"Shehasonlyfainted，"saidMr。McClosky。"Jinnydear，mygirl，speaktome！"
"Whatisthisonherdress？"saidRidgeway，kneelingbesideher，andliftinghissetandcolorlessface。Atthesoundofhisvoice，thecolorcamefaintlybacktohercheek：sheopenedhereyes，andsmiled。
"It’sonlyyourblood，dearboy，"shesaid；"butlookalittledeeper，andyou’llfindmyown。"
Sheputuphertwoyearninghands，anddrewhisfaceandlipsdowntoherown。WhenRidgewayraisedhisheadagain，hereyeswereclosed；buthermouthstillsmiledaswiththememoryofakiss。
Theyborehertothehouse，stillbreathing，butunconscious。Thatnighttheroadwasfilledwithclatteringhorsemen；andthesummonedskillofthecountrysideforleaguesawaygatheredathercouch。Thewound，theysaid，wasnotessentiallydangerous；buttheyhadgravefearsoftheshocktoasystemthatalreadyseemedsufferingfromsomestrangeandunaccountablenervousexhaustion。
ThebestmedicalskillofTuolumnehappenedtobeyoungandobserving，andwaitedpatientlyanopportunitytoaccountforit。
Hewaspresentlyrewarded。
Fortowardmorningsherallied，andlookedfeeblyaround。Thenshebeckonedherfathertowardher，andwhispered，"Whereishe？"
"Theytookhimaway，Jinnydear，inacart。Hewon’ttroubleyouagin。"Hestopped；forMissJennyhadraisedherselfonherelbow，andwaslevellingherblackbrowsathim。Buttwokicksfromtheyoungsurgeon，andasignificantmotiontowardsthedoor，sentMr。
McCloskyawaymuttering。"HowshouldIknowthat’HE’meantRidgeway？"hesaidapologetically，ashewentandreturnedwiththeyounggentleman。Thesurgeon，whowasstillholdingherpulse，smiled，andthoughtthat——withalittlecare——andattention——thestimulants——mightbe——diminished——and——-he——mightleave——thepatientforsomehourswithperfectsafety。HewouldgivefurtherdirectionstoMr。McClosky——downstairs。
Itwaswithgreatarchnessofmanner，that，halfanhourlater，Mr。
McCloskyenteredtheroomwithapreparatorycough；anditwaswithsomedisappointmentthathefoundRidgewaystandingquietlybythewindow，andhisdaughterapparentlyfallenintoalightdoze。Hewasstillmoreconcerned，when，afterRidgewayhadretired，noticingapleasantsmileplayingaboutherlips，hesaidsoftly：——
"Youwasthinkingofsomeone，Jinny？"
"Yes，father，"thegrayeyesmethissteadily，——"ofpoorJohnAshe！"
Herrecoverywasswift。Nature，thathadseemedtostandjealouslyalooffromherinhermentalanguish，waskindtothephysicalhurtofherfavoritechild。Thesuperbphysique，whichhadbeenhercharmandhertrial，nowstoodheringoodstead。Thehealingbalsamofthepine，thebalmofresinousgums，andtheraremedicamentsofSierranaltitudes，touchedherasitmighthavetouchedthewoundeddoe；sothatintwoweeksshewasabletowalkabout。Andwhen，attheendofthemonth，RidgewayreturnedfromaflyingvisittoSanFrancisco，andjumpedfromtheWingdamcoachatfouro’clockinthemorning，theRoseofTuolumne，withthedewypetalsofeithercheekfreshaswhenfirstunfoldedtohiskiss，confrontedhimontheroad。
Withacommoninstinct，theiryoungfeetbothclimbedthelittlehillnowsacredtotheirthought。Whentheyreacheditssummit，theywereboth，Ithink，alittledisappointed。Thereisafragranceintheunfoldingofapassion，thatescapestheperfectflower。Jennythoughtthenightwasnotasbeautiful；Ridgeway，thatthelongridehadbluntedhisperceptions。Buttheyhadthefranknesstoconfessittoeachother，withtheraredelightofsuchaconfession，andthecomparisonofdetailswhichtheythoughteachhadforgotten。Andwiththis，andanoccasionalpityingreferencetotheblankperiodwhentheyhadnotknowneachother，handinhandtheyreachedthehouse。
Mr。McCloskywasawaitingthemimpatientlyupontheveranda。WhenMissJennyhadslippedupstairstoreplaceacollarthatstoodsomewhatsuspiciouslyawry，Mr。McCloskydrewRidgewaysolemnlyaside。Heheldalargetheatreposterinonehand，andanopennewspaperintheother。
"Iallussaid，"heremarkedslowly，withtheairofmerelyrenewingasuspendedconversation，——"Iallussaidthatridingthreehorsestoonctwasn’texactlyinherline。Itwouldseemthatitain’t。
Fromremarksinthisyerpaper，itwouldappearthatshetrieditonatMarysvillelastweek，andbrokeherneck。"
APASSAGEINTHELIFEOFMR。JOHNOAKHURST。
Healwaysthoughtitmusthavebeenfate。CertainlynothingcouldhavebeenmoreinconsistentwithhishabitsthantohavebeeninthePlazaatseveno’clockofthatmidsummermorning。ThesightofhiscolorlessfaceinSacramentowasrareatthatseason，and，indeed，atanyseason，anywherepublicly，beforetwoo’clockintheafternoon。Lookingbackuponitinafter-yearsinthelightofachancefullife，hedetermined，withthecharacteristicphilosophyofhisprofession，thatitmusthavebeenfate。
Yetitismyduty，asastrictchronicleroffacts，tostatethatMr。Oakhurst’spresencetherethatmorningwasduetoaverysimplecause。Atexactlyhalf-pastsix，thebankbeingthenawinnertotheamountoftwentythousanddollars，hehadrisenfromthefaro-
table，relinquishedhisseattoanaccomplishedassistant，andwithdrawnquietly，withoutattractingaglancefromthesilent，anxiousfacesbowedoverthetable。Butwhenheenteredhisluxurioussleeping-room，acrossthepassage-way，hewasalittleshockedatfindingthesunstreamingthroughaninadvertentlyopenedwindow。Somethingintherarebeautyofthemorning，perhapssomethinginthenoveltyoftheidea，struckhimashewasabouttoclosetheblinds；andhehesitated。Then，takinghishatfromthetable，hesteppeddownaprivatestaircaseintothestreet。
ThepeoplewhowereabroadatthatearlyhourwereofaclassquiteunknowntoMr。Oakhurst。Thereweremilkmenandhuckstersdeliveringtheirwares，smalltradespeopleopeningtheirshops，housemaidssweepingdoorsteps，andoccasionallyachild。TheseMr。
Oakhurstregardedwithacertaincoldcuriosity，perhapsquitefreefromthecynicaldisfavorwithwhichhegenerallylookeduponthemorepretentiousofhisracewhomhewasinthehabitofmeeting。
Indeed，Ithinkhewasnotaltogetherdispleasedwiththeadmiringglanceswhichthesehumblewomenthrewafterhishandsomefaceandfigure，conspicuouseveninacountryoffine-lookingmen。Whileitisveryprobablethatthiswickedvagabond，intheprideofhissocialisolation，wouldhavebeencoldlyindifferenttotheadvancesofafinelady，alittlegirlwhoranadmiringlybyhissideinaraggeddresshadthepowertocallafaintflushintohiscolorlesscheek。Hedismissedheratlast，butnotuntilshehadfoundout——what，soonerorlater，herlarge-heartedanddiscriminatingsexinevitablydid——thathewasexceedinglyfreeandopen-handedwithhismoney，andalso——what，perhaps，noneotherofhersexeverdid——thattheboldblackeyesofthisfinegentlemanwereinrealityofabrownishandeventendergray。
Therewasasmallgardenbeforeawhitecottageinaside-street，thatattractedMr。Oakhurst’sattention。Itwasfilledwithroses，heliotrope，andverbena，——flowersfamiliarenoughtohimintheexpensiveandmoreportableformofbouquets，but，asitseemedtohimthen，neverbeforesonotablylovely。Perhapsitwasbecausethedewwasyetfreshuponthem；perhapsitwasbecausetheywereunplucked：butMr。Oakhurstadmiredthem——notasapossiblefuturetributetothefascinatingandaccomplishedMissEthelinda，thenperformingattheVarieties，forMr。Oakhurst’sespecialbenefit，asshehadoftenassuredhim；noryetasadouceurtotheinthrallingMissMontmorrissy，withwhomMr。Oakhurstexpectedtosupthatevening；butsimplyforhimself，and，mayhap，fortheflowers’sake。Howbeithepassedon，andsooutintotheopenPlaza，where，findingabenchunderacottonwood-tree，hefirstdustedtheseatwithhishandkerchief，andthensatdown。
Itwasafinemorning。Theairwassostillandcalm，thatasighfromthesycamoresseemedlikethedeep-drawnbreathofthejustawakeningtree，andthefaintrustleofitsboughsastheoutstretchingofcrampedandrevivinglimbs。FarawaytheSierrasstoodoutagainstaskysoremoteastobeofnopositivecolor，——
soremote，thateventhesundespairedofeverreachingit，andsoexpendeditsstrengthrecklesslyonthewholelandscape，untilitfairlyglitteredinawhiteandvividcontrast。Withaveryrareimpulse，Mr。Oakhursttookoffhishat，andhalfreclinedonthebench，withhisfacetothesky。Certainbirdswhohadtakenacriticalattitudeonasprayabovehim，apparentlybeganananimateddiscussionregardinghispossiblemalevolentintentions。
Oneortwo，emboldenedbythesilence，hoppedonthegroundathisfeet，untilthesoundofwheelsonthegravel-walkfrightenedthemaway。
Lookingup，hesawamancomingslowlytowardhim，wheelinganondescriptvehicle，inwhichawomanwaspartlysitting，partlyreclining。Withoutknowingwhy，Mr。Oakhurstinstantlyconceivedthatthecarriagewastheinventionandworkmanshipoftheman，partlyfromitsoddity，partlyfromthestrong，mechanicalhandthatgraspedit，andpartlyfromacertainprideandvisibleconsciousnessinthemannerinwhichthemanhandledit。ThenMr。
Oakhurstsawsomethingmore：theman’sfacewasfamiliar。Withthatregalfacultyofnotforgettingafacethathadevergivenhimprofessionalaudience，heinstantlyclassifieditunderthefollowingmentalformula："At’Frisco，PolkaSaloon。Losthisweek’swages。Ireckon——seventydollars——onred。Nevercameagain。"Therewas，however，notraceofthisinthecalmeyesandunmovedfacethatheturneduponthestranger，who，onthecontrary，blushed，lookedembarrassed，hesitatedandthenstoppedwithaninvoluntarymotionthatbroughtthecarriageanditsfairoccupantfacetofacewithMr。Oakhurst。
Ishouldhardlydojusticetothepositionshewilloccupyinthisveraciouschroniclebydescribingtheladynow，if，indeed，Iamabletodoitatall。Certainlythepopularestimatewasconflicting。ThelateCol。Starbottle——towhoselargeexperienceofacharmingsexIhavebeforebeenindebtedformanyvaluablesuggestions——had，Iregrettosay，depreciatedherfascinations。
"Ayellow-facedcripple，bydash！asickwoman，withmahoganyeyes；
oneofyourblankedspiritualcreatures——withnofleshonherbones。"Ontheotherhand，however，sheenjoyedlatermuchcomplimentarydisparagementfromherownsex。MissCelestinaHoward，secondleaderintheballetattheVarieties，had，withgreatalliterativedirectness，inafter-years，denominatedherasan"aquilineasp。"Mlle。Brimborionrememberedthatshehadalwayswarned"Mr。Jack"thatthiswomanwould"empoison"him。ButMr。
Oakhurst，whoseimpressionsareperhapsthemostimportant，onlysawapale，thin，deep-eyedwoman，raisedabovethelevelofhercompanionbytherefinementoflongsufferingandisolation，andacertainshyvirginityofmanner。Therewasasuggestionofphysicalpurityinthefoldsofherfresh-lookingrobe，andacertainpicturesquetastefulnessinthedetails，that，withoutknowingwhy，madehimthinkthattherobewasherinventionandhandiwork，evenasthecarriagesheoccupiedwasevidentlytheworkofhercompanion。Herownhand，atrifletoothin，butwell-
shaped，subtle-fingered，andgentle-womanly，restedonthesideofthecarriage，thecounterpartofthestrongmechanicalgraspofhercompanion’s。
Therewassomeobstructiontotheprogressofthevehicle；andMr。
Oakhurststeppedforwardtoassist。Whilethewheelwasbeingliftedoverthecurbstone，itwasnecessarythatsheshouldholdhisarm；andforamomentherthinhandrestedthere，lightandcoldasasnowflake，andthen，asitseemedtohim，likeasnow-
flakemeltedaway。Thentherewasapause，andthenconversation，theladyjoiningoccasionallyandshyly。
Itappearedthattheyweremanandwife；thatforthepasttwoyearsshehadbeenagreatinvalid，andhadlosttheuseofherlowerlimbsfromrheumatism；thatuntillatelyshehadbeenconfinedtoherbed，untilherhusband——whowasamaster-carpenter——
hadbethoughthimselftomakeherthiscarriage。Hetookheroutregularlyforanairingbeforegoingtowork，becauseitwashisonlytime，and——theyattractedlessattention。Theyhadtriedmanydoctors，butwithoutavail。TheyhadbeenadvisedtogototheSulphurSprings；butitwasexpensive。Mr。Decker，thehusband，hadoncesavedeightydollarsforthatpurpose，butwhileinSanFranciscohadhispocketpicked——MrDeckerwassosenseless！（Theintelligentreaderneednotbetoldthatitistheladywhoisspeaking。）Theyhadneverbeenabletomakeupthesumagain，andtheyhadgivenuptheidea。Itwasadreadfulthingtohaveone’spocketpicked。Didhenotthinkso？
Herhusband’sfacewascrimson；butMr。Oakhurst’scountenancewasquitecalmandunmoved，ashegravelyagreedwithher，andwalkedbyhersideuntiltheypassedthelittlegardenthathehadadmired。HereMr。Oakhurstcommandedahalt，and，goingtothedoor，astoundedtheproprietorbyapreposterouslyextravagantofferforachoiceoftheflowers。Presentlyhereturnedtothecarriagewithhisarmsfullofroses，heliotrope，andverbena，andcasttheminthelapoftheinvalid。Whileshewasbendingoverthemwithchildishdelight，Mr。Oakhursttooktheopportunityofdrawingherhusbandaside。
"Perhaps，"hesaidinalowvoice，andamannerquitefreefromanypersonalannoyance，——"perhapsit’sjustaswellthatyouliedtoherasyoudid。Youcansaynowthatthepick-pocketwasarrestedtheotherday，andyougotyourmoneyback。"Mr。Oakhurstquietlyslippedfourtwenty-dollargold-piecesintothebroadhandofthebewilderedMr。Decker。"Saythat——oranythingyoulike——butthetruth。Promisemeyouwon’tsaythat。"
Themanpromised。Mr。Oakhurstquietlyreturnedtothefrontofthelittlecarriage。Thesickwomanwasstilleagerlyoccupiedwiththeflowers，and，assheraisedhereyestohis，herfadedcheekseemedtohavecaughtsomecolorfromtheroses，andhereyessomeoftheirdewyfreshness。ButatthatinstantMr。Oakhurstliftedhishat，andbeforeshecouldthankhimwasgone。
IgrievetosaythatMr。Deckershamelesslybrokehispromise。
Thatnight，intheverygoodnessofhisheartanduxoriousself-
abnegation，he，likealldevotedhusbands，notonlyofferedhimself，buthisfriendandbenefactor，asasacrificeonthefamily-altar。Itisonlyfair，however，toaddthathespokewithgreatfervorofthegenerosityofMr。Oakhurst，anddweltwithanenthusiasmquitecommonwithhisclassonthemysteriousfameandprodigalvicesofthegambler。
"Andnow，Elsiedear，saythatyou’llforgiveme，"saidMr。Decker，droppingononekneebesidehiswife’scouch。"Ididitforthebest。Itwasforyou，dearey，thatIputthatmoneyonthemcardsthatnightin’Frisco。Ithoughttowinaheap——enoughtotakeyouaway，andenoughlefttogetyouanewdress。"
Mrs。Deckersmiled，andpressedherhusband’shand。"Idoforgiveyou，Joedear，"shesaid，stillsmiling，witheyesabstractedlyfixedontheceiling；"andyououghttobewhippedfordeceivingmeso，youbadboy！andmakingmemakesuchaspeech。There，saynomoreaboutit。Ifyou’llbeverygoodhereafter，andwilljustnowhandmethatclusterofroses，I’llforgiveyou。"Shetookthebranchinherangers，liftedtherosestoherface，andpresentlysaid，behindtheirleaves，——
"Joe！"
"Whatisit，lovey？"
"DoyouthinkthatthisMr。——whatdoyoucallhim？——JackOakhurstwouldhavegiventhatmoneybacktoyou，ifIhadn’tmadethatspeech？"
"Yes。"
"Ifhehadn’tseenmeatall？"
Mr。Deckerlookedup。Hiswifehadmanagedinsomewaytocoverupherwholefacewiththeroses，excepthereyes，whichweredangerouslybright。
"No！Itwasyou，Elsie——itwasallalongofseeingyouthatmadehimdoit。"
"Apoorsickwomanlikeme？"
"Asweet，little，lovely，pootyElsie——Joe’sownlittlewifey！howcouldhehelpit？"
Mrs。Deckerfondlycastonearmaroundherhusband’sneck，stillkeepingtherosestoherfacewiththeother。Frombehindthemshebegantomurmurgentlyandidiotically，"Dear，olesquareJoey。
Elsie’soneyboofulbigbear。"But，really，Idonotseethatmydutyasachronicleroffactscompelsmetocontinuethislittlelady’sspeechanyfurther；and，outofrespecttotheunmarriedreader，Istop。
Nevertheless，thenextmorningMrs。DeckerbetrayedsomeslightandapparentlyuncalledforirritabilityonreachingthePlaza，andpresentlydesiredherhusbandtowheelherbackhome。Moreover，shewasverymuchastonishedatmeetingMr。Oakhurstjustastheywerereturning，andevendoubtedifitwerehe，andquestionedherhusbandastohisidentitywiththestrangerofyesterdayasheapproached。HermannertoMr。Oakhurst，also，wasquiteincontrastwithherhusband’sfrankwelcome。Mr。Oakhurstinstantlydetectedit。"Herhusbandhastoldherall，andshedislikesme，"
hesaidtohimself，withthatfatalappreciationofthehalf-truthsofawoman’smotivesthatcausesthewisestmasculinecritictostumble。Helingeredonlylongenoughtotakethebusinessaddressofthehusband，andthenliftinghishatgravely，withoutlookingatthelady，wenthisway。Itstruckthehonestmaster-carpenterasoneofthecharminganomaliesofhiswife’scharacter，that，althoughthemeetingwasevidentlyverymuchconstrainedandunpleasant，instantlyafterwardhiswife’sspiritsbegantorise。
"Youwashardonhim，aleetlehard；wasn’tyou，Elsie？"saidMr。
Deckerdeprecatingly。"I’mafraidhemaythinkI’vebrokemypromise。"——"Ah，indeed！"saidtheladyindifferently。Mr。Deckerinstantlysteppedroundtothefrontofthevehicle。"YoulooklikeanA1first-classladyridingdownBroadwayinherowncarriage，Elsie，"saidhe。"Ineverseedyoulookin’sopeartandsassybefore。"
Afewdayslater，theproprietoroftheSanIsabelSulphurSpringsreceivedthefollowingnoteinMr。Oakhurst’swell-known，daintyhand：——
"DEARSTEVE，——I’vebeenthinkingoveryourpropositiontobuyNichols’squarter-interest，andhaveconcludedtogoin。ButI
don’tseehowthethingwillpayuntilyouhavemoreaccommodationdownthere，andforthebestclass，——ImeanMYcustomers。Whatwewantisanextensiontothemainbuilding，andtwoorthreecottagesputup。Isenddownabuildertotakeholdofthejobatonce。Hetakeshissickwifewithhim；andyouaretolookafterthemasyouwouldforoneofus。
"Imayrundowntheremyselfaftertheraces，justtolookafterthings；butIsha’n’tsetupanygamethisseason。
"Yoursalways，"JOHNOAKHURST。"
Itwasonlythelastsentenceofthisletterthatprovokedcriticism。"Icanunderstand，"saidMr。Hamlin，aprofessionalbrother，towhomMr。Oakhurst’sletterwasshown，——"IcanunderstandwhyJackgoesinheavyandbuilds；forit’sasurespec，andisboundtobeamightysoftthingintime，ifhecomeshereregularly。Butwhyinblankhedon’tsetupabankthisseason，andtakethechanceofgettingsomeofthemoneybackthatheputsintocirculationinbuilding，iswhatgetsme。Iwondernow，"hemuseddeeply，"whatIShislittlegame。"
TheseasonhadbeenaprosperousonetoMrOakhurst，andproportionallydisastroustoseveralmembersofthelegislature，judges，colonels，andotherswhohadenjoyedbutbrieflythepleasureofMr。Oakhurst’smidnightsociety。AndyetSacramentohadbecomeverydulltohim。Hehadlatelyformedahabitofearlymorningwalks，sounusualandstartlingtohisfriends，bothmaleandfemale，astooccasiontheintensestcuriosity。Twoorthreeofthelattersetspiesuponhistrack；buttheinquisitionresultedonlyinthediscoverythatMr。OakhurstwalkedtothePlaza，satdownupononeparticularbenchforafewmoments，andthenreturnedwithoutseeinganybody；andthetheorythattherewasawomaninthecasewasabandoned。Afewsuperstitiousgentlemenofhisownprofessionbelievedthathediditfor"luck。"Someothers，morepractical，declaredthathewentoutto"studypoints。"
AftertheracesatMarysville，Mr。OakhurstwenttoSanFrancisco；
fromthatplacehereturnedtoMarysville，butafewdaysafterwasseenatSanJose，SantaCruz，andOakland。Thosewhomethimdeclaredthathismannerwasrestlessandfeverish，andquiteunlikehisordinarycalmnessandphlegm。Col。Starbottlepointedoutthefact，thatatSanFrancisco，attheclub，Jackhaddeclinedtodeal。"Handshaky，sir；dependuponit。Don’tstimulateenough——blankhim！"
FromSanJosehestartedtogotoOregonbylandwitharatherexpensiveoutfitofhorsesandcampequipage；but，onreachingStockton，hesuddenlydiverged，andfourhourslaterfoundhimwithasinglehorseenteringthecanyonoftheSanIsabelWarmSulphurSprings。
Itwasaprettytriangularvalleylyingatthefootofthreeslopingmountains，darkwithpines，andfantasticwithmadronoandmanzanita。Nestlingagainstthemountain-side，thestragglingbuildingsandlongpiazzaofthehotelglitteredthroughtheleaves，andhereandthereshoneawhitetoy-likecottage。Mr。
OakhurstwasnotanadmirerofNature；buthefeltsomethingofthesamenovelsatisfactionintheview，thatheexperiencedinhisfirstmorningwalkinSacramento。Andnowcarriagesbegantopasshimontheroadfilledwithgayly-dressedwomen；andthecoldCaliforniaoutlinesofthelandscapebegantotakeuponthemselvessomewhatofahumanwarmthandcolor。Andthenthelonghotelpiazzacameinview，efflorescentwiththefull-toilettedfair。
Mr。Oakhurst，agoodrideraftertheCaliforniafashion，didnotcheckhisspeedasheapproachedhisdestination，butchargedthehotelatagallop，threwhishorseonhishauncheswithinafootofthepiazza，andthenquietlyemergedfromthecloudofdustthatveiledhisdismounting。
Whateverfeverishexcitementmighthaveragedwithin，allhishabitualcalmreturnedashesteppeduponthepiazza。Withtheinstinctoflonghabit，heturnedandfacedthebatteryofeyeswiththesamecoldindifferencewithwhichhehadforyearsencounteredthehalf-hiddensneersofmenandthehalf-frightenedadmirationofwomen。Onlyonepersonsteppedforwardtowelcomehim。Oddlyenough，itwasDickHamilton，perhapstheonlyonepresent，whobybirth，education，andposition，mighthavesatisfiedthemostfastidioussocialcritic。HappilyforMr。
Oakhurst’sreputation，hewasalsoaveryrichbankerandsocialleader。"Doyouknowwhothatisyouspoketo？"askedyoungParkerwithanalarmedexpression。"Yes，"repliedHamiltonwithcharacteristiceffrontery。"Themanyoulostathousanddollarstolastweek。IonlyknowhimSOCIALLY。""Butisn’theagambler？"
queriedtheyoungestMissSmith。"Heis，"repliedHamilton；"butI
wish，mydearyounglady，thatweallplayedasopenandhonestagameasourfriendyonder，andwereaswillingasheistoabidebyitsfortunes。"
ButMr。Oakhurstwashappilyoutofhearingofthiscolloquy，andwaseventhenlounginglistlesslyyetwatchfullyalongtheupperhall。Suddenlyheheardalightfootstepbehindhim，andthenhisnamecalledinafamiliarvoicethatdrewthebloodquicklytohisheart。Heturned，andshestoodbeforehim。
Buthowtransformed！IfIhavehesitatedtodescribethehollow-
eyedcripple，thequaintly-dressedartisan’swife，afewpagesago，whatshallIdowiththisgraceful，shapely，elegantly-attiredgentlewomanintowhomshehasbeenmergedwithinthesetwomonths？
Ingoodfaithshewasverypretty。YouandI，mydearmadam，wouldhavebeenquicktoseethatthosecharmingdimplesweremisplacedfortruebeauty，andtoofixedintheirqualityforhonestmirthfulness；thatthedelicatelinesaroundtheseaquilinenostrilswerecruelandselfish；thatthesweetvirginalsurpriseoftheselovelyeyeswereasapttobeopenedonherplateasuponthegallantspeechesofherdinnerpartner；thathersympatheticcolorcameandwentmorewithherownspiritsthanyours。ButyouandIarenotinlovewithher，dearmadam，andMr。Oakhurstis。
And，eveninthefoldsofherParisiangown，Iamafraidthispoorfellowsawthesamesubtlestrokesofpuritythathehadseeninherhomespunrobe。Andthentherewasthedelightfulrevelationthatshecouldwalk，andthatshehaddearlittlefeetofherowninthetiniestslippersofherFrenchshoemaker，withsuchpreposterousbluebows，andChappell’sownstamp——Ruedesomethingorother，Paris——onthenarrowsole。
Herantowardherwithaheightenedcolorandoutstretchedhands。
Butshewhippedherownbehindher，glancedrapidlyupanddownthelonghall，andstoodlookingathimwithahalf-audacious，half-
mischievousadmiration，inuttercontrasttoheroldreserve。
"I’veagreatmindnottoshakehandswithyouatall。Youpassedmejustnowonthepiazzawithoutspeaking；andIranafteryou，asIsupposemanyanotherpoorwomanhasdone。"
Mr。Oakhurststammeredthatshewassochanged。
"Themorereasonwhyyoushouldknowme。Whochangedme？You。
Youhavere-createdme。Youfoundahelpless，crippled，sick，poverty-strickenwoman，withonedresstoherback，andthatherownmake，andyougaveherlife，health，strength，andfortune。
Youdid；andyouknowit，sir。Howdoyoulikeyourwork？"Shecaughttheside-seamsofhergownineitherhand，anddroppedhimaplayfulcourtesy。Then，withasudden，relentinggesture，shegavehimbothherhands。
Outrageousasthisspeechwas，andunfeminineasItrusteveryfairreaderwilldeemit，IfearitpleasedMr。Oakhurst。Notbutthathewasaccustomedtoacertainfrankfemaleadmiration；butthenitwasofthecoulisse，andnotofthecloister，withwhichhealwayspersistedinassociatingMrs。Decker。TobeaddressedinthiswaybyaninvalidPuritan，asicksaintwiththeausterityofsufferingstillclothingher，awomanwhohadaBibleonthedressing-table，whowenttochurchthreetimesaday，andwasdevotedtoherhusband，completelybowledhimover。Hestillheldherhandsasshewenton，——
"Whydidn’tyoucomebefore？WhatwereyoudoinginMarysville，inSanJose，inOakland？YouseeIhavefollowedyou。Isawyouasyoucamedownthecanyon，andknewyouatonce。IsawyourlettertoJoseph，andknewyouwerecoming。Whydidn’tyouwritetome？
Youwillsometime！——Good-evening，Mr。Hamilton。"
Shehadwithdrawnherhands，butnotuntilHamilton，ascendingthestaircase，wasnearlyabreastofthem。Heraisedhishattoherwithwell-bredcomposure，noddedfamiliarlytoOakhurst，andpassedon。Whenhehadgone，Mrs。DeckerliftedhereyestoMr。Oakhurst。
"SomedayIshallaskagreatfavorofyou。"
Mr。Oakhurstbeggedthatitshouldbenow。
"No，notuntilyouknowmebetter。Then，someday，Ishallwantyouto——killthatman！"
Shelaughedsuchapleasantlittleringinglaugh，suchadisplayofdimples，——albeitalittlefixedinthecornersofhermouth，——suchaninnocentlightinherbrowneyes，andsuchalovelycolorinhercheeks，thatMr。Oakhurst（whoseldomlaughed）wasfaintolaughtoo。Itwasasifalambhadproposedtoafoxaforayintoaneighboringsheepfold。
Afeweveningsafterthis，Mrs。Deckerarosefromacharmedcircleofheradmirersonthehotelpiazza，excusedherselfforafewmoments，laughinglydeclinedanescort，andranovertoherlittlecottage——oneofherhusband’screation——acrosstheroad。Perhapsfromthesuddenandunwontedexerciseinherstillconvalescentstate，shebreathedhurriedlyandfeverishlyassheenteredherboudoir，andonceortwiceplacedherhanduponherbreast。Shewasstartledonturningupthelighttofindherhusbandlyingonthesofa。
"Youlookhotandexcited，Elsielove，"saidMr。Decker。"Youain’ttookworse，areyou？"
MrsDecker’sfacehadpaled，butnowflushedagain。"No，"shesaid；"onlyalittlepainhere，"assheagainplacedherhanduponhercorsage。
"CanIdoanythingforyou？"saidMr。Decker，risingwithaffectionateconcern。
"Runovertothehotelandgetmesomebrandy，quick！"
Mr。Deckerran。MrsDeckerclosedandboltedthedoor，andthen，puttingherhandtoherbosom，drewoutthepain。Itwasfoldedfoursquare，andwas，Igrievetosay，inMr。Oakhurst’shandwriting。
Shedevoureditwithburningeyesandcheeksuntiltherecameastepupontheporch；thenshehurriedlyreplaceditinherbosom，andunboltedthedoor。Herhusbandentered。Sheraisedthespiritstoherlips，anddeclaredherselfbetter。
"Areyougoingoverthereagainto-night？"askedMr。Deckersubmissively。
"No，"saidMrs。Decker，withhereyesfixeddreamilyonthefloor。
"Iwouldn’tifIwasyou，"saidMr。Deckerwithasighofrelief。
Afterapause，hetookaseatonthesofa，and，drawinghiswifetohisside，said，"DoyouknowwhatIwasthinkingofwhenyoucamein，Elsie？"Mrs。Deckerranherfingersthroughhisstiffblackhair，andcouldn’timagine。
"Iwasthinkingofoldtimes，Elsie：IwasthinkingofthedayswhenIbuiltthatkerridgeforyou，Elsie，——whenIusedtotakeyououttoride，andwasbothhossanddriver。Wewaspoorthen，andyouwassick，Elsie；butwewashappy。We’vegotmoneynow，andahouse；andyou’requiteanotherwoman。Imaysay，dear，thatyou’reaNEWwoman。Andthat’swherethetroublecomesin。I
couldbuildyouakerridge，Elsie；Icouldbuildyouahouse，Elsie——butthereIstopped。Icouldn’tbuildupYOU。You’restrongandpretty，Elsie，andfreshandnew。Butsomehow，Elsie，youain’tnoworkofmine！"
Hepaused。Withonehandlaidgentlyonhisforehead，andtheotherpresseduponherbosom，asiftofeelcertainofthepresenceofherpain，shesaidsweetlyandsoothingly，——
"Butitwasyourwork，dear。"
Mr。Deckershookhisheadsorrowfully。"No，Elsie，notmine。I
hadthechancetodoitonce，andIletitgo。It’sdonenow——butnotbyme。"
Mrs。Deckerraisedhersurprised，innocenteyestohis。Hekissedhertenderly，andthenwentoninamorecheerfulvoice，——
"Thatain’tallIwasthinkingof，Elsie。IwasthinkingthatmaybeyougivetoomuchofyourcompanytothatMr。Hamilton。Notthatthere’sanywronginit，toyouorhim；butitmightmakepeopletalk。You’retheonlyonehere，Elsie，"saidthemaster-
carpenter，lookingfondlyathiswife，"whoisn’ttalkedabout，whoseworkain’tinspectedorcondemned。"
Mrs。Deckerwasgladhehadspokenaboutit。Shehadthoughtsotoo。ButshecouldnotwellbeunciviltoMr。Hamilton，whowasafinegentleman，withoutmakingapowerfulenemy。"Andhe’salwaystreatedmeasifIwasabornladyinhisowncircle，"addedthelittlewoman，withacertainpridethatmadeherhusbandfondlysmile。"ButIhavethoughtofaplan。HewillnotstayhereifI
shouldgoaway。If，forinstance，IwenttoSanFranciscotovisitmaforafewdays，hewouldbegonebeforeIshouldreturn。"
Mr。Deckerwasdelighted。"Byallmeans，"hesaid，"goto-morrow。
JackOakhurstisgoingdown；andI’llputyouinhischarge。"
Mrs。Deckerdidnotthinkitwasprudent。"Mr。Oakhurstisourfriend，Joseph；butyouknowhisreputation。"Infact，shedidnotknowthatsheoughttogonow，knowingthathewasgoingthesameday；but，withakiss，Mr。Deckerovercameherscruples。Sheyieldedgracefully。Fewwomen，infact，knewhowtogiveupapointascharminglyasshe。
ShestaidaweekinSanFrancisco。Whenshereturned，shewasatriflethinnerandpalerthanshehadbeen。Thissheexplainedastheresultofperhapstooactiveexerciseandexcitement。"Iwasoutofdoorsnearlyallthetime，asmawilltellyou，"shesaidtoherhusband，"andalwaysalone。Iamgettingquiteindependentnow，"sheaddedgayly。"Idon’twantanyescort。Ibelieve，Joeydear，Icouldgetalongevenwithoutyou，I’msobrave！"
Buthervisit，apparently，hadnotbeenproductiveofherimpellingdesign。Mr。Hamiltonhadnotgone，buthadremained，andcalleduponthemthatveryevening。"I’vethoughtofaplan，Joeydear，"
saidMrs。Decker，whenhehaddeparted。"PoorMr。Oakhursthasamiserableroomatthehotel。Supposeyouaskhim，whenhereturnsfromSanFrancisco，tostopwithus。Hecanhaveourspare-room。
Idon’tthink，"sheaddedarchly，"thatMr。Hamiltonwillcalloften。"Herhusbandlaughed，intimatedthatshewasalittlecoquette，pinchedhercheek，andcomplied。"Thequeerthingaboutawoman，"hesaidafterwardconfidentiallytoMr。Oakhurst，"is，that，withouthavinganyplanofherown，she’lltakeanybody’s，andbuildahouseonitentirelydifferenttosuitherself。Anddernmyskinifyou’llbeabletosaywhetherornotyoudidn’tgivethescaleandmeasurementsyourself！That’swhatgetsme！"
ThenextweekMr。OakhurstwasinstalledintheDeckers’cottage。
Thebusinessrelationsofherhusbandandhimselfwereknowntoall，andherownreputationwasabovesuspicion。Indeed，fewwomenweremorepopular。Shewasdomestic，shewasprudent，shewaspious。Inacountryofgreatfemininefreedomandlatitude，sheneverrodeorwalkedwithanybodybutherhusband。Inanepochofslangandambiguousexpression，shewasalwayspreciseandformalinherspeech。Inthemidstofafashionofostentatiousdecoration，sheneverworeadiamond，norasinglevaluablejewel。
Sheneverpermittedanindecoruminpublic。ShenevercountenancedthefamiliaritiesofCaliforniasociety。Shedeclaimedagainsttheprevailingtoneofinfidelityandscepticisminreligion。FewpeoplewhowerepresentwilleverforgetthedignifiedyetstatelymannerwithwhichsherebukedMr。Hamiltoninthepublicparlorforenteringuponthediscussionofaworkonmaterialism，latelypublished；andsomeamongthem，also，willnotforgettheexpressionofamusedsurpriseonMr。Hamilton’sface，thatgraduallychangedtosardonicgravity，ashecourteouslywaivedhispoint；certainlynotMr。Oakhurst，who，fromthatmoment，begantobeuneasilyimpatientofhisfriend，andeven——ifsuchatermcouldbeappliedtoanymoralqualityinMr。Oakhurst——tofearhim。
ForduringthistimeMr。Oakhursthadbeguntoshowsymptomsofachangeinhisusualhabits。Hewasseldom，ifever，seeninhisoldhaunts，inabar-room，orwithhisoldassociates。Pinkandwhitenotes，indistractedhandwriting，accumulatedonthedressing-tableinhisroomsatSacramento。ItwasgivenoutinSanFranciscothathehadsomeorganicdiseaseoftheheart，forwhichhisphysicianhadprescribedperfectrest。Hereadmore；hetooklongwalks；hesoldhisfasthorses；hewenttochurch。
Ihaveaveryvividrecollectionofhisfirstappearancethere。HedidnotaccompanytheDeckers，nordidhegointotheirpew，butcameinastheservicecommenced，andtookaseatquietlyinoneoftheback-pews。Bysomemysteriousinstinct，hispresencebecamepresentlyknowntothecongregation，someofwhomsofarforgotthemselves，intheircuriosity，astofacearound，andapparentlyaddresstheirresponsestohim。Beforetheservicewasover，itwasprettywellunderstoodthat"miserablesinners"meantMr。
Oakhurst。Nordidthismysteriousinfluencefailtoaffecttheofficiatingclergyman，whointroducedanallusiontoMr。Oakhurst’scallingandhabitsinasermononthearchitectureofSolomon’stemple，andinamannersopointed，andyetlabored，astocausetheyoungestofustoflamewithindignation。Happily，however，itwaslostuponJack：Idonotthinkheevenheardit。Hishandsome，colorlessface，albeitatriflewornandthoughtful，wasinscrutable。
Onlyonce，duringthesingingofahymn，atacertainnoteinthecontralto’svoice，therecreptintohisdarkeyesalookofwistfultenderness，soyearningandyetsohopeless，thatthosewhowerewatchinghimfelttheirownglisten。YetIretainaveryvividremembranceofhisstandinguptoreceivethebenediction，withthesuggestion，inhismannerandtightly-buttonedcoat，oftakingthefireofhisadversaryattenpaces。Afterchurch，hedisappearedasquietlyashehadentered，andfortunatelyescapedhearingthecommentsonhisrashact。Hisappearancewasgenerallyconsideredasanimpertinence，attributableonlytosomewantonfancy，orpossiblyabet。Oneortwothoughtthatthesextonwasexceedinglyremissinnotturninghimoutafterdiscoveringwhohewas；andaprominentpew-holderremarked，thatifhecouldn’ttakehiswifeanddaughterstothatchurch，withoutexposingthemtosuchaninfluence，hewouldtrytofindsomechurchwherehecould。AnothertracedMr。
Oakhurst’spresencetocertainBroadChurchradicaltendencies，whichheregrettedtosayhehadlatelynotedintheirpastor。
DeaconSawyer，whosedelicately-organized，sicklywifehadalreadybornehimelevenchildren，anddiedinanambitiousattempttocompletethedozen，avowedthatthepresenceofapersonofMr。
Oakhurst’svariousandindiscriminategallantrieswasaninsulttothememoryofthedeceased，that，asaman，hecouldnotbrook。
ItwasaboutthistimethatMr。Oakhurst，contrastinghimselfwithaconventionalworldinwhichhehadhithertorarelymingled，becameawarethattherewassomethinginhisface，figure，andcarriagequiteunlikeothermen，——something，that，ifitdidnotbetrayhisformercareer，atleastshowedanindividualityandoriginalitythatwassuspicious。Inthisbelief，heshavedoffhislong，silkenmustache，andreligiouslybrushedouthisclusteringcurlseverymorning。Heevenwentsofarastoaffectanegligenceofdress，andhidhissmall，slim，archedfeetinthelargestandheaviestwalking-shoes。ThereisastorytoldthathewenttohistailorinSacramento，andaskedhimtomakehimasuitofclotheslikeeverybodyelse。Thetailor，familiarwithMr。Oakhurst’sfastidiousness，didnotknowwhathemeant。"Imean，"saidMr。
Oakhurstsavagely，"somethingRESPECTABLE，——somethingthatdoesn’texactlyfitme，youknow。"But，howeverMr。Oakhurstmighthidehisshapelylimbsinhomespunandhomemadegarments，therewassomethinginhiscarriage，somethingintheposeofhisbeautifulhead，somethinginthestrongandfinemanlinessofhispresence，somethingintheperfectandutterdisciplineandcontrolofhismuscles，somethinginthehighreposeofhisnature，——areposenotsomuchamatterofintellectualrulingasofhisverynature，——
that，gowherehewould，andwithwhom，hewasalwaysanotablemanintenthousand。PerhapsthiswasneversoclearlyintimatedtoMr。Oakhurst，aswhen，emboldenedbyMr。Hamilton’sadviceandassistance，andhisownpredilections，hebecameaSanFranciscobroker。EvenbeforeobjectionwasmadetohispresenceintheBoard，——theobjection，Iremember，wasurgedveryeloquentlybyWattSanders，whowassupposedtobetheinventorofthe"freezing-
out"systemofdisposingofpoorstockholders，andwhoalsoenjoyedthereputationofhavingbeentheimpellingcauseofBriggsofTuolumne’sruinandsuicide，——evenbeforethisformalprotestofrespectabilityagainstlawlessness，theaquilinesuggestionsofMr。
Oakhurst’smienandcountenance，notonlyprematurelyflutteredthepigeons，butabsolutelyoccasionedmuchuneasinessamongthefish-
hawkswhocircledbelowhimwiththeirbooty。"Dashme！buthe’saslikelytogoafterusasanybody，"saidJoeFielding。
ItwantedbutafewdaysbeforethecloseofthebriefsummerseasonatSanIsabelWarmSprings。Alreadytherehadbeensomemigrationofthemorefashionable；andtherewasanuncomfortablesuggestionofdregsandleesinthesociallifethatremained。Mr。
Oakhurstwasmoody。ItwashintedthateventhesecurereputationofMrs。Deckercouldnolongerprotectherfromthegossipwhichhispresenceexcited。Itisbutfairtohertosay，that，duringthelastfewweeksofthistryingordeal，shelookedlikeasweet，palemartyr，andconductedherselftowardhertraducerswiththegentle，forgivingmannerofonewhoreliednotupontheidlehomageofthecrowd，butuponthesecurityofaprinciplethatwasdearerthanpopularfavor。"TheytalkaboutmyselfandMr。Oakhurst，mydear，"shesaidtoafriend；"butheavenandmyhusbandcanbestanswertheircalumny。Itnevershallbesaidthatmyhusbandeverturnedhisbackuponafriendinthemomentofhisadversity，becausethepositionwaschanged，——becausehisfriendwaspoor，andhewasrich。"ThiswasthefirstintimationtothepublicthatJackhadlostmoney，althoughitwasknowngenerallythattheDeckershadlatelyboughtsomevaluablepropertyinSanFrancisco。
Afeweveningsafterthis，anincidentoccurredwhichseemedtounpleasantlydiscordwiththegeneralsocialharmonythathadalwaysexistedatSanIsabel。Itwasatdinner；andMr。OakhurstandMr。Hamilton，whosattogetherataseparatetable，wereobservedtoriseinsomeagitation。Whentheyreachedthehall，byacommoninstincttheysteppedintoalittlebreakfast-roomwhichwasvacant，andclosedthedoor。ThenMr。Hamiltonturnedwithahalf-amused，half-serioussmiletowardhisfriend，andsaid，——
"Ifwearetoquarrel，JackOakhurst，——youandI，——inthenameofallthatisridiculous，don’tletitbeabouta"——
Idonotknowwhatwastheepithetintended。Itwaseitherunspokenorlost；foratthatveryinstantMr。Oakhurstraisedawineglass，anddasheditscontentsintoHamilton’sface。
Astheyfacedeachother，themenseemedtohavechangednatures。
Mr。Oakhurstwastremblingwithexcitement，andthewineglassthathereturnedtothetableshiveredbetweenhisfingers。Mr。Hamiltonstoodthere，grayishwhite，erect，anddripping。Afterapause，hesaidcoldly，——
"Sobeit。Butremember，ourquarrelcommenceshere。IfIfallbyyourhand，youshallnotuseittoclearhercharacter：ifyoufallbymine，youshallnotbecalledamartyr。Iamsorryithascometothis；butamen，thesoonernow，thebetter。"
Heturnedproudly，droppedhislidsovercoldsteel-blueeyes，asifsheathingarapierbowed，andpassedcoldlyout。
Theymet，twelvehourslater，inalittlehollowtwomilesfromthehotel，ontheStocktonroad。AsMr。OakhurstreceivedhispistolfromCol。Starbottle’shands，hesaidtohiminalowvoice，"Whateverturnsupordown，Ishallnotreturntothehotel。Youwillfindsomedirectionsinmyroom。Gothere"——Buthisvoicesuddenlyfaltered，andheturnedhisglisteningeyesaway，tohissecond’sintenseastonishment。"I’vebeenoutadozentimeswithJackOakhurst，"saidCol。Starbottleafterward，"andIneversawhimanywayscutbefore。BlankmeifIdidn’tthinkhewaslosinghissand，tillhewalkedtoposition。"
Thetworeportswerealmostsimultaneous。Mr。Oakhurst’srightarmdroppedsuddenlytohisside，andhispistolwouldhavefallenfromhisparalyzedfingers；butthedisciplineoftrainednerveandmuscleprevailed，andhekepthisgraspuntilhehadshiftedittotheotherhand，withoutchanginghisposition。Thentherewasasilencethatseemedinterminable，agatheringoftwoorthreedarkfigureswhereasmoke-curlstilllazilyfloated，andthenthehurried，husky，pantingvoiceofCol。Starbottleinhisear，"He’shithard——throughthelungsyoumustrunforit！"
Jackturnedhisdark，questioningeyesuponhissecond，butdidnotseemtolisten，——ratherseemedtohearsomeothervoice，remoterinthedistance。Hehesitated，andthenmadeastepforwardinthedirectionofthedistantgroup。Thenhepausedagainasthefiguresseparated，andthesurgeoncamehastilytowardhim。
"Hewouldliketospeakwithyouamoment，"saidtheman。"Youhavelittletimetolose，Iknow；but，"headdedinalowervoice，"itismydutytotellyouhehasstillless。"
Alookofdespair，sohopelessinitsintensity，sweptoverMr。
Oakhurst’susuallyimpassiveface，thatthesurgeonstarted。"Youarehit，"hesaid，glancingatJack’shelplessarm。
"Nothing——amerescratch，"saidJackhastily。Thenheaddedwithabitterlaugh，"I’mnotinluckto-day。Butcome：we’llseewhathewants。"
Hislong，feverishstrideoutstrippedthesurgeon’s；andinanothermomenthestoodwherethedyingmanlay，——likemostdyingmen，——theonecalm，composed，centralfigureofananxiousgroup。Mr。
Oakhurst’sfacewaslesscalmashedroppedononekneebesidehim，andtookhishand。"Iwanttospeakwiththisgentlemanalone，"
saidHamilton，withsomethingofhisoldimperiousmanner，asheturnedtothoseabouthim。Whentheydrewback，helookedupinOakhurst’sface。
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