CONTENTS
THEROSEOFTUOLUMNE
APASSAGEINTHELIFEOFMR。JOHNOAKHURST
WANLEE，THEPAGAN
HOWOLDMANPLUNKETTWENTHOME
THEFOOLOFFIVEFORKS
BABYSYLVESTER
ANEPISODEOFFIDDLETOWN
AJERSEYCENTENARIAN
THEROSEOFTUOLUMNE
CHAPTERI
Itwasnearlytwoo’clockinthemorning。ThelightswereoutinRobinson’sHall，wheretherehadbeendancingandrevelry；andthemoon，ridinghigh，paintedtheblackwindowswithsilver。Thecavalcade，thatanhouragohadshockedthesedatepineswithsongandlaughter，werealldispersed。Oneenamouredswainhadriddeneast，anotherwest，anothernorth，anothersouth；andtheobjectoftheiradoration，leftwithinherboweratChemisalRidge，wascalmlygoingtobed。
IregretthatIamnotabletoindicatetheexactstageofthatprocess。Twochairswerealreadyfilledwithdelicateinwrappingsandwhiteconfusion；andtheyoungladyherself，half-hiddeninthesilkythreadsofheryellowhair，hadatonetimeborneafaintresemblancetoapartly-huskedearofIndiancorn。Butshewasnowclothedinthatonelong，formlessgarmentthatmakesallwomenequal；andtheroundshouldersandneatwaist，thatanhouragohadbeensofataltothepeaceofmindofFourForks，hadutterlydisappeared。Thefaceaboveitwasverypretty：thefootbelow，albeitshapely，wasnotsmall。"Theflowers，asageneralthing，don’traisetheirheadsMUCHtolookafterme，"shehadsaidwithsuperbfranknesstooneofherlovers。
Theexpressionofthe"Rose"to-nightwascontentedlyplacid。Shewalkedslowlytothewindow，and，makingthesmallestpossiblepeepholethroughthecurtain，lookedout。Themotionlessfigureofahorsemanstilllingeredontheroad，withanexcessofdevotionthatonlyacoquette，orawomanverymuchinlove，couldtolerate。
The"Rose，"atthatmoment，wasneither，and，afterareasonablepause，turnedaway，sayingquiteaudiblythatitwas"tooridiculousforanything。"Asshecamebacktoherdressing-table，itwasnoticeablethatshewalkedsteadilyanderect，withoutthatslightaffectationoflamenesscommontopeoplewithwhombarefeetareonlyanepisode。Indeed，itwasonlyfouryearsago，thatwithoutshoesorstockings，along-limbed，coltygirl，inawaistlesscalicogown，shehadleapedfromthetailboardofherfather’semigrant-wagonwhenitfirstdrewupatChemisalRidge。
Certainwildhabitsofthe"Rose"hadoutlivedtransplantingandcultivation。
Aknockatthedoorsurprisedher。Inanothermomentshehadleapedintobed，andwithdarkly-frowningeyes，fromitssecurerecessesdemanded"Who’sthere？"
Anapologeticmurmurontheothersideofthedoorwastheresponse。
"Why，father！——isthatyou？"
Therewerefurthermurmurs，affirmative，deprecatory，andpersistent。
"Wait，"saidthe"Rose。"Shegotup，unlockedthedoor，leapednimblyintobedagain，andsaid，"Come。"
Thedooropenedtimidly。Thebroad，stoopingshoulders，andgrizzledhead，ofamanpastthemiddleage，appeared：afteramoment’shesitation，apairoflarge，diffidentfeet，shodwithcanvasslippers，concludedtofollow。Whentheapparitionwascomplete，itclosedthedoorsoftly，andstoodthere，——averyshyghostindeed，——withapparentlymorethantheusualspiritualindispositiontobeginaconversation。The"Rose"resentedthisimpatiently，though，Ifear，notaltogetherintelligibly。
"Do，father，Ideclare！"
"Youwasabed，Jinny，"saidMr。McCloskyslowly，glancing，withasingularmixtureofmasculineaweandpaternalpride，uponthetwochairsandtheircontents，——"youwasabedandondressed。"
"Iwas。"
"Surely，"saidMr。McClosky，seatinghimselfontheextremeedgeofthebed，andpainfullytuckinghisfeetawayunderit，——"surely。"
Afterapause，herubbedashort，thick，stumpybeard，thatboreageneralresemblancetoabadly-wornblacking-brush，withthepalmofhishand，andwenton，"Youhadagoodtime，Jinny？"
"Yes，father。"
"Theywasallthere？"
"Yes，RanceandYorkandRyderandJack。"
"AndJack！"Mr。McCloskyendeavoredtothrowanexpressionofarchinquiryintohissmall，tremulouseyes；butmeetingtheunabashed，widely-openedlidofhisdaughter，hewinkedrapidly，andblushedtotherootsofhishair。
"Yes，Jackwasthere，"saidJenny，withoutchangeofcolor，ortheleastself-consciousnessinhergreatgrayeyes；"andhecamehomewithme。"Shepausedamoment，lockinghertwohandsunderherhead，andassumingamorecomfortablepositiononthepillow。"Heaskedmethatsamequestionagain，father，andIsaid，’Yes。’It’stobe——soon。We’regoingtoliveatFourForks，inhisownhouse；
andnextwinterwe’regoingtoSacramento。Isupposeit’sallright，father，eh？"Sheemphasizedthequestionwithaslightkickthroughthebed-clothes，astheparentalMcCloskyhadfallenintoanabstractrevery。
"Yes，surely，"saidMr。McClosky，recoveringhimselfwithsomeconfusion。Afterapause，helookeddownatthebed-clothes，and，pattingthemtenderly，continued，"Youcouldn’thavedonebetter，Jinny。Theyisn’tagirlinTuolumneezcouldstrikeitezrichasyouhev——eveniftheygotthechance。"Hepausedagain，andthensaid，"Jinny？"
"Yes，father。"
"You’seinbed，andondressed？"
"Yes。"
"Youcouldn’t，"saidMr。McClosky，glancinghopelesslyatthetwochairs，andslowlyrubbinghischin，——"youcouldn’tdressyourselfagaincouldyer？"
"Why，father！"
"Kindergetyourselfintothemthingsagain？"headdedhastily。
"Notallof’em，youknow，butsomeof’em。NotifIhelpedyou——
sorterstoodby，andlentahandnowandthenwithastrap，orabuckle，oranecktie，orashoestring？"hecontinued，stilllookingatthechairs，andevidentlytryingtoboldlyfamiliarizehimselfwiththeircontents。
"Areyoucrazy，father？"demandedJennysuddenlysittingupwithaportentousswitchofheryellowmane。Mr。McCloskyrubbedonesideofhisbeard，whichalreadyhadtheappearanceofhavingbeenquitewornawaybythatprocess，andfaintlydodgedthequestion。
"Jinny，"hesaid，tenderlystrokingthebedclothesashespoke，"thisyer’swhat’sthematter。Tharisastrangerdownstairs，——astrangertoyou，lovey，butamanezI’veknowedalongtime。He’sbeenhereaboutanhour；andhe’llbehereontilfowero’clock，whentheup-stagepasses。NowIwantsye，Jinnydear，togetupandcomedownstairs，andkinderhelpmepassthetimewithhim。
It’snouse，Jinny，"hewenton，gentlyraisinghishandtodeprecateanyinterruption，"it’snouse！Hewon’tgotobed；hewon’tplaykeerds；whiskeydon’ttakenoeffectonhim。EversinceIknowedhim，hewasthemostonsatisfactorycrittertohevround"——
"Whatdoyouhavehimroundfor，then？"interruptedMissJinnysharply。
Mr。McClosky’seyesfell。"Efhehedn’tkemoutofhiswayto-
nighttodomeagoodturn，Iwouldn’taskye，Jinny。Iwouldn’t，sohelpme！ButIthought，ezIcouldn’tdoanythingwithhim，youmightcomedown，andsorterfetchhim，Jinny，asyoudidtheothers。"
MissJennyshruggedherprettyshoulders。
"Isheold，oryoung？"
"He’syoungenough，Jinny；butheknowsapowerofthings。"
"Whatdoeshedo？"
"Notmuch，Ireckon。He’sgotmoneyinthemillatFourForks。Hetravelsroundagooddeal。I’veheard，Jinnythathe’sapoet——
writesthemrhymes，youknow。"Mr。McCloskyhereappealedsubmissivelybutdirectlytohisdaughter。Herememberedthatshehadfrequentlybeeninreceiptofprintedelegaiccoupletsknownas"mottoes，"containingenclosuresequallysaccharine。
MissJennyslightlycurledherprettylip。Shehadthatfinecontemptfortheillusionsoffancywhichbelongstotheperfectlyhealthyyounganimal。
"Not，"continuedMr。McClosky，rubbinghisheadreflectively，"notezI’dadviseye，Jinny，tosayanythingtohimaboutpoetry。Itain’ttwentyminutesagoezIdid。Isetthewhiskeyaforehimintheparlor。Iwoundupthemusic-box，andsetitgoin’。ThenI
seztohim，sociable-likeandfree，’Jestconsideryourselfinyourownhouse，andrepeatwhatyouallowtobeyourfinestproduction，’
andheraged。Thatman，Jinny，jestraged！Thar’snoendofthenameshecalledme。Yousee，Jinny，"continuedMr。McCloskyapologetically，"he’sknownmealongtime。"
Buthisdaughterhadalreadydismissedthequestionwithherusualdirectness。"I’llbedowninafewmoments，father，"shesaidafterapause，"butdon’tsayanythingtohimaboutit——don’tsayIwasabed。"
Mr。McClosky’sfacebeamed。"Youwasallersagoodgirl，Jinny，"
hesaid，droppingononekneethebettertoimprintarespectfulkissonherforehead。ButJennycaughthimbythewrists，andforamomentheldhimcaptive。"Father，"saidshe，tryingtofixhisshyeyeswiththeclear，steadyglanceofherown，"allthegirlsthatwerethereto-nighthadsomeonewiththem。MameRobinsonhadheraunt；LucyRancehadhermother；KatePiersonhadhersister——
all，exceptme，hadsomeotherwoman。Fatherdear，"herliptrembledjustalittle，"Iwishmotherhadn’tdiedwhenIwassosmall。Iwishtherewassomeotherwomaninthefamilybesidesme。
Iain’tlonelywithyou，fatherdear；butiftherewasonlysomeone，youknow，whenthetimecomesforJohnandme"——
Hervoiceheresuddenlygaveout，butnotherbraveeyes，thatwerestillfixedearnestlyuponhisface。Mr。McClosky，apparentlytracingoutapatternonthebedquilt，essayedwordsofcomfort。
"Tharain’toneofthemgalsezyou’venamed，Jinny，ezcoulddowhatyou’vedonewithawholeNoah’sarkofrelations，attheirbacks！Tharain’t’oneezwouldn’tsacrificehernearestrelationtomakethestrikethatyouhev。Eztomothers，maybe，mydearyou’redoin’betterwithoutone。"Herosesuddenly，andwalkedtowardthedoor。Whenhereachedit，heturned，and，inhisolddeprecatingmanner，said，"Don’tbelong，Jinny，"smiled，andvanishedfromtheheaddownward，hiscanvasslippersassertingthemselvesresolutelytothelast。
WhenMr。McCloskyreachedhisparloragain，histroublesomeguestwasnotthere。Thedecanterstoodonthetableuntouched；threeorfourbookslayuponthefloor；anumberofphotographicviewsoftheSierraswerescatteredoverthesofa；twosofa-pillows，anewspaper，andaMexicanblanket，layonthecarpet，asifthelateoccupantoftheroomhadtriedtoreadinarecumbentposition。A
Frenchwindowopeninguponaveranda，whichneverbeforeinthehistoryofthehousehadbeenunfastened，nowbetrayedbyitswavinglacecurtainthewaythatthefugitivehadescaped。Mr。
McCloskyheavedasighofdespair。HelookedatthegorgeouscarpetpurchasedinSacramentoatafabulousprice，atthecrimsonsatinandrosewoodfurnitureunparalleledinthehistoryofTuolumne，atthemassively-framedpicturesonthewalls，andlookedbeyondit，throughtheopenwindow，totherecklessman，who，fleeingthesesybariticallurements，wassmokingacigaruponthemoonlitroad。Thisroom，whichhadsooftenawedtheyouthofTuolumneintofilialrespect，wasevidentlyafailure。Itremainedtobeseenifthe"Rose"herselfhadlostherfragrance。"IreckonJinnywillfetchhimyet，"saidMr。McCloskywithparentalfaith。
Hesteppedfromthewindowupontheveranda；buthehadscarcelydonethis，beforehisfigurewasdetectedbythestranger，whoatoncecrossedtheroad。WhenwithinafewfeetofMcClosky，hestopped。"Youpersistentoldplantigrade！"hesaidinalowvoice，audibleonlytothepersonaddressed，andafacefullofaffectedanxiety，"whydon’tyougotobed？Didn’tItellyoutogoandleavemeherealone？Inthenameofallthat’sidioticandimbecile，whydoyoucontinuetoshuffleabouthere？Orareyoutryingtodrivemecrazywithyourpresence，asyouhavewiththatwretchedmusic-boxthatI’vejustdroppedunderyondertree？It’sanhourandahalfyetbeforethestagepasses：doyouthink，doyouimagineforasinglemoment，thatIcantolerateyouuntilthen，eh？Whydon’tyouspeak？Areyouasleep？Youdon’tmeantosaythatyouhavetheaudacitytoaddsomnambulismtoyourotherweaknesses？you’renotlowenoughtorepeatyourselfunderanysuchweakpretextasthat，eh？"
Afitofnervouscoughingendedthisextraordinaryexordium；andhalfsitting，halfleaningagainsttheveranda，Mr。McClosky’sguestturnedhisface，andpartofaslightelegantfigure，towardhishost。Thelowerportionofthisupturnedfaceworeanhabitualexpressionoffastidiousdiscontent，withanoccasionallineofphysicalsuffering。Butthebrowabovewasfrankandcritical；andapairofdark，mirthfuleyes，satinplayfuljudgmentoverthesuper-sensitivemouthanditssuggestion。
"Iallowedtogotobed，Ridgeway，"saidMr。McCloskymeekly；"butmygirlJinny’sjistgotbackfromalittletearupatRobinson’s，andain’tinclinedtoturninyet。Youknowwhatgirlsis。SoI
thoughtwethreewouldjisthaveasocialchattogethertopassawaythetime。"
"Youmendaciousoldhypocrite！Shegotbackanhourago，"saidRidgeway，"asthatsavage-lookingescortofhers，whohasbeenhauntingthehouseeversince，cantestify。Mybeliefis，that，likeanenterprisingidiotasyouare，you’vedraggedthatgirloutofherbed，thatwemightmutuallyboreeachother。"
Mr。McCloskywastoomuchstunnedbythisevidenceofRidgeway’sapparentlysuperhumanpenetrationtoreply。Afterenjoyinghishost’sconfusionforamomentwithhiseyes，Ridgeway’smouthaskedgrimly，——
"Andwhoisthisgirl，anyway？"
"Nancy’s。"
"Yourwife’s？"
"Yes。Butlookyar，Ridgeway，"saidMcClosky，layingonehandimploringlyonRidgeway’ssleeve，"notawordabouthertoJinny。
Shethinkshermother’sdead——diedinMissouri。Eh！"
Ridgewaynearlyrolledfromtheverandainanexcessofrage。
"GoodGod！Doyoumeantosaythatyouhavebeenconcealingfromherafactthatanyday，anymoment，maycometoherears？Thatyou’vebeenlettinghergrowupinignoranceofsomethingthatbythistimeshemighthaveoutgrownandforgotten？Thatyouhavebeen，likeabesottedoldass，alltheseyearsslowlyforgingathunderboltthatanyonemaycrushherwith？That"——buthereRidgeway’scoughtookpossessionofhisvoice，andevenputamoistureintohisdarkeyes，ashelookedatMcClosky’saimlesshandfeeblyemployeduponhisbeard。
"But，"saidMcClosky，"lookhowshe’sdone！She’sheldherheadashighasanyof’em。She’stobemarriedinamonthtotherichestmaninthecounty；and，"headdedcunningly，"JackAsheain’tthekindo’mantositbyandhearanythingsaidofhiswifeorherrelations，youbet！Buthush——that’sherfootonthestairs。
She’scummin’。"
Shecame。Idon’tthinktheFrenchwindoweverheldafinerviewthanwhensheputasidethecurtains，andsteppedout。Shehaddressedherselfsimplyandhurriedly，butwithawoman’sknowledgeofherbestpoints；sothatyougotthelongcurvesofhershapelylimbs，theshortercurvesofherroundwaistandshoulders，thelongsweepofheryellowbraids，thelightofhergrayeyes，andeventhedelicateroseofhercomplexion，withoutknowinghowitwasdeliveredtoyou。
TheintroductionbyMr。McCloskywasbrief。WhenRidgewayhadgotoverthefactthatitwastwoo’clockinthemorning，andthatthecheekofthisTuolumnegoddessnearesthimwasasdewyandfreshasaninfant’s，thatshelookedlikeMarguerite，without，probably，everhavingheardofGoethe’sheroine，hetalked，Idaresay，verysensibly。WhenMissJenny——whofromherchildhoodhadbeenbroughtupamongthesonsofAnak，andwhowasaccustomedtohavethesupremacyofournoblesexpresentedtoherasaphysicalfact——
foundherselfinthepresenceofanewandstrangepowerintheslightandelegantfigurebesideher，shewasatfirstfrightenedandcold。Butfindingthatthispower，againstwhichtheweaponsofherownphysicalcharmswereofnoavail，wasakindlyone，albeitgeneral，shefelltoworshippingit，afterthefashionofwoman，andcastingbeforeitthefetishesandotheridolsofheryouth。Sheevenconfessedtoit。Sothat，inhalfanhour，Ridgewaywasinpossessionofallthefactsconnectedwithherlife，andagreatmany，Ifear，ofherfancies——exceptone。WhenMr。McCloskyfoundtheyoungpeoplethusamicablydisposed，hecalmlywenttosleep。
Itwasapleasanttimetoeach。ToMissJennyithadthecharmofnovelty；andsheabandonedherselftoit，forthatreason，muchmorefreelyandinnocentlythanhercompanion，whoknewsomethingmoreoftheinevitablelogicoftheposition。Idonotthink，however，hehadanyintentionoflove-making。Idonotthinkhewasatallconsciousofbeingintheattitude。Iamquitepositivehewouldhaveshrunkfromthesuggestionofdisloyaltytotheonewomanwhomheadmittedtohimselfheloved。But，likemostpoets，hewasmuchmoretruetoanideathanafact，andhavingaveryloftyconceptionofwomanhood，withaverysanguinenature，hesawineachnewfacethepossibilitiesofarealizationofhisideal。
Itwas，perhaps，anunfortunatethingforthewomen，particularlyashebroughttoeachtrialasurprisingfreshness，whichwasverydeceptive，andquitedistinctfromthe’blase’familiarityofthemanofgallantry。Itwasthisperennialvirginityoftheaffectionsthatmostendearedhimtothebestwomen，whowerepronetoexercisetowardhimachivalrousprotection，——asofonelikelytogoastray，unlesslookedafter，——andindulgedinthedangerouscombinationofsentimentwiththehighestmaternalinstincts。ItwasthisqualitywhichcausedJennytorecognizeinhimacertainboyishnessthatrequiredherwomanlycare，andeveninducedhertooffertoaccompanyhimtothecross-roadswhenthetimeforhisdeparturearrived。Withhersuperiorknowledgeofwoodcraftandthelocality，shewouldhavekepthimfrombeinglost。Iwotnotbutthatshewouldhaveprotectedhimfrombearsorwolves，butchiefly，Ithink，fromthefelinefascinationsofMameRobinsonandLucyRance，whomightbelyinginwaitforthistenderyoungpoet。
NordidsheceasetobethankfulthatProvidencehad，sotospeak，deliveredhimasatrustintoherhands。
Itwasalovelynight。Themoonswunglow，andlanguishedsoftlyonthesnowyridgebeyond。Therewerequaintodorsinthestillair；andastrangeincensefromthewoodsperfumedtheiryoungblood，andseemedtoswoonintheirpulses。Smallwonderthattheylingeredonthewhiteroad，thattheirfeetclimbed，unwillinglythelittlehillwheretheyweretopart，andthat，whentheyatlastreachedit，eventhesavinggraceofspeechseemedtohaveforsakenthem。
Fortheretheystoodalone。Therewasnosoundnormotioninearth，orwoods，orheaven。Theymighthavebeentheonemanandwomanforwhomthisgoodlyearththatlayattheirfeet，rimmedwiththedeepestazure，wascreated。And，seeingthis，theyturnedtowardeachotherwithasuddeninstinct，andtheirhandsmet，andthentheirlipsinonelongkiss。
Andthenoutofthemysteriousdistancecamethesoundofvoices，andthesharpclatterofhoofsandwheels，andJennyslidaway——awhitemoonbeam——fromthehill。Foramomentsheglimmeredthroughthetrees，andthen，reachingthehouse，passedhersleepingfatherontheveranda，and，dartingintoherbedroom，lockedthedoor，threwopenthewindow，and，fallingonherkneesbesideit，leanedherhotcheeksuponherhands，andlistened。Inafewmomentsshewasrewardedbythesharpclatterofhoofsonthestonyroad；butitwasonlyahorseman，whosedarkfigurewasswiftlylostintheshadowsofthelowerroad。Atanothertimeshemighthaverecognizedtheman；buthereyesandearswerenowallintentonsomethingelse。Itcamepresentlywithdancinglights，amusicalrattleofharness，acadenceofhoof-beats，thatsetherhearttobeatinginunison——andwasgone。Asuddensenseoflonelinesscameoverher；andtearsgatheredinhersweeteyes。
Shearose，andlookedaroundher。Therewasthelittlebed，thedressing-table，therosesthatshehadwornlastnight，stillfreshandbloominginthelittlevase。Everythingwasthere；buteverythinglookedstrange。Therosesshouldhavebeenwithered，forthepartyseemedsolongago。Shecouldhardlyrememberwhenshehadwornthisdressthatlayuponthechair。Soshecamebacktothewindow，andsankdownbesideit，withhercheekatriflepaler，leaningonherhand，andherlongbraidsreachingtothefloor。
Thestarspaledslowly，likehercheek；yetwitheyesthatsawnot，shestilllookedfromherwindowforthecomingdawn。
Itcame，withvioletdeepeningintopurple，withpurpleflushingintorose，withroseshiningintosilver，andglowingintogold。
Thestragglinglineofblackpicket-fencebelow，thathadfadedawaywiththestars，camebackwiththesun。Whatwasthatobjectmovingbythefence？Jennyraisedherhead，andlookedintently。
Itwasamanendeavoringtoclimbthepickets，andfallingbackwardwitheachattempt。Suddenlyshestartedtoherfeet，asiftherosyflushesofthedawnhadcrimsonedherfromforeheadtoshoulders；thenshestood，whiteasthewall，withherhandsclaspeduponherbosom；then，withasinglebound，shereachedthedoor，and，withflyingbraidsandflutteringskirt，sprangdownthestairs，andouttothegardenwalk。Whenwithinafewfeetofthefence，sheutteredacry，thefirstshehadgiven，——thecryofamotheroverherstrickenbabe，ofatigressoverhermangledcub；
andinanothermomentshehadleapedthefence，andkneltbesideRidgeway，withhisfaintingheaduponherbreast。
"Myboy，mypoor，poorboy！whohasdonethis？"
Who，indeed？Hisclotheswerecoveredwithdust；hiswaistcoatwastornopen；andhishandkerchief，wetwiththeblooditcouldnotstanch，fellfromacruelstabbeneathhisshoulder。
"Ridgeway，mypoorboy！tellmewhathashappened。"
Ridgewayslowlyopenedhisheavyblue-veinedlids，andgazeduponher。Presentlyagleamofmischiefcameintohisdarkeyes，asmilestoleoverhislipsashewhisperedslowly，——
"It——was——yourkiss——didit，Jennydear。Ihadforgotten——howhigh-pricedthearticlewashere。Nevermind，Jenny！"——hefeeblyraisedherhandtohiswhitelips，——"itwas——worthit，"andfaintedaway。
Jennystartedtoherfeet，andlookedwildlyaroundher。Then，withasuddenresolution，shestoopedovertheinsensibleman，andwithonestrongeffortliftedhiminherarmsasifhehadbeenachild。Whenherfather，amomentlater，rubbedhiseyes，andawokefromhissleepupontheveranda，itwastoseeagoddess，erectandtriumphant，stridingtowardthehousewiththehelplessbodyofamanlyingacrossthatbreastwheremanhadneverlainbefore，——agoddess，atwhoseimperiousmandatehearose，andcastopenthedoorsbeforeher。Andthen，whenshehadlaidherunconsciousburdenonthesofa，thegoddessfled；andawoman，helplessandtrembling，stoodbeforehim，——awomanthatcriedoutthatshehad"killedhim，"thatshewas"wicked，wicked！"andthat，evensayingso，staggered，andfellbesideherlateburden。AndallthatMr。
McCloskycoulddowastofeeblyrubhisbeard，andsaytohimselfvaguelyandincoherently，that"Jinnyhadfetchedhim。"
CHAPTERII
Beforenoonthenextday，itwasgenerallybelievedthroughoutFourForksthatRidgewayDenthadbeenattackedandwoundedatChemisalRidgebyahighwayman，whofledontheapproachoftheWingdamcoach。ItistobepresumedthatthisstatementmetwithRidgeway’sapproval，ashedidnotcontradictit，norsupplementitwithanydetails。Hiswoundwassevere，butnotdangerous。Afterthefirstexcitementhadsubsided，therewas，Ithink，aprevailingimpressioncommontotheprovincialmind，thathismisfortunewastheresultofthedefectivemoralqualityofhisbeingastranger，andwas，inavaguesortofaway，awarningtoothers，andalessontohim。"DidyouhearhowthatSanFranciscofellerwastookdowntheothernight？"wastheaveragetoneofintroductoryremark。Indeed，therewasageneralsuggestionthatRidgeway’spresencewasonethatnoself-respecting，high-mindedhighwayman，honorablyconservativeofthebestinterestsofTuolumneCounty，couldforamomenttolerate。
Exceptforthefewwordsspokenonthateventfulmorning，Ridgewaywasreticentofthepast。WhenJennystrovetogathersomedetailsoftheaffraythatmightofferaclewtohisunknownassailant，asubtletwinkleinhisbrowneyeswastheonlyresponse。WhenMr。
McCloskyattemptedthesameprocess，theyounggentlemanthrewabusiveepithets，and，eventuallyslippers，teaspoons，andotherlighterarticleswithinthereachofaninvalid，attheheadofhisquestioner。"Ithinkhe’scominground，Jinny，"saidMr。McClosky：
"helaidformethismorningwithacandlestick。"
ItwasaboutthistimethatMissJenny，havingswornherfathertosecrecyregardingthemannerinwhichRidgewayhadbeencarriedintothehouse，conceivedtheideaofaddressingtheyoungmanas"Mr。Dent，"andofapologizingforintrudingwheneversheenteredtheroominthedischargeofherhouseholdduties。Itwasaboutthistimethatshebecamemorerigidlyconscientioustothoseduties，andlessgeneralinherattentions。Itwasatthistimethatthequalityoftheinvalid’sdietimproved，andthatsheconsultedhimlessfrequentlyaboutit。Itwasaboutthistimethatshebegantoseemorecompany，thatthehousewasgreatlyfrequentedbyherformeradmirers，withwhomsherode，walked，anddanced。Itwasataboutthistimealso，andwhenRidgewaywasabletobebroughtoutontheverandainachair，that，withgreatarchnessofmanner，sheintroducedtohimMissLucyAshe，thesisterofherbetrothed，aflashingbrunette，andterribleheart-
breakerofFourForks。And，inthemidstofthisgayety，sheconcludedthatshewouldspendaweekwiththeRobinsons，towhomsheowedavisit。Sheenjoyedherselfgreatlythere，somuch，indeed，thatshebecamequitehollow-eyed，theresult，assheexplainedtoherfather，ofatoofrequentindulgenceinfestivity。
"Yousee，father，Iwon’thavemanychancesafterJohnandIaremarried：youknowhowqueerheis，andImustmakethemostofmytime；"andshelaughedanoddlittlelaugh，whichhadlatelybecomehabitualtoher。"AndhowisMr。Dentgettingon？"Herfatherrepliedthathewasgettingonverywellindeed，——sowell，infact，thathewasabletoleaveforSanFranciscotwodaysago。"Hewantedtoberememberedtoyou，Jinny，——’rememberedkindly，’——yes，theyistheverywordsheused，"saidMr。McClosky，lookingdown，andconsultingoneofhislargeshoesforcorroboration。MissJennywasgladtohearthathewassomuchbetter。MissJennycouldnotimagineanythingthatpleasedhermorethantoknowthathewassostrongastobeabletorejoinhisfriendsagain，whomustlovehimsomuch，andbesoanxiousabouthim。Herfatherthoughtshewouldbepleased，and，nowthathewasgone，therewasreallynonecessityforhertohurryback。MissJenny，inahighmetallicvoice，didnotknowthatshehadexpressedanydesiretostay，stillifherpresencehadbecomedistastefulathome，ifherownfatherwasdesirousofgettingridofher，if，whenshewassosoontoleavehisroofforever，hestillbegrudgedherthosefewdaysremaining，if——"MyGod，Jinny，sohelpme！"saidMr。
McClosky，clutchingdespairinglyathisbeard，"Ididn’tgofortosayanythingofthekind。Ithoughtthatyou"——"Nevermind，father，"interruptedJennymagnanimously，"youmisunderstoodme：ofcourseyoudid，youcouldn’thelpit——you’reaMAN！"Mr。McClosky，sorelycrushed，wouldhavevaguelyprotested；buthisdaughter，havingrelievedherself，afterthemannerofhersex，withamentalpersonalapplicationofanabstractstatement，forgavehimwithakiss。
Nevertheless，fortwoorthreedaysafterherreturn，Mr。McCloskyfollowedhisdaughteraboutthehousewithyearningeyes，andoccasionallywithtimid，diffidentfeet。Sometimeshecameuponhersuddenlyatherhouseholdtasks，withanexcusesopalpablyfalse，andacarelessmannersooutrageouslystudied，thatshewasfaintobeembarrassedforhim。Later，hetooktoramblingaboutthehouseatnight，andwasoftenseennoiselesslypassingandrepassingthroughthehallaftershehadretired。Ononeoccasion，hewassurprised，firstbysleep，andthenbytheearly-risingJenny，ashelayontherugoutsideherchamber-door。"Youtreatmelikeachild，father，"saidJenny。"Ithought，Jinny，"saidthefatherapologetically，——"IthoughtIheardsoundsasifyouwastakin’oninside，and，listenin’Ifellasleep。"——"Youdear，oldsimple-mindedbaby！"saidJenny，lookingpastherfather’seyes，andliftinghisgrizzledlocksonebyonewithmeditativefingers：
"whatshouldIbetakin’onfor？LookhowmuchtallerIamthanyou！"shesaid，suddenlyliftingherselfuptotheextremeofhersuperbfigure。Thenrubbinghisheadrapidlywithbothhands，asifshewereanointinghishairwithsomerareunguent，shepattedhimontheback，andreturnedtoherroom。TheresultofthisandoneortwootherequallysympatheticinterviewswastoproduceachangeinMr。McClosky’smanner，whichwas，ifpossible，stillmorediscomposing。Hegrewunjustifiablyhilarious，crackedjokeswiththeservants，andrepeatedtoJennyhumorousstories，withtheattitudeoffacetiousnesscarefullypreservedthroughouttheentirenarration，andthepointutterlyignoredandforgotten。Certainincidentsremindedhimoffunnythings，whichinvariablyturnedouttohavenottheslightestrelevancyorapplication。Heoccasionallybroughthomewithhimpracticalhumorists，withasanguinehopeofsettingthemgoing，likethemusic-box，forhisdaughter’sedification。Heessayedthesingingofmelodieswithgreatfreedomofstyle，andsingularlimitationofnote。Hesang"ComehastetotheWedding，YeLassesandMaidens，"ofwhichheknewasingleline，andthatincorrectly，asbeingpeculiarlyaptandappropriate。Yetawayfromthehouseandhisdaughter’spresence，hewassilentanddistraught。HisabsenceofmindwasparticularlynotedbyhisworkmenattheEmpireQuartzMill。"Eftheoldmandon’tlookoutandwakeup，"saidhisforeman，"he’llhevthemfeetofhisyetunderthestamps。Whenheain’tgivin’hismindto’em，theyisaltogethertoopromiskuss。"
Afewnightslater，MissJennyrecognizedherfather’shandinatimidtapatthedoor。Sheopenedit，andhestoodbeforeher，withavaliseinhishand，equippedasforajourney。"Itakesthestageto-night，Jinnydear，fromFourForksto’Frisco。MaybeI
maydropinonJackaforeIgo。I’llbebackinaweek。Good-by。"
"Good-by。"Hestillheldherhand。Presentlyhedrewherbackintotheroom，closingthedoorcarefully，andglancingaround。
Therewasalookofprofoundcunninginhiseyeashesaidslowly，——
"Bearup，andkeepdark，Jinnydear，andtrusttotheoldman。
Variousmenhasvariousways。Thariswaysasiscommon，andwaysasisuncommon；waysasiseasy，andwaysasisoneasy。Bearup，andkeepdark。"WiththisDelphicutteranceheputhisfingertohislips，andvanished。
Itwasteno’clockwhenhereachedFourForks。Afewminuteslater，hestoodonthethresholdofthatdwellingdescribedbytheFourForks"Sentinel"as"thepalatialresidenceofJohnAshe，"andknowntothelocalsatiristasthe"ash-box。""Hevin’tolaybytwohours，John，"hesaidtohisprospectiveson-in-law，ashetookhishandatthedoor，"afewwordsofsocialconverse，notonbusiness，butstrictlyprivate，seemstobeaboutasnat’ralathingasamancando。"Thisintroduction，evidentlytheresultofsomestudy，andplainlycommittedtomemory，seemedsosatisfactorytoMr。McClosky，thatherepeateditagain，afterJohnAshehadledhimintohisprivateoffice，where，depositinghisvaliseinthemiddleofthefloor，andsittingdownbeforeit，hebegancarefullytoavoidtheeyeofhishost。JohnAshe，atall，dark，handsomeKentuckian，withwhomeventhetriflesoflifewereevidentlyfullofseriousimport，waitedwithakindofchivalrousrespectthefurtherspeechofhisguest。Beingutterlydevoidofanysenseoftheridiculous，healwaysacceptedMr。McCloskyasagravefact，singularonlyfromhisownwantofexperienceoftheclass。
"Oresisrunninglightnow，"saidMr。McCloskywitheasyindifference。
JohnAshereturnedthathehadnoticedthesamefactinthereceiptsofthemillatFourForks。
Mr。McCloskyrubbedhisbeard，andlookedathisvalise，asifforsympathyandsuggestion。
"Youdon’treckononhavinganytroublewithanyofthemchapsasyoucutoutwithJinny？"
JohnAshe，ratherhaughtily，hadneverthoughtofthat。"IsawRancehangingroundyourhousetheothernight，whenItookyourdaughterhome；buthegavemeawideberth，"headdedcarelessly。
"Surely，"saidMr。McClosky，withapeculiarwinkingoftheeye。
Afterapause，hetookafreshdeparturefromhisvalise。
"Afewwords，John，ezbetweenmanandman，ezbetweenmydaughter’sfatherandherhusbandwhoexpectstobe，isaboutthething，Itakeit，asisfairandsquare。Ikemheretosaythem。
They’reaboutJinny，mygal。"
Ashe’sgravefacebrightened，toMr。McClosky’sevidentdiscomposure。
"MaybeIshouldhavesaidabouthermother；but，thesamebein’astrangertoyou，Isaysnaterally，’Jinny。’"
Ashenoddedcourteously。Mr。McClosky，withhiseyesonhisvalise，wenton，——
"ItissixteenyearagoasImarriedMrs。McCloskyintheStateofMissouri。Sheleton，atthetime，tobeawidder，——awidderwithonechild。WhenIsayleton，ImeantoimplythatIsubsekentlyfoundoutthatshewasnotawidder，norawife；andthefatherofthechildwas，sotospeak，onbeknowst。ThetchildwasJinny——mygal。"
Withhiseyesonhisvalise，andquietlyignoringthewholly-
crimsonedfaceandswiftly-darkeningbrowofhishost，hecontinued，——
"ManylittlethingssortertendedtomakeourhomeinMissourionpleasant。Adispositiontosmashfurniture，andheaveknivesaround；aninclinationtohowlwhendrunk，andthatfrequent；ahabitooaluseofvulgarlanguage，andatendencytocussthecasooalvisitor，——seemedtopint，"addedMr。McCloskywithsubmissivehesitation"that——she——was——sotospeak——quiteonsuitedtothemarriagerelationinitsholiestaspeck。"
"Damnation！Whydidn’t"——burstoutJohnAshe，erectandfurious。
"Attheendoftwoyear，"continuedMr。McClosky，stillintentonthevalise，"IallowedI’dgetadiworce。Etaboutthettime，however，Providencesendsacircusintothettown，andafellerezrodethreehorsestoonct。Hevin’allezatasteforathleticsports，shelefttownwiththisfeller，leavin’meandJinnybehind。Isentwordtoher，thet，ifshewouldgiveJinnytome，we’dcallitquits。Andshedid。"
"Tellme，"gaspedAshe，"didyouaskyourdaughtertokeepthisfromme？ordidshedoitofherownaccord？"
"Shedoesn’tknowit，"saidMr。McClosky。"ShethinksI’mherfather，andthathermother’sdead。"
"Then，sir，thisisyour"——
"Idon’tknow，"saidMr。McCloskyslowly，"ezI’veaskedanyonetomarrymyJinny。Idon’tknowezI’vepersoodthatezabiziness，oreventakenitupasahealthfulrecreation。"
JohnAshepacedtheroomfuriously。Mr。McClosky’seyesleftthevalise，andfollowedhimcuriously。"Whereisthiswoman？"
demandedAshesuddenly。McClosky’seyessoughtthevaliseagain。
"ShewenttoKansas；fromKansasshewentintoTexas；fromTexassheeventooallycametoCaliforny。Beinghere，I’vepurvidedherwithmoney，whenherbusinesswasslack，throughafriend。"
JohnAshegroaned。"She’sgettin’ratheroldandshakyforhosses，andnowdoesthetight-ropebusinessandflyingtrapeze。Neverhevin’seenherperform，"continuedMr。McCloskywithconscientiouscaution，"Ican’tsayhowshegetson。Onthebillsshelookswell。Tharisaposter，"saidMr。McCloskyglancingatAshe，andopeninghisvalise，——"tharisapostergivin’herperformanceatMarysvillenextmonth。"Mr。McCloskyslowlyunfoldedalargeyellow-and-blueprintedposter，profuselyillustrated。"Shecallsherself’Mams’elleJ。Miglawski，thegreatRussianTrapeziste。’"
JohnAshetoreitfromhishand。"Ofcourse，"hesaid，suddenlyfacingMr。McClosky，"youdon’texpectmetogoonwiththis？"
Mr。McCloskytookuptheposter，carefullyrefoldedit，andreturnedittohisvalise。"WhenyoubreakoffwithJinny，"hesaidquietly，"Idon’twantanythingsaid’boutthis。Shedoesn’tknowit。She’sawoman，andIreckonyou’reawhiteman。"
"ButwhatamItosay？HowamItogobackofmyword？"
"Writeheranote。Saysomethinghezcometoyourknowledge（don’tsaywhat）thatmakesyoubreakitoff。Youneedn’tbeafeardJinny’lleveraskyouwhat。"
JohnAshehesitated。Hefelthehadbeencruellywronged。Nogentleman，noAshe，couldgoonfurtherinthisaffair。Itwaspreposteroustothinkofit。Butsomehowhefeltatthemomentveryunlikeagentleman，oranAshe，andwasquitesureheshouldbreakdownunderJenny’ssteadyeyes。Butthen——hecouldwritetoher。
"SooresisaboutaslighthereasontheRidge。Well，Ireckonthey’llcomeupbeforetherains。Good-night。"Mr。McCloskytookthehandthathishostmechanicallyextended，shookitgravely，andwasgone。
WhenMr。McClosky，aweeklater，steppedagainuponhisownveranda，hesawthroughtheFrenchwindowthefigureofamaninhisparlor。Underhishospitableroof，thesightwasnotunusual；
but，foraninstant，asubtlesenseofdisappointmentthrilledhim。
WhenhesawitwasnotthefaceofAsheturnedtowardhim，hewasrelieved；butwhenhesawthetawnybeard，andquick，passionateeyesofHenryRance，hefeltanewsenseofapprehension，sothathefelltorubbinghisbeardalmostuponhisverythreshold。
Jennyranintothehall，andseizedherfatherwithalittlecryofjoy。"Father，"saidJennyinahurriedwhisper，"don’tmindHIM，"
indicatingRancewithatossofheryellowbraids："he’sgoingsoon。AndIthink，father，I’vedonehimwrong。Butit’salloverwithJohnandmenow。Readthatnote，andseehowhe’sinsultedme。"Herlipquivered；butshewenton，"It’sRidgewaythathemeans，father；andIbelieveitwasHIShandstruckRidgewaydown，orthatheknowswhodid。Buthushnow！notaword。"
Shegavehimafeverishkiss，andglidedbackintotheparlor，leavingMr。McClosky，perplexedandirresolute，withthenoteinhishand。Heglancedatithurriedly，andsawthatitwascouchedinalmosttheverywordshehadsuggested。Butasudden，apprehensiverecollectioncameoverhim。Helistened；and，withanexclamationofdismay，heseizedhishat，andranoutofthehouse，buttoolate。Atthesamemomentaquick，nervousfootstepwasheardupontheveranda；theFrenchwindowflewopen，and，withalightlaughofgreeting，Ridgewaysteppedintotheroom。
Jenny’sfinerearfirstcaughtthestep。Jenny’sswifterfeelingshadsoundedthedepthsofhope，ofjoy，ofdespair，beforeheenteredtheroom。Jenny’spalefacewastheonlyonethatmethis，self-possessedandself-reliant，whenhestoodbeforethem。AnangryflushsuffusedeventhepinkrootsofRance’sbeardasherosetohisfeet。AnominousfiresprangintoRidgeway’seyes，andaspasmofhateandscornpassedoverthelowerpartofhisface，andleftthemouthandjawimmobileandrigid。
Yethewasthefirsttospeak。"Ioweyouanapology，"hesaidtoJenny，withasuavescornthatbroughttheindignantbloodbacktohercheek，"forthisintrusion；butIasknopardonforwithdrawingfromtheonlyspotwherethatmandareconfrontmewithsafety。"
Withanexclamationofrage，Rancesprangtowardhim。ButasquicklyJennystoodbetweenthem，erectandmenacing。"Theremustbenoquarrelhere，"shesaidtoRance。"WhileIprotectyourrightasmyguest，don’tobligemetoremindyouofmineasyourhostess。"Sheturnedwithahalf-deprecatoryairtoRidgeway；buthewasgone。Sowasherfather。OnlyRanceremainedwithalookofill-concealedtriumphonhisface。
Withoutlookingathim，shepassedtowardthedoor。Whenshereachedit，sheturned。"Youaskedmeaquestionanhourago。
Cometomeinthegarden，atnineo’clocktonight，andIwillansweryou。Butpromiseme，first，tokeepawayfromMr。Dent。
Givemeyourwordnottoseekhim——toavoidhim，ifheseeksyou。
Doyoupromise？Itiswell。"
Hewouldhavetakenherhand；butshewavedhimaway。Inanothermomentheheardtheswiftrustleofherdressinthehall，thesoundofherfeetuponthestair，thesharpclosingofherbedroomdoor，andallwasquiet。
Andeventhusquietlythedayworeaway；andthenightroseslowlyfromthevalley，andovershadowedthemountainswithpurplewingsthatfannedthestillairintoabreeze，untilthemoonfollowedit，andlulledeverythingtorestaswiththelaying-onofwhiteandbenedictoryhands。Itwasalovelynight；butHenryRance，waitingimpatientlybeneathasycamoreatthefootofthegarden，sawnobeautyinearthorairorsky。Athousandsuspicionscommontoajealousnature，avaguesuperstitionofthespot，filledhismindwithdistrustanddoubt。"Ifthisshouldbeatricktokeepmyhandsoffthatinsolentpup！"hemuttered。But，evenasthethoughtpassedhistongue，awhitefigureslidfromtheshrubberynearthehouse，glidedalongthelineofpicket-fence，andthenstopped，midway，motionlessinthemoonlight。
Itwasshe。Buthescarcelyrecognizedherinthewhitedraperythatcoveredherheadandshouldersandbreast。Heapproachedherwithahurriedwhisper。"Letuswithdrawfromthemoonlight。
Everybodycanseeushere。"
"Wehavenothingtosaythatcannotbesaidinthemoonlight，HenryRance，"shereplied，coldlyrecedingfromhisprofferedhand。Shetrembledforamoment，asifwithachill，andthensuddenlyturneduponhim。"Holdupyourhead，andletmelookatyou！I’veknownonlywhatmenare：letmeseewhatatraitorlookslike！"
Herecoiledmorefromherwildfacethanherwords。Hesawfromthefirstthatherhollowcheeksandholloweyeswereblazingwithfever。Hewasnocoward；buthewouldhavefled。
"Youareill，Jenny，"hesaid："youhadbestreturntothehouse。
Anothertime"——
"Stop！"shecriedhoarsely。"Movefromthisspot，andI’llcallforhelp！Attempttoleavemenow，andI’llproclaimyoutheassassinthatyouare！"
"Itwasafairfight，"hesaiddoggedly。
"Wasitafairfighttocreepbehindanunarmedandunsuspectingman？Wasitafairfighttotrytothrowsuspiciononsomeoneelse？Wasitafairfighttodeceiveme？Liarandcowardthatyouare！"
Hemadeastealthysteptowardherwithevileyes，andawickederhandthatcreptwithinhisbreast。Shesawthemotion；butitonlystunghertonewerfury。
"Strike！"shesaidwithblazingeyes，throwingherhandsopenbeforehim。"Strike！Areyouafraidofthewomanwhodaresyou？
Ordoyoukeepyourknifeforthebacksofunsuspectingmen？
Strike，Itellyou！No？Look，then！"Withasuddenmovement，shetorefromherheadandshouldersthethicklaceshawlthathadconcealedherfigure，andstoodbeforehim。"Look！"shecriedpassionately，pointingtothebosomandshouldersofherwhitedress，darklystreakedwithfadedstainsandominousdiscoloration，——
"look！ThisisthedressIworethatmorningwhenIfoundhimlyinghere，——HERE，——bleedingfromyourcowardlyknife。Look！Doyousee？
Thisishisblood，——mydarlingboy’sblood！——onedropofwhich，deadandfadedasitis，ismoreprecioustomethanthewholelivingpulseofanyotherman。Look！Icometoyouto-night，christenedwithhisblood，anddareyoutostrike，——dareyoutostrikehimagainthroughme，andminglemybloodwithhis。Strike，Iimploreyou！Strike！ifyouhaveanypityonme，forGod’ssake！
Strike！ifyouareaman！Look！Herelayhisheadonmyshoulder；
hereIheldhimtomybreast，wherenever——sohelpmemyGod！——
anotherman——Ah！"——
Shereeledagainstthefence，andsomethingthathadflashedinRance’shanddroppedatherfeet；foranotherflashandreportrolledhimoverinthedust；andacrosshiswrithingbodytwomenstrode，andcaughtherereshefell。
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