Hewantedpen，ink，andpaper。Therewasanoldstandishonthemantelshelfcontainingadustyapologyforallthree。Havingsetthisbeforehim，thelandlordwasretiring，whenhemotionedhimtostay。
’There’sahousenotfarfromhere，’saidtheguestwhenhehadwrittenafewlines，’whichyoucalltheWarren，Ibelieve？’
Asthiswassaidinthetoneofonewhoknewthefact，andaskedthequestionasathingofcourse，Johncontentedhimselfwithnoddinghisheadintheaffirmative;atthesametimetakingonehandoutofhispocketstocoughbehind，andthenputtingitinagain。
’Iwantthisnote’——saidtheguest，glancingonwhathehadwritten，andfoldingit，’conveyedtherewithoutlossoftime，andananswerbroughtbackhere。Haveyouamessengerathand？’
Johnwasthoughtfulforaminuteorthereabouts，andthensaidYes。
’Letmeseehim，’saidtheguest。
Thiswasdisconcerting;forJoebeingout，andHughengagedinrubbingdownthechestnutcob，hedesignedsendingontheerrand，Barnaby，whohadjustthenarrivedinoneofhisrambles，andwho，sothathethoughthimselfemployedonagraveandseriousbusiness，wouldgoanywhere。
’Whythetruthis，’saidJohnafteralongpause，’thatthepersonwho’dgoquickest，isasortofnatural，asonemaysay，sir;andthoughquickoffoot，andasmuchtobetrustedasthepostitself，he’snotgoodattalking，beingtouchedandflighty，sir。’
’Youdon’t，’saidtheguest，raisinghiseyestoJohn’sfatface，’youdon’tmean——what’sthefellow’sname——youdon’tmeanBarnaby？’
’Yes，Ido，’returnedthelandlord，hisfeaturesturningquiteexpressivewithsurprise。
’Howcomeshetobehere？’inquiredtheguest，leaningbackinhischair;speakinginthebland，eventone，fromwhichhenevervaried;andwiththesamesoft，courteous，never-changingsmileuponhisface。’IsawhiminLondonlastnight。’
’He’s，forever，hereonehour，andtherethenext，’returnedoldJohn，aftertheusualpausetogetthequestioninhismind。
’Sometimeshewalks，andsometimesruns。He’sknownalongtheroadbyeverybody，andsometimescomeshereinacartorchaise，andsometimesridingdouble。Hecomesandgoes，throughwind，rain，snow，andhail，andonthedarkestnights。NothinghurtsHIM。’
’HegoesoftentotheWarren，doeshenot？’saidtheguestcarelessly。’Iseemtorememberhismothertellingmesomethingtothateffectyesterday。ButIwasnotattendingtothegoodwomanmuch。’
’You’reright，sir，’Johnmadeanswer，’hedoes。Hisfather，sir，wasmurderedinthathouse。’
’SoIhaveheard，’returnedtheguest，takingagoldtoothpickfromhispocketwiththesamesweetsmile。’Averydisagreeablecircumstanceforthefamily。’
’Very，’saidJohnwithapuzzledlook，asifitoccurredtohim，dimlyandafaroff，thatthismightbypossibilitybeacoolwayoftreatingthesubject。
’Allthecircumstancesafteramurder，’saidtheguestsoliloquising，’mustbedreadfullyunpleasant——somuchbustleanddisturbance——norepose——aconstantdwellingupononesubject——andtherunninginandout，andupanddownstairs，intolerable。I
wouldn’thavesuchathinghappentoanybodyIwasnearlyinterestedin，onanyaccount。’Twouldbeenoughtowearone’slifeout——Youweregoingtosay，friend——’headded，turningtoJohnagain。
’OnlythatMrsRudgelivesonalittlepensionfromthefamily，andthatBarnaby’sasfreeofthehouseasanycatordogaboutit，’
answeredJohn。’Shallhedoyourerrand，sir？’
’Ohyes，’repliedtheguest。’Ohcertainly。Lethimdoitbyallmeans。PleasetobringhimherethatImaychargehimtobequick。
Ifheobjectstocomeyoumaytellhimit’sMrChester。Hewillremembermyname，Idaresay。’
Johnwassoverymuchastonishedtofindwhohisvisitorwas，thathecouldexpressnoastonishmentatall，bylooksorotherwise，butlefttheroomasifhewereinthemostplacidandimperturbableofallpossibleconditions。Ithasbeenreportedthatwhenhegotdownstairs，helookedsteadilyattheboilerfortenminutesbytheclock，andallthattimeneveronceleftoffshakinghishead;
forwhichstatementtherewouldseemtobesomegroundoftruthandfeasibility，inasmuchasthatintervaloftimedidcertainlyelapse，beforehereturnedwithBarnabytotheguest’sapartment。
’Comehither，lad，’saidMrChester。’YouknowMrGeoffreyHaredale？’
Barnabylaughed，andlookedatthelandlordasthoughhewouldsay，’Youhearhim？’John，whowasgreatlyshockedatthisbreachofdecorum，clappedhisfingertohisnose，andshookhisheadinmuteremonstrance。
’Heknowshim，sir，’saidJohn，frowningasideatBarnaby，’aswellasyouorIdo。’
’Ihaven’tthepleasureofmuchacquaintancewiththegentleman，’
returnedhisguest。’YOUmayhave。Limitthecomparisontoyourself，myfriend。’
Althoughthiswassaidwiththesameeasyaffability，andthesamesmile，Johnfelthimselfputdown，andlayingtheindignityatBarnaby’sdoor，determinedtokickhisraven，ontheveryfirstopportunity。
’Givethat，’saidtheguest，whohadbythistimesealedthenote，andwhobeckonedhismessengertowardshimashespoke，’intoMrHaredale’sownhands。Waitforananswer，andbringitbacktomehere。IfyoushouldfindthatMrHaredaleisengagedjustnow，tellhim——canherememberamessage，landlord？’
’Whenhechooses，sir，’repliedJohn。’Hewon’tforgetthisone。’
’Howareyousureofthat？’
Johnmerelypointedtohimashestoodwithhisheadbentforward，andhisearnestgazefixedcloselyonhisquestioner’sface;andnoddedsagely。
’Tellhimthen，Barnaby，shouldhebeengaged，’saidMrChester，’thatIshallbegladtowaithisconveniencehere，andtoseehim(ifhewillcall)atanytimethisevening——AttheworstIcanhaveabedhere，Willet，Isuppose？’
OldJohn，immenselyflatteredbythepersonalnotorietyimpliedinthisfamiliarformofaddress，answered，withsomethinglikeaknowinglook，’Ishouldbelieveyoucould，sir，’andwasturningoverinhismindvariousformsofeulogium，withtheviewofselectingoneappropriatetothequalitiesofhisbestbed，whenhisideaswereputtoflightbyMrChestergivingBarnabytheletter，andbiddinghimmakeallspeedaway。
’Speed！’saidBarnaby，foldingthelittlepacketinhisbreast，’Speed！Ifyouwanttoseehurryandmystery，comehere。Here！’
Withthat，heputhishand，verymuchtoJohnWillet’shorror，ontheguest’sfinebroadclothsleeve，andledhimstealthilytothebackwindow。
’Lookdownthere，’hesaidsoftly;’doyoumarkhowtheywhisperineachother’sears;thendanceandleap，tomakebelievetheyareinsport？Doyouseehowtheystopforamoment，whentheythinkthereisnoonelooking，andmutteramongthemselvesagain;andthenhowtheyrollandgambol，delightedwiththemischiefthey’vebeenplotting？Lookat’emnow。Seehowtheywhirlandplunge。
Andnowtheystopagain，andwhisper，cautiouslytogether——littlethinking，mind，howoftenIhavelainuponthegrassandwatchedthem。Isaywhatisitthattheyplotandhatch？Doyouknow？’
’Theyareonlyclothes，’returnedtheguest，’suchaswewear;
hangingonthoselinestodry，andflutteringinthewind。’
’Clothes！’echoedBarnaby，lookingcloseintohisface，andfallingquicklyback。’Haha！Why，howmuchbettertobesilly，thanaswiseasyou！Youdon’tseeshadowypeoplethere，likethosethatliveinsleep——notyou。Noreyesintheknottedpanesofglass，norswiftghostswhenitblowshard，nordoyouhearvoicesintheair，norseemenstalkinginthesky——notyou！Ileadamerrierlifethanyou，withallyourcleverness。You’rethedullmen。
We’rethebrightones。Ha！ha！I’llnotchangewithyou，cleverasyouare，——notI！’
Withthat，hewavedhishatabovehishead，anddartedoff。
’Astrangecreature，uponmyword！’saidtheguest，pullingoutahandsomebox，andtakingapinchofsnuff。
’Hewantsimagination，’saidMrWillet，veryslowly，andafteralongsilence;’that’swhathewants。I’vetriedtoinstilitintohim，manyandmany’sthetime;but’——Johnaddedthisinconfidence——
’hean’tmadeforit;that’sthefact。’
TorecordthatMrChestersmiledatJohn’sremarkwouldbelittletothepurpose，forhepreservedthesameconciliatoryandpleasantlookatalltimes。Hedrewhischairnearertothefirethough，asakindofhintthathewouldprefertobealone，andJohn，havingnoreasonableexcuseforremaining，lefthimtohimself。
VerythoughtfuloldJohnWilletwas，whilethedinnerwaspreparing;andifhisbrainwereeverlessclearatonetimethananother，itisbutreasonabletosupposethatheaddleditinnoslightdegreebyshakinghisheadsomuchthatday。ThatMrChester，betweenwhomandMrHaredale，itwasnotorioustoalltheneighbourhood，adeepandbitteranimosityexisted，shouldcomedownthereforthesolepurpose，asitseemed，ofseeinghim，andshouldchoosetheMaypolefortheirplaceofmeeting，andshouldsendtohimexpress，werestumblingblocksJohncouldnotovercome。
Theonlyresourcehehad，wastoconsulttheboiler，andwaitimpatientlyforBarnaby’sreturn。
ButBarnabydelayedbeyondallprecedent。Thevisitor’sdinnerwasserved，removed，hiswinewasset，thefirereplenished，thehearthcleanswept;thelightwanedwithout，itgrewdusk，becamequitedark，andstillnoBarnabyappeared。Yet，thoughJohnWilletwasfullofwonderandmisgiving，hisguestsatcross-leggedintheeasy-chair，toallappearanceaslittleruffledinhisthoughtsasinhisdress——thesamecalm，easy，coolgentleman，withoutacareorthoughtbeyondhisgoldentoothpick。
’Barnaby’slate，’Johnventuredtoobserve，asheplacedapairoftarnishedcandlesticks，somethreefeethigh，uponthetable，andsnuffedthelightstheyheld。
’Heisratherso，’repliedtheguest，sippinghiswine。’Hewillnotbemuchlonger，Idaresay。’
Johncoughedandrakedthefiretogether。
’Asyourroadsbearnoverygoodcharacter，ifImayjudgefrommyson’smishap，though，’saidMrChester，’andasIhavenofancytobeknockedonthehead——whichisnotonlydisconcertingatthemoment，butplacesone，besides，inaridiculouspositionwithrespecttothepeoplewhochancetopickoneup——Ishallstophereto-night。Ithinkyousaidyouhadabedtospare。’
’Suchabed，sir，’returnedJohnWillet;’ay，suchabedasfew，evenofthegentry’shouses，own。Afixterhere，sir。I’veheardsaythatbedsteadisnightwohundredyearsofage。Yournobleson——afineyounggentleman——sleptinitlast，sir，halfayearago。’
’Uponmylife，arecommendation！’saidtheguest，shrugginghisshouldersandwheelinghischairnearertothefire。’Seethatitbewellaired，MrWillet，andletablazingfirebelightedthereatonce。Thishouseissomethingdampandchilly。’
Johnrakedthefaggotsupagain，morefromhabitthanpresenceofmind，oranyreferencetothisremark，andwasabouttowithdraw，whenaboundingstepwashearduponthestair，andBarnabycamepantingin。
’He’llhavehisfootinthestirrupinanhour’stime，’hecried，advancing。’Hehasbeenridinghardallday——hasjustcomehome——
butwillbeinthesaddleagainassoonashehaseatanddrank，tomeethislovingfriend。’
’Wasthathismessage？’askedthevisitor，lookingup，butwithoutthesmallestdiscomposure——oratleastwithouttheshowofany。
’Allbutthelastwords，’Barnabyrejoined。’Hemeantthose。I
sawthat，inhisface。’
’Thisforyourpains，’saidtheother，puttingmoneyinhishand，andglancingathimsteadfastly。’Thisforyourpains，sharpBarnaby。’
’ForGrip，andme，andHugh，toshareamongus，’herejoined，puttingitup，andnodding，ashecounteditonhisfingers。’Gripone，metwo，Hughthree;thedog，thegoat，thecats——well，weshallspenditprettysoon，Iwarnyou。Stay——Look。Doyouwisemenseenothingthere，now？’
Hebenteagerlydownononeknee，andgazedintentlyatthesmoke，whichwasrollingupthechimneyinathickblackcloud。JohnWillet，whoappearedtoconsiderhimselfparticularlyandchieflyreferredtounderthetermwisemen，lookedthatwaylikewise，andwithgreatsolidityoffeature。
’Now，wheredotheygoto，whentheyspringsofastupthere，’
askedBarnaby;’eh？Whydotheytreadsocloselyoneachother’sheels，andwhyaretheyalwaysinahurry——whichiswhatyoublamemefor，whenIonlytakepatternbythesebusyfolkaboutme？Moreof’em！catchingtoeachother’sskirts;andasfastastheygo，otherscome！Whatamerrydanceitis！IwouldthatGripandI
couldfrisklikethat！’
’Whathasheinthatbasketathisback？’askedtheguestafterafewmoments，duringwhichBarnabywasstillbendingdowntolookhigherupthechimney，andearnestlywatchingthesmoke。
’Inthis？’heanswered，jumpingup，beforeJohnWilletcouldreply——
shakingitashespoke，andstoopinghisheadtolisten。’Inthis！Whatistherehere？Tellhim！’
’Adevil，adevil，adevil！’criedahoarsevoice。
’Here’smoney！’saidBarnaby，chinkingitinhishand，’moneyforatreat，Grip！’
’Hurrah！Hurrah！Hurrah！’repliedtheraven，’keepupyourspirits。Neversaydie。Bow，wow，wow！’
MrWillet，whoappearedtoentertainstrongdoubtswhetheracustomerinalacedcoatandfinelinencouldbesupposedtohaveanyacquaintanceevenwiththeexistenceofsuchunpolitegentryasthebirdclaimedtobelongto，tookBarnabyoffatthisjuncture，withtheviewofpreventinganyotherimproperdeclarations，andquittedtheroomwithhisverybestbow。
Chapter11
TherewasgreatnewsthatnightfortheregularMaypolecustomers，toeachofwhom，ashestraggledintooccupyhisallottedseatinthechimney-corner，John，withamostimpressiveslownessofdelivery，andinanapoplecticwhisper，communicatedthefactthatMrChesterwasaloneinthelargeroomupstairs，andwaswaitingthearrivalofMrGeoffreyHaredale，towhomhehadsentaletter(doubtlessofathreateningnature)bythehandsofBarnaby，thenandtherepresent。
Foralittleknotofsmokersandsolemngossips，whohadseldomanynewtopicsofdiscussion，thiswasaperfectGodsend。Herewasagood，dark-lookingmysteryprogressingunderthatveryroof——
broughthometothefireside，asitwere，andenjoyablewithoutthesmallestpainsortrouble。Itisextraordinarywhatazestandrelishitgavetothedrink，andhowitheightenedtheflavourofthetobacco。Everymansmokedhispipewithafaceofgraveandseriousdelight，andlookedathisneighbourwithasortofquietcongratulation。Nay，itwasfelttobesuchaholidayandspecialnight，that，onthemotionoflittleSolomonDaisy，everyman(includingJohnhimself)putdownhissixpenceforacanofflip，whichgratefulbeveragewasbrewedwithalldespatch，andsetdowninthemidstofthemonthebrickfloor;boththatitmightsimmerandstewbeforethefire，andthatitsfragrantsteam，risingupamongthem，andmixingwiththewreathsofvapourfromtheirpipes，mightshroudtheminadeliciousatmosphereoftheirown，andshutoutalltheworld。Theveryfurnitureoftheroomseemedtomellowanddeepeninitstone;theceilingandwallslookedblackerandmorehighlypolished，thecurtainsofaruddierred;
thefireburntclearandhigh，andthecricketsinthehearthstonechirpedwithamorethanwontedsatisfaction。
Therewerepresenttwo，however，whoshowedbutlittleinterestinthegeneralcontentment。Ofthese，onewasBarnabyhimself，whoslept，or，toavoidbeingbesetwithquestions，feignedtosleep，inthechimney-corner;theother，Hugh，who，sleepingtoo，laystretcheduponthebenchontheoppositeside，inthefullglareoftheblazingfire。
Thelightthatfelluponthisslumberingform，showeditinallitsmuscularandhandsomeproportions。Itwasthatofayoungman，ofahaleathleticfigure，andagiant’sstrength，whosesunburntfaceandswarthythroat，overgrownwithjetblackhair，mighthaveservedapainterforamodel。Looselyattired，inthecoarsestandroughestgarb，withscrapsofstrawandhay——hisusualbed——
clinginghereandthere，andminglingwithhisuncombedlocks，hehadfallenasleepinapostureascarelessashisdress。Thenegligenceanddisorderofthewholeman，withsomethingfierceandsulleninhisfeatures，gavehimapicturesqueappearance，thatattractedtheregardsevenoftheMaypolecustomerswhoknewhimwell，andcausedLongParkestosaythatHughlookedmorelikeapoachingrascalto-nightthaneverhehadseenhimyet。
’He’swaitinghere，Isuppose，’saidSolomon，’totakeMrHaredale’shorse。’
’That’sit，sir，’repliedJohnWillet。’He’snotofteninthehouse，youknow。He’smoreathiseaseamonghorsesthanmen。I
lookuponhimasaanimalhimself。’
Followingupthisopinionwithashrugthatseemedmeanttosay，’wecan’texpecteverybodytobelikeus，’Johnputhispipeintohismouthagain，andsmokedlikeonewhofelthissuperiorityoverthegeneralrunofmankind。
’Thatchap，sir，’saidJohn，takingitoutagainafteratime，andpointingathimwiththestem，’thoughhe’sgotallhisfacultiesabouthim——bottledupandcorkeddown，ifImaysayso，somewheresoranother——’
’Verygood！’saidParkes，noddinghishead。’Averygoodexpression，Johnny。You’llbeatacklingsomebodypresently。
You’reintwigto-night，Isee。’
’Takecare，’saidMrWillet，notatallgratefulforthecompliment，’thatIdon’ttackleyou，sir，whichIshallcertainlyendeavourtodo，ifyouinterruptmewhenI’mmakingobservations——
Thatchap，Iwasasaying，thoughhehasallhisfacultiesabouthim，somewheresoranother，bottledupandcorkeddown，hasnomoreimaginationthanBarnabyhas。Andwhyhasn’the？’
Thethreefriendsshooktheirheadsateachother;sayingbythataction，withoutthetroubleofopeningtheirlips，’Doyouobservewhataphilosophicalmindourfriendhas？’
’Whyhasn’the？’saidJohn，gentlystrikingthetablewithhisopenhand。’Becausetheywasneverdrawedoutofhimwhenhewasaboy。That’swhy。Whatwouldanyofushavebeen，ifourfathershadn’tdrawedourfacultiesoutofus？WhatwouldmyboyJoehavebeen，ifIhadn’tdrawedhisfacultiesoutofhim？——DoyoumindwhatI’masayingof，gentlemen？’
’Ah！wemindyou，’criedParkes。’Goonimprovingofus，Johnny。’
’Consequently，then，’saidMrWillet，’thatchap，whosemotherwashungwhenhewasalittleboy，alongwithsixothers，forpassingbadnotes——andit’sablessedthingtothinkhowmanypeoplearehunginbatcheseverysixweeksforthat，andsuchlikeoffences，asshowinghowwideawakeourgovernmentis——thatchapthatwasthenturnedloose，andhadtomindcows，andfrightenbirdsaway，andwhatnot，forafewpencetoliveon，andsogotonbydegreestomindhorses，andtosleepincourseoftimeinloftsandlitter，insteadofunderhaystacksandhedges，tillatlasthecometobehostlerattheMaypoleforhisboardandlodgingandaannualtrifle——thatchapthatcan’treadnorwrite，andhasneverhadmuchtodowithanythingbutanimals，andhasneverlivedinanywaybutliketheanimalshehaslivedamong，ISaanimal。And，’saidMrWillet，arrivingathislogicalconclusion，’istobetreatedaccordingly。’
’Willet，’saidSolomonDaisy，whohadexhibitedsomeimpatienceattheintrusionofsounworthyasubjectontheirmoreinterestingtheme，’whenMrChestercomethismorning，didheorderthelargeroom？’
’Hesignified，sir，’saidJohn，’thathewantedalargeapartment。
Yes。Certainly。’
’Whythen，I’lltellyouwhat，’saidSolomon，speakingsoftlyandwithanearnestlook。’HeandMrHaredalearegoingtofightaduelinit。’
EverybodylookedatMrWillet，afterthisalarmingsuggestion。MrWilletlookedatthefire，weighinginhisownmindtheeffectwhichsuchanoccurrencewouldbelikelytohaveontheestablishment。
’Well，’saidJohn，’Idon’tknow——Iamsure——IrememberthatwhenI
wentuplast，heHADputthelightsuponthemantel-shelf。’
’It’sasplain，’returnedSolomon，’asthenoseonParkes’sface’——
MrParkes，whohadalargenose，rubbedit，andlookedasifheconsideredthisapersonalallusion——’they’llfightinthatroom。
Youknowbythenewspaperswhatacommonthingitisforgentlementofightincoffee-houseswithoutseconds。Oneof’emwillbewoundedorperhapskilledinthishouse。’
’ThatwasachallengethatBarnabytookthen，eh？’saidJohn。
’——Inclosingaslipofpaperwiththemeasureofhissworduponit，I’llbetaguinea，’answeredthelittleman。’WeknowwhatsortofgentlemanMrHaredaleis。YouhavetolduswhatBarnabysaidabouthislooks，whenhecameback。Dependuponit，I’mright。Now，mind。’
Thefliphadhadnoflavourtillnow。ThetobaccohadbeenofmereEnglishgrowth，comparedwithitspresenttaste。Aduelinthatgreatoldramblingroomupstairs，andthebestbedorderedalreadyforthewoundedman！
’Woulditbeswordsorpistols，now？’saidJohn。
’Heavenknows。Perhapsboth，’returnedSolomon。’Thegentlemenwearswords，andmayeasilyhavepistolsintheirpockets——mostlikelyhave，indeed。Iftheyfireateachotherwithouteffect，thenthey’lldraw，andgotoworkinearnest。’
AshadepassedoverMrWillet’sfaceashethoughtofbrokenwindowsanddisabledfurniture，butbethinkinghimselfthatoneofthepartieswouldprobablybeleftalivetopaythedamage，hebrightenedupagain。
’Andthen，’saidSolomon，lookingfromfacetoface，’thenweshallhaveoneofthosestainsuponthefloorthatnevercomeout。IfMrHaredalewins，dependuponit，it’llbeadeepone;orifheloses，itwillperhapsbedeeperstill，forhe’llnevergiveinunlesshe’sbeatendown。Weknowhimbetter，eh？’
’Betterindeed！’theywhisperedalltogether。
’Astoitseverbeinggotoutagain，’saidSolomon，’Itellyouitneverwill，orcanbe。Why，doyouknowthatithasbeentried，atacertainhouseweareacquaintedwith？’
’TheWarren！’criedJohn。’No，sure！’
’Yes，sure——yes。It’sonlyknownbyveryfew。Ithasbeenwhisperedaboutthough，forallthat。Theyplanedtheboardaway，butthereitwas。Theywentdeep，butitwentdeeper。Theyputnewboardsdown，buttherewasonegreatspotthatcamethroughstill，andshoweditselfintheoldplace。And——harkye——drawnearer——MrGeoffreymadethatroomhisstudy，andsitsthere，always，withhisfoot(asIhaveheard)uponit;andhebelieves，throughthinkingofitlongandverymuch，thatitwillneverfadeuntilhefindsthemanwhodidthedeed。’
Asthisrecitalended，andtheyalldrewcloserroundthefire，thetrampofahorsewasheardwithout。
’Theveryman！’criedJohn，startingup。’Hugh！Hugh！’
Thesleeperstaggeredtohisfeet，andhurriedafterhim。Johnquicklyreturned，usheringinwithgreatattentionanddeference(forMrHaredalewashislandlord)thelong-expectedvisitor，whostrodeintotheroomclankinghisheavybootsuponthefloor;andlookingkeenlyrounduponthebowinggroup，raisedhishatinacknowledgmentoftheirprofoundrespect。
’Youhaveastrangerhere，Willet，whosenttome，’hesaid，inavoicewhichsoundednaturallysternanddeep。’Whereishe？’
’Inthegreatroomupstairs，sir，’answeredJohn。
’Showtheway。Yourstaircaseisdark，Iknow。Gentlemen，goodnight。’
Withthat，hesignedtothelandlordtogoonbefore;andwentclankingout，andupthestairs;oldJohn，inhisagitation，ingeniouslylightingeverythingbuttheway，andmakingastumbleateverysecondstep。
’Stop！’hesaid，whentheyreachedthelanding。’Icanannouncemyself。Don’twait。’
Helaidhishanduponthedoor，entered，andshutitheavily。MrWilletwasbynomeansdisposedtostandtherelisteningbyhimself，especiallyasthewallswereverythick;sodescended，withmuchgreateralacritythanhehadcomeup，andjoinedhisfriendsbelow。
Chapter12
Therewasabriefpauseinthestate-roomoftheMaypole，asMrHaredaletriedthelocktosatisfyhimselfthathehadshutthedoorsecurely，and，stridingupthedarkchambertowherethescreeninclosedalittlepatchoflightandwarmth，presentedhimself，abruptlyandinsilence，beforethesmilingguest。
Ifthetwohadnogreatersympathyintheirinwardthoughtsthanintheiroutwardbearingandappearance，themeetingdidnotseemlikelytoproveaverycalmorpleasantone。Withnogreatdisparitybetweentheminpointofyears，theywere，ineveryotherrespect，asunlikeandfarremovedfromeachotherastwomencouldwellbe。Theonewassoft-spoken，delicatelymade，precise，andelegant;theother，aburlysquare-builtman，negligentlydressed，roughandabruptinmanner，stern，and，inhispresentmood，forbiddingbothinlookandspeech。Theonepreservedacalmandplacidsmile;theother，adistrustfulfrown。Thenew-comer，indeed，appearedbentonshowingbyhiseverytoneandgesturehisdeterminedoppositionandhostilitytothemanhehadcometomeet。
Theguestwhoreceivedhim，ontheotherhand，seemedtofeelthatthecontrastbetweenthemwasallinhisfavour，andtoderiveaquietexultationfromitwhichputhimmoreathiseasethanever。
’Haredale，’saidthisgentleman，withouttheleastappearanceofembarrassmentorreserve，’Iamverygladtoseeyou。’
’Letusdispensewithcompliments。Theyaremisplacedbetweenus，’
returnedtheother，wavinghishand，’andsayplainlywhatwehavetosay。Youhaveaskedmetomeetyou。Iamhere。Whydowestandfacetofaceagain？’
’Stillthesamefrankandsturdycharacter，Isee！’
’Goodorbad，sir，Iam，’returnedtheother，leaninghisarmuponthechimney-piece，andturningahaughtylookupontheoccupantoftheeasy-chair，’themanIusedtobe。Ihavelostnooldlikingsordislikings;mymemoryhasnotfailedmebyahair’s-breadth。
Youaskmetogiveyouameeting。Isay，Iamhere。’
’Ourmeeting，Haredale，’saidMrChester，tappinghissnuff-box，andfollowingwithasmiletheimpatientgesturehehadmade——
perhapsunconsciously——towardshissword，’isoneofconferenceandpeace，Ihope？’
’Ihavecomehere，’returnedtheother，’atyourdesire，holdingmyselfboundtomeetyou，whenandwhereyouwould。Ihavenotcometobandypleasantspeeches，orhollowprofessions。Youareasmoothmanoftheworld，sir，andatsuchplayhavemeatadisadvantage。TheverylastmanonthisearthwithwhomIwouldentertheliststocombatwithgentlecomplimentsandmaskedfaces，isMrChester，Idoassureyou。Iamnothismatchatsuchweapons，andhavereasontobelievethatfewmenare。’
’YoudomeagreatdealofhonourHaredale，’returnedtheother，mostcomposedly，’andIthankyou。Iwillbefrankwithyou——’
’Ibegyourpardon——willbewhat？’
’Frank——open——perfectlycandid。’
’Hab！’criedMrHaredale，drawinghisbreath。’Butdon’tletmeinterruptyou。’
’SoresolvedamItoholdthiscourse，’returnedtheother，tastinghiswinewithgreatdeliberation;’thatIhavedeterminednottoquarrelwithyou，andnottobebetrayedintoawarmexpressionorahastyword。’
’Thereagain，’saidMrHaredale，’youhavemeatagreatadvantage。
Yourself-command——’
’Isnottobedisturbed，whenitwillservemypurpose，youwouldsay’——rejoinedtheother，interruptinghimwiththesamecomplacency。’Granted。Iallowit。AndIhaveapurposetoservenow。Sohaveyou。Iamsureourobjectisthesame。Letusattainitlikesensiblemen，whohaveceasedtobeboyssometime——
Doyoudrink？’
’Withmyfriends，’returnedtheother。
’Atleast，’saidMrChester，’youwillbeseated？’
’Iwillstand，’returnedMrHaredaleimpatiently，’onthisdismantled，beggaredhearth，andnotpolluteit，fallenasitis，withmockeries。Goon。’
’Youarewrong，Haredale，’saidtheother，crossinghislegs，andsmilingasheheldhisglassupinthebrightglowofthefire。
’Youarereallyverywrong。Theworldisalivelyplaceenough，inwhichwemustaccommodateourselvestocircumstances，sailwiththestreamasgliblyaswecan，becontenttotakefrothforsubstance，thesurfaceforthedepth，thecounterfeitfortherealcoin。I
wondernophilosopherhaseverestablishedthatourglobeitselfishollow。Itshouldbe，ifNatureisconsistentinherworks。’
’YOUthinkitis，perhaps？’
’Ishouldsay，’hereturned，sippinghiswine，’therecouldbenodoubtaboutit。Well;we，intriflingwiththisjinglingtoy，havehadtheill-lucktojostleandfallout。Wearenotwhattheworldcallsfriends;butweareasgoodandtrueandlovingfriendsforallthat，asnineoutofeverytenofthoseonwhomitbestowsthetitle。Youhaveaniece，andIason——afinelad，Haredale，butfoolish。Theyfallinlovewitheachother，andformwhatthissameworldcallsanattachment;meaningasomethingfancifulandfalseliketherest，which，ifittookitsownfreetime，wouldbreaklikeanyotherbubble。Butitmaynothaveitsownfreetime——willnot，iftheyareleftalone——andthequestionis，shallwetwo，becausesocietycallsusenemies，standaloof，andletthemrushintoeachother’sarms，when，byapproachingeachothersensibly，aswedonow，wecanpreventit，andpartthem？’
’Ilovemyniece，’saidMrHaredale，afterashortsilence。’Itmaysoundstrangelyinyourears;butIloveher。’
’Strangely，mygoodfellow！’criedMrChester，lazilyfillinghisglassagain，andpullingouthistoothpick。’Notatall。IlikeNedtoo——or，asyousay，lovehim——that’sthewordamongsuchnearrelations。I’mveryfondofNed。He’sanamazinglygoodfellow，andahandsomefellow——foolishandweakasyet;that’sall。Butthethingis，Haredale——forI’llbeveryfrank，asItoldyouI
wouldatfirst——independentlyofanydislikethatyouandImighthavetobeingrelatedtoeachother，andindependentlyofthereligiousdifferencesbetweenus——anddamnit，that’simportant——I
couldn’taffordamatchofthisdescription。NedandIcouldn’tdoit。It’simpossible。’
’Curbyourtongue，inGod’sname，ifthisconversationistolast，’
retortedMrHaredalefiercely。’IhavesaidIlovemyniece。Doyouthinkthat，lovingher，Iwouldhaveherflingherheartawayonanymanwhohadyourbloodinhisveins？’
’Yousee，’saidtheother，notatalldisturbed，’theadvantageofbeingsofrankandopen。JustwhatIwasabouttoadd，uponmyhonour！IamamazinglyattachedtoNed——quitedoatuponhim，indeed——andevenifwecouldaffordtothrowourselvesaway，thatveryobjectionwouldbequiteinsuperable——Iwishyou’dtakesomewine？’
’Markme，’saidMrHaredale，stridingtothetable，andlayinghishanduponitheavily。’Ifanymanbelieves——presumestothink——
thatI，inwordordeed，orinthewildestdream，everentertainedremotelytheideaofEmmaHaredale’sfavouringthesuitofanyonewhowasakintoyou——inanyway——Icarenotwhat——helies。Helies，anddoesmegrievouswrong，inthemerethought。’
’Haredale，’returnedtheother，rockinghimselftoandfroasinassent，andnoddingatthefire，’it’sextremelymanly，andreallyverygenerousinyou，tomeetmeinthisunreservedandhandsomeway。Uponmyword，thoseareexactlymysentiments，onlyexpressedwithmuchmoreforceandpowerthanIcoulduse——youknowmysluggishnature，andwillforgiveme，Iamsure。’
’WhileIwouldrestrainherfromallcorrespondencewithyourson，andsevertheirintercoursehere，thoughitshouldcauseherdeath，’saidMrHaredale，whohadbeenpacingtoandfro，’IwoulddoitkindlyandtenderlyifIcan。Ihaveatrusttodischarge，whichmynatureisnotformedtounderstand，and，forthisreason，thebarefactoftherebeinganylovebetweenthemcomesuponmeto-night，almostforthefirsttime。’
’IammoredelightedthanIcanpossiblytellyou，’rejoinedMrChesterwiththeutmostblandness，’tofindmyownimpressionsoconfirmed。Youseetheadvantageofourhavingmet。Weunderstandeachother。Wequiteagree。Wehaveamostcompleteandthoroughexplanation，andweknowwhatcoursetotake——Whydon’tyoutasteyourtenant’swine？It’sreallyverygood。’
’Praywho，’saidMrHaredale，’haveaidedEmma，oryourson？Whoaretheirgo-betweens，andagents——doyouknow？’
’Allthegoodpeoplehereabouts——theneighbourhoodingeneral，I
think，’returnedtheother，withhismostaffablesmile。’ThemessengerIsenttoyouto-day，foremostamongthemall。’
’Theidiot？Barnaby？’
’Youaresurprised？Iamgladofthat，forIwasrathersomyself。
Yes。Iwrungthatfromhismother——averydecentsortofwoman——
fromwhom，indeed，Ichieflylearnthowseriousthematterhadbecome，andsodeterminedtorideouthereto-day，andholdaparleywithyouonthisneutralground——You’restouterthanyouusedtobe，Haredale，butyoulookextremelywell。’
’Ourbusiness，Ipresume，isnearlyatanend，’saidMrHaredale，withanexpressionofimpatiencehewasatnopainstoconceal。
’Trustme，MrChester，mynieceshallchangefromthistime。I
willappeal，’headdedinalowertone，’toherwoman’sheart，herdignity，herpride，herduty——’
’IshalldothesamebyNed，’saidMrChester，restoringsomeerrantfaggotstotheirplacesinthegratewiththetoeofhisboot。’Ifthereisanythingrealinthisworld，itisthoseamazinglyfinefeelingsandthosenaturalobligationswhichmustsubsistbetweenfatherandson。Ishallputittohimoneverygroundofmoralandreligiousfeeling。Ishallrepresenttohimthatwecannotpossiblyaffordit——thatIhavealwayslookedforwardtohismarryingwell，foragenteelprovisionformyselfintheautumnoflife——thatthereareagreatmanyclamorousdogstopay，whoseclaimsareperfectlyjustandright，andwhomustbepaidoutofhiswife’sfortune。Inshort，thattheveryhighestandmosthonourablefeelingsofournature，witheveryconsiderationoffilialdutyandaffection，andallthatsortofthing，imperativelydemandthatheshouldrunawaywithanheiress。’
’Andbreakherheartasspeedilyaspossible？’saidMrHaredale，drawingonhisglove。
’ThereNedwillactexactlyashepleases，’returnedtheother，sippinghiswine;’that’sentirelyhisaffair。Iwouldn’tfortheworldinterferewithmyson，Haredale，beyondacertainpoint。Therelationshipbetweenfatherandson，youknow，ispositivelyquiteaholykindofbond——WON’Tyouletmepersuadeyoutotakeoneglassofwine？Well！asyouplease，asyouplease，’headded，helpinghimselfagain。
’Chester，’saidMrHaredale，afterashortsilence，duringwhichhehadeyedhissmilingfacefromtimetotimeintently，’youhavetheheadandheartofanevilspiritinallmattersofdeception。’
’Yourhealth！’saidtheother，withanod。’ButIhaveinterruptedyou——’
’Ifnow，’pursuedMrHaredale，’weshouldfinditdifficulttoseparatetheseyoungpeople，andbreakofftheirintercourse——if，forinstance，youfinditdifficultonyourside，whatcoursedoyouintendtotake？’
’Nothingplainer，mygoodfellow，nothingeasier，’returnedtheother，shrugginghisshouldersandstretchinghimselfmorecomfortablybeforethefire。’Ishallthenexertthosepowersonwhichyouflattermesohighly——though，uponmyword，Idon’tdeserveyourcomplimentstotheirfullextent——andresorttoafewlittletrivialsubterfugesforrousingjealousyandresentment。
Yousee？’
’Inshort，justifyingthemeansbytheend，weare，asalastresourcefortearingthemasunder，toresorttotreacheryand——andlying，’saidMrHaredale。
’Ohdearno。Fie，fie！’returnedtheother，relishingapinchofsnuffextremely。’Notlying。Onlyalittlemanagement，alittlediplomacy，alittle——intriguing，that’stheword。’
’Iwish，’saidMrHaredale，movingtoandfro，andstopping，andmovingonagain，likeonewhowasillatease，’thatthiscouldhavebeenforeseenorprevented。Butasithasgonesofar，anditisnecessaryforustoact，itisofnouseshrinkingorregretting。Well！Ishallsecondyourendeavourstotheutmostofmypower。Thereisonetopicinthewholewiderangeofhumanthoughtsonwhichwebothagree。Weshallactinconcert，butapart。Therewillbenoneed，Ihope，forustomeetagain。’
’Areyougoing？’saidMrChester，risingwithagracefulindolence。
’Letmelightyoudownthestairs。’
’Praykeepyourseat，’returnedtheotherdrily，’Iknowtheway。
So，wavinghishandslightly，andputtingonhishatasheturneduponhisheel，hewentclankingoutashehadcome，shutthedoorbehindhim，andtrampeddowntheechoingstairs。
’Pah！Averycoarseanimal，indeed！’saidMrChester，composinghimselfintheeasy-chairagain。’Aroughbrute。Quiteahumanbadger！’
JohnWilletandhisfriends，whohadbeenlisteningintentlyfortheclashofswords，orfiringofpistolsinthegreatroom，andhadindeedsettledtheorderinwhichtheyshouldrushinwhensummoned——inwhichprocessionoldJohnhadcarefullyarrangedthatheshouldbringuptherear——wereverymuchastonishedtoseeMrHaredalecomedownwithoutascratch，callforhishorse，andrideawaythoughtfullyatafootpace。Aftersomeconsideration，itwasdecidedthathehadleftthegentlemanabove，fordead，andhadadoptedthisstratagemtodivertsuspicionorpursuit。
Asthisconclusioninvolvedthenecessityoftheirgoingupstairsforthwith，theywereabouttoascendintheordertheyhadagreedupon，whenasmartringingattheguest’sbell，asifhehadpulleditvigorously，overthrewalltheirspeculations，andinvolvedthemingreatuncertaintyanddoubt。AtlengthMrWilletagreedtogoupstairshimself，escortedbyHughandBarnaby，asthestrongestandstoutestfellowsonthepremises，whoweretomaketheirappearanceunderpretenceofclearingawaytheglasses。
Underthisprotection，thebraveandbroad-facedJohnboldlyenteredtheroom，halfafootinadvance，andreceivedanorderforaboot-jackwithouttrembling。Butwhenitwasbrought，andheleanthissturdyshouldertotheguest，MrWilletwasobservedtolookveryhardintohisbootsashepulledthemoff，and，byopeninghiseyesmuchwiderthanusual，toappeartoexpresssomesurpriseanddisappointmentatnotfindingthemfullofblood。Hetookoccasion，too，toexaminethegentlemanascloselyashecould，expectingtodiscoversundryloopholesinhisperson，piercedbyhisadversary’ssword。Findingnone，however，andobservingincourseoftimethathisguestwasascoolandunruffled，bothinhisdressandtemper，ashehadbeenallday，oldJohnatlastheavedadeepsigh，andbegantothinknoduelhadbeenfoughtthatnight。
’Andnow，Willet，’saidMrChester，’iftheroom’swellaired，I’lltrythemeritsofthatfamousbed。’
’Theroom，sir，’returnedJohn，takingupacandle，andnudgingBarnabyandHughtoaccompanythem，incasethegentlemanshouldunexpectedlydropdownfaintordeadfromsomeinternalwound，’theroom’saswarmasanytoastinatankard。Barnaby，takeyouthatothercandle，andgoonbefore。Hugh！Followup，sir，withtheeasy-chair。’
Inthisorder——andstill，inhisearnestinspection，holdinghiscandleveryclosetotheguest;nowmakinghimfeelextremelywarmaboutthelegs，nowthreateningtosethiswigonfire，andconstantlybegginghispardonwithgreatawkwardnessandembarrassment——Johnledthepartytothebestbedroom，whichwasnearlyaslargeasthechamberfromwhichtheyhadcome，andheld，drawnoutnearthefireforwarmth，agreatoldspectralbedstead，hungwithfadedbrocade，andornamented，atthetopofeachcarvedpost，withaplumeoffeathersthathadoncebeenwhite，butwithdustandagehadnowgrownhearse-likeandfunereal。
’Goodnight，myfriends，’saidMrChesterwithasweetsmile，seatinghimself，whenhehadsurveyedtheroomfromendtoend，intheeasy-chairwhichhisattendantswheeledbeforethefire。’Goodnight！Barnaby，mygoodfellow，yousaysomeprayersbeforeyougotobed，Ihope？’
Barnabynodded。’Hehassomenonsensethathecallshisprayers，sir，’returnedoldJohn，officiously。’I’mafraidtherean’tmuchgoodinem。’
’AndHugh？’saidMrChester，turningtohim。
’NotI，’heanswered。’Iknowhis’——pointingtoBarnaby——’they’rewellenough。Hesings’emsometimesinthestraw。Ilisten。’
’He’squiteaanimal，sir，’Johnwhisperedinhisearwithdignity。
’You’llexcusehim，I’msure。Ifhehasanysoulatall，sir，itmustbesuchaverysmallone，thatitdon’tsignifywhathedoesordoesn’tinthatway。Goodnight，sir！’
Theguestrejoined’Godblessyou！’withafervourthatwasquiteaffecting;andJohn，beckoninghisguardstogobefore，bowedhimselfoutoftheroom，andlefthimtohisrestintheMaypole’sancientbed。
Chapter13
IfJosephWillet，thedenouncedandproscribedof’prentices，hadhappenedtobeathomewhenhisfather’scourtlyguestpresentedhimselfbeforetheMaypoledoor——thatis，ifithadnotperverselychancedtobeoneofthehalf-dozendaysinthewholeyearonwhichhewasatlibertytoabsenthimselfforasmanyhourswithoutquestionorreproach——hewouldhavecontrived，byhookorcrook，todivetotheverybottomofMrChester’smystery，andtocomeathispurposewithasmuchcertaintyasthoughhehadbeenhisconfidentialadviser。Inthatfortunatecase，theloverswouldhavehadquickwarningoftheillsthatthreatenedthem，andtheaidofvarioustimelyandwisesuggestionstoboot;forallJoe’sreadinessofthoughtandaction，andallhissympathiesandgoodwishes，wereenlistedinfavouroftheyoungpeople，andwerestaunchindevotiontotheircause。Whetherthisdispositionaroseoutofhisoldprepossessionsinfavouroftheyounglady，whosehistoryhadsurroundedherinhismind，almostfromhiscradle，withcircumstancesofunusualinterest;orfromhisattachmenttowardstheyounggentleman，intowhoseconfidencehehad，throughhisshrewdnessandalacrity，andtherenderingofsundryimportantservicesasaspyandmessenger，almostimperceptiblyglided;
whethertheyhadtheiroriginineitherofthesesources，orinthehabitnaturaltoyouth，orintheconstantbadgeringandworryingofhisvenerableparent，orinanyhiddenlittleloveaffairofhisownwhichgavehimsomethingofafellow-feelinginthematter，itisneedlesstoinquire——especiallyasJoewasoutoftheway，andhadnoopportunityonthatparticularoccasionoftestifyingtohissentimentseitherononesideortheother。
Itwas，infact，thetwenty-fifthofMarch，which，asmostpeopleknowtotheircost，is，andhasbeentimeoutofmind，oneofthoseunpleasantepochstermedquarter-days。Onthistwenty-fifthofMarch，itwasJohnWillet’sprideannuallytosettle，inhardcash，hisaccountwithacertainvintneranddistillerinthecityofLondon;togiveintowhosehandsacanvasbagcontainingitsexactamount，andnotapennymoreorless，wastheendandobjectofajourneyforJoe，sosurelyastheyearanddaycameround。
Thisjourneywasperformeduponanoldgreymare，concerningwhomJohnhadanindistinctsetofideashoveringabouthim，totheeffectthatshecouldwinaplateorcupifshetried。Sheneverhadtried，andprobablyneverwouldnow，beingsomefourteenorfifteenyearsofage，shortinwind，longinbody，andrathertheworseforwearinrespectofhermaneandtail。Notwithstandingtheseslightdefects，Johnperfectlygloriedintheanimal;andwhenshewasbroughtroundtothedoorbyHugh，actuallyretiredintothebar，andthere，inasecretgroveoflemons，laughedwithpride。
’There’sabitofhorseflesh，Hugh！’saidJohn，whenhehadrecoveredenoughself-commandtoappearatthedooragain。
’There’sacomelycreature！There’shighmettle！There’sbone！’
Therewasboneenoughbeyondalldoubt;andsoHughseemedtothink，ashesatsidewaysinthesaddle，lazilydoubledupwithhischinnearlytouchinghisknees;andheedlessofthedanglingstirrupsandloosebridle-rein，saunteredupanddownonthelittlegreenbeforethedoor。
’Mindyoutakegoodcareofher，sir，’saidJohn，appealingfromthisinsensiblepersontohissonandheir，whonowappeared，fullyequippedandready。’Don’tyouridehard。’
’Ishouldbepuzzledtodothat，Ithink，father，’Joereplied，castingadisconsolatelookattheanimal。
’Noneofyourimpudence，sir，ifyouplease，’retortedoldJohn。
’Whatwouldyouride，sir？Awildassorzebrawouldbetootameforyou，wouldn’the，ehsir？You’dliketoridearoaringlion，wouldn’tyou，sir，ehsir？Holdyourtongue，sir。’WhenMrWillet，inhisdifferenceswithhisson，hadexhaustedallthequestionsthatoccurredtohim，andJoehadsaidnothingatallinanswer，hegenerallywoundupbybiddinghimholdhistongue。
’Andwhatdoestheboymean，’addedMrWillet，afterhehadstaredathimforalittletime，inaspeciesofstupefaction，’bycockinghishat，tosuchanextent！Areyougoingtokillthewintner，sir？’
’No，’saidJoe，tartly;’I’mnot。Nowyourmind’satease，father。’
’Withamilintaryair，too！’saidMrWillet，surveyinghimfromtoptotoe;’withaswaggering，fire-eating，biling-waterdrinkingsortofwaywithhim！Andwhatdoyoumeanbypullingupthecrocusesandsnowdrops，ehsir？’
’It’sonlyalittlenosegay，’saidJoe，reddening。’There’snoharminthat，Ihope？’
’You’reaboyofbusiness，youare，sir！’saidMrWillet，disdainfully，’togosupposingthatwintnerscarefornosegays。’
’Idon’tsupposeanythingofthekind，’returnedJoe。’Letthemkeeptheirrednosesforbottlesandtankards。ThesearegoingtoMrVarden’shouse。’
’AnddoyousupposeHEmindssuchthingsascrocuses？’demandedJohn。
’Idon’tknow，andtosaythetruth，Idon’tcare，’saidJoe。
’Come，father，givemethemoney，andinthenameofpatienceletmego。’
’Thereitis，sir，’repliedJohn;’andtakecareofit;andmindyoudon’tmaketoomuchhasteback，butgivethemarealongrest——
Doyoumind？’
’Ay，Imind，’returnedJoe。’She’llneedit，Heavenknows。’
’Anddon’tyouscoreuptoomuchattheBlackLion，’saidJohn。
’Mindthattoo。’
’Thenwhydon’tyouletmehavesomemoneyofmyown？’retortedJoe，sorrowfully;’whydon’tyou，father？WhatdoyousendmeintoLondonfor，givingmeonlytherighttocallformydinnerattheBlackLion，whichyou’retopayfornexttimeyougo，asifIwasnottobetrustedwithafewshillings？Whydoyouusemelikethis？It’snotrightofyou。Youcan’texpectmetobequietunderit。’
’Lethimhavemoney！’criedJohn，inadrowsyreverie。’Whatdoeshecallmoney——guineas？Hasn’thegotmoney？Overandabovethetolls，hasn’theoneandsixpence？’
’Oneandsixpence！’repeatedhissoncontemptuously。
’Yes，sir，’returnedJohn，’oneandsixpence。WhenIwasyourage，Ihadneverseensomuchmoney，inaheap。Ashillingofitisincaseofaccidents——themarecastingashoe，orthelikeofthat。
TheothersixpenceistospendinthediversionsofLondon;andthediversionIrecommendisgoingtothetopoftheMonument，andsittingthere。There’snotemptationthere，sir——nodrink——noyoungwomen——nobadcharactersofanysort——nothingbutimagination。
That’sthewayIenjoyedmyselfwhenIwasyourage，sir。’
Tothis，Joemadenoanswer，butbeckoningHugh，leapedintothesaddleandrodeaway;andaverystalwart，manlyhorsemanhelooked，deservingabetterchargerthanitwashisfortunetobestride。Johnstoodstaringafterhim，orratherafterthegreymare(forhehadnoeyesforherrider)，untilmanandbeasthadbeenoutofsightsometwentyminutes，whenhebegantothinktheyweregone，andslowlyre-enteringthehouse，fellintoagentledoze。
Theunfortunategreymare，whowastheagonyofJoe’slife，flounderedalongatherownwillandpleasureuntiltheMaypolewasnolongervisible，andthen，contractingherlegsintowhatinapuppetwouldhavebeenlookeduponasaclumsyandawkwardimitationofacanter，mendedherpaceallatonce，anddiditofherownaccord。Theacquaintancewithherrider’susualmodeofproceeding，whichsuggestedthisimprovementinhers，impelledherlikewisetoturnupabye-way，leading——nottoLondon，butthroughlanesrunningparallelwiththeroadtheyhadcome，andpassingwithinafewhundredyardsoftheMaypole，whichledfinallytoaninclosuresurroundingalarge，old，red-brickmansion——thesameofwhichmentionwasmadeastheWarreninthefirstchapterofthishistory。Comingtoadeadstopinalittlecopsethereabout，shesufferedherridertodismountwithrightgoodwill，andtotiehertothetrunkofatree。
’Staythere，oldgirl，’saidJoe，’andletusseewhetherthere’sanylittlecommissionformeto-day。’Sosaying，helefthertobrowzeuponsuchstuntedgrassandweedsashappenedtogrowwithinthelengthofhertether，andpassingthroughawicketgate，enteredthegroundsonfoot。
Thepathway，afteraveryfewminutes’walking，broughthimclosetothehouse，towardswhich，andespeciallytowardsoneparticularwindow，hedirectedmanycovertglances。Itwasadreary，silentbuilding，withechoingcourtyards，desolatedturret-chambers，andwholesuitesofroomsshutupandmoulderingtoruin。
Theterrace-garden，darkwiththeshadeofoverhangingtrees，hadanairofmelancholythatwasquiteoppressive。Greatirongates，disusedformanyyears，andredwithrust，droopingontheirhingesandovergrownwithlongrankgrass，seemedasthoughtheytriedtosinkintotheground，andhidetheirfallenstateamongthefriendlyweeds。Thefantasticmonstersonthewalls，greenwithageanddamp，andcoveredhereandtherewithmoss，lookedgrimanddesolate。Therewasasombreaspectevenonthatpartofthemansionwhichwasinhabitedandkeptingoodrepair，thatstruckthebeholderwithasenseofsadness;ofsomethingforlornandfailing，whencecheerfulnesswasbanished。Itwouldhavebeendifficulttoimagineabrightfireblazinginthedullanddarkenedrooms，ortopictureanygaietyofheartorrevelrythatthefrowningwallsshutin。Itseemedaplacewheresuchthingshadbeen，butcouldbenomore——theveryghostofahouse，hauntingtheoldspotinitsoldoutwardform，andthatwasall。
Muchofthisdecayedandsombrelookwasattributable，nodoubt，tothedeathofitsformermaster，andthetemperofitspresentoccupant;butrememberingthetaleconnectedwiththemansion，itseemedtheveryplaceforsuchadeed，andonethatmighthavebeenitspredestinedtheatreyearsuponyearsago。Viewedwithreferencetothislegend，thesheetofwaterwherethesteward’sbodyhadbeenfoundappearedtowearablackandsullencharacter，suchasnootherpoolmightown;thebellupontheroofthathadtoldthetaleofmurdertothemidnightwind，becameaveryphantomwhosevoicewouldraisethelistener’shaironend;andeveryleaflessboughthatnoddedtoanother，haditsstealthywhisperingofthecrime。
Joepacedupanddownthepath，sometimesstoppinginaffectedcontemplationofthebuildingortheprospect，sometimesleaningagainstatreewithanassumedairofidlenessandindifference，butalwayskeepinganeyeuponthewindowhehadsingledoutatfirst。Aftersomequarterofanhour’sdelay，asmallwhitehandwaswavedtohimforaninstantfromthiscasement，andtheyoungman，witharespectfulbow，departed;sayingunderhisbreathashecrossedhishorseagain，’Noerrandformeto-day！’
Buttheairofsmartness，thecockofthehattowhichJohnWillethadobjected，andthespringnosegay，allbetokenedsomelittleerrandofhisown，havingamoreinterestingobjectthanavintnerorevenalocksmith。So，indeed，itturnedout;forwhenhehadsettledwiththevintner——whoseplaceofbusinesswasdowninsomedeepcellarshardbyThamesStreet，andwhowasaspurple-facedanoldgentlemanasifhehadallhislifesupportedtheirarchedroofonhishead——whenhehadsettledtheaccount，andtakenthereceipt，anddeclinedtastingmorethanthreeglassesofoldsherry，totheunboundedastonishmentofthepurple-facedvintner，who，gimletinhand，hadprojectedanattackuponatleastascoreofdustycasks，andwhostoodtransfixed，ormorallygimletedasitwere，tohisownwall——whenhehaddoneallthis，anddisposedbesidesofafrugaldinnerattheBlackLioninWhitechapel;
spurningtheMonumentandJohn’sadvice，heturnedhisstepstowardsthelocksmith’shouse，attractedbytheeyesofbloomingDollyVarden。
Joewasbynomeansasheepishfellow，but，forallthat，whenhegottothecornerofthestreetinwhichthelocksmithlived，hecouldbynomeansmakeuphismindtowalkstraighttothehouse。
First，heresolvedtostrollupanotherstreetforfiveminutes，thenupanotherstreetforfiveminutesmore，andsoonuntilhehadlostfullhalfanhour，whenhemadeaboldplungeandfoundhimselfwitharedfaceandabeatingheartinthesmokyworkshop。
’JoeWillet，orhisghost？’saidVarden，risingfromthedeskatwhichhewasbusywithhisbooks，andlookingathimunderhisspectacles。’Whichisit？Joeintheflesh，eh？That’shearty。
AndhowarealltheChigwellcompany，Joe？’
’Muchasusual，sir——theyandIagreeaswellasever。’
’Well，well！’saidthelocksmith。’Wemustbepatient，Joe，andbearwitholdfolks’foibles。How’sthemare，Joe？Doesshedothefourmilesanhouraseasilyasever？Ha，ha，ha！Doesshe，Joe？Eh！——Whathavewethere，Joe——anosegay！’
’Averypoorone，sir——IthoughtMissDolly——’
’No，no，’saidGabriel，droppinghisvoice，andshakinghishead，’notDolly。Give’emtohermother，Joe。Agreatdealbettergive’emtohermother。Wouldyoumindgiving’emtoMrsVarden，Joe？’
’Ohno，sir，’Joereplied，andendeavouring，butnotwiththegreatestpossiblesuccess，tohidehisdisappointment。’Ishallbeveryglad，I’msure。’
’That’sright，’saidthelocksmith，pattinghimontheback。’Itdon’tmatterwhohas’em，Joe？’
’Notabit，sir。’——Dearheart，howthewordsstuckinhisthroat！
’Comein，’saidGabriel。’Ihavejustbeencalledtotea。She’sintheparlour。’
’She，’thoughtJoe。’Whichof’emIwonder——MrsorMiss？’Thelocksmithsettledthedoubtasneatlyasifithadbeenexpressedaloud，byleadinghimtothedoor，andsaying，’Martha，mydear，here’syoungMrWillet。’
Now，MrsVarden，regardingtheMaypoleasasortofhumanmantrap，ordecoyforhusbands;viewingitsproprietor，andallwhoaidedandabettedhim，inthelightofsomanypoachersamongChristianmen;andbelieving，moreover，thatthepublicanscoupledwithsinnersinHolyWritwereveritablelicensedvictuallers;wasfarfrombeingfavourablydisposedtowardshervisitor。Whereforeshewastakenfaintdirectly;andbeingdulypresentedwiththecrocusesandsnowdrops，divinedonfurtherconsiderationthattheyweretheoccasionofthelanguorwhichhadseizeduponherspirits。
’I’mafraidIcouldn’tbeartheroomanotherminute，’saidthegoodlady，’iftheyremainedhere。WOULDyouexcusemyputtingthemoutofwindow？’
Joebeggedshewouldn’tmentionitonanyaccount，andsmiledfeeblyashesawthemdepositedonthesilloutside。Ifanybodycouldhaveknownthepainshehadtakentomakeupthatdespisedandmisusedbunchofflowers！——
’Ifeelitquitearelieftogetridofthem，Iassureyou，’saidMrsVarden。’I’mbetteralready。’Andindeedshedidappeartohavepluckedupherspirits。
JoeexpressedhisgratitudetoProvidenceforthisfavourabledispensation，andtriedtolookasifhedidn’twonderwhereDollywas。
’You’resadpeopleatChigwell，MrJoseph，’saidMrsV。
’Ihopenot，ma’am，’returnedJoe。
’You’rethecruellestandmostinconsideratepeopleintheworld，’
saidMrsVarden，bridling。’IwonderoldMrWillet，havingbeenamarriedmanhimself，doesn’tknowbetterthantoconducthimselfashedoes。Hisdoingitforprofitisnoexcuse。Iwouldratherpaythemoneytwentytimesover，andhaveVardencomehomelikearespectableandsobertradesman。Ifthereisonecharacter，’saidMrsVardenwithgreatemphasis，’thatoffendsanddisgustsmemorethananother，itisasot。’
’Come，Martha，mydear，’saidthelocksmithcheerily，’letushavetea，anddon’tletustalkaboutsots。Therearenonehere，andJoedon’twanttohearaboutthem，Idaresay。’
Atthiscrisis，Miggsappearedwithtoast。
’Idaresayhedoesnot，’saidMrsVarden;’andIdaresayyoudonot，Varden。It’saveryunpleasantsubiect，Ihavenodoubt，thoughIwon’tsayit’spersonal’——Miggscoughed——’whateverImaybeforcedtothink’——Miggssneezedexpressively。’Youneverwillknow，Varden，andnobodyatyoungMrWillet’sage——you’llexcuseme，sir——canbeexpectedtoknow，whatawomansufferswhensheiswaitingathomeundersuchcircumstances。Ifyoudon’tbelieveme，asIknowyoudon’t，here’sMiggs，whoisonlytoooftenawitnessofit——askher。’
