第10章

“Allright，“saidCarrie。 Shesatdowninoneoftherocking-chairs，whileHurstwoodwaited，fortheboy，whosoonknocked。 “Soap，towels，andapitcherofice-water。” “Yes，sir。” “I’llgonow，“hesaidtoCarrie，comingtowardherandholding，outhishands，butshedidnotmovetotakethem。 “You’renotmadatme，areyou？”heaskedsoftly。 “Oh，no！”sheanswered，ratherindifferently。 “Don’tyoucareformeatall？” Shemadenoanswer，butlookedsteadilytowardthewindow。 “Don’tyouthinkyoucouldlovemealittle？”hepleaded，taking，oneofherhands，whichsheendeavouredtodrawaway。”Youonce，saidyoudid。” “Whatmadeyoudeceivemeso？”askedCarrie。 “Icouldn’thelpit，“hesaid，“Iwantedyoutoomuch。” “Youdidn’thaveanyrighttowantme，“sheanswered，striking，cleanlyhome。 “Oh，well，Carrie，“heanswered，“hereIam。It’stoolatenow。 Won’tyoutryandcareformealittle？” Helookedratherworstedinthoughtashestoodbeforeher。 Sheshookherheadnegatively。 “Letmestartalloveragain。Bemywifefromto-dayon。” Carrieroseupasiftostepaway，heholdingherhand。Nowhe，slippedhisarmaboutherandshestruggled，butinvain。He，heldherquiteclose。Instantlythereflamedupinhisbodythe，allcompellingdesire。Hisaffectiontookanardentform。 “Letmego，“saidCarrie，whowasfoldedclosetohim。 “Won’tyouloveme？”hesaid。”Won’tyoubeminefromnowon？” Carriehadneverbeenill-disposedtowardhim。Onlyamoment，beforeshehadbeenlisteningwithsomecomplacency，remembering，heroldaffectionforhim。Hewassohandsome，sodaring！ Now，however，thisfeelinghadchangedtooneofopposition，whichrosefeebly。Itmasteredherforamoment，andthen，held，closeasshewas，begantowane。Somethingelseinherspoke。 Thisman，towhosebosomshewasbeingpressed，wasstrong;he，waspassionate，helovedher，andshewasalone。Ifshedidnot，turntohim——acceptofhislove——whereelsemightshego？Her，resistancehalfdissolvedinthefloodofhisstrongfeeling。 Shefoundhimliftingherheadandlookingintohereyes。What，magnetismtherewasshecouldneverknow。Hismanysins，however，wereforthemomentallforgotten。 Hepressedhercloserandkissedher，andshefeltthatfurther，oppositionwasuseless。 “Willyoumarryme？”sheasked，forgettinghow。 “Thisveryday，“hesaid，withalldelight。 Nowthehall-boypoundedonthedoorandhereleasedhishold，uponherregretfully。 “Yougetreadynow，willyou，“hesaid，“atonce？” “Yes，“sheanswered。 “I’llbebackinthree-quartersofanhour。” Carrie，flushedandexcited，movedawayasheadmittedtheboy。 Belowstairs，hehaltedinthelobbytolookforabarbershop。 Forthemoment，hewasinfinefeather。Hisrecentvictoryover，Carrieseemedtoatoneformuchhehadenduredduringthelast，fewdays。Lifeseemedworthfightingfor。Thiseastwardflight，fromallthingscustomaryandattachedseemedasifitmighthave，happinessinstore。Thestormshowedarainbowattheendof，whichmightbeapotofgold。 Hewasabouttocrosstoalittlered-and-whitestripedbarwhich，wasfastenedupbesideadoorwhenavoicegreetedhim，familiarly。Instantlyhisheartsank。 “Why，hello，George，oldman！”saidthevoice。”Whatareyou，doingdownhere？” Hurstwoodwasalreadyconfronted，andrecognisedhisfriend，Kenny，thestock-broker。 “Justattendingtoalittleprivatematter，“heanswered，his，mindworkinglikeakey-boardofatelephonestation。Thisman，evidentlydidnotknow——hehadnotreadthepapers。 “Well，itseemsstrangetoseeyouwayuphere，“saidMr。Kenny，genially。”Stoppinghere？” “Yes，“saidHurstwooduneasily，thinkingofhishandwritingon，theregister。 “Goingtobeintownlong？” “No，onlyadayorso。” “Isthatso？Hadyourbreakfast？” “Yes，“saidHurstwood，lyingblandly。”I’mjustgoingfora，shave。” “Won’tyoucomehaveadrink？” “Notuntilafterwards，“saidtheex-manager。”I’llseeyou，later。Areyoustoppinghere？” “Yes，“saidMr。Kenny，andthen，turningthewordagainadded： “HowarethingsoutinChicago？” “Aboutthesameasusual，“saidHurstwood，smilinggenially。 “Wifewithyou？” “No。” “Well，Imustseemoreofyouto-day。I’mjustgoinginherefor，breakfast。Comeinwhenyou’rethrough。” “Iwill，“saidHurstwood，movingaway。Thewholeconversation，wasatrialtohim。Itseemedtoaddcomplicationswithvery，word。Thismancalledupathousandmemories。Herepresented，everythinghehadleft。Chicago，hiswife，theelegantresort—— allthesewereinhisgreetingandinquiries。Andherehewasin，thissamehotelexpectingtoconferwithhim，unquestionably，waitingtohaveagoodtimewithhim。AllatoncetheChicago，paperswouldarrive。Thelocalpaperswouldhaveaccountsin，themthisveryday。HeforgothistriumphwithCarrieinthe，possibilityofsoonbeingknownforwhathewas，inthisman’s，eyes，asafe-breaker。Hecouldhavegroanedashewentintothe，barbershop。Hedecidedtoescapeandseekamoresecluded，hotel。 Accordingly，whenhecameouthewasgladtoseethelobbyclear，andhastenedtowardthestairs。HewouldgetCarrieandgoout，bytheladies’entrance。Theywouldhavebreakfastinsomemore，inconspicuousplace。 Acrossthelobby，however，anotherindividualwassurveyinghim。 HewasofacommonplaceIrishtype，smallofstature，cheaply，dressed，andwithaheadthatseemedasmallereditionofsome，hugewardpolitician’s。Thisindividualhadbeenevidently，talkingwiththeclerk，butnowhesurveyedtheex-manager，keenly。 Hurstwoodfeltthelong-rangeexaminationandrecognisedthe，type。Instinctivelyhefeltthatthemanwasadetective——that，hewasbeingwatched。Hehurriedacross，pretendingnotto，notice，butinhismindwasaworldofthoughts。Whatwould，happennow？Whatcouldthesepeopledo？Hebegantotrouble，concerningtheextraditionlaws。Hedidnotunderstandthem，absolutely。Perhapshecouldbearrested。Oh，ifCarrieshould，findout！Montrealwastoowarmforhim。Hebegantolongtobe，outofit。 Carriehadbathedandwaswaitingwhenhearrived。Shelooked，refreshed——moredelightfulthanever，butreserved。Sincehehad，goneshehadresumedsomewhatofhercoldattitudetowardshim。 Lovewasnotblazinginherheart。Hefeltit，andhistroubles，seemedincreased。Hecouldnottakeherinhisarms;hedidnot，eventry。Somethingaboutherforbadeit。Inparthisopinion，wastheresultofhisownexperiencesandreflectionsbelow，stairs。 “You’reready，areyou？”hesaidkindly。 “Yes，“sheanswered。 “We’llgooutforbreakfast。Thisplacedownheredoesn’tappeal，tomeverymuch。” “Allright，“saidCarrie。 Theywentout，andatthecornerthecommonplaceIrishindividual，wasstanding，eyeinghim。Hurstwoodcouldscarcelyrefrainfrom，showingthatheknewofthischap’spresence。Theinsolencein，thefellow’seyewasgalling。Stilltheypassed，andhe，explainedtoCarrieconcerningthecity。Anotherrestaurantwas，notlonginshowingitself，andheretheyentered。 “Whataqueertownthisis，“saidCarrie，whomarvelledatit，solelybecauseitwasnotlikeChicago。 “ItIsn’taslivelyasChicago，“saidHurstwood。”Don’tyoulike，it？” “No，“saidCarrie，whosefeelingswerealreadylocalisedinthe，greatWesterncity。 “Well，itisn’tasinteresting，“saidHurstwood。 “What’shere？”askedCarrie，wonderingathischoosingtovisit，thistown。 “Nothingmuch，“returnedHurstwood。”It’squitearesort。 There’ssomeprettysceneryabouthere。” Carrielistened，butwithafeelingofunrest。Therewasmuch，abouthersituationwhichdestroyedthepossibilityof，appreciation。 “Wewon’tstayherelong，“saidHurstwood，whowasnowreally，gladtonoteherdissatisfaction。”Youpickoutyourclothesas，soonasbreakfastisoverandwe’llrundowntoNewYorksoon。 You’lllikethat。It’salotmorelikeacitythananyplace，outsideChicago。” Hewasreallyplanningtoslipoutandaway。Hewouldseewhat，thesedetectiveswoulddo——whatmovehisemployersatChicago，wouldmake——thenhewouldslipaway——downtoNewYork，whereit，waseasytohide。Heknewenoughaboutthatcitytoknowthat，itsmysteriesandpossibilitiesofmystificationwereinfinite。 Themorehethought，however，themorewretchedhissituation，became。Hesawthatgettingheredidnotexactlyclearupthe，ground。Thefirmwouldprobablyemploydetectivestowatchhim—— PinkertonmenoragentsofMooneyandBoland。Theymightarrest，himthemomenthetriedtoleaveCanada。Sohemightbe，compelledtoremainheremonths，andinwhatastate！ BackatthehotelHurstwoodwasanxiousandyetfearfultosee，themorningpapers。Hewantedtoknowhowfarthenewsofhis，criminaldeedhadspread。SohetoldCarriehewouldbeupina，fewmoments，andwenttosecureandscanthedailies。No，familiarorsuspiciousfaceswereabout，andyethedidnotlike，readinginthelobby，sohesoughtthemainparlouronthefloor，aboveand，seatedbyawindowthere，lookedthemover。Very，littlewasgiventohiscrime，butitwasthere，several“sticks“ inall，amongalltheriffraffoftelegraphedmurders，accidents，marriages，andothernews。Hewished，halfsadly，thathecould，undoitall。Everymomentofhistimeinthisfar-offabodeof，safetybutaddedtohisfeelingthathehadmadeagreatmistake。 Therecouldhavebeenaneasierwayoutifhehadonlyknown。 Heleftthepapersbeforegoingtotheroom，thinkingthusto，keepthemoutofthehandsofCarrie。 “Well，howareyoufeeling？”heaskedofher。Shewasengagedin，lookingoutofthewindow。 “Oh，allright，“sheanswered。 Hecameover，andwasabouttobeginaconversationwithher，whenaknockcameattheirdoor。 “Maybeit’soneofmyparcels，“saidCarrie。 Hurstwoodopenedthedoor，outsideofwhichstoodtheindividual，whomhehadsothoroughlysuspected。 “You’reMr。Hurstwood，areyou？”saidthelatter，withavolume，ofaffectedshrewdnessandassurance。 “Yes，“saidHurstwoodcalmly。Heknewthetypesothoroughly，thatsomeofhisoldfamiliarindifferencetoitreturned。Such，menasthesewereoftheloweststratumwelcomedattheresort。 Hesteppedoutandclosedthedoor。 “Well，youknowwhatIamherefor，don’tyou？”saidtheman，confidentially。 “Icanguess，“saidHurstwoodsoftly。 “Well，doyouintendtotryandkeepthemoney？” “That’smyaffair，“saidHurstwoodgrimly。 “Youcan’tdoit，youknow，“saidthedetective，eyeinghim，coolly。 “Lookhere，myman，“saidHurstwoodauthoritatively，“youdon’t，understandanythingaboutthiscase，andIcan’texplaintoyou。 WhateverIintendtodoI’lldowithoutadvicefromtheoutside。 You’llhavetoexcuseme。” “Well，now，there’snouseofyourtalkingthatway，“saidthe，man，“whenyou’reinthehandsofthepolice。Wecanmakealot，oftroubleforyouifwewantto。You’renotregisteredrightin，thishouse，youhaven’tgotyourwifewithyou，andthe，newspapersdon’tknowyou’rehereyet。Youmightaswellbe，reasonable。” “Whatdoyouwanttoknow？”askedHurstwood。 “Whetheryou’regoingtosendbackthatmoneyornot。” Hurstwoodpausedandstudiedthefloor。 “There’snouseexplainingtoyouaboutthis，“hesaidatlast。 “There’snouseofyouraskingme。I’mnofool，youknow。I knowjustwhatyoucandoandwhatyoucan’t。Youcancreatea，lotoftroubleifyouwantto。Iknowthatallright，butit，won’thelpyoutogetthemoney。Now，I’vemadeupmymindwhat，todo。I’vealreadywrittenFitzgeraldandMoy，sothere’s，nothingIcansay。Youwaituntilyouhearmorefromthem。” Allthetimehehadbeentalkinghehadbeenmovingawayfromthe，door，downthecorridor，outofthehearingofCarrie。Theywere，nowneartheendwherethecorridoropenedintothelargegeneral，parlour。 “Youwon’tgiveitup？”saidtheman。 ThewordsirritatedHurstwoodgreatly。Hotbloodpouredintohis，brain。Manythoughtsformulatedthemselves。Hewasnothief。 Hedidn’twantthemoney。IfhecouldonlyexplaintoFitzgerald，andMoy，maybeitwouldbeallrightagain。 “Seehere，“hesaid，“there’snousemytalkingaboutthisat，all。Irespectyourpowerallright，butI’llhavetodealwith，thepeoplewhoknow。” “Well，youcan’tgetoutofCanadawithit，“saidtheman。 “Idon’twanttogetout，“saidHurstwood。”WhenIgetready，there’llbenothingtostopmefor。” Heturnedback，andthedetectivewatchedhimclosely。Itseemed，anintolerablething。Stillhewentonandintotheroom。 “Whowasit？”askedCarrie。 “AfriendofminefromChicago。” Thewholeofthisconversationwassuchashockthat，comingas，itdidafteralltheotherworryofthepastweek，itsufficedto，induceadeepgloomandmoralrevulsioninHurstwood。Whathurt，himmostwasthefactthathewasbeingpursuedasathief。He，begantoseethenatureofthatsocialinjusticewhichseesbut，oneside——oftenbutasinglepointinalongtragedy。Allthe，newspapersnotedbutonething，histakingthemoney。Howand，whereforewerebutindifferentlydealtwith。Allthe，complicationswhichleduptoitwereunknown。Hewasaccused，withoutbeingunderstood。 SittinginhisroomwithCarriethesameday，hedecidedtosend，themoneyback。HewouldwriteFitzgeraldandMoy，explainall，andthensenditbyexpress。Maybetheywouldforgivehim。 Perhapstheywouldaskhimback。Hewouldmakegoodthefalse，statementhehadmadeaboutwritingthem。Thenhewouldleave，thispeculiartown。 Foranhourhethoughtoverthisplausiblestatementofthe，tangle。Hewantedtotellthemabouthiswife，butcouldn’t。He，finallynarroweditdowntoanassertionthathewaslight-headed，fromentertainingfriends，hadfoundthesafeopen，andhaving，gonesofarastotakethemoneyout，hadaccidentallyclosedit。 Thisactheregrettedverymuch。Hewassorryhehadputthemto，somuchtrouble。Hewouldundowhathecouldbysendingthe，moneyback——themajorportionofit。Theremainderhewouldpay，upassoonashecould。Wasthereanypossibilityofhisbeing，restored？Thisheonlyhintedat。 Thetroubledstateoftheman’smindmaybejudgedbythevery，constructionofthisletter。Forthenonceheforgotwhata，painfulthingitwouldbetoresumehisoldplace，evenifit，weregivenhim。Heforgotthathehadseveredhimselffromthe，pastasbyasword，andthatifhedidmanagetoinsomeway，reunitehimselfwithit，thejaggedlineofseparationand，reunionwouldalwaysshow。Hewasalwaysforgettingsomething—— hiswife，Carrie，hisneedofmoney，presentsituation，or，something——andsodidnotreasonclearly。Nevertheless，hesent，theletter，waitingareplybeforesendingthemoney。 Meanwhile，heacceptedhispresentsituationwithCarrie，getting，whatjoyoutofithecould。 Outcamethesunbynoon，andpouredagoldenfloodthroughtheir，openwindows。Sparrowsweretwittering。Therewerelaughterand，songintheair。HurstwoodcouldnotkeephiseyesfromCarrie。 Sheseemedtheonerayofsunshineinallhistrouble。Oh，if，shewouldonlylovehimwholly——onlythrowherarmsaroundhimin，theblissfulspiritinwhichhehadseenherinthelittlepark，inChicago——howhappyhewouldbe！Itwouldrepayhim;itwould，showhimthathehadnotlostall。Hewouldnotcare。 “Carrie，“hesaid，gettinguponceandcomingovertoher，“are，yougoingtostaywithmefromnowon？” Shelookedathimquizzically，butmeltedwithsympathyasthe，valueofthelookuponhisfaceforceditselfuponher。Itwas，lovenow，keenandstrong——loveenhancedbydifficultyandworry。 Shecouldnothelpsmiling。 “Letmebeeverythingtoyoufromnowon，“hesaid。”Don’tmake，meworryanymore。I’llbetruetoyou。We’llgotoNewYork，andgetaniceflat。I’llgointobusinessagain，andwe’llbe，happy。Won’tyoubemine？” Carrielistenedquitesolemnly。Therewasnogreatpassionin，her，butthedriftofthingsandthisman’sproximitycreateda，semblanceofaffection。Shefeltrathersorryforhim——asorrow，bornofwhathadonlyrecentlybeenagreatadmiration。True，loveshehadneverfeltforhim。Shewouldhaveknownasmuchif，shecouldhaveanalysedherfeelings，butthisthingwhichshe，nowfeltarousedbyhisgreatfeelingbrokedownthebarriers，betweenthem。 “You’llstaywithme，won’tyou？”heasked。 “Yes，“shesaid，noddingherhead。 Hegatheredhertohimself，imprintingkissesuponherlipsand，cheeks。 “Youmustmarryme，though，“shesaid。 “I’llgetalicenseto-day，“heanswered。 “How？”sheasked。 “Underanewname，“heanswered。”I’lltakeanewnameandlive，anewlife。FromnowonI’mMurdock。” “Oh，don’ttakethatname，“saidCarrie。 “Whynot？”hesaid。 “Idon’tlikeit。” “Well，whatshallItake？”heasked。 “Oh，anything，onlydon’ttakethat。” Hethoughtawhile，stillkeepinghisarmsabouther，andthen，said： “HowwouldWheelerdo？” “That’sallright，“saidCarrie。 “Well，then，Wheeler，“hesaid。”I’llgetthelicensethis，afternoon。” TheyweremarriedbyaBaptistminister，thefirstdivinethey，foundconvenient。 AtlasttheChicagofirmanswered。ItwasbyMr。Moy’s，dictation。HewasastonishedthatHurstwoodhaddonethis;very，sorrythatithadcomeaboutasithad。Ifthemoneywere，returned，theywouldnottroubletoprosecutehim，astheyreally，borehimnoill-will。Asforhisreturning，ortheirrestoring，himtohisformerposition，theyhadnotquitedecidedwhatthe，effectofitwouldbe。Theywouldthinkitoverandcorrespond，withhimlater，possibly，afteralittletime，andsoon。 Thesumandsubstanceofitwasthattherewasnohope，andthey，wantedthemoneywiththeleasttroublepossible。Hurstwoodread，hisdoom。Hedecidedtopay$9，500totheagentwhomtheysaid，theywouldsend，keeping$1，300forhisownuse。Hetelegraphed，hisacquiescence，explainedtotherepresentativewhocalledat，thehotelthesameday，tookacertificateofpayment，andtold，Carrietopackhertrunk。Hewasslightlydepressedoverthis，newestmoveatthetimehebegantomakeit，buteventually，restoredhimself。Hefearedthatevenyethemightbeseizedand，takenback，sohetriedtoconcealhismovements，butitwas，scarcelypossible。HeorderedCarrie’strunksenttothedepot，wherehehaditsentbyexpresstoNewYork。Nooneseemedtobe，observinghim，butheleftatnight。Hewasgreatlyagitated，lestatthefirststationacrosstheborderoratthedepotin，NewYorkthereshouldbewaitingforhimanofficerofthelaw。 Carrie，ignorantofhistheftandhisfears，enjoyedtheentry，intothelattercityinthemorning。Theroundgreenhills，sentinellingthebroad，expansivebosomoftheHudsonheldher，attentionbytheirbeautyasthetrainfollowedthelineofthe，stream。ShehadheardoftheHudsonRiver，thegreatcityofNew，York，andnowshelookedout，fillinghermindwiththewonderof，it。 AsthetrainturnedeastatSpuytenDuyvilandfollowedtheeast，bankoftheHarlemRiver，Hurstwoodnervouslycalledher，attentiontothefactthattheywereontheedgeofthecity。 AfterherexperiencewithChicago，sheexpectedlonglinesof，cars——agreathighwayoftracks——andnotedthedifference。The，sightofafewboatsintheHarlemandmoreintheEastRiver，tickledheryoungheart。Itwasthefirstsignofthegreatsea。 Nextcameaplainstreetwithfive-storybrickflats，andthen，thetrainplungedintothetunnel。 “GrandCentralStation！”calledthetrainman，as，afterafew，minutesofdarknessandsmoke，daylightreappeared。Hurstwood，aroseandgathereduphissmallgrip。Hewasscreweduptothe，highesttension。WithCarriehewaitedatthedoorandthen，dismounted。Nooneapproachedhim，butheglancedfurtivelyto，andfroashemadeforthestreetentrance。Soexcitedwashe，thatheforgotallaboutCarrie，whofellbehind，wonderingat，hisself-absorption。Ashepassedthroughthedepotproperthe，strainreacheditsclimaxandbegantowane。Allatoncehewas，onthesidewalk，andnonebutcabmenhailedhim。Heheaveda，greatbreathandturned，rememberingCarrie。 “Ithoughtyouweregoingtorunoffandleaveme，“shesaid。 “IwastryingtorememberwhichcartakesustotheGilsey，“he，answered。 Carriehardlyheardhim，sointerestedwassheinthebusyscene。 “HowlargeisNewYork？”sheasked。 “Ohamillionormore，“saidHurstwood。 Helookedaroundandhailedacab，buthedidsoinachanged，way。 Forthefirsttimeinyearsthethoughtthathemustcountthese，littleexpensesflashedthroughhismind。Itwasadisagreeable，thing。 Hedecidedhewouldlosenotimelivinginhotelsbutwouldrent，aflat。AccordinglyhetoldCarrie，andsheagreed。 “We’lllookto-day，ifyouwantto，“shesaid。 SuddenlyhethoughtofhisexperienceinMontreal。Atthemore，importanthotelshewouldbecertaintomeetChicagoanswhomhe，knew。Hestoodupandspoketothedriver。 “TakemetotheBelford，“hesaid，knowingittobeless，frequentedbythosewhomheknew。Thenhesatdown。 “Whereistheresidencepart？”askedCarrie，whodidnottakethe，tallfive-storywallsoneitherhandtobetheabodesof，families。 “Everywhere，“saidHurstwood，whoknewthecityfairlywell。 “TherearenolawnsinNewYork。Allthesearehouses。” “Well，then，Idon’tlikeit，“saidCarrie，whowascomingto，haveafewopinionsofherown。 ChapterXXX THEKINGDOMOFGREATNESS——THEPILGRIMADREAM WhateveramanlikeHurstwoodcouldbeinChicago，itisvery，evidentthathewouldbebutaninconspicuousdropinanocean，likeNewYork。InChicago，whosepopulationstillrangedabout，500，000，millionaireswerenotnumerous。Therichhadnotbecome，soconspicuouslyrichastodrownallmoderateincomesin，obscurity。Theattentionoftheinhabitantswasnotso，distractedbylocalcelebritiesinthedramatic，artistic，social，andreligiousfieldsastoshutthewell-positionedman，fromview。InChicagothetworoadstodistinctionwerepolitics，andtrade。InNewYorktheroadswereanyoneofahalf-hundred，andeachhadbeendiligentlypursuedbyhundreds，sothat，celebritieswerenumerous。Theseawasalreadyfullofwhales。 Acommonfishmustneedsdisappearwhollyfromview——remain，unseen。Inotherwords，Hurstwoodwasnothing。 Thereisamoresubtleresultofsuchasituationasthis，which，thoughnotalwaystakenintoaccount，producesthetragediesof，theworld。Thegreatcreateanatmospherewhichreactsbadly，uponthesmall。Thisatmosphereiseasilyandquicklyfelt。 Walkamongthemagnificentresidences，thesplendidequipages，thegildedshops，restaurants，resortsofallkinds;scentthe，flowers，thesilks，thewines;drinkofthelaughterspringing，fromthesoulofluxuriouscontent，oftheglanceswhichgleam，likelightfromdefiantspears;feelthequalityofthesmiles，whichcutlikeglisteningswordsandofstridesbornofplace，andyoushallknowofwhatistheatmosphereofthehighand，mighty。Littleusetoarguethatofsuchisnotthekingdomof，greatness，butsolongastheworldisattractedbythisandthe，humanheartviewsthisastheonedesirablerealmwhichitmust，attain，solong，tothatheart，willthisremaintherealmof，greatness。Solong，also，willtheatmosphereofthisrealmwork，itsdesperateresultsinthesoulofman。Itislikeachemical，reagent。Onedayofit，likeonedropoftheother，willso，affectanddiscolourtheviews，theaims，thedesireofthemind，thatitwillthereafterremainforeverdyed。Adayofittothe，untriedmindislikeopiumtotheuntriedbody。Acravingisset，upwhich，ifgratified，shalleternallyresultindreamsand，death。Aye！dreamsunfulfilled——gnawing，luring，idlephantoms，whichbeckonandlead，beckonandlead，untildeathand，dissolutiondissolvetheirpowerandrestoreusblindtonature’s，heart。 AmanofHurstwood’sageandtemperamentisnotsubjecttothe，illusionsandburningdesiresofyouth，butneitherhashethe，strengthofhopewhichgushesasafountainintheheartof，youth。Suchanatmospherecouldnotinciteinhimthecravings，ofaboyofeighteen，butinsofarastheywereexcited，the，lackofhopemadethemproportionatelybitter。Hecouldnotfail，tonoticethesignsofaffluenceandluxuryoneveryhand。He，hadbeentoNewYorkbeforeandknewtheresourcesofitsfolly。 Inpartitwasanawesomeplacetohim，forheregatheredall，thathemostrespectedonthisearth——wealth，place，andfame。 Themajorityofthecelebritieswithwhomhehadtippedglasses，inhisdayasmanagerhailedfromthisself-centredandpopulous，spot。Themostinvitingstoriesofpleasureandluxuryhadbeen，toldofplacesandindividualshere。Heknewittobetruethat，unconsciouslyhewasbrushingelbowswithfortunethelivelong，day;thatahundredorfivehundredthousandgavenoonethe，privilegeoflivingmorethancomfortablyinsowealthyaplace。 Fashionandpomprequiredmoreamplesums，sothatthepoorman，wasnowhere。Allthisherealised，nowquitesharply，ashe，facedthecity，cutofffromhisfriends，despoiledofhismodest，fortune，andevenhisname，andforcedtobeginthebattlefor，placeandcomfortalloveragain。Hewasnotold，buthewasnot，sodullbutthathecouldfeelhesoonwouldbe。Ofasudden，then，thisshowoffineclothes，place，andpowertookon，peculiarsignificance。Itwasemphasisedbycontrastwithhis，owndistressingstate。 Anditwasdistressing。Hesoonfoundthatfreedomfromfearof，arrestwasnotthesinequanonofhisexistence。Thatdanger，dissolved，thenextnecessitybecamethegrievousthing。The，paltrysumofthirteenhundredandsomeodddollarssetagainst，theneedofrent，clothing，food，andpleasureforyearstocome，wasaspectaclelittlecalculatedtoinducepeaceofmindinone，whohadbeenaccustomedtospendfivetimesthatsuminthe，courseofayear。Hethoughtuponthesubjectratheractively，thefirstfewdayshewasinNewYork，anddecidedthathemust，actquickly。Asaconsequence，heconsultedthebusiness，opportunitiesadvertisedinthemorningpapersandbegan，investigationsonhisownaccount。 Thatwasnotbeforehehadbecomesettled，however。Carrieand，hewentlookingforaflat，asarranged，andfoundonein，Seventy-eighthStreetnearAmsterdamAvenue。Itwasafive-story，building，andtheirflatwasonthethirdfloor。Owingtothe，factthatthestreetwasnotyetbuiltupsolidly，itwas，possibletoseeeasttothegreentopsofthetreesinCentral，ParkandwesttothebroadwatersoftheHudson，aglimpseof，whichwastobehadoutofthewestwindows。Fortheprivilege，ofsixroomsandabath，runninginastraightline，theywere，compelledtopaythirty-fivedollarsamonth——anaverage，andyet，exorbitant，rentforahomeatthetime。Carrienoticedthe，differencebetweenthesizeoftheroomshereandinChicagoand，mentionedit。 “You’llnotfindanythingbetter，dear，“saidHurstwood，“unless，yougointooneoftheold-fashionedhouses，andthenyouwon’t，haveanyoftheseconveniences。” Carriepickedoutthenewabodebecauseofitsnewnessandbright，wood-work。Itwasoneoftheverynewonessuppliedwithsteam，heat，whichwasagreatadvantage。Thestationaryrange，hotand，coldwater，dumb-waiter，speakingtubes，andcall-bellforthe，janitorpleasedherverymuch。Shehadenoughoftheinstincts，ofahousewifetotakegreatsatisfactioninthesethings。 Hurstwoodmadearrangementswithoneoftheinstalmenthouses，wherebytheyfurnishedtheflatcompleteandacceptedfifty，dollarsdownandtendollarsamonth。Hethenhadalittle，plate，bearingthenameG。W。Wheeler，made，whichheplacedon，hisletter-boxinthehall。ItsoundedexceedinglyoddtoCarrie，tobecalledMrs。Wheelerbythejanitor，butintimeshebecame，usedtoitandlookeduponthenameasherown。 Thesehousedetailssettled，Hurstwoodvisitedsomeofthe，advertisedopportunitiestopurchaseaninterestinsome，flourishingdown-townbar。AfterthepalatialresortinAdams，Street，hecouldnotstomachthecommonplacesaloonswhichhe，foundadvertised。Helostanumberofdayslookinguptheseand，findingthemdisagreeable。Hedid，however，gainconsiderable，knowledgebytalking，forhediscoveredtheinfluenceofTammany，Hallandthevalueofstandinginwiththepolice。Themost，profitableandflourishingplaceshefoundtobethosewhich，conductedanythingbutalegitimatebusiness，suchasthat，controlledbyFitzgeraldandMoy。Elegantbackroomsandprivate，drinkingboothsonthesecondfloorwereusuallyadjunctsofvery，profitableplaces。Hesawbyportlykeepers，whoseshirtfronts，shonewithlargediamonds，andwhoseclotheswereproperlycut，thattheliquorbusinesshere，aselsewhere，yieldedthesame，goldenprofit。 AtlasthefoundanindividualwhohadaresortinWarrenStreet，whichseemedanexcellentventure。Itwasfairlywell-appearing，andsusceptibleofimprovement。Theownerclaimedthebusiness，tobeexcellent，anditcertainlylookedso。 “Wedealwithaverygoodclassofpeople，“hetoldHurstwood。 “Merchants，salesmen，andprofessionals。It’sawell-dressed，class。Nobums。Wedon’tallow’emintheplace。” Hurstwoodlistenedtothecash-registerring，andwatchedthe，tradeforawhile。 “It’sprofitableenoughfortwo，isit？”heasked。 “Youcanseeforyourselfifyou’reanyjudgeoftheliquor，trade，“saidtheowner。”ThisisonlyoneofthetwoplacesI have。TheotherisdowninNassauStreet。Ican’ttendtothem，bothalone。IfIhadsomeonewhoknewthebusinessthoroughlyI wouldn’tmindsharingwithhiminthisoneandlettinghimmanage，it。” “I’vehadexperienceenough，“saidHurstwoodblandly，buthefelt，alittlediffidentaboutreferringtoFitzgeraldandMoy。 “Well，youcansuityourself，Mr。Wheeler，“saidtheproprietor。 Heonlyofferedathirdinterestinthestock，fixtures，and，good-will，andthisinreturnforathousanddollarsand，managerialabilityonthepartoftheonewhoshouldcomein。 Therewasnopropertyinvolved，becausetheownerofthesaloon，merelyrentedfromanestate。 Theofferwasgenuineenough，butitwasaquestionwith，Hurstwoodwhetherathirdinterestinthatlocalitycouldbemade，toyieldonehundredandfiftydollarsamonth，whichhefigured，hemusthaveinordertomeettheordinaryfamilyexpensesandbe，comfortable。Itwasnotthetime，however，aftermanyfailures，tofindwhathewanted，tohesitate。Itlookedasthoughathird，wouldpayahundredamonthnow。Byjudiciousmanagementand，improvement，itmightbemadetopaymore。Accordinglyheagreed，toenterintopartnership，andmadeoverhisthousanddollars，preparingtoenterthenextday。 Hisfirstinclinationwastobeelated，andheconfidedtoCarrie，thathethoughthehadmadeanexcellentarrangement。Time，however，introducedfoodforreflection。Hefoundhispartnerto，beverydisagreeable。Frequentlyhewastheworseforliquor，whichmadehimsurly。ThiswasthelastthingwhichHurstwood，wasusedtoinbusiness。Besides，thebusinessvaried。Itwas，nothingliketheclassofpatronagewhichhehadenjoyedin，Chicago。Hefoundthatitwouldtakealongtimetomake，friends。Thesepeoplehurriedinandoutwithoutseekingthe，pleasuresoffriendship。Itwasnogatheringorloungingplace。 Wholedaysandweekspassedwithoutonesuchheartygreetingas，hehadbeenwonttoenjoyeverydayinChicago。 Foranotherthing，Hurstwoodmissedthecelebrities——thosewell- dressed，eliteindividualswholendgracetotheaveragebarsand，bringnewsfromfar-offandexclusivecircles。Hedidnotsee，onesuchinamonth。Evenings，whenstillathispost，hewould，occasionallyreadintheeveningpapersincidentsconcerning，celebritieswhomheknew——whomhehaddrunkaglasswithmanya，time。TheywouldvisitabarlikeFitzgeraldandMoy’sin，Chicago，ortheHoffmanHouse，uptown，butheknewthathewould，neverseethemdownhere。 Again，thebusinessdidnotpayaswellashethought。It，increasedalittle，buthefoundhewouldhavetowatchhis，householdexpenses，whichwashumiliating。 Intheverybeginningitwasadelighttogohomelateatnight，ashedid，andfindCarrie。Hemanagedtorunupandtakedinner，withherbetweensixandseven，andtoremainhomeuntilnine，o’clockinthemorning，butthenoveltyofthiswanedaftera，time，andhebegantofeelthedragofhisduties。 ThefirstmonthhadscarcelypassedbeforeCarriesaidinavery，naturalway：“IthinkI’llgodownthisweekandbuyadress。’ “Whatkind？”saidHurstwood。 “Oh，somethingforstreetwear。” “Allright，“heanswered，smiling，althoughhenotedmentally，thatitwouldbemoreagreeabletohisfinancesifshedidn’t。 Nothingwassaidaboutitthenextday，butthefollowingmorning，heasked： “Haveyoudoneanythingaboutyourdress？” “Notyet，“saidCarrie。 Hepausedafewmoments，asifinthought，andthensaid： “Wouldyoumindputtingitoffafewdays？” “No，“repliedCarrie，whodidnotcatchthedriftofhisremarks。 Shehadneverthoughtofhiminconnectionwithmoneytroubles，before。”Why？” “Well，I’lltellyou，“saidHurstwood。”Thisinvestmentofmine，istakingalotofmoneyjustnow。Iexpecttogetitallback，shortly，butjustatpresentIamrunningclose。” “Oh！”answeredCarrie。”Why，certainly，dear。Whydidn’tyou，tellmebefore？” “Itwasn’tnecessary，“saidHurstwood。 Forallheracquiescence，therewassomethingabouttheway，HurstwoodspokewhichremindedCarrieofDrouetandhislittle，dealwhichhewasalwaysabouttoputthrough。Itwasonlythe，thoughtofasecond，butitwasabeginning。Itwassomething，newinherthinkingofHurstwood。 Otherthingsfollowedfromtimetotime，littlethingsofthe，samesort，whichintheircumulativeeffectwereeventuallyequal，toafullrevelation。Carriewasnotdullbyanymeans。Two，personscannotlongdwelltogetherwithoutcomingtoan，understandingofoneanother。Thementaldifficultiesofan，individualrevealthemselveswhetherhevoluntarilyconfesses，themornot。Troublegetsintheairandcontributesgloom，whichspeaksforitself。Hurstwooddressedasnicelyasusual，buttheywerethesameclotheshehadinCanada。Carrienoticed，thathedidnotinstallalargewardrobe，thoughhisownwas，anythingbutlarge。Shenoticed，also，thathedidnotsuggest，manyamusements，saidnothingaboutthefood，seemedconcerned，abouthisbusiness。ThiswasnottheeasyHurstwoodofChicago—— nottheliberal，opulentHurstwoodshehadknown。Thechangewas，tooobvioustoescapedetection。 Intimeshebegantofeelthatachangehadcomeabout，andthat，shewasnotinhisconfidence。Hewasevidentlysecretiveand，kepthisowncounsel。Shefoundherselfaskinghimquestions，aboutlittlethings。Thisisadisagreeablestatetoawoman。 Greatlovemakesitseemreasonable，sometimesplausible，but，neversatisfactory。Wheregreatloveisnot，amoredefiniteand，lesssatisfactoryconclusionisreached。 AsforHurstwood，hewasmakingagreatfightagainstthe，difficultiesofachangedcondition。Hewastooshrewdnotto，realisethetremendousmistakehehadmade，andappreciatethat，hehaddonewellingettingwherehewas，andyethecouldnot，helpcontrastinghispresentstatewithhisformer，hourafter，hour，anddayafterday。 Besides，hehadthedisagreeablefearofmeetingold-time，friends，eversinceonesuchencounterwhichhemadeshortly，afterhisarrivalinthecity。ItwasinBroadwaythathesawa，manapproachinghimwhomheknew。Therewasnotimefor，simulatingnon-recognition。Theexchangeofglanceshadbeentoo，sharp，theknowledgeofeachothertooapparent。Sothefriend，abuyerforoneoftheChicagowholesalehouses，felt，perforce，thenecessityofstopping。 “Howareyou？”hesaid，extendinghishandwithanevident，mixtureoffeelingandalackofplausibleinterest。 “Verywell，“saidHurstwood，equallyembarrassed。”Howisit，withyou？” “Allright;I’mdownheredoingalittlebuying。Areyoulocated，herenow？” “Yes，“saidHurstwood，“IhaveaplacedowninWarrenStreet。” “Isthatso？”saidthefriend。”Gladtohearit。I’llcomedown，andseeyou。” “Do，“saidHurstwood。 “Solong，“saidtheother，smilingaffablyandgoingon。 “Heneveraskedformynumber，“thoughtHurstwood;“hewouldn’t，thinkofcoming。”Hewipedhisforehead，whichhadgrowndamp，andhopedsincerelyhewouldmeetnooneelse。 Thesethingstolduponhisgood-nature，suchasitwas。Hisone，hopewasthatthingswouldchangeforthebetterinamoneyway。 HehadCarrie。Hisfurniturewasbeingpaidfor。Hewas，maintaininghisposition。AsforCarrie，theamusementshecould，giveherwouldhavetodoforthepresent。Hecouldprobably，keepuphispretensionssufficientlylongwithoutexposureto，makegood，andthenallwouldbewell。Hefailedthereintotake，accountofthefrailtiesofhumannature——thedifficultiesof，matrimoniallife。Carriewasyoung。Withhimandwithher，varyingmentalstateswerecommon。Atanymomenttheextremesof，feelingmightbeanti-polarisedatthedinnertable。Thisoften，happensinthebestregulatedfamilies。Littlethingsbrought，outonsuchoccasionsneedgreatlovetoobliteratethem，afterward。Wherethatisnot，bothpartiescounttwoandtwoand，makeaproblemafterawhile。 ChapterXXXI APETOFGOODFORTUNE——BROADWAYFLAUNTSITSJOYS TheeffectofthecityandhisownsituationonHurstwoodwas，paralleledinthecaseofCarrie，whoacceptedthethingswhich，fortuneprovidedwiththemostgenialgood-nature。NewYork，despiteherfirstexpressionofdisapproval，sooninterestedher，exceedingly。Itsclearatmosphere，morepopulousthoroughfares，andpeculiarindifferencestruckherforcibly。Shehadnever，seensuchalittleflatashers，andyetitsoonenlistedher，affection。Thenewfurnituremadeanexcellentshowing，the，sideboardwhichHurstwoodhimselfarrangedgleamedbrightly。The，furnitureforeachroomwasappropriate，andintheso-called，parlour，orfrontroom，wasinstalledapiano，becauseCarrie，saidshewouldliketolearntoplay。Shekeptaservantand，developedrapidlyinhouseholdtacticsandinformation。Forthe，firsttimeinherlifeshefeltsettled，andsomewhatjustified，intheeyesofsocietyassheconceivedofit。Herthoughtswere，merryandinnocentenough。Foralongwhilesheconcerned，herselfoverthearrangementofNewYorkflats，andwonderedat，tenfamilieslivinginonebuildingandallremainingstrangeand，indifferenttoeachother。Shealsomarvelledatthewhistlesof，thehundredsofvesselsintheharbour——thelong，lowcriesof，theSoundsteamersandferry-boatswhenfogwason。Themere，factthatthesethingsspokefromtheseamadethemwonderful。 ShelookedmuchatwhatshecouldseeoftheHudsonfromherwest，windowsandofthegreatcitybuildinguprapidlyoneitherhand。 Itwasmuchtoponderover，andsufficedtoentertainherfor，morethanayearwithoutbecomingstale。 Foranotherthing，Hurstwoodwasexceedinglyinterestinginhis，affectionforher。Troubledashewas，heneverexposedhis，difficultiestoher。Hecarriedhimselfwiththesameself- importantair，tookhisnewstatewitheasyfamiliarity，and，rejoicedinCarrie’sproclivitiesandsuccesses。Eacheveninghe，arrivedpromptlytodinner，andfoundthelittledining-rooma，mostinvitingspectacle。Inaway，thesmallnessoftheroom，addedtoitsluxury。Itlookedfullandreplete。Thewhite- coveredtablewasarrayedwithprettydishesandlightedwitha，four-armedcandelabra，eachlightofwhichwastoppedwithared，shade。BetweenCarrieandthegirlthesteaksandchopscameout，allright，andcannedgoodsdidtherestforawhile。Carrie，studiedtheartofmakingbiscuit，andsoonreachedthestage，whereshecouldshowaplateoflight，palatablemorselsforher，labour。 Inthismannerthesecond，third，andfourthmonthspassed。 Wintercame，andwithitafeelingthatindoorswasbest，sothat，theattendingoftheatreswasnotmuchtalkedof。Hurstwoodmade，greateffortstomeetallexpenditureswithoutashowoffeeling，onewayortheother。Hepretendedthathewasreinvestinghis，moneyinstrengtheningthebusinessforgreaterendsinthe，future。Hecontentedhimselfwithaverymoderateallowanceof，personalapparel，andrarelysuggestedanythingforCarrie。Thus，thefirstwinterpassed。 Inthesecondyear，thebusinesswhichHurstwoodmanageddid，increasesomewhat。Hegotoutofitregularlythe$150permonth，whichhehadanticipated。Unfortunately，bythistimeCarriehad，reachedcertainconclusions，andhehadscrapedupafew，acquaintances。 Beingofapassiveandreceptiveratherthananactiveand，aggressivenature，Carrieacceptedthesituation。Herstate，seemedsatisfactoryenough。Onceinawhiletheywouldgotoa，theatretogether，occasionallyinseasontothebeachesand，differentpointsaboutthecity，buttheypickedupno，acquaintances。Hurstwoodnaturallyabandonedhisshowoffine，mannerswithherandmodifiedhisattitudetooneofeasy，familiarity。Therewerenomisunderstandings，noapparent，differencesofopinion。Infact，withoutmoneyorvisiting，friends，heledalifewhichcouldneitherarousejealousynor，comment。Carrierathersympathisedwithhiseffortsandthought，nothinguponherlackofentertainmentsuchasshehadenjoyedin，Chicago。NewYorkasacorporateentityandherflattemporarily，seemedsufficient。 However，asHurstwood’sbusinessincreased，he，asstated，began，topickupacquaintances。Healsobegantoallowhimselfmore，clothes。Heconvincedhimselfthathishomelifewasvery，precioustohim，butallowedthathecouldoccasionallystayaway，fromdinner。Thefirsttimehedidthishesentamessagesaying，thathewouldbedetained。Carrieatealone，andwishedthatit，mightnothappenagain。Thesecondtime，also，hesentword，but，atthelastmoment。Thethirdtimeheforgotentirelyand，explainedafterwards。Theseeventsweremonthsapart，each。 “Wherewereyou，George？”askedCarrie，afterthefirstabsence。 “Tiedupattheoffice，“hesaidgenially。”Thereweresome，accountsIhadtostraighten。” “I’msorryyoucouldn’tgethome，“shesaidkindly。”Iwas，fixingtohavesuchanicedinner。” Thesecondtimehegaveasimilarexcuse，butthethirdtimethe，feelingaboutitinCarrie’smindwasalittlebitoutofthe，ordinary。 “Icouldn’tgethome，“hesaid，whenhecameinlaterinthe，evening，“Iwassobusy。” “Couldn’tyouhavesentmeword？”askedCarrie。 “Imeantto，“hesaid，“butyouknowIforgotituntilitwastoo，latetodoanygood。” “AndIhadsuchagooddinner！”saidCarrie。 Now，itsohappenedthatfromhisobservationsofCarriehebegan，toimaginethatshewasofthethoroughlydomestictypeofmind。 Hereallythought，afterayear，thatherchiefexpressionin，lifewasfindingitsnaturalchannelinhouseholdduties。 NotwithstandingthefactthathehadobservedheractinChicago，andthatduringthepastyearhehadonlyseenherlimitedinher，relationstoherflatandhimbyconditionswhichhemade，and，thatshehadnotgainedanyfriendsorassociates，hedrewthis，peculiarconclusion。Withitcameafeelingofsatisfactionin，havingawifewhocouldthusbecontent，andthissatisfaction，workeditsnaturalresult。Thatis，sinceheimaginedhesawher，satisfied，hefeltcalledupontogiveonlythatwhich，contributedtosuchsatisfaction。Hesuppliedthefurniture，the，decorations，thefood，andthenecessaryclothing。Thoughtsof，entertainingher，leadingheroutintotheshineandshowof，life，grewlessandless。Hefeltattractedtotheouterworld，butdidnotthinkshewouldcaretogoalong。Oncehewentto，thetheatrealone。Anothertimehejoinedacoupleofhisnew，friendsataneveninggameofpoker。Sincehismoney-feathers，werebeginningtogrowagainhefeltlikesprucingabout。All，this，however，inamuchlessimposingwaythanhadbeenhiswont，inChicago。Heavoidedthegayplaceswherehewouldbeaptto，meetthosewhohadknownhim。 Now，Carriebegantofeelthisinvarioussensoryways。Shewas，notthekindtobeseriouslydisturbedbyhisactions。Not，lovinghimgreatly，shecouldnotbejealousinadisturbingway。 Infact，shewasnotjealousatall。Hurstwoodwaspleasedwith，herplacidmanner，whenheshouldhavedulyconsideredit。When，hedidnotcomehomeitdidnotseemanythinglikeaterrible，thingtoher。Shegavehimcreditforhavingtheusual，allurementsofmen——peopletotalkto，placestostop，friendsto，consultwith。Shewasperfectlywillingthatheshouldenjoy，himselfinhisway，butshedidnotcaretobeneglectedherself。 Herstatestillseemedfairlyreasonable，however。Allshedid，observewasthatHurstwoodwassomewhatdifferent。 SometimeinthesecondyearoftheirresidenceinSeventy-eighth，StreettheflatacrossthehallfromCarriebecamevacant，and，intoitmovedaveryhandsomeyoungwomanandherhusband，with，bothofwhomCarrieafterwardsbecameacquainted。Thiswas，broughtaboutsolelybythearrangementoftheflats，whichwere，unitedinoneplace，asitwere，bythedumb-waiter。Thisuseful，elevator，bywhichfuel，groceries，andthelikeweresentup，fromthebasement，andgarbageandwastesentdown，wasusedby，bothresidentsofonefloor;thatis，asmalldooropenedintoit，fromeachflat。 Iftheoccupantsofbothflatsansweredtothewhistleofthe，janitoratthesametime，theywouldstandfacetofacewhenthey，openedthedumb-waiterdoors。Onemorning，whenCarriewentto，removeherpaper，thenewcomer，ahandsomebrunetteofperhaps，twenty-threeyearsofage，wasthereforalikepurpose。Shewas，inanight-robeanddressing-gown，withherhairverymuch，tousled，butshelookedsoprettyandgood-naturedthatCarrie，instantlyconceivedalikingforher。Thenewcomerdidnomore，thansmileshamefacedly，butitwassufficient。Carriefeltthat，shewouldliketoknowher，andasimilarfeelingstirredinthe，mindoftheother，whoadmiredCarrie’sinnocentface。 “That’sarealprettywomanwhohasmovedinnextdoor，“said，CarrietoHurstwoodatthebreakfasttable。 “Whoarethey？”askedHurstwood。 “Idon’tknow，“saidCarrie。”ThenameonthebellisVance。 Someoneoverthereplaysbeautifully。Iguessitmustbeshe。” “Well，younevercantellwhatsortofpeopleyou’relivingnext，tointhistown，canyou？”saidHurstwood，expressingthe，customaryNewYorkopinionaboutneighbours。 “Justthink，“saidCarrie，“Ihavebeeninthishousewithnine，otherfamiliesforoverayearandIdon’tknowasoul。These，peoplehavebeenhereoveramonthandIhaven’tseenanyone，beforethismorning。” “It’sjustaswell，“saidHurstwood。’Youneverknowwhoyou’re，goingtogetinwith。Someofthesepeopleareprettybad，company。” “Iexpectso，“saidCarrie，agreeably。 Theconversationturnedtootherthings，andCarriethoughtno，moreuponthesubjectuntiladayortwolater，when，goingout，tomarket，sheencounteredMrs。Vancecomingin。Thelatter，recognisedherandnodded，forwhichCarriereturnedasmile。 Thissettledtheprobabilityofacquaintanceship。Iftherehad，beennofaintrecognitiononthisoccasion，therewouldhavebeen，nofutureassociation。 CarriesawnomoreofMrs。Vanceforseveralweeks，butsheheard，herplaythroughthethinwallswhichdividedthefrontroomsof，theflats，andwaspleasedbythemerryselectionofpiecesand，thebrillianceoftheirrendition。Shecouldplayonly，moderatelyherself，andsuchvarietyasMrs。Vanceexercised，bordered，forCarrie，uponthevergeofgreatart。Everything，shehadseenandheardthusfar——themerestscrapsandshadows—— indicatedthatthesepeoplewere，inameasure，refinedandin，comfortablecircumstances。SoCarriewasreadyforanyextension，ofthefriendshipwhichmightfollow。 OnedayCarrie’sbellrangandtheservant，whowasinthe，kitchen，pressedthebuttonwhichcausedthefrontdoorofthe，generalentranceonthegroundfloortobeelectrically，unlatched。WhenCarriewaitedatherowndooronthethirdfloor，toseewhoitmightbecominguptocallonher，Mrs。Vance，appeared。 “Ihopeyou’llexcuseme，“shesaid。”Iwentoutawhileagoand，forgotmyoutsidekey，soIthoughtI’dringyourbell。” Thiswasacommontrickofotherresidentsofthebuilding，whenevertheyhadforgottentheiroutsidekeys。Theydidnot，apologiseforit，however。 “Certainly，“saidCarrie。”I’mgladyoudid。Idothesame，thingsometimes。” “Isn’titjustdelightfulweather？”saidMrs。Vance，pausingfor，amoment。 Thus，afterafewmorepreliminaries，thisvisitingacquaintance，waswelllaunched，andintheyoungMrs。VanceCarriefoundan，agreeablecompanion。 OnseveraloccasionsCarrievisitedherandwasvisited。Both，flatsweregoodtolookupon，thoughthatoftheVancestended，somewhatmoretotheluxurious。 “Iwantyoutocomeoverthiseveningandmeetmyhusband，“said，Mrs。Vance，notlongaftertheirintimacybegan。”Hewantsto，meetyou。Youplaycards，don’tyou？” “Alittle，“saidCarrie。 “Well，we’llhaveagameofcards。Ifyourhusbandcomeshome，bringhimover。” “He’snotcomingtodinnerto-night，“saidCarrie。 “Well，whenhedoescomewe’llcallhimin。” Carrieacquiesced，andthateveningmettheportlyVance，an，individualafewyearsyoungerthanHurstwood，andwhoowedhis，seeminglycomfortablematrimonialstatemuchmoretohismoney，thantohisgoodlooks。HethoughtwellofCarrieuponthefirst，glanceandlaidhimselfouttobegenial，teachingheranewgame，ofcardsandtalkingtoheraboutNewYorkanditspleasures。 Mrs。Vanceplayedsomeuponthepiano，andatlastHurstwood，came。 “Iamverygladtomeetyou，“hesaidtoMrs。VancewhenCarrie，introducedhim，showingmuchoftheoldgracewhichhad，captivatedCarrie。 “Didyouthinkyourwifehadrunaway？”saidMr。Vance，extending，hishanduponintroduction。 “Ididn’tknowbutwhatshemighthavefoundabetterhusband，“ saidHurstwood。 HenowturnedhisattentiontoMrs。Vance，andinaflashCarrie，sawagainwhatsheforsometimehadsubconsciouslymissedin，Hurstwood——theadroitnessandflatteryofwhichhewascapable。 Shealsosawthatshewasnotwelldressed——notnearlyaswell，dressed——asMrs。Vance。Thesewerenotvagueideasanylonger。 Hersituationwasclearedupforher。Shefeltthatherlifewas，becomingstale，andthereinshefeltcauseforgloom。Theold，helpful，urgingmelancholywasrestored。ThedesirousCarriewas，whisperedtoconcerningherpossibilities。 Therewerenoimmediateresultstothisawakening，forCarriehad，littlepowerofinitiative;but，nevertheless，sheseemedever，capableofgettingherselfintothetideofchangewhereshe，wouldbeeasilybornealong。Hurstwoodnoticednothing。Hehad，beenunconsciousofthemarkedcontrastswhichCarriehad，observed。 Hedidnotevendetecttheshadeofmelancholywhichsettledin，hereyes。Worstofall，shenowbegantofeelthelonelinessof，theflatandseekthecompanyofMrs。Vance，wholikedher，exceedingly。 “Let’sgotothematineethisafternoon，“saidMrs。Vance，who，hadsteppedacrossintoCarrie’sflatonemorning，stillarrayed，inasoftpinkdressing-gown，whichshehaddonneduponrising。 HurstwoodandVancehadgonetheirseparatewaysnearlyanhour，before。 “Allright，“saidCarrie，noticingtheairofthepettedand，well-groomedwomaninMrs。Vance’sgeneralappearance。She，lookedasthoughshewasdearlylovedandhereverywish，gratified。”Whatshallwesee？” “Oh，IdowanttoseeNatGoodwin，“saidMrs。Vance。”Idothink，heisthejolliestactor。Thepaperssaythisissuchagood，play。” “Whattimewillwehavetostart？”askedCarrie。 “Let’sgoatonceandwalkdownBroadwayfromThirty-fourth，Street，“saidMrs。Vance。”It’ssuchaninterestingwalk。He’s，attheMadisonSquare。” “I’llbegladtogo，“saidCarrie。”Howmuchwillwehavetopay，forseats？” “Notmorethanadollar，“saidMrs。Vance。 Thelatterdeparted，andatoneo’clockreappeared，stunningly，arrayedinadark-bluewalkingdress，withanobbyhattomatch。 Carriehadgottenherselfupcharminglyenough，butthiswoman，painedherbycontrast。Sheseemedtohavesomanydaintylittle，thingswhichCarriehadnot。Thereweretrinketsofgold，an，elegantgreenleatherpursesetwithherinitials，afancy，handkerchief，exceedinglyrichindesign，andthelike。Carrie，feltthatsheneededmoreandbetterclothestocomparewiththis，woman，andthatanyonelookingatthetwowouldpickMrs。Vance，forherraimentalone。Itwasatrying，thoughratherunjust，thought，forCarriehadnowdevelopedanequallypleasingfigure，andhadgrownincomelinessuntilshewasathoroughlyattractive，typeofhercolourofbeauty。Therewassomedifferenceinthe，clothingofthetwo，bothofqualityandage，butthisdifference，wasnotespeciallynoticeable。Itserved，however，toaugment，Carrie’sdissatisfactionwithherstate。 ThewalkdownBroadway，thenasnow，wasoneoftheremarkable，featuresofthecity。Theregathered，beforethematineeand，afterwards，notonlyalltheprettywomenwholoveashowy，parade，butthemenwholovetogazeuponandadmirethem。It，wasaveryimposingprocessionofprettyfacesandfineclothes。 Womenappearedintheirverybesthats，shoes，andgloves，and，walkedarminarmontheirwaytothefineshopsortheatres，strungalongfromFourteenthtoThirty-fourthStreets。Equally，themenparadedwiththeverylatesttheycouldafford。Atailor，mighthavesecuredhintsonsuitmeasurements，ashoemakeron，properlastsandcolours，ahatteronhats。Itwasliterally，truethatifaloveroffineclothessecuredanewsuit，itwas，suretohaveitsfirstairingonBroadway。Sotrueandwell，understoodwasthisfact，thatseveralyearslaterapopular，song，detailingthisandotherfactsconcerningtheafternoon，paradeonmatineedays，andentitled“WhatRightHasHeon，Broadway？”waspublished，andhadquiteavogueaboutthemusic- hallsofthecity。 Inallherstayinthecity，Carriehadneverheardofthisshowy，parade;hadneverevenbeenonBroadwaywhenitwastakingplace。 Ontheotherhand，itwasafamiliarthingtoMrs。Vance，whonot，onlyknewofitasanentity，buthadoftenbeeninit，going，purposelytoseeandbeseen，tocreateastirwithherbeauty，anddispelanytendencytofallshortindressinessby，contrastingherselfwiththebeautyandfashionofthetown。 Carriesteppedalongeasilyenoughaftertheygotoutofthecar，atThirty-fourthStreet，butsoonfixedhereyesuponthelovely，companywhichswarmedbyandwiththemastheyproceeded。She，noticedsuddenlythatMrs。Vance’smannerhadratherstiffened，underthegazeofhandsomemenandelegantlydressedladies，whoseglanceswerenotmodifiedbyanyrulesofpropriety。To，stareseemedtheproperandnaturalthing。Carriefoundherself，staredatandogled。Meninflawlesstop-coats，highhats，and，silver-headedwalkingstickselbowednearandlookedtoooften，intoconsciouseyes。Ladiesrustledbyindressesofstiff，cloth，sheddingaffectedsmilesandperfume。Carrienoticed，amongthemthesprinklingofgoodnessandtheheavypercentageof，vice。Therougedandpowderedcheeksandlips，thescentedhair，thelarge，misty，andlanguorouseye，werecommonenough。Witha，startsheawoketofindthatshewasinfashion’scrowd，on，paradeinashowplace——andsuchashowplace！Jewellers’windows，gleamedalongthepathwithremarkablefrequency。Floristshops，furriers，haberdashers，confectioners——allfollowedinrapid，succession。Thestreetwasfullofcoaches。Pompousdoormenin，immensecoats，shinybrassbeltsandbuttons，waitedinfrontof，expensivesalesrooms。Coachmenintanboots，whitetights，and，bluejacketswaitedobsequiouslyforthemistressesofcarriages，whowereshoppinginside。Thewholestreetboretheflavourof，richesandshow，andCarriefeltthatshewasnotofit。She，couldnot，forthelifeofher，assumetheattitudeandsmartness，ofMrs。Vance，who，inherbeauty，wasallassurance。Shecould，onlyimaginethatitmustbeevidenttomanythatshewasthe，lesshandsomelydressedofthetwo。Itcuthertothequick，and，sheresolvedthatshewouldnotcomehereagainuntilshelooked，better。Atthesametimeshelongedtofeelthedelightof，paradinghereasanequal。Ah，thenshewouldbehappy！ ChapterXXXII THEFEASTOFBELSHAZZAR——ASEERTOTRANSLATE SuchfeelingsasweregeneratedinCarriebythiswalkputherin，anexceedinglyreceptivemoodforthepathoswhichfollowedin，theplay。Theactorwhomtheyhadgonetoseehadachievedhis，popularitybypresentingamellowtypeofcomedy，inwhich，sufficientsorrowwasintroducedtolendcontrastandreliefto，humour。ForCarrie，aswewellknow，thestagehadagreat，attraction。Shehadneverforgottenheronehistrionic，achievementinChicago。Itdweltinhermindandoccupiedher，consciousnessduringmanylongafternoonsinwhichherrocking- chairandherlatestnovelcontributedtheonlypleasuresofher，state。Nevercouldshewitnessaplaywithouthavingherown，abilityvividlybroughttoconsciousness。Somescenesmadeher，longtobeapartofthem——togiveexpressiontothefeelings，whichshe，intheplaceofthecharacterrepresented，wouldfeel。 Almostinvariablyshewouldcarrythevividimaginationsaway，withherandbroodoverthemthenextdayalone。Shelivedas，muchinthesethingsasintherealitieswhichmadeupherdaily，life。 Itwasnotoftenthatshecametotheplaystirredtoherheart’s，corebyactualities。To-dayalowsongoflonginghadbeenset，singinginherheartbythefinery，themerriment，thebeautyshe，hadseen。Oh，thesewomenwhohadpassedherby，hundredsand，hundredsstrong，whowerethey？Whencecametherich，elegant，dresses，theastonishinglycolouredbuttons，theknick-knacksof，silverandgold？Whereweretheselovelycreatureshoused？Amid，whateleganciesofcarvedfurniture，decoratedwalls，elaborate，tapestriesdidtheymove？Whereweretheirrichapartments，loadedwithallthatmoneycouldprovide？Inwhatstableschamped，thesesleek，nervoushorsesandrestedthegorgeouscarriages？ Whereloungedtherichlygroomedfootmen？Oh，themansions，the，lights，theperfume，theloadedboudoirsandtables！NewYork，mustbefilledwithsuchbowers，orthebeautiful，insolent，superciliouscreaturescouldnotbe。Somehothousesheldthem。 Itachedhertoknowthatshewasnotoneofthem——that，alas，shehaddreamedadreamandithadnotcometrue。Shewondered，atherownsolitudethesetwoyearspast——herindifferencetothe，factthatshehadneverachievedwhatshehadexpected。 Theplaywasoneofthosedrawing-roomconcoctionsinwhich，charminglyoverdressedladiesandgentlemensufferthepangsof，loveandjealousyamidgildedsurroundings。Suchbon-motsare，everenticingtothosewhohavealltheirdayslongedforsuch，materialsurroundingsandhaveneverhadthemgratified。They，havethecharmofshowingsufferingunderidealconditions。Who，wouldnotgrieveuponagildedchair？Whowouldnotsufferamid，perfumedtapestries，cushionedfurniture，andliveriedservants？ Griefundersuchcircumstancesbecomesanenticingthing。Carrie，longedtobeofit。Shewantedtotakehersufferings，whatever，theywere，insuchaworld，orfailingthat，atleasttosimulate，themundersuchcharmingconditionsuponthestage。Soaffected，washermindbywhatshehadseen，thattheplaynowseemedan，extraordinarilybeautifulthing。Shewassoonlostintheworld，itrepresented，andwishedthatshemightneverreturn。Between，theactsshestudiedthegalaxyofmatineeattendantsinfront，rowsandboxes，andconceivedanewideaofthepossibilitiesof，NewYork。Shewassureshehadnotseenitall——thatthecity，wasonewhirlofpleasureanddelight。 Goingout，thesameBroadwaytaughtherasharperlesson。The，sceneshehadwitnessedcomingdownwasnowaugmentedandatits，height。Suchacrushoffineryandfollyshehadneverseen。It，clinchedherconvictionsconcerningherstate。Shehadnot，lived，couldnotlayclaimtohavinglived，untilsomethingof，thishadcomeintoherownlife。Womenwerespendingmoneylike，water;shecouldseethatineveryelegantshopshepassed。 Flowers，candy，jewelry，seemedtheprincipalthingsinwhichthe，elegantdameswereinterested。Andshe——shehadscarcelyenough，pinmoneytoindulgeinsuchoutingsasthisafewtimesamonth。 Thatnighttheprettylittleflatseemedacommonplacething。It，wasnotwhattherestoftheworldwasenjoying。Shesawthe，servantworkingatdinnerwithanindifferenteye。Inhermind，wererunningscenesoftheplay。Particularlysherememberedone，beautifulactress——thesweetheartwhohadbeenwooedandwon。 ThegraceofthiswomanhadwonCarrie’sheart。Herdresseshad，beenallthatartcouldsuggest，hersufferingshadbeensoreal。 TheanguishwhichshehadportrayedCarriecouldfeel。Itwas，doneasshewassureshecoulddoit。Therewereplacesinwhich，shecouldevendobetter。Hencesherepeatedthelinesto，herself。Oh，ifshecouldonlyhavesuchapart，howbroadwould，beherlife！She，too，couldactappealingly。 WhenHurstwoodcame，Carriewasmoody。Shewassitting，rocking，andthinking，anddidnotcaretohaveherenticingimaginations，brokeninupon;soshesaidlittleornothing。 “What’sthematter，Carrie？”saidHurstwoodafteratime，noticingherquiet，almostmoodystate。 “Nothing，“saidCarrie。”Idon’tfeelverywelltonight。” “Notsick，areyou？”heasked，approachingveryclose。 “Oh，no，“shesaid，almostpettishly，“Ijustdon’tfeelvery，good。” “That’stoobad，“hesaid，steppingawayandadjustinghisvest，afterhisslightbendingover。”Iwasthinkingwemightgotoa，showto-night。” “Idon’twanttogo，“saidCarrie，annoyedthatherfinevisions，shouldhavethusbeenbrokenintoanddrivenoutofhermind。 “I’vebeentothematineethisafternoon。” “Oh，youhave？”saidHurstwood。”Whatwasit？” “AGoldMine。” “Howwasit？” “Prettygood，“saidCarrie。 “Andyoudon’twanttogoagaintonight？” “Idon’tthinkIdo，“shesaid。 Nevertheless，wakenedoutofhermelancholiaandcalledtothe，dinnertable，shechangedhermind。Alittlefoodinthestomach，doeswonders。Shewentagain，andinsodoingtemporarily，recoveredherequanimity。Thegreatawakeningblowhad，however，beendelivered。Asoftenasshemightrecoverfromthese，discontentedthoughtsnow，theywouldoccuragain。Timeand，repetition——ah，thewonderofit！Thedroppingwaterandthe，solidstone——howutterlyityieldsatlast！ Notlongafterthismatineeexperience——perhapsamonth——Mrs。 VanceinvitedCarrietoaneveningatthetheatrewiththem。She，heardCarriesaythatHurstwoodwasnotcominghometodinner。 “Whydon’tyoucomewithus？Don’tgetdinnerforyourself。 We’regoingdowntoSherry’sfordinnerandthenovertothe，Lyceum。Comealongwithus。” “IthinkIwill，“answeredCarrie。 Shebegantodressatthreeo’clockforherdepartureathalf- pastfiveforthenoteddining-roomwhichwasthencrowding，Delmonico’sforpositioninsociety。InthisdressingCarrie，showedtheinfluenceofherassociationwiththedashingMrs。 Vance。Shehadconstantlyhadherattentioncalledbythelatter，tonoveltiesineverythingwhichpertainstoawoman’sapparel。 “Areyougoingtogetsuchandsuchahat？”or，“Haveyouseen，thenewgloveswiththeovalpearlbuttons？”werebutsample，phrasesoutofalargeselection。 “Thenexttimeyougetapairofshoes，dearie，“saidMrs。Vance，“getbutton，withthicksolesandpatent-leathertips。They’re，alltheragethisfall。” “Iwill，“saidCarrie。 “Oh，dear，haveyouseenthenewshirtwaistsatAltman’s？They，havesomeoftheloveliestpatterns。IsawonetherethatIknow，wouldlookstunningonyou。IsaidsowhenIsawit。” Carrielistenedtothesethingswithconsiderableinterest，for，theyweresuggestedwithmoreoffriendlinessthanisusually，commonbetweenprettywomen。Mrs。VancelikedCarrie’sstable，good-naturesowellthatshereallytookpleasureinsuggesting，toherthelatestthings。 “Whydon’tyougetyourselfoneofthosenicesergeskirts，they’resellingatLord&Taylor’s？”shesaidoneday。”They’re，thecircularstyle，andthey’regoingtobewornfromnowon。A darkblueonewouldlooksoniceonyou。” Carrielistenedwitheagerears。Thesethingsnevercameup，betweenherandHurstwood。Nevertheless，shebegantosuggest，onethingandanother，whichHurstwoodagreedtowithoutany，expressionofopinion。HenoticedthenewtendencyonCarrie’s，part，andfinally，hearingmuchofMrs。Vanceandherdelightful，ways，suspectedwhencethechangecame。Hewasnotinclinedto，offertheslightestobjectionsosoon，buthefeltthatCarrie’s，wantswereexpanding。Thisdidnotappealtohimexactly，buthe，caredforherinhisownway，andsothethingstood。Still，therewassomethinginthedetailsofthetransactionswhich，causedCarrietofeelthatherrequestswerenotadelightto，him。Hedidnotenthuseoverthepurchases。Thisledherto，believethatneglectwascreepingin，andsoanothersmallwedge，wasentered。 Nevertheless，oneoftheresultsofMrs。Vance’ssuggestionswas，thefactthatonthisoccasionCarriewasdressedsomewhattoher，ownsatisfaction。Shehadonherbest，buttherewascomfortin，thethoughtthatifshemustconfineherselftoabest，itwas，neatandfitting。Shelookedthewell-groomedwomanoftwenty- one，andMrs。Vancepraisedher，whichbroughtcolourtoher，plumpcheeksandanoticeablebrightnessintoherlargeeyes。It，wasthreateningrain，andMr。Vance，athiswife’srequest，had，calledacoach。 “Yourhusbandisn’tcoming？”suggestedMr。Vance，ashemet，Carrieinhislittleparlour。 “No;hesaidhewouldn’tbehomefordinner。” “Betterleavealittlenoteforhim，tellinghimwhereweare。 Hemightturnup。” “Iwill，“saidCarrie，whohadnotthoughtofitbefore。 “Tellhimwe’llbeatSherry’suntileighto’clock。Heknows，thoughIguess。” Carriecrossedthehallwithrustlingskirts，andscrawledthe，note，gloveson。WhenshereturnedanewcomerwasintheVance，flat。 “Mrs。Wheeler，letmeintroduceMr。Ames，acousinofmine，“said，Mrs。Vance。”He’sgoingalongwithus，aren’tyou，Bob？” “I’mverygladtomeetyou，“saidAmes，bowingpolitelyto，Carrie。