Theraven，inhislittlebasketathismaster’sback，hearingthisfrequentmentionofhisnameinatoneofexultation，expressedhissympathybycrowinglikeacock，andafterwardsrunningoverhisvariousphrasesofspeechwithsuchrapidity，andinsomanyvarietiesofhoarseness，thattheysoundedlikethemurmursofacrowdofpeople。
’Hetakessuchcareofmebesides！’saidBarnaby。’Suchcare，mother！HewatchesallthetimeIsleep，andwhenIshutmyeyesandmake-believetoslumber，hepractisesnewlearningsoftly;buthekeepshiseyeonmethewhile，andifheseesmelaugh，thoughneversolittle，stopsdirectly。Hewon’tsurprisemetillhe’sperfect。’
Theravencrowedagaininarapturousmannerwhichplainlysaid，’Thosearecertainlysomeofmycharacteristics，andIgloryinthem。’Inthemeantime，Barnabyclosedthewindowandsecuredit，andcomingtothefireplace，preparedtositdownwithhisfacetothecloset。Buthismotherpreventedthis，byhastilytakingthatsideherself，andmotioninghimtowardstheother。
’Howpaleyouareto-night！’saidBarnaby，leaningonhisstick。
’Wehavebeencruel，Grip，andmadeheranxious！’
Anxiousingoodtruth，andsickatheart！Thelistenerheldthedoorofhishiding-placeopenwithhishand，andcloselywatchedherson。Grip——alivetoeverythinghismasterwasunconsciousof——
hadhisheadoutofthebasket，andinreturnwaswatchinghimintentlywithhisglisteningeye。
’Heflapshiswings，’saidBarnaby，turningalmostquicklyenoughtocatchtheretreatingformandclosingdoor，’asiftherewerestrangershere，butGripiswiserthantofancythat。Jumpthen！’
Acceptingthisinvitationwithadignitypeculiartohimself，thebirdhoppeduponhismaster’sshoulder，fromthattohisextendedhand，andsototheground。Barnabyunstrappingthebasketandputtingitdowninacornerwiththelidopen，Grip’sfirstcarewastoshutitdownwithallpossibledespatch，andthentostanduponit。Believing，nodoubt，thathehadnowrendereditutterlyimpossible，andbeyondthepowerofmortalman，toshuthimupinitanymore，hedrewagreatmanycorksintriumph，andutteredacorrespondingnumberofhurrahs。
’Mother！’saidBarnaby，layingasidehishatandstick，andreturningtothechairfromwhichhehadrisen，’I’lltellyouwherewehavebeento-day，andwhatwehavebeendoing，——shallI？’
Shetookhishandinhers，andholdingit，noddedthewordshecouldnotspeak。
’Youmustn’ttell，’saidBarnaby，holdinguphisfinger，’forit’sasecret，mind，andonlyknowntome，andGrip，andHugh。Wehadthedogwithus，buthe’snotlikeGrip，cleverasheis，anddoesn’tguessityet，I’llwager——Whydoyoulookbehindmeso？’
’DidI？’sheansweredfaintly。’Ididn’tknowIdid。Comenearerme。’
’Youarefrightened！’saidBarnaby，changingcolour。’Mother——youdon’tsee’——
’Seewhat？’
’There’s——there’snoneofthisabout，isthere？’heansweredinawhisper，drawingclosertoherandclaspingthemarkuponhiswrist。’Iamafraidthereis，somewhere。Youmakemyhairstandonend，andmyfleshcreep。Whydoyoulooklikethat？IsitintheroomasIhaveseenitinmydreams，dashingtheceilingandthewallswithred？Tellme。Isit？’
Hefellintoashiveringfitasheputthequestion，andshuttingoutthelightwithhishands，satshakingineverylimbuntilithadpassedaway。Afteratime，heraisedhisheadandlookedabouthim。
’Isitgone？’
’Therehasbeennothinghere，’rejoinedhismother，soothinghim。
’Nothingindeed，dearBarnaby。Look！Youseetherearebutyouandme。’
Hegazedathervacantly，and，becomingreassuredbydegrees，burstintoawildlaugh。
’Butletussee，’hesaid，thoughtfully。’Werewetalking？Wasityouandme？Wherehavewebeen？’
’Nowherebuthere。’
’Aye，butHugh，andI，’saidBarnaby，——’that’sit。MaypoleHugh，andI，youknow，andGrip——wehavebeenlyingintheforest，andamongthetreesbytheroadside，withadarklanternafternightcameon，andthedoginanoosereadytosliphimwhenthemancameby。’
’Whatman？’
’Therobber;himthatthestarswinkedat。Wehavewaitedforhimafterdarkthesemanynights，andweshallhavehim。I’dknowhiminathousand。Mother，seehere！Thisistheman。Look！’
Hetwistedhishandkerchiefroundhishead，pulledhishatuponhisbrow，wrappedhiscoatabouthim，andstoodupbeforeher:soliketheoriginalhecounterfeited，thatthedarkfigurepeeringoutbehindhimmighthavepassedforhisownshadow。
’Hahaha！Weshallhavehim，’hecried，riddinghimselfofthesemblanceashastilyashehadassumedit。’Youshallseehim，mother，boundhandandfoot，andbroughttoLondonatasaddle-
girth;andyoushallhearofhimatTyburnTreeifwehaveluck。
SoHughsays。You’repaleagain，andtrembling。AndwhyDOyoulookbehindmeso？’
’Itisnothing，’sheanswered。’Iamnotquitewell。Goyoutobed，dear，andleavemehere。’
’Tobed！’heanswered。’Idon’tlikebed。Iliketoliebeforethefire，watchingtheprospectsintheburningcoals——therivers，hills，anddells，inthedeep，redsunset，andthewildfaces。I
amhungrytoo，andGriphaseatennothingsincebroadnoon。Letustosupper。Grip！Tosupper，lad！’
Theravenflappedhiswings，and，croakinghissatisfaction，hoppedtothefeetofhismaster，andthereheldhisbillopen，readyforsnappingupsuchlumpsofmeatasheshouldthrowhim。Ofthesehereceivedaboutascoreinrapidsuccession，withoutthesmallestdiscomposure。
’That’sall，’saidBarnaby。
’More！’criedGrip。’More！’
Butitappearingforacertaintythatnomorewastobehad，heretreatedwithhisstore;anddisgorgingthemorselsonebyonefromhispouch，hidtheminvariouscorners——takingparticularcare，however，toavoidthecloset，asbeingdoubtfulofthehiddenman’spropensitiesandpowerofresistingtemptation。Whenhehadconcludedthesearrangements，hetookaturnortwoacrosstheroomwithanelaborateassumptionofhavingnothingonhismind(butwithoneeyeharduponhistreasureallthetime)，andthen，andnottillthen，begantodragitout，piecebypiece，andeatitwiththeutmostrelish。
Barnaby，forhispart，havingpressedhismothertoeatinvain，madeaheartysuppertoo。Onceduringtheprogressofhismeal，hewantedmorebreadfromtheclosetandrosetogetit。Shehurriedlyinterposedtopreventhim，andsummoningherutmostfortitude，passedintotherecess，andbroughtitoutherself。
’Mother，’saidBarnaby，lookingathersteadfastlyasshesatdownbesidehimafterdoingso;’isto-daymybirthday？’
’To-day！’sheanswered。’Don’tyourecollectitwasbutaweekorsoago，andthatsummer，autumn，andwinterhavetopassbeforeitcomesagain？’
’Irememberthatithasbeensotillnow，’saidBarnaby。’ButI
thinkto-daymustbemybirthdaytoo，forallthat。’
Sheaskedhimwhy？’I’lltellyouwhy，’hesaid。’Ihavealwaysseenyou——Ididn’tletyouknowit，butIhave——ontheeveningofthatdaygrowverysad。IhaveseenyoucrywhenGripandIweremostglad;andlookfrightenedwithnoreason;andIhavetouchedyourhand，andfeltthatitwascold——asitisnow。Once，mother(onabirthdaythatwas，also)，GripandIthoughtofthisafterwewentupstairstobed，andwhenitwasmidnight，strikingoneo’clock，wecamedowntoyourdoortoseeifyouwerewell。Youwereonyourknees。Iforgetwhatitwasyousaid。Grip，whatwasitweheardhersaythatnight？’
’I’madevil！’rejoinedtheravenpromptly。
’No，no，’saidBarnaby。’Butyousaidsomethinginaprayer;andwhenyouroseandwalkedabout，youlooked(asyouhavedoneeversince，mother，towardsnightonmybirthday)justasyoudonow。I
havefoundthatout，yousee，thoughIamsilly。SoIsayyou’rewrong;andthismustbemybirthday——mybirthday，Grip！’
Thebirdreceivedthisinformationwithacrowofsuchdurationasacock，giftedwithintelligencebeyondallothersofhiskind，mightusherinthelongestdaywith。Then，asifhehadwellconsideredthesentiment，andregardeditasappositetobirthdays，hecried，’Neversaydie！’agreatmanytimes，andflappedhiswingsforemphasis。
ThewidowtriedtomakelightofBarnaby’sremark，andendeavouredtodiverthisattentiontosomenewsubject;tooeasyataskatalltimes，assheknew。Hissupperdone，Barnaby，regardlessofherentreaties，stretchedhimselfonthematbeforethefire;Grippercheduponhisleg，anddividedhistimebetweendozinginthegratefulwarmth，andendeavouring(asitpresentlyappeared)torecallanewaccomplishmenthehadbeenstudyingallday。
Alongandprofoundsilenceensued，brokenonlybysomechangeofpositiononthepartofBarnaby，whoseeyeswerestillwideopenandintentlyfixeduponthefire;orbyaneffortofrecollectiononthepartofGrip，whowouldcryinalowvoicefromtimetotime，’Pollyputtheket——’andtherestopshort，forgettingtheremainder，andgooffinadozeagain。
Afteralonginterval，Barnaby’sbreathinggrewmoredeepandregular，andhiseyeswereclosed。Buteventhentheunquietspiritoftheraveninterposed。’Pollyputtheket——’criedGrip，andhismasterwasbroadawakeagain。
AtlengthBarnabysleptsoundly，andthebirdwithhisbillsunkuponhisbreast，hisbreastitselfpuffedoutintoacomfortablealderman-likeform，andhisbrighteyegrowingsmallerandsmaller，reallyseemedtobesubsidingintoastateofrepose。Nowandthenhemutteredinasepulchralvoice，’Pollyputtheket——’butverydrowsily，andmorelikeadrunkenmanthanareflectingraven。
Thewidow，scarcelyventuringtobreathe，rosefromherseat。Themanglidedfromthecloset，andextinguishedthecandle。
’——tleon，’criedGrip，suddenlystruckwithanideaandverymuchexcited。’——tleon。Hurrah！Pollyputtheket-tleon，we’llallhavetea;Pollyputtheket-tleon，we’llallhavetea。Hurrah，hurrah，hurrah！I’madevil，I’madevil，I’maket-tleon，Keepupyourspirits，Neversaydie，Bow，wow，wow，I’madevil，I’maket-tle，I’ma——Pollyputtheket-tleon，we’llallhavetea。’
Theystoodrootedtotheground，asthoughithadbeenavoicefromthegrave。
Buteventhisfailedtoawakenthesleeper。Heturnedovertowardsthefire，hisarmfelltotheground，andhisheaddroopedheavilyuponit。Thewidowandherunwelcomevisitorgazedathimandateachotherforamoment，andthenshemotionedhimtowardsthedoor。
’Stay，’hewhispered。’Youteachyoursonwell。’
’Ihavetaughthimnothingthatyouheardto-night。Departinstantly，orIwillrousehim。’
’Youarefreetodoso。ShallIrousehim？’
’Youdarenotdothat。’
’Idaredoanything，Ihavetoldyou。Heknowsmewell，itseems。
AtleastIwillknowhim。’
’Wouldyoukillhiminhissleep？’criedthewidow，throwingherselfbetweenthem。
’Woman，’hereturnedbetweenhisteeth，ashemotionedheraside，’Iwouldseehimnearer，andIwill。Ifyouwantoneofustokilltheother，wakehim。’
Withthatheadvanced，andbendingdownovertheprostrateform，softlyturnedbacktheheadandlookedintotheface。Thelightofthefirewasuponit，anditseverylineamentwasrevealeddistinctly。Hecontemplateditforabriefspace，andhastilyuprose。
’Observe，’hewhisperedinthewidow’sear:’Inhim，ofwhoseexistenceIwasignorantuntilto-night，Ihaveyouinmypower。
Becarefulhowyouuseme。Becarefulhowyouuseme。Iamdestituteandstarving，andawandererupontheearth。Imaytakeasureandslowrevenge。’
’Thereissomedreadfulmeaninginyourwords。Idonotfathomit。’
’Thereisameaninginthem，andIseeyoufathomittoitsverydepth。Youhaveanticipateditforyears;youhavetoldmeasmuch。Ileaveyoutodigestit。Donotforgetmywarning。’
Hepointed，ashelefther，totheslumberingform，andstealthilywithdrawing，madehiswayintothestreet。Shefellonherkneesbesidethesleeper，andremainedlikeonestrickenintostone，untilthetearswhichfearhadfrozensolong，cametenderlytoherrelief。
’OhThou，’shecried，’whohasttaughtmesuchdeeploveforthisoneremnantofthepromiseofahappylife，outofwhoseaffliction，even，perhapsthecomfortspringsthatheiseverarelying，lovingchildtome——nevergrowingoldorcoldatheart，butneedingmycareanddutyinhismanlystrengthasinhiscradle-time——helphim，inhisdarkenedwalkthroughthissadworld，orheisdoomed，andmypoorheartisbroken！’
Chapter18
Glidingalongthesilentstreets，andholdinghiscoursewheretheyweredarkestandmostgloomy，themanwhohadleftthewidow’shousecrossedLondonBridge，andarrivingintheCity，plungedintothebackways，lanes，andcourts，betweenCornhillandSmithfield;
withnomorefixednessofpurposethantolosehimselfamongtheirwindings，andbafflepursuit，ifanyoneweredogginghissteps。
Itwasthedeadtimeofthenight，andallwasquiet。Nowandthenadrowsywatchman’sfootstepssoundedonthepavement，orthelamplighteronhisroundswentflashingpast，leavingbehindalittletrackofsmokemingledwithglowingmorselsofhishotredlink。Hehidhimselfevenfromthesepartakersofhislonelywalk，and，shrinkinginsomearchordoorwaywhiletheypassed，issuedforthagainwhentheyweregoneandsopursuedhissolitaryway。
Tobeshelterlessandaloneintheopencountry，hearingthewindmoanandwatchingfordaythroughthewholelongwearynight;tolistentothefallingrain，andcrouchforwarmthbeneaththeleeofsomeoldbarnorrick，orinthehollowofatree;aredismalthings——butnotsodismalasthewanderingupanddownwhereshelteris，andbedsandsleepersarebythousands;ahouselessrejectedcreature。Topacetheechoingstonesfromhourtohour，countingthedullchimesoftheclocks;towatchthelightstwinklinginchamberwindows，tothinkwhathappyforgetfulnesseachhouseshutsin;thatherearechildrencoiledtogetherintheirbeds，hereyouth，hereage，herepoverty，herewealth，allequalintheirsleep，andallatrest;tohavenothingincommonwiththeslumberingworldaround，notevensleep，Heaven’sgifttoallitscreatures，andbeakintonothingbutdespair;tofeel，bythewretchedcontrastwitheverythingoneveryhand，moreutterlyaloneandcastawaythaninatracklessdesert;thisisakindofsuffering，onwhichtheriversofgreatcitiesclosefullmanyatime，andwhichthesolitudeincrowdsaloneawakens。
Themiserablemanpacedupanddownthestreets——solong，sowearisome，solikeeachother——andoftencastawistfullooktowardstheeast，hopingtoseethefirstfaintstreaksofday。
Butobduratenighthadyetpossessionofthesky，andhisdisturbedandrestlesswalkfoundnorelief。
Onehouseinabackstreetwasbrightwiththecheerfulglareoflights;therewasthesoundofmusicinittoo，andthetreadofdancers，andtherewerecheerfulvoices，andmanyaburstoflaughter。Tothisplace——tobenearsomethingthatwasawakeandglad——hereturnedagainandagain;andmorethanoneofthosewholeftitwhenthemerrimentwasatitsheight，feltitacheckupontheirmirthfulmoodtoseehimflittingtoandfrolikeanuneasyghost。Atlasttheguestsdeparted，oneandall;andthenthehousewascloseshutup，andbecameasdullandsilentastherest。
Hiswanderingsbroughthimatonetimetothecityjail。Insteadofhasteningfromitasaplaceofillomen，andonehehadcausetoshun，hesatdownonsomestepshardby，andrestinghischinuponhishand，gazeduponitsroughandfrowningwallsasthougheventheybecamearefugeinhisjadedeyes。Hepaceditroundandround，camebacktothesamespot，andsatdownagain。Hedidthisoften，andonce，withahastymovement，crossedtowheresomemenwerewatchingintheprisonlodge，andhadhisfootuponthestepsasthoughdeterminedtoaccostthem。Butlookinground，hesawthatthedaybegantobreak，andfailinginhispurpose，turnedandfled。
Hewassooninthequarterhehadlatelytraversed，andpacingtoandfroagainashehaddonebefore。Hewaspassingdownameanstreet，whenfromanalleycloseathandsomeshoutsofrevelryarose，andtherecamestragglingforthadozenmadcaps，whoopingandcallingtoeachother，who，partingnoisily，tookdifferentwaysanddispersedinsmallergroups。
Hopingthatsomelowplaceofentertainmentwhichwouldaffordhimasaferefugemightbenearathand，heturnedintothiscourtwhentheywereallgone，andlookedaboutforahalf-openeddoor，orlightedwindow，orotherindicationoftheplacewhencetheyhadcome。Itwassoprofoundlydark，however，andsoill-favoured，thatheconcludedtheyhadbutturnedupthere，missingtheirway，andwerepouringoutagainwhenheobservedthem。Withthisimpression，andfindingtherewasnooutletbutthatbywhichhehadentered，hewasabouttoturn，whenfromagratingnearhisfeetasuddenstreamoflightappeared，andthesoundoftalkingcame。Heretreatedintoadoorwaytoseewhothesetalkerswere，andtolistentothem。
Thelightcametothelevelofthepavementashedidthis，andamanascended，bearinginhishandatorch。Thisfigureunlockedandheldopenthegratingasforthepassageofanother，whopresentlyappeared，intheformofayoungmanofsmallstatureanduncommonself-importance，dressedinanobsoleteandverygaudyfashion。
’Goodnight，noblecaptain，’saidhewiththetorch。’Farewell，commander。Goodluck，illustriousgeneral！’
Inreturntothesecomplimentstheotherbadehimholdhistongue，andkeephisnoisetohimself，andlaiduponhimmanysimilarinjunctions，withgreatfluencyofspeechandsternnessofmanner。
’Commendme，captain，tothestrickenMiggs，’returnedthetorch-
bearerinalowervoice。’MycaptainfliesathighergamethanMiggses。Ha，ha，ha！Mycaptainisaneagle，bothasrespectshiseyeandsoaringwings。Mycaptainbreakethheartsasotherbachelorsbreakeggsatbreakfast。’
’Whatafoolyouare，Stagg！’saidMrTappertit，steppingonthepavementofthecourt，andbrushingfromhislegsthedusthehadcontractedinhispassageupward。
’Hispreciouslimbs！’criedStagg，claspingoneofhisankles。
’ShallaMiggsaspiretotheseproportions！No，no，mycaptain。
Wewillinveigleladiesfair，andwedtheminoursecretcavern。
Wewilluniteourselveswithbloomingbeauties，captain。’
’I’lltellyouwhat，mybuck，’saidMrTappertit，releasinghisleg;’I’lltroubleyounottotakeliberties，andnottobroachcertainquestionsunlesscertainquestionsarebroachedtoyou。
Speakwhenyou’respoketoonparticularsubjects，andnototherways。HoldthetorchuptillI’vegottotheendofthecourt，andthenkennelyourself，doyouhear？’
’Ihearyou，noblecaptain。’
’Obeythen，’saidMrTappertithaughtily。’Gentlemen，leadon！’
Withwhichwordofcommand(addressedtoanimaginarystafforretinue)hefoldedhisarms，andwalkedwithsurpassingdignitydownthecourt。
Hisobsequiousfollowerstoodholdingthetorchabovehishead，andthentheobserversawforthefirsttime，fromhisplaceofconcealment，thathewasblind。Someinvoluntarymotiononhispartcaughtthequickearoftheblindman，beforehewasconsciousofhavingmovedaninchtowardshim，forheturnedsuddenlyandcried，’Who’sthere？’
’Aman，’saidtheother，advancing。’Afriend。’
’Astranger！’rejoinedtheblindman。’Strangersarenotmyfriends。Whatdoyoudothere？’
’Isawyourcompanycomeout，andwaitedheretilltheyweregone。
Iwantalodging。’
’Alodgingatthistime！’returnedStagg，pointingtowardsthedawnasthoughhesawit。’Doyouknowthedayisbreaking？’
’Iknowit，’rejoinedtheother，’tomycost。Ihavebeentraversingthisiron-heartedtownallnight。’
’Youhadbettertraverseitagain，’saidtheblindman，preparingtodescend，’tillyoufindsomelodgingssuitabletoyourtaste。I
don’tletany。’
’Stay！’criedtheother，holdinghimbythearm。
’I’llbeatthislightaboutthathangdogfaceofyours(forhangdogitis，ifitanswerstoyourvoice)，androusetheneighbourhoodbesides，ifyoudetainme，’saidtheblindman。’Letmego。Doyouhear？’
’DoYOUhear！’returnedtheother，chinkingafewshillingstogether，andhurriedlypressingthemintohishand。’Ibegnothingofyou。Iwillpayfortheshelteryougiveme。Death！
Isitmuchtoaskofsuchasyou！Ihavecomefromthecountry，anddesiretorestwheretherearenonetoquestionme。Iamfaint，exhausted，wornout，almostdead。Letmeliedown，likeadog，beforeyourfire。Iasknomorethanthat。Ifyouwouldberidofme，Iwilldepartto-morrow。’
’Ifagentlemanhasbeenunfortunateontheroad，’mutteredStagg，yieldingtotheother，who，pressingonhim，hadalreadygainedafootingonthesteps——’andcanpayforhisaccommodation——’
’IwillpayyouwithallIhave。Iamjustnowpastthewantoffood，Godknows，andwishbuttopurchaseshelter。Whatcompanionhaveyoubelow？’
’None。’
’Thenfastenyourgratethere，andshowmetheway。Quick！’
Theblindmancompliedafteramoment’shesitation，andtheydescendedtogether。Thedialoguehadpassedashurriedlyasthewordscouldbespoken，andtheystoodinhiswretchedroombeforehehadhadtimetorecoverfromhisfirstsurprise。
’MayIseewherethatdoorleadsto，andwhatisbeyond？’saidtheman，glancingkeenlyround。’Youwillnotmindthat？’
’Iwillshowyoumyself。Followme，orgobefore。Takeyourchoice。’
Hebadehimleadtheway，and，bythelightofthetorchwhichhisconductorheldupforthepurpose，inspectedallthreecellarsnarrowly。Assuredthattheblindmanhadspokentruth，andthathelivedtherealone，thevisitorreturnedwithhimtothefirst，inwhichafirewasburning，andflunghimselfwithadeepgroanuponthegroundbeforeit。
Hishostpursuedhisusualoccupationwithoutseemingtoheedhimanyfurther。Butdirectlyhefellasleep——andhenotedhisfallingintoaslumber，asreadilyasthekeenest-sightedmancouldhavedone——hekneltdownbesidehim，andpassedhishandlightlybutcarefullyoverhisfaceandperson。
Hissleepwascheckeredwithstartsandmoans，andsometimeswithamutteredwordortwo。Hishandswereclenched，hisbrowbent，andhismouthfirmlyset。Allthis，theblindmanaccuratelymarked;
andasifhiscuriositywerestronglyawakened，andhehadalreadysomeinklingofhismystery，hesatwatchinghim，iftheexpressionmaybeused，andlistening，untilitwasbroadday。
Chapter19
DollyVarden’sprettylittleheadwasyetbewilderedbyvariousrecollectionsoftheparty，andherbrighteyeswereyetdazzledbyacrowdofimages，dancingbeforethemlikemotesinthesunbeams，amongwhichtheeffigyofonepartnerinparticulardidespeciallyfigure，thesamebeingayoungcoachmaker(amasterinhisownright)whohadgivenhertounderstand，whenhehandedherintothechairatparting，thatitwashisfixedresolvetoneglecthisbusinessfromthattime，anddieslowlyfortheloveofher——
Dolly’shead，andeyes，andthoughts，andsevensenses，wereallinastateofflutterandconfusionforwhichthepartywasaccountable，althoughitwasnowthreedaysold，when，asshewassittinglistlesslyatbreakfast，readingallmanneroffortunes(thatistosay，ofmarriedandflourishingfortunes)inthegroundsofherteacup，astepwasheardintheworkshop，andMrEdwardChesterwasdescriedthroughtheglassdoor，standingamongtherustylocksandkeys，likeloveamongtheroses——forwhichaptcomparisonthehistorianmaybynomeanstakeanycredittohimself，thesamebeingtheinvention，inasentimentalmood，ofthechasteandmodestMiggs，who，beholdinghimfromthedoorstepsshewasthencleaning，did，inhermaidenmeditation，giveutterancetothesimile。
Thelocksmith，whohappenedatthemomenttohavehiseyesthrownupwardandhisheadbackward，inanintensecommuningwithToby，didnotseehisvisitor，untilMrsVarden，morewatchfulthantherest，haddesiredSimTappertittoopentheglassdoorandgivehimadmission——fromwhichuntowardcircumstancethegoodladyargued(forshecoulddeduceapreciousmoralfromthemosttriflingevent)thattotakeadraughtofsmallaleinthemorningwastoobserveapernicious，irreligious，andPagancustom，therelishwhereofshouldbelefttoswine，andSatan，oratleasttoPopishpersons，andshouldbeshunnedbytherighteousasaworkofsinandevil。Shewouldnodoubthavepursuedheradmonitionmuchfurther，andwouldhavefoundedonitalonglistofpreciouspreceptsofinestimablevalue，butthattheyounggentlemanstandingbyinasomewhatuncomfortableanddiscomfitedmannerwhileshereadherspousethislecture，occasionedhertobringittoaprematureconclusion。
’I’msureyou’llexcuseme，sir，’saidMrsVarden，risingandcurtseying。’Vardenissoverythoughtless，andneedssomuchreminding——Sim，bringachairhere。’
MrTappertitobeyed，withaflourishimplyingthathedidso，underprotest。
’Andyoucango，Sim，’saidthelocksmith。
MrTappertitobeyedagain，stillunderprotest;andbetakinghimselftotheworkshop，beganseriouslytofearthathemightfinditnecessarytopoisonhismaster，beforehistimewasout。
Inthemeantime，EdwardreturnedsuitablerepliestoMrsVarden’scourtesies，andthatladybrightenedupverymuch;sothatwhenheacceptedadishofteafromthefairhandsofDolly，shewasperfectlyagreeable。
’Iamsureifthere’sanythingwecando，——Varden，orI，orDollyeither，——toserveyou，sir，atanytime，youhaveonlytosayit，anditshallbedone，’saidMrsV。
’Iammuchobligedtoyou，Iamsure，’returnedEdward。’YouencouragemetosaythatIhavecomeherenow，tobegyourgoodoffices。’
MrsVardenwasdelightedbeyondmeasure。
’ItoccurredtomethatprobablyyourfairdaughtermightbegoingtotheWarren，eitherto-dayorto-morrow，’saidEdward，glancingatDolly;’andifso，andyouwillallowhertotakechargeofthisletter，ma’am，youwillobligememorethanIcantellyou。Thetruthis，thatwhileIamveryanxiousitshouldreachitsdestination，Ihaveparticularreasonsfornottrustingittoanyotherconveyance;sothatwithoutyourhelp，Iamwhollyataloss。’
’Shewasnotgoingthatway，sir，eitherto-day，orto-morrow，norindeedallnextweek，’theladygraciouslyrejoined，’butweshallbeverygladtoputourselvesoutofthewayonyouraccount，andifyouwishit，youmaydependuponitsgoingto-day。Youmightsuppose，’saidMrsVarden，frowningatherhusband，’fromVarden’ssittingtheresoglumandsilent，thatheobjectedtothisarrangement;butyoumustnotmindthat，sir，ifyouplease。It’shiswayathome。Outofdoors，hecanbecheerfulandtalkativeenough。’
Now，thefactwas，thattheunfortunatelocksmith，blessinghisstarstofindhishelpmateinsuchgoodhumour，hadbeensittingwithabeamingface，hearingthisdiscoursewithajoypastallexpression。Whereforethissuddenattackquitetookhimbysurprise。
’MydearMartha——’hesaid。
’Ohyes，Idaresay，’interruptedMrsVarden，withasmileofmingledscornandpleasantry。’Verydear！Weallknowthat。’
’No，butmygoodsoul，’saidGabriel，’youarequitemistaken。Youareindeed。Iwasdelightedtofindyousokindandready。I
waited，mydear，anxiously，Iassureyou，tohearwhatyouwouldsay。’
’Youwaitedanxiously，’repeatedMrsV。’Yes！Thankyou，Varden。
Youwaited，asyoualwaysdo，thatImightbeartheblame，ifanycameofit。ButIamusedtoit，’saidtheladywithakindofsolemntitter，’andthat’smycomfort！’
’Igiveyoumyword，Martha——’saidGabriel。
’LetmegiveyouMYword，mydear，’interposedhiswifewithaChristiansmile，’thatsuchdiscussionsasthesebetweenmarriedpeople，aremuchbetterleftalone。Therefore，ifyouplease，Varden，we’lldropthesubject。Ihavenowishtopursueit。I
could。Imightsayagreatdeal。ButIwouldrathernot。Praydon’tsayanymore。’
’Idon’twanttosayanymore，’rejoinedthegoadedlocksmith。
’Wellthen，don’t，’saidMrsVarden。
’NordidIbeginit，Martha，’addedthelocksmith，good-humouredly，’Imustsaythat。’
’Youdidnotbeginit，Varden！’exclaimedhiswife，openinghereyesverywideandlookingrounduponthecompany，asthoughshewouldsay，Youhearthisman！’Youdidnotbeginit，Varden！ButyoushallnotsayIwasoutoftemper。No，youdidnotbeginit，ohdearno，notyou，mydear！’
’Well，well，’saidthelocksmith。’That’ssettledthen。’
’Ohyes，’rejoinedhiswife，’quite。IfyouliketosayDollybeganit，mydear，Ishallnotcontradictyou。Iknowmyduty。I
needknowit，Iamsure。Iamoftenobligedtobearitinmind，whenmyinclinationperhapswouldbeforthemomenttoforgetit。
Thankyou，Varden。’Andso，withamightyshowofhumilityandforgiveness，shefoldedherhands，andlookedroundagain，withasmilewhichplainlysaid，’Ifyoudesiretoseethefirstandforemostamongfemalemartyrs，heresheis，onview！’
Thislittleincident，illustrativethoughitwasofMrsVarden’sextraordinarysweetnessandamiability，hadsostrongatendencytochecktheconversationandtodisconcertallpartiesbutthatexcellentlady，thatonlyafewmonosyllableswereuttereduntilEdwardwithdrew;whichhepresentlydid，thankingtheladyofthehouseagreatmanytimesforhercondescension，andwhisperinginDolly’searthathewouldcallonthemorrow，incasethereshouldhappentobeananswertothenote——which，indeed，sheknewwithouthistelling，asBarnabyandhisfriendGriphaddroppedinonthepreviousnighttoprepareherforthevisitwhichwasthenterminating。
Gabriel，whohadattendedEdwardtothedoor，camebackwithhishandsinhispockets;and，afterfidgetingabouttheroominaveryuneasymanner，andcastingagreatmanysidelonglooksatMrsVarden(whowiththecalmestcountenanceintheworldwasfivefathomsdeepintheProtestantManual)，inquiredofDollyhowshemeanttogo。Dollysupposedbythestage-coach，andlookedatherladymother，whofindingherselfsilentlyappealedto，diveddownatleastanotherfathomintotheManual，andbecameunconsciousofallearthlythings。
’Martha——’saidthelocksmith。
’Ihearyou，Varden，’saidhiswife，withoutrisingtothesurface。
’Iamsorry，mydear，youhavesuchanobjectiontotheMaypoleandoldJohn，forotherwaysasit’saveryfinemorning，andSaturday’snotabusydaywithus，wemighthaveallthreegonetoChigwellinthechaise，andhadquiteahappydayofit。’
MrsVardenimmediatelyclosedtheManual，andburstingintotears，requestedtobeledupstairs。
’Whatisthematternow，Martha？’inquiredthelocksmith。
TowhichMartharejoined，’Oh！don’tspeaktome，’andprotestedinagonythatifanybodyhadtoldherso，shewouldn’thavebelievedit。
’But，Martha，’saidGabriel，puttinghimselfinthewayasshewasmovingoffwiththeaidofDolly’sshoulder，’wouldn’thavebelievedwhat？Tellmewhat’swrongnow。Dotellme。UponmysoulIdon’tknow。Doyouknow，child？Damme！’criedthelocksmith，pluckingathiswiginakindoffrenzy，’nobodydoesknow，Iverilybelieve，butMiggs！’
’Miggs，’saidMrsVardenfaintly，andwithsymptomsofapproachingincoherence，’isattachedtome，andthatissufficienttodrawdownhatreduponherinthishouse。Sheisacomforttome，whatevershemaybetoothers。’
’She’snocomforttome，’criedGabriel，madeboldbydespair。
’She’sthemiseryofmylife。She’salltheplaguesofEgyptinone。’
’She’sconsideredso，Ihavenodoubt，’saidMrsVarden。’Iwaspreparedforthat;it’snatural;it’sofapiecewiththerest。
Whenyoutauntmeasyoudotomyface，howcanIwonderthatyoutauntherbehindherback！’Andheretheincoherencecomingonverystrong，MrsVardenwept，andlaughed，andsobbed，andshivered，andhiccoughed，andchoked;andsaidsheknewitwasveryfoolishbutshecouldn’thelpit;andthatwhenshewasdeadandgone，perhapstheywouldbesorryforit——whichreallyunderthecircumstancesdidnotappearquitesoprobableassheseemedtothink——withagreatdealmoretothesameeffect。Inaword，shepassedwithgreatdecencythroughalltheceremoniesincidentaltosuchoccasions;andbeingsupportedupstairs，wasdepositedinahighlyspasmodicstateonherownbed，whereMissMiggsshortlyafterwardsflungherselfuponthebody。
Thephilosophyofallthiswas，thatMrsVardenwantedtogotoChigwell;thatshedidnotwanttomakeanyconcessionorexplanation;thatshewouldonlygoonbeingimploredandentreatedsotodo;andthatshewouldacceptnootherterms。Accordingly，afteravastamountofmoaningandcryingupstairs，andmuchdampingofforeheads，andvinegaringoftemples，andhartshorningofnoses，andsoforth;andaftermostpatheticadjurationsfromMiggs，assistedbywarmbrandy-and-waternotover-weak，anddiversothercordials，alsoofastimulatingquality，administeredatfirstinteaspoonfulsandafterwardsinincreasingdoses，andofwhichMissMiggsherselfpartookasapreventivemeasure(forfaintingisinfectious);afteralltheseremedies，andmanymoretoonumeroustomention，butnottotake，hadbeenapplied;andmanyverbalconsolations，moral，religious，andmiscellaneous，hadbeensuper-addedthereto;thelocksmithhumbledhimself，andtheendwasgained。
’Ifit’sonlyforthesakeofpeaceandquietness，father，’saidDolly，urginghimtogoupstairs。
’Oh，Doll，Doll，’saidhergood-naturedfather。’Ifyoueverhaveahusbandofyourown——’
Dollyglancedattheglass。
’——Well，WHENyouhave，’saidthelocksmith，’neverfaint，mydarling。Moredomesticunhappinesshascomeofeasyfainting，Doll，thanfromallthegreaterpassionsputtogether。Rememberthat，mydear，ifyouwouldbereallyhappy，whichyounevercanbe，ifyourhusbandisn’t。Andawordinyourear，myprecious。
NeverhaveaMiggsaboutyou！’
Withthisadvicehekissedhisbloomingdaughteronthecheek，andslowlyrepairedtoMrsVarden’sroom;wherethatlady，lyingallpaleandlanguidonhercouch，wasrefreshingherselfwithasightofherlastnewbonnet，whichMiggs，asameansofcalmingherscatteredspirits，displayedtothebestadvantageatherbedside。
’Here’smaster，mim，’saidMiggs。’Oh，whatahappinessitiswhenmanandwifecomeroundagain！Ohgracious，tothinkthathimandhershouldeverhaveawordtogether！’Intheenergyofthesesentiments，whichwereutteredasanapostrophetotheHeavensingeneral，MissMiggsperchedthebonnetonthetopofherownhead，andfoldingherhands，turnedonhertears。
’Ican’thelpit，’criedMiggs。’Icouldn’t，ifIwastobedrowndedin’em。Shehassuchaforgivingspirit！She’llforgetallthathaspassed，andgoalongwithyou，sir——Oh，ifitwastotheworld’send，she’dgoalongwithyou。’
MrsVardenwithafaintsmilegentlyreprovedherattendantforthisenthusiasm，andremindedheratthesametimethatshewasfartoounwelltoventureoutthatday。
’Ohno，you’renot，mim，indeedyou’renot，’saidMiggs;’Irepealtomaster;masterknowsyou’renot，mim。Thehair，andmotionoftheshay，willdoyougood，mim，andyoumustnotgiveway，youmustnotraly。Shemustkeepup，mustn’tshe，sir，foralloutsakes？Iwasatellingherthat，justnow。Shemustrememberus，evenifsheforgetsherself。Masterwillpersuadeyou，mim，I’msure。There’sMissDolly’sa-goingyouknow，andmaster，andyou，andallsohappyandsocomfortable。Oh！’criedMiggs，turningonthetearsagain，previoustoquittingtheroomingreatemotion，’I
neverseesuchablessedoneassheisfortheforgivenessofherspirit，Inever，never，neverdid。Notmoredidmasterneither;
no，nornoone——never！’
Forfiveminutesorthereabouts，MrsVardenremainedmildlyopposedtoallherhusband’sprayersthatshewouldobligehimbytakingaday’spleasure，butrelentingatlength，shesufferedherselftobepersuaded，andgrantinghimherfreeforgiveness(themeritwhereof，shemeeklysaid，restedwiththeManualandnotwithher)，desiredthatMiggsmightcomeandhelpherdress。Thehandmaidattendedpromptly，anditisbutjusticetotheirjointexertionstorecordthat，whenthegoodladycamedownstairsincourseoftime，completelydeckedoutforthejourney，shereallylookedasifnothinghadhappened，andappearedintheverybesthealthimaginable。
AstoDolly，thereshewasagain，theverypinkandpatternofgoodlooks，inasmartlittlecherry-colouredmantle，withahoodofthesamedrawnoverherhead，anduponthetopofthathood，alittlestrawhattrimmedwithcherry-colouredribbons，andwornthemeresttrifleononeside——justenoughinshorttomakeitthewickedestandmostprovokinghead-dressthatevermaliciousmillinerdevised。Andnottospeakofthemannerinwhichthesecherry-coloureddecorationsbrightenedhereyes，orviedwithherlips，orshedanewbloomonherface，sheworesuchacruellittlemuff，andsuchaheart-rendingpairofshoes，andwassosurroundedandhemmedin，asitwere，byaggravationsofallkinds，thatwhenMrTappettit，holdingthehorse’shead，sawhercomeoutofthehousealone，suchimpulsescameoverhimtodecoyherintothechaiseanddriveofflikemad，thathewouldunquestionablyhavedoneit，butforcertainuneasydoubtsbesettinghimastotheshortestwaytoGretnaGreen;whetheritwasupthestreetordown，oruptheright-handturningortheleft;andwhether，supposingalltheturnpikestobecarriedbystorm，theblacksmithintheendwouldmarrythemoncredit;whichbyreasonofhisclericalofficeappeared，eventohisexcitedimagination，sounlikely，thathehesitated。Andwhilehestoodhesitating，andlookingpost-chaises-and-sixatDolly，outcamehismasterandhismistress，andtheconstantMiggs，andtheopportunitywasgoneforever。Fornowthechaisecreakeduponitssprings，andMrsVardenwasinside;andnowitcreakedagain，andmorethanever，andthelocksmithwasinside;andnowitboundedonce，asifitsheartbeatlightly，andDollywasinside;andnowitwasgoneanditsplacewasempty，andheandthatdrearyMiggswerestandinginthestreettogether。
Theheartylocksmithwasinasgoodahumourasifnothinghadoccurredforthelasttwelvemonthstoputhimoutofhisway，Dollywasallsmilesandgraces，andMrsVardenwasagreeablebeyondallprecedent。Astheyjoggedthroughthestreetstalkingofthisthingandofthat，whoshouldbedescrieduponthepavementbutthatverycoachmaker，lookingsogenteelthatnobodywouldhavebelievedhehadeverhadanythingtodowithacoachbutridinginit，andbowinglikeanynobleman。TobesureDollywasconfusedwhenshebowedagain，andtobesurethecherry-colouredribbonstrembledalittlewhenshemethismournfuleye，whichseemedtosay，’Ihavekeptmyword，Ihavebegun，thebusinessisgoingtothedevil，andyou’rethecauseofit。’Therehestood，rootedtotheground:asDollysaid，likeastatue;andasMrsVardensaid，likeapump;tilltheyturnedthecorner:andwhenherfatherthoughtitwaslikehisimpudence，andhermotherwonderedwhathemeantbyit，Dollyblushedagaintillherveryhoodwaspale。
Butontheywent，notthelessmerrilyforthis，andtherewasthelocksmithintheincautiousfulnessofhisheart’pulling-up’atallmannerofplaces，andevincingamostintimateacquaintancewithallthetavernsontheroad，andallthelandlordsandallthelandladies，withwhom，indeed，thelittlehorsewasonequallyfriendlyterms，forhekeptonstoppingofhisownaccord。NeverwerepeoplesogladtoseeotherpeopleastheselandlordsandlandladiesweretobeholdMrVardenandMrsVardenandMissVarden;
andwouldn’ttheygetout，saidone;andtheyreallymustwalkupstairs，saidanother;andshewouldtakeitillandbequitecertaintheywereproudiftheywouldn’thavealittletasteofsomething，saidathird;andsoon，thatitwasreallyquiteaProgressratherthanaride，andonecontinuedsceneofhospitalityfrombeginningtoend。Itwaspleasantenoughtobeheldinsuchesteem，nottomentiontherefreshments;soMrsVardensaidnothingatthetime，andwasallaffabilityanddelight——butsuchabodyofevidenceasshecollectedagainsttheunfortunatelocksmiththatday，tobeusedthereafterasoccasionmightrequire，neverwasgottogetherformatrimonialpurposes。
Incourseoftime——andincourseofaprettylongtimetoo，fortheseagreeableinterruptionsdelayedthemnotalittle，——theyarrivedupontheskirtsoftheForest，andridingpleasantlyonamongthetrees，cameatlasttotheMaypole，wherethelocksmith’scheerful’Yoho！’speedilybroughttotheporcholdJohn，andafterhimyoungJoe，bothofwhomweresotransfixedatsightoftheladies，thatforamomenttheywereperfectlyunabletogivethemanywelcome，andcoulddonothingbutstare。
Itwasonlyforamoment，however，thatJoeforgothimself，forspeedilyrevivinghethrusthisdrowsyfatheraside——toMrWillet’smightyandinexpressibleindignation——anddartingout，stoodreadytohelpthemtoalight。ItwasnecessaryforDollytogetoutfirst。Joehadherinhisarms;——yes，thoughforaspaceoftimenolongerthanyoucouldcountonein，Joehadherinhisarms。
Herewasaglimpseofhappiness！
ItwouldbedifficulttodescribewhataflatandcommonplaceaffairthehelpingMrsVardenoutafterwardswas，butJoedidit，anddidittoowiththebestgraceintheworld。ThenoldJohn，who，entertainingadullandfoggysortofideathatMrsVardenwasn’tfondofhim，hadbeeninsomedoubtwhethershemightnothavecomeforpurposesofassaultandbattery，tookcourage，hopedshewaswell，andofferedtoconductherintothehouse。Thistenderbeingamicablyreceived，theymarchedintogether;JoeandDollyfollowed，arm-in-arm，(happinessagain！)andVardenbroughtuptherear。
OldJohnwouldhaveitthattheymustsitinthebar，andnobodyobjecting，intothebartheywent。Allbarsaresnugplaces，buttheMaypole’swastheverysnuggest，cosiest，andcompletestbar，thateverthewitofmandevised。Suchamazingbottlesinoldoakenpigeon-holes;suchgleamingtankardsdanglingfrompegsataboutthesameinclinationasthirstymenwouldholdthemtotheirlips;suchsturdylittleDutchkegsrangedinrowsonshelves;somanylemonshanginginseparatenets，andformingthefragrantgrovealreadymentionedinthischronicle，suggestive，withgoodlyloavesofsnowysugarstowedawayhardby，ofpunch，idealisedbeyondallmortalknowledge;suchclosets，suchpresses，suchdrawersfullofpipes，suchplacesforputtingthingsawayinhollowwindow-seats，allcrammedtothethroatwitheatables，drinkables，orsavourycondiments;lastly，andtocrownall，astypicaloftheimmenseresourcesoftheestablishment，anditsdefiancestoallvisitorstocutandcomeagain，suchastupendouscheese！
Itisapoorheartthatneverrejoices——itmusthavebeenthepoorest，weakest，andmostwateryheartthateverbeat，whichwouldnothavewarmedtowardstheMaypolebar。MrsVarden’sdiddirectly。ShecouldnomorehavereproachedJohnWilletamongthosehouseholdgods，thekegsandbottles，lemons，pipes，andcheese，thanshecouldhavestabbedhimwithhisownbrightcarving-knife。Theorderfordinnertoo——itmighthavesoothedasavage。’Abitoffish，’saidJohntothecook，’andsomelambchops(breaded，withplentyofketchup)，andagoodsalad，andaroastspringchicken，withadishofsausagesandmashedpotatoes，orsomethingofthatsort。’Somethingofthatsort！Theresourcesoftheseinns！Totalkcarelesslyaboutdishes，whichinthemselveswereafirst-rateholidaykindofdinner，suitabletoone’swedding-day，assomethingofthatsort:meaning，ifyoucan’tgetaspringchicken，anyothertrifleinthewayofpoultrywilldo——suchasapeacock，perhaps！Thekitchentoo，withitsgreatbroadcavernouschimney;thekitchen，wherenothinginthewayofcookeryseemedimpossible;whereyoucouldbelieveinanythingtoeat，theychosetotellyouof。MrsVardenreturnedfromthecontemplationofthesewonderstothebaragain，withaheadquitedizzyandbewildered。Herhousekeepingcapacitywasnotlargeenoughtocomprehendthem。Shewasobligedtogotosleep。Wakingwaspain，inthemidstofsuchimmensity。
Dollyinthemeanwhile，whosegayheartandheadranuponothermatters，passedoutatthegardendoor，andglancingbacknowandthen(butofcoursenotwonderingwhetherJoesawher)，trippedawaybyapathacrossthefieldswithwhichshewaswellacquainted，todischargehermissionattheWarren;andthisdeponenthathbeeninformedandverilybelieves，thatyoumighthaveseenmanylesspleasantobjectsthanthecherry-colouredmantleandribbons，astheywentflutteringalongthegreenmeadowsinthebrightlightoftheday，likegiddythingsastheywere。
Chapter20
Theproudconsciousnessofhertrust，andthegreatimportanceshederivedfromit，mighthaveadvertisedittoallthehouseifshehadhadtorunthegauntletofitsinhabitants;butasDollyhadplayedineverydullroomandpassagemanyandmanyatime，whenachild，andhadeversincebeenthehumblefriendofMissHaredale，whosefoster-sistershewas，shewasasfreeofthebuildingastheyoungladyherself。So，usingnogreaterprecautionthanholdingherbreathandwalkingontiptoeasshepassedthelibrarydoor，shewentstraighttoEmma’sroomasaprivilegedvisitor。
Itwastheliveliestroominthebuilding。Thechamberwassombreliketherestforthematterofthat，butthepresenceofyouthandbeautywouldmakeaprisoncheerful(savingalas！thatconfinementwithersthem)，andlendsomecharmsoftheirowntothegloomiestscene。Birds，flowers，books，drawing，music，andahundredsuchgracefultokensoffemininelovesandcares，filleditwithmoreoflifeandhumansympathythanthewholehousebesidesseemedmadetohold。Therewasheartintheroom;andwhothathasaheart，everfailstorecognisethesilentpresenceofanother！
Dollyhadoneundoubtedly，anditwasnotatoughoneeither，thoughtherewasalittlemistofcoquettishnessaboutit，suchassometimessurroundsthatsunoflifeinitsmorning，andslightlydimsitslustre。Thus，whenEmmarosetogreether，andkissingheraffectionatelyonthecheek，toldher，inherquietway，thatshehadbeenveryunhappy，thetearsstoodinDolly’seyes，andshefeltmoresorrythanshecouldtell;butnextmomentshehappenedtoraisethemtotheglass，andreallytherewassomethingtheresoexceedinglyagreeable，thatasshesighed，shesmiled，andfeltsurprisinglyconsoled。
’Ihaveheardaboutit，miss，’saidDolly，’andit’sverysadindeed，butwhenthingsareattheworsttheyaresuretomend。’
’Butareyousuretheyareattheworst？’askedEmmawithasmile。
’Why，Idon’tseehowtheycanverywellbemoreunpromisingthantheyare;Ireallydon’t，’saidDolly。’AndIbringsomethingtobeginwith。’
’NotfromEdward？’
Dollynoddedandsmiled，andfeelinginherpockets(therewerepocketsinthosedays)withanaffectationofnotbeingabletofindwhatshewanted，whichgreatlyenhancedherimportance，atlengthproducedtheletter。AsEmmahastilybrokethesealandbecameabsorbedinitscontents，Dolly’seyes，byoneofthosestrangeaccidentsforwhichthereisnoaccounting，wanderedtotheglassagain。Shecouldnothelpwonderingwhetherthecoach-makersufferedverymuch，andquitepitiedthepoorman。
Itwasalongletter——averylongletter，writtencloseonallfoursidesofthesheetofpaper，andcrossedafterwards;butitwasnotaconsolatoryletter，forasEmmareaditshestoppedfromtimetotimetoputherhandkerchieftohereyes。TobesureDollymarvelledgreatlytoseeherinsomuchdistress，fortoherthinkingaloveaffairoughttobeoneofthebestjokes，andtheslyest，merriestkindofthinginlife。ButshesetitdowninherownmindthatallthiscamefromMissHaredale’sbeingsoconstant，andthatifshewouldonlytakeonwithsomeotheryounggentleman——
justinthemostinnocentwaypossible，tokeepherfirstloveruptothemark——shewouldfindherselfinexpressiblycomforted。
’Iamsurethat’swhatIshoulddoifitwasme，’thoughtDolly。
’Tomakeone’ssweetheartmiserableiswellenoughandquiteright，buttobemademiserableone’sselfisalittletoomuch！’
Howeveritwouldn’tdotosayso，andthereforeshesatlookingoninsilence。Sheneededaprettyconsiderablestretchofpatience，forwhenthelongletterhadbeenreadonceallthroughitwasreadagain，andwhenithadbeenreadtwiceallthroughitwasreadagain。Duringthistediousprocess，Dollybeguiledthetimeinthemostimprovingmannerthatoccurredtoher，bycurlingherhaironherfingers，withtheaidofthelooking-glassbeforementioned，andgivingitsomekillingtwists。
Everythinghasanend。Evenyoungladiesinlovecannotreadtheirlettersforever。Incourseoftimethepacketwasfoldedup，anditonlyremainedtowritetheanswer。
Butasthispromisedtobeaworkoftimelikewise，Emmasaidshewouldputitoffuntilafterdinner，andthatDollymustdinewithher。AsDollyhadmadeuphermindtodosobeforehand，sherequiredverylittlepressing;andwhentheyhadsettledthispoint，theywenttowalkinthegarden。
Theystrolledupanddowntheterracewalks，talkingincessantly——
atleast，Dollyneverleftoffonce——andmakingthatquarterofthesadandmournfulhousequitegay。Notthattheytalkedloudlyorlaughedmuch，buttheywerebothsoveryhandsome，anditwassuchabreezyday，andtheirlightdressesanddarkcurlsappearedsofreeandjoyousintheirabandonment，andEmmawassofair，andDollysorosy，andEmmasodelicatelyshaped，andDollysoplump，and——inshort，therearenoflowersforanygardenlikesuchflowers，lethorticulturistssaywhattheymay，andbothhouseandgardenseemedtoknowit，andtobrightenupsensibly。
Afterthis，camethedinnerandtheletterwriting，andsomemoretalking，inthecourseofwhichMissHaredaletookoccasiontochargeuponDollycertainflirtishandinconstantpropensities，whichaccusationsDollyseemedtothinkverycomplimentaryindeed，andtobemightilyamusedwith。Findingherquiteincorrigibleinthisrespect，Emmasufferedhertodepart;butnotbeforeshehadconfidedtoherthatimportantandnever-sufficiently-to-be-taken-
care-ofanswer，andendowedhermoreoverwithaprettylittlebraceletasakeepsake。Havingclaspeditonherarm，andagainadvisedherhalfinjestandhalfinearnesttoamendherroguishways，forsheknewshewasfondofJoeatheart(whichDollystoutlydenied，withagreatmanyhaughtyprotestationsthatshehopedshecoulddobetterthanthatindeed！andsoforth)，shebadeherfarewell;andaftercallingherbacktogivehermoresupplementarymessagesforEdward，thananybodywithtenfoldthegravityofDollyVardencouldbereasonablyexpectedtoremember，atlengthdismissedher。
Dollybadehergoodbye，andtrippinglightlydownthestairsarrivedatthedreadedlibrarydoor，andwasabouttopassitagainontiptoe，whenitopened，andbehold！therestoodMrHaredale。
Now，Dollyhadfromherchildhoodassociatedwiththisgentlemantheideaofsomethinggrimandghostly，andbeingatthemomentconscience-strickenbesides，thesightofhimthrewherintosuchaflurrythatshecouldneitheracknowledgehispresencenorrunaway，soshegaveagreatstart，andthenwithdowncasteyesstoodstillandtrembled。
’Comehere，girl，’saidMrHaredale，takingherbythehand。’I
wanttospeaktoyou。’
’Ifyouplease，sir，I’minahurry，’falteredDolly，’and——youhavefrightenedmebycomingsosuddenlyuponme，sir——Iwouldrathergo，sir，ifyou’llbesogoodastoletme。’
’Immediately，’saidMrHaredale，whohadbythistimeledherintotheroomandclosedthedoor。Youshallgodirectly。YouhavejustleftEmma？’
’Yes，sir，justthisminute——Father’swaitingforme，sir，ifyou’llpleasetohavethegoodness——’
Iknow。Iknow，’saidMrHaredale。’Answermeaquestion。Whatdidyoubringhereto-day？’
’Bringhere，sir？’falteredDolly。
’Youwilltellmethetruth，Iamsure。Yes。’
Dollyhesitatedforalittlewhile，andsomewhatemboldenedbyhismanner，saidatlast，’Wellthen，sir。Itwasaletter。’
’FromMrEdwardChester，ofcourse。Andyouarethebeareroftheanswer？’
Dollyhesitatedagain，andnotbeingabletodecideuponanyothercourseofaction，burstintotears。
’Youalarmyourselfwithoutcause，’saidMrHaredale。’Whyareyousofoolish？Surelyyoucananswerme。YouknowthatIhavebuttoputthequestiontoEmmaandlearnthetruthdirectly。Haveyoutheanswerwithyou？’
Dollyhadwhatispopularlycalledaspiritofherown，andbeingnowfairlyatbay，madethebestofit。
’Yes，sir，’sherejoined，tremblingandfrightenedasshewas。
’Yes，sir，Ihave。Youmaykillmeifyouplease，sir，butIwon’tgiveitup。I’mverysorry，——butIwon’t。There，sir。’
’Icommendyourfirmnessandyourplain-speaking，’saidMrHaredale。’RestassuredthatIhaveaslittledesiretotakeyourletterasyourlife。Youareaverydiscreetmessengerandagoodgirl。’
Notfeelingquitecertain，assheafterwardssaid，whetherhemightnotbe’comingoverher’withthesecompliments，Dollykeptasfarfromhimasshecould，criedagain，andresolvedtodefendherpocket(fortheletterwasthere)tothelastextremity。
’Ihavesomedesign，’saidMrHaredaleafterashortsilence，duringwhichasmile，asheregardedher，hadstruggledthroughthegloomandmelancholythatwasnaturaltohisface，’ofprovidingacompanionformyniece;forherlifeisaverylonelyone。Wouldyouliketheoffice？Youaretheoldestfriendshehas，andthebestentitledtoit。’
’Idon’tknow，sir，’answeredDolly，notsurebuthewasbanteringher;’Ican’tsay。Idon’tknowwhattheymightwishathome。I
couldn’tgiveanopinion，sir。’
’Ifyourfriendshadnoobjection，wouldyouhaveany？’saidMrHaredale。’Come。There’saplainquestion;andeasytoanswer。’
’NoneatallthatIknowofsir，’repliedDolly。’IshouldbeverygladtobenearMissEmmaofcourse，andalwaysam。’
’That’swell，’saidMrHaredale。’ThatisallIhadtosay。Youareanxioustogo。Don’tletmedetainyou。’
Dollydidn’tlethim，nordidshewaitforhimtotry，forthewordshadnosoonerpassedhislipsthanshewasoutoftheroom，outofthehouse，andinthefieldsagain。
Thefirstthingtobedone，ofcourse，whenshecametoherselfandconsideredwhataflurryshehadbeenin，wastocryafresh;andthenextthing，whenshereflectedhowwellshehadgotoverit，wastolaughheartily。Thetearsoncebanishedgaveplacetothesmiles，andatlastDollylaughedsomuchthatshewasfaintoleanagainstatree，andgiveventtoherexultation。Whenshecouldlaughnolonger，andwasquitetired，sheputherhead-dresstorights，driedhereyes，lookedbackverymerrilyandtriumphantlyattheWarrenchimneys，whichwerejustvisible，andresumedherwalk。
Thetwilighthadcomeon，anditwasquicklygrowingdusk，butthepathwassofamiliartoherfromfrequenttraversingthatshehardlythoughtofthis，andcertainlyfeltnouneasinessatbeingleftalone。Moreover，therewasthebracelettoadmire;andwhenshehadgivenitagoodrub，andhelditoutatarm’slength，itsparkledandglitteredsobeautifullyonherwrist，thattolookatitineverypointofviewandwitheverypossibleturnofthearm，wasquiteanabsorbingbusiness。Therewasthelettertoo，anditlookedsomysteriousandknowing，whenshetookitoutofherpocket，anditheld，assheknew，somuchinside，thattoturnitoverandover，andthinkaboutit，andwonderhowitbegan，andhowitended，andwhatitsaidallthrough，wasanothermatterofconstantoccupation。Betweenthebraceletandtheletter，therewasquiteenoughtodowithoutthinkingofanythingelse;andadmiringeachbyturns，Dollywentongaily。
Asshepassedthroughawicket-gatetowherethepathwasnarrow，andlaybetweentwohedgesgarnishedhereandtherewithtrees，sheheardarustlingcloseathand，whichbroughthertoasuddenstop。
Shelistened。Allwasveryquiet，andshewentonagain——notabsolutelyfrightened，butalittlequickerthanbeforeperhaps，andpossiblynotquitesomuchatherease，foracheckofthatkindisstartling。
Shehadnosoonermovedonagain，thanshewasconsciousofthesamesound，whichwaslikethatofapersontrampingstealthilyamongbushesandbrushwood。Lookingtowardsthespotwhenceitappearedtocome，shealmostfanciedshecouldmakeoutacrouchingfigure。Shestoppedagain。Allwasquietasbefore。Onshewentoncemore——decidedlyfasternow——andtriedtosingsoftlytoherself。Itmusthethewind。
Buthowcamethewindtoblowonlywhenshewalked，andceasewhenshestoodstill？Shestoppedinvoluntarilyasshemadethereflection，andtherustlingnoisestoppedlikewise。Shewasreallyfrightenednow，andwasyethesitatingwhattodo，whenthebushescrackledandsnapped，andamancameplungingthroughthem，closebeforeher。
Chapter21
ItwasforthemomentaninexpressiblerelieftoDolly，torecogniseinthepersonwhoforcedhimselfintothepathsoabruptly，andnowstooddirectlyinherway，HughoftheMaypole，whosenamesheutteredinatoneofdelightedsurprisethatcamefromherheart。
’Wasityou？’shesaid，’howgladIamtoseeyou！andhowcouldyouterrifymeso！’
Inanswertowhich，hesaidnothingatall，butstoodquitestill，lookingather。
’Didyoucometomeetme？’askedDolly。
Hughnodded，andmutteredsomethingtotheeffectthathehadbeenwaitingforher，andhadexpectedhersooner。
’Ithoughtitlikelytheywouldsend，’saidDolly，greatlyreassuredbythis。
’Nobodysentme，’washissullenanswer。’Icameofmyownaccord。’
Theroughbearingofthisfellow，andhiswild，uncouthappearance，hadoftenfilledthegirlwithavagueapprehensionevenwhenotherpeoplewereby，andhadoccasionedhertoshrinkfromhiminvoluntarily。Thehavinghimforanunbiddencompanioninsosolitaryaplace，withthedarknessfastgatheringaboutthem，renewedandevenincreasedthealarmshehadfeltatfirst。
