MinniewasthinkingoftheresourcewhichCarrie’sboardwould，add。Itwouldpaytherentandwouldmakethesubjectof，expenditurealittlelessdifficulttotalkaboutwithher，husband。ButifCarriewasgoingtothinkofrunningaroundin，thebeginningtherewouldbeahitchsomewhere。UnlessCarrie，submittedtoasolemnroundofindustryandsawtheneedofhard，workwithoutlongingforplay，howwashercomingtothecityto，profitthem？，Thesethoughtswerenotthoseofacold，hard，natureatall。Theyweretheseriousreflectionsofamindwhich，invariablyadjusteditself，withoutmuchcomplaining，tosuch，surroundingsasitsindustrycouldmakeforit。
AtlastsheyieldedenoughtoaskHanson。Itwasahalf-hearted，procedurewithoutashadeofdesireonherpart。
“Carriewantsustogotothetheatre，“shesaid，lookinginupon，herhusband。Hansonlookedupfromhispaper，andtheyexchanged，amildlook，whichsaidasplainlyasanything：“Thisisn’twhat，weexpected。”
“Idon’tcaretogo，“hereturned。”Whatdoesshewanttosee？”
“H。R。Jacob’s，“saidMinnie。
Helookeddownathispaperandshookhisheadnegatively。
WhenCarriesawhowtheylookeduponherproposition，shegained，astillclearerfeelingoftheirwayoflife。Itweighedonher，buttooknodefiniteformofopposition。
“IthinkI’llgodownandstandatthefootofthestairs，“she，said，afteratime。
Minniemadenoobjectiontothis，andCarrieputonherhatand，wentbelow。
“WherehasCarriegone？”askedHanson，comingbackintothe，dining-roomwhenheheardthedoorclose。
“Shesaidshewasgoingdowntothefootofthestairs，“answered，Minnie。”Iguessshejustwantstolookoutawhile。”
“Sheoughtn’ttobethinkingaboutspendinghermoneyontheatres，already，doyouthink？”hesaid。
“Shejustfeelsalittlecurious，Iguess，“venturedMinnie。
“Everythingissonew。”
“Idon’tknow，“saidHanson，andwentovertothebaby，his，foreheadslightlywrinkled。
Hewasthinkingofafullcareerofvanityandwastefulnesswhich，ayounggirlmightindulgein，andwonderinghowCarriecould，contemplatesuchacoursewhenshehadsolittle，asyet，with，whichtodo。
OnSaturdayCarriewentoutbyherself——firsttowardtheriver，whichinterestedher，andthenbackalongJacksonStreet，which，wasthenlinedbytheprettyhousesandfinelawnswhich，subsequentlycausedittobemadeintoaboulevard。Shewas，struckwiththeevidencesofwealth，althoughtherewas，perhaps，notapersononthestreetworthmorethanahundredthousand，dollars。Shewasgladtobeoutoftheflat，becausealreadyshe，feltthatitwasanarrow，humdrumplace，andthatinterestand，joylayelsewhere。Herthoughtsnowwereofamoreliberal，character，andshepunctuatedthemwithspeculationsastothe，whereaboutsofDrouet。Shewasnotsurebutthathemightcall，anyhowMondaynight，and，whileshefeltalittledisturbedat，thepossibility，therewas，nevertheless，justtheshadeofa，wishthathewould。
OnMondayshearoseearlyandpreparedtogotowork。Shedressed，herselfinawornshirt-waistofdottedbluepercale，askirtof，light-brownsergeratherfaded，andasmallstrawhatwhichshe，hadwornallsummeratColumbiaCity。Hershoeswereold，and，hernecktiewasinthatcrumpled，flattenedstatewhichtimeand，muchwearingimpart。Shemadeaveryaveragelookingshop-girl，withtheexceptionofherfeatures。Thesewereslightlymoreeven，thancommon，andgaveherasweet，reserved，andpleasing，appearance。
Itisnoeasythingtogetupearlyinthemorningwhenoneis，usedtosleepinguntilsevenandeight，asCarriehadbeenat，home。ShegainedsomeinklingofthecharacterofHanson’slife，when，halfasleep，shelookedoutintothedining-roomatsix，o’clockandsawhimsilentlyfinishinghisbreakfast。Bythe，timeshewasdressedhewasgone，andshe，Minnie，andthebaby，atetogether，thelatterbeingjustoldenoughtositinahigh，chairanddisturbthedisheswithaspoon。Herspiritswere，greatlysubduednowwhenthefactofenteringuponstrangeand，untrieddutiesconfrontedher。Onlytheashesofallherfine，fancieswereremaining——ashesstillconcealing，nevertheless，a，fewredembersofhope。Sosubduedwasshebyherweakening，nerves，thatsheatequiteinsilencegoingoverimaginary，conceptionsofthecharacteroftheshoecompany，thenatureof，thework，heremployer’sattitude。Shewasvaguelyfeelingthat，shewouldcomeincontactwiththegreatowners，thatherwork，wouldbewheregrave，stylishlydressedmenoccasionallylookon。
“Well，goodluck，“saidMinnie，whenshewasreadytogo。They，hadagreeditwasbesttowalk，thatmorningatleast，toseeif，shecoulddoiteveryday——sixtycentsaweekforcarfarebeing，quiteanitemunderthecircumstances。
“I’lltellyouhowitgoesto-night，“saidCarrie。
Onceinthesunlitstreet，withlabourerstrampingbyineither，direction，thehorse-carspassingcrowdedtotherailswiththe，smallclerksandfloorhelpinthegreatwholesalehouses，and，menandwomengenerallycomingoutofdoorsandpassingaboutthe，neighbourhood，Carriefeltslightlyreassured。Inthesunshine，ofthemorning，beneaththewide，blueheavens，withafreshwind，astir，whatfears，exceptthemostdesperate，canfinda，harbourage？，Inthenight，orthegloomychambersoftheday，fearsandmisgivingswaxstrong，butoutinthesunlightthere，is，foratime，cessationevenoftheterrorofdeath。
Carriewentstraightforwarduntilshecrossedtheriver，and，thenturnedintoFifthAvenue。Thethoroughfare，inthispart，waslikeawalledcanonofbrownstoneanddarkredbrick。The，bigwindowslookedshinyandclean。Truckswererumblingin，increasingnumbers;menandwomen，girlsandboysweremoving，onwardinalldirections。Shemetgirlsofherownage，who，lookedatherasifwithcontemptforherdiffidence。She，wonderedatthemagnitudeofthislifeandattheimportanceof，knowingmuchinordertodoanythinginitatall。Dreadather，owninefficiencycreptuponher。Shewouldnotknowhow，she，wouldnotbequickenough。Hadnotalltheotherplacesrefused，herbecauseshedidnotknowsomethingorother？，Shewouldbe，scolded，abused，ignominiouslydischarged。
Itwaswithweakkneesandaslightcatchinherbreathingthat，shecameuptothegreatshoecompanyatAdamsandFifthAvenue，andenteredtheelevator。Whenshesteppedoutonthefourth，floortherewasnooneathand，onlygreataislesofboxespiled，totheceiling。Shestood，verymuchfrightened，awaitingsome，one。
PresentlyMr。Browncameup。Hedidnotseemtorecosniseher。
“Whatisityouwant？”heinquired。
Carrie’sheartsank。
“YousaidIshouldcomethismorningtoseeaboutwork——“
“Oh，“heinterrupted。”Um——yes。Whatisyourname？”
“CarrieMeeber。”
“Yes，“saidhe。”Youcomewithme。”
Heledthewaythroughdark，box-linedaisleswhichhadthesmell，ofnewshoes，untiltheycametoanirondoorwhichopenedinto，thefactoryproper。Therewasalarge，low-ceiledroom，with，clacking，rattlingmachinesatwhichmeninwhiteshirtsleeves，andblueginghamapronswereworking。Shefollowedhim，diffidentlythroughtheclatteringautomatons，keepinghereyes，straightbeforeher，andflushingslightly。Theycrossedtoafar，cornerandtookanelevatortothesixthfloor。Outofthearray，ofmachinesandbenches，Mr。Brownsignalledaforeman。
“Thisisthegirl，“hesaid，andturningtoCarrie，“Yougowith，him。”，Hethenreturned，andCarriefollowedhernewsuperiorto，alittledeskinacorner，whichheusedasakindofofficial，centre。
“You’veneverworkedatanythinglikethisbefore，haveyou？”he，questioned，rathersternly。
“No，sir，“sheanswered。
Heseemedratherannoyedathavingtobotherwithsuchhelp，but，putdownhernameandthenledheracrosstowherealineof，girlsoccupiedstoolsinfrontofclackingmachines。Onthe，shoulderofoneofthegirlswhowaspunchingeye-holesinone，pieceoftheupper，bytheaidofthemachine，heputhishand。
“You，“hesaid，“showthisgirlhowtodowhatyou’redoing。
Whenyougetthrough，cometome。”
ThegirlsoaddressedrosepromptlyandgaveCarrieherplace。
“Itisn’thardtodo，“shesaid，bendingover。”Youjusttake，thisso，fastenitwiththisclamp，andstartthemachine。”
Shesuitedactiontoword，fastenedthepieceofleather，which，waseventuallytoformtherighthalfoftheupperofaman’s，shoe，bylittleadjustableclamps，andpushedasmallsteelrod，atthesideofthemachine。Thelatterjumpedtothetaskof，punching，withsharp，snappingclicks，cuttingcircularbitsof，leatheroutofthesideoftheupper，leavingtheholeswhich，weretoholdthelaces。Afterobservingafewtimes，thegirl，letherworkatitalone。Seeingthatitwasfairlywelldone，shewentaway。
Thepiecesofleathercamefromthegirlatthemachinetoher，right，andwerepassedontothegirlatherleft。Carriesawat，oncethatanaveragespeedwasnecessaryortheworkwouldpile，uponherandallthosebelowwouldbedelayed。Shehadnotime，tolookabout，andbentanxiouslytohertask。Thegirlsather，leftandrightrealisedherpredicamentandfeelings，and，ina，way，triedtoaidher，asmuchastheydared，byworkingslower。
Atthistaskshelabouredincessantlyforsometime，finding，relieffromherownnervousfearsandimaginingsinthehumdrum，mechanicalmovementofthemachine。Shefelt，astheminutes，passed，thattheroomwasnotverylight。Ithadathickodour，offreshleather，butthatdidnotworryher。Shefelttheeyes，oftheotherhelpuponher，andtroubledlestshewasnotworking，fastenough。
Once，whenshewasfumblingatthelittleclamp，havingmadea，slighterrorinsettingintheleather，agreathandappeared，beforehereyesandfastenedtheclampforher。Itwasthe，foreman。Herheartthumpedsothatshecouldscarcelyseetogo，on。
“Startyourmachine，“hesaid，“startyourmachine。Don’tkeep，thelinewaiting。”
Thisrecoveredhersufficientlyandshewentexcitedlyon，hardly，breathinguntiltheshadowmovedawayfrombehindher。Thenshe，heavedagreatbreath。
Asthemorningworeontheroombecamehotter。Shefelttheneed，ofabreathoffreshairandadrinkofwater，butdidnot，venturetostir。Thestoolshesatonwaswithoutabackor，foot-rest，andshebegantofeeluncomfortable。Shefound，after，atime，thatherbackwasbeginningtoache。Shetwistedand，turnedfromonepositiontoanotherslightlydifferent，butit，didnoteaseherforlong。Shewasbeginningtoweary。
“Standup，whydon’tyou？”saidthegirlatherright，without，anyformofintroduction。”Theywon’tcare。”
Carrielookedathergratefully。”IguessIwill，“shesaid。
Shestoodupfromherstoolandworkedthatwayforawhile，but，itwasamoredifficultposition。Herneckandshouldersached，inbendingover。
Thespiritoftheplaceimpresseditselfonherinaroughway。
Shedidnotventuretolookaround，butabovetheclackofthe，machineshecouldhearanoccasionalremark。Shecouldalsonote，athingortwooutofthesideofhereye。
“DidyouseeHarrylastnight？”saidthegirlatherleft，addressingherneighbour。
“No。”
“Yououghttohaveseenthetiehehadon。Gee，buthewasa，mark。”
“S-s-t，“saidtheothergirl，bendingoverherwork。Thefirst，silenced，instantlyassumedasolemnface。Theforemanpassed，slowlyalong，eyeingeachworkerdistinctly。Themomenthewas，gone，theconversationwasresumedagain。
“Say，“beganthegirlatherleft，“whatjehthinkhesaid？”
“Idon’tknow。”
“HesaidhesawuswithEddieHarrisatMartin’slastnight。”
“No！”Theybothgiggled。
Ayouthwithtan-colouredhair，thatneededclippingverybadly，cameshufflingalongbetweenthemachines，bearingabasketof，leatherfindingsunderhisleftarm，andpressedagainsthis，stomach。WhennearCarrie，hestretchedouthisrighthandand，grippedonegirlunderthearm。
“Aw，letmego，“sheexclaimedangrily。”Duffer。”
Heonlygrinnedbroadlyinreturn。
“Rubber！”hecalledbackasshelookedafterhim。Therewas，nothingofthegallantinhim。
Carrieatlastcouldscarcelysitstill。Herlegsbegantotire，andshewantedtogetupandstretch。Wouldnoonnevercome？，It，seemedasifshehadworkedanentireday。Shewasnothungryat，all，butweak，andhereyesweretired，strainingattheone，pointwheretheeye-punchcamedown。Thegirlattheright，noticedhersquirmingsandfeltsorryforher。Shewas，concentratingherselftoothoroughly——whatshedidreally，requiredlessmentalandphysicalstrain。Therewasnothingto，bedone，however。Thehalvesoftheupperscamepilingsteadily，down。Herhandsbegantoacheatthewristsandtheninthe，fingers，andtowardsthelastsheseemedonemassofdull，complainingmuscles，fixedinaneternalpositionandperforming，asinglemechanicalmovementwhichbecamemoreandmore，distasteful，untilaslastitwasabsolutelynauseating。When，shewaswonderingwhetherthestrainwouldevercease，adull-
soundingbellclangedsomewheredownanelevatorshaft，andthe，endcame。Inaninstanttherewasabuzzofactionand，conversation。Allthegirlsinstantlylefttheirstoolsand，hurriedawayinanadjoiningroom，menpassedthrough，coming，fromsomedepartmentwhichopenedontheright。Thewhirling，wheelsbegantosinginasteadilymodifyingkey，untilatlast，theydiedawayinalowbuzz。Therewasanaudiblestillness，in，whichthecommonvoicesoundedstrange。
Carriegotupandsoughtherlunchbox。Shewasstiff，alittle，dizzy，andverythirsty。Onthewaytothesmallspaceportioned，offbywood，whereallthewrapsandluncheswerekept，she，encounteredtheforeman，whostaredatherhard。
“Well，“hesaid，“didyougetalongallright？”
“Ithinkso，“shereplied，veryrespectfully。
“Um，“hereplied，forwantofsomethingbetter，andwalkedon。
Underbettermaterialconditions，thiskindofworkwouldnot，havebeensobad，butthenewsocialismwhichinvolvespleasant，workingconditionsforemployeeshadnotthentakenholdupon，manufacturingcompanies。
Theplacesmelledoftheoilofthemachinesandthenewleather——
acombinationwhich，addedtothestaleodoursofthebuilding，wasnotpleasantevenincoldweather。Thefloor，though，regularlyswepteveryevening，presentedalitteredsurface。Not，theslightestprovisionhadbeenmadeforthecomfortofthe，employees，theideabeingthatsomethingwasgainedbygiving，themaslittleandmakingtheworkashardandunremunerativeas，possible。Whatweknowoffoot-rests，swivel-backchairs，dining-roomsforthegirls，cleanapronsandcurlingirons，suppliedfree，andadecentcloakroom，wereunthoughtof。The，washroomsweredisagreeable，crude，ifnotfoulplaces，andthe，wholeatmospherewassordid。
Carrielookedabouther，aftershehaddrunkatinfulofwater，fromabucketinonecorner，foraplacetositandeat。The，othergirlshadrangedthemselvesaboutthewindowsorthework-
benchesofthoseofthemenwhohadgoneout。Shesawnoplace，whichdidnotholdacoupleoragroupofgirls，andbeingtoo，timidtothinkofintrudingherself，shesoughtouthermachine，and，seateduponherstool，openedherlunchonherlap。There，shesatlisteningtothechatterandcommentabouther。Itwas，forthemostpart，sillyandgracedbythecurrentslang。
Severalofthemenintheroomexchangedcomplimentswiththe，girlsatlongrange。
“Say，Kitty，“calledonetoagirlwhowasdoingawaltzstepin，afewfeetofspacenearoneofthewindows，“areyougoingto，theballwithme？”
“Lookout，Kitty，“calledanother，“you’lljaryourbackhair。”
“Goon，Rubber，“washeronlycomment。
AsCarrielistenedtothisandmuchmoreofsimilarfamiliar，badinageamongthemenandgirls，sheinstinctivelywithdrewinto，herself。Shewasnotusedtothistype，andfeltthattherewas，somethinghardandlowaboutitall。Shefearedthattheyoung，boysaboutwouldaddresssuchremarkstoher——boyswho，beside，Drouet，seemeduncouthandridiculous。Shemadetheaverage，femininedistinctionbetweenclothes，puttingworth，goodness，anddistinctioninadresssuit，andleavingalltheunlovely，qualitiesandthosebeneathnoticeinoverallsandjumper。
Shewasgladwhentheshorthalfhourwasoverandthewheels，begantowhirragain。Thoughwearied，shewouldbe，inconspicuous。Thisillusionendedwhenanotheryoungmanpassed，alongtheaisleandpokedherindifferentlyintheribswithhis，thumb。Sheturnedabout，indignationleapingtohereyes，buthe，hadgoneonandonlyonceturnedtogrin。Shefounditdifficult，toconqueraninclinationtocry。
Thegirlnexthernoticedherstateofmind。”Don’tyoumind，“
shesaid。”He’stoofresh。”
Carriesaidnothing，butbentoverherwork。Shefeltasthough，shecouldhardlyenduresuchalife。Herideaofworkhadbeen，soentirelydifferent。Allduringthelongafternoonshethought，ofthecityoutsideanditsimposingshow，crowds，andfine，buildings。ColumbiaCityandthebettersideofherhomelife，cameback。Bythreeo’clockshewassureitmustbesix，andby，fouritseemedasiftheyhadforgottentonotethehourandwere，lettingallworkovertime。Theforemanbecameatrueogre，prowlingconstantlyabout，keepinghertieddowntohermiserable，task。Whatsheheardoftheconversationaboutheronlymadeher，feelsurethatshedidnotwanttomakefriendswithanyof，these。Whensixo’clockcameshehurriedeagerlyaway，herarms，achingandherlimbsstifffromsittinginoneposition。
Asshepassedoutalongthehallaftergettingherhat，ayoung，machinehand，attractedbyherlooks，madeboldtojestwithher。
“Say，Maggie，“hecalled，“ifyouwait，I’llwalkwithyou。”
Itwasthrownsostraightinherdirectionthatsheknewwhowas，meant，butneverturnedtolook。
Inthecrowdedelevator，anotherdusty，toil-stainedyouthtried，tomakeanimpressiononherbyleeringinherface。
Oneyoungman，waitingonthewalkoutsidefortheappearanceof，another，grinnedatherasshepassed。
“Ain’tgoingmyway，areyou？”hecalledjocosely。
Carrieturnedherfacetothewestwithasubduedheart。Asshe，turnedthecorner，shesawthroughthegreatshinywindowthe，smalldeskatwhichshehadapplied。Therewerethecrowds，hurryingwiththesamebuzzandenergy-yieldingenthusiasm。She，feltaslightrelief，butitwasonlyatherescape。Shefelt，ashamedinthefaceofbetterdressedgirlswhowentby。She，feltasthoughsheshouldbebetterserved，andherheart，revolted。
ChapterV
AGLITTERINGNIGHTFLOWER——THEUSEOFANAME
Drouetdidnotcallthatevening。Afterreceivingtheletter，he，hadlaidasideallthoughtofCarrieforthetimebeingandwas，floatingaroundhavingwhatheconsideredagaytime。Onthis，particulareveninghedinedat“Rector’s，“arestaurantofsome，localfame，whichoccupiedabasementatClarkandMonroe，Streets。There——afterhevisitedtheresortofFitzgeraldand，Moy’sinAdamsStreet，oppositetheimposingFederalBuilding。
Thereheleanedoverthesplendidbarandswallowedaglassof，plainwhiskeyandpurchasedacoupleofcigars，oneofwhichhe，lighted。Thistohimrepresentedinparthighlife——afair，sampleofwhatthewholemustbe。Drouetwasnotadrinkerin，excess。Hewasnotamoneyedman。Heonlycravedthebest，as，hismindconceivedit，andsuchdoingsseemedtohimapartof，thebest。Rector’s，withitspolishedmarblewallsandfloor，itsprofusionoflights，itsshowofchinaandsilverware，and，aboveall，itsreputationasaresortforactorsandprofessional，men，seemedtohimtheproperplaceforasuccessfulmantogo。
Helovedfineclothes，goodeating，andparticularlythecompany，andacquaintanceshipofsuccessfulmen。Whendining，itwasa，sourceofkeensatisfactiontohimtoknowthatJosephJefferson，waswonttocometothissameplace，orthatHenryE。Dixie，a，well-knownperformeroftheday，wasthenonlyafewtablesoff。
AtRector’shecouldalwaysobtainthissatisfaction，forthere，onecouldencounterpoliticians，brokers，actors，somerichyoung，“rounders“ofthetown，alleatinganddrinkingamidabuzzof，popularcommonplaceconversation。
“That’sSo-and-sooverthere，“wasacommonremarkofthese，gentlemenamongthemselves，particularlyamongthosewhohadnot，yetreached，buthopedtodoso，thedazzlingheightwhichmoney，todineherelavishlyrepresented。
“Youdon’tsayso，“wouldbethereply。
“Why，yes，didn’tyouknowthat？，Why，he’smanageroftheGrand，OperaHouse。”
WhenthesethingswouldfalluponDrouet’sears，hewould，straightenhimselfalittlemorestifflyandeatwithsolid，comfort。Ifhehadanyvanity，thisaugmentedit，andifhehad，anyambition，thisstirredit。Hewouldbeabletoflasharoll，ofgreenbackstoosomeday。Asitwas，hecouldeatwhereTHEY
did。
HispreferenceforFitzgeraldandMoy’sAdamsStreetplacewas，anotheryardoffthesamecloth。Thiswasreallyagorgeous，saloonfromaChicagostandpoint。LikeRector’s，itwasalso，ornamentedwithablazeofincandescentlights，heldinhandsome，chandeliers。Thefloorswereofbrightlycolouredtiles，the，wallsacompositionofrich，dark，polishedwood，whichreflected，thelight，andcolouredstucco-work，whichgavetheplaceavery，sumptuousappearance。Thelongbarwasablazeoflights，polishedwoodwork，colouredandcutglassware，andmanyfancy，bottles。Itwasatrulyswellsaloon，withrichscreens，fancy，wines，andalineofbargoodsunsurpassedinthecountry。
AtRector’s，DrouethadmetMr。G。W。Hurstwood，managerof，FitzgeraldandMoy’s。Hehadbeenpointedoutasavery，successfulandwell-knownmanabouttown。Hurstwoodlookedthe，part，for，besidesbeingslightlyunderforty，hehadagood，stoutconstitution，anactivemanner，andasolid，substantial，air，whichwascomposedinpartofhisfineclothes，hisclean，linen，hisjewels，and，aboveall，hisownsenseofhis，importance。Drouetimmediatelyconceivedanotionofhimas，beingsomeoneworthknowing，andwasgladnotonlytomeethim，buttovisittheAdamsStreetbarthereafterwheneverhewanteda，drinkoracigar。
Hurstwoodwasaninterestingcharacterafterhiskind。Hewas，shrewdandcleverinmanylittlethings，andcapableofcreating，agoodimpression。Hismanagerialpositionwasfairlyimportant——
akindofstewardshipwhichwasimposing，butlackedfinancial，control。Hehadrisenbyperseveranceandindustry，throughlong，yearsofservice，fromthepositionofbarkeeperinacommonplace，saloontohispresentaltitude。Hehadalittleofficeinthe，place，setoffinpolishedcherryandgrill-work，wherehekept，inaroll-topdesk，therathersimpleaccountsoftheplace——
suppliesorderedandneeded。Thechiefexecutiveandfinancial，functionsdevolvedupontheowners——Messrs。FitzgeraldandMoy——
anduponacashierwholookedafterthemoneytakenin。
Forthemostpartheloungedabout，dressedinexcellenttailored，suitsofimportedgoods，asolitairering，afinebluediamondin，histie，astrikingvestofsomenewpattern，andawatch-chain，ofsolidgold，whichheldacharmofrichdesign，andawatchof，thelatestmakeandengraving。Heknewbyname，andcouldgreet，personallywitha“Well，oldfellow，“hundredsofactors，merchants，politicians，andthegeneralrunofsuccessful，charactersabouttown，anditwaspartofhissuccesstodoso。
Hehadafinelygraduatedscaleofinformalityandfriendship，whichimprovedfromthe“Howdoyoudo？”addressedtothe，fifteen-dollar-a-weekclerksandofficeattaches，who，bylong，frequentingoftheplace，becameawareofhisposition，tothe，“Why，oldman，howareyou？”whichheaddressedtothosenotedor，richindividualswhoknewhimandwereinclinedtobefriendly。
Therewasaclass，however，toorich，toofamous，ortoo，successful，withwhomhecouldnotattemptanyfamiliarityof，address，andwiththesehewasprofessionallytactful，assuminga，graveanddignifiedattitude，payingthemthedeferencewhich，wouldwintheirgoodfeelingwithoutintheleastcompromising，hisownbearingandopinions。Therewere，inthelastplace，a，fewgoodfollowers，neitherrichnorpoor，famous，noryet，remarkablysuccessful，withwhomhewasfriendlyonthescoreof，good-fellowship。Thesewerethekindofmenwithwhomhewould，converselongestandmostseriously。Helovedtogooutandhave，agoodtimeonceinawhile——togototheraces，thetheatres，thesportingentertainmentsatsomeoftheclubs。Hekepta，horseandneattrap，hadhiswifeandtwochildren，whowerewell，establishedinaneathouseontheNorthSidenearLincolnPark，andwasaltogetheraveryacceptableindividualofourgreat，Americanupperclass——thefirstgradebelowtheluxuriouslyrich。
HurstwoodlikedDrouet。Thelatter’sgenialnatureanddressy，appearancepleasedhim。HeknewthatDrouetwasonlya，travellingsalesman——andnotoneofmanyyearsatthat——butthe，firmofBartlett，Caryoe&Companywasalargeandprosperous，house，andDrouetstoodwell。HurstwoodknewCaryoequitewell，havingdrunkaglassnowandthenwithhim，incompanywith，severalothers，whentheconversationwasgeneral。Drouethad，whatwasahelpinhisbusiness，amoderatesenseofhumour，and，couldtellagoodstorywhentheoccasionrequired。Hecould，talkraceswithHurstwood，tellinterestingincidentsconcerning，himselfandhisexperienceswithwomen，andreportthestateof，tradeinthecitieswhichhevisited，andsomanagedtomake，himselfalmostinvariablyagreeable。To-nighthewas，particularlyso，sincehisreporttothecompanyhadbeen，favourablycommentedupon，hisnewsampleshadbeen，satisfactorilyselected，andhistripmarkedoutforthenextsix，weeks。
“Why，hello，Charlie，oldman，“saidHurstwood，asDrouetcamein，thateveningabouteighto’clock。”Howgoesit？”Theroomwas，crowded。
Drouetshookhands，beaminggoodnature，andtheystrolled，towardsthebar。
“Oh，allright。”
“Ihaven’tseenyouinsixweeks。Whendidyougetin？”
“Friday，“saidDrouet。”Hadafinetrip。”
“Gladofit，“saidHurstwood，hisblackeyeslitwithawarmth，whichhalfdisplacedthecoldmake-believethatusuallydweltin，them。”Whatareyougoingtotake？”headded，asthebarkeeper，insnowyjacketandtie，leanedtowardthemfrombehindthebar。
“OldPepper，“saidDrouet。
“Alittleofthesameforme，“putinHurstwood。
“Howlongareyouintownthistime？”inquiredHurstwood。
“OnlyuntilWednesday。I’mgoinguptoSt。Paul。”
“GeorgeEvanswasinhereSaturdayandsaidhesawyouin，Milwaukeelastweek。”
“Yes，IsawGeorge，“returnedDrouet。”Greatoldboy，isn’the？
Wehadquiteatimetheretogether。”
Thebarkeeperwassettingouttheglassesandbottlebeforethem，andtheynowpouredoutthedraughtastheytalked，Drouet，fillinghistowithinathirdoffull，aswasconsideredproper，andHurstwoodtakingthebarestsuggestionofwhiskeyand，modifyingitwithseltzer。
“What’sbecomeofCaryoe？”remarkedHurstwood。”Ihaven’tseen，himaroundhereintwoweeks。”
“Laidup，theysay，“exclaimedDrouet。”Say，he’sagoutyold，boy！”
“Madealotofmoneyinhistime，though，hasn’the？”
“Yes，wadsofit，“returnedDrouet。”Hewon’tlivemuchlonger。
Barelycomesdowntotheofficenow。”
“Justoneboy，hasn’the？”askedHurstwood。
“Yes，andaswift-pacer，“laughedDrouet。
“Iguesshecan’thurtthebusinessverymuch，though，withthe，othermembersallthere。”
“No，hecan’tinjurethatany，Iguess。”
Hurstwoodwasstanding，hiscoatopen，histhumbsinhispockets，thelightonhisjewelsandringsrelievingthemwithagreeable，distinctness。Hewasthepictureoffastidiouscomfort。
Toonenotinclinedtodrink，andgiftedwithamoreseriousturn，ofmind，suchabubbling，chattering，glitteringchambermust，everseemananomaly，astrangecommentaryonnatureandlife。
Herecomethemoths，inendlessprocession，tobaskinthelight，oftheflame。Suchconversationasonemayhearwouldnotwarrant，acommendationofthesceneuponintellectualgrounds。Itseems，plainthatschemerswouldchoosemoresequesteredquartersto，arrangetheirplans，thatpoliticianswouldnotgatherherein，companytodiscussanythingsaveformalities，wherethesharp-
earedmayhear，anditwouldscarcelybejustifiedonthescore，ofthirst，forthemajorityofthosewhofrequentthesemore，gorgeousplaceshavenocravingforliquor。Nevertheless，the，factthatheremengather，herechatter，herelovetopassand，rubelbows，mustbeexplaineduponsomegrounds。Itmustbethat，astrangebundleofpassionsandvaguedesiresgiverisetosuch，acurioussocialinstitutionoritwouldnotbe。
Drouet，forone，wasluredasmuchbyhislongingforpleasureas，byhisdesiretoshineamonghisbetters。Themanyfriendshemet，heredroppedinbecausetheycraved，without，perhaps，consciouslyanalysingit，thecompany，theglow，theatmosphere，whichtheyfound。Onemighttakeit，afterall，asanaugurof，thebettersocialorder，forthethingswhichtheysatisfied，here，thoughsensory，werenotevil。Noevilcouldcomeoutof，thecontemplationofanexpensivelydecoratedchamber。Theworst，effectofsuchathingwouldbe，perhaps，tostirupinthe，material-mindedanambitiontoarrangetheirlivesupona，similarlysplendidbasis。Inthelastanalysis，thatwould，scarcelybecalledthefaultofthedecorations，butratherof，theinnatetrendofthemind。Thatsuchascenemightstirthe，lessexpensivelydressedtoemulatethemoreexpensivelydressed，couldscarcelybelaidatthedoorofanythingsavethefalse，ambitionofthemindsofthosesoaffected。Removetheelement，sothoroughlyandsolelycomplainedof——liquor——andtherewould，notbeonetogainsaythequalitiesofbeautyandenthusiasm，whichwouldremain。Thepleasedeyewithwhichourmodern，restaurantsoffashionarelookeduponisproofofthis，assertion。
Yet，hereisthefactofthelightedchamber，thedressy，greedy，company，thesmall，self-interestedpalaver，thedisorganized，aimless，wanderingmentalactionwhichitrepresents——theloveof，lightandshowandfinerywhich，tooneoutside，undertheserene，lightoftheeternalstars，mustseemastrangeandshinything。
Underthestarsandsweepingnightwinds，whatalamp-flowerit，mustbloom;astrange，glitteringnight-flower，odour-yielding，insect-drawing，insect-infestedroseofpleasure。
“Seethatfellowcominginthere？”saidHurstwood，glancingata，gentlemanjustentering，arrayedinahighhatandPrinceAlbert，coat，hisfatcheekspuffedandredaswithgoodeating。
“No，where？”saidDrouet。
“There，“saidHurstwood，indicatingthedirectionbyacastof，hiseye，“themanwiththesilkhat。”
“Oh，yes，“saidDrouet，nowaffectingnottosee。”Whoishe？”
“That’sJulesWallace，thespiritualist。”
Drouetfollowedhimwithhiseyes，muchinterested。
“Doesn’tlookmuchlikeamanwhoseesspirits，doeshe？”said，Drouet。
“Oh，Idon’tknow，“returnedHurstwood。”He’sgotthemoney，all，right，“andalittletwinklepassedoverhiseyes。
“Idon’tgomuchonthosethings，doyou？”askedDrouet。
“Well，younevercantell，“saidHurstwood。”Theremaybe，somethingtoit。Iwouldn’tbotheraboutitmyself，though。By，theway，“headded，“areyougoinganywhereto-night？”
“’TheHoleintheGround，’“saidDrouet，mentioningthepopular，farceofthetime。
“Well，you’dbetterbegoing。It’shalfaftereightalready，“
andhedrewouthiswatch。
Thecrowdwasalreadythinningoutconsiderably——someboundfor，thetheatres，sometotheirclubs，andsometothatmost，fascinatingofallthepleasures——forthetypeofmanthere，represented，atleast——theladies。
“Yes，Iwill，“saidDrouet。
“Comearoundaftertheshow。IhavesomethingIwanttoshow，you，“saidHurstwood。
“Sure，“saidDrouet，elated。
“Youhaven’tanythingonhandforthenight，haveyou？”added，Hurstwood。
“Notathing。”
“Well，comeround，then。”
“IstruckalittlepeachcominginonthetrainFriday，“remarked，Drouet，bywayofparting。”ByGeorge，that’sso，Imustgoand，callonherbeforeIgoaway。”
“Oh，nevermindher，“Hurstwoodremarked。
“Say，shewasalittledandy，Itellyou，“wentonDrouet，confidentially，andtryingtoimpresshisfriend。
“Twelveo’clock，“saidHurstwood。
“That’sright，“saidDrouet，goingout。
ThuswasCarrie’snamebandiedaboutinthemostfrivolousand，gayofplaces，andthatalsowhenthelittletoilerwasbemoaning，hernarrowlot，whichwasalmostinseparablefromtheearly，stagesofthis，herunfoldingfate。
ChapterVI
THEMACHINEANDTHEMAIDEN——AKNIGHTOFTO-DAY
AttheflatthateveningCarriefeltanewphaseofits，atmosphere。Thefactthatitwasunchanged，whileherfeelings，weredifferent，increasedherknowledgeofitscharacter。
Minnie，afterthegoodspiritsCarriemanifestedatfirst，expectedafairreport。HansonsupposedthatCarriewouldbe，satisfied。
“Well，“hesaid，ashecameinfromthehallinhisworking，clothes，andlookedatCarriethroughthedining-roomdoor，“how，didyoumakeout？”
“Oh，“saidCarrie，“it’sprettyhard。Idon’tlikeit。”
Therewasanairaboutherwhichshowedplainerthananywords，thatshewasbothwearyanddisappointed。
“Whatsortofworkisit？”heasked，lingeringamomentashe，turneduponhisheeltogointothebathroom。
“Runningamachine，“answeredCarrie。
Itwasveryevidentthatitdidnotconcernhimmuch，savefrom，thesideoftheflat’ssuccess。Hewasirritatedashadebecause，itcouldnothavecomeaboutinthethrowoffortuneforCarrie，tobepleased。
MinnieworkedwithlesselationthanshehadjustbeforeCarrie，arrived。Thesizzleofthemeatfryingdidnotsoundquiteso，pleasingnowthatCarriehadreportedherdiscontent。ToCarrie，theonereliefofthewholedaywouldhavebeenajollyhome，a，sympatheticreception，abrightsuppertable，andsomeoneto，say：“Oh，well，standitalittlewhile。Youwillgetsomething，better，“butnowthiswasashes。Shebegantoseethatthey，lookeduponhercomplaintasunwarranted，andthatshewas，supposedtoworkonandsaynothing。Sheknewthatshewasto，payfourdollarsforherboardandroom，andnowshefeltthatit，wouldbeanexceedinglygloomyround，livingwiththesepeople。
Minniewasnocompanionforhersister——shewastooold。Her，thoughtswerestaidandsolemnlyadaptedtoacondition。If，Hansonhadanypleasantthoughtsorhappyfeelingsheconcealed，them。Heseemedtodoallhismentaloperationswithouttheaid，ofphysicalexpression。Hewasasstillasadesertedchamber。
Carrie，ontheotherhand，hadthebloodofyouthandsome，imagination。Herdayofloveandthemysteriesofcourtshipwere，stillahead。Shecouldthinkofthingsshewouldliketodo，of，clothesshewouldliketowear，andofplacesshewouldliketo，visit。Thesewerethethingsuponwhichhermindran，anditwas，likemeetingwithoppositionateveryturntofindnoonehereto，callforthorrespondtoherfeelings。
Shehadforgotten，inconsideringandexplainingtheresultof，herday，thatDrouetmightcome。Now，whenshesawhow，unreceptivethesetwopeoplewere，shehopedhewouldnot。She，didnotknowexactlywhatshewoulddoorhowshewouldexplain，toDrouet，ifhecame。Aftersuppershechangedherclothes。
Whenshewastrimlydressedshewasratherasweetlittlebeing，withlargeeyesandasadmouth。Herfaceexpressedthemingled，expectancy，dissatisfaction，anddepressionshefelt。She，wanderedaboutafterthedisheswereputaway，talkedalittle，withMinnie，andthendecidedtogodownandstandinthedoorat，thefootofthestairs。IfDrouetcame，shecouldmeethimthere。
Herfacetookonthesemblanceofalookofhappinessassheput，onherhattogobelow。
“Carriedoesn’tseemtolikeherplaceverywell，“saidMinnieto，herhusbandwhenthelattercameout，paperinhand，tositin，thedining-roomafewminutes。
“Sheoughttokeepitforatime，anyhow，“saidHanson。“Hasshe，gonedownstairs？”
“Yes，“saidMinnie。
“I’dtellhertokeepitifIwereyou。Shemightbehereweeks，withoutgettinganotherone。”
Minniesaidshewould，andHansonreadhispaper。
“IfIwereyou，“hesaidalittlelater，“Iwouldn’tlether，standinthedoordownthere。Itdon’tlookgood。”
“I’lltellher，“saidMinnie。
Thelifeofthestreetscontinuedforalongtimetointerest，Carrie。Sheneverweariedofwonderingwherethepeopleinthe，carsweregoingorwhattheirenjoymentswere。Herimagination，trodaverynarrowround，alwayswindingupatpointswhich，concernedmoney，looks，clothes，orenjoyment。Shewouldhavea，far-offthoughtofColumbiaCitynowandthen，oranirritating，rushoffeelingconcerningherexperiencesofthepresentday，but，onthewhole，thelittleworldaboutherenlistedherwhole，attention。
Thefirstfloorofthebuilding，ofwhichHanson’sflatwasthe，third，wasoccupiedbyabakery，andtothis，whileshewas，standingthere，Hansoncamedowntobuyaloafofbread。Shewas，notawareofhispresenceuntilhewasquitenearher。
“I’mafterbread，“wasallhesaidashepassed。
Thecontagionofthoughtheredemonstrateditself。WhileHanson，reallycameforbread，thethoughtdweltwithhimthatnowhe，wouldseewhatCarriewasdoing。Nosoonerdidhedrawnearher，withthatinmindthanshefeltit。Ofcourse，shehadno，understandingofwhatputitintoherhead，but，nevertheless，it，arousedinherthefirstshadeofrealantipathytohim。She，knewnowthatshedidnotlikehim。Hewassuspicious。
Athoughtwillcolouraworldforus。TheflowofCarrie’s，meditationshadbeendisturbed，andHansonhadnotlonggone，upstairsbeforeshefollowed。Shehadrealisedwiththelapseof，thequarterhoursthatDrouetwasnotcoming，andsomehowshe，feltalittleresentful，alittleasifshehadbeenforsaken——
wasnotgoodenough。Shewentupstairs，whereeverythingwas，silent。Minniewassewingbyalampatthetable。Hansonhad，alreadyturnedinforthenight。Inherwearinessand，disappointmentCarriedidnomorethanannouncethatshewas，goingtobed。
“Yes，you’dbetter，“returnedMinnie。”You’vegottogetup，early，youknow。”
Themorningwasnobetter。Hansonwasjustgoingoutthedooras，Carriecamefromherroom。Minnietriedtotalkwithherduring，breakfast，buttherewasnotmuchofinterestwhichtheycould，mutuallydiscuss。Asonthepreviousmorning，Carriewalkeddown，town，forshebegantorealisenowthatherfour-fiftywouldnot，evenallowhercarfareaftershepaidherboard。Thisseemeda，miserablearrangement。Butthemorninglightsweptawaythe，firstmisgivingsoftheday，asmorninglightiseverwonttodo。
Attheshoefactorysheputinalongday，scarcelysowearisome，asthepreceding，butconsiderablylessnovel。Theheadforeman，onhisround，stoppedbyhermachine。
“Wheredidyoucomefrom？”heinquired。
“Mr。Brownhiredme，“shereplied。
“Oh，hedid，eh！”andthen，“Seethatyoukeepthingsgoing。”
Themachinegirlsimpressedherevenlessfavourably。Theyseemed，satisfiedwiththeirlot，andwereinasense“common。”Carrie，hadmoreimaginationthanthey。Shewasnotusedtoslang。Her，instinctinthematterofdresswasnaturallybetter。She，dislikedtolistentothegirlnexttoher，whowasrather，hardenedbyexperience。
“I’mgoingtoquitthis，“sheheardherremarktoherneighbour。
“Whatwiththestipendandbeinguplate，it’stoomuchforme，health。”
Theywerefreewiththefellows，youngandold，abouttheplace，andexchangedbanterinrudephrases，whichatfirstshockedher。
Shesawthatshewastakentobeofthesamesortandaddressed，accordingly。
“Hello，“remarkedoneofthestout-wristedsole-workerstoherat，noon。”You’readaisy。”Hereallyexpectedtohearthecommon，“Aw！gochaseyourself！”inreturn，andwassufficientlyabashed，byCarrie’ssilentlymovingaway，toretreat，awkwardlygrinning。
Thatnightattheflatshewasevenmorelonely——thedull，situationwasbecominghardertoendure。Shecouldseethatthe，Hansonsseldomorneverhadanycompany。Standingatthestreet，doorlookingout，sheventuredtowalkoutalittleway。Her，easygaitandidlemannerattractedattentionofanoffensivebut，commonsort。Shewasslightlytakenbackattheoverturesofa，well-dressedmanofthirty，whoinpassinglookedather，reduced，hispace，turnedback，andsaid：
“Outforalittlestroll，areyou，thisevening？”
Carrielookedathiminamazement，andthensummonedsufficient，thoughttoreply：“Why，Idon’tknowyou，“backingawayasshe，didso。
“Oh，thatdon’tmatter，“saidtheotheraffably。
Shebandiednomorewordswithhim，buthurriedaway，reaching，herowndoorquiteoutofbreath。Therewassomethinginthe，man’slookwhichfrightenedher。
Duringtheremainderoftheweekitwasverymuchthesame。One，ortwonightsshefoundherselftootiredtowalkhome，and，expendedcarfare。Shewasnotverystrong，andsittingallday，affectedherback。ShewenttobedonenightbeforeHanson。
Transplantationisnotalwayssuccessfulinthematterofflowers，ormaidens。Itrequiressometimesarichersoil，abetter，atmospheretocontinueevenanaturalgrowth。Itwouldhavebeen，betterifheracclimatizationhadbeenmoregradual——lessrigid。
Shewouldhavedonebetterifshehadnotsecuredapositionso，quickly，andhadseenmoreofthecitywhichsheconstantly，troubledtoknowabout。
Onthefirstmorningitrainedshefoundthatshehadno，umbrella。Minnieloanedheroneofhers，whichwaswornand，faded。TherewasthekindofvanityinCarriethattroubledat，this。Shewenttooneofthegreatdepartmentstoresandbought，herselfone，usingadollarandaquarterofhersmallstoreto，payforit。
“Whatdidyoudothatfor，Carrie？”askedMinniewhenshesawit。
“Oh，Ineedone，“saidCarrie。
“Youfoolishgirl。”
Carrieresentedthis，thoughshedidnotreply。Shewasnot，goingtobeacommonshop-girl，shethought;theyneednotthink，it，either。
OnthefirstSaturdaynightCarriepaidherboard，fourdollars。
Minniehadaquaverofconscienceasshetookit，butdidnot，knowhowtoexplaintoHansonifshetookless。Thatworthygave，upjustfourdollarslesstowardthehouseholdexpenseswitha，smileofsatisfaction。HecontemplatedincreasinghisBuilding，andLoanpayments。AsforCarrie，shestudiedovertheproblem，offindingclothesandamusementonfiftycentsaweek。She，broodedoverthisuntilshewasinastateofmentalrebellion。
“I’mgoingupthestreetforawalk，“shesaidaftersupper。
“Notalone，areyou？”askedHanson。
“Yes，“returnedCarrie。
“Iwouldn’t，“saidMinnie。
“IwanttoseeSOMETHING，“saidCarrie，andbythetonesheput，intothelastwordtheyrealisedforthefirsttimeshewasnot，pleasedwiththem。
“What’sthematterwithher？”askedHanson，whenshewentinto，thefrontroomtogetherhat。
“Idon’tknow，“saidMinnie。
“Well，sheoughttoknowbetterthantowanttogooutalone。”
Carriedidnotgoveryfar，afterall。Shereturnedandstoodin，thedoor。ThenextdaytheywentouttoGarfieldPark，butit，didnotpleaseher。Shedidnotlookwellenough。Intheshop，nextdaysheheardthehighlycolouredreportswhichgirlsgive，oftheirtrivialamusements。Theyhadbeenhappy。Onseveral，daysitrainedandsheusedupcarfare。Onenightshegot，thoroughlysoaked，goingtocatchthecaratVanBurenStreet。
Allthateveningshesataloneinthefrontroomlookingoutupon，thestreet，wherethelightswerereflectedonthewetpavements，thinking。Shehadimaginationenoughtobemoody。
OnSaturdayshepaidanotherfourdollarsandpocketedherfifty，centsindespair。Thespeakingacquaintanceshipwhichsheformed，withsomeofthegirlsattheshopdiscoveredtoherthefact，thattheyhadmoreoftheirearningstouseforthemselvesthan，shedid。Theyhadyoungmenofthekindwhomshe，sinceher，experiencewithDrouet，feltabove，whotookthemabout。She，cametothoroughlydislikethelight-headedyoungfellowsofthe，shop。Notoneofthemhadashowofrefinement。Shesawonly，theirworkdayside。
Therecameadaywhenthefirstpremonitoryblastofwinterswept，overthecity。Itscuddedthefleecycloudsintheheavens，trailedlong，thinstreamersofsmokefromthetallstacks，and，racedaboutthestreetsandcornersinsharpandsuddenpuffs。
Carrienowfelttheproblemofwinterclothes。Whatwassheto，do？Shehadnowinterjacket，nohat，noshoes。Itwasdifficult，tospeaktoMinnieaboutthis，butatlastshesummonedthe，courage。
“Idon’tknowwhatI’mgoingtodoaboutclothes，“shesaidone，eveningwhentheyweretogether。”Ineedahat。”
Minnielookedserious。
“Whydon’tyoukeeppartofyourmoneyandbuyyourselfone？”she，suggested，worriedoverthesituationwhichthewithholdingof，Carrie’smoneywouldcreate。
“I’dliketoforaweekorso，ifyoudon’tmind，“ventured，Carrie。
“Couldyoupaytwodollars？”askedMinnie。
Carriereadilyacquiesced，gladtoescapethetryingsituation，andliberalnowthatshesawawayout。Shewaselatedandbegan，figuringatonce。Sheneededahatfirstofall。HowMinnie，explainedtoHansonsheneverknew。Hesaidnothingatall，but，therewerethoughtsintheairwhichleftdisagreeable，impressions。
Thenewarrangementmighthaveworkedifsicknesshadnot，intervened。Itblewupcoldafterarainoneafternoonwhen，Carriewasstillwithoutajacket。Shecameoutofthewarmshop，atsixandshiveredasthewindstruckher。Inthemorningshe，wassneezing，andgoingdowntownmadeitworse。Thatdayher，bonesachedandshefeltlight-headed。Towardseveningshefelt，veryill，andwhenshereachedhomewasnothungry。Minnie，noticedherdroopingactionsandaskedheraboutherself。
“Idon’tknow，“saidCarrie。”Ifeelrealbad。”
Shehungaboutthestove，sufferedachatteringchill，andwent，tobedsick。Thenextmorningshewasthoroughlyfeverish。
Minniewastrulydistressedatthis，butmaintainedakindly，demeanour。Hansonsaidperhapsshehadbettergobackhomefora，while。Whenshegotupafterthreedays，itwastakenfor，grantedthatherpositionwaslost。Thewinterwasnearathand，shehadnoclothes，andnowshewasoutofwork。
“Idon’tknow，“saidCarrie;“I’llgodownMondayandseeifI
can’tgetsomething。”
Ifanything，hereffortsweremorepoorlyrewardedonthistrial，thanthelast。Herclotheswerenothingsuitableforfall，wearing。Herlastmoneyshehadspentforahat。Forthreedays，shewanderedabout，utterlydispirited。Theattitudeoftheflat，wasfastbecomingunbearable。Shehatedtothinkofgoingback，thereeachevening。Hansonwassocold。Sheknewitcouldnot，lastmuchlonger。Shortlyshewouldhavetogiveupandgohome。
Onthefourthdayshewasdowntownallday，havingborrowedten，centsforlunchfromMinnie。Shehadappliedinthecheapest，kindofplaceswithoutsuccess。Sheevenansweredforawaitress，inasmallrestaurantwhereshesawacardinthewindow，but，theywantedanexperiencedgirl。Shemovedthroughthethick，throngofstrangers，utterlysubduedinspirit。Suddenlyahand，pulledherarmandturnedherabout。
“Well，well！”saidavoice。Inthefirstglanceshebeheld，Drouet。Hewasnotonlyrosy-cheeked，butradiant。Hewasthe，essenceofsunshineandgood-humour。”Why，howareyou，Carrie？”
hesaid。”You’readaisy。Wherehaveyoubeen？”
Carriesmiledunderhisirresistiblefloodofgeniality。
“I’vebeenouthome，“shesaid。
“Well，“hesaid，“Isawyouacrossthestreetthere。Ithoughtit，wasyou。Iwasjustcomingouttoyourplace。Howareyou，anyhow？”
“I’mallright，“saidCarrie，smiling。
Drouetlookedheroverandsawsomethingdifferent。
“Well，“hesaid，“Iwanttotalktoyou。You’renotgoing，anywhereinparticular，areyou？”
“Notjustnow，“saidCarrie。
“Let’sgouphereandhavesomethingtoeat。George！butI’m，gladtoseeyouagain。”
Shefeltsorelievedinhisradiantpresence，somuchlooked，afterandcaredfor，thatsheassentedgladly，thoughwiththe，slightestairofholdingback。
“Well，“hesaid，ashetookherarm——andtherewasanexuberance，ofgood-fellowshipinthewordwhichfairlywarmedthecocklesof，herheart。
TheywentthroughMonroeStreettotheoldWindsordining-room，whichwasthenalarge，comfortableplace，withanexcellent，cuisineandsubstantialservice。Drouetselectedatablecloseby，thewindow，wherethebusyroutofthestreetcouldbeseen。He，lovedthechangingpanoramaofthestreet——toseeandbeseenas，hedined。
“Now，“hesaid，gettingCarrieandhimselfcomfortablysettled，“whatwillyouhave？”
Carrielookedoverthelargebilloffarewhichthewaiterhanded，herwithoutreallyconsideringit。Shewasveryhungry，andthe，thingsshesawthereawakenedherdesires，butthehighprices，heldherattention。“Halfbroiledspringchicken——seventy-five。
Sirloinsteakwithmushrooms——onetwenty-five。”Shehaddimly，heardofthesethings，butitseemedstrangetobecalledto，orderfromthelist。
“I’llfixthis，“exclaimedDrouet。”Sst！waiter。”
Thatofficeroftheboard，afull-chested，round-facednegro，approached，andinclinedhisear。
“Sirloinwithmushrooms，“saidDrouet。”Stuffedtomatoes。”
“Yassah，“assentedthenegro，noddinghishead。
“Hashedbrownpotatoes。”
“Yassah。”
“Asparagus。”
“Yassah。”
“Andapotofcoffee。”
DrouetturnedtoCarrie。”Ihaven’thadathingsincebreakfast。
JustgotinfromRockIsland。IwasgoingofftodinewhenIsaw，you。”
Carriesmiledandsmiled。
“Whathaveyoubeendoing？”hewenton。”Tellmeallabout，yourself。Howisyoursister？”
“She’swell，“returnedCarrie，answeringthelastquery。
Helookedatherhard。
“Say，“hesaid，“youhaven’tbeensick，haveyou？”
Carrienodded。
“Well，now，that’sabloomingshame，isn’tit？，Youdon’tlook，verywell。Ithoughtyoulookedalittlepale。Whathaveyou，beendoing？”
“Working，“saidCarrie。
“Youdon’tsayso！，Atwhat？”
Shetoldhim。
“Rhodes，MorgenthauandScott——why，Iknowthathouse。overhere，onFifthAvenue，isn’tit？，They’reaclose-fistedconcern。What，madeyougothere？”
“Icouldn’tgetanythingelse，“saidCarriefrankly。
“Well，that’sanoutrage，“saidDrouet。”Yououghtn’ttobe，workingforthosepeople。Havethefactoryrightbackofthe，store，don’tthey？”
“Yes，“saidCarrie。
“Thatisn’tagoodhouse，“saidDrouet。”Youdon’twanttowork，atanythinglikethat，anyhow。”
Hechattedonatagreatrate，askingquestions，explaining，thingsabouthimself，tellingherwhatagoodrestaurantitwas，untilthewaiterreturnedwithanimmensetray，bearingthehot，savourydisheswhichhadbeenordered。Drouetfairlyshonein，thematterofserving。Heappearedtogreatadvantagebehindthe，whitenaperyandsilverplattersofthetableanddisplayinghis，armswithaknifeandfork。Ashecutthemeathisringsalmost，spoke。Hisnewsuitcreakedashestretchedtoreachtheplates，breakthebread，andpourthecoffee。HehelpedCarrietoa，rousingplatefulandcontributedthewarmthofhisspirittoher，bodyuntilshewasanewgirl。Hewasasplendidfellowinthe，truepopularunderstandingoftheterm，andcaptivatedCarrie，completely。
Thatlittlesoldieroffortunetookhergoodturninaneasyway。
Shefeltalittleoutofplace，butthegreatroomsoothedher，andtheviewofthewell-dressedthrongoutsideseemedasplendid，thing。Ah，whatwasitnottohavemoney！，Whatathingitwas，tobeabletocomeinhereanddine！，Drouetmustbefortunate。
Herodeontrains，dressedinsuchniceclothes，wassostrong，andateinthesefineplaces。Heseemedquiteafigureofaman，andshewonderedathisfriendshipandregardforher。
“Soyoulostyourplacebecauseyougotsick，eh？”hesaid。
“Whatareyougoingtodonow？”
“Lookaround，“shesaid，athoughtoftheneedthathungoutside，thisfinerestaurantlikeahungrydogatherheelspassinginto，hereyes。
“Oh，no，“saidDrouet，“thatwon’tdo。Howlonghaveyoubeen，looking？”
“Fourdays，“sheanswered。
“Thinkofthat！”hesaid，addressingsomeproblematical，individual。”Yououghtn’ttobedoinganythinglikethat。These，girls，“andhewavedaninclusionofallshopandfactorygirls，“don’tgetanything。Why，youcan’tliveonit，canyou？”
Hewasabrotherlysortofcreatureinhisdemeanour。Whenhehad，scoutedtheideaofthatkindoftoil，hetookanothertack。
Carriewasreallyverypretty。Eventhen，inhercommonplace，garb，herfigurewasevidentlynotbad，andhereyeswerelarge，andgentle。Drouetlookedatherandhisthoughtsreachedhome。
Shefelthisadmiration。Itwaspowerfullybackedbyhis，liberalityandgood-humour。Shefeltthatshelikedhim——that，shecouldcontinuetolikehimeversomuch。Therewassomething，evenricherthanthat，runningasahiddenstrain，inhermind。
Everylittlewhilehereyeswouldmeethis，andbythatmeansthe，interchangingcurrentoffeelingwouldbefullyconnected。
“Whydon’tyoustaydowntownandgotothetheatrewithme？”he，said，hitchinghischaircloser。Thetablewasnotverywide。
“Oh，Ican’t，“shesaid。
“Whatareyougoingtodoto-night？”
“Nothing，“sheanswered，alittledrearily。
“Youdon’tlikeouttherewhereyouare，doyou？”
“Oh，Idon’tknow。”
“Whatareyougoingtodoifyoudon’tgetwork？”
“Gobackhome，Iguess。”
Therewastheleastquaverinhervoiceasshesaidthis。
Somehow，theinfluencehewasexertingwaspowerful。Theycame，toanunderstandingofeachotherwithoutwords——heofher，situation，sheofthefactthatherealisedit。
“No，“hesaid，“youcan’tmakeit！”genuinesympathyfillinghis，mindforthetime。”Letmehelpyou。Youtakesomeofmy，money。”
“Oh，no！”shesaid，leaningback。
“Whatareyougoingtodo？”hesaid。
Shesatmeditating，merelyshakingherhead。
Helookedatherquitetenderlyforhiskind。Thereweresome，loosebillsinhisvestpocket——greenbacks。Theyweresoftand，noiseless，andhegothisfingersaboutthemandcrumpledthemup，inhishand。
“Comeon，“hesaid，“I’llseeyouthroughallright。Getyourself，someclothes。”
Itwasthefirstreferencehehadmadetothatsubject，andnow，sherealisedhowbadoffshewas。Inhiscrudewayhehadstruck，thekey-note。Herlipstrembledalittle。
Shehadherhandoutonthetablebeforeher。Theywerequite，aloneintheircorner，andheputhislarger，warmerhandover，it。
“Aw，come，Carrie，“hesaid，“whatcanyoudoalone？Letmehelp，you。”
Hepressedherhandgentlyandshetriedtowithdrawit。Atthis，hehelditfast，andshenolongerprotested。Thenheslipped，thegreenbackshehadintoherpalm，andwhenshebeganto，protest，hewhispered：
“I’llloanittoyou——that’sallright。I’llloanittoyou。”
Hemadehertakeit。Shefeltboundtohimbyastrangetieof，affectionnow。Theywentout，andhewalkedwithherfarout，southtowardPolkStreet，talking。
“Youdon’twanttolivewiththosepeople？”hesaidinoneplace，abstractedly。Carrieheardit，butitmadeonlyaslight，impression。
“Comedownandmeetmetomorrow，“hesaid，“andwe’llgotothe，matinee。Willyou？”
Carrieprotestedawhile，butacquiesced。
“You’renotdoinganything。Getyourselfanicepairofshoes，andajacket。”
Shescarcelygaveathoughttothecomplicationwhichwould，troubleherwhenhewasgone。Inhispresence，shewasofhis，ownhopeful，easy-way-outmood。
“Don’tyoubotheraboutthosepeopleoutthere，“hesaidat，parting。”I’llhelpyou。”
Carrielefthim，feelingasthoughagreatarmhadslippedout，beforehertodrawofftrouble。Themoneyshehadacceptedwas，twosoft，green，handsometen-dollarbills。
