafrankunconsciousness；andafternineo’clockshereturnedfromamoonlightwalkonthebeachwithMr。Libby。
Gracesatwaitingforheratthelittleone’sbedside，forBellahadbeenafraidtogotosleepalone。
"Howgoodyouare！"criedLouise，inagratefulunder-tone，asshecamein。ShekissedGrace，andchokeddownacoughwithherhandoverhermouth。
"Louise，"saidGracesternly，"thisisshameful！Youforgetthatyouaremarried，andill，too。"
"Oh，I’meversomuchbetter，to-night。Theair’sjustasdry！Andyouneedn’tmindMr。Libby。He’ssuchanoldfriend！Besides，I’msuretogainthecase。"
"No，matter。Evenasadivorcedwoman，yououghtn’ttogooninthisway。"
"Well，Iwouldn’t，witheveryone。Butit’squitedifferentwithMr。
Libby。And，besides，Ihavetokeepmymindfrompreyingonitselfsomehow。"
II。
Mrs。Maynardsatinthesunontheseaward-lookingpiazzaofthehotel，andcoughedinthewarmair。Shetoldtheladies，astheycameoutfrombreakfast，thatshewaseversomuchbettergenerally，butthatsheseemedtohavemoreofthatticklinginherthroat。Eachofthemadvisedherforgood，andsuggestedthisspecificandthat；andtheyallaskedherwhatMissBreenwasdoingforhercough。Mrs。Maynardreplied，betweentheparoxysms，thatshedidnotknow：itwassomekindofpowders。Thentheysaidtheywouldthinkshewouldwanttotrysomethingactive；eventhoseamongthemwhowerehomoeopathistsinsinuatedafinedistrustofaphysicianoftheirownsex。"Oh，it’snothingserious，"
Mrs。Maynardexplained。"It’sjustbronchial。Theairwilldomemoregoodthananything。I’mkeepingoutinitallIcan。"
Aftertheyweregone，aqueer，gauntmancameandglancedfromthedoorwayather。Hehadoneeyeinunnaturalfixity，andtheothersetatthatabnormalslantwhichissaidtoqualifytheownerforlookingroundacornerbeforehegetstoit。Adrolltwistofhismouthseemedpartlyphysical，but：thereisnodoubtthathehadoftenahumorousintention。
ItwasBarlow，theman-of-all-work，whokilledandpluckedthepoultry，peeledthepotatoesandpickedthepeas，pulledthesweet-cornandthetomatoes，kindledthekitchenfire，harnessedtheoldsplayfootedmare，——safeforladiesandchildren，andintolerableforallothers，whichformedtheentirestudoftheJocelynHousestables，——dugtheclams，rowedandsailedtheboat，lookedafterthebath-houses，andcameincontactwiththeguestsatsomanypointsthathewasoneasytermswiththemall。Thiseasetendedtoanintimacywhichhewashimselfpowerlesstorepress，andwhich，fromtimetotime，requiredtheirintervention。
Henowworeasimplecostumeofshirtandtrousers，thelatterterminatedbyapairofbrokenshoes，andsustainedbywhathecalledasinglegallows；hisbroad-brimmedstrawhatscoopeddownuponhisshouldersbehind，andinfrontaddedtohiscongenitaldifficultyofgettingpeopleinfocus。"Howdoyoudo，thismorning，Mrs。Maynard？"hesaid。
"Oh，I’mfirst-rate，Mr。Barlow。Whatsortofdaydoyouthinkit’sgoingtobeforasail？"
Barlowcameouttotheedgeofthepiazza，andlookedattheseaandsky。
"First-rate。Fog’smostburntawaynow。Youdon’toftenseeafogatJocelyn’safterteno’clockinthemornin’。"
HelookedforapprovaltoMrs。Maynard，whosaid，"That’sso。Theair’sjustsplendid。It’sdoingeverythingforme。"
"It’sthesepinewoods，backo’here。Everybreathon’emdoesyegood。
It’sthebalsaminit。D’youevertry，"heasked，stretchinghishandasfarupthepiazza-postasbecould，andswingingintoaconversationalposture，——"d’youevertrywhiskey——goododdBourbonwhiskey——withwhite-
pinechipsinit？"
Mrs。Maynardlookedupwithinterest，but，shakingherhead，coughedforno。
"Well，Ishouldliketohaveyoutrythat。"
"Whatdoesitdo？"shegasped，whenshecouldgetherbreath。
"Well，it’ssoothin’t’thecough，anditbuildsyeup，everyways。Why，mybrother，"continuedthefactotum，"hediedofconsumptionwhenIwasaboy，——reg’laroldNewEnglandconsumption。Don’thardlyeverhearofitanymore，roundhere。Well，Idon’tsupposethere’sbeenacaseofreg’laroldNewEnglandconsumption——well，nottheoldNewEnglandkind——sincethesewoodsgrowedup。Heusedtotakewhiskeywithwhite-pinechipsinit；andIcanrememberhearin’emsaythatitdonehimmoregoodthanallthedoctor’sstuff。He’dbeenouttoDemarary，andeverywheres，andhecomehomeinthelaststages，andtookupwiththiswhiskeywithwhitepinechipsinit。Well，it’sjustlikethis，Ipresumeit’sthebalsaminthechips。Itdon’tmakeanydifferencehowyougitthebalsamintoyoursystem，so’s’tyougititthere。Ishouldliketohaveyoutrywhiskeywithwhite-pinechipsinit。"
HelookedconvincinglyatMrs。Maynard，whosaidsheshouldliketotryit。"It’sjustbronchialwithme，youknow。ButIshouldliketotryit。Iknowitwouldbesoothing；andI’vealwaysheardthatwhiskeywastheverythingtobuildyouup。But，"sheadded，lapsingfromthisvisionofrecovery，"Icouldn’ttakeitunlessGracesaidso。She’dbesuretofinditout。"
"Why，lookhere，"saidBarlow。"Asfarforthasthatgoes，youcouldkeepthebottleinmyroom。NotbutwhatIbelieveingoingbyyourdoctor’sdirections，itdon’tmatterwhoyourdoctoris。Iain’tsayin’
nothin’againstMissBreen，youunderstand？"
"Oh，no！"criedMrs。Maynard。
"Ineverseemuchnicerladiesthanherandhermotherinthehouse。
Butyoujusttellheraboutthewhiskeywiththewhite-pinechipsinit。
Maybesheneverheardofit。Well，shehain’thadagreatdealofexperienceyet。"
"No，"saidMrs。Maynard。"AndIthinkshe’llbegladtohearofit。
YoumaybesureI’lltellher，Mr。Barlow。Graceiseverythingforthebalsamicpropertiesoftheair，downhere。That’swhatshesaid；andasyousay，itdoesn’tmatterhowyougetthebalsamintoyoursystem，soyougetitthere。"
"No，"saidthefactotum，inatoneofmisgiving，asiftherepetitionofthewordspresentedthetheoryinanewlighttohim。
"WhatIthinkis，andwhatI’malwaystellingGrace，"pursuedMrs。
Maynard，inthatconfidentialspiritinwhichshehelplesslyspokeofherfriendsbytheirfirstnamestoeveryone，"thatifIcouldoncegetmydigestionallright，thenthecoughwouldstopofitself。Thedoctorsaid——Dr。Nixon，thatis——thatitwasmorethanhalfthedigestionanyway。ButjustassoonasIeatanything——orifIover-eatalittle——thenthatticklinginmythroatbegins，andthenIcommencecoughing；andI’mbackjustwhereIwas。It’sthedigestion。Ioughtn’ttohaveeatenthatmincepie，yesterday。"
"No，"admittedBarlow。Thenhesaid，inindirectdefenceofthekitchen，"Ithinkyouhadn’toughttobeoutinthenightair，——well，notagreatdeal。"
"Well，Idon’tsupposeitdoesdomemuchgood，"Mrs。Maynardsaid，turninghereyesseaward。
Barlowlethishanddropfromthepiazzapost，andslouchedin-doors；buthecameoutagainasifprickedbyconsciencetoreturn。
"Afterall，youknow，itdidn’tcurehim。"
"Whatcurehim？"askedMrs。Maynard。
"Thewhiskeywiththewhite-pinechipsinit。"
"Curewho？"
"Mybrother。"
"Oh！Oh，yes！Butmine’sonlybronchial。Ithinkitmightdomegood。
IshalltellGraceaboutit。"
Barlowlookedtroubled，asifhissuccessinthesuggestionofthisremedywerenotfinallyapleasure；butasMrs。Maynardkepthereyespersistentlyturnedfromhim，andwasevidentlytired，hehadnothingforitbuttogoin-doorsagain。HemetGrace，andmadewayforheronthethresholdtopassout。
AsshejoinedMrs。Maynard，"Well，Grace，"saidthelatter，"Idobelieveyouareright。Ihavetakensomemorecold。Butthatshowsthatitdoesn’tgetworseofitself，andIthinkweoughttobeencouragedbythat。
I’mgoingtobemorecarefulofthenightairafterthis。"
"Idon’tthinkthenightairwastheworstthingaboutit，Louise，"saidGracebluntly。
"Youmeanthedampfromthesand？Iputonmyrubbers。"
"Idon’tmeanthedampsand，"saidGrace，beginningtopulloversomesewingwhichshehadinherlap，andlookingdownatit。
Mrs。Maynardwatchedherawhileinexpectationthatshewouldsaymore，butshedidnotspeak。"Oh，——well！"shewasforcedtocontinueherself，"ifyou’regoingtogoonwiththat！"
"Thequestionis，"saidGrace，gettingthethreadshewanted，"whetheryouaregoingonwithit。"
"Why，Ican’tseeanypossibleharminit，"protestedMrs。Maynard。
"Isupposeyoudon’texactlylikemygoingwithMr。Libby，andIknowthatundersomecircumstancesitwouldn’tbequitethething。Butdidn’tItellyoulastnighthowhelivedwithusinEurope？AndwhenwewereallcomingoveronthesteamertogetherMr。LibbyandMr。Maynardweretogetherthewholetime，smokingandtellingstories。Theywerethegreatestfriends！Why，itisn’tasifhewasastranger，oranenemyofMr。Maynard’s。"
Gracedroppedhersewingintoherlap。"Really，Louise，you’reincredible！"Shelookedsternlyattheinvalid；butbrokeintoalaugh，onwhichMrs。Maynardwaitedwithapuzzledface。AsGracesaidnothingmore，shehelplesslyresumed：——
"Wedidn’texpecttogodownthecliffwhenhefirstcalledintheevening。Buthesaidhewouldhelpmeupagain，and——hedid，nicely。
Iwasn’texhaustedabit；andhowItookmorecoldIcan’tunderstand；
Iwaswrappedupwarmly。IthinkItookthecoldwhenIwassittingthereafterourgameofcroquet，withmyshawloff。Don’tyouthinkso？"
shewheedled。
"Perhaps，"saidGrace。
"Hedidnothingbuttalkaboutyou，Grace，"saidMrs。Maynard，withaslylookattheother。"He’sawfullyafraidofyou，andhekeptaskingaboutyou。"
"Louise，"saidtheother，gravelyignoringthesefacts，"Ineverundertookthecareofyousocially，andIobjectverymuchtolecturingyou。YouarenearlyasoldasIam，andyouhavehadagreatdealmoreexperienceoflifethanIhave。"Mrs。Maynardsigheddeeplyinassent。
"Butitdoesn’tseemtohavetaughtyouthatifyouwillprovokepeopletotalkofyou，youmustexpectcriticism。Oneafteranotheryou’vetoldnearlyeverywomaninthehouseyouraffairs，andtheyhaveallsympathizedwithyouandpitiedyou。Ishallhavetobeplain，andtellyouthatIcan’thavethemsneeringandlaughingatanyonewhoismyguest。Ican’tletyoudefypublicopinionhere。"
"Why，Grace，"saidMrs。Maynard，buoyedaboveoffenceatherfriend’swordsbyherconsciousnessofthepointshewasabouttomake，"youdefypublicopinionyourselfagooddealmorethanIdo，everyminute。"
"I？HowdoIdefyit？"demandedGraceindignantly。
"Bybeingadoctor。"
Graceopenedherlipstospeak，butshewasnotareadyperson，andshefeltthethrust。BeforeshecouldsayanythingMrs。Maynardwenton：
"Thereisn’toneofthemthatdoesn’tthinkyou’remuchmorescandalousthanifyouwerethegreatestflirtalive。But，Idon’tmindthem，andwhyshouldyou？"
TheseriousgirlwhomsheaddressedwasinthathelplesssubjectiontothetruthinwhichsomanyNewEnglandwomenpasstheirlives。Shecouldnotdenythetruthwhichlurkedintheexaggerationofthesewords，anditunnervedher，asthefactthatshewasdoingwhatthevastmajorityofwomenconsideredunwomanlyalwaysunnervedherwhenshesufferedherselftothinkofit。"Youareright，Louise，"shesaidmeeklyandsadly。
"Theythinkaswellofyouastheydoofme。"
"Yes，that’sjustwhatIsaid！"criedMrs。Maynard，gladofhersuccessfulargument。
Buthoweverdisabled，herfriendresumed："Theonlysafewayforyouistotakethegroundthatsolongasyouwearyourhusband’snameyoumusthonorit，nomatterhowcruelandindifferenttoyouhehasbeen。"
"Yes，"assentedMrs。Maynardruefully，"ofcourse。"
"Imeanthatyoumustn’tevenhavetheappearanceoflikingadmiration，orwhatyoucallattentions。It’swicked。"
"Isupposeso，"murmuredtheculprit。
"YouhavebeenbroughtuptohavesuchdifferentideasofdivorcefromwhatIhave，"continuedGrace，"thatIdon’tfeelasifIhadanyrighttoadviseyouaboutwhatyouaretodoafteryougainyoursuit。"
"Ishallnotwanttogetmarriedagainforonewhile；Iknowthatmuch，"
Mrs。Maynardinterpolatedself-righteously。
"Buttillyoudogainit，yououghtnottoregarditasemancipatingyouintheslightestdegree。"
"No，"cameinsadassentfromthevictimofthelaw’sdelays。
"AndIwantyoutopromisemethatyouwon’tgowalkingwithMr。Libbyanymore；andthatyouwon’tevenseehimalone，afterthis。"
"Why，butGrace！"criedMrs。Maynard，asmuchinamazementasinannoyance。"Youdon’tseemtounderstand！Haven’tItoldyouhewasafriendofthefamily？He’squiteasmuchMr。Maynard’sfriendasheismine。I’msure，"sheadded，"ifIaskedMr。Libby，Ishouldneverthinkofgettingdivorced。He’sallforGeorge；andit’sasmuchasIcandotoputupwithhim。"
"Nomatter。Thatdoesn’taltertheappearancetopeoplehere。Idon’twishyoutogowithhimaloneanymore。"
"Well，Grace，Iwon’t，"saidMrs。Maynardearnestly。"Iwon’t，indeed。
Andthatmakesmethink：hewantedyoutogoalongthismorning。"
"Togoalong？Wantedme——Whatareyoutalkingabout？"
"Why，Isupposethat’shisboat，outthere，now。"Mrs。Maynardpointedtoalittlecraftjustcomingtoanchorinsidethereef。"Hesaidhewantedmetotakeasailwithhim，thismorning；andhesaidhewouldcomeupandaskyou，too。Idohopeyou’llgo，Grace。It’sjustascalm；andhealwayshasamanwithhimtohelpsailtheboat，sothereisn’ttheleastdanger。"Gracelookedatherinsilentsorrow，andMrs。
Maynardwentonwithsympatheticseriousness："Oh！there’sonethingI
wanttoaskyouabout，Grace：Idon’tliketohaveanyconcealmentsfromyou。"Gracedidnotspeak，butshepermittedMrs。Maynardtoproceed：
"Barlowrecommendedit，andhe’slivedhereagreatwhile。Hisbrothertookit，andhehadtheregularoldNewEnglandconsumption。IthoughtI
shouldn’tliketotryitwithoutyourknowingit。"
"Tryit？Whatareyoutalkingabout，Louise？"
"Why，whiskeywithwhite-pinechipsinit。"
Gracerose，andmovedtowardsthedoor，withthethingsdroppingfromherlap。Oneofthesewasaspool，thatrolleddownthestepsandoutuponthesandyroad。Sheturnedtopursueit，andrecovereditatthecostofdroppingherscissorsandthimbleoutofoppositesidesofherskirt，whichshehadgatheredupapronwisetoholdherwork。Whensherosefromthecomplicateddifficulty，inwhichMrs。Maynardhadamiablylentheraid，sheconfrontedMr。Libby，whowascomingtowardsthemfromthecliff。Shegavehimastiffnod，andattemptedtomoveaway；butinturningroundandaboutshehadspunherselfintothefoldsofastoutlinenthreadescapingfromitsspool。Thesegyvesnotonlyboundherskirtsbutinvolvedherfeetinanextraordinarymesh，whichtightenedatthefirststepandbroughthertoastandstill。
Mrs。Maynardbegantolaughandcough，asMr。Libbycametoherfriend’shelp。Hegotthespoolinhishand，andwalkedaroundherintheendeavortofreeher；butinvain。Sheextendedhimthescissorswiththesternpassivityofafate。"Cutit，"shecommanded，andMr。Libbykneltbeforeherandobeyed。"Thanks，"shesaid，takingbackthescissors；andnowshesatdownagain，andbegandeliberatelytoputupherworkinherhandkerchief。
"I’llgooutandgetmythings。Iwon’tbegonehalfaminute，Mr。
Libby，"saidMrs。Maynard，withherfirstbreath，asshevanishedindoors。
Mr。LibbyleanedagainstthepostlatelyoccupiedbythefactotuminhistalkwithMrs。Maynard，andlookeddownatGraceasshebentoverherwork。Ifhewishedtospeaktoher，andwaswaveringastotheappropriatestyleofaddressforahandsomegirl，whowasatonceayoungladyandaphysician，shesparedhimtheagonyofadecisionbylookingupathimsuddenly。
"Ihope，"hefaltered，"thatyoufeellikeasail，thismorning？
DidMrs。Maynard——"
"Ishallhavetoexcusemyself，"answeredGrace，withaconscienceagainstsayingshewassorry。"Iamaverybadsailor。"
"Well，soamI，forthatmatter，"saidMr。Libby。"Butit’ssmoothasapond，to-day。"
Giicemadenodirectresponse，andhegrewvisiblyuncomfortableunderthecoldabstractionofthegazewithwhichsheseemedtolookthroughhim。"Mrs。MaynardtellsmeyoucameoverwithherfromEurope。"
’Ohyes！"criedtheyoungman，thelightofpleasantrecollectionkindlinginhisgayeyes。"Wehadagoodtime。Maynardwasalong：he’safirst-ratefellow。Iwishhewerehere。"
"Yes，"saidGrace，"Iwishso，too。"Shedidnotknowwhattomakeofthisfranknessoftheyoungman’s，andshedidnotknowwhethertoconsiderhimverydepravedorveryinnocent。Inherquestionshecontinuedtostareathim，withoutbeingawareoftheembarrassmenttowhichshewasputtinghim。
IheardofMrs。Maynard’sbeinghere，andIthoughtIshouldfindhim，too。Icameoveryesterdaytogethimtogointothewoodswithus。"
Gracedecidedthatthiswasmereeffrontery。"Itisapitythatheisnothere，"shesaid；andthoughitoughttohavebeenpossibleforhertogoonandrebuketheyoungfellowforbestowinguponMrs。Maynardthecomradeshipintendedforherhusband，itwasnotso。Shecouldonlylookseverelyathim，andtrustthathemightconceivetheintentionwhichshecouldnotexpress。Sherebelledagainsttheconventionandagainstherownweakness，whichwouldnotletherboldlyinterfereinwhatshebelievedawrong；shehaddefiedsociety，inthemass，buthere，withthisman，whomasanatomofthemassshewouldhavedespised，shewaspowerless。
"Haveyoueverseenhim？"Libbyasked，perhapsclingingtoMaynardbecausehewasatopicofconversationindefaultofwhichtheremightbenothingtosay。
"No，"answeredGrace。
"He’sfunny。He’sgotlotsofthatWesternhumor，andhetellsastorybetterthananymanIeversaw。Therewasonestoryofhis"——
"Ihavenosenseofhumor，"interruptedGraceimpatiently。"Mr。Libby，"
shebrokeout，"I’msorrythatyou’veaskedMrs。Maynardtotakeasailwithyou。Theseaair"——shereddenedwiththeshameofnotbeingabletoproceedwithoutthiswretchedsubterfuge——"won’tdoheranygood。"
"Then，"saidtheyoungman，"youmustn’tlethergo。"
"Idon’tchoosetoforbidher，"Gracebegan。
"Ibegyourpardon，"hebrokein。"I’llbebackinamoment。"
Heturned，andrantotheedgeofthecliff，overwhichhevanished，andhedidnotreappeartillMrs。MaynardhadrejoinedGraceonthepiazza。
"Ihopeyouwon’tminditsbeingalittlerough，Mrs。Maynard，"hesaid，breathingquickly。"Adamsthinkswe’regoingtohaveitprettyfreshbeforewegetback。"
"Indeed，Idon’twanttogo，then！"criedMrs。Maynard，inpetulantdisappointment，lettingherwrapsfalluponachair。
Mr。LibbylookedatGrace，whohaughtilyrejectedapartintheconspiracy。"Iwishyoutogo，Louise，"shedeclaredindignantly。
"Iwilltaketheriskofalltheharmthatcomestoyoufromthebadweather。"Shepickeduptheshawls，andhandedthemtoMr。Libby，onwhomhereyesblazedtheircontemptandwonder。ItcostagreatdealofpersuasionandinsistencenowtomakeMrs。Maynardgo，andheleftallthistoGrace，notutteringawordtillhegaveMrs。Maynardhishandtohelpherdownthesteps。Thenhesaid，"Well，IwonderwhatMissBreendoeswant。"
"I’msureIdon’tknow，"saidtheother。"Atfirstshedidn’twantmetogo，thismorning，andnowshemakesme。Idohopeitisn’tgoingtobeastorm。"
"Idon’tbelieveitis。Alittlefresh，perhaps。Ithoughtyoumightbeseasick。"
"Don’tyouremember？I’mneverseasick！That’soneoftheworstsigns。"
"Oh，yes。"
"IfIcouldbethoroughlyseasickonce，itwouldbethebestthingI
coulddo。"
"Isshecapricious？"askedMr。Libby。
"Grace？"criedMrs。Maynard，releasingherhandhalf-waydownthesteps，inordertoenjoyherastonishmentwithoutlimitationofanysort。
"Gracecapricious！"
"Yes，"saidMr。Libby，"that’swhatIthought。Bettertakemyhandagain，"andhesecuredthatofMrs。Maynard，whocontinuedherdescent。
"IsupposeIdon’tunderstandherexactly。Perhapsshedidn’tlikemynotcallingherDoctor。Ididn’tcallheranything。IsupposeshethoughtIwasdodgingit。Iwas。IshouldhavehadtocallherMissBreen，ifIcalledheranything。"
"Shewouldn’thavecared。Sheisn’tadoctorforthenameofit。"
"Isupposeyouthinkit’sapity？"heasked。
"What？"
"Herbeingadoctor。"
"I’lltellheryousayso。"
"No，don’t。Butdon’tyou？"
"Well，Iwouldn’twanttobeone，"saidMrs。Maywardcandidly。
"Isupposeit’sallright，ifshedoesitfromasenseofduty，asyousay，"hesuggested。
"Oh，yes，she’sallright。Andshe’sjustasmuchofagirlasanybody；
thoughshedon’tknowit，"Mrs。Maynardaddedastutely。"Whywouldn’tshecomewithus？Wereyouafraidtoaskher？"
"Shesaidshewasn’tagoodsailor。Perhapsshethoughtweweretooyoung。Shemustbeolderthanyou。"
"Yes，andyou，too！"criedMrs。Maynard，withgood-naturedderision。
"Shedoesn’tlookold，"returnedMr。Libby。
"She’stwenty-eight。Howoldareyou？"
"Ipromisedthecensus-takernottotelltillhisreportcameout。"
"Whatisthecolorofherhair？"
"Brown。"
"Andhereyes？"
"Idon’tknow！"
"Youhadbetterlookout，Mr。Libby！"saidMrs。Maynard，puttingherfootonthegroundatlast。
Theywalkedacrossthebeachtowherehisdorylay，andGracesawhimpullingouttothesailboatbeforeshewentinfromthepiazza。Thenshewenttohermother’sroom。Theelderlyladywaskeepingindoors，uponatheorythatthedewwason，andthatitwasnotwholesometogoouttillitwasoff。Sheasked，accordingtoherhabitwhenshemetherdaughteralone，"WhereisMrs。Maynard？"
"Whydoyoualwaysaskthat，mother？"retortedGrace，withhergrowingirritationinregardtoherpatientintensifiedbytherecentinterview。
"Ican’tbewithherthewholetime。"
"Iwishyoucould，"saidMrs。Breen，withnoncommittalsuggestion。
Gracecouldnotkeepherselffromdemanding，"Why？"ashermotherexpected，thoughsheknewwhytoowell。
"Becauseshewouldn’tbeinmischiefthen，"returnedMrs。Breen。
"She’sinmischiefnow！"criedthegirlvehemently；"andit’smyfault！
Ididit。IsentherofftosailwiththatridiculousMr。Libby！"
"Why？"askedMrs。Breen，inherturn，withunbrokentranquillity。
"BecauseIama，fool，andIcouldn’thelphimlieoutofhisengagementwithher。"
"Didn’thewanttogo？"
"Idon’tknow。Yes。Theybothwantedmetogowiththem。Simpletons！
Andwhileshehadgoneup-stairsforherwrapsImanagedtomakehimunderstandthatIdidn’twishhertogo，either；andherandowntohisboat，andcamebackwithastoryaboutitsgoingtoberough，andlookedatmeperfectlydelighted，asifIshouldbepleased。Ofcourse，then，I
madehimtakeher。"
"Andisn’titgoingtoberough？"askedMrs。Green。
"Why，mother，thesea’slikeglass。"
Mrs。Breenturnedthesubject。"Youwouldhavedonebetter，Grace，tobeginasyouhadplanned。YourgoingtoFallRiver，andbeginningpracticethereamongthosefactorychildren，wastheonlythingthatI
everentirelylikedinyourtakingupmedicine。Therewassenseinthat。
Youhadstudiedspeciallyforit。Youcouldhavedonegoodthere。"
"Oh，yes，"sighedthegirl，"Iknow。ButwhatwasItodo，whenshecametous，sickandpoor？Icouldn’tturnmybackonher，especiallyafteralwaysbefriendingher，asIusedto，atschool，andgettinghertodependonme。"
"Idon’tseehowyoueverlikedher，"saidMrs。Breen。
"Ineverdidlikeher。Ipitiedher。Ialwaysthoughtherapoor，flimsylittlething。Butthatoughtn’ttomakeanydifference，ifshewasintrouble。"
"No，"Mrs。Breenconceded，andincompensationGraceadmittedsomethingmoreonherside："She’sworsethansheusedtobe，——sillier。Idon’tsupposeshehasawrongthought；butshe’saslightasfoam。"
"Oh，itisn’tthewickedpeoplewho，dotheharm，"saidMrs。Green。
"Iwassurethatthisairwouldbeeverythingforher；andsoitwould，withanyordinarycase。Butachildwouldtakebettercareofitself。
Ihavetowatchhereveryminute，likeachild；andIneverknowwhatshewilldonext。"
"Yes；it’saburden，"saidMrs。Breen，withasympathywhichshehadnotexpressedbefore。"Andyou’reagoodgirl，Grace，"sheaddedinveryunwontedrecognition。
Thegratefultearsstoleintothedaughter’seyes，butshekeptafirmface，evenaftertheybegantofollowoneanotherdownhercheeks。"AndifLouisehadn’tcome，youknow，mother，thatIwasanxioustohavesomeolderpersonwithmewhenIwenttoFallRiver。Iwasgladtohavethisrespite；itgivesmeachancetothink。Ifeltalittletimidaboutbeginningalone。"
"Amanwouldn’t，"Mrs。Breenremarked。
"No。Iamnotaman。Ihaveacceptedthat；withalltherest。Idon’trebelagainstbeingawoman。IfIhadbeenaman，Ishouldn’thavestudiedmedicine。Youknowthat。IwishedtobeaphysicianbecauseI
wasawoman，andbecause——because——Ihadfailedwhere——otherwomen’shopesare。"Shesaiditoutfirmly，andhermothersoftenedtoherinproportiontothegirl’sownstrength。"Imighthavebeenjustanurse。
YouknowIshouldhavebeenwillingtobethat，butIthoughtIcouldbesomethingmore。Butit’snousetalking。"Sheadded，afteraninterval，inwhichhermotherrockedtoandfrowithagentlemotionthatsearchedthejointsofherchair，andbroughtoutitsmostplaintivesqueakinpatheticiteration，andwatchedGrace，asshesatlookingseawardthroughtheopenwindow，"Ithinkit’sratherhard，mother，thatyoushouldbealwaystalkingasifIwishedtotakemycallingmannishly。AllthatI
intendisnottotakeitwomanishly；butasfornotbeingawomanaboutit，oraboutanything，that’ssimplyimpossible。Awomanisremindedofherinsufficiencytoherselfeveryhouroftheday。Andit’salwaysamanthatcomestoherhelp。Idroppedsomethingsoutofmylapdownthere，andbythetimeIhadgatheredthemupIwaswoundroundandroundwithlinenthreadsothatIcouldn’tmoveastep，andMr。Libbycutmeloose。Icouldhavedoneitmyself，butitseemedrightandnaturalthatheshoulddoit。Idaresayheplumedhimselfuponhisservicetome，——thatwouldbenatural，too。Ihavethingsenoughtokeepmemeek，mother！"
ShedidnotlookroundatMrs。Breen，whosaid，"Ithinkyouaremorbidaboutit。"
"Yes。AndIhavethesatisfactionofknowingthatwhateverpeoplethinkofLouise’sgiddiness，I’m，agreatdealmorescandaloustothemthansheissimplybecauseIwishtodosomegoodintheworld，inawaythatwomenhaven’tdoneit，usually。"
"Nowyouaremorbid。"
"Oh，yes！Talkaboutmenbeingobstacles！It’sotherwomen！Thereisn’tawomaninthehousethatwouldn’tsoonertrustherselfinthehandsofthestupidestboythatgothisdiplomawithmethanshewouldinmine。Louiseknowsit，andshefeelsthatshehasaclaimuponmeinbeingmypatient。AndI’venoinfluencewithheraboutherconductbecausesheunderstandsperfectlywellthattheyallconsidermemuchworse。Shepridesherselfondoingmejustice。Shepatronizesme。ShetellsmethatI’mjustasniceas，ifIhadn’t’beenthroughallthat。’"
Gracerose，andalaugh，whichwashalfasob，brokefromher。
Mrs。Breencouldnotfeelthehumorofthepredicament。"Sheputsyouinafalseposition。"
"Imustgoandseewherethatpoorlittlewretchofachildis，"saidGrace，goingoutoftheroom。Shereturnedinanhour，andaskedhermotherforthearnica。"Bellahashadabump，"sheexplained。
"Why，haveyoubeenallthistimelookingforher？
"No，Icouldn’tfindher，andI’vebeenreading。Barlowhasjustbroughtherin。HEcouldfindher。Shefelloutofatree，andshe’sfrightfullybruised。"
Shewasmakingsearchonaclosetshelfasshetalked。Whenshereappearedwiththebottleinherhand，hermotherasked，"Isn’titveryhotandclose？"
"Very，"saidGrace。
"Ishouldcertainlythinktheywouldperish，"saidMrs。Breen，hazardingthepronoun，withawoman’sconfidencethatherinterlocutorwouldapplyitcorrectly。
WhenGracehadseenBellaproperlybathedandbrown-papered，andinthewaytoforgetfulnessofherwoundsinsleep，shecamedowntothepiazza，andstoodlookingouttosea。Theladiesappearedonebyoneovertheedgeofthecliff，andcameup，languidlystringingtheirshawlsafterthem，orclaspingtheirnovelstotheirbosoms。
"Thereisn’tabreathdownthere，"theysaid，oneafteranother。Thelastoneadded，"Barlowsaysit’sthehottestdayhe’severseenhere。"
InaminuteBarlowhimselfappearedattheheadofthestepswiththeladies’remainingwraps，andconfirmedtheirreportinperson。"Itellyou，"hesaid，wipinghisforehead，"it’saripper。"
"Itmustbeanawfuldayintown，"saidoneoftheladies，fanningherselfwithanewspaper。
"Isthatto-day’sAdvertiser，Mrs。Alger？"askedanother。
"Oh，dear，no！yesterday’s。Wesha’n’thavetoday’stillthisafternoon。
Itshowswhatanewarrivalyouare，Mrs。Scott——yourasking。"
"Tobesure。Butit’ssuchacomfortbeingwhereyoucanseetheAdvertiserthesamemorning。IalwayslookattheWeatherReportthefirstthing。Iliketoknowwhattheweatherisgoingtobe。"
"Youcan’tatJocelyn’s。Youcanonlyknowwhatit’sbeen。"
"Well，"Barlowinterposed，jealousforJocelyn’s，"youcanmostal’aystellbythelooko’things。"
"Yes，"saidoneoftheladies；"butI’drathertrusttheWeatherReport。
It’swonderfulhowitcomestrue。Idon’tthinkthere’sanythingthatyoumissmoreinEuropethanourAmericanWeatherReport。"
"I’msureyoumisstheoysters，"saidanother。
"Yes，"thefirstadmitted，"youdomisstheoysters。ItwasthelastoftheRmonthswhenwelandedinNewYork；anddoyouknowwhatwedidthefirstthing——？WedrovetoFultonMarket，andhadoneofthoseFultonMarketbroils！MyhusbandsaidweshouldhavehaditifithadbeenJuly。HeusedtodreamoftheAmericanoysterswhenwewereinEurope。
Gentlemenaresofondofthem。"
Barlow，fromscanningtheheavens，turnedroundandfacedthecompany，whichhaddroopedinseveralattitudesofexhaustiononthebenchingofthepiazza。"Well，Icanmostal’aystellaboutJocelyn’sasgoodastheWeatherReport。ItoldMrs。Maynardherethismornin’thatthefogwasgoin’toburnoff。"
"Burnoff？"criedMrs。Alger。"Ishouldthinkithad！"Theotherladieslaughed。
"Andyou’llsee，"addedBarlow，"thatthewind’llchangeatnoon，andwe’llhaveitcooler。"
"Ifit’sashotonthewaterasitishere，"saidMrs。Scott，"Ishouldthinkthosepeoplewouldgetasunstroke。"
"Well，soshouldI，Mrs。Scott，"cordiallyexclaimedalittlefatlady，asifhereatlastwereanopinioninwhichallmightrejoicetosympathize。
"It’sneversohotonthewater，Mrs。Merritt，"saidMrs。Alger，withtheinstructivenessofanoldhabitude。
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