AsachildIwasnothandsome。WhenIconsultedthetriangularbitoflooking-glasswhichIalwayscarriedwithme，itshowedapale，sandy，andfreckledface，shadedbylockslikethecolorofseaweedwhenthesunstrikesitindeepwater。Myeyesweresaidtobeindistinctive;theywereafaint，ashengray;butabovethemrose——
myonlybeauty——ahigh，massive，domelikeforehead，withpolishedtemples，likedoor-knobsofthepurestporcelain。
Ourfamilywasafamilyofgovernesses。Mymotherhadbeenone，andmysistershadthesameoccupation。Consequently，when，attheageofthirteen，myeldestsisterhandedmetheadvertisementofMr。Rawjester，clippedfromthatday’s\"Times，\"Iaccepteditasmydestiny。Nevertheless，amysteriouspresentimentofanindefinitefuturehauntedmeinmydreamsthatnight，asIlayuponmylittlesnow-whitebed。Thenextmorning，withtwobandboxestiedupinsilkhandkerchiefs，andahairtrunk，IturnedmybackuponMinervaCottageforever。
CHAPTERII。
BlunderboreHall，theseatofJamesRawjester，Esq。，wasencompassedbydarkpinesandfunerealhemlocksonallsides。Thewindsangweirdlyintheturretsandmoanedthroughthelong-drawnavenuesofthepark。AsIapproachedthehouseIsawseveralmysteriousfiguresflitbeforethewindows，andayellofdemoniaclaughteransweredmysummonsatthebell。WhileIstrovetorepressmygloomyforebodings，thehousekeeper，atimid，scared-
lookingoldwoman，showedmeintothelibrary。
Ientered，overcomewithconflictingemotions。Iwasdressedinanarrowgownofdarkserge，trimmedwithblackbugles。Athickgreenshawlwaspinnedacrossmybreast。Myhandswereencasedwithblackhalf-mittensworkedwithsteelbeads;onmyfeetwerelargepattens，originallythepropertyofmydeceasedgrandmother。
Icarriedabluecottonumbrella。AsIpassedbeforeamirror，I
couldnothelpglancingatit，norcouldIdisguisefrommyselfthefactthatIwasnothandsome。
Drawingachairintoarecess，Isatdownwithfoldedhands，calmlyawaitingthearrivalofmymaster。Onceortwiceafearfulyellrangthroughthehouse，ortherattlingofchains，andcursesutteredinadeep，manlyvoice，brokeupontheoppressivestillness。Ibegantofeelmysoulrisingwiththeemergencyofthemoment。
\"Youlookalarmed，miss。Youdon’thearanything，mydear，doyou？\"askedthehousekeepernervously。
\"Nothingwhatever，\"Iremarkedcalmly，asaterrificscream，followedbythedraggingofchairsandtablesintheroomabove，drownedforamomentmyreply。\"Itisthesilence，onthecontrary，whichhasmademefoolishlynervous。\"
Thehousekeeperlookedatmeapprovingly，andinstantlymadesometeaforme。
Idranksevencups;asIwasbeginningtheeighth，Iheardacrash，andthenextmomentamanleapedintotheroomthroughthebrokenwindow。
CHAPTERIII。
Thecrashstartledmefrommyself-control。Thehousekeeperbenttowardmeandwhispered：——
\"Don’tbeexcited。It’sMr。Rawjester，——hepreferstocomeinsometimesinthisway。It’shisplayfulness，ha！ha！ha！\"
\"Iperceive，\"Isaidcalmly。\"It’stheunfetteredimpulseofaloftysoulbreakingthetyrannizingbondsofcustom。\"AndIturnedtowardhim。
Hehadneveroncelookedatme。Hestoodwithhisbacktothefire，whichsetofftheherculeanbreadthofhisshoulders。Hisfacewasdarkandexpressive;hisunderjawsquarelyformed，andremarkablyheavy。IwasstruckwithhisremarkablelikenesstoaGorilla。
Asheabsentlytiedthepokerintohardknotswithhisnervousfingers，Iwatchedhimwithsomeinterest。Suddenlyheturnedtowardme：——
\"DoyouthinkI’mhandsome，youngwoman？\"
\"Notclassicallybeautiful，\"Ireturnedcalmly;\"butyouhave，ifI
maysoexpressmyself，anabstractmanliness，——asincereandwholesomebarbaritywhich，involvingasitdoesthenaturalness——\"
ButIstopped，forheyawnedatthatmoment，——anactionwhichsingularlydevelopedtheimmensebreadthofhislowerjaw，——andI
sawhehadforgottenme。Presentlyheturnedtothehousekeeper：——
\"Leaveus。\"
Theoldwomanwithdrewwithacourtesy。
Mr。Rawjesterdeliberatelyturnedhisbackuponmeandremainedsilentfortwentyminutes。Idrewmyshawlthemorecloselyaroundmyshouldersandclosedmyeyes。
\"Youarethegoverness？\"atlengthhesaid。
\"Iam，sir。\"
\"Acreaturewhoteachesgeography，arithmetic，andtheuseoftheglobes——ha！——awretchedremnantoffemininity，——askimppatternofgirlhoodwithaprematureflavoroftea-leavesandmorality。Ugh！\"
Ibowedmyheadsilently。
\"Listentome，girl！\"hesaidsternly;\"thischildyouhavecometoteach——myward——isnotlegitimate。Sheistheoffspringofmymistress，——acommonharlot。Ah！MissMix，whatdoyouthinkofmenow？\"
\"Iadmire，\"Irepliedcalmly，\"yoursincerity。Amawkishregardfordelicacymighthavekeptthisdisclosuretoyourself。Ionlyrecognizeinyourfranknessthatperfectcommunityofthoughtandsentimentwhichshouldexistbetweenoriginalnatures。\"
Ilookedup;hehadalreadyforgottenmypresence，andwasengagedinpullingoffhisbootsandcoat。Thisdone，hesankdowninanarm-chairbeforethefire，andranthepokerwearilythroughhishair。Icouldnothelppityinghim。
Thewindhowleddismallywithout，andtherainbeatfuriouslyagainstthewindows。Icrepttowardhimandseatedmyselfonalowstoolbesidehischair。
Presentlyheturned，withoutseeingme，andplacedhisfootabsentlyinmylap。Iaffectednottonoticeit。Buthestartedandlookeddown。
\"Youhereyet——Carrothead？Ah，Iforgot。DoyouspeakFrench？\"
\"Oui，Monsieur\"
\"Taisez-vous！\"hesaidsharply，withsingularpurityofaccent。I
complied。Thewindmoanedfearfullyinthechimney，andthelightburneddimly。Ishudderedinspiteofmyself。\"Ah，youtremble，girl！\"
\"Itisafearfulnight。\"
\"Fearful！Callyouthisfearful，ha！ha！ha！Look！youwretchedlittleatom，look！\"andhedashedforward，and，leapingoutofthewindow，stoodlikeastatueinthepeltingstorm，withfoldedarms。
Hedidnotstaylong，butinafewminutesreturnedbywayofthehallchimney。Isawfromthewaythathewipedhisfeetonmydressthathehadagainforgottenmypresence。
\"Youareagoverness。Whatcanyouteach？\"heasked，suddenlyandfiercelythrustinghisfaceinmine。
\"Manners！\"Ireplied，calmly。
\"Ha！teachME！\"
\"Youmistakeyourself，\"Isaid，adjustingmymittens。\"Yourmannersrequirenottheartificialrestraintofsociety。Youareradicallypolite;thisimpetuosityandferociousnessissimplythesinceritywhichisthebasisofaproperdeportment。Yourinstinctsaremoral;yourbetternature，Isee，isreligious。AsSt。Pauljustlyremarks——seechap。6，8，9，and10——\"
Heseizedaheavycandlestick，andthrewitatme。Idodgeditsubmissivelybutfirmly。
\"Excuseme，\"heremarked，ashisunderjawslowlyrelaxed。\"Excuseme，MissMix——butIcan’tstandSt。Paul！Enough——youareengaged。\"
CHAPTERIV。
Ifollowedthehousekeeperassheledthewaytimidlytomyroom。
Aswepassedintoadarkhallinthewing，Inoticedthatitwasclosedbyanirongatewithagrating。Threeofthedoorsonthecorridorwerelikewisegrated。Astrangenoise，asofshufflingfeetandthehowlingofinfuriatedanimals，rangthroughthehall。
Biddingthehousekeepergoodnight，andtakingthecandle，I
enteredmybedchamber。
Itookoffmydress，and，puttingonayellowflannelnightgown，whichIcouldnothelpfeelingdidnotagreewithmycomplexion，I
composedmyselftorestbyreadingBlair’sRhetoricandPaley’sMoralPhilosophy。Ihadjustputoutthelight，whenIheardvoicesinthecorridor。Ilistenedattentively。IrecognizedMr。
Rawjester’ssterntones。
\"HaveyoufedNo。1？\"heasked。
\"Yes，sir，\"saidagruffvoice，apparentlybelongingtoadomestic。
\"How’sNo。2？\"
\"She’salittleoffherfeed，justnow，butwillpickupinadayortwo！\"
\"AndNo。3？\"
\"Perfectlyfurious，sir。Hertantrumsareungovernable。\"
\"Hush！\"
Thevoicesdiedaway，andIsankintoafitfulslumber。
IdreamedthatIwaswanderingthroughatropicalforest。SuddenlyIsawthefigureofagorillaapproachingme。Asitnearedme，I
recognizedthefeaturesofMr。Rawjester。Heheldhishandtohissideasifinpain。Isawthathehadbeenwounded。Herecognizedmeandcalledmebyname，butatthesamemomentthevisionchangedtoanAshanteevillage，where，aroundthefire，agroupofnegroesweredancingandparticipatinginsomewildObifestival。Iawokewiththestrainstillringinginmyears。
\"Hokee-pokeewokeefum！\"
GoodHeavens！couldIbedreaming？Iheardthevoicedistinctlyonthefloorbelow，andsmeltsomethingburning。Iarose，withanindistinctpresentimentofevil，andhastilyputtingsomecottoninmyearsandtyingatowelaboutmyhead，Iwrappedmyselfinashawlandrusheddownstairs。ThedoorofMr。Rawjester’sroomwasopen。Ientered。
Mr。Rawjesterlayapparentlyinadeepslumber，fromwhicheventhecloudsofsmokethatcamefromtheburningcurtainsofhisbedcouldnotrousehim。Aroundtheroomalargeandpowerfulnegress，scantilyattired，withherheadadornedwithfeathers，wasdancingwildly，accompanyingherselfwithbonecastanets。Itlookedlikesometerriblefetich。
Ididnotlosemycalmness。Afterfirmlyemptyingthepitcher，basin，andslop-jarontheburningbed，Iproceededcautiouslytothegarden，and，returningwiththegarden-engine，IdirectedasmallstreamatMr。Rawjester。
Atmyentrancethegiganticnegressfled。Mr。Rawjesteryawnedandwoke。Iexplainedtohim，asherosedrippingfromthebed，thereasonofmypresence。Hedidnotseemtobeexcited，alarmed，ordiscomposed。Hegazedatmecuriously。
\"Soyouriskedyourlifetosavemine，eh？youcanary-coloredteacherofinfants。\"
Iblushedmodestly，anddrewmyshawltightlyovermyyellowflannelnightgown。
\"Youloveme，MaryJane，——don’tdenyit！Thistremblingshowsit！\"
Hedrewmecloselytowardhim，andsaid，withhisdeepvoicetenderlymodulated：——
\"How’sherpootytootens，——didshegether’ittletootenswet，——
bessher？\"
Iunderstoodhisallusiontomyfeet。IglanceddownandsawthatinmyhurryIhadputonapairofhisoldindia-rubbers。Myfeetwerenotsmallorpretty，andtheadditiondidnotaddtotheirbeauty。
\"Letmego，sir，\"Iremarkedquietly。\"Thisisentirelyimproper;
itsetsabadexampleforyourchild。\"AndIfirmlybutgentlyextricatedmyselffromhisgrasp。Iapproachedthedoor。Heseemedforamomentburiedindeepthought。
\"Yousaythiswasanegress？\"
\"Yes，sir。\"
\"Humph，No。1，Isuppose？\"
\"WhoisNumberOne，sir？\"
\"MyFIRST，\"heremarked，withasignificantandsarcasticsmile。
Then，relapsingintohisoldmanner，hethrewhisbootsatmyhead，andbademebegone。Iwithdrewcalmly。
CHAPTERV。
Mypupilwasabrightlittlegirl，whospokeFrenchwithaperfectaccent。HermotherhadbeenaFrenchballet-dancer，whichprobablyaccountedforit。Althoughshewasonlysixyearsold，itwaseasytoperceivethatshehadbeenseveraltimesinlove。Sheoncesaidtome：——
\"MissMix，didyoueverhavethegrandepassion？Didyoueverfeelaflutteringhere？\"andsheplacedherhanduponhersmallchest，andsighedquaintly，\"akindofdistasteforbonbonsandcaromels，whentheworldseemedastastelessandhollowasabrokencordialdrop。\"
\"Thenyouhavefeltit，Nina？\"Isaidquietly。\"Odear，yes。
TherewasButtons，——thatwasourpage，youknow，——Ilovedhimdearly，butpapasenthimaway。ThentherewasDick，thegroom，buthelaughedatme，andIsufferedmisery！\"andshestruckatragicFrenchattitude。\"Thereistobecompanyhereto-morrow，\"
sheadded，rattlingonwithchildishnaivete，\"andpapa’ssweetheart——BlancheMarabout——istobehere。Youknowtheysaysheistobemymamma。\"
Whatthrillwasthisshotthroughme？ButIrosecalmly，and，administeringaslightcorrectiontothechild，lefttheapartment。
BlunderboreHouse，forthenextweek，wasthesceneofgayetyandmerriment。Thatportionofthemansionclosedwithagratingwaswalledup，andthemidnightshrieksnolongertroubledme。
ButIfeltmorekeenlythedegradationofmysituation。IwasobligedtohelpLadyBlancheathertoiletandhelphertolookbeautiful。Forwhat？Tocaptivatehim？O——no，no，——butwhythissuddenthrillandfaintness？Didhereallyloveher？Ihadseenhimpinchandswearather。ButIreflectedthathehadthrownacandlestickatmyhead，andmyfoolishheartwasreassured。
Itwasanightoffestivity，whenasuddenmessageobligedMr。
Rawjestertoleavehisguestsforafewhours。\"Makeyourselvesmerry，idiots，\"headded，underhisbreath，ashepassedme。Thedoorclosedandhewasgone。
Anhalf-hourpassed。Inthemidstofthedancingashriekwasheard，andoutoftheswayingcrowdoffaintingwomenandexcitedmenawildfigurestrodeintotheroom。Oneglanceshowedittobeahighwayman，heavilyarmed，holdingapistolineachhand。
\"Letnoonepassoutofthisroom！\"hesaid，inavoiceofthunder。
\"Thehouseissurroundedandyoucannotescape。Thefirstonewhocrossesyonderthresholdwillbeshotlikeadog。Gentlemen，I’lltroubleyoutoapproachinsinglefile，andhandmeyourpursesandwatches。\"
Findingresistanceuseless，theorderwasungraciouslyobeyed。
\"Now，ladies，pleasetopassupyourjewelryandtrinkets。\"
Thisorderwasstillmoreungraciouslycompliedwith。AsBlanchehandedtothebanditcaptainherbracelet，sheendeavoredtoconcealadiamondnecklace，thegiftofMr。Rawjester，inherbosom。But，withademoniacgrin，thepowerfulbrutetoreitfromitsconcealment，and，administeringaheartyboxontheearoftheyounggirl，flungheraside。
Itwasnowmyturn。WithabeatingheartImademywaytotherobberchieftain，andsankathisfeet。\"Osir，Iamnothingbutapoorgoverness，prayletmego。\"
\"Oho！Agoverness？Givemeyourlastmonth’swages，then。Givemewhatyouhavestolenfromyourmaster！\"andhelaughedfiendishly。
Igazedathimquietly，andsaid，inalowvoice：\"Ihavestolennothingfromyou，Mr。Rawjester！\"
\"Ah，discovered！Hush！listen，girl！\"hehissed，inafiercerwhisper，\"utterasyllabletofrustratemyplansandyoudie;aidme，and——\"Buthewasgone。
Inafewmomentstheparty，withtheexceptionofmyself，weregaggedandlockedinthecellar。Thenextmomenttorcheswereappliedtotherichhangings，andthehousewasinflames。Ifeltastronghandseizeme，andbearmeoutintheopenairandplacemeuponthehillside，whereIcouldoverlooktheburningmansion。
ItwasMr。Rawjester。
\"Burn！\"hesaid，asheshookhisfistattheflames。Thensinkingonhiskneesbeforeme，hesaidhurriedly：——
\"MaryJane，Iloveyou;theobstaclestoourunionareorwillbesoonremoved。Inyondermansionwereconfinedmythreecrazywives。Oneofthem，asyouknow，attemptedtokillme！Ha！thisisvengeance！Butwillyoubemine？\"
Ifell，withoutaword，uponhisneck。
GUYHEAVYSTONE;
OR，\"ENTIRE。\"
AMUSCULARNOVEL。
BYTHEAUTHORor\"SWORDANDGUN。\"
CHAPTERI。
\"Nereirepandirostrumincurvicervicumpecus。\"
Adingy，swashy，splashyafternooninOctober;aschool-yardfilledwithamobofriotousboys。Alotofusstandingoutside。
Suddenlycameadull，crashingsoundfromtheschool-room。AttheominousinterruptionIshudderedinvoluntarily，andcalledtoSmithsye：——
\"What’sup，Smithums？\"
\"Guy’scleaningoutthefourthform，\"hereplied。
AtthesamemomentGeorgedeCoverlypassedme，holdinghisnose，fromwhencethebrightNormanbloodstreamedredly。TohimtheplebeianSmithsyelaughingly：——
\"Cully！how’shisnibs？\"
Ipushedthedooroftheschool-roomopen。Therearesomespectacleswhichamanneverforgets。TheburningofTroyprobablyseemedalarge-sizedconflagrationtothepiousAeneas，andmadeanimpressiononhimwhichhecarriedawaywiththefeebleAnchises。
Inthecentreoftheroom，lightlybrandishingthepiston-rodofasteam-engine，stoodGuyHeavystonealone。Isayalone，forthepileofsmallboysonthefloorinthecornercouldhardlybecalledcompany。
Iwilltryandsketchhimforthereader。GuyHeavystonewasthenonlyfifteen。Hisbroad，deepchest，hissinewyandquiveringflank，hisstraightpastern，showedhimtobeathoroughbred。
Perhapshewasatrifleheavyinthefetlock，butheheldhisheadhaughtilyerect。Hiseyeswereglitteringbutpitiless。Therewasasternnessaboutthelowerpartofhisface，——theoldHeavystonelook，——asternness，heightened，perhaps，bythesnaffle-bitwhich，inoneofhisstrangefreaks，heworeinhismouthtocurbhisoccasionalferocity。Hisdresswaswelladaptedtohissquare-setandherculeanframe。Astripedknitundershirt，close-fittingstripedtights，andafewspanglessetoffhisfigure;aneatGlengarrycapadornedhishead。OnitwasdisplayedtheHeavystonecrest，acockregardantonadunghillor，andthemotto，\"Devilabetter！\"
IthoughtofHoratiusonthebridge，ofHectorbeforethewalls。I
alwaysmakeitapointtothinkofsomethingclassicalatsuchtimes。
Hesawme，andhissternnesspartlyrelaxed。Somethinglikeasmilestruggledthroughhisgrimlineaments。ItwaslikelookingontheJungfrauafterhavingseenMontBlanc，——atrifle，onlyatriflelesssublimeandawful。Restinghishandlightlyontheshoulderofthehead-master，whoshudderedandcollapsedunderhistouch，hestrodetowardme。
Hiswalkwaspeculiar。Youcouldnotcallitastride。Itwaslikethe\"crest-tossingBellerophon，\"——akindofprancinggait。
GuyHeavystoneprancedtowardme。
CHAPTERII。
\"LordLovelhestoodatthegardengate，A-combinghismilk-whitesteed。\"
Itwasthewinterof186-whenInextmetGuyHeavystone。HehadlefttheUniversityandhadenteredthe76th\"Heavies。\"\"Ihaveexchangedthegownforthesword，yousee，\"hesaid，graspingmyhand，andfracturingthebonesofmylittlefinger，asheshookit。
Igazedathimwithunmixedadmiration。Hewassquarer，sterner，andineverywaysmarterandmoreremarkablethanever。IbegantofeeltowardthismanasPhalasterfelttowardsPhyrgino，assomebodymusthavefelttowardArchididasculus，asBoswellfelttowardJohnson。
\"Comeintomyden，\"hesaid，andliftingmegentlybytheseatofmypantaloonshecarriedmeupstairsanddepositedme，beforeI
couldapologize，onthesofa。Ilookedaroundtheroom。Itwasabachelor’sapartment，characteristicallyfurnishedinthetasteoftheproprietor。Afewclaymoresandbattle-axeswererangedagainstthewall，andaculverin，capturedbySirRalphHeavystone，occupiedthecorner，theotherendoftheroombeingtakenupbyalightbattery。Foils，boxing-gloves，saddles，andfishing-poleslayaroundcarelessly。Asmallpileofbillets-douxlayuponasilversalver。Themanwasnotananchorite，noryetaSirGalahad。
InevercouldtellwhatGuythoughtofwomen。\"Poorlittlebeasts，\"hewouldoftensaywhentheconversationturnedonanyofhisfreshconquests。Then，passinghishandoverhismarblebrow，theoldlookofsternfixednessofpurposeandunflinchingseveritywouldstraightenthelinesofhismouth，andhewouldmutter，halftohimself，\"S’death！\"
\"ComewithmetoHeavystoneGrange。TheExmoorHoundsthrowoffto-morrow。I’llgiveyouamount，\"hesaid，asheamusedhimselfbyrollingupasilvercandlestickbetweenhisfingers。\"YoushallhaveCleopatra。Butstay，\"headded，thoughtfully;\"nowI
remember，IorderedCleopatratobeshotthismorning。\"
\"Andwhy？\"Iqueried。
\"Shethrewherrideryesterdayandfellonhim——\"
\"Andkilledhim？\"
\"No。That’sthereasonwhyIhaveorderedhertobeshot。Ikeepnoanimalsthatarenotdangerous——Ishouldadd——DEADLY！\"Hehissedthelastsentencebetweenhisteeth，andagloomyfrowndescendedoverhiscalmbrow。
Iaffectedtoturnoverthetradesman’sbillsthatlayonthetable，for，likealloftheHeavystonerace，Guyseldompaidcash，andsaid：——
\"YouremindmeofthetimewhenLeonidas——\"
\"O，botherLeonidasandyourclassicalallusions。Come！\"
Wedescendedtodinner。
CHAPTERIII。
\"Hecarriesweight，heridesarace，’Tisforathousandpound。\"
\"ThereisFloraBillingsgate，thegreatestcoquetteandhardestriderinthecountry，\"saidmycompanion，RalphMortmain，aswestooduponDinglebyCommonbeforethemeet。
IlookedupandbeheldGuyHeavystonebendinghaughtilyoverthesaddle，asheaddressedabeautifulbrunette。Shewasindeedasplendidlygroomedandhigh-spiritedwoman。Wewerenearenoughtooverhearthefollowingconversation，whichanyhigh-tonedreaderwillrecognizeasthecommonandnaturalexpressionofthehigherclasses。
\"WhenDianatakesthefieldthechaseisnotwhollyconfinedtoobjectsferaenaturae，\"saidGuy，dartingasignificantglanceathiscompanion。Floradidnotshrinkeitherfromtheglanceorthemeaningimpliedinthesarcasm。
\"IfIwerelookingforanEndymion，now——\"shesaidarchly，assheplayfullycanteredoverafewhoundsandleapedafive-barredgate。
Guywhisperedafewwords，inaudibletotherestoftheparty，and，curvettingslightly，cleverlyclearedtwoofthehuntsmeninaflyingleap，gallopedupthefrontstepsofthemansion，anddashingatfullspeedthroughthehallleapedthroughthedrawing-
roomwindowandrejoinedme，languidly，onthelawn。
\"BecarefulofFloraBillingsgate，\"hesaidtome，inlowsterntones，whilehispitilesseyeshotabalefulfire。\"Gardezvous！\"
\"Gnothiseauton，\"Irepliedcalmly，notwishingtoappeartobebehindhiminperceptionorverbalfelicity。
Guystartedoffinhighspirits。Hewaswellcarried。Heandthefirstwhip，aten-stoneman，wereheadandheadatthelastfence，whilethehoundswererollingovertheirfoxahundredyardsfartherintheopen。
Butanunexpectedcircumstanceoccurred。Comingback，hischestnutmarerefusedaten-footwall。Sherearedandfellbackward。Againheledheruptoitlightly;againsherefused，fallingheavilyfromthecoping。Guystartedtohisfeet。Theoldpitilessfireshoneinhiseyes;theoldsternlooksettledaroundhismouth。
Seizingthemarebythetailandmanehethrewheroverthewall。
Shelandedtwentyfeetontheotherside，erectandtrembling。
Lightlyleapingthesameobstaclehimself，heremountedher。Shedidnotrefusethewallthenexttime。
CHAPTERIV。
\"Heholdshimbyhisglitteringeye。\"
GuywasintheNorthofIreland，cock-shooting。SoRalphMortmaintoldme，andalsothatthematchbetweenMaryBrandageeandGuyhadbeenbrokenoffbyFloraBillingsgate。\"Idon’tlikethoseBillingsgates，\"saidRalph，\"they’reabadstock。Herfather，SmithfielddeBillingsgate，hadanunpleasantwayofturninguptheknavefromthebottomofthepack。Butnousverrons;letusgoandseeGuy。\"
ThenextmorningwestartedforFin-ma-Coul’sCrossing。WhenI
reachedtheshooting-box，whereGuywasentertainingaselectcompanyoffriends，FloraBillingsgategreetedmewithasaucysmile。
Guywasevensquarerandsternerthanever。Hisgustsofpassionweremorefrequent，anditwaswithdifficultythathecouldkeepanable-bodiedservantinhisfamily。Hispresentretainersweremoreorlessmaimedfromexposuretothefuryoftheirmaster。
Therewasastrangecynicism，acuttingsarcasminhisaddress，piercingthroughhispolishedmanner。IthoughtofTimon，etc。，etc。
Oneevening，weweresittingoverourChambertin，afterahardday’swork，andGuywaslistlesslyturningoversomeletters，whensuddenlyheutteredacry。Didyoueverhearthetrumpetingofawoundedelephant？Itwaslikethat。
Ilookedathimwithconsternation。Hewasglancingataletterwhichheheldatarm’slength，andsnorting，asitwere，atitashegazed。Thelowerpartofhisfacewasstern，butnotasrigidasusual。Hewasslowlygrindingbetweenhisteeththefragmentsoftheglasshehadjustbeendrinkingfrom。Suddenlyheseizedoneofhisservants，and，forcingthewretchuponhisknees，exclaimed，withtheroarofatiger：——
\"Dog！whywasthiskeptfromme？\"
\"Why，please，sir，MissFlorasaidashowitwasareconciliationfromMissBrandagee，anditwastobekeptfromyouwhereyouwouldnotbelikelytoseeit，——and——and——\"
\"Speak，dog！andyou——\"
\"Iputitamongyourbills，sir！\"
Withagroan，likedistantthunder，Guyfellswooningtothefloor。
Hesoonrecovered，forthenextmomentaservantcamerushingintotheroomwiththeinformationthatanumberoftheingenuouspeasantryoftheneighborhoodwereabouttoindulgethateveninginthenationalpastimeofburningafarm-houseandshootingalandlord。Guysmiledafearfulsmile，without，however，alteringhissternandpitilessexpression。
\"Letthemcome，\"hesaidcalmly;\"Ifeellikeentertainingcompany。\"
Webarricadedthedoorsandwindows，andthenchoseourarmsfromthearmory。Guy’schoicewasasingularone：itwasalandingnetwithalonghandle，andasharpcavalrysabre。
Wewerenotdestinedtoremainlonginignoranceofitsuse。A
howlwasheardfromwithout，andapartyoffiftyorsixtyarmedmenprecipitatedthemselvesagainstthedoor。
Suddenlythewindowopened。Withtherapidityoflightning，GuyHeavystonecastthenetovertheheadoftheringleader，ejaculated\"Habet！\"andwithabackstrokeofhiscavalrysabreseveredthememberfromitstrunk，and，drawingthenetbackagain，castthegoryheaduponthefloor，sayingquietly：——
\"One。\"
Againthenetwascast，thesteelflashed，thenetwaswithdrawn，andanominous\"Two！\"accompaniedtheheadasitrolledonthefloor。
\"DoyourememberwhatPlinysaysofthegladiator？\"saidGuy，calmlywipinghissabre。\"Howgraphicisthatpassagecommencing’Internos，etc。’\"Thesportcontinueduntiltheheadsoftwentydesperadoeshadbeengatheredin。Therestseemedinclinedtodisperse。Guyincautiouslyshowedhimselfatthedoor;aringingshotwasheard，andhestaggeredback，piercedthroughtheheart。
Graspingthedoor-postinthelastunconsciousthroesofhismightyframe，thewholesideofthehouseyieldedtothatearthquaketremor，andwehadbarelytimetoescapebeforethewholebuildingfellinruins。IthoughtofSamson，theGiantJudge，etc。，etc。;
butallwasover。
GuyHeavystonehaddiedashehadlived，——HARD。
MR。MIDSHIPMANBREEZY。
ANAVALOFFICER。
BYCAPTAINM——RRY——T，R。N。
CHAPTERI。
Myfatherwasanorth-countrysurgeon。Hehadretired，awidower，fromherMajesty’snavymanyyearsbefore，andhadasmallpracticeinhisnativevillage。WhenIwassevenyearsoldheemployedmetocarrymedicinestohispatients。Beingofalivelydisposition，Isometimesamusedmyself;duringmydailyrounds，bymixingthecontentsofthedifferentphials。AlthoughIhadnoreasontodoubtthatthegeneralresultofthispracticewasbeneficial，yet，asthedeathofaconsumptivecuratefollowedtheadditionofastrongmercuriallotiontohisexpectorant，myfatherconcludedtowithdrawmefromtheprofessionandsendmetoschool。
Grubbins，theschoolmaster，wasatyrant，anditwasnotlongbeforemyimpetuousandself-willednaturerebelledagainsthisauthority。Isoonbegantoformplansofrevenge。InthisIwasassistedbyTomSnaffle，——aschoolfellow。OnedayTomsuggested：——
\"Supposeweblowhimup。I’vegottwopoundsofpowder！\"
\"No，that’stoonoisy，\"Ireplied。
Tomwassilentforaminute，andagainspoke：——
\"Yourememberhowyouflattenedoutthecurate，Pills！Couldn’tyougiveGrubbinssomething——somethingtomakehimleatherysick——
eh？\"
Aflashofinspirationcrossedmymind。Iwenttotheshopofthevillageapothecary。Heknewme;Ihadoftenpurchasedvitriol，whichIpouredintoGrubbins’sinkstandtocorrodehispensandburnuphiscoat-tail，onwhichhewasinthehabitofwipingthem。
Iboldlyaskedforanounceofchloroform。Theyoungapothecarywinkedandhandedmethebottle。
ItwasGrubbins’scustomtothrowhishandkerchiefoverhishead，reclineinhischairandtakeashortnapduringrecess。Watchingmyopportunity，ashedozed，Imanagedtosliphishandkerchieffromhisfaceandsubstitutemyown，moistenedwithchloroform。Inafewminuteshewasinsensible。TomandIthenquicklyshavedhishead，beard，andeyebrows，blackenedhisfacewithamixtureofvitriolandburntcork，andfled。Therewasarowandscandalthenextday。MyfatheralwaysexcusedmebyassertingthatGrubbinshadgotdrunk，——butsomehowfounditconvenienttoprocuremeanappointmentinherMajesty’snavyatanearlyday。
CHAPTERII。
Anofficialletter，withtheAdmiraltyseal，informedmethatIwasexpectedtojoinH。M。shipBelcher，CaptainBoltrope，atPortsmouth，withoutdelay。InafewdaysIpresentedmyselftoatall，stern-visagedman，whowasslowlypacingtheleewardsideofthequarter-deck。AsItouchedmyhatheeyedmesternly：——
\"Soho！Anotheryoungsuckling。Theserviceisgoingtothedevil。Nothingbutbabesinthecockpitandgranniesintheboard。
Boatswain’smate，passthewordforMr。Cheek！\"
Mr。Cheek，thesteward，appearedandtouchedhishat。\"IntroduceMr。Breezytotheyounggentlemen。Stop！Where’sMr。Swizzle？\"
\"Atthemasthead，sir。\"
\"Where’sMr。Lankey？\"
\"Atthemasthead，sir。\"
\"Mr。Briggs？\"
\"Masthead，too，sir。\"
\"Andtherestoftheyounggentlemen？\"roaredtheenragedofficer。
\"Allmasthead，sir。\"
\"Ah！\"saidCaptainBoltrope，ashesmiledgrimly，\"underthecircumstances，Mr。Breezy，youhadbettergotothemastheadtoo。\"
CHAPTERIII。
AtthemastheadImadetheacquaintanceoftwoyoungstersofaboutmyownage，oneofwhominformedmethathehadbeentherethreehundredandthirty-twodaysoutoftheyear。
\"Inroughweather，whentheoldcockisoutofsorts，youknow，wenevercomedown，\"addedayounggentlemanofnineyears，withadirknearlyaslongashimself，whohadbeenintroducedtomeasMr。Briggs。\"Bytheway，Pills，\"becontinued，\"howdidyoucometoomitgivingthecaptainanavalsalute？\"
\"Why，Itouchedmyhat，\"Isaid，innocently。
\"Yes，butthatisn’tenough，youknow。Thatwilldoverywellatothertimes。Heexpectsthenavalsalutewhenyoufirstcomeonboard——greeny！\"
Ibegantofeelalarmed，andbeggedhimtoexplain。
\"Why，yousee，aftertouchingyourhat，youshouldhavetouchedhimlightlywithyourforefingerinhiswaistcoat，so，andasked，’How’shisnibs？’——yousee？\"
\"How’shisnibs？\"Irepeated。
\"Exactly。Hewouldhavedrawnbackalittle，andthenyoushouldhaverepeatedthesaluteremarking，’How’shisroyalnibs？’askingcautiouslyafterhiswifeandfamily，andrequestingtobeintroducedtothegunner’sdaughter。\"
\"Thegunner’sdaughter？\"
\"Thesame;youknowshetakescareofusyounggentlemen;nowdon’tforget，Pillsy！\"
WhenwewerecalleddowntothedeckIthoughtitagoodchancetoprofitbythisinstruction。IapproachedCaptainBoltropeandrepeatedthesalutewithoutconscientiouslyomittingasingledetail。Heremainedforamoment，lividandspeechless。Atlengthhegaspedout：——
\"Boatswain’smate？\"
\"Ifyouplease，sir，\"Iasked，tremulously，\"Ishouldliketobeintroducedtothegunner’sdaughter！\"
\"O，verygood，sir！\"screamedCaptainBoltrope，rubbinghishandsandabsolutelycaperingaboutthedeckwithrage。\"Od——nyou！Ofcourseyoushall！Oho！thegunner’sdaughter！O，h——ll！thisistoomuch！Boatswain’smate！\"BeforeIwellknewwhereIwas，I
wasseized，bornetoaneight-pounder，tieduponitandflogged！
CHAPTERIV。
Aswesattogetherinthecockpit，pickingtheweevilsoutofourbiscuit，Briggsconsoledmeformylatemishap，addingthatthe\"navalsalute，\"asacustom，seemedjustthentobehonoredmoreintheBREACHthantheobservance。Ijoinedinthehilarityoccasionedbythewitticism，andinafewmomentswewereallfriends。PresentlySwizzleturnedtome：——
\"Wehavebeenjustplanninghowtoconfiscateakegofclaret，whichNips，thepurser，keepsunderhisbunk。Theoldnipcheeseliestheredrunkhalftheday，andthere’snogettingatit。\"
\"Let’sgetbeneaththestate-roomandborethroughthedeck，andsotapit，\"saidLankey。
Thepropositionwasreceivedwithashoutofapplause。Alonghalf-inchaugerandbitwasprocuredfromChips，thecarpenter’smate，andSwizzle，afteracarefulexaminationofthetimbersbeneaththeward-room，commencedoperations。Theaugeratlastdisappeared，whensuddenlytherewasaslightdisturbanceonthedeckabove。Swizzlewithdrewtheaugerhurriedly;fromitspointafewbrightreddropstrickled。
\"Huzza！sendherupagain！\"criedLankey。
Theaugerwasagainapplied。Thistimeashriekwasheardfromthepurser’scabin。Instantlythelightwasdoused，andthepartyretreatedhurriedlytothecockpit。Asoundofsnoringwasheardasthesentrystuckhisheadintothedoor。\"Allright，sir，\"herepliedinanswertothevoiceoftheofficerofthedeck。
ThenextmorningweheardthatNipswasinthesurgeon’shands，withabadwoundinthefleshypartofhisleg，andthattheaugerhadNOTstruckclaret。
CHAPTERV。
\"Now，Pills，you’llhaveachancetosmellpowder，\"saidBriggsasheenteredthecockpitandbuckledaroundhiswaistanenormouscutlass。\"WehavejustsightedaFrenchship。\"
Wewentondeck。CaptainBoltropegrinnedaswetouchedourhats。
Hehatedthepurser。\"Come，younggentlemen，ifyou’reboringforfrenchclaret，yonder’sagoodquality。Mindyourcon，sir，\"headded，turningtothequartermaster，whowasgrinning。
Theshipwasalreadyclearedforaction。Themen，intheireagerness，hadstartedthecoffeefromthetubsandfilledthemwithshot。PresentlytheFrenchmanyawed，andashotfromalongthirty-twocameskippingoverthewater。ItkilledthequartermasterandtookoffbothofLankey’slegs。\"Tellthepurserouraccountissquared，\"saidthedyingboy，withafeeblesmile。
Thefightragedfiercelyfortwohours。IrememberkillingtheFrenchAdmiral，asweboarded，butonlookingaroundforBriggs，afterthesmokehadclearedaway，Iwasintenselyamusedatwitnessingthefollowingnovelsight：——
BriggshadpinnedtheFrenchcaptainagainstthemastwithhiscutlass，andwasnowengaged，withallthehilarityofyouth，inpullingthecaptain’scoat-tailsbetweenhislegs，inimitationofadancing-jack。AstheFrenchmanliftedhislegsandarms，ateachjerkofBriggs’s，Icouldnothelpparticipatinginthegeneralmirth。
\"Youyoungdevil，whatareyoudoing？\"saidastifledvoicebehindme。IlookedupandbeheldCaptainBoltrope，endeavoringtocalmhissternfeatures，butthetwitchingaroundhismouthbetrayedhisintenseenjoymentofthescene。\"Gotothemasthead——upwithyou，sir！\"herepeatedsternlytoBriggs。
\"Verygood，sir，\"saidtheboy，coollypreparingtomounttheshrouds。\"Goodby，JohnnyCrapaud。Humph！\"headded，inatoneintendedformyear，\"aprettywaytotreatahero。Theserviceisgoingtothedevil！\"
Ithoughtsotoo。
CHAPTERVI。
WewereorderedtotheWestIndies。AlthoughCaptainBoltrope’smannertowardmewasstillsevere，andevenharsh，Iunderstoodthatmynamehadbeenfavorablymentionedinthedespatches。
Reader，wereyoueveratJamaica？Ifso，yourememberthenegresses，theoranges，PortRoyalTom——theyellowfever。Afterbeingtwoweeksatthestation，Iwastakensickofthefever。InamonthIwasdelirious。Duringmyparoxysms，Ihadawilddistempereddreamofasternfacebendinganxiouslyovermypillow，aroughhandsmoothingmyhair，andakindvoicesaying：——
\"Besshis’ittleheart！Didhehavethenaughtyfever？\"Thisfaceseemedagainchangedtothewell-knownsternfeaturesofCaptainBoltrope。
WhenIwasconvalescent，apacketedgedinblackwasputinmyhand。Itcontainedthenewsofmyfather’sdeath，andasealedletterwhichhehadrequestedtobegiventomeonhisdecease。I
openedittremblingly。Itreadthus：——
\"MydearBoy：——Iregrettoinformyouthatinallprobabilityyouarenotmyson。Yourmother，Iamgrievedtosay，wasahighlyimproperperson。Whoyourfathermaybe，Ireallycannotsay，butperhapstheHonorableHenryBoltrope，CaptainR。N。，maybeabletoinformyou。CircumstancesoverwhichIhavenocontrolhavedeferredthisimportantdisclosure。
\"YOURSTRICKENPARENT。\"
AndsoCaptainBoltropewasmyfather。Heavens！Wasitadream？
Irecalledhissternmanner，hisobservanteye，hisill-concealeduneasinesswheninmypresence。Ilongedtoembracehim。
Staggeringtomyfeet，Irushedinmyscantyappareltothedeck，whereCaptainBoltropewasjustthenengagedinreceivingtheGovernor’swifeanddaughter。Theladiesshrieked;theyoungest，abeautifulgirl，blusheddeeply。Heedingthemnot，Isankathisfeet，and，embracingthem，cried：——
\"Myfather！\"
\"Chuckhimoverboard！\"roaredCaptainBoltrope。
\"Stay，\"pleadedthesoftvoiceofClaraMaitland，theGovernor’sdaughter。
\"Shavehishead！he’sawretchedlunatic！\"continuedCaptainBoltrope，whilehisvoicetrembledwithexcitement。
\"No，letmenurseandtakecareofhim，\"saidthelovelygirl，blushingasshespoke。\"Mamma，can’twetakehimhome？\"
Thedaughter’spleadingwasnotwithouteffect。InthemeantimeI
hadfainted。WhenIrecoveredmysensesIfoundmyselfinGovernorMaitland’smansion。
CHAPTERVII。
Thereaderwillguesswhatfollowed。IfelldeeplyinlovewithClaraMaitland，towhomIconfidedthesecretofmybirth。Thegenerousgirlassertedthatshehaddetectedthesuperiorityofmymanneratonce。Weplightedourtroth，andresolvedtowaituponevents。
Briggscalledtoseemeafewdaysafterward。Hesaidthatthepurserhadinsultedthewholecockpit，andallthemidshipmenhadcalledhimout。Butheaddedthoughtfully：\"Idon’tseehowwecanarrangetheduel。Youseetherearesixofustofighthim。\"
\"Veryeasily，\"Ireplied。\"Letyourfellowsallstandinarow，andtakehisfire;that，yousee，giveshimsixchancestoone，andhemustbeabadshotifhecan’thitoneofyou;while，ontheotherhand，yousee，hegetsavolleyfromyousix，andoneofyou’llbecertaintofetchhim。\"
\"Exactly\";andawayBriggswent，butsoonreturnedtosaythatthepurserhaddeclined，——\"likead——dcoward，\"headded。
ButthenewsofthesuddenandseriousillnessofCaptainBoltropeputofftheduel。Ihastenedtohisbedside，buttoolate，——anhourprevioushehadgivenuptheghost。
IresolvedtoreturntoEngland。Imadeknownthesecretofmybirth，andexhibitedmyadoptedfather’slettertoLadyMaitland，whoatoncesuggestedmymarriagewithherdaughter，beforeI
returnedtoclaimtheproperty。Weweremarried，andtookourdeparturenextday。
Imadenodelayinpostingatonce，incompanywithmywifeandmyfriendBriggs，tomynativevillage。Judgeofmyhorrorandsurprisewhenmylateadoptedfathercameoutofhisshoptowelcomeme。
\"Thenyouarenotdead！\"Igasped。
\"No，mydearboy。\"
\"Andthisletter？\"
Myfather——asImuststillcallhim——glancedonthepaper，andpronounceditaforgery。Briggsroaredwithlaughter。Iturnedtohimanddemandedanexplanation。
\"Why，don’tyousee，Greeny，it’sallajoke，——amidshipman’sjoke！\"
\"But——\"Iasked。
\"Don’tbeafool。You’vegotagoodwife，——besatisfied。\"
IturnedtoClara，andwassatisfied。AlthoughMrs。Maitlandneverforgaveme，thejollyoldGovernorlaughedheartilyoverthejoke，andsowellusedhisinfluencethatIsoonbecame，dearreader，AdmiralBreezy，K。C。B。
JOHNJENKINS;
OR，THESMOKERREFORMED。
BYT。S。A——TH——R。
CHAPTERI。
Onecigaraday！\"saidJudgeBoompointer。
Onecigaraday！\"repeatedJohnJenkins，aswithtrepidationhedroppedhishalf-consumedcigarunderhiswork-bench。
\"Onecigaradayisthreecentsaday，\"remarkedJudgeBoompointer，gravely;\"anddoyouknow，sir，whatonecigaraday，orthreecentsaday，amountstointhecourseoffouryears？\"
JohnJenkins，inhisboyhood，hadattendedthevillageschool，andpossessedconsiderablearithmeticalability。Takingupashinglewhichlayuponhiswork-bench，andproducingapieceofchalk，withafeelingofconsciouspridehemadeanexhaustivecalculation。
\"Exactlyforty-threedollarsandeightycents，\"hereplied，wipingtheperspirationfromhisheatedbrow，whilehisfaceflushedwithhonestenthusiasm。
\"Well，sir，ifyousavedthreecentsaday，insteadofwastingit，youwouldnowbethepossessorofanewsuitofclothes，anillustratedFamilyBible，apewinthechurch，acompletesetofPatentOfficeReports，ahymn-book，andapaidsubscriptiontoArthur’sHomeMagazine，whichcouldbepurchasedforexactlyforty-
threedollarsandeightycents;and，\"addedtheJudge，withincreasingsternness，\"ifyoucalculateleap-year，whichyouseemtohavestrangelyomitted，youhavethreecentsmore，sir;THREE
CENTSMORE！Whatwouldthatbuyyou，sir？\"
\"Acigar，\"suggestedJohnJenkins;but，coloringagaindeeply，hehidhisface。
\"No，sir，\"saidtheJudge，withasweetsmileofbenevolencestealingoverhissternfeatures;\"properlyinvested，itwouldbuyyouthatwhichpassethallprice。Droppedintothemissionary-box，whocantellwhatheathen，nowidlyandjoyouslywantoninginnakednessandsin，mightbebroughttoasenseofhismiserablecondition，andmade，throughthatthreecents，tofeelthetormentsofthewicked？\"
WiththesewordstheJudgeretired，leavingJohnJenkinsburiedinprofoundthought。\"Threecentsaday，\"hemuttered。\"InfortyyearsImightbeworthfourhundredandthirty-eightdollarsandtencents，——andthenImightmarryMary。Ah，Mary！\"Theyoungcarpentersighed，and，drawingatwenty-fivecentdaguerreotypefromhisvest-pocket，gazedlongandfervidlyuponthefeaturesofayounggirlinbookmuslinandacoralnecklace。Then，witharesoluteexpression，hecarefullylockedthedoorofhisworkshopanddeparted。
Alas！hisgoodresolutionsweretoolate。Wetriflewiththetideoffortunewhichtoooftennipsusinthebudandcaststhedarkshadowofmisfortuneoverthebrightlexiconofyouth！Thatnightthehalf-consumedfragmentofJohnJenkins’scigarsetfiretohisworkshopandburneditup，togetherwithallhistoolsandmaterials。Therewasnoinsurance。
CHAPTERII。
THEDOWNWARDPATH。
\"ThenyoustillpersistinmarryingJohnJenkins？\"queriedJudgeBoompointer，asheplayfully，withpaternalfamiliarity，liftedthegoldencurlsofthevillagebelle，MaryJones。
\"Ido，\"repliedthefairyounggirl，inalowvoice，thatresembledrockcandyinitssaccharinefirmness，——\"Ido。Hehaspromisedtoreform。Sincehelostallhispropertybyfire——\"
\"Theresultofhispernicioushabit，thoughheillogicallypersistsinchargingittome，\"interruptedtheJudge。
\"Sincethen，\"continuedtheyounggirl，\"hehasendeavoredtobreakhimselfofthehabit。HetellsmethathehassubstitutedthestalksoftheIndianratan，theouterpartofaleguminousplantcalledthesmoking-bean，andthefragmentaryandunconsumedremainderofcigarswhichoccuratrareanduncertainintervalsalongtheroad，which，asheinformsme，thoughdeficientinqualityandstrength，arecomparativelyinexpensive。\"And，blushingatherowneloquence，theyounggirlhidhercurlsontheJudge’sarm。
\"Poorthing！\"mutteredJudgeBoompointer。\"DareItellherall？
YetImust。\"
\"Ishallclingtohim，\"continuedtheyounggirl，risingwithhertheme，\"astheyoungvineclingstosomehoaryruin。Nay，nay，chidemenot，JudgeBoompointer。IwillmarryJohnJenkins！\"
TheJudgewasevidentlyaffected。Seatinghimselfatthetable，hewroteafewlineshurriedlyuponapieceofpaper，whichhefoldedandplacedinthefingersofthedestinedbrideofJohnJenkins。
\"MaryJones，\"saidtheJudge，withimpressiveearnestness，\"takethistrifleasaweddinggiftfromonewhorespectsyourfidelityandtruthfulness。Atthealtarletitbeareminderofme。\"Andcoveringhisfacehastilywithahandkerchief，thesternandiron-
willedmanlefttheroom。Asthedoorclosed，Maryunfoldedthepaper。Itwasanorderonthecornergroceryforthreeyardsofflannel，apaperofneedles，fourpoundsofsoap，onepoundofstarch，andtwoboxesofmatches！
\"Nobleandthoughtfulman！\"wasallMaryJonescouldexclaim，asshehidherfaceinherhandsandburstintoafloodoftears。
*****
ThebellsofCloverdaleareringingmerrily。Itisawedding。
\"Howbeautifultheylook！\"istheexclamationthatpassesfromliptolip，asMaryJones，leaningtimidlyonthearmofJohnJenkins，entersthechurch。Butthebrideisagitated，andthebridegroombetraysafeverishnervousness。Astheystandinthevestibule，JohnJenkinsfumblesearnestlyinhisvest-pocket。Canitbetheringheisanxiousabout？No。Hedrawsasmallbrownsubstancefromhispocket，andbitingoffapiece，hastilyreplacesthefragmentandgazesfurtivelyaround。Surelynoonesawhim？Alas！
theeyesoftwoofthatweddingpartysawthefatalact。JudgeBoompointershookhisheadsternly。MaryJonessighedandbreathedasilentprayer。Herhusbandchewed！
CHAPTERIII。ANDLAST。
