"Well，notatJocelyn’s，"suggestedBarlow。Mrs。Algerstoppedfanningherselfwithhernewspaper，andlookedathim。Uponhermotion，theotherladieslookedatBarlow。Doubtlesshefeltthathissocialacceptabilityhadceasedwithhisimmediateusefulness。Butheappearedresolvedtocarryitoffeasily。"Well，"hesaid，"IsupposeImustgoandpickmypeas。"
Noonesaidanythingtothis。Whenthefactotumhaddisappearedroundthecornerofthehouse，Mrs。Algerturnedherhead’aside，andglanceddownwardwithanairoffatigue。InthismannerBarlowwasdismissedfromtheladies’minds。
"Ipresume，"saidyoungMrs。Scott，withadeferentialglanceatGrace，"thatthesunisgoodforapersonwithlung-difficulty。"
Gracesilentlyrefusedtoconsiderherselfappealedto，andMrs。Merrittsaid，"Betterthanthemoon，Ishouldthink。"
Someoftheotherstittered，butGracelookedupatMrs。Merrittandsaid，"Idon’tthinkMrs。Maynard’scaseissobadthatsheneedbeafraidofeither。"
"Oh，Iamsogladtohearit！"repliedtheother。Shelookedround，butwasunabletoformaparty。BytwosorthreestheymighthavelikedtotakeMrs。Maynardtopieces；butnoonecarestomakeunkindremarksbeforeawholecompanyofpeople。SomeoftheladiesevenbegantosaypleasantthingsaboutMr。Libby，asifhewereGrace’sfriend。
"Ialwaysliketoseethesefairmenwhentheygettanned，"saidMrs。
Alger。"Theirblueeyeslooksoveryblue。Andthebacksoftheirnecks——justlikemyboys！"
"DoyouadmiresuchaVERYfighting-clipasMr。Libbyhason？"
askedMrs。Scott。
"Itmustbeniceforsummer，"returnedtheelderlady。
"Yes，itcertainlymust，"admittedtheyounger。
"Really，"saidanother，"IwishIcouldgointhefighting-clip。Onedoesn’tknowwhattodowithone’shairatthesea-side；it’salwaysintheway。"
"Yourhairwouldbeapublicloss，Mrs。Frost，"saidMrs。Alger。Theotherslookedatherhair，asiftheyhadseenitnowforthefirsttime。
"Oh，Idon’tthinkso，"saidMrs。Frost，inasortofflatteredcoo。
"Oh，don’thaveitcutoff！"pleadedayounggirl，comingupandtakingthebeautifulmane，hanginglooseafterthebath，intoherhand。Mrs。
Frostputherarmroundthegirl’swaist，andpulledherdownagainsthershoulder。Uponreflectionshealsokissedher。
Throughasuperstition，handeddownfrommothertodaughter，thatitisuncivilandevenunkindnottokeepsayingsomething，theywentontalkingvapidities，wherethesamenumberofmen，equallyvacuous，wouldhaveremainedsilent；andsomeofthemcomplainedthatthenervousstrainofconversationtookawayallthegoodtheirbathhaddonethem。MissGleason，whodidnotbathe，wasalsonotatalker。Shekeptabright-
eyedreticence，butwasapttobreakoutinratherenigmaticalflashes，whichresolvedthematterinhandintoanabstraction，andlefttheotherswiththefeelingthatshewasapersonofadvancedideas，butthat，whilerejectinghistoricalChristianity，shebelievedinaGodofLove。ThisDeitywassaid，uponcloseranalysis，tohaveprovedtobeaGodofSentiment，andMissGleasonwasherselfahero-worshiper，or，morestrictlyspeaking，aheroine-worshiper。AtpresentDr。Breenwashercult，andshewasapttolieinwaitforheridol，tobeamuponitwithhersuggestiveeyes，andevidentlytoexpectittosayordosomethingremarkable，butnottosufferanythinglikedisillusionordisappointmentinanyevent。Shewouldsometimesofferitsuddenlyamuddleddepthofsympathyinsuchphrasesas，"Toobad！"or，"Idon’tseehowyoukeep-
up？"anddarklyinsinuatethatsheappreciatedallthatGracewasdoing。
Sheseemedtorejoiceinkeepingherselfatarespectfuldistance，towhichshebreathlesslyretired，asshedidnow，afterwaylayingheratthetopofthestairs，andconfidentiallydartingatherthewords，"I’msogladyoudon’tlikescandal！"
III。
Afterdinnertheladiestriedtogetanap，butsuchofthemasre-
appearedonthepiazzalateragreedthatitwasperfectlyuseless。Theytestedeverycornerforabreeze，butthewindhadfallendead，andthevastsweepofseaseemedtosmoulderunderthesun。"ThisiswhatMr。
Barlowcallshavingitcooler，"saidMrs。Alger。
"Therearesomecloudsthatlooklikethunderheadsinthewest，"saidMrs。Frost，returningfromanexcursiontothepartofthepiazzacommandingthatquarter。
"Oh，itwon’trainto-day，"Mrs。Algerdecided。
"IthoughttherewasalwaysabreezeatJocelyn’s，"Mrs。Scottobserved，inthecriticalspiritofarecentarrival。
"Therealwaysis，"theotherexplained，"exceptthefirstweekyou’rehere。"
Alittlebreath，scarcelymorethanasentimentofbreeze，madeitselffelt。"Idobelievethewindhaschanged，"saidMrs。Frost。"It’seast。"Theothersownedonebyonethatitwasso，andsheenjoyedthemeritofadiscoverer；butherdiscoverywasrapidlysuperseded。Thecloudsmountedinthewest，andtherecameatimewhentheladiesdisputedwhethertheyhadheardthunderornot：afactioncontendedforthebowlingalley，andanotherfactionheldforawagonpassingoverthebridgejustbeforeyoureachedJocelyn’s。Butthosewhowerefaithfultothetheoryofthundercarriedthedaybyasuddencrashthatbrokeovertheforest，and，dyingslowlyawayamongthelowhills，leftthemdeeplysilent。
"Someone，"saidMrs。Alger，"oughttogoforthosechildren。"Onthisitappearedthatthereweretwomindsastowherethechildrenwere，——
whetheronthebeachorinthewoods。
"Wasn’tthatthunder，Grace？"askedMrs。Breen，withtheaccentbywhichsheimplicatedherdaughterinwhateverhappened。
"Yes，"saidGrace，fromwhereshesatatherwindow，lookingseaward，andwaitingtremulouslyforhermother’snextquestion。
"WhereisMrs。Maynard？"
"Sheisn’tback，yet。"
"Then，"saidMrs。Breen，"hereallydidexpectroughweather。"
"Hemust，"returnedGrace，inaguiltywhisper。
"It’sapity，"remarkedhermother，"thatyoumadethemgo。"
"Yes。"Sherose，and，stretchingherselffaroutofthewindow，searchedtheinexorableexpanseofsea。Ithadalreadydarkenedattheverge，andthesailsofsomefishing-craftfleckedalividwallwiththeirwhite，buttherewasnosmallboatinsight。
"Ifanythinghappenedtothem，"hermothercontinued，"Ishouldfeelterriblyforyou。"
"Ishouldfeelterriblyformyself，"Graceresponded，withhereyesstillseaward。
"Wheredoyouthinktheywent？"
"Ididn’task，"saidthegirl。"Iwouldn’t，"sheadded，indevotiontothewholetruth。
"Well，itisallofthesamepiece，"saidMrs。Breen。Gracedidnotaskwhatthepiecewas。Sheremainedstaringatthedarkwallacrossthesea，andspirituallyconfrontingherownresponsibility，noatomofwhichsherejected。Sheheldherselfineverywayresponsible，——fordoubtingthatpooryoungfellow’sword，andthenforforcingthatreluctantcreaturetogowithhim，andforbiddingbyherfierceinsistenceanyattemptofhisatexplanation；shecondemnedherselftoperpetualremorsewithevengreaterzealthanhermotherwouldhavesentencedher，andshewouldnotpermitherselfanyrespitewhenalittlesail，whichsheknewfortheirs，blewroundthepoint。Itseemedtoflyalongjustonthehithersideofthatmuraldarkness，skilfullytackingtoreachtheendofthe-reefbeforethewallpusheditontherocks。Suddenly，thelonglowstretchofthereefbrokeintowhitefoam，andthenpassedfromsightundertheblackwall，againstwhichthelittlesailstillflickered。Thegirlfetchedalong，silentbreath。Theywereinsidethereef，incomparativelysmoothwater，andtoherignorancetheyweresafe。Buttherainwouldbecominginanothermoment，andMrs。Maynardwouldbedrenched；andGracewouldbetoblameforherdeath。Sherantothecloset，andpulleddownhermother’sIndia-rubbercloakandherown，andfledout-of-doors，tobereadyonthebeachwiththewrap，againsttheirlanding。Shemettheotherladiesonthestairsandinthehall，andtheyclamoredather；butsheglidedthroughthemlikesomethinginadream，andthensheheardashoutinginherear，andfeltherselfcaughtandheldupagainstthewind。
"Whereinlandbeyougoin’，MissBreen？"
Barlow，inalong，yellowoil-skincoatandsou’westerhat，keptpushingherforwardtotheedgeofthecliff，asheasked。
"I’mgoingdowntomeetthem！"shescreamed。
"Well，IhopeyouWILLmeet’em。ButIguessyoubettergobacktothehouse。Hey？WUNT？Well；comealong，then，iftheyain’tpastdoctorin’
bythetimetheygitashore！Prettywellwrappedup，anyway！"heroared；andsheperceivedthatshehadputonherwaterproofanddrawnthehoodoverherhead。
Thosestepstothebeachhadmadehergiddywhenshedescendedwithleisureforsuchdismay；butnow，withthetempestflatteningheragainstthestair-case，andhergossamerclutchingandclingingtoeverysurface，andagaintwistingitselfaboutherlimbs，sheclambereddownasswiftlyandrecklesslyasBarlowhimself，andfollowedoverthebeachbesidethemenwhowerepullingaboatdownthesandatarun。
"Letmegetin！"shescreamed。"Iwishtogowithyou！"
"Takeholdofthegirl，Barlow！"shoutedoneofthemen。"She’scrazy。"
Hetumbledhimselfwithfourothersintotheboat，andtheyallstruckouttogetherthroughthefrothandswirlofthewaves。ShetriedtofreeherselffromBarlow，soastoflingthewaterproofintotheboat。"Takethis，then。She’llbesoakedthrough！"
Barlowbrokeintoagrimlaugh。"Shewon’tneedit，exceptforawindin’-sheet！"heroared。"Don’tyouseetheboat’sdrivin’rightont’
thesand？She’llbekindlin’woodinaminute。"
"Butthey’reinsidethereef！Theycancometoanchor！"sheshriekedinreply。Heansweredherwithadespairinggrinandashakeofthehead。
"Theycan’t。Whathasyourboatgoneoutfor，then？"
"Topick’emupoutthesea。Butthey’llnevergit’emalive。Lookhowsheslapsherboomint’thewater！Well！HeDOESknowhowtohandleaboat！"
ItwasLibbyatthehelm，asshecoulddimlysee，butwhatitwasinhismanagementthatmovedBarlow’spraiseshecouldnotdivine。Theboatseemedtobeaimedfortheshore，andtoberushing，headon，uponthebeach；herbroadsailwasblownstraightoutoverherbow，andflappedtherelikeabanner，whiletheheavyboomhammeredthewaterassheroseandfell。Ajaggedlineofredseamedthebreastofthedarkwallbehind；arendingcrashcame，andasiffiredupon，theboatflunguphersail，asawildfowlflingsupitswingwhenshot，andlaytossingkeelup，onthetopofthewaves。Italllookedscarcelyastone’scastaway，thoughitwasvastlyfarther。Afigurewasseentodragitselfupoutofthesea，andfalloverintotheboat，hoveringandpitchinginthesurroundingwelter，andstrugglingtogetattwootherfiguresclingingtothewreck。Suddenlythemenintheboatpulledaway，andGraceutteredacryofdespairandreproach："Why，they’releavingit，they’releavingit！"
"Don’texpect’emtotowthewreckashoreinthisweather，doye？"
shoutedBarlow。"They’vegotthefolksallsafeenough。ItellyeIsee’em！"hecried，atawildlookofdoubtin。hereyes。"Runtothehouse，there，andgeteverythinginapple-pieorder。There’sgoin’tobeachanceforsomeofyourdoctor’n’，now，ifyeknowhowtofetchfolksto。"
Itwasthelittlehouseonthebeach，whichthechildrenwerealwayspryingandpeeringinto，tryingthelock，andwonderingwhattheboatwaslike，whichGracehadseenlaunched。Nowthedooryieldedtoher，andwithinshefoundafirekindledinthestove，blanketslaidinorder，andflasksofbrandyinreadinessinthecupboard。Sheputtheblanketstoheatforinstantuse，andpreparedfortheworkofresuscitation。Whenshecouldturnfromthemtothedoor，shemetthereaprocessionthatapproachedwithdifficulty，headsdownandhustledbythefuriousblastthroughwhichtherainnowhissedandshot。Barlowandoneoftheboat’screwwerecarryingMrs。Maynard，andbringinguptherearofthehuddlingoil-skinsandsou’westerscameLibby，soaked，anddrippingashewalked。
HiseyesandGrace’sencounteredwithamutualavoidance；butwhateverwastheirsenseofblame，theirvictimhadnoreproachestomakeherself。
Shewasnotinneedofrestoration。Shewasperfectlyalive，andapparentlystimulatedbyherescapefromdeadlyperiltoavividconceptionofthewrongthathadbeendoneher。Iftheadventurehadpassedoffprosperously，shewasthesortofwomantohaveownedtoherfriendthatsheoughtnottohavethoughtofgoing。Buttheeventhadobliteratedthesescruples，andsherealizedherselfasahaplesscreaturewhohadbeenthrustontodangersfromwhichshewouldhaveshrunk。"Well，Grace！"shebegan，withavoicearidlookbeforewhichtheotherquailed，"Ihopeyouaresatisfied！AllthetimeIwasclingingtothatwretchedboat。Iwaswonderinghowyouwouldfeel。
Yes，mylastthoughtswereofyou。Ipitiedyou。Ididn’tseehowyoucouldeverhavepeaceagain。"
"Holdon，Mrs。Maynard！"criedLibby。"There’sno，timeforthat，now。
Whathadbestbedone，MissGreen？Hadn’tshebetterbegotuptothehouse？"
"Yes，byallmeans，"answeredGrace。
"Youmightaswellletmediehere，"Mrs。Maynardprotested，asGracewrappedtheblanketsroundherdrippingdress。"I’maswetasIcanbe，now。"
Libbybegantolaughattheseinconsequences，towhichhewasprobablywellused。"Youwouldn’thavetimetodiehere。Andwewanttogivethishydropathictreatmentafairtrial。You’vetriedthedouche，andnowyou’retohavethepack。"Hesummonedtwooftheboatmen，whohadbeenconsideratelydrippingoutside，inordertoleavetheinteriortotheshipwreckedcompany，andtheyliftedMrs。Maynard，finallywrappedin，Grace’sIndia-rubbercloak，andlookinglikesomesortofstrange，hugechrysalis，andcarriedheroutintothestormandupthesteps。
GracefollowedlastwithMr。Libby，veryheavyheartedandreckless。Shehadnotonlythatsoreself-accusal；butthedegradationoftheaffair，itsgrotesqueness，itsspiritualsqualor，itsuttergracelessness，itsentirewantofdignity，werebitterasdeathinherproudsoul。Itwasnotinthisshamefulguisethatshehadforeseenthegoodshewastodo。
Andithadallcomethroughherownwilfulnessandselfrighteousness。
Thetearscouldmixunseenwiththerainthatdrenchedherface，buttheyblindedher，andhalf-wayupthestepsshestumbledonherskirt，andwouldhavefallen，iftheyoungmanhadnotcaughther。Afterthat，fromtimetotimeheputhisarmabouther，andstayedheragainstthegusts。
Beforetheyreachedthetophesaid，"MissBreen，I’mawfullysorryforallthis。Mrs。Maynardwillbeashamedofwhatshesaid。Confoundit！
IfMaynardwereonlyhere！"
"Whyshouldshebeashamed？"demandedGrace。"Ifshehadbeendrowned，Ishouldhavemurderedher，andI’mresponsibleifanythinghappenstoher，——Iamtoblame。"Sheescapedfromhim，andranintothehouse。Heslunkroundthepiazzatothekitchendoor，undertheeyesoftheladieswatchingattheparlorwindows。
"Iwonderhelettheotherscarryherup，"saidMissGleason。"Ofcourse，hewillmarryhernow，——whenshegetsherdivorce。"ShespokeofMrs。
Maynard，whomheruniversaltolerationnotonlyincludedinthemercywhichtheopinionsoftheotherladiesdeniedher，butroundwhomherromancecastahaloofprettypossibilitiesasinnocentlysentimentalasthehopesofayounggirl。
IV。
ThenextmorningGracewassittingbesideherpatient，withwhomshehadspentthenight。ItwaspossiblyMrs。Maynard’sspiritualtoughnesswhichavailedher，forshedidnotseemmuchtheworseforheradventure：
shehadalittlefever，andshewasslightlyhoarser；butshehaddiednoneofthedeathsthatsheprojectedduringthewatchesofthenight，andforwhichshehadchastenedthespiritofherphysicianbytherepeatedassurancethatsheforgavehereverything，andGeorgeMaynardeverything，andhopedthattheywouldbegoodtoherpoorlittleBella。
Shehadthechildbroughtfromitscribtoherownbed，andmoanedoverit；butwiththereturnofdayandthedutiesoflifesheappearedtofeelthatshehadcarriedherforgivenessfarenough，andwasagainrememberingherinjuriesagainstGrace，asshelayinhermorninggownontheloungewhichhadbeenbroughtinforherfromtheparlor。
"Yes，Grace，IshallalwayssayifIhaddiedandImaydieyet——thatI
didnotwishtogooutwithMr。Libby，andthatIwentpurelytopleaseyou。Youforcedmetogo。Ican’tunderstandwhyyoudidit；forI
don’tsupposeyouwantedtokillus，whateveryoudid。"
Gracecouldnotliftherhead。Sheboweditoverthelittlegirlwhomshehadonherknee，andwhowasplayingwiththepinatherthroat，inapparentunconsciousnessofallthatwassaid。Butshehadreallyfollowedit，withglimpsesofintelligence，aschildrendo，andnowatthisnegativeaccusalsheliftedherhand，andsuddenlystruckGraceastingingblowonthecheek。
Mrs。Maynardsprangfromherlounge。"Why，Bella！youworthlesslittlewretch！"ShecaughtherfromGrace’sknee，andshookherviolently。
Then，castingtheculpritfromheratrandom，sheflungherselfdownagaininafitofcoughing，whilethechildfledtoGraceforconsolation，and，wildlysobbing，buriedherfaceinthelapofherinjuredfriend。
"Idon’tknowwhatIshalldoaboutthatchild！"criedMrs。Maynard。
"ShehasGeorgeMaynard’stemperrightoveragain。Ifeeldreadfully，Grace！"
"Oh，nevermindit，"saidGrace，fondlingthechild，andhalfaddressingit。"IsupposeBellathoughtIhadbeenunkindtohermother。"
"That’sjustit！"exclaimedLouise。"Whenyou’vebeenkindnessitself！
Don’tIoweeverythingtoyou？Ishouldn’tbealiveatthismomentifitwerenotforyourtreatment。Oh，Grace！"Shebegantocoughagain；
theparoxysmincreasedinvehemence。Shecaughtherhandkerchieffromherlips；itwasspottedwithblood。Shesprangtoherfeet，andregardeditwithimpersonalsternness。"Now，"shesaid，"Iamsick，andIwantadoctor！"
"Adoctor，"Gracemeeklyechoed。
"Yes。Ican’tbetrifledwithanylonger。Iwantamandoctor！"
Gracehadlookedatthehandkerchief。"Verywell，"shesaid，withcoldness。"Ishallnotstandinyourwayofcallinganotherphysician。
Butifitwillconsoleyou，Icantellyouthatthebloodonyourhandkerchiefmeansnothingworthspeakingof。WhomshallIsendfor？"
sheasked，turningtogooutoftheroam。"Iwishtobeyourfriendstill，andIwilldoanythingIcantohelpyou。"
"Oh，GraceBreen！Isthatthewayyoutalktome？"whimperedMrs。
Maynard。"YouknowthatIdon’tmeantogiveyouup。I’mnotastone；
Ihavesomefeeling。Ididn’tintendtodismissyou，butIthoughtperhapsyouwouldliketohaveaconsultationaboutit。Ishouldthinkitwastimetohaveaconsultation，shouldn’tyou？Ofcourse，I’mnotalarmed，butIknowit’sgettingserious，andI’mafraidthatyourmedicineisn’tactiveenough。That’sit；it’sperfectlygoodmedicine，butitisn’tactive。They’veallbeensayingthatIoughttohavesomethingactive。Whynottrythewhiskeywiththewhite-pinechipsinit？I’msureit’sindicated。"Inherlongcourseofmedicationshehadpickedupcertainprofessionalphrases，whichsheusedwithamusingseriousness。"Itwouldbeactive，atanyrate。"
Gracedidnotreply。Asshestoodsmoothingtheheadofthelittlegirl，whohadfollowedhertothedoor，andnowleanedagainsther，hidinghertearfulfaceinGrace’sdress，shesaid，"Idon’tknowofanyhomoeopathicphysicianinthisneighborhood。Idon’tbelievethere’sonenearerthanBoston，andIshouldmakemyselfridiculousincallingonesofarforaconsultation。ButI’mquitewillingyoushouldcallone，andI
willsendforyouatonce。"
"Andwouldn’tyouconsultwithhim，afterhecame？"
"Certainlynot。Itwouldbeabsurd。"
"Ishouldn’tliketohaveadoctorcomeallthewayfromBoston，"musedMrs。Maynard，sinkingontheloungeagain。"Theremustbeadoctorintheneighborhood。Itcan’tbesohealthyasthat！"
"There’sanallopathicphysicianatCorbitant，"saidGracepassively。
"Averygoodone，Ibelieve，"sheadded。
"Oh，well，then！"criedMrs。Maynard，withimmenserelief。"Consultwithhim！"
"I’vetoldyou，Louise，thatIwouldnotconsultwithanybody。AndI
certainlywouldn’tconsultwithaphysicianwhoseideasandprinciplesI
knewnothingabout。"
"Whybut，Grace，"Mrs。Maynardexpostulated。"Isn’tthatratherprejudiced？"ShebegantotakeanimpartialinterestinGrace’sposition，andfellintoanargumentativetone。"Iftwoheadsarebetterthanone，——andeverybodysaystheyare，——Idon’tseehowyoucanconsistentlyrefusetotalkwithanotherphysician。"
"Ican’texplaintoyou，Louise，"saidGrace。"ButyoucancallDr。
Mulbridge，ifyouwish。Thatwillbetherightwayforyoutodo，ifyouhavelostconfidenceinme。"
"Ihaven’tlostconfidenceinyou，Grace。Idon’tseehowyoucantalkso。Youcangivemebreadpills，ifyoulike，orairpills，andIwilltakethemgladly。Ibelieveinyouperfectly。ButIdothinkthatinamatterofthiskind，wheremyhealth，andperhapsmylife，isconcerned，Ioughttohavealittlesay。Idon’taskyoutogiveupyourprinciples，andIdon’tdreamofgivingyouup，andyetyouwon’tjusttopleaseme！——exchangeafewwordswithanotherdoctoraboutmycase，merelybecausehe’sallopathic。Ishouldcallitbigotry，andIdon’tseehowyoucancallitanythingelse。"Therewasasoundofvoicesatthedooroutside，andshecalledcheerily，"Comein，Mr。Libby，——comein！
There’snobodybutGracehere，"sheadded，astheyoungmantentativelyopenedthedoor，andlookedin。Heworeaneveningdress，eventothewhitecravat，andhecarriedinhishandacrushhat：therewassomethinganomalousinhisappearance，beyondthephenomenalcharacterofhiscostume，andheblushedconsciouslyashebowedtoGrace，andthenathermotionshookhandswithher。Mrs。Maynarddidnotgiveherselfthefatigueofrising；shestretchedherhandtohimfromthelounge，andhetookitwithoutthejoywhichhehadshownwhenGracemadehimthesameadvance。"Howveryswellyoulook。Goingtoaneveningpartythismorning？"shecried；andaftershehadgivenhimasecondglanceofgreaterintensity，"Why，whatintheworldhascomeover’you？"ItwasthedresswhichMr。Libbywore。Hewasayoungfellowfartoowellmade，andcarriedhimselftooalertly，tolookasifanyclothesmisfittedhim；
hispersongavetheirgoodcutelegance，buthehadtheeffectofhavingfallenawayinthem。"Why，youlookasifyouhadbeensickamonth！"
Mrs。Maynardinterpreted。
Theyoungmansurveyedhimselfwithadownwardglance。"They’reJohnson’s，"heexplained。"HehadthemdownforahopattheLongBeachHouse，andsentoverforthem。Ihadnothingbutmycampingflannels，andtheyhaven’tbeengotintoshapeyet，sinceyesterday。Iwantedtocomeoverandseehowyouwere。"
"Poorfellow！"exclaimedMrs。Maynard。"Ineverthoughtofyou！Howintheworlddidyougettoyourcamp？"
"Iwalked。"
"Inallthatrain？"
"Well，Ihadbeenprettywellsprinkled，already。Itwasn’taquestionofwetanddry；itwasaquestionofwetandwet。Iwasgoingoffbareheaded，Ilostmyhatinthewater，youknow，——butyourman，here，hailedmeroundthecornerofthekitchen，andlentmeone。I’vebeentakingupcollectionsofclotheseversince。"
Mr。Libbyspokelightly，andwithacryof"Barlow’shat！"Mrs。Maynardwentoffinashriekoflaughter；butadeepdistresskeptGracesilent。
Itseemedtoherthatshehadbeenlackingnotonlyinthoughtfulness，butincommonhumanity，insufferinghimtowalkawayseveralmilesintherain，withoutmakinganoffertokeephimandhavehimprovidedforinthehouse。Sherememberednowherbewilderedimpressionthathewaswithoutahatwhenheclimbedthestairsandhelpedhertothehouse；
sherecalledthefactthatshehadthrusthimontothedangerhehadescaped，andherheartwasmeltedwithgriefandshame。"Mr。Libby"——
shebegan，goinguptohim，anddroopingbeforehiminanattitudewhichsimplyandfranklyexpressedthecontritionshefelt；butshecouldnotcontinue。Mrs。Maynard’slaughbrokeintotheusualcough，andassoonasshecouldspeaksheseizedtheword。
"Well，there，now；wecanleaveittoMr。Libby。It’stheprincipleofthethingthatIlookat。AndIwanttoseehowitstrikeshim。Iwanttoknow，Mr。Libby，ifyouwereadoctor，"——helookedatGrace，andflushed，——"andapersonwasverysick，andwantedyoutoconsultwithanotherdoctor，whetheryouwouldletthemerefactthatyouhadn’tbeenintroducedhaveanyweightwithyou？"TheyoungmansilentlyappealedtoGrace，whodarkenedangrily，andbeforehecouldspeakMrs。Maynardinterposed。"No，no，yousha’n’taskher。Iwantyouropinion。It’sjustanabstractquestion。"SheaccountedforthisfibwithawinkatGrace。
"Really，"hesaid，"it’sratherformidable。I’veneverbeenadoctorofanykind。"
"Oh，yes，weknowthat！"saidMrs。Maynard。"Butyouarenow，andnowwouldyoudoit？"
"Iftheotherfellowknewmore，Iwould。"
"Butifyouthoughthedidn’t？"
"ThenIwouldn’t。Whatareyoutryingtogetat，Mrs。Maynard？I’mnotgoingtoansweranymoreofyourquestions。"
"Yes，——onemore。Don’tyouthinkit’sadoctor’splacetogethispatientwellanywayhecan？"
"Why，ofcourse！"
"There，Grace！It’sjustexactlythesamecase。Andninety-nineoutofahundredwoulddecideagainstyoueverytime。"
LibbyturnedtowardsGraceinconfusion。"MissBreen——Ididn’tunderstand——Idon’tpresumetomeddleinanything——You’renotfair，Mrs。
Maynard！Ihaven’tanyopiniononthesubject，MissBreen；Ihaven’t，indeed！"
"Oh，youcan’tbackout，now！"exclaimedMrs。Maynardjoyously。"You’vesaidit。"
"Andyou’requiteright，Mr。Libby，"saidGracehaughtily。Shebadehimgood-morning；buthefollowedherfromtheroom，andleftMrs。Maynardtohertriumph。
"MissBreen——Doletmespeaktoyou，please！Uponmywordandhonor，I
didn’tknowwhatshewasdrivingat；Ididn’t，indeed！It’sprettyroughonme，forIneverdreamtofsettingmyselfupasajudgeofyouraffairs。Iknowyou’reright，whateveryouthink；andItakeitallback；itwasgotoutofmebyfraud，anyway。AndIbegyourpardonfornotcallingyouDoctor——ifyouwantmetodoit。Theothercomesmorenatural；butIwishtorecognizeyouinthewayyouprefer，forIdofeelmostrespectul——reverent——"
Hewassoveryearnestandsoreallytroubled，andhestumbledaboutsofortherightword，andhituponthewrongonewithsuchunfailingdisaster，thatshemusthavebeensuperhumannottolaugh。Herlaughingseemedtorelievehimevenmorethanherheartyspeech。"Callmehowyoulike，Mr。Libby。Idon’tinsistuponanythingwithyou；butIbelieveI
preferMissBreen。"
"You’reverykind！MissBreenitis，then。Andyou’ll，forgivemysidingagainstyou？"hedemandedradiantly。
"Don’tspeakofthatagain，please。I’venothingtoforgiveyou。"
Theywalkeddown-stairsandoutonthepiazza。Barlowstoodbeforethesteps，holdingbythebitafinebaymare，whotwitchedherheadroundalittleatthesoundofLibby’svoice，andgavehimalook。Hepassedwithoutnoticingthehorse。"I’mgladtofindMrs。Maynardsowell。
Withthatcoldofhers，hangingonsolong，Ididn’tknowbutshe’dbeinanawfulstatethismorning。"
"Yes，"saidGrace，"it’samiraculousescape。"
"ThefactisIsentovertoNewLeydenformyteamyesterday。Ididn’tknowhowthingsmightturnout，andyou’resofarfromalemonhere，thatIthoughtImightbeusefulingoingerrands。"
Graceturnedherheadandglancedattheequipage。"Isthatyourteam？"
"Yes，"saidtheyoungfellow，withasmileofsuppressedpride。
"Whatanexquisitecreature！"saidthegirl。
"ISN’Tshe？"Theybothfacedabout，andstoodlookingatthemare，andthelight，shining，openbuggybehindher。Thesunshinehadtheafter-
stormglister；theairwasbrisk，andthebreezeblewbalmfromtheheartofthepineforest。"MissBreen，"hebrokeout，"Iwishyou’dtakealittledashthroughthewoodswithme。I’vegotabroad-trackbuggy，that’sjustrightfortheseroads。Idon’tsupposeit’sthethingatalltoaskyou，onsuchshortacquaintance，butIwishyouwould。Iknowyou’denjoyit：Come？"
Hisjoyousurgencegaveherastrangethrill。Shehadlongceasedtoimagineherselfthepossiblesubjectofwhatyoungladiescallattentions，andshedidnotthinkofherselfinthatwaynow。Therewassomethinginthefrank，eagerboyishnessoftheinvitationthatfascinatedher，andthesunnyfaceturnedsohopefullyuponherhaditsamusingeloquence。Shelookedabouttheplacewithananxietyofwhichshewasimmediatelyashamed：alltheladieswereoutofsight，andprobablyatthefootofthecliff。
"Don’tsayno，MissBreen，"pleadedthegayvoice。
Theanswerseemedtocomeofitself。"Oh，thankyou，yes，Ishouldliketogo。"
"Good！"heexclaimed，andthewordwhichrivetedherconsentmadeherrecoil。
"Butnotthismorning。Someotherday。I——I——IwanttothinkaboutMrs。
Maynard。I——oughtn’ttoleaveher。Excusemethismorning，Mr。Libby。"
"Why，ofcourse，"hetriedtosaywithunalteredgayety，butanoteofdisappointmentmadeitselffelt。"Doyouthinkshe’sgoingtobeworse？"
"No，Idon’tthinksheis。But——"Shepaused，andwaitedaspacebeforeshecontinued。"I’mafraidIcan’tbeofusetoheranylonger。Shehaslostconfidenceinme——It’simportantsheshouldtrustherphysician。"Libbyblushed，ashealwaysdidwhenrequiredtorecognizeGraceinherprofessionalquality。"It’smoreamatterofnervesthananythingelse，andifshedoesn’tbelieveinmeIcan’tdoheranygood。"
"Yes，Icanunderstandthat，"saidtheyoungman，withgentlesympathy；
andshefelt，somehow，thathedelicatelyrefrainedfromanyleadingorpromptingcomment。
"Shehasbeenurgingmetohaveaconsultationwithsomedoctorabouthercase，andI——itwouldberidiculous！"
"ThenIwouldn’tdoit！"saidMr。Libby。"Youknowagreatdealbetterwhatshewantsthanshedoes。Youhadbettermakeher，dowhatyousay。"
"Ididn’tmeantoburdenyouwithmyaffairs，"saidGrace，"butIwishedtoexplainhermotiveinspeakingtoyouasshedid。"Aftershehadsaidthis，itseemedtoherratherweak，andshecouldnotthinkofanythingelsethatwouldstrengthenit。Theyoungmanmightthinkthatshehadaskedadviceofhim。ShebegantoresenthistellinghertomakeMrs。
Maynarddowhatshesaid。Shewasabouttoaddsomethingtosnubhim，whensherecollectedthatitwasherownwilfulnesswhichhadprecipitatedthepresentsituation，andshehumbledherself。
"Shewillprobablychangehermind，"saidLibby。"Shewouldifyoucouldlethercarryherpoint，"headded，withalightesteemforMrs。MaynardwhichsethimwrongagaininGrace’seyes：hehadnobusinesstospeaksotoher。
"Verylikely，"shesaid，instiffwithdrawalfromalltermsofconfidenceconcerningMrs。Maynard。Shedidnotaddanythingmore，andshemeantthattheyoungfellowshouldperceivethathis，audiencewasatanend。
Hedidnotapparentlyresentit，butshefanciedhimhurtinhisacquiescence。
Shewentbacktoherpatient，whomshefoundlanguidanddisposedtosleepaftertherecentexcitement，andsheleftheragain，takinglittleBellawithher。Mrs。Maynardsleptlong，butwokenonethebetterforhernap。Towardseveningshegrewfeverish，andherfevermountedasthenightfell。Shewasrestlessandwakeful，andbetweenherdreamydozesshewasincessantinherhintsforaconsultationtoGrace，whopassedthenightinherroom，andwatchedeverychangefortheworsewithaself-accusingheart。Theimpendingtroublewasinthatindeterminatephasewhichmustgivethephysicianhismostanxiousmoments；andthisinexperiencedgirl；whoseknowledgewasalltobeapplied，andwhohadhardlyarrivedyetatthatdismayingstagewhenayoungphysicianfindsalltheresultsatwarwithalltheprecepts，begantorealizetheawfulnessofherresponsibility。Shehadalwaysthoughtofsavinglife，andnotoflosingit。
V。
BymorningGracewasasnervousandanxiousasherpatient，whohadmomentarilytheadvantageofherinhavingfallenasleep。Shewentstealthilyout，andwalkedthelengthofthepiazza，bathinghereyeswiththesightofthesea，coolanddimunderacloudedsky。AtthecornernextthekitchensheencounteredBarlow，who，havingkindledthefireforthecook，hadspentsmomentofleisureinkillingsomechickensatthebarn；heappearedwithaclusterofhisvictimsinhishand，butatsightofGraceheconsideratelyputthembehindhim。
Shehadnotnoticedthem。"Mr。Barlow，"shesaid，"howfarisittoCorbitant？"
Barlowslouchedintoaconversationalposture，easilyrestingonhisraisedhipthebackofthehandinwhichheheldthechickens。"Well，it’saccordin’towhoyouask。Somesayssixmile，andrealcleverfolksmakesitaboutfourandaquarter。"
"Iaskyou，"persistedGrace。
"Well，thelasttimeIwasthere，Ithoughtitwasaboutsixty。’Mostfrozemyfingersgoin’roundthepoint。’N’allIwasafraidofwasgettin’theretoosoon。Tellyou，aleeshoreain’tapleasantneighborinaregularoldnortheaster。’Fyougobyland，Iguessit’sabouttenmileroundthroughthewoods。WanttosendforDr。Mulbridge？Ithoughtmebbe"——
"No，no！"saidGrace。Sheturnedbackintothehouse，andthenshecamerunningoutagain；butbythistimeBarlowhadgoneintothekitchen，wheresheheardhimtellingthecookthatthesewerethelastofthedommyneckers。AtbreakfastseveraloftheladiescameandaskedafterMrs。Maynard，wheserestlessnighttheyhadsomehowheardof。Whenshecameoutofthedining-room’MissGleasonwaylaidherinthehall。
"Dr。Breen，"shesaid，inarepressedtumult，"Ihopeyouwon’tgiveway。
Forwoman’ssake，Ihopeyouwon’t！Youoweittoyourselfnottogiveway！I’msureMrs。Maynardisaswelloffinyourhandsasshecanbe。
IfIdidn’tthinkso，Ishouldbethelasttoadviseyourbeingfirm；
but，feelingasIdo，Idoadviseitmoststrongly。Everythingdependsonit。"
"Idon’tknowwhatyoumean，MissGleason，"saidGrace。
"I’mgladithasn’tcometoyouyet。Ifitwasaquestionofmereprofessionalpride，Ishouldsay，Byallmeanscallhimatonce。ButI
feelthatagreatdealmoreisinvolved。Ifyouyield，youmakeitharderforotherwomentohelpthemselveshereafter，andyouconfirmsuchpeopleastheseintheirdistrustoffemalephysicians。Lookingatitinalargeway，Ialmostfeelthatitwouldbebetterforhertodiethanforyoutogiveup；andfeelingasIdo"——
"AreyoutalkingofMrs。Maynard？"askedGrace。
"TheyareallsayingthatyououghttogiveupthecasetoDr。Mulbridge。
ButIhopeyouwon’t。Ishouldn’tblameyouforcallinginanotherfemalephysician"——
"Thankyou，"answeredGrace。"Thereisnodangerofherdying。Butitseemstomethatshehastoomanyfemalephysiciansalready。InthishouseIshouldthinkitbettertocallaman。"SheleftthebarbtorankleinMissGleason’sbreast，andfollowedhermothertoherroom，whoavengedMissGleasonbyaseriesofinquisitionaltortures，endingwiththehopethat，whatevershedid，Gracewouldnothavethatsillycreature’sbloodonherhands。Thegirlopenedherlipstoattemptsomeanswertothisunanswerableaspiration，whentheunwontedsoundofwheelsontheroadwithoutcaughtherear。
"Whatisthat，Grace？"demandedhermother，asifGracewereguiltyofthenoise。
"Mr。Libby，"answeredGrace，rising。
"Hashecomeforyou？"
"Idon’tknow。ButIamgoingdowntoseehim。"
Atsightoftheyoungman’sface，Gracefeltherheartlighten。Hehadjumpedfromhisbuggy，andwasstandingathissmilingeaseonthepiazzasteps，lookingaboutasifforsomeone，andhebrightenedjoyfullyathercoming。Hetookherhandwitheagerfriendliness，andatherimpulsebegantomoveawaytotheendofthepiazzawithher。Theladieshadnotyetdescendedtothebeach；apparentlytheirinterestinDr。Breen’spatientkeptthem。
"HowisMrs。Maynardthismorning？"heasked；andsheanswered，astheygotbeyondearshot，——
"Notbetter，I’mafraid。"
"Oh，I’msorry，"saidtheyoungman。"Thenyouwon’tbeabletodrivewithmethismorning？Ihopesheisn’tseriouslyworse？"headded，recurringtoMrs。MaynardatthesightofthetroubleinGrace’sface。
"Ishallasktodrivewithyou，"shereturned。"Mr。Libby，doyouknowwhereCorbitantis？"
"Oh，yes。"
"Andwillyoudrivemethere？"
"Why，certainly！"hecried，inpolitewonder。
"Thankyou。"Sheturnedhalfround，andcastawoman’slookattheotherwomen。"Ishallbereadyinhalfanhour。Willyougoaway，andcomebackthen？Notsooner。"
"Anythingyouplease，MissBreen，"hesaid，laughinginhismystification。"Inthirtyminutes，orthirtydays。"
Theywentbacktothesteps，andhemountedhisbuggy。Shesatdown，andtakingsomeworkfromherpocket，bentherheadoverit。Atfirstshewaspale，andthenshegrewred。Butthesefluctuationsofcolorcouldnotkeepherspectatorslong；onebyonetheydispersedanddescendedthecliff；andwhensherosetogoforherhatthelasthadvanished，withalonginglookather。ItwasMissGleason。
Gracebrieflyannouncedherpurposetohermother，whosaid，"Ihopeyouarenotdoinganythingimpulsive"；andsheanswered，"No，Ihadquitemadeupmymindtoitlastnight。"
Mr。Libbyhadnotyetreturnedwhenshewentbacktothepiazza，andshewalkedoutontheroadbywhichhemustarrive。Shehadnottowalkfar。
Hedrewinsightbeforeshehadgoneaquarterofamile，drivingrapidly。"AmIlate？"heasked，turning，andpullingupattheroadside，withwellsubduedastonishmentatencounteringher。
"Oh，no；notthatIknow。"Shemountedtotheseat，andtheydroveoffinasilencewhichenduredforalongtime。IfLibbyhadbeenasvainasheseemedlight，hemusthavefounditcruellyunflattering，foritignoredhispresenceandevenhisexistence。Shebrokethesilenceatlastwithadeep-drawnsigh，asfranklysadasifshehadbeenquitealone，butshereturnedtoconsciousnessofhiminit。"Mr。Libby，youmustthinkitisverystrangeformetoaskyoutodrivemetoCorbitantwithouttroublingmyselftotellyoumyerrand。"
"Oh，notatall，"saidtheyoungman。"I’mgladtobeofuseonanyterms。Itisn’toftenthatonegetsthechance。"
"IamgoingtoseeDr。Mulbridge，"shebegan，andthenstoppedsolongthatheperceivedshewishedhimtosaysomething。
Hesaid，"Yes？"
"Yes。IthoughtthismorningthatIshouldgiveMrs。Maynard’scaseuptohim。Ishouldn’tbeatalltroubledatseemingtogiveitupunderapressureofopinion，thoughIshouldnotgiveitupforthat。Ofcourse，"
sheexplained，"youdon’tknowthatallthosewomenhavebeensayingthatIoughttocallinDr。Mulbridge。It’soneofthosethings，"sheaddedbitterly，"thatmakeitsopleasantforawomantotrytohelpwomen。"
Hemadealittlemurmurofcondolence，andsherealizedthatshehadthrownherselfonhissympathy，whenshethoughtshehadbeenmerelythinkingaloud。"WhatImeanisthatheisamanofexperienceandreputation，andcouldprobablybeofmoreusetoherthanI，forshewouldtrusthimmore。ButIhaveknownheralongtime，andIunderstandhertemperamentandhercharacter，——whichgoesforagooddealinsuchmatters，——andIhaveconcludednottogiveupthecase。IwishtomeetDr。Mulbridge，however，andaskhimtoseeherinconsultationwithme。
Thatisall，"sheendedratherhaughtily，asifshehadbeendramatizingthefacttoDr。Mulbridgeinherownmind。
"Ishouldthinkthatwouldbetherightthing，"saidLibbylimply，withuncalled-forapproval；butheleftthisdangerousgroundabruptly。"Asyousay，charactergoesforagreatdealinthesethings。I’veseenMrs。
Maynardatthepointofdeathbefore。Asageneralrule，shedoesn’tdie。Ifyouhaveknownheralongtime，youknowwhatImean。Shelikestosharehersufferingswithherfriends。I’veseenpooroldMaynard"——
"Mr。Libby！"Gracebrokein。"YoumayspeakofMr。Maynardasyoulike，butIcannotallowyourdisrespectfulnesstoMrs。Maynard。It’sshocking！Youhadnorighttobetheirfriendifyoufelttowardthemasyouseemtohavedone。"
"Why，therewasnoharminthem。Ilikedthem！"explainedtheyoungman。
"Peoplehavenorighttolikethosetheydon’trespect！"
Libbylookedasifthiswereratheranewanddrollidea。Butheseemednottoobjecttohertutoringhim。"Well，"hesaid，"asfarasMrs。
Maynardwasconcerned，Idon’tknowthatIlikedheranymorethanI
respectedher。"
Graceoughttohavefrownedatthis，butshehadtocheckasmilein。
ordertosaygravely，"Iknowsheisdisagreeableattimes。Andshelikestosharehersufferingswithothers，asyousay。Butherhusbandwasfullyentitledtoanyshareofthemthathemayhaveborne。Ifhehadbeenkindertoher，shewouldn’tbewhatandwheresheisnow。"
"Kindertoher！"Libbyexclaimed。"He’sthekindestfellowintheworld！
Now，MissBreen，"hesaidearnestly，"IhopeMrs。Maynardhasn’tbeentalkingagainstherhusbandtoyou？"
"Isitpossible，"demandedGrace，"thatyoudon’tknowthey’reseparated，andthatshe’sgoingtotakestepsforadivorce？"
"Adivorce？No！Whatintheworldfor？"
"Inevertalkgossip。Ithoughtofcourseshehadtoldyou"——
"Shenevertoldmeaword！Shewasashamedtodoit！SheknowsthatI
knowMaynardwasthebesthusbandintheworldtoher。Allshetoldmewasthathewasoutonhisranch，andshehadcomeonhereforherhealth。It’ssomeridiculouslittlethingthatnoreasonablewomanwouldhavedreamtofcaringfor。It’soneofhercaprices。It’sherownfickleness。She’stiredofhim，——orthinkssheis，andthat’sallaboutit。MissBreen，Ibegyouwon’tbelieveanythingagainstMaynard！"
"Idon’tunderstand，"falteredGrace，astonishedathisfervor；andthelightitcastuponherfirstdoubtsofhim。"Ofcourse，Ionlyknowtheaffairfromherreport，andIhaven’tconcernedmyselfinit，exceptasitaffectedherhealth。AndIdon’twishtomisjudgehim。AndIlikeyour——defendinghim，"shesaid，thoughitinstantlyseemedapatronizingthingtohavesaid。"ButIcouldn’twithholdmysympathywhereI
believedtherehadbeenneglectandsystematicunkindness，andfinallydesertion。"
"Oh，IknowMrs。Maynard；Iknowherkindoftalk。I’veseenMaynard’sneglectandunkindness，andIknowjustwhathisdesertionwouldbe。Ifhe’slefther，it’sbecauseshewantedhimtoleaveher；hedidittohumorher，topleaseher。IshallhaveatalkwithMrs。Maynardwhenwegetback。"
"I’mafraidIcan’tallowitatpresent，"saidGrace，veryseriously。
"Sheisworseto-day。OtherwiseIshouldn’tbegivingyouthistrouble。"
"Oh，it’snotrouble"——
"ButI’mglad——I’mgladwe’vehadthisunderstanding。I’mveryglad。Itmakesmethinkworseofmyselfandbetterof——others。"
Libbygavealaugh。"Andyoulikethat？You’reeasilypleased。"
Sheremainedgrave。"IoughttobeabletotellyouwhatImean。Butitisn’tpossible——now。Willyouletmebegyourpardon？"sheurged，withimpulsiveearnestness。
"Why，yes，"heanswered，smiling。
"Andnotaskmewhy？"
"Certainly。"
"Thankyou。Yes，"sheaddedhastily，"sheissomuchworsethatsomeoneofgreaterexperiencethanImustseeher，andIhavemadeupmymind。
Dr。Mulbridgemayrefusetoconsultwithme。Iknowverywellthatthereisaprejudiceagainstwomenphysicians，andIcouldn’tespeciallyblamehimforsharingit。Ihavethoughtitallover。Ifherefuses，Ishallknowwhattodo。"ShehadceasedtoaddressLibby，whorespectedhersoliloquy。Hedroveonrapidlyoverthesoftroad，wherethewheelsmadenosound，andthetrackwanderedwithapparentaimlessnessthroughtheinterminablewoodsofyoungoakandpine。Thelowtreeswerefullofthesunshine，anddappledthemwithshadowastheydashedalong；thefresh，greenfernsspringingfromthebrowncarpetofthepineneedleswereasifpaintedagainstit。Thebreathofthepineswasheavierfortherecentrain；andthewoodysmelloftheoakswaspungentwherethebalsamfailed。Theymetnoone，butthesolitudedidnotmakeitselffeltthroughherpreoccupation。Fromtimetotimeshedroppedawordortwo；
butforthemostshewassilent，andhedidnotattempttolead。Byandbytheycametoanopenerplace，wherethereweremanyredfieldliliestiltinginthewind。
"Wouldyoulikesomeofthose？"heasked，pullingup。
"Ishould，verymuch，"sheanswered，gladofthesightofthegaythings。
Butwhenhehadgatheredherabunchoftheflowersshelookeddownattheminherlap，andsaid，"It’ssillyinmetobecaringforliliesatsuchatime，andIshouldmakeanunfavorableimpressiononDr。Mulbridgeifhesawmewiththem。ButIshallrisktheireffectonhim。HemaythinkIhavebeenbotanizing。"
"Unlessyoutellhimyouhaven’t，"theyoungmansuggested。
"Ineedn’tdothat。"
"Idon’tthinkanyoneelsewoulddoit。"
Shecoloredalittleatthetributetohercandor，anditpleasedher，thoughithadjustpleasedherasmuchtoforgetthatshewasnotlikeanyotheryounggirlwhomightbesimplyandirresponsiblyhappyinflowersgatheredforherbyayoungman。"Iwon’ttellhim，either！"shecried，willingtograspthefleetingemotionagain；butitwasgone，andonlyalittleresidueofsadconsciousnessremained。
Thewoodsgavewayoneithersideoftheroad，whichbegantobeavillagestreet，slopingandshelvingdowntowardthecurveofaquietbay。Theneatweather-graydwellings，shingledtothegroundandbrightenedwithdoor-yardflowersandcreepers，straggledoffintotheboat-housesandfishing-hutsontheshore，andthevillageseemedtogetafloatatlastinthesloopsandschoonersridingintheharbor，whosesmoothplanerosehighertotheeyethanthetownitself。Thesaltandthesandwereeverywhere，butthoughtherehadbeennopositiveprosperityinCorbitantforageneration，theplacehadanimpregnableneatness，whichdefieddecay；iftherehadbeenadoginthestreet，therewouldnothavebeenasticktothrowathim。
Oneofthebetter，butnotthebest，ofthevillagehouses，whichdidnotdifferfromtheothersinanyessentialparticular，andwhichstoodflushuponthestreet，boreadoor-platewiththenameDr。RufusMulbridge，andLibbydrewupinfrontofitwithouthavinghadtoalarmthevillagewithinquiries。Graceforbadehishelpindismounting，andrantothedoor，wheresherangoneofthosebellswhichsharplyrespondatthebackofthepaneltotheturnofacrankinfront；sheobserved，inadifferenceofpaint，thatthismodernimprovementhaddisplacedanoldfashionedknocker。Thedoorwasopenedbyatallandstrikinglyhandsomeoldwoman，whoseblackeyesstillkepttheirkeenlightunderherwhitehair，andwhosedressshowednoneoftheincongruitywhichwasoffensiveinthedoor-bell：itwasintheperfectionofanantiquatedtaste，which，however，camejustshortofcharacterizingitwithgentlewomanliness。
"IsDr。Mulbridgeathome？"askedGrace。
"Yes，"saidtheother，withacertainhesitation，andholdingthedoorajar。
"Ishouldliketoseehim，"saidGrace，mountingtothethreshold。
"Isitimportant？"askedtheelderwoman。
"Quite，"repliedGrace，withanaccentatonceofsurpriseanddecision。
"Youmaycomein，"saidtheotherreluctantly，andsheopenedadoorintoaroomatthesideofthehall。
"YoumaygiveDr。Mulbridgemycard，ifyouplease，"saidGrace，beforesheturnedtogointothisroom；andtheothertookit，andlefthertofindachairforherself。Itwasacountrydoctor’soffice，withtheusualcountrydoctor’ssupplyofdrugsonashelf，butverymuchmorethanthecountrydoctor’susuallibrary：thestandardworkswerethere，andtherewerealsotheprincipalperiodicalsandthelatesttreatisesofnoteinthemedicalworld。Inalong，uprightcase，likethatofanoldhall-clock，wastheanatomyofonewhohadlongdonewithtime；alaryngoscopeandsomeotherprofessionalapparatusofconstantutilitylayupontheleafofthedoctor’sdesk。Therewasnothingintheroomwhichdidnotsuggesthisprofession，excepttheswordandthespurswhichhunguponthewalloppositewhereGracesatbesideoneofthefrontwindows。Shespenthertimeinstudyoftheroomanditsappointments，andinnowandthenglancingoutatMr。Libby，whosatstatuesquelypatientinthebuggy。Hisprofilecutagainsttheskywasblameless；andahumorousshrewdnesswhichshowedinthewrinkleathiseyeandinthedroopofhisyellowmustachegaveitsregularitylifeandcharm。ItoccurredtoherthatifDr。MulbridgecaughtsightofMr。Libbybeforehesawher，orbeforeshecouldexplainthatshehadgotoneofthegentlemenatthehotel——sheresolveduponthisprevarication——todrivehertoCorbitantindefaultofanotherconveyance，hewouldhavehisimpressionsandconjectures，whichdoubtlessthebunchofliliesinherhandwoulddotheirparttostimulate。Shesubmittedtothispossibility，andwaitedforhiscoming，whichbegantoseemunreasonablydelayed。Thedooropenedatlast，andatall，powerfullyframedmanofthirty-fiveorforty，dressedinanill-fittingsuitofgrayCanadahomespunappeared。Hemovedwithaslow，ponderingstep，andcarriedhisshaggyheadbentdownwardsfromshouldersslightlyrounded。Hisdarkbeardwasalreadygrizzled，andshesawthathismustachewasburntandturnedtawnyatpointsbysmoking，ofwhichhabithispresencegavestaleevidencetoanothersense。HeheldGrace’scardinhishand，andhelookedather，asheadvanced，outofgrayeyesthat，ifnotsympathetic，wereperfectlyintelligent，andthatatoncesoughttodivineandclassher。Sheperceivedthathetookintheliliesandhercomingcolor；shefeltthathenotedherfigureandherdress。
Shehalfroseinresponsetohisquestioningbow，andhemotionedhertoherseatagain。"Ihadtokeepyouwaiting，"hesaid。"Iwasupallnightwithapatient，andIwasasleepwhenmymothercalledme。"Hestoppedhere，anddefinitivelywaitedforhertobegin。
Shedidnotfindthiseasy，ashetookachairinfrontofher，andsatlookingsteadilyinherface。"I’msorrytohavedisturbedyou"
"Oh，notatall，"heinterrupted。"Theruleistodisturbadoctor。"
"Imean，"shebeganagain，"thatIamnotsurethatIamjustifiedindisturbingyou。"
Hewaitedalittlewhileforhertogoon，andthenhesaid，"Well，letushear。"
"Iwishtoconsultwithyou，"shebrokeout，andagainshecametoasuddenpause；andasshelookedintohisvigilantface，inwhichshewasnotsuretherewasnotahoveringderision，shecouldnotcontinue。Shefeltthatsheoughttogathercouragefromthefactthathehadnotstarted，ordoneanythingpositivelydisagreeablewhenshehadaskedforaconsultation；butshecouldnot，anditdidnotavailhertoreflectthatshewasrenderingherselfliabletoallconceivablemisconstruction，——thatshewasbehavingchildishly，witheveryappearanceofbehavingguiltily。
Hecametoheraidagain，inabluntfashion，neitherkindnorunkind，butsimplycommonsense。"Whatisthematter？"
"Whatisthematter？"sherepeated。
"Yes。Whatarethesymptoms？Whereandhoware，yousick？"
"Iamnotsick，"shecried。Theystaredateachotherinreciprocalamazementandmystification。
"ThenexcusemeifIaskyouwhatyouwishmetodo？"
"Oh！"saidGrace，realizinghisnaturalerror，withaflush。"Itisn’tinregardtomyselfthatIwishtoconsultwithyou。It’sanotherperson——afriend"——
"Well，"saidDr。Mulbridge，laughing，withtheimpatienceofaphysicianusedtomakingshortcutsthroughtheelaborateandreluctantstatementsofladiesseekingadvice，"whatisthematterwithyourfriend？"
"Shehasbeenaninvalidforsometime，"repliedGrace。Thelaugh，whichhaditsedgeofpatronageandconceit，stungherintoself-possessionagain，andshebrieflygavethepointsofMrs。Maynard’scase，withtherecentaccidentandthesymptomsdevelopedduringthenight。Helistenedattentively，noddinghisheadattimes，andnowandthenglancingsharplyather，asonemightatasurprisinglyintelligentchild。
"Imustseeher，"hesaiddecidedly，whenshecametoanend。"Iwillseeherassoonaspossible。IwillcomeovertoJocelyn’sthisafternoon，——assoonasIcangetmydinner，infact。"
Therewassuchatoneofdismissalinhiswordsthatsherose，andhepromptlyfollowedherexample。Shestoodhesitatingamoment。Then，"Idon’tknowwhetheryouunderstoodthatIwishmerelytoconsultwithyou，"shesaid；"thatIdon’twishtorelinquishthecasetoyou"——
"Relinquishthecase——consult"——Dr。Mulbridgestaredather。"No，I
don’tunderstand。Whatdoyoumeanbynotrelinquishingthecase？
Ifthereissomeoneelseinattendance"
"Iaminattendance，"saidthegirlfirmly。"IamMrs。Maynard’sphysician。"
"You？Physician"
"Ifyouhavelookedatmycard"——shebeganwithindignantseverity。
Hegaveasortofroarofamusementandapology，andthenhestaredatheragainwithmuchoftheinterestofanaturalistinanextraordinaryspecimen。
"Ibegyourpardon，"heexclaimed。"Ididn’tlookatit"；buthenowdidso，wherehehelditcrumpledinthepalmofhislefthand。"Mymothersaiditwasayounglady，andIdidn’tlook。Willyouwillyousitdown，Dr。Breen？"Hebustledingettingherseveralchairs。
"Iliveoffhereinacorner，andIhaveneverhappenedtomeetanyladiesofourprofessionbefore。Excuseme，ifIspokeundera，——mistakenimpression。I——I——Ishouldnothave——ah——takenyouforaphysician。
You"——Hecheckedhimself，asifhemighthavebeengoingtosaythatshewastooyoungandtoopretty。"Ofcourse，Ishallhavepleasureinconsultingwithyouinregardtoyourfriend’scase，thoughI’venodoubtyouaredoingallthatcanbedone。"Withagreatshowofdeference，hestillbetrayedsomethingoftheairofonewhohumorsajoke；andshefeltthis，butfeltthatshecouldnotopenlyresentit。
"Thankyou，"shereturnedwithdignity，indicatingwithagestureofherhandthatshewouldnotsitdownagain。"Iamsorrytoaskyoutocomesofar。"
"Oh，notatall。Ishallbedrivingoverinthatdirectionatanyrate。
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