I’veapatientnearthere。"Hesmileduponherwithfrankcuriosity，andseemedwillingtodetainher，butatalosshowtodoso。"IfIhadn’tbeenstupidfrommynapIshouldhaveinferredascientifictrainingfromyourstatementofyourfriend’scase。"Shestillbelievedthathewaslaughingather，andthatthiswasamockbutshewasstillhelplesstoresentit，exceptbyanassumptionofyetcolderstate。ThishadapparentlynoeffectuponDr。Mulbridge。Hecontinuedtolookatherwithhardlyconcealedamusement，andvisiblytogrowmoreandmoreconsciousofhereleganceandstyle，nowthatshestoodbeforehim。
Therehadbeenatimewhen，inplanninghercareer，shehadimaginedherselfstudyingamasculinesimplicityanddirectnessofaddress；buttheover-successofsomeyoungwomen，herfellowsattheschool，inthisdirectionhaddisgustedherwithit，andshehadperceivedthatafterallthereisnothingbetterforagirl，evenagirlwhoisadoctorofmedicine，thanaladylikemanner。Now，however，shewishedthatshecoulddoorsaysomethingaggressivelymannish，forshefeltherselfdwindlingawaytothemerestfemininity，underascrutinywhichhaditsfascination，whetheragreeableordisagreeable。"Youmust，"hesaid，withreallyunwarrantablepatronage，"havefoundthatthestudyofmedicinehasitsdifficulties，——youmusthavebeenverystronglydrawntoit。"
"Ohno，notatall；Ihadratheranaversionatfirst，"shereplied，withtheinstantsuperiorityofawomanwherethemansuffersanytopictobecomepersonal。"WhydidyouthinkIwasdrawntoit？"
"Idon’tknow——Idon’tknowthatIthoughtso，"hestammered。"IbelieveIintendedtoask，"headdedbluntly；butshehadthesatisfactionofseeinghimredden，andshedidnotvolunteeranythinginhisrelief。
Shedivinedthatitwouldleavehimwithanawkwardsenseofdefeatifhequittedthesubjectthere；andinfacthehaddeterminedthathewouldnot。"Someofourladiestakeupthestudyabroad，"hesaid；andhewentontospeak，witharealdeference，oftheeminentwomanwhodidtheAmericannamehonorbythedistinctionsheachievedintheschoolsofParis。
"Ihaveneverbeenabroad，"saidGrace。
"No？"heexclaimed。"IthoughtallAmericanladieshadbeenabroad"；andnowhesaid，witheasyrecognitionofherresolutionnottohelphimout，"IsupposeyouhaveyourdiplomafromthePhiladelphiaschool。"
"No，"shereturned，"fromtheNewYorkschool，——thehomoeopathicschoolofNewYork。"
Dr。Mulbridgeinstantlysobered，andeventurnedalittlepale，buthedidnotsayanything。Heremainedlookingatherasifshehadsuddenlychangedfromapiquantmysterytoaterribledilemma。
Shemovedtowardthedoor。"ThenImayexpectyou，"shesaid，"aboutthemiddleoftheafternoon。"
Hedidnotreply；hestumbleduponthechairsinfollowingherapaceortwo，withafaceofacutedistress。Thenhebrokeoutwith"Ican’tcome！Ican’tconsultwithyou！"
Sheturnedandlookedathimwithastonishment，whichhedidhisbesttomeet。Herastonishmentcongealedintohauteur，andthendissolvedintothehelplessnessofaladywhohasbeenofferedarudeness；butstillshedidnotspeak。Shemerelylookedathim，whilehehaltedandstammeredon。
"Personally，I——I——shouldbe——obliged——Ishouldfeelhonored——I——I——Ithasnothingtodowithyour——your——beinga——a——a——womanlady。Ishouldnotcareforthat。No。Butsurelyyoumustknowthereasons——theobstacles——whichdeterme？"
"No，Idon’t，"shesaid，calmwiththeadvantageofhisperturbation。
"Butifyourefuse，thatissufficient。Iwillnotinquireyourreasons。
Iwillsimplywithdrawmyrequest。"
"Thankyou。ButIbegyoutounderstandthattheyhavenoreferencewhatevertoyouin——yourown——capacity——character——individualquality。
Theyarepurelyprofessional——thatis，technical——Ishouldsaydisciplinary，——entirelydisciplinary。Yes，disciplinary。"ThewordseemedtoaffordDr。Mulbridgethedegreeofreliefwhichcancomeonlyfromanexactlysignificantandluminouslyexegeticword。
"Idon’tatallknowwhatyoumean，"saidGrace。"ButitisnotnecessarythatIshouldknow。Willyouallowme？"sheasked，forDr。
Mulbridgehadgotbetweenherandthedoor，andstoodwithhishandonthelatch。
Hisfaceflushed，anddropsstoodonhisforehead。"Surely，Miss——I
meanDoctor——Breen，youmustknowwhyIcan’tconsultwithyou！Webelongtotwodiametricallyoppositeschools——theories——ofmedicine。Itwouldbeimpracticable——impossibleforustoconsult。Wecouldfindnocommonground。Haveyouneverheardthatthe——ahregularpracticecannotmeethomoeopathistsinthisway？Ifyouhadtoldme——ifIhadknown——youwereahomoeopathist，Icouldn’thaveconsideredthematteratall。I
can’tnowexpressanyopinionastoyourmanagementofthecase，butI
havenodoubtthatyouwillknowwhattodo——fromyourpointofview——andthatyouwillprefertocallinsomeoneofyourown——persuasion。Ihopethatyoudon’tholdmepersonallyresponsibleforthisresult！"
"Oh，no！"repliedthegirl，withacertaindreamyabstraction。"Ihadheardthatyoumadesomesuchdistinction——Iremember，now。ButIcouldn’trealizeanythingsoridiculous。"
Dr。Mulbridgecolored。"Excuseme，"hesaid，"if，evenunderthecircumstances，Ican’tagreewithyouthatthepositiontakenbytheregularpracticeisridiculous。"
Shedidnotmakeanydirectreply。"ButIsupposedthatyouonlymadethisdistinction，asyoucallit，incaseswherethereisnoimmediatedanger；thatinamatteroflifeanddeathyouwouldwaiveit。Mrs。
Maynardisreally——"
"TherearenoconditionsunderwhichIcouldnotconscientiouslyrefusetowaiveit。"
"Then，"criedGrace，"Iwithdrawtheword！Itisnotridiculous。Itismonstrous，atrocious，inhuman！"
AlightofhumorousironyglimmeredinDr。Mulbridge’seye。"Imustsubmittoyourcondemnation。"
"Oh，itisn’tapersonalcondemnation！"sheretorted。"Ihavenodoubtthatpersonallyyouarenotresponsible。Wecanlayasideourdistinctionsasallopathistandhomoeopathist，andyoucanadvisewithme"——
"It’squiteimpossible，"saidDr。Mulbridge。"IfIadvisedwithyou，Imightbe——AlittlewhileagooneofourschoolinConnecticutwasexpelledfromtheStateMedicalAssociationforconsultingwith"——hebegantohesitate，asifhehadnothituponafortunateorappropriateillustration，buthepushedon——"withhisownwife，whowasaphysicianofyourschool。"
Shehaughtilyignoredhisembarrassment。"Icanappreciateyourdifficulty，andpityanyliberal-mindedpersonwhoisplacedasyouare，anddisapprovesofsuchwretchedbigotry。"
"Iamobligedtotellyou，"saidDr。Mulbridge，"thatIdon’tdisapproveofit。"
"Iamdetainingyou，"saidGrace。"Ibegyourpardon。Iwascurioustoknowhowfarsuperstitionandpersecutioncangoinourday。"Iftheepithetswerenotveryaccurate，sheusedthemwithawoman’seffectiveness，andherintentionmadethemdescriptive。"Good-day，"sheadded，andshemadeamovementtowardthedoor，fromwhichDr。Mulbridgeretired。Butshedidnotopenthedoor。Instead，shesankintothechairwhichstoodinthecorner，andpassedherhandoverherforehead，asifsheweregiddy。
Dr。Mulbridge’sfingerwasinstantlyonherwrist。"Areyoufaint？"
"No，no！"shegasped，pullingherhandaway。"Iamperfectlywell。"
Thenshewassilentforatimebeforesheaddedbyasupremeeffort，"I
havenorighttoendangeranother’slife，throughanymiserablepride，andIneverwill。Mrs。Maynardneedsgreaterexperiencethanmine，andshemusthaveit。Ican’tjustifymyselfinthedelayanduncertaintyofsendingtoBoston。Irelinquishthecase。Igiveittoyou。AndIwillnurseherunderyourdirection，obediently，conscientiously。Oh！"shecried，athisfailuretomakeanyimmediateresponse，"surelyyouwon’trefusetotakethecase！"
"Iwon’trefuse，"hesaid，withaneffectofdifficultconcession。
"Iwillcome。Iwilldriveoveratonce，afterdinner。"
Sherosenow，andputherhandonthedoor-latch。"Doyouobjecttomynursingyourpatient？Sheisanoldschoolfriend。ButIcouldyieldthatpointtoo，if"——
"Oh，no，no！Ishallbeonlytoogladofyourhelp，andyour"——hewasgoingtosayadvice，buthestoppedhimself，andrepeated——"help。"
Theystoodinconclusivelyamoment，asiftheywouldbothbegladofsomethingmoretosay。Thenshesaidtentatively，"Good-morning，"andberespondedexperimentally，"Good-morning"；andwiththattheyinvoluntarilyparted，andshewentoutofthedoor，whichhestoodholdingopenevenaftershehadgotoutofthegate。
Hismothercamedownthestairs。"Whatintheworldwereyouquarrellingwiththatgirlabout，Rufus？"
"Wewerenotquarrelling，mother。"
"Well，itsoundedlikeit。Whowasshe？
"Who？"repeatedhersonabsently。"Dr。Breen。"
"DoctorBreen？Thatgirladoctor？"
"Yes。"
"Ithoughtshewassomesaucything。Well，uponmyword！"exclaimedMrs。
Mulbridge。"Sothatisafemaledoctor，isit？Wasshesick？"
"No，"saidherson，withwhatsheknewtobeprofessionalfinality。"
Mother，ifyoucanhurrydinneralittle，Ishallbeglad。IhavetodriveovertoJocelyn’s，andIshouldliketostartassoonaspossible。"
"Whowastheyoungmanwithher？Herbeau，Iguess。"
"Wasthereayoungmanwithher？"askedDr。Mulbridge。
Hismotherwentoutwithout’speaking。Shecouldbeunsatisfactory，too。
VI。
NoonebutMrs。Breenknewofherdaughter’serrand，andwhenGracecamebackshealightedfromMr。Libby’sbuggywithanexpressionofthanksthatgavenoclewastothedirectionorpurposeofit。Hetouchedhishattoherwithequalsuccinctness，anddroveaway，includingalltheladiesonthepiazzainacursoryobeisance。
"Wemustaskyou，MissGleason，"saidMrs。Alger。"YouradmirationofDr。Breenclothesyouwithauthorityandresponsibility。"
"Ican’tunderstanditatall，"MissGleasonconfessed。"ButI’msurethere’snothinginit。Heisn’therequal。Shewouldfeelthatitwasn’tright——underthecircumstances。"
"ButifMrs。Maynardwaswellitwouldbeafairgame，youmean，"saidMrs。Alger。
"No，"returnedMissGleason，withthegreatestairofcandor，"Ican’tadmitthatImeantthat。"
"Well，"saidtheelderlady，"thepresumptionisagainstthem。Everyyoungcoupleseentogethermustbeconsideredinlovetilltheyprovethecontrary。"
"Ilikeitinher，"saidMrs。Frost。"Itshowsthatsheishuman，afterall。Itshowsthatsheislikeothergirls。It’sarelief。"
"Sheisn’tlikeothergirls，"contendedMissGleasondarkly。
"IwouldratherhaveMr。Libby’sopinion，"saidMrs。Merritt。
GracewenttoMrs。Maynard’sroom，andtoldherthatDr。Mulbridgewascomingdirectlyafterdinner。
"Iknewyouwoulddoit！"criedMrs。Maynard，throwingherrightarmroundGrace’sneck，whilethelatterbentovertofeelthepulseinherleft。"IknewwhereyouhadgoneassoonasyourmothertoldmeyouhaddrivenoffwithWalterLibby。I’msogladthatyou’vegotsomebodytoconsult！YourtheoriesareperfectlyrightandI’msurethatDr。
Mulbridgewilljusttellyoutokeeponasyou’vebeendoing。"
Gracewithdrewfromhercaress。"Dr。Mulbridgeisnotcomingforaconsultation。Herefusedtoconsultwithme。"
"Refusedtoconsult？Why，howperfectlyungentlemanly！Whydidherefuse？"
"BecauseheisanallopathistandIamahomoeopathist。"
"Then，whatishecomingfor，Ishouldliketoknow！"
"Ihavegivenupthecasetohim，"saidGracewearily。
"Verywell，then！"criedMrs。Maynard，"Iwon’tbegivenup。Iwillsimplydie！Notapill，notapowder，ofhiswillItouch！Ifhethinkshimselftoogoodtoconsultwithanotherdoctor，andaladyatthat，merelybecauseshedoesn’thappentobeallopathist，hecangoalong！
Ineverheardofanythingsoconceited，sodisgustinglymean，inmylife。
No，Grace！Why，it’shorrid！"Shewassilent，andthen，"Why，ofcourse，"sheadded，"ifhecomes，Ishallhavetoseehim。Ilooklikeafright，Isuppose。"
"Iwilldoyourhair，"saidGrace，withindifferencetothesevowsandprotests；andwithoutdeigningfurtherexplanationorargumentshemadetheinvalid’stoiletforher。Ifgiventime，Mrs。Maynardwouldtalkherselfintoanynecessaryframeofmind，andGracemerelysuppliedthemonosyllabicpromptingsrequisiteforhertransitionfrommoodtomood。
ItwasherfinalresolutionthatwhenDr。Mulbridgedidcomesheshouldgivehimapieceofhermind；andshereceivedhimwithanxioussubmissiveness，andhunguponallhislooksandwordswithquakingandwithaninclinationtoattributeherunfavorablesymptomstothetreatmentofherformerphysician。Shedidnotsparehimcertainapologiesforthedisorderlyappearanceofherpersonandherroom。
Gracesatbyandwatchedhimwithperfectlyquiescentobservance。Thelarge，somewhatuncouthmangaveevidencetoherintelligencethathewasallphysician——thathehadnotchosenhisprofessionfromanytheoryormotive，howevergood，buthadbeenasmuchchosenbyitasifhehadbeenbornaPhysician。Hewasincrediblygentleandsoftinallhismovements，andperfectlykind，withoutbeingatanymomentunprofitablysympathetic。Heknewwhentolistenandwhennottolisten，——tolearneverythingfromthequiveringbundleofnervesbeforehimwithoutseemingtohavelearntanythingalarming；hesmiledwhenitwoulddohergoodtobelaughedat，andtreatedherwithsuchgraverespectthatshecouldnotfeelherselftrifledwith，norrememberafterwardsanypointofneglect。
Whenheroseandleftsomemedicines，withdirectionstoGraceforgivingthemandinstructionsforcontingencies，shefollowedhimfromtheroom。
"Well？"shesaidanxiously。
"Mrs。Maynardisthreatenedwithpneumonia。Or，Idon’tknowwhyI
shouldsaythreatened，"headded；"shehaspneumonia。"
"Isupposed——Iwasafraidso，"falteredthegirl。
"Yes。"Helookedintohereyeswithevenmoreseriousnessthanhespoke。
"Hasshefriendshere？"heasked。
"No；herhusbandisinCheyenne，outontheplains。"
"Heoughttoknow，"saidDr。Mulbridge。"Agreatdealwilldependuponhernursing——Miss——ah——Dr。Breen。"
"Youneedn’tcallmeDr。Breen，"saidGrace。"Atpresent，IamMrs。
Maynard’snurse。"
Heignoredthisashehadignoredeverypointconnectedwiththeinterviewofthemorning。Herepeatedthedirectionshehadalreadygivenwithstillgreaterdistinctness，and，sayingthatheshouldcomeinthemorning，droveaway。ShewentbacktoLouise：inquisitionforinquisition，itwaseasiertomeetthatofherlatepatientthanthatofhermother，andforoncethegirlsparedherself。
"IknowhethoughtIwasverybad，"whimperedMrs。Maynard，forabeginning。"Whatisthematterwithme？"
"Yourcoldhastakenanacuteform；youwillhavetogotobed。"
"ThenI’mgoingtobedownsick！IknewIwas！Iknewit！AndwhatamIgoingtodo，offinsuchaplaceasthis？Noonetonurseme，orlookafterBella！Ishouldthinkyouwouldbesatisfiednow，Grace，withtheresultofyourconscientiousness：youweresoverysurethatMr。Libbywaswantingtoflirtwithmethatyoudroveustoourdeath，becauseyouthoughthefeltguiltyandwastryingtofiboutofit。"
"Willyouletmehelptoundressyou？"askedGracegently。"Bellashallbewelltakencareof，andIamgoingtonurseyoumyself，underDr。
Mulbridge’sdirection。Andonceforall，Louise，IwishtosaythatI
holdmyselftoblameforall"——
"Oh，yes！Muchgoodthatdoesnow！"Beinggotintobed，withthesheetsmoothedunderherchin，shesaid，withtheeffectofdrawingastrictlylogicalconclusionfromthepremises，"Well，IshouldthinkGeorgeMaynardwouldwanttobewithhisfamily！"
Spentwiththisordeal，Graceleftheratlast，andwentoutonthepiazza，whereshefoundLibbyreturned。Infact，hehad，uponsecondthoughts，drivenback，andputuphishorseatJocelyn’s，thathemightbeofservicethereincasehewereneeded。Theladies，withwhomhehadbeenmakingfriends，discreetlylefthimtoGrace，whensheappeared，andshefranklywalkedapartwithhim，andaskedhimifhecouldgoovertoNewLeyden，andtelegraphtoMr。Maynard。
"Hassheaskedforhim？"heinquired，laughing。"Iknewitwouldcometothat。"
"Shehasnotasked；shehassaidthatshethoughtheoughttobewithhisfamily，"repeatedGracefaithfully。
"Oh，Iknowhowshesaidit：asifhehadgoneawaywilfully，andkeptawayagainstherwishesandalltheclaimsofhonorandduty。Itwouldn’ttakeherlongtogetroundtothatifshethoughtshewasverysick。Isshesobad？"heinquired，withlightscepticism。
"She’sthreatenedwithpneumonia。Wecan’ttellhowbadshemaybe。"
"Why，ofcourseI’lltelegraph。ButIdon’tthinkanythingseriouscanbethematterwithMrs。Maynard。"
"Dr。MulbridgesaidthatMr。Maynardoughttoknow。"
"Isthatso？"askedLibby，inquiteadifferenttone。Ifsherecognizedthedifference，shewasmeeklyfarfromresentingit；he，however，musthavewishedtorepairhisblunder。"Ithinkyouneedn’thavegivenupthecasetohim。Ithinkyou’retooconscientiousaboutit。"
"Pleasedon’tspeakofthatnow，"sheinterposed。
"Well，Iwon’t，"heconsented。"CanIbeofanyusehereto-night？"
"No，weshallneednothingmore。Thedoctorwillbehereagaininthemorning。"
"Libbydidnotcomeinthemorningtillafterthedoctorhadgone，andthenheexplainedthathehadwaitedtohearinreplytohistelegram，sothattheymighttellMrs。Maynardherhusbandhadstarted；andhehadonlyjustnowheard。
"Andhashestarted？"Graceasked。
"Iheardfromhispartner。Maynardwasattheranch。Hispartnerhadgoneforhim。"
"Thenhewillsoonbehere，"shesaid。
"Hewill，iftelegraphingcanbringhim。Isatuphalfthenightwiththeoperator。Shewasveryobligingwhensheunderstoodthecase。"
"She？"reputedGrace，withaslightfrown。
"Theoperatorsarenearlyallwomeninthecountry。"
"Oh！"Shelookedgrave。"Cantheytrustyounggirlswithsuchimportantduties？"
"Theydidn’tinthisinstance，"reliedLibby。"Shewasaprettyoldgirl。Whatmadeyouthinkshewasyoung？"
"Idon’tknow。Ithoughtyousaidshewasyoung。"Sheblushed，andseemedabouttosaymore，butshedidnot。
Hewaited，andthenhesaid，"YoucantellMrs。MaynardthatI
telegraphedonmyownresponsibility，ifyouthinkit’sgoingtoalarmher。"
"Well，"saidGrace，withahelplesssigh。
"Youdon’tliketotellherthat，"hesuggested，afteramoment，inwhichhehadwatchedher。
"Howdoyouknow？"
"Oh，Iknow。AndsomedayIwilltellyouhow——ifyouwillletme。"
Itseemedaquestion；andshedidnotknowwhatitwasthatkepther——
silentandbreathlessandhotinthethroat。"Idon’tliketodoit，"
shesaidatlast。"IhatemyselfwheneverIhavetofeignanything。I
knewperfectlywellthatyoudidn’tsayshewasyoung，"shebrokeoutdesperately。
"SayMrs。Maynardwasyoung？"heaskedstupidly。
"No！"shecried。Sherosehastilyfromthebenchwhereshehadbeensittingwithhim。"Imustgobacktohernow。"
Hemountedtohisbuggy，anddrovethoughtfullyawayatawalk。
Theladies，whoseexcitedsympathiesforMrs。Maynardhadkeptthemfromthebeachtillnow，watchedhimquiteoutofsightbeforetheybegantotalkofGrace。
"IhopeDr。Breen’snewpatientwillbemoretractable，"saidMrs。
Merritt。"Itwouldbeapityifshehadtogivehimup，too，toDr。
Mulbridge。"
Mrs。Scottfailedofthepoint。"Why，isMr。Libbysick？"
"Notvery，"answeredMrs。Merritt，withatitterofself-applause。
"Ishouldbesorry，"interposedMrs。Algerauthoritatively，"ifwehadsaidanythingtoinfluencethepoorthinginwhatshehasdone。"
"Oh，Idon’tthinkweneeddistressourselvesaboutundueinfluence！"
Mrs。Merrittexclaimed。
Mrs。Algerchosetoignorethesuggestion。"Shehadaverydifficultpart；andIthinkshehasactedcourageously。Ialwaysfeelsorryforgirlswhoattemptanythingofthatkind。It’safearfulordeal。"
"ButtheysayMissBreenwasn’tobligedtodoitforaliving，"Mrs。
Scottsuggested。
"Somuchtheworse，"saidMrs。Merritt。
"No，somuchthebetter，"returnedMrs。Alger。
Mrs。Merritt，sittingontheedgeofthepiazza，stoopedoverwithdifficultyandpluckedaglass-straw，whichshebitasshelookedrebelliouslyaway。
Mrs。FrosthadinstalledherselfasfavoritesinceMrs。Algerhadpraisedherhair。Shenowcameforward，and，droppingfondlyatherknee，lookeduptoherforinstruction。"Don’tyouthinkthatsheshowedhersenseingivingupattheverybeginning，ifshefoundshewasn’tequaltoit？"
Shegaveherheadalittlemovementfromsidetoside，andputthemassofherbackhairmoreonshow。
"Perhaps，"saidMrs。Alger，lookingatthefavoritenotveryfavorably。
"Oh，Idon’tthinkshe’sgivenup，"MissGleasoninterposed，inherbreathlessmanner。Shewaitedtobeaskedwhy，andthensheadded，"Ithinkshe’sactinginconsultationwithDr。Mulbridge。Hemayhaveacertaininfluenceoverher，——Ithinkhehas；butIknowtheyareactinginunison。"
Mrs。Merrittflunghergrass-strawaway。"PerhapsitistobeDr。
Mulbridge，afterall，andnotMr。Libby。"
"Ihavethoughtofthat，"MissGleasonassentedcandidly。"Yes，Ihavethoughtofthat。Ihavethoughtoftheirbeingconstantlythrowntogether，inthisway。Itwouldnotdiscourageme。Shecouldbequiteastruetohervocationasifsheremainedsingle。Truer。"
"Talkingoftrue，"saidMrs。Scott，"alwaysdoesmakemethinkofblue。
Theysaythatyellowwillbewornoneverythingthiswinter。"
"Oldgold？"askedMrs。Frost。Yes，morethanever。"
"Dear！"criedtheotherlady。"Idon’tknowwhatIshalldo。Itperfectlykillsmyhair。"
"Oh，MissGleason！"exclaimedtheyounggirl。
"Doyoubelieveincharactercomingoutincolor？"
"Yes，certainly。Ihavealwaysbelievedthat。"
"Well，I’vegotafriend，andshewouldn’thaveanythingtodowithagirlthatworemagentamorethanshewouldfly。"
"Ishouldsuppose，"explainedMissGleason，"thatallthoseanilinedyesimpliedsomethingcoarseinpeople。"
"Isn’titcurious，"askedMrs。Frost，"howred-hairedpeoplehavecomeinfashion？Icanrecollect，whenIwasalittlegirl，thateverybodylaughedatredhair。TherewasonegirlatthefirstschoolIeverwentto，——theboysusedtopretendtoburntheirfingersatherhair。"
"IthinkDr。Breen’shairisaveryprettyshadeofbrown，"saidtheyounggirl。
Mrs。Merrittrosefromtheedgeofthepiazza。"Ithinkthatifshehasn’tgivenuptohimentirelyshe’sthemostsubmissiveconsultingphysicianIeversaw，"shesaid，andwalkedoutoverthegrasstowardsthecliff。
Theladieslookedafterher。"IsMrs。Merrittmorepudgywhenshe’ssittingdownorwhenshe’sstandingup？"askedMrs。Scott。
MissGleasonseizedherfirstchanceofspeakingwithGracealone。
"Oh，doyouknowhowmuchyouaredoingforusall？"
"Doingforyou，all？Howdoing？"falteredGrace，whomshehadwhisperinglyhaltedinacornerofthehallleadingfromthedining-room。
"Byactinginunison，——bysolvingthemostperplexingprobleminwomen’spractisingyourprofession。Shepassedtheedgeofherfanoverherlipsbeforelettingitfallfurleduponherlefthand，andlookedluminouslyintoGrace’seyes。
"Idon’tatallknowwhatyoumean，MissGleason，"saidtheother。
MissGleasonkickedouttheskirtofherdress，soastoleaveherselfperfectlyfreefortheexplanation。"Practisinginharmonywithaphysicianoftheothersex。Ihavealwaysfeltthattherewasthegreatdifficulty，——howtobringthatabout。IhavealwaysfeltthattheTRUE
physicianmustbeDUAL，——haveboththewoman’snatureandtheman’s；thewoman’stendertouch，theman’sfirmgrasp。Youhaveshownhowthemedicaleducationofwomencanmeetthiswant。Thephysiciancanactuallybedual，——betwo，infact。Hereafter，Ihavenodoubtweshallalwayscallaphysicianofeachsex。Butit’swonderfulhowyoucouldeverbringitabout，thoughyoucandoanything！Hasn’titwornuponyou？"MissGleasondartedouthersentencesinquick，shortbreaths，fixingGracewithhereyes，andateachclausenervouslytappingherchestwithherreopenedfan。
"Ifyousuppose，"saidGrace，"thatDr。MulbridgeandIareactingprofessionallyinunison，asyoucallit，youaremistaken。Hehasentirechargeofthecase；Igaveituptohim，andIammerelynursingMrs。Maynardunderhisdirection。"
"Howsplendid！"MissGleasonexclaimed。"DoyouknowthatIadmireyouforgivingup，——forknowingwhentogiveup？Sofewwomendothat！
Isn’themagnificent？"
"Magnificent？"
"Imeanpsychically。HeiswhatIshouldcallastrongsoulYoumusthavefelthismasterfulness；youmusthaveenjoyedit！Don’tyouliketobedominated？"
"No，"saidGrace，"Ishouldn’tatalllikeit。"
"Oh，Ido！Iliketomeetoneofthoseforcefulmasculinenaturesthatsimplybidyouobey。It’sdelicious。Suchasenseofself-surrender，"
MissGleasonexplained。"Itisn’tbecausetheyaremen，"sheadded。
"Ihavefeltthesameinfluencefromsomewomen。Ifeltit，inacertaindegree，onfirstmeetingyou。"
"Iamverysorry，"saidGracecoldly。"Ishoulddislikebeingcontrolledmyself，andIshoulddislikestillmoretocontrolothers。"
"You’redoingitnow！"criedMissGleason，withdelight。"Icouldnotdoathingtoresistyourputtingmedown！Ofcourseyoudon’tknowthatyou’redoingit；it’spurelyinvoluntary。Andyouwouldn’tknowthathewasdominatingyou。Andhewouldn’t。"
VeryprobablyDr。Mulbridgewouldnothaverecognizedhimselfinthecharacterofall-compellinglady’s-novelhero，whichMissGleasonimaginedforhim。Lifepresenteditselfrathersimplytohim，asitdoestomostmen，andheeasilydismisseditssubtlerproblemsfromamindpreoccupiedwithactivecares。AsfarasGracewasconcerned，shehadcertainlyrousedinhimanunusualcuriosity；nothinglessthanherhomoeopathywouldhavemadehimwithdrawhisconsenttoaconsultationwithher，andhisfearhadbeenthatinhisrefusalsheshouldescapefromhisdesiretoknowmoreabouther，hermotives，herpurposes。Hehadacceptedwithoutscruplethesacrificeofprideshehadmadetohim；
buthehadknownhowtoappreciateherscientifictraining，whichhefoundasrespectableasthatofanyclever，youngmanoftheirprofession。Hepraised，inhisway，theperfectionwithwhichsheinterpretedhisactionsandintentionsinregardtothepatient。
"Ifthereweresuchnursesasyou，MissBreen，therewouldbeverylittleneedofdoctors，"hesaid，withasortofinterogativefashionoflaughingpeculiartohim。
"Ithoughtofbeinganurseonce；"sheanswered。"PerhapsImaystillbeone。Thescientifictrainingwon’tbelost。"
"Oh，no？It’sapitythatmoreofthemhaven’tit。ButIsupposetheythinknursingisrathertoohumbleanambition。"
"Idon’tthinkitso，"saidGracebriefly。
"Thenyoudidn’tcareformedicaldistinction。"
"No。"
Helookedatherquizzically，asifthisweremuchdrollerthanifshehadcared。"Idon’tunderstandwhyyoushouldhavegoneintoit。
Youtoldme，Ithink，thatitwasrepugnanttoyou；andit’shardworkforawoman，andveryuncertainworkforanyone。Youmusthavehadatremendousdesiretobenefityourrace。"
Hischaracterizationofhermotivewassodistastefulthatshemadenoreply，andlefthimtohisconjectures，inwhichhedidnotappearunhappy。"HowdoyoufindMrs。Maynardto-day？"sheasked。
Helookedatherwithaninstantcoldness，asifhedidnotlikeherasking，andwerehesitatingwhethertoanswer。Buthesaidatlast，"Sheisnobetter。Shewillbeworsebeforesheisbetter。Yousee，"headded，"thatIhaven’tbeenabletoarrestthedisorderinitsfirststage。Wemusthopeforwhatcanbedonenow，inthesecond。"
ShehadgatheredfromthehalfjocoseeasewithwhichhehadlistenedtoMrs。Maynard’saccountofherself，andtoherownreport，anencouragementwhichnowfelltotheground"Yes，"sheassented，inherdespair，"thatistheonlyhope。"
Hesatbesidethetableinthehotelparlor，wheretheyfoundthemselvesaloneforthemoment，anddrubbeduponitwithanabsentlook。"Haveyousentforherhusband？"heinquired，returningtohimself。
"Yes；Mr。Libbytelegraphedtheeveningwesawyou。"
"That’sgood，"saidDr。Mulbridge，withcomfortableapproval；andherosetogoaway。
Graceimpulsivelydetainedhim。"I——won’t——askyouwhetheryouconsiderMrs。Maynard’scaseaseriousone，ifyouobjecttomydoingso。"
"Idon’tknowthatIobject，"hesaidslowly，withateasingsmile，suchasonemightusewithapersistentchildwhomonechosetobaffleinthatway。
Shedisdainedtoavailherselfoftheimpliedpermission。"WhatImean——
whatIwishtotellyouis——thatIfeelmyselfresponsibleforhersickness，andthatifshedies，Ishallbeguiltyofherdeath。"
"Ah？"saidDr。Mulbridge，withmoreinterest，butthesamesmile。
"Whatdoyoumean？"
"Shedidn’twishtogothatdaywhenshewascaughtinthestorm。ButI
insisted；Iforcedhertogo。"Shestoodpantingwiththeintensityofthefeelingwhichhadimpelledherutterance。
"Whatdoyoumeanbyforcinghertogo？"
"Idon’tknow。I——I——persuadedher。"
Dr。Mulbridgesmiled，asifheperceivedherintentionnottotellhimsomethingshewishedtotellhim。Helookeddownintohishat，whichhecarriedinhishand。
"Didyoubelievethestormwascoming？"
"No！"
"Andyoudidn’tmakeitcome？"
"Ofcoursenot！"
Helookedatherandlaughed。
"Oh，youdon’tatallunderstand！"shecried。
"I’mnotadoctorofdivinity，"hesaid。"Goodmorning。"
"Wait，wait！"sheimplored，"I’mafraid——Idon’tknow——Perhapsmybeingnearherisinjurioustoher；perhapsIoughttoletsomeoneelsenurseher。Iwishedtoaskyouthis"——Shestoppedbreathlessly。
"Idon’tthinkyouhavedoneheranyharmasyet，"heansweredlightly。
"However，"hesaid，afteramoment’sconsideration，"whydon’tyoutakeaholiday？Someoftheotherladiesmightlookafterherawhile。"
"Doyoureallythink，"shepalpitated，"thatImight？DoyouthinkI
ought？I’mafraidIoughtn’t"——
"Notifyourdevotionishurtfultoher？"heasked。"Sendsomeoneelsetoherforawhile。Anyonecantakecareofherforafewhours。"
"Icouldn’tleaveher——feelingasIdoabouther。"
"Idon’tknowhowyoufeelabouther，"saidDr。Mulbridge。"Butyoucan’tgoonatthisrate。Ishallwantyourhelpbyandby，andMrs。
Maynarddoesn’tneedyounow。Don’tgobacktoher。"
"ButifsheshouldgetworsewhileIamaway"——
"Youthinkyourstayingandfeelingbadwouldmakeherbetter？Don’tgoback，"herepeated；andhewentouttohisuglyrawbonedhorse，and，mountinghisshabbywagon，rattledaway。Shelingered，indescribablyputtoshamebythebrutalcommonsensewhichshecouldnotimpeach，butwhichshestillfeltwasnomeasureofthecase。Itwastruethatshehadnottoldhimeverything，andshecouldnotcomplainthathehadmockedherappealforsympathyifshehadtrifledwithhimbyapartialconfession。Butsheindignantlydeniedtoherselfthatshehadwishedtoappealtohimforsympathy。
Shewanderedoutonthepiazza，whichshefoundempty，andstoodgazingattheseainareveryofpassionatehumiliation。Shewasinthatmood，familiartousall，whenwelongtobeconsoledandevenflatteredforhavingbeensilly。Inawomanthismoodisneartotears；atatouchofkindnessthetearscome，andmomentousquestionsaredecided。Whatwasperhapsuppermostinthegirl’sheartwasadetestationofthemantowhomshehadseemedasimpleton；herthoughtspursuedhim，anddivinedthecontemptwithwhichhemustbethinkingofherandherpretensions。
Sheheardstepsonthesand，andLibbycameroundthecornerofthehousefromthestable。
VII。
Libby’sfriendshadbrokenuptheircamponthebeach，andhadgonetoalakeintheheartofthewoodsforthefishing。HehadtakenaroomattheLongBeachHouse，buthespentmostofhistimeatJocelyn’s，wherehekepthismareforuseingoinguponerrandsforMrs。Maynard。Gracesawhimconstantly，andhewasalwaysdoinglittlethingsforherwithadivinationofherunexpresseddesireswhichwomenfindtoorarelyinmen。
Hebroughtherflowers，which，afterrefusingthemforMrs。Maynardthefirsttime，sheacceptedforherself。Hesometimesbroughtherbooks，thelightsortwhichformthesentimentalcurrencyofyoungpeople，andshelentthemroundamongtheotherladies，whowereinsatiableofthem。
Shetookapleasureintheseattentions，asiftheyhadbeenforsomeoneelse。Inthisaliensenseshelikedtobefollowedupwithachairtothepointwhereshewishedtosit；tohaveherhatfetched，orhershawl；
todropherworkorherhandkerchief，securethatitwouldbepickedupforher。
Itallinterestedher，anditwasarelieffromthecircumstancesthatwouldhaveforbiddenhertorecognizeitasgallantry，evenifherownmindhadnotbeensofarfromallthoughtofthat。Hiskindnessfollowedoftenuponsomeapplicationofhersforhisadviceorhelp，forshehadfallenintothehabitofgoingtohimwithdifficulties。Hehadapromptcommonsensethatmadehimveryusefulinemergencies，andasympathyoraninsightthatwasquickinsuggestionsandexpedients。Perhapssheoverratedotherqualitiesofhisinheradmirationofthepracticalreadinesswhichkepthisamiabilityfromseemingweak。Butthepracticalhadsooftenbeentheunattainablewithherthatitwasnotstrangesheshouldoverrateit，andthatsheshouldrestuponitinhimwithatrustthatincludedallhechosetodoinherbehalf。
"Whatisthematter，Mr。Libby？"sheasked，ashecametowardher。
"Isanythingthematter？"hedemandedinturn。
"Yes；youarelookingdowncast，"shecriedreproachfully。
"Ididn’tknowthatImustn’tlookdowncast。Ididn’tsupposeitwouldbeverypolite，underthecircumstances，togoroundlookingasbobbishasIfeel。"
"It’sthebestthingyoucouldpossiblydo。Butyou’renotfeelingverybobbishnow。"Awomanrespectsthewordamanuses，notbecauseshewouldhavechosenit，butbecauseshethinksthathehasanexactintentioninit，whichcouldnotbereconveyedinamorefemininephrase。
Inthiswayslangarises。"Isn’tittimeforMr。Maynardtobehere？"
"Yes，"heanswered。Then，"HowdidyouknowIwasthinkingofthat？"
"Ididn’t。Ionlyhappenedtothinkitwastime。Whatareyoukeepingback，Mr。Libby？"shepursuedtremulously。
"Nothing，uponmyhonor。Ialmostwishthereweresomethingtokeepback。Butthereisn’tanything。Therehaven’tbeenanyaccidentsreported。AndIshouldn’tkeepanythingbackfromyou。"
"Why？"
"Becauseyouwouldbeequaltoit，whateveritwas。"
"Idon’tseewhyyousaythat。"Sheweaklyfoundcomfortinthepraisewhichshemightoncehaveresentedaspatronage。
"Idon’tseewhyIshouldn’t，"heretorted：
"BecauseIamnotfittobetrustedatall。"
"Doyoumean"——
"Oh，Ihaven’tthestrength，tomeananything，"shesaid。"ButIthankyou，thankyouverymuch，"sheadded。Sheturnedherheadaway。
"ConfoundMaynard！"criedtheyoungman。"Idon’tseewhyhedoesn’tcome。Hemusthavestartedfourdaysago。Heoughttohave’hadsenseenoughtotelegraphwhenhedidstart。Ididn’ttellhispartnertoaskhim。Youcan’tthinkofeverything。I’vebeentryingtofindoutsomething。I’mgoingovertoLeyden，now，totrytowakeupsomebodyinCheyennewhoknowsMaynard。"HelookedruefullyatGrace，wholistenedwithanxiousunintelligence。"You’regettingwornout，MissBreen，"hesaid。"IwishIcouldaskyoutogowithmetoLeyden。Itwoulddoyougood。Butmymare’sfallenlame；I’vejustbeentoseeher。IsthereanythingIcandoforyouoverthere？"
"Why，howareyougoing？"sheasked。
"Inmyboat，"heansweredconsciously。
"Thesameboat？"
"Yes。I’vehadherputtorights。Shewasn’tmuchdamaged。"
Shewassilentamoment，whilehestoodlookingdownatherinthechairintowhichshehadsunk。"Doesittakeyoulong？"
"Oh，no。It’sshorterthanitisbyland。Ishallhavethetidewithmebothways。Icanmaketherunthereandbackinacoupleofhours。"
"Twohours？"
"Yes。"
Asuddenimpulse，unreasonedandunreasonable，inwhichthereseemedhopeofsomesuchatonement，orexpiation，asthesameasceticnaturewouldoncehavefoundinfastingorthescourge，prevailedwithher。Sherose。
"Mr。Libby，"shepanted，"ifyouwillletme，Ishouldliketogowithyouinyourboat。Doyouthinkitwillberough？"
"No，it’salightbreeze；justright。Youneedn’tbeafraid。"
"I’mnotafraid。Ishouldnotcareifitwererough！Ishouldnotcareifitstormed！Ihopeit——IwillaskmothertostaywithMrs。Maynard。"
Mrs。BreenhadnotbeenpleasedtohaveherdaughterinchargeofMrs。
Maynard’scase，butshehadnotlikedhergivingitup。ShehadsaidmorethanoncethatshehadnofaithinDr。Mulbridge。ShewillinglyconsentedtoGrace’sprayer，andwentdownintoMrs。Maynard’sroom，andinsinuatedmisgivingsinwhichthesickwomanfoundsomuchreasonthattheybeganforthefirsttimetorecognizeeachother’sgoodqualities。
Theydecidedthatthetreatmentwasnotsufficientlyactive，andthatsheshouldeitherhavesomethingthatwouldbemorelooseningtothecough，orsomeapplication——likemustardplasters——toherfeet，soastotakeawaythatstuffedfeelingaboutthehead。
Atthathouroftheafternoon，whenmostoftheladieswerelyingdownintheirrooms，GracemetnooneonthebeachbutMissGleasonandMrs。
Alger，whorosefromtheirbedsofsandunderthecliffatherpassagewithMr。Libbytohisdory。
"Don’tyouwanttogotoLeyden？"heaskedjocoselyoverhisshoulder。
"Youdon’tmeantosayyou’regoing？"MissGleasondemandedofGrace。
"Yes，certainly。Whynot？"
"Well，youarebrave！"
Sheshuthernoveluponherthumb，thatshemighthavenothingtodobutadmireGrace’scourage，asthegirlwalkedaway。
"Itwilldohergood，poorthing，"saidtheelderwoman。"Shelookswretchedly。"
"Icanunderstandjustwhyshedoesit，"murmuredMissGleasoninadoringrapture。
"Ihopeshedoesitforpleasure，"saidMrs。Alger。
"Itisn’tthat，"returnedMissGleasonmysteriously。
"Atanyrate，Mr。Libbyseemedpleased。"
"Oh，shewouldnevermarryHIM！"saidMissGleason。
Theotherlaughed，andatthatmomentGracealsolaughed。Thestrong~currentofherpurpose，thesenseofescapefromthebitterservitudeofthepastweek，andthewildhopeoffinalexpiationthroughthechancesshewastemptinggaveherabuoyancylongunfelt。Shelaughedingayetyofheartasshehelpedtheyoungmandrawhisdorydownthesand，andthentookherplaceatoneendwhilehegaveitthelastpushandthenleapedinattheother。Hepulledouttowheretheboatlaytiltingatanchor，andheldthedoryalongsidebythegunwalethatshemightstepaboard。Butafterrisingshefaltered，lookingintentlyattheboatasifshemissedsomethingthere。
"Ithoughtyouhadamantosailyourboat"
"Ihad。ButIlethimgolastweek。PerhapsIoughttohavetoldyou，"
hesaid，lookingupatheraslant。"Areyouafraidtotrustmyseamanship？Adamswasamereform。Hebehavedlikeafoolthatday。"
"Oh，I’mnotafraid，"saidGrace。Shesteppedfromthedoryintotheboat，andheflungoutthedory’sanchorandfollowed。Thesailwentupwithapleasantcluckingofthetackle，andthelightwindfilledit。
Libbymadethesheetfast，and，sittingdowninthesternontheotherside，tookthetillerandheadedtheboattowardthetownthatshimmeredinthedistance。Thewaterhissedatthebow，andseethedandsparkledfromthestern；thelandbreezethatbenttheirsailblewcooluponhercheekandfresheneditwithatingeofcolor。
"Thiswilldoyougood，"hesaid，lookingintoherswithhiskind，gayeyes。
Thecolorinhercheeksdeepenedalittle。"Oh，IambetterthanIlook。
Ididn’tcomefor"——
"Formedicinalpurposes。Well，Iamgladofit。We’veagoodhourbetweenusandnewsornonewsfromMaynard，andIshouldliketothinkwewereoutforpleasure。Youdon’tobject？"
"No。Youcanevensmoke，ifthatwillheightentheillusion。"
"Itwillmakeitreality。Butyoudon’tmeanit？"
"Yes；whynot？"
"Idon’tknow。ButIcouldn’thavedreamtofsmokinginyourpresence。
Andwetakethelibertytodreamverystrangethings。"
"Yes，"shesaid，"it’sshockingwhatthingswedodreamofpeople。ButamIsoforbidding？"sheasked，alittlesadly。
"Notnow，"saidLibby。Hegotoutapouchoftobaccoandsomecigarettepapers，andputtingthetillerunderhisarm，hemadehimselfacigarette。
"Youseeminterested，"hesaid，asheliftedhiseyesfromhiswork，onwhichhefoundherintent，andstruckhisfusee。
"Iwasadmiringyourskill，"sheanswered。
"DoyouthinkitwasworthavoyagetoSouthAmerica？"
"Ishouldn’thavethoughtthevoyagewasnecessary。"
"Oh，perhapsyouthinkyoucandoit，"hesaid，handingherthetobaccoandpapers。Shetookthemandmadeacigarette。"Ittookmeawholedaytolearntomakebadones，andthis，isbeautiful。ButIwillneversmokeit。Iwillkeepthisalways。"
"Youhadbettersmokeit，ifyouwantmore，"shesaid。
"Willyoumakesomemore？Ican’tsmokethefirstone！"
"Thensmokethelast，"shesaid，offeringhimthethingsback。
"No，goon。I’llsmokeit。"
Shelentherselftotheidlehumorofthetime，andwentonmakingcigarettestilltherewerenomorepapers。Fromtimetotimeshelookedupfromthislabor，andscannedthebeautifulbay，whichtheyhadalmostwhollytothemselves。Theypassedacollierlagginginthedeepchannel，andsignallingforapilottotakeheruptothetown。Ayacht，trimandswift，cutacrosstheircourse；theladiesonboardwavedasalutationwiththeirhandkerchiefs，andLibbyresponded。
"Doyouknowthem？"askedGrace。
"No！"helaughed。"Butladiesliketotaketheselibertiesatasafedistance。"
"Yes，that’saspecimenofwoman’sdaring，"shesaid，withaself-
scornfulcurlofthelip，whichpresentlysoftenedintoawistfulsmile。
"Howlovelyitallis！"shesighed。
"Yes，there’snothingbetterinalltheworldthanasail。Itisalltheworldwhileitlasts。Aboat’slikeyourownfiresideforsnugness。"
Adreamierlightcameintohereye，whichwandered，withaturnoftheheadgivinghimthetendercurveofhercheek，overthelevelsofthebay，roughenedeverywherebythebreeze，butyellowishgreeninthechannelsanddarkwiththethickgrowthofeel-grassintheshallows；
thensheliftedherfacetothepaleblueheavensinaneffortthatslantedtowardshimthesoftroundofherchin，andshowedherfullthroat。
"Thisisthekindofafternoon，"shesaid，stilllookingatthesky，"thatyouthinkwillneverend。"
"Iwishitwouldn’t，"heanswered。
Sheloweredhereyestohis，andasked："Doyouhavetimeswhenyouaresorrythatyouevertriedtodoanything——whenitseemsfoolishtohavetried？"
"Ihavetheotherkindoftimes，——whenIwishthatIhadtriedtodosomething。"
"Ohyes，Ihavethose，too。It’swholesometobeashamedofnothavingtriedtodoanything；buttobeashamedofhavingtried——it’slikedeath。
Thereseemsnorecoveryfromthat。"
Hedidnottakeadvantageofherconfession，ortrytotempthertofurtherconfidence；andwomenlikemenwhohavethiswisdom，orthisinstinctivegenerosity，andtrustthemfurther。
"Andtheworstofitisthatyoucan’tgobackandbelikethosethathavenevertriedatall。Ifyoucould，thatwouldbesomeconsolationforhavingfailed。Thereisnothingleftofyoubutyourmistake。"
"Well，"hesaid，"somepeoplearenotevenmistakes。Isupposethatalmostanysortofsuccesslooksagooddeallikefailurefromtheinside。Itmustbeapoorcreaturethatcomesuptohisownmark。Thebestwayisnottohaveanymark，andthenyou’reinnodangerofnotcominguptoit。"Helaughed，butshesmiledsadly。
"Youdon’tbelieveinthinkingaboutyourself，"shesaid。
"Oh，Itryalittleintrospection，nowandthen。ButIsoongetthrough：
thereisn’tmuchofmetothinkabout。"
"No，don’ttalkinthatway，"shepleaded，andshewasverycharminginherearnestness：itwastherethathercharmlay。"Iwantyoutobeseriouswithme，andtellme——tellmehowmenfeelwhen。"——
Asuddensplashingstartledher，andlookingroundshesawamultitudeofcurious，great-eyed，blackheads，somethingliketheheadsofboys，andsomethingliketheheadsofdogs，thrustingfromthewater，andflashingunderitagainatsightofthemwithaswishthatsentthesprayintotheair。Shesprangtoherfeet。"Oh，lookatthosethings！Lookatthem！
Lookatthem！"Shelaidvehementhandsupontheyoungman，andpushedhiminthedirectioninwhichshewishedhimtolook，atsomeriskofpushinghimoverboard，whilehelaughedatherecstasy。
"They’reseals。Thebay’sfullofthem。DidyouneverseethemonthereefatJocelyn’s？"
"Ineversawthembefore！"shecried。"Howwonderfultheyare！Oh！"sheshouted；asoneofthemglancedsadlyatheroveritsshoulder，andthenvanishedwithawhirlofthehead。"TheBeatriceCenciattitude！"
"They’realwaystryingthat，"saidLibby。"Lookyonder。"Hepointedtoabankofmudwhichthetidehadnotyetcovered，andwhereaherdofsealslaybaskinginthesun。Theystartedathisvoice，andwrigglingandtwistingandbumpingthemselvesovertheearthtothewater’sedge，theyplungedin。"Theirwalkisn’tsogracefulastheirswim。Wouldyoulikeoneforapet，MissBreen？That’sallthey’regoodforsincekerosenecamein。Theycan’tcompetewiththat，andthey’renotthekindthatwearthecloaks。"
Shewasstandingwithherhandpressedharduponhisshoulder。
"Didtheyeverkillthem？"
"Theyusedtotakethatprecaution。"
"Withthoseeyes？Itwasmurder！"Shewithdrewherhandandsatdown。
"Well，theyonlycatchthem，now。Itrieditmyselfonce。Isetoutatlowtide，aboutteno’clock，onenight，andgotbetweenthewaterandthebiggestsealonthebank。Wefoughtitoutonthatlinetilldaylight。"
"Anddidyougetit？"shedemanded，absurdlyinterested。
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