\"Youcandonothing，\"saidHepzibah，controllingheragitationaswellasshecould。\"IdevotemyselftoClifford。Hehaseverycomfortwhichhissituationadmitsof。\"
\"Butallowmetosuggest，dearcousin，\"rejoinedtheJudge，\"youerr，——inallaffectionandkindness，nodoubt，andwiththeverybestintentions，——butyoudoerr，nevertheless，inkeepingyourbrothersosecluded。Whyinsulatehimthusfromallsympathyandkindness？Clifford，alas！hashadtoomuchofsolitude。Nowlethimtrysociety，——thesociety，thatistosay，ofkindredandoldfriends。Letme，forinstance，butseeClifford，andIwillanswerforthegoodeffectoftheinterview。\"
\"Youcannotseehim，\"answeredHepzibah。\"Cliffordhaskepthisbedsinceyesterday。\"
\"What！How！Isheill？\"exclaimedJudgePyncheon，startingwithwhatseemedtobeangryalarm；fortheveryfrownoftheoldPuritandarkenedthroughtheroomashespoke。\"Nay，then，I
mustandwillseehim！Whatifheshoulddie？\"
\"Heisinnodangerofdeath，\"saidHepzibah，——andadded，withbitternessthatshecouldrepressnolonger，\"none；unlessheshallbepersecutedtodeath，now，bythesamemanwholongagoattemptedit！\"
\"CousinHepzibah，\"saidtheJudge，withanimpressiveearnestnessofmanner，whichgreweventotearfulpathosasheproceeded，\"isitpossiblethatyoudonotperceivehowunjust，howunkind，howunchristian，isthisconstant，thislong-continuedbitternessagainstme，forapartwhichIwasconstrainedbydutyandconscience，bytheforceoflaw，andatmyownperil，toact？WhatdidIdo，indetrimenttoClifford，whichitwaspossibletoleaveundone？
Howcouldyou，hissister，——if，foryournever-endingsorrow，asithasbeenformine，youhadknownwhatIdid，——have，showngreatertenderness？Anddoyouthink，cousin，thatithascostmenopang？——
thatithasleftnoanguishinmybosom，fromthatdaytothis，amidstalltheprosperitywithwhichHeavenhasblessedme？——orthatIdonotnowrejoice，whenitisdeemedconsistentwiththeduesofpublicjusticeandthewelfareofsocietythatthisdearkinsman，thisearlyfriend，thisnaturesodelicatelyandbeautifullyconstituted，——sounfortunate，letuspronouncehim，andforbeartosay，soguilty，——thatourownClifford，infine，shouldbegivenbacktolife，anditspossibilitiesofenjoyment？Ah，youlittleknowme，CousinHepzibah！Youlittleknowthisheart！Itnowthrobsatthethoughtofmeetinghim！Therelivesnotthehumanbeing(exceptyourself，——andyounotmorethanI)whohasshedsomanytearsforClifford’scalamity。Youbeholdsomeofthemnow。
Thereisnonewhowouldsodelighttopromotehishappiness！
Tryme，Hepzibah！——tryme，cousin！——trythemanwhomyouhavetreatedasyourenemyandClifford’s！——tryJaffreyPyncheon，andyoushallfindhimtrue，totheheart’score！\"
\"InthenameofHeaven，\"criedHepzibah，provokedonlytointenserindignationbythisoutgushoftheinestimabletendernessofasternnature，——\"inGod’sname，whomyouinsult，andwhosepowerIcouldalmostquestion，sincehehearsyouuttersomanyfalsewordswithoutpalsyingyourtongue，——giveover，Ibeseechyou，thisloathsomepretenceofaffectionforyourvictim！Youhatehim！Sayso，likeaman！Youcherish，atthismoment，someblackpurposeagainsthiminyourheart！Speakitout，atonce！——or，ifyouhopesotopromoteitbetter，hideittillyoucantriumphinitssuccess！Butneverspeakagainofyourloveformypoorbrother。Icannotbearit！Itwilldrivemebeyondawoman’sdecency！Itwilldrivememad！Forbear。Notanotherword！
Itwillmakemespurnyou！\"
Foronce，Hepzibah’swrathhadgivenhercourage。Shehadspoken。
But，afterall，wasthisunconquerabledistrustofJudgePyncheon’sintegrity，andthisutterdenial，apparently，ofhisclaimtostandintheringofhumansympathies，——weretheyfoundedinanyjustperceptionofhischaracter，ormerelytheoffspringofawoman’sunreasonableprejudice，deducedfromnothing？
TheJudge，beyondallquestion，wasamanofeminentrespectability。
Thechurchacknowledgedit；thestateacknowledgedit。Itwasdeniedbynobody。Inalltheveryextensivesphereofthosewhoknewhim，whetherinhispublicorprivatecapacities，therewasnotanindividual——exceptHepzibah，andsomelawlessmystic，likethedaguerreotypist，and，possibly，afewpoliticalopponents——whowouldhavedreamedofseriouslydisputinghisclaimtoahighandhonorableplaceintheworld’sregard。Nor(wemustdohimthefurtherjusticetosay)didJudgePyncheonhimself，probably，entertainmanyorveryfrequentdoubts，thathisenviablereputationaccordedwithhisdeserts。Hisconscience，therefore，usuallyconsideredthesurestwitnesstoaman’sintegrity，——hisconscience，unlessitmightbeforthelittlespaceoffiveminutesinthetwenty-fourhours，or，nowandthen，someblackdayinthewholeyear’scircle，——hisconscienceboreanaccordanttestimonywiththeworld’slaudatoryvoice。Andyet，strongasthisevidencemayseemtobe，weshouldhesitatetoperilourownconscienceontheassertion，thattheJudgeandtheconsentingworldwereright，andthatpoorHepzibahwithhersolitaryprejudicewaswrong。Hiddenfrommankind，——forgottenbyhimself，orburiedsodeeplyunderasculpturedandornamentedpileofostentatiousdeedsthathisdailylifecouldtakenonoteofit，——theremayhavelurkedsomeevilandunsightlything。Nay，wecouldalmostventuretosay，further，thatadailyguiltmighthavebeenactedbyhim，continuallyrenewed，andreddeningforthafresh，likethemiraculousblood-stainofamurder，withouthisnecessarilyandateverymomentbeingawareofit。
Menofstrongminds，greatforceofcharacter，andahardtextureofthesensibilities，areverycapableoffallingintomistakesofthiskind。Theyareordinarilymentowhomformsareofparamountimportance。Theirfieldofactionliesamongtheexternalphenomenaoflife。Theypossessvastabilityingrasping，andarranging，andappropriatingtothemselves，thebig，heavy，solidunrealities，suchasgold，landedestate，officesoftrustandemolument，andpublichonors。Withthesematerials，andwithdeedsofgoodlyaspect，doneinthepubliceye，anindividualofthisclassbuildsup，asitwere，atallandstatelyedifice，which，intheviewofotherpeople，andultimatelyinhisownview，isnootherthantheman’scharacter，orthemanhimself。Behold，therefore，apalace！Itssplendidhallsandsuitesofspaciousapartmentsareflooredwithamosaic-workofcostlymarbles；itswindows，thewholeheightofeachroom，admitthesunshinethroughthemosttransparentofplate-glass；itshighcornicesaregilded，anditsceilingsgorgeouslypainted；andaloftydome——throughwhich，fromthecentralpavement，youmaygazeuptothesky，aswithnoobstructingmediumbetween——surmountsthewhole。Withwhatfairerandnobleremblemcouldanymandesiretoshadowforthhischaracter？Ah！butinsomelowandobscurenook，——somenarrowclosetontheground-floor，shut，lockedandbolted，andthekeyflungaway，——orbeneaththemarblepavement，inastagnantwater-puddle，withtherichestpatternofmosaic-workabove，——maylieacorpse，halfdecayed，andstilldecaying，anddiffusingitsdeath-scentallthroughthepalace！Theinhabitantwillnotbeconsciousofit，forithaslongbeenhisdailybreath！
Neitherwillthevisitors，fortheysmellonlytherichodorswhichthemastersedulouslyscattersthroughthepalace，andtheincensewhichtheybring，anddelighttoburnbeforehim！Nowandthen，perchance，comesinaseer，beforewhosesadlygiftedeyethewholestructuremeltsintothinair，leavingonlythehiddennook，theboltedcloset，withthecobwebsfestoonedoveritsforgottendoor，orthedeadlyholeunderthepavement，andthedecayingcorpsewithin。Here，then，wearetoseekthetrueemblemoftheman’scharacter，andofthedeedthatgiveswhateverrealityitpossessestohislife。And，beneaththeshowofamarblepalace，thatpoolofstagnantwater，foulwithmanyimpurities，and，perhaps，tingedwithblood，——thatsecretabomination，abovewhich，possibly，hemaysayhisprayers，withoutrememberingit，——isthisman’smiserablesoul！
ToapplythistrainofremarksomewhatmorecloselytoJudgePyncheon。Wemightsay(withoutintheleastimputingcrimetoapersonageofhiseminentrespectability)thattherewasenoughofsplendidrubbishinhislifetocoverupandparalyzeamoreactiveandsubtileconsciencethantheJudgewasevertroubledwith。Thepurityofhisjudicialcharacter，whileonthebench；
thefaithfulnessofhispublicserviceinsubsequentcapacities；
hisdevotednesstohisparty，andtherigidconsistencywithwhichhehadadheredtoitsprinciples，or，atallevents，keptpacewithitsorganizedmovements；hisremarkablezealaspresidentofaBiblesociety；hisunimpeachableintegrityastreasurerofawidow’sandorphan’sfund；hisbenefitstohorticulture，byproducingtwomuchesteemedvarietiesofthepearandtoagriculture，throughtheagencyofthefamousPyncheonbull；thecleanlinessofhismoraldeportment，foragreatmanyyearspast；theseveritywithwhichhehadfrownedupon，andfinallycastoff，anexpensiveanddissipatedson，delayingforgivenessuntilwithinthefinalquarterofanhouroftheyoungman’slife；hisprayersatmorningandeventide，andgracesatmeal-time；hiseffortsinfurtheranceofthetemperancecause；hisconfininghimself，sincethelastattackofthegout，tofivediurnalglassesofoldsherrywine；thesnowywhitenessofhislinen，thepolishofhisboots，thehandsomenessofhisgold-headedcane，thesquareandroomyfashionofhiscoat，andthefinenessofitsmaterial，and，ingeneral，thestudiedproprietyofhisdressandequipment；thescrupulousnesswithwhichhepaidpublicnotice，inthestreet，byabow，aliftingofthehat，anod，oramotionofthehand，toallandsundryofhisacquaintances，richorpoor；thesmileofbroadbenevolencewherewithhemadeitapointtogladdenthewholeworld，——whatroomcouldpossiblybefoundfordarkertraitsinaportraitmadeupoflineamentslikethese？Thisproperfacewaswhathebeheldinthelooking-glass。Thisadmirablyarrangedlifewaswhathewasconsciousofintheprogressofeveryday。
Thenmightnotheclaimtobeitsresultandsum，andsaytohimselfandthecommunity，\"BeholdJudgePyncheonthere\"？
Andallowingthat，many，manyyearsago，inhisearlyandrecklessyouth，hehadcommittedsomeonewrongact，——orthat，evennow，theinevitableforceofcircumstancesshouldoccasionallymakehimdoonequestionabledeedamongathousandpraiseworthy，or，atleast，blamelessones，——wouldyoucharacterizetheJudgebythatonenecessarydeed，andthathalf-forgottenact，andletitovershadowthefairaspectofalifetime？Whatistheresoponderousinevil，thatathumb’sbignessofitshouldoutweighthemassofthingsnotevilwhichwereheapedintotheotherscale！ThisscaleandbalancesystemisafavoriteonewithpeopleofJudgePyncheon’sbrotherhood。
Ahard，coldman，thusunfortunatelysituated，seldomorneverlookinginward，andresolutelytakinghisideaofhimselffromwhatpurportstobehisimageasreflectedinthemirrorofpublicopinion，canscarcelyarriveattrueself-knowledge，exceptthroughlossofpropertyandreputation。Sicknesswillnotalwayshelphimdoit；notalwaysthedeath-hour！
ButouraffairnowiswithJudgePyncheonashestoodconfrontingthefierceoutbreakofHepzibah’swrath。Withoutpremeditation，toherownsurprise，andindeedterror，shehadgivenvent，foronce，totheinveteracyofherresentment，cherishedagainstthiskinsmanforthirtyyears。
ThusfartheJudge’scountenancehadexpressedmildforbearance，——graveandalmostgentledeprecationofhiscousin’sunbecomingviolence，——freeandChristian-likeforgivenessofthewronginflictedbyherwords。Butwhenthosewordswereirrevocablyspoken，hislookassumedsternness，thesenseofpower，andimmitigableresolve；andthiswithsonaturalandimperceptibleachange，thatitseemedasiftheironmanhadstoodtherefromthefirst，andthemeekmannotatall。Theeffectwasaswhenthelight，vaporyclouds，withtheirsoftcoloring，suddenlyvanishfromthestonybrowofaprecipitousmountain，andleavetherethefrownwhichyouatoncefeeltobeeternal。HepzibahalmostadoptedtheinsanebeliefthatitwasheroldPuritanancestor，andnotthemodernJudge，onwhomshehadjustbeenwreakingthebitternessofherheart。NeverdidamanshowstrongerproofofthelineageattributedtohimthanJudgePyncheon，atthiscrisis，byhisunmistakableresemblancetothepictureintheinnerroom。
\"CousinHepzibah，\"saidheverycalmly，\"itistimetohavedonewiththis。\"
\"Withallmyheart！\"answeredshe。\"Then，whydoyoupersecuteusanylonger？LeavepoorCliffordandmeinpeace。Neitherofusdesiresanythingbetter！\"
\"ItismypurposetoseeCliffordbeforeIleavethishouse，\"
continuedtheJudge。\"Donotactlikeamadwoman，Hepzibah！Iamhisonlyfriend，andanall-powerfulone。Hasitneveroccurredtoyou，——areyousoblindasnottohaveseen，——that，withoutnotmerelymyconsent，butmyefforts，myrepresentations，theexertionofmywholeinfluence，political，official，personal，Cliffordwouldneverhavebeenwhatyoucallfree？Didyouthinkhisreleaseatriumphoverme？Notso，mygoodcousin；notso，byanymeans！
Thefurthestpossiblefromthat！No；butitwastheaccomplishmentofapurposelongentertainedonmypart。Isethimfree！\"
\"You！\"answeredHepzibah。\"Ineverwillbelieveit！Heowedhisdungeontoyou；hisfreedomtoGod’sprovidence！\"
\"Isethimfree！\"reaffirmedJudgePyncheon，withthecalmestcomposure。\"AndIcamehithernowtodecidewhetherheshallretainhisfreedom。Itwilldependuponhimself。Forthispurpose，Imustseehim。\"
\"Never！——itwoulddrivehimmad！\"exclaimedHepzibah，butwithanirresolutenesssufficientlyperceptibletothekeeneyeoftheJudge；
for，withouttheslightestfaithinhisgoodintentions，sheknewnotwhethertherewasmosttodreadinyieldingorresistance。\"Andwhyshouldyouwishtoseethiswretched，brokenman，whoretainshardlyafractionofhisintellect，andwillhideeventhatfromaneyewhichhasnoloveinit？\"
\"Heshallseeloveenoughinmine，ifthatbeall！\"saidtheJudge，withwell-groundedconfidenceinthebenignityofhisaspect。
\"But，CousinHepzibah，youconfessagreatdeal，andverymuchtothepurpose。Now，listen，andIwillfranklyexplainmyreasonsforinsistingonthisinterview。Atthedeath，thirtyyearssince，ofouruncleJaffrey，itwasfound，——Iknownotwhetherthecircumstanceeverattractedmuchofyourattention，amongthesadderintereststhatclusteredroundthatevent，——butitwasfoundthathisvisibleestate，ofeverykind，fellfarshortofanyestimateevermadeofit。Hewassupposedtobeimmenselyrich。
Nobodydoubtedthathestoodamongtheweightiestmenofhisday。
Itwasoneofhiseccentricities，however，——andnotaltogetherafolly，neither，——toconcealtheamountofhispropertybymakingdistantandforeigninvestments，perhapsunderothernamesthanhisown，andbyvariousmeans，familiarenoughtocapitalists，butunnecessaryheretobespecified。ByUncleJaffrey’slastwillandtestament，asyouareaware，hisentirepropertywasbequeathedtome，withthesingleexceptionofalifeinteresttoyourselfinthisoldfamilymansion，andthestripofpatrimonialestateremainingattachedtoit。\"
\"Anddoyouseektodepriveusofthat？\"askedHepzibah，unabletorestrainherbittercontempt。\"IsthisyourpriceforceasingtopersecutepoorClifford？\"
\"Certainlynot，mydearcousin！\"answeredtheJudge，smilingbenevolently。\"Onthecontrary，asyoumustdomethejusticetoown，Ihaveconstantlyexpressedmyreadinesstodoubleortrebleyourresources，wheneveryoushouldmakeupyourmindtoacceptanykindnessofthatnatureatthehandsofyourkinsman。No，no！
Buthereliesthegistofthematter。Ofmyuncle’sunquestionablygreatestate，asIhavesaid，notthehalf——no，notonethird，asI
amfullyconvinced——wasapparentafterhisdeath。Now，IhavethebestpossiblereasonsforbelievingthatyourbrotherCliffordcangivemeaclewtotherecoveryoftheremainder。\"
\"Clifford！——Cliffordknowofanyhiddenwealth？Cliffordhaveitinhispowertomakeyourich？\"criedtheoldgentlewoman，affectedwithasenseofsomethinglikeridiculeattheidea。\"Impossible！
Youdeceiveyourself！Itisreallyathingtolaughat！\"
\"ItisascertainasthatIstandhere！\"saidJudgePyncheon，strikinghisgold-headedcaneonthefloor，andatthesametimestampinghisfoot，asiftoexpresshisconvictionthemoreforciblybythewholeemphasisofhissubstantialperson。\"Cliffordtoldmesohimself！\"
\"No，no！\"exclaimedHepzibahincredulously。\"Youaredreaming，CousinJaffrey。\"
\"Idonotbelongtothedreamingclassofmen，\"saidtheJudgequietly。\"Somemonthsbeforemyuncle’sdeath，Cliffordboastedtomeofthepossessionofthesecretofincalculablewealth。Hispurposewastotauntme，andexcitemycuriosity。Iknowitwell。
But，fromaprettydistinctrecollectionoftheparticularsofourconversation，Iamthoroughlyconvincedthattherewastruthinwhathesaid。Clifford，atthismoment，ifhechooses，——andchoosehemust！——caninformmewheretofindtheschedule，thedocuments，theevidences，inwhatevershapetheyexist，ofthevastamountofUncleJaffrey’smissingproperty。Hehasthesecret。Hisboastwasnoidleword。Ithadadirectness，anemphasis，aparticularity，thatshowedabackboneofsolidmeaningwithinthemysteryofhisexpression。\"
\"ButwhatcouldhavebeenClifford’sobject，\"askedHepzibah，\"inconcealingitsolong？\"
\"Itwasoneofthebadimpulsesofourfallennature，\"repliedtheJudge，turninguphiseyes。\"Helookeduponmeashisenemy。
Heconsideredmeasthecauseofhisoverwhelmingdisgrace，hisimminentperilofdeath，hisirretrievableruin。Therewasnogreatprobability，therefore，ofhisvolunteeringinformation，outofhisdungeon，thatshouldelevatemestillhigherontheladderofprosperity。Butthemomenthasnowcomewhenhemustgiveuphissecret。\"
\"Andwhatifheshouldrefuse？\"inquiredHepzibah。\"Or，——asI
steadfastlybelieve，——whatifhehasnoknowledgeofthiswealth？\"
\"Mydearcousin，\"saidJudgePyncheon，withaquietudewhichhehadthepowerofmakingmoreformidablethananyviolence，\"sinceyourbrother’sreturn，Ihavetakentheprecaution(ahighlyproperoneinthenearkinsmanandnaturalguardianofanindividualsosituated)tohavehisdeportmentandhabitsconstantlyandcarefullyoverlooked。Yourneighborshavebeeneye-witnessestowhateverhaspassedinthegarden。Thebutcher，thebaker，thefish-monger，someofthecustomersofyourshop，andmanyapryingoldwoman，havetoldmeseveralofthesecretsofyourinterior。Astilllargercircle——Imyself，amongtherest——cantestifytohisextravagancesatthearchedwindow。
Thousandsbeheldhim，aweekortwoago，onthepointoffinginghimselfthenceintothestreet。Fromallthistestimony，Iamledtoapprehend——reluctantly，andwithdeepgrief——thatClifford’smisfortuneshavesoaffectedhisintellect，neververystrong，thathecannotsafelyremainatlarge。Thealternative，youmustbeaware，——anditsadoptionwilldependentirelyonthedecisionwhichIamnowabouttomake，——thealternativeishisconfinement，probablyfortheremainderofhislife，inapublicasylumforpersonsinhisunfortunatestateofmind。\"
\"Youcannotmeanit！\"shriekedHepzibah。
\"ShouldmycousinClifford，\"continuedJudgePyncheon，whollyundisturbed，\"frommeremalice，andhatredofonewhoseinterestsoughtnaturallytobedeartohim，——amodeofpassionthat，asoftenasanyother，indicatesmentaldisease，——shouldherefusemetheinformationsoimportanttomyself，andwhichheassuredlypossesses，Ishallconsiderittheoneneededjotofevidencetosatisfymymindofhisinsanity。And，oncesureofthecoursepointedoutbyconscience，youknowmetoowell，CousinHepzibah，toentertainadoubtthatIshallpursueit。\"
\"OJaffrey，——CousinJaffrey。\"criedHepzibahmournfully，notpassionately，\"itisyouthatarediseasedinmind，notClifford！
Youhaveforgottenthatawomanwasyourmother！——thatyouhavehadsisters，brothers，childrenofyourown！——orthatthereeverwasaffectionbetweenmanandman，orpityfromonemantoanother，inthismiserableworld！Else，howcouldyouhavedreamedofthis？Youarenotyoung，CousinJaffrey！——no，normiddle-aged，——butalreadyanoldman！Thehairiswhiteuponyourhead！Howmanyyearshaveyoutolive？Areyounotrichenoughforthatlittletime？Shallyoubehungry，——shallyoulackclothes，orarooftoshelteryou，——betweenthispointandthegrave？No！but，withthehalfofwhatyounowpossess，youcouldrevelincostlyfoodandwines，andbuildahousetwiceassplendidasyounowinhabit，andmakeafargreatershowtotheworld，——andyetleaverichestoyouronlyson，tomakehimblessthehourofyourdeath！Then，whyshouldyoudothiscruel，cruelthing？——somadathing，thatIknownotwhethertocallitwicked！Alas，CousinJaffrey，thishardandgraspingspirithasruninourbloodthesetwohundredyears。Youarebutdoingoveragain，inanothershape，whatyourancestorbeforeyoudid，andsendingdowntoyourposteritythecurseinheritedfromhim！\"
\"Talksense，Hepzibah，forHeaven’ssake！\"exclaimedtheJudge，withtheimpatiencenaturaltoareasonableman，onhearinganythingsoutterlyabsurdastheabove，inadiscussionaboutmattersofbusiness。\"Ihavetoldyoumydetermination。Iamnotapttochange。Cliffordmustgiveuphissecret，ortaketheconsequences。Andlethimdecidequickly；forIhaveseveralaffairstoattendtothismorning，andanimportantdinnerengagementwithsomepoliticalfriends。\"
\"Cliffordhasnosecret！\"answeredHepzibah。\"AndGodwillnotletyoudothethingyoumeditate！\"
\"Weshallsee，\"saidtheunmovedJudge。\"Meanwhile，choosewhetheryouwillsummonClifford，andallowthisbusinesstobeamicablysettledbyaninterviewbetweentwokinsmen，ordrivemetoharshermeasures，whichIshouldbemosthappytofeelmyselfjustifiedinavoiding。Theresponsibilityisaltogetheronyourpart。\"
\"YouarestrongerthanI，\"saidHepzibah，afterabriefconsideration；\"andyouhavenopityinyourstrength！Cliffordisnotnowinsane；buttheinterviewwhichyouinsistuponmaygofartomakehimso。Nevertheless，knowingyouasIdo，Ibelieveittobemybestcoursetoallowyoutojudgeforyourselfastotheimprobabilityofhispossessinganyvaluablesecret。IwillcallClifford。Bemercifulinyourdealingswithhim！——befarmoremercifulthanyourheartbidsyoube！——forGodislookingatyou，JaffreyPyncheon！\"
TheJudgefollowedhiscousinfromtheshop，wheretheforegoingconversationhadpassed，intotheparlor，andflunghimselfheavilyintothegreatancestralchair。ManyaformerPyncheonhadfoundreposeinitscapaciousarms:rosychildren，aftertheirsports；youngmen，dreamywithlove；grownmen，wearywithcares；oldmen，burdenedwithwinters，——theyhadmused，andslumbered，anddepartedtoayetprofoundersleep。
Ithadbeenalongtradition，thoughadoubtfulone，thatthiswastheverychair，seatedinwhichtheearliestoftheJudge’sNewEnglandforefathers——hewhosepicturestillhunguponthewall——hadgivenadeadman’ssilentandsternreceptiontothethrongofdistinguishedguests。Fromthathourofevilomenuntilthepresent，itmaybe，——thoughweknownotthesecretofhisheart，——butitmaybethatnowearierandsaddermanhadeversunkintothechairthanthissameJudgePyncheon，whomwehavejustbeheldsoimmitigablyhardandresolute。
Surely，itmusthavebeenatnoslightcostthathehadthusfortifiedhissoulwithiron。Suchcalmnessisamightiereffortthantheviolenceofweakermen。Andtherewasyetaheavytaskforhimtodo。Wasitalittlematter——atrifletobepreparedforinasinglemoment，andtoberestedfrominanothermoment，——thathemustnow，afterthirtyyears，encounterakinsmanrisenfromalivingtomb，andwrenchasecretfromhim，orelseconsignhimtoalivingtombagain？
\"Didyouspeak？\"askedHepzibah，lookinginfromthethresholdoftheparlor；forsheimaginedthattheJudgehadutteredsomesoundwhichshewasanxioustointerpretasarelentingimpulse。
\"Ithoughtyoucalledmeback。\"
\"No，no\"grufflyansweredJudgePyncheonwithaharshfrown，whilehisbrowgrewalmostablackpurple，intheshadowoftheroom。\"WhyshouldIcallyouback？Timeflies！BidCliffordcometome！\"
TheJudgehadtakenhiswatchfromhisvestpocketandnowhelditinhishand，measuringtheintervalwhichwastoensuebeforetheappearanceofClifford。
XVIClifford’sChamberNEVERhadtheoldhouseappearedsodismaltopoorHepzibahaswhenshedepartedonthatwretchederrand。Therewasastrangeaspectinit。Asshetrodealongthefoot-wornpassages，andopenedonecrazydoorafteranother，andascendedthecreakingstaircase，shegazedwistfullyandfearfullyaround。
Itwouldhavebeennomarvel，toherexcitedmind，if，behindorbesideher，therehadbeentherustleofdeadpeople’sgarments，orpalevisagesawaitingheronthelanding-placeabove。
Hernervesweresetallajarbythesceneofpassionandterrorthroughwhichshehadjuststruggled。HercolloquywithJudgePyncheon，whosoperfectlyrepresentedthepersonandattributesofthefounderofthefamily，hadcalledbackthedrearypast。
Itweigheduponherheart。Whatevershehadheard，fromlegendaryauntsandgrandmothers，concerningthegoodorevilfortunesofthePyncheons，——storieswhichhadheretoforebeenkeptwarminherremembrancebythechimney-cornerglowthatwasassociatedwiththem，——nowrecurredtoher，sombre，ghastly，cold，likemostpassagesoffamilyhistory，whenbroodedoverinmelancholymood。Thewholeseemedlittleelsebutaseriesofcalamity，reproducingitselfinsuccessivegenerations，withonegeneralhue，andvaryinginlittle，savetheoutline。ButHepzibahnowfeltasiftheJudge，andClifford，andherself，——theythreetogether，——wereonthepointofaddinganotherincidenttotheannalsofthehouse，withabolderreliefofwrongandsorrow，whichwouldcauseittostandoutfromalltherest。Thusitisthatthegriefofthepassingmomenttakesuponitselfanindividuality，andacharacterofclimax，whichitisdestinedtoloseafterawhile，andtofadeintothedarkgraytissuecommontothegraveorgladeventsofmanyyearsago。Itisbutforamoment，comparatively，thatanythinglooksstrangeorstartling，——atruththathasthebitterandthesweetinit。
ButHepzibahcouldnotridherselfofthesenseofsomethingunprecedentedatthatinstantpassingandsoontobeaccomplished。
Hernerveswereinashake。Instinctivelyshepausedbeforethearchedwindow，andlookedoutuponthestreet，inordertoseizeitspermanentobjectswithhermentalgrasp，andthustosteadyherselffromthereelandvibrationwhichaffectedhermoreimmediatesphere。Itbroughtherup，aswemaysay，withakindofshock，whenshebeheldeverythingunderthesameappearanceasthedaybefore，andnumberlessprecedingdays，exceptforthedifferencebetweensunshineandsullenstorm。Hereyestravelledalongthestreet，fromdoorsteptodoorstep，notingthewetsidewalks，withhereandthereapuddleinhollowsthathadbeenimperceptibleuntilfilledwithwater。Shescrewedherdimopticstotheiracutestpoint，inthehopeofmakingout，withgreaterdistinctness，acertainwindow，whereshehalfsaw，halfguessed，thatatailor’sseamstresswassittingatherwork。Hepzibahflungherselfuponthatunknownwoman’scompanionship，eventhusfaroff。Thenshewasattractedbyachaiserapidlypassing，andwatcheditsmoistandglisteningtop，anditssplashingwheels，untilithadturnedthecorner，andrefusedtocarryanyfurtherheridlytrifling，becauseappalledandoverburdened，mind。
Whenthevehiclehaddisappeared，sheallowedherselfstillanotherloiteringmoment；forthepatchedfigureofgoodUncleVennerwasnowvisible，comingslowlyfromtheheadofthestreetdownward，witharheumaticlimp，becausetheeastwindhadgotintohisjoints。Hepzibahwishedthathewouldpassyetmoreslowly，andbefriendhershiveringsolitudealittlelonger。
Anythingthatwouldtakeheroutofthegrievouspresent，andinterposehumanbeingsbetwixtherselfandwhatwasnearesttoher，——whateverwoulddeferforaninstanttheinevitableerrandonwhichshewasbound，——allsuchimpedimentswerewelcome。Nexttothelightestheart，theheaviestisapttobemostplayful。
Hepzibahhadlittlehardihoodforherownproperpain，andfarlessforwhatshemustinflictonClifford。Ofsoslightanature，andsoshatteredbyhispreviouscalamities，itcouldnotwellbeshortofutterruintobringhimfacetofacewiththehard，relentlessmanwhohadbeenhisevildestinythroughlife。Evenhadtherebeennobitterrecollections，noranyhostileinterestnowatstakebetweenthem，themerenaturalrepugnanceofthemoresensitivesystemtothemassive，weighty，andunimpressibleone，must，initself，havebeendisastroustotheformer。Itwouldbelikeflingingaporcelainvase，withalreadyacrackinit，againstagranitecolumn。NeverbeforehadHepzibahsoadequatelyestimatedthepowerfulcharacterofhercousinJaffrey，——powerfulbyintellect，energyofwill，thelonghabitofactingamongmen，and，asshebelieved，byhisunscrupulouspursuitofselfishendsthroughevilmeans。ItdidbutincreasethedifficultythatJudgePyncheonwasunderadelusionastothesecretwhichhesupposedCliffordtopossess。Menofhisstrengthofpurposeandcustomarysagacity，iftheychancetoadoptamistakenopinioninpracticalmatters，sowedgeitandfastenitamongthingsknowntobetrue，thattowrenchitoutoftheirmindsishardlylessdifficultthanpullingupanoak。Thus，astheJudgerequiredanimpossibilityofClifford，thelatter，ashecouldnotperformit，mustneedsperish。
Forwhat，inthegraspofamanlikethis，wastobecomeofClifford’ssoftpoeticnature，thatnevershouldhavehadataskmorestubbornthantosetalifeofbeautifulenjoymenttotheflowandrhythmofmusicalcadences！Indeed，whathadbecomeofitalready？Broken！
Blighted！Allbutannihilated！Soontobewhollyso！
Foramoment，thethoughtcrossedHepzibah’smind，whetherCliffordmightnotreallyhavesuchknowledgeoftheirdeceaseduncle’svanishedestateastheJudgeimputedtohim。Sherememberedsomevagueintimations，onherbrother’spart，which——ifthesuppositionwerenotessentiallypreposterous——mighthavebeensointerpreted。Therehadbeenschemesoftravelandresidenceabroad，day-dreamsofbrilliantlifeathome，andsplendidcastlesintheair，whichitwouldhaverequiredboundlesswealthtobuildandrealize。Hadthiswealthbeeninherpower，howgladlywouldHepzibahhavebestoweditalluponheriron-heartedkinsman，tobuyforCliffordthefreedomandseclusionofthedesolateoldhouse！
Butshebelievedthatherbrother’sschemeswereasdestituteofactualsubstanceandpurposeasachild’spicturesofitsfuturelife，whilesittinginalittlechairbyitsmother’sknee。Cliffordhadnonebutshadowygoldathiscommand；anditwasnotthestufftosatisfyJudgePyncheon！
Wastherenohelpintheirextremity？Itseemedstrangethatthereshouldbenone，withacityroundabouther。Itwouldbesoeasytothrowupthewindow，andsendforthashriek，atthestrangeagonyofwhicheverybodywouldcomehasteningtotherescue，wellunderstandingittobethecryofahumansoul，atsomedreadfulcrisis！Buthowwild，howalmostlaughable，thefatality，——andyethowcontinuallyitcomestopass，thoughtHepzibah，inthisdulldeliriumofaworld，——thatwhosoever，andwithhoweverkindlyapurpose，shouldcometohelp，theywouldbesuretohelpthestrongestside！Mightandwrongcombined，likeironmagnetized，areendowedwithirresistibleattraction。TherewouldbeJudgePyncheon，——apersoneminentinthepublicview，ofhighstationandgreatwealth，aphilanthropist，amemberofCongressandofthechurch，andintimatelyassociatedwithwhateverelsebestowsgoodname，——soimposing，intheseadvantageouslights，thatHepzibahherselfcouldhardlyhelpshrinkingfromherownconclusionsastohishollowintegrity。TheJudge，ononeside！Andwho，ontheother？TheguiltyClifford！Onceabyword！Now，anindistinctlyrememberedignominy！
Nevertheless，inspiteofthisperceptionthattheJudgewoulddrawallhumanaidtohisownbehalf，Hepzibahwassounaccustomedtoactforherself，thattheleastwordofcounselwouldhaveswayedhertoanymodeofaction。LittlePhoebePyncheonwouldatoncehavelightedupthewholescene，ifnotbyanyavailablesuggestion，yetsimplybythewarmvivacityofhercharacter。TheideaoftheartistoccurredtoHepzibah。
Youngandunknown，merevagrantadventurerashewas，shehadbeenconsciousofaforceinHolgravewhichmightwelladapthimtobethechampionofacrisis。Withthisthoughtinhermind，sheunboltedadoor，cobwebbedandlongdisused，butwhichhadservedasaformermediumofcommunicationbetweenherownpartofthehouseandthegablewherethewanderingdaguerreotypisthadnowestablishedhistemporaryhome。Hewasnotthere。Abook，facedownward，onthetable，arollofmanuscript，ahalf-writtensheet，anewspaper，sometoolsofhispresentoccupation，andseveralrejecteddaguerreotypes，conveyedanimpressionasifhewerecloseathand。But，atthisperiodoftheday，asHepzibahmighthaveanticipated，theartistwasathispublicrooms。Withanimpulseofidlecuriosity，thatflickeredamongherheavythoughts，shelookedatoneofthedaguerreotypes，andbeheldJudgePyncheonfrowningather。Fatestaredherintheface。Sheturnedbackfromherfruitlessquest，withaheartsinkingsenseofdisappointment。
Inallheryearsofseclusion，shehadneverfelt，asnow，whatitwastobealone。Itseemedasifthehousestoodinadesert，or，bysomespell，wasmadeinvisibletothosewhodweltaround，orpassedbesideit；sothatanymodeofmisfortune，miserableaccident，orcrimemighthappeninitwithoutthepossibilityofaid。Inhergriefandwoundedpride，Hepzibahhadspentherlifeindivestingherselfoffriends；shehadwilfullycastoffthesupportwhichGodhasordainedhiscreaturestoneedfromoneanother；anditwasnowherpunishment，thatCliffordandherselfwouldfalltheeasiervictimstotheirkindredenemy。
Returningtothearchedwindow，sheliftedhereyes，——scowling，poor，dim-sightedHepzibah，inthefaceofHeaven！——andstrovehardtosendupaprayerthroughthedensegraypavementofclouds。
Thosemistshadgathered，asiftosymbolizeagreat，broodingmassofhumantrouble，doubt，confusion，andchillindifference，betweenearthandthebetterregions。Herfaithwastooweak；theprayertooheavytobethusuplifted。Itfellback，alumpoflead，uponherheart。ItsmoteherwiththewretchedconvictionthatProvidenceintermeddlednotinthesepettywrongsofoneindividualtohisfellow，norhadanybalmfortheselittleagoniesofasolitarysoul；butsheditsjustice，anditsmercy，inabroad，sunlikesweep，overhalftheuniverseatonce。Itsvastnessmadeitnothing。
ButHepzibahdidnotseethat，justastherecomesawarmsunbeamintoeverycottagewindow，socomesalovebeamofGod’scareandpityforeveryseparateneed。
Atlast，findingnootherpretextfordeferringthetorturethatshewastoinflictonClifford，——herreluctancetowhichwasthetruecauseofherloiteringatthewindow，hersearchfortheartist，andevenherabortiveprayer，——dreading，also，tohearthesternvoiceofJudgePyncheonfrombelowstairs，chidingherdelay，——shecreptslowly，apale，grief-strickenfigure，adismalshapeofwoman，withalmosttorpidlimbs，slowlytoherbrother’sdoor，andknocked！
Therewasnoreply。
Andhowshouldtherehavebeen？Herhand，tremulouswiththeshrinkingpurposewhichdirectedit，hadsmittensofeeblyagainstthedoorthatthesoundcouldhardlyhavegoneinward。Sheknockedagain。Stillnoresponse！Norwasittobewonderedat。Shehadstruckwiththeentireforceofherheart’svibration，communicating，bysomesubtilemagnetism，herownterrortothesummons。Cliffordwouldturnhisfacetothepillow，andcoverhisheadbeneaththebedclothes，likeastartledchildatmidnight。Sheknockedathirdtime，threeregularstrokes，gentle，butperfectlydistinct，andwithmeaninginthem；for，modulateitwithwhatcautiousartwewill，thehandcannothelpplayingsometuneofwhatwefeeluponthesenselesswood。
Cliffordreturnednoanswer。
\"Clifford！dearbrother。\"saidHepzibah。\"ShallIcomein？\"
Asilence。
Twoorthreetimes，andmore，Hepzibahrepeatedhisname，withoutresult；till，thinkingherbrother’ssleepunwontedlyprofound，sheundidthedoor，andentering，foundthechambervacant。Howcouldhehavecomeforth，andwhen，withoutherknowledge？Wasitpossiblethat，inspiteofthestormyday，andwornoutwiththeirksomenesswithindoorshehadbetakenhimselftohiscustomaryhauntinthegarden，andwasnowshiveringunderthecheerlessshelterofthesummer-house？Shehastilythrewupawindow，thrustforthherturbanedheadandthehalfofhergauntfigure，andsearchedthewholegardenthrough，ascompletelyasherdimvisionwouldallow。Shecouldseetheinteriorofthesummer-house，anditscircularseat，keptmoistbythedroppingsoftheroof。Ithadnooccupant。Cliffordwasnotthereabouts；unless，indeed，hehadcreptforconcealment(as，foramoment，Hepzibahfanciedmightbethecase)intoagreat，wetmassoftangledandbroad-leavedshadow，wherethesquash-vineswereclamberingtumultuouslyuponanoldwoodenframework，setcasuallyaslantagainstthefence。Thiscouldnotbe，however；hewasnotthere；for，whileHepzibahwaslooking，astrangegrimalkinstoleforthfromtheveryspot，andpickedhiswayacrossthegarden。Twicehepausedtosnufftheair，andthenanewdirectedhiscoursetowardstheparlorwindow。
Whetheritwasonlyonaccountofthestealthy，pryingmannercommontotherace，orthatthiscatseemedtohavemorethanordinarymischiefinhisthoughts，theoldgentlewoman，inspiteofhermuchperplexity，feltanimpulsetodrivetheanimalaway，andaccordinglyflungdownawindowstick。Thecatstaredupather，likeadetectedthieformurderer，and，thenextinstant，tooktoflight。Nootherlivingcreaturewasvisibleinthegarden。
Chanticleerandhisfamilyhadeithernotlefttheirroost，disheartenedbytheinterminablerain，orhaddonethenextwisestthing，byseasonablyreturningtoit。Hepzibahclosedthewindow。
ButwherewasClifford？Coulditbethat，awareofthepresenceofhisEvilDestiny，hehadcreptsilentlydownthestaircase，whiletheJudgeandHepzibahstoodtalkingintheshop，andhadsoftlyundonethefasteningsoftheouterdoor，andmadehisescapeintothestreet？Withthatthought，sheseemedtobeholdhisgray，wrinkled，yetchildlikeaspect，intheold-fashionedgarmentswhichheworeaboutthehouse；afiguresuchasonesometimesimagineshimselftobe，withtheworld’seyeuponhim，inatroubleddream。Thisfigureofherwretchedbrotherwouldgowanderingthroughthecity，attractingalleyes，andeverybody’swonderandrepugnance，likeaghost，themoretobeshudderedatbecausevisibleatnoontide。Toincurtheridiculeoftheyoungercrowd，thatknewhimnot，——theharsherscornandindignationofafewoldmen，whomightrecallhisoncefamiliarfeatures！Tobethesportofboys，who，whenoldenoughtorunaboutthestreets，havenomorereverenceforwhatisbeautifulandholy，norpityforwhatissad，——nomoresenseofsacredmisery，sanctifyingthehumanshapeinwhichitembodiesitself，——thanifSatanwerethefatherofthemall！Goadedbytheirtaunts，theirloud，shrillcries，andcruellaughter，——insultedbythefilthofthepublicways，whichtheywouldflinguponhim，——or，asitmightwellbe，distractedbythemerestrangenessofhissituation，thoughnobodyshouldafflicthimwithsomuchasathoughtlessword，——whatwonderifCliffordweretobreakintosomewildextravagancewhichwascertaintobeinterpretedaslunacy？ThusJudgePyncheon’sfiendishschemewouldbereadyaccomplishedtohishands！
ThenHepzibahreflectedthatthetownwasalmostcompletelywater-girdled。Thewharvesstretchedouttowardsthecentreoftheharbor，and，inthisinclementweather，weredesertedbytheordinarythrongofmerchants，laborers，andsea-faringmen；eachwharfasolitude，withthevesselsmooredstemandstern，alongitsmistylength。Shouldherbrother’saimlessfootstepsstraythitherward，andhebutbend，onemoment，overthedeep，blacktide，wouldhenotbethinkhimselfthatherewasthesurerefugewithinhisreach，andthat，withasinglestep，ortheslightestoverbalanceofhisbody，hemightbeforeverbeyondhiskinsman’sgripe？Oh，thetemptation！Tomakeofhisponderoussorrowasecurity！Tosink，withitsleadenweightuponhim，andneverriseagain！
ThehorrorofthislastconceptionwastoomuchforHepzibah。
EvenJaffreyPyncheonmusthelphernowShehasteneddownthestaircase，shriekingasshewent。
\"Cliffordisgone！\"shecried。\"Icannotfindmybrother。
Help，JaffreyPyncheon！Someharmwillhappentohim！\"
Shethrewopentheparlor-door。But，whatwiththeshadeofbranchesacrossthewindows，andthesmoke-blackenedceiling，andthedarkoak-panellingofthewalls，therewashardlysomuchdaylightintheroomthatHepzibah’simperfectsightcouldaccuratelydistinguishtheJudge’sfigure。Shewascertain，however，thatshesawhimsittingintheancestralarmchair，nearthecentreofthefloor，withhisfacesomewhataverted，andlookingtowardsawindow。SofirmandquietisthenervoussystemofsuchmenasJudgePyncheon，thathehadperhapsstirrednotmorethanoncesinceherdeparture，but，inthehardcomposureofhistemperament，retainedthepositionintowhichaccidenthadthrownhim。
\"Itellyou，Jaffrey，\"criedHepzibahimpatiently，assheturnedfromtheparlor-doortosearchotherrooms，\"mybrotherisnotinhischamber！Youmusthelpmeseekhim！\"
ButJudgePyncheonwasnotthemantolethimselfbestartledfromaneasy-chairwithhasteill-befittingeitherthedignityofhischaracterorhisbroadpersonalbasis，bythealarmofanhystericwoman。Yet，consideringhisowninterestinthematter，hemighthavebestirredhimselfwithalittlemorealacrity。
\"Doyouhearme，JaffreyPyncheon？\"screamedHepzibah，assheagainapproachedtheparlor-door，afteranineffectualsearchelsewhere。\"Cliffordisgone。\"
Atthisinstant，onthethresholdoftheparlor，emergingfromwithin，appearedCliffordhimself！Hisfacewaspreternaturallypale；sodeadlywhite，indeed，that，throughalltheglimmeringindistinctnessofthepassageway，Hepzibahcoulddiscernhisfeatures，asifalightfellonthemalone。Theirvividandwildexpressionseemedlikewisesufficienttoilluminatethem；itwasanexpressionofscornandmockery，coincidingwiththeemotionsindicatedbyhisgesture。AsCliffordstoodonthethreshold，partlyturningback，hepointedhisfingerwithintheparlor，andshookitslowlyasthoughhewouldhavesummoned，notHepzibahalone，butthewholeworld，togazeatsomeobjectinconceivablyridiculous。Thisaction，soill-timedandextravagant，——accompanied，too，withalookthatshowedmorelikejoythananyotherkindofexcitement，——compelledHepzibahtodreadthathersternkinsman’sominousvisithaddrivenherpoorbrothertoabsoluteinsanity。
NorcouldsheotherwiseaccountfortheJudge’squiescentmoodthanbysupposinghimcraftilyonthewatch，whileClifforddevelopedthesesymptomsofadistractedmind。
\"Bequiet，Clifford！\"whisperedhissister，raisingherhandtoimpresscaution。\"Oh，forHeaven’ssake，bequiet！\"
\"Lethimbequiet！Whatcanhedobetter？\"answeredClifford，withastillwildergesture，pointingintotheroomwhichhehadjustquitted。\"Asforus，Hepzibah，wecandancenow！——wecansing，laugh，play，dowhatwewill！Theweightisgone，Hepzibah！
Itisgoneoffthiswearyoldworld，andwemaybeaslight-heartedaslittlePhoebeherself。\"
And，inaccordancewithhiswords，hebegantolaugh，stillpointinghisfingerattheobject，invisibletoHepzibah，withintheparlor。Shewasseizedwithasuddenintuitionofsomehorriblething。ShethrustherselfpastClifford，anddisappearedintotheroom；butalmostimmediatelyreturned，withacrychokinginherthroat。Gazingatherbrotherwithanaffrightedglanceofinquiry，shebeheldhimallinatremorandaquake，fromheadtofoot，while，amidthesecommotedelementsofpassionoralarm，stillflickeredhisgustymirth。
\"MyGod！whatistobecomeofus？\"gaspedHepzibah。
\"Come！\"saidCliffordinatoneofbriefdecision，mostunlikewhatwasusualwithhim。\"Westayheretoolong！LetusleavetheoldhousetoourcousinJaffrey！Hewilltakegoodcareofit！\"
HepzibahnownoticedthatCliffordhadonacloak，——agarmentoflongago，——inwhichhehadconstantlymuffledhimselfduringthesedaysofeasterlystorm。Hebeckonedwithhishand，andintimated，sofarasshecouldcomprehendhim，hispurposethattheyshouldgotogetherfromthehouse。Therearechaotic，blind，ordrunkenmoments，inthelivesofpersonswholackrealforceofcharacter，——momentsoftest，inwhichcouragewouldmostassertitself，——butwheretheseindividuals，iflefttothemselves，staggeraimlesslyalong，orfollowimplicitlywhateverguidancemaybefallthem，evenifitbeachild’s。Nomatterhowpreposterousorinsane，apurposeisaGodsendtothem。Hepzibahhadreachedthispoint。Unaccustomedtoactionorresponsibility，——fullofhorroratwhatshehadseen，andafraidtoinquire，oralmosttoimagine，howithadcometopass，——affrightedatthefatalitywhichseemedtopursueherbrother，——stupefiedbythedim，thick，stiflingatmosphereofdreadwhichfilledthehouseaswithadeath-smell，andobliteratedalldefinitenessofthought，——sheyieldedwithoutaquestion，andontheinstant，tothewillwhichCliffordexpressed。
Forherself，shewaslikeapersoninadream，whenthewillalwayssleeps。Clifford，ordinarilysodestituteofthisfaculty，hadfounditinthetensionofthecrisis。
\"Whydoyoudelayso？\"criedhesharply。\"Putonyourcloakandhood，orwhateveritpleasesyoutowear！Nomatterwhat；
youcannotlookbeautifulnorbrilliant，mypoorHepzibah！Takeyourpurse，withmoneyinit，andcomealong！\"
Hepzibahobeyedtheseinstructions，asifnothingelseweretobedoneorthoughtof。Shebegantowonder，itistrue，whyshedidnotwakeup，andatwhatstillmoreintolerablepitchofdizzytroubleherspiritwouldstruggleoutofthemaze，andmakeherconsciousthatnothingofallthishadactuallyhappened。Ofcourseitwasnotreal；nosuchblack，easterlydayasthishadyetbeguntobe；JudgePyncheonhadnottalkedwith，her。Cliffordhadnotlaughed，pointed，beckonedherawaywithhim；butshehadmerelybeenafflicted——aslonelysleepersoftenare——withagreatdealofunreasonablemisery，inamorningdream！
\"Now——now——Ishallcertainlyawake！\"thoughtHepzibah，asshewenttoandfro，makingherlittlepreparations。\"IcanbearitnolongerImustwakeupnow！\"
Butitcamenot，thatawakeningmoment！Itcamenot，evenwhen，justbeforetheyleftthehouse，Cliffordstoletotheparlor-door，andmadeapartingobeisancetothesoleoccupantoftheroom。
\"Whatanabsurdfiguretheoldfellowcutsnow！\"whisperedhetoHepzibah。\"Justwhenhefanciedhehadmecompletelyunderhisthumb！Come，come；makehaste！orhewillstartup，likeGiantDespairinpursuitofChristianandHopeful，andcatchusyet！\"
Astheypassedintothestreet，ClifforddirectedHepzibah’sattentiontosomethingononeofthepostsofthefrontdoor。
Itwasmerelytheinitialsofhisownname，which，withsomewhatofhischaracteristicgraceabouttheformsoftheletters，hehadcuttherewhenaboy。Thebrotherandsisterdeparted，andleftJudgePyncheonsittingintheoldhomeofhisforefathers，allbyhimself；soheavyandlumpishthatwecanlikenhimtonothingbetterthanadefunctnightmare，whichhadperishedinthemidstofitswickedness，andleftitsflabbycorpseonthebreastofthetormentedone，tobegottenridofasitmight！
XVIITheFlightofTwoOwlsSUMMERasitwas，theeastwindsetpoorHepzibah’sfewremainingteethchatteringinherhead，assheandCliffordfacedit，ontheirwayupPyncheonStreet，andtowardsthecentreofthetown。Notmerelywasittheshiverwhichthispitilessblastbroughttoherframe(althoughherfeetandhands，especially，hadneverseemedsodeath-a-coldasnow)，buttherewasamoralsensation，minglingitselfwiththephysicalchill，andcausinghertoshakemoreinspiritthaninbody。Theworld’sbroad，bleakatmospherewasallsocomfortless！Such，indeed，istheimpressionwhichitmakesoneverynewadventurer，evenifheplungeintoitwhilethewarmesttideoflifeisbubblingthroughhisveins。What，then，mustithavebeentoHepzibahandClifford，——sotime-strickenastheywere，yetsolikechildrenintheirinexperience，——astheyleftthedoorstep，andpassedfrombeneaththewideshelterofthePyncheonElm！Theywerewanderingallabroad，onpreciselysuchapilgrimageasachildoftenmeditates，totheworld’send，withperhapsasixpenceandabiscuitinhispocket。InHepzibah’smind，therewasthewretchedconsciousnessofbeingadrift。Shehadlostthefacultyofself-guidance；but，inviewofthedifficultiesaroundher，feltithardlyworthanefforttoregainit，andwas，moreover，incapableofmakingone。
Astheyproceededontheirstrangeexpedition，shenowandthencastalooksidelongatClifford，andcouldnotbutobservethathewaspossessedandswayedbyapowerfulexcitement。Itwasthis，indeed，thatgavehimthecontrolwhichhehadatonce，andsoirresistibly，establishedoverhismovements。Itnotalittleresembledtheexhilarationofwine。Or，itmightmorefancifullybecomparedtoajoyouspieceofmusic，playedwithwildvivacity，butuponadisorderedinstrument。Asthecrackedjarringnotemightalwaysbeheard，andasitjarredloudestamidsttheloftiestexultationofthemelody，sowasthereacontinualquakethroughClifford，causinghimmosttoquiverwhileheworeatriumphantsmile，andseemedalmostunderanecessitytoskipinhisgait。
Theymetfewpeopleabroad，evenonpassingfromtheretiredneighborhoodoftheHouseoftheSevenGablesintowhatwasordinarilythemorethrongedandbusierportionofthetown。
Glisteningsidewalks，withlittlepoolsofrain，hereandthere，alongtheirunequalsurface；umbrellasdisplayedostentatiouslyintheshop-windows，asifthelifeoftradehadconcentrateditselfinthatonearticle；wetleavesofthe，horse-chestnutorelm-trees，tornoffuntimelybytheblastandscatteredalongthepublicway；
anunsightly，accumulationofmudinthemiddleofthestreet，whichperverselygrewthemoreuncleanforitslongandlaboriouswashing，——thesewerethemoredefinablepointsofaverysombrepicture。Inthewayofmovementandhumanlife，therewasthehastyrattleofacaborcoach，itsdriverprotectedbyawaterproofcapoverhisheadandshoulders；theforlornfigureofanoldman，whoseemedtohavecreptoutofsomesubterraneansewer，andwasstoopingalongthekennel，andpokingthewetrubbishwithastick，inquestofrustynails；amerchantortwo，atthedoorofthepost-office，togetherwithaneditorandamiscellaneouspolitician，awaitingadilatorymail；afewvisagesofretiredsea-captainsatthewindowofaninsuranceoffice，lookingoutvacantlyatthevacantstreet，blasphemingattheweather，andfrettingatthedearthaswellofpublicnewsaslocalgossip。Whatatreasure-trovetothesevenerablequidnuncs，couldtheyhaveguessedthesecretwhichHepzibahandCliffordwerecarryingalongwiththem！Buttheirtwofiguresattractedhardlysomuchnoticeasthatofayounggirl，whopassedatthesameinstant，andhappenedtoraiseherskirtatrifletoohighaboveherankles。Haditbeenasunnyandcheerfulday，theycouldhardlyhavegonethroughthestreetswithoutmakingthemselvesobnoxioustoremark。Now，probably，theywerefelttobeinkeepingwiththedismalandbitterweather，andthereforedidnotstandoutinstrongrelief，asifthesunwereshiningonthem，butmeltedintothegraygloomandwereforgottenassoonasgone。
PoorHepzibah！Couldshehaveunderstoodthisfact，itwouldhavebroughthersomelittlecomfort；for，toallherothertroubles，——strangetosay！——therewasaddedthewomanishandold-maiden-likemiseryarisingfromasenseofunseemlinessinherattire。Thus，shewasfaintoshrinkdeeperintoherself，asitwere，asifinthehopeofmakingpeoplesupposethatherewasonlyacloakandhood，threadbareandwoefullyfaded，takinganairinginthemidstofthestorm，withoutanywearer！
Astheywenton，thefeelingofindistinctnessandunrealitykeptdimlyhoveringroundabouther，andsodiffusingitselfintohersystemthatoneofherhandswashardlypalpabletothetouchoftheother。Anycertaintywouldhavebeenpreferabletothis。Shewhisperedtoherself，againandagain，\"AmIawake？——AmIawake？\"
andsometimesexposedherfacetothechillspatterofthewind，forthesakeofitsrudeassurancethatshewas。WhetheritwasClifford’spurpose，oronlychance，hadledthemthither，theynowfoundthemselvespassingbeneaththearchedentranceofalargestructureofgraystone。Within，therewasaspaciousbreadth，andanairyheightfromfloortoroof，nowpartiallyfilledwithsmokeandsteam，whicheddiedvoluminouslyupwardandformedamimiccloud-regionovertheirheads。Atrainofcarswasjustreadyforastart；thelocomotivewasfrettingandfuming，likeasteedimpatientforaheadlongrush；andthebellrangoutitshastypeal，sowellexpressingthebriefsummonswhichlifevouchsafestousinitshurriedcareer。Withoutquestionordelay，——withtheirresistibledecision，ifnotrathertobecalledrecklessness，whichhadsostrangelytakenpossessionofhim，andthroughhimofHepzibah，——Cliffordimpelledhertowardsthecars，andassistedhertoenter。Thesignalwasgiven；
theenginepuffedforthitsshort，quickbreaths；thetrainbeganitsmovement；and，alongwithahundredotherpassengers，thesetwounwontedtravellersspedonwardlikethewind。
Atlast，therefore，andaftersolongestrangementfromeverythingthattheworldactedorenjoyed，theyhadbeendrawnintothegreatcurrentofhumanlife，andweresweptawaywithit，asbythesuctionoffateitself。
Stillhauntedwiththeideathatnotoneofthepastincidents，inclusiveofJudgePyncheon’svisit，couldbereal，therecluseoftheSevenGablesmurmuredinherbrother’sear，——
\"Clifford！Clifford！Isnotthisadream？\"
\"Adream，Hepzibah！\"repeatedhe，almostlaughinginherface。
\"Onthecontrary，Ihaveneverbeenawakebefore！\"
Meanwhile，lookingfromthewindow，theycouldseetheworldracingpastthem。Atonemoment，theywererattlingthroughasolitude；thenext，avillagehadgrownuparoundthem；afewbreathsmore，andithadvanished，asifswallowedbyanearthquake。
Thespiresofmeeting-housesseemedsetadriftfromtheirfoundations；
thebroad-basedhillsglidedaway。Everythingwasunfixedfromitsage-longrest，andmovingatwhirlwindspeedinadirectionoppositetotheirown。
Withinthecartherewastheusualinteriorlifeoftherailroad，offeringlittletotheobservationofotherpassengers，butfullofnoveltyforthispairofstrangelyenfranchisedprisoners。
Itwasnoveltyenough，indeed，thattherewerefiftyhumanbeingsincloserelationwiththem，underonelongandnarrowroof，anddrawnonwardbythesamemightyinfluencethathadtakentheirtwoselvesintoitsgrasp。Itseemedmarvelloushowallthesepeoplecouldremainsoquietlyintheirseats，whilesomuchnoisystrengthwasatworkintheirbehalf。Some，withticketsintheirhats(longtravellersthese，beforewhomlayahundredmilesofrailroad)，hadplungedintotheEnglishsceneryandadventuresofpamphletnovels，andwerekeepingcompanywithdukesandearls。Others，whosebrieferspanforbadetheirdevotingthemselvestostudiessoabstruse，beguiledthelittletediumofthewaywithpenny-papers。Apartyofgirls，andoneyoungman，onoppositesidesofthecar，foundhugeamusementinagameofball。Theytossedittoandfro，withpealsoflaughterthatmightbemeasuredbymile-lengths；for，fasterthanthenimbleballcouldfly，themerryplayersfledunconsciouslyalong，leavingthetrailoftheirmirthafarbehind，andendingtheirgameunderanotherskythanhadwitnesseditscommencement。
Boys，withapples，cakes，candy，androllsofvariouslytincturedlozenges，——merchandisethatremindedHepzibahofherdesertedshop，——appearedateachmomentarystopping-place，doinguptheirbusinessinahurry，orbreakingitshortoff，lestthemarketshouldravishthemawaywithit。Newpeoplecontinuallyentered。
Oldacquaintances——forsuchtheysoongrewtobe，inthisrapidcurrentofaffairs——continuallydeparted。Hereandthere，amidtherumbleandthetumult，satoneasleep。Sleep；sport；business；
graverorlighterstudy；andthecommonandinevitablemovementonward！Itwaslifeitself！
Clifford’snaturallypoignantsympathieswereallaroused。
Hecaughtthecolorofwhatwaspassingabouthim，andthrewitbackmorevividlythanhereceivedit，butmixed，nevertheless，withaluridandportentoushue。Hepzibah，ontheotherhand，feltherselfmoreapartfromhumankindthanevenintheseclusionwhichshehadjustquitted。
\"Youarenothappy，Hepzibah！\"saidCliffordapart，inatoneofaproach。\"Youarethinkingofthatdismaloldhouse，andofCousin，Jaffrey\"——herecamethequakethroughhim，——\"andofCousinJaffreysittingthere，allbyhimself！Takemyadvice，——followmyexample，——andletsuchthingsslipaside。Hereweare，intheworld，Hepzibah！——inthemidstoflife！——inthethrongofourfellowbeings！LetyouandIbehappy！Ashappyasthatyouthandthoseprettygirls，attheirgameofball！\"
\"Happy——\"thoughtHepzibah，bitterlyconscious，attheword，ofherdullandheavyheart，withthefrozenpaininit，——\"happy。
Heismadalready；and，ifIcouldoncefeelmyselfbroadawake，Ishouldgomadtoo！\"
Ifafixedideabemadness，shewasperhapsnotremotefromit。
Fastandfarastheyhadrattledandclatteredalongtheirontrack，theymightjustaswell，asregardedHepzibah’smentalimages，havebeenpassingupanddownPyncheonStreet。Withmilesandmilesofvariedscenerybetween，therewasnosceneforhersavethesevenoldgable-peaks，withtheirmoss，andthetuftofweedsinoneoftheangles，andtheshop-window，andacustomershakingthedoor，andcompellingthelittlebelltojinglefiercely，butwithoutdisturbingJudgePyncheon！Thisoneoldhousewaseverywhere！Ittransporteditsgreat，lumberingbulkwithmorethanrailroadspeed，andsetitselfphlegmaticallydownonwhateverspotsheglancedat。ThequalityofHepzibah’smindwastoounmalleabletotakenewimpressionssoreadilyasClifford’s。
Hehadawingednature；shewasratherofthevegetablekind，andcouldhardlybekeptlongalive，ifdrawnupbytheroots。
Thusithappenedthattherelationheretoforeexistingbetweenherbrotherandherselfwaschanged。Athome，shewashisguardian；
here，Cliffordhadbecomehers，andseemedtocomprehendwhateverbelongedtotheirnewpositionwithasingularrapidityofintelligence。Hehadbeenstartledintomanhoodandintellectualvigor；or，atleast，intoaconditionthatresembledthem，thoughitmightbebothdiseasedandtransitory。
Theconductornowappliedfortheirtickets；andClifford，whohadmadehimselfthepurse-bearer，putabank-noteintohishand，ashehadobservedothersdo。
\"Fortheladyandyourself？\"askedtheconductor。\"Andhowfar？\"
\"Asfarasthatwillcarryus，\"saidClifford。\"Itisnogreatmatter。Weareridingforpleasuremerely。\"
\"Youchooseastrangedayforit，sir！\"remarkedagimlet-eyedoldgentlemanontheothersideofthecar，lookingatCliffordandhiscompanion，asifcurioustomakethemout。\"Thebestchanceofpleasure，inaneasterlyrain，Itakeit，isinaman’sownhouse，withanicelittlefireinthechimney。\"
\"Icannotpreciselyagreewithyou，\"saidClifford，courteouslybowingtotheoldgentleman，andatoncetakinguptheclewofconversationwhichthelatterhadproffered。\"Ithadjustoccurredtome，onthecontrary，thatthisadmirableinventionoftherailroad——withthevastandinevitableimprovementstobelookedfor，bothastospeedandconvenience——isdestinedtodoawaywiththosestaleideasofhomeandfireside，andsubstitutesomethingbetter。\"
\"Inthenameofcommon-sense，\"askedtheoldgentlemanrathertestily，\"whatcanbebetterforamanthanhisownparlorandchimney-corner？\"
\"Thesethingshavenotthemeritwhichmanygoodpeopleattributetothem，\"repliedClifford。\"Theymaybesaid，infewandpithywords，tohaveillservedapoorpurpose。Myimpressionis，thatourwonderfullyincreasedandstillincreasingfacilitiesoflocomotionaredestinedtobringusaroundagaintothenomadicstate。Youareaware，mydearsir，——youmusthaveobserveditinyourownexperience，——thatallhumanprogressisinacircle；or，touseamoreaccurateandbeautifulfigure，inanascendingspiralcurve。Whilewefancyourselvesgoingstraightforward，andattaining，ateverystep，anentirelynewpositionofaffairs，wedoactuallyreturntosomethinglongagotriedandabandoned，butwhichwenowfindetherealized，refined，andperfectedtoitsideal。Thepastisbutacoarseandsensualprophecyofthepresentandthefuture。Toapplythistruthtothetopicnowunderdiscussion。Intheearlyepochsofourrace，mendweltintemporaryhuts，ofbowersofbranches，aseasilyconstructedasabird’s-nest，andwhichtheybuilt，——ifitshouldbecalledbuilding，whensuchsweethomesofasummersolsticerathergrewthanweremadewithhands，——whichNature，wewillsay，assistedthemtorearwherefruitabounded，wherefishandgamewereplentiful，or，mostespecially，wherethesenseofbeautywastobegratifiedbyaloveliershadethanelsewhere，andamoreexquisitearrangementoflake，wood，andhill。Thislifepossessedacharmwhich，eversincemanquittedit，hasvanishedfromexistence。Andittypifiedsomethingbetterthanitself。Ithaditsdrawbacks；suchashungerandthirst，inclementweather，hotsunshine，andwearyandfoot-blisteringmarchesoverbarrenanduglytracts，thatlaybetweenthesitesdesirablefortheirfertilityandbeauty。Butinourascendingspiral，weescapeallthis。Theserailroads——couldbutthewhistlebemademusical，andtherumbleandthejargotridof——arepositivelythegreatestblessingthattheageshavewroughtoutforus。Theygiveuswings；
theyannihilatethetoilanddustofpilgrimage；theyspiritualizetravel！Transitionbeingsofacile，whatcanbeanyman’sinducementtotarryinonespot？Why，therefore，shouldhebuildamorecumbroushabitationthancanreadilybecarriedoffwithhim？Whyshouldhemakehimselfaprisonerforlifeinbrick，andstone，andoldworm-eatentimber，whenhemayjustaseasilydwell，inonesense，nowhere，——inabettersense，whereverthefitandbeautifulshallofferhimahome？\"
Clifford’scountenanceglowed，ashedivulgedthistheory；ayouthfulcharactershoneoutfromwithin，convertingthewrinklesandpallidduskinessofageintoanalmosttransparentmask。Themerrygirlslettheirballdropuponthefloor，andgazedathim。Theysaidtothemselves，perhaps，that，beforehishairwasgrayandthecrow’s-feettrackedhistemples，thisnowdecayingmanmusthavestampedtheimpressofhisfeaturesonmanyawoman’sheart。But，alas！nowoman’seyehadseenhisfacewhileitwasbeautiful。
\"Ishouldscarcelycallitanimprovedstateofthings，\"observedClifford’snewacquaintance，\"toliveeverywhereandnowhere！\"
\"Wouldyounot？\"exclaimedClifford，withsingularenergy。\"Itisascleartomeassunshine，——werethereanyinthesky，——thatthegreatestpossiblestumbling-blocksinthepathofhumanhappinessandimprovementaretheseheapsofbricksandstones，consolidatedwithmortar，orhewntimber，fastenedtogetherwithspike-nails，whichmenpainfullycontrivefortheirowntorment，andcallthemhouseandhome！Thesoulneedsair；awidesweepandfrequentchangeofit。Morbidinfluences，inathousand-foldvariety，gatherabouthearths，andpollutethelifeofhouseholds。
Thereisnosuchunwholesomeatmosphereasthatofanoldhome，renderedpoisonousbyone’sdefunctforefathersandrelatives。I
speakofwhatIknow。Thereisacertainhousewithinmyfamiliarrecollection，——oneofthosepeaked-gable(therearesevenofthem)，projecting-storiededifices，suchasyouoccasionallyseeinouroldertowns，——arusty，crazy，creaky，dry-rotted，dingy，dark，andmiserableolddungeon，withanarchedwindowovertheporch，andalittleshop-doorononeside，andagreat，melancholyelmbeforeit！
Now，sir，whenevermythoughtsrecurtothisseven-gabledmansion(thefactissoverycuriousthatImustneedsmentionit)，immediatelyIhaveavisionorimageofanelderlyman，ofremarkablysterncountenance，sittinginanoakenelbow-chair，dead，stone-dead，withanuglyflowofblooduponhisshirt-bosom！Dead，butwithopeneyes！Hetaintsthewholehouse，asIrememberit。Icouldneverflourishthere，norbehappy，nordonorenjoywhatGodmeantmetodoandenjoy。\"
Hisfacedarkened，andseemedtocontract，andshrivelitselfup，andwitherintoage。
\"Never，sir\"herepeated。\"Icouldneverdrawcheerfulbreaththere！\"
\"Ishouldthinknot，\"saidtheoldgentleman，eyeingCliffordearnestly，andratherapprehensively。\"Ishouldconceivenot，sir，withthatnotioninyourhead！\"
\"Surelynot，\"continuedClifford；\"anditwerearelieftomeifthathousecouldbetorndown，orburntup，andsotheearthberidofit，andgrassbesownabundantlyoveritsfoundation。NotthatIshouldevervisititssiteagain！for，sir，thefartherI
getawayfromit，themoredoesthejoy，thelightsomefreshness，theheart-leap，theintellectualdance，theyouth，inshort，——yes，myyouth，myyouth！——themoredoesitcomebacktome。Nolongeragothanthismorning，Iwasold。Irememberlookingintheglass，andwonderingatmyowngrayhair，andthewrinkles，manyanddeep，rightacrossmybrow，andthefurrowsdownmycheeks，andtheprodigioustramplingofcrow’s-feetaboutmytemples！Itwastoosoon！Icouldnotbearit！Agehadnorighttocome！Ihadnotlived！
ButnowdoIlookold？Ifso，myaspectbeliesmestrangely；for——agreatweightbeingoffmymind——Ifeelintheveryheydayofmyyouth，withtheworldandmybestdaysbeforeme！\"
\"Itrustyoumayfinditso，\"saidtheoldgentleman，whoseemedratherembarrassed，anddesirousofavoidingtheobservationwhichClifford’swildtalkdrewonthemboth。\"Youhavemybestwishesforit。\"
\"ForHeaven’ssake，dearClifford，bequiet！\"whisperedhissister。
\"Theythinkyoumad。\"
\"Bequietyourself，Hepzibah！\"returnedherbrother。\"Nomatterwhattheythink！Iamnotmad。Forthefirsttimeinthirtyyearsmythoughtsgushupandfindwordsreadyforthem。Imusttalk，andIwill！\"
Heturnedagaintowardstheoldgentleman，andrenewedtheconversation。
\"Yes，mydearsir，\"saidhe，\"itismyfirmbeliefandhopethatthesetermsofroofandhearth-stone，whichhavesolongbeenheldtoembodysomethingsacred，aresoontopassoutofmen’sdailyuse，andbeforgotten。Justimagine，foramoment，howmuchofhumanevilwillcrumbleaway，withthisonechange！Whatwecallrealestate——thesolidgroundtobuildahouseon——isthebroadfoundationonwhichnearlyalltheguiltofthisworldrests。
Amanwillcommitalmostanywrong，——hewillheapupanimmensepileofwickedness，ashardasgranite，andwhichwillweighasheavilyuponhissoul，toeternalages，——onlytobuildagreat，gloomy，dark-chamberedmansion，forhimselftodiein，andforhisposteritytobemiserablein。Helayshisowndeadcorpsebeneaththeunderpinning，asonemaysay，andhangshisfrowningpictureonthewall，and，afterthusconvertinghimselfintoanevildestiny，expectshisremotestgreat-grandchildrentobehappythere。Idonotspeakwildly。Ihavejustsuchahouseinmymind’seye！\"
\"Then，sir，\"saidtheoldgentleman，gettinganxioustodropthesubject，\"youarenottoblameforleavingit。\"
\"Withinthelifetimeofthechildalreadyborn，\"Cliffordwenton，\"allthiswillbedoneaway。Theworldisgrowingtooetherealandspiritualtobeartheseenormitiesagreatwhilelonger。Tome，though，foraconsiderableperiodoftime，Ihavelivedchieflyinretirement，andknowlessofsuchthingsthanmostmen，——eventome，theharbingersofabettereraareunmistakable。Mesmerism，now！Willthateffectnothing，thinkyou，towardspurgingawaythegrossnessoutofhumanlife？\"
\"Allahumbug！\"growledtheoldgentleman。\"
Theserappingspirits，thatlittlePhoebetoldusof，theotherday，\"
saidClifford，——\"whatarethesebutthemessengersofthespiritualworld，knockingatthedoorofsubstance？Anditshallbeflungwideopen！\"
\"Ahumbug，again！\"criedtheoldgentleman，growingmoreandmoretestyattheseglimpsesofClifford’smetaphysics。\"Ishouldliketorapwithagoodstickontheemptypatesofthedoltswhocirculatesuchnonsense！\"
\"Thenthereiselectricity，——thedemon，theangel，themightyphysicalpower，theall-pervadingintelligence！\"exclaimedClifford。
\"Isthatahumbug，too？Isitafact——orhaveIdreamtit——that，bymeansofelectricity，theworldofmatterhasbecomeagreatnerve，vibratingthousandsofmilesinabreathlesspointoftime？Rather，theroundglobeisavasthead，abrain，instinctwithintelligence！
Or，shallwesay，itisitselfathought，nothingbutthought，andnolongerthesubstancewhichwedeemedit！\"
\"Ifyoumeanthetelegraph，\"saidtheoldgentleman，glancinghiseyetowarditswire，alongsidetherail-track，\"itisanexcellentthing，——thatis，ofcourse，ifthespeculatorsincottonandpoliticsdon’tgetpossessionofit。Agreatthing，indeed，sir，particularlyasregardsthedetectionofbank-robbersandmurderers。\"
\"Idon’tquitelikeit，inthatpointofview，\"repliedClifford。
