“Howareyou？”hesaid，easily。”Icouldnotresistthe，temptationtocomeoutthisafternoon，itwassopleasant。”
“Yes，“saidCarrie，haltingbeforehim，“Iwasjustpreparingto，goforawalkmyself。”
“Oh，wereyou？”hesaid。”Supposing，then，yougetyourhatand，webothgo？”
TheycrossedtheparkandwentwestalongWashingtonBoulevard，beautifulwithitsbroadmacadamisedroad，andlargeframehouses，setbackfromthesidewalks。Itwasastreetwheremanyofthe，moreprosperousresidentsoftheWestSidelived，andHurstwood，couldnothelpfeelingnervousoverthepublicityofit。They，hadgonebutafewblockswhenaliverystablesigninoneofthe，sidestreetssolvedthedifficultyforhim。Hewouldtakeherto，drivealongthenewBoulevard。
TheBoulevardatthattimewaslittlemorethanacountryroad。
Thepartheintendedshowingherwasmuchfartheroutonthis，sameWestSide，wheretherewasscarcelyahouse。Itconnected，DouglasParkwithWashingtonorSouthPark，andwasnothingmore，thananeatlyMADEroad，runningduesouthforsomefivemiles，overanopen，grassyprairie，andthendueeastoverthesame，kindofprairieforthesamedistance。Therewasnotahouseto，beencounteredanywherealongthelargerpartoftheroute，and，anyconversationwouldbepleasantlyfreeofinterruption。
Atthestablehepickedagentlehorse，andtheyweresoonoutof，rangeofeitherpublicobservationorhearing。
“Canyoudrive？”hesaid，afteratime。
“Inevertried，“saidCarrie。
Heputthereinsinherhand，andfoldedhisarms。
“Youseethere’snothingtoitmuch，“hesaid，smilingly。
“Notwhenyouhaveagentlehorse，“saidCarrie。
“Youcanhandleahorseaswellasanyone，afteralittle，practice，“headded，encouragingly。
Hehadbeenlookingforsometimeforabreakintheconversation，whenhecouldgiveitaseriousturn。Onceortwicehehadheld，hispeace，hopingthatinsilenceherthoughtswouldtakethe，colourofhisown，butshehadlightlycontinuedthesubject。
Presently，however，hissilencecontrolledthesituation。The，driftofhisthoughtsbegantotell。Hegazedfixedlyatnothing，inparticular，asifhewerethinkingofsomethingwhich，concernedhernotatall。Histhoughts，however，spokefor，themselves。Shewasverymuchawarethataclimaxwaspending。
“Doyouknow，“hesaid，“Ihavespentthehappiesteveningsin，yearssinceIhaveknownyou？”
“Haveyou？”shesaid，withassumedairiness，butstillexcitedby，theconvictionwhichthetoneofhisvoicecarried。
“Iwasgoingtotellyoutheotherevening，“headded，“but，somehowtheopportunityslippedaway。”
Carriewaslisteningwithoutattemptingtoreply。Shecould，thinkofnothingworthwhiletosay。Despitealltheideas，concerningrightwhichhadtroubledhervaguelysinceshehad，lastseenhim，shewasnowinfluencedagainstronglyinhis，favour。
“Icameouthereto-day，“hewenton，solemnly，“totellyoujust，howIfeel——toseeifyouwouldn’tlistentome。”
Hurstwoodwassomethingofaromanticistafterhiskind。Hewas，capableofstrongfeelings——oftenpoeticones——andunderastress，ofdesire，suchasthepresent，hewaxedeloquent。Thatis，his，feelingsandhisvoicewerecolouredwiththatseemingrepression，andpathoswhichistheessenceofeloquence。
“Youknow，“hesaid，puttinghishandonherarm，andkeepinga，strangesilencewhileheformulatedwords，“thatIloveyou？”
Carriedidnotstiratthewords。Shewasboundupcompletelyin，theman’satmosphere。Hewouldhavechurchlikesilenceinorder，toexpresshisfeelings，andshekeptit。Shedidnotmoveher，eyesfromtheflat，openscenebeforeher。Hurstwoodwaitedfor，afewmoments，andthenrepeatedthewords。
“Youmustnotsaythat，“shesaid，weakly。
Herwordswerenotconvincingatall。Theyweretheresultofa，feeblethoughtthatsomethingoughttobesaid。Hepaidno，attentiontothemwhatever。
“Carrie，“hesaid，usingherfirstnamewithsympathetic，familiarity，“Iwantyoutoloveme。Youdon’tknowhowmuchI
needsomeonetowastealittleaffectiononme。Iam，practicallyalone。Thereisnothinginmylifethatispleasant，ordelightful。It’sallworkandworrywithpeoplewhoare，nothingtome。”
Ashesaidthis，Hurstwoodreallyimaginedthathisstatewas，pitiful。Hehadtheabilitytogetoffatadistanceandview，himselfobjectively——ofseeingwhathewantedtoseeinthe，thingswhichmadeuphisexistence。Now，ashespoke，hisvoice，trembledwiththatpeculiarvibrationwhichistheresultof，tensity。Itwentringinghometohiscompanion’sheart。
“Why，Ishouldthink，“shesaid，turninguponhimlargeeyes，whichwerefullofsympathyandfeeling，“thatyouwouldbevery，happy。Youknowsomuchoftheworld。”
“Thatisit，“hesaid，hisvoicedroppingtoasoftminor，“I
knowtoomuchoftheworld。”
Itwasanimportantthingtohertohearonesowell-positioned，andpowerfulspeakinginthismanner。Shecouldnothelpfeeling，thestrangenessofhersituation。Howwasitthat，insolittle，awhile，thenarrowlifeofthecountryhadfallenfromherasa，garment，andthecity，withallitsmystery，takenitsplace？
Herewasthisgreatestmystery，themanofmoneyandaffairs，sittingbesideher，appealingtoher。Behold，hehadeaseand，comfort，hisstrengthwasgreat，hispositionhigh，hisclothing，rich，andyethewasappealingtoher。Shecouldformulateno，thoughtwhichwouldbejustandright。Shetroubledherselfno，moreuponthematter。Sheonlybaskedinthewarmthofhis，feeling，whichwasasagratefulblazetoonewhoiscold。
Hurstwoodglowedwithhisownintensity，andtheheatofhis，passionwasalreadymeltingthewaxofhiscompanion’sscruples。
“Youthink，“hesaid，“Iamhappy;thatIoughtnottocomplain？
Ifyouweretomeetalldaywithpeoplewhocareabsolutely，nothingaboutyou，ifyouwentdayafterdaytoaplacewhere，therewasnothingbutshowandindifference，iftherewasnotone，personinallthoseyouknewtowhomyoucouldappealfor，sympathyortalktowithpleasure，perhapsyouwouldbeunhappy，too。
Hewasstrikingachordnowwhichfoundsympatheticresponsein，herownsituation。Sheknewwhatitwastomeetwithpeoplewho，wereindifferent，towalkaloneamidsomanywhocaredabsolutely，nothingaboutyou。Hadnotshe？，Wasnotsheatthisverymoment，quitealone？，Whowasthereamongallwhomsheknewtowhomshe，couldappealforsympathy？，Notone。Shewaslefttoherselfto，broodandwonder。
“Icouldbecontent，“wentonHurstwood，“ifIhadyoutolove，me。IfIhadyoutogoto;youforacompanion。Asitis，I
simplymoveaboutfromplacetoplacewithoutanysatisfaction。
Timehangsheavilyonmyhands。BeforeyoucameIdidnothing，butidleanddriftintoanythingthatoffereditself。Sinceyou，came——well，I’vehadyoutothinkabout。”
Theoldillusionthatherewassomeonewhoneededheraidbegan，togrowinCarrie’smind。Shetrulypitiedthissad，lonely，figure。Tothinkthatallhisfinestateshouldbesobarrenfor，wantofher;thatheneededtomakesuchanappealwhenshe，herselfwaslonelyandwithoutanchor。Surely，thiswastoobad。
“Iamnotverybad，“hesaid，apologetically，asifheoweditto，hertoexplainonthisscore。”Youthink，probably，thatIroam，around，andgetintoallsortsofevil？，Ihavebeenrather，reckless，butIcouldeasilycomeoutofthat。Ineedyouto，drawmeback，ifmylifeeveramountstoanything。”
Carrielookedathimwiththetendernesswhichvirtueeverfeels，initshopeofreclaimingvice。Howcouldsuchamanneed，reclaiming？，Hiserrors，whatwerethey，thatshecouldcorrect？
Smalltheymustbe，whereallwassofine。Atworst，theywere，gildedaffairs，andwithwhatleniencyaregildederrorsviewed。
Heputhimselfinsuchalonelylightthatshewasdeeplymoved。
“Isitthatway？”shemused。
Heslippedhisarmaboutherwaist，andshecouldnotfindthe，hearttodrawaway。Withhisfreehandheseizeduponher，fingers。Abreathofsoftspringwindwentboundingoverthe，road，rollingsomebrowntwigsofthepreviousautumnbeforeit。
Thehorsepacedleisurelyon，unguided。
“Tellme，“hesaid，softly，“thatyouloveme。”
Hereyesfellconsciously。
“Owntoit，dear，“hesaid，feelingly;“youdo，don’tyou？”
Shemadenoanswer，buthefelthisvictory。
“Tellme，“hesaid，richly，drawinghersoclosethattheirlips，wereneartogether。Hepressedherhandwarmly，andthen，releasedittotouchhercheek。
“Youdo？”hesaid，pressinghislipstoherown。
Foranswer，herlipsreplied。
“Now，“hesaid，joyously，hisfineeyesablaze，“you’remyown，girl，aren’tyou？”
Bywayoffurtherconclusion，herheadlaysoftlyuponhis，shoulder。
ChapterXIV
WITHEYESANDNOTSEEING——ONEINFLUENCEWANES
Carrieinherroomsthateveningwasinafineglow，physically，andmentally。Shewasdeeplyrejoicinginheraffectionfor，Hurstwoodandhislove，andlookedforwardwithfinefancyto，theirnextmeetingSundaynight。Theyhadagreed，withoutany，feelingofenforcedsecrecy，thatsheshouldcomedowntownand，meethim，though，afterall，theneedofitwasthecause。
Mrs。Hale，fromherupperwindow，sawhercomein。
“Um，“shethoughttoherself，“shegoesridingwithanotherman，whenherhusbandisoutofthecity。Hehadbetterkeepaneye，onher。”
ThetruthisthatMrs。Halewasnottheonlyonewhohada，thoughtonthisscore。ThehousemaidwhohadwelcomedHurstwood，hadheropinionalso。ShehadnoparticularregardforCarrie，whomshetooktobecoldanddisagreeable。Atthesametime，she，hadafancyforthemerryandeasy-manneredDrouet，whothrewher，apleasantremarknowandthen，andinotherwaysextendedher，theevidenceofthatregardwhichhehadforallmembersofthe，sex。Hurstwoodwasmorereservedandcriticalinhismanner。He，didnotappealtothisbodicedfunctionaryinthesamepleasant，way。Shewonderedthathecamesofrequently，thatMrs。Drouet，shouldgooutwithhimthisafternoonwhenMr。Drouetwasabsent。
Shegaveventtoheropinionsinthekitchenwherethecookwas。
Asaresult，ahumofgossipwassetgoingwhichmovedaboutthe，houseinthatsecretmannercommontogossip。
Carrie，nowthatshehadyieldedsufficientlytoHurstwoodto，confessheraffection，nolongertroubledaboutherattitude，towardshim。TemporarilyshegavelittlethoughttoDrouet，thinkingonlyofthedignityandgraceofherloverandofhis，consumingaffectionforher。Onthefirstevening，shedid，littlebutgooverthedetailsoftheafternoon。Itwasthe，firsttimehersympathieshadeverbeenthoroughlyaroused，and，theythrewanewlightonhercharacter。Shehadsomepowerof，initiative，latentbefore，whichnowbegantoexertitself。She，lookedmorepracticallyuponherstateandbegantosee，glimmeringsofawayout。Hurstwoodseemedadraginthe，directionofhonour。Herfeelingswereexceedinglycreditable，inthattheyconstructedoutoftheserecentdevelopments，somethingwhichconqueredfreedomfromdishonour。Shehadno，ideawhatHurstwood’snextwordwouldbe。Sheonlytookhis，affectiontobeafinething，andappendedbetter，moregenerous，resultsaccordingly。
Asyet，Hurstwoodhadonlyathoughtofpleasurewithout，responsibility。Hedidnotfeelthathewasdoinganythingto，complicatehislife。Hispositionwassecure，hishome-life，if，notsatisfactory，wasatleastundisturbed，hispersonalliberty，ratheruntrammelled。Carrie’sloverepresentedonlysomuch，addedpleasure。Hewouldenjoythisnewgiftoverandabovehis，ordinaryallowanceofpleasure。Hewouldbehappywithherand，hisownaffairswouldgoonastheyhad，undisturbed。
OnSundayeveningCarriedinedwithhimataplacehehad，selectedinEastAdamsStreet，andthereaftertheytookacabto，whatwasthenapleasanteveningresortoutonCottageGrove，Avenuenear39thStreet。Intheprocessofhisdeclarationhe，soonrealisedthatCarrietookhisloveuponahigherbasisthan，hehadanticipated。Shekepthimatadistanceinarather，earnestway，andsubmittedonlytothosetendertokensof，affectionwhichbetterbecometheinexperiencedlover。Hurstwood，sawthatshewasnottobepossessedfortheasking，anddeferred，pressinghissuittoowarmly。
Sincehefeignedtobelieveinhermarriedstatehefoundthathe，hadtocarryoutthepart。Histriumph，hesaw，wasstillata，littledistance。Howfarhecouldnotguess。
TheywerereturningtoOgdenPlaceinthecab，whenheasked：
“WhenwillIseeyouagain？”
“Idon’tknow，“sheanswered，wonderingherself。
“WhynotcomedowntoTheFair，“hesuggested，“nextTuesday？”
Sheshookherhead。
“Notsosoon，“sheanswered。
“I’lltellyouwhatI’lldo，“headded。”I’llwriteyou，careof，thisWestSidePost-office。CouldyoucallnextTuesday？”
Carrieassented。
Thecabstoppedonedooroutofthewayaccordingtohiscall。
“Good-night，“hewhispered，asthecabrolledaway。
Unfortunatelyforthesmoothprogressionofthisaffair，Drouet，returned。Hurstwoodwassittinginhisimposinglittleoffice，thenextafternoonwhenhesawDrouetenter。
“Why，hello，Charles，“hecalledaffably;“backagain？”
“Yes，“smiledDrouet，approachingandlookinginatthedoor。
Hurstwoodarose。
“Well，“hesaid，lookingthedrummerover，“rosyasever，eh？”
Theybegantalkingofthepeopletheyknewandthingsthathad，happened。
“Beenhomeyet？”finallyaskedHurstwood。
“No，Iamgoing，though，“saidDrouet。
“Irememberedthelittlegirloutthere，“saidHurstwood，“and，calledonce。Thoughtyouwouldn’twantherleftquitealone。”
“Rightyouare，“agreedDrouet。”Howisshe？”
“Verywell，“saidHurstwood。”Ratheranxiousaboutyouthough。
You’dbettergooutnowandcheerherup。”
“Iwill，“saidDrouet，smilingly。
“Liketohaveyoubothcomedownandgototheshowwithme，Wednesday，“concludedHurstwoodatparting。
“Thanks，oldman，“saidhisfriend，“I’llseewhatthegirlsays，andletyouknow。”
Theyseparatedinthemostcordialmanner。
“There’sanicefellow，“Drouetthoughttohimselfasheturned，thecornertowardsMadison。
“Drouetisagoodfellow，“Hurstwoodthoughttohimselfashe，wentbackintohisoffice，“buthe’snomanforCarrie。”
Thethoughtofthelatterturnedhismindintoamostpleasant，vein，andhewanderedhowhewouldgetaheadofthedrummer。
WhenDrouetenteredCarrie’spresence，hecaughtherinhisarms，asusual，butsherespondedtohiskisswithatremourof，opposition。
“Well，“hesaid，“Ihadagreattrip。”
“Didyou？HowdidyoucomeoutwiththatLaCrossemanyouwere，tellingmeabout？”
“Oh，fine;soldhimacompleteline。Therewasanotherfellow，there，representingBurnstein，aregularhook-nosedsheeny，but，hewasn’tinit。Imadehimlooklikenothingatall。”
Asheundidhiscollarandunfastenedhisstuds，preparatoryto，washinghisfaceandchanginghisclothes，hedilateduponhis，trip。Carriecouldnothelplisteningwithamusementtohis，animateddescriptions。
“Itellyou，“hesaid，“Isurprisedthepeopleattheoffice。
I’vesoldmoregoodsthislastquarterthananyothermanofour，houseontheroad。Isoldthreethousanddollars’worthinLa，Crosse。”
Heplungedhisfaceinabasinofwater，andpuffedandblewas，herubbedhisneckandearswithhishands，whileCarriegazed，uponhimwithmingledthoughtsofrecollectionandpresent，judgment。Hewasstillwipinghisface，whenhecontinued：
“I’mgoingtostrikeforaraiseinJune。Theycanaffordtopay，it，asmuchbusinessasIturnin。I’llgetittoo，don’tyou，forget。”
“Ihopeyoudo，“saidCarrie。
“AndthenifthatlittlerealestatedealI’vegotongoes，through，we’llgetmarried，“hesaidwithagreatshowof，earnestness，thewhilehetookhisplacebeforethemirrorand，beganbrushinghishair。
“Idon’tbelieveyoueverintendtomarryme，Charlie，“Carrie，saidruefully。TherecentprotestationsofHurstwoodhadgiven，hercouragetosaythis。
“Oh，yesIdo——courseIdo——whatputthatintoyourhead？”
Hehadstoppedhistriflingbeforethemirrornowandcrossed，overtoher。ForthefirsttimeCarriefeltasifshemustmove，awayfromhim。
“Butyou’vebeensayingthatsolong，“shesaid，lookingwithher，prettyfaceupturnedintohis。
“Well，andImeanittoo，butittakesmoneytoliveasIwant，to。Now，whenIgetthisincrease，Icancomeprettynearfixing，thingsallright，andI’lldoit。Now，don’tyouworry，girlie。”
Hepattedherreassuringlyupontheshoulder，butCarriefelthow，reallyfutilehadbeenherhopes。Shecouldclearlyseethat，thiseasy-goingsoulintendednomoveinherbehalf。Hewas，simplylettingthingsdriftbecausehepreferredthefreeround，ofhispresentstatetoanylegaltrammellings。
Incontrast，Hurstwoodappearedstrongandsincere。Hehadno，easymannerofputtingheroff。Hesympathisedwithherand，showedherwhathertruevaluewas。Heneededher，whileDrouet，didnotcare。
“Oh，no，“shesaidremorsefully，hertonereflectingsomeofher，ownsuccessandmoreofherhelplessness，“youneverwill。”
“Well，youwaitalittlewhileandsee，“heconcluded。”I’ll，marryyouallright。”
Carrielookedathimandfeltjustified。Shewaslookingfor，somethingwhichwouldcalmherconscience，andhereitwas，a，light，airydisregardofherclaimsuponhisjustice。Hehad，faithfullypromisedtomarryher，andthiswasthewayhe，fulfilledhispromise。
“Say，“hesaid，afterhehad，ashethought，pleasantlydisposed，ofthemarriagequestion，“IsawHurstwoodto-day，andhewants，ustogotothetheatrewithhim。”
Carriestartedatthename，butrecoveredquicklyenoughtoavoid，notice。
“When？”sheasked，withassumedindifference。
“Wednesday。We’llgo，won’twe？”
“Ifyouthinkso，“sheanswered，hermannerbeingsoenforcedly，reservedastoalmostexcitesuspicion。Drouetnoticedsomething，buthethoughtitwasduetoherfeelingsconcerningtheirtalk，aboutmarriage。
“Hecalledonce，hesaid。”
“Yes，“saidCarrie，“hewasouthereSundayevening。”
“Washe？”saidDrouet。”Ithoughtfromwhathesaidthathehad，calledaweekorsoago。”
“Sohedid，“answeredCarrie，whowaswhollyunawareofwhat，conversationherloversmighthaveheld。Shewasallatsea，mentally，andfearfulofsomeentanglementwhichmightensuefrom，whatshewouldanswer。
“Oh，thenhecalledtwice？”saidDrouet，thefirstshadeof，misunderstandingshowinginhisface。
“Yes，“saidCarrieinnocently，feelingnowthatHurstwoodmust，havementionedbutonecall。
Drouetimaginedthathemusthavemisunderstoodhisfriend。He，didnotattachparticularimportancetotheinformation，after，all。
“Whatdidhehavetosay？”hequeried，withslightlyincreased，curiosity。
“HesaidhecamebecausehethoughtImightbelonely。You，hadn’tbeenintheresolonghewonderedwhathadbecomeofyou。”
“Georgeisafinefellow，“saidDrouet，rathergratifiedbyhis，conceptionofthemanager’sinterest。”Comeonandwe’llgoout，todinner。”
WhenHurstwoodsawthatDrouetwasbackhewroteatonceto，Carrie，saying：
“ItoldhimIcalledonyou，dearest，whenhewasaway。Idid，notsayhowoften，butheprobablythoughtonce。Letmeknowof，anythingyoumayhavesaid。Answerbyspecialmessengerwhenyou，getthis，and，darling，Imustseeyou。Letmeknowifyoucan’t，meetmeatJacksonandThroopStreetsWednesdayafternoonattwo，o’clock。Iwanttospeakwithyoubeforewemeetatthe，theatre。”
CarriereceivedthisTuesdaymorningwhenshecalledattheWest，Sidebranchofthepost-office，andansweredatonce。
“Isaidyoucalledtwice，“shewrote。”Hedidn’tseemtomind。
IwilltryandbeatThroopStreetifnothinginterferes。Iseem，tobegettingverybad。It’swrongtoactasIdo，Iknow。”
Hurstwood，whenhemetherasagreed，reassuredheronthis，score。
“Youmustn’tworry，sweetheart，“hesaid。”Justassoonashe，goesontheroadagainwewillarrangesomething。We’llfixit，sothatyouwon’thavetodeceiveanyone。”
Carrieimaginedthathewouldmarryheratonce，thoughhehad，notdirectlysaidso，andherspiritsrose。Sheproposedtomake，thebestofthesituationuntilDrouetleftagain。
“Don’tshowanymoreinterestinmethanyoueverhave，“
Hurstwoodcounselledconcerningtheeveningatthetheatre。
“Youmustn’tlookatmesteadilythen，“sheanswered，mindfulof，thepowerofhiseyes。
“Iwon’t，“hesaid，squeezingherhandatpartingandgivingthe，glanceshehadjustcautionedagainst。
“There，“shesaidplayfully，pointingafingerathim。
“Theshowhasn’tbegunyet，“hereturned。
Hewatchedherwalkfromhimwithtendersolicitation。Such，youthandprettinessreacteduponhimmoresubtlythanwine。
AtthetheatrethingspassedastheyhadinHurstwood’sfavour。
IfhehadbeenpleasingtoCarriebefore，howmuchmoresowashe，now。Hisgracewasmorepermeatingbecauseitfoundareadier，medium。Carriewatchedhiseverymovementwithpleasure。She，almostforgotpoorDrouet，whobabbledonasifhewerethehost。
Hurstwoodwastooclevertogivetheslightestindicationofa，change。Hepaid，ifanything，moreattentiontohisoldfriend，thanusual，andyetinnowayheldhimuptothatsubtleridicule，whichaloverinfavourmaysosecretlypractisebeforethe，mistressofhisheart。Ifanything，hefelttheinjusticeofthe，gameasitstood，andwasnotcheapenoughtoaddtoitthe，slightestmentaltaunt。
Onlytheplayproducedanironicalsituation，andthiswasdueto，Drouetalone。
Thescenewasonein“TheCovenant，“inwhichthewifelistened，totheseductivevoiceofaloverintheabsenceofherhusband。
“Servedhimright，“saidDrouetafterward，eveninviewofher，keenexpiationofhererror。”Ihaven’tanypityforamanwho，wouldbesuchachumpasthat。”
“Well，younevercantell，“returnedHurstwoodgently。”He，probablythoughthewasright。”
“Well，amanoughttobemoreattentivethanthattohiswifeif，hewantstokeepher。”
Theyhadcomeoutofthelobbyandmadetheirwaythroughthe，showycrushabouttheentranceway。
“Say，mister，“saidavoiceatHurstwood’sside，“wouldyoumind，givingmethepriceofabed？”
HurstwoodwasinterestedlyremarkingtoCarrie。
“HonesttoGod，mister，I’mwithoutaplacetosleep。”
Thepleawasthatofagaunt-facedmanofaboutthirty，who，lookedthepictureofprivationandwretchedness。Drouetwasthe，firsttosee。Hehandedoveradimewithanupwellingfeelingof，pityinhisheart。Hurstwoodscarcelynoticedtheincident。
Carriequicklyforgot。
ChapterXV
THEIRKOFTHEOLDTIES——THEMAGICOFYOUTH
ThecompleteignoringbyHurstwoodofhisownhomecamewiththe，growthofhisaffectionforCarrie。Hisactions，inallthat，relatedtohisfamily，wereofthemostperfunctorykind。Hesat，atbreakfastwithhiswifeandchildren，absorbedinhisown，fancies，whichreachedfarwithouttherealmoftheirinterests。
Hereadhispaper，whichwasheightenedininterestbythe，shallownessofthethemesdiscussedbyhissonanddaughter。
Betweenhimselfandhiswiferanariverofindifference。
NowthatCarriehadcome，hewasinafairwaytobeblissful，again。Therewasdelightingoingdowntownevenings。Whenhe，walkedforthintheshortdays，thestreetlampshadamerry，twinkle。Hebegantoexperiencethealmostforgottenfeeling，whichhastensthelover’sfeet。Whenhelookedathisfine，clothes，hesawthemwithhereyes——andhereyeswereyoung。
Whenintheflushofsuchfeelingsheheardhiswife’svoice，whentheinsistentdemandsofmatrimonyrecalledhimfromdreams，toastalepractice，howitgrated。Hethenknewthatthiswasa，chainwhichboundhisfeet。
“George，“saidMrs。Hurstwood，inthattoneofvoicewhichhad，longsincecometobeassociatedinhismindwithdemands，“we，wantyoutogetusaseasontickettotheraces。”
“Doyouwanttogotoallofthem？”hesaidwitharising，inflection。
“Yes，“sheanswered。
TheracesinquestionweresoontoopenatWashingtonPark，on，theSouthSide，andwereconsideredquitesocietyaffairsamong，thosewhodidnotaffectreligiousrectitudeandconservatism。
Mrs。Hurstwoodhadneveraskedforawholeseasonticketbefore，butthisyearcertainconsiderationsdecidedhertogetabox。
Foronething，oneofherneighbours，acertainMr。andMrs。
Ramsey，whowerepossessorsofmoney，madeoutofthecoal，business，haddoneso。Inthenextplace，herfavourite，physician，Dr。Beale，agentlemaninclinedtohorsesandbetting，hadtalkedwithherconcerninghisintentiontoenteratwo-year-
oldintheDerby。Inthethirdplace，shewishedtoexhibit，Jessica，whowasgaininginmaturityandbeauty，andwhomshe，hopedtomarrytoamanofmeans。Herowndesiretobeaboutin，suchthingsandparadeamongheracquaintancesandcommonthrong，wasasmuchanincentiveasanything。
Hurstwoodthoughtoverthepropositionafewmomentswithout，answering。Theywereinthesittingroomonthesecondfloor，waitingforsupper。Itwastheeveningofhisengagementwith，CarrieandDrouettosee“TheCovenant，“whichhadbroughthim，hometomakesomealterationsinhisdress。
“You’resureseparateticketswouldn’tdoaswell？”heasked，hesitatingtosayanythingmorerugged。
“No，“sherepliedimpatiently。
“Well，“hesaid，takingoffenceathermanner，“youneedn’tget，madaboutit。I’mjustaskingyou。”
“I’mnotmad，“shesnapped。”I’mmerelyaskingyouforaseason，ticket。”
“AndI’mtellingyou，“hereturned，fixingaclear，steadyeyeon，her，“thatit’snoeasythingtoget。I’mnotsurewhetherthe，managerwillgiveittome。”
Hehadbeenthinkingallthetimeofhis“pull“withtherace-
trackmagnates。
“Wecanbuyitthen，“sheexclaimedsharply。
“Youtalkeasy，“hesaid。”Aseasonfamilyticketcostsone，hundredandfiftydollars。”
“I’llnotarguewithyou，“sherepliedwithdetermination。”I
wanttheticketandthat’sallthereistoit。”
Shehadrisen，andnowwalkedangrilyoutoftheroom。
“Well，yougetitthen，“hesaidgrimly，thoughinamodified，toneofvoice。
Asusual，thetablewasoneshortthatevening。
Thenextmorninghehadcooleddownconsiderably，andlaterthe，ticketwasdulysecured，thoughitdidnothealmatters。Hedid，notmindgivinghisfamilyafairshareofallthatheearned，buthedidnotliketobeforcedtoprovideagainsthiswill。
“Didyouknow，mother，“saidJessicaanotherday，“theSpencers，aregettingreadytogoaway？”
“No。Where，Iwonder？”
“Europe，“saidJessica。”ImetGeorgineyesterdayandshetold，me。Shejustputonmoreairsaboutit。”
“Didshesaywhen？”
“Monday，Ithink。They’llgetanoticeinthepapersagain——they，alwaysdo。”
“Nevermind，“saidMrs。Hurstwoodconsolingly，“we’llgooneof，thesedays。”
Hurstwoodmovedhiseyesoverthepaperslowly，butsaidnothing。
“’WesailforLiverpoolfromNewYork，’“Jessicaexclaimed，mockingheracquaintance。”’Expecttospendmostofthe“summah“
inFrance，’——vainthing。AsIfitwasanythingtogotoEurope。”
“Itmustbeifyouenvyhersomuch，“putinHurstwood。
Itgrateduponhimtoseethefeelinghisdaughterdisplayed。
“Don’tworryoverthem，mydear，“saidMrs。Hurstwood。
“DidGeorgegetoff？”askedJessicaofhermotheranotherday，thusrevealingsomethingthatHurstwoodhadheardnothingabout。
“Wherehashegone？”heasked，lookingup。Hehadneverbefore，beenkeptinignoranceconcerningdepartures。
“HewasgoingtoWheaton，“saidJessica，notnoticingtheslight，putuponherfather。
“What’soutthere？”heasked，secretlyirritatedandchagrinedto，thinkthatheshouldbemadetopumpforinformationinthis，manner。
“Atennismatch，“saidJessica。
“Hedidn’tsayanythingtome，“Hurstwoodconcluded，findingit，difficulttorefrainfromabittertone。
“Iguesshemusthaveforgotten，“exclaimedhiswifeblandly。In，thepasthehadalwayscommandedacertainamountofrespect，whichwasacompoundofappreciationandawe。Thefamiliarity，whichinpartstillexistedbetweenhimselfandhisdaughterhe，hadcourted。Asitwas，itdidnotgobeyondthelight，assumptionofwords。TheTONEwasalwaysmodest。Whateverhad，been，however，hadlackedaffection，andnowhesawthathewas，losingtrackoftheirdoings。Hisknowledgewasnolonger，intimate。Hesometimessawthemattable，andsometimesdidnot。
Heheardoftheirdoingsoccasionally，moreoftennot。Somedays，hefoundthathewasallatseaastowhattheyweretalking，about——thingstheyhadarrangedtodoorthattheyhaddonein，hisabsence。Moreaffectingwasthefeelingthattherewere，littlethingsgoingonofwhichhenolongerheard。Jessicawas，beginningtofeelthatheraffairswereherown。George，Jr。，flourishedaboutasifhewereamanentirelyandmustneedshave，privatematters。AllthisHurstwoodcouldsee，anditlefta，traceoffeeling，forhewasusedtobeingconsidered——inhis，officialposition，atleast——andfeltthathisimportanceshould，notbegintowanehere。Todarkenitall，hesawthesame，indifferenceandindependencegrowinginhiswife，whilehe，lookedonandpaidthebills。
Heconsoledhimselfwiththethought，however，that，afterall，hewasnotwithoutaffection。Thingsmightgoastheywouldat，hishouse，buthehadCarrieoutsideofit。Withhismind’seye，helookedintohercomfortableroominOgdenPlace，wherehehad，spentseveralsuchdelightfulevenings，andthoughthowcharming，itwouldbewhenDrouetwasdisposedofentirelyandshewas，waitingeveningsincoseylittlequartersforhim。Thatnocause，wouldcomeupwherebyDrouetwouldbeledtoinformCarrie，concerninghismarriedstate，hefelthopeful。Thingsweregoing，sosmoothlythathebelievedtheywouldnotchange。Shortlynow，hewouldpersuadeCarrieandallwouldbesatisfactory。
Thedayaftertheirtheatrevisithebeganwritingherregularly——
alettereverymorning，andbegginghertodoasmuchforhim。
Hewasnotliterarybyanymeans，butexperienceoftheworldand，hisgrowingaffectiongavehimsomewhatofastyle。Thishe，exercisedathisofficedeskwithperfectdeliberation。He，purchasedaboxofdelicatelycolouredandscentedwritingpaper，inmonogram，whichhekeptlockedinoneofthedrawers。His，friendsnowwonderedattheclericandveryofficial-looking，natureofhisposition。Thefivebartendersviewedwithrespect，thedutieswhichcouldcallamantodosomuchdesk-workand，penmanship。
Hurstwoodsurprisedhimselfwithhisfluency。Bythenaturallaw，whichgovernsalleffort，whathewrotereacteduponhim。He，begantofeelthosesubtletieswhichhecouldfindwordsto，express。Witheveryexpressioncameincreasedconception。Those，inmostbreathingswhichtherefoundwordstookholduponhim。He，thoughtCarrieworthyofalltheaffectionhecouldthere，express。
Carriewasindeedworthlovingifeveryouthandgraceareto，commandthattokenofacknowledgmentfromlifeintheirbloom。
Experiencehadnotyettakenawaythatfreshnessofthespirit，whichisthecharmofthebody。Hersofteyescontainedintheir，liquidlustrenosuggestionoftheknowledgeofdisappointment。
Shehadbeentroubledinawaybydoubtandlonging，butthese，hadmadenodeeperimpressionthancouldbetracedinacertain，openwistfulnessofglanceandspeech。Themouthhadthe，expressionattimes，intalkingandinrepose，ofonewhomight，beuponthevergeoftears。Itwasnotthatgriefwasthusever，present。Thepronunciationofcertainsyllablesgavetoherlips，thispeculiarityofformation——aformationassuggestiveand，movingaspathositself。
Therewasnothingboldinhermanner。Lifehadnottaughther，domination——superciliousnessofgrace，whichisthelordlypower，ofsomewomen。Herlongingforconsiderationwasnot，sufficientlypowerfultomovehertodemandit。Evennowshe，lackedself-assurance，buttherewasthatinwhatshehadalready，experiencedwhichleftheralittlelessthantimid。Shewanted，pleasure，shewantedposition，andyetshewasconfusedasto，whatthesethingsmightbe。Everyhourthekaleidoscopeofhuman，affairsthrewanewlustreuponsomething，andtherewithit，becameforherthedesired——theall。Anothershiftofthebox，andsomeotherhadbecomethebeautiful，theperfect。
Onherspiritualside，also，shewasrichinfeeling，assucha，naturewellmightbe。Sorrowinherwasarousedbymanya，spectacle——anuncriticalupwellingofgrieffortheweakandthe，helpless。Shewasconstantlypainedbythesightofthewhite-
faced，raggedmenwhosloppeddesperatelybyherinasortof，wretchedmentalstupor。Thepoorlycladgirlswhowentblowing，byherwindowevenings，hurryinghomefromsomeoftheshopsof，theWestSide，shepitiedfromthedepthsofherheart。She，wouldstandandbiteherlipsastheypassed，shakingherlittle，headandwondering。Theyhadsolittle，shethought。Itwasso，sadtoberaggedandpoor。Thehangoffadedclothespainedher，eyes。
“Andtheyhavetoworksohard！”washeronlycomment。
Onthestreetsometimesshewouldseemenworking——Irishmenwith，picks，coal-heaverswithgreatloadstoshovel，Americansbusy，aboutsomeworkwhichwasamerematterofstrength——andthey，touchedherfancy。Toil，nowthatshewasfreeofit，seemed，evenamoredesolatethingthanwhenshewaspartofit。Shesaw，itthroughamistoffancy——apale，sombrehalf-light，whichwas，theessenceofpoeticfeeling。Heroldfather，inhisflour-
dustedmiller’ssuit，sometimesreturnedtoherinmemory，revivedbyafaceinawindow。Ashoemakerpeggingathislast，ablastmanseenthroughanarrowwindowinsomebasementwhere，ironwasbeingmelted，abench-workerseenhighaloftinsome，window，hiscoatoff，hissleevesrolledup;thesetookherback，infancytothedetailsofthemill。Shefelt，thoughsheseldom，expressedthem，sadthoughtsuponthisscore。Hersympathies，wereeverwiththatunder-worldoftoilfromwhichshehadso，recentlysprung，andwhichshebestunderstood。
ThoughHurstwooddidnotknowit，hewasdealingwithonewhose，feelingswereastenderandasdelicateasthis。Hedidnot，know，butitwasthisinher，afterall，whichattractedhim。He，neverattemptedtoanalysethenatureofhisaffection。Itwas，sufficientthattherewastendernessinhereye，weaknessinher，manner，goodnatureandhopeinherthoughts。Hedrewnearthis，lily，whichhadsuckeditswaxenbeautyandperfumefrombelowa，depthofwaterswhichhehadneverpenetrated，andoutofooze，andmouldwhichhecouldnotunderstand。Hedrewnearbecauseit，waswaxenandfresh。Itlightenedhisfeelingsforhim。Itmade，themorningworthwhile。
Inamaterialway，shewasconsiderablyimproved。Her，awkwardnesshadallbutpassed，leaving，ifanything，aquaint，residuewhichwasaspleasingasperfectgrace。Herlittleshoes，nowfittedhersmartlyandhadhighheels。Shehadlearnedmuch，aboutlacesandthoselittleneckpieceswhichaddsomuchtoa，woman’sappearance。Herformhadfilledoutuntilitwas，admirablyplumpandwell-rounded。
Hurstwoodwroteheronemorning，askinghertomeethimin，JeffersonPark，MonroeStreet。Hedidnotconsideritpolicyto，callanymore，evenwhenDrouetwasathome。
Thenextafternoonhewasintheprettylittleparkbyone，and，hadfoundarusticbenchbeneaththegreenleavesofalilacbush，whichborderedoneofthepaths。Itwasatthatseasonofthe，yearwhenthefulnessofspringhadnotyetwornquiteaway。At，alittlepondnearbysomecleanlydressedchildrenweresailing，whitecanvasboats。Intheshadeofagreenpagodaabebuttoned，officerofthelawwasresting，hisarmsfolded，hisclubatrest，inhisbelt。Anoldgardenerwasuponthelawn，withapairof，pruningshears，lookingaftersomebushes。Highoverheadwasthe，cleanblueskyofthenewsummer，andinthethicknessofthe，shinygreenleavesofthetreeshoppedandtwitteredthebusy，sparrows。
Hurstwoodhadcomeoutofhisownhomethatmorningfeelingmuch，ofthesameoldannoyance。Athisstorehehadidled，there，beingnoneedtowrite。Hehadcomeawaytothisplacewiththe，lightnessofheartwhichcharacterisesthosewhoputweariness，behind。Now，intheshadeofthiscool，greenbush，helooked，abouthimwiththefancyofthelover。Heheardthecartsgo，lumberingbyupontheneighbouringstreets，buttheywerefar，off，andonlybuzzeduponhisear。Thehumofthesurrounding，citywasfaint，theclangofanoccasionalbellwasasmusic。He，lookedanddreamedanewdreamofpleasurewhichconcernedhis，presentfixedconditionnotatall。Hegotbackinfancytothe，oldHurstwood，whowasneithermarriednorfixedinasolid，positionforlife。Herememberedthelightspiritinwhichhe，oncelookedafterthegirls——howhehaddanced，escortedthem，home，hungovertheirgates。Healmostwishedhewasbackthere，again——hereinthispleasantscenehefeltasifhewerewholly，free。
AttwoCarriecametrippingalongthewalktowardhim，rosyand，clean。Shehadjustrecentlydonnedasailorhatfortheseason，withabandofprettywhite-dottedbluesilk。Herskirtwasofa，richbluematerial，andhershirtwaistmatchedit，withathin-
stripeofblueuponasnow-whiteground——stripesthatwereas，fineashairs。Herbrownshoespeepedoccasionallyfrombeneath，herskirt。Shecarriedherglovesinherhand。
Hurstwoodlookedupatherwithdelight。
“Youcame，dearest，“hesaideagerly，standingtomeetherand，takingherhand。
“Ofcourse，“shesaid，smiling;“didyouthinkIwouldn’t？”
“Ididn’tknow，“hereplied。
Helookedatherforehead，whichwasmoistfromherbriskwalk。
Thenhetookoutoneofhisownsoft，scentedsilkhandkerchiefs，andtouchedherfacehereandthere。
“Now，“hesaidaffectionately，“you’reallright。”
Theywerehappyinbeingnearoneanother——inlookingintoeach，other’seyes。Finally，whenthelongflushofdelighthadsub，sided，hesaid：
“WhenisCharliegoingawayagain？”
“Idon’tknow，“sheanswered。”Hesayshehassomethingstodo，forthehouseherenow。”
Hurstwoodgrewserious，andhelapsedintoquietthought。He，lookedupafteratimetosay：
“Comeawayandleavehim。”
Heturnedhiseyestotheboyswiththeboats，asiftherequest，wereoflittleimportance。
“Wherewouldwego？”sheaskedinmuchthesamemanner，rolling，hergloves，andlookingintoaneighbouringtree。
“Wheredoyouwanttogo？”heenquired。
Therewassomethinginthetoneinwhichhesaidthiswhichmade，herfeelasifshemustrecordherfeelingsagainstanylocal，habitation。
“Wecan’tstayinChicago，“shereplied。
Hehadnothoughtthatthiswasinhermind——thatanyremoval，wouldbesuggested。
“Whynot？”heaskedsoftly。
“Oh，because，“shesaid，“Iwouldn’twantto。”
Helistenedtothiswithbutdullperceptionofwhatitmeant。
Ithadnoseriousringtoit。Thequestionwasnotupfor，immediatedecision。
“Iwouldhavetogiveupmyposition，“hesaid。
Thetoneheusedmadeitseemasifthematterdeservedonly，slightconsideration。Carriethoughtalittle，thewhile，enjoyingtheprettyscene。
“Iwouldn’tliketoliveinChicagoandhimhere，“shesaid，thinkingofDrouet。
“It’sabigtown，dearest，“Hurstwoodanswered。”Itwouldbeas，goodasmovingtoanotherpartofthecountrytomovetothe，SouthSide。”
Hehadfixeduponthatregionasanobjectivepoint。
“Anyhow，“saidCarrie，“Ishouldn’twanttogetmarriedaslong，asheishere。Iwouldn’twanttorunaway。”
ThesuggestionofmarriagestruckHurstwoodforcibly。Hesaw，clearlythatthiswasheridea——hefeltthatitwasnottobe，gottenovereasily。Bigamylightenedthehorizonofhisshadowy，thoughtsforamoment。Hewonderedforthelifeofhimhowit，wouldallcomeout。Hecouldnotseethathewasmakingany，progresssaveinherregard。Whenhelookedathernow，he，thoughtherbeautiful。Whatathingitwastohaveherlovehim，evenifitbeentangling！Sheincreasedinvalueinhiseyes，becauseofherobjection。Shewassomethingtostrugglefor，and，thatwaseverything。Howdifferentfromthewomenwhoyielded，willingly！Hesweptthethoughtofthemfromhismind。
“Andyoudon’tknowwhenhe’llgoaway？”askedHurstwood，quietly。
Sheshookherhead。
Hesighed。
“You’readeterminedlittlemiss，aren’tyou？”hesaid，aftera，fewmoments，lookingupintohereyes。
Shefeltawaveoffeelingsweepoverheratthis。Itwaspride，atwhatseemedhisadmiration——affectionforthemanwhocould，feelthisconcerningher。
“No，“shesaidcoyly，“butwhatcanIdo？”
Againhefoldedhishandsandlookedawayoverthelawnintothe，street。
“Iwish，“hesaidpathetically，“youwouldcometome。Idon’t，liketobeawayfromyouthisway。Whatgoodistherein，waiting？You’renotanyhappier，areyou？”
“Happier！”sheexclaimedsoftly，“youknowbetterthanthat。”
“Herewearethen，“hewentoninthesametone，“wastingour，days。Ifyouarenothappy，doyouthinkIam？Isitandwrite，toyouthebiggestpartofthetime。I’lltellyouwhat，Carrie，“heexclaimed，throwingsuddenforceofexpressioninto，hisvoiceandfixingherwithhiseyes，“Ican’tlivewithout，you，andthat’sallthereistoit。Now，“heconcluded，showing，thepalmofoneofhiswhitehandsinasortofat-an-end，helplessexpression，“whatshallIdo？”
ThisshiftingoftheburdentoherappealedtoCarrie。The，semblanceoftheloadwithouttheweighttouchedthewoman’s，heart。
“Can’tyouwaitalittlewhileyet？”shesaidtenderly。”I’ll，tryandfindoutwhenhe’sgoing。”
“Whatgoodwillitdo？”heasked，holdingthesamestrainof，feeling。
“Well，perhapswecanarrangetogosomewhere。”
Shereallydidnotseeanythingclearerthanbefore，butshewas，gettingintothatframeofmindwhere，outofsympathy，awoman，yields。
Hurstwooddidnotunderstand。Hewaswonderinghowshewastobe，persuaded——whatappealwouldmovehertoforsakeDrouet。He，begantowonderhowfarheraffectionforhimwouldcarryher。
Hewasthinkingofsomequestionwhichwouldmakehertell。
Finallyhehitupononeofthoseproblematicalpropositionswhich，oftendisguiseourowndesireswhileleadingustoan，understandingofthedifficultieswhichothersmakeforus，and，sodiscoverforusaway。Ithadnottheslightestconnection，withanythingintendedonhispart，andwasspokenatrandom，beforehehadgivenitamoment’sseriousthought。
“Carrie，“hesaid，lookingintoherfaceandassumingaserious，lookwhichhedidnotfeel，“supposeIweretocometoyounext，week，orthisweekforthatmatter——to-nightsay——andtellyouI
hadtogoaway——thatIcouldn’tstayanotherminuteandwasn’t，comingbackanymore——wouldyoucomewithme？”
Hissweetheartviewedhimwiththemostaffectionateglance，her，answerreadybeforethewordswereoutofhismouth。
“Yes，“shesaid。
“Youwouldn’tstoptoargueorarrange？”
“Notifyoucouldn’twait。”
Hesmiledwhenhesawthatshetookhimseriously，andhethought，whatachanceitwouldaffordforapossiblejunketofaweekor，two。Hehadanotiontotellherthathewasjokingandsobrush，awayhersweetseriousness，buttheeffectofitwastoo，delightful。Heletitstand。
“Supposewedidn’thavetimetogetmarriedhere？”headded，an，afterthoughtstrikinghim。
“Ifwegotmarriedassoonaswegottotheotherendofthe，journeyitwouldbeallright。”
“Imeantthat，“hesaid。
“Yes。”
Themorningseemedpeculiarlybrighttohimnow。Hewondered，whatevercouldhaveputsuchathoughtintohishead。Impossible，asitwas，hecouldnothelpsmilingatitscleverness。It，showedhowshelovedhim。Therewasnodoubtinhismindnow，andhewouldfindawaytowinher。
“Well，“hesaid，jokingly，“I’llcomeandgetyouoneofthese，evenings，“andthenhelaughed。
“Iwouldn’tstaywithyou，though，ifyoudidn’tmarryme，“
Carrieaddedreflectively。
“Idon’twantyouto，“hesaidtenderly，takingherhand。
Shewasextremelyhappynowthatsheunderstood。Shelovedhim，themoreforthinkingthathewouldrescueherso。Asforhim，themarriageclausedidnotdwellinhismind。Hewasthinking，thatwithsuchaffectiontherecouldbenobartohiseventual，happiness。
“Let’sstrollabout，“hesaidgayly，risingandsurveyingallthe，lovelypark。
“Allright，“saidCarrie。
TheypassedtheyoungIrishman，wholookedafterthemwith，enviouseyes。
“’Tisafoinecouple，“heobservedtohimself。”Theymustbe，rich。”
ChapterXVI
AWITLESSALADDIN——THEGATETOTHEWORLD
InthecourseofhispresentstayinChicago，Drouetpaidsome，slightattentiontothesecretordertowhichhebelonged。
Duringhislasttriphehadreceivedanewlightonits，importance。
“Itellyou，“saidanotherdrummertohim，“it’sagreatthing。
LookatHazenstab。Heisn’tsodeucedclever。Ofcoursehe’s，gotagoodhousebehindhim，butthatwon’tdoalone。Itellyou，it’shisdegree。He’saway-upMason，andthatgoesalongway。
He’sgotasecretsignthatstandsforsomething。”
Drouetresolvedthenandtherethathewouldtakemoreinterest，insuchmatters。SowhenhegotbacktoChicagoherepairedto，hislocallodgeheadquarters。
“Isay，Drouet，“saidMr。HarryQuincel，anindividualwhowas，veryprominentinthislocalbranchoftheElks，“you’retheman，thatcanhelpusout。”
Itwasafterthebusinessmeetingandthingsweregoingsocially，withahum。Drouetwasbobbingaroundchattingandjokingwitha，scoreofindividualswhomheknew。
“Whatareyouupto？”heinquiredgenially，turningasmiling，faceuponhissecretbrother。
“We’retryingtogetupsometheatricalsfortwoweeksfromto-
day，andwewanttoknowifyoudon’tknowsomeyoungladywho，couldtakeapart——it’saneasypart。”
“Sure，“saidDrouet，“whatisit？”Hedidnottroubletoremember，thatheknewnoonetowhomhecouldappealonthisscore。His，innategood-nature，however，dictatedafavourablereply。
“Well，now，I’lltellyouwhatwearetryingtodo，“wentonMr。
Quincel。”Wearetryingtogetanewsetoffurnitureforthe，lodge。Thereisn’tenoughmoneyinthetreasuryatthepresent，time，andwethoughtwewouldraiseitbyalittle，entertainment。”
“Sure，“interruptedDrouet，“that’sagoodidea。”
“Severaloftheboysaroundherehavegottalent。There’sHarry，Burbeck，hedoesafineblack-faceturn。MacLewisisallright，atheavydramatics。Didyoueverhearhimrecite’Overthe，Hills’？”
“Neverdid。”
“Well，Itellyou，hedoesitfine。”
“Andyouwantmetogetsomewomantotakeapart？”questioned，Drouet，anxioustoterminatethesubjectandgetontosomething，else。”Whatareyougoingtoplay？”
“’UndertheGaslight，’“saidMr。Quincel，mentioningAugustin，Daly’sfamousproduction，whichhadwornfromagreatpublic，successdowntoanamateurtheatricalfavourite，withmanyofthe，troublesomeaccessoriescutoutandthedramatispersonaereduced，tothesmallestpossiblenumber。
Drouethadseenthisplaysometimeinthepast。
“That’sit，“hesaid;“that’safineplay。Itwillgoallright。
Yououghttomakealotofmoneyoutofthat。”
“Wethinkwe’lldoverywell，“Mr。Quincelreplied。”Don’tyou，forgetnow，“heconcluded，Drouetshowingsignsofrestlessness;
“someyoungwomantotakethepartofLaura。”
“Sure，I’llattendtoit。”
Hemovedaway，forgettingalmostallaboutitthemomentMr。
Quincelhadceasedtalking。Hehadnoteventhoughttoaskthe，timeorplace。
Drouetwasremindedofhispromiseadayortwolaterbythe，receiptofaletterannouncingthatthefirstrehearsalwasset，forthefollowingFridayevening，andurginghimtokindly，forwardtheyounglady’saddressatonce，inorderthatthepart，mightbedeliveredtoher。
“Now，whothedeucedoIknow？”askedthedrummerreflectively，scratchinghisrosyear。”Idon’tknowanyonethatknows，anythingaboutamateurtheatricals。”
Hewentoverinmemorythenamesofanumberofwomenheknew，andfinallyfixedonone，largelybecauseoftheconvenient，locationofherhomeontheWestSide，andpromisedhimselfthat，ashecameoutthateveninghewouldseeher。When，however，he，startedwestonthecarheforgot，andwasonlyremindedofhis，delinquencybyaniteminthe“EveningNews“——asmallthree-line，affairundertheheadofSecretSocietyNotes——whichstatedthe，CusterLodgeoftheOrderofElkswouldgiveatheatrical，performanceinAveryHallonthe16th，when“UndertheGaslight“
wouldbeproduced。
“George！”exclaimedDrouet，“Iforgotthat。”
“What？”inquiredCarrie。
Theywereattheirlittletableintheroomwhichmighthavebeen，usedforakitchen，whereCarrieoccasionallyservedameal。To-
nightthefancyhadcaughther，andthelittletablewasspread，withapleasingrepast。
“Why，mylodgeentertainment。They’regoingtogiveaplay，and，theywantedmetogetthemsomeyoungladytotakeapart。”
“Whatisitthey’regoingtoplay？”
“’UndertheGaslight。’“
“When？”
“Onthe16th。”
“Well，whydon’tyou？”askedCarrie。
“Idon’tknowanyone，“hereplied。
Suddenlyhelookedup。
“Say，“hesaid，“howwouldyouliketotakethepart？”
“Me？”saidCarrie。”Ican’tact。”
“Howdoyouknow？”questionedDrouetreflectively。
“Because，“answeredCarrie，“Ineverdid。”
Nevertheless，shewaspleasedtothinkhewouldask。Hereyes，brightened，foriftherewasanythingthatenlistedher，sympathiesitwastheartofthestage。
Truetohisnature，Drouetclungtothisideaasaneasywayout。
“That’snothing。Youcanactallyouhavetodownthere。”
“No，Ican’t，“saidCarrieweakly，verymuchdrawntowardthe，propositionandyetfearful。
“Yes，youcan。Now，whydon’tyoudoit？Theyneedsomeone，and，itwillbelotsoffunforyou。”
“Oh，no，itwon’t，“saidCarrieseriously。
“You’dlikethat。Iknowyouwould。I’veseenyoudancing，aroundhereandgivingimitationsandthat’swhyIaskedyou。
You’recleverenough，allright。”
“No，I’mnot，“saidCarrieshyly。
“Now，I’lltellyouwhatyoudo。Yougodownandseeaboutit。
It’llbefunforyou。Therestofthecompanyisn’tgoingtobe，anygood。Theyhaven’tanyexperience。Whatdotheyknowabout，theatricals？”
Hefrownedashethoughtoftheirignorance。
“Handmethecoffee，“headded。
“Idon’tbelieveIcouldact，Charlie，“Carriewentonpettishly。
“Youdon’tthinkIcould，doyou？”
“Sure。Outo’sight。Ibetyoumakeahit。Nowyouwanttogo，Iknowyoudo。IknewitwhenIcamehome。That’swhyIasked，you。”
“Whatistheplay，didyousay？”
“’UndertheGaslight。’“
“Whatpartwouldtheywantmetotake？”
“Oh，oneoftheheroines——Idon’tknow。”
“Whatsortofaplayisit？”
“Well，“saidDrouet，whosememoryforsuchthingswasnotthe，best，“it’saboutagirlwhogetskidnappedbyacoupleof，crooks——amanandawomanthatliveintheslums。Shehadsome，moneyorsomethingandtheywantedtogetit。Idon’tknownow，howitdidgoexactly。”
“Don’tyouknowwhatpartIwouldhavetotake？”
“No，Idon’t，totellthetruth。”Hethoughtamoment。”Yes，I
do，too。Laura，that’sthething——you’retobeLaura。”
“Andyoucan’trememberwhatthepartislike？”
