Herconscience，however，wasnotaDrouet，interestedtopraise。
Theresheheardadifferentvoice，withwhichsheargued，pleaded，excused。Itwasnojustandsapientcounsellor，inits，lastanalysis。Itwasonlyanaveragelittleconscience，athing，whichrepresentedtheworld，herpastenvironment，habit，convention，inaconfusedway。Withit，thevoiceofthepeople，wastrulythevoiceofGod。
“Oh，thoufailure！”saidthevoice。
“Why？”shequestioned。
“Lookatthoseabout，“camethewhisperedanswer。“Lookatthose，whoaregood。Howwouldtheyscorntodowhatyouhavedone。
Lookatthegoodgirls;howwilltheydrawawayfromsuchasyou，whentheyknowyouhavebeenweak。Youhadnottriedbeforeyou，failed。”
ItwaswhenCarriewasalone，lookingoutacrossthepark，that，shewouldbelisteningtothis。Itwouldcomeinfrequently——when，somethingelsedidnotinterfere，whenthepleasantsidewasnot，tooapparent，whenDrouetwasnotthere。Itwassomewhatclear，inutteranceatfirst，butneverwhollyconvincing。Therewas，alwaysananswer，alwaystheDecemberdaysthreatened。Shewas，alone;shewasdesireful;shewasfearfulofthewhistlingwind。
Thevoiceofwantmadeanswerforher。
Oncethebrightdaysofsummerpassby，acitytakesonthat，sombregarbofgrey，wraptinwhichitgoesaboutitslabours，duringthelongwinter。Itsendlessbuildingslookgrey，itssky，anditsstreetsassumeasombrehue;thescattered，leafless，treesandwind-blowndustandpaperbutaddtothegeneral，solemnityofcolour。Thereseemstobesomethinginthechill，breezeswhichscurrythroughthelong，narrowthoroughfares，productiveofruefulthoughts。Notpoetsalone，norartists，nor，thatsuperiororderofmindwhicharrogatestoitselfall，refinement，feelthis，butdogsandallmen。Thesefeelasmuch，asthepoet，thoughtheyhavenotthesamepowerofexpression。
Thesparrowuponthewire，thecatinthedoorway，thedrayhorse，tugginghiswearyload，feelthelong，keenbreathsofwinter。
Itstrikestotheheartofalllife，animateandinanimate。If，itwerenotfortheartificialfiresofmerriment，therushof，profit-seekingtrade，andpleasure-sellingamusements;ifthe，variousmerchantsfailedtomakethecustomarydisplaywithinand，withouttheirestablishments;ifourstreetswerenotstrungwith，signsofgorgeoushuesandthrongedwithhurryingpurchasers，we，wouldquicklydiscoverhowfirmlythechillhandofwinterlays，upontheheart;howdispiritingarethedaysduringwhichthesun，withholdsaportionofourallowanceoflightandwarmth。Weare，moredependentuponthesethingsthanisoftenthought。Weare，insectsproducedbyheat，andpasswithoutit。
Inthedragofsuchagreydaythesecretvoicewouldreassert，itself，feeblyandmorefeebly。
Suchmentalconflictwasnotalwaysuppermost。Carriewasnotby，anymeansagloomysoul。More，shehadnotthemindtogetfirm，holduponadefinitetruth。Whenshecouldnotfindherwayout，ofthelabyrinthofill-logicwhichthoughtuponthesubject，created，shewouldturnawayentirely。
Drouet，allthetime，wasconductinghimselfinamodelwayfor，oneofhissort。Hetookheraboutagreatdeal，spentmoney，uponher，andwhenhetravelledtookherwithhim。Therewere，timeswhenshewouldbealonefortwoorthreedays，whilehe，madetheshortercircuitsofhisbusiness，but，asarule，she，sawagreatdealofhim。
“Say，Carrie，“hesaidonemorning，shortlyaftertheyhadso，establishedthemselves，“I’veinvitedmyfriendHurstwoodtocome，outsomedayandspendtheeveningwithus。”
“Whoishe？”askedCarrie。doubtfully。
“Oh，he’saniceman。He’smanagerofFitzgeraldandMoy’s。”
“What’sthat？”saidCarrie。
“Thefinestresortintown。It’saway-up，swellplace。”
Carriepuzzledamoment。ShewaswonderingwhatDrouethadtold，him，whatherattitudewouldbe。
“That’sallright，“saidDrouet，feelingherthought。“Hedoesn’t，knowanything。You’reMrs。Drouetnow。”
TherewassomethingaboutthiswhichstruckCarrieasslightly，inconsiderate。ShecouldseethatDrouetdidnothavethe，keenestsensibilities。
“Whydon’twegetmarried？”sheinquired，thinkingofthevoluble，promiseshehadmade。
“Well，wewill，“hesaid，“justassoonasIgetthislittledeal，ofmineclosedup。”
Hewasreferringtosomepropertywhichhesaidhehad，andwhich，requiredsomuchattention，adjustment，andwhatnot，that，somehoworotheritinterferedwithhisfreemoral，personal，actions。
“JustassoonasIgetbackfrommyDenvertripinJanuarywe’ll，doit。”
Carrieacceptedthisasbasisforhope——itwasasortofsalveto，herconscience，apleasantwayout。Underthecircumstances，thingswouldberighted。Heractionswouldbejustified。
ShereallywasnotenamouredofDrouet。Shewasmorecleverthan，he。Inadimway，shewasbeginningtoseewherehelacked。If，ithadnotbeenforthis，ifshehadnotbeenabletomeasureand，judgehiminaway，shewouldhavebeenworseoffthanshewas。
Shewouldhaveadoredhim。Shewouldhavebeenutterlywretched，inherfearofnotgaininghisaffection，oflosinghisinterest，ofbeingsweptawayandleftwithoutananchorage。Asitwas，shewaveredalittle，slightlyanxious，atfirst，togainhim，completely，butlaterfeelingateaseinwaiting。Shewasnot，exactlysurewhatshethoughtofhim——whatshewantedtodo。
WhenHurstwoodcalled，shemetamanwhowasmorecleverthan，Drouetinahundredways。Hepaidthatpeculiardeferenceto，womenwhicheverymemberofthesexappreciates。Hewasnot，overawed，hewasnotoverbold。Hisgreatcharmwas，attentiveness。Schooledinwinningthosebirdsoffinefeather，amonghisownsex，themerchantsandprofessionalswhovisited，hisresort，hecoulduseevengreatertactwhenendeavouringto，proveagreeabletosomeonewhocharmedhim。Inaprettywoman，ofanyrefinementoffeelingwhatsoeverhefoundhisgreatest，incentive。Hewasmild，placid，assured，givingtheimpression，thathewishedtobeofserviceonly——todosomethingwhichwould，maketheladymorepleased。
Drouethadabilityinthislinehimselfwhenthegamewasworth，thecandle，buthewastoomuchtheegotisttoreachthepolish，whichHurstwoodpossessed。Hewastoobuoyant，toofullofruddy，life，tooassured。Hesucceededwithmanywhowerenotquite，schooledintheartoflove。Hefaileddismallywherethewoman，wasslightlyexperiencedandpossessedinnaterefinement。Inthe，caseofCarriehefoundawomanwhowasallofthelatter，but，noneoftheformer。Hewasluckyinthefactthatopportunity，tumbledintohislap，asitwere。Afewyearslater，witha，littlemoreexperience，theslightesttideofsuccess，andhehad，notbeenabletoapproachCarrieatall。
“Yououghttohaveapianohere，Drouet，“saidHurstwood，smiling，atCarrie，ontheeveninginquestion，“sothatyourwifecould，play。”
Drouethadnotthoughtofthat。
“Soweought，“heobservedreadily。
“Oh，Idon’tplay，“venturedCarrie。
“Itisn’tverydifficult，“returnedHurstwood。”Youcoulddo，verywellinafewweeks。”
Hewasinthebestformforentertainingthisevening。His，clotheswereparticularlynewandrichinappearance。Thecoat，lapelsstoodoutwiththatmediumstiffnesswhichexcellentcloth，possesses。ThevestwasofarichScotchplaid，setwitha，doublerowofroundmother-of-pearlbuttons。Hiscravatwasa，shinycombinationofsilkenthreads，notloud，notinconspicuous。
Whatheworedidnotstriketheeyesoforciblyasthatwhich，Drouethadon，butCarriecouldseetheeleganceofthematerial。
Hurstwood’sshoeswereofsoft，blackcalf，polishedonlytoa，dullshine。DrouetworepatentleatherbutCarriecouldnothelp，feelingthattherewasadistinctioninfavourofthesoft，leather，whereallelsewassorich。Shenoticedthesethings，almostunconsciously。Theywerethingswhichwouldnaturally，flowfromthesituation。ShewasusedtoDrouet’sappearance。
“Supposewehavealittlegameofeuchre？”suggestedHurstwood，afteralightroundofconversation。Hewasratherdexterousin，avoidingeverythingthatwouldsuggestthatheknewanythingof，Carrie’spast。Hekeptawayfrompersonalitiesaltogether，and，confinedhimselftothosethingswhichdidnotconcern，individualsatall。Byhismanner，heputCarrieatherease，andbyhisdeferenceandpleasantriesheamusedher。He，pretendedtobeseriouslyinterestedinallshesaid。
“Idon’tknowhowtoplay，“saidCarrie。
“Charlie，youareneglectingapartofyourduty，“heobservedto，Drouetmostaffably。”Betweenus，though，“hewenton，“wecan，showyou。”
ByhistacthemadeDrouetfeelthatheadmiredhischoice。
Therewassomethinginhismannerthatshowedthathewaspleased，tobethere。Drouetfeltreallyclosertohimthaneverbefore。
ItgavehimmorerespectforCarrie。Herappearancecameintoa，newlight，underHurstwood’sappreciation。Thesituationlivened，considerably。
“Now，letmesee，“saidHurstwood，lookingoverCarrie’sshoulder，verydeferentially。”Whathaveyou？”Hestudiedforamoment。
“That’srathergood，“hesaid。
“You’relucky。Now，I’llshowyouhowtotrounceyourhusband。
Youtakemyadvice。”
“Here，“saidDrouet，“ifyoutwoaregoingtoschemetogether，I
won’tstandaghostofashow。Hurstwood’saregularsharp。”
“No，it’syourwife。Shebringsmeluck。Whyshouldn’tshe，win？”
CarrielookedgratefullyatHurstwood，andsmiledatDrouet。The，formertooktheairofamerefriend。Hewassimplythereto，enjoyhimself。AnythingthatCarriedidwaspleasingtohim，nothingmore。
“There，“hesaid，holdingbackoneofhisowngoodcards，and，givingCarrieachancetotakeatrick。”Icountthatclever，playingforabeginner。”
Thelatterlaughedgleefullyasshesawthehandcomingherway。
ItwasasifshewereinvinciblewhenHurstwoodhelpedher。
Hedidnotlookatheroften。Whenhedid，itwaswithamild，lightinhiseye。Notashadewasthereofanythingsave，genialityandkindness。Hetookbacktheshifty，clevergleam，andreplaceditwithoneofinnocence。Carriecouldnotguess，butthatitwaspleasurewithhimintheimmediatething。She，feltthatheconsideredshewasdoingagreatdeal。
“It’sunfairtoletsuchplayinggowithoutearningsomething，“
hesaidafteratime，slippinghisfingerintothelittlecoin，pocketofhiscoat。”Let’splayfordimes。”
“Allright，“saidDrouet，fishingforbills。
Hurstwoodwasquicker。Hisfingerswerefullofnewten-cent，pieces。”Hereweare，“hesaid，supplyingeachonewithalittle，stack。
“Oh，thisisgambling，“smiledCarrie。”It’sbad。”
“No，“saidDrouet，“onlyfun。Ifyouneverplayformorethan，that，youwillgotoHeaven。”
“Don’tyoumoralise，“saidHurstwoodtoCarriegently，“untilyou，seewhatbecomesofthemoney。”
Drouetsmiled。
“Ifyourhusbandgetsthem，he’lltellyouhowbaditis。”
Drouetlaughedloud。
TherewassuchaningratiatingtoneaboutHurstwood’svoice，the，insinuationwassoperceptiblethatevenCarriegotthehumourof，it。
“Whendoyouleave？”saidHurstwoodtoDrouet。
“OnWednesday，“hereplied。
“It’sratherhardtohaveyourhusbandrunningaboutlikethat，isn’tit？”saidHurstwood，addressingCarrie。
“She’sgoingalongwithmethistime，“saidDrouet。
“Youmustbothgowithmetothetheatrebeforeyougo。”
“Certainly，“saidDrouet。”Eh，Carrie？”
“I’dlikeiteversomuch，“shereplied。
HurstwooddidhisbesttoseethatCarriewonthemoney。He，rejoicedinhersuccess，keptcountingherwinnings，andfinally，gatheredandputtheminherextendedhand。Theyspreadalittle，lunch，atwhichheservedthewine，andafterwardsheusedfine，tactingoing。
“Now，“hesaid，addressingfirstCarrieandthenDrouetwithhis，eyes，“youmustbereadyat7。30。I’llcomeandgetyou。”
Theywentwithhimtothedoorandtherewashiscabwaiting，its，redlampsgleamingcheerfullyintheshadow。
“Now，“heobservedtoDrouet，withatoneofgood-fellowship，“whenyouleaveyourwifealone，youmustletmeshowheraround，alittle。Itwillbreakupherloneliness。”
“Sure，“saidDrouet，quitepleasedattheattentionshown。
“You’resokind，“observedCarrie。
“Notatall，“saidHurstwood，“Iwouldwantyourhusbandtodoas，muchforme。”
Hesmiledandwentlightlyaway。Carriewasthoroughly，impressed。Shehadnevercomeincontactwithsuchgrace。As，forDrouet，hewasequallypleased。
“There’saniceman，“heremarkedtoCarrie，astheyreturnedto，theircoseychamber。”Agoodfriendofmine，too。”
“Heseemstobe，“saidCarrie。
ChapterXI
THEPERSUASIONOFFASHION——FEELINGGUARDSO’ERITSOWN
Carriewasanaptstudentoffortune’sways——offortune’s，superficialities。Seeingathing，shewouldimmediatelysetto，inquiringhowshewouldlook，properlyrelatedtoit。Beit，knownthatthisisnotfinefeeling，itisnotwisdom。The，greatestmindsarenotsoafflicted;andonthecontrary，the，lowestorderofmindisnotsodisturbed。Fineclothestoher，wereavastpersuasion;theyspoketenderlyandJesuiticallyfor，themselves。Whenshecamewithinearshotoftheirpleading，desireinherbentawillingear。Thevoiceoftheso-called，inanimate！，Whoshalltranslateforusthelanguageofthe，stones？
“Mydear，“saidthelacecollarshesecuredfromPartridge’s，“I
fityoubeautifully;don’tgivemeup。”
“Ah，suchlittlefeet，“saidtheleatherofthesoftnewshoes;
“howeffectivelyIcoverthem。Whatapitytheyshouldeverwant，myaid。”
Oncethesethingswereinherhand，onherperson，shemight，dreamofgivingthemup;themethodbywhichtheycamemight，intrudeitselfsoforciblythatshewouldachetoberidofthe，thoughtofit，butshewouldnotgivethemup。”Putontheold，clothes——thattornpairofshoes，“wascalledtoherbyher，conscienceinvain。Shecouldpossiblyhaveconqueredthefear，ofhungerandgoneback;thethoughtofhardworkandanarrow，roundofsufferingwould，underthelastpressureofconscience，haveyielded，butspoilherappearance？——beold-clothedandpoor-
appearing？——never！
Drouetheightenedheropiniononthisandalliedsubjectsinsuch，amannerastoweakenherpowerofresistingtheirinfluence。It，issoeasytodothiswhenthethingopinedisinthelineof，whatwedesire。Inhisheartyway，heinsisteduponhergood，looks。Helookedatheradmiringly，andshetookitatitsfull，value。Underthecircumstances，shedidnotneedtocarry，herselfasprettywomendo。Shepickedthatknowledgeupfast，enoughforherself。Drouethadahabit，characteristicofhis，kind，oflookingafterstylishlydressedorprettywomenonthe，streetandremarkinguponthem。Hehadjustenoughofthe，feminineloveofdresstobeagoodjudge——notofintellect，but，ofclothes。Hesawhowtheysettheirlittlefeet，howthey，carriedtheirchins，withwhatgraceandsinuositytheyswung，theirbodies。Adainty，self-consciousswayingofthehipsbya，womanwastohimasalluringastheglintofrarewinetoa，toper。Hewouldturnandfollowthedisappearingvisionwithhis，eyes。Hewouldthrillasachildwiththeunhinderedpassion，thatwasinhim。Helovedthethingthatwomenlovein，themselves，grace。Atthis，theirownshrine，hekneltwith，them，anardentdevotee。
“Didyouseethatwomanwhowentbyjustnow？”hesaidtoCarrie，onthefirstdaytheytookawalktogether。“Finestepper，wasn’t，she？”
Carrielooked，andobservedthegracecommended。
“Yes，sheis，“shereturned，cheerfully，alittlesuggestionof，possibledefectinherselfawakeninginhermind。Ifthatwasso，fine，shemustlookatitmoreclosely。Instinctively，shefelt，adesiretoimitateit。Surelyshecoulddothattoo。
Whenoneofhermindseesmanythingsemphasizedandre-
emphasizedandadmired，shegathersthelogicofitandapplies，accordingly。Drouetwasnotshrewdenoughtoseethatthiswas，nottactful。Hecouldnotseethatitwouldbebettertomake，herfeelthatshewascompetingwithherself，notothersbetter，thanherself。Hewouldnothavedoneitwithanolder，wiser，woman，butinCarriehesawonlythenovice。Lesscleverthan，she，hewasnaturallyunabletocomprehendhersensibility。He，wentoneducatingandwoundingher，athingratherfoolishinone，whoseadmirationforhispupilandvictimwasapttogrow。
Carrietooktheinstructionsaffably。ShesawwhatDrouetliked;
inavaguewayshesawwherehewasweak。Itlessensawoman’s，opinionofamanwhenshelearnsthathisadmirationisso，pointedlyandgenerouslydistributed。Sheseesbutoneobjectof，supremecomplimentinthisworld，andthatisherself。Ifaman，istosucceedwithmanywomen，hemustbeallinalltoeach。
InherownapartmentsCarriesawthingswhichwerelessonsinthe，sameschool。
Inthesamehousewithherlivedanofficialofoneofthe，theatres，Mr。FrankA。Hale，manageroftheStandard，andhis，wife，apleasing-lookingbrunetteofthirty-five。Theywere，peopleofasortverycommoninAmericatoday，wholive，respectablyfromhandtomouth。Halereceivedasalaryofforty-
fivedollarsaweek。Hiswife，quiteattractive，affectedthe，feelingofyouth，andobjectedtothatsortofhomelifewhich，meansthecareofahouseandtheraisingofafamily。Like，DrouetandCarrie，theyalsooccupiedthreeroomsonthefloor，above。
NotlongaftershearrivedMrs。Haleestablishedsocialrelations，withher，andtogethertheywentabout。Foralongtimethiswas，heronlycompanionship，andthegossipofthemanager’swife，formedthemediumthroughwhichshesawtheworld。Such，trivialities，suchpraisesofwealth，suchconventional，expressionofmoralsassiftedthroughthispassivecreature’s，mind，felluponCarrieandforthewhileconfusedher。
Ontheotherhand，herownfeelingswereacorrectiveinfluence。
Theconstantdragtosomethingbetterwasnottobedenied。By，thosethingswhichaddresstheheartwasshesteadilyrecalled。
Intheapartmentsacrossthehallwereayounggirlandher，mother。TheywerefromEvansville，Indiana，thewifeand，daughterofarailroadtreasurer。Thedaughterwasheretostudy，music，themothertokeephercompany。
Carriedidnotmaketheiracquaintance，butshesawthedaughter，cominginandgoingout。Afewtimesshehadseenheratthe，pianointheparlour，andnotinfrequentlyhadheardherplay。
Thisyoungwomanwasparticularlydressyforherstation，and，woreajewelledringortwowhichflasheduponherwhitefingers，assheplayed。
NowCarriewasaffectedbymusic。Hernervouscomposition，respondedtocertainstrains，muchascertainstringsofaharp，vibratewhenacorrespondingkeyofapianoisstruck。Shewas，delicatelymouldedinsentiment，andansweredwithvague，ruminationstocertainwistfulchords。Theyawokelongingsfor，thosethingswhichshedidnothave。Theycausedhertocling，closertothingsshepossessed。Oneshortsongtheyounglady，playedinamostsoulfulandtendermood。Carrieheardit，throughtheopendoorfromtheparlourbelow。Itwasatthat，hourbetweenafternoonandnightwhen，fortheidle，the，wanderer，thingsareapttotakeonawistfulaspect。Themind，wandersforthonfarjourneysandreturnswithsheavesof，witheredanddepartedjoys。Carriesatatherwindowlooking，out。Drouethadbeenawaysinceteninthemorning。Shehad，amusedherselfwithawalk，abookbyBerthaM。ClaywhichDrouet，hadleftthere，thoughshedidnotwhollyenjoythelatter，and，bychangingherdressfortheevening。Nowshesatlookingout，acrosstheparkaswistfulanddepressedasthenaturewhich，cravesvarietyandlifecanbeundersuchcircumstances。Asshe，contemplatedhernewstate，thestrainfromtheparlourbelow，stoleupward。Withitherthoughtsbecamecolouredandenmeshed。
Sherevertedtothethingswhichwerebestandsaddestwithinthe，smalllimitofherexperience。Shebecameforthemomenta，repentant。
WhileshewasinthismoodDrouetcamein，bringingwithhiman，entirelydifferentatmosphere。ItwasduskandCarriehad，neglectedtolightthelamp。Thefireinthegrate，too，had，burnedlow。
“Whereareyou，Cad？”hesaid，usingapetnamehehadgivenher。
“Here，“sheanswered。
Therewassomethingdelicateandlonelyinhervoice，buthe，couldnothearit。Hehadnotthepoetryinhimthatwouldseek，awomanoutundersuchcircumstancesandconsoleherforthe，tragedyoflife。Instead，hestruckamatchandlightedthegas。
“Hello，“heexclaimed，“you’vebeencrying。”
Hereyeswerestillwetwithafewvaguetears。
“Pshaw，“hesaid，“youdon’twanttodothat。”
Hetookherhand，feelinginhisgood-naturedegotismthatitwas，probablylackofhispresencewhichhadmadeherlonely。
“Comeon，now，“hewenton;“it’sallright。Let’swaltza，littletothatmusic。”
Hecouldnothaveintroducedamoreincongruousproposition。It，madecleartoCarriethathecouldnotsympathisewithher。She，couldnothaveframedthoughtswhichwouldhaveexpressedhis，defectormadeclearthedifferencebetweenthem，butshefelt，it。Itwashisfirstgreatmistake。
WhatDrouetsaidaboutthegirl’sgrace，asshetrippedout，eveningsaccompaniedbyhermother，causedCarrietoperceivethe，natureandvalueofthoselittlemodishwayswhichwomenadopt，whentheywouldpresumetobesomething。Shelookedinthe，mirrorandpursedupherlips，accompanyingitwithalittletoss，ofthehead，asshehadseentherailroadtreasurer’sdaughter，do。Shecaughtupherskirtswithaneasyswing，forhadnot，Drouetremarkedthatinherandseveralothers，andCarriewas，naturallyimitative。Shebegantogetthehangofthoselittle，thingswhichtheprettywomanwhohasvanityinvariablyadopts。
Inshort，herknowledgeofgracedoubled，andwithither，appearancechanged。Shebecameagirlofconsiderabletaste。
Drouetnoticedthis。Hesawthenewbowinherhairandthenew，wayofarrangingherlockswhichsheaffectedonemorning。
“Youlookfinethatway，Cad，“hesaid。
“DoI？”shereplied，sweetly。Itmadehertryforothereffects，thatselfsameday。
Sheusedherfeetlessheavily，athingthatwasbroughtaboutby，herattemptingtoimitatethetreasurer’sdaughter’sgraceful，carriage。Howmuchinfluencethepresenceofthatyoungwomanin，thesamehousehaduponheritwouldbedifficulttosay。But，becauseofallthesethings，whenHurstwoodcalledhehadfounda，youngwomanwhowasmuchmorethantheCarrietowhomDrouethad，firstspoken。Theprimarydefectsofdressandmannerhad，passed。Shewaspretty，graceful，richinthetimiditybornof，uncertainty，andwithasomethingchildlikeinherlargeeyes，whichcapturedthefancyofthisstarchedandconventionalposer，amongmen。Itwastheancientattractionofthefreshforthe，stale。Iftherewasatouchofappreciationleftinhimforthe，bloomandunsophisticationwhichisthecharmofyouth，it，rekindlednow。Helookedintoherprettyfaceandfeltthe，subtlewavesofyoungliferadiatingtherefrom。Inthatlarge，cleareyehecouldseenothingthathisblasenaturecould，understandasguile。Thelittlevanity，ifhecouldhave，perceiveditthere，wouldhavetouchedhimasapleasantthing。
“Iwonder，“hesaid，asherodeawayinhiscab，“howDrouetcame，towinher。”
HegavehercreditforfeelingssuperiortoDrouetatthefirst，glance。
Thecabploppedalongbetweenthefar-recedinglinesofgaslamps，oneitherhand。Hefoldedhisglovedhandsandsawonlythe，lightedchamberandCarrie’sface。Hewasponderingoverthe，delightofyouthfulbeauty。
“I’llhaveabouquetforher，“hethought。”Drouetwon’tmind。”
Heneverforamomentconcealedthefactofherattractionfor，himself。HetroubledhimselfnotatallaboutDrouet’spriority。
Hewasmerelyfloatingthosegossamerthreadsofthoughtwhich，likethespider’s，hehopedwouldlayholdsomewhere。Hedidnot，know，hecouldnotguess，whattheresultwouldbe。
AfewweekslaterDrouet，inhisperegrinations，encounteredone，ofhiswell-dressedladyacquaintancesinChicagoonhisreturn，fromashorttriptoOmaha。Hehadintendedtohurryoutto，OgdenPlaceandsurpriseCarrie，butnowhefellintoan，interestingconversationandsoonmodifiedhisoriginal，intention。
“Let’sgotodinner，“hesaid，littlereckinganychancemeeting，whichmighttroublehisway。
“Certainly，“saidhiscompanion。
Theyvisitedoneofthebetterrestaurantsforasocialchat。It，wasfiveintheafternoonwhentheymet;itwasseven-thirty，beforethelastbonewaspicked。
Drouetwasjustfinishingalittleincidenthewasrelating，and，hisfacewasexpandingintoasmile，whenHurstwood’seyecaught，hisown。Thelatterhadcomeinwithseveralfriends，and，seeingDrouetandsomewoman，notCarrie，drewhisown，conclusion。
“Ah，therascal，“hethought，andthen，withatouchofrighteous，sympathy，“that’sprettyhardonthelittlegirl。”
Drouetjumpedfromoneeasythoughttoanotherashecaught，Hurstwood’seye。Hefeltbutverylittlemisgiving，untilhesaw，thatHurstwoodwascautiouslypretendingnottosee。Thensome，ofthelatter’simpressionforceditselfuponhim。Hethoughtof，Carrieandtheirlastmeeting。ByGeorge，hewouldhaveto，explainthistoHurstwood。Suchachancehalf-hourwithanold，friendmustnothaveanythingmoreattachedtoitthanitreally，warranted。
Forthefirsttimehewastroubled。Herewasamoral，complicationofwhichhecouldnotpossiblygettheends。
Hurstwoodwouldlaughathimforbeingafickleboy。Hewould，laughwithHurstwood。Carriewouldneverhear，hispresent，companionattablewouldneverknow，andyethecouldnothelp，feelingthathewasgettingtheworstofit——therewassomefaint，stigmaattached，andhewasnotguilty。Hebrokeupthedinner，bybecomingdull，andsawhiscompaniononhercar。Thenhewent，home。
“Hehasn’ttalkedtomeaboutanyoftheselaterflames，“thought，Hurstwoodtohimself。”HethinksIthinkhecaresforthegirl，outthere。”
“HeoughtnottothinkI’mknockingaround，sinceIhavejust，introducedhimoutthere，“thoughtDrouet。
“Isawyou，“Hurstwoodsaid，genially，thenexttimeDrouet，driftedintohispolishedresort，fromwhichhecouldnotstay，away。Heraisedhisforefingerindicatively，asparentsdoto，children。
“AnoldacquaintanceofminethatIranintojustasIwascoming，upfromthestation，“explainedDrouet。”Sheusedtobequitea，beauty。”
“Stillattractsalittle，eh？”returnedtheother，affectingto，jest。
“Oh，no，“saidDrouet，“justcouldn’tescapeherthistime。”
“Howlongareyouhere？”askedHurstwood。
“Onlyafewdays。”
“Youmustbringthegirldownandtakedinnerwithme，“hesaid。
“I’mafraidyoukeephercoopedupoutthere。I’llgetaboxfor，JoeJefferson。”
“Notme，“answeredthedrummer。”SureI’llcome。”
ThispleasedHurstwoodimmensely。HegaveDrouetnocreditfor，anyfeelingstowardCarriewhatever。Heenviedhim，andnow，as，helookedatthewell-dressedjollysalesman，whomhesomuch，liked，thegleamoftherivalglowedinhiseye。Hebeganto，“sizeup“Drouetfromthestandpointsofwitandfascination。He，begantolooktoseewherehewasweak。Therewasnodisputing，that，whateverhemightthinkofhimasagoodfellow，hefelta，certainamountofcontemptforhimasalover。Hecouldhoodwink，himallright。Why，ifhewouldjustletCarrieseeonesuch，littleincidentasthatofThursday，itwouldsettlethematter。
Heranoninthought，almostexulting，thewhilehelaughedand，chatted，andDrouetfeltnothing。Hehadnopowerofanalysing，theglanceandtheatmosphereofamanlikeHurstwood。Hestood，andsmiledandacceptedtheinvitationwhilehisfriendexamined，himwiththeeyeofahawk。
Theobjectofthispeculiarlyinvolvedcomedywasnotthinkingof，either。Shewasbusyadjustingherthoughtsandfeelingsto，newerconditions，andwasnotindangerofsufferingdisturbing，pangsfromeitherquarter。
OneeveningDrouetfoundherdressingherselfbeforetheglass。
“Cad，“saidhe，catchingher，“Ibelieveyou’regettingvain。”
“Nothingofthekind，“shereturned，smiling。
“Well，you’remightypretty，“hewenton，slippinghisarmaround，her。”Putonthatnavy-bluedressofyoursandI’lltakeyouto，theshow。”
“Oh，I’vepromisedMrs。HaletogowithhertotheExpositionto-
night，“shereturned，apologetically。
“Youdid，eh？”hesaid，studyingthesituationabstractedly。”I
wouldn’tcaretogotothatmyself。”
“Well，Idon’tknow，“answeredCarrie，puzzling，butnotoffering，tobreakherpromiseinhisfavour。
Justthenaknockcameattheirdoorandthemaidservanthandeda，letterin。
“Hesaysthere’sananswerexpected，“sheexplained。
“It’sfromHurstwood，“saidDrouet，notingthesuperscriptionas，hetoreitopen。
“YouaretocomedownandseeJoeJeffersonwithmeto-night，“it，raninpart。”It’smyturn，asweagreedtheotherday。All，otherbetsareoff。”
“Well，whatdoyousaytothis？”askedDrouet，innocently，while，Carrie’smindbubbledwithfavourablereplies。
“Youhadbetterdecide，Charlie，“shesaid，reservedly。
“Iguesswehadbettergo，ifyoucanbreakthatengagement，upstairs，“saidDrouet。
“Oh，Ican，“returnedCarriewithoutthinking。
DrouetselectedwritingpaperwhileCarriewenttochangeher，dress。Shehardlyexplainedtoherselfwhythislatest，invitationappealedtohermost，“ShallIwearmyhairasIdidyesterday？”sheasked，asshecame，outwithseveralarticlesofapparelpending。
“Sure，“hereturned，pleasantly。
Shewasrelievedtoseethathefeltnothing。Shedidnotcredit，herwillingnesstogotoanyfascinationHurstwoodheldforher。
ItseemedthatthecombinationofHurstwood，Drouet，andherself，wasmoreagreeablethananythingelsethathadbeensuggested。
Shearrayedherselfmostcarefullyandtheystartedoff，extendingexcusesupstairs。
“Isay，“saidHurstwood，astheycameupthetheatrelobby，“we，areexceedinglycharmingthisevening。”
Carrieflutteredunderhisapprovingglance。
“Now，then，“hesaid，leadingthewayupthefoyerintothe，theatre。
Ifevertherewasdressinessitwashere。Itwasthe，personificationoftheoldtermspickandspan。
“DidyoueverseeJefferson？”hequestioned，asheleanedtoward，Carrieinthebox。
“Ineverdid，“shereturned。
“He’sdelightful，delightful，“hewenton，givingthecommonplace，renditionofapprovalwhichsuchmenknow。HesentDrouetafter，aprogramme，andthendiscoursedtoCarrieconcerningJefferson，ashehadheardofhim。Theformerwaspleasedbeyond，expression，andwasreallyhypnotisedbytheenvironment，the，trappingsofthebox，theeleganceofhercompanion。Several，timestheireyesaccidentallymet，andthentherepouredinto，herssuchafloodoffeelingasshehadneverbeforeexperienced。
Shecouldnotforthemomentexplainit，forinthenextglance，orthenextmoveofthehandtherewasseemingindifference，mingledonlywiththekindestattention。
Drouetsharedintheconversation，buthewasalmostdullin，comparison。Hurstwoodentertainedthemboth，andnowitwas，drivenintoCarrie’smindthatherewasthesuperiorman。She，instinctivelyfeltthathewasstrongerandhigher，andyet，withalsosimple。Bytheendofthethirdactshewassurethat，Drouetwasonlyakindlysoul，butotherwisedefective。Hesank，everymomentinherestimationbythestrongcomparison。
“Ihavehadsuchanicetime，“saidCarrie，whenitwasallover，andtheywerecomingout。
“Yes，indeed，“addedDrouet，whowasnotintheleastawarethat，abattlehadbeenfoughtandhisdefencesweakened。Hewaslike，theEmperorofChina，whosatgloryinginhimself，unawarethat，hisfairestprovinceswerebeingwrestedfromhim。
“Well，youhavesavedmeadrearyevening，“returnedHurstwood。
“Good-night。”
HetookCarrie’slittlehand，andacurrentoffeelingsweptfrom，onetotheother。
“I’msotired，“saidCarrie，leaningbackinthecarwhenDrouet，begantotalk。
“Well，yourestalittlewhileIsmoke，“hesaid，rising，and，thenhefoolishlywenttotheforwardplatformofthecarand，leftthegameasitstood。
ChapterXII
OFTHELAMPSOFTHEMANSIONS——THEAMBASSADORPLEA
Mrs。Hurstwoodwasnotawareofanyofherhusband’smoral，defections，thoughshemightreadilyhavesuspectedhis，tendencies，whichshewellunderstood。Shewasawomanupon，whoseactionunderprovocationyoucouldnevercount。Hurstwood，forone，hadnottheslightestideaofwhatshewoulddounder，certaincircumstances。Hehadneverseenherthoroughlyaroused。
Infact，shewasnotawomanwhowouldflyintoapassion。She，hadtoolittlefaithinmankindnottoknowthattheywere，erring。Shewastoocalculatingtojeopardizeanyadvantageshe，mightgaininthewayofinformationbyfruitlessclamour。Her，wrathwouldneverwreakitselfinonefellblow。Shewouldwait，andbrood，studyingthedetailsandaddingtothemuntilher，powermightbecommensuratewithherdesireforrevenge。Atthe，sametime，shewouldnotdelaytoinflictanyinjury，bigor，little，whichwouldwoundtheobjectofherrevengeandstill，leavehimuncertainastothesourceoftheevil。Shewasa，cold，self-centredwoman，withmanyathoughtofherownwhich，neverfoundexpression，notevenbysomuchastheglintofan，eye。
Hurstwoodfeltsomeofthisinhernature，thoughhedidnot，actuallyperceiveit。Hedweltwithherinpeaceandsome，satisfaction。Hedidnotfearherintheleast——therewasno，causeforit。Shestilltookafaintprideinhim，whichwas，augmentedbyherdesiretohavehersocialintegritymaintained。
Shewassecretlysomewhatpleasedbythefactthatmuchofher，husband’spropertywasinhername，aprecautionwhichHurstwood，hadtakenwhenhishomeinterestsweresomewhatmorealluring，thanatpresent。Hiswifehadnottheslightestreasontofeel，thatanythingwouldevergoamisswiththeirhousehold，andyet，theshadowswhichrunbeforegaveherathoughtofthegoodofit，nowandthen。Shewasinapositiontobecomerefractorywith，considerableadvantage，andHurstwoodconductedhimself，circumspectlybecausehefeltthathecouldnotbesureof，anythingonceshebecamedissatisfied。
ItsohappenedthatonthenightwhenHurstwood，Carrie，and，DrouetwereintheboxatMcVickar’s，George，Jr。wasinthe，sixthrowoftheparquetwiththedaughterofH。B。Carmichael，thethirdpartnerofawholesaledry-goodshouseofthatcity。
Hurstwooddidnotseehisson，forhesat，aswashiswont，as，farbackaspossible，leavinghimselfjustpartiallyvisible，whenhebentforward，tothosewithinthefirstsixrowsin，question。Itwashiswonttositthiswayineverytheatre——to，makehispersonalityasinconspicuousaspossiblewhereitwould，benoadvantagetohimtohaveitotherwise。
Henevermovedbutwhat，iftherewasanydangerofhisconduct，beingmisconstruedorill-reported，helookedcarefullyabouthim，andcountedthecostofeveryinchofconspicuity。
Thenextmorningatbreakfasthissonsaid：
“Isawyou，Governor，lastnight。”
“WereyouatMcVickar’s？”saidHurstwood，withthebestgracein，theworld。
“Yes，“saidyoungGeorge。
“Whowith？”
“MissCarmichael。”
Mrs。Hurstwooddirectedaninquiringglanceatherhusband，but，couldnotjudgefromhisappearancewhetheritwasanymorethan，acasuallookintothetheatrewhichwasreferredto。
“Howwastheplay？”sheinquired。
“Verygood，“returnedHurstwood，“onlyit’sthesameoldthing，’RipVanWinkle。’“
“Whomdidyougowith？”queriedhiswife，withassumed，indifference。
“CharlieDrouetandhiswife。TheyarefriendsofMoy’s，visitinghere。”
Owingtothepeculiarnatureofhisposition，suchadisclosure，asthiswouldordinarilycreatenodifficulty。Hiswifetookit，forgrantedthathissituationcalledforcertainsocial，movementsinwhichshemightnotbeincluded。Butoflatehehad，pleadedofficedutyonseveraloccasionswhenhiswifeaskedfor，hiscompanytoanyeveningentertainment。Hehaddonesoin，regardtotheveryeveninginquestiononlythemorningbefore。
“Ithoughtyouweregoingtobebusy，“sheremarked，very，carefully。
“SoIwas，“heexclaimed。”Icouldn’thelptheinterruption，but，Imadeupforitafterwardbyworkinguntiltwo。”
Thissettledthediscussionforthetimebeing，buttherewasa，residueofopinionwhichwasnotsatisfactory。Therewasnotime，atwhichtheclaimsofhiswifecouldhavebeenmore，unsatisfactorilypushed。Foryearshehadbeensteadily，modifyinghismatrimonialdevotion，andfoundhercompanydull。
Nowthatanewlightshoneuponthehorizon，thisolderluminary，paledinthewest。Hewassatisfiedtoturnhisfaceaway，entirely，andanycalltolookbackwasirksome。
She，onthecontrary，wasnotatallinclinedtoacceptanything，lessthanacompletefulfilmentoftheletteroftheir，relationship，thoughthespiritmightbewanting。
“Wearecomingdowntownthisafternoon，“sheremarked，afew，dayslater。”IwantyoutocomeovertoKinsley’sandmeetMr。
Phillipsandhiswife。They’restoppingattheTremont，and，we’regoingtoshowthemaroundalittle。”
AftertheoccurrenceofWednesday，hecouldnotrefuse，though，thePhillipswereaboutasuninterestingasvanityandignorance，couldmakethem。Heagreed，butitwaswithshortgrace。Hewas，angrywhenheleftthehouse。
“I’llputastoptothis，“hethought。”I’mnotgoingtobe，botheredfoolingaroundwithvisitorswhenIhaveworktodo。”
NotlongafterthisMrs。Hurstwoodcamewithasimilar，proposition，onlyitwastoamatineethistime。
“Mydear，“hereturned，“Ihaven’ttime。I’mtoobusy。”
“Youfindtimetogowithotherpeople，though，“shereplied，withconsiderableirritation。
“Nothingofthekind，“heanswered。”Ican’tavoidbusiness，relations，andthat’sallthereistoit。”
“Well，nevermind，“sheexclaimed。Herlipstightened。The，feelingofmutualantagonismwasincreased。
Ontheotherhand，hisinterestinDrouet’slittleshop-girlgrew，inanalmostevenlybalancedproportion。Thatyounglady，under，thestressofhersituationandthetutelageofhernewfriend，changedeffectively。Shehadtheaptitudeofthestrugglerwho，seeksemancipation。Theglowofamoreshowylifewasnotlost，uponher。Shedidnotgrowinknowledgesomuchassheawakened，inthematterofdesire。Mrs。Hale’sextendedharanguesuponthe，subjectsofwealthandpositiontaughthertodistinguishbetween，degreesofwealth。
Mrs。Halelovedtodriveintheafternooninthesunwhenitwas，fine，andtosatisfyhersoulwithasightofthosemansionsand，lawnswhichshecouldnotafford。OntheNorthSidehadbeen，erectedanumberofelegantmansionsalongwhatisnowknownas，theNorthShoreDrive。Thepresentlakewallofstoneand，granitoidwasnottheninplace，buttheroadhadbeenwelllaid，out，theintermediatespacesoflawnwerelovelytolookupon，andthehouseswerethoroughlynewandimposing。Whenthewinter，seasonhadpassedandthefirstfinedaysoftheearlyspring，appeared，Mrs。Halesecuredabuggyforanafternoonandinvited，Carrie。TheyrodefirstthroughLincolnParkandonfarout，towardsEvanston，turningbackatfourandarrivingatthenorth，endoftheShoreDriveataboutfiveo’clock。Atthistimeof，yearthedaysarestillcomparativelyshort，andtheshadowsof，theeveningwerebeginningtosettledownuponthegreatcity。
Lampswerebeginningtoburnwiththatmellowradiancewhich，seemsalmostwateryandtranslucenttotheeye。Therewasa，softnessintheairwhichspeakswithaninfinitedelicacyof，feelingtothefleshaswellastothesoul。Carriefeltthatit，wasalovelyday。Shewasripenedbyitinspiritformany，suggestions。Astheydrovealongthesmoothpavementan，occasionalcarriagepassed。Shesawonestopandthefootman，dismount，openingthedoorforagentlemanwhoseemedtobe，leisurelyreturningfromsomeafternoonpleasure。Acrossthe，broadlawns，nowfirstfresheningintogreen，shesawlamps，faintlyglowinguponrichinteriors。Nowitwasbutachair，now，atable，nowanornatecorner，whichmethereye，butitappealed，toherasalmostnothingelsecould。Suchchildishfanciesas，shehadhadoffairypalacesandkinglyquartersnowcameback。
Sheimaginedthatacrosstheserichlycarvedentrance-ways，where，theglobedandcrystalledlampsshoneuponpanelleddoorsset，withstainedanddesignedpanesofglass，wasneithercarenor，unsatisfieddesire。Shewasperfectlycertainthatherewas，happiness。Ifshecouldbutstrollupyonbroadwalk，crossthat，richentrance-way，whichtoherwasofthebeautyofajewel，and，sweepingraceandluxurytopossessionandcommand——oh！how，quicklywouldsadnessflee;how，inaninstant，wouldthe，heartacheend。Shegazedandgazed，wondering，delighting，longing，andallthewhilethesirenvoiceoftheunrestfulwas，whisperinginherear。
“Ifwecouldhavesuchahomeasthat，“saidMrs。Halesadly，“howdelightfulitwouldbe。”
“Andyettheydosay，“saidCarrie，“thatnooneiseverhappy。”
Shehadheardsomuchofthecantingphilosophyofthegrapeless，fox。
“Inotice，“saidMrs。Hale，“thattheyalltrymightyhard，though，totaketheirmiseryinamansion。”
Whenshecametoherownrooms，Carriesawtheircomparative，insignificance。Shewasnotsodullbutthatshecouldperceive，theywerebutthreesmallroomsinamoderatelywell-furnished，boarding-house。Shewasnotcontrastingitnowwithwhatshehad，had，butwhatshehadsorecentlyseen。Theglowofthepalatial，doorswasstillinhereye，therollofcushionedcarriagesstill，inherears。What，afterall，wasDrouet？，Whatwasshe？，Ather，window，shethoughtitover，rockingtoandfro，andgazingout，acrossthelamp-litparktowardthelamp-lithousesonWarrenand，Ashlandavenues。Shewastoowroughtuptocaretogodownto，eat，toopensivetodoaughtbutrockandsing。Someoldtunes，crepttoherlips，and，asshesangthem，herheartsank。She，longedandlongedandlonged。Itwasnowfortheoldcottage，roominColumbiaCity，nowthemansionupontheShoreDrive，now，thefinedressofsomelady，nowtheeleganceofsomescene。She，wassadbeyondmeasure，andyetuncertain，wishing，fancying。
Finally，itseemedasifallherstatewasoneoflonelinessand，forsakenness，andshecouldscarcerefrainfromtremblingatthe，lip。Shehummedandhummedasthemomentswentby，sittingin，theshadowbythewindow，andwasthereinashappy，thoughshe，didnotperceiveit，assheeverwouldbe。
WhileCarriewasstillinthisframeofmind，thehouse-servant，broughtuptheintelligencethatMr。Hurstwoodwasintheparlour，askingtoseeMr。andMrs。Drouet。
“Iguesshedoesn’tknowthatCharlieisoutoftown，“thought，Carrie。
Shehadseencomparativelylittleofthemanagerduringthe，winter，buthadbeenkeptconstantlyinmindofhimbyonething，andanother，principallybythestrongimpressionhehadmade。
Shewasquitedisturbedforthemomentastoherappearance，but，soonsatisfiedherselfbytheaidofthemirror，andwentbelow。
Hurstwoodwasinhisbestform，asusual。Hehadn’theardthat，Drouetwasoutoftown。Hewasbutslightlyaffectedbythe，intelligence，anddevotedhimselftothemoregeneraltopics，whichwouldinterestCarrie。Itwassurprising——theeasewith，whichheconductedaconversation。Hewaslikeeverymanwhohas，hadtheadvantageofpracticeandknowshehassympathy。Heknew，thatCarrielistenedtohimpleasurably，and，withouttheleast，effort，hefellintoatrainofobservationwhichabsorbedher，fancy。Hedrewuphischairandmodulatedhisvoicetosucha，degreethatwhathesaidseemedwhollyconfidential。Heconfined，himselfalmostexclusivelytohisobservationofmenand，pleasures。Hehadbeenhereandthere，hehadseenthisand，that。SomehowhemadeCarriewishtoseesimilarthings，andall，thewhilekeptherawareofhimself。Shecouldnotshutoutthe，consciousnessofhisindividualityandpresenceforamoment。He，wouldraisehiseyesslowlyinsmilingemphasisofsomething，and，shewasfixedbytheirmagnetism。Hewoulddrawout，withthe，easiestgrace，herapproval。Oncehetouchedherhandfor，emphasisandsheonlysmiled。Heseemedtoradiateanatmosphere，whichsuffusedherbeing。Hewasneverdullforaminute，and，seemedtomakeherclever。Atleast，shebrightenedunderhis，influenceuntilallherbestsidewasexhibited。Shefeltthat，shewasmorecleverwithhimthanwithothers。Atleast，he，seemedtofindsomuchinhertoapplaud。Therewasnotthe，slightesttouchofpatronage。Drouetwasfullofit。
Therehadbeensomethingsopersonal，sosubtle，ineachmeeting，betweenthem，bothwhenDrouetwaspresentandwhenhewas，absent，thatCarriecouldnotspeakofitwithoutfeelingasense，ofdifficulty。Shewasnotalker。Shecouldneverarrangeher，thoughtsinfluentorder。Itwasalwaysamatteroffeelingwith，her，stronganddeep。Eachtimetherehadbeennosentenceof，importancewhichshecouldrelate，andasfortheglancesand，sensations，whatwomanwouldrevealthem？Suchthingshadnever，beenbetweenherandDrouet。Asamatteroffact，theycould，neverbe。Shehadbeendominatedbydistressandthe，enthusiasticforcesofreliefwhichDrouetrepresentedatan，opportunemomentwhensheyieldedtohim。Nowshewaspersuaded，bysecretcurrentfeelingswhichDrouethadneverunderstood。
Hurstwood’sglancewasaseffectiveasthespokenwordsofa，lover，andmore。Theycalledfornoimmediatedecision，and，couldnotbeanswered。
Peopleingeneralattachtoomuchimportancetowords。Theyare，undertheillusionthattalkingeffectsgreatresults。Asa，matteroffact，wordsare，asarule，theshallowestportionof，alltheargument。Theybutdimlyrepresentthegreatsurging，feelingsanddesireswhichliebehind。Whenthedistractionof，thetongueisremoved，theheartlistens。
Inthisconversationsheheard，insteadofhiswords，thevoices，ofthethingswhichherepresented。Howsuavewasthecounselof，hisappearance！，Howfeelinglydidhissuperiorstatespeakfor，itself！，Thegrowingdesirehefeltforherlayuponherspirit，asagentlehand。Shedidnotneedtotrembleatall，becauseit，wasinvisible;shedidnotneedtoworryoverwhatotherpeople，wouldsay——whatsheherselfwouldsay——becauseithadno，tangibility。Shewasbeingpleadedwith，persuaded，ledinto，denyingoldrightsandassumingnewones，andyettherewereno，wordstoproveit。Suchconversationaswasindulgedinheldthe，samerelationshiptotheactualmentalenactmentsofthetwain，thatthelowmusicoftheorchestradoestothedramaticincident，whichitisusedtocover。
“HaveyoueverseenthehousesalongtheLakeShoreontheNorth，Side？”askedHurstwood。
“Why，Iwasjustovertherethisafternoon——Mrs。HaleandI。
Aren’ttheybeautiful？”
“They’reveryfine，“heanswered。
“Oh，me，“saidCarrie，pensively。”IwishIcouldliveinsucha，place。”
“You’renothappy，“saidHurstwood，slowly，afteraslightpause。
Hehadraisedhiseyessolemnlyandwaslookingintoherown。He，assumedthathehadstruckadeepchord。Nowwasaslightchance，tosayawordinhisownbehalf。Heleanedoverquietlyand，continuedhissteadygaze。Hefeltthecriticalcharacterofthe，period。Sheendeavouredtostir，butitwasuseless。Thewhole，strengthofaman’snaturewasworking。Hehadgoodcauseto，urgehimon。Helookedandlooked，andthelongerthesituation，lastedthemoredifficultitbecame。Thelittleshop-girlwas，gettingintodeepwater。Shewaslettingherfewsupportsfloat，awayfromher。
“Oh，“shesaidatlast，“youmustn’tlookatmelikethat。”
“Ican’thelpit，“heanswered。
Sherelaxedalittleandletthesituationendure，givinghim，strength。
“Youarenotsatisfiedwithlife，areyou？”
“No，“sheanswered，weakly。
Hesawhewasthemasterofthesituation——hefeltit。He，reachedoverandtouchedherhand。
“Youmustn’t，“sheexclaimed，jumpingup。
“Ididn’tintendto，“heanswered，easily。
Shedidnotrunaway，asshemighthavedone。Shedidnot，terminatetheinterview，buthedriftedoffintoapleasantfield，ofthoughtwiththereadiestgrace。Notlongafterheroseto，go，andshefeltthathewasinpower。
“Youmustn’tfeelbad，“hesaid，kindly;“thingswillstraighten，outinthecourseoftime。”
Shemadenoanswer，becauseshecouldthinkofnothingtosay。
“Wearegoodfriends，aren’twe？”hesaid，extendinghishand。
“Yes，“sheanswered。
“Notaword，then，untilIseeyouagain。”
Heretainedaholdonherhand。
“Ican’tpromise，“shesaid，doubtfully。
“Youmustbemoregenerousthanthat，“hesaid，insuchasimple，waythatshewastouched。
“Let’snottalkaboutitanymore，“shereturned。
“Allright，“hesaid，brightening。
Hewentdownthestepsandintohiscab。Carrieclosedthedoor，andascendedintoherroom。Sheundidherbroadlacecollar，beforethemirrorandunfastenedherprettyalligatorbeltwhich，shehadrecentlybought。
“I’mgettingterrible，“shesaid，honestlyaffectedbyafeeling，oftroubleandshame。”Idon’tseemtodoanythingright。”
Sheunloosedherhairafteratime，andletithanginloose，brownwaves。Hermindwasgoingovertheeventsoftheevening。
“Idon’tknow，“shemurmuredatlast，“whatIcando。”
“Well，“saidHurstwoodasherodeaway，“shelikesmeallright;
thatIknow。”
Thearousedmanagerwhistledmerrilyforagoodfourmilestohis，officeanoldmelodythathehadnotrecalledforfifteenyears。
ChapterXIII
HISCREDENTIALSACCEPTED——ABABELOFTONGUES
ItwasnotquitetwodaysafterthescenebetweenCarrieand，HurstwoodintheOgdenPlaceparlourbeforeheagainputinhis，appearance。Hehadbeenthinkingalmostuninterruptedlyofher。
Herleniencyhad，inaway，inflamedhisregard。Hefeltthathe，mustsucceedwithher，andthatspeedily。
Thereasonforhisinterest，nottosayfascination，wasdeeper，thanmeredesire。Itwasafloweringoutoffeelingswhichhad，beenwitheringindryandalmostbarrensoilformanyyears。It，isprobablethatCarrierepresentedabetterorderofwomanthan，hadeverattractedhimbefore。Hehadhadnoloveaffairsince，thatwhichculminatedinhismarriage，andsincethentimeand，theworldhadtaughthimhowrawanderroneouswashisoriginal，judgment。Wheneverhethoughtofit，hetoldhimselfthat，ifhe，hadittodooveragain，hewouldnevermarrysuchawoman。At，thesametime，hisexperiencewithwomeningeneralhadlessened，hisrespectforthesex。Hemaintainedacynicalattitude，well，groundedonnumerousexperiences。Suchwomenashehadknown，wereofnearlyonetype，selfish，ignorant，flashy。Thewivesof，hisfriendswerenotinspiringtolookupon。Hisownwifehad，developedacold，commonplacenaturewhichtohimwasanything，butpleasing。Whatheknewofthatunder-worldwheregrovelthe，beat-menofsociety(andheknewagreatdeal)hadhardenedhis，nature。Helookeduponmostwomenwithsuspicion——asingleeye，totheutilityofbeautyanddress。Hefollowedthemwitha，keen，suggestiveglance。Atthesametime，hewasnotsodull，butthatagoodwomancommandedhisrespect。Personally，hedid，notattempttoanalysethemarvelofasaintlywoman。Hewould，takeoffhishat，andwouldsilencethelight-tonguedandthe，viciousinherpresence——muchastheIrishkeeperofaBowery，hallwillhumblehimselfbeforeaSisterofMercy，andpaytoll，tocharitywithawillingandreverenthand。Buthewouldnot，thinkmuchuponthequestionofwhyhedidso。
Amaninhissituationwhocomes，afteralongroundofworthless，orhardeningexperiences，uponayoung，unsophisticated，innocent，soul，isapteithertoholdaloof，outofasenseofhisown，remoteness，ortodrawnearandbecomefascinatedandelatedby，hisdiscovery。Itisonlybyaroundaboutprocessthatsuchmen，everdodrawnearsuchagirl。Theyhavenomethod，no，understandingofhowtoingratiatethemselvesinyouthfulfavour，savewhentheyfindvirtueinthetoils。If，unfortunately，the，flyhasgotcaughtinthenet，thespidercancomeforthandtalk，businessuponitsownterms。Sowhenmaidenhoodhaswandered，intothemoilofthecity，whenitisbroughtwithinthecircle，ofthe“rounder“andtheroue，eventhoughitbeattheoutermost，rim，theycancomeforthandusetheiralluringarts。
Hurstwoodhadgone，atDrouet’sinvitation，tomeetanewbaggage，offineclothesandprettyfeatures。Heentered，expectingto，indulgeinaneveningoflightsomefrolic，andthenlosetrackof，thenewcomerforever。Insteadhefoundawomanwhoseyouthand，beautyattractedhim。InthemildlightofCarrie’seyewas，nothingofthecalculationofthemistress。Inthediffident，mannerwasnothingoftheartofthecourtesan。Hesawatonce，thatamistakehadbeenmade，thatsomedifficultconditionshad，pushedthistroubledcreatureintohispresence，andhisinterest，wasenlisted。Heresympathysprangtotherescue，butitwasnot，unmixedwithselfishness。HewantedtowinCarriebecausehe，thoughtherfatemingledwithhiswasbetterthanifitwere，unitedwithDrouet’s。Heenviedthedrummerhisconquestashe，hadneverenviedanymaninallthecourseofhisexperience。
Carriewascertainlybetterthanthisman，asshewassuperior，mentally，toDrouet。Shecamefreshfromtheairofthevillage，thelightofthecountrystillinhereye。Herewasneither，guilenorrapacity。Therewereslightinheritedtraitsofboth，inher，buttheywererudimentary。Shewastoofullofwonder，anddesiretobegreedy。Shestilllookedaboutheruponthe，greatmazeofthecitywithoutunderstanding。Hurstwoodfeltthe，bloomandtheyouth。Hepickedherashewouldthefreshfruit，ofatree。Hefeltasfreshinherpresenceasonewhoistaken，outoftheflashofsummertothefirstcoolbreathofspring。
Carrie，leftalonesincethesceneinquestion，andhavingnoone，withwhomtocounsel，hadatfirstwanderedfromonestrange，mentalconclusiontoanother，untilatlast，tiredout，shegave，itup。SheowedsomethingtoDrouet，shethought。Itdidnot，seemmorethanyesterdaythathehadaidedherwhenshewas，worriedanddistressed。Shehadthekindliestfeelingsforhim，ineveryway。Shegavehimcreditforhisgoodlooks，his，generousfeelings，andeven，infact，failedtorecollecthis，egotismwhenhewasabsent;butshecouldnotfeelanybinding，influencekeepingherforhimasagainstallothers。Infact，suchathoughthadneverhadanygrounding，eveninDrouet’s，desires。
Thetruthis，thatthisgoodlydrummercarriedthedoomofall，enduringrelationshipsinhisownlightsomemannerandunstable，fancy。Hewentmerrilyon，assuredthathewasalluringall，thataffectionfollowedtenderlyinhiswake，thatthingswould，endureunchanginglyforhispleasure。Whenhemissedsomeold，face，orfoundsomedoorfinallyshuttohim，itdidnotgrieve，himdeeply。Hewastooyoung，toosuccessful。Hewouldremain，thusyounginspirituntilhewasdead。
AsforHurstwood，hewasalivewiththoughtsandfeelings，concerningCarrie。Hehadnodefiniteplansregardingher，but，hewasdeterminedtomakeherconfessanaffectionforhim。He，thoughthesawinherdroopingeye，herunstableglance，her，waveringmanner，thesymptomsofabuddingpassion。Hewantedto，standnearherandmakeherlayherhandinhis——hewantedto，findoutwhathernextstepwouldbe——whatthenextsignof，feelingforhimwouldbe。Suchanxietyandenthusiasmhadnot，affectedhimforyears。Hewasayouthagaininfeeling——a，cavalierinaction。
Inhispositionopportunityfortakinghiseveningsoutwas，excellent。Hewasamostfaithfulworkeringeneral，andaman，whocommandedtheconfidenceofhisemployersinsofarasthe，distributionofhistimewasconcerned。Hecouldtakesuchhours，offashechose，foritwaswellknownthathefulfilledhis，managerialdutiessuccessfully，whatevertimehemighttake。His，grace，tact，andornateappearancegavetheplaceanairwhich，wasmostessential，whileatthesametimehislongexperience，madehimamostexcellentjudgeofitsstocknecessities。
Bartendersandassistantsmightcomeandgo，singlyoringroups，but，solongashewaspresent，thehostofold-timecustomers，wouldbarelynoticethechange。Hegavetheplacetheatmosphere，towhichtheywereused。Consequently，hearrangedhishours，verymuchtosuithimself，takingnowanafternoon，nowan，evening，butinvariablyreturningbetweenelevenandtwelveto，witnessthelasthourortwooftheday’sbusinessandlookafter，theclosingdetails。
“Youseethatthingsaresafeandalltheemployeesareoutwhen，yougohome，George，“Moyhadonceremarkedtohim，andhenever，once，inalltheperiodofhislongservice，neglectedtodo，this。Neitheroftheownershadforyearsbeenintheresort，afterfiveintheafternoon，andyettheirmanagerasfaithfully，fulfilledthisrequestasiftheyhadbeenthereregularlyto，observe。
OnthisFridayafternoon，scarcelytwodaysafterhisprevious，visit，hemadeuphismindtoseeCarrie。Hecouldnotstayaway，longer。
“Evans，“hesaid，addressingtheheadbarkeeper，“ifanyone，calls，Iwillbebackbetweenfourandfive。”
HehurriedtoMadisonStreetandboardedahorse-car，which，carriedhimtoOgdenPlaceinhalfanhour。
Carriehadthoughtofgoingforawalk，andhadputonalight，greywoollendresswithajauntydouble-breastedjacket。Shehad，outherhatandgloves，andwasfasteningawhitelacetieabout，herthroatwhenthehousemaidbroughtuptheinformationthatMr。
Hurstwoodwishedtoseeher。
Shestartedslightlyattheannouncement，buttoldthegirlto，saythatshewouldcomedowninamoment，andproceededtohasten，herdressing。
Carriecouldnothavetoldherselfatthismomentwhethershewas，gladorsorrythattheimpressivemanagerwasawaitingher，presence。Shewasslightlyflurriedandtinglinginthecheeks，butitwasmorenervousnessthaneitherfearorfavour。Shedid，nottrytoconjecturewhatthedriftoftheconversationwould，be。Sheonlyfeltthatshemustbecareful，andthatHurstwood，hadanindefinablefascinationforher。Thenshegavehertie，itslasttouchwithherfingersandwentbelow。
Thedeep-feelingmanagerwashimselfalittlestrainedinthe，nervesbythethoroughconsciousnessofhismission。Hefelt，thathemustmakeastrongplayonthisoccasion，butnowthat，thehourwascome，andheheardCarrie’sfeetuponthestair，his，nervefailedhim。Hesankalittleindetermination，forhewas，notsosure，afterall，whatheropinionmightbe。
Whensheenteredtheroom，however，herappearancegavehim，courage。Shelookedsimpleandcharmingenoughtostrengthenthe，daringofanylover。Herapparentnervousnessdispelledhisown。
